Culture - Hip Hop: 73 Till Infinity - Black News, Opinions, Politics and Culture

Image for My Hip-Hop Story: Jon Batiste On The Artists, Sounds, and Visuals That Define His Love For The Genre

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02:57

My Hip-Hop Story: Jon Batiste on the Artists, Sounds, and Visuals that Define His Love for the Genre

The Grammy-winning artist details the flavor that rappers and fashionistas have brought to hip-hop culture.

Adriano Contreras

and Justin Rodriguez

Image for My Hip-Hop Story: Jason Derulo Shares His G.O.A.T Rapper & Sings Missy Elliot's Praises

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01:49

My Hip-Hop Story: Jason Derulo Shares His G.O.A.T Rapper and Sings Missy Elliot's Praises

The singer/songwriter shares his earliest hip-hop memories.

Adriano Contreras

and Justin Rodriguez

Image for My Hip-Hop Story: Vivica A. Fox on Queen Latifah, Genre-Defining Style and the Greatest Rappers

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02:24

My Hip-Hop Story: Vivica A. Fox on Queen Latifah, Genre-Defining Style and the Greatest Rappers

The Interrogation Room host takes us down memory lane to talk about the genre’s influence in her life.

Adriano Contreras

and Justin Rodriguez

Image for My Hip-Hop Story: OutKast’s Big Boi On His Musical Influences Growing Up

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02:24

My Hip-Hop Story: For OutKast’s Big Boi, Hip-Hop Has Always Been the Voice of the Youth

The Atlanta rapper details his musical influences and the moment he fell in love with hip-hop.

Adriano Contreras

and Justin Rodriguez

Image for My Hip-Hop Story: Sway Calloway Felt Like a Superhero Living Through The Genre & Culture's Early Years

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03:08

My Hip-Hop Story: Sway Calloway Felt Like a Superhero Living Through The Genre’s Early Years

The host of SiriusXM's Sway in the Morning recalls hip-hop in the Bay Area, the early MCs and movies that shaped him.

Adriano Contreras

and Justin Rodriguez

Image for My Hip-Hop Story: Celia Rose Gooding On The Strange New World Of Music That Redefined Pop Culture

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03:15

My Hip-Hop Story: Celia Rose Gooding on the New World of Music That Redefined Pop Culture

The Star Trek: Strange New Worlds actress describes how she fell in love with hip hop over and over again.

Adriano Contreras

and Justin Rodriguez

Image for My Hip-Hop Story: Jeezy Recalls Pioneering Southern Rap, 2Pac, & His Favorite Music Videos

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03:12

My Hip-Hop Story: Jeezy Recalls Pioneering Southern Rap, 2Pac & His Favorite Music Videos

The Grammy-winner and author of Adversity For Sale talks about the culture’s profound impact of his life.

Adriano Contreras

and Justin Rodriguez

Image for My Hip-Hop Story: Lauryn Hill Made Leslie Odom Jr. Fall In Love With Melodic Hip-Hop

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02:15

My Hip-Hop Story: Lauryn Hill Made Leslie Odom Jr. Fall In Love With Melodic Hip-Hop

The actor and singer argues that hip-hop transcended boundaries when it introduced melodic vocals.

Adriano Contreras

and Justin Rodriguez

Hip-Hop Stars Who’ve Made Millions In Their Business Ventures

Russell Simmons, P. Diddy, and Drake are some of the wealthiest people in hip-hop thanks to their smart business investments.

Noah A. McGee

American Cars Are At The Heart Of Hip-Hop Culture

What other part of the car world are you going to find someone who threw thousands of dollars into a 2000s Cadillac DeVille Or Chevy Monte Carlo From the 1980s?

Lawrence Hodge

The Evolution of Lauryn Hill

From the Fugees to The Miseducation, here is the life and career of Lauryn Hill.

Noah A. McGee

The Importance of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly

Noah A. McGee

The Importance of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”

Noah A. McGee

The Importance of Cypress Hill and Their Classic Studio Album, Black Sunday

Noah A. McGee

The Evolution of Jay-Z

Noah A. McGee

Best Rappers Over 40 in the Hip-Hop Game

Although rappers like Nas, Black Thought and Pusha T are OGs in the game, they’re still putting out some of the best music of their career.

Noah A. McGee

Image for More Rappers in the LGBTQ+ Community You Should Know About

Rappers in the LGBTQ+ Community You Must Know Know

Let's celebrate some dope artists in the community such as Lil Nas X, Yung Miami, and Tyler, the Creator.

Noah A. McGee

Dopest Hip-Hop Groups in Black Music History

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, groups such as The Roots, Wu-Tang Clan, and N.W.A. deserve their just due.

Noah A. McGee

Image for In Honor of Hip-Hop’s Birthday, The Root Staff Reveals Our First Hip-Hop Jams

In Honor of Hip-Hop’s Birthday, The Root Staff Reveals Our First Hip-Hop Jams

Queen Latifah, T.I. and Mary J. Blige are some of the artists who jumpstarted our fascination with hip-hop.

Stephanie Holland

The Most Memorable Rap Beefs in Hip-Hop History

Now that the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is over, does it stand up as one of the greatest of all time?

Noah A. McGee

Best Hip-Hop Producers and Their Most Iconic Beats

Producers such as RZA, DJ Premier and Q-Tip made their name by constantly making some of the best beats in hip-hop.

Noah A. McGee

The New Black Female Rappers You Should Know, And Why They Are Famous

Female rappers have been in the rap game for decades, which is why we wanted to celebrate some of the best during Women's History Month.

Noah A. McGee

If Your Hip-Hop Game Has Been Stale, These Are the Rap Artists You Should Know

If you’ve been out of the loop in hip-hop, The Root’s got you covered.

Noah A. McGee

Most Stylish Rappers in Hip-Hop Today

Artists such as Lil Naz X, Doja Cat, and A$AP Rocky are among the flyest MCs in rap.

Noah A. McGee

Hip-Hop Legends Who’ve Paved the Way for Future Generations

Artists such as Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Missy Elliot performed at the 2023 Grammy Awards to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Noah A. McGee

24 Game Changing Hip-Hop Songs by Women

Lauryn Hill. Missy Elliott. Queen Latifah. Trina. Salt-n-Pepa. Women are consistently underrated in hip-hop, despite their objectively brilliant contributions.

Rich Juzwiak

Who Ever Thought That Hip-Hop Would Take It This Far?

From the backyard to the Billboard charts, join The Root in revisiting 50 years of hip-hop history.

Jay Connor and Candace McDuffie

The 20 Best Nerdy Video Game Rap Lyrics

From Super Mario, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter references to an old-school cheat code, we’ve got the best video game references in rap.

Alyssa Mercante

More Than Music: The Questions Hip-Hop Trivia Is the Movement Hip-Hop Needs Now More Than Ever

Jay Connor

Best Hip-Hop Albums that Turn 30 in 2023

Noah A. McGee

Best Hip-Hop Songs That’ll Turn 30 in 2023

Noah A. McGee

10 Classic Hip-Hop Records for Beginners

Candace McDuffie

Here are the Most Important Cars in Hip-Hop

These are the vehicles that moved rap music forward.

Jalopnik Staff

R&B Singer Ne-Yo Loves Street Fighter So Much He Takes His PS5 With Him On Tour

The Grammy-winning recording artist says playing Ryu in Street Fighter helps him unwind

Isaiah Colbert

Here’s Why Soulja Boy Thinks He ‘Birthed a New Wave’ of Hip-Hop

The rapper exploded onto the scene back in the early 2000s.

Shanelle Genai

From Rihanna to Ice Spice, Dyana Williams Continues to Build Her Legacy as a Coach to the Stars

For 50 years, Williams has stayed wholly committed to the preservation and appreciation of Black music, Black artistry and Black culture.

Cory Utsey

Director Allen Hughes on the power of hip-hop, Menace II Society, and forgiving Tupac

The younger of the Hughes Brothers directing duo discusses how hip-hop changed race relations in America and why Richard Pryor is "my greatest storyteller"

Timothy Cogshell

Director Ryan Coogler Reveals How Hip-Hop Shaped Black Panther and Creed

Coogler reflects on 50 years of hip-hop's influence on movies, the best hip-hop songs in film, and Public Enemy's perfect big-screen moment

Timothy Cogshell

Much Like Biz Markie, Showtime’s All Up in the Biz Is Larger Than Life

The Sacha Jenkins-directed documentary proves once and for all that 'Nobody Beats the Biz.'

Jay Connor

R&B Singer Ne-Yo Loves Street Fighter So Much He Takes His PS5 With Him On Tour

The Grammy-winning recording artist says playing Ryu in Street Fighter helps him unwind

Isaiah Colbert

Here’s Why Soulja Boy Thinks He ‘Birthed a New Wave’ of Hip-Hop

The rapper exploded onto the scene back in the early 2000s.

Shanelle Genai

From Rihanna to Ice Spice, Dyana Williams Continues to Build Her Legacy as a Coach to the Stars

For 50 years, Williams has stayed wholly committed to the preservation and appreciation of Black music, Black artistry and Black culture.

Cory Utsey

Director Allen Hughes on the power of hip-hop, Menace II Society, and forgiving Tupac

The younger of the Hughes Brothers directing duo discusses how hip-hop changed race relations in America and why Richard Pryor is "my greatest storyteller"

Timothy Cogshell

Director Ryan Coogler Reveals How Hip-Hop Shaped Black Panther and Creed

Coogler reflects on 50 years of hip-hop's influence on movies, the best hip-hop songs in film, and Public Enemy's perfect big-screen moment

Timothy Cogshell

Much Like Biz Markie, Showtime’s All Up in the Biz Is Larger Than Life

The Sacha Jenkins-directed documentary proves once and for all that 'Nobody Beats the Biz.'

Jay Connor

50 Years of Business Moves that Elevated Hip-Hop

The commercial history of a boundary-defying genre, from Adidas to Apple

Brianna Holt

How Queen Latifah’s ‘U.N.I.T.Y.’ Stood Up for Black Women Against Domestic Violence

Today, Queen Latifah is known as an actress, TV producer, and entrepreneur. This episode of UR FAV TRAK rediscovers her MC roots.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

A Look Back at Rapper 50 Cent’s “Many Men” on Its 20th Anniversary

Get Rich or Die Tryin' turns 20. We revisit one of Gangsta Rap's last great songs off that album on this episode of UR FAV TRAK.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

A Look Back at Nas’ Beethoven-Sampled Hit “I Can”

In this episode of UR FAV TRAK, we unpack how Nas’ anthem “I Can” inspired people young and old to follow their dreams.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

Revisiting the Anderson .Paak BLM Track “Lockdown”

We take a close look at .Paak's lyrics, written during the Black Lives Matter summer of protests in 2020, on this episode of your UR FAV TRAK.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

Remembering De La Soul’s David Jolicoeur and The Group's Hit Song “Me Myself And I”

Jolicoeur, aka “Trugoy the Dove,” was instrumental in early hip-hop’s incorporation of jazzy relaxed beats and positive messaging. UR FAV TRAK has the story.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

On “Sorry Not Sorry,” Tyler, the Creator Addresses His Sexuality and His Faults

The second single off Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale speaks to his family, friends, fans, and lovers.

Noah A. McGee

How Queen Latifah’s ‘U.N.I.T.Y.’ Stood Up for Black Women Against Domestic Violence

Today, Queen Latifah is known as an actress, TV producer, and entrepreneur. This episode of UR FAV TRAK rediscovers her MC roots.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

A Look Back at Rapper 50 Cent’s “Many Men” on Its 20th Anniversary

Get Rich or Die Tryin' turns 20. We revisit one of Gangsta Rap's last great songs off that album on this episode of UR FAV TRAK.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

A Look Back at Nas’ Beethoven-Sampled Hit “I Can”

In this episode of UR FAV TRAK, we unpack how Nas’ anthem “I Can” inspired people young and old to follow their dreams.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

Revisiting the Anderson .Paak BLM Track “Lockdown”

We take a close look at .Paak's lyrics, written during the Black Lives Matter summer of protests in 2020, on this episode of your UR FAV TRAK.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

Remembering De La Soul’s David Jolicoeur and The Group's Hit Song “Me Myself And I”

Jolicoeur, aka “Trugoy the Dove,” was instrumental in early hip-hop’s incorporation of jazzy relaxed beats and positive messaging. UR FAV TRAK has the story.

Noah A. McGee

and Adriano Contreras

Lture/hip hop 73 till infinity

My Hip-Hop Story: Jon Batiste on the Artists, Sounds, and Visuals that Define His Love for the Genre

My Hip-Hop Story: Jason Derulo Shares His G.O.A.T Rapper and Sings Missy Elliot's Praises

My Hip-Hop Story: Vivica A. Fox on Queen Latifah, Genre-Defining Style and the Greatest Rappers

My Hip-Hop Story: For OutKast’s Big Boi, Hip-Hop Has Always Been the Voice of the Youth

My Hip-Hop Story: Sway Calloway Felt Like a Superhero Living Through The Genre’s Early Years

My Hip-Hop Story: Celia Rose Gooding on the New World of Music That Redefined Pop Culture

My Hip-Hop Story: Jeezy Recalls Pioneering Southern Rap, 2Pac & His Favorite Music Videos

My Hip-Hop Story: Lauryn Hill Made Leslie Odom Jr. Fall In Love With Melodic Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop Stars Who’ve Made Millions In Their Business Ventures

Did Diddy Really Get The Weeknd’s Last Collaboration Ever?

The Tech That Shaped Hip-Hop

‘Race Records’ to AI Drake: How Tech Produced Key Moments in Hip-Hop

How Southern Rap Influenced Sports, According to Juicy J

American Cars Are At The Heart Of Hip-Hop Culture

The Evolution of Lauryn Hill

The Importance of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly

The Importance of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”

The Importance of Cypress Hill and Their Classic Studio Album, Black Sunday

The Evolution of Jay-Z

Best Rappers Over 40 in the Hip-Hop Game

Rappers in the LGBTQ+ Community You Must Know Know

Dopest Hip-Hop Groups in Black Music History

In Honor of Hip-Hop’s Birthday, The Root Staff Reveals Our First Hip-Hop Jams

The Most Memorable Rap Beefs in Hip-Hop History

Best Hip-Hop Producers and Their Most Iconic Beats

The New Black Female Rappers You Should Know, And Why They Are Famous

If Your Hip-Hop Game Has Been Stale, These Are the Rap Artists You Should Know

Most Stylish Rappers in Hip-Hop Today

Hip-Hop Legends Who’ve Paved the Way for Future Generations

24 Game Changing Hip-Hop Songs by Women

Who Ever Thought That Hip-Hop Would Take It This Far?

The 20 Best Nerdy Video Game Rap Lyrics

More Than Music: The Questions Hip-Hop Trivia Is the Movement Hip-Hop Needs Now More Than Ever

Best Hip-Hop Albums that Turn 30 in 2023

Best Hip-Hop Songs That’ll Turn 30 in 2023

10 Classic Hip-Hop Records for Beginners

Here are the Most Important Cars in Hip-Hop

R&B Singer Ne-Yo Loves Street Fighter So Much He Takes His PS5 With Him On Tour

Here’s Why Soulja Boy Thinks He ‘Birthed a New Wave’ of Hip-Hop

From Rihanna to Ice Spice, Dyana Williams Continues to Build Her Legacy as a Coach to the Stars

Director Allen Hughes on the power of hip-hop, Menace II Society, and forgiving Tupac

Director Ryan Coogler Reveals How Hip-Hop Shaped Black Panther and Creed

Much Like Biz Markie, Showtime’s All Up in the Biz Is Larger Than Life

R&B Singer Ne-Yo Loves Street Fighter So Much He Takes His PS5 With Him On Tour

Here’s Why Soulja Boy Thinks He ‘Birthed a New Wave’ of Hip-Hop

From Rihanna to Ice Spice, Dyana Williams Continues to Build Her Legacy as a Coach to the Stars

Director Allen Hughes on the power of hip-hop, Menace II Society, and forgiving Tupac

Director Ryan Coogler Reveals How Hip-Hop Shaped Black Panther and Creed

Much Like Biz Markie, Showtime’s All Up in the Biz Is Larger Than Life

50 Years of Business Moves that Elevated Hip-Hop

How Queen Latifah’s ‘U.N.I.T.Y.’ Stood Up for Black Women Against Domestic Violence

A Look Back at Rapper 50 Cent’s “Many Men” on Its 20th Anniversary

A Look Back at Nas’ Beethoven-Sampled Hit “I Can”

Revisiting the Anderson .Paak BLM Track “Lockdown”

Remembering De La Soul’s David Jolicoeur and The Group's Hit Song “Me Myself And I”

On “Sorry Not Sorry,” Tyler, the Creator Addresses His Sexuality and His Faults

How Queen Latifah’s ‘U.N.I.T.Y.’ Stood Up for Black Women Against Domestic Violence

A Look Back at Rapper 50 Cent’s “Many Men” on Its 20th Anniversary

A Look Back at Nas’ Beethoven-Sampled Hit “I Can”

Revisiting the Anderson .Paak BLM Track “Lockdown”

Remembering De La Soul’s David Jolicoeur and The Group's Hit Song “Me Myself And I”

On “Sorry Not Sorry,” Tyler, the Creator Addresses His Sexuality and His Faults

The Stars and Emcees who Crossed the Line between Hip-Hop and the NBA

Here Are Some Hidden Gems, Clues, and Meanings in Your Favorite Hip-Hop Videos

Forget Spades, Here’s a “Dope” Card Game for Hip-Hop Heads

Hip-Hop’s Fascination with Frank Sinatra

How Hip-Hop Became a Multibillion-Dollar Global Business

Let’s Break Down the Art of Sampling

The 13 Best TV Shows about Hip-Hop

Q&A with Professor Dr. Maurice Johnson: What Will the Next 50 Years of Hip-Hop Look Like?