20 Years Ago: Jay-Z's 'Hard Knock Life' Turns Him Into a Star20 Years Ago: Jay-Z's 'Hard Knock Life' Turns Him Into a StarOn its 20th anniversary, we look back at the album that propelled Jay-Z to superstar status, 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.'Jacinta HowardJacinta Howard
Why Run-DMC's Final Album Never Had a ChanceWhy Run-DMC's Final Album Never Had a ChanceUndone by internal strife, creative differences, and inner demons, Run-DMC's final album never had a chance to succeed. Jay ConnorJay Connor
Five Years Ago: Vanilla Ice Jinxes the Houston TexansFive Years Ago: Vanilla Ice Jinxes the Houston TexansThe 2013 Houston Texans were primed for a serious run at the Super Bowl. Then Vanilla Ice played their halftime show. Dave LiftonDave Lifton
Why 2Pac’s Shooting Still Haunts Hip-HopWhy 2Pac’s Shooting Still Haunts Hip-HopFor over 20 years now, rumors and elaborate conspiracies about Pac's unsolved murder have circulated, only adding to his legend.Jacinta HowardJacinta Howard
The Best 'Yo! MTV Raps' MomentsThe Best 'Yo! MTV Raps' MomentsWe take a look at 10 of the best moments from 'Yo! MTV Raps' in honor of the sow's 30th anniversary. Naima CochraneNaima Cochrane
Craig Mack Drops 'Flava in Ya Ear': July 26 in Hip Hop HistoryCraig Mack Drops 'Flava in Ya Ear': July 26 in Hip Hop HistoryToday in hip-hop history, Jeezy drops a southern classic, 3rd Bass arrives on the scene, Eric B. and Rakim release their sophomore album, and Craig Mack marks Bad Boy's debut.Jacinta HowardJacinta Howard
Public Enemy Crowdsource for Beats: July 23 in Hip-Hop HistoryPublic Enemy Crowdsource for Beats: July 23 in Hip-Hop HistoryClassic album releases, a crazy concert revival and the loss of one of the world’s pre-eminent hip-hop savvy torch singers defines our day in history.Tamara PalmerTamara Palmer
'Coming To America' at 30: Rap Celebrates Eddie Murphy's Classic'Coming To America' at 30: Rap Celebrates Eddie Murphy's Classic'Coming to America' isn't just one of Eddie Murphy's funniest movies, it might be his best - and hip-hop has been been in love with it from the jump.Jacinta HowardJacinta Howard
The Beastie Boys Drop the Mic - Literally - for 'The Mix-Up'The Beastie Boys Drop the Mic - Literally - for 'The Mix-Up'In 2007, the Beastie Boys laid down the funk, minus vocals, on 'The Mix-Up.'Rob SmithRob Smith
EPMD's 'Strictly Business' Finally Gets Vinyl ReissueEPMD's 'Strictly Business' Finally Gets Vinyl ReissueEPMD's rap classics-- 'Strictly Business and 'Unfinished Business'-- finally get vinyl reissues after decades of being unavailable. Jacinta HowardJacinta Howard