Long-form content
Longform
![Why Michael Jackson’s 'P.Y.T.' Remains Timeless](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/09/Michael-Jackson-Epic.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Why Michael Jackson’s 'P.Y.T.' Remains Timeless
While “Billie Jean” gave us flair, “Beat It” gave us defiance, and “Thriller” gave us nightmares, it was Thriller’s sixth single “P.Y.T.” that provided a timeless jolt of ecstasy.
![Writer Abdul Williams Sheds Light on 'The Bobby Brown Story'](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/09/Bobby-Brown-BET.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Writer Abdul Williams Sheds Light on 'The Bobby Brown Story'
'If we're not telling about your personal demons and the mistakes that you've made, then we're not doing it honestly. '
![How Fox's Answer to 'Must See TV' Validated Hip-Hop Culture](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/09/Fox.jpg?w=980&q=75)
How Fox's Answer to 'Must See TV' Validated Hip-Hop Culture
Recalling Fox's early black-centered TV lineup and how it amplified hip-hop culture.
![Why 2Pac’s Shooting Still Haunts Hip-Hop](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/09/GettyImages-601048074.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Why 2Pac’s Shooting Still Haunts Hip-Hop
For over 20 years now, rumors and elaborate conspiracies about Pac's unsolved murder have circulated, only adding to his legend.
![How 'The Miseducation' Influenced the R&B Landscape, Creativity](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/08/Lauryn-Hill-Influenced-Soul-Movement.jpg?w=980&q=75)
How 'The Miseducation' Influenced the R&B Landscape, Creativity
John Legend, D'Angelo, Jazmine Sullivan and more credit Hill's album for their approach to honest songwriting.
![Tale of the Tape: Lauryn Hill Vs. Best R&B Album Grammy Nominees](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/08/Tale-of-Tape-Lauryn-Hill-Grammys-Win.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Tale of the Tape: Lauryn Hill Vs. Best R&B Album Grammy Nominees
This is not a competition, but albums by Erykah Badu, Brandy, Aretha Franklin and Maxwell were also great and deserve recognition.
![Aretha Franklin's Undeniable Influence on Hip-Hop](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/08/Aretha-Franklin-Hip-Hop.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Aretha Franklin's Undeniable Influence on Hip-Hop
While the iconic singer's impact on soul, pop R&B is well-documented, her considerable contributions to hip-hop are often overlooked.
![Diddy's Best Song Ever? A Breakdown of 'All About the Benjamins'](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/08/Diddy-All-About-the-Benjamins-Video.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Diddy's Best Song Ever? A Breakdown of 'All About the Benjamins'
The song and video solidified the Bad Boy Records mogul as a fearless hip-hop visionary.
![60 Hip-Hop 'Firsts': Rap's Must-Know Milestones](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/08/Hip-Hop-Firsts1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
60 Hip-Hop 'Firsts': Rap's Must-Know Milestones
We look at some of the most important "firsts" in hip-hop, from its origins to the present day.
![How The Pharcyde's 'Labcabincalifornia' Exemplified Growth](http://townsquare.media/site/625/files/2018/01/Labcabincalifornia.jpg?w=980&q=75)
How The Pharcyde's 'Labcabincalifornia' Exemplified Growth
The group's sophomore album show growth from the foursome, but also marked the beginning of the end for the West Coast rap group.