Long-form content
Longform

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'
'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
Recalling Fox's early black-centered TV lineup and how it amplified hip-hop culture.

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
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
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
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'
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
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
The group's sophomore album show growth from the foursome, but also marked the beginning of the end for the West Coast rap group.