Introducing ‘Hip-Hop Is Universal,’ a 50th anniversary celebration
Hip-hop is international, multigenerational and even intergalactic. Here’s how we’re celebrating the genre’s 50th anniversary and examining its future.
Hip-Hop is Universal
Hip-hop speaks to everything in this world and beyond. Race. And money. And power. And politics. And gender. And sex. And art. And tech. And space. Here's how MSNBC is celebrating the genre's 50th anniversary and examining its future.
#HipHop50 isn’t just about celebration. It’s about shame, too.
Truly assessing the first 50 years of hip-hop means acknowledging the genre’s tremendous shortcomings — and the failures to hold artists and executives accountable.
Megan Thee Stallion and the politics of profanity in hip-hop
Women artists like Megan Thee Stallion have exposed rap’s double standards on sex, says hip-hop-loving anthropologist Nikki Lane.
AI rap stars? Virtual reality concerts? The future of hip-hop is here.
Dr. Taj Frazier, host of “Hip-Hop and the Metaverse” on PBS, talks about hip-hop artists exploring new frontiers of creativity with the help of emerging tech.
One of music's most iconic samples ever comes from a hip-hop legend
Using old songs to make new ones is hip-hop's greatest innovation. Introducing "Just a Sample," quick reflections on some of the most iconic samples in hip-hop history.
Here are some of the top hip-hop moments in U.S. political history
From “MC Rove” to Eazy-E’s visit to Washington, hip-hop has had some incredible — and incredibly disturbing — experiences with U.S. political figures.
Hip-hop and the criminal justice system have repeatedly put one another on trial
Hip-hop has long indicted the justice system. And for just as long, the justice system has responded in kind.
Celebs who picked Tory Lanez over Megan Thee Stallion need a reckoning, too
In my lifetime, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Black people overwhelmingly stand with Black women victims when their assailants are Black men. And that makes me sad.
Hip-hop’s most memorable lines about Donald Trump
Trump was once a popular symbol in hip-hop, used to represent wealth and power. But his hip-hop clout has plummeted since 2016, and artists have let him know.
The deaf artists making sure hip-hop is for everybody
Warren “Wawa” Snipe and Raven “Deaf Hottie” Sutton unravel myths about the deaf community’s relationship with music.
Hip-hop’s most memorable lines about Barack Obama
Former President Barack Obama looms large in hip-hop culture, but artists have shared differing views. Here are some of the most memorable bars about Obama.
