Afropunk Is Officially a Brand and That’s a Good Thing
There is a large community of alt-black folks out there, and Afropunk has given them a big tent to party under.
Negritude 20
The Story of Billie Holiday’s Life Shouldn’t Overshadow the Power of Her Music
To say that Billie Holiday's songs remain memorable because we know she lived a hard life does her artistry a most insulting disservice.
‘Who We Be’ and the Optics of Culture, in Living Colors
Jeff Chang's cultural history tackles how race has played out across the last 50 years, and counting, of American culture.
Wanna Buy Some Old Bill Cosby Records?
In the face of mounting allegations against the beloved comedian, we are left to reconsider his artistic legacy.
I’m Rick James’ Bio, Bitch!
The majority of Glow is a blow-by-blow account of the drugs he took and the women he bedded. James either had a great memory, or he took remarkable notes.
Bring Back the Beat! What’s Up with Hip-Hop Reissues?
The record industry makes huge efforts to reissue rock CDs, but nowhere near as much effort for hip-hop CDs.
Carl Van Vechten, America’s First White Negro
What was Van Vechten really writing about during the Harlem Renaissance; black culture as it existed in its own right, or how he viewed it through his own complicated prism?
A New Book Calls for a More Activist Black Church — But That Might Be Easier Said Than Done
The difference between churches of service and activism is seen by the degree to which they hold to the philosophies of black theology, a school of religious thought that emerged in the wake of the racial tumult of the ‘60s.
Soul Train: The Hippest Nostalgia Trip in America
Soul Train was more than entertainment for black America. It was inspiration and validation. Questlove gives us another ride.
How to Make Political Pop Without Trying
“Dancing in the Street” joined Motown’s burgeoning canon of amazing records immediately upon its release. But real-life events seemed to elevate the record from music history into American history.