On this day in 1989, New Jersey lyricist Chill Rob G released his debut album Ride the Rhythm through Wild Pitch Records, a label known for cultivating some of the most respected underground acts in ...

The latest New Music Friday arrives as a powerful testament to hip-hop’s enduring ability to reinvent itself while honoring its roots. This week’s releases showcase an impressive spectrum of artistic ...

It was the best of hip-hop times. It was the worst of hip-hop times. Ha! 2025 was a rollercoaster of rap music’s highs and lows. The duality was so real. I can’t recall a year with such a wide array ...

Hosted by Open Mike Eagle, What Had Happened Was is now in its third season. Each has focused on a different figure in hip-hop who is a legend in their own regard. Together with Mike Eagle, they spend ...

In 2003, T.I. and other Atlanta rappers created new subgenre of rap: trap music. Twenty years later, its influence is everywhere. JUANA SUMMERS, HOST: About two minutes into the song, "Y'all Scared," ...

Welcome to The State of R&B, ESSENCE’s look at the past, present and future of rhythm and blues. In this piece, ESSENCE editor Rivéa Ruff reports on the blending of hip-hop and R&B. Since the ...