The 10 Most Scandalous Moments in Black Music in 2014

by  Aaron Lee What a year it’s been for black music. With no Kanye or Jay album out, detractors named 2014 hip hop’s worst year. The MOBOs continued to wobble between celebrating black excellence and simply throwing more trophies to non-black stars of the moment. André 3000 said the recent OutKast reunion tour made him… Read More

The ‘N’ word, and the demise of conscious rap

by Lee Pinkerton The first rap concert I ever went to was L.L. Cool J, Eric B & Rakim and Public Enemy at London’s Hammersmith Odeon in 1987.  LL didn’t leave much of an impression, Rakim disappointed, but my young 18 year old mind was so blown away by Public Enemy’s righteous anger and they… Read More