ALL: Opening Acts

Rap Art in the Coronavirus Era

As the world adapts to life under a global pandemic, the album art of several recent rap releases is having a noticeable impact.

First Wave Hip-House: 1988-1990

As a shotgun marriage between two hot springs of black innovation, hip-house’s reputation lies between unalloyed club bliss and pop kitsch.

Madlib, the Instrumentalist

Madlib is one of the most acclaimed hip-hop producers of the past two decades. But his instrumentals often go unnoticed.

Star Wars Funk

George Lucas’ Star Wars hit America like a pop culture meteor in the summer of 1977. The R&B scene wasn’t immune from the impact.