COLORLINES

It’s Bigger Than Rick Ross: How to Organize Against Sexism in Hip-Hop

by Jamilah King on April 15 2013, 2:01PM

Dani McClain writes that when it comes to organizing against misogyny, we need to organize against those who benefit from it financially.

Topics: /NOW Blog

Hip-Hop Artists Are Becoming Colleges’ Most Sought After Lecturers

by Jamilah King on December 14 2012, 9:31AM

From Afrika Bambaataa to 9th Wonder, some of hip-hop’s biggest names are taking their art into the classroom.

Topics: Arts & Culture

Hip-Hop Legend Afrika Bambaataa Begins Lecturing at Cornell

by Jorge Rivas on November 27 2012, 11:59AM

Bambaataa joins a list of other Hip-hop pioneers who have recently become visiting scholars at Ivy League institutions.

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

What Lupe Fiasco’s Brand Of Hip-Hop Says About Our Political Culture

by Jamilah King on October 10 2012, 9:57AM

His outspoken politics aren’t all that surprising. But they’re unique at a time when hip-hop’s afraid to be too confrontational.

Topics: Arts & Culture

Why We Need More Songs Like Lupe Fiasco’s ‘B@#ch Bad’

by Akiba Solomon on August 30 2012, 12:17PM

Lupe Fiasco’s sonic and visual exploration of the bad b@#ch phenomenon has sparked lots of critique. I’m too busy celebrating it to split ideological hairs.

Topics: Akiba Solomon

Wyclef Jean to Headline Vets’ Fundraiser at Republican Convention

by Jorge Rivas on August 21 2012, 12:15PM

Wyclef Jean will not be gone till November because he’ll be performing at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida on August 29th.

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

Rapper Murs Kisses Another Man to Call Out Homophobia in Hip Hop

by Jorge Rivas on July 16 2012, 11:14AM

California rapper Murs wearing a “Legalize Gay” shirt and kisses another man in new video.

Topics: Gender & Sexuality, /NOW Blog

How Will Frank Ocean Change Our Conversation About Coming Out? [Reader Forum]

by Channing Kennedy on July 9 2012, 9:01AM

Last week, R&B star Frank Ocean went public about his sexuality, marking a watershed moment in popular culture. The Colorlines community brings its support and discusses the risk of political exploitation.

Topics: Gender & Sexuality

How Can We Help Kids Define What Is and Isn’t Healthy Sexuality?

by Akiba Solomon on March 5 2012, 9:52AM

In an age of free porn, rape-promoting video games and stupid advice videos from grown men, childhood sexual exploration is trickier than ever. There are no easy answers. Herewith, a few starting points.

Topics: Akiba Solomon, Gender & Sexuality, Too $hort

Too $hort Calls XXL Video Debacle a Blessing in Disguise

by Akiba Solomon on February 23 2012, 2:20PM

Bad publicity, an enlightening conversation with activist dream hampton and “karma” produce an a-ha! moment for the rapper who instructed middle school boys to “turn out” their female classmates.

Topics: Akiba Solomon, Gender & Sexuality, /NOW Blog

5 Things Too $hort & Hip-Hop Media Can Learn About Sexual Violence

by Akiba Solomon on February 23 2012, 11:33AM

Ways to regroup and do better after the debacle of Too $hort’s violent, rape-celebrating XXL.com video.

Topics: Akiba Solomon, Arts & Culture, Gender & Sexuality, Too $hort

Happy J-Dilla Day!

by Jorge Rivas on February 10 2012, 5:08PM

James Dewitt Yancey, known in rap circles as Jay Dee or J Dilla, passed away at the age of 32 six years ago.

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

Get Ready for Big Freedia To Shake the U.S. with New Orleans Bounce [Video]

by Jorge Rivas on January 27 2012, 3:38PM

On Wednesday night Big Freedia brought bounce to national television with a performance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live late-night talk show. Freedia performed two recent songs, “Excuse” (above) and “Na Who Mad” (below). You can watch the full episode on…

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

Das Racist’s Himanshu Suri: Rapper, Jokester, Community Organizer?

by Channing Kennedy on January 17 2012, 9:36AM

The joke-rap critical darling has never shied away from race and politics. Now he’s heading home, to help SEVA NY fight for fair representation for Queens’ newest immigrant communities.

Topics: Arts & Culture

Eight New Albums for Your Fall Music Playlists

by Jorge Rivas on October 4 2011, 9:45AM

From New York City diva Maluca to Bay Area based Los Rakas, we’ve rounded up some artists who should be in your headphones this fall.

Topics: Arts & Culture

My Dark, Twisted Jay-Z and Lil’ Wayne Fantasy

by Akiba Solomon on September 2 2011, 11:00AM

On the heels of the so-called beef over who’s richer, I dream of a world where these two monster MCs use their ample powers for the good of everybody—including women.

Topics: Akiba Solomon

Headed Back to Class? We’ve Got Songs to Start the School Year Off Right

by Bryan Gerhart on September 2 2011, 9:00AM

Whether you’re nostalgic for your playground days or worrying about how to pay back student loans, we’ve got a playlist that will help ease you into another school year.

Topics: Arts & Culture, Back to School