Culture
Drake
‘Certified Lover Boy’ follows Drake’s classic formula – but is it enough?
The album has some shining moments, far too many missteps and one giant elephant in the room
An Appreciation
What Michael K. Williams taught me about being a man
He was an icon for Black queer men, but he was also a beacon for what’s possible to ask of straight Black men
blues
Guy Davis tricks the devil
The blues musician releases his most political album, ‘Be Ready When I Call You’
Documentary
‘Super Freak’ Rick James finally gets a doc that takes his music seriously
‘Bitchin’ on Showtime details his famous line-stepping – and how he expanded the audience for R&B
NBA
One year after the bubble, the NBA’s COVID-19 response is helping the world understand the pandemic
Scientists are using the league’s data to understand the delta variant and other topics
Celebrating 5 years
Aux Cord Chronicles
Aux Cord Chronicles XXII: The Nipsey Hussle files
‘Checc’ out this playlist before or after tapping into ‘The King of Crenshaw’ podcast
Making history: The 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates
On Sept. 1, 1971, the Pirates became the first MLB team to field an all-Black and Latino lineup
CulturePlay
Yung Bleu took risks with his career – and it’s paying off
The Alabama native is currently on tour after releasing his debut album ‘Moon Boy’
Sneaker Stories
From homeless to head of a sneaker empire, Jaysse Lopez is the ‘Sole Survivor’
The Undefeated’s special on ESPN+ tells the inspiring story of the owner of the Las Vegas-based sneaker store Urban Necessities
Movies
‘Candyman’ and the genesis of a haunting
‘Be my victim’ in 1992 becomes ‘Tell everyone’ in 2021 — the creation of a vengeful, American spirit
Hip-Hop
What the Smithsonian missed in its hip-hop anthology
The excellent ‘Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap’ covers official releases, but leaves out the freestyles and live performances that also made history
Commentary
Aaliyah deserved better
The singer’s archives are finally hitting streaming services as the R. Kelly trial reminds us of what she had to endure
NBA
For many in the NBA, continuing Nipsey Hussle’s marathon is a lifelong responsibility
From James Harden to Russell Westbrook to LeBron James, players continue the rapper’s message of empowerment
Music
Nipsey Hussle and J Stone’s bond is far beyond just boys from the ‘hood
Rapper J Stone talks about the Hussle he grew up with