Jan 6th, 2009 · News from Somalia usually involves violent warlords or pirates hijacking ships off the coast. Other than that, average Somalis don't have much of a voice. The rapper K'Naan is trying to change that, and in the world of hip-hop, he's become an artist to watch.
Jan 2nd, 2009 · Cognac used to have a reputation as an old man's drink, but the French brandy is enjoying a revival. It's become popular with young African Americans. Producers with centuries-old traditions in the Cognac region of France are developing hip new product lines.
Dec 19th, 2008 · In the purely democratic world of hip-hop mixtapes unsigned rappers build a fan base, past-their-prime artists re-connect with an audience, and major-label commodities show their adventurous side on records that overprotective label reps would never authorize and commercial radio could never pick up. Here are some of this year's finest tapes.
Dec 9th, 2008 · Rapper Mos Def is not known for taking the artistically easy road. His film roles in Monster's Ball, Be Kind Rewind and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy are as distinctive as the records that have made him a hip-hop icon. He talks about his latest film role, playing Chuck Berry in Cadillac Records.
Dec 8th, 2008 · Not to be outdone by its fellow Top 10 listmakers, KEXP presents its Top 11 debut albums of the year. Seattle's Fleet Foxes headlines a deep class of great rock, pop, disco, hip-hop, folk and electro-dance records.
Dec 4th, 2008 · The Bible has gotten a makeover: Two new editions target a young — even secular — audience. One is a slick, illustrated version of the New Testament; the other is an environmentally-friendly edition that takes advantage of the popularity of the green movement.
Dec 3rd, 2008 · From its very first single in 1993, the Wu-Tang Clan brought a hyperactive, slang-driven and wildly popular brand to rap. Now, a new documentary portrays the rise and ongoing struggles of hip-hop's first empire.
Dec 2nd, 2008 · President-elect Barack Obama presents the nation a new model of a successful black man. But will Obama's crisp and cool image trump the hip-hop infused style that so many young men aspire to emulate? A group of moms talk about how Obama's image is resonating with their sons.