In the vast, ever-evolving soundscape of hip-hop, few acts have held their ground like The Roots. The Roots are a cultural institution. For more than three decades, The Roots have set the bar, carving out a singular lane where musicianship
It’s not every day that you get to see one of hip hop’s greatest lyricists backed by a full orchestra. But on July 2, fans in the Chicago area will have that chance when Nas takes the stage at Ravinia,
Last night at Ravinia, The Roots commanded the stage. Under a summer sky with a mild breeze, Questlove and his crew delivered a set pulsing with homage, mastery, and the pure joy of music. The show landed somewhere between a
21 Lil Harold, Sexyy Red, and 21 Savage Drop the Summer Anthem with “Nookie” + More of Today’s Best Rap and R&B Releases The streets and the streams are heating up as 21 Lil Harold, Sexyy Red, and 21 Savage
Frazier Othel Thompson III, known to millions as Trae Tha Truth, is a hip-hop legend who’s on a mission. For nearly three decades, Trae has built a legacy rooted in grit, resilience, and unshakeable purpose. From Houston’s Southside to disaster
At 26 years old, Illinois native $imba P has already experienced the full spectrum of what it means to be both student and teacher in hip-hop culture. As a member of TheGr8Thinkaz Collective, he has transitioned from eager mentee absorbing wisdom
For more than three decades, Tarik “Black Thought” Trotter has stood as one of hip-hop’s most formidable lyricists and enduring voices. As the frontman of The Roots, he has navigated the evolution from Philadelphia street cyphers to global stages, from
Cardi B – “Outside” Cardi B is back after a 15-month solo pause with “Outside,” a brash, powerful return supported by producers Charlie Heat, DJ SwanQo and HeyMicki — her boldest statement since “Enough” and her separation from Offset. Erykah
Marvel Studios’ “Ironheart” represents a pivotal moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, centering Black girl brilliance and innovation as it expands into new territory. The Disney+ series, debuting June 24, 2025, follows the journey of genius inventor Riri Williams and
On June 10, 2025, the Discover Shine Bright Center hosted the Chatham Business Association’s monthly member meeting, a signature event that brought together business owners, community leaders and ComEd representatives for a morning focused on collaboration, opportunity and local empowerment.
Michole Briana White is having a moment. Known to millions as Lucille Flenory on Starz’s hit series “BMF,” the Chicago native is channeling her success into something deeply personal: reconnecting with the city that raised her. Her first large-scale public
In an era where traditional television struggles to capture young audiences, 22-year-old Semaj Coleman — better known as Whiteboymaj — has cracked the code. His solution? Strip away the editing, eliminate the time delays, and let viewers watch drama unfold
This summer, Chicago will experience a transformative cultural event when the IBUKUN Hip-Hop Art & Culture Fest launches on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Zhou B Art Center. Designed to engage all senses, the daylong event is more than
Maurice Mobetta Brown doesn’t believe in genre boundaries. The Grammy Award-winning trumpeter has built a career that seamlessly flows from jazz stages to hip-hop studios, from performing with Silk Sonic to producing records with J. Ivy. Now, with five albums
This week’s music drops hit with purpose, power, and plenty of personality. From the triumphant return of hip-hop legend Slick Rick to a surprise collaboration between Juicy J and Logic, the rap world is buzzing. Lil Tecca delivers sleek melodies
For more than three decades, the Real Men Cook event has served as a cornerstone celebration of Black fatherhood and community in Chicago. Founded in 1989, the annual Father’s Day gathering has evolved from an upscale affair featuring Chicago’s elite
A Trolley Ride Through Time: My Journey on Chicago’s Route 66 Choose Chicago’s Route 66 Neighborhoods by Trolley Tour is a moving immersion into the layered neighborhoods of Chicago. Beginning and ending at the Art Institute, the tour weaves through
On June 7, Ravinia was a sanctuary. Black, queer, unapologetically bold. A place where freedom danced alongside fashion, and art bled into activism. When Janelle Monáe and Grace Jones share a bill, you’re witnessing an experience that shifts culture. Monáe
UK rapper Little Simz returns with Lotus, her sixth studio album and her most personal and emotionally revealing project to date. Across 13 tracks, she unpacks betrayal, the meaning of loyalty, and the pursuit of inner peace all while anchoring
On a night where Broadway celebrated its brightest stars and most resonant stories, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s Purpose emerged as the evening’s crowning achievement, winning the 2025 Tony Award for Best Play. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, which first premiered at Chicago’s Steppenwolf
