These are the albums that have defined hip-hip history - from Run-DMC to Playboi Carti, from G-funk to drill, from the Bronx to Houston, and beyond.

Billboard caught up with Shelley FKA DRAM to discuss his sophomore album, why he changed his name, what sparked his comeback and more.

Anywhere, anytime, anyplace, bullets are flying at rappers. Yoh Phillips details the cultural interest for lawless songs and the painful past 48 months.

Remember the talk about the “Drake era” being over and a potential slowdown? With the success of ‘Scary Hours 2,’ Drake proves (once again) he’s unstoppable.

Lil Durk has been on a phenomenal run lately, reaching new heights of mainstream relevance on his own terms. Here’s how he’s dominated in his second act.

Social media and music streaming have radically revolutionized the velocity at which music travels, in ways that weren't imaginable ten years ago. Effective marketing campaigns remain a necessity no matter how many followers an artist has, but in this hyperspeed, viral climate, an ardent fanbase makes for the best word of mouth.

Following the official release of "Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn)," the looming question among fans is: Which is the better debut from Jay Electronica -- "Act II" or "A Written Testimony?"

"The Cosby Show" is no longer appearing on our television sets but the series' impact on hip-hop keeps memories alive.

Pop critics from around the country recommend pick-me-ups: Pharrell, the Pointer Sisters, Helado Negro and more.

"He was just like, 'You won’t have any problems out of me dog, you from Richmond.'"

The Chattanooga-born preacher's son talks to Noisey about the power of the almighty dollar and his latest project, 'I.O.U.,' out today (Jan. 18).

Saba, Pusha T, Travis Scott, Cardi B, Phonte...

The trap door allows for a quick entrance but there’s no promise of a long stay.

Today, it takes more than just great songs to be heard. It takes imagination, collaboration, and great presentation.

With the culture more visible than ever, we can't allow the disappearance and invisibility of those who laid the foundation almost 50 years ago.

Yoh Phillips breaks down the don't-give-a-funk rap songs that defined American leaders from Reagan to Obama.

For at least one night, Eryk The Radical reminded me that anything is possible for those who are always ready.

Logic and GoldLink's recent success is spotlighting the DMV and redefining what’s possible for hip-hop artists from the area.

OutKast's André 3000 and Big Boi, Nas, Rakim, Stevie Wonder--is it better for legends to burn out or fade away?

"This is the motherf***ing gold rush, especially for black art."

Young Thug's "Group Home" lyrics being misjudged by Genius is an important lesson in unverified interpretation.

Music television didn't need a reboot, it needed a reset.

If being happy and positive is his roast-worthy sin, well, we need more sinners in the church of Chancellor.

Yoh Phillips breaks down how '4:44' should not have its classic status attributed to Jay-Z, but instead to Shawn Corey Carter.

"In 2017, I can't allow myself to separate Dre the artist from Dre's actions against women. He is a genius but also an abuser."

"Mumble rap just takes off faster...If you're a more lyrical artist, it’s going to take you a little bit more time."

On the one-year anniversary of Frank Ocean's 'Blonde', we look back on the album's themes of emotion, love and loss.

We spoke wth Royalty Exchange about how they've completely changed with world of buying and selling publishing.

Find that Kanye voice within yourself that’s going to fight passionately for your worth once it's discovered.

Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is the man in the mirror.

Thug's problem is that even when the music is good, every project only feels like an appetizer before a main course.

Summer is known as a time of bliss, but the reality is that when it gets hot, it gets violent.

The studio that Top Dawg built found success by being an artist development school for gifted youngsters.

Like Childish Gambino, we are all never-ending works in progress. Never stop growing.

The album that should have topped pop charts is wasting away thanks to too much music.

From facing five years to label dysfunction, Money Makin' Nique has persevered.

Blog darling, pop superstar, conspiracy theorist--'Ether' marks a new chapter in the book of Bobby Ray.

Like everything else in the industry, the internet marked the next big wave of change for the remix.

The Bengali-American rapper seeks to expose more people to what isn’t represented in music and culture.