Originally published May 8, 1984
“Too many people who profess to like rap don't distinguish among its many historic and stylistic differences. Only by placing Rakim in context do you appreciate his mastery”
July 30, 2020
Randolph smacked the pink projectile way up in the air, over the asphalt infield, over the fence that was an automatic double, over the alley that was a triple, and —crash! — right up against the fence over the 16th floor.
July 23, 2020
"More than any other contemporary African-American athlete, his ability to thrive in the pressure cooker of corporate America, while never making any embarrassing 'I’m not black, I’m universal' comments or selling his soul rather than just his visage, makes him a role model"
May 13, 2020
“He doesn’t battle other rappers or spinners for record sales. Instead he engages wily, older businessmen in treacherous battles for survival. Russell’s not going bald ’cause it’s been easy."
January 21, 2020
From ‘Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song’ in 1971 to Spike Lee’s ‘Malcom X’ in 1992.
January 9, 2020
“It’s clear to me that four new African American character types have been crucial in shaping this country over the last 20 years — types that began germinating in the ’70s and blossomed in the ’80s.”
January 9, 2020
“New York rapped and America listened. Now America is rhyming back.”
April 3, 2019
In 1992, the Voice gave readers a powerful, insightful essay and seventeen pages of kick-ass graphics
February 15, 2019