Hip Hop freestyles from the 1990s represent some of the genre's most electrifying and pivotal moments, often serving as launching pads for iconic careers. This piece explores standout performances ...

There is no debate that Queens’ own Nicki Minaj completely modernized rap with her versatility and bold lyricism. Born in ...

Welcome to The State of R&B, ESSENCE’s look at the past, present and future of rhythm and blues. In this piece, ESSENCE editor Rivéa Ruff reports on the blending of hip-hop and R&B. Since the ...

The 90s were loud, emotional and unforgettable. Grunge, R&B, pop and hip hop all collided to create one of the most ...

Since the turn of the 21st century, critics have prophesied that R&B, a once-dominating music genre, is dead. Male artists aren’t professing their love in pouring rain, draped in silk shirts anymore.

Hip-hop might have been born in the '70s, but it was in the '90s when the genre truly started to see commercial success. It was an era in which artistic creativity expanded, rivalries emerged, pop ...

On Dec. 10, Lauryn Hill made her silver screen debut, marking her entry into the entertainment industry. On this date, TikTok staged its first live event, and the Recording ...

In 1992, the world was formally introduced to Mary J. Blige in her “Real Love” music video. The image of a young Black woman, rocking an oversized baseball jersey, a backwards cap, and singing over a ...

Jon B opened up about working with Nas on “Finer Things,” his Hip-Hop influences, and why his new album Waiting on You proves he’s far from finished. “They got Jon B here to see you,” he remembered ...