The conversations and profiles, I've had with some of the industry's elite... 

Call it the gift of gab! 

K. Michelle On Being A Monster: “We Have Different Faces For Different People”

For Kimberly Michelle Pate, also known as K. Michelle, the concept of having a filter and self-censorship is nonexistent. You can always count on the Memphis-bred singer to speak her mind, and she doesn’t care who takes offense. Before her album release party-- a ball of voguing, hosted alongside Big Freedia-- the singer visited the office to discuss her new album, overcoming health struggles, her pending transition from R&B songstress to country music darling, and of course... racists.

New Face, Fresh Style: Emerging Model Musician Raja on Blending Hip Hop With Bollywood

An emerging recording artist representing Long Island, Raja was larger than life as I profiled him for a month. His first venture being as an opener in a showcase before PNB Rock took the stage in Upstate New York. Our second venture includes a meal at his favorite restaurant in NYC, where he talks about being a first generation Indian American chasing his dream. And the third being the strip clubs of Queens, as a promotional grounds for a fruitful hip hop career.

It is with sad news to report that three years after this article was published, Raja passed away.

The Importance of JAY Z's 'Smile' & Its Progression of LGBTQ Politics In Hip-Hop

JAY Z releases his thirteenth studio album, 4:44, which includes the track "Smile". On it, he celebrates his mom coming out and living life happily as a lesbian after years of not disclosing to the public. The artist's decision came as a surprise for many, including interviewees, activist Tiq Milan and recording artist Taylor Bennet, who themselves are reshaping the conversations surrouding hip hop and LGBTQ issues.

Rihanna's Game-Changing Bob: Hairstylist Ursula Stephen Remembers the Haircut Ten Years Later

When the music video for Rihanna’s hit number one single “Umbrella” first aired in March 2007 (followed by an appearance from the leading lady on the red carpet of the 20th annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards), it unveiled a side of the singer fans weren’t familiar with. Rocking a jet-black bob haircut, Ri -- who at the time was known for her catchy yet relatively benign track "Pon De Replay" -- solidified her entrance into edgier territory with Umbrella's parent album Good Girl Gone Bad. Her hairstylist Ursala Stephens remembers it like it was yesterday.

Tee Grizzley Talks Chart Success and Inspiration of 'First Day Out': 'Rap Was All I Had'

Detroit native Tee Grizzley released his latest hit "First Day Out" on his debut mixtape My Moment, which arrived in April. The chart-climbing track marked the rapper's Hot 100 debut, where it currently sits at No. 67, and has also risen up the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Rap Airplay and R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts. Over the phone, I spoke with Tee Grizzley about what inspired the personal lyrics to his song, who he would love to collaborate with and more.

Wavves on New Album 'You're Welcome' and Their Anti-Trump Touring Policy

Wavves' sixth studio album You're Welcome is "sort of all over the place," according to the band's outspoken lead vocalist Nathan Williams. The new record from the San Diego-based band draws on their California Pacific Coast roots, while exploring other sectors of the punk and underground rock scenes. He talks about that and then goes off about Donald Trump and banning his supporters from attending their concerts.

Frankie Grande Premieres Video For Debut Single 'Queen,' Talks Ariana, Broadway & Glam Rock Inspirations: Exclusive

With his resume of performing on Broadway and multiple reality TV stints -- not to mention the fact that his younger sister is one of the highest selling artists of today -- it's hard to believe that Frankie Grande has taken this long to release his first song. He spoke to me about the glam rock single being an expression of his identity and love for queer artistry.
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