Founded in 1999 by ?uestlove of The Roots and author Angela Nissel, okayplayer became a message board hub for the alternative music scene. More than 20 years later, okayplayer has developed into a cultural hub for black lives-- taking the mission of highlighting the issues that matter most seriously.
Articles with an in-depth analysis of the music and cultural issues at hand.
A brief breakdown of the controversial yet common practice of bundling — and the artists whose sales either soared or remained stagnant as a result.
When The Boondocks ended its nine-year run on June 23, 2014, a void was left in television. Since its 2005 premiere, The Boondocks became more than a satirical animated series for adults. Based on the daily syndicated comic strip by Aaron McGruder, it manifested a specific kind of Black novelty within pop culture.
As the debate ensued about whether Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" qualifies as hip hop or country, this early analysis suggested that it is indeed both based on prior music history in both genres.
As a genre stemming from an alchemy of blues and folk, country music has a storied history in Black art spaces. Despite this presence often being erased, cast away, or discredited, from the 1920s to 2019, Black artists have been the one’s pioneering and preserving country music, and that impact can be seen through its traverse influence over art from across genres and generations.
In the King of R&B debate -- sparked by newcomer, Jacquees-- this is an argument in favor of Ty Dolla $ign: Based on present hits, his peers, past legends, and the criteria.
Profiles and q&a's with artists defining the alternative and breaking the mold.
Appearances on rankings and listicles with the staff.
