Q&A

A collection of 18 posts

Q&A

In Charlotte, Hip-Hop Scholarship Isn't Just For The Ivory Tower

Talking with dance professor Ashley Tate about her upcoming three-day hip-hop symposium, and the importance of integrating cultural studies and everyday life in Charlotte.

Q&A

Solomon Fox, IRL

The Durham native’s absurd Instagram videos have garnered praise from the likes of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. But as he rolls out his first solo album in four years, going viral is one of the last things on his mind.

Q&A

Irving Allen's Next Stage

More than a decade ago, the 38-year-old parlayed his experiences as a rapper and promoter into a career of community organizing. Now he's got his sights set on Greensboro city council.

Q&A

Inbox Intro: $hake

Emailing with the Wilmington rapper about his sound, his city, and Plato.

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The Scene

Rebirth of the Cool

Talking with Art of Cool cofounder Cicely Mitchell about the upcoming Missy Lane's Block Party — a years-in-the-making tribute to jazz, Durham, and do-overs.

Q&A

Inside The Revolutionary Lineage That Led to Tupac

A new book explores the radical influences (including his Black Panther, Lumberton, NC-raised mother) that shaped the late rapper's life, and still emanate through his pop culture mythology today.

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Q&A

Shame Gang Has Put In The Work

On the doorstep of his first major release in two years, the Raleigh-based, "blue-collar" artist's hustle and knack for relationship-building continues to bear fruit.

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The Scene

LesTheGenius and Ricky Ricardo's In-State Intuition

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Q&A

Inbox Intro: Sacredd919

Emailing with the 21-year-old Durham native about his city, his message, and making the choice to finally embrace rap.

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Q&A

Billy Bill Lets His Life Do The Talking

The veteran DJ and owner of Raleigh’s Lookout Music & Media on music, social media and living his purpose.

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Q&A

Pre-Show: Tre. Charles

Before stepping on stage in Saxapahaw last month, the evocative alt-R&B singer/songwriter paused to let us know what's on his mind.

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Q&A

Does North Carolina Have a Sound?

Talking with Nigel Malone about his new film on the identity of NC hip-hop, "Carolina Noise," before our joint screening event in Durham on June 12th.

Q&A

Inbox Intro: Lamaj

Emailing with the rising Charlotte rapper about Yu Yu Hakusho, Mac Miller and more.

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Q&A

Arrest The President

The hip-hop of the Dubya era, and a quick Q&A with Justus League member Edgar Allen Floe.

Q&A

Mez's Story is Still Loading

Balancing a solo rap career with being a creative right hand to legends — writing songs for Dr. Dre and Ye, directing videos for J. Cole — has left the Raleigh native hard to pin down. He's (mostly) OK with that.

Q&A

The Restless Yet Unhurried Ambition of Ayinde Anderson

The Los Angeles-based cinematographer talks about growing up in Raleigh, working with Vince Staples, honoring his love of music through film, and the self-imposed pressures that keep him growing.

Q&A

Erick Lottary Wants to Remind You That He Raps, Too

Heading into his first major release since becoming a social media golf sensation, the Charlotte rapper talks celebrity friendships, authenticity, and trusting his vision.

Q&A

Did J. Cole Do The Right Thing?

A baker's dozen of NC hip-hop artists and media personalities react to "The Apology."