Okayplayer Exclusive: Fetty Wap’s Return Feels Bigger Than a Comeback Ten years after his run helped define a generation’s summer, Fetty Wap returns with Zavier, a more reflective, evolved sound and a chance to tap back into something people have been wanting to feel again. featured April 4, 2026
Rediscovered: Maxwell’s 'Urban Hang Suite’ The landmark album helped announce the singer-songwriter from Brooklyn and further affirmed neo-soul. entertainment April 3, 2026
Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE Shapeshift on Surf Gang-Produced ‘Pompeii // Utility’ On their new, Surf Gang-produced joint project, Earl Sweatshirt and Mike are masterful shapeshifters. entertainment April 3, 2026
The Listening: New Music From Meek Mill, MIKE & Earl Sweatshirt with Surf Gang This week’s new music Friday also features Tank, Swae Lee, YG, Estelle and Lil Yachty. entertainment April 3, 2026
How to Be Outside, Inside Featuring Dante Hillmedo Take a stroll through NYC with a Bronx-born auteur with proud Jamaican roots and a bold artistic vision. new york April 3, 2026
Moments Sly Stone Would've Broken the Internet A look at the Sly Stone moments that would’ve taken over timelines if social media existed during his peak. featured April 2, 2026
Okayplayer Exclusive: Dionne Warwick is Entering Her Final Chapter in Music and She’s Letting What’s Next Come to Her As she prepares to release her collaborative album, DWuets, the 85-year-old icon reflects on women in music, six decades in the industry and embracing whatever comes next. featured April 1, 2026
Pursuit of Happiness: Mannie Fresh Finds Serenity in Spare Car Parts For the latest edition of Pursuit of Happiness, Mannie Fresh breaks down the role of the DJ in community care, fixing broken cars and more. wellness April 1, 2026
Sly Stone — The First Rap Superstar? Cloaked in otherworldly, funky style, Sly Stone was a rap superstar before hip-hop even existed. featured March 30, 2026
The Listening: New Music From Central Cee, Snoop Dogg, Fetty Wap, The LOX & Jaheim, Kota The Friend and More This week’s new music Friday also features Chief Keef, Ne-Yo, and Westside Gunn. entertainment March 27, 2026
Bun B Reveals André 3000 Didn’t Want to Shoot the “Int’l Players Anthem” Video On 'The Almanac of Rap,' Bun B shares how he convinced André 3000 to appear in the “Int’l Players Anthem” video. featured March 26, 2026
The Women Leading the Island Music Conference Deserve Their Flowers Now, Not Later The women leading the charge at the Island Music Conference aren’t just behind the scenes, they’re shaping the culture, building community and making space for what’s next. featured March 23, 2026
The Sly & The Family Stone Songs That Became Funk Anthems From “Everyday People” to “Family Affair,” these songs capture the joy, protest and spirit that made Sly & The Family Stone one of funk’s most influential forces. featured March 23, 2026
10 Things to Expect at 2026 Roots Picnic With JAŸ-Z and Erykah Badu HOV and Erykah Badu will take the stage at the festival. What else is going to go down? featured March 20, 2026
The Listening: New Music From Mike Will Made-It & J. Cole, Rick Ross, Coco Jones, BigXThaPlug and More This week’s new music Friday also features Jorja Smith, Samara Cyn, 6LACK, Red Cafe, Alex Isley, and Coi Leray with NBA Youngboy. entertainment March 20, 2026
OkayFuture Labs: Sibby Liv on Blending Genres, Building Energy and the Women DJs She’s Tapped Into Sibby Liv breaks down the story behind her name, the sounds that shaped her, and the women DJs she’s tapped into right now. featured March 20, 2026
How to Be Outside, Inside with Tiffani Williams The seasoned fashion stylist and ‘vibes doyenne’ shares her favorite NYC food spots, live music outposts and inspirational sanctuaries. new york March 20, 2026
What’s Free to Do in New York: Last Chance to See the Giant Pigeon, Dance Party in Brooklyn and More From dance parties to seeing an aluminum, dinosaur-esque creature for the last time, here’s what’s free to do in NYC this weekend. new york March 20, 2026
JAŸ-Z Announces Anniversary Shows at Yankee Stadium The rap icon is celebrating three decades of ‘Reasonable Doubt’ and twenty-five years of ‘The Blueprint.’ news March 19, 2026
Shad Reflects on Beating Drake at the Junos and Finding His Own Lane in Hip-Hop On the latest episode of 'The Almanac of Rap,' the Canadian rapper reflects on a career-defining win, carving out his place in hip-hop, and the process of reinvention. featured March 19, 2026
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Among Celebs Snubbed During In Memoriam at 2026 Oscars James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane also forgotten during the emotional tribute segment. news March 16, 2026
The 6 Best Moments from the 2026 Academy Awards The first Black woman to win Best Cinematographer, Michael B. Jordan’s speech and a musical tribute for the ages. featured March 16, 2026
Sly Stone Painted Black Music in Strokes of Revolution Sly Stone’s artistic contributions continue reverberating through all of Black music. featured March 16, 2026
The Listening: New Music From Jack Harlow, Earl Sweatshirt & Mike, 50 Cent, Thundercat, Nas and More This week’s new music Friday also features Elucid, Samara Cyn, 50 Cent and YG. featured March 13, 2026
How to Be Outside, Inside with Cebo Campbell The accomplished author shares his favorite brunch spots and NYC havens for inspiration and relaxation. new york March 13, 2026
Rap’s Younger Generation Deserves More Credit Than it Gets On episode 3 of 'The Almanac of Rap,' 9th Wonder and Reuben Vincent push back on the idea that younger artists don’t understand hip-hop’s depth or history. featured March 12, 2026
Ice Spice, Kai Cenat and Cardi B on Social Media and Depression: “The internet got me afraid of winning” Celebs have opened up about how much online trolls and gossip bloggers impacted their psyche. wellness March 11, 2026
Raphael Saadiq Was Never Just ‘Neo-Soul’ A sold-out Blue Note Los Angeles show highlights the music pioneer’s ongoing resurgence and why he’s always stretched beyond the “neo-soul” label. featured March 10, 2026
Lakeyah Honored Women Music Icons for International Women's Day The Milwaukee rapper showed love to legends like Lauryn Hill while also praising upstarts like YKNiece. news March 9, 2026
Jake One Talks Producing John Cena’s Theme Song, Type Beats, and the Real Cost of Production Tune into 'The Almanac of Rap' season 4 episode 2, featuring Jake One. featured March 9, 2026
The Listening: New Music From Denzel Curry & The Scythe, Gnarls Barkley, Ty Dolla $ign, Jorja Smith, Flying Lotus and More This week’s new music Friday also features Omarion, Cypress Hill, Kevin Gates, Ayra Starr and Terrace Martin. featured March 6, 2026
What’s Free to Do in New York: LEGO Star Wars Experience, Free Acting Class and More A special, interactive Star Wars experience, free acting class, and a Women’s History Month pop-up exhibit are among the dope free things you can do this weekend. new york March 6, 2026
DJ J-Que Reflects on Legacy of Swisha House Founder DJ Michael “5000” Watts The Houston radio host remembers the Swisha House founder’s lasting influence on hip-hop. featured March 5, 2026
10 De La Soul Songs That Will Make You Levitate Here are some singles, deep cuts, and favorites that perfectly showcase the breezy, eclectic genius of Pos, Maseo and the late Trugoy. entertainment March 4, 2026
De La Soul Rocks NPR’s “Tiny Desk” The famed crew from Long Island celebrates their legacy and catalog on the popular online concert series. entertainment March 3, 2026
Albums We're Excited for in March From Gnarls Barkley to Ty Dolla $ign, the spring kicks off with an eclectic slate of releases from across the musical spectrum. entertainment March 2, 2026
5 Best Moments from the 2026 NAACP Image Awards Black excellence was on full display in Pasadena, in what was a big night for ‘Sinners,’ as Deon Cole roasted Nicki Minaj and the BAFTAs. news March 2, 2026
How To Be Outside, Inside with DJ NYLA The seasoned vibe creator and committed homebody has an elite selection of hangouts and vinyl record havens for when she leaves the crib. new york February 28, 2026
Celebrating 25 Years of J Dilla's 'Welcome 2 Detroit' On 'Welcome 2 Detroit,' the legendary rapper/producer did more than just announce himself, he painted a picture of his city using a palette from throughout the diaspora. featured February 27, 2026
The Listening: New Music From Bruno Mars, Juvenile and Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gnarls Barkley, Fredo Bang and More This week’s new music Friday also features Gorillaz, Freddie Gibbs, Sean Paul, Coi Leray and Brother Ali. entertainment February 27, 2026
What’s Free to Do in New York: Latin & Hip-Hop Party, Mr. Flower Orchid Show, Ebony Society Gallery This weekend, a Black Children’s Book Week event, Afrobeat parties and more, all part of a stacked free lineup. new york February 27, 2026
Player’s Pass with LA REEZY: La Reezy Carries Malcolm X’s Message in His Own Work Honoring the 61st commemoration of Malcolm X, La Reezy reflects on culture, independence, and the responsibility of carrying New Orleans’ sound with purpose. featured February 27, 2026
Okayplayer Exclusive: Juvenile and Megan Thee Stallion Link Up on “B.B.B. (Remix)” Juvie’s return gets a Megan assist, bringing two rap generations together on one record. entertainment February 27, 2026
What If Drill Had a Line Dance? On the Season 4 premiere of 'The Almanac of Rap,' Cupid imagines turning Chief Keef’s “Faneto” into a synchronized line dance. featured February 26, 2026
Pursuit of Happiness: Bushy B’s Headphones are an Escape — Whether He’s Listening to Music or Not For the latest edition of Pursuit of Happiness, Miami’s own Bushy B breaks down just how he finds momentary peace. wellness February 25, 2026
Eric Benét Slams Jelly Roll: "Full of S**t" The neosoul singer called out the Grammy-winning country star for evading commentary on social issues. news February 24, 2026
This is What Black History Sounds Like A century of songs that didn’t just reflect the moment — they shaped eras, sparked movements, and carried the joy and resistance that define Black life. featured February 24, 2026
An Investigation: The Case for Baby Keem as the Best Nepo Rapper Ever Trading in my fitted for a fedora and white tee for a trench coat, I probe the possibility that pgLang’s Golden Child just may be the strongest branch of hip-hop’s sprawling family tree. entertainment February 23, 2026
Player’s Pass with DJ MOMA: DJ Moma Turns the Party Into His Debut Project On 'Jozi Love Affair,' DJ Moma turns Johannesburg’s energy into a sonic journey, reflecting on his roots, his influences, and the moments that shaped his sound. featured February 23, 2026
27 Years of Okayplayer in 27 Moments From the early days of the boards to Art Basel, these are 27 defining moments that shaped Okayplayer’s evolution. featured February 23, 2026
How To Be Outside, Inside with Famed Hip-Hop Photographer, T. Eric Monroe The acclaimed lensman’s NYC picks include swanky hotels, skate shops, and family-owned neighborhood restaurants. new york February 21, 2026
What’s Free to Do in New York: Lunar New Year, Celebrating Frederick Douglass, and Shea Butter Grooves Dance Class You can embrace fashion, culture and style on the runway or spend a family day at a farmhouse, there’s plenty of free things to do as February begins to wind down. new york February 20, 2026
The Listening: New Music From Baby Keem, SZA, J.I.D, Thundercat & Mac Miller and More This week’s new music Friday also features Mozzy, Young Thug, Jorja Smith, Khalid and Dave East. entertainment February 20, 2026
Jesse Jackson Challenged Hip-Hop Because He Believed in It The Civil Rights leader recognized hip-hop’s power early on and spent decades holding the genre and its artists accountable for their influence. featured February 19, 2026
‘The Almanac of Rap’ Returns for Season 4 The two-time Webby Award-winning Okayplayer podcast returns Feb. 26 with a new slate of heavyweights and deeper conversation rooted in hip-hop history. featured February 19, 2026
From Mary J. to Miles Davis: Inside NBA Legends’ Playlists From locker room anthems to late-night jazz, NBA legends and cultural figures share the songs that move them, and settle the Kobe versus Shaq rap debate. featured February 18, 2026
Big Daddy Kane to Headline Hip-HOPE Ball for Black Health Awareness The Brooklyn legend is working with Oya “Grand G” Gilbert to help address multiple myeloma. news February 18, 2026
The Real All-Star Energy Was Outside the Arena As All-Star Weekend unfolded in Los Angeles, Okayplayer House brought basketball, music and community into the same room. featured February 17, 2026
Phonte, Bilal and More Help the Roots Take Over the Brooklyn Bowl on Valentine’s Day The Roots’ first performance of 2026 unfolded at the Brooklyn Bowl this past weekend — and it didn’t disappoint. entertainment February 17, 2026
Jesse Jackson Mourned by Al Sharpton, Kamala Harris and More Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson passed away on Tuesday morning after a long battle with a hospitalizing nuerological condition. news February 17, 2026
OK1st: Juvenile, Luh Tyler, Lakeyah and More Dish on Their First-Ever Dates Ahead of Valentine's Day For the first edition of OK1st, Okayplayer caught up with multiple artists about the first dates they ever went on. featured February 13, 2026
Not Your Soft Launch: 41’s Ratchet Valentine’s Playlist The Brooklyn rap trio curates a playlist for sneaky links, situationships and love that doesn’t whisper. entertainment February 13, 2026
The Listening: New Music From Jill Scott, Brent Faiyaz, Victoria Monet, Mary J. Blige, Ras Kass and More This week’s new music Friday also features Jamie Foxx, Central Cee, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Denzel Curry and Justine Skye entertainment February 13, 2026
Rediscovered: The Fugees’ ‘The Score’ Turns 30 With their sophomore album, ‘The Score,’ The Fugees transformed their sound. And in turn, they helped a section of hip-hop do the same. featured February 13, 2026
How to Be Outside Inside, Featuring Chef Shorne Benjamin The founder of Brooklyn’s Fat Fowl delivers a classy and diverse tour of his favorite NYC spots. new york February 13, 2026
