‘The music industry is as cold blooded as Scrooge McDuck’: the return of rapper Yasiin Bey
Under the radar for a decade, the artist formerly known as Mos Def is back. He talks about rejection, revival, and his new partnership with the Alchemist
Bashy, Darkoo and Odeal top winners at 2025 Mobo awards
There are two awards apiece for the UK artists, while Nigerian singer Ayra Starr also wins two at Newcastle-hosted ceremony for Black musical excellence
‘Hip-hop was like dog years. You’d be over by your third album’: De La Soul on grief, Gorillaz and never giving up
Two years after the death of Trugoy, the remaining duo are still feeling raw. They relive the daisy age they built together – and explain how their late bandmate inspires them
Little Simz to curate 2025 Meltdown festival
British rapper is the youngest artist to take on the mantle of curator, following stars such as David Bowie and Patti Smith
Kendrick Lamar’s bootcut jeans steal Super Bowl half-time show
Rapper’s blue-washed pair by Celine were object of derision and lust in momentous performance
Super Bowl: Kendrick Lamar, the ads, Taylor Swift and everything but the football – as it happened
While the game goes ahead, it’s a big night for culture with a much-anticipated half-time show, a string of big name ads and a returning role for Taylor Swift
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl half-time show review – game over for Drake
The Pulitzer prize-winning rapper chose artistry over more obvious showmanship in an unusual set yet still delivered the final blow to his diss track nemesis
Jpegmafia review – hip-hop gunslinger blasts away at his many targets
Dressed like an extra from Deadwood, the US rapper showcases his dizzying eclecticism in an intense performance that lacks subtlety but has room for laughs
Krept & Konan: Young Kingz II review – filthy and poignant in equal measure
The south London rappers’ frankness and sharp wordplay puts their rivals to shame on studio album No 4
Biig Piig: 11:11 review – long-awaited debut hovers on the edge of clubland
Switching between English and Spanish vocals, Irish singer-songwriter Jess Smyth’s genre-hopping set feels most at home in the quieter moments
‘She really is everything!’: how Doechii became a rap icon – and bagged a Grammy
Blending technical brilliance with emotional depth, the 26-year-old beat big names like Eminem to the best rap album award. Collaborators and fans explain her appeal
Irv Gotti, Murder Inc founder and producer of DMX, Ja Rule, Kanye West and others, dies aged 54
Def Jam says it is deeply saddened by death of music mogul who ‘reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B’
Killer Mike sues security firm over Grammys arrest, alleging ‘public humiliation’
Rapper alleges assault, false arrest and more when he was detained shortly after winning three awards at 2024 ceremony, but security firm claims ‘zero involvement’
Chappell, chaps, Brat or rap spats: what will – and should – win at the 2025 Grammys?
It’s tough to call the quality-stacked top categories, featuring Academy darlings such as Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift alongside pop’s new tyros
Central Cee: Can’t Rush Greatness review – a tantalising debut of hits and misses
The British rapper gathers his bangers and chart-toppers together with less impactful work on this 17-track record