Music

From an early age Norman Sann has had a shine. The backdrop of his beginnings is all too normal these days, but Norman was built differently. Norman Sanchez was born in Houston, Texas to a single mother. His father was serving time in jail and his older brothers were busy making moves in the street.…

Beginning with his classic debut, Illmatic (1994), Nas has stood tall as one of New York City's leading rap voices, outspokenly expressing a righteous, self-empowered swagger that has endeared him to critics and hip-hop purists. Whether proclaiming himself "Nasty Nas" or "Nas Escobar" or "Nastradamus" or "God's Son," the self-appointed King of New York has…

One of the most revered and prolific rap producers of his generation, the Alchemist crafts sample-heavy, tough, yet detailed beats suffused with soul. His extensive discography, dating back to the early 1990s, includes tracks by the likes of Dilated Peoples, Mobb Deep, Nas, Ghostface Killah, Lil Wayne, and Kendrick Lamar, and he's so valued as…

For as long as she can remember, 23 year-old singer-songwriter Amindi K. Frost—better known as just Amindi—has always loved telling stories. “I've been writing songs since I was maybe four or five years old,” she shares. “I always say that my songs are manifestations and stories.” – afropunk.com    

An MC and producer from New York City's tradition-rich Long Island, Roc Marciano is well-respected for his moody, claustrophobic beats and stream-of-consciousness, heavily stylized lyrics. Briefly affiliated with Flipmode Squad early in his career, he formed the short-lived crew the U.N. during the early 2000s before going solo, earning massive acclaim for his self-produced 2010…