Jack Hamilton
Pop, Race, and the ’60s
“Blowin’ in the Wind” and “A Change Is Gonna Come”Two iconic protest anthems reveal the deeply interconnected—and interracial—roots of ’60s folk, soul, and rock ’n’ roll.
Culturebox
De La Soul Is AliveThe legendary trio returns with their first album in over a decade, and it’s excellent.
Television
How The Get Down Botches Hip-Hop HistoryFrom Grandmaster Flash’s turntable technique to Nas’ flow.
Television
O.J.: Made in AmericaForget your O.J. Simpson fatigue—ESPN’s 7½-hour documentary is a revelation.
Sports Nut
The Most Volatile Great Player in NBA HistoryRussell Westbrook can embarrass a whole team with his explosive play. Sometimes that team is his own.
Brow Beat
Prince May Have Been the Greatest Guitarist Since Hendrix, and That Shouldn’t Seem Like a Surprise
Brow Beat
Why It Hurts So Much to Lose Phife Dawg, the Irascible, Hilarious Soul of A Tribe Called Quest
Culturebox
The Big Short Is Adam McKay’s Second-Best FilmHis greatest achievement remains Step Brothers.
Brow Beat
“Under Pressure” Is a Reminder That David Bowie Could Also Be Wonderfully, Powerfully Human
The Music Club
The Music Club, 2015Entry 13: Why Future’s DS2 might be the album of the year, whether or not you like Future the person.
Pop, Race, and the ’60s
Introducing “Pop, Race, and the ’60s”A new Slate Academy asks how, across a decade of integration, rock music became “white.”
Five-ring Circus
A Basketball Coalition of the WillingThe 2016 U.S. Olympic team isn’t dreamy, and it has nothing to redeem. It’s still incredibly fun to watch, and worth rooting for.
Culturebox
When I First Heard Stakes Is HighHow De La Soul’s underappreciated album honored rap history without falling victim to gauzy nostalgia.
Sports Nut
LeBron James Is Even Better Than We Thought He WasWe knew he was one of the greatest of all time. His amazing 2016 finals prove we’re still figuring out what he’s capable of on the court.
Music
Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book Is the First True Gospel-Rap MasterpieceOn his newest testament, the multitalented Chicago emcee sings praises to God—and to Yeezus.
Books
Workers of the Hardwood, Unite!The labor revolution that upended the balance of power in basketball and brought Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James to the NBA.
Culturebox
The Life of Pablo Is an Attack on the Very Idea of the AlbumHas Kanye West turned against his once-favorite art form?
Sports Nut
The San Antonio Spurs Are Not the Greatest Team EverI am very, deeply sorry I ever doubted you, Warriors.
Movies
Hands to the FaceThe woeful Concussion fails to hold the NFL—or anyone—accountable for the CTE crisis.
Sports Nut
Warrior KingsGolden State is currently playing better than any basketball team in history. You might want to watch them.