During the late 1990s, Hip-Hop was a seismic force that garnered mainstream recognition as a billion-dollar industry. The culture had invalidated scores of critics who dismissed it as a fad during the previous two decades. Hip-Hop achieved this while rewriting the rules of the music business and redefining the American lifestyle.
Taking a deeper look at Hip-Hop’s booming business and incredible diversity, Miramax released the documentary Rhyme & Reason 20 years ago. Directed by Peter Spirer (who later worked on Beef and Tupac: Thug Angel), the film examined Hip-Hop’s boom through covering more than 80 MCs, producers, dancers, DJs, and executives. Heads and those simply curious showed up, as the film made more than $1.6 million at the box office.
Looking back 20 years, Rhyme & Reason examined an astounding cross-section of ’90s Rap. A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Def Squad, Dr. Dre, Tha Dogg Pound, E-40, The Fugees, Guru, Ice-T, Lost Boyz, KRS-One, Mack 10, Master P, MC Eiht, Nas, The Pharcyde, Puff Daddy, and Wu-Tang Clan all appear in the feature film.
Sparoh is an Atlanta-based artist creating music at the crossroads of melodic trap, alternative pop, and punk-fueled rebellion. Equal parts vulnerable and unapologetic, her work explores identity, liberation, and the complexities of Black womanhood.Raised in the DMV on a foundation of jazz, funk, and blues, Sparoh was drawn early to artists who challenged convention and redefined what was possible. Influenced by trailblazers like Joyce Kennedy,…See More
Gus is making a comeback. He's growing stronger and the world is starting to take notice. He's been recording and doing music for over a decade. He's caught some fire but he's kept going and is making an impact that lasts on the ears and hearts of his listeners. He's reaching for his goal this time around and he aims break the wind and give you music that touches the…See More
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. June 26, 2026 Genre-blending pianist/MC/composer celebrates Black Music Month KEV CHOICE ENSEMBLE@ Yoshi's, 510 Embarcadero, Oakland Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PM Doors: 9:15 PM / Show: 9:30 PM…See More
FRIDAY, JULY 3 True Skool presents ELEVATION (1st Fridays)Featuring:CaliProof Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist)@ Golden Ratio, 1517 Franklin St., Oakland 21+ / Doors 9pm / FREE B4 10pmFree B4 11pm with RSVP: http://bit.ly/elevationfirstfridayABOUTELEVATION is a brand new party series! Curated by renowned DJ and crate-digger…See More
