Hip-hop emerged from the voices of the unheard. But freedom doesn't ring the same for everyone. Inside all corners of the culture,... more
In the first nine episodes of our season, Louder has tackled the unwritten rules of rap. For the finale, we... more
For Louder host Rodney Carmichael, interrogating misogynoir in hip-hop means confronting some hard questions — as a man, and especially... more
Rico Nasty's music creates a haven for heavy emotions. And in a world that paints Black girls showing any emotion... more
Saucy Santana is part of a new wave of queer artists pushing back against stale standards in hip-hop. Bolstered by... more
How has hip-hop affected perceptions of Black masculinity? We unpack that question through the story of iLoveMakonnen, a rapper who... more
In 2006, Kim Osorio, the editor-in-chief of The Source, sued the magazine and its owners for workplace sexual harassment. Nearly... more
Louder was planning to drop a new episode this morning about a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and workplace discrimination at... more
How did the "bad bitch" replace the "ride or die chick" in hip-hop? In this episode we talk to the... more
The male gaze looms over everything, but hip-hop is its favorite entertainment. Those under its watchful eye feel objectified or... more
Decades before hip-hop's current renaissance of women rappers, there was MC Sha-Rock. Despite her influence on future generations, her contribution... more
It felt like the December 2022 trial of Tory Lanez sparked a divide in hip-hop, but it just stoked the... more
Inside all corners of hip-hop, Black women and queer folk have dealt with the same oppression the music was built... more
Last week, two of Atlanta's biggest rappers Young Thug and Gunna were arrested under the RICO Act. The DA charged... more
What happens to police officers who use excessive force, tamper with evidence or sexually harass someone? In California, internal affairs... more
After 21 years in prison, Mac Phipps has been recommended for clemency, which could mean early release. As we reported... more
Yo Gotti grew up in Memphis just across the state line from Mississippi State Penitentiary (aka Parchman) — so this... more
After LA rapper Nipsey Hussle was murdered in 2019, city officials praised him for his community advocacy. But NPR has... more
Hip-hop loves a hero's come-up, but the culture often has a hard time seeing women as heroes. Two years ago,... more
Six years after his arrest, Bobby Shmurda's fans are still anxiously awaiting his return. The rapper ultimately stayed loyal to... more
Two young men grow up just blocks apart, each with aspirations to make it big. But while Bobby Shmurda sees... more
Just like his legendary disappearing hat, Brooklyn rapper Bobby Shmurda's career was on the rise in 2014. But so was... more
In the early 2000s, mixtapes transformed Tyree Simmons into DJ Drama and molded T.I., Lil Wayne and Jeezy into rap... more
Exploitation of prisoners. Sexual assault allegations. A Supreme Court ruling that could hold the keys to freedom. In the third... more
"A bullet in your brain." What right does the justice system have to decide whether a rapper's words are imagination... more
When New Orleans rap phenom Mac Phipps signed with Master P's No Limit Records, he knew his dream of hip-hop... more
In this first episode, a mysterious conspiracy letter sends us on a journey to find out just how entangled hip-hop... more
Bobby Shmurda. Nipsey Hussle. Mac Phipps. DJ Drama. What happens when hip-hop stars come into contact with the criminal justice... more
From NPR Music, Louder Than A Riot traces the interconnected rise of hip-hop and mass incarceration. Hosts Rodney Carmichael and... more
In this first episode, a mysterious conspiracy letter sends us on a journey to find out just how entangled hip-hop and mass... more