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