Freddie Gibbs + Madlib feat. Yasiin Bey and Black Thought: Education

From Freddie Gibbs and Madlib’s collaborative album, Bandana, “Education” is a star-studded track that harkens back to the golden era of hip-hop. Gibbs, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Black Thought (frontman of The Roots) lend verses, with Bey taking lead and setting the tone. He speaks of justice, the perils of wealth, the private prison system, gun violence and much more. And, as expected …

Friendly Fires: Silhouettes

Their third release this year, “Silhouettes” solidifies the very welcome return of UK band Friendly Fires—aka Ed Macfarlane, Edd Gibson and Jack Savidge. The song, from their upcoming LP Inflorescent (their first in eight years), is upbeat and full of tropical vibes. With bongoes and a nod to Brazilian disco, this is a summery jam that will surely incite sweaty, poolside dance parties.

The Overlooked Art of Norman Lewis as Explained by Tarin M Fuller, Director of His Estate

Following a recent acquisition by the Whitney Museum, the artist is finding a new audience 40 years after his death

Born in Harlem, in 1909, Norman Lewis led a life laden with art and activism. Unlike many of his peers, he chose to separate the two—even though they influenced one another. As an African-American artist (especially one active from 1930 until his death in 1979) it was expected that his art would document the plight and putrid treatment of black Americans—and that it make a direct …