ROOT

by Bené Viera

What We Learned From J.Cole’s Born Sinner

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J.Cole doesn’t walk in the room like he’s a star. The way he moves you can tell he has an affinity for struggle. The struggle keeps him grounded in the southern soil of North Carolina. And although he’s overcome much of what plagued his upbringing, he never wants to forget it. The I’m-still-Jermaine-with-the-chipped-tooth humbleness is what makes it impossible for people to not want him to win. Read more…

by Emily Exton (@emilyexton)

Tears, Truth, And Talent: A “Very Special” Evening With K.Michelle

“Sometimes I’m [going to] smack a b–ch with flowers, sometimes I’m [going to] wax a motherf–ker, but I’m still a lady,” K.Michelle told her adoring audience at the Highline Ballroom in New York City on Thursday night. Those who balk at hearing profanity in small spaces clearly haven’t been to a K show before. Seeing the Love And Hip Hop Atlanta star perform live is part comedy show, part therapy session, and, most importantly, a true example of a talented vocalist with personality to spare.

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