- In our brand new issue, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a bumper 25-page cover feature that brings together over 100 names - from Chuck D, to Kanya King, to a range of leading executives, producers, DJs, journalists and more - to talk about some of their favourite rap albums of all time.
- YouTube’s Lyor Cohen reflects on his part in the early days of Def Jam, while DJ Premier guides us through five of his classic beats and Lady Leshurr reveals her favourite female MCs. Plus, DJ Semtex traces the evolution of UK hip-hop.
- Also inside, Music Week looks back on the life of Sinéad O’Connor in the wake of her passing at the age of 56, as we reflect on the impact of a unique artist.
- Meanwhile, this month’s edition of The Music Week Interview features Hiten Bharadia, founder of the Music Week Award-winning indie publisher Phrased Differently.
- Also in the features section, we meet BBC Radio 2 bosses Helen Thomas and Jeff Smith, plus DJs Jo Whiley and Trevor Nelson, to celebrate the return of its flagship live event. We also bring you a special Black Music Coalition feature in which we meet five star executives and members of the BMC’s second annual Excellence Honourees list.
