Naima Cochrane

Naima is a music industry veteran, writer, and self-described culture preservationist in NYC. She's also the creator, curator, and Senior Pastor of #MusicSermon. In her free time she watches too much tv, spends too much time on twitter, and eats too much candy. Follow her on twitter @naima.

For Us, by Us: How Fox’s Answer to ‘Must See TV’ Validated Hip-Hop Culture

Recalling Fox's early black-centered TV lineup and how it amplified hip-hop culture.

How ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ Launched Hip-Hop Into the Mainstream

30 years ago MTV took a chance on hip-hop and propelled the genre from being a fad to becoming one of the most important genres in history.

The Greatest Band in the Land Meets the Greatest Music Festival in the Land: How The Roots Opened Essence Fest

The Roots did not disappoint at Essence Festival.

Teddy Riley Brings New Jack Swing to Essence Fest, but Misses The Mark

The New Jack Swing night curated by the super producer of the era felt like a roller coaster that never hit any peaks high enough to merit raising your arms above your head and screaming.

Remembering the OTHER Female R&B Voices of the ’90s

Many times when discussing women in R&B during the '90s, the same names dominate the conversation. Here's a list of some (good) singers you might have forgotten.

ALL HAIL THE QUEENS: In Appreciation of MC Lyte, Queen Latifah and Salt-N-Pepa

MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Salt-N-Pepa are rarely discussed regarding pioneers in hip-hop. While many women have come after them, these three hip-hop acts laid the foundation for the women in rap today to fly.

Remembering Uptown Records: the First Lifestyle Label

25 years after Uptown Records appeared on MTV's "Unplugged," we pay homage to the history of Uptown Records, its artists, and founder, Andre Harrell.