Rap and R&B are the most impactful genres in contemporary music, pulling from, and informing one another while their most prominent talents ascend the pop charts and inspire musicians around the world.

The Red Bull Music Festival kicks off in Chicago on Saturday, November 3rd, by bringing together legends, luminaries, and rising stars from both genres for one incredible, star-studded night at the Wintrust Arena. The festival feature performances from sharp-witted lyricist Pusha T, the increasingly-imitated Chicago rapper Valee, R&B star Teyana Taylor, New York upstart Sheck Wes, and entrancing New Jersey songstress 070 Shake, as well as rap icon Nas.

Red Bull Music Festival Opening Night will celebrate the past, present, and future of rap and R&B. You may never see all of these artists on the same bill in Chicago ever again.

Click here for tickets!

Hip-hop lovers in Albuquerque, New Mexico are in for a treat as Jadakiss, The Game & Pusha T are all confirmed for the Albuquerque Convention Center on Friday, October 19th.

This is an “All General Admission event,” with tickets starting at $56.50. Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Lupe Fiasco is probably one of the most underrated MC’s in hip-hop. Even with all that he has achieved, he is still not given the props he deserves for his lyrical depth and mastery. Anyone doubting this man’s musical skills should definitely check out his new record, DROGAS WAVE.

Officially released on September 21st, the 24 track album features Nikki Jean, Bishop Edgar Jackson, Elena Pinderhughes, Simon Sayz, Crystal Torres, Damian Marley and Troi Irons. It also has several interludes, one of which is called Slave Ship.

DROGAS WAVE is a powerful, solid hip-hop album that will go down as a classic. Check it out on iTunes.

Lauryn Hill will be taking her The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour to Europe this winter. The artist has three confirmed dates in Australia: February 7th at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney; February 10th at the Riverstage in Brisbane; and February 13th at Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.

On all the aforementioned shows Lauryn will be accompanied by hip-hop giant Nas. Tickets are available HERE.

Reason, a member of Kendrick Lamar’s Top Dawg Entertainment, just released the official video for his single Better Dayz. Directed by Jerome D, the visuals for Better Dayz compliments the lyrics of the song, as it shows the artist (Reason) going about his business, hanging with his friend, shopping etc. when he was gun down.

Click here or on the image above to watch the video, and remember to like, comment and share.

Talib Kweli & Pete Rock

On Saturday, September 1st, the legendary Pete Rock will join the likes of Talib Kweli, Tony Touch and others, at The Midway (900 Marin Street) in San Francisco, California.

This is a 21 and older event, being hosted by both The Midway and Ankh Marketing. Tickets, which are available HERE, ranges from $15 to $30.