Miles Marshall Lewis is a cultural critic, journalist, and author of several books, the most recent being “Promise That You Will Sing About Me: The Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar”. A former editor at Vibe and XXL magazines, his articles have been published by GQ, Essence, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

We recently spent time discussing his path to journalism, leaving New York City to live in Paris for several years, and his unexpected interview with Prince that led to an Ebony magazine cover story in 2015. Because Miles and I are close in age, our talk begins with a subject that’s close to both our hearts: hip-hop. Which is a good thing, because as of August 5th 2024, he became the Cultural Historian for The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, opening in 2025.

Special Guest: Miles Marshall Lewis.

Links:

• Purchase “Promise That You Will Sing About Me: the Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar” — Miles Marshall Lewis explores Kendrick Lamar’s life, his roots, his music, his lyrics, and how he has shaped the musical landscape.
• MML’s journal entry about interviewing Prince (X thread) — 8/24/15, i met prince rogers nelson at paisley park studios for an hours-long convo. our talk ended up as a pretty infamous ebony Q&A months later. but the day we met, i journaled.
• The Hip Hop Museum — MML serves as the museum’s Cultural Historian.