Anthony DeCurtis

It's tough to stay street with a home in the Hamptons. But new albums by Jay-Z, DMX, and the late Notorious B.I.G. negotiate rap stardom's inherent contradictions.

Want the 411 on Mary J. Blige's latest? It proves that Lauryn Hill's not the only hip-hop thrush taking soul to new heights.

Want the 411 on Mary J. Blige's latest? It proves that Lauryn Hill's not the only hip-hop thrush taking soul to new heights.