Jul 6, 2023

Why we’re fascinated: Because Touré joins the ranks of icons like Questlove, Sade, Rihanna and Prince, who only need one name to make an impact. A pop culture savant and devotee of the Black American cultural experience, Touré has spent years reporting on music and politics through writing, podcasting and hosting shows on networks like CNN, MSNBC, MTV and BET. Entwined in New York’s rich arts scene, Touré teaches a hip-hop history course at NYU’s Tisch School. He’s also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee, is a creative director at TheGrio, and interviews inspiring Black cultural figures on his podcast, “The Touré Show.”

— Colin Kirkland