After years of almost total silence from Lauryn Hill, she finally opened up to NPR about her music, why she left the game, and where she's headed next. While her classic solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was groundbreaking in part because of her unique ability to sing over hooks she also rapped, she's focusing now on "opening up [her] range, really sing more." According to Lauryn, "Most people have never really heard me 'sing sing sing'... if I do record again, next time perhaps it will be in an expanded context." And for those have been missing Ms. Hill's voice, she's starting to perform again, including the Rock the Bells tour this summer. She told NPR, "I think it's just time [to perform more], I'm starting to get excited again."

Read the full interview here.

And watch Lauryn's classic "The Ex-Factor" video above, just to remind you of exactly how dope she is, in case any of you forgot.

Ghariokwu Lemi, the man behind all of Fela Kuti's classic album covers, speaks with Vibe on his relationship with Fela and the stories behind the artwork.

With M.I.A.'s new album /\/\ /\ Y /\ just around the corner, a second round of remixes for her "XXXO" single has been unveiled, featuring versions by Riton, SBTRKT, and Various. Check out Riton's anthemic, piano-laced club re-rub below, and stream the other remixes here.

"XXXO" - Riton Re-Rub:

Come downtown to the South Street Seaport tonight for PUMA Social Night, presented by Giant Step, with music provided by DJs Erik The Red (Giant Step) & DRM (Bastard Jazz). It's free all night with a huge open bar from 9pm to 10pm, so get your game face on and join us!

The much anticipated Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty album from Big Boi is almost here, but you can stream the entire album now on his MySpace and check out the video for "Shutterbug" above. Yes, we know the album leaked and so does Big Boi, who tweeted, "Hello good people, I know the album leaked, I don't care if u download it, just support GREAT MUSIC July 6th!!!! Stank u."

Download the new single "Tangerine" with T.I. from 2DopeBoyz here.

For die hard fans, BigBoi.com is offering limited edition bundles of the album, including a deluxe double-disc, ivory white vinyl, a limited edition T-shirt, and a custom GoodWood chain.

Pre-Order Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty on Amazon