Marcus J. Moore

MarcusJMoore

is a contributing writer for The Nation and the author of The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America.

Sun Ra

The Story of Sun Ra’s Egyptian Adventure The Story of Sun Ra’s Egyptian Adventure

How a 1971 trip changed the course of the free jazz icon’s career.

Jun 2, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Marcus J. Moore

Pharoah Sanders’s Grand Return

Pharoah Sanders’s Grand Return Pharoah Sanders’s Grand Return

A new collaboration with electronic producer Floating Points has led to a modern-day masterpiece for the jazz master.

Mar 30, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Marcus J. Moore

Kendrick Lamar’s Poetic Awakening

Kendrick Lamar’s Poetic Awakening Kendrick Lamar’s Poetic Awakening

How an encounter with a creative writing teacher changed the LA rapper’s life.

Oct 8, 2020 / Marcus J. Moore

The Culture Is Still Catching Up With Georgia Anne Muldrow

The Culture Is Still Catching Up With Georgia Anne Muldrow The Culture Is Still Catching Up With Georgia Anne Muldrow

Whether in jazz, rap, or R&B, she has made music out of liberation.

Aug 31, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Marcus J. Moore

Run the Jewels’ Wake-up Call

Run the Jewels’ Wake-up Call Run the Jewels’ Wake-up Call

While other mainstream rappers might create one song or one album dedicated to the unrest, Killer Mike and El-P have carried that torch for six years.

Jun 29, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Marcus J. Moore

Funk for the Future

Funk for the Future Funk for the Future

Nick Hakim’s bracing and politically urgent new album Will This Make Me Good is a different kind of love music.

May 27, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Marcus J. Moore

Reinventing the Sound of Protest

Reinventing the Sound of Protest Reinventing the Sound of Protest

Jazz quintet Irreversible Entanglements’ fearless music takes to task the police, American politics, capitalism, and racism.

Apr 1, 2020 / Marcus J. Moore

Tame Impala Is Feeling Serenity Now

Tame Impala Is Feeling Serenity Now Tame Impala Is Feeling Serenity Now

The Australian band’s contemplative new album finds calm in its stadium rock ambitions.

Feb 14, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Marcus J. Moore

The Making of Moroccan Funk

The Making of Moroccan Funk The Making of Moroccan Funk

Led by the Casablanca polymath Abdelakabir Faradjallah, the band Attarazat Addahabia defined the sound of the city.

Sep 17, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Marcus J. Moore

Bon Iver’s Great Escape

Bon Iver’s Great Escape Bon Iver’s Great Escape

What began as a solo folk act has swelled into a collaborative and ecstatic mix of rock, pop, gospel, and more. 

Aug 22, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Marcus J. Moore

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