Music industry

Donald Glover’s Show About Nothing

Donald Glover’s Show About Nothing Donald Glover’s Show About Nothing

Atlanta’s surreal comedy and steady stream of reality checks.

Nov 2, 2016 / K. Leander Williams

Starr and Minaj

Pop Progress: From the Beatles to Nicki Minaj Pop Progress: From the Beatles to Nicki Minaj

Popular music still works as a place where young people can try out notions that challenge ideas dear to their parents.

Oct 3, 2016 / David Hajdu

Brand Yeezy

Brand Yeezy Brand Yeezy

To what extent can Kanye West continue to foreground the commercial components that make his art possible before we no longer consider him an artist at all?

Aug 9, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Angela Flournoy

Katy Perry at the DNC

Hit Machine Hit Machine

It’s unclear what the Clinton campaign thought they could gain by association with Katy Perry on the DNC’s biggest night.

Jul 29, 2016 / David Hajdu

David Ackles Album

David Ackles, Rediscovered Again David Ackles, Rediscovered Again

Stacy Sullivan’s jazz tribute elevates the unknown troubadour back to his rightful place among the glittered gods of ’70s pop-rock.

Jul 20, 2016 / David Hajdu

Henry Threadgill

Old Locks and Irregular Pounds Old Locks and Irregular Pounds

Henry Threadgill’s improvisations are adventurous, though never at the expense of human feeling.

Jun 3, 2016 / David Hajdu

Beyoncé

Beyoncé With the Good Art Beyoncé With the Good Art

Is it possible that the most hyped pop performer of our era could also be avant-garde?

May 9, 2016 / Erin Vanderhoof

Purple Rain

A Violent Room A Violent Room

Why did the movie Purple Rain want or perhaps need to produce and reprise a particular fantasy of interraciality?

May 6, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Joshua Clover

Bryson Tiller

The Extra Ordinary Bryson Tiller The Extra Ordinary Bryson Tiller

Despite his laconic demeanor, lowered expectations, and swag-proof wardrobe, the singer has still managed to create a platinum-selling album.

May 2, 2016 / Frank Guan

Prince

Prince: The Moment’s End Prince: The Moment’s End

The artist was a creative force who seemed constitutionally incapable of not making music.

Apr 22, 2016 / David Hajdu

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