Music

Amid US-Cuba Tensions, Cimafunk Bridges a Cultural Divide

Amid US-Cuba Tensions, Cimafunk Bridges a Cultural Divide Amid US-Cuba Tensions, Cimafunk Bridges a Cultural Divide

The breakout Cuban star combines his roots with American funk rhythms.

Jun 18, 2019 / Michel Hernandez and Isabel Albee

Billy Ray Cyrus and Lil Nas X perform

A Short History of Country Music’s Multicultural Mishmash A Short History of Country Music’s Multicultural Mishmash

Or everything that came before Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus walked down that “Old Town Road.”

Jun 7, 2019 / David Hajdu

June Protests in Sudan

‘Blood,’ the Anthem of Sudan’s Revolution, Takes on New Meaning Amid Violent Repression ‘Blood,’ the Anthem of Sudan’s Revolution, Takes on New Meaning Amid Violent Repression

A new generation of musicians and artists has been inspired by—and is inspiring—the uprising.

Jun 4, 2019 / Isma’il Kushkush

There’s No Band Quite Like Big Thief

There’s No Band Quite Like Big Thief There’s No Band Quite Like Big Thief

Wrapped into its new album U.F.O.F.’s delicate folds are fragility and resilience, love and trauma, nature and ether, enclosure and space, light and dark. 

Jun 4, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Olivia Horn

Melii Is Not Playing Around

Melii Is Not Playing Around Melii Is Not Playing Around

The Afro-Latina Harlem rapper’s brash music slides seamlessly between languages, cultures, and the boundaries of genre.

May 30, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Julyssa Lopez

Imani Perry

Imani Perry’s Liberation Feminism Imani Perry’s Liberation Feminism

The African-American studies professor sits down with The Nation to discuss books, Beyoncé, and the radical potential of the academy.

May 29, 2019 / Q&A / Nawal Arjini

Jamila Woods’s Neo-Soul Captures the Power of Black Pride

Jamila Woods’s Neo-Soul Captures the Power of Black Pride Jamila Woods’s Neo-Soul Captures the Power of Black Pride

The Chicago singer and poet’s new album, Legacy! Legacy!, offers a path to self-empowerment through the history of African-American culture and creativity. 

May 9, 2019 / Ann-Derrick Gaillot

Vampire Weekend Grows Up

Vampire Weekend Grows Up Vampire Weekend Grows Up

Over a decade since its debut, the band that soundtracked the Great Recession returns with one of its most ambitious albums. 

May 6, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Bijan Stephen

Pete Seeger’s Top 10 Songs

Pete Seeger’s Top 10 Songs Pete Seeger’s Top 10 Songs

The legendary singer, songwriter, and activist was born 100 years ago today.

May 3, 2019 / Blog / Peter Rothberg

Billie Eilish’s Radically Quiet Pop

Billie Eilish’s Radically Quiet Pop Billie Eilish’s Radically Quiet Pop

The LA musician is the pop star made for AirPods. 

May 3, 2019 / David Hajdu

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