Music

The “Digital Blackface” Artist Competing for a Grammy

The “Digital Blackface” Artist Competing for a Grammy The “Digital Blackface” Artist Competing for a Grammy

Ghostwriter’s “heart on my sleeve” became a viral hit thanks to vocals by Drake and The Weeknd. But neither artist contributed to the song.

Nov 9, 2023 / Faith Branch

Louis Armstrong Gets the Last Word on Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong Gets the Last Word on Louis Armstrong Louis Armstrong Gets the Last Word on Louis Armstrong

For decades, Americans have argued over the icon’s legacy. But his archives show that he had his own plans.

Oct 30, 2023 / Feature / Ethan Iverson

Letters Icon

Letters From the October 16/23, 2023, Issue Letters From the October 16/23, 2023, Issue

Island records… The West Wing… Corrections… Class grievances (web only)… 

Sep 30, 2023 / Our Readers

Jann Wenner seated onstage, speaking.

Jann Wenner’s Blinkered Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution Jann Wenner’s Blinkered Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution

He built an empire on the foundations laid by Black musicians—but fails entirely to recognize that.

Sep 22, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Top 10 Labor Day Songs

Top 10 Labor Day Songs Top 10 Labor Day Songs

In honor of Labor Day, here’s a stab at the impossible task of naming the best songs ever written about working people.

Sep 4, 2023 / Peter Rothberg

photo of oliver anthony singing, holding guitar

If the Left Doesn’t Channel Populist Resentment, We Know Who Will If the Left Doesn’t Channel Populist Resentment, We Know Who Will

What tone-deaf liberals can’t hear in Rich Men North of Richmond.

Aug 24, 2023 / Erica Etelson

Oliver Anthony

The New Bard of the Right The New Bard of the Right

When a video of his song “Rich Men North of Richmond” went viral, Oliver Anthony claimed he was politically “dead center.” His lyrics say otherwise.

Aug 18, 2023 / Chris Lehmann for The Nation

The Return of Noname

The Return of Noname The Return of Noname

In her new album, Sundial, the rapper melds her activism and artistry seamlessly.

Aug 17, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Pupil Slicer lead vocalist Katie Davies during a performance at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival in 2022.

How the UK’s Metal Scene Became a Haven for Trans People How the UK’s Metal Scene Became a Haven for Trans People

Amid Britain’s relentless transphobia, the metal community is creating an ever-growing number of trans icons.

Aug 17, 2023 / William Elisabeth Cuthbert

Robbie Robertson circa November 1994 at The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City.

The Indigenous Roots of Robbie Robertson’s Rock and Roll Revolution The Indigenous Roots of Robbie Robertson’s Rock and Roll Revolution

The music called Americana was created by a Jewish-Canadian-Cayuga-Mohawk.

Aug 14, 2023 / Jeet Heer

x