Podcasts by Popcast
The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in popular music criticism, trends and news.
Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp
Further podcasts by The New York Times
Podcast on the topic Musikrezensionen
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Songs of the Summer from 2023-12-12T17:52:38.860383
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss some of the most popular songs of the summer.
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The Enigma of Big Thief from 2023-11-30T15:25:17.239193
A conversation about the space the breakout Brooklyn band occupies in contemporary indie-rock circles, and its latest album. Guests: Rolling Stone's Jon Dolan and Pitchfork's Sam Sodomsky.
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Reggaeton’s Global Expansion and Wide-Open Future from 2023-11-30T15:25:17.234784
As the genre grows in worldwide popularity, it is engaging with the pop music mainstream and stratifying into subsets, introducing new opportunities and dilemmas. Guests: Isabelia Herrera and Katel...
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The 2022 Grammys: Let’s Discuss from 2023-11-30T15:25:17.152346
What are the awards at this point, and who benefits from them? Guests: Jon Pareles, Wesley Morris and Lindsay Zoladz.
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A Decade of Drill Rap from 2023-11-30T15:25:17.071412
Pop Smoke, Lil Durk, Fivio Foreign and more have taken the sound that emerged in Chicago in different directions. What might come next? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and David Drake.
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Can Harry Styles’s Music Catch Up to His Fame? from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.936159
How his time in One Direction and a powerful online fan base have shaped the pop star’s career. Guests: The Atlantic's Kaitlyn Tiffany, and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Mailbag Madness: Adele, Jack Harlow, the State of Rock’s Return from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.881256
The team answers your questions about Chance the Rapper, how the critics consider extramusical concerns and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.
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What’s Next for Jack Harlow? from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.865931
He’s one of hip-hop’s biggest emerging stars, and he’s cutting a very different path than the white rappers who came before him. Guests: Hunter Harris, Larisha Paul and Peter Rosenberg.
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The Robust Return of Beyoncé from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.854953
A deep dive on “Renaissance,” her relationship to queer music communities and her framing of authorship. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Wesley Morris, Jon Pareles and Salamishah Tillet.
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The Sudden Rise of Zach Bryan from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.746924
The breakout country-folk singer and songwriter has found an audience for his old-fashioned artistry largely on a newer platform: streaming. Guest: Grady Smith.
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Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’: Listener Mailbag from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.663306
The New York Times pop music team had its say; now a new panel answers questions about the blockbuster album. Guests: Madison Malone Kircher and Pitchfork's Quinn Moreland.
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50 Years of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Talking Book’ from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.657151
A conversation about the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s studio innovations, and melding of social consciousness and musical creativity. Guest: Jon Pareles.
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2022: The Year in Atlanta Rap from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.643092
The country’s most influential hip-hop scene has weathered a period of extraordinary upheaval. A look back at happened, and what’s next. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.
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The Best Albums of 2022? Let’s Discuss. from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.641377
Our critics debate their year-end lists (and agree on Beyoncé and Rosalía!) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
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The Year of Bad Bunny from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.570962
With a blockbuster LP and a smash tour, the genre-melding superstar set a new bar for himself, and expanded the possibilities for Spanish-language pop worldwide. Guests: Billboard's Leila Cobo and ...
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Grammys 2023: Hip-Hop Wins, Beyoncé Wins (Sort of) from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.490863
Does respect from music’s premier awards show still carry weight? Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Pharrell and Luxury Fashion’s Hip-Hop Obsession from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.478488
The hitmaker has been named a creative director at Louis Vuitton, building another bridge between two worlds with decades of history. Guest: Complex's Aria Hughes.
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Celebrating De La Soul, With Questlove from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.473598
A conversation about the group’s impact and legacy as its music finally arrives on streaming services, just weeks after the death of one of its rappers, Dave Jolicoeur. Guests: Questlove and Josep...
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The Friendship Harmonies of boygenius from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.453071
How Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus’s side project has become a major part of their music — and their lore. Guests: Jon Pareles and Pitchfork's Cat Zhang.
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Jai Paul Emerges From the Shadows, Somewhat from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.387861
The elusive vocalist and producer performed his first shows last month. Do they mark the end of an arc, or a new beginning? Guests: Lindsay Zoladz and The New Yorker's Jia Tolentino.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Taylor Swift and Matty Healy, Plus ‘The Idol’ from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.367114
Breaking down Ice Spice’s new feature on Swift’s “Karma” remix, the explosion in pop music documentaries and more.
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Popcast Mailbag! Frank Ocean, Peso Pluma, A.I. Grimes and More from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.363756
You asked, we answered your questions about the weight of following a smash single and the persistence of genre. Guests: Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli, Lindsay Zoladz and Caryn Ganz.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Olivia Rodrigo Returns, Fall Out Boy Denies History from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.249006
Plus: “Barbie” memes and the Grimace Shake attacks.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Our Favorite Albums of the Year So Far from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.065490
Peso Pluma, Ice Spice, Skrillex, 100 gecs and more.
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The Raw Art and Life of Sinead O’Connor from 2023-11-30T15:25:16.039282
A conversation about her unlikely pop fame, complex relationship to stardom and powerful, signature music. Guests: Alfred Soto and Amanda Hess.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Lizzo, Travis Scott and the Limits of Persona from 2023-11-30T15:25:15.991146
What can pop stars get away with? Plus: the deaths of Sinead O’Connor and Angus Cloud.
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Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Speed Round, Part 2 from 2023-11-30T15:25:15.649143
A conversation about Swift’s relationship to celebrity, the tour date as destination event and how fans dressed up for the show. Guests: Caryn Ganz, Vrinda Jagota and Josh Duboff.
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Popcast (Deluxe): ‘Bottoms,’ ‘Hard Knocks’&Uncovering Rap History from 2023-11-30T15:25:15.643692
What we watched (and read!) this summer.
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Maren Morris: The (Deluxe) Interview from 2023-11-30T15:25:15.171046
In a guest appearance, the country-pop singer discusses her recent decision to step back from country music because of Nashville’s poor track record of tolerance and diversity.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Is the Pop Music Machine Stuck in Place? from 2023-11-30T15:25:15.154767
With certain headliners hogging up space, where are the new stars? We checked in on recent hits from the radio, streaming services and TikTok.
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Noah Kahan’s Rootsy Rock Revival from 2023-11-30T15:25:15.152209
Revisiting the rustic mainstream sound of the early 2010s, the Vermont singer-songwriter has broken through with “Stick Season.” Guests: Vox's Rebecca Jennings and Billboard's Jason Lipshutz.
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Popcast (Deluxe): ‘Priscilla’ and ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Plumb Heartbreak from 2023-11-30T15:25:15.150683
Breaking down Sofia Coppola’s new film, an impressionistic take on Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship, plus: the surprising depth of a reality TV spinoff.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Can Rap Bridge Its Generation Gap? from 2023-11-29T18:35:06
Is it possible for rappers to age gracefully? Where are the new stars? A discussion on the state of the genre and where it may be heading.
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André 3000’s Experiments With Flutes and Fame from 2023-11-25T15:45:48
The acclaimed rapper’s first solo album contains no rapping. What does this sharp creative turn reveal about its maker? Guests: GQ's Zach Baron, and Sadie Sartini Garner.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Mailbag! The Beatles, Taylor Swift and More from 2023-11-22T19:33:56
Taking viewer and listener questions on hot topics in pop music.
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Popcast (Deluxe): What Is Going On With the Grammy Nominations? from 2023-11-15T23:50:37
Dissecting the contenders for the 2024 Grammy Awards, including top nominations for SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Jon Batiste. Plus: Nathan Fielder's "The Curse."
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PinkPantheress Leaves the Bedroom for the Wider Pop World from 2023-11-10T22:32:20
A conversation about the 22-year-old singer, songwriter and producer’s new album and the art of sampling. Guests: Kemi Alemoru and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Who Is Troye Sivan Now? from 2023-10-27T16:34:49
A conversation about the pop star’s evolution on his new album, “Something to Give Each Other,” and the ceilings he may still face as an openly gay male performer. Guests: Harry Tafoya and Shaad D’...
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Popcast (Deluxe): The Britney Spears Memoir + ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ from 2023-10-25T18:09:02
Reacting to “The Woman in Me,” the new book by Spears, and Martin Scorsese’s latest film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone.
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Drake Takes On All Comers from 2023-10-20T16:38:33
The rapper’s new album, “For All the Dogs,” has stirred debate about maturity and misogyny, and led to questions about the next phase of his career. Guests: The Ringer's Justin Charity and Pitchfor...
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Popcast (Deluxe): Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Movie + Bad Bunny Returns from 2023-10-18T15:41:16
A conversation about Swift’s concert film documenting her summer stadium sojourn. Plus: The new album “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana.”
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Do We Need Album Reviews Anymore? from 2023-10-12T18:53:25
A conversation about the history — and future — of album reviews in an increasingly fraught environment for music journalism and criticism.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Drake’s New Album Courts New Enemies from 2023-10-11T14:45:16
A discussion about “For All the Dogs” and the fever-pitch online discourse around Drake, his career and his public persona. Plus: reality TV drama.
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Zach Bryan Begins Building His Village from 2023-09-29T13:33:21
A conversation about the singer-songwriter’s post-politics approach to stardom, his dogged work ethic and his artistic coalition with fellow dissidents.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Doja Cat’s Rap Renaissance + Taylor Swift&Travis Kelce from 2023-09-27T14:36:54
Breaking down Doja Cat’s surprising new album, “Scarlet,” plus: Swift’s foray into football and Hasan Minhaj’s fibs.
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Remembering Jimmy Buffett, Beach Bum Bard from 2023-09-21T19:01
A conversation about how the musician, who died this month at 76, turned a way of life into a song — and that song back into a very profitable way of life. Guest: Jon Pareles
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Popcast (Deluxe): Ice Spice’s Munchkin Drink + Jann Wenner Backlash from 2023-09-20T17:34:36
Plus: what it’s like in Sean Combs’s sauna.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Breaking Down Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Guts,’ Part 2 from 2023-09-13T19:33:01
A deep dive into whom the singer’s new songs might be about — and if it matters. Plus: Zach Bryan’s breakthrough and recent arrest.
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Olivia Rodrigo’s Songs About Growing Pains from 2023-09-12T23:42:26
The 20-year-old singer-songwriter returns with “Guts,” an album informed by the opportunities and costs of her rapid rise. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Popcast (Deluxe) Mailbag: Selena Gomez, BTS and Doja Cat! from 2023-08-30T19:45:12
Listener (and viewer!) questions on some recent releases, also including Renee Rapp, Earl Sweatshirt and Zach Bryan.
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Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Speed Round, Part 1 from 2023-08-29T19:46:16
A conversation about how the concert relates to Beyoncé’s stadium show, the role of dance in Swift’s spectacular and more. Guests: Wesley Morris, Brian Seibert and Bandsplain's Yasi Salek.
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Popcast (Deluxe): A Shocking No. 1 Hit and Addison Rae’s New EP from 2023-08-23T21:37:05
The rapid rise of Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond,” plus: the playful pop of the TikTok star Addison Rae.
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Dead&Company Said Farewell, but the Scene Is Very Alive from 2023-08-22T14:39:26
One of jam’s most definitive bands is still attracting new recruits, and younger generations are finding comfort in its community. Guests: JamBase's Scott Bernstein; and Marc Tracy.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Is There Such a Thing as the Song of the Summer? from 2023-08-16T20:44:39
Tracks by Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and more have dominated this summer — or at least attempted to.
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Jason Aldean’s Culture War Hit from 2023-07-28T17:53:21
After the country star’s “Try That in a Small Town” video was criticized as offensive, right-wing support sent the song to No. 2 on the singles chart. Guests: The Tennessean's Marcus K. Dowling; th...
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Popcast (Deluxe): ‘Barbie,’ Jason Aldean’s Culture War and Drake’s Tour from 2023-07-26T20:17:45
Plus: Violent J in our 50 Rappers, 50 Stories project, new songs and new snacks.
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50 Rappers, 50 Stories: Behind the Scenes from 2023-07-23T00:44
A look at how we assembled a sweeping collection of personal narratives, and the threads that tie them together. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Elena Bergeron and Keith Murphy.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Fans Misbehaving at Concerts, and Pinkydoll’s NPC TikTok from 2023-07-19T20:21:15
Plus: Music from Troye Sivan and Militarie Gun (as performed by Post Malone).
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Popcast (Deluxe): Britney Spears’s Wembanyama Run-In and Taylor Swift’s ‘Revenge’ from 2023-07-12T19:26
Plus: Lil Uzi Vert’s new No. 1 “Pink Tape,” and Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City.”
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The Many Lives of Lil Durk from 2023-07-11T18:35:11
How the Chicago rap veteran reinvented himself, and became a star largely in the shadows. Guest: Fake Shore Drive's Andrew Barber.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Kim Petras’s New LP and Jennifer Lawrence’s Return from 2023-06-29T23:31:32
Up for discussion this week: “The Idol” approaches its finale, the conclusion of Kesha and Dr. Luke’s legal battle and more.
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Kylie Minogue’s ‘Padam Padam’ and the Queer Club-Pop Canon from 2023-06-27T15:08:42
The global star’s single has become the soundtrack of Pride this year, opening fresh conversations about pop divas and their gay fans. Guest: Vulture's Jason P. Frank
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Popcast (Deluxe): Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton and Gunna’s New LP from 2023-06-21T18:49:31
What’s the role of global celebrity in high fashion? Why hasn’t hip-hop penetrated the charts this year? And what’s the snack of the week?
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The Joni Mitchell Renaissance from 2023-06-17T13:40:30
A conversation about how the singer-songwriter was received during her career peak, and how she is remaking her own music in her later years. Guest: Lindsay Zoladz.
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Popcast (Deluxe): The Rise of the A.I. Pop Star, Luke Combs’s ‘Fast Car’ from 2023-06-14T19:04:35
Dissecting the recent wave of songs ‘by’ Drake and others, plus your questions about band reunions, a rundown of new songs and more.
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Popcast (Deluxe): Morgan Wallen, Indie Sleaze and ‘Survivor’ from 2023-05-31T19:27:29
Introducing a new weekly video show from the Popcast team that breaks down the essential pop culture story lines of the moment.
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On TikTok, Pop Music Speeds Up from 2023-05-24T21:05:17
A 12-year-old Miguel song has re-entered the Billboard charts, demonstrating how the app reshapes listening habits. Guest: Billboard's Elias Leight.
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Jessie Ware Is Dancing Into Her Second Act from 2023-05-17T22:55:17
A conversation about the British musician’s journey to her lush neo-disco manifesto “That! Feels Good!” Guests: Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Ed Sheeran Is Vindicated, But Other Copyright Battles Rage On from 2023-05-10T22:02:16
Do current protections account for how music is actually made now? Guest: Ben Sisario.
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How Fred again.. Jolted Dance Music from 2023-04-24T21:27:48
A conversation about the genre's new wave of big-tent ambition, and the whimsical British artist at the heart of it. Guest: Foster Kamer.
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A Spree of Country Music Divorce Albums from 2023-04-17T14:37:27
Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and Kacey Musgraves have reacted to breakups — and found freedom — in song. Guest: Marissa R. Moss.
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How Taylor Swift Shapes the Story of Her Eras from 2023-03-31T16:44:18
The pop superstar is back on tour for the first time since 2018, performing grand stadium shows that spin a narrative from her 10-album catalog. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.
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The Inevitability of Ice Spice from 2023-03-22T19:26:46
A conversation about the ubiquitous Bronx rapper’s rise, and her boosts from the meme universe. Guest: Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza.
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The Return of Morgan Wallen (Who Never Went Away) from 2023-03-16T19:29:44
As the country star’s new album earns the biggest debut of the year, a conversation about the nature of his fame and the scope of his reprimand for using a racial slur. Guest: The New Yorker's Kele...
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SZA’s Very Roundabout Path to Success from 2023-02-18T16:48:09
A conversation about the singer and songwriter’s chart-topping “SOS,” and the different approach to star-making that brought her there. Guest: Danyel Smith.
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Lil Yachty Breaks Boundaries and Takes on Rap Conservatism from 2023-02-10T22:52:33
A conversation about the hip-hop eccentric’s experiments, and the benefits (and perils) of collaborating outside an artist’s established genre. Guests: Jayson Buford and The Ringer's Justin Charity.
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Blackpink, Aespa, NewJeans: The Evolution of K-Pop Girl Groups from 2023-01-26T15:56:08
Acts with growing profiles and unique personalities are taking increasingly different paths, as the genre’s globalization opens new doors. Guest: Tamar Herman.
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Ticketmaster Under the Magnifying Glass from 2023-01-19T21:21:47
The concert giant has long been the target of consumer complaints and artists’ ire. Recent incidents involving Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny have renewed focus on problems in the live marketplace. Gue...
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Jazz’s Year of Reckoning With Tradition from 2023-01-12T14:21:18
As the genre experiences a creative renaissance, has it become quietly radical to re-embrace the past? Guests: Harmony Holiday and Giovanni Russonello.
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Year-End Listener Mailbag: Your 2022 Questions, Part 2 from 2022-12-31T20:44:26
Answering reader queries about the state of the music video, Morgan Wallen, SZA and Ethel Cain and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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Year-End Listener Mailbag: Your 2022 Questions, Part 1 from 2022-12-28T13:50:18
You asked, we answered your queries about Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, the state of indie rock and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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Separating Big Business and Bad Behavior in‘Tár’ from 2022-11-16T14:10:57
The film about a renowned and embattled conductor puts a fresh spin on conversations about art, power and misdeeds. Guests: Vulture's Alison Wilmore and Zachary Woolfe.
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Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’: Let’s Discuss from 2022-10-25T16:07:47
The blockbuster singer-songwriter’s 10th studio album finds her at a crossroads: Will she continue to reckon with her past, or forge another new path forward? Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jo...
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Remembering Loretta Lynn from 2022-10-20T14:12:49
A conversation about the country music titan’s sly radicalism and the many readings and misreadings of her work. Guest: Jewly Hight.
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The Young Women Who Make TikTok Weep from 2022-10-12T13:19:24
Songwriters who have found success on the app via emotional catharsis have expanded its range, and piqued the music industry’s interest. Guest: Stereogum's Rachel Brodsky.
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Popcast Live! The New Faces of 2022 from 2022-09-22T19:04:32
Blondshell, Central Cee, Ethel Cain and more: a conversation about what’s breaking through, plus questions from the audience at our first live taping. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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The Perseverance of Megan Thee Stallion from 2022-09-14T17:29:10
The rapper’s rise has been accompanied by outside noise. How has she grown on record, and how have extra-musical narratives shaped her career? Guests: Rolling Stone's Mankaprr Conteh and Pitchfork'...
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What Is a ‘Fake’ Artist in 2022? from 2022-08-31T19:20:54
Firestorms over the “virtual rapper” FN Meka and faceless artists on Spotify have sparked conversations about alienation and creative agency. Guests: Joe Coscarelli; Garbage Day's Ryan Broderick; a...
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Rage Against the Machine, Roaring On from 2022-08-24T21:27:29
A conversation about the band’s return, its evolving message and the nature of comeback tours. Guests: Rolling Stone's Andy Greene and the writer and "Summer of Soul" producer Joseph Patel.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’: The Speed Round from 2022-08-17T19:13:55
The conversation continues about one of the year’s most ideologically provocative pop albums, its queer inspirations and its credits. Guests: Naima Cochrane, Vulture's Jason P. Frank, Resident Advi...
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A Renaissance in American Hardcore Music from 2022-08-11T18:13:14
A look at the recent burst of bands and how the scene operates as music, ethic and feeling. Guests: Stereogum's Tom Breihan and The Ringer's Chris Ryan.
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Lizzo’s Complicated, Joyful Pop from 2022-07-27T18:32:30
The singer, rapper and songwriter’s peppy empowerment songs have made her an outlier in a field dominated by melancholic music. Guests: The Ringer's Justin Charity; Lindsay Zoladz; and William Robin.
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‘Elvis’ vs. Elvis from 2022-07-13T14:01:02
How much do fantasy and imagination play into how we remember pop culture heroes? Guests: A.O. Scott and Alanna Nash.
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Where Is Jazz Most at Home? from 2022-06-29T16:49:45
The genre has long been filled with tension between mainstream outlets and the spaces in which the music is most likely to grow. Guests: Giovanni Russonello and WBGO's Nate Chinen.
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Drake Hits the Nightclub from 2022-06-22T19:59:26
How did the rapper arrive on the dance floor? And what subcultures and expectations might he experiment with next? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and The Baltimore Banner's Lawrence Burney.
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Digging Into Bob Dylan and Lou Reed’s Archives from 2022-06-15T22:22:29
Attempting to uncover unknown things about very well known people. Guest: Ben Sisario.
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Kendrick Lamar’s Anxiety Era from 2022-05-24T15:28:03
During his five-year pause between albums, the rapper has been reckoning — with his own evolution, and the narrative that’s been constructed for him. Guests: Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza; New York ma...
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How Gossip Is Remaking Online Hip-Hop Media from 2022-05-18T13:11:09
Actual music can seem like an afterthought as digital coverage of the genre has tilted toward tabloidism. Are there other paths forward? Guests: HipHopDX's Jerry Barrow; Complex's Andre Gee; and Ge...
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Why We Collect from 2022-05-11T13:18:15
A conversation about the urge to accumulate treasured items and the stories objects can hold. Guest: The New Yorker's Hua Hsu.
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Machine Gun Kelly’s Pop-Punk Pivot from 2022-04-27T21:27:16
After decreasing returns in the hip-hop world, the musician and actor stepped into a revival that had roots in SoundCloud rap, and a champion in Travis Barker. Guests: Meaghan Garvey and Arielle Go...
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Will Smith, Before the Slap from 2022-04-21T15:52:25
Plenty has been said about Oscars night. But what about the rapper-turned-actor’s remarkable journey up to that point? Guest: Andscape's Soraya Nadia McDonald.
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Songs of the Summer from 2022-04-20T17:30:10.177675
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss some of the most popular songs of the summer.
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Charli XCX’s Ever-Evolving Pop from 2022-03-30T21:53:04
The singer and songwriter’s career has inspired dance parties as well as spirited conversations about her ambitions and aesthetic innovations. Guests: Hazel Cills and Shaad D’Souza.
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The Many Worlds of Rosalía from 2022-03-23T20:33:38
The Spanish phenom’s music takes in a host of global influences, making her one of the most sonically ambitious and critically dissected pop artists today. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.
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The Sounds of Ukrainian Pop from 2022-03-15T22:26:27
A conversation about some of the country’s stars, the musical traditions they work within and how they have grappled with the war. Guest: Vogue's Liana Satenstein.
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Songs of the Summer from 2022-03-07T15:03:59.139383
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss some of the most popular songs of the summer.
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Remembering Betty Davis, a Futuristic Funk Force from 2022-02-23T21:58:54
A conversation about her unique music, her short career and the path that led to her rediscovery. Guests: Jon Pareles, Maureen Mahon and Oliver Wang.
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Songs of the Summer from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.864536
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss some of the most popular songs of the summer.
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The Alchemist from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.859496
Ben Ratliff talks to Jennifer Herrema of the band Black Bananas.
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Our Vacations with Ariana Grande and Kate Bush from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.858410
Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss new projects by Ms. Grande and Ms. Bush.
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Dave Grohl’s ‘Sonic Highways’ from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.849930
Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss “Sonic Highways,” the new album and HBO mini-series by Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.
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The Pop Savvy of ‘Beyond the Lights’ from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.837094
Jon Caramanica and A.O. Scott discuss what this modern update of “The Bodyguard” gets right about the music business.
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The Year in Jazz 2014 from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.833875
Jon Pareles, Nate Chinen and Ben Ratliff discuss the movements of jazz in 2014.
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All About Meghan Trainor from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.832834
Ben Ratliff and Joe Coscarelli discuss Ms. Trainor as surprise, as a formula, as contrivance and as a product of Nantucket, hip-hop and Nashville.
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Madonna is Still Madonna On ‘Rebel Heart’ from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.825569
Jon Pareles and Ben Ratliff discuss “Rebel Heart,” the new album by Madonna.
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New Albums By Zac Brown Band and Tyler Farr from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.777645
Joe Coscarelli and Jon Caramanica discuss records from country dissenters and what, if anything, country’s borders mean anymore.
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U2 Prepares to Go on Tour from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.776845
Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles discuss U2 and “Songs of Innocence” as the group heads out on a world tour.
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Jason Derulo Glides Across Genres from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.772656
Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss Jason Derulo’s new album.
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Drake’s Bully Pulpit from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.765060
Jon Caramanica, Minya Oh and Rawiya Kameir discuss Drake and OVO Fest.
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Popcast: 2015 MTV Video Music Awards from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.760467
The night belonged to those who shocked without needing to perform.
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Popcast: Janet Jackson Returns With ‘Unbreakable’ from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.755815
Times music critics discuss Ms. Jackson’s new album and tour.
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Popcast: The Influence of ‘808s and Heartbreak’ from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.748400
Times music critics discuss the influence of Kanye West’s album on current musical styles.
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Popcast: Taylor Swift and Drake, Friendship vs. Partnership from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.745257
The stars have found both help and hindrance from those who surround them.
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Popcast: Sophie and Grimes from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.742999
Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles discuss their approaches to music.
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Popcast: Jazz Moments of 2015 from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.736415
New York Times music critics discuss the year in jazz.
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Popcast: Jazz Artists in Exile from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.725579
New York Times music critics discuss recent biopics about Miles Davis and Chet Baker.
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Popcast: Britney Spears from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.721056
A discussion of Ms. Spears’s conservatorship.
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Popcast: Hip-Hop Concerts and the Police from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.681800
After a fatal shooting at a T.I. concert, Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli discuss rap, race and security with Minya Oh, a.k.a. Miss Info, and Joie Manda of Interscope Records.
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Popcast: J Balvin’s Reggaeton Mission from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.668435
Ben Ratliff and Joe Coscarelli discuss how the Latin music superstar is rewriting the rules.
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Popcast: A Send-Off for Ben Ratliff from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.664302
Mr. Ratliff, a music critic at The Times since 1996, discusses his tenure.
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Popcast: Stardom in the Age of Social Media from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.660760
With celebrities so accessible online they have to go above and beyond when meeting fans in the arena.
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Popcast: Tyler Glenn at the Crossroads from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.656564
His fiery solo album questions almost everything he used to believe in.
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Popcast: A Tribe Called Quest Returns from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.653032
A discussion of the group’s legacy and how it fits into the current hip-hop landscape
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For Bruno Mars and the Weeknd, the Past as Muse from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.648991
This week, a discussion of new releases by both artists who have more in common than it may appear.
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The Best Albums of 2016 from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.647923
This week, The New York Times music team reflects on albums that defined 2016.
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Mariah Carey and New Year’s Eve: Is the Fantasy Over? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.643400
A panel discusses Ms. Carey's recent New Year's Eve performance and career.
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Punk Rock Is Alive and Well, No Politics Required from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.538126
The current political climate doesn’t come up even once during the latest Popcast, a conversation about Japandroids, the Menzingers and the state of rock.
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What Future and Migos Tell Us About Atlanta’s Rap Dominance from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.482389
A panel discusses Migos, Lil Yachty and more of the city’s budding stars on Popcast.
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Jazz in 2017: The Music Is Thriving, Though Support Is in Peril from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.477930
Kamasi Washington and some Los Angeles musicians are producing vital recordings, but N.E.A. funding is uncertain. A conversation about the state of jazz.
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Finding Feist’s Pleasure and Pain from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.470221
The singer-songwriter’s new album is a low-fi exploration of extreme emotions. How does it relate to her earlier hits, and how did she get here?
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Latin Pop Thrives, No Bieber Required from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.466792
“Despacito” is the first Spanish-language song to top the chart since “Macarena,” but there are many more interesting shifts in Latin pop today.
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Why We’re Still Listening to the Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.465996
Our pop music critics are not fans of record anniversaries, but 50 years after the creation of “Sgt. Pepper,” there are still lessons to be learned from the album.
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Is Arcade Fire Its Own Worst Enemy? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.459795
As the band released its most divisive album yet, it embarked on a rollout that confused its narrative even further.
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The Popcast Answers Your Questions About Beyoncé, Music Videos and More from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.456234
On this week’s episode, our readers picked the topics of conversation, which include Lil Wayne, merchandise and Camila Cabello.
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Tom Petty, a Secret Punk on Rock’s Mount Rushmore from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.451849
He was a student of the ’60s who learned from his elders, but put his own deliberate spin on rock ’n’ roll.
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How Will Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Be Remembered? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.448513
A new biography of the magazine’s founder has been praised by our critic and slammed by its subject.
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Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Is Almost Here. Let’s Discuss. from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.447742
She hasn’t done interviews, but the pop star has been leaving hints about what to expect on her sixth album. Our writers listen to the signs.
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After 40 Years, U2 Is Still Huge. Why? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.444638
A conversation about the band’s 14th album, “Songs of Experience,” and its ongoing quest for bigness.
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In 2017, Pop Music Made Triumph Out of Tough Times from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.443799
From Lorde to Kendrick Lamar, many of the albums and songs on our critics’ best-of lists showcased the work of musicians meeting difficult circumstances with artistic fortitude.
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Is Today’s Jazz Finally Outrunning the Past? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.435962
Jazz could have spent 2017 looking backward, focusing on the centennials of foundational figures. But instead, several strains of contemporary jazz thrived.
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Justin Timberlake Down, Meek Mill Up: How Twitter Swings Public Opinion from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.431859
The internet’s response to the two musicians after the Super Bowl shows how criticism works these days. Rapid-fire groupthink online can be strong enough to have real-world impact.
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Lucy Dacus, Soccer Mommy, the Breeders and the Future of Indie Rock from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.429259
A conversation about carefully considered creative paths — and how pristine voices with powerful messages are amplified — as three strong new albums arrive
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Was Ashlee Simpson Underappreciated? Discuss from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.428519
In the mid-2000s, the pop singer had platinum albums and an MTV reality show. Hear the first of two conversations about Ms. Simpson’s misunderstood career.
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Logic, XXXTentacion and Hip-Hop Morality in 2018 from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.425906
A conversation about the earnest rapper and the SoundCloud renegade, both successes of modern internet-driven rap fandom.
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Avicii: Overexposed and Underappreciated? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.422595
The 28-year-old producer and D.J., who died last month in Oman, was a pop savant and an EDM innovator who left behind a complicated legacy.
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Kanye West’s ‘Ye’ Is Here: Let’s Discuss from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.418079
The rapper’s polarizing eighth album arrived surrounded by a celebrity circus and provided few answers.
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Drake: Platinum in a Day, but Still at a Crossroads from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.382135
With his new double album, “Scorpion,” the rapper and singer is grappling with brand maintenance. Is he innovating, and where can he go next? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Reggie ...
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Can Guns N’ Roses, or Any Artist, Erase an Unflattering Moment? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.375875
What happens when a band wipes a stain from its historical record? Or when physical albums vanish, replaced by different digital versions? Guests: Mark Richardson; Rolling Stone's Christopher R. We...
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How Lil Wayne Became One of Hip-Hop’s Most Durable Stars from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.361103
Tracing the rapper’s evolution from a teen in New Orleans to his long-awaited album “Tha Carter V.” Guests: XXL's Vanessa Satten; The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli
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Robyn, Pop’s Reluctant Pacesetter from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.356217
With “Honey,” the Swedish star returns to a landscape she’s quietly shaped for over 20 years. Guests: The New York Times's Caryn Ganz; the Guardian's Laura Snapes; Jezebel's Hazel Cills
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Remembering Roy Hargrove, Who Brought Jazz History Into Tomorrow from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.355400
The trumpeter, who died at 49, was a singular figure dedicated to keeping jazz’s past in dialogue with its future. Guests: The New York Times's Giovanni Russonello; Jozen Cummings.
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6ix9ine’s Troubled Past and Uncertain Future from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.352666
A conversation about 6ix9ine's legal troubles and musical prospects.
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Debating the Best Albums of 2018: Janelle Monáe, Soccer Mommy and More from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.351121
A conversation about the best albums of 2018
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How the Grammy Nominations Really Made Us Feel from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.332412
A reaction to the 2019 Grammy nominations
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The New Battles Over the Direction of Jazz from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.329042
Where is jazz headed next?
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Maggie Rogers and Sharon Van Etten Break Free From Old Expectations from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.325602
A discussion about new albums by Maggie Rogers and Sharon Van Etten.
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The Hip-Hop Superstar as Local Newsmaker from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.323224
A conversation about covering hip-hop as entertainment and news in Florida
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Can Michael Jackson’s Legacy Ever Really Be Derailed? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.322030
A conversation about the documentary "Leaving Neverland" and Michael Jackson fans.
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Lil Nas X and the Long History of Country-Rap from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.319533
How Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" set off debates between rap and country once again.
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The Return of Bikini Kill and the Long Tail of Riot Grrrl from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.276740
A conversation about riot grrrl and punk-powered feminism.
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Taylor vs. Scooter: The Pop Music Civil War of 2019 from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.269807
Taylor Swift battles Scooter Braun in a war over master recordings and public opinion.
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How Hootie & the Blowfish Inspired Both Love and Hate from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.269040
How did Hootie & the Blowfish become so bitterly divisive?
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Funkmaster Flex and Tyler, the Creator’s Unlikely Buddy Comedy from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.266434
Funkmaster Flex and Tyler, the Creator shared the wildest interview of the year.
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Young Thug Gets His Due, But Is It Too Late? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.263222
Young Thug is one of the decade's most copied rappers — now he finally has a No. 1 album.
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Is 100 gecs the End of Pop, or a New Beginning? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.260661
The duo 100 gecs is one of the year's most unlikely breakthrough artists. What does its music mean for pop?
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Would Prince Have Wanted His Rough Drafts Made Public? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.254655
What does unreleased Prince material tell us about the artist — and would he have wanted us to know it?
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When Did the Super Bowl Halftime Show Become Political? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.249024
A site for entertainment of political engagement? How halftime evolved.
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Answering Your Questions About Taylor, Mitski, Emo and More from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.248248
You have questions (about Taylor, Katy, Pinegrove, Mitski); we have answers.
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The Unrelenting Space Jams of Tame Impala from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.231796
Kevin Parker has had a sui generis kind of success in the last decade reviving a strain of rock not much heralded in decades.
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Sam Hunt and Kenny Rogers, Country Music Rule-Benders from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.228458
A conversation about the borders Nashville polices, and the excellence that can emerge when they are tested.
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After Missteps, Pop Stars Apologize … and Sometimes Push Back from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.223534
In the last two weeks, Lana Del Rey and Doja Cat both found themselves in hot water on the internet, and didn't embrace the usual cycle of the celebrity apology.
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How Did The Source Cover the 1992 Los Angeles Uprisings? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.222402
A conversation about the moral and journalistic responsibilities of entertainment-focused media to address the political issues brought up by the art it covers.
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The Timely Agitation of Run the Jewels from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.219391
How Run the Jewels went from an idiosyncratic late-career lark to the most politically timely hip-hop act of the day.
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Answering Your Questions About Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’ from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.176170
The "Folklore" conversation continues, with prompts from our readers and listeners.
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Remembering Riley Gale of Power Trip, a Thrash Titan from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.172688
A conversation about the life and work of Riley Gale, the frontman for the genre-blending metal band Power Trip, who died last week at 34.
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Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, Preserving Pop’s Old Guard from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.171890
Lady Gaga and Katy Perry both arrived in 2008 and recently released albums hailed as returns to form. What does that mean in 2020 in their own trajectories and the wider pop landscape?
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Luke Combs’s Country Stardom and the Remaking of the Bro from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.169355
Luke Combs is the most promising new country star of the last five years, a feat he's achieved by changing up the music's recent formulas.
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The Best Albums of 2020? Let’s Discuss. from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.165079
Breaking down LPs from Sufjan Stevens, Sam Hunt, Lianne La Havas, Phoebe Bridgers, Charli XCX, Justin Bieber and many more.
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How Zev Love X Became MF Doom from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.162169
Conversations about the legacy of the beloved rap figure’s early career, which set the table for the artist he would become. Guests: Stretch Armstrong, Bobbito Garcia and Dante Ross.
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The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 2 from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.159717
Remembering Fred the Godson, Adam Schlesinger and Cristina. Guests: Kurt B. Reighley; Complex's Shawn Setaro; and Ben Sisario.
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New Jazz That Agitates for Change from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.157794
A conversation about strong recent debuts, and how canon and community can be in tension. Guests: Giovanni Russonello and Marcus J. Moore.
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Taylor, Billie, Demi, Blackpink: The Pop Star Documentary Boom from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.149224
A conversation about the influx of films made about (and by) current stars and its implications for the format. Guests: The Observer's Simran Hans; and Caryn Ganz.
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Where Is Country Music Making Room for Women? from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.145558
Nashville remains challenging for women artists. But some rising performers are breaking through on radio — and TikTok. Guests: Marissa Moss and Natalie Weiner of the Don’t Rock the Inbox newsletter.
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Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ Breakthrough from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.142626
Few artists making pop music have risen to the top in the past several years. What made this Disney star click with listeners? Guests: Olivia Horn and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Britney Spears Takes On Her Conservatorship from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.140839
An exploration of how the arrangement has intersected with her work, the latest legal updates and what might come next. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Liz Day and Samantha Stark.
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Billie Eilish’s New Pop Perspective from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.137107
How has the teenage phenomenon’s songwriting, and her relationship to the larger music machine, evolved between albums? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Miss the Old Kanye? Try the New Kanye. from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.133377
West has always been dreaming big, speaking loudly, courting controversy and channeling all of that into music. But one thing has changed. Guests: Vibe's Datwon Thomas and The Ringer's Justin Charity.
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The Reporters Who Covered R. Kelly on His Trial and Conviction from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.129560
A conversation about the testimony, the meaning of the verdict and the long quest for proper recompense for the singer’s victims. Guests: Troy Closson and Jim DeRogatis.
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Popcast Mailbag! Halsey, Nicki, TikTok and, of Course, Taylor from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.126709
Answering your questions about pop’s big names, the state of the music video and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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How the Mosh Pit and ‘Raging’ Came to Hip-Hop from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.125860
The tragedy at Travis Scott’s Astroworld turned attention to how rap festival performances are increasingly oriented toward the rowdy. Guest: Masked Gorilla and Masked Records' Roger Gengo.
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Remembering Stephen Sondheim, Musical Theater Visionary from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.122400
A conversation about his legacy, his engagements with pop music and whether he has any true inheritors. Guests: Jesse Green and Elisabeth Vincentelli.
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Bonus Episode: Lana Del Rey’s American Fever Dreams from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.118530
As a New Year's treat, we've recovered an old episode sidelined by technical issues (thank you, Pedro!): a discussion of Lana Del Rey’s “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” and the long arc of her ca...
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Remembering Greg Tate, Critic and Catalyst from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.081982
Conversations with two of his contemporaries about the fertile scenes he covered, and the indelible impression he left. Guests: Michael A. Gonzales and Joan Morgan.
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Spotify’s Ongoing Joe Rogan Problem from 2022-02-22T09:40:56.081052
The controversy over the star podcaster and misinformation raised thorny questions about the streaming service’s role as a platform, and exacerbated its conflicts with musicians. Guests: Ben Sisari...
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Mitski, In and Out of the Spotlight from 2022-02-16T16:00
The indie-rock musician’s albums inspire deep feelings and attract ever-bigger audiences, but in many ways she remains a mystery. Guests: New York's E. Alex Jung and Pitchfork's Cat Zhang.
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A Killing Jolts Sweden’s Rap Scene from 2022-01-26T21:45:13
A conversation about hip-hop’s evolution in the country, and how a high-profile shooting thrust the music into the spotlight. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Petter Hallen and Alex Marshall.
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What’s Left for the Weeknd to Conquer? from 2022-01-18T19:10:10
“Dawn FM” suggests at least one future direction for the pop powerhouse, who’s spent a decade making careful moves. Guest: The Ringer's Rob Harvilla.
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2021 in Jazz: Intimacy and Conversation from 2022-01-12T19:09:41
Throughout the pandemic, the music’s flexibility has become an asset. Where will artists take it next? Guests: Giovanni Russonello and Marcus J. Moore.
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What We Forgot to Talk About in 2021 from 2021-12-28T22:29:36
A catch-up round table on a host of topics: Maneskin, Jazmine Sullivan, Kelly Clarkson, a Real Housewife’s music career and much more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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TikTok’s Music Critics Reflect on 2021 from 2021-12-21T16:51:39
Four of the app’s voices on pop name their favorite releases of the year and discuss developing taste in the age of the algorithm. Guests: Margeaux Labat, Eric Morris, Cam Sullivan-Brown and Hunter...
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The Best Albums of 2021? Let’s Discuss. from 2021-12-14T17:51:58
Our critics spar over their year-end lists (and agree on Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, the Creator) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Adele Returns, From Beyond Space and Time from 2021-11-30T23:18:28
Will we ever see a star who unites audiences like this British musician again? Guests: Jon Pareles and Pitchfork's Jillian Mapes.
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The Emotional and Financial Business of Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well’ from 2021-11-17T20:03:17
What does the rerecorded song from “Red” say about how power and the past have shaped her career? Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.
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Remembering the Velvet Underground Through the Mirror of Film from 2021-11-16T16:08:05
A conversation about how the band was experienced in its time, and how Todd Haynes’s new documentary explores the world that birthed it. Guests: Jon Pareles and A.O. Scott.
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glaive and Hyperpop’s Breakthrough Moment from 2021-10-19T18:08:30
A conversation about one teen’s rapid ascent, and what the future might hold for a singer and sound evolving in real time. Guest: The Fader's Alex Robert Ross.
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The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 3 from 2021-10-12T15:46:45
Remembering Jacob Desvarieux, John Davis and Chucky Thompson. Guests: The New Yorker's Doreen St. Felix; Billboard's Gil Kaufman; Jeff Mao.
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Bringing Aaliyah Into the Streaming Era from 2021-09-28T14:43:33
A conversation about the tug of war over her musical legacy, and how her songs — even without a digital presence — impacted the evolution of contemporary R&B. Guests: Naima Cochrane; Billboard's Ga...
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Kacey Musgraves, Country Music Chameleon from 2021-09-21T17:52
The singer and songwriter’s “Star-Crossed” documents the end of her marriage. But reports of her divorce from Nashville have been greatly exaggerated. Guests: Amanda Hess and The Guardian's Laura S...
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Is Drake Tired of Drake? from 2021-09-14T13:00:41
“Certified Lover Boy” dominated the charts, but something seems to have shifted in the most influential pop star of the past decade. Guests: The Ringer's Charles Holmes and Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza.
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Lorde Steals Her Sunshine Back from 2021-08-30T17:39:09
How successful is a sunny new phase of her career, and what does it mean to choose to move away from the expectations of superstardom? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz.
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The Style of Kanye West’s ‘Donda’ Era from 2021-08-24T20:09:32
How West has used fashion to signify musical evolution, how he’s been regarded by the fashion industry and how other musicians are following in his footsteps. Guests: GQ's Rachel Tashjian and Vogue...
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The Lox, Triumphant at Verzuz from 2021-08-16T15:36:42
A conversation about New York hip-hop in the 1990s and early 2000s, and a night that brought the spirit of battle back to the pandemic-era staple. Guests: Jayson Rodriguez and Jayson Buford.
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Lil Nas X in the Pop Stratosphere from 2021-07-23T13:49:01
A conversation about his unconventional path to success, his unconventional methods of maintaining it and his possible futures beyond it. Guest: Jazmine Hughes.
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When Pop Music Trolls Grow Up from 2021-07-19T17:30:31
New albums from Doja Cat and Tyler, the Creator place their makers — children of the internet with a taste for friction — in a new light. Guest: The Ringer's Justin Charity.
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The (Not So?) Tentative Return of Live Music from 2021-07-12T15:09:39
A look at the challenges touring musicians faced over the last year, and how the industry is adjusting to the new normal. Guest: Ben Sisario.
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In the Weeds of ‘In the Heights’ from 2021-06-18T19:31:51
A conversation about bringing musicals to the big screen, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s artistic choices and the critical blowback to the film’s casting. Guests: Sandra Garcia, Isabelia Herrera and Lena Wil...
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J. Cole, Triumphant (at His Own Pace) from 2021-05-29T16:58:39
The rapper’s sixth No. 1 album is here. Listen to a conversation about his career, and the long exchange between hip-hop and basketball. Guests: The New York Times's Elena Bergeron and Rap Portrait...
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The Beatific Re-emergence of Beverly Glenn-Copeland from 2021-05-14T13:30:51
A conversation about his winding path to a receptive, ready audience — and how music can be a bulwark against cynicism and trauma. Guests: Taja Cheek and Mina Tavakoli.
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The Sing-Rap Generation Branches Out from 2021-04-26T19:41:30
How melody has continued to reshape hip-hop via the work of Polo G, Rod Wave, Lil Tjay and more rising artists. Guest: Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.
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When a TikTok Influencer Dances, Who Gets Credit? from 2021-04-16T21:21:41
Addison Rae’s appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s show sparked conversations about appropriation and how dance has been central to the platform. Guest: Taylor Lorenz.
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The Telling of DMX’s Life Story from 2021-04-11T21:15:05
A conversation about the intense potency of the rapper’s music and religious fervor, and what it was like to interview him. Guest: Smokey Fontaine, the co-author of the 2002 book “E.A.R.L.: The Aut...
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The Grammys, Improbably, Made It Work from 2021-03-16T15:58:26
The show navigated a year of crisis, minted a new generation of stars and didn’t fixate on boomers. Guests: Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli, Ben Sisario, Lindsay Zoladz and Caryn Ganz.
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TikTok and the Pop Music Rough Draft from 2021-03-13T16:48:40
The wildly popular platform has reshaped pop during the coronavirus pandemic, and changed how record labels grapple with unpredictable virality. Guest: Caryn Ganz.
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Remembering Sophie, Architect of Future Pop from 2021-02-15T21:38:53
Exploring the legacy of a producer and performer who imagined an approach to music without borders. Guests: Sasha Geffen and Pitchfork's Philip Sherburne.
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Olivia Rodrigo and ‘Drivers License’ Aren’t Going Anywhere from 2021-01-31T22:33:59
A conversation about the year’s first genuine pop phenomenon, and the long arc of the Disney machine. Guests: Joe Coscarelli; Vulture's Justin Curto; and Larisha Paul.
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The Unexpectedly Deep Musical Roots of Hootie & the Blowfish from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
A conversation about the underrated music of Hootie & the Blowfish.
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How Do You Solve a Problem Like the Chainsmokers? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
In three years, the duo has had several hits while offending all sorts of people. What does its sound say about EDM?
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Inside the Bull Market for Songwriting Rights from 2021-01-19T17:35:06
The emergence of Hipgnosis has helped turn the battle for catalogs into an arms race that shows no signs of slowing down. Guest: Ben Sisario.
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2020 Popcast Listener Mailbag: Taylor, Dua, MGK and More from 2020-12-23T16:58:25
Answering your questions about the year’s biggest stars, and also some of its curious flops. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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Taylor Swift’s ‘Evermore’: Let’s Discuss from 2020-12-15T15:43:11
A second album written and recorded during pandemic lockdown carries the singer and songwriter further from conventional pop. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.
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Saweetie, City Girls and the Female Rapper Renaissance from 2020-11-29T15:53:32
More women in hip-hop are gaining traction than ever before.
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Who Will Control Britney Spears’s Future? from 2020-11-18T21:41:52
An update on the pop star's conservatorship, and a conversation about the mid-2000s tabloid era that was the kiln for her public unraveling.
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The Many Mariah Careys from 2020-10-22T20:34:22
Which Mariah Carey is your favorite? And did you enjoy Chick's "Someone's Ugly Daughter"?
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Will Pop Music of the Future Rely on Actual Musicians, or Avatars? from 2020-09-28T15:41:17
Avatars are working harder than ever, and perhaps making a blueprint for how the pop stars of the future will handle the work of fame.
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Is TikTok a Music Industry Friend or Troll? from 2020-09-17T00:17:42
A conversation about how TikTok’s relationship to music has evolved over the last 12 months.
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How Merchandise Bundles Undid the Album Chart from 2020-08-22T17:32:46
What's the value of music in 2020? Are charts measuring album sales the best metric for popularity?
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The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 1 from 2020-08-18T16:33:28
The Covid-19 pandemic is claiming the lives of musicians and others integral to the music industry. The Popcast celebrates their lives and work.
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The Welcome Return of the Chicks from 2020-08-10T15:18:55
Examining the legacy of the Chicks and their new album, "Gaslighter."
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Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’: Let’s Discuss from 2020-07-28T01:18:42
A conversation about what “Folklore” portends for Taylor Swift’s musical evolution.
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Remembering Ennio Morricone, the Film Score Maestro from 2020-07-20T20:21:30
A conversation about how Ennio Morricone’s music shaped the films he worked on.
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Pop Superfans Are Getting Politically Active. What Happens Next? from 2020-06-30T15:08:55
A conversation about the activism feedback loop between stans and the stars they obsess over.
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Lil Baby Is Warming Up to the Spotlight from 2020-06-21T14:58:16
Lil Baby began his rap career reluctantly, but in just three years has grown into an evocative and consistent hitmaker.
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The Long, Complicated History of ‘Urban’ Music from 2020-06-15T12:39:05
The notion of an “urban contemporary” approach to music dates back to the 1970s and the pioneering radio D.J. Frankie Crocker. But two decades later, "urban" became an umbrella term in the industry.
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The Many Lives of Doja Cat from 2020-05-18T15:48:26
A conversation about Doja Cat, who is signed to the imprint of the producer Dr. Luke.
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Remembering Tony Allen and Florian Schneider, Two Pillars of Rhythm from 2020-05-11T22:53:46
Tony Allen and Florian Schneider were working on evolutions in rhythm in the same time frame but in vastly different fashions.
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The Triumphant Return of Fiona Apple, Pop Music Renegade from 2020-04-30T14:41:41
Fiona Apple's singular vision has remained firm, and she’s become a role model for generations of artists. Let's discuss.
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Beyond ‘Trolls’ and ‘Frozen’: What Are Our Kids Listening To? from 2020-04-19T15:15:22
Are you at home with a child playing a particular song on repeat?
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Dua Lipa, Dance-Pop Crusader from 2020-04-11T13:37:28
After years of planning, the pop star released her highly anticipated second LP during a global crisis. It wasn't easy.
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What Is the Role of Criticism in a Crisis? from 2020-03-27T20:42:21
Pop music critics are asking (and facing) hard questions about how they listen and write during the coronavirus pandemic.
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What Music Should I Listen to in a Crisis? from 2020-03-20T20:58:58
10 music writers share the song that brightens up dark times.
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How Will Pop Music Respond to the Coronavirus? from 2020-03-19T14:30:53
The concert industry has been devastated by the pandemic. What's music's next move?
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The Death of Pop Smoke and the Future of Brooklyn Drill from 2020-02-28T15:27:59
A conversation about Pop Smoke's career and the scene he was poised to bring to the world.
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Justin Bieber Is Back With Confessions, Personal and Musical from 2020-02-21T23:04:02
Justin Bieber has returned on his own terms, and with some unexpected musical allies.
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Answering Your Questions About Britney, Billie, Aaliyah and More from 2020-02-14T15:29:44
You have questions (about MCR, Gary Clark Jr., Billie Eilish; we have answers.
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The Grammys, Dissected: Out With the Old, in With the Billie, Lizzo and Tyler from 2020-01-28T22:12:37
The NYT pop music team fights (nicely!) over the 2020 Grammy Awards.
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How TikTok Is Killing the Radio Songwriter from 2020-01-17T18:18:03
Radio hits are different from TikTok smashes. And the shift is having an impact on songwriting.
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In 2019, Jazz Reckoned With Old Boundaries, and Marched Past Them from 2020-01-11T17:04
Breaking down the best jazz of the past year.
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Were These the Best Albums of the 2010s? from 2019-12-31T17:23:43
Our critics get grilled about their best-of lists from the past decade.
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Debating the Best Albums of 2019 from 2019-12-20T18:12:14
Who made the best LP-length statements of the year? The team has a few different ideas.
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Juice WRLD and the Crisis of SoundCloud Rap-Era Fame from 2019-12-13T15:04:21
A generation of musicians is finding fame without the resources to deal with the traumas it can bring.
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Dissecting the 2020 Grammy Nominations from 2019-11-22T18:03:08
The 2020 Grammys are led by a class of young, diverse artists. But there were still major snubs and surprises.
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Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Lana Del Rey: Pop Stars (and Their Fans) Clap Back from 2019-11-20T23:59:56
Are pop stars responsible when their fan armies can be weaponized?
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Can Reality Television Produce a Plausible Rap Star? from 2019-11-11T15:44:27
Can a reality show like Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow” find a viable hip-hop star?
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Kanye West’s ‘Jesus Is King,’ From the Gospel Perspective from 2019-10-30T14:17:27
Gospel music insiders on Kanye West's "Jesus Is King."
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The Rise of DaBaby, From Memes to the Mosh Pit from 2019-10-19T21:01:23
DaBaby, the year’s most consistent new hip-hop star, combines intense rhymes with online savvy.
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The Highwomen, Miranda Lambert and the Women Invigorating Country Music from 2019-10-11T16:00:09
Nashville has long marginalized women. But a wave of artists is fighting back.
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A New Flood of English-Spanish Pop Is Here. Is It Opportunism or Progress? from 2019-09-29T14:33:44
A survey of English-Spanish pop collaborations post-"Despacito."
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How Does Post Malone Sound Like Everything and Nothing? from 2019-09-22T14:24:03
A conversation about the rapid rise of Post Malone.
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What’s the Point of Album Covers in the Post-Album Era? from 2019-08-29T15:49:52
Album art has shrunk in the digital era. What's been lost?
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Is Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ the Beginning or the End of an Era? from 2019-08-27T18:21:20
Breaking down Taylor Swift's new album, "Lover."
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A Tribute to David Berman, Who Never Hid His Truth from 2019-08-16T13:16:48
Remembering the Silver Jews leader's music and life.
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How Many Streams Is a T-Shirt Worth? Breaking Down Chart Dilemmas. from 2019-07-26T15:53:24
There’s more data about music consumption than ever before. That doesn’t mean we understand who’s the most popular.
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The Loudness of João Gilberto, Bossa Nova’s King of Quiet from 2019-07-19T19:43:36
A look back at the Brazilian musician’s innovations as one of the genre’s primary architects.
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Why Are the Movies So Obsessed With Pop Stars? from 2019-06-21T13:36:17
From “Rocketman” to “Her Smell,” “Blaze” to “Vox Lux,” the film industry seems to think all musicians have the same ups and downs. Guests: The New York Times's A.O. Scott; Vanity Fair's K. Austin C...
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Can Record Labels Be Trusted to Preserve Music History? from 2019-06-13T15:24:10
A 2008 fire destroyed thousands of Universal Music Group masters.
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Bob Dylan’s Excellent Adventure from 2019-06-11T16:46:28
Looking back at Bob Dylan's peculiar 1975 tour, the Rolling Thunder Revue.
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Megan Thee Stallion and Rap’s Rising Generation of Women from 2019-05-25T14:04:46
How Megan Thee Stallion and a new generation of female rappers are breaking through
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Are AirPods Worth the Costs? from 2019-05-20T18:49:39
Are AirPods worth the cost of environmental damage and looking foolish?
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Vampire Weekend, Indie Rock Heretics Turned Anxious Jam Band from 2019-05-13T16:19:19
The return of Vampire Weekend and its new album, "Father of the Bride."
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How Gospel and Pop Learn From Each Other from 2019-04-30T17:55:14
How pop music and gospel music learn from each other.
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Is Billie Eilish the Future of Pop? from 2019-04-19T19:29:35
A conversation about the chart-topping 17-year-old genre-blending pop star Billie Eilish.
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Boy Bands, Now Featuring Grown Men from 2019-03-29T15:09:59
Why are boy bands so central to pop music?
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How a Viral Rap Star Rocketed From Meme to Hit from 2019-03-21T16:40:30
Blueface is a viral rap star who rocketed from meme to hit with "Thotiana"
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Behind the Ryan Adams Investigation from 2019-02-18T14:53:37
Behind The New York Times's investigation into Ryan Adams's behavior with women.
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The 2019 Grammys Make Up for Last Year, Somewhat from 2019-02-12T15:59:56
The best and worst of the 2019 Grammys.
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Fyre Festival’s Post-Mortems: We’ve Still Got Questions from 2019-01-25T18:46:48
A conversation about the Fyre Festival — and two documentaries about the debacle.
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Bad Bunny Is Just Getting Started from 2019-01-12T20:13:26
What’s next for this Puerto Rican new-pop superstar?
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Your Questions About Pop Music, Answered (or Ruled Unanswerable) from 2018-12-27T17:21:32
Answering reader questions about Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, streaming and more.
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A New Kind of Pop Star Has Arrived from 2018-12-21T19:09:55
In 2018 a new class of pop stars took over, and the old pop stars may never be the same.
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The Gentle Return of Mariah Carey from 2018-11-29T18:39:51
A conversation about Mariah Carey's new album, "Caution."
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Kane Brown, Pistol Annies and Country Music’s Inclusion Problem from 2018-11-17T17:55:01
The tug of war between how the genre advertises itself and how it’s actually evolving is growing more tense. Guests: Nick Murray; Natalie Weiner.
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BTS Conquered America. What’s Next for K-Pop? from 2018-10-26T15:05:15
Now that K-pop is successful on its own terms, the questions it faces are changing. Guest: Billboard's Jeff Benjamin.
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For Those About to Rock, An Uncertain Fate from 2018-10-20T14:44:08
Is rock music in 2018 a sound, a mood or a retail category? Where do Twenty One Pilots, the 1975 and Greta Van Fleet fit in? Guests: The New York Times's Caryn Ganz; Rolling Stone's Kory Grow; the ...
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‘A Star Is Born’ Is Here. Let’s Discuss. from 2018-10-11T14:35:34
A roundtable conversation about Bradley Cooper's remake of "A Star Is Born" starring Lady Gaga.
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Should They Stay or Should They Go? Pop Stars and Retirement from 2018-09-28T15:55:09
Why do some artists stick around and others choose to retreat? Guest: The New York Times's Jon Pareles
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What Makes for a Great Celebrity Profile? from 2018-09-20T17:47:59
Writing in-depth features about stars can be an art form. But it’s been changing in recent years. Guests: The New York Times Magazine's Vanessa Grigoriadis; GQ's Zach Baron.
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Remembering Mac Miller, Low-Key Hip-Hop Bellwether from 2018-09-15T20:02:14
The 26-year-old rapper and producer stood at the crossroads of movements that have been shaping popular music over the past decade. Guests: ItsTheReal's Eric and Jeff Rosenthal; Pitchfork's Sheldon...
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Remembering The Village Voice, Music Criticism's Crucible: Part 2 from 2018-09-10T16:40:01
Forty years of writers and editors share memories about helping invent a language to talk about music, and the artists they critiqued — some grateful, some not. Guests: Ann Powers, Evelyn McDonnell...
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Remembering The Village Voice, Music Criticism's Crucible: Part 1 from 2018-09-10T16:39:38
Forty years of writers and editors share memories about helping invent a language to talk about music, and the artists they critiqued — some grateful, some not. Guests: Robert Christgau, Jon Parele...
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How We Arrived at Ariana Grande’s Big Moment from 2018-08-28T16:24:04
“Sweetener” has taken the singer to new heights at a moment of transition for the top ranks of female vocalists. Guests: The Ringer's Lindsay Zoladz; VF.com's Josh Duboff; and Billboard's Nolan Fe...
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Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott, Rivals With Common Problems from 2018-08-21T21:18:05
One is an old-style hip-hop star, one comes from a newer school. But both are facing challenges making effective albums and defining their artistic identities. Guests: David Turner and Briana Younger.
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Aretha Franklin: The Artist We Knew, and the Woman We Didn’t from 2018-08-17T18:20:19
The Queen of Soul leaves a towering legacy. How will we remember her? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles and Wesley Morris; and David Ritz.
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The Shrinking Space Between Band T-Shirt and High Fashion from 2018-08-10T22:25:28
Merch has become a crucial part of a musician’s rise. Here’s how it’s evolved. Guests: Procell's Brian Procell; The Cut's Emilia Petrarca; and Grailed's Lawrence Schlossman.
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Who’s in Charge of Telling Whitney Houston’s Story? from 2018-07-27T20:23:35
Two documentaries have attempted to unpack the life of one of pop’s transformative figures, whose complex legacy is still riddled with questions. Guests: Naima Cochrane; Jezebel's Rich Juzwiak; Ala...
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When Superfans Attack from 2018-07-21T14:34:12
A writer critiqued Nicki Minaj online; the rapper’s fans responded in force. How does celebrity fandom become a vicious tool online, and what’s behind stan culture? Guests: iOneDigital's Janeé Bold...
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Kanye West: You Asked, We Answered from 2018-06-27T22:40:12
Was "Ye" rushed, and does it matter? How do women fit into Kanye’s world? Are conversations about politics with him fruitless? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Reggie Ugwu, and the R...
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XXXTentacion, Mourning and Morality from 2018-06-22T20:05:11
The 20-year-old broke out of the SoundCloud rap scene and reached No 1. But he faced accusations of violent crimes against a woman, and leaves behind a troubling legacy. Guests: Noisey's Lawrence B...
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Charlie Puth and Shawn Mendes, Would-Be Pop Kings from 2018-06-16T13:22:02
Boy bands are on the rise and young male singers have some choices to make. A conversation about two performers with their sights set on pop ubiquity.
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Drake vs. Pusha-T, Unpacked from 2018-05-31T13:32:40
An excavation of the skeletons animating the back-and-forth between the two rappers — and a conversation about who’s inching ahead.
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Yes, We Stuck With ‘American Idol’ from 2018-05-26T14:23:57
Maddie Poppe won the show, rebooted on ABC with a new cast of judges. What worked, what didn’t and who really stood out? Two longtime “Idol” enthusiasts discuss.
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Pursuing R. Kelly: The Reporter Who Never Gave Up from 2018-05-23T15:08:49
For two decades, accusations of sexual impropriety have been leveled at the R&B superstar. And Jim DeRogatis has been covering the story.
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‘Girls’ Gone Wrong: Who Gets to Make a Gay Love Song? from 2018-05-18T19:20:30
The Rita Ora track was positioned as a celebration of bisexuality, but struck a sour note with critics who found its lyrics problematic.
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Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar Break Boundaries from 2018-04-25T14:03:43
A Coachella set stunning in scope and execution. The first Pulitzer Prize winner who isn’t from classical or jazz. A conversation about the two artists’ triumphs.
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Pop’s Category Killers, From Live Nation to Spotify, Under the Microscope from 2018-04-20T20:20
In recent weeks, the businesses that present music to the public have undergone major shifts.
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Cardi B Arrives at the Top from 2018-04-12T20:27:26
The 25-year-old’s LP “Invasion of Privacy” is part of her broad-scale pop culture takeover. A conversation about her rise and debut album.
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Kacey Musgraves and Ashley McBryde, Country Traditionalists With a Twist from 2018-03-30T14:56:30
Two new albums put a spotlight on Nashville’s ongoing, agonized relationship with female performers.
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Ashlee Simpson: You Asked, We Answered from 2018-03-16T15:43:20
Part two of our conversation about the mid-2000s pop star features debates about her MTV reality show and “S.N.L.” debacle, and a listener mailbag.
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In Defense of Soundtracks. And Fergie. from 2018-02-24T16:39:23
What’s responsible for the recent soundtrack renaissance that brought albums from “Black Panther” and “The Greatest Showman” to the top of the charts?
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The Complex Intersection Where Rap and the Legal System Collide from 2018-02-16T17:41:52
A conversation with a criminal lawyer about the racial politics of legal representation, the Meek Mill saga and the future prospects of incarcerated would-be stars.
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Can the Grammys Be Fixed? from 2018-01-30T16:00
Big stars didn’t show up. Ratings were down. Hip-hop was once again shut out of the major categories. Can “music’s biggest night” represent what’s really happening in music?
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Hear What Music Will Sound Like in 2018 from 2018-01-26T21:49:18
Flamboyant hip-hop, promising punk rock, intricate bluegrass and more: a conversation about the artists we’re looking forward to following this year.
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Remembering the Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan from 2018-01-19T20:44:43
The lead singer of the Irish rock band, who died at 46, wrote songs in the 1990s that deeply touched young women and Irish listeners while appealing to a worldwide audience
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In Streaming, One Goliath Creates Many Davids from 2018-01-12T19:54:24
Streaming has established itself as the dominant mode of music distribution. What could go wrong? Quite a lot, it turns out.
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Will Eminem Ever Change? from 2017-12-22T23:28:26
After a brief break from the spotlight, the rapper returned with “Revival,” an album that revisited familiar tropes and sounds. Where can he go from here?
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The Popcast Answers Your Burning Questions About Pop Music in 2017 from 2017-12-18T16:33:49
Our readers picked the topics of conversation, which included Fergie, the state of streaming and evolutions in Latin pop
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Remembering Lil Peep from 2017-11-22T20:51:44
The 21-year-old rapper, who died last week, found a unique way to unite the languages of hip-hop and emo.
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Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Has Arrived. Let’s Discuss. from 2017-11-14T14:21:49
Ms. Swift plays a different game on her sixth album — making pop music that directly competes with the rest of the field’s dominant players.
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What Are the Billboard Charts Really Measuring? from 2017-10-27T18:51:10
Changes to the formulas used to build albums and singles charts will weigh paid streams more than free ones. What will the impact be?
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The Persistence of Pink and Kelly Clarkson, Outspoken Pop Survivors from 2017-10-20T20:37:29
Two of the music world’s biggest voices and boldest personalities are back. Deep into successful careers, where have their paths diverged?
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Shania Twain Was Country’s Crossover Queen. What Is She Now? from 2017-10-13T15:21:34
In the 15 years since she last released an album, the music industry has undergone big changes, but Ms. Twain’s new LP still debuted at No. 1.
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National Anthem Protests, From ‘Jazzing the Banner’ to Taking a Knee from 2017-09-29T20:43:29
“The Star-Spangled Banner” has long been a site of dissent and disagreement. A conversation about the history of the anthem, and those who have protested it.
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Bye, Bro. In Country Music, It’s the Year of the Gentleman. from 2017-09-22T19:55:20
Nashville has been undergoing a gender crisis for most of the 2010s. Is the latest development — kinder men — a solution?
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From Instagram to ‘Bodak Yellow,’ Cardi B Has Arrived from 2017-09-15T17:24:15
The rapper behind one of the summer’s biggest hits has made swift moves in the music industry, and is making waves in the fashion world, too.
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Women Dominating Rock: There’s More to the Conversation from 2017-09-11T15:43:49
What happens when the media shines a light on feminist punk? A conversation about D.I.Y. scenes and representation.
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Is SoundCloud a Business or a Community? from 2017-08-25T18:04:51
If the music-streaming service disappeared, a culture might vanish too. A conversation about where the tech and culture worlds collide.
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Kesha and Taylor Swift Find New Voices from 2017-08-18T17:22:09
On “Rainbow,” Kesha steps away from her old persona but keeps her former spark. In court, Taylor Swift speaks with no filter.
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What Keeps Phish Fans Coming Back for More? from 2017-08-11T19:02:10
The band just completed a 13-show run in New York where it didn’t repeat any songs, and its fans are already hungering for the next residency.
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Celebrating Two of Rock’s Big Voices, Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell from 2017-07-28T22:51:08
A conversation about two singers in different bands who left significant musical and emotional legacies
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Streaming Is Taking Over Pop, but It’s Far From Flawless from 2017-07-21T16:31:41
Spotify, SoundCloud, Tidal: Seemingly every major streaming service has suffered through some controversy lately
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From Jay-Z to Prodigy, It’s Time to Talk About Hip-Hop’s Elders from 2017-07-14T18:00:04
A new album from Jay-Z, documentaries about Sean Combs and Dr. Dre, and the death of Prodigy have stirred new thinking about older artists
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Can K-pop Conquer America? from 2017-06-30T15:55:52
Fanaticism about this Korean genre is on the rise in the United States, but it hasn’t cracked mainstream pop culture
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Hip-Hop’s Punk Moment Has Arrived from 2017-06-23T21:59:15
SoundCloud rap is a raw, rowdy, rebellious movement fueled by young rappers looking outside the genre for inspiration.
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Katy Perry, Lorde and Halsey: How to Make a Pop Album in 2017 from 2017-06-16T16:34:50
Three female pop stars, three different approaches: a conversation about their new albums, on Popcast.
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Festivals That Inspire Awe, and Festivals That Lead to Criminal Investigations from 2017-05-26T19:35:49
Music fests are ubiquitous, but only some are curated well enough to be thrilling. And there’s the Fyre Festival.
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Harry Styles and John Mayer, Teardrops on Their Guitars from 2017-05-19T16:31:48
The One Direction member and the pop-blues poster boy have a few things in common.
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Paramore Returns, Headed Straight For the 1980s from 2017-05-12T14:46:21
One of the most impressive rock bands working in the mainstream has taken a left turn. Where is Paramore headed, and how did it inspire scores of artists?
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How Lil Uzi Vert Turned Rap Into Rock and Became a Pop Star from 2017-04-28T16:00:59
He’s a rapper, a social media phenomenon, the guy yelling “ya” on Migos’s hit “Bad and Boujee.” What’s the secret of Uzi’s success?
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A Deep Dig on Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole’s Hip-Hop’s Values from 2017-04-21T21:59:20
The two rappers recall an earlier time in the genre’s history, in terms of aesthetics and politics. How do they fit in today?
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Drake Changed Hip-Hop’s Sound. Can He Change the Business? from 2017-03-27T21:27:07
His release isn’t an album or a mixtape, but a playlist — a move that could position him to shift the music industry once again.
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How Chuck Berry Became a Rock ’n’ Roll Mastermind from 2017-03-22T18:01:45
He wrote the guitar licks, told the clever stories, duckwalked across the stage and forever changed popular music
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The Billboard Charts Are Wackier Than Ever: What’s Going On? from 2017-03-17T19:49:33
Streaming figures into chart positions now, a fact that has started yielding some very odd results.
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The Greatest Trick Ed Sheeran Ever Pulled Was Convincing the World He’s an Underdog from 2017-03-10T20:29:41
The British singer/songwriter is a record-smashing superstar, but he still plays the spurned lover. How does he do it?
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What Happens When Nashville Outsiders Become Country’s Big Stars? from 2017-02-24T18:27:19
The city synonymous with the country music business is in transition. How is it dealing with rapid change, and the Trump era? A panel discusses on Popcast.
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Were There Any Real Winners at the Grammys? from 2017-02-14T22:46:13
It was an awards show filled with flubs, tear, apologies and protests. The New York Times pop music writers discuss Adele, Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper and more on Popcast.
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Will the Grammy Awards End With a Big Surprise? from 2017-02-10T21:28:58
The New York Times pop team debates whether Sturgill Simpson will pull out a surprise victory in a night stacked with Adele vs. Beyoncé face-offs.
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The War Over ‘La La Land’: Gotta Hear Both Sides from 2017-01-27T20:16:47
The toast of Hollywood has divided our culture writers. Two of the movie’s boosters go to battle with two of its critics in this week’s Popcast.
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The Crooner in Chief: Barack Obama’s Musical Legacy from 2017-01-20T19:32:30
He brought soul and hip-hop into the White House like no president before him. A discussion of Mr. Obama’s most powerful musical moments, on this week’s Popcast.
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Hip-Hop’s Elders and Youth Go to Battle (Again) from 2017-01-13T20:22:59
Should rap’s young stars have more reverence for the genre’s pioneers, and vice versa? A conversation about hip-hop’s latest generation-gap struggles.
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The Year in Jazz Music from 2016-12-23T16:56:58
A roundtable of writers discuss trends and notable moments of the year.
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Pop Music Trends in 2016 from 2016-12-16T19:56:04
The pop music team discusses news themes and what may shape it for years to come.
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Revisiting Kanye West's 'The Life of Pablo' from 2016-11-25T19:43:59
After a series of bizarre shows, Kanye West canceled the remainder of his "Saint Pablo" tour last week. This weekend, we're listening back to the conversation Jon Caramanica led at the time of the ...
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Mourning the Greats: Leonard Cohen, Leon Russell and Mose Allison from 2016-11-18T20:36:01
This year has seen the loss of Prince, David Bowie, Merle Haggard, and, now, three more towering figures have died. A look at their legacies.
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Popcast: Division and Unity in Pop, and Beyond from 2016-11-12T05:00
Can the cultural events of the last couple of weeks connect to macro political realities?
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Popcast: What’s Next for Kesha? from 2016-10-29T04:00
The pop star has been locked in an ugly contract dispute with Dr. Luke; two writers who have examined her case break down the pop star’s situation.
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Popcast: Nu-Dance Rises With Help From Streaming from 2016-10-22T04:00
This week, Jon Caramanica and guests discuss club music.
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Dylancast: Bob Dylan Wins the Nobel Prize! from 2016-10-15T04:00
Our music and book critics discuss Dylan, the musician, and Dylan, the writer.
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Popcast: Finding the Joy (and Humor) in Bon Iver’s Pain from 2016-09-30T04:00
The new Bon Iver album abandons many of the musical choices that informed much of his earlier music.
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Popcast: The Next Teen Star Machine from 2016-09-23T04:00
Shawn Mendes broke out on Vine. The next breeding ground for pop stars might be Musical.ly, a social music app for teens.
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Popcast: Fall Preview from 2016-09-16T04:00
The pop music team discusses some of their favorite upcoming fall releases.
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Popcast: The Return of New York Rap from 2016-09-10T04:00
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Young M.A. represent an unexpected moment.
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Popcast: Frank Ocean Returns from 2016-08-25T04:00
A roundtable discussion on the release of the musician’s latest works.
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Popcast: Race and Hip-Hop, a Conversation from 2016-08-19T04:00
A discussion about the current wave of white rappers trying to elide conversations about race, with varying success.
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Popcast: Janet Jackson and the Legacy of ‘Control’ from 2016-08-12T04:00
A discussion on how pop failed Ms. Jackson for years, and what it has done for her lately.
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Popcast: Gucci Mane and Atlanta Hip-Hop from 2016-07-29T04:00
Jon Caramanica explains how Gucci Mane, Lil Yachty and 21 Savage are all part of the same long line.
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Popcast: Dissecting the Legacy of Alan Vega and Suicide from 2016-07-22T04:00
Days after Mr. Vega’s death, the journalist Geeta Dayal discusses Suicide’s early days.
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Popcast: The Return of Pop-Punk and Emo from 2016-07-15T04:00
Pop music writers discuss Blink-182’s influence on modern pop-punk bands.
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Popcast: Prince’s Fateful Flight and Judith Hill’s Story from 2016-06-24T04:00
For those looking to understand Prince’s musical life in his final years, the larger story of Ms. Hill is illuminating.
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Popcast: Techno’s Dual Identity from 2016-06-10T04:00
A discussion of techno as youth music and heritage culture.
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Popcast: Arthur Russell from 2016-05-27T04:00
New York Times music critics discuss Mr. Russell’s wide-angle, slow-release significance.
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Popcast: Chance the Rapper and Drake from 2016-05-20T04:00
New York Times music critics discuss the latest albums by both artists.
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Popcast: Radiohead and James Blake from 2016-05-12T04:00
New York Times critics compare the latest releases.
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Popcast: Beyoncé Serves Up ‘Lemonade’ from 2016-04-26T04:00
New York Times critics and writers discuss the singer’s new album.
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Popcast: Caetano Veloso from 2016-04-22T04:00
Mr. Veloso, the great Brazilian singer and songwriter, discusses current events in his country.
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Popcast: Remembering Prince from 2016-04-22T04:00
New York Times culture critics discuss Prince’s music and impact.
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Popcast:Country Music Agitators from 2016-04-16T04:00
New York Times music critics discuss Sturgill Simpson and Merle Haggard.
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Popcast: Jazz in Museums from 2016-03-25T04:00
Nate Chinen and Ben Ratliff on the ways jazz is being presented at museum spaces.
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Popcast: Gwen Stefani Returns from 2016-03-18T04:00
Ben Ratliff, Times music critic and Caryn Ganz, Times pop music editor, discuss the singer’s new album.
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Popcast: The Art and Future of Criticism from 2016-03-11T05:00
New York Times critics gather to discuss their newly released books.
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Popcast: Macklemore’s Aesthetic Mission from 2016-02-26T05:00
Jon Caramanica chats with the rapper about the role of music in creating change.
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Popcast: Kanye West”s Unfinished Album from 2016-02-19T05:00
A roundtable discussion on “The Life of Pablo.”
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Popcast: Beyonce and Rihanna Take a Different Approach from 2016-02-12T05:00
Times critics discuss the recent music releases of each singer.
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Popcast: R&B’s New Identity from 2016-01-29T05:00
New York Times music critics discuss changes within the genre.
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Popcast: Tropical House Movement from 2016-01-22T05:00
Ben Ratliff and Michaelangelo Matos discuss the genre.
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Popcast: Love, Death and David Bowie from 2016-01-13T05:00
A conversation about the pop star’s life and work with the philosopher Simon Critchley, author of “Bowie.”
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Popcast: Making Sense of 2015 in Music from 2015-12-30T05:00
Music critics for The New York Times talk about the themes, currents and big ideas that defined the year.
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Popcast: Best Songs of 2015 from 2015-12-23T05:00
Music critics for The New York Times discuss their favorite songs.
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Popcast: Best Albums of 2015 from 2015-12-18T05:00
Music critics for The New York Times discuss the year’s highlights.
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Popcast: Joe Casey of Protomartyr from 2015-12-11T05:00
Ben Ratliff chats with Mr. Casey about the lyrics on the band’s album and more.
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Popcast: The Return of Adele from 2015-11-13T05:00
Jon Caramanica and Jon Pareles discuss her new album, “25.”
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Popcast: Joanna Newsom from 2015-10-30T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Melissa Marturano talk about the critique of Ms. Newsom and her music.
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Popcast: Justin Bieber Is Back. Thank Poo Bear. from 2015-10-16T04:00
The Times’s pop music squad on the unlikely songwriter behind “Where Are Ü Now” and “What Do You Mean?”
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Lin-Manuel Miranda On How Hip-Hop Influenced Him and ‘Hamilton’ from 2015-09-25T04:00
Jon Caramanica and Mr. Miranda discuss the songs and rappers that inspired him and his work.
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Popcast: Jen Shyu Explores the Unknown from 2015-09-18T04:00
Times critics discuss the jazz artist whose music incorporates poetry and dreams.
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Popcast: Jon Batiste and ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ from 2015-09-10T04:00
Times music critics discuss Mr. Batiste’s role as bandleader on the show.
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Popcast: The Weeknd from 2015-08-28T04:00
Times critics discuss The Weeknd’s music and new album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.”
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Popcast: ‘Where Are Ü Now’ from 2015-08-25T04:00
Times music critics discuss Justin Bieber’s collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo.
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Carly Rae Jepsen Grows Up from 2015-08-21T04:00
With “Emotion,” the singer known best for “Call Me Maybe” embraces a seductive side to her music.
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Popcast: ‘Straight Outta Compton’ from 2015-08-14T04:00
Jon Caramanica and Reginald C. Dennis, a founding editor of XXL magazine, discuss N.W.A and the film.
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Popcast: Titus Andronicus from 2015-07-31T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Joe Coscarelli discuss the New Jersey punk band and their new album.
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Popcast: Prince Royce, Pitbull and Multilingual Pop Music from 2015-07-24T04:00
Ben Ratliff, Jon Caramanica and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd discuss international and multilingual pop.
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Reggae’s Summer Flirtation from 2015-07-17T04:00
A look at the desire for a reggae or reggae-like worldwide pop hit between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
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Hip-Hop’s Silent Majority from 2015-07-10T04:00
Hip-hop’s mainstream can often be confused with prosperity gospel, so it’s striking that in 2015, at least a couple of the genre’s biggest selling stars want nothing to do with such narratives.
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Apple Music and Beats 1 from 2015-06-26T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Ben Sisario discuss Apple Music, the much-anticipated music-streaming service to be launched June 30.
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Popcast: “Tomatoes” Giving Country Its Bite from 2015-06-19T04:00
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss the women of country music.
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Popcast: Tenement’s Bright Double Album from 2015-06-12T04:00
Ben Ratliff, Maria Sherman and Liz Pelly discuss the band’s new album and punk music.
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ASAP Rocky Returns to a Haze from 2015-05-29T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss ASAP Rocky’s new album.
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Shamir’s Distinctive Voice from 2015-05-22T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss the singer’s blend of different genres.
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Joey Alexander, the Young Jazz Sensation from 2015-05-15T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Nate Chinen discuss Joey Alexander’s debut album.
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Kamasi Washington and the West Coast Get Down from 2015-04-24T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss the tenor saxophonist and his roots in the thriving Los Angeles jazz scene.
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How Much Festival Is Too Much Festival? from 2015-04-17T04:00
Jon Caramanica, Jon Pareles and Ben Ratliff discuss the vicissitudes and artistic value of music festivals.
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The Ongoing Evolution of Charles Lloyd from 2015-04-10T04:00
Jon Pareles and Nate Chinen discuss the jazz saxophonist, flutist and band leader Charles Lloyd.
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Kendrick Lamar, Dissenting From the Mainstream as He Influences It from 2015-03-27T04:00
Discussing the rapper’s new album, “To Pimp A Butterfly.”
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On ‘Empire’: The Show, the Music and the Calamitous Finale from 2015-03-20T04:00
Jon Caramanica and Gilbert Cruz, of The Times, and Justin Charity, of Complex, discuss “Empire.”
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Blurred Legal Lines from 2015-03-13T04:00
Ben Sisario, Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss the “Blurred Lines” copyright trial.
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Who Is Boots? from 2015-02-20T05:00
Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles discuss the 28-year-old singer, songwriter and producer.
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Grammys Post-Mortem from 2015-02-10T05:00
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss Kanye West, Beck, Iggy Azalea, Papa John’s and other stars of the show.
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Björk Gets Personal from 2015-01-30T05:00
Jon Pareles tells Ben Ratliff about club-hopping with Björk in Iceland and listening to her new album, “Vulnerica,” which was released last week.
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Departed Tastemakers: ASAP Yams and Kim Fowley from 2015-01-23T05:00
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss two connectors with keen ears, who died last week.
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Sleater-Kinney Returns from 2015-01-16T05:00
Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles are joined by Caryn Ganz, of RollingStone.com, to discuss “No Cities to Love,” the new album by Sleater-Kinney.
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The Year in Pop 2014 from 2014-12-19T05:00
Ben Ratliff, Jon Pareles, Jon Caramanica and Nate Chinen discuss pop music’s dominant themes, lessons and preoccupations in 2014.
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The Best Albums of 2014 from 2014-12-12T05:00
The pop critics of The New York Times discuss their lists of the Top 10 albums of the year.
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London Calls Mary J. Blige from 2014-11-21T05:00
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss Mary J. Blige and her new album, “The London Sessions.”
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How Bobby Shmurda Danced Into the Hot 100 from 2014-11-14T05:00
The 20-year-old East Flatbush rapper Bobby Shmurda has just jumped from No. 8 to No. 6 on the Billboard chart.
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Listening to Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ from 2014-10-27T04:00
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss Taylor Swift’s poppy new album.
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The Myth of Scott Walker from 2014-10-17T04:00
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss Scott Walker and “Soused,” his new album with the drone-metal band Sunn O))).
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Tinashe, FKA Twigs and the Semantics of R&B from 2014-10-10T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss the singers Tinashe and FKA twigs, and whether they point toward a new conception of R&B.
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Parsing Steve Coleman’s Genius from 2014-09-26T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Nate Chinen discuss the jazz saxophonist, a recent winner of a MacArthur “genius” grant.
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What We Talk About When We Talk About Chris Brown from 2014-09-19T04:00
Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss the challenges of appraising Chris Brown.
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U2’s ‘Songs of Innocence’: Gift or Spam? from 2014-09-12T04:00
Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles discuss the new U2 album, released this week for free in iTunes.
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