The Extra Ordinary Bryson Tiller The Extra Ordinary Bryson Tiller
Despite his laconic demeanor, lowered expectations, and swag-proof wardrobe, the singer has still managed to create a platinum-selling album.
May 2, 2016 / Frank Guan
Prince: The Moment’s End Prince: The Moment’s End
The artist was a creative force who seemed constitutionally incapable of not making music.
Apr 22, 2016 / David Hajdu
Prince Recognized That ‘if There Ain’t No Justice, Then There Ain’t No Peace’ Prince Recognized That ‘if There Ain’t No Justice, Then There Ain’t No Peace’
Prince was always about more than politics, but he called for disarmament, rallied for peace, and announced that “black lives... still matter.”
Apr 21, 2016 / John Nichols
The Prince of Sex The Prince of Sex
When Reagan was president, and sex was death, it was a Prince song that turned me inside out.
Apr 21, 2016 / Richard Kim
Faith, More, Safe, War Faith, More, Safe, War
On The Life of Pablo, where Kanye West most fully shares his doubts, he is more convincing as a Christian than on his other albums.
Mar 18, 2016 / Frank Guan
Get Information Get Information
Beyoncé’s “Formation” reflects today’s movement from black rage toward a racialized revolutionary politics.
Mar 9, 2016 / Joshua Clover
Anderson .Paak, Then and Now Anderson .Paak, Then and Now
Malibu is .Paak’s best work: a layered album that is so fun and easy to listen to that, on each return listen, you hear something new.
Feb 11, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Matthew McKnight
Why Donny McCaslin Was David Bowie’s David Bowie Why Donny McCaslin Was David Bowie’s David Bowie
In the making of Blackstar, David Bowie trusted that Donny McCaslin and his quartet would invoke a profoundly emotive album.
Jan 26, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
David Bowie Set Off My Inner Squeal David Bowie Set Off My Inner Squeal
As I was growing up in 1960s England, Bowie gave me room to find myself.
Jan 14, 2016 / Laura Flanders
Forget What You’ve Heard: These Were the Ten Best Albums of 2015 Forget What You’ve Heard: These Were the Ten Best Albums of 2015
In a year when sales numbers fell to an all-time low, the quality of music produced was stunningly high.
Dec 17, 2015 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu