The “Digital Blackface” Artist Competing for a Grammy The “Digital Blackface” Artist Competing for a Grammy
Ghostwriter’s “heart on my sleeve” became a viral hit thanks to vocals by Drake and The Weeknd. But neither artist contributed to the song.
Nov 9, 2023 / Faith Branch
Louis Armstrong Gets the Last Word on Louis Armstrong Louis Armstrong Gets the Last Word on Louis Armstrong
For decades, Americans have argued over the icon’s legacy. But his archives show that he had his own plans.
Oct 30, 2023 / Feature / Ethan Iverson
Letters From the October 16/23, 2023, Issue Letters From the October 16/23, 2023, Issue
Island records… The West Wing… Corrections… Class grievances (web only)…
Sep 30, 2023 / Our Readers
Jann Wenner’s Blinkered Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution Jann Wenner’s Blinkered Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution
He built an empire on the foundations laid by Black musicians—but fails entirely to recognize that.
Sep 22, 2023 / Joan Walsh
Top 10 Labor Day Songs Top 10 Labor Day Songs
In honor of Labor Day, here’s a stab at the impossible task of naming the best songs ever written about working people.
Sep 4, 2023 / Peter Rothberg
If the Left Doesn’t Channel Populist Resentment, We Know Who Will If the Left Doesn’t Channel Populist Resentment, We Know Who Will
What tone-deaf liberals can’t hear in Rich Men North of Richmond.
Aug 24, 2023 / Erica Etelson
The New Bard of the Right The New Bard of the Right
When a video of his song “Rich Men North of Richmond” went viral, Oliver Anthony claimed he was politically “dead center.” His lyrics say otherwise.
Aug 18, 2023 / Chris Lehmann for The Nation
How the UK’s Metal Scene Became a Haven for Trans People How the UK’s Metal Scene Became a Haven for Trans People
Amid Britain’s relentless transphobia, the metal community is creating an ever-growing number of trans icons.
Aug 17, 2023 / William Elisabeth Cuthbert
The Return of Noname The Return of Noname
In her new album, Sundial, the rapper melds her activism and artistry seamlessly.
Aug 17, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
The Indigenous Roots of Robbie Robertson’s Rock and Roll Revolution The Indigenous Roots of Robbie Robertson’s Rock and Roll Revolution
The music called Americana was created by a Jewish-Canadian-Cayuga-Mohawk.
Aug 14, 2023 / Jeet Heer