Ariana Grande Gets Love-Drunk With ‘Sweetener’
In the pop R&B realm, you have to be either a skilled and showy singer, eager to demonstrate your octave range, or a personality with your finger on the pulse of pop culture.
Nicki Minaj Goes Way out and Wild on ‘Queen,’ an Eclectic Hip-Hop Tour de Force
There has been crazed anticipation for Nicki Minaj’s latest release, which one can only expect, regarding the artist who has scored more Billboard 100 hits than any other…
Travis Scott’s ‘Astroworld’ Is a Star-Studded Hip-Hop Amusement Park
David Lachapelle
Travis Scott is currently one of the biggest rappers in the world, yet one would be hard pressed to pinpoint exactly what qualities of his music truly define him and…
Mac Miller Shows Grace Under Pressure on ‘Swimming’
Christian Weber
Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller had a quick rise to fame, with his 2011 breakthrough “Blue Slide Park” debuting at number one — the first independently promoted debut to…
Santigold Hones Her Signature Sound on Surprise Summer Album ‘I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions’
Christelle deCastro
Since her 2008 debut Santigold has crafted consistently catchy tunes that hop genres with a unique, effortless grace. Her signature strain of pop is heavily rooted in dancehall, along with elements of…
Underworld & Iggy Pop’s ‘Teatime Dub Encounters’ Is a Compelling Meeting of Minds
Rob Baker Ashton
Danny Boyle’s 1996 blockbuster “Trainspotting” came with one of the most fanatically celebrated soundtracks in modern history, one that truly put its finger on a pulse, and effectively captured an elusive feeling. Among…
Denzel Curry Plays by His Own Rules on Dark and Daring ‘TA13OO’
Miami rapper Denzel Curry creates what is often called “Soundcloud music,” a style that applies the lo-fi template, long embraced by bedroom producers, to hip-hop tracks. For a…
Lori McKenna Paints a Poignant Portrait of Family on ‘The Tree’
Becky Fluke
Massachusetts singer-songwriter Lori McKenna has country songwriting down to a science. It’s no surprise that she has won two Grammys for “Best Country Song.” As a wife and…
The Internet Deliver a Dose of Deconstructed Funk With ‘Hive Mind’
L.A.’s The Internet might be the most excitingly off-kilter group to emerge from the ever-adventurous hip-hop collective Odd Future. Their name is well-fitting, as the music seems removed…
Buddy Is a Master of Mellow on Debut Album ‘Harlan & Alondra’
Daniel Regan
Rappers typically devote great energy to devising monikers that convey how hard, cool, rich, or otherwise incredible they are. Compton’s Simmie Sims III has taken a decidedly different approach, choosing to go by…