Music

The Detroit rapper's willingness to listen to other people, and to see himself from their perspective, is one of the hallmarks of his music, his career, and his politics.

New research finds that country hits in recent years show an increased emphasis on short-term sexual conquest—and on the celebration of whiteness.

The newly released concert film is a joyous celebration of faith—and of how Aretha moved even secular audiences toward the holy.

Masons attend a memorial celebration for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle at the Staples Center arena on April 11th, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Operating out of Mexico City, Nan de Migel is one of the few artists producing contemporary R&B south of the U.S. border

Often relegated to the small print, session musicians helped create the most iconic songs of the last century. Hal Blaine was one of the greatest, and quietest, among them.

One of Mexico's biggest indie-pop artists discusses her new album and the state of the music industry for Latinx artists.

New research finds that contemporary songs in both genres are the most likely to contain violent imagery.

New research suggests that background music, with or without lyrics, "consistently disrupts creative performance."

The R&B artist refuses to conform to the world's expectations for plus-sized black women, and she creates music as sensual as it is empowering.

The indie musician uses her wistful rock music to explore, and reclaim, her indigenous and queer identity.

New research presents the best evidence yet that taking arts classes benefits kids academically.

The Syrian-Iraqi, queer singer-songwriter discusses family, representation, and why she won't compromise on artistic independence.

Saweetie's brash attitude is more than bravado—it's an essential part of her plan to dominate rap.

Producer Jennifer Lee is nominated for a Grammy this year for an album she wrote in the aftermath of life-saving brain surgery.

A running series in which women musicians of color discuss art, labor, and representation in the music industry.

A new study finds that pop music increasingly expresses rage against the machine—and almost everything else.

Negro Leo's music advocates a radical solidarity with his country's least fortunate.

From the worst roommate to rediscovered mixtapes and a whole lot in between, these are our favorite quick culture recommendations from this year.

Your ecstasy is actually bath salts, your coke is actually meth, your LSD is actually a dangerous new research chemical. The Bunk Police don’t care if you do drugs—they just want you to test them first.

New research suggests that practicing Bach and Beethoven can build up the brain.

Vezt trumpets itself as the savior of the struggling performer. But can the fledgeling start-up help artists get by? And can the company itself survive long enough to find out?

PS Picks is a selection of the best things that the magazine's staff and contributors are reading, watching, or otherwise paying attention to in the worlds of art, politics, and culture.

A collection of some of our most important and timely stories, from an interview about news consumption habits to a feature story on how gerrymandering amplified the interests of the right.