Music

Baritone Will Liverman stars in X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X at New York's Metropolitan Opera. Zenith Richards/Courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera An opera about Malcolm X will open Friday night at New York's Metropolitan Opera — 37 years after it first premiered. The opera's creative team says although nearly four decades have passed since X first came to the stage, its messages feel more relevant than ever. […]

Left: James Spooner, co-creator of Afropunk Festival and co-editor of Black Punk Now. Right: Black Punk Now cover art. More than a decade since she last dabbled in the Black punk scene, host B.A. Parker heads to a show in Brooklyn and is reminded of something she read recently: "What is more liberating than a mosh pit full of smiling Black faces?" The quote comes from James Spooner, the co-creator […]

Sub-Saharan Africa has been a region long celebrated for its vibrant rhythms and dynamic musical contributions. But there's a particular genre that has recently been capturing hearts and drawing international attention — R&B. As many aficionados would be aware, the flagship playlist, "Tantalizers," has already spotlighted numerous artists who have mastery over this genre. But this was just the beginning. The recent collaboration between Spotify and COLORSxSTUDIOS has taken this […]

"6LACK Partners with Endel: The Fusion of R&B and AI-Driven Soundscapes for Mental Health" Groundbreaking alternative R&B artist 6LACK, known not only for his compelling music but also his advocacy for mental health, is back in the spotlight. This time, he’s unveiled a powerful album titled "Since I Have A Lover," which encapsulates the essence of self-love and the journey of healing, especially in an era when mental health is […]

It's no secret that Roberta Flack's rendition of "Killing Me Softly With His Song" is a monumental piece of music history. Celebrated by industry giants like Rolling Stone magazine and awarded the prestigious Grammy, it's a track that has resonated with generations. With over 130 commercial covers, including the unforgettable 1996 version by The Fugees, it is a testament to the song's enduring appeal. But imagine experiencing this timeless song […]

Credit: Photo: Grace Widyatmadja Before Nile Rodgers & CHIC set the Tiny Desk off, the icon established a sort of mission statement for the group's sound: "If we can funk in this, you know we can funk." They surely can. In stints since 1972, CHIC has assured its position as funk ambassadors — a position its members clearly relish — and no space is resistant to their grooves. When Rodgers […]

Credit: Photo: Estefania Mitre Jordan Ward showed up to NPR headquarters radiating with a warm energy that felt familiar, like linking up with your favorite cousins at the cookout. After all, the immense amount of creativity and synergy displayed by Ward and his bandmates during this Tiny Desk performance is indicative of pure fellowship. The St. Louis-bred singer-songwriter started his professional career as a backup dancer for stars like Justin […]