Music

In the classical music world, a domain often characterized by its adherence to tradition, the representation of people of color has been a subject of much-needed attention and action. According to a study by the League of American Orchestras, there has been a notable increase in the diversity of orchestra players nationwide, with people of color now making up approximately 21 percent of orchestra players, up from 14 percent in […]

In a recent interview with NPR, the 'King of Crunk, Lil Jon, revealed a side of himself that many fans may find surprising. Known for his high-energy anthems that have fueled countless parties, Lil Jon has now channeled his dynamic spirit into a more serene endeavor—a guided meditation album titled "Total Meditation." During the interview, Lil Jon shared the personal motivations behind his pivot to meditation. Facing anxiety and stress […]

Alex Alaya/Brownswood Recordings For the past few years, Daymé Arocena's life has been transformed by two major revelations. The first struck swiftly, in a moment of fear and desperation: the artist realized she needed to get away from the island she's long called home, the one that turned her into a jazz star when she was still a teenager. The second came to her in a kind of subdued focus, […]

With its pulsating beats and synthesized timbres, electronic music has long been a canvas for futuristic exploration and technological innovation. Yet, the genre's narrative is incomplete without acknowledging the profound influence of Black culture and artists. The online exhibit "Blacktronika: Afrofuturism in Electronic Music," curated by King Britt and featured on Google Arts & Culture, stands as a powerful testament to the indelible impact of Black musicians on the electronic […]

Butcher Brown performs a Tiny Desk concert. The "solar music" Butcher Brown brought to Tiny Desk was hot and funky from the count-in. What is solar music? It's the term the band uses to describe the various musical inspirations that influence its sound — simply put, everything under the sun. And everyone who attended this Tiny Desk Concert was feeling it. There were stank faces aplenty. Hailing from Richmond, Va., […]

Credit: Photo: Elizabeth Gillis/NPR Kelela took her opportunity at the Tiny Desk to create something new. She swapped key pieces from her recordings (hard drums and effects) for a harp and piano. She also presented us with a challenge or two as well. While there weren't many bodies behind the Desk, the instruments left little room for movement. Pianist Briley Harris was barricaded by the keys, and background vocalists Brittney […]

SZA, one of the most impactful voices in R&B today, has once again captured the attention of both fans and critics with her latest single, "Saturn." This release comes on the heels of her significant achievements at the 66th Grammy Awards, where she was the most-nominated artist of the year and took home three prestigious awards. SZA's "SOS" album, which features hits like "Snooze" and "Kill Bill," won Best Progressive […]