Features
You Don’t Have to Be Ashamed: The Tender Revolution of Steven Grossman
Recording for a major label in the mid-’70s, the brilliant but forgotten singer-songwriter offered an honest, thoughtful expression of gay identity.
Anti Band: The Unruly Legacy of NO TREND
A new box set from Drag City uncovers the brazen contrarians of the legendary D.C. hardcore scene.
#BlackLivesMatter
What's Going On
Artists discuss the messages behind their songs.
Featuring commentary from Alicia Keys, Terrace Martin and others.
Beyoncé: Motherland Drip
A very special artist playlist.
Powerful tracks from Beyoncé, James Brown, Marvin Gaye and more.
Peaceful Protest: Hip-Hop
Genius MCs take a stand.
Essential music from Public Enemy, JAY-Z, Kendrick Lamar and more.
Discover
Jazz, the Blues & the LGBTQ Roots We Ignore
The beginnings of American popular music were anything but overwhelmingly straight.
Africa to the World: Crossover Essentials
Crucial tracks by Mory Kanté, Salif Keita, Angelique Kidjo and more.
TIDAL Primer: Hip-Hop in the Alternative Era
Through the dominance of Cypress Hill, Beastie Boys, Body Count and other acts, boundaries and audiences blurred in the early ’90s.
Conversations
“A Very Powerful Thing Our Ancestors Gave Us”: A Conversation With Jon Batiste
In a new single and in the streets, the pianist and bandleader furthers the great tradition of black American protest.
Amidst Uncertainty, the Courage of Rock and Roll: A Conversation With John Doe of X
The punk veteran talks 'ALPHABETLAND,' the first new release from X's original lineup in 35 years.
J Balvin: “Just the Beginning for Reggaeton”
The Colombian superstar on his new album, 'Colores,' and his genre’s future.
Essays
Lost Soul, Lost Album: Understanding Neil Young’s ‘Homegrown’
Shelved in the ’70s, the LP sheds light on a turbulent personal and artistic epoch in the singer-songwriter’s life.
Arena Rap: The Up in Smoke Tour @ 20
Dre, Snoop, Ice Cube and Eminem reinvent the hip-hop concert experience.
The Awakening of Pete Rock
Pete Rock turns 50 this year. So does the album he used to change the trajectory of hip-hop forever.
In Memoriam
Little Richard: Innovator, Originator, Architect
There never had been, and never again will be, anyone like him.
Andre Harrell: The Party-Starter
The Uptown founder revolutionized the marriage of hip-hop and R&B, and served an expansive yet neglected audience.
