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.
Essays
Between ‘Fun House’ & ‘Funtime’: Iggy Pop in the Seventies
Brilliantly out of step, the rock provocateur architected revolutionary sounds with the Stooges and Bowie.
The Darkness & the Daydream: The Grateful Dead in 1970
At the onset of a long goodbye to the psychedelic Sixties, the great American rock band released two rootsy studio masterpieces while unspooling marathon lysergic improv onstage.
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
Tony Bennett: I Will Be Remembering Johnny Mandel
Our finest jazz and traditional-pop singer reflects on his collaborations with the late, great composer-arranger.
Ennio Morricone’s Mythic West
Throughout his marathon career, the late composer provided a guidebook to distilling story, legend and image into sonic form.
#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.
