From The Japanese Underground: A Playlist
Author and label owner Ian Martin takes us on a tour of his history with the underground music scene in Japan.
Music Features
Finding The Meaning Of Success, Deep Within Tokyo's Musical Underground
Through the process of translating his book about Japan's robust independent music scene into the country's native language, an author finds himself reckoning with where he's really at.
As Summer Jam Turns 25, Hot 97 Stakes Its Claim To Hip-Hop Pedigree
Ebro Darden and Peter Rosenberg remain vocal gatekeepers in an era of SoundCloud rappers and digital playlists.
Dave Matthews Band And The Sound Of Settling
For one writer, the Dave Matthews Band was a gateway to progressive politics in music. On its first album in six years, the group seems like it's sheltering in place.
Transgression, Noise And Drag: The Creation Of A Fake Arab Pop Star
Of the life of an artist — particularly for women of color — the fearless Fatima Al Qadiri says: "Everything can be an act of joy and beauty until it gets put out. Then it can get dangerous."
Between The World And Black Thought
On the eve of his first solo release, Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1, The Roots' lead sheds light on his darkest inspiration and expanding vulnerability.