How Boston quietly triumphed as a seminal rap city
From beginnings so humble that local labels left their addresses off the liner notes, New York's northeast neighbor grew into a sister city, guiding taste and incubating talent.
Music Features
All Rap Is Local
As it celebrates its 50th birthday, hip-hop is a global phenomenon. But to map the music's true impact, you have to look closer. Here's a guide to rap history, charted across more than a dozen cities.
Octavia Butler wrote a 'Parable' that became a prophecy — now it's also an opera
Octavia Butler's novel Parable of the Sower — depicting a dystopian U.S. in 2024 — was published 30 years ago. Toshi Reagon's new musical retelling explores the web of past, present and future.
Relive the 2023 American Pianists Awards from Indianapolis
Five young pianists compete for the American Pianists Association Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz.
Conjunto music enjoys a resurgence, bridging a divide between old and new musicians
Known for its thumping backbeat, vocals and shimmering accordion riffs, Conjunto has been around for more than a century. Now more young musicians are picking up the beat
Veeze is just like us — except he's one of the best rappers alive
For years, the relatable Michigan rapper's lore was missing a crucial component: an album. In the lead up to its release, he talked leak culture, becoming a talk-show host and his idea of taste.
The misplaced promise of Kim Petras
With her debut album 'Feed the Beast,' the rising pop star is still in the process of figuring out where she wants to be in the pop music echelon.
Marcus Strickland's wildest dream? Save planet Earth
Marcus Strickland wants us consider the miracle of life on Earth. At the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC, watch the saxophonist uplift existence with his band Twi-Life.
'Life and death is such a fine line': PJ Harvey on creating in a place between worlds
Harvey talks with NPR Music's Ann Powers about her album I Inside the Old Year Dying, a ragged, highly crafted adaptation of her epic poem Orlam, and why she prefers to make art without boundaries.
PHOTOS: Meet The Emerging Americana Stars Of The Black Opry Revue
The Black Opry Revue show emerged from a simple directory of Black country and Americana artists and blossomed into a full-blown community of artists and fans.