Why The Contradictions Of XXXTentacion Are 'Difficult To Square'
Music critic Lindsay Zoladz explains how and why music fans are grappling with art and violent life of Florida rapper XXXTentacion, following his murder.
Music Interviews
Priscilla Renea Refuses To Be Quiet About Racism In Country Music
Dolly Parton, one of Renea's favorite singers, says you have to stay quiet to make it in show business. But Renea refuses to downplay her experiences as a black woman in country music.
Jill Barber Goes Pop, Minus Some Sweetness
The Canadian singer known for folk and jazz switches genres, this time to write an album about the place of women in modern times.
John Coltrane's Lost Album A 'Buried Treasure' For Jazz Fans
Never-before-heard John Coltrane recordings from a 1963 session are being released as a new album. John Coltrane's son, Ravi Coltrane, discusses 'Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album.'
Kississippi On World Cafe
After some ups and downs, Zoe Reynolds persisted and independently released her debut album. Hear a live performance.
Kamasi Washington's Heaven Exists In His Mind
The jazz torchbearer's new record Heaven and Earth represents the relationship between his inner world and outward reality.
Derek Smalls On World Cafe
Spinal Tap's legendary bassist drops by with a few songs from his new reflective solo record, Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing).
Bettye LaVette On World Cafe
At 72 years old, LaVette is back with a deep dive into Bob Dylan's songbook for her latest record Things Have Changed.
World Cafe Nashville: Bermuda Triangle
Jesse Lafser, Brittany Howard and Becca Mancari all maintain their own brilliant careers. What brings them together as Bermuda Triangle is friendship, pure and simple.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé's 'Everything Is Love' Shakes Up Summer Music
A season full of high-profile hip-hop releases just got hotter. NPR Music's Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael break down the surprise release of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's collaborative album.