Portland's Young Hip-Hop Artists Are Paving The Way For Music And Justice
A new generation of hip-hop artists are melding music and activism in response to the pandemic and last summer's protests for racial justice.
Music
Jazz Elder Statesman Anthony Braxton Continues To Defy Expectations
Maverick jazz composer Anthony Braxton was set to spend his 75th birthday performing at events around the world, but then... well, you know. He has two new boxed sets out this month.
How Collaboration, Curiosity And Mortality Shaped Hiatus Kaiyote's 'Mood Valiant'
The band has been sampled by Drake and Beyoncé, and its genre-hopping sound is hard to pin down. But as its latest release proves, trying to fit the band into a box misses how it makes its magic.
Pino Palladino + Blake Mills: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
The prolific bassist and two-time Grammy-nominated producer and guitarist come together to distill the sonic creativity of their album, Notes With Attachments.
Celebrating Juneteenth And Black Music Month With Classical Classics
As part of an ongoing series, NPR's Rachel Martin talks to pianist Lara Downes about classical recordings of "Lift Every Voice" and "A Change Is Gonna Come," to mark Black Music Month and Juneteenth.
Men I Trust: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
Smooth vibes abound in this quarantine concert, recorded in a cottage near the Montreal band's home.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Apologizes For Lack Of Afro-Latinx Actors In 'In The Heights'
In a Twitter message, the co-creator of In The Heights wrote: "In trying to paint a mosaic of this community, we fell short. I'm truly sorry."
'Y Volver, Volver': As Restrictions Lift, Mariachi Are Back
As the pandemic recedes, the sounds of daily life are returning to American neighborhoods. In Mexican communities, that means mariachi musicians are back serenading family parties.
Brandi Carlile Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For Joni Mitchell's 'Blue'
For its 50th anniversary, join us in an online listening party for Joni Mitchell's Blue. NPR Music's Ann Powers will be joined by Brandi Carlile in a live conversation about the album.
NEA Announces 2021 National Heritage Fellowship Winners
This year's honorees include the Mexican-American band Los Lobos, the founder of the Irish-American musical group Cherish the Ladies, and Native American and Puerto Rican textile artists.