Music

Music & Culture

La Doña On 'Algo Nuevo,' Feminist Reggaeton And Teaching Mariachi In Schools

7:54am March 15, 2020

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks to the San Francisco-based artist about her debut EP, as well as teaching folks traditions in public schools and her style of music she calls "femmeton."

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Big Boi performs in Atlanta, Ga., on March 25, 2017.

Not My Job: We Quiz Big Boi On Professional Moving Services

10:02am March 14, 2020

We recorded the show in Atlanta, Ga., this week and so we've invited Big Boi — Grammy-winning rapper and producer and Atlanta resident — to play a game called "I like the way you move ... my stuff."

Ballaké Sissoko, Driss El Maloumi and Rajery are masters of three different stringed instruments from three different African cultures. Together, they are a trio called 3MA.

Music & Culture

3 Musicians, 51 Strings: 3MA On Redefining African Musical Traditions

8:14am March 14, 2020

by Betto Arcos

Ballaké Sissoko made headlines last month after his instrument was irreparably damaged in airline transit. The music that his band, 3MA, makes has a larger impact beyond just a tiff with the TSA.

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Jonah Mutono is one of the 100 artists on this year's edition of The Austin 100. Though SXSW was canceled, you can still discover and support the up-and-coming musicians who would have performed.

Music & Culture

SXSW Is Canceled, But You Can Still Discover — And Support — These Artists

8:14am March 14, 2020

by Stephen Thompson

The cancellation of SXSW was a huge blow to musicians hoping for a big break. But you can still hear artists who were slated to play the festival with NPR's The Austin 100.

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Jay Electronica performs during the 2018 Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City.

Music & Culture

Jay Electronica's Debut Album, 'A Written Testimony,' Arrives After An 11-Year Wait

6:14pm March 13, 2020

by Lars Gotrich

After 11 years of singles, features and promises, the rapper and producer has released his debut album, featuring Jay Z, Travis Scott, James Blake and Khruangbin.

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Music & Culture

Jay Electronica's Debut Album Is Here — Finally

5:58pm March 13, 2020

Hip-hop artist Jay Electronica has finally dropped his debut album, A Written Testimony. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with music writer Kiana Fitzgerald about a release over 10 years in the making.

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Singer R. Kelly, appearing in court in Chicago in June 2019.

New York Federal Prosecutors File New Charges Against R. Kelly

5:02pm March 13, 2020

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

In a superseding indictment filed Friday, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn levied nine charges against the R&B singer, including racketeering and sexual trafficking.

Soccer Mommy inside the World Cafe Performance Studio.

Music & Culture

Soccer Mommy Is In Control

2:28pm March 13, 2020

Sophie Allison has a keen understanding of how music works – not just the technical intricacies, but how it all fits together, too.

Chika plays a Tiny Desk concert (Max Posner/NPR).

Music & Culture

Chika: Tiny Desk Concert

1:12pm March 13, 2020

by Abby O'Neill

The 23-year old rapper from Alabama went for a stripped-down set anchored by a Peruvian cajón.

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Harry Styles discusses his Green Bay Packers fandom with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson.

2 Green Bay Packers Fans Chat Behind The Tiny Desk, And One Of Them Is Harry Styles

12:39pm March 13, 2020

by Stephen Thompson

The English pop star has a Packers logo tattooed on his upper arm. So NPR Music's biggest Packers fan sat him down at the Tiny Desk to ask: What's the deal with that?