TOKiMONSTA Keeps It Interesting on ‘Eternal Reverie’
TOKiMONSTA’s new LP sports lushly synthesized house and pop hybrids with modern electronic music’s flourish and sheen while recalling dance’s forbearers.
hip-hop
John Glacier’s ‘Like a Ribbon’ Is a Promising Debut
John Glacier has the capacity to grow into a generational artist who creates by the beat of her own drum. Like a Ribbon is a stepping stone into that space.
Decoding the Rap-Comic Complex in Childish Gambino’s Final LP
Through a dystopian plot, Childish Gambino’s final record attempts to narrate his insecurity, as opposed to its raw, uncomplicated exploration in Atavista.
Brazilian Hip-Hop Artist Laíz Makes Bold Moves on ‘Ela Partíu’
Throughout Ela Partíu, Laíz makes clear just how much more she is: strong, tender, and an outstanding new figure in globally-minded hip-hop.
Heems’ ‘VENNA LP’ Communicates Across Boundaries
On VEENA LP, Queens rapper Heems delivers a significant and sonically diverse work of NYC rap fueled by diaspora blues. It’s his best record as a solo artist.
The Best Artists of the Newport Folk Festival 2024
The esteemed Newport Folk Festival has consistently challenged the notion of folk music. The 2024 edition continued to defy traditions.
The 5 Best Video Game Hip-Hop Soundtracks
Fresh off hip-hop’s 50th birthday PopMatters looks at some of the best hip-hop video game soundtracks. These games boast soundtracks fit for classic status.
Ice Spice’s Good Karma on ‘Y2K!’
Ice Spice’s Y2K! may have an obvious title, named for her birth year, but she wasn’t born yesterday. In 2024, stating a fact is the realest thing you can do.
Da Beatminerz Keep It Real on ‘Stifled Creativity’
Da Beatminerz, the renowned hip-hop production duo comprised of DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt, are back with the bass to celebrate hip-hop’s storied funky sonics.
RJD2 Refines His Signature Sound on ‘Visions Out of Limelight’
RJD2 felt he was getting pigeonholed for his sample-based style, only to be lambasted when diverting from it. On his new album, he embraces his true muse.
Summer 2024 European Music Festivals Light Up Major Cities
Sure, Glastonbury and Rock Werchter dazzle with pastoral grandeur, but if you’re more of a city-dweller, check out the best European music festivals this summer.
A Freewheeling Questlove Drops a New Hit with ‘Hip-Hop Is History’
With its deft layering of words, its samples, and how it articulates sound, Questlove’s Hip-Hop Is History is like De La Soul’s excellent album 3 Feet High and Rising.