Popcast
The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in popular music criticism, trends and news.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp
Episodes
Is the Real ‘Wicked’ Movie the Press Tour?
A conversation about the musical’s transfer from stage to screen, and the lead actresses who are bringing new narratives to their roles. Guest: Joe CoscarelliUnlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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07/12/24•55m 28s
Kendrick Lamar’s Never-Ending Battles
The Los Angeles rapper returns with his (surprise) sixth album, itching to escape his Drake drama, but still benefiting from it. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
28/11/24•1h 2m
How Will Popular Culture Change in Trump’s Second Term?
His first term was marked by backlash and protest. But the president-elect has found new streams of embrace and approval. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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20/11/24•51m 54s
Remembering Quincy Jones, a Bridge Between Genres and Generations
A conversation about his long and unique footprint in music, and how he discussed it later in his career. Guest: David Marchese.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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11/11/24•43m 32s
‘Love Is Blind’ Resets, ‘Survivor’ Stalls: A Reality TV Check-in
A palate-cleanse conversation about the state of legacy reality franchises, and what might come next for them. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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05/11/24•1h 15m
Yeat’s Chart Topper and Rage Rap’s New Wave
A conversation about the mysterious rapper’s rise and the impact of hip-hop’s splintering. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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01/11/24•50m 19s
Chappell Roan’s Rocket-Ship Year
The pop star’s ascent has tested the boundaries of contemporary pop, and may create a template for a next generation. Guest: Teen Vogue's P. Claire Dodson.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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21/10/24•47m 49s
It’s Touring Season: Chappell, Sabrina and Mk.gee Hit the Stage
A roundup of some of the biggest and most impactful shows on the road this fall, and how live performances can shift the audience’s perception of an artist. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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11/10/24•1h 3m
The Cases Against Sean Combs
A discussion of the accusations the music mogul faces, the court of public opinion and how the entertainment press covers morally complicated figures. Guests: Ben Sisario, Julia Jacobs and Joe Coscarelli. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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07/10/24•1h 3m
John Summit Interview! Accountant Turned EDM Superstar on Texting Exes & Not Getting Into Clubs
The dance music DJ and producer John Summit speaks on the return of EDM and his rise, from working as an accountant and spinning at underground parties to headlining Madison Square Garden and festivals around the world.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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25/09/24•57m 27s
How Trump and Harris Are Courting Pop Stars (Very Differently)
A discussion about the ways in which musicians and social media stars, both mainstream and more obscure, have figured into the current presidential campaign.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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20/09/24•40m 51s
Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl, Sabrina Carpenter on Top
Plus: A conversation about the career of Rich Homie Quan, who died last week.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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11/09/24•1h 10m
21 Questions With Action Bronson (Deluxe)
The rapper and gourmand answers our rapid-fire questionnaire covering the music of his childhood, how he manages stress, his go-to bodega order and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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15/08/24•30m 58s
Who Is Eminem for in 2024?
A conversation about the Detroit rapper’s long and unlikely career as his 12th studio album reaches No. 1. Guests: Jayson Buford and Rob Markman.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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28/07/24•1h 1m
We Ranked Every Taylor Swift Album! (Deluxe)
Two longtime chroniclers of Swift’s career list their favorites — and least favorites — of the singer’s 11 original studio albums so far.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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17/07/24•1h 46m
Will There Ever Be Another Global Pop Icon? (Deluxe)
In a moment of success for newcomers like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, is there still a path to becoming a true cross-platform pop superstar?Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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26/06/24•38m 55s
Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ Breakthrough
The pop songwriter’s sixth album is in some ways her most daring release yet. Improbably, it also yielded her best opening week. Guest host: Lindsay Zoladz. Guests: Shaad D'Souza and Meaghan Garvey.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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24/06/24•54m 48s
What’s an Aging Rapper to Do? Eminem, Drake, J. Cole (& Will Smith!) Adapt (Deluxe)
New songs from Eminem, Drake and J. Cole — plus Will Smith’s post-Slap “Bad Boys” comeback — demonstrate different paths for maturing (or not).Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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12/06/24•1h 14m
Julia Fox Interview! on Charli XCX, ‘It Girl’ Songs & Kanye Lessons
The actress, writer and downtown New York icon discusses her post-Kanye career, what it’s like to see her past go viral and the history of “It Girl” pop songs.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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05/06/24•54m 21s
How A.I. Has Changed Music, and What’s Coming Next
Artificial intelligence has become the dominant disrupter to music creation and distribution. And it’s only getting started. Guests: Bloomberg's Rachel Metz and Billboard's Kristin Robinson.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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30/05/24•58m 50s
Did Dua Lipa Flop? + Miserable Music Movies (Deluxe)
Discussing the imperfect rollout of “Radical Optimism," plus: the recent music movies “Back to Black,” about Amy Winehouse, and “The Idea of You” with Anne Hathaway.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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29/05/24•1h 17m
Billie Eilish Is Done Hiding (Deluxe)
A conversation about the pop singer’s new album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” Plus: How Tinashe’s “Nasty” went viral.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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22/05/24•1h 4m
Kendrick-Drake Beef Ends + Zendaya, Post Malone & Central Cee (Deluxe)
Catching up on the conclusion of rap’s heavyweight fight, Zendaya in “Challengers,” a new Central Cee freestyle and Post Malone’s country single with Morgan Wallen.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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15/05/24•1h 29m
The Legacy of Steve Albini, Rock’s Uncompromising Force
A conversation about one of the most admired, and divisive, figures in rock. Guest host: Ben Sisario. Guests: The Atlantic's Jeremy Gordon, and Joe Gross. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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14/05/24•1h 10m
Popcast (Deluxe): How Kendrick Lamar Out-Drake’d Drake
Breaking down the heavyweight rap battle after a weekend of dramatic diss tracks.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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08/05/24•1h 22m
Popcast (Deluxe): The Best New Taylor Swift Songs. Plus: Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter
Picking the best edited track list for “The Tortured Poets Department” one week later and charting the recent rise of a pair of pop’s middle-class stars.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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01/05/24•1h 22m
Taylor Swift: The ‘Tortured’ Mailbag
Answering your questions about the sound and substance of the pop superstar’s double album, and the way fans and critics have responded to it. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Stereogum's Tom Breihan.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
26/04/24•1h 2m
Popcast (Deluxe): Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured’ Era
A discussion about the singer’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift’s “imperial era,” the use of her rumored relationships and production choices.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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24/04/24•1h 20m
Vampire Weekend’s New Album Goes Underground and All Over
Digging into “Only God Was Above Us,” an LP that’s both catchy and complex. Guest host: Jon Pareles. Guests: The New Yorker's Amanda Petrusich and Pitchfork's Matthew Strauss.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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17/04/24•39m 32s
Popcast (Deluxe): It’s Drake vs. Everybody … Who’s Winning?
Breaking down the convoluted recent beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (and Future, Metro Boomin, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Rick Ross and more).Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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17/04/24•1h 19m
Beyoncé, ‘Cowboy Carter’ and Filling in History’s Gaps
A conversation about how the pop superstar’s genre experiments explore race and power, and the implicit politics that come with them. Guests: Marcus K. Dowling and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/04/24•1h 7m
Popcast (Deluxe): Listening to Beyoncé & Future (and the Discourse)
How conversation about very specific aspects of the new albums “Cowboy Carter” and “We Don’t Trust You” can obscure talk of their musical quality.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
03/04/24•1h 23m
Lil Jon: The Popcast (Deluxe) Interview
An in-depth interview with the Atlanta hip-hop and EDM legend, tracing his path through punk, skateboarding and crunk music on the way to this year’s Super Bowl.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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27/03/24•1h 44m
The Justin Timberlake Conundrum
His sixth solo album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” has been met with critical dismissal and weaker sales. Where can the onetime pop superstar turn next? Guests: Steven J. Horowitz and Joshunda Sanders.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
26/03/24•59m 23s
Popcast (Deluxe): Is Reality TV in a New Golden Age?
Catching up on recent hit shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors” and “Survivor,” including how social media has added another layer of reality.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
21/03/24•1h 20m
Popcast (Deluxe): What’s an Industry Plant Anyway? Plus: Ariana Grande
Discussing the quick ascent of the downtempo R&B singer 4batz, the new Ariana Grande album, “eternal sunshine,” music at the Oscars and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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14/03/24•1h 6m
Tate McRae, Dua Lipa and the Fight to Be ‘Main Pop Girl’
A conversation about a title that emerged from stan communities, and how it’s played a role in pop singers’ careers. Guests: Vulture's Jason P. Frank and Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
13/03/24•56m 57s
girl in red: The Popcast (Deluxe) Interview
An interview with the Norwegian singer girl in red (Marie Ulven) about her second album, “I’m Doing It Again Baby!,” opening for Taylor Swift and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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06/03/24•1h 14m
Popcast (Deluxe): Is TikTok Done? 4 Crises Holding the App Back
Once addictive and effective, TikTok is struggling with commercialization, a shifting relationship with the music industry and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
28/02/24•51m 10s
Remembering Toby Keith and His Complexities
A conversation about his loudest (and quieter) moments, and how patriotism has played into country music. Guest: David Cantwell.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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27/02/24•42m 40s
Popcast (Deluxe): Pop Stars vs. the Attention Economy
Jennifer Lopez’s new film and album, “This Is Me … Now,” plus other confusing recent rollouts for pop stars including Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake and Camila Cabello.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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22/02/24•1h 3m
Covering the Rise of Tracy Chapman
In 1988, “Fast Car” turned the singer-songwriter into a star. She was skeptical of the spotlight, and learning to wield her power. Guest: Steve Pond.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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21/02/24•34m 8s
Popcast (Deluxe): Usher, Beyoncé and Ye Lead a Busy Week in Pop
Recapping the Super Bowl halftime show, two new singles from Beyoncé, Ye’s “Vultures 1” album and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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15/02/24•1h 9m
How Usher Arrived at the Super Bowl Halftime Show
A conversation about his long career path through several generations of R&B, and what he might do on such a big stage. Guests: Thomas Hobbs and Danielle Amir Jackson.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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08/02/24•51m 31s
2024 Grammys, Dissected: Taylor, Miley, SZA, Tracy, Joni and More
Was this the year the awards got it correct? Guests: Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
07/02/24•52m 58s
Popcast (Deluxe): Will Taylor, SZA or Olivia Win Big at the Grammys?
A breakdown of the major categories and most interesting competitions at the 66th annual awards on Sunday.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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31/01/24•1h 7m
Popcast (Deluxe): Playboi Carti, Waxahatchee and 12 More to Watch
A breakdown of new albums and songs for 2024 (and a handful of possible but dubious releases).Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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24/01/24•52m 2s
Pitchfork, the Early Years
With the music website’s future uncertain, Ryan Schreiber and Chris Kaskie look back at its start.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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24/01/24•1h
An Elastic and Impressive Moment in Jazz
A rundown of impressive recent releases and a look at who benefits (and suffers) when artists working outside formal jazz idioms are lumped into conversations about the genre. Guests: Marcus J. Moore and Giovanni Russonello.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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19/01/24•57m 19s
Popcast (Deluxe): Lil Nas X, Ariana Grande and 21 Savage Kick Off 2024
Pop’s premier troll returns while one of its biggest voices turns her attention to gossip, and the first blockbuster rap album of the year arrives.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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17/01/24•49m 44s
Popcast (Deluxe): ‘Saltburn,’ Jacob Elordi and the New Heartthrob Era
Plus: Barry Keoghan’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” Jeremy Allen White’s stripped-down moment and Nathan Fielder’s “The Curse” wraps up.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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11/01/24•1h 4m
What Did We Learn From a Year in Live Shows?
Concerts paused during the height of the pandemic, and returned at full power in 2023. Our pop music editor saw a lot of them. Guest: Caryn GanzUnlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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10/01/24•43m 53s
Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and the Sphere: The Year in Live Music
The touring business saw record revenue in 2023 and major tours made news, but fans still struggle with ticket prices and access — and political leaders are watching. Guest: Ben Sisario.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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23/12/23•48m 35s
Popcast (Deluxe): The Kid Mero on the Viral Characters of 2023
The comedian and podcaster known as the Kid Mero on the year in internet domination, including Ice Spice, Keith Lee, the Weeknd, Kai Cenat and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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20/12/23•1h 7m
Chatting About the Best Songs of 2023
The most impactful tracks of the year come from different genres and generations — and not all of them are traditional songs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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15/12/23•1h
Jelly Roll: The Popcast (Deluxe) Interview
An emotional conversation with one of the year’s biggest breakout stars about turning his life around and transitioning from Southern rap to country hitmaking.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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13/12/23•1h 10m
The Albums That Defined 2023? Let’s Discuss.
Our critics debate their year-end lists (and agree on SZA, Olivia Rodrigo and 100 gecs!) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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09/12/23•53m 26s
Popcast (Deluxe): Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Movie Shows All the Work
Discussing the singer’s new concert film that documents the Renaissance World Tour, interspersed with behind-the-scenes looks at how it came to be.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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06/12/23•1h 8m
Jung Kook, BTS and English Language K-Pop
A conversation about K-pop’s long march to American awareness, and the potential risks of that embrace. Guest: Kara.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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01/12/23•44m 28s
Popcast (Deluxe): Can Rap Bridge Its Generation Gap?
Is it possible for rappers to age gracefully? Where are the new stars? A discussion on the state of the genre and where it may be heading.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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29/11/23•1h 13m
André 3000’s Experiments With Flutes and Fame
The acclaimed rapper’s first solo album contains no rapping. What does this sharp creative turn reveal about its maker? Guests: GQ's Zach Baron, and Sadie Sartini Garner.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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25/11/23•1h 3m
Popcast (Deluxe): Mailbag! The Beatles, Taylor Swift and More
Taking viewer and listener questions on hot topics in pop music.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
22/11/23•53m 50s
Popcast (Deluxe): What Is Going On With the Grammy Nominations?
Dissecting the contenders for the 2024 Grammy Awards, including top nominations for SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Jon Batiste. Plus: Nathan Fielder's "The Curse."Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
15/11/23•1h 4m
PinkPantheress Leaves the Bedroom for the Wider Pop World
A conversation about the 22-year-old singer, songwriter and producer’s new album and the art of sampling. Guests: Kemi Alemoru and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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10/11/23•51m 43s
Popcast (Deluxe): ‘Priscilla’ and ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Plumb Heartbreak
Breaking down Sofia Coppola’s new film, an impressionistic take on Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship, plus: the surprising depth of a reality TV spinoff.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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08/11/23•1h 7m
Noah Kahan’s Rootsy Rock Revival
Revisiting the rustic mainstream sound of the early 2010s, the Vermont singer-songwriter has broken through with “Stick Season.” Guests: Vox's Rebecca Jennings and Billboard's Jason Lipshutz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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03/11/23•47m 35s
Popcast (Deluxe): Is the Pop Music Machine Stuck in Place?
With certain headliners hogging up space, where are the new stars? We checked in on recent hits from the radio, streaming services and TikTok.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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01/11/23•1h 7m
Who Is Troye Sivan Now?
A conversation about the pop star’s evolution on his new album, “Something to Give Each Other,” and the ceilings he may still face as an openly gay male performer. Guests: Harry Tafoya and Shaad D’Souza.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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27/10/23•39m 57s
Popcast (Deluxe): The Britney Spears Memoir + ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
Reacting to “The Woman in Me,” the new book by Spears, and Martin Scorsese’s latest film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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25/10/23•1h 2m
Drake Takes On All Comers
The rapper’s new album, “For All the Dogs,” has stirred debate about maturity and misogyny, and led to questions about the next phase of his career. Guests: The Ringer's Justin Charity and Pitchfork's Dylan Green.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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20/10/23•46m 2s
Popcast (Deluxe): Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Movie + Bad Bunny Returns
A conversation about Swift’s concert film documenting her summer stadium sojourn. Plus: The new album “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana.”Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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18/10/23•1h 2m
Do We Need Album Reviews Anymore?
A conversation about the history — and future — of album reviews in an increasingly fraught environment for music journalism and criticism.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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12/10/23•47m 57s
Popcast (Deluxe): Drake’s New Album Courts New Enemies
A discussion about “For All the Dogs” and the fever-pitch online discourse around Drake, his career and his public persona. Plus: reality TV drama.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
11/10/23•1h 7m
Maren Morris: The (Deluxe) Interview
In a guest appearance, the country-pop singer discusses her recent decision to step back from country music because of Nashville’s poor track record of tolerance and diversity.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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04/10/23•1h 5m
Zach Bryan Begins Building His Village
A conversation about the singer-songwriter’s post-politics approach to stardom, his dogged work ethic and his artistic coalition with fellow dissidents.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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29/09/23•59m 5s
Popcast (Deluxe): Doja Cat’s Rap Renaissance + Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce
Breaking down Doja Cat’s surprising new album, “Scarlet,” plus: Swift’s foray into football and Hasan Minhaj’s fibs.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
27/09/23•1h 4m
Remembering Jimmy Buffett, Beach Bum Bard
A conversation about how the musician, who died this month at 76, turned a way of life into a song — and that song back into a very profitable way of life. Guest: Jon ParelesUnlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
21/09/23•39m 0s
Popcast (Deluxe): Ice Spice’s Munchkin Drink + Jann Wenner Backlash
Plus: what it’s like in Sean Combs’s sauna.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
20/09/23•1h
Popcast (Deluxe): Breaking Down Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Guts,’ Part 2
A deep dive into whom the singer’s new songs might be about — and if it matters. Plus: Zach Bryan’s breakthrough and recent arrest.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
13/09/23•1h 11m
Olivia Rodrigo’s Songs About Growing Pains
The 20-year-old singer-songwriter returns with “Guts,” an album informed by the opportunities and costs of her rapid rise. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
12/09/23•51m 35s
Popcast (Deluxe): ‘Bottoms,’ ‘Hard Knocks’ & Uncovering Rap History
What we watched (and read!) this summer.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
06/09/23•1h 8m
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Speed Round, Part 2
A conversation about Swift’s relationship to celebrity, the tour date as destination event and how fans dressed up for the show. Guests: Caryn Ganz, Vrinda Jagota and Josh Duboff. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
05/09/23•1h 15m
Popcast (Deluxe) Mailbag: Selena Gomez, BTS and Doja Cat!
Listener (and viewer!) questions on some recent releases, also including Renee Rapp, Earl Sweatshirt and Zach Bryan.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
30/08/23•1h 7m
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Speed Round, Part 1
A conversation about how the concert relates to Beyoncé’s stadium show, the role of dance in Swift’s spectacular and more. Guests: Wesley Morris, Brian Seibert and Bandsplain's Yasi Salek.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
29/08/23•1h 4m
Popcast (Deluxe): A Shocking No. 1 Hit and Addison Rae’s New EP
The rapid rise of Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond,” plus: the playful pop of the TikTok star Addison Rae.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
23/08/23•1h 4m
Dead & Company Said Farewell, but the Scene Is Very Alive
One of jam’s most definitive bands is still attracting new recruits, and younger generations are finding comfort in its community. Guests: JamBase's Scott Bernstein; and Marc Tracy.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
22/08/23•57m 47s
Popcast (Deluxe): Is There Such a Thing as the Song of the Summer?
Tracks by Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and more have dominated this summer — or at least attempted to.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
16/08/23•1h 7m
Popcast (Deluxe): Lizzo, Travis Scott and the Limits of Persona
What can pop stars get away with? Plus: the deaths of Sinead O’Connor and Angus Cloud.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/08/23•1h 6m
The Raw Art and Life of Sinead O’Connor
A conversation about her unlikely pop fame, complex relationship to stardom and powerful, signature music. Guests: Alfred Soto and Amanda Hess.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
03/08/23•1h
Popcast (Deluxe): Our Favorite Albums of the Year So Far
Peso Pluma, Ice Spice, Skrillex, 100 gecs and more. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
02/08/23•1h 1m
Jason Aldean’s Culture War Hit
After the country star’s “Try That in a Small Town” video was criticized as offensive, right-wing support sent the song to No. 2 on the singles chart. Guests: The Tennessean's Marcus K. Dowling; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Amanda Marie MartinezUnlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
28/07/23•46m 38s
Popcast (Deluxe): ‘Barbie,’ Jason Aldean’s Culture War and Drake’s Tour
Plus: Violent J in our 50 Rappers, 50 Stories project, new songs and new snacks.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
26/07/23•1h 16m
50 Rappers, 50 Stories: Behind the Scenes
A look at how we assembled a sweeping collection of personal narratives, and the threads that tie them together. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Elena Bergeron and Keith Murphy.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
23/07/23•57m 32s
Popcast (Deluxe): Fans Misbehaving at Concerts, and Pinkydoll’s NPC TikTok
Plus: Music from Troye Sivan and Militarie Gun (as performed by Post Malone).Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
19/07/23•1h 8m
Popcast (Deluxe): Britney Spears’s Wembanyama Run-In and Taylor Swift’s ‘Revenge’
Plus: Lil Uzi Vert’s new No. 1 “Pink Tape,” and Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City.”Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
12/07/23•1h 2m
The Many Lives of Lil Durk
How the Chicago rap veteran reinvented himself, and became a star largely in the shadows. Guest: Fake Shore Drive's Andrew Barber.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
11/07/23•52m 31s
Popcast (Deluxe): Olivia Rodrigo Returns, Fall Out Boy Denies History
Plus: “Barbie” memes and the Grimace Shake attacks.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
05/07/23•53m 44s
Popcast (Deluxe): Kim Petras’s New LP and Jennifer Lawrence’s Return
Up for discussion this week: “The Idol” approaches its finale, the conclusion of Kesha and Dr. Luke’s legal battle and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
29/06/23•1h 9m
Kylie Minogue’s ‘Padam Padam’ and the Queer Club-Pop Canon
The global star’s single has become the soundtrack of Pride this year, opening fresh conversations about pop divas and their gay fans. Guest: Vulture's Jason P. FrankUnlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
27/06/23•51m 20s
Popcast (Deluxe): Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton and Gunna’s New LP
What’s the role of global celebrity in high fashion? Why hasn’t hip-hop penetrated the charts this year? And what’s the snack of the week?Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
21/06/23•1h 17m
The Joni Mitchell Renaissance
A conversation about how the singer-songwriter was received during her career peak, and how she is remaking her own music in her later years. Guest: Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
17/06/23•42m 6s
Popcast (Deluxe): The Rise of the A.I. Pop Star, Luke Combs’s ‘Fast Car’
Dissecting the recent wave of songs ‘by’ Drake and others, plus your questions about band reunions, a rundown of new songs and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
14/06/23•59m 48s
Popcast Mailbag! Frank Ocean, Peso Pluma, A.I. Grimes and More
You asked, we answered your questions about the weight of following a smash single and the persistence of genre. Guests: Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli, Lindsay Zoladz and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/06/23•1h 1m
Popcast (Deluxe): Taylor Swift and Matty Healy, Plus ‘The Idol’
Breaking down Ice Spice’s new feature on Swift’s “Karma” remix, the explosion in pop music documentaries and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
07/06/23•1h 2m
Popcast (Deluxe): Morgan Wallen, Indie Sleaze and ‘Survivor’
Introducing a new weekly video show from the Popcast team that breaks down the essential pop culture story lines of the moment.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
31/05/23•1h 2m
On TikTok, Pop Music Speeds Up
A 12-year-old Miguel song has re-entered the Billboard charts, demonstrating how the app reshapes listening habits. Guest: Billboard's Elias Leight.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
24/05/23•36m 58s
Jessie Ware Is Dancing Into Her Second Act
A conversation about the British musician’s journey to her lush neo-disco manifesto “That! Feels Good!” Guests: Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
17/05/23•44m 37s
Ed Sheeran Is Vindicated, But Other Copyright Battles Rage On
Do current protections account for how music is actually made now? Guest: Ben Sisario.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
10/05/23•47m 21s
Jai Paul Emerges From the Shadows, Somewhat
The elusive vocalist and producer performed his first shows last month. Do they mark the end of an arc, or a new beginning? Guests: Lindsay Zoladz and The New Yorker's Jia Tolentino.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
04/05/23•52m 53s
How Fred again.. Jolted Dance Music
A conversation about the genre's new wave of big-tent ambition, and the whimsical British artist at the heart of it. Guest: Foster Kamer.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
24/04/23•46m 59s
A Spree of Country Music Divorce Albums
Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and Kacey Musgraves have reacted to breakups — and found freedom — in song. Guest: Marissa R. Moss.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
17/04/23•46m 47s
The Friendship Harmonies of boygenius
How Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus’s side project has become a major part of their music — and their lore. Guests: Jon Pareles and Pitchfork's Cat Zhang.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
06/04/23•37m 47s
How Taylor Swift Shapes the Story of Her Eras
The pop superstar is back on tour for the first time since 2018, performing grand stadium shows that spin a narrative from her 10-album catalog. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
31/03/23•47m 47s
The Inevitability of Ice Spice
A conversation about the ubiquitous Bronx rapper’s rise, and her boosts from the meme universe. Guest: Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
22/03/23•49m 44s
The Return of Morgan Wallen (Who Never Went Away)
As the country star’s new album earns the biggest debut of the year, a conversation about the nature of his fame and the scope of his reprimand for using a racial slur. Guest: The New Yorker's Kelefa Sanneh.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
16/03/23•54m 15s
Celebrating De La Soul, With Questlove
A conversation about the group’s impact and legacy as its music finally arrives on streaming services, just weeks after the death of one of its rappers, Dave Jolicoeur. Guests: Questlove and Joseph Patel.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
08/03/23•58m 23s
Pharrell and Luxury Fashion’s Hip-Hop Obsession
The hitmaker has been named a creative director at Louis Vuitton, building another bridge between two worlds with decades of history. Guest: Complex's Aria Hughes.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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01/03/23•42m 22s
SZA’s Very Roundabout Path to Success
A conversation about the singer and songwriter’s chart-topping “SOS,” and the different approach to star-making that brought her there. Guest: Danyel Smith.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
18/02/23•44m 48s
Lil Yachty Breaks Boundaries and Takes on Rap Conservatism
A conversation about the hip-hop eccentric’s experiments, and the benefits (and perils) of collaborating outside an artist’s established genre. Guests: Jayson Buford and The Ringer's Justin Charity.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
10/02/23•54m 24s
Grammys 2023: Hip-Hop Wins, Beyoncé Wins (Sort of)
Does respect from music’s premier awards show still carry weight? Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
07/02/23•54m 42s
Blackpink, Aespa, NewJeans: The Evolution of K-Pop Girl Groups
Acts with growing profiles and unique personalities are taking increasingly different paths, as the genre’s globalization opens new doors. Guest: Tamar Herman.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
26/01/23•45m 23s
Ticketmaster Under the Magnifying Glass
The concert giant has long been the target of consumer complaints and artists’ ire. Recent incidents involving Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny have renewed focus on problems in the live marketplace. Guest: Ben Sisario.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
19/01/23•59m 21s
Jazz’s Year of Reckoning With Tradition
As the genre experiences a creative renaissance, has it become quietly radical to re-embrace the past? Guests: Harmony Holiday and Giovanni Russonello.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
12/01/23•44m 17s
The Year of Bad Bunny
With a blockbuster LP and a smash tour, the genre-melding superstar set a new bar for himself, and expanded the possibilities for Spanish-language pop worldwide. Guests: Billboard's Leila Cobo and The New York Times Magazine's Carina del Valle Schorske.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
06/01/23•57m 31s
Year-End Listener Mailbag: Your 2022 Questions, Part 2
Answering reader queries about the state of the music video, Morgan Wallen, SZA and Ethel Cain and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
31/12/22•1h 5m
Year-End Listener Mailbag: Your 2022 Questions, Part 1
You asked, we answered your queries about Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, the state of indie rock and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
28/12/22•54m 48s
2022: The Songs of the Year
Let’s talk about tracks by Ice Spice, Cardi B, Ethel Cain and many more of the 70 picks on our critics’ lists. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
14/12/22•50m 37s
The Best Albums of 2022? Let’s Discuss.
Our critics debate their year-end lists (and agree on Beyoncé and Rosalía!) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
07/12/22•59m 37s
2022: The Year in Atlanta Rap
The country’s most influential hip-hop scene has weathered a period of extraordinary upheaval. A look back at happened, and what’s next. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
01/12/22•1h 5m
Separating Big Business and Bad Behavior in ‘Tár’
The film about a renowned and embattled conductor puts a fresh spin on conversations about art, power and misdeeds. Guests: Vulture's Alison Wilmore and Zachary Woolfe.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
16/11/22•54m 37s
50 Years of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Talking Book’
A conversation about the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s studio innovations, and melding of social consciousness and musical creativity. Guest: Jon Pareles.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/11/22•38m 50s
Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’: Listener Mailbag
The New York Times pop music team had its say; now a new panel answers questions about the blockbuster album. Guests: Madison Malone Kircher and Pitchfork's Quinn Moreland.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
02/11/22•54m 11s
Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’: Let’s Discuss
The blockbuster singer-songwriter’s 10th studio album finds her at a crossroads: Will she continue to reckon with her past, or forge another new path forward? Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
25/10/22•1h 7m
Remembering Loretta Lynn
A conversation about the country music titan’s sly radicalism and the many readings and misreadings of her work. Guest: Jewly Hight.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
20/10/22•46m 18s
The Young Women Who Make TikTok Weep
Songwriters who have found success on the app via emotional catharsis have expanded its range, and piqued the music industry’s interest. Guest: Stereogum's Rachel Brodsky.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
12/10/22•49m 12s
The Sudden Rise of Zach Bryan
The breakout country-folk singer and songwriter has found an audience for his old-fashioned artistry largely on a newer platform: streaming. Guest: Grady Smith.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
05/10/22•51m 34s
Popcast Live! The New Faces of 2022
Blondshell, Central Cee, Ethel Cain and more: a conversation about what’s breaking through, plus questions from the audience at our first live taping. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
22/09/22•1h 23m
The Perseverance of Megan Thee Stallion
The rapper’s rise has been accompanied by outside noise. How has she grown on record, and how have extra-musical narratives shaped her career? Guests: Rolling Stone's Mankaprr Conteh and Pitchfork's Heven Haile.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
14/09/22•48m 38s
What Is a ‘Fake’ Artist in 2022?
Firestorms over the “virtual rapper” FN Meka and faceless artists on Spotify have sparked conversations about alienation and creative agency. Guests: Joe Coscarelli; Garbage Day's Ryan Broderick; and Music Business Worldwide's Tim Ingham.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
31/08/22•59m 27s
Rage Against the Machine, Roaring On
A conversation about the band’s return, its evolving message and the nature of comeback tours. Guests: Rolling Stone's Andy Greene and the writer and "Summer of Soul" producer Joseph Patel.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
24/08/22•46m 19s
Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’: The Speed Round
The conversation continues about one of the year’s most ideologically provocative pop albums, its queer inspirations and its credits. Guests: Naima Cochrane, Vulture's Jason P. Frank, Resident Advisor's Kiana Mickles and Patrik Sandberg.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
17/08/22•1h 15m
A Renaissance in American Hardcore Music
A look at the recent burst of bands and how the scene operates as music, ethic and feeling. Guests: Stereogum's Tom Breihan and The Ringer's Chris Ryan.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
11/08/22•54m 7s
The Robust Return of Beyoncé
A deep dive on “Renaissance,” her relationship to queer music communities and her framing of authorship. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Wesley Morris, Jon Pareles and Salamishah Tillet.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
02/08/22•56m 28s
Lizzo’s Complicated, Joyful Pop
The singer, rapper and songwriter’s peppy empowerment songs have made her an outlier in a field dominated by melancholic music. Guests: The Ringer's Justin Charity; Lindsay Zoladz; and William Robin.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
27/07/22•50m 15s
‘Elvis’ vs. Elvis
How much do fantasy and imagination play into how we remember pop culture heroes? Guests: A.O. Scott and Alanna Nash.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
13/07/22•57m 35s
What’s Next for Jack Harlow?
He’s one of hip-hop’s biggest emerging stars, and he’s cutting a very different path than the white rappers who came before him. Guests: Hunter Harris, Larisha Paul and Peter Rosenberg.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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07/07/22•1h 1m
Where Is Jazz Most at Home?
The genre has long been filled with tension between mainstream outlets and the spaces in which the music is most likely to grow. Guests: Giovanni Russonello and WBGO's Nate Chinen.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
29/06/22•53m 4s
Drake Hits the Nightclub
How did the rapper arrive on the dance floor? And what subcultures and expectations might he experiment with next? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and The Baltimore Banner's Lawrence Burney.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
22/06/22•1h 2m
Digging Into Bob Dylan and Lou Reed’s Archives
Attempting to uncover unknown things about very well known people. Guest: Ben Sisario.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
15/06/22•43m 36s
Mailbag Madness: Adele, Jack Harlow, the State of Rock’s Return
The team answers your questions about Chance the Rapper, how the critics consider extramusical concerns and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
08/06/22•1h 8m
Can Harry Styles’s Music Catch Up to His Fame?
How his time in One Direction and a powerful online fan base have shaped the pop star’s career. Guests: The Atlantic's Kaitlyn Tiffany, and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
01/06/22•57m 46s
Kendrick Lamar’s Anxiety Era
During his five-year pause between albums, the rapper has been reckoning — with his own evolution, and the narrative that’s been constructed for him. Guests: Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza; New York magazine and Vulture's Craig Jenkins; and The Nation's Stephen Kearse.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
24/05/22•58m 51s
How Gossip Is Remaking Online Hip-Hop Media
Actual music can seem like an afterthought as digital coverage of the genre has tilted toward tabloidism. Are there other paths forward? Guests: HipHopDX's Jerry Barrow; Complex's Andre Gee; and Genius's Rob Markman.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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18/05/22•1h
Why We Collect
A conversation about the urge to accumulate treasured items and the stories objects can hold. Guest: The New Yorker's Hua Hsu.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
11/05/22•56m 26s
A Decade of Drill Rap
Pop Smoke, Lil Durk, Fivio Foreign and more have taken the sound that emerged in Chicago in different directions. What might come next? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and David Drake.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
08/05/22•1h 8m
Machine Gun Kelly’s Pop-Punk Pivot
After decreasing returns in the hip-hop world, the musician and actor stepped into a revival that had roots in SoundCloud rap, and a champion in Travis Barker. Guests: Meaghan Garvey and Arielle Gordon.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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27/04/22•46m 38s
Will Smith, Before the Slap
Plenty has been said about Oscars night. But what about the rapper-turned-actor’s remarkable journey up to that point? Guest: Andscape's Soraya Nadia McDonald.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
21/04/22•47m 22s
The 2022 Grammys: Let’s Discuss
What are the awards at this point, and who benefits from them? Guests: Jon Pareles, Wesley Morris and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
05/04/22•59m 40s
Charli XCX’s Ever-Evolving Pop
The singer and songwriter’s career has inspired dance parties as well as spirited conversations about her ambitions and aesthetic innovations. Guests: Hazel Cills and Shaad D’Souza.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
30/03/22•46m 0s
The Many Worlds of Rosalía
The Spanish phenom’s music takes in a host of global influences, making her one of the most sonically ambitious and critically dissected pop artists today. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
23/03/22•53m 17s
The Sounds of Ukrainian Pop
A conversation about some of the country’s stars, the musical traditions they work within and how they have grappled with the war. Guest: Vogue's Liana Satenstein.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
15/03/22•39m 59s
Reggaeton’s Global Expansion and Wide-Open Future
As the genre grows in worldwide popularity, it is engaging with the pop music mainstream and stratifying into subsets, introducing new opportunities and dilemmas. Guests: Isabelia Herrera and Katelina Eccleston.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
08/03/22•53m 39s
The Enigma of Big Thief
A conversation about the space the breakout Brooklyn band occupies in contemporary indie-rock circles, and its latest album. Guests: Rolling Stone's Jon Dolan and Pitchfork's Sam Sodomsky.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
02/03/22•52m 13s
Remembering Betty Davis, a Futuristic Funk Force
A conversation about her unique music, her short career and the path that led to her rediscovery. Guests: Jon Pareles, Maureen Mahon and Oliver Wang.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
23/02/22•49m 1s
Mitski, In and Out of the Spotlight
The indie-rock musician’s albums inspire deep feelings and attract ever-bigger audiences, but in many ways she remains a mystery. Guests: New York's E. Alex Jung and Pitchfork's Cat Zhang.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
16/02/22•49m 50s
Spotify’s Ongoing Joe Rogan Problem
The controversy over the star podcaster and misinformation raised thorny questions about the streaming service’s role as a platform, and exacerbated its conflicts with musicians. Guests: Ben Sisario and New York's Nick Quah.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/02/22•57m 23s
Remembering Greg Tate, Critic and Catalyst
Conversations with two of his contemporaries about the fertile scenes he covered, and the indelible impression he left. Guests: Michael A. Gonzales and Joan Morgan.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
01/02/22•1h
A Killing Jolts Sweden’s Rap Scene
A conversation about hip-hop’s evolution in the country, and how a high-profile shooting thrust the music into the spotlight. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Petter Hallen and Alex Marshall.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
26/01/22•54m 39s
What’s Left for the Weeknd to Conquer?
“Dawn FM” suggests at least one future direction for the pop powerhouse, who’s spent a decade making careful moves. Guest: The Ringer's Rob Harvilla.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
18/01/22•45m 48s
2021 in Jazz: Intimacy and Conversation
Throughout the pandemic, the music’s flexibility has become an asset. Where will artists take it next? Guests: Giovanni Russonello and Marcus J. Moore.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
12/01/22•44m 3s
Bonus Episode: Lana Del Rey’s American Fever Dreams
As a New Year's treat, we've recovered an old episode sidelined by technical issues (thank you, Pedro!): a discussion of Lana Del Rey’s “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” and the long arc of her career. Guests: Mina Tavakoli and Lindsay Zoladz. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
01/01/22•53m 8s
What We Forgot to Talk About in 2021
A catch-up round table on a host of topics: Maneskin, Jazmine Sullivan, Kelly Clarkson, a Real Housewife’s music career and much more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
28/12/21•59m 4s
TikTok’s Music Critics Reflect on 2021
Four of the app’s voices on pop name their favorite releases of the year and discuss developing taste in the age of the algorithm. Guests: Margeaux Labat, Eric Morris, Cam Sullivan-Brown and Hunter White.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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21/12/21•1h 2m
The Best Albums of 2021? Let’s Discuss.
Our critics spar over their year-end lists (and agree on Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, the Creator) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
14/12/21•56m 55s
Remembering Stephen Sondheim, Musical Theater Visionary
A conversation about his legacy, his engagements with pop music and whether he has any true inheritors. Guests: Jesse Green and Elisabeth Vincentelli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
07/12/21•39m 53s
Adele Returns, From Beyond Space and Time
Will we ever see a star who unites audiences like this British musician again? Guests: Jon Pareles and Pitchfork's Jillian Mapes.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
30/11/21•46m 28s
The Emotional and Financial Business of Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well’
What does the rerecorded song from “Red” say about how power and the past have shaped her career? Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
17/11/21•36m 52s
Remembering the Velvet Underground Through the Mirror of Film
A conversation about how the band was experienced in its time, and how Todd Haynes’s new documentary explores the world that birthed it. Guests: Jon Pareles and A.O. Scott.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
16/11/21•39m 35s
How the Mosh Pit and ‘Raging’ Came to Hip-Hop
The tragedy at Travis Scott’s Astroworld turned attention to how rap festival performances are increasingly oriented toward the rowdy. Guest: Masked Gorilla and Masked Records' Roger Gengo.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/11/21•41m 29s
Popcast Mailbag! Halsey, Nicki, TikTok and, of Course, Taylor
Answering your questions about pop’s big names, the state of the music video and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
03/11/21•1h 15m
glaive and Hyperpop’s Breakthrough Moment
A conversation about one teen’s rapid ascent, and what the future might hold for a singer and sound evolving in real time. Guest: The Fader's Alex Robert Ross.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
19/10/21•48m 12s
The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 3
Remembering Jacob Desvarieux, John Davis and Chucky Thompson. Guests: The New Yorker's Doreen St. Felix; Billboard's Gil Kaufman; Jeff Mao.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
12/10/21•56m 57s
The Reporters Who Covered R. Kelly on His Trial and Conviction
A conversation about the testimony, the meaning of the verdict and the long quest for proper recompense for the singer’s victims. Guests: Troy Closson and Jim DeRogatis.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
05/10/21•44m 55s
Bringing Aaliyah Into the Streaming Era
A conversation about the tug of war over her musical legacy, and how her songs — even without a digital presence — impacted the evolution of contemporary R&B. Guests: Naima Cochrane; Billboard's Gail Mitchell and Dan Rys.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
28/09/21•58m 17s
Kacey Musgraves, Country Music Chameleon
The singer and songwriter’s “Star-Crossed” documents the end of her marriage. But reports of her divorce from Nashville have been greatly exaggerated. Guests: Amanda Hess and The Guardian's Laura Snapes.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
21/09/21•55m 7s
Is Drake Tired of Drake?
“Certified Lover Boy” dominated the charts, but something seems to have shifted in the most influential pop star of the past decade. Guests: The Ringer's Charles Holmes and Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
14/09/21•1h
Miss the Old Kanye? Try the New Kanye.
West has always been dreaming big, speaking loudly, courting controversy and channeling all of that into music. But one thing has changed. Guests: Vibe's Datwon Thomas and The Ringer's Justin Charity.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
07/09/21•1h 1m
Lorde Steals Her Sunshine Back
How successful is a sunny new phase of her career, and what does it mean to choose to move away from the expectations of superstardom? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
30/08/21•54m 50s
The Style of Kanye West’s ‘Donda’ Era
How West has used fashion to signify musical evolution, how he’s been regarded by the fashion industry and how other musicians are following in his footsteps. Guests: GQ's Rachel Tashjian and Vogue's Steff Yotka.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
24/08/21•47m 45s
The Lox, Triumphant at Verzuz
A conversation about New York hip-hop in the 1990s and early 2000s, and a night that brought the spirit of battle back to the pandemic-era staple. Guests: Jayson Rodriguez and Jayson Buford.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
16/08/21•56m 53s
Billie Eilish’s New Pop Perspective
How has the teenage phenomenon’s songwriting, and her relationship to the larger music machine, evolved between albums? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/08/21•58m 16s
Lil Nas X in the Pop Stratosphere
A conversation about his unconventional path to success, his unconventional methods of maintaining it and his possible futures beyond it. Guest: Jazmine Hughes.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
23/07/21•39m 12s
When Pop Music Trolls Grow Up
New albums from Doja Cat and Tyler, the Creator place their makers — children of the internet with a taste for friction — in a new light. Guest: The Ringer's Justin Charity.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
19/07/21•50m 1s
The (Not So?) Tentative Return of Live Music
A look at the challenges touring musicians faced over the last year, and how the industry is adjusting to the new normal. Guest: Ben Sisario.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
12/07/21•30m 33s
Britney Spears Takes On Her Conservatorship
An exploration of how the arrangement has intersected with her work, the latest legal updates and what might come next. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Liz Day and Samantha Stark.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
01/07/21•48m 39s
In the Weeds of ‘In the Heights’
A conversation about bringing musicals to the big screen, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s artistic choices and the critical blowback to the film’s casting. Guests: Sandra Garcia, Isabelia Herrera and Lena Wilson.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
18/06/21•52m 9s
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ Breakthrough
Few artists making pop music have risen to the top in the past several years. What made this Disney star click with listeners? Guests: Olivia Horn and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
04/06/21•56m 50s
J. Cole, Triumphant (at His Own Pace)
The rapper’s sixth No. 1 album is here. Listen to a conversation about his career, and the long exchange between hip-hop and basketball. Guests: The New York Times's Elena Bergeron and Rap Portraits' Yoh Phillips.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
29/05/21•1h
The Beatific Re-emergence of Beverly Glenn-Copeland
A conversation about his winding path to a receptive, ready audience — and how music can be a bulwark against cynicism and trauma. Guests: Taja Cheek and Mina Tavakoli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
14/05/21•47m 3s
Where Is Country Music Making Room for Women?
Nashville remains challenging for women artists. But some rising performers are breaking through on radio — and TikTok. Guests: Marissa Moss and Natalie Weiner of the Don’t Rock the Inbox newsletter.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/05/21•52m 9s
The Sing-Rap Generation Branches Out
How melody has continued to reshape hip-hop via the work of Polo G, Rod Wave, Lil Tjay and more rising artists. Guest: Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
26/04/21•51m 53s
When a TikTok Influencer Dances, Who Gets Credit?
Addison Rae’s appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s show sparked conversations about appropriation and how dance has been central to the platform. Guest: Taylor Lorenz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
16/04/21•39m 56s
The Telling of DMX’s Life Story
A conversation about the intense potency of the rapper’s music and religious fervor, and what it was like to interview him. Guest: Smokey Fontaine, the co-author of the 2002 book “E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.”Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
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11/04/21•58m 3s
Taylor, Billie, Demi, Blackpink: The Pop Star Documentary Boom
A conversation about the influx of films made about (and by) current stars and its implications for the format. Guests: The Observer's Simran Hans; and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
02/04/21•59m 29s
The Grammys, Improbably, Made It Work
The show navigated a year of crisis, minted a new generation of stars and didn’t fixate on boomers. Guests: Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli, Ben Sisario, Lindsay Zoladz and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
16/03/21•1h 3m
TikTok and the Pop Music Rough Draft
The wildly popular platform has reshaped pop during the coronavirus pandemic, and changed how record labels grapple with unpredictable virality. Guest: Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
13/03/21•50m 7s
New Jazz That Agitates for Change
A conversation about strong recent debuts, and how canon and community can be in tension. Guests: Giovanni Russonello and Marcus J. Moore.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
02/03/21•49m 54s
Remembering Sophie, Architect of Future Pop
Exploring the legacy of a producer and performer who imagined an approach to music without borders. Guests: Sasha Geffen and Pitchfork's Philip Sherburne.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
15/02/21•53m 40s
The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 2
Remembering Fred the Godson, Adam Schlesinger and Cristina. Guests: Kurt B. Reighley; Complex's Shawn Setaro; and Ben Sisario.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
05/02/21•1h 6m
Olivia Rodrigo and ‘Drivers License’ Aren’t Going Anywhere
A conversation about the year’s first genuine pop phenomenon, and the long arc of the Disney machine. Guests: Joe Coscarelli; Vulture's Justin Curto; and Larisha Paul.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
31/01/21•1h 3m
Inside the Bull Market for Songwriting Rights
The emergence of Hipgnosis has helped turn the battle for catalogs into an arms race that shows no signs of slowing down. Guest: Ben Sisario.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
19/01/21•44m 53s
How Zev Love X Became MF Doom
Conversations about the legacy of the beloved rap figure’s early career, which set the table for the artist he would become. Guests: Stretch Armstrong, Bobbito Garcia and Dante Ross.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
07/01/21•1h 17m
2020 Popcast Listener Mailbag: Taylor, Dua, MGK and More
Answering your questions about the year’s biggest stars, and also some of its curious flops. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
23/12/20•1h 16m
Taylor Swift’s ‘Evermore’: Let’s Discuss
A second album written and recorded during pandemic lockdown carries the singer and songwriter further from conventional pop. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
15/12/20•58m 21s
The Best Albums of 2020? Let’s Discuss.
An absence of live music refocused attention on records, and work by Fiona Apple, Taylor Swift and Run the Jewels spoke loudly.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
09/12/20•1h 9m
Saweetie, City Girls and the Female Rapper Renaissance
Streaming, social media and the tireless work of trailblazers have helped change the hip-hop landscape.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
29/11/20•54m 52s
Who Will Control Britney Spears’s Future?
While her father remains the head of her estate for now, the pop star has signaled she’s ready for change. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Vanessa Grigoriadis.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
18/11/20•53m 31s
Ariana Grande, a Pop Star for the Post-Pop Star Age
A conversation about her unique route to the top of the charts — and what’s next. Guests: Lindsay Zoladz and Shaad D’Souza.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
10/11/20•1h 5m
The Many Mariah Careys
A conversation about her memoir, her range of contributions to pop music and her secret alt-rock album. Guests: New York's Allison P. Davis; Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
22/10/20•1h 4m
Luke Combs’s Country Stardom and the Remaking of the Bro
The Nashville star learned from the genre’s past and carved his own path. Guest: Grady Smith.
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04/10/20•59m 59s
Will Pop Music of the Future Rely on Actual Musicians, or Avatars?
The pandemic has sped up how digital look-alikes are reshaping stardom. Guest: The Ringer's Alyssa Bereznak.
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28/09/20•43m 18s
Is TikTok a Music Industry Friend or Troll?
“Old Town Road” showed the app’s potential as a hit generator. But its relationship to the business is far more complex. Guest: Taylor Lorenz.
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17/09/20•51m 22s
Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, Preserving Pop’s Old Guard
Six albums into major-label careers with “Chromatica” and “Smile,” where do these two stars fit in? Guest host: Caryn Ganz. Guest: Lindsay Zoladz.
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09/09/20•48m 22s
Remembering Riley Gale of Power Trip, a Thrash Titan
The band’s 34-year-old frontman helped break down barriers between scenes, and was known for singularly wild live shows. Guests: Dan Franklin; James Khubiar; and Andy O’Connor.
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01/09/20•56m 56s
How Merchandise Bundles Undid the Album Chart
For today’s biggest artists, an album release isn’t just about the music. Guest: Ben Sisario.
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22/08/20•53m 42s
The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 1
Remembering Joe Diffie, Mona Foot and DJ Black N Mild. Guests: Hits' Holly Gleason; Jacob Bernstein; and Elena Bergeron.
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18/08/20•58m 27s
The Welcome Return of the Chicks
How would Nashville be different if it hadn’t pushed the trio away? A conversation about “Gaslighter” and beyond. Guests: Jewly Hight and Slate's Carl Wilson.
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10/08/20•55m 17s
Answering Your Questions About Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’
Readers asked about Bon Iver, country music, Jack Antonoff and more. Guests: Northwestern University's Lauren Michele Jackson and Lindsay Zoladz.
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04/08/20•1h 27m
Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’: Let’s Discuss
On an album made entirely in quarantine, the singer and songwriter embarks in a fresh direction. Guests: Jon Pareles, Caryn Ganz and Joe Coscarelli.
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28/07/20•1h 4m
Remembering Ennio Morricone, the Film Score Maestro
His music was dynamic, bold and idiosyncratic, setting a high bar for composers connecting sound and vision. Guests: Jon Pareles and Joshua Rothkopf.
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20/07/20•53m 12s
The Timely Agitation of Run the Jewels
Killer Mike and El-P’s anti-government and pro-justice hip-hop feels like it anticipated the current moment. Guest: Pitchfork's Sheldon Pearce.
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09/07/20•1h 5m
Pop Superfans Are Getting Politically Active. What Happens Next?
A subset of passionate listeners are asking for more of their heroes than simply music. Guest: Denisha Kuhlor.
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30/06/20•55m 44s
Lil Baby Is Warming Up to the Spotlight
His protest song “The Bigger Picture” marks a high point in his evolution from reluctant up-and-comer to one of hip-hop’s reliable superstars. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.
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21/06/20•42m 34s
The Long, Complicated History of ‘Urban’ Music
As the music industry reckons with racial inequality, one of the first old structures to fall has been a term that dates back to the 1970s. Guest: Nelson George.
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15/06/20•58m 26s
How Did The Source Cover the 1992 Los Angeles Uprisings?
Two former editors look back at the magazine’s on-the-ground reporting following the Rodney King verdict. Guests: James Bernard and Reginald Dennis.
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07/06/20•47m 56s
After Missteps, Pop Stars Apologize … and Sometimes Push Back
Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat and how some in the limelight bristle at social media condemnation. Guest: The Ringer's Justin Charity.
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01/06/20•1h 14m
The Many Lives of Doja Cat
The pop star took an extremely nonlinear path to No. 1, and continues to push the boundaries of online behavior. Guest: Lakin Starling.
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18/05/20•46m 14s
Remembering Tony Allen and Florian Schneider, Two Pillars of Rhythm
Thousands of miles apart, and with radically different tools, both musicians were innovating. Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles; and Joseph Patel.
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11/05/20•1h 1m
The Triumphant Return of Fiona Apple, Pop Music Renegade
A conversation about everything “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” and beyond. Guests: Jenn Pelly and Lindsay Zoladz.
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30/04/20•53m 14s
Beyond ‘Trolls’ and ‘Frozen’: What Are Our Kids Listening To?
Children’s films lean heavily on pop, but the elementary school set has access to a whole universe of music now. Guests: The New York Times's Gilbert Cruz, Jeremy Egner, Dave Itzkoff and Dave Renard.
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19/04/20•1h
Dua Lipa, Dance-Pop Crusader
The English pop star has given fans an upbeat album at a very dark time. Guest: Caryn Ganz.
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11/04/20•47m 56s
Sam Hunt and Kenny Rogers, Country Music Rule-Benders
Both artists pulled Nashville in fresh directions, and gave the genre growing pains. Guests: Bill Friskics-Warren and Natalie Weiner.
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05/04/20•56m 40s
What Is the Role of Criticism in a Crisis?
The coronavirus pandemic has upended the world, and the arts are reeling. Pop music critics are asking (and facing) hard questions. Guests: The Ringer's Rob Harvilla, New York's Craig Jenkins and Lindsay Zoladz.
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27/03/20•57m 6s
What Music Should I Listen to in a Crisis?
Pop critics from around the country recommend pick-me-ups: Pharrell, the Pointer Sisters, Helado Negro and more.
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20/03/20•1h 5m
How Will Pop Music Respond to the Coronavirus?
The ways the pandemic has already reshaped the year, and what might happen in pop next. Guests: The New York Times's Ben Sisario and Jon Pareles.
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19/03/20•59m 29s
The Unrelenting Space Jams of Tame Impala
How has Kevin Parker built and sustained his successful psych-rock project — and where will he head next? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles and Pitchfork's Jillian Mapes.
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08/03/20•43m 16s
The Death of Pop Smoke and the Future of Brooklyn Drill
The 20-year-old rapper was poised to carry the scene’s sound to the world. Guest: Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.
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28/02/20•58m 54s
Justin Bieber Is Back With Confessions, Personal and Musical
One of pop’s biggest stars returns with an album that has unexpected kinship with new music from Harry Styles and Selena Gomez. Guest: Lindsay Zoladz.
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21/02/20•1h 1m
Answering Your Questions About Britney, Billie, Aaliyah and More
The Popcast opens its mailbag in the second of two episodes devoted to our listeners. Guests: The New York Times’s Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.
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14/02/20•1h 8m
Answering Your Questions About Taylor, Mitski, Emo and More
The Popcast opens its mailbag in the first of two episodes devoted to our listeners. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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07/02/20•1h 3m
When Did the Super Bowl Halftime Show Become Political?
A conversation about how its meaning has evolved over the last two decades. Guests: The New York Times's Elena Bergeron and The Undefeated's Soraya Nadia McDonald.
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01/02/20•57m 6s
The Grammys, Dissected: Out With the Old, in With the Billie, Lizzo and Tyler
Did the deserving artists win? Was Aerosmith terrible? The debates rage on our post-awards show. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Wesley Morris and Jon Pareles.
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28/01/20•1h 11m
How TikTok Is Killing the Radio Songwriter
Songs that work in 15-second bursts are different from tracks that succeed on the FM dial. Guests: The writer Aimee Cliff and GodMode's Nick Sylvester.
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17/01/20•53m 6s
In 2019, Jazz Reckoned With Old Boundaries, and Marched Past Them
A conversation about the best jazz albums of the year, and what they tell us about the genre’s future. Guests: Martin Johnson and Giovanni Russonello.
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11/01/20•56m 0s
Were These the Best Albums of the 2010s?
A revealing (and hilarious) look back at our year-end lists from the past decade. Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles and Joe Coscarelli.
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31/12/19•1h 15m
Debating the Best Albums of 2019
How do you measure a year in pop? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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20/12/19•57m 22s
Juice WRLD and the Crisis of SoundCloud Rap-Era Fame
Success is coming faster than ever for a new generation of musicians. But at what price? Guests: David Turner; the directors Ramez Silyan and Sebastian Jones.
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13/12/19•51m 54s
Would Prince Have Wanted His Rough Drafts Made Public?
A memoir and a deluxe edition of “1999” offer a new perspective on the meticulous artist. Guests: Jon Pareles, Naima Cochrane, Keith Murphy and Jay Smooth.
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08/12/19•52m 9s
Dissecting the 2020 Grammy Nominations
Lizzo, Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X lead the way. But has the Recording Academy’s relationship to pop changed? Guests: The full New York Times pop music team.
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22/11/19•52m 17s
Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Lana Del Rey: Pop Stars (and Their Fans) Clap Back
Are artists responsible when their fan armies can be weaponized? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz.
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20/11/19•1h 10m
Can Reality Television Produce a Plausible Rap Star?
Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow” is the most recent example of the reality-TV business trying to get into the hip-hop business. Guests: Complex's Frazier Tharpe and Stereogum's Tom Breihan.
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11/11/19•57m 19s
Kanye West’s ‘Jesus Is King,’ From the Gospel Perspective
Gospel music insiders on the rapper’s turn to religious music and how his album relates to contemporary holy hip-hop. Guests: Root's Hasan James and The Journal of Gospel Music's Robert Marovich.
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30/10/19•1h 4m
The Rise of DaBaby, From Memes to the Mosh Pit
The year’s most consistent new hip-hop star combines intense rhymes with online savvy. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.
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19/10/19•1h 14m
The Highwomen, Miranda Lambert and the Women Invigorating Country Music
Nashville has long marginalized female performers, songwriters and producers. But a wave of artists is fighting back. Guests: Jada Watson and Natalie Weiner.
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11/10/19•1h 3m
Is 100 gecs the End of Pop, or a New Beginning?
One of the year’s most unlikely breakthroughs is a duo that makes disorienting, genre-jumbling music. Guests: Eli Enis and The Fader's Larry Fitzmaurice.
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05/10/19•1h 5m
A New Flood of English-Spanish Pop Is Here. Is It Opportunism or Progress?
Collaborations have flourished in the wake of “Despacito,” some sounding natural, some sounding forced. Guest: Remezcla's Eduardo Cepeda.
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29/09/19•1h 4m
How Does Post Malone Sound Like Everything and Nothing?
A conversation about his rapid rise and the questions — about genre and race — glossed over along the way. Guests: Pitchfork's Jayson Greene and The New York Times Magazine's Jonah Weiner.
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22/09/19•59m 20s
Young Thug Gets His Due, But Is It Too Late?
One of the decade’s most copied rappers finally reached No. 1 on the album chart, years after his aesthetic rubbed off on hip-hop. Guest: Andrew Nosnitsky.
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07/09/19•1h 9m
What’s the Point of Album Covers in the Post-Album Era?
What was once a large canvas for grand statements is now a tiny digital mark. Guest: Chips's Teddy Blanks.
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29/08/19•55m 37s
Is Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ the Beginning or the End of an Era?
Breaking down the sounds, the themes, the obscure (and not-so-hidden) messages and more on her seventh album. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.
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27/08/19•1h 6m
A Tribute to David Berman, Who Never Hid His Truth
Conversations about his songwriting, his struggles and his striking sweetness outside of music. Guests: Jeff Johnson; The New Yorker's Amanda Petrusich; and Nick Weidenfeld.
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16/08/19•1h 15m
Funkmaster Flex and Tyler, the Creator’s Unlikely Buddy Comedy
The Hot 97 D.J. and the hip-hop disrupter shared the wildest interview of the year. Guests: Rolling Stone's Charles Holmes and Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.
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02/08/19•1h 10m
How Many Streams Is a T-Shirt Worth? Breaking Down Chart Dilemmas.
There’s more data about music consumption than ever before. That doesn’t mean we understand who’s the most popular. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Ben Sisario.
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26/07/19•1h
The Loudness of João Gilberto, Bossa Nova’s King of Quiet
A look back at the Brazilian musician’s innovations as one of the genre’s primary architects. Guest: Ben Ratliff
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19/07/19•55m 50s
How Hootie & the Blowfish Inspired Both Love and Hate
Critics who were writing about the band at the peak of its fame look back at how the group became so bitterly divisive. Guests: Jim DeRogatis and Danyel Smith.
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08/07/19•53m 54s
Taylor vs. Scooter: The Pop Music Civil War of 2019
The superstar complained that the powerful manager acquired her master recordings, setting off a debate that divided the industry. Guest: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli
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03/07/19•1h 4m
The Unexpectedly Deep Musical Roots of Hootie & the Blowfish
“Cracked Rear View” catapulted the band to superstardom. But the group made great music long before — and after — anyone paid attention. Guest: former A&R representative Tim Sommer
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01/07/19•57m 51s
Why Are the Movies So Obsessed With Pop Stars?
From “Rocketman” to “Her Smell,” “Blaze” to “Vox Lux,” the film industry seems to think all musicians have the same ups and downs. Guests: The New York Times's A.O. Scott; Vanity Fair's K. Austin Collins; Kristen Yoonsoo Kim.
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21/06/19•1h 14m
Can Record Labels Be Trusted to Preserve Music History?
A 2008 fire destroyed master recordings for a who’s who of popular music. A new investigation explores the damage done. Guest: The New York Times Magazine's Jody Rosen
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13/06/19•1h 13m
Bob Dylan’s Excellent Adventure
The Rolling Thunder Revue was more than a tour: It was a chance for the songwriter to play with the truth. Guest: The New York Times's Jon Pareles
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11/06/19•41m 50s
Megan Thee Stallion and Rap’s Rising Generation of Women
Hip-hop has historically been inhospitable to female performers. A new class is finding fresh paths to break through. Guests: The Atlantic's Hannah Giorgis and Vulture's Hunter Harris.
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25/05/19•30m 9s
Are AirPods Worth the Costs?
Apple’s wireless earbuds have led to questions about personal tech as environmental scourge and punch line. Guests: The New York Times's Brian X. Chen and Motherboard's Caroline Haskins.
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20/05/19•1h 3m
Vampire Weekend, Indie Rock Heretics Turned Anxious Jam Band
Ezra Koenig’s literate group has returned, sparking questions about how it was received in the past, and where it stands in the current climate. Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles; The Ringer's Rob Harvilla
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13/05/19•52m 44s
The Return of Bikini Kill and the Long Tail of Riot Grrrl
A movement of punk-powered feminism that began in the early 1990s has a fresh urgency in 2019. Guests: Evelyn McDonnell, Elisabeth Vincentelli and Caryn Ganz
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05/05/19•41m 49s
How Gospel and Pop Learn From Each Other
From Kanye West to serpentwithfeet to the Stellar Awards returning to BET, the genres’ dialogue has been evolving. Guest: The New Yorker's Briana Younger
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30/04/19•1h 12m
Is Billie Eilish the Future of Pop?
The 17-year-old musician has been revising the rules of young stardom. But she may be more of a classicist than her aesthetic would suggest. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli; Meaghan Garvey
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19/04/19•59m 19s
Lil Nas X and the Long History of Country-Rap
“Old Town Road” is the latest flash point in the two-decades-long dialogue between Nashville and hip-hop. Guest: Average Joes Entertainment's Shannon Houchins
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07/04/19•46m 58s
Boy Bands, Now Featuring Grown Men
Backstreet’s back, the New Kids put out a new single and groups in the K-pop ecosystem are thriving. Why are boy bands so central to pop music? Guests: Jezebel's Maria Sherman and Billboard's Andrew Unterberger
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29/03/19•1h 20m
How a Viral Rap Star Rocketed From Meme to Hit
Blueface’s “Thotiana” is a nearly perfectly engineered hit of the social media age. Guests: The Fader's Ben Dandridge-Lemco and Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.
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21/03/19•55m 40s
Can Michael Jackson’s Legacy Ever Really Be Derailed?
The documentary “Leaving Neverland” details devastating allegations of sexual abuse. How do fans process them, and Jackson’s body of work? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli, Aisha Harris and Ben Sisario
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07/03/19•59m 30s
The Hip-Hop Superstar as Local Newsmaker
Musicians often make headlines; balancing coverage of their art with coverage of the accusations they face isn’t always easy. Guest: The South Florida Sun Sentinel's Brett Clarkson
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01/03/19•41m 1s
Behind the Ryan Adams Investigation
The musician has been accused of dangling career opportunities while pursuing female artists for sex, then turning domineering and vengeful. He denies the claims. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Melena Ryzik.
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18/02/19•41m 40s
The 2019 Grammys Make Up for Last Year, Somewhat
After a terrible ceremony that minimized women and nonwhite artists, the Recording Academy tried something else: the opposite. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.
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12/02/19•56m 35s
Maggie Rogers and Sharon Van Etten Break Free From Old Expectations
Two singer-songwriters at different points in their careers are staking claim to new creative ground. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli; The Ringer's Lindsay Zoladz
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01/02/19•1h
Fyre Festival’s Post-Mortems: We’ve Still Got Questions
Two documentaries examining Billy McFarland’s debacle aim to shed new light on the scammers and victims. Guests: The New York Times's Aisha Harris, Wesley Morris and Melena Ryzik.
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25/01/19•57m 38s
Listening to Pop Music’s Class of 2019
From British punk-rap to 1970s-influenced country to morbid electronic pop, a guide to new artists to watch. Guest: The New York Times's Jon Pareles.
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18/01/19•52m 38s
Bad Bunny Is Just Getting Started
His was the defining voice of 2018. What’s next for this Puerto Rican new-pop superstar? Guests: Remezcla's Eduardo Cepeda and Isabelia Herrera; and Rolling Stone's Suzy Exposito.
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12/01/19•1h 11m
The New Battles Over the Direction of Jazz
What did the music, innovations and arguments of 2018 tell us about where the genre is headed next? Guests: John Murph and Giovanni Russonello
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04/01/19•1h 11m
Your Questions About Pop Music, Answered (or Ruled Unanswerable)
The Popcast wraps 2018 discussing Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, streaming and crying. Guest: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli
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27/12/18•1h 15m
A New Kind of Pop Star Has Arrived
K-pop, Latin trap and melodic hip-hop — once regarded as subgenres — have become the center of the pop conversation. Guest: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli
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21/12/18•1h 20m
Listening to the Best Songs of 2018
The 1975’s millennial anthem, “Shallow” and a lot of Bad Bunny: Why did these tracks define the year in pop? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz
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13/12/18•50m 2s
How the Grammy Nominations Really Made Us Feel
Music's big awards show is trying to make big changes. So what do these nominations tell us? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles. Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz
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08/12/18•38m 2s
Debating the Best Albums of 2018: Janelle Monáe, Soccer Mommy and More
Drake, Mitski, Ariana Grande — whose albums defined the year? (And will albums matter next year?) Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz
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07/12/18•58m 42s
6ix9ine’s Troubled Past and Uncertain Future
A conversation about the Brooklyn rapper’s arrest and musical prospects as he releases “Dummy Boy” while behind bars. Guest: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli.
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01/12/18•1h 4m
The Gentle Return of Mariah Carey
With her 15th album, “Caution,” the singer has entered a new phase of her long career. Guests: Michael Arceneaux; Jezebel's Julianne Escobedo Shepherd; The New Yorker's Briana Younger.
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29/11/18•1h 5m
Kane Brown, Pistol Annies and Country Music’s Inclusion Problem
The tug of war between how the genre advertises itself and how it’s actually evolving is growing more tense. Guests: Nick Murray; Natalie Weiner.
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17/11/18•1h 1m
Remembering Roy Hargrove, Who Brought Jazz History Into Tomorrow
The trumpeter, who died at 49, was a singular figure dedicated to keeping jazz’s past in dialogue with its future. Guests: The New York Times's Giovanni Russonello; Jozen Cummings.
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09/11/18•1h 2m
Robyn, Pop’s Reluctant Pacesetter
With “Honey,” the Swedish star returns to a landscape she’s quietly shaped for over 20 years. Guests: The New York Times's Caryn Ganz; the Guardian's Laura Snapes; Jezebel's Hazel Cills
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02/11/18•55m 58s
BTS Conquered America. What’s Next for K-Pop?
Now that K-pop is successful on its own terms, the questions it faces are changing. Guest: Billboard's Jeff Benjamin.
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26/10/18•1h 26m
For Those About to Rock, An Uncertain Fate
Is rock music in 2018 a sound, a mood or a retail category? Where do Twenty One Pilots, the 1975 and Greta Van Fleet fit in? Guests: The New York Times's Caryn Ganz; Rolling Stone's Kory Grow; the Ringer's Lindsay Zoladz
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20/10/18•1h 18m
‘A Star Is Born’ Is Here. Let’s Discuss.
What does Bradley Cooper’s remake starring Lady Gaga say about the pop music business — and the film industry — today? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli, Manohla Dargis, Caryn Ganz, Wesley Morris and Jon Pareles
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11/10/18•1h 14m
How Lil Wayne Became One of Hip-Hop’s Most Durable Stars
Tracing the rapper’s evolution from a teen in New Orleans to his long-awaited album “Tha Carter V.” Guests: XXL's Vanessa Satten; The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli
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05/10/18•1h 23m
Should They Stay or Should They Go? Pop Stars and Retirement
Why do some artists stick around and others choose to retreat? Guest: The New York Times's Jon Pareles
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28/09/18•34m 15s
What Makes for a Great Celebrity Profile?
Writing in-depth features about stars can be an art form. But it’s been changing in recent years. Guests: The New York Times Magazine's Vanessa Grigoriadis; GQ's Zach Baron.
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20/09/18•1h 4m
Remembering Mac Miller, Low-Key Hip-Hop Bellwether
The 26-year-old rapper and producer stood at the crossroads of movements that have been shaping popular music over the past decade. Guests: ItsTheReal's Eric and Jeff Rosenthal; Pitchfork's Sheldon Pearce; and Eric Renner Brown.
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15/09/18•1h 12m
Remembering The Village Voice, Music Criticism's Crucible: Part 2
Forty years of writers and editors share memories about helping invent a language to talk about music, and the artists they critiqued — some grateful, some not. Guests: Ann Powers, Evelyn McDonnell, Chuck Eddy, Rob Harvilla and Tom Breihan.
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10/09/18•1h 5m
Remembering The Village Voice, Music Criticism's Crucible: Part 1
Forty years of writers and editors share memories about helping invent a language to talk about music, and the artists they critiqued — some grateful, some not. Guests: Robert Christgau, Jon Pareles, Nelson George, Kyle Gann and Joe Levy.
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10/09/18•1h 13m
How We Arrived at Ariana Grande’s Big Moment
“Sweetener” has taken the singer to new heights at a moment of transition for the top ranks of female vocalists. Guests: The Ringer's Lindsay Zoladz; VF.com's Josh Duboff; and Billboard's Nolan Feeney.
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28/08/18•47m 41s
Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott, Rivals With Common Problems
One is an old-style hip-hop star, one comes from a newer school. But both are facing challenges making effective albums and defining their artistic identities. Guests: David Turner and Briana Younger.
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21/08/18•55m 44s
Aretha Franklin: The Artist We Knew, and the Woman We Didn’t
The Queen of Soul leaves a towering legacy. How will we remember her? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles and Wesley Morris; and David Ritz.
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17/08/18•1h 12m
The Shrinking Space Between Band T-Shirt and High Fashion
Merch has become a crucial part of a musician’s rise. Here’s how it’s evolved. Guests: Procell's Brian Procell; The Cut's Emilia Petrarca; and Grailed's Lawrence Schlossman.
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10/08/18•1h 19m
Can Guns N’ Roses, or Any Artist, Erase an Unflattering Moment?
What happens when a band wipes a stain from its historical record? Or when physical albums vanish, replaced by different digital versions? Guests: Mark Richardson; Rolling Stone's Christopher R. Weingarten; and The New York Times's Caryn Ganz.
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04/08/18•1h 13m
Who’s in Charge of Telling Whitney Houston’s Story?
Two documentaries have attempted to unpack the life of one of pop’s transformative figures, whose complex legacy is still riddled with questions. Guests: Naima Cochrane; Jezebel's Rich Juzwiak; Alan Light; and The Times's Joe Coscarelli.
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27/07/18•1h 6m
When Superfans Attack
A writer critiqued Nicki Minaj online; the rapper’s fans responded in force. How does celebrity fandom become a vicious tool online, and what’s behind stan culture? Guests: iOneDigital's Janeé Bolden; Who? Weekly's Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber; The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.
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21/07/18•1h 11m
Drake: Platinum in a Day, but Still at a Crossroads
With his new double album, “Scorpion,” the rapper and singer is grappling with brand maintenance. Is he innovating, and where can he go next? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Reggie Ugwu; Sheldon Pearce; and Jasmine Sanders.
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05/07/18•1h 17m
Kanye West: You Asked, We Answered
Was "Ye" rushed, and does it matter? How do women fit into Kanye’s world? Are conversations about politics with him fruitless? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Reggie Ugwu, and the Ringer's Justin Charity.
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27/06/18•1h 23m
XXXTentacion, Mourning and Morality
The 20-year-old broke out of the SoundCloud rap scene and reached No 1. But he faced accusations of violent crimes against a woman, and leaves behind a troubling legacy. Guests: Noisey's Lawrence Burney and Miami New Times's Tarpley Hitt.
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22/06/18•58m 14s
Charlie Puth and Shawn Mendes, Would-Be Pop Kings
Boy bands are on the rise and young male singers have some choices to make. A conversation about two performers with their sights set on pop ubiquity.
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16/06/18•1h 9m
Kanye West’s ‘Ye’ Is Here: Let’s Discuss
The rapper’s polarizing eighth album arrived surrounded by a celebrity circus and provided few answers.
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06/06/18•1h 14m
Drake vs. Pusha-T, Unpacked
An excavation of the skeletons animating the back-and-forth between the two rappers — and a conversation about who’s inching ahead.
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31/05/18•56m 46s
Yes, We Stuck With ‘American Idol’
Maddie Poppe won the show, rebooted on ABC with a new cast of judges. What worked, what didn’t and who really stood out? Two longtime “Idol” enthusiasts discuss.
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26/05/18•54m 21s
Pursuing R. Kelly: The Reporter Who Never Gave Up
For two decades, accusations of sexual impropriety have been leveled at the R&B superstar. And Jim DeRogatis has been covering the story.
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23/05/18•37m 52s
‘Girls’ Gone Wrong: Who Gets to Make a Gay Love Song?
The Rita Ora track was positioned as a celebration of bisexuality, but struck a sour note with critics who found its lyrics problematic.
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18/05/18•53m 40s
Avicii: Overexposed and Underappreciated?
The 28-year-old producer and D.J., who died last month in Oman, was a pop savant and an EDM innovator who left behind a complicated legacy.
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04/05/18•1h 5m
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar Break Boundaries
A Coachella set stunning in scope and execution. The first Pulitzer Prize winner who isn’t from classical or jazz. A conversation about the two artists’ triumphs.
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25/04/18•1h 16m
Pop’s Category Killers, From Live Nation to Spotify, Under the Microscope
In recent weeks, the businesses that present music to the public have undergone major shifts.
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20/04/18•43m 56s
Cardi B Arrives at the Top
The 25-year-old’s LP “Invasion of Privacy” is part of her broad-scale pop culture takeover. A conversation about her rise and debut album.
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12/04/18•1h 6m
Logic, XXXTentacion and Hip-Hop Morality in 2018
A conversation about the earnest rapper and the SoundCloud renegade, both successes of modern internet-driven rap fandom.
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06/04/18•1h 9m
Kacey Musgraves and Ashley McBryde, Country Traditionalists With a Twist
Two new albums put a spotlight on Nashville’s ongoing, agonized relationship with female performers.
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30/03/18•57m 53s
Ashlee Simpson: You Asked, We Answered
Part two of our conversation about the mid-2000s pop star features debates about her MTV reality show and “S.N.L.” debacle, and a listener mailbag.
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16/03/18•1h 18m
Was Ashlee Simpson Underappreciated? Discuss
In the mid-2000s, the pop singer had platinum albums and an MTV reality show. Hear the first of two conversations about Ms. Simpson’s misunderstood career.
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09/03/18•1h 14m
Lucy Dacus, Soccer Mommy, the Breeders and the Future of Indie Rock
A conversation about carefully considered creative paths — and how pristine voices with powerful messages are amplified — as three strong new albums arrive
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02/03/18•56m 58s
In Defense of Soundtracks. And Fergie.
What’s responsible for the recent soundtrack renaissance that brought albums from “Black Panther” and “The Greatest Showman” to the top of the charts?
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24/02/18•1h 13m
The Complex Intersection Where Rap and the Legal System Collide
A conversation with a criminal lawyer about the racial politics of legal representation, the Meek Mill saga and the future prospects of incarcerated would-be stars.
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16/02/18•45m 50s
Justin Timberlake Down, Meek Mill Up: How Twitter Swings Public Opinion
The internet’s response to the two musicians after the Super Bowl shows how criticism works these days. Rapid-fire groupthink online can be strong enough to have real-world impact.
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09/02/18•1h 17m
Can the Grammys Be Fixed?
Big stars didn’t show up. Ratings were down. Hip-hop was once again shut out of the major categories. Can “music’s biggest night” represent what’s really happening in music?
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30/01/18•58m 15s
Hear What Music Will Sound Like in 2018
Flamboyant hip-hop, promising punk rock, intricate bluegrass and more: a conversation about the artists we’re looking forward to following this year.
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26/01/18•1h 6m
Remembering the Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan
The lead singer of the Irish rock band, who died at 46, wrote songs in the 1990s that deeply touched young women and Irish listeners while appealing to a worldwide audience
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19/01/18•52m 33s
In Streaming, One Goliath Creates Many Davids
Streaming has established itself as the dominant mode of music distribution. What could go wrong? Quite a lot, it turns out.
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12/01/18•1h 2m
Is Today’s Jazz Finally Outrunning the Past?
Jazz could have spent 2017 looking backward, focusing on the centennials of foundational figures. But instead, several strains of contemporary jazz thrived.
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05/01/18•1h 5m
Will Eminem Ever Change?
After a brief break from the spotlight, the rapper returned with “Revival,” an album that revisited familiar tropes and sounds. Where can he go from here?
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22/12/17•54m 12s
The Popcast Answers Your Burning Questions About Pop Music in 2017
Our readers picked the topics of conversation, which included Fergie, the state of streaming and evolutions in Latin pop
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18/12/17•1h 5m
In 2017, Pop Music Made Triumph Out of Tough Times
From Lorde to Kendrick Lamar, many of the albums and songs on our critics’ best-of lists showcased the work of musicians meeting difficult circumstances with artistic fortitude.
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08/12/17•1h 13m
After 40 Years, U2 Is Still Huge. Why?
A conversation about the band’s 14th album, “Songs of Experience,” and its ongoing quest for bigness.
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02/12/17•33m 49s
Remembering Lil Peep
The 21-year-old rapper, who died last week, found a unique way to unite the languages of hip-hop and emo.
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22/11/17•58m 22s
Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Has Arrived. Let’s Discuss.
Ms. Swift plays a different game on her sixth album — making pop music that directly competes with the rest of the field’s dominant players.
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14/11/17•1h 11m
Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Is Almost Here. Let’s Discuss.
She hasn’t done interviews, but the pop star has been leaving hints about what to expect on her sixth album. Our writers listen to the signs.
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09/11/17•47m 59s
How Will Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Be Remembered?
A new biography of the magazine’s founder has been praised by our critic and slammed by its subject.
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03/11/17•40m 42s
What Are the Billboard Charts Really Measuring?
Changes to the formulas used to build albums and singles charts will weigh paid streams more than free ones. What will the impact be?
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27/10/17•47m 30s
The Persistence of Pink and Kelly Clarkson, Outspoken Pop Survivors
Two of the music world’s biggest voices and boldest personalities are back. Deep into successful careers, where have their paths diverged?
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20/10/17•55m 24s
Shania Twain Was Country’s Crossover Queen. What Is She Now?
In the 15 years since she last released an album, the music industry has undergone big changes, but Ms. Twain’s new LP still debuted at No. 1.
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13/10/17•47m 11s
Tom Petty, a Secret Punk on Rock’s Mount Rushmore
He was a student of the ’60s who learned from his elders, but put his own deliberate spin on rock ’n’ roll.
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04/10/17•33m 43s
National Anthem Protests, From ‘Jazzing the Banner’ to Taking a Knee
“The Star-Spangled Banner” has long been a site of dissent and disagreement. A conversation about the history of the anthem, and those who have protested it.
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29/09/17•47m 57s
Bye, Bro. In Country Music, It’s the Year of the Gentleman.
Nashville has been undergoing a gender crisis for most of the 2010s. Is the latest development — kinder men — a solution?
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22/09/17•1h 3m
From Instagram to ‘Bodak Yellow,’ Cardi B Has Arrived
The rapper behind one of the summer’s biggest hits has made swift moves in the music industry, and is making waves in the fashion world, too.
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15/09/17•55m 10s
Women Dominating Rock: There’s More to the Conversation
What happens when the media shines a light on feminist punk? A conversation about D.I.Y. scenes and representation.
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11/09/17•56m 13s
The Popcast Answers Your Questions About Beyoncé, Music Videos and More
On this week’s episode, our readers picked the topics of conversation, which include Lil Wayne, merchandise and Camila Cabello.
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02/09/17•1h 7m
Is SoundCloud a Business or a Community?
If the music-streaming service disappeared, a culture might vanish too. A conversation about where the tech and culture worlds collide.
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25/08/17•30m 53s
Kesha and Taylor Swift Find New Voices
On “Rainbow,” Kesha steps away from her old persona but keeps her former spark. In court, Taylor Swift speaks with no filter.
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18/08/17•45m 12s
What Keeps Phish Fans Coming Back for More?
The band just completed a 13-show run in New York where it didn’t repeat any songs, and its fans are already hungering for the next residency.
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11/08/17•41m 47s
Is Arcade Fire Its Own Worst Enemy?
As the band released its most divisive album yet, it embarked on a rollout that confused its narrative even further.
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04/08/17•35m 53s
Celebrating Two of Rock’s Big Voices, Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell
A conversation about two singers in different bands who left significant musical and emotional legacies
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28/07/17•59m 21s
Streaming Is Taking Over Pop, but It’s Far From Flawless
Spotify, SoundCloud, Tidal: Seemingly every major streaming service has suffered through some controversy lately
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21/07/17•46m 57s
From Jay-Z to Prodigy, It’s Time to Talk About Hip-Hop’s Elders
A new album from Jay-Z, documentaries about Sean Combs and Dr. Dre, and the death of Prodigy have stirred new thinking about older artists
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14/07/17•1h 13m
Can K-pop Conquer America?
Fanaticism about this Korean genre is on the rise in the United States, but it hasn’t cracked mainstream pop culture
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30/06/17•55m 42s
Hip-Hop’s Punk Moment Has Arrived
SoundCloud rap is a raw, rowdy, rebellious movement fueled by young rappers looking outside the genre for inspiration.
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23/06/17•1h 5m
Katy Perry, Lorde and Halsey: How to Make a Pop Album in 2017
Three female pop stars, three different approaches: a conversation about their new albums, on Popcast.
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16/06/17•55m 13s
Why We’re Still Listening to the Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’
Our pop music critics are not fans of record anniversaries, but 50 years after the creation of “Sgt. Pepper,” there are still lessons to be learned from the album.
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09/06/17•30m 26s
Latin Pop Thrives, No Bieber Required
“Despacito” is the first Spanish-language song to top the chart since “Macarena,” but there are many more interesting shifts in Latin pop today.
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02/06/17•47m 29s
Festivals That Inspire Awe, and Festivals That Lead to Criminal Investigations
Music fests are ubiquitous, but only some are curated well enough to be thrilling. And there’s the Fyre Festival.
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26/05/17•46m 38s
Harry Styles and John Mayer, Teardrops on Their Guitars
The One Direction member and the pop-blues poster boy have a few things in common.
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19/05/17•39m 4s
Paramore Returns, Headed Straight For the 1980s
One of the most impressive rock bands working in the mainstream has taken a left turn. Where is Paramore headed, and how did it inspire scores of artists?
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12/05/17•30m 35s
Finding Feist’s Pleasure and Pain
The singer-songwriter’s new album is a low-fi exploration of extreme emotions. How does it relate to her earlier hits, and how did she get here?
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05/05/17•25m 48s
How Lil Uzi Vert Turned Rap Into Rock and Became a Pop Star
He’s a rapper, a social media phenomenon, the guy yelling “ya” on Migos’s hit “Bad and Boujee.” What’s the secret of Uzi’s success?
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28/04/17•46m 43s
A Deep Dig on Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole’s Hip-Hop’s Values
The two rappers recall an earlier time in the genre’s history, in terms of aesthetics and politics. How do they fit in today?
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21/04/17•55m 21s
How Do You Solve a Problem Like the Chainsmokers?
In three years, the duo has had several hits while offending all sorts of people. What does its sound say about EDM?
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14/04/17•49m 21s
Jazz in 2017: The Music Is Thriving, Though Support Is in Peril
Kamasi Washington and some Los Angeles musicians are producing vital recordings, but N.E.A. funding is uncertain. A conversation about the state of jazz.
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07/04/17•39m 27s
Drake Changed Hip-Hop’s Sound. Can He Change the Business?
His release isn’t an album or a mixtape, but a playlist — a move that could position him to shift the music industry once again.
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27/03/17•57m 55s
How Chuck Berry Became a Rock ’n’ Roll Mastermind
He wrote the guitar licks, told the clever stories, duckwalked across the stage and forever changed popular music
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22/03/17•23m 52s
The Billboard Charts Are Wackier Than Ever: What’s Going On?
Streaming figures into chart positions now, a fact that has started yielding some very odd results.
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17/03/17•56m 13s
The Greatest Trick Ed Sheeran Ever Pulled Was Convincing the World He’s an Underdog
The British singer/songwriter is a record-smashing superstar, but he still plays the spurned lover. How does he do it?
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10/03/17•43m 57s
What Future and Migos Tell Us About Atlanta’s Rap Dominance
A panel discusses Migos, Lil Yachty and more of the city’s budding stars on Popcast.
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03/03/17•58m 35s
What Happens When Nashville Outsiders Become Country’s Big Stars?
The city synonymous with the country music business is in transition. How is it dealing with rapid change, and the Trump era? A panel discusses on Popcast.
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24/02/17•1h 10m
Were There Any Real Winners at the Grammys?
It was an awards show filled with flubs, tear, apologies and protests. The New York Times pop music writers discuss Adele, Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper and more on Popcast.
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14/02/17•57m 27s
Will the Grammy Awards End With a Big Surprise?
The New York Times pop team debates whether Sturgill Simpson will pull out a surprise victory in a night stacked with Adele vs. Beyoncé face-offs.
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10/02/17•37m 50s
Punk Rock Is Alive and Well, No Politics Required
The current political climate doesn’t come up even once during the latest Popcast, a conversation about Japandroids, the Menzingers and the state of rock.
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03/02/17•44m 39s
The War Over ‘La La Land’: Gotta Hear Both Sides
The toast of Hollywood has divided our culture writers. Two of the movie’s boosters go to battle with two of its critics in this week’s Popcast.
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27/01/17•49m 57s
The Crooner in Chief: Barack Obama’s Musical Legacy
He brought soul and hip-hop into the White House like no president before him. A discussion of Mr. Obama’s most powerful musical moments, on this week’s Popcast.
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20/01/17•53m 57s
Hip-Hop’s Elders and Youth Go to Battle (Again)
Should rap’s young stars have more reverence for the genre’s pioneers, and vice versa? A conversation about hip-hop’s latest generation-gap struggles.
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13/01/17•52m 0s
Mariah Carey and New Year’s Eve: Is the Fantasy Over?
A panel discusses Ms. Carey's recent New Year's Eve performance and career.
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06/01/17•52m 20s