Step into the world of country music’s beloved queen, Loretta Lynn, whose powerful voice and poignant storytelling have left an indelible mark on the genre. Born into humble beginnings in Kentucky, Lynn rose to fame in the 1960s, captivating audiences with her candid lyrics that explored love, heartache, and the everyday struggles of women. Her […]
It’s the middle of the summer, but for this new music Friday, you can expect snow. This week, a veteran rap duo from Virginia drops their first album in 15 years, a Cali rapper puts out his second collab project of 2025, a prolific Detroit lyricist continues his epic run and more. Clipse Release Long-Awaited Let […]
In an interview from a few months ago, when asked to name her favorite actor, Billie Eilish had two picks: Steve Carell and Jake Johnson. She’s had the chance to speak with Carell before (as well as other favorites from The Office). She’s met the New Girl star, too, but before she did, she was […]
Lavern Baker, a powerhouse of rhythm and blues, left an indelible mark on the music world with her soulful voice and electrifying performances. Emerging in the 1950s, she captivated audiences with a blend of rock and roll, pop, and gospel influences that set her apart from her contemporaries. Known for her dynamic stage presence and […]
Nicki Minaj wants ALL the smoke with Jay-Z. On Monday (July 8), the Queens, N.Y., MC went in on the rap icon on X in a bitter tirade. But what’s Queen Barbz real beef with Jigga? Why Does Nicki Minaj Despise Jay-Z? Nicki Minaj’s beef with Hov appears to be over money. At least publicly. After previously calling out […]
When it comes to the golden era of soul and R&B, few artists have made as significant an impact as Gene Chandler. With a voice that can both soothe and electrify, Chandler has gifted the music world with an array of timeless hits that continue to resonate across generations. From his smooth vocal delivery to […]
This week’s Sound Check With Jeremy Hecht is also a Sound Check with Tech — as in Tech N9ne, the Midwestern indie stalwart whose tongue-twisting rhymes have upheld the standard for lyrical excellence for the past 25 years. The Kansas City native takes on the challenge of choosing between carefully selected songs to display his […]
The 2025 XXL Freshman Class is officially in session. Each rap star on the rise enters the proverbial hallways of hip-hop history with their own superlative style. Rappers like Loe Shimmy, Lazer Dim 700 and Nino Paid bring a new wave of artistry to the game while MCs like Ray Vaughn, Eem Triplin and Samara Cyn show off next-level lyricism. […]
From the rolling hills of Appalachia to the heart of Nashville’s biggest stages, Kentucky has quietly raised some of the most iconic voices in music history. This southern state, known for its bourbon, bluegrass, and horse racing, has also given rise to a powerful lineup of singers who’ve left their mark on country, pop, rock, […]
While the event is technically called the Essence Festival of Culture, one of its biggest draws is the nightly concert featuring some of the biggest names in Black music. But at the 2025 Essence Fest in New Orleans, those names and the music they represent could be seen, heard, and felt throughout the weekend, all […]