Sidney Madden

In hip-hop, unwritten rules have forced Black women and queer artists to fight for space. Can the genre’s rule-breakers push their way to the center, while pushing the culture forward?

The LA-based performer’s high-octane set for NPR Music’s anniversary celebration served up bars and bravado to a crowd at the 9:30 Club.

SZA invokes the angst, anarchy and audacity of pop-punk predecessors like Fefe Dobson and Avril Lavigne on “F2F,” relishing her role as the toxic ex.

Ayesha Rascoe talks with Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael of NPR’s Louder Than A Riot about the RICO charges against Young Thug and the wider intersection of criminal justice and hip-hop.

There’s nothing complicated about this soca anthem that’s crossing over thanks to fans on TikTok and Instagram, just a comically simple, two-part mantra: 1. Drink water 2. Mind your business.

The groundbreaking HBO series, which just ended a five-year run, provided a platform for showcasing great, unknown Black artists and recast expectations for what R&B, rap and hip-hop can be.

NPR Music’s album of the year, Heaux Tales, by Jazmine Sullivan, shows the singer exploring themes of love, sex and loss.

The singer reveals the stories and inspiration behind her breathtaking album. Released in January, Heaux Tales held our gaze throughout the year, becoming NPR Music’s pick for the best album of 2021.

Lil Nas X is breaking Billboard records and barriers through his music — the pop-rap star joins All Things Considered to discuss his debut album Montero.

One of the DMV’s most formidable forces bounces around her varied discography for her Tiny Desk home concert.