Record-breaking mainstream hits. A new generation of artists rising to seize their moment. Rappers in and out of courts. A pair of the biggest names in the game transforming their careers by taking their rivalry to sometimes bitter new heights. In 2024, hip-hop brought us wave upon wave of massive, surprising, culture-shifting moments. NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce, Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael were watching and listening all year long, and they've gathered together to explain the most important stories of hip-hop's 51st year. There was the ascendance of new dominant voices in Southern ra ..read more

The singer-songwriter reflects on the power of tradition on his first Christmas album ..read more

A growing list of lawsuits, shadowy figures, a splintered media environment and prejudice towards hip-hop make Diddy's downfall the "perfect storm ..read more

The pop star effortlessly illustrates in her music what it means to love and lose simultaneously ..read more

This year's unmissable jazz releases came in two flavors: breakthrough releases by driven young newcomers, and a heap of unearthed treasures from the vault ..read more

The Kenyan-born and Adelaide-based musician talks about the duality behind her debut album ..read more

We check out a lot of things in a given year: Lots of movies, TV shows, and music. Today, we are highlighting some of the best pop culture moments we enjoyed the most in 2024. Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture. Subscribe to NPR Plus at plus.npr.org or make a gift at donate.npr.org ..read more

Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through their favorites in a crowded year for excellent songs, from innovative Spanish hip-hop to distinctive jazz. Songs featured in this episode: •Çantamarta, "MOTORIZADO" •Mala Rodriguez, "Casi Nada" •Zaccai Curtis, "Maple Leaf Rag" •Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, "DUMBAI" •Melissa Aldana, "A Purpose" •Residente, "313" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music a ..read more

Stephen Thompson looks at the biggest songs and albums of the week, and digs into the stories and trends beyond the Top 10 ..read more

The California band performs songs from their latest album, But I'll Wait for You, and more ..read more