Jon Caramanica
Posts
NewJeans Had Planned a Rebirth. The Performance Ended in Tears.
K-pop’s most imaginative group has been battling its powerhouse label. Our critic watched as its first concert in months was upended by a court ruling.
Blackpink’s Members Wrestle With the Mega-Group’s Long Shadow
On new solo releases, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé each face a choice: double-down or retreat from their roles in the smash K-pop girl group.
How Do You Preserve a Vanishing Music Scene?
Five recent books collect photographs, memories and ephemera from the hardcore band Agnostic Front, the mysterious dance artist Aphex Twin, the rap collective Odd Future...
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: The Peak of All Rap Battles?
The first rapper to headline the N.F.L.’s biggest stage solo made his Drake diss “Not Like Us” the centerpiece of his set at the expense...
Beyoncé, Grammy Underdog No More
After nearly 20 years and 99 nominations, the star’s album of the year win for “Cowboy Carter” ends a confounding chapter in the awards’ history.
At Trump’s Rally, the Contradictions Are in the Music
The president-elect danced along with Village People as his rally closed with a live performance of “Y.M.C.A.,” after Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood played.
How LiAngelo Ball’s ‘Tweaker’ Became the Year’s First Rap Hit
The N.B.A. washout LiAngelo Ball debuted his track “Tweaker” on a livestream. It’s proving to be much more than a novelty.
Get to Know Bad Bunny in 9 Songs
Hear his first solo single up through a highlight from his latest LP, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”
Jelly Roll, Shaboozey and Others Helped Country Break Through in 2024
Our critic hit the road to talk with Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell and other artists to understand why country music was inescapable in 2024.
The Year in Pop: Hits Without Stars, Stars Without Hits
Tommy Richman, Teddy Swims and Benson Boone had some of the biggest songs of the year. But Taylor Swift, Zach Bryan and Tyler, the Creator...