On Popcast, a conversation about the smooth and bumpy ways that the Academy Awards incorporated music into its 97th annual ceremony on Sunday.

She played the rapper music as a child, stood by him during his career and navigated the legal and artistic questions that arose after his killing.

The pathbreaking New York rap group, which has rarely performed as a full unit, is hitting the road for the last time.

On Popcast, a survey of the biggest and best albums released recently, including Drake with PartyNextDoor, the Weeknd, Central Cee, Oklou and others.

The Valentine’s Day release, a collaboration with PartyNextDoor, tries on different styles (acoustic pop, traditional Mexican) while only alluding to Kendrick Lamar.

On a postgame episode of Popcast, we react to Lamar’s performance, including the tactical deployment of “Not Like Us” and a Serena Williams cameo.

A look back at Kendrick Lamar’s diss track before his Super Bowl halftime show.

Big wins for Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Chappell Roan. Standout performances from Doechii and Sabrina Carpenter. A conversation about why the 2025 awards worked.

After sweeping the Grammys on Sunday, Lamar’s ubiquitous Drake diss could be the centerpiece of the halftime show. That, it bears mentioning, is pretty strange.

Stars like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar are also up for major awards on Sunday (Feb. 2). We previewed the big categories (and made our personal picks).

“Hit Me Hard and Soft,” the singer’s third straight album of the year nominee, is filled with recurring images (water, doors), hip-hop style and a pervasive blueness.

A conversation about “A Complete Unknown” and the power of celebrity.

A final look back at some of our favorite characters, trends, lyrics and micro-moments of 2024. Plus: listener mailbag!

In an exclusive video interview, the world-conquering Latin superstar discusses why his new album is filled with traditional sounds and rhythms from his homeland.

On this week’s episode of Popcast, an interview with a record label veteran who has worked closely with Whitney Houston, Drake, Chief Keef and Lana Del Rey.

A conversation about the musical’s transfer from stage to screen, and the lead actresses who are bringing new narratives to their roles.

The Los Angeles rapper returns with his (surprise) sixth album, itching to escape his Drake drama, but still benefiting from it.

His first term was marked by backlash and protest. But the president-elect has found new streams of embrace and approval.

The rapper was released from jail last week after a surprise guilty plea. For 15 years, a set of strict requirements will govern his life and music.

A conversation about the mysterious rapper’s rise and the impact of hip-hop’s splintering.

The star Atlanta rapper admitted to six counts, including participating in criminal street gang activity, ending his role in the longest trial in Georgia history.

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.

A discussion of the accusations the music mogul faces, the court of public opinion and how the entertainment press covers morally complicated figures.

The dance music superstar and former accountant speaks on the return of EDM and his rise, from underground parties to headlining Madison Square Garden.

A discussion about the ways in which musicians and social media stars, both mainstream and more obscure, have figured into the current presidential campaign.

Plus: A conversation about the career of Rich Homie Quan, who died last week.

At 27, he has a desire to rethink how music is made, and the confidence to do it. Stars including Eric Clapton, Frank Ocean and Justin Bieber are buying in.

The songwriter behind the summer smashes “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” is helping drive a moment of idiosyncrasy in Top 40 hits.

The rapper and gourmand answers our rapid-fire questionnaire covering the music of his childhood, how he manages stress and his go-to bodega order.

The affable pop hitmaker made his name with all-star collaborations and genre-bending hits. Recording his latest LP, “F-1 Trillion,” he showed Nashville he’s for real.

The rapper breaks down the inspirations for her first-ever headlining tour, drawn from a pioneering three-decade career.

Two longtime chroniclers of Swift’s career list their favorites -- and least favorites -- of the singer’s 11 original studio albums so far.

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?

New songs from Eminem, Drake and J. Cole -- plus Will Smith’s post-Slap “Bad Boys” comeback -- demonstrate different paths for maturing (or not).

High-profile cancellations from Jennifer Lopez and the Black Keys have armchair analysts talking. But industry insiders say live music is still thriving.

The actress, writer and 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.

Discussing the imperfect rollout of Dua Lipa’s latest album, “Radical Optimism,” and the recent music movies “Back to Black” and “The Idea of You.”

A conversation about the pop singer’s new album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”

As big as the Beatles? Michael Jackson? Beyoncé? We crunched the numbers.

Catching up on the conclusion of rap’s heavyweight fight, Zendaya in “Challengers,” a Central Cee freestyle and Post Malone’s single with Morgan Wallen.