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Music & Culture

Alt.Latino's Favorites: The Top 10 Latin Albums Of 2017

1:49pm December 15, 2017

by Felix Contreras

In a genre going in as many directions as modern Latin music, how do you narrow a list of albums to just a few favorites? Alt.Latino's host and guests share their attempt for 2017.

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Music & Culture

More Women Accuse Russell Simmons Of Rape, Sexual Assault

8:03am December 15, 2017

by Rodney Carmichael

Music mogul Russell Simmons has been accused of sexual misconduct and rape by several women. His case may have unique cultural impact because of his role as one of the founding fathers of hip hop.

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Pussy Riot, performing at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles, California on December 12.

Music & Culture

Pussy Riot Plays Its First Show In America

10:30pm December 14, 2017

by Eve Barlow

Led and voiced by Nadya Tolokonnikova, Pussy Riot is focused on the mainstream, through an oblique reconciliation with capitalism, in order to spread its message. The contradiction is compelling.

Russell Simmons at a New York City appearance in 2014 to promote his book on meditation.

Music & Culture

More Women Come Forward To Accuse Russell Simmons Of Rape, Sexual Assault

6:45pm December 14, 2017

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

After The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times published new accusations of rape and sexual assault, Simmons says he's innocent — and that he intends to "hold the accusers accountable."

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The rapper Vic Mensa performs during a SoundCloud event on Nov. 16, 2016 in New York.

Music & Culture

SoundCloud's New Leader Is Focused On The Fundamentals

6:11pm December 14, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

Kerry Trainor, who replaced co-founder Alex Ljung as CEO in August, tells NPR that SoundCloud is not trying to compete with Spotify, saying creators are his main focus.

Morrissey performs in Hamburg, Germany, where the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel is based.

Music & Culture

German Magazine, Accused Of Unfairness By Morrissey, Publishes Its Audio In Defense

3:04pm December 13, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

An interview with Morrissey, published by Der Spiegel in November, resulted in the singer being criticized over comments on Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, which he blamed on mischaracterization.

Nina Simone is among those who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2018.

Music & Culture

Rock Hall To Induct Nina Simone, Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits And Moody Blues

11:10am December 13, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

From a field of 19 strong contenders, the Cleveland-based institution has named its newest entrants.

Pat DiNizio, leader of The Smithereens, died on Tuesday. He's seen here singing during the band's 2003 performance at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Smithereens Lead Singer Pat DiNizio Dies At Age 62

9:31am December 13, 2017

by Bill Chappell

Pat DiNizio, a singer and songwriter who made popular rock songs as the leader of The Smithereens, died on Tuesday, his fellow band members say.

The death of musician Fred "Freak" Smith, known for his contributions to hardcore punk and his ostentatious humor, remains unsolved.

Music & Culture

The Mysterious Death Of A D.C. Punk And The $10,000 Reward That May Never Be Claimed

8:00am December 13, 2017

by Andy Hermann

The guitarist Fred "Freak" Smith was an outsized figure within Washington, D.C.'s vibrant '80s hardcore punk scene. His descent and death, which remains a mystery, is an all-too common story.

Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett is one of more than 300 musicians to sign the #MeNoMore open letter.

Music & Culture

Australian Women In Music Publish #MeNoMore Open Letter

2:08pm December 12, 2017

by Sidney Madden

Inspired by a Sweden's letter, more than 300 women in Australia's music industry have signed no, in part to let others know they "are not alone."