Drakeo the Ruler, a rising force in West Coast rap, has died at age 28
The rapper was hailed as "the most original West Coast stylist in decades." He was reportedly stabbed at the Once Upon a Time in LA music festival.
Music
Children's artist Jazzy Ash wraps up a busy year with new Christmas songs
Ashli St. Armant plays funky New Orleans-style fare for kids with her band, Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards, and spins mysterious tales in her Viva Durant audiobook series.
Kangol Kid, hip-hop pioneer, has died at 55
As a member of the hip-hop group UTFO, he was part of a pioneering era of New York City rap in the early 1980s. The Brooklyn group was best known for their 1984 hit song "Roxanne, Roxanne."
Anthony Tommasini, classical critic for the Times, looks back ahead of retirement
NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Anthony Tommasini, chief classical music critic for The New York Times, about his storied career and pending retirement.
Endea Owens and the Cookout, live at Dizzy's Club
Literally sparkling, Owens captivated the room with her masterful playing and exuberant charm.
Bob Boilen's Favorite Music of 2021 Is...
Bob Boilen's favorite music of 2021 includes a 100-song playlist and his top 10 albums. It's music filled with great stories and sonic adventures.
Insecure Takeover Part 2: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
Three ladies featured on the latest Insecure soundtrack perform a Tiny Desk home concert from Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen in Inglewood, California.
Experiencing the down-to-earth vibe of Billie Eilish
In this session, Eilish joins us from the couch at her parents' house to talk about her latest album, Happier Than Ever.
NPR 50: The long tail of David Bowie's explosive 'Hunky Dory'
Bowie was still an aspiring pop star, with but one successful single under his belt, at the time of Hunky Dory's release. It wouldn't last.
After escaping the Taliban, Afghan music students and teachers begin their new lives
This week, members of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music flew from Doha to Portugal, where they'll rebuild their school — and lives. They describe their escape from Kabul and future hopes.