Music

Pretty Horrifying:: Video Director Maegan Houang’s Visceral Vision for Mitski’s Music

Horror is a means to this end, something that Maegan Houang views as a “tool” in their kit. “The thing about horror and music videos is that it’s a genre that creates a shorthand that allows you to tell a more concise story,” says Houang.

“JANET JACKSON” Promised Honesty, But Delivered a Controlled—and Constrained—Narrative

For all its attempts at unabashed honesty, “JANET JACKSON.” is deceptively guarded: Jackson still seeks shelter in an unknowable self, hidden from even her closest family and friends. Read more »

What We Lose When Music Divas Become Movie Stars

 When pop stars turn to film, they’re at the whims of mostly male directors who squander their visionary talent. Read more »

Whitewashed History: The “Loud” Podcast Amplifies Reggaeton’s Overlooked Black Roots

Ivy Queen’s insightful podcast “Loud” examines reggaeton’s past, present, and future. Read more »

Queen Shit: Lil’ Kim Celebrates 25 Years as Rap’s OG Doll

Lil’ Kim’s personas have long been a point of contention among many hip hop listeners concerned with women’s representation in the genre. Read more »

Personal Parallels: Halsey’s Gothic Film Is a Gendered Journey Through Pregnancy

“I am not a woman, I’m a god / I am not a martyr, I’m a problem.” Read more »

The Most Impactful Pop Culture Phenomenons of the 2010s

As we speedily approach 2020, we reflect on some of the most memorable moments in pop culture of the last decade. Read more »

BitchTapes: The Family Way

Singer-songwriter Laura Gibson turned in a thoughtful, multi-faceted playlist for our Family Values issue. Read more »

BitchTapes: Give Thanks

Take a break from America’s favorite colonialist capitalist festival of gluttony with our mix of songs about gratitude. Read more »

BitchTapes: Fight for your Rights

A mix for election season and beyond. Read more »

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