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484 episodes
* An in-depth interview with the Atlanta hip-hop and EDM legend, tracing his path through punk, skateboarding and crunk music on the way to this year’s Super Bowl.
* His sixth solo album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” has been met with critical dismissal and weaker sales. Where can the onetime pop superstar turn next? Guests: Steven J. Horowitz and Joshunda Sanders.
* Catching up on recent hit shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors” and “Survivor,” including how social media has added another layer of reality.
* Discussing the quick ascent of the downtempo R&B singer 4batz, the new Ariana Grande album, “eternal sunshine,” music at the Oscars and more.
* A conversation about a title that emerged from stan communities, and how it’s played a role in pop singers’ careers. Guests: Vulture's Jason P. Frank and Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul.
* An interview with the Norwegian singer girl in red (Marie Ulven) about her second album, “I’m Doing It Again Baby!,” opening for Taylor Swift and more.
* Once addictive and effective, TikTok is struggling with commercialization, a shifting relationship with the music industry and more.
* A conversation about his loudest (and quieter) moments, and how patriotism has played into country music. Guest: David Cantwell.
* Jennifer Lopez’s new film and album, “This Is Me … Now,” plus other confusing recent rollouts for pop stars including Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake and Camila Cabello.
* In 1988, “Fast Car” turned the singer-songwriter into a star. She was skeptical of the spotlight, and learning to wield her power. Guest: Steve Pond.
* Recapping the Super Bowl halftime show, two new singles from Beyoncé, Ye’s “Vultures 1” album and more.
* A conversation about his long career path through several generations of R&B, and what he might do on such a big stage. Guests: Thomas Hobbs and Danielle Amir Jackson.
* Was this the year the awards got it correct? Guests: Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
* A breakdown of the major categories and most interesting competitions at the 66th annual awards on Sunday.
* A breakdown of new albums and songs for 2024 (and a handful of possible but dubious releases).
* With the music website’s future uncertain, Ryan Schreiber and Chris Kaskie look back at its start.
* A rundown of impressive recent releases and a look at who benefits (and suffers) when artists working outside formal jazz idioms are lumped into conversations about the genre. Guests: Marcus J. Moore and Giovanni Russonello.
* Pop’s premier troll returns while one of its biggest voices turns her attention to gossip, and the first blockbuster rap album of the year arrives.
* Plus: Barry Keoghan’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” Jeremy Allen White’s stripped-down moment and Nathan Fielder’s “The Curse” wraps up.
* Concerts paused during the height of the pandemic, and returned at full power in 2023. Our pop music editor saw a lot of them. Guest: Caryn Ganz
* The touring business saw record revenue in 2023 and major tours made news, but fans still struggle with ticket prices and access — and political leaders are watching. Guest: Ben Sisario.
* The comedian and podcaster known as the Kid Mero on the year in internet domination, including Ice Spice, Keith Lee, the Weeknd, Kai Cenat and more.
* The most impactful tracks of the year come from different genres and generations — and not all of them are traditional songs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
* An emotional conversation with one of the year’s biggest breakout stars about turning his life around and transitioning from Southern rap to country hitmaking.
* Our critics debate their year-end lists (and agree on SZA, Olivia Rodrigo and 100 gecs!) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
* Discussing the singer’s new concert film that documents the Renaissance World Tour, interspersed with behind-the-scenes looks at how it came to be.
* A conversation about K-pop’s long march to American awareness, and the potential risks of that embrace. Guest: Kara.
* Is it possible for rappers to age gracefully? Where are the new stars? A discussion on the state of the genre and where it may be heading.
* The acclaimed rapper’s first solo album contains no rapping. What does this sharp creative turn reveal about its maker? Guests: GQ's Zach Baron, and Sadie Sartini Garner.
* Taking viewer and listener questions on hot topics in pop music.
