Stop Spazzing Out About 'Spaz'
Social media, streaming, and a new era of digital self-censorship
Music
Conservative Cancel Culture Comes to Kurdistan
Religious Kurds used social media to shut down a rap concert—and they're swinging their weight around politics, too.
The Best Ever Libertarian Gift Guide
Until next year's, because capitalism is always making things better.
Should Rap Lyrics Qualify as Evidence in Criminal Trials?
The music industry objects to the use of rap lyrics by prosecutors.
Review: Corporate Rock Sucks Covers the Slow Decline of Punk's Most Important Label
Perhaps boutique businesses with hip tastes can be as bad for bands as the biggest corporation.
BTS's Military Conscription Is a Reminder That Mandatory 'Service' Is Servitude
The South Korean government brings the country's greatest cultural export to heel.
"Face to Face": Dave Stewart's, Boris Grebenshchikov's, Serhii Babkin's, and Stevie Nicks's Ukraine War Song
Stewart (of the Eurythmics), Grebenshchikov (a Russian singer-songwriter, and one of “the ‘founding fathers’ of Russian rock music”), and Babkin (a Ukrainian singer-songwriter) put out a trilingual song, with harmonies by Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac).
Review: With Depictions of Politician Beheadings and Plunger Abortions, How Has GWAR Not Been Canceled Yet?
Joe Biden, MAGA fans, and Xi Jinping all fall victim to the band's violent displays on its current tour.
Cardi B Delivers Perceptive, Profanity-Laced Analysis of High Home Prices, Rents
The rapper blamed a lack of "motherfucking inventory" for high home prices and rising rents in low-income neighborhoods. She's not the only one.
The FBI Closely Tracked Aretha Franklin's Appearances at Civil Rights Events
The FBI used a network of snitches to spy on entertainers and activists, and the Queen of Soul was no exception.
After 2 Years of Silent COVID Compliance, Rage Against the Machine Returns
So much for “fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me.”
Netflix Files Copyright Lawsuit Against Creators of Unofficial Bridgerton Musical
The company alleges the composers ignored multiple warnings to cease commercial production of the musical.
U.K. Rapper Zuby: 'When I'm in the U.S., My Mind Is Blown by the Opportunities Here'
The rapper, podcaster, and author talks about "freedom, liberty, and all of that good stuff."
Beyoncé, Under Fire for Using an 'Ableist Slur,' Chooses Self-Censorship
"Spazzing on that ass" does nothing whatsoever to harm people with cerebral palsy.
Shakira Going to Trial in Spanish Tax Evasion Case
The Colombian singer faces up to eight years in prison and a hefty fine after rejecting a plea deal offered by Spanish prosecutors.
Review: Marta Kubišová Challenged Czechoslovak Communism
Her 1969 Songy a Balady (Songs and Ballads) was yanked from shelves, only to reappear after the 1989 Velvet Revolution.
"He Is Right Who Is Defending His Home"
"Our generation always understood each other without borders and passports / There, where we sang about friendship, today people dream only of complete revenge / All that normal people built over the years—all is obliterated."
NPR Tries To Cancel Stoner Metal Legend Matt Pike
An exhaustive profile of the Sleep and High on Fire frontman focuses almost entirely on his "dangerous" affinity for David Icke's lizard people conspiracy theories.
Revenge at All Costs
The Iranian metal band Confess was charged with blasphemy and anti-government propaganda in 2015, before fleeing to Norway. Their latest album documents this experience.
Canceling an Artist Because He's Russian Is Nothing Short of Bigotry
And it will only drive people further into the arms of President Vladimir Putin.
Tchaikovsky Is Canceled
The Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra scrubbed the famed composer from an upcoming program, calling his music "inappropriate at this time."
Ukraine's Glory and Freedom Have Not Yet Perished
That happens to be the opening line of Ukraine's national anthem.
How Anti-Smut Activists Made 'Louie, Louie' Famous
Censors wore out their welcome during the 20th century's indecency wars.
Coachella Drops All COVID-19 Restrictions
For the first time in two years, Coachella will return. Festival attendees will be able to enjoy themselves without having to abide by nonsensical mandates.
From Halftime Show to Social Media, Calls To Ban Rap
Plus: Texas voting law likely unconstitutional, remote workers and rural towns, and more...
My My, Hey Hey, Neil Young's Songs Are Here To Stay (Just Not on Spotify)
Three and a half lessons about Neil Young, Joe Rogan, Spotify, and our age of cultural plenitude
The Tennessee Supreme Court Could Decide the Fate of Nashville's Home Recording Studios
The city's restrictions threaten one of the world's most vibrant music scenes.
Why Does Kenny G Drive Critics Crazy?
Penny Lane’s new film explores the gap between diehard fans and critical elites.
Steven Spielberg's West Side Story Is a Dazzling Bit of Americana
It’s a moving story about immigration and assimilation, and one of the best movies of the year.
Penny Lane: Can 75 Million Kenny G Fans Be Wrong?
The HBO documentary Listening to Kenny G brilliantly explores the gulf between market success and critical acclaim.
The Cuban Heavy Metal Band That Joined the Communist Regime
The members of Zeus fought for the freedom to be frikis. Then they joined the Castro government's official Agency of Rock.
The Best of Cold War Culture
Books, films, and more related to the dissolution of the Soviet Union
The Kinks vs. the People in Grey
Happy 50th birthday to Muswell Hillbillies, a concept album about nostalgia, conformity, and the evils of urban renewal programs.
How the Government Seized a Rare Wu-Tang Clan Album (and a DAO Bought It Back)
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, formerly owned by Martin Shkreli, was auctioned off by the government and bought by the blockchain/art enthusiasts at PleasrDAO.
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Unearthed relics tell the story of the long-forgotten Harlem Cultural Festival, which featured the likes of Nina Simone, B.B. King, and Stevie Wonder.
Donda Is a Portal Into Kanye West's Exquisite Mania
He may have taken off the MAGA cap. But he's still finding a way to push people's buttons.
Chloe Valdary: How Kendrick Lamar and The Lion King Can Help Close the Racial Divide
Forget Robin DiAngelo and White Fragility. Theory of Enchantment uses popular culture to make workplaces more inclusive and welcoming.
Diversity Seminars Don't Have To Be Maoist Struggle Sessions
Chloe Valdary's Theory of Enchantment program uses Kendrick Lamar, Cheryl Strayed, and The Lion King to ease workplace racial tensions.