pop culture

Modern, popular, and iconic pop culture moments in music. From current events, to trending topics and more.

Interview with Yola
By Brian D’Ambrosio Genre-twisting, Grammy nominee Yola cannot pin down exactly when the path of stardom began. No realization point exists in her memory; singing has always felt as normal as talking.
By Brian D'Ambrosio 12 months ago in Beat
A Billionaire Model: How Jay-Z’s Blueprint Inspired Artist in the Modern Music Industry
Photo Credit: Getty Images Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is much more than a rapper. He’s a global icon, a savvy businessman, and an inspiration for those who grew up in communities like the one he came from in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects. Over the years, Jay-Z has transitioned from hustling in the streets to becoming a billionaire, cementing himself as a pioneer and role model for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike. His journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and the power of reinvention in building a legacy.
By Endeavor Digital12 months ago in Beat
Rising Pop Artist Emilia Vaughn Drops New Single 'Rock Music, Girl Secrets'
Authenticity in pop music often feels elusive, yet San Diego native Emilia Vaughn has unveiled her captivating new single "Rock Music, Girl Secrets," released January 16th, 2025. The track represents an exciting evolution in the independent artist's journey, blending contemporary pop and rock elements while drawing inspiration from an unexpected source — her grandmother's poetry.
By Danny Jeffers12 months ago in Beat
Atlanta Mourns the Loss of DJ Unk, Snap Music Pioneer, at 42
The Atlanta music community is grieving the loss of Anthony Leonard Platt, better known to fans as DJ Unk, a key figure in Southern hip-hop and a pioneer of the snap music era. Platt passed away on January 24, 2025, at the age of 42, as confirmed by reports from TMZ and Essence magazine.
By Jayu12 months ago in Beat
How Much Did Lady Gaga's 2015 Tribute Influence the 2022 Oscars?
Lady Gaga’s powerful tribute to The Sound of Music at the 2015 Oscars is widely remembered as a defining moment in the Academy Awards’ history. Her stunning vocal performance, which honored the 50th anniversary of the classic film, was met with widespread acclaim from critics, audiences, and even Julie Andrews herself. It raised the bar for live musical performances at the Oscars, blending vocal excellence with a heartfelt homage to Hollywood’s rich legacy. The question remains: did the buzz surrounding this iconic performance influence the tone and presentation of the 2022 Oscars? While it is difficult to draw direct connections, there are several indications that Gaga’s impact may have left a lasting imprint on subsequent ceremonies.
By Sangita Nandi12 months ago in Beat
Emilia Pérez’ Leads Oscars with 13 Nominations, Followed by ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Brutalist’ with 10 Each
Hollywood celebrated its resilience and creativity despite devastating wildfires as the 2025 Oscar nominations were announced on Thursday. At the forefront was Netflix’s groundbreaking narco-musical Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, which earned a record-breaking 13 nominations. The film, a Spanish-language, French-made production about trans identity, is already making history, positioning itself as a symbol of inclusivity and artistry in cinema.
By AB C12 months ago in Beat
Lucero goes literary on 'Among the Ghosts'
By Brian D’Ambrosio On their ninth studio album, rock/alt-country quintet Lucero decided that instead of recording stories, they needed to engage them. "Among the Ghosts" departs from the familiar Memphis style of their earlier arrangements — the blaring bluesy horns and blues-infused riffs — in search of a deeper, more intensely introspective approach rooted in the evocative nature of prose.
By Brian D'Ambrosio about a year ago in Beat
From Folk to Pop and Beyond: The Evolution of Pakistani Music. AI-Generated.
Like the nation itself, Pakistani music is a kaleidoscope of cultures, histories, and identities that have come together to form a soundscape in constant evolution. From the throbbing beats of contemporary rap and hip-hop that speak to urban youth to the soulful notes of qawwalis that reflect the nation’s spiritual foundations, Pakistan’s musical history mirrors its social, political, and technological transformations.
By Hazik Aliabout a year ago in Beat
What Happened to Carrie Underwood at the Inauguration?
Carrie Underwood famous country singer. Sang national anthem at President Donald Trump inauguration in 2017. Performance was very special.
By Samabout a year ago in Beat
YG Entertainment Shifts Focus to Music, Discontinues Actor Management Division
In a bold move signaling a shift towards its core business, YG Entertainment has announced the discontinuation of its actor management division on January 17, 2025.
By Khushboo Malhotraabout a year ago in Beat
Four Songs: One Man, One Dragon, & Sheer Badassery
If you don't want to be introduced to any spoilers then I suggest that you leave this article and go read the book "Fire & Blood." Sure, you can watch the show, but you'll finish reading the book before the T.V. series wraps itself up.
By Thavien Yliasterabout a year ago in Beat
Top 20 Viral Nasheeds 2024
Nasheeds are Islamic devotional songs that have gained popularity worldwide. One of the great benefits of Ramadan is that it provides an opportunity for a spiritual detox.
By Jaffar Uthmanabout a year ago in Beat