It’s easy to romanticize Taylor Swift’s extremely successful life. What many of us fail to remember is that it can be hard to be famous.

K-pop and K-dramas might be expanding America’s cultural horizons, but does it come at a price?

Music is often categorized into rigid genres but here are some artists who are crafting distinctive styles.

The author who can do it all is telling the stories of humanity — and rating each of them on a five-star scale.

The outspoken critic of the country music industry has returned with an experimental tour de force of an album.

With so many unique music options out there, it can be a life changing experience to add some international love to your playlist.

The musician’s accessible tunes belie an artist bent on showcasing a real rock ‘n’ roll energy and confronting gender roles and heteronormativity.

The rich diversity of Korean music isn’t limited to the country’s most popular musical export.

Even with a new sound, the Irish musician continues to use poetic lyrics and a masterful blending of rock, pop and electronic music to connect with audiences.

The past four years have not been easy for the pop star, but she’s back in the music world and she’s making her mark.

The social media platform, which seems engineered for virality, is displacing streaming services like Spotify when it comes to finding new songs and artists.

Her new single finds the country singer caught between her Tennessee home and the fast-paced life of Los Angeles.

Forget Taylor Swift. The real artist of the decade was Hannah Montana.

These two have been working hard for their whole careers. It’s time to see them work together.

The event was overshadowed by the death of Kobe Bryant and looming allegations about the Recording Academy.

The indie pop band’s newest single will make a fine addition to their upcoming album out this February.

Skip Coachella. Here’s why these festivals with under 10,000 attendees are the best.

The K-pop star is facing some extreme backlash from a very rabid fanbase.

The musician’s latest album is brilliantly and beautifully manic.

After falling a little behind the times, its smooth sounds are back to capture the ears and hearts of listeners.

It’s the beginning of 2020, so now is the time to freshen up those playlists. Here are some ideas on how to organize them.

Although a lot of electronic music has a reputation for sonic dissonance, it’s still capable of evoking a wide range of deep emotions.

The announcement has many excited, but still courts some controversy.

This folk trio has been releasing quality music for nearly two decades, but still sits just below the radar.

Moving away from lo-fi demos and unfussy EPs, the best punk and hardcore exhibited a tendency toward spirited ambition.

Awê! We underestimate our neighbors to the east, who have created their own innovative spin on the genre.

Released just moments after her Sweetener World Tour ended, this recording perfectly captures the intensity and skill of the musician’s live performances.

The young singer brought fans down a road toward the weird and wonderful world of the average teenage girl.

Dig in to this wide, diverse genre.

From the casual lyric drops to dragging misogynists, the musician took important stands and summed up an influential, storied career (so far).

The song caps off a passionate four-song EP that might be the musician’s best work yet.

A dull, misogynistic waste of time, ‘LP1’ proves the former One Direction singer belongs in the trash.

The hip-hop artist sadly joins the ranks of influential artists taken far too soon.

The multi-talented musician and ‘Hamilton’ cast member is one of the most innovative artists working today.

‘Frozen the Musical,’ is holding nothing back on its Hollywood journey.

A ‘Fine Line’ opinion that’s as unbiased as I can be.

Young, gifted and black, the 11-year-old dancer is already breaking down barriers.

You don’t have to go broke getting something for your favorite audio fanatic.

Who knew she was such a softy?

The One Direction singer has a very interesting encounter with a fish that’s packed with personal meaning.

The pop star’s presence was inescapable.

The talented producer, rapper and writer is creating hilarious tunes for a new digital age.

The former One Directioner opened up, but is still facing some antipathy.

Nothings says ’tis the season like a go-to Christmas track.

Space city is much more than ‘Astroworld’; these rappers personify the city’s culture with their unique beats and styles.

They used to be reserved for dimming stars, but now it’s hosting the brightest and regaining its reputation.

The singer changed the game for Latinx artists and now this upcoming biopic will give fans an even closer look at her infamous life.

If you’re an OG fan of the melodramatic rapper, you probably hate him now.

The newest ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member Bowen Yang has a podcast with his friend Matt Rogers, and it’s time to get listening.

The pop star’s contribution to the ‘Cats’ soundtrack parallels her own life in a few ways.

Did your favorites make the cut?

Taylor Swift is fighting for the rights of musicians to retain control over their own work.

“I’d take a personal connection of 10,000 people over a commercial audience of a million.”

The electronic musician’s public statement proves that victims are still being ignored.

Almost seven years after the beloved Nickelodeon show ended, it’s finally available on the popular streaming service. Ariana Grande and Victoria Justice have come a long way.

Imagine listening to your favorite hip-hop songs in moody, angelic slow motion.

The concept album features a futuristic storyline as well as a blend of different genres that defy easy categorization. 

The success of the rapper’s second annual festival proves Astroworld 2020 will not be one to miss.

The artist speaks out on some controversies in this new release.

The album is full of legends, from Chaka Khan to Donna Summer.

The new album might be his worst one yet.

Roll into some wacky adventures with these D&D podcasters.

The trap musician mixes up his trademark pounding basslines with other styles on this distinct and complex production.

You can always count on this New York radio show to keep it real — whether it’s the music or the commentary, these hosts are guaranteed to make mornings better.

‘Maniac’ shows that the singer is a force to be reckoned with, in dating and in the music industry.

Directioners, this is truly not the end.

Her new tracks ‘Lose You To Love Me’ and ‘Look At Her Now’ have skyrocketed up the charts, but they’ve also attracted some haters.

While Gucci Mane has dropped some great hits, his newest album shows that he’s getting a little too comfortable with his patented formula.

The new album shows the 21-year-old indie artist expanding his sound, while still bringing catchy sad boy tunes.

Social media bullying and the grueling standards of the South Korean pop music industry could have played a part in the star’s untimely passing.

This indie pop artist’s debut album ‘Immunity’ goes far beyond the expectations established by her viral singles.

The popular singer is refreshingly honest about his own struggles with mental health.

The supergroup gives traditional outlaw country a powerful, all-female twist.

The artist addresses the HIV/AIDS crisis with his club nights, but not without some controversy from activist circles.

And stirs up controversy as he typically does.

From dub to off-kilter anarcho-punk, these recordings find freedom in the macabre.

We stan artists coming into their own.

We’re not ready for the new trend that is Halloween music.

We love her, but she needs to do better.

The brand new project from Labrinth has finally been released.

The catchy tunes and Latin influence of this music sensation have everyone listening, dancing and wondering about this genre’s burst into the mainstream.

If you’ve never heard of the yellow-haired, jumpsuit-wearing musician, get ready to have her music change your entire life.

Fans are shocked as the former One Direction singer strips his boy-band identity for a persona that suits his age.

It’s finally become less weird to get caught listening to strangers whispering soothing noises in your ear.

The Big Easy is known for jazz, but is it what everyone’s listening to? It’s time to explore the multifaceted music scene that includes rock, rap and funk.

It’s the end of an era, but the music of these Dutch electronic legends will always live on.

Just because you can consume it doesn’t mean it was made for you.

Here’s a look at other sitcoms that could follow the lead of the ‘Office Ladies,’ which features Pam and Angela from ‘The Office.’ 

I don’t know who hurt him, but they better watch their back.

Rave culture is on the rise and providing new opportunities for aspiring artist. Here are some new artists to look out for in the next few years.

It’s as easy as listening to music.

Hailing from Minnesota, these three friends drink wine and put their own spin on the true crime podcast.

Remember, studying isn’t a rave. Chill out with this playlist.

This family band is writing beautiful harmonies that evoke their Oregon home.

EarthGang is the Southern dynamic duo you have been waiting for.

XXL posts an annual list of top new artists. Which year produced the ones with the most staying power?

This collaboration between Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey and Ariana Grande is a heavenly pairing.

Heartbroken? There’s a song for that.

Charli XCX’s new album displays her trademark style, but is a bit derivative of her older work.

The new Travis Scott documentary has some fun moments, but avoids deeper insights into the rapper’s life.