Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The controversial musical artist has been showing off his baby bump to his TikTok viewers, which finally culminated in the ‘birth’ of his latest album in mid-September.

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The rapper’s newest single is proof that he’s got what we’ve been waiting for — unapologetic and overt expressions of queerness in music.

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The recent visibility of queer celebrities, and the reactions of the press, demonstrates significant progress in society’s acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

Anastasiya Cernei, Missouri State University

Lil Nas X’s latest single and music video have created controversy across social media platforms for its occult and queer overtones.

Kiera Baity, Kennesaw State University

In his newest hit single, Lil Nas X reignites both satanic panic and the fear of Black rock, while many are questioning why the video is just so controversial in the first place.

Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

Wearing silver pants and a long elfish beard in ‘Holiday,’ the singer gives Christmas a futuristic take. What does it mean to see him in hip-hop as he redefines musical and cultural boundaries?

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The Florida rapper joins Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X as the latest artist accused of having a manufactured stardom. Are we too quick to affix the label of inauthenticity to popular musicians?

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

Because of the web, aspiring producers and musicians can go from making beats in their bedroom to featuring on tracks by big name artists.

Ian Nordin, University of Texas at San Antonio

Whether you think the genre is long gone or still thriving, it continues to influence artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator.

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The self-awareness of a new generation is propelling this internet-age style of music into the mainstream.

Maui Smith, University of Pittsburgh

A revolution in style is taking place, and it’s reframing how we understand masculinity.

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

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

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

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

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Did your favorites make the cut?

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

As the eligibility period comes to a close, Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish look to dominate.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

The annual awards ceremony aims to showcase the best of black performers, and the 2019 Awards did just that, with established legends and fresh faces alike.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

The re-emergence of the cowboy trope could be telling of a much larger shift in the political landscape.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

The hit summer track is beginning to tread hallowed music-history ground.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

And nobody can tell him anything.