Emily Sweeney, Quinnipiac University

Your favorite song might be on here.

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.

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.

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.

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

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

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.

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.