The Optimist: Remembering Ryan Porter
A tribute to the late jazz trombonist Ryan Porter, a foundational member of the West Coast Get Down whose spirit and talent left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles music scene.
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FEATURES
Elucid on His Artistic Evolution and Essential Records
FEATURES
1Umbrella: The Bay Area’s New Supergroup Redefines Regionalism
FEATURES
The Dream Has Left the Building: An Interview with Meaghan Garvey
Drake’s Triple-Album Gambit: A Study in Stagnation and Cynicism
Paul Thompson examines Drake's latest trio of albums—Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour—through the lens of the artist's evolving sexual politics.
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Beat It: Drake’s Triple-Album Gambit and the Shadow of Kendrick Lamar
Paul Thompson examines Drake's latest trio of albums, exploring how the shadow of his high-profile feud with Kendrick Lamar defines the project.
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DaBoii on SOB X RBE, Kendrick Lamar, and Staying True to Himself
Vallejo rapper DaBoii discusses his solo career, the SOB X RBE reunion, and the importance of maintaining artistic integrity in the music industry.
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The Rap-Up: Exploring Modern Lineages in L.A. and Beyond
Donald Morrison breaks down the latest tracks from R3 Da Chilliman, Mike Sherm, Pz, and Trim, analyzing the evolving sounds of modern street rap.
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The Dream Has Left the Building: An Interview with Meaghan Garvey
Paul Thompson sits down with writer Meaghan Garvey to discuss her new book, the evolution of music criticism, and finding life beyond the internet.
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A Little Deeper Than Usual: Joan Didion on The Grateful Dead
A previously unpublished essay from Joan Didion’s archives offers a rare, intimate look at the Grateful Dead during the height of the Summer of Love.
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Remembering HavinMotion: A Legacy Beyond the Tragedy
Josh Svetz reflects on the life and musical contributions of Dwayne Omar Isaacs Jr., the DMV rapper known as HavinMotion, who was tragically killed at 22.
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From Florida, With Love: The Spirit of BIG Culture and Arts Festival
Anthony Seaman reports from the BIG Culture and Arts Festival in Gainesville, a vibrant display of creative resilience and community-driven artistry.
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1Umbrella: The Bay Area’s New Supergroup Redefines Regionalism
The Truth Hurts podcast sits down with 1Umbrella—ALLBLACK, 22nd Jim, Lil Bean, Lil Yee, and Zaybang—to discuss the evolution of the Bay Area sound.
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The Rap-Up: Dusted Chicken and New Sounds
Steven Louis breaks down the latest tracks from Los Kemet, Isaiah Rashad, Bby Kell, Kenny Mason, and more in this week's Rap-Up.
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Stop Being Sober: Isaiah Rashad’s Ambitious New Vision
Paul Thompson explores the complex, idiosyncratic landscape of Isaiah Rashad's latest album, 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL,' a record that challenges conventional narratives of recovery.
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Optic Sink: The Definitive Darkwave Force in Memphis
Exploring the evolution of Memphis synth-punk pioneers Optic Sink, from their claustrophobic debut to their expansive, cinematic soundscapes.
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Spring Jazz Roundup: A Season of Sonic Renewal
Chris Robinson explores the most compelling new jazz releases and essential reissues defining the early months of 2026.
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My Collection: Blu Breaks Down His Essential Records
Legendary Los Angeles emcee Blu reflects on his two-decade journey through the underground and major-label systems, revisiting the essential records that defined his career.
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Justin Bieber At the End of the World
Jeff Weiss reports from Coachella as a former child star navigates the surreal landscape of modern celebrity and digital surveillance.
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The Rap-Up: Half-Lives and New Sounds
Paul Thompson explores the evolving landscape of hip-hop through new singles from Vince Staples, JPEGMAFIA, Action Bronson, and Shoreline Mafia.
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Shabaka Hutchings: Breathing New Life into Jazz with ‘Of the Earth’
English jazz visionary Shabaka Hutchings discusses his first true solo album, his return to the tenor saxophone, and the philosophy behind his new label.
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Remembering The Ronettes: A Legacy of Harmony and Resilience
Following the passing of Nedra Talley-Ross, we reflect on the profound musical influence of The Ronettes and the challenges they faced in the industry.
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The Music For Our Head: Revisiting Marvin Gaye’s I Want You
Jameson Draper explores the atmospheric, divisive, and ultimately visionary masterpiece that is Marvin Gaye's 1976 album, I Want You.
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The Truth Hurts: Akon on His Musical Journey and Legacy
From his early struggles to global stardom, Akon reflects on the writing of his biggest hits and his keen eye for talent in the music industry.
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Slam on the CDJ: The Best DJ Sets of February & March 2026
Michael McKinney returns with a deep dive into the most compelling DJ sets from February and March 2026, featuring standout performances from Bass Clef, Batu, and more.
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The Kanye West Album ‘Bully’ Does Not Exist
Paul Thompson examines the vanishing act of Kanye West's latest musical output and the hollow nature of his recent creative endeavors.
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The Rap-Up: Cartoon Physics and Modern Soundscapes
Anthony Seaman explores the warped, high-energy world of current rap, featuring Nettspend, NBA YoungBoy, Zukenee, and more.
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Who Deserves the Future? Reflecting on Afrika Bambaataa
Paul Thompson examines the complex legacy of hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, balancing his foundational influence with the weight of serious allegations.
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I Love a Trickster: An Interview with Eliana Glass
On the eve of her new release, Eliana Glass discusses her debut album, the art of the trickster, and her evolving relationship with vocal performance.
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Elucid on His Artistic Evolution and Essential Records
Avant-garde rapper Elucid reflects on his creative journey, his collaboration with Sebb Bash, and the stories behind his most pivotal solo albums.
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The Truth Hurts: Gashi on Hip-Hop Roots and Resilience
Gashi joins The Truth Hurts to discuss his journey from homelessness to music stardom, his new album, and the lessons learned along the way.
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The Digital Vacuum: Why Online Sleuths Are Investigating Drakeo the Ruler’s Murder
Four years after the tragic death of Drakeo the Ruler, a lack of official progress has allowed internet speculators to fill the void.
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Longboat Has 35 Albums and Zero Interest in Slowing Down
Igor Keller recorded four albums last spring. Not across four years. Not in rotating sessions between tours. Four complete albums, back to back, in a single season. For Longboat (a project led by Igor Keller), it’s just how the process works. The latest output from his Longboat project, Album 35, didn’t arrive with a grand […]
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