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Music recommendations, industry developments, and other music coverage from Vox.

Culture
VMA 2017: a descendant of Robert E. Lee joined Heather Heyer’s mother to denounce racismVMA 2017: a descendant of Robert E. Lee joined Heather Heyer’s mother to denounce racism
Culture

”We have made my ancestor an idol of white supremacy, racism, and hate.”

By Aja Romano
Culture
Watch: Pink’s moving VMAs acceptance speech was about loving yourself for yourselfWatch: Pink’s moving VMAs acceptance speech was about loving yourself for yourself
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Culture

“We take the gravel and the shell and we make a pearl.”

By Constance Grady
Culture
VMA 2017: watch Jared Leto’s moving tribute to Chris Cornell and Chester BenningtonVMA 2017: watch Jared Leto’s moving tribute to Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington
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Culture

“I see his face, which was always smiling.”

By Aja Romano
Culture
Lorde had the flu. She performed at the VMAs anyway.Lorde had the flu. She performed at the VMAs anyway.
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Culture

There’s a good reason Lorde didn’t even attempt to sing during her performance.

By Alex Abad-Santos
Culture
Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” video is a pileup of self-aware momentsTaylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” video is a pileup of self-aware moments
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Starring many, many Taylor Swifts.

By Caroline Framke
Culture
What to expect at the 2017 VMAsWhat to expect at the 2017 VMAs
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This year’s show promises a roster of star-studded performances, a commitment to social justice, and maybe even some T-Swift.

By Grant Rindner
Culture
Taylor Swift and Katy Perry’s mutually beneficial feud, explainedTaylor Swift and Katy Perry’s mutually beneficial feud, explained
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The story of one of music’s silliest grudge matches.

By Constance Grady
Culture
9 essential pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend9 essential pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend
Culture

From Taylor Swift’s unfortunate (but still catchy) new single to an intriguing Robert Pattinson movie to the return of the Girlboss podcast.

By Vox Culture
Culture
With Reputation, Taylor Swift has learned to stop worrying and love capitalismWith Reputation, Taylor Swift has learned to stop worrying and love capitalism
Culture

If you want decent tour tickets, for example, you’ll have to complete “fun activities” like buying Swift’s merch.

By Caroline Framke
Culture
Taylor Swift’s new single “Look What You Made Me Do” is dark and petty as hellTaylor Swift’s new single “Look What You Made Me Do” is dark and petty as hell
Culture

Look out: The old Taylor Swift is dead, and the new Taylor Swift has been to Hot Topic.

By Constance Grady
Technology
Spotify just signed the last big music label deal it needs to go publicSpotify just signed the last big music label deal it needs to go public
Technology

Look for a non-traditional IPO at the end of this year or early 2018.

By Peter Kafka
Culture
Katy Perry’s “Swish Swish” music video is a weak salvo in her Taylor Swift feudKaty Perry’s “Swish Swish” music video is a weak salvo in her Taylor Swift feud
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Not even Nicki Minaj can save this one.

By Constance Grady
Culture
Taylor Swift just announced a new album and single in typically savvy fashionTaylor Swift just announced a new album and single in typically savvy fashion
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Why now is the perfect time for Taylor Swift to release a new single.

By Constance Grady
Culture
One of R. Kelly’s alleged victims just broke her nondisclosure agreement to speak outOne of R. Kelly’s alleged victims just broke her nondisclosure agreement to speak out
Culture

This woman says that R. Kelly trapped her in an abusive relationship when she was 16.

By Constance Grady
Culture
Kesha, Katy Perry, and the dilemma of party-girl pop stars getting seriousKesha, Katy Perry, and the dilemma of party-girl pop stars getting serious
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In 2017, every pop star wants to make their own Lemonade. Some work better than others.

By Constance Grady
Culture
8 essential pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend8 essential pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend
Culture

From the vital documentary Whose Streets? to the new DuckTales reboot to Kesha’s first album in five years.

By Vox Culture
Video
How a recording studio mishap shaped ’80s musicHow a recording studio mishap shaped ’80s music
Video

An unapologetic ode to gated reverb drums.

By Estelle Caswell
Culture
How Kesha’s 3-year legal battle with Dr. Luke shaped her new album RainbowHow Kesha’s 3-year legal battle with Dr. Luke shaped her new album Rainbow
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The singer is still struggling to get out of her contract after a sexual assault claim against her producer.

By Grant Rindner
Culture
The birth of hip-hop happened 44 years ago at a block party in the BronxThe birth of hip-hop happened 44 years ago at a block party in the Bronx
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An interactive Google Doodle celebrates the innovation that spawned the genre by letting you spin records yourself.

By Aja Romano
Culture
Who is actually listening to the Chainsmokers and 21 Pilots? These maps have the answer.Who is actually listening to the Chainsmokers and 21 Pilots? These maps have the answer.
Culture

Music fandom maps by the New York Times break down where artists are most popular.

By Grant Rindner
Culture
Calvin Harris and DJ Khaled’s newest albums are good for streaming — and bad for musicCalvin Harris and DJ Khaled’s newest albums are good for streaming — and bad for music
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Their latest records are made solely to appeal to playlist culture.

By Grant Rindner
Culture
A Christmas Story is coming to television — as a live musical starring Maya RudolphA Christmas Story is coming to television — as a live musical starring Maya Rudolph
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Fox will air the event on December 17.

By Caroline Framke
Culture
9 essential pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend9 essential pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend
Culture

Including an endlessly fun ’90s nostalgia medley and the first trailer for Call Me by Your Name.

By Vox Culture
Video
The secret rhythm in Radiohead’s “Videotape”The secret rhythm in Radiohead’s “Videotape”
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Video

There’s more to this somber song than meets the ear.

By Estelle Caswell
Culture
July music roundup: 7 must-listen new releases, from Charli XCX to Sylvan EssoJuly music roundup: 7 must-listen new releases, from Charli XCX to Sylvan Esso
Culture

From new pop star singles to reimagined tracks by indie artists, there’s a lot to listen to.

By Bridgett Henwood
Culture
8 pieces of can’t-miss pop culture to check out this weekend8 pieces of can’t-miss pop culture to check out this weekend
Culture

From an excellent Bob’s Burgers/Archer mashup to Tyler, the Creator’s new album.

By Vox Culture
Culture
The 2017 VMAs will feature a “Best Fight Against the System” categoryThe 2017 VMAs will feature a “Best Fight Against the System” category
Culture

MTV has rebranded its social justice award and ditched gendered categories to reflect its audience’s “passion and activism.”

By Abbey White
Culture
Watch: Usher does Carpool Karaoke, cleans his Hollywood star. (Nothing but respect.)Watch: Usher does Carpool Karaoke, cleans his Hollywood star. (Nothing but respect.)
Culture

He also teaches James Corden his club walk. Is it just me, or is Carpool Karaoke getting real gimmicky?

By Constance Grady
Culture
Film composer Hans Zimmer has always been a rock star. His live tour proves it.Film composer Hans Zimmer has always been a rock star. His live tour proves it.
Culture

The acclaimed composer behind Inception, The Dark Knight, The Lion King, and so much more is movie music’s reigning rock star.

By Karen Han
Culture
“Despacito” is breaking records, making memes, and crossing cultural barriers“Despacito” is breaking records, making memes, and crossing cultural barriers
Culture

Not bad for the hit of the summer.

By Aja Romano
Culture
8 can’t-miss pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend8 can’t-miss pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend
Culture

Featuring a silly Taylor Swift conspiracy theory, the best 20 minutes of horror we’ve seen in ages, and more.

By Vox Culture
Culture
Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington dies at 41Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington dies at 41
Culture

Linkin Park made history as one of the world’s most successful post-grunge rock bands.

By Aja Romano
Culture
10 can’t-miss pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend10 can’t-miss pieces of pop culture to catch up on this weekend
Culture

Featuring two of the summer’s best movies so far, an under-the-radar new Netflix release, Andy Samberg’s latest spoof, and more.

By Vox Culture
Culture
By naming their daughter Rumi, Beyonce and Jay-Z honored a centuries-old Persian iconBy naming their daughter Rumi, Beyonce and Jay-Z honored a centuries-old Persian icon
Culture

The Carters’ new daughter is named for a Persian poet who’s influenced artists for centuries.

By Caroline Framke
Culture
Welcome new Beyoncé baby Sir Carter. Sir Carter Carter? Sir Carter Knowles-Carter?Welcome new Beyoncé baby Sir Carter. Sir Carter Carter? Sir Carter Knowles-Carter?
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No one can figure out what Beyoncé’s baby Sir Carter’s first name is.

By Constance Grady
Culture
Beyoncé’s twins are here — and their names are Sir Carter and RumiBeyoncé’s twins are here — and their names are Sir Carter and Rumi
Culture

The singer announced the names, rumored for weeks, in a post on Instagram.

By Emily St. James
Culture
7 of this week’s must-listen new music releases, from Kesha to Haim7 of this week’s must-listen new music releases, from Kesha to Haim
Culture

From steamy new singles to a Broken Social Scene album, this week has been great for music.

By Bridgett Henwood
Culture
Eiko Ishioka was the iconic costume designer behind Dracula, The Fall, and the Beijing OlympicsEiko Ishioka was the iconic costume designer behind Dracula, The Fall, and the Beijing Olympics
Culture

Today’s Google Doodle honors the convention-defying Japanese artist on what would have been her 79th birthday.

By Abbey White
Culture
Tyler, the Creator (maybe) opens up about his sexuality on leaked new albumTyler, the Creator (maybe) opens up about his sexuality on leaked new album
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Confessional lyrics on his latest record might recast some of his old statements on sexuality.

By Grant Rindner
Culture
Why Katy Perry’s new brand of “purposeful pop” has sparked such backlashWhy Katy Perry’s new brand of “purposeful pop” has sparked such backlash
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With her poorly received new album Witness, the singer went from bubblegum queen to pop’s dark horse.

By Kelsey McKinney