Catching up on the conclusion of rap’s heavyweight fight, Zendaya in “Challengers,” a new Central Cee freestyle and Post Malone’s country single with Morgan Wallen.

The Legacy of Steve Albini, Rock’s Uncompromising Force

3 days ago 1h 12m

A conversation about one of the most admired, and divisive, figures in rock. Guest host: Ben Sisario. Guests: The Atlantic's Jeremy Gordon, and Joe Gross.

Popcast (Deluxe): How Kendrick Lamar Out-Drake’d Drake

9 days ago 1h 25m

Breaking down the heavyweight rap battle after a weekend of dramatic diss tracks.

Popcast (Deluxe): The Best New Taylor Swift Songs. Plus: Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter

15 days ago 1h 25m

Picking the best edited track list for “The Tortured Poets Department” one week later and charting the recent rise of a pair of pop’s middle-class stars.

Taylor Swift: The ‘Tortured’ Mailbag

21 days ago 1h 5m

Answering your questions about the sound and substance of the pop superstar’s double album, and the way fans and critics have responded to it. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Stereogum's Tom Breihan.

Popcast (Deluxe): Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured’ Era

23 days ago 1h 23m

A discussion about the singer’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift’s “imperial era,” the use of her rumored relationships and production choices.

Vampire Weekend’s New Album Goes Underground and All Over

29 days ago 42m 40s

Digging into “Only God Was Above Us,” an LP that’s both catchy and complex. Guest host: Jon Pareles. Guests: The New Yorker's Amanda Petrusich and Pitchfork's Matthew Strauss.

Popcast (Deluxe): It’s Drake vs. Everybody … Who’s Winning?

29 days ago 1h 22m

Breaking down the convoluted recent beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (and Future, Metro Boomin, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Rick Ross and more).

Beyoncé, ‘Cowboy Carter’ and Filling in History’s Gaps

Apr 9th, 2024 1h 7m

A conversation about how the pop superstar’s genre experiments explore race and power, and the implicit politics that come with them. Guests: Marcus K. Dowling and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd.

Popcast (Deluxe): Listening to Beyoncé & Future (and the Discourse)

Apr 3rd, 2024 1h 23m

How conversation about very specific aspects of the new albums “Cowboy Carter” and “We Don’t Trust You” can obscure talk of their musical quality.

Lil Jon: The Popcast (Deluxe) Interview

Mar 27th, 2024 1h 47m

An in-depth interview with the Atlanta hip-hop and EDM legend, tracing his path through punk, skateboarding and crunk music on the way to this year’s Super Bowl.

The Justin Timberlake Conundrum

Mar 26th, 2024 59m 23s

His sixth solo album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” has been met with critical dismissal and weaker sales. Where can the onetime pop superstar turn next? Guests: Steven J. Horowitz and Joshunda Sanders.

Popcast (Deluxe): Is Reality TV in a New Golden Age?

Mar 21st, 2024 1h 23m

Catching up on recent hit shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors” and “Survivor,” including how social media has added another layer of reality.

Popcast (Deluxe): What’s an Industry Plant Anyway? Plus: Ariana Grande

Mar 14th, 2024 1h 9m

Discussing the quick ascent of the downtempo R&B singer 4batz, the new Ariana Grande album, “eternal sunshine,” music at the Oscars and more.

Tate McRae, Dua Lipa and the Fight to Be ‘Main Pop Girl’

Mar 13th, 2024 58m 52s

A conversation about a title that emerged from stan communities, and how it’s played a role in pop singers’ careers. Guests: Vulture's Jason P. Frank and Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul.

girl in red: The Popcast (Deluxe) Interview

Mar 6th, 2024 1h 14m

An interview with the Norwegian singer girl in red (Marie Ulven) about her second album, “I’m Doing It Again Baby!,” opening for Taylor Swift and more.

Popcast (Deluxe): Is TikTok Done? 4 Crises Holding the App Back

Feb 28th, 2024 53m 9s

Once addictive and effective, TikTok is struggling with commercialization, a shifting relationship with the music industry and more.

Remembering Toby Keith and His Complexities

Feb 27th, 2024 44m 43s

A conversation about his loudest (and quieter) moments, and how patriotism has played into country music. Guest: David Cantwell.

Popcast (Deluxe): Pop Stars vs. the Attention Economy

Feb 22nd, 2024 1h 5m

Jennifer Lopez’s new film and album, “This Is Me … Now,” plus other confusing recent rollouts for pop stars including Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake and Camila Cabello.

Covering the Rise of Tracy Chapman

Feb 21st, 2024 36m 11s

In 1988, “Fast Car” turned the singer-songwriter into a star. She was skeptical of the spotlight, and learning to wield her power. Guest: Steve Pond.

Popcast (Deluxe): Usher, Beyoncé and Ye Lead a Busy Week in Pop

Feb 15th, 2024 1h 11m

Recapping the Super Bowl halftime show, two new singles from Beyoncé, Ye’s “Vultures 1” album and more.

How Usher Arrived at the Super Bowl Halftime Show

Feb 8th, 2024 54m 30s

A conversation about his long career path through several generations of R&B, and what he might do on such a big stage. Guests: Thomas Hobbs and Danielle Amir Jackson.