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Soundcheck

Friday, August 05, 2005
  • singer with microphone chord

    Rap Sheets

    It's been 30 years since hip-hop was born on the poverty-stricken streets of the South Bronx. So how did it become the economic powerhouse it is today? We take a look at the state of the genre with New York Times music critic Kelefa Sanneh. Also, journalist and author Anthony Bozza visits to discuss Whatever You Say I Am, his recent biography of the controversial and often reviled rapper Eminem. He'll address the question, "Did Eminem change or did america finally figure him out?"

A History of Hip Hop

New York Times music critic Kelefa Sanneh joins us to look at the evolution of rap music from the Bronx to its current popularity.

My Dinner with Eminem

Eminem biographer Anthony Bozza discusses his adventures with the Detroit rapper.
» Anthony Bozza's Web site

Best Live Performances of 2008

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We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

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Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

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Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

Noteworthy New York

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We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.