Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images
![Kylie Minogue](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/kylie-minogue-GettyImages-1984325035.jpg)
news
2024 GRAMMYs: Kylie Minogue Wins First-Ever GRAMMY For Best Pop Dance Recording For "Padam Padam"
Kylie Minogue beat out David Guetta, Anne-Marie, and Coi Leray; Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding; Bebe Rexha and David Guetta, and Troye Sivan. This is the first-ever win in this brand-new category.
Kylie Minogue has taken home the golden gramophone for Best Pop Dance Recording — an all-new category — at the 2024 GRAMMYs, for "Padam Padam."
Minogue came ahead of of David Guetta, Anne-Marie and Coi Leray ("Baby Don’t Hurt Me"); Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding ("Miracle"); Bebe Rexha and David Guetta ("One in a Million"); and Troye Sivan ("Rush").
The win marks Minogue’s second GRAMMY win after six career nominations. She had previously won Best Dance Recording for "Come Into My World."
The Australian pop star — along with producer Peter "Lostboy" Rycroft and mixing engineer Guy Massey — are the first-ever winners of the Best Pop/Dance Performance category. It was one of three new categories introduced at the 66th GRAMMYs; the other two are Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical and Best African Music Performance.
Lostboy took the stage to accept the award on behalf of himself, Minogue, and Massey.
"Padam Padam" charted at No. 7 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic chart; it was a much bigger hit in the UK, where it was a No. 1 hit. The song was embraced by the LGBTQ+ community on both sides of the Atlantic.
"It's hugely important to me and so touching," said Minogue of her popularity with LGBTQ+ fans in an interview with GRAMMY.com earlier this year. "I hope that for that community and beyond, I just want to say I am open-minded and I want people to be happy in themselves. That community needed support and still needs support. I'm here. And they padamed for me."
Keep checking this space for more updates from Music’s Biggest Night!
2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Winners & Nominees List
![Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll performing in 2024](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/Jelly-Roll-mgk-2024-GettyImages-2156651023.jpg)
Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
news
New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From Halsey, MGK And Jelly Roll, XG & More
As July comes to a close, there's another slew of new musical gems to indulge. Check out the latest albums and songs from Paris Hilton and Meghan Trainor, Mustard and more that dropped on July 26.
July has graced us with a diverse array of new music from all genres, lighting up dance floors and speakers everywhere.
The last weekend of the month brings exciting new collaborations, including another iconic track from Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, as well as a fierce team-up from Paris Hilton and Meghan Trainor. Halsey and Muni Long offered a taste of their forthcoming projects, while Jordan Davis and Miranda Lambert each delivered fun new country tunes.
In addition to fresh collabs and singles, there's a treasure trove of new albums to uncover. Highlights include Ice Spice's Y2K!, Rakim's G.O.D., Sam Tompkins' hi, my name is insecure, Wild Rivers' Never Better, Tigirlily Gold's Blonde, and kenzie's biting my tongue.
As you check out all the new music that dropped today, be sure you don't miss these 10 tracks and albums.
mgk & Jelly Roll — "Lonely Road"
Although fans anticipated Machine Gun Kelly's next release to mark his return to hip-hop, no one seems to be complaining about "KellyRoll." Embracing the trend of venturing into the country genre, mgk teams up with fellow GRAMMY-nominated artist Jelly Roll on their newest track, "Lonely Road."
The genre-blending track interpolates John Denver's classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads." However, unlike Denver's sentimental ode to the simplicity of rural life, mgk and Jelly Roll reinterpret the track through the lens of romantic relationships that have come to a, well, lonely end.
As mgk revealed in an Instagram post, "Lonely Road" was a labor of love for both him and Jelly Roll. "We worked on 'Lonely Road' for 2 years, 8 different studios, 4 different countries, changed the key 4 times," he wrote. "We finally got it right."
Halsey — "Lucky"
In another interpolation special, Halsey samples not one but two classics in their latest single, "Lucky." The song's production features elements of Monica's 1999 hit "Angel of Mine," while the chorus flips Britney Spears' fan-favorite "Lucky" into a first-person narrative.
While Halsey has always been a transparent star, their next project is seemingly going to be even more honest than their previous releases. After first revealing their journey with lupus with the super-personal "The End" in June, "Lucky" further details their struggles: "And I told everybody I was fine for a whole damn year/ And that's the biggest lie of my career."
Though they haven't revealed a release date for their next project, Halsey referred to her next era as a "monumental moment in my life" in an Instagram post about the "Lucky" music video — hinting that it may just be their most powerful project yet.
Read More: Everything We Know About Halsey's New Album
Paris Hilton & Meghan Trainor — "Chasin'"
Ahead of Paris Hilton's forthcoming album, Infinite Icon — her first in nearly 20 years — the multihyphenate unveiled another female-powered collaboration, this time with Meghan Trainor. Co-produced by Sia, "Chasin'" is a lively pop anthem about discovering self-worth in romantic relationships and finding the strength to walk away from toxicity.
"She is the sister I always needed and when she calls me sis, I die of happiness inside," Trainor told Rolling Stone about her relationship with Hilton. Coincidentally, Trainor first wrote the track with her brother, Ryan, but the pop star was waiting for the right collaborator to hop on the track — and Hilton was just that.
"We made something truly iconic together," Trainor added. "It was a bucket list dream come true for me."
Empire Of The Sun — 'Ask That God'
A highly awaited return to music after eight years, Australian electro-pop duo Empire Of The Sun are back with their fourth studio album, Ask That God.
"This body of work represents the greatest shift in consciousness our world has ever seen and that's reflected in the music," says member Lord Littlemore in a press statement.
Like their previous work that transports listeners to a different universe, this album continues that tradition with trancey tracks like lead single "Changes" and the thumping title track. Ask That God offers a chance to reflect on the blend of reality and imagination, while also evoking the radiant energy of their past songs.
Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding — "Free"
Dance music's collaborative powerhouse, Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, are back with another summer hit. Their latest track, "Free," marks the fourth collaboration between the duo — and like their past trilogy of hits, the two have another banger on their hands.
The track debuted earlier this month at Harris' show in Ibiza, where Goulding made a surprise appearance to perform "Free" live. With Harris delivering an infectious uptempo house beat and Goulding's silky vocals elevating the track, "Free" proves that the pair still have plenty of musical chemistry left.
Post Malone & Luke Combs — "Guy For That"
Post Malone's transition into country music has been anything but slow; in fact, the artist went full-throttle into the genre. The New York-born, Texas-raised star embraced his new country era with collaborations alongside some of the genre's biggest superstars, like Morgan Wallen and Blake Shelton. Continuing this momentum as he gets closer to releasing F-1 Trillion, Post Malone teams up with Luke Combs for the new track "Guy For That."
The catchy collaboration tells the story of a relationship that has faded, where the protagonist knows someone who can fix almost anything, except for a broken heart. It's an upbeat breakup song that, like Post's previous F-1 Trillion releases, can get any party going — especially one in Nashville, as Malone and Combs did in the track's music video.
Forrest Frank & Tori Kelly — "Miracle Worker"
Just one month after Surfaces released their latest album, good morning, the duo's Forrest Frank unveiled his own project, CHILD OF GOD — his debut full-length Christian album. Among several features on the LP, one of the standouts is with GRAMMY-winning artist Tori Kelly on the track "Miracle Worker."
Over a plucky electric guitar and lo-fi beats, Frank and Kelly trade verses before joining for the second chorus. Their impassioned vocals elevate the song's hopeful prayer, "Miracle Worker make me new."
Their collaboration arrives just before both artists hit the road for their respective tours. Frank kicks his U.S. trek off in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 31, and Kelly starts her world tour in Taipei, Taiwan on Aug. 17.
XG — "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT"
Since their debut in 2022 with "Tippy Toes," Japanese girl group XG has been making waves and showing no signs of slowing down. With their first mini album released in 2023 and now their latest single, "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT," the group continues to rise with their distinctive visuals and infectious hits.
The track features a nostalgic rhythm reminiscent of early 90s R&B, showcasing the unique personalities of each member. As an uptempo dance track, it's designed to resonate with listeners from all across the globe.
"SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT" also serves as the lead single for XG's upcoming second mini album, set to release later this year.
Mustard — 'Faith of a Mustard Seed'
For nearly 15 years, Mustard has been a go-to producer for some of rap's biggest names, from Gucci Mane to Travis Scott. On the heels of earning his first Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper as a producer with Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," he's back with his own collaboration-filled project.
Faith of a Mustard Seed features a robust 14-song track list with contributions from Vince Staples, Lil Yachty, Charlie Wilson, and more. The LP marks Mustard's fourth studio album, and first since 2019's Perfect Ten.
In an interview with Billboard, Mustard shared that the album's title is an ode to late rapper Nipsey Hussle, who suggested the title during one of their final conversations before his untimely death in 2019. And once "Not Like Us" hit No. 1, Mustard knew it was time to release the long-in-the-making album.
Latest News & Exclusive Videos
![2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Watch Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Gojira & More Perform](https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/naras/lady-gaga-olympics-2024.webp)
2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Watch Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Gojira & More Perform
![Ice Spice Is The Drill Queen On 'Y2K!': 5 Takeaways From Her Debut Album](https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/naras/Ice-Spice-2024-GettyImages-2160639961.webp)
Ice Spice Is The Drill Queen On 'Y2K!': 5 Takeaways From Her Debut Album
![New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From Halsey, MGK And Jelly Roll, XG & More](https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/naras/Jelly-Roll-mgk-2024-GettyImages-2156651023.webp)
New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From Halsey, MGK And Jelly Roll, XG & More
![Watch Young MC Win Best Rap Performance In 1990](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/51/ba/43/51ba4322-b8da-45c1-881a-b3ac7dee8e6a/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-01-19.129.jpg)
Watch Young MC Win Best Rap Performance In 1990
![The Red Clay Strays Offer A New Kind Of Religion With 'Made By These Moments'](https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/naras/The_Red_Clay_Strays_Press_Photo_2024_Credit_Robby_Klein.webp)
The Red Clay Strays Offer A New Kind Of Religion With 'Made By These Moments'
![A photo of a GRAMMY Award featured listing the five nominations for the 2024 GRAMMYs at the 2024 Emmys, including Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special, and more.](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/2024_grammys_emmy_nominations.jpg)
Graphic Courtesy of CBS
news
The 2024 GRAMMYs Have Been Nominated For 5 Emmys: See Which Categories
The 2024 GRAMMYs telecast is nominated for Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special, and three more awards at the 2024 Emmys, which take place Sunday, Sept. 15.
It’s officially awards season! Today, the nominees for the 2024 Emmys dropped — and, happily, the 2024 GRAMMYs telecast received a whopping five nominations.
At the 2024 Emmys, the 2024 GRAMMYs telecast is currently nominated for Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special, Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special, and Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Special.
Across these categories, this puts Music’s Biggest Night in a friendly head-to-head with other prestigious awards shows and live variety specials, including the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show starring Usher as well as fellow awards shows the Oscars and the Tonys.
2024 was a banner year for the GRAMMYs. Music heroes returned to the spotlight; across Categories, so many new stars were minted. New GRAMMY Categories received their inaugural winners: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording. Culture-shaking performances and acceptance speeches went down. Those we lost received a loving farewell via the In Memoriam segment.
The 2025 GRAMMYs will take place Sunday, Feb. 2, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
For more information about the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season, learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process, read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section, view the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines, and visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.
GRAMMY News, Performances & Highlights
2025 GRAMMYs To Take Place Sunday, Feb. 2, Live In Los Angeles; GRAMMY Awards Nominations To Be Announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024
GRAMMY Awards Updates For The 2025 GRAMMYs: Here's Everything You Need To Know About GRAMMY Awards Categories Changes & Eligibility Guidelines
How To Submit Your Music For The 2025 GRAMMYs: Deadlines & Webinars, GRAMMY Nominations & Voting Process, And More
2024 GRAMMYs: See The Full Winners & Nominees List
The 2024 GRAMMYs Have Been Nominated For 5 Emmys: See Which Categories
10 Must-See Moments From The 2024 GRAMMYs: Taylor Swift Makes History, Billy Joel & Tracy Chapman Return, Boygenius Manifest Childhood Dreams
Watch All The Performances From The 2024 GRAMMYs: Tracy Chapman & Luke Combs, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo & More
2024 GRAMMYs: Miley Cyrus Celebrates "Flowers" GRAMMY Win With Jubilant Performance
2024 GRAMMYs: Dua Lipa Debuts "Training Season" & Slays "Houdini" In Mesmerizing Opening Performance
2024 GRAMMYs: Taylor Swift Makes GRAMMY History With Fourth Album Of The Year Win For 'Midnights'
2024 GRAMMYs: Billie Eilish Performs An Ethereal Rendition Of "What Was I Made For?"
2024 GRAMMYs: Watch Olivia Rodrigo Bleed Her Soul Dry With Dramatic "Vampire" Performance
SZA Wakes Up The 2024 GRAMMYs With A Performance Of "Snooze" & "Kill Bill"
2024 GRAMMYs: Luke Combs & Tracy Chapman Team Up For A Surprise Duet Version Of "Fast Car"
2024 GRAMMYs: Burna Boy's Fantastic Afro-Fusion Lights Up The Stage
2024 GRAMMYs: Travis Scott Turns Music's Biggest Night Into A Heated Utopia
2024 GRAMMYs: Watch Joni Mitchell Deliver Heartwarming Performance Of "Both Sides Now" In Her GRAMMY Stage Debut
U2 Performs "Atomic City" & Transports The 2024 GRAMMYs To Las Vegas
2024 GRAMMYs In Memoriam: Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz & More Pay Tribute To Late Icons
2024 GRAMMYs: Billie Eilish Wins GRAMMY For Song Of The Year For "What Was I Made For?" From The 'Barbie' Soundtrack
2024 GRAMMYs: Miley Cyrus Wins The GRAMMY For Record Of The Year for "Flowers"
2024 GRAMMYs: Victoria Monét Wins The GRAMMY For Best New Artist
2024 GRAMMYs: Jack Antonoff Wins GRAMMY For Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical For The Third Year In A Row
![Theron Thomas Wins Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/8c/ef/0e/8cef0ef1-906a-4634-957f-bbd2f1b6ce04/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-00-42.159.jpg)
Theron Thomas Wins Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech
![Watch Taylor Swift Walk The 2024 GRAMMYs Red Carpet](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/d0/dd/20/d0dd2032-c859-4b7f-afef-45ab9165fbd2/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-01-32.126.jpg)
Watch Taylor Swift Walk The 2024 GRAMMYs Red Carpet
2024 GRAMMYs: Jay-Z Receives Dr. Dre Global Impact Award
Relive The 2024 GRAMMYs Red Carpet: Interviews With Dua Lipa, Ice Spice & More
10 Acceptance Speeches That Made Us Laugh, Cry, & Smile At The 2024 GRAMMYs
Big First Wins At The 2024 GRAMMYs: Karol G, Lainey Wilson, Victoria Monét & More
13 Moments From The 2024 GRAMMYs You Might Have Missed
2024 GRAMMYs Red Carpet Fashion Highlights: Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, boygenius & More
9 Ways Women Dominated The 2024 GRAMMYs
Overheard Backstage At The 2024 GRAMMYs: What Jack Antonoff, Laufey & Other GRAMMY Winners Said
How The 2024 GRAMMYs Saw The Return Of Music Heroes & Birthed New Icons
Taylor Swift Announces New Album After 13th GRAMMY Win At The 2024 GRAMMYs
2024 GRAMMYs: Miley Cyrus Wins First-Ever GRAMMY For "Flowers"
![Billie Eilish Wins Best Song Written For Visual Media For "What Was I Made For?" (From 'Barbie The Album') | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/4e/d9/8e/4ed98ea1-dbbc-4959-8a3e-48537582d3ce/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-00-51.352.jpg)
Billie Eilish Wins Best Song Written For Visual Media For "What Was I Made For?" (From 'Barbie The Album') | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech
2024 GRAMMYs: Karol G Wins The First GRAMMY Award Of Her Career For Best Música Urbana Album
![Watch Ice Spice’s 2024 GRAMMYs Red Carpet Interview](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/b0/2e/35/b02e3548-3660-41be-b3d3-ed40083aa062/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-00-33.183.jpg)
Watch Ice Spice’s 2024 GRAMMYs Red Carpet Interview
![boygenius Celebrate Their Three GRAMMY Wins At The CNB "First Look" Cam At The 2024 GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/4d/e6/21/4de621a1-0035-4d74-987d-c6743177ee97/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-01-06.650.jpg)
boygenius Celebrate Their Three GRAMMY Wins At The CNB "First Look" Cam At The 2024 GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony
In Memoriam (2023): The Recording Academy Remembers The Music People We Lost
![Killer Mike Wins Best Rap Album For 'MICHAEL' | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/3f/59/f0/3f59f042-82d0-4a7a-bf7f-c7a9fd6e2807/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-00-25.459.jpg)
Killer Mike Wins Best Rap Album For 'MICHAEL' | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech
2024 GRAMMYs: Tyla Wins First-Ever GRAMMY Award For Best African Music Performance
![Watch Billie Eilish & FINNEAS’ 2024 GRAMMYs Red Carpet Interview](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/f2/09/67/f2096700-4b65-46bc-8ecc-59e6f02b3fcd/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-01-51.695.jpg)
Watch Billie Eilish & FINNEAS’ 2024 GRAMMYs Red Carpet Interview
![Boygenius Wins Best Rock Song For "Not Strong Enough" | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/f3/67/05/f3670521-679e-49fc-b939-83bd746c520b/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-00-36.803.jpg)
Boygenius Wins Best Rock Song For "Not Strong Enough" | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech
Burna Boy, Tyla And Africa's Moment At The 2024 GRAMMYs
![Steve Aoki press photo](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/Steve_Aoki_jana_schuessler.jpg)
Photo: Jana Schuessler
interview
On 'Paragon,' Steve Aoki Keeps Pushing: "This Is By Far The Most Innovative Dance Album I've Ever Done"
From techno to electro, 'Paragon' runs the gamut of dance sounds.Out June 28, the LP is decisively for the dance floor and reflects "a newer sound of Steve Aoki."
The title of his ninth studio album is an apt description of Steve Aoki himself.
The cake-throwing DJ/producer — best known commercially for his 2012 remix of Kid Cudi, MGMT, and Ratatat’s "Pursuit Of Happiness" — can very well be called a paragon of longevity in dance and electronic music. And like his stature as one of the world’s highest-paid DJs (Forbes regularly cites him on its annual list), this status is hard-won.
"[The dance music industry] is…not forgiving," he tells GRAMMY.com on a Zoom call from his home in Las Vegas. He appears in quintessential Aoki fashion: shirtless, his long, dark hair cascading down his shoulders. "Yes, I have a safety level where I can continue to play shows based on old tracks, but that doesn't last very long. You have to constantly stay ahead."
Akin to HiRO — the protagonist of the HiROQUEST graphic novel series that he created to pair with his last two studio albums, HiROQUEST: Genesis and HiROQUEST 2: Double Helix — Aoki is on a quest of his own. HiRO (a genetically augmented meta-human) is tasked with traveling into the multiverse 400 years into the future to save Earth from an unavoidable disaster. Aoki’s charge — continuous innovation of his craft to sustain his longevity in dance music’s ever-saturated and rapidly-moving market — is no less dire nor significant to the Dim Mak Records founder.
"I've always had this starvation complex where I have to keep doing my s—, or else I'm going to die," he muses casually, phone in hand as he paces around his house, as he’s done since he joined our call. Judging by the deadpan manner in which he delivers this line and the laugh that caps it off, this is not a revelation for Aoki. As the Greek maxim goes, "know thyself." Assuredly, he does, and well enough to know he has to keep doing his thing, hence Paragon.
The 18-track project, out June 28, harkens back to Aoki’s dance floor roots following 2023’s Latin-influenced HiROQUEST 2: Double Helix and 2022’s alternative- and punk-guided HiROQUEST. It teems with high-profile crossover collaborations, like "Heavenly Hell" (Ne-Yo), "Electrowavebaby 2.0" (Kid Cudi), and "Get Lower" (Lil Jon). Most importantly, though, it reflects "a newer sound of Steve Aoki" — a compelling and contemporary means of extending his "safety level" in the dance space.
Ahead of Paragon’s release via his own imprint and an international tour, Steve Aoki spoke with GRAMMY.com about the album’s relationality to his artistic identity and HiROQUEST and why, even after nine albums, he’s still "very excited and very hungry to get back in the studio and continue to write music that matters."
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Why was now the right time for you to go back to your true dance roots?
An album is always about where I am at that moment. I look at each album in a way where I don't want to think too deeply about it. I want it to be more of a timestamp that, in 10 years’ time, reflects that moment in time for me.
This time, a lot of the collaborations I was doing just fluidly became more of the same synergy. It’s a flow, and Paragon is also directly reflective of the kind of music I'm playing at my shows.
Dance music is certainly on a rise, especially the newer sounds of dance music. Sonically, the climate's changing a lot, which challenges me as a producer who was more dominant in the 2010s. I was putting out a lot of music then, and those songs were more prolific in the electronic dance music community.
Now, I'm challenged to stay ahead of my own production. The DNA of your sound stays with you, but you’ve got to always innovate, and this is by far the most innovative dance album I've ever done.
What, in your opinion, makes 'Paragon' so innovative?
When I go back into Paragon and I listen to each song, it's a newer sound of Steve Aoki; it's very dynamic and diverse. There’s house records, there's techno records, there's different beats-per-minute ranges — it's not just hard-hitting festival records.
I think it's forward-thinking for me as a producer, and I'm already working on the "Part B." I distinctively made it shorter than my previous three albums, which were over 20 songs each. This is more of a traditional album length because I look at it as a two-part story musically.
I have a bigger story that I've been attaching to my albums, like HiROQUEST and HiROQUEST 2. I wrote a book that joins those two albums into a full-length science fiction fantasy anime storyline with art and cards and collectability factor, all that fun stuff outside of music.
Paragon is going to be an Easter egg or precursor to what's to come — the continuation of HiROQUEST. I just wanted to not use the name HiROQUEST because I wanted to do something different.
How does the album’s title fit into this larger narrative?
The Paragon Aura is a huge theme of Book 2 of HiROQUEST — it's what brings HiRO back from the "lost world" where he's been stuck. He essentially dies at the end of Book 1 and gets stuck in this lost world. This aura brings him back.
The HiROQUEST is a quest of 10 rings and HiRO is trying to obtain all 10, so he gets this power that’s going to be discussed in Book 2. In order to forge the 10 rings to this omnipotent god ring, he has to use the Paragon Aura. The Paragon Aura is an extremely powerful tool and it's a big theme of the second book.
You’re certainly a paragon of longevity in the dance space, which is rare. How have you maintained such an enduring and continuously expanding presence?
The hunger needs to be there. It doesn't matter how successful you might be to the world. Yes, I have a safety level where I can continue to play shows based on old tracks, but that doesn't last very long. You have to constantly stay ahead.
I think dance music is a bit different from rock or other genres where you can tour off your old catalog. Blink-182 never has to make another new song if they don't want to; they're going to sell out stadiums based on their catalog. Radiohead, Coldplay, they never have to make another new song — they're going to sell out.
There's certain artists in the dance world that are veterans in the space. They’re household names. Like Tiësto or David Guetta…they don't have to release any more music, but they do. When they drop new music, it's still consistently part of culture, which is so exciting. I think that's exciting about the dance world; we still have a strong fingerprint.
Do you count yourself among the veteran dance acts who don’t have to release more music if they don’t want to?
There are definitely people who might think I'm in this category, but I don't personally think about myself like that. Not doing so keeps me fighting for it. I'm still very excited and very hungry to get back in the studio and continue to write music that matters.
The baseline has to be that you're giving all of yourself to this. I still remember touring in a band with four sweaty dudes, showering once a week, and staying at people's houses. Not once in those 14 tours did we ever stay in a hotel. All the money went to gas and feeding ourselves.
We’d be broke by the end of the tour, and I’d be ready for the next one. I still remember the feeling of okay, we’re broke, we’re stinky, and we’re back in our town. Now we gotta write more music to get back on the road again, and I loved it. I did like 14 full tours by the time I was 21. It's a lot more luxurious these days but doing what you love has to be the foundation or else you can't survive the hard.
I've been doing my record label, Dim Mak, for almost 30 years now. The people who have worked for Dim Mak…it's a lifestyle. Yes, they're working to get a paycheck, but they're working first and foremost because they believe in the culture. You have to be down with the culture first and the paycheck second.
What can fellow DJ/producers take from the example you’ve set?
I think the most important thing is to never stop making music and leveling up your shows because those are the two most important things as an artist in any space. The live experience is really important. Your music is number one, though, because if your music's not good, no one's even going to go to your live show. You need to build your sound to a point where people know your music as you, and then you better show up and make your show really good. And not even just good — you’ve got to make it your own show.
A Steve Aoki show is a unique show, and in some cases, it's outperforming my music. People will talk more about my cakes than my new album. I'll take it though, because I just want people to have a great experience.
There are a lot of artists who find their sound, develop it, people latch onto them, and then they just fizzle out for whatever reason. When it fizzles out, that's when the real test comes and it’s to go back to it. If you really care about the long game, you’ve got to keep putting more cakes in the oven.
Nine albums is a tall tally, especially for the dance genre, where the album is not the dominant format. Why is it important to you to continue making albums despite this dynamic?
I've always been an album guy because I was a band guy. When you're in a band, the most important thing is to make an album, not a song. You have to make a collection of music that defines you.
When I was in bands, I listened to albums, and I’d listen to every single song. I know people don't do that anymore, but I still like to follow that, I can't help it. I collect vinyl; I do certain things in the old-school sense that you can't kick out of me.
Read more: 8 Times Dance Stars Channeled Their Inner Punk Kid, From Deadmau5 & Gerard Way To Rezz & Silverstein
I know people aren't listening to the full album. I know they're listening to the song that's probably the main song of the whole album. And even if one one-hundredth of my fans listen to the full album, I don't actually care. I'm still going to make the album. It goes back to the most important thing: I'm doing it for myself first.
I love telling a story. All the attention to detail and my intention to create this moment in time means so much to me. I know one one-hundredth of the people are going to be there for it, and I'm totally fine with that. I've grown a community of fans because I care so much about the detail; I go so deep into the story. I do it for them too. And the people who are in and out and come just for the quick hit, that's fine. They're absolutely welcome and invited to be part of it.
That one one-hundredth appreciates the concept-driven approach to album-making, especially because this genre isn’t exactly known for that compared to other genres.
Yeah, and I think a lot of stuff that I'm doing, especially with HiROQUEST, has not been done before, like bringing in anime culture, card culture, comic books, and manga. No one's doing that in [dance music]. The Weeknd did a comic book and so did Kid Cudi. I'm following the same practice of combining these worlds.
And I went deep in HiROQUEST: Book 1. It's 50,000 words. I spent like 16 months writing this book; it’s 250 pages. That’s a big ordeal, but what's great is we’ve already sold out two printings. We're already in our third printing now, which is incredible for a story that had never been heard before.
I love my fans for that. It allows me to have the courage to keep going. To step out like this is a lot of work and a lot of time, and you don't want to fall on deaf eyes and ears. I'm already writing Book 2.
Tove Lo & SG Lewis Crafted Sweaty New EP 'HEAT' In Celebration Of Their Queer Fans
![Sabrina Carpenter performing at Governors Ball 2024](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/Sabrina-Carpenter-2024-GettyImages-2156757616.jpg)
Photo: Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images
list
9 New Pride Anthems For 2024: Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," Chappell Roan's "Casual" & More
Throughout the past year, a slew of music's brightest stars have blessed us with a batch of fresh songs that have quickly been embraced by the LGBTQIA+ community as classics, from Dua Lipa's "Houdini" to Troye Sivan's "One Of Your Girls."
Every June, Pride Month offers a time for the LGBTQIA+ community to reflect and raise awareness — but also, to party it up. While there were plenty of Pride anthems to pack playlists prior to this year, the past 12 months have seen some flawless new additions from a mix of fresh talent and long-standing stalwart artists that the queer community happily embraces.
While there's no set template on how to create an undeniable Pride anthem, there are major hallmarks: high-energy tempo, candid lyrics, delicious camp, and an undeniable groove. Between pop bops and dance floor jams, no Pride party is complete without at least a couple of the songs listed below. Cheers to the cathartic power of music to usher in another season of acceptance and equality.
Sabrina Carpenter — "Espresso"
You play it when you wake up. It's on the radio on the way to the club. It's playing at the club. Heck, it's even blasting at the gym the next day. 2024's newly crowned pop princess, Sabrina Carpenter, released an instant classic when she unfurled "Espresso" in April — more than enough time to learn the lyrics by Pride Month.
With an infectious melody targeting your ears like a jolt of morning caffeine, its steaming dose of memorable lines ("I'm working late/ 'cause I'm a singer") are the handiwork of Carpenter along with three veteran lyricists, including close collaborator Steph Jones, Amy Allen (Harry Styles, Selena Gomez) and Julian Bunetta, who is perhaps best known for his plethora of work with One Direction. "Espresso" marks further proof that if there's one thing Carpenter knows it's how to command an audience, whether through her captivating stage shows or viral, story-telling music videos that link together (including for recent single "Please, Please, Please").
Charli XCX — "360"
It's safe to say that Charli XCX is experiencing a new phase of her decade-long career as a critically acclaimed starlet. Her sixth studio album, BRAT, marks an evolution of her sound into a batch of adult tracks tailor-made for the club. As a result, it's spawned a number of viral memes among her legions of LGBTQIA+ fans, who have also boasted lime green avatars on social media in honor of what's being dubbed "brat summer."
It's no coincidence then that she'd release the project in the midst of Pride Month, led by the relentlessly pulsating single "360." With lyrics that have quickly already found itselves queer canon — "Drop down, yeah, Put the camera flash on" — the album boasts a hyperpoop energy and unapologetic individuality, making her recent spate of shows some of the hottest tickets in town.
Read More: Charli XCX's Road To 'Brat': How Her New Album Celebrates Unabashed Confidence & Eccentricity
Orville Peck, Diplo & Kylie Minogue — "Midnight Ride"
Giddy up! One of the brightest out stars in the LGBTQIA+ musical universe, the ever-masked Orville Peck has made a name for himself as a queer outlier in the country music scene. So it stands to reason that he'd partner up with none other than Kylie Minogue — who had the defining song of Pride '23 in the form of "Padam Padam" — for their own anthem for 2024. The result is "Midnight Ride," a whistle-powered, Diplo-produced earworm that's perfect for a rainbow-tinted hoedown.
The team-up is part of Peck's forthcoming duets project, for which he recruited a cavalcade of singing partners for queer-themed country-tinged tracks in a unique two-volume album dubbed Stampede (which drops in full Aug. 2). The collaborators include Willie Nelson, who croons with Peck on the eye-raising ditty "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other."
Dua Lipa — "Houdini"
When Dua Lipa released Future Nostalgia in 2020, it became an instant classic in the pop world and LGBTQIA+ lexicon alike, cementing Lipa (and songs like "Don't Start Now" and "Physical") into the grand pantheon of queer playlist magic. The pressure was on, then, for her follow-up to live up to its commercial success and fandom.
Cue "Houdini," from this year's Radical Optimism, a cathartic dance floor anthem by one of the gay community's newer idols. Aside from setting the perfect tone for Pride Month with its delicious hook and refreshing confident lyrics "(Prove you got the right to please me"), in an interview with SiriusXM Hits 1, Lipa said the production of the track set the tone for the new project: "I was like, "Okay, I feel like now I know exactly what this album's gonna be and what it's gonna sound like."
The Challengers soundtrack
Who knew that a soundtrack to a tense and sultry tennis drama would yield an album fit for the dance floor? The thumping array of tunes that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross churned out for Luca Guadagnino's Challengers has proved to be a hit beyond the film, with its synth-propelled soundtrack proving to be a unique and wild tracks, including the driving "I Know."
Its embrace in the LGBTQIA+ community should come as no surprise considering the single note the director gave Ross before he started work. "The way he described 'Challengers' was in a one-sentence email," Ross told Variety earlier this year. "Do you want to be on my next film? It's going to be super sexxy.' Two x's."
Ariana Grande — "yes, and"
Ariana Grande is no stranger to gay-friendly anthems; in fact, she delivered one of 2020's most iconic Pride moments with her Lady Gaga duet, "Rain On Me." When her album eternal sunshine dropped earlier this year, it was no surprise that she'd offer a few more bops for a Pride playlist.
Among them is "yes, and," a Max Martin-produced hit that can get even your stiffest friend moving on the dance floor. Perhaps it's no coincidence, then, that the creative team took the sonic elements of ballroom culture — a uniquely queer LGBTQIA+ experience — and fused them with lyrics perfect for a personal Pride anthem. "Say that s— with your chest," she croons. We will, Ari!
Read More: Listen To GRAMMY.com's 2024 Pride Month Playlist Of Rising LGBTQIA+ Artists
Peggy Gou — "(It Goes Like) Nanana"
If you've been on a dance floor in the recent past, odds are you've grooved to nostalgic beats courtesy the South Korean producer Peggy Gou. The breakout star is known for her unique brand of throwback dance jams, which carry a distinct '90s-era flavor that has led her to be embraced in queer spaces from Fire Island to West Hollywood. The most infectious, "(It Goes Like) Nanana").... samples the German artist ATB's 1998 track "9 PM (Till I Come)," no doubt a reaction to the recent revitalization of 90s-era culture popular in the LGBTQIA+ community, which provides a thumping link to queer culture past.
"For me, the DJ is someone who teaches people the value of music and educates them," Gou told L'Official of her musical mission. "It is someone who transmits a beautiful memory and is somehow responsible for it."
Chappell Roan — "Casual"
While Roan has been a bubbling-under singer/songwriter for a handful of years, 2024 has proved to be decidedly her time to shine. Ever since the release of her debut album, 2023's The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, her back catalog has logged impressive streaming numbers, and she's commanded massive crowds at the likes of Governor's Ball and Bonnaroo.
Part of her appeal comes from her unabashed candidness about her sexuality (Roan identifies as a lesbian) and resilience. Both are exemplified by her single "Casual," which is about a relationship that doesn't seem to get all that serious, for better or worse.
However, Roan told the Associated Press last year that normally she isn't so sexually candid. "The songs kind of give me the opportunity to act like that, and say that, and dress like that," she explained. "It's mainly to piss off — it's all a rebellion. That's what it is. It is very empowering, I think, for a lot of people. ... It's just not as empowering to me as it is living out a fantasy."
Read More: Chappell Roan's Big Year: The 'Midwest Princess' Examines How She Became A Pop "Feminomenon"
Troye Sivan — "One Of Your Girls"
By now, we've all heard Troye Sivan's infectious hit "Rush" or seen its viral music video — both of which earned the singer his first GRAMMY nominations this year. In the interim, his 2023 album, Something to Give Each Other, is filled with plenty of other tracks that speak intimately and eloquently about the queer experience.
Take, for example, the luscious "One Of Your Girls," a meditation on when a gay man has a transactional fling with an otherwise straight person. It subsequently has turned into yet another queer definitive anthem for the Australian star.
As a result, Sivan has turned into one of the musical heroes of the community: not only unabashedly talented, but an eloquent chronicler of the gay experience. Even better, as he told NPR last year, his queer-focused projects are as cathartic for him as they may be for listeners. "There's a big element of pride in the fact that I am now so comfortably, openly gay."
PRIDE & Black Music Month: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ & Black Voices
Listen To GRAMMY.com's 2024 Pride Month Playlist Of Rising LGBTQIA+ Artists
9 New Pride Anthems For 2024: Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," Chappell Roan's "Casual" & More
What's The Future For Black Artists In Country Music? Breland, Reyna Roberts & More Sound Off
Why Beyoncé Is One Of The Most Influential Women In Music History | Run The World
9 Ways To Support Black Musicians & Creators Year-Round
How Beyoncé Is Honoring Black Music History With 'Cowboy Carter,' "Texas Hold Em," 'Renaissance' & More
The Evolution Of The Queer Anthem: From Judy Garland To Lady Gaga & Lil Nas X
15 LGBTQIA+ Artists Performing At 2024 Summer Festivals
50 Artists Who Changed Rap: Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem & More
Fight The Power: 11 Powerful Protest Songs Advocating For Racial Justice
![How Rihanna Uses Her Superstardom To Champion Diversity | Black Sounds Beautiful](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/fd/30/b4/fd30b4a9-0894-49c2-8d88-be025f66cf82/screenshots/2c7c1-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jL2ZkLzMwL2I0L2ZkMzBiNGE5LTA4OTQtNDljMi04ZDg4LWJlMDI1ZjY2Y2Y4Mi9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy8yYzdjMS0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyNDA3Nn19fV19&Signature=Yh58yLwQdevss-HX7Cb1msrfMiQodoIlFhfutNrXsUCoyZEcNCMf4CIyn7U7TVbmlzwfzuSCOH9rBZdIaEyDO26u4ObJFg8zcMzG3kT8pIPKtpjqzofhs6BE~6PjYmHYYPnKItx2uScydEgM25~AtagR5D87e-JEig7TNXU9leivhWRrHU1diQitJdZH0EoyA9iEB5srG2wvTVMp6wsZ8QRO-uqA9JOVAmNka4zQJenVQQV6zQIp9Cx92Dh0GD0u40~HdeyCu7baosDHu4IGU3-Z3IWL-gAGkVTWelvCPIdkH6SUg5kUFz17fOgAFQCOwhytqtzPf7PWlg0HHcZNRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
How Rihanna Uses Her Superstardom To Champion Diversity | Black Sounds Beautiful
![How Beyoncé Has Empowered The Black Community Across Her Music And Art | Black Sounds Beautiful](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/39/63/c6/3963c63c-ec59-4550-8bd0-d9540bd0316c/screenshots/e675c-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jLzM5LzYzL2M2LzM5NjNjNjNjLWVjNTktNDU1MC04YmQwLWQ5NTQwYmQwMzE2Yy9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy9lNjc1Yy0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyNzQ3NX19fV19&Signature=xB36yUDmFDNp5zK9Z0UiN9PqqirbWGZm1ZjQdt7OyojUWkUl5q1IJxnuRKMLkmRz0WqzMuh~9K5qjjOS76bzRHsnvtyfEheCzkdGxCaKzot8-7wmTRKwH1btncOKCgbwxAU6wji8VqfjozzYcBkE6drqaPbF8toB7Ny7fEtQ-Ta8Di6AD9roVk0RoitfvAf-vS6Brb41Cdq4EOryFZ1RRQd5mylUvbFPczIQT-iRa1LUw~Ak7I8O-lm~Ia87EhU4fY2tftc9VurGgXFj3nvISI2YwxLTGowtt6-vUD3lUkZT8~LP8azEkOXCicP1sI3jZzYeHKf27Hm038U7chiaTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
How Beyoncé Has Empowered The Black Community Across Her Music And Art | Black Sounds Beautiful
5 Women Essential To Rap: Cardi B, Lil' Kim, MC Lyte, Sylvia Robinson & Tierra Whack
Celebrate 40 Years Of Def Jam With 15 Albums That Show Its Influence & Legacy
![Watch Frank Ocean Win Best Urban Contemporary Album At The 2013 GRAMMYs | GRAMMY Rewind](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/9d/cb/7a/9dcb7a86-3062-43f3-ac85-35df09c367ad/screenshots/PreviewImage-00-00-41.124.jpg)
Watch Frank Ocean Win Best Urban Contemporary Album At The 2013 GRAMMYs | GRAMMY Rewind
A Brief History Of Black Country Music: 11 Important Tracks From DeFord Bailey, Kane Brown & More
10 Women In African Hip-Hop You Should Know: SGaWD, Nadai Nakai, Sho Madjozi & More
10 Artists Shaping Contemporary Reggae: Samory I, Lila Iké, Iotosh & Others
The Rise Of The Queer Pop Star In The 2010s
How Sam Smith's 'In The Lonely Hour' Became An LGBTQIA+ Trailblazer
How Queer Country Artists Are Creating Space For Inclusive Stories In The Genre
![How Jay-Z Became The Blueprint For Hip-Hop Success | Black Sounds Beautiful](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/d7/0d/0c/d70d0c8e-23d7-4176-a9f8-ca875eb4ea7c/screenshots/69a5f-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jL2Q3LzBkLzBjL2Q3MGQwYzhlLTIzZDctNDE3Ni1hOWY4LWNhODc1ZWI0ZWE3Yy9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy82OWE1Zi0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyODEwMX19fV19&Signature=rbQTYmqc2T5Wp-pp3ObRiPWX0k-FlXDChAY3cKWOKBMeoavd7R8Fj8qpJpVxUc-8oJ6LWybJADESxI~Bpw-koz96khdWmh8J-ZJA1MCGOsU7Lg-7S7eDTFHqRPtYn1toZNtTf7Z3qehV75yp32QO3JofkqXRPt5Dgi70cIsY4A27JHwIoYK9PxItQs8wTrKRM~P2tfmdZi-GwEV46Z2Mac9tJ1qCpP4SgvGbbv6ILMYdQbRDqDHdfzHI9McsELReSgg--DYi5-AVy04Ya-1dVi4-U4sSJA3zMvnpQtYwypNuHwB4YKWRfL~xJMRVdeVmseHVH2SIoOKO4MreZjAWuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
How Jay-Z Became The Blueprint For Hip-Hop Success | Black Sounds Beautiful
![How Kendrick Lamar Became A Rap Icon | Black Sounds Beautiful](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/b4/c2/76/b4c276e6-13c6-4ad9-b3e1-5b1683aae841/screenshots/09c43-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jL2I0L2MyLzc2L2I0YzI3NmU2LTEzYzYtNGFkOS1iM2UxLTViMTY4M2FhZTg0MS9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy8wOWM0My0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyODA5Nn19fV19&Signature=zWC5zcDWqOGmlYDwbIeG18d-QdSEZ4rWltp6W8Rk941MVCX3d7g7xZyZe8317T-fe2Xr21PtUxPA5Bij3QVeNrHIiEdVMA6BhInFqqLOvz-6QPcEOrtucxVoo9C1pzkfUhGLLAOHulkCeV4iBthEH6WG8erYl62E4R71kurhx0coHXPLxsf1VFjbOp-kjJvnAz7KezENvJ6jBtatTbarjBGiRwb6ww7PMQfojugpoVnmmspKlA4Fdm9IgPglGGDlCnYeFtt8N7zKWgH7eutJE1Smqktj~i81i2XpmOqPXTg23zo5iS4vAk6A-FHgj4CL6WM3AGZlmWjaqhMbqS5KTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
How Kendrick Lamar Became A Rap Icon | Black Sounds Beautiful
Dyana Williams On Why Black Music Month Is Not Just A Celebration, But A Call For Respect
6 LGBTQIA+ Latinx Artists You Need To Know: María Becerra, Blue Rojo & More
7 LGBTQ+ Connections In The Beatles' Story
Breaking Down Normani's Journey To 'Dopamine': How Her Debut Album Showcases Resilience & Star Power
10 Alté Artists To Know: Odunsi (The Engine), TeeZee, Lady Donli & More
![Celebrating Black Fashion At The GRAMMYs Throughout The Decades | Black Music Month](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/57/b0/be/57b0bee6-1215-4511-8f44-583f21e923b7/screenshots/1730b-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jLzU3L2IwL2JlLzU3YjBiZWU2LTEyMTUtNDUxMS04ZjQ0LTU4M2YyMWU5MjNiNy9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy8xNzMwYi0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyODEwMX19fV19&Signature=eKcfT3uKOUi-hpVLwhktsqAqVKMAE57WEwgHlroUu70N2lIC3d9kUNH-meRkY7KwF8KmDYF5lYXK1q6rcCihiMvUmTtl2P2VvQh7VnIcE68sEhpO6BxSpEmnJ-OCD2nzvn3cWr8ApsdRT7rJXFJFS-ytKVGDl8xdo8wcxjTrr1yy4YFKPDGctCXw2rtUT9jyaqt~m-o2AKL2MCdr3yIhEtm3uDlPyHaFN19L8OYmk1K~EVwnxU8AMLk-4rZYt1xfm-sSzEg50s34H~SBCLxmhNTDw4QEU2IF7YIApWZL5cGv2eqTOLP70P0FzaUvPJMtLouOj2amzjViNj9bueKDlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
Celebrating Black Fashion At The GRAMMYs Throughout The Decades | Black Music Month
FLETCHER Is "F—ing Unhinged" & Proud Of It On 'In Search Of The Antidote'
For Laura Jane Grace, Record Cycles Can Be A 'Hole In My Head' — And She's OK With That
15 Essential Afrorock Songs: From The Funkees To Mdou Moctar
50 Years In, "The Wiz" Remains An Inspiration: How A New Recording Repaves The Yellow Brick Road
Why Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Same Love" Was One Of The 2010s' Most Important LGBTQ+ Anthems — And How It's Still Impactful 10 Years On
Songbook: The Complete Guide To The Albums, Visuals & Performances That Made Beyoncé A Cultural Force
![Why Cardi B Is A Beacon Of Black Excellence | Black Sounds Beautiful](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/26/b3/06/26b306a0-5f5c-4943-89d0-93f4fced99cb/screenshots/9ce1d-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jLzI2L2IzLzA2LzI2YjMwNmEwLTVmNWMtNDk0My04OWQwLTkzZjRmY2VkOTljYi9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy85Y2UxZC0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyODEwMn19fV19&Signature=Y7r1QlgWhLg6IX6Nr7GYD2l~9JOp6Sxm-vYM7V13s-V2mri3l9oooPt2XHrBZk8sJ-QSfS25LkJplaFZDItGvztRC~URMqCCYeZCs57VHlzymdsjvBUCoZq7lygQ8qfSzW~vReL0ZrXHR-~maWA85XRcZgaP3oLHJYVWw3AtefjmQ50e19oYjBnmRtX6G0nKaVZxa2Wezz4FofcxVW9~ph18VH7L0AQCx5qhJ4yE4m~4FDQSyiHmaxU83NRi24ncigiL7nt9u8z03OkaqihpN49vKa7XNPJUpIX9yNa6Epj6hOBWPr7PF9UjkWqXfG8drvfLRRepUFJU7qD~L1u9ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
Why Cardi B Is A Beacon Of Black Excellence | Black Sounds Beautiful
Queer Christian Artists Keep The Faith: How LGBTQ+ Musicians Are Redefining Praise Music
9 Revolutionary Rap Albums To Know: From Kendrick Lamar, Black Star, EarthGang & More
9 "RuPaul's Drag Race" Queens With Musical Second Acts: From Shea Couleé To Trixie Mattel & Willam
5 Black Artists Rewriting Country Music: Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, Brittney Spencer & Willie Jones
How 1994 Changed The Game For Hip-Hop
![How Whitney Houston’s Groundbreaking Legacy Has Endured | Black Sounds Beautiful](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/4e/e6/f3/4ee6f305-69f2-46c5-bb87-ec31a6723511/screenshots/09f01-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jLzRlL2U2L2YzLzRlZTZmMzA1LTY5ZjItNDZjNS1iYjg3LWVjMzFhNjcyMzUxMS9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy8wOWYwMS0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyODEwMX19fV19&Signature=kfBpY0rTIs023lFKwY~yrBGB3cyD8-pE~PW5QTha3kYltjbv86lGfZBobjppJUrTG22ceQ9faU8qXP8L9plnCYflCzflts3znZscg5I7GlQPnUtprrJ15hPfWgXds4t2~n9s1nLm09jlQBX5g4k3rU0Jn8NekcINX98obIcYKnqw9Zaecze9dgL2q1qGvSXq6oaW8zUKX6EaEDypO7C8As-dMukWEhYeU0Gzf5EbrpiJ-6~VOTE3Y81IZE5NyLYzxTcGX2ZiQFYS1VMrFNz0gSGnmWUFeMpyMw6i-pjjyKjwdwlj422vgFvkbvgLk0DPVQFll3mNgAX2APWQ8OXUDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
How Whitney Houston’s Groundbreaking Legacy Has Endured | Black Sounds Beautiful
LGBTQIA+-Owned Venues To Support Now
![Celebrate The Genius Of Prince | Black Sounds Beautiful](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/c3/4c/79/c34c7945-b9b6-43d0-8289-3e5b4ad75923/screenshots/78ea3-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jL2MzLzRjLzc5L2MzNGM3OTQ1LWI5YjYtNDNkMC04Mjg5LTNlNWI0YWQ3NTkyMy9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy83OGVhMy0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyNzkyMX19fV19&Signature=s5mxSDVQqm6m4qGi7kVUcYBbJmiO0Ua1XhHejwZEFbGnaVQRNNll1BwQga-x-lYl8a4hg3TsEtTVmZZ5NpCLBfGmpeCkTru3jaizsc9D4fRjF6RkQi3RKlI1nXeww~7g~2DQOGCdG7Q1lm7YUs3Bd9D6eMmfaQTRybWS4X2-1pNMGw5qzCn~DbwjSi5vx2sUwtBpPAFNygIA~gZNB4IUdQGyWjFOoqAErzF8kBRj9qupGzaBc93XQ-CJkNJ9fpbFbDGVsJJX9qKCI4LW6edmTQW0BHRidMg4qz0aFgdQYVL1S7QCg6gzPH21bvK7Etfyg8zQtvNtiZWsQCkvFZxIPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
Celebrate The Genius Of Prince | Black Sounds Beautiful
![Explore The Colorful, Inclusive World Of Sylvester's 'Step II' | For The Record](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/pmc/6a/c2/8e/6ac28eb8-b4c4-448e-ae5c-8268fb243592/screenshots/21a18-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg)
Explore The Colorful, Inclusive World Of Sylvester's 'Step II' | For The Record
Black-Owned Music Venues To Support Now
5 Artists Fighting For Social Justice Today: Megan Thee Stallion, Noname, H.E.R., Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Artists Who Define Afrofuturism In Music: Sun Ra, Flying Lotus, Janelle Monae, Shabaka Hutchings & More
5 Trans & Nonbinary Artists Reshaping Electronic Music: RUI HO, Kìzis, Octo Octa, Tygapaw & Ariel Zetina
From 'Shaft' To 'Waiting To Exhale': 5 Essential Black Film Soundtracks & Their Impact
5 Emerging Artists Pushing Electronic Music Forward: Moore Kismet, TSHA, Doechii & Others
5 Artists Essential to Contemporary Soca: Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Voice, Skinny Fabulous, Kes The Band
![How Quincy Jones' Record-Setting, Multi-Faceted Career Shaped Black Music On A Global Scale | Black Sounds Beautiful](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/51/38/43/5138437c-6b1d-4371-b38c-2b51de491ea5/screenshots/15fe8-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jLzUxLzM4LzQzLzUxMzg0MzdjLTZiMWQtNDM3MS1iMzhjLTJiNTFkZTQ5MWVhNS9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy8xNWZlOC0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyODEwMX19fV19&Signature=V0~vmqva6fw3MFO86VR~4SaqJAV-0Zz0-wtMwu6c8Up5gaMuaOtahsqkWQ1hPJlZ8DJkPhuRXMbypFo13RwA~ulGe~psW5Zme3GJwC1xkBlqCpO1KeqqoLu5RDC~4yv2suuNFUqNt5ZdfuISluSDvOj5vAPEKtp5vZv9pmkPmqn6v~3xuLd5m4oB2xUqiJPIKlVxHczgJXtqGCAl00Z~ZTE6OFZafDrmdIM50DO-zuIoO9f1vExmlBMwkE21431dn31lRCFwvH~T8jR6~TJ0~nW0skPHCbhfXZAgEl0C684Y959OQe7VYbGk51s7puEqGpGyZtFVuw8kqNGcf~r6pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
How Quincy Jones' Record-Setting, Multi-Faceted Career Shaped Black Music On A Global Scale | Black Sounds Beautiful
5 Black Composers Who Transformed Classical Music
Brooke Eden On Advancing LGBTQ+ Visibility In Country Music & Why She's "Got No Choice" But To Be Herself
Let Me Play The Answers: 8 Jazz Artists Honoring Black Geniuses
Women And Gender-Expansive Jazz Musicians Face Constant Indignities. This Mentorship Organization Is Tackling The Problem From All Angles.
![Histories: From The Yard To The GRAMMYs, How HBCUs Have Impacted Music](https://nomad-content.grammy.com/mc/5c/1f/b1/5c1fb140-db04-4e71-be50-88b73863a074/screenshots/4677d-1280x720-match-image-Preview.jpg?Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9tYWQtY29udGVudC5ncmFtbXkuY29tL21jLzVjLzFmL2IxLzVjMWZiMTQwLWRiMDQtNGU3MS1iZTUwLTg4YjczODYzYTA3NC9zY3JlZW5zaG90cy80Njc3ZC0xMjgweDcyMC1tYXRjaC1pbWFnZS1QcmV2aWV3LmpwZyIsIkNvbmRpdGlvbiI6eyJEYXRlTGVzc1RoYW4iOnsiQVdTOkVwb2NoVGltZSI6MTcyMjEyODEwMX19fV19&Signature=0gLKrLC8-vcQfA-Xp5f6Js-MChqvoPkTwP9VqGHq2DEdz7jQfbhryfXDNvBzzsESetiVkiZSyYTTQbEAFDG2gT4eMQAvZ7bDUDWO2IAzzJRCv98Mjc74Uq0dwIidKh3wGixwqjdsRF59bwEKgDDjaOrwjcQKjFRp9kn07VgYN~~sp8RFBxaDUHio1JZYpedRcjPup7BMALv3CFYFo1ubj075HhHci2TQlcyXx45aLluyYievaGPeYcP9cb-XUJ6BvYRkEKx1ZyKUelYq5al0GKkYZagdlUNUak8egsjtzgURHOFJBlD70CQgVPIPpo8W5psg4e-VOQhYVzKpZEZXvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KB0JNFO6ISQSI)
Histories: From The Yard To The GRAMMYs, How HBCUs Have Impacted Music
How HBCU Marching Band Aristocrat Of Bands Made History At The 2023 GRAMMYs