Podcast: Popcast

Addressing some of the most urgent pop topics of the moment, including Doechii’s rise and NewJeans’ struggle, in the return of the Popcast mailbag.

A conversation with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon about how the band’s surprise success led to unexpected opportunities, then emotional depletion, and now a new album of reinvention, “Sable, Fable.”

After nearly five years of building hype, the Atlanta rapper’s 30-song third album, “Music,” has finally arrived. Let’s discuss.

Discussing the pop star’s latest “return to form” album and whether her aggressive promotion of it adds up to anything new.

From "Wicked" to Doja Cat, how the Academy Awards incorporated music into its 97th annual ceremony on Sunday, in ways both smooth and bumpy.

In an exclusive interview, RZA reveals that his pathbreaking New York rap group, which has rarely performed as a full unit, is hitting the road for the last time. Plus: ODB memories, quitting the Rage Against the Machine tour & getting banned from radio in the '90s.

A survey of the biggest and best albums released recently, including Drake and PartyNextDoor's “Some Sexy Songs 4 U," the Weeknd's “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” Central Cee’s “Can’t Rush Greatness,” Oklou’s “Choke Enough” and other recommendations.

Breaking down the Super Bowl halftime performance, including the surprise cameos and tactical deployment of "Not Like Us," in an emergency podcast immediately after the show.

Big wins for Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Chappell Roan. Standout performances from Doechii and Sabrina Carpenter. A conversation about why the 2025 awards worked. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

Previewing the major categories and making our personal picks of who will win vs. who should win at the surprisingly relevant (!) Grammy Awards on Sunday.

A conversation about “A Complete Unknown” and the power of celebrity.

A final look back at some of our favorite characters, trends and micro-moments of 2024, recorded live at S.O.B.’s in New York in December. Plus: IRL listener mailbag!

Upon the release of his new album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” the world-conquering Latin superstar discusses why it's filled with traditional sounds and rhythms from his homeland.

A conversation about how peak pop stars are thinking of LPs in an increasingly singles-driven landscape. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

After a wide-ranging conversation, the rapper-turned-flutist improvised with his band in the newsroom of The New York Times.

An interview with the record label veteran and Gamma founder, who has worked closely with Whitney Houston, Drake, Chief Keef and Lana Del Rey.

A conversation about the musical’s transfer from stage to screen, and the lead actresses who are bringing new narratives to their roles. Guest: Joe Coscarelli

The Los Angeles rapper returns with his (surprise) sixth album, itching to escape his Drake drama, but still benefiting from it. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.

His first term was marked by backlash and protest. But the president-elect has found new streams of embrace and approval. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.

A conversation about his long and unique footprint in music, and how he discussed it later in his career. Guest: David Marchese.