NPR Music

NPR's Scott Simon talks with musician Father John Misty — real name Josh Tillman — about his new album. Its title comes from a Sanskrit word, "Mahashmashana."

Without any advance warning, Kendrick Lamar released a new album called GNX. Rodney Carmichael has been following all year and shares his impressions.

The Compton, Calif. rapper has been in the spotlight all year, first for his beef with Drake, which led to a pop hit and Grammy nominations, all without releasing an album ... until today.

The young country artist solidifies himself as a rising star in this captivating performance.

The late rapper's 2004 album MM..FOOD may never have the classic status of its sister release, Madvillainy. But 20 years later, it's the one to play if you want to hear the essence of his artistry.

The three-hour show was an ode to the robustness and stability of country music. But the genre dominated charts and discourse this year thanks to pop superstars Beyoncé, Post Malone and Shaboozey.

The band performs more than half a dozen songs across the beloved 69 Love Songs.

Officials say Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was disciplined for mishandling $1.9 million in parish funds. He faced scrutiny last year for letting Carpenter film a music video at his Brooklyn church.

Steel pedal guitarist Paul Franklin set a CMA record as a 32-time nominee for Musician of the Year. Will this year be different?

In recent months, the list of the nation's top songs has been remarkably unchanging — Shaboozey has had the No. 1 song for 18 weeks — but this week, a brand new name makes a splash in the Top 10.