“How Robin Thicke, Pharrell, and T.I.’s cursed megahit predicted everything bad about the past decade in pop culture”
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How Bay Area Hip-Hop Found Its Sound in the 1980s
“How is a discussion about street dancers connected to an exploration of the Bay Area hip-hop sound? It’s important to understand the conditions under which the genre emerged locally.”
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
In this edition: Lost soul, copy that, missing beats, muzzled watchdogs, and a ramblin’ man.
Feel-Ins, Know-Ins, Be-Ins
“A newly reissued recording proves that the late saxophonist Pharoah Sanders could get the grandest of effects from the humblest of riffs.”
The Stradivarius Murders
“Police said four very valuable violins went missing after a collector and his daughter were killed. Then a lot of stories began to unravel.”
Peak Badu
“She’s a Fashion Week standout who rejects the notion that clothes should define you. Come join a four-hour phone call with Erykah Badu.”
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Featuring stories by John Woodrow Cox, Justin Sayles, Aryn Baker, Moran Barkai and Paul Tullis, and Russell Cobb and Sarah Brandvold.
Remembering the Rappers We Lost
“Biggie. Tupac. DMX. We pay tribute to 63 stars who died too young.”
Swiftology: Taylor Swift Inspires KU Professor’s Teaching, Research
“What can millions of Swifties tell us about human community and pop culture? A KU sociology professor is finding out.”

