Hip-hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Commentator Kiana Fitzgerald is looking back at the albums that changed the game.

From Kendrick Lamar and Megan Thee Stallion to Coldplay, here they are: the magnificent, the flawed-but-forceful, the forgettable and the truly, epically misbegotten.

"Weird Al" Yankovic's self-titled debut came out 40 years ago, on May 3, 1983. So our resident super-fan listened to all of his songs and ranked the 40 best.

A year where alternative and hip-hop were the mainstream, and glam and pure pop were out.

This year's crop may not have a James Bond theme or a ubiquitous Disney banger, but it's got range — thanks in part to a viral dance number from RRR.

This year's crop may not have a James Bond theme or a ubiquitous Disney banger, but it's got range — thanks in part to a viral dance number from RRR.

What began with Lord Shorty's song "Indrani" in 1973 has evolved considerably since – to follow along, here's a playlist with a song for every year, along with the history of its most notable tracks.

Billie Eilish's Bond theme tries to fend off Beyoncé, Van Morrison, perennial candidate Diane Warren and word-of-mouth juggernaut Encanto.

Public radio hosts chime in on what artists are up for a big break in 2023.

This year artists working within the orbit of the unstable category "roots music" got personal even as they explored complex cultural lineages and challenged the rules of established scenes and forms.

This year artists working within the orbit of the unstable category "roots music" got personal even as they explored complex cultural lineages and challenged the rules of established scenes and forms.

After a year defined by emergence and creative combination, our critics zoom in on their own listening to choose one inescapable album and song each.

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Making Shazam playlists, Chris Klimek's annual mixtape, NPR Best Music of 2022 and more.

We ranked a list of 100 songs that reflects the sprawling, energetic messiness of 2022. Start listening.

We ranked a list of 100 songs that reflects the sprawling, energetic messiness of 2022. Start listening.