Music Popcast

The pop music team discusses news themes and what may shape it for years to come.

This week, The New York Times music team reflects on albums that defined 2016.

This week, a discussion of new releases by both artists who have more in common than it may appear.

After a series of bizarre shows, Kanye West canceled the remainder of his "Saint Pablo" tour last week. This weekend, we're listening back to the conversation Jon Caramanica led at the time of the album's release.

This year has seen the loss of Prince, David Bowie, Merle Haggard, and, now, three more towering figures have died. A look at their legacies.

Can the cultural events of the last couple of weeks connect to macro political realities?

A discussion of the group’s legacy and how it fits into the current hip-hop landscape

The pop star has been locked in an ugly contract dispute with Dr. Luke; two writers who have examined her case break down the pop star’s situation.

This week, Jon Caramanica and guests discuss club music.

Our music and book critics discuss Dylan, the musician, and Dylan, the writer.

His fiery solo album questions almost everything he used to believe in.

The new Bon Iver album abandons many of the musical choices that informed much of his earlier music.

Shawn Mendes broke out on Vine. The next breeding ground for pop stars might be Musical.ly, a social music app for teens.

The pop music team discusses some of their favorite upcoming fall releases.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Young M.A. represent an unexpected moment.

With celebrities so accessible online they have to go above and beyond when meeting fans in the arena.

A roundtable discussion on the release of the musician’s latest works.

A discussion about the current wave of white rappers trying to elide conversations about race, with varying success.

A discussion on how pop failed Ms. Jackson for years, and what it has done for her lately.

Mr. Ratliff, a music critic at The Times since 1996, discusses his tenure.