Kelefa Sanneh
Kelefa Sanneh has contributed to The New Yorker since 2001 and has been a staff writer since 2008. He is the author of “Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres.” He is also a contributor to “CBS Sunday Morning.” He came to The New Yorker from the Times, where he had been the pop-music critic since 2002. Previously, he was the deputy editor of Transition, a journal of race and culture based at the W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute at Harvard University. His writing has also appeared in a number of magazines and a handful of books, including “Shake It Up: Great American Writing on Rock and Pop from Elvis to Jay Z” and “Da Capo Best Music Writing.” He lives in New York City with his family.
Ivan Cornejo’s Mexican American Heartache
“Regional Mexican” music is booming, but one young singer is in no mood to celebrate.
Charli XCX Toys with Stardom on “BRAT”
The artist has often treated pop music as a game—something to play with so she doesn’t get bored, and something that reliably creates winners and losers.
An Acclaimed D.J. Who Is Ready to Sing Again
The Welsh artist Elkka made her name with buoyant dance music. Now she’s reintroducing her voice.
How Far Should We Carry the Logic of the Animal-Rights Movement?
People who think seriously about the use and abuse of nonhuman creatures often end up calling for changes that might seem indefensible—at least, at first.
Ian Munsick Puts the Western Back in Country
He brought his cowboy hat and ranch experience to Nashville, where he sings about the Wyoming life he left behind.
Sarah Isgur’s Majority Report
On “Advisory Opinions,” the lawyer and former Trump Administration spokesperson argues that the Supreme Court is good, even—or especially—in its current incarnation.
The Weird, Enduring Appeal of Tool
The band has built its legacy by stubbornly refusing to act the way rock bands are supposed to.
How Francis Ngannou Shocked the Boxing World
The M.M.A. fighter lost his first professional boxing match, against the heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. He was still the hero of the night.
Noname’s Ambivalent, Triumphant Comeback
Years ago, she gave up music for activism. Now she’s back, with a long-awaited third album.
Why the Best Boxers Don’t Draw the Biggest Crowds
Viewers flock to novelty matches involving influencers and retired greats. The sport’s most skilled fighters make a smaller splash.
How Far Can Amapiano Go?
A new form of South African dance music is thriving. A pair of twin brothers, known as Major League Djz, want the rest of the world to pay attention.
Kim Petras Wants to Be a Superstar
The singer has dreamed of pop ubiquity since she was a teen-ager. After a No. 1 hit, “Unholy,” she is under pressure to do it again.
Ed Templeton’s Unsparing Photographic Diary of Skateboarding Life
Templeton’s images, taken between 1995 and 2012, capture the intimacy and aimlessness of being on tour.
Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Perilous Power of Respectability
We revere the man and revile the strategy, but King knew what he was doing.
How Christian Is Christian Nationalism?
Many Americans who advocate it have little interest in religion and an aversion to American culture as it currently exists. What really defines the movement?
A Fight Fan Watches All Nine “Rocky” Movies—for the First Time
Why “Creed III,” like its predecessors, is both more and less far-fetched than real-life boxing.
Can HARDY Revive “Butt Rock”?
Onstage, the musician plays the role of a small-town boy who is too rock for country, and too country for rock and roll.
A Big-Tent Party at Madison Square Garden
Dance music is full of divisions. But a recent show with Skrillex, Four Tet, and Fred again.. felt like a big coming together.
Chuck D on How Hip-Hop Changed the World
The Public Enemy front man talks with Kelefa Sanneh about the history of hip-hop. The documentary he co-produced, “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World,” is airing now on PBS.
A New TV Show That’s a Real Slap in the Face
In “Power Slap,” a reality show tied to a slap-fighting league, there is no evasion, no trickery, and no possibility of a swing and a miss.
Ivan Cornejo’s Mexican American Heartache
“Regional Mexican” music is booming, but one young singer is in no mood to celebrate.
Charli XCX Toys with Stardom on “BRAT”
The artist has often treated pop music as a game—something to play with so she doesn’t get bored, and something that reliably creates winners and losers.
An Acclaimed D.J. Who Is Ready to Sing Again
The Welsh artist Elkka made her name with buoyant dance music. Now she’s reintroducing her voice.
How Far Should We Carry the Logic of the Animal-Rights Movement?
People who think seriously about the use and abuse of nonhuman creatures often end up calling for changes that might seem indefensible—at least, at first.
Ian Munsick Puts the Western Back in Country
He brought his cowboy hat and ranch experience to Nashville, where he sings about the Wyoming life he left behind.
Sarah Isgur’s Majority Report
On “Advisory Opinions,” the lawyer and former Trump Administration spokesperson argues that the Supreme Court is good, even—or especially—in its current incarnation.
The Weird, Enduring Appeal of Tool
The band has built its legacy by stubbornly refusing to act the way rock bands are supposed to.
How Francis Ngannou Shocked the Boxing World
The M.M.A. fighter lost his first professional boxing match, against the heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. He was still the hero of the night.
Noname’s Ambivalent, Triumphant Comeback
Years ago, she gave up music for activism. Now she’s back, with a long-awaited third album.
Why the Best Boxers Don’t Draw the Biggest Crowds
Viewers flock to novelty matches involving influencers and retired greats. The sport’s most skilled fighters make a smaller splash.
How Far Can Amapiano Go?
A new form of South African dance music is thriving. A pair of twin brothers, known as Major League Djz, want the rest of the world to pay attention.
Kim Petras Wants to Be a Superstar
The singer has dreamed of pop ubiquity since she was a teen-ager. After a No. 1 hit, “Unholy,” she is under pressure to do it again.
Ed Templeton’s Unsparing Photographic Diary of Skateboarding Life
Templeton’s images, taken between 1995 and 2012, capture the intimacy and aimlessness of being on tour.
Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Perilous Power of Respectability
We revere the man and revile the strategy, but King knew what he was doing.
How Christian Is Christian Nationalism?
Many Americans who advocate it have little interest in religion and an aversion to American culture as it currently exists. What really defines the movement?
A Fight Fan Watches All Nine “Rocky” Movies—for the First Time
Why “Creed III,” like its predecessors, is both more and less far-fetched than real-life boxing.
Can HARDY Revive “Butt Rock”?
Onstage, the musician plays the role of a small-town boy who is too rock for country, and too country for rock and roll.
A Big-Tent Party at Madison Square Garden
Dance music is full of divisions. But a recent show with Skrillex, Four Tet, and Fred again.. felt like a big coming together.
Chuck D on How Hip-Hop Changed the World
The Public Enemy front man talks with Kelefa Sanneh about the history of hip-hop. The documentary he co-produced, “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World,” is airing now on PBS.
A New TV Show That’s a Real Slap in the Face
In “Power Slap,” a reality show tied to a slap-fighting league, there is no evasion, no trickery, and no possibility of a swing and a miss.