Music

to the moon

The Highs, Lows, and Whoas of the 2024 VMAs

 We’re really doing 9/11 tributes? By Justin Curto
he shreds

Indie Rock’s Latest ‘Savior’ Isn’t There Yet

 There’s a funny disconnect in heaping highbrow praise on MJ Lenderman, a guy who writes poignant songs that reference Lucky Charms and Rip Torn. By Chris Stanton
zip-a-dee-doo-huh?

Do the Disney Disco

 A trip through the wacky, wild, occasionally scary world of Disney cover songs. By Rebecca Alter
  1. brat summer
    What’s the Latest With Justin Timberlake’s DWI?A judge sentenced him to a fine and 25 to 40 hours of community service.
    By Victoria Bekiempis
  2. journalism lives!
    Did That Anti–Lady Gaga Facebook Group Really Exist?“Stefani Germanotta, you will never be famous” is officially famous.
    By Jason P. Frank
  3. vulture sports!
    Lil Wayne ‘Felt Like Shit’ Over Super Bowl Halftime ‘Letdown’“I blame myself for not being mentally prepared …”
    By Justin Curto
  4. tone deaf
    Let Jack Antonoff Protect His Hearing, DamnHe was not wearing AirPods during Katy Perry’s VMAs performance.
    By Alejandra Gularte
  5. oh my oh my god
    Um, Is NewJeans Okay?The girl group gave HYBE two weeks to reinstate their label’s “irreplaceable” ex-CEO.
    By Jennifer Zhan
  6. might say something stupid
    Brat Summer Is Dead, Long Live Horny Gay AutumnWho’s joining Charli XCX and Troye Sivan on Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat?
    By Jason P. Frank
  7. award shows
    The 2024 MTV Video Music Award WinnersTaylor Swift encouraged people to vote during her Video of the Year acceptance speech.
    By Jason P. Frank
  8. acceptance speeches
    Chappell Roan Breaks Out Her Journal for VMAs Best New Artist SpeechPlus a shout-out to all the Midwest queers: “I see you. I understand you, because I’m one of you.”
    By Bethy Squires
  9. my single is dropping
    Kendrick Lamar Shocks World by Not Torching Drake on New SongWell … there are some Drake disses, but it’s not the main content.
    By Bethy Squires
  10. gird your loins
    Chappell Roan Explains Why She Yelled at a Red-Carpet Photographer“I think for someone who gets a lot of anxiety around people yelling at you, the carpet is horrifying.”
    By Bethy Squires
  11. throwbacks
    Pop Girls of Today Reference Their Elders on VMAs Red CarpetThrowback looks from Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, GloRilla, and Addison Rae.
    By Bethy Squires
  12. the law
    Danity Kane’s Dawn Richard Sues Diddy for Sexual AbuseA lawyer states Diddy “is shocked and disappointed” by the lawsuit.
    By Justin Curto
  13. reputations
    Why Is Taylor Swift Hugging Brittany Mahomes Such a Big Deal?Patrick Mahomes reiterated that he won’t be making an endorsement “either way.”
    By Justin Curto
  14. femininomenon
    Chappell Roan and the ‘Ungrateful’ Pop Stars Before HerA sampling of other singers who have tried to set boundaries with fans.
    By Jennifer Zhan
  15. rip
    Frankie Beverly, Maze Founder, Dead at 77The soulful R&B artist sang Black anthem “Before I Let Go.”
    By Justin Curto
  16. karmala
    Kamala Harris Secured the Swift VoteSelf-described “childless cat lady” Taylor Swift has endorsed Harris for president.
    By Alejandra Gularte
  17. bad decisions
    BTS’s Suga Fined for Drunk Scootering IncidentHe previously apologized twice to fans.
    By Justin Curto
  18. respect the classics
    Which All-Starrs Did Ringo Have to Fire?Here’s a hint: It happened in the ’90s and “we had one player that just played crap.”
    By Devon Ivie
  19. current affairs
    Dave Grohl’s Got Another Confession to MakeThe Foo Fighters singer had a baby daughter “outside of my marriage.”
    By Justin Curto
  20. fame
    Chappell Roan’s Stalker Made Her Hire Security, Which Is ‘So Lame’But she does have Lady Gaga, Lorde, boygenius, and Elton John in her corner.
    By Justin Curto
  21. the beyhive
    Beyoncé’s Idea of Fun?Singing.
    By Jason P. Frank
  22. song roulette
    Kesha Has Earned the Right to Be CrazyAfter 15 years of singles, “I wanted to remind myself who the fuck I am.”
    By Devon Ivie
  23. on pause
    Yeah, Nobody Wants Donald J. Trump Using Their Songs in His CampaignNow Trump is facing a second lawsuit, from Jack White.
    By Justin Curto
  24. raise your glasses high
    Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez, Please Give Us Your Vanderpump Rules ThoughtsThey apparently “exchanged notes” on the latest season.
    By Alejandra Gularte
  25. what she’s done
    What’s Up With Linkin Park’s New Singer?Chester Bennington’s son said Mike Shinoda “betrayed the trust” of fans.
    By Justin Curto
  26. remembrance
    No One Yelled Like Fatman ScoopRap’s preeminent hype man had a gravel-filled bark that sounded like every cigarette he ever smoked.
    By Abe Beame
  27. the charts
    Travis Scott’s Label Disputes Sabrina Carpenter’s No. 1Luminate, which compiles the Billboard charts, is standing by its numbers.
    By Justin Curto
  28. vmas 2024
    Can Megan Thee Stallion Make You Watch the VMAs on a Wednesday?What if Eminem opens the show?
    By Justin Curto
  29. cmas 2024
    The CMA Awards Still Want Nothing to Do With BeyoncéSnubbing Cowboy Carter eight years after her surprise performance ruffled feathers in Nashville.
    By Justin Curto
  30. the rehearsal
    Legendary Bassist Ron Carter Doesn’t Have Any Preshow RitualsThe octogenarian double bassist, who’s played with Miles Davis and A Tribe Called Quest, knows what he’s doing.
    As told to Tomi Obaro
  31. egot watch
    Benj Pasek and Justin Paul EGOT With OMITBMore like EEGGOOTT (because there’s two of them).
    By Bethy Squires
  32. vulture sports!
    Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes Meet Up on the Tennis CourtsThe two were on a double date at the U.S. Open on Sunday, days after Trump thanked Mahomes for her support.
    By Alejandra Gularte
  33. where’s the beef?
    A Complete Track-by-Track Timeline of Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s FeudKendrick is taking his win to the Super Bowl.
    By Tom Smyth
  34. vulture sports
    Kendrick Lamar to Call Drake a Colonizer at the Super Bowl“No round twos.”
    By Alex Suskind
  35. tall girls
    Megan Thee Stallion Would Love to Work With Fellow ‘Tall Girl’ Taylor Swift“She’s a stallion too.”
    By Alejandra Gularte
  36. reunions
    Linkin Park’s Return Was Close to PerfectBut it also raised some prickly questions.
    By Craig Jenkins
  37. switched on pop
    Porter Robinson Is Addicted to FameThe producer and DJ’s new pop-oriented album grapples with the perils of stardom.
    By Reanna Cruz
  38. best of 2024
    The Best Albums of 2024 (So Far)This year’s most notable releases are investigating deep questions and framing art as a balm for multiplying worries.
    By Craig Jenkins
  39. the alchemy
    Coach Taylor Swift Lands at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Opening GameAre they going to be using any of the plays she drew up?
    By Alejandra Gularte
  40. breaking the habit
    Linkin Park Is Bringing the Heat for Their Comeback TourHas anyone warned Ticketmaster?
    By Alejandra Gularte
  41. tributes
    Quavo, Jacquees, Playboi Carti, and More Honor Rich Homie Quan“I love you for Life.”
    By Jennifer Zhan
  42. rip
    Rich Homie Quan, Atlanta Rapper, Dead at 33Known for songs including “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” “Type of Way,” and Rich Gang’s “Lifestyle.”
    By Jennifer Zhan
  43. rumors i’m pregnant?
    Lady Gaga’s Fiancé Told Her to Make Pop Music AgainWe have that Little Monster to thank for LG7, out in February.
    By Justin Curto
  44. career advice
    Katy Perry Can Fix ThisEmbrace a specific kind of cringe, return to Vegas, and more advice to get the singer back on (a hopefully gibberish-filled) track.
    By Fran Hoepfner
  45. controversy
    Katy Perry Has No Answer on Dr. Luke, But She Can Tell You About Having a BabyBut what did you expect from Call Her Daddy?
    By Justin Curto
  46. timelines
    A Timeline of Katy Perry Working With Dr. Luke“He was one of many collaborators that I collaborated with.”
    By Zoe Guy
  47. venice 2024
    All Your Questions About Alex Ross Perry’s Pavement Movie, AnsweredPerhaps no movie playing at Venice this year was as shrouded in mystery as Alex Ross Perry’s Pavements.
    By Nate Jones
  48. superlatives
    LL Cool J on the Baddest and Most Misunderstood Music of His CareerPlus, his cringiest role as an actor: ‘That shit was ridiculous.’
    By Christopher R. Weingarten
  49. best of 2024
    The Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)A playful new Clairo track, Post Malone’s country brag track, and a buffet of sexy drill.
    By Justin Curto and Alex Suskind
  50. the rehearsal
    Dirt Buyer’s Songwriter on How They Handle Performance AnxietyThe indie-rock band will be playing Baby’s All Right later this month.
    As told to Emma Alpern
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