Louder: The Last Days of Pop Smoke

Plus: Haim, Jon Batiste, Beyoncé and More

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story June 26, 2020 By Caryn Ganz Pop Music Editor The Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke was the most impressive hip-hop newcomer of last year. On Feb. 19, he was shot and killed in a still unsolved Los Angeles home invasion at 20. In the last few months of his life, his career had kicked into high gear: He made it to Paris for Fashion Week, and shot a video with Virgil Abloh; he put in long hours at the studio working on his debut; and he had a lengthy sit-down with 50 Cent, who offered him advice based on his own past: “What you see when you talk to me is what happens when you get rich,” 50 Cent told Jon Caramanica for a comprehensive look at the rapper’s last days. “What happened to Pop is what happens when you die trying.” Pop Smoke’s debut is out next Friday. This Friday’s releases include Haim’s “Women in Music Pt. III,” which Lindsay Zoladz named a Critic’s Pick, and the disco-heavy “What’s Your Pleasure?” by Jessie Ware, who Lindsay found a charming interview subject over Zoom recently. (After she hit a snag in the music biz, Ware discovered she has a gift for podcasting; she and her mother are a hilarious pair on the cooking show “Table Manners.”) And Alan Scherstuhl spoke with Jon Batiste and attended protest events led by the jazz pianist and “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” musical director to see how he has been taking a lead and using his platform to fight inequality by inviting thousands to join him in the streets. “I believe long after no one knows who I am, the name Jon Batiste will be spoken with admiration,” Colbert told us. “I’m grateful to know him.” Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT ORAL HISTORY Ryan Lowry for The New York Times   The Last Days of Pop Smoke The Brooklyn rapper was on the verge of an international breakthrough when he was killed in February. Here is the story of his whirlwind final months, told by those who knew him best. By Jon Caramanica FEATURES How Jessie Ware Cooked Her Way Into a Musical Fantasy The British pop singer and songwriter was feeling stalled. A food podcast with her mother showcased her charming personality — and unlocked her creativity. By Lindsay Zoladz Jazz Is Built for Protests. Jon Batiste Is Taking It to the Streets. The pianist and “Late Show” bandleader has been bringing musical wake-up calls to events across New York. By Alan Scherstuhl THE CRITICS & POPCAST critic’s pick Haim Steps Into a New Groove on ‘Women in Music Pt. III’ On the band’s third album, the sisters in Haim add what was missing from previous releases — tension and texture — to make their sharpest and most adventurous songs yet. By Lindsay Zoladz the playlist Beyoncé’s Surprise Juneteenth Anthem, and 11 More New Songs Hear tracks by Prince, the Chicks, Sun Ra Arkestra and others. By Jon Pareles, Jon Caramanica and Giovanni Russonello Lil Baby Is Warming Up to the Spotlight His protest song “The Bigger Picture” marks a high point in his evolution from reluctant up-and-comer to one of hip-hop’s reliable superstars. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT LISTS playlist 13 Essential Songs From the Lesbian Label Olivia Records The record company was formed in 1973 with the goals of telling queer women’s stories and putting profits in the pockets of gay artists working outside the mainstream music industry. By Chloé Lula my ten Wynton Marsalis Finds Solace in the Optimism of the Blues Marsalis, the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, puts his late father, Ellis Marsalis Jr., as well as Frederick Douglass and young musicians on his list of what’s important. By Kathryn Shattuck NEWS Krista Schlueter for The New York Times   Why Obsessive K-Pop Fans Are Turning Toward Political Activism After claiming some credit for the fizzling of President Trump’s rally in Oklahoma, the online armies of Korean pop music listeners are feeling prepared and empowered. By Joe Coscarelli Matt Dunham/Associated Press   James Brown’s Will: Is It Inching Toward Closure After 14 Years? A decision by the Supreme Court of South Carolina has raised expectations that the many legal fights over the singer’s estate may soon be drawing to a close. By Steve Knopper Kanye West and Gap Strike 10-Year Deal for ‘Yeezy Gap’ Apparel Line The struggling mall brand plans to introduce Yeezy Gap in stores and online in the first half of 2021. By Sapna Maheshwari The Dixie Chicks Change Their Name, Dropping the ‘Dixie’ The platinum-selling country trio will be known as the Chicks, the latest example of sweeping cultural changes brought on by nationwide protests spotlighting racial inequality. By Ben Sisario the charts Lil Baby, Building Momentum, Earns a Third Week at No. 1 The Atlanta rapper’s “My Turn,” released in March, is only the third album of 2020 to hold the top spot on Billboard’s chart for three weeks. By Ben Sisario those we’ve lost Chris Trousdale, Boy Band Idol With a Broadway Past, Dies at 34 He was scouted for the group Dream Street at 14 after appearing on Broadway in “Les Misérables.” He died of the coronavirus. By Julia Carmel Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT FROM FILM AND SPORTS ‘All I Can Say’ Review: A Rock Star Captures His Own Rise and Fall This new documentary is assembled from voluminous footage shot by Shannon Hoon, the lead singer of Blind Melon, until the day he died. By Glenn Kenny sideline chat The Red Sox Organist Is Providing All the Baseball You Need Right Now With baseball shut down, Josh Kantor isn’t playing at Fenway Park. To fill the void, he plays a concert online every afternoon. By Ben Shpigel Make a friend’s day: Forward this email! Get this from a friend? Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter @nytimesmusic. Send your feedback on Louder at theplaylist@nytimes.com. Check out our full range of newsletters. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Louder from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018