Smino is simultaneously experimental and intentional—it’s a trip. His music feels better with each listen. The midwest breeds multitalented artists, including rappers who love to sing, but Smino (born in Saint Louis with roots in Chicago) is more than a rapper who sings or a singer who raps. With his endearing falsetto, undeniable charm, and […]
Tag: Ravyn Lenae
Posted inMusic
Chicago R&B singer Ravyn Lenae makes a play for stardom on Hypnos
In 2015, when Chicago R&B wunderkind Ravyn Lenae was just 16, she self-released a sophisticated, vigorous EP called Moon Shoes, singing about romance and longing with the grace and lucidity of an artist who understood herself. Now 23, Lenae has grown considerably from that already auspicious start. On her new debut full-length, Hypnos (Atlantic), her […]
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Chicago pop wiz Luke Titus steps out from behind his drum kit
Luke Sangerman, who performs and records as Luke Titus, is 24 years old but has the skill set and intuition of a seasoned veteran. He’s had a long music career for someone his age: He joined the Blue Man Group as a stage-band drummer at age 15, becoming the youngest American ever hired by the […]
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Kaina gives her soulful R&B the intimacy of real and chosen family
On her debut album, Chicago singer-songwriter Kaina takes strength from her favorite people: her friends and collaborators, her childhood mentors, her immigrant parents.
Posted inBlogs
Chicago-based Saint Louis rapper Smino gets ‘a lot more ass shaking’ on the new Noir
On his sophomore album, Noir, Smino highlights his rap skills without abandoning the soulful singing of Blkswn.
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Chicago rapper Noname opens all the doors on the new Room 25
Noname’s debut album mixes her serious social commentary with a new sensuality and humor.
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Pitchfork proves it: festivals that aren’t booking women aren’t trying
By showcasing Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, Nilüfer Yanya, and Ravyn Lenae, Pitchfork demonstrates the depth of the young female talent pool.
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Ravyn Lenae and more of the best things to do in Chicago this week
Before Sunset in 35mm and more goings-on 4/9-4/12
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Chicago R&B wunderkind Ravyn Lenae captures the confusion of love on Crush
At 19, Chicago R&B singer and Zero Fatigue member Ravyn Lenae has proven herself a master at crafting odes to love. That’s partially because she’s open about the peculiar perplexities of being enamored with someone. On “Sticky,” the lead single from February’s Crush (Atlantic/Three Twenty Three), she sings about the cognitive dissonance brought on by […]
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The Pitchfork Music Festival reveals the final names of its 2018 lineup
It took three weeks, but Pitchfork has now announced the names of all the artists performing at its 13th festival, including headliners Fleet Foxes and Lauryn Hill.
Posted inBlogs
My morning at the Pitchfork lineup reveal, or two hours of watching paint dry
A Reader intern discovers the life of excitement and glamour that is journalism.
Posted inBlogs
The Pitchfork Music Festival announces its first wave of acts for 2018
Tame Impala was the first Pitchfork performer revealed on a mural outside the Violet Hour this morning—and this post will be updated throughout the day.
Posted inBlogs
Chicago R&B singer Ravyn Lenae brings her heavenly voice closer to earth on the new Crush EP
Ravyn Lenae reaches outside her Zero Fatigue crew to work with Odd Future-affiliated R&B guitarist and producer Steve Lacy.
Posted inBlogs
Noname’s quiet strength won out over the din of Lollapalooza
Chicago rapper Noname expresses her humanity through intimacy, and despite the crowds at Lollapalooza, she hit the right notes—when you could hear her.