Joe Coscarelli

Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times and co-host of 'Popcast (Deluxe)', dives into the explosive feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. He unpacks how Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' transformed the music scene and fueled the rivalry. The discussion touches on themes of artistic identity and authenticity, along with the cultural impact of their contention. Plus, the anticipation for Kendrick's potential Super Bowl performance heightens the stakes, illuminating society's fascination with celebrity conflicts.

Joe Coscarelli, New York Times culture reporter on pop music, and Jon Caramanica, NYT pop critic, unpack Bad Bunny’s rise from Puerto Rico to global stardom. They discuss his Grammy nominations, Super Bowl halftime slot, streaming-driven genre-bending, his choice to sing in Spanish, political activism and how the music industry shaped his trajectory.

Lindsay Zoladz, a pop music critic for The New York Times, and culture reporter Joe Coscarelli dive into the world of music biopics. They explore the focus of the new Springsteen film on the making of 'Nebraska' and its themes of mental health. The duo discusses the common tropes in musician biopics, the economics behind them, and the thrill of hearing classic songs on the big screen. They also critique casting choices and celebrate unconventional films that subvert the tired cradle-to-grave formula, showcasing the genre's diverse storytelling potential.

Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the complex intersection of hip-hop and crime, focusing on the high-profile trial of rapper Young Thug. He discusses how the RICO Act is being used against hip-hop artists and the implications this has for the culture. The conversation explores how lyrics can be weaponized as evidence, questioning the authenticity of rap and its ties to street life. Coscarelli also examines how plea deals influence the hierarchy within rap collectives, shedding light on the blurry lines between artistry and criminality.

Joe Coscarelli, a cultural reporter for The New York Times and author of "Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story," joins the discussion. He explores the evolution of hip hop, spotlighting Atlanta's rise as a musical hub and its impact on the industry. The conversation dips into the FTX collapse and its ongoing fallout, along with the controversies surrounding Elon Musk and Twitter's workforce reductions. Expect insights on pop culture's intersection with tech, the challenges of the music landscape, and a humorous take on recent corporate shakeups.