Nashville songwriting is big business. It supplies the country music industry with material — gospel and contemporary Christian too. But it’s largely shut out those who specialize in hip-hop and R&B. Now, two music companies are trying to change that.
What’s bigger than a Grammy? Dr. Bobby Jones’ lifetime achievement award
At a separate Saturday ceremony, Grammy lifetime achievement awards were bestowed on a select few: Prince, Frankie Beverly, early rap legend Roxanne Shanté and Nashville’s own Dr. Bobby Jones.
Grammys 2025: the boundary-crossing hits and crises
Ordinarily, the entire week leading up to the Sunday telecast is packed with parties and showcases. Most of those have been canceled, though, and the few remaining have been slightly reframed.
Even total newbies are welcome at this grassroots hip-hop songwriting camp in Nashville
Nashville is, famously, a place where professional songsmiths gather with serious intentions of writing hits. It’s not known for casual writing sessions that are open to all comers. But that’s exactly what’s going down in local hip-hop at a songwriting camp that welcomes anyone who wants to get in the studio.
Southern women are shaping the sound of hip-hop’s future
In 2024, GloRilla, Latto and Doechii all delivered landmark rap albums. Not just because they had the best bars, but because each trusted themself enough to make an artistic and commercial leap.
How Nashville’s ex-evangelicals are making their own Christmas traditions
For the growing number of women leaving the church, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time. So, some are making their own traditions.
Remembrance: Larysa Jaye left her mark on Nashville by transcending country boundaries and centering her experience
Nashville singer and songwriter Larysa Jaye died in a car accident over the weekend. She had just turned 40.
Border patrol seizes 3,000 fake Gibson guitars in ongoing battle against counterfeits
Had the instruments been legitimate, they would have been worth about $18 million dollars.
In a year of blockbuster crossovers, the CMAs double down on country continuity
The three-hour show was an ode to the robustness and stability of country music. But the genre dominated charts and discourse this year thanks to pop superstars Beyoncé, Post Malone and Shaboozey.
Chuck INDigo, longtime leader in the Nashville hip-hop scene, clarifies where he’s coming from
Chuck INDigo opens his seventh project, Until I Get There, with a song that establishes the album’s reflective tone. During one verse, over a gently lurching beat and burbling synths, he contrasts the old him with the new.
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