Rated by The Face: a weekly playlist
The best contemporary music – featuring new additions from J Balvin, Shanti Celeste and South London newcomer Darkoo.
Music
Trap world: how the 808 beat dominated contemporary music
In the 2010s, the trap beat became one of the defining signatures of contemporary music. Simon Reynolds traces its migration from the streets of Atlanta to the pop charts, spawning scenes across the globe.
The emotional complexities of Summer Walker
The 23-year-old is the biggest artist in R&B. So why does she want her old day job back?
Bloc rocking beats
100% Deaton Chris Anthony: the stylish music maestro
The off-beat LA rapper spitting bars about race cars, Tony Hawk and coca cola lovers.
Kissing, dancing and getting lost in the naughty corner
Daisy Jones’ contribution to Glastonbury 50 – the new book celebrating five decades of the festival – is a tribute to its late-night antics, the clubs and stages that make the site’s southwest corner come alive after dark.
100% Obongjayar: the artist everyone wants a piece of
His latest single Still Sun drops today. Listen to find out what the hype is all about.
The best bits of Camp Flog Gnaw
Tyler, the Creator’s LA festival is just too much fun.
Rated by The Face: a weekly playlist
The best contemporary music – updated weekly.
Miami’s gospel-trap phenom BEAM keeps his Bible holstered
On his EP 95, the rapper-producer makes the kind of music he wasn’t allowed to listen to growing up.
‘Magdalene’ is a bruise of a record
Review: FKA Twigs’ haunting second studio album features cut glass vocals, production from Nicolas Jaar and playful references from Kate Bush.
The Face Mix 010: Shanti Celeste
Bright, emotive house music from the Peach Discs boss.
Tangerine dream: Shanti Celeste
The Chilean-born DJ chats debut album inspiration, production ventures and her love of the colour orange.
Worshiping at the altar of Lizzo
Review: Last night the Detroit singer preached a gospel of #selflove to 5000 party-ready fans.
Dua Disco: behind the scenes of the ‘Don’t Start Now’ video
Director Nabil gives us the lowdown on Dua's latest earworm.
The Beverly Glenn-Copeland story
With plays from Four Tet and showcases on NTS, the trans musician and activist is finally getting the adoration he deserves at 74 years old.
Ruel, the biggest pop star you’ve never heard of
The Australian singer has opened for Shawn Mendes, been praised by Elton John, and is about to detonate like a dormant pop land mine.
Rated by The Face: a weekly playlist
The best contemporary music – updated weekly.
Second album syndrome? What second album syndrome?
Review: Guests like Headie One, Stormzy, WizKid and Tory Lanez – and plenty killer tracks – show that Krept & Konan mean business.
Global culture calendar: November
A month packed full of stuff worth getting out of bed for.
The pop star set to soundtrack 2020
Next Big Thing, Victoria Monét, talks Charlie's Angels, Ariana and hot new music projects.
The future of NYC’s queer techno scene
The nightlife trailblazers instrumental in building the city’s booming techno scene discuss what needs to be changed and where it can go.