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How Seattle rap crashed the mainstream by swimming against the current

Sir Mix-a-Lot, Macklemore, Lil Mosey & Ishmael Butler. Collage by Jackie Lay / NPR. Sipa USA via AP / Kevork Djansezian / Bennett Raglin / Theo Wargo/Getty Images / AP hide caption

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Sipa USA via AP / Kevork Djansezian / Bennett Raglin / Theo Wargo/Getty Images / AP

Hip-Hop 50: All Rap Is Local

How Seattle rap crashed the mainstream by swimming against the current

United more by strategy than sound, the city's stars are fans-first nonconformists, who have often succeeded by doing the opposite of what the industry deems bankable.

The 2010s: Queer Goes Mainstream

Lady Gaga performs her song "Born This Way" during The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 13, 2011. Kevin Winter/Getty Images hide caption

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Kevin Winter/Getty Images

All Songs Considered

The 2010s: Queer Goes Mainstream

In the past decade, LGBTQ issues hit the mainstream in unprecedented ways, and music played a big part, with songs about queer love on the radio and anthems of allyship coming from all major genres.

The 2010s: Queer Goes Mainstream

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New Mix: Santigold, Macklemore, PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop, More

Clockwise from upper left: Macklemore and Jamila Woods, Santigold, PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop and Josh Homme Courtesy of the artists hide caption

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Courtesy of the artists

All Songs Considered

New Mix: Santigold, Macklemore, PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop, More

In this week's mix, hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton showcase a number of artists who reflect on their past to make powerful new music.

New Mix: Santigold, Macklemore, PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop, More

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'This Song Is Uncomfortable': Macklemore And Jamila Woods On 'White Privilege'

Ben Haggerty, a.k.a. Macklemore, and Jamila Woods collaborated on the song "White Privilege II." Ariel Zambelich/NPR hide caption

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Ariel Zambelich/NPR

Music Interviews

'This Song Is Uncomfortable': Macklemore And Jamila Woods On 'White Privilege'

The rapper says he knew that releasing a nine-minute song that called out his own privilege would — and should — be seen by some as an unwelcome co-opting of the Black Lives Matter movement.

'This Song Is Uncomfortable': Macklemore And Jamila Woods On 'White Privilege'

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New Mix: Missy Elliott, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, PWR BTTM And More

Clockwise from upper left: Missy Elliott, PWR BTTM, Macklemore and Leon Bridges, kristine leschper of the band Mothers. Courtesy of the artists hide caption

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All Songs Considered

New Mix: Missy Elliott, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, PWR BTTM And More

This week we have new music from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, the glorious return of Missy Elliott, a cut from PWR BTTM and more songs that will make you smile.

New Mix: Missy Elliott, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, PWR BTTM And More

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Hear 'Kevin,' The New Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Song Featuring Leon Bridges

Macklemore (left) is joined by soul singer Leon Bridges on the song, "Kevin." Jason Koenig hide caption

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Jason Koenig

All Songs Considered

Hear 'Kevin,' The New Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Song Featuring Leon Bridges

Macklemore's latest effort with producer Ryan Lewis is a funk-flavored tirade against the ravages of drug addiction.

Hear "Kevin" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, With Leon Bridges

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Cumbia: The Music That Moves Latin America

Dancers move to cumbia during a Carnival parade in Barranquilla, Colombia in Feb. 2012. Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Music Lists

Cumbia: The Music That Moves Latin America

The Alt.Latino crew stops by Weekend Edition Sunday to talk about one of Latin music's most pervasive rhythms.

Cumbia: The Music That Moves Latin America

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The Year In Music, 2012
Nabil Elderkin/Courtesy of the artist

Best Music Of 2012

The Year In Music, 2012

On this episode of All Songs Considered, hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton are joined by Ann Powers and Stephen Thompson to talk about the year's biggest surprises, best new artists and more.

The Year In Music, 2012

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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Tiny Desk Concert

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Tiny Desk Concert Lauren Rock/NPR hide caption

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Lauren Rock/NPR

Tiny Desk

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Tiny Desk Concert

In the span of about 15 minutes, the pair works through a moving message song ("Same Love"), a hilarious goof-off ("Thrift Shop") and a rousingly inspirational closer ("Can't Hold Us").

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Tiny Desk Concert

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