I've never understood why we feel the need to turn art into a competition. The MTV Video Music Awards recently returned to Los Angeles, and the Soul Train Awards are back after a hiatus. I'm sure plenty of music fans are excited, but I'm not particularly interested. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy seeing great performances, discovering new artists, and watching musicians receive recognition for their work. But I've always questioned the idea of declaring one song, album, or artist better than...

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to meet several Houston artists who are doing some amazing things. It’s encouraging to see so much creativity thriving across our city, especially from independent artists who continue to make music and create their own opportunities. But great music needs listeners. If you discover a Houston artist you like, support them. Go to their shows. Stream their music. Follow them on social media. Share a song with a friend. Those small actions can make a...

Newsletter Sponsored by Perfumania What Dolly Parton Meant to Us Dolly Parton understood the absurdity of being Dolly Parton. She once entered a Dolly Parton look-alike contest and lost. I love that she was always in on the joke. That was part of her genius. But it isn’t why I’m writing about her. What strikes me is how completely Black people claimed her. She had a permanent invitation to the cookout because her connection to us never felt calculated. Read Article Mocha Man Music Moment...