Entertainment and culture journalist covering pop music in all of its variations and intersections within the entertainment industry. Contact: larishapaul@gmail.com
The Drake-ification of Jack Harlow
Analysis of Jack Harlow's positioning as a pop/hip-hop crossover artist not unlike his predecessor Drake.
‘Your World Is Waiting’: On ‘As It Was,’ Harry Styles Reemerges Different But Wiser
Analysis of the grand return of Harry Styles on "As It Was" — a synth-pop dream that uses his newfound wisdom to let go of the inevitable and embrace change.
Inside the industrial world of Doja Cat’s headline-ready Coachella performance
Deep dive into the creation of Doja Cat's 2022 Coachella debut performance through conversations with the creative team behind the set's inception.
Misogyny, Misinformation, and the Men Trying to Provoke Megan Thee Stallion Into Silence
Critical essay arguing that misogyny lives at the root of the recent online disputes between Megan Thee Stallion, DJ Akademiks, and Tory Lanez.
20 Years of Brandy’s ‘Full Moon’: How the ‘Vocal Bible’ Set the Gold Standard For Modern R&B Vocalists
Long-form retrospective digging into the creation and lasting impact of Brandy's 2002 album Full Moon, which has set the gold standard for modern R&B vocals in the two decades since its release, with insight from producers, label executives, and artists.
The Incomparable Creative Vision Of Lil Nas X: 'Montero' Collaborators Detail How "We're All Just An Extension Of Him & His Ideas"
Lil Nas X stretches the bounds of his identity and artistry at every turn, expertly spinning his debut LP 'MONTERO' into a multi-layered promotional spectacle. Here, his visual collaborators speak about the star's unflinching genius.
What is the True Purpose of the Pop Music Documentary?
As Olivia Rodrigo joins Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Charli XCX in putting her story on screen, it’s time to think about who is best served by the format.
Take Me Home Found One Direction Rewriting The Boy-Band Script
Songwriters Rami Yacoub and Carl Falk reflect on how One Direction's Take Me Home album laid foundations for the members' subsequent solo successes
Meet the Creators and Activists Leading Social Media’s Next Wave
Interview with TikTok star Drew Afualo about using her millions-reaching platform to combat misogynistic content.
20 Questions With Luke Hemmings: Why the 5 Seconds of Summer Leader ‘Needed To Make’ His Solo Debut
Ahead of the release of his debut solo album, 5 Seconds of Summer's Luke Hemmings opens up about the self-imposed pressure that came with working on his own, his relationship to songwriting and embracing not being in control.
The Fugees Bask in the ‘Miracle’ of Their Reunion at First Show in 15 Years
Live review of the first Fugees concert in over a decade.
When Are Young Women In Pop Allowed To Grow Up?
Left to navigate the entitlement of parasocial relationships and the weight of societal expectations, when are young women in pop allowed to grow up?
BANKS needed to transform to shed the weight of the past
Conjuring images of snakes outgrowing their skin, newly independent BANKS explains how she moved into a different stage of her career with Serpentina.
Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of 2021: Rookie of the Year — Olivia Rodrigo
Revisiting the debut year of the rapidly ascendant singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo.
Charli XCX embraces pop like never before on CRASH
The U.K. star’s relationship to the mainstream is complicated, but her fifth album makes it look easy.