There’s always a lot of music coming out. At this point, there are over 100,000 uploads to Spotify every day, with at least 30 percent of that being hip hop or R&B. Music has continued to come out at a high clip, but something felt different this year. It feels clear that there has been a shift. Originality is starting to feel cool again. Finding new artists through human curation instead of DSP algorithms is becoming exciting again. As we come to the close of 2025 and our o

As the year winds down, we're spotlighting the moments in music this year that got our digital magazine readers locked in. From indie wins and scene shifting pod recaps to New Wave favorites and business model shakeups, these are the top 10 most read stories on The Wave  in 2025. Ranked from 10 to 1, each post tapped into something deeper, a sound, a hustle, a voice, or a vision. Some of you won’t recognize too many of the artists listed here, and that’s also the point of Sou

Summer always brings a certain rhythm. The long days, warm nights and backyard get togethers need the right soundtrack, and this season...

At our platform, we believe in embracing the possibilities that AI brings to the music industry—while staying rooted in the authenticity...

I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw them—a clean pair of Nikes in red, green, and gold. My first reaction was excitement....

The first time I heard DJ Akademiks crown himself the “number one hip-hop journalist,” I laughed. Not a quiet laugh either—a real one....

Dom Kennedy is back outside. After more than five years away from the road, the Leimert Park rapper is launching his "Class of '95" tour...

When I first heard Suno CEO Mikey Shulman’s comments about music-making not being enjoyable, my first thought was: this guy has never...

In today’s music world, it’s easy to feel like the internet has already broken every barrier for artists. You’ve got platforms like...

In 2024, the lines between genres have become more fluid than ever. Crossover Records —a term we’ve chosen to define these tracks—exists...

Backstage at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas, the energy was electric. The hum of equipment being packed up filled the dressing room as a...

In a genre where confidence and bravado are almost prerequisites, Kendrick Lamar has always operated differently. His humility and...

Hip-hop has always been a culture of evolution. While the streaming era has amplified certain trends, the creative divide between...

At The Wave , we understand how crucial storytelling is for artists, producers, and music managers striving to make their mark. In...