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Hip-hop culture, with its street rhythms and explicit lyrics, is more relevant in advancing civil rights today than the peaceful messages of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., author Todd Boyd says. In an interview with NPR's Scott Simon, Boyd says hip hop artists use language as a political weapon that provokes and "makes people think." (Note: Contains language that some may consider offensive.)

The steel drum musical instrument was first created in Trinidad, hammered from biscuit boxes, brake drums and oil barrels. One of the biggest "steel pan" bands of the 1960s was the Esso Trinidad Tripoli Steelband, who gained worldwide fame when an unlikely patron heard their act and took them on tour. Lost and Found Sound presents a story of calypso music, steel drums and flamboyant pianist Liberace.

NPR's Tony Cox interviews jazz composer Terence Blanchard about his latest projects.

Yung Lean goes full Joy Division by rapping over a brooding, fuzzy guitar line with the tonality of a Swedish Ian Curtis.

Music critic Mark Mobley examines three albums by English musicians that reflect the emergence of the gay civil rights movement.

Even Irish music sensation Damien Rice doesn't know exactly how to describe his own songs — part folk, part rock, a little chamber music, tied together with his unique, passionate singing voice. NPR's Melissa Block talks with the European music sensation on the eve of his first American tour — hear samples of his debut solo CD, O.

The 78-year-old singer is currently performing at Birdland in New York City. Previously, Carroll spent 25 years playing at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. This year, she received three lifetime achievement awards; one of them was the Kennedy Center's Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award. Carroll has a number of albums to her credit; her latest is the new solo album Morning in May.

She is creating a buzz in the jazz community. Critics have remarked that the young jazz artist has a "penchant for leisurely tempos, soulful interpretations and gloriously resonant low notes." Producer Roy Hurst talks with the singer-songwriter about her critically acclaimed debut album, Salt.

Songwriter Gillian Welch describes her music. Welch's duet with Alison Krauss was a highlight of the Grammy award-winning soundtrack to the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou.

The Polyphonic Spree consider themselves a symphonic rock band, and play upbeat songs of happiness and celebration. But in their uniform white robes, the 23 members of the band look more like a religious cult. NPR's Bob Boilen profiles the band — hear a cut from their debut album, featured in All Songs Considered.