Sixto Rodriguez, who lived in obscurity as his music career flamed out early in the U.S. only to find success in South Africa and a stardom he was unaware of, died Tuesday in Detroit. He was 81. 

Robbie Robertson, The Band’s lead guitarist and songwriter who, in such classics as “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” mined and and helped reshape American music, died Wednesday at 80. 

The 2012 film "Searching for Sugar Man" tells the bizarre story of what happened decades later when some fans went on a hunt for their idol. Revisit this feature from MPR News, republished in light of the passing of Rodriguez at age 81.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which 2000s-era hip-hop songs do you want to hear?

This week marks 50 years of hip-hop. Today, we look back at recordings by Texas innovators UGK, Paul Wall, Disco Al, Geto Boys, and DJ Screw.

Disq performed at The Current's Winter Dig Out at the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge in Minneapolis on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. Watch Disq’s full set.

The Chicago native, born Willie Perry Jr., wrote the song as an exercise track for his nephew in the late 1990s before it exploded in popularity and became a worldwide hit.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which 1990s-era hip-hop songs do you want to hear?

Do not get stuck at Yung Gravy feeling hungry. Suggested menus for easy and satisfying fueling up near the Grandstand and the rest of the Minnesota State Fair’s music stages in 2023.

This week marks 50 years of hip-hop. Today, we look back at recordings by rap pioneers Whodini, Blowfly, Lightnin’ Rod, Kurtis Blow, and Kool Moe Dee.