Let’s admit that 2016 was a rough year. But one of the bright spots was great music. Here’s our top 5 music moments of 2016. 1. Hip-hop artists dropped surprise albums The year was full of surprise, especially politically, socially and globally. Music, on the other hand, had some of the best surprises, particularly in…

Chance the Rapper. Matt De Mello/STAFF. The other day I wrote an column on where we, not just as a country, but as a world, go from here. That piece was unique for RIFF. Ours is not a political publication. However, some events transcend politics. Many of us are nervous, some…

The year may only be halfway through, but it’s already had a number of quality albums worth a spin. RIFF Magazine‘s Nick DeCicco counts down 10 of his favorite of the year to date: Beyoncé Lemonade April 23 | Columbia 10. The Queen’s sixth studio album stands as her most powerful…

Super Bowl 50 media day at SAP Center in San Jose, Photo: Jon Bauer. Super Bowl 50 Media Day, this year known as “Opening Night,” can best be described as organized cacophony. At the center of attention are the two NFL teams vying for the title during the most-watched…

Beyonce performs at the HP Pavilion in San Jose on July 2, 2013. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. She may be a married woman now, with a child and a world tour named for her family name – Mrs. Carter – but Beyonce Knowles’ biggest hit is still about being jilted. The…