Meet the Musician

After signing with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, North Carolina’s own Jermaine Cole released a pair of successful mixtapes, "The Warm Up" and "Friday Night Lights." Next came his major label debut, "Cole World: The Sideline Story," which hit #1 on the Billboard 200, spawned the double platinum-selling single “Work Out,” and earned him a Grammy nomination. And with his highly anticipated Roc Nation/Columbia Records release, "Born Sinner," J. Cole promises to top it all.

The Bronx-based rapper, who built an empire with his Cocaine City imprint, was born in Morocco but emigrated to the U.S. as a teenager. He released popular mixtapes and DVDs for years, then signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. His debut album, "Excuse My French," has just been released.

A proud Brooklyn rapper, Talib Kweli is both lyrically gifted and politically insightful. Whether working with Mos Def as Black Star, collaborating with Kanye West, performing with Javotti Media/Empire artist Cory Mo, or releasing his own material, Kweli always commands attention with his captivating stories and unique ability to rhyme over any kind of beat. "Prisoner of Conscious" is his latest release.

The Lonely Island—three nerds who met in junior high school—are stopping by to talk about the inspiration behind Wack Wednesdays, a series of new music they began releasing every Wednesday in May, leading up to the June 11 debut of "The Wack Album." Catch Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer for a conversation about the new album that features an impressive list of collaborators, from Adam Levine and Justin Timberlake to Solange and Lady Gaga.

Legendary pop band 98 Degrees topped the charts in the late ‘90s with a string of infectious hits. Reunited last year, all four original members are back with a new album, "2.0," and an upcoming summer tour with fellow legends NKOTB and Boyz II Men. See them first at the Apple Store at this special event featuring a moderated conversation and audience Q&A with the band.

Join us in conversation with Steve Martin and Edie Brickell as they talk about their remarkable new album, "Love Has Come for You." The collaboration combines Martin’s inventive, expressive five-string banjo work with Brickell’s heart-tugging vocals and vivid, detail-rich lyrics.

Join Icelandic composer and performer Ólafur Arnalds as he talks about his latest release, "For Now I Am Winter." Expanding on his previous work, the new album features a full orchestra and—for the first time—introduces vocals to his sound scape.

Ra Ra Riot met while attending school in Syracuse, New York, and quickly graduated from basement rehearsals and student dance parties to blog buzz and acclaim for their debut, "The Rhumb Line." Catch band members in conversation with Jeff Regan of SiriusXM’s "Alt Nation" as they talk about the inspiration behind their new release, "Beta Love"—a collection of giddy pop songs and heady lyrics.

After getting his musical start on the banjo, guitarist-songwriter Kurt Vile now creates songs that range from gorgeous fingerpicking to ecstatic rock. His latest release, "Wakin on a Pretty Daze," blends the two extremes into a dreamy, expansive, and timeless sound. Join us for this moderated discussion with Kurt as he talks about the new album and answers questions from the audience.

Join pianist Simone Dinnerstein and singer-songwriter Tift Merritt as they discuss their unique collaboration on the album, "Night." The new work unites folk, rock, and classical worlds, exploring common terrain and uncovering new musical landscapes.