5. Kris Kross: Totally Krossed Out

The top songs, albums and artists influencing an incredible year in music

A never before released concert film and audio recording of Thelonious Monk’s late-career concert at the Salle Pleyel in Paris will finally be made available to the public on 25 November from Blue Note Records. Monk, a self-taught musician, was 52 years old at the time but balanced the quartet with two new young members—17-year-old drummer Paris Wright and student bassist from Berklee College of …

6. Kendrick Lamar ft. Jay-Z: Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe (remix)

The top songs, albums and artists influencing an incredible year in music

When Kris Kross “jumped” onto the scene in ’92, they inspired young people everywhere to get Totally Krossed Out with their Jermaine Dupri-produced debut album. They also ignited a major fashion moment when it was suddenly acceptable to wear an entire ensemble backwards—jeans, baseball jersey, belt and all. Their ephemeral reign as the daddy macs of teen rap left an indelible mark on music, and …

7. The Doors: Light My Fire

The top songs, albums and artists influencing an incredible year in music

This souped-up remix of Kendrick Lamar’s hit, “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe,” makes for the ultimate party anthem. Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City album was released toward the end of 2012 but he dropped the original version of this single in March 2013. A song on daily repeat at CH HQ, it seems Jay-Z loved it as much as seemingly everyone else when he surprised …