The music world notes the passing of swamp pop legend Tommy McLain and follows the rise of rapper BigXthaPlug, alongside Jade Thirlwall's solo career debut and the ongoing legal dispute involving Priscilla Presley.

• Tommy McLain, the King of Swamp Pop, Dies at 85 — New York Times Music -
• How BigXthaPlug Went From Solitary Confinement to Nashville’s Favorite Rapper — New York Times Music -
• Reality TV Made Jade Thirlwall Famous. As a Solo Act, She Keeps It Real. — New York Times Music -

• Priscilla Presley Locked in Feud With Former Business Partners — New York Times Music -

Recent coverage highlights a documentary on Russian independent journalism, explores 'South Park's' enduring relevance, and offers a glimpse into actress Emma Myers's personal relaxation habits.

• ‘My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow’ Review: Strangling Democracy — New York Times Movies -
• ‘South Park’ Is Crude and Childish. That May Make It Perfect for This Moment. — New York Times Arts -
• Emma Myers Relaxes With ‘Lord of the Rings’ Music — New York Times Arts -

The arts community mourns the death of influential critic Doris Lockhart Saatchi, observes the slow recovery of Asheville's damaged River Arts District, and gains insight from artist Jeffrey Gibson's creative aspirations.

• An Arts District Helped Make Asheville a Destination. Its Recovery Is Slow Going. — New York Times Arts -
• 5 Things Jeffrey Gibson Wishes He’d Made — New York Times Arts -
• Doris Lockhart Saatchi, 88, Critic and Collector of Cutting-Edge Art, Dies — New York Times Arts -

New literary releases include a memoir by poet Raymond Antrobus exploring deafness and Elliot Ackerman's shift to a comic caper novel.

• Book Review: ‘The Quiet Ear,’ by Raymond Antrobus — New York Times Books -
• Elliot Ackerman’s New Book “Sheepdogs” is a Comic Caper Novel — New York Times Books -