Kelefa Sanneh

Kelefa Sanneh is an accomplished American journalist, music critic and author. He is best known for his long-form articles that combine music criticism, history and cultural analysis. He has written for several notable publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Atlantic.

Sanneh was born in 1979 in The Gambia, West Africa. He came to the United States in 1987, when he was eight years old, and moved to East London. From an early age, Sanneh’s interests included music, books and writing. He enrolled in the prestigious Bronx High School of Science in New York, where he became an Editor-in-Chief of the school paper, continuing his writing endeavors.

Sanneh would graduate from Harvard College in 2002, with a degree in Social Studies. He quickly gained notice for his writing, and was soon offered a position at The New York Times as a pop music critic. Sanneh wrote for the Times for seven years, covering a range of topics from hip-hop to rock music. He was one of the few writers to bridge music criticism and cultural analysis in his work. Sanneh also provided several memorable essays to the popular blog series, “The Mixed Tape.”

Sanneh left the Times in 2009, and was soon hired as a senior editor at The New Yorker, where he covered topics ranging from film and theater to rap music. He also wrote for The Atlantic and FAZ Journal, with his works becoming increasingly renowned.

Sanneh has authored several books, beloved by his fans. His debut book, ‘The Rap Year Book,’ published in 2015, provides a comprehensive history of rap music in the United States in the form of a chronological overview. This book includes essays from well-known music critics, exploring the influence of rap music and its impact on American culture. His second book, ‘The Immortals,’ is a narrative about two legendary rappers, Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z, and their journey over the years.

Sanneh’s most recent book, ‘Love Goes To Buildings On Fire,’ details the history of New York City, focusing on the different musical styles and cultural movements of the 1970s. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, Sanneh takes readers through a wide variety of music genres, from punk to funk, and discovers how they reflected and transformed the city at the time.

Through his writing, Sanneh has contributed greatly to the world of music criticism, history and culture. He has provided readers with valuable insights and understanding into a vast array of topics, demonstrating his talent and brilliance through his words. As a multi-talented author and journalist, Kelefa Sanneh will remain an important figure in the world of music and beyond.