With Beautiful Struggles: Pop Music Critics of Color and the Critical Landscape, Critical Minded expands its ground-breaking study of critics of color into the pop music arena. Like its predecessor, Topdogs and Underdogs: Critics of Color and the Theatrical Landscape, the report documents the significant economic and professional challenges facing pop music critics of color, as well as censorship and ideological pressures that constrain opportunities and safety.

Critical Minded is a grantmaking and learning initiative whose work is focused on resourcing and raising the visibility of critics and writers through direct support to publications and individuals, research, and convening.

As this landscape rapidly evolves, Beautiful Struggles makes the case for ensuring that independent, opinionated, informed voices remain vibrant and accessible. Passionate cultural debates are a cornerstone of democratic society, and this report lays out a roadmap to help them survive and flourish.