Best Ever Lists

Looking Back at our Cover Stories of 2021

From pop stars to composers, our cover stories showcased some of the best artists from around the world. Here’s a quick look at what made our 2021 exciting.

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JANUARY 2021

The Rolling Stone Interview: DIVINE

Photo: Rohit Gupta for Rolling Stone India

From artist to entrepreneur, India’s biggest hip-hopper’s journey is one of audacity, hope and hard work

FEBRUARY 2021

The Extraordinary Rise of Lisa Mishra

Photo: Kunal Gupta for Rolling Stone India

On her first steps into Bollywood, and how she went from singing in her bedroom to playing for 30,000 people


MARCH 2021

The Many Triumphs of Selena Gomez

Photo: Courtesy of Selena Gomez

The pop icon on her first Spanish EP Revelación, honoring her heritage, and the bond she has with her fans

APRIL 2021

Dua Lipa | Dancing in the Dark

Photo: David LaChapelle

How Dua Lipa ignored the trends, turned herself into a “female alpha,” and delivered the modern disco classic we didn’t know we needed

MAY 2021

Social Media 2.0 | The Big Explosion In Short Videos

Photo: Courtesy of Josh CreatorThon

Badshah leads a new league of digital creators at leading short-video app Josh’s CreatorThon in the Maldives

JUNE 2021

The Triumph of BTS

Photo: Hong Jang Hyun for Rolling Stone

How seven young superstars rewrote the rules of music-biz to become the biggest band in the world


JUNE 2021 DIGITAL COVER

The Boundless Dreams of TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Photo: Ahn Yeonhoo for Rolling Stone India

With artistry that serves as a balm to heartaches of the youth, this South Korean quintet is the voice of a new generation

JULY 2021

Billie Eilish and the Pursuit of Happiness

Photo: Yana Yatsuk for Rolling Stone

The pop superstar’s new album is a stunner. But the road to success hasn’t been smooth

AUGUST 2021

Back to the Roots

Photos: Gajan Balan (Shan Vincent de Paul); Madhavan Palaniswamy (Dhee)


How international Tamil artists Dhee and Shan Vincent de Paul are blurring the boundaries of local and global music, via record label and platform Maajja

AUGUST 2021 DIGITAL COVERS

Tamil-Canadian artist Navz Fortyseven appeared on our August 2021 digital cover. In her latest album ‘Fresh Off The Boat’ via Maajja, the singer-rapper surges ahead with stories of unwavering determination and celebrating one’s identity.

Wordsmith, composer and rapper Arivu appeared on our August 2021 digital cover. Following acclaim for his album ‘Therukural’ with ofRO, the Tamil artist has scorched a path out, raising his voice against systemic injustices.

Santhosh Narayanan was on our August 2021 cover. Jumping into movie soundtrack and composing work, the producer is among the leading minds who give Tamil music a global edge, while also taking on projects outside of the film space with Maajja.

A.R. Rahman graced out August 2021 digital cover. Among several innovations and initiatives that he’s backed, the composing maestro believes Maajja will elevate South Asian talent to the global stage.

SEPTEMBER 2021

How Punjabi Pop Star Jassie Gill is Globalizing His Roots

Photo: Rohit Gupta

The Prince of Punjabi pop on going from youth festivals to world stages, the role of social media, and his approach when it comes to film and independent music.

OCTOBER 2021

The Rise and Rise of Emiway Bantai

Photo: Adsto LIVE, Amey Ghatge


How the Mumbai rapper cracked social media, tackled naysayers and set up his own label


NOVEMBER 2021

The Art of Being CL

Photo: gowontae for Rolling Stone India

How K-pop’s Baddest Female reclaimed her throne


DECEMBER 2021

Zaeden Won’t Stop!

Photograph: Rohit Gupta for Rolling Stone India

The poster boy of Indian EDM is on his way to becoming a pop star


DECEMBER 2021 DIGITAL COVER

This is Shaan!

The versatile artist reflects on his latest release, his illustrious career thus far, and how he plans on taking his artistry to the next level

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