Mental Floss

MUSIC

Leonard Cohen, Chelsea Hotel, Phoebe Bridgers.

From Leonard Cohen’s “Chelsea Hotel #2” to Jesse Jo Stark’s “Chelsea Hotel,” these songs capture the mythos of the inimitable Hotel Chelsea.

Ellen Gutoskey




Chris Kelly and Chris Smith of Kris Kross.

Featuring rappers Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith, Kris Kross rose to international fame with their infectious 1992 debut single, “Jump.” The duo rocked mega-baggy jeans, baseball caps, and oversized sports jerseys—all worn backward.

Kenneth Partridge




The Gen Z idol has been in the spotlight ever since her break-out role on Disney’s "Shake It Up."

From her status as a Kidz Bop alumna to the real meaning behind her name, there's probably a lot of facts about Zendaya that you don't know about.

Emily Malkowski


Smokey Robinson, Dolly Parton, and Bruce Springsteen.

You’ve hummed along to them in the car, belted them out in the shower, and performed them on karaoke night. But do you really know what the lyrics to even some of your favorite songs are talking about?

Jennifer M Wood, Ellen Gutoskey










Taylor Swift is just the latest in a long line of musicians who like to employ a “fade-out,” where the song gets gradually quieter in the closing seconds.

Kenneth Partridge