Anthony Fantano

Anthony Fantano has established himself as a prominent music critic and internet personality, revolutionizing online music reviews through his YouTube channel, The Needle Drop. After launching ‘The Needle Drop’ as a written review format and simultaneously hosting it on Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR) in 2007, Anthony Fantano went on to revolutionize online music criticism. He expanded his platform to YouTube in January 2009, initiating a pioneering series of video reviews. By late 2011, Fantano transitioned to operating ‘The Needle Drop’ full-time, maintaining affiliation with WNPR until 2014.

His career has included notable interactions within the entertainment industry, such as a cameo appearance in Lil Nas X’s 2019 animated music video for ‘Old Town Road,’ and public exchanges with artists including Drake in 2022. Demonstrating his commitment to charitable initiatives and supporting emerging artists, Fantano curated the charity compilation, The Needle Drop LP, in 2019. More recently, he has further expanded his platform by initiating a text-based component for ‘The Needle Drop,’ designed to showcase diverse voices and perspectives in contemporary music writing. Fantano continues to maintain a continuous and impactful presence within both online culture and the music industry.

He has navigated various legal matters, including the resolution of a lawsuit with Activision in 2023 over a TikTok audio clip, and the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit with Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke in 2025. These events highlight his enduring relevance and engagement at the forefront of digital music commentary and online media.