Music critic Everett True posted a scholarly article on authenticity in popular music and the criticism of the music.
In short, he reasons that there’s a load of mythology tied around the concept of authenticity.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, writing for The Atlantic, offers a key characteristic: Tell the truth.
In an, I-know-it-when-I-see-it example, here’s a good example of authenticity and truth:
Bricks and Bluebottles 