Why did Invasion of Privacy win Best Rap Album?
All these years later, and Cardi B winning Best Rap Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards is still controversial. Why did Invasion of Privacy win in the first place?
This article serves as a look into the distinct moment in hip-hop where Cardi B rose to prominence and can provide a necessary look back on her music.
A Dark Song For a Dark Time. The Best Songs: Ghost Town
In 1981, The Specials released one of the greatest songs of all time. With this article I provide context for the song, both of its place in music and broader culture. It is a song that could not be made without a great deal of cultural exchange and the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is a song about tumultuous political times. It is a dark song for this dark time.
Sources include:
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2002/mar/08/artsfeatures.popandrock
https://www.radiox.co.uk/features/why-the-specials-recorded-ghost-town/
https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-specials-ghost-town
Emilia Pérez is an insultingly bad movie. It might win Best Picture.
Emilia Pérez is the rare work that makes me want to discuss it out of rage rather than excitement. I’ve said most of what I’d like to in this article, but I still feel like I’m missing so many aspects of this movie that fascinate me in the worst sort of way. I’m happy to discuss aspects of the plot that are ultimately irrelevant so I passed over them in this article.
My Favorite Songs of 2024
2024 was an all-time great year for music, and I’m so pleased to share my favorite songs this year. Let me know some of your favorites!
I’m going to attempt to post every two weeks this year, so expect another blog on the 24th.
The Straw Hat Pirates and their Dreams
I hope this article can serve as a fun introduction to One Piece and its characters!
The article contains vague spoilers for various arcs, but they're quite vague and only contain minor spoilers, especially for later plot points.
Pop Music isn’t Getting Worse, Capitalism is.
As people reflect on the current music landscape, they come to the conclusion that pop music must simply be worse than it was in their idealized past. That may not be true, but there is a terrible rot pervading modern music.
A Beginner’s Guide to Charli XCX
The Brat summer may be over, but it lives on through the fantastic music. If you were confused by the incredible return of Charli XCX, or if you weren't aware she was returning, this article is for you.
This Labor Day, listen to Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie is an all-time great, and Labor Day is the perfect excuse to connect to his evergreen stories of America's past.
The most underrated moment in the Game of Thrones books
Cersei Lannister is among the most iconic characters from the Game of Thrones books, and one moment illuminates much of George R.R. Martin’s themes on power, sex, and misogyny.
Content Warning: This article has discussions of sexual violence and a scene involving dubious consent
The title image is art by Magali Villeneuve
Do Fallout 1 and 2 hold up? My experience.
These games are a rich, powerful, and important part of gaming history. That doesn’t mean you have to enjoy them today.
They’re certainly more interesting than Fallout 4.
HOT TO GO! Chappell Roan’s perfect cheerleader pop song
The internet has been raving about queer pop singer Chappell Roan, and she deserves the hype.
Eminem has “brought back Slim Shady”. Should he have?
Eminem has decided both to bring back and kill his Slim Shady persona. Does it make for interesting music?
Silver Springs: So Much More than the Stare
Does Stevie Nicks’ incredible performance skills take too much attention away from her writing?
A beginner’s guide to Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is frequently discussed and widely beloved. Hopefully this article helps introduce you to this modern legend’s music.
Unpacking my feelings on Rimworld v Dwarf Fortress
Rimworld and Dwarf Fortress are both sandbox “story-generator” games. Rimworld, despite having “more” content feels more limiting. Why?