Author: Michael Gorman

@michaelgormannn on Twitter Kaytranada, Erykah Badu, and Mach-Hommy are my top artists. Recent AOTY's include Isolation, BUBBA, SUPERGOOD, Call Me If You Get Lost. Colorado College '21
Music, Review

SZA’s “CTRL” Depicts Growth from Harmful Relationships

After satisfying basic needs like nourishment and shelter, mutually empathetic relationships are crucial for living a happy and fulfilling life. Giving and receiving love is important, but can be clouded and complicated by personal insecurities exacerbated by partner violence. In American social order, masculinity is often toxically constructed to suppress emotional intelligence in men and push down non-masculine ideals as a way to hold men … Continue reading SZA’s “CTRL” Depicts Growth from Harmful Relationships

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Music, New Music, Review

Run the Jewels Remain Adaptable and Progressive on RTJ4

On the heels of Killer Mike’s powerful speech to the citizens of Atlanta, pleading for community organization and an end to American oppression, “RTJ4” was released — a billionaire-destroying, corruption-uncovering, rallying cry for justice in a country desperately seeking a moral compass. With that speech, you know this album was going to be unflinching in its criticism of the country’s legacy of racism. And given … Continue reading Run the Jewels Remain Adaptable and Progressive on RTJ4

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Commentary, Music, Review

Slauson Malone’s Great Effort Sheds Stereotype, Builds New Identity

While scholarly articles and papers were formerly a primary avenue for communicating complex theory and thought, in the era of booming technology, people are more able to do so through a variety of media, allowing for a greater diversity of ideas accessible to anyone with internet connection.  One of the areas most affected by this growth is music, as musicians spread their work far and … Continue reading Slauson Malone’s Great Effort Sheds Stereotype, Builds New Identity

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Music, Review

Pretty Boy Dave: Duzzo Dave’s Swaggering Debut

Continuing to prove large streaming numbers don’t actually mean shit, Duzzo Dave dropped a mid-size classic in 2015 with “The Pretty Boy Dave EP.” The seven-track mountain drive of an album is constantly understated — Dave’s too-cool-for-school attitude often comes at the expense of properly appreciating and announcing his talent. It’s a project that could’ve dropped as a mixtape on DatPiff five or seven years … Continue reading Pretty Boy Dave: Duzzo Dave’s Swaggering Debut

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Music, Review

Haile Supreme Is Ready for His Break

Gaining a cult following through membership in the Washington Slizzards collective and supporting his case with strong features on household hip-hop names like Statik Selektah and Curren$y, Haile Supreme is well-situated to reach millions of ears with his ear-wormy vocals and cheery attitude. With “Elsewhere” released only a week ago as a birthday gift to himself, Haile Supreme has positioned himself as a top-charting feature … Continue reading Haile Supreme Is Ready for His Break

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Music, Review

What is Indie Music?

When I say the word ‘indie,’ what images come to mind? Probably a white guy, long hair, quietly strumming an acoustic guitar and generally seeming sad. He is easily recognizable as a soft-spoken, artistic singer/songwriter reciting poetic verses in a gentle alto. This portrait of a quintessential indie performer is steeped in years of history; but how can such a laser-focused definition of an entire … Continue reading What is Indie Music?

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Lists & Ranks, Music

Top 15 Greatest Radio Freestyles

For hip-hop heads that grew up in the internet age, radio freestyle videos have been an unavoidable part of the culture. With nationally syndicated stations like Sway in the Morning and Funk Flex accruing hundreds of millions of views annually on freestyle videos, performing on air has become a rite of passage for young rappers, and an outlet for legends to flex their muscles. Fortunately … Continue reading Top 15 Greatest Radio Freestyles

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Music, Review

Fake Tapes: A Groovy Breath of Fresh Air

Feeling like I’m at a picnic on a blue-sky day surrounded by flowers, Fake Tapes has improved my quarantine considerably. Their self-titled EP released in 2018 is the kind of music that can only come from folks in pure creative mode. In other words, they aren’t limited by demanding label executives or massive crowds of fans.  Taking inspiration from the music of Erykah Badu, Thundercat, … Continue reading Fake Tapes: A Groovy Breath of Fresh Air

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Music, New Music

Slowthai Surfaces With Energetic, Odd Flurry of Singles

Perhaps in preparation for his sophomore album, Slowthai dropped three singles in the past week, with “BB (Bodybag),” “MAGIC,” and “Enemy.” Fans looking for the aggression and wackiness they found abundantly on “Nothing Great About Britain” will find themselves satisfied here. Slowthai’s trademark enthusiasm for jagged ridiculousness is in full effect on each song. My favorite of the three is “MAGIC,” a collaboration between the … Continue reading Slowthai Surfaces With Energetic, Odd Flurry of Singles

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Lists & Ranks, Music

The Leaders of Neo-Soul’s Bright Future

Some of these artists left a strong mark on neo-soul in the 2010s, and others have yet to realize their potential fanbase and impact. But some things hold each of these artists together — a deep sense of soul’s past and present, a pitch-perfect voice, and the swagger it takes to amass a wide audience. Ari Lennox — Key album: “Shea Butter Baby” Her 2016 hit … Continue reading The Leaders of Neo-Soul’s Bright Future

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