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
Commentary, Music

November’s Best: Meg Thee Stallion, Kali Uchis, Lou Phelps, Drop World-Shaking Albums

Kali Uchis — Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)∞ Kali’s newest album is almost totally in Spanish, a departure from her mostly-English albums beforehand. Embracing her native language brought about new sounds all over the album, departing the more poppy sounds on Isolation and opting for a more grand, supervillain theme on Sin Miedo. The transition goes over beautifully, as Uchis is able to present … Continue reading November’s Best: Meg Thee Stallion, Kali Uchis, Lou Phelps, Drop World-Shaking Albums

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Interviews, Music

The 19th Street Band: Unrelenting Positivity and Cheer [Exclusive Interview]

Music is in a unique position to drag people out of 2020’s many traumas, and the 19th Street Band is a wonderful example of a band focused on positivity and forward movement. In the face of massive difficulty, the band has managed to both stay afloat and add to their fanbase through a series of at-home livestreams, where the band’s leading membres, Meghan and Caolaidhe … Continue reading The 19th Street Band: Unrelenting Positivity and Cheer [Exclusive Interview]

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Music, New Music

Tune in Tuesday: Megan Thee Stallion is the GOAT, Clearly

Albums Megan Thee Stallion — Good News Kali Uchis — Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)∞ Kali’s newest album is almost totally in Spanish, a departure from her mostly-English albums beforehand. Embracing her native language brought about new sounds all over the album, departing the more poppy sounds on Isolation and opting for a more grand, supervillain theme on Sin Miedo. The transition goes over beautifully, … Continue reading Tune in Tuesday: Megan Thee Stallion is the GOAT, Clearly

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Commentary, Music

Toni Morrison’s Jazz & SZA’s CTRL: Roadmaps for Navigating Love in Hate [Longform]

Mutually empathetic relationships are crucial components of happy and fulfilling lives. To give and receive love is so important, but that can often be clouded by personal insecurities exacerbated by outside pressure. In the American social order, masculinity has been toxically constructed with the goal of oppressing and breaking down non-masculine ideals as a means of holding men above others. Heterosexual relations feature plenty of … Continue reading Toni Morrison’s Jazz & SZA’s CTRL: Roadmaps for Navigating Love in Hate [Longform]

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Interviews, Music

Billie Essco: An Inspirational, Creative Force for Buffalo [Exclusive Interview]

One of the first impressions you’ll get from Billie Essco’s music is his desire to think critically about the world around him. That willingness to challenge norms and think outside the box, all while keeping up a massive creative output, makes Essco one of the most exciting names in both fashion and hip-hop. He specifically mentions attending Fashion Week 2020 in Paris with this rap’s … Continue reading Billie Essco: An Inspirational, Creative Force for Buffalo [Exclusive Interview]

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Music, New Music

Tune in Tuesday: Trap’s Elite Drop New Albums [New Music Roundup]

Albums 2 Chainz — So Help Me God So Help Me God doesn’t feel as though it expanded on 2 Chainz’s discography at all. With uninventive beats and dime-a-dozen flows, this album barely exceeds B-sides quality. There are a few strong moments on the album, from “Feel a Way” featuring a beautiful hook from Brent Faiyaz and a strange verse from Kanye, to “Ziploc” which sports … Continue reading Tune in Tuesday: Trap’s Elite Drop New Albums [New Music Roundup]

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Music, New Music

Tune in Tuesday: New Music from Giggs, JID, JPEGMAFIA, and Maluma

Albums Giggs — Now or Never Reptaliens — Wrestling EP Kylie Minoque – DISCO Songs JPEGMAFIA — Last Dance! 2 Chainz — Quarantine Thick (feat. Mulatto) Maluma — Hawái (feat. The Weeknd) JID ft. Conway the Machine — Ballads theMIND — Free Trial (feat. Qari & Phoelix) Brittany Howard — You’ll Never Walk Alone Big Shaq — Chicken Shop Freestyle Videos Continue reading Tune in Tuesday: New Music from Giggs, JID, JPEGMAFIA, and Maluma

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Commentary, Music, Review

Billie Essco: Buffalo’s Dynamic Talent in Music, Fashion [Profile]

Buffalo has been slapped right on the map of rap’s biggest cities this year, with critically-acclaimed releases from Griselda rappers Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, Armani Caesar, and Conway the Machine. But an engine of hype and energy powers the city: Billie Essco.  And he’s doing it all on his own terms, opting to buck the industry norm of joining a major record label. While … Continue reading Billie Essco: Buffalo’s Dynamic Talent in Music, Fashion [Profile]

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Music, New Music

Ryal Drops Danceable, Somber New Single, “Thunder (Solo on the Dancefloor)” [Track Review]

“Thunder (Solo on the Dancefloor)” is a blast of synth disco dedicated to the memory of Ryal lead singer’s close friend, JD, who passed from COVID-19 this year. It’s an emotionally stirring piece, with heavily emotive rising and falling synths that support Jacque’s vocal harmonies. Inspired by many elements of the New York dance tracks of the past, the track is nostalgic through many avenues, … Continue reading Ryal Drops Danceable, Somber New Single, “Thunder (Solo on the Dancefloor)” [Track Review]

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