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

CLiFF CiTY Episode 3: Running in Place

This week, Evan is flying solo and pursuing the musical motif of “running in place”. What began as a comment on how the days seemingly slip by during quarantine, quickly took on a new meaning in the context of George Floyd’s death and the ensuing national protests. “Running in Place” is a musical rumination on the systemic injustices which, once again, have reared their ugly … Continue reading CLiFF CiTY Episode 3: Running in Place

Marianne Williamson and the Politics of Love

Marianne Williamson is far from an ordinary politician. The 67-year-old activist rose to prominence late in the 20th Century as a spiritual leader, writing various New York Times best-selling books on topics such as change, hope, and love. She even appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” many times and was often called Oprah’s spiritual advisor.  Yet today, she might be one of the most important … Continue reading Marianne Williamson and the Politics of Love

If You Need to Grieve, Listen to Orion Sun’s “Trying”

In Pitchfork’s review of Orion Sun’s album “Hold Space for Me,” the track “Trying” is labelled as a queer love ballad. The lyrics “I pray to god, wherever he resides / If lovin’ her’s alright / I love her with all my might” pretty much close the case on that argument. However, I’m here to say that this is first and foremost a song about … Continue reading If You Need to Grieve, Listen to Orion Sun’s “Trying”

Let’s Talk About Wireless Connections

With more time to think than usual, I’ve bestowed upon myself the task of picking my favorite song of all time. And if I had to pick one song as if my life depended on it, my song would be “WiFi” by DRAM featuring Erykah Badu. Released in 2016, this hidden gem on DRAM’s “Big Baby DRAM” album, “WiFi” is spectacular in all regards. The … Continue reading Let’s Talk About Wireless Connections

Whoever’s Running the Show Over at Netflix: You’re Doing Great Sweetie

Two weeks ago, Netflix finally did it and saved quarantine. No longer do I sit in the kitchen watching CNN, count the number of times news anchors say “unprecedented” and consider taking a sip of my drink every time President Trump says something problematic. Instead, I can finally watch my favorite show of all time without risking the life of my computer through illegally watching … Continue reading Whoever’s Running the Show Over at Netflix: You’re Doing Great Sweetie

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

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

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?

Sticky post

Deetranada’s Debut Showcases Fiery Raps, Clear Motivation [Interview]

“DEEvsEVERYBODY!” is a personal album. As depicted in the project’s lyrics, cover art, website, and personal explanations, it’s a representation of how she feels as a young Black woman growing up in an oppressive world. Deetranada is unapologetic at every moment, showing the world who she is without compromising one bit. After making waves in the Baltimore and beyond with her new album, “DEEvsEVERYBODY!” we … Continue reading Deetranada’s Debut Showcases Fiery Raps, Clear Motivation [Interview]