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Checking In
If someone tasked me with describing what the last few weeks have been like for me I’d send them this picture above of Harper from HBO’s Industry played by Myha'la Herrold. Writing once was an escape for me, but my relationship with it has shifted in a lot of ways over the past two years or so since the pandemic hit.
Herrold’s gaze is almost trance-like, and I’m sure this is relatable for many of us. We’re merely waking up and forcing ourselves to feel a crumb of normalcy that is most likely never returning.
A little less than two weeks ago, I realized I’d been in New York for seven years (whew). I felt a sense of accomplishment as I’ve definitely grown in many ways, but I couldn’t help but think about the sense of excitement that’s no longer in my bones. Don’t get me wrong, I love being here, but I have to admit that I really miss feeling like a bright-eyed, curious newcomer who wasn’t jaded by the powers that be in New York City.
While I raise the point of being so removed from the energy you evoke as a novice in a new city, I feel it’s important to mention I kind of made a vow to myself earlier this year that I’d be chasing the things that make me feel good/joyful outside of my work. This has meant a bit of re-focusing and shifting: I’d say it’s going steadily.
What I’m Reading
Young Journalists of Color Say Twitter Is a Tool for Networking and Industry Info — This story made me think about when I got off a plane with two suitcases in 2015 to start my journey in NYC. Years ago, I used Twitter to slide into the DMs of sources. I also used it to connect with my peers and share my work. I’d suggest reading this if you’re a budding journalist/writer trying to get an understanding of what you can use Twitter for.
Ruth Wilson Gilmore Talks Abolition Geography and Liberation — Abolition is a buzzword I’ve been aiming to learn more about this year in reference to the ongoing state of the criminal justice system. This Q&A with Ruth Wilson is excellent and well worth reading.
What I Can’t Stop Obsessing Over
Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Kendrick Lamar’s latest is a messy album. On Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, there were hip-hop moments that moved me (I won’t deny that). Other moments proved why he’s seen as a titan in an industry filled with cookie-cutter rappers. But, since he’s viewed as a titan he’s also seen as a messiah figure. You would think these expectations didn’t leave much room for Kendrick to explore and stretch himself beyond other viewpoints of what type of album he should create. But, he didn’t take a safe route. Listen to “Savior” because this is not a comeback album.
I’m assuming fans were yearning for a follow-up to the acclaimed DAMN. that was similar to the 2017 album, instead, they were left with an effort from an artist to unveil the product of him working through therapy. He delved into racism, a family member transitioning, grappled with viewpoints of internet users/critics, how he once felt vindicated by sleeping with a white woman, and his troubled relationship with his father. He even dedicated an entire song to a toxic relationship.
The inclusion of Kodak Black was perhaps for shock value? To be clear, the album didn’t need the addition of Kodak who was accused of sexual assault in 2016 (he entered a plea deal in 2021). Kodak was also granted commutation by Donald Trump, yet he’s had other legal issues over the years. Kendrick aligns himself with Black by granting him numerous features on his latest effort.
Reflection plays a large role in the album. Due to therapy, Lamar appears to be working through a myriad of emotions, thoughts, and opinions on his shortcomings and why he’s imperfect. He puts himself under a microscope and this is perhaps what gives the album its strongest pathos.
“N95” is a hip-hop moment that I knew would land on the album. Lamar gets his thoughts across effectively. His ideas on “cancel culture” are befitting too.
“Auntie Diaries” was an attempt at being an ally, and it failed. I couldn’t get past the deadnaming. It could have been a successful moment, but the execution was wrong.
As a Black woman who loves hip-hop, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers reminded me that I am just that. The album was filled with misogynistic viewpoints and it was riddled with perspectives that feel central to Black men, not Black women. It also appeared as though Kendrick is still on a journey of self-discovery — he’s still emotionally coping with his conscience.
No, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers wasn’t a perfect album. Throughout it, Lamar excelled at pouring his energy back into the industry. After all, there’s been a large gap that’s been hard to fill since his last album.
Juneteenth
How are you celebrating? I’d love to know. Share what you did today in the comments. It feels a bit strange to me that folks are partying and/or capitalizing off of a day that’s so historic. The commodification of Juneteenth has been off-putting to me.
Robyn’s Picks
“When you don’t ask for what you want, you never get it. And if you can’t get it there, you move on.” — Venus Williams
Peace.