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Checking In
This summer I learned something about myself that was golden: you can have an amazing summer if you curate it yourself.
I admit I have fallen victim to being pulled and swayed by friends, family, and others who have an idea of what they’d like their summer to be. This has led me to go to events, trips, or parties that I simply don’t want to be at. At the top of this summer, I made a promise to myself that I’d go with the flow plus only do the things I want to do. And it proved to be a success.
I was in Atlanta for my 30th with my twin, close friends, and family (it was a blast). We co-planned brunch, dinner, a party at my twin’s beautiful home and we also had a picnic that was extremely fun. Karaoke was the highlight, my sister loves doing it at a spot that’s BYOB and you can also bring food. The entire weekend was filled with good energy and I left a bit drained but feeling extremely loved and poured into.
I’ve also been leaning into love and sweetness this summer. My boyfriend has brought me significant joy throughout this entire season and I’m really grateful.
I also was able to go to Chicago for the first time recently to celebrate the 30th birthday of a close friend of mine. The food was delicious there and I will definitely be going back.
I really think my summer was a success too because I spent it going to some fun happy hours, went to Kendrick Lamar’s Big Steppers Tour, saw Giveon again, and I saw Erykah Badu for the first time.
Moral of the story: Curate your summer and watch it flourish before your eyes.
What I’m Reading
Devil in a Blue Dress: Crossing The Line – Though I’ve never seen Devil in a Blue Dress I want to. Denzel Washington is one of my favorite actors. This Criterion essay by Julian Kimble is a journey. In it, Kimble provides a thorough look at race and the pertinent underlying messages in the film.
The Black Neo-noirs of the ‘90s – Kimble’s essay above led me to read this essay that I feel is a companion read. In this piece, he revisits and defines the impact of Black neo-noir films like Deep Cover, One False Move, and Devil in a Blue Dress.
Margo’s Way – I haven’t read a profile that’s taken my breath away in a long time. Jasmine Sanders’ profile of author Margo Jefferson is such a brilliant read. I was so inspired by it.
R&B That Sweats Emotionally & Physically – Jon Caramanica dug into why Brent Faiyaz and Muni Long are resonating with their listeners. It’s an introspective essay and I love reading about R&B from this vantage point.
Shows I Love RN
Industry — This new season of the drama is just as anxiety-filled as the last. What’s interesting about this season is that we’re getting a closer look at everyone’s lives outside of the office, and it’s a bit cringe, but I’m loving it. Harper is still my favorite character.
Sweet Life: Los Angeles – I think Sweet Life: Los Angeles which is about Black twenty-somethings in L.A. created by Issa Rae is a guilty pleasure. The characters are funny to me because I see myself in a few of them. Bri is a lover girl who is one of the only single girls in the large friend group, I think she’s pretty relatable. There’s also some moments where she’s referred to as a diva, and I feel like that’s also me slightly LOL. The show is also messy!
What I Can’t Stop Obsessing Over
Renaissance
Beyoncé’s Renaissance is my favorite album to arrive this summer. It has so many flavors, vibes, and energies but overall it’s a good time. I was at a party recently at Lot 45 and a DJ dropped “Heated” and I got lost in the music as I danced – this is how this album makes me feel, just so damn good.
The album is proof of how Bey is still pushing herself sonically, I feel like that’s my biggest takeaway.
Favorite Tracks: “Alien Superstar,” “Cuff It,” “Energy,” “Church Girl,” “Heated,” “America Has A Problem,” and “Virgos Groove.”
Robyn’s Picks
This summer has been so fun! I went ahead and made a playlist of what I’ve been listening to including Beyoncé’s Renaissance, Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind, Doechii, Flo Milli, Blxst, IDK, Ravyn Lenae, and more.
your tweets about Industry inspired me to watch it, and now I'm hooked! haha
This was so cute! Love it