Castiel Haripersad ’25 Copy Editor Gus Phillipas/ FUV Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Nina Simone, and Marvin Gaye – what do they all have in common? They were all transformative Soul artists of their era who served as inspiration to a young Jalen Ngonda, a singer-songwriter trying to bring Soul music to a new generation and revive... Continue Reading →
Hackney Diamonds
Sawyer Ramsay '24 Arts & Culture Editor Photo Credit: Getty Images The Rolling Stones are undoubtedly one of the most influential and important Rock and Roll bands of all time. They have been around for over 60 years, despite all the ups and downs they have faced. One of the most devastating things that happened... Continue Reading →
The Black Pumas
Sawyer Ramsay '24 Arts & Culture Editor Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images Soul and R&B music channels emotions within all aspects of the song, the instruments and the lyrics. This is what makes the genre so great – its connection with the listener to invoke a sense of emotion deep into the soul. One great... Continue Reading →
Kanye West’s downfall: Conscience outweighs Capital
Max Kochan ’23 Contributor From the day Kanye West began creating his own music in 2003, his voice became one of the most prominent in the hip-hop and pop culture industry. Along with musical attributes, Kanye West has been outspoken about the hard-hitting issues personal to him despite the ways in which they have led... Continue Reading →
Legendary Musicians Dying in 2023
Sawyer Ramsay ’24 Copy Editor It is only a few months into the year and numerous legendary and fundamental musicians have already passed away. Whether this year is cursed or not, hopefully it will not become a routine. COVID-19 was bad enough as it is, but, recently, big names in the music industry like Jeff... Continue Reading →
Celebrating Black Artists
Alec Compton '22 Arts & Culture Editor Jay-Z: The Blueprint In 2001, Jay-Z released his sixth studio album, The Blueprint. Despite being over an hour long, The Blueprint is airtight. Anthems like “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”, alongside softer tracks like “Song Cry,” prove the artist’s genius. Jay-Z’s career has taken an interesting turn. After he came out... Continue Reading →
Album Review Gauntlet – October 2021
Alec Compton 22 Contributor Lil Nas X: Montero Lil Nas X continues to be a provocative, stylish, and versatile artist, but he seems to struggle with deep album cuts that don’t match up to his fantastic singles. One strength that the record has is it’s very dynamic and varied track list. Lil Nas Doesn’t try for another “Old Town Road”, as he seems to be increasingly... Continue Reading →
A Certified Certified Lover Boy Review
Ade Adedapo ’23 Contributor On September 3, 2021, Canadian rapper Drake dropped his highly anticipated 7th studio album, Certified Lover Boy, for the world to enjoy. Initially expected to be released in January of 2020, just before Valentine’s Day, the rapper postponed due to an unexpected knee injury. Here is an analysis and review of... Continue Reading →
The Death of Charlie Watts
Sawyer Ramsay 24 Contributor The Rolling Stones are one of the most influential rock and blues bands of all time. They have produced over thirty studio albums in a period of almost sixty years. Fans from around the world were shocked on August 24, 2021, when it was announced that Charlie Watts, the original drummer... Continue Reading →
Donda Review
Alec Compton 22 Arts & Culture Editor Donda is the 10th studio album by rapper, singer, and fashion designer Kanye West. After three public listening parties held at various stadiums across the United States, Donda was released on August 29, 2021, sporting features from the likes of The Weeknd, Jay Z, and Travis Scott. The record carries over the themes of faith from Kanye’s 9th album Jesus Is King, but delves into... Continue Reading →