Why do these things keep happening?
, this week took a somber turn. I planned to write tons of things about The Internet’s new album, Hive Mind, and how it’s love and just the album we needed, but then I heard about the passing of Nia Wilson, in my homeland of Oakland, California. Nia, was an 18-year old young woman who was riding BART with her older sister after leaving a family event. A pig/coward, John Lee Cowell, attacked her and her sister by stabbing them, leaving Nia dead on the scene.
Why do things like this keep happening?
How can you have so much hate in your heart for someone you don’t even know? I’ll never understand, and I am thankful for that fact. May Nia rest in peace, and may her family be lifted by our prayers. Her family has a Gofundme to help with costs associated with the unexpected death. If you feel it in your heart, please donate.
Album: Hive Mind by The Internet
Sometimes I listen to The Internet and forget they were affiliated with Odd Future. Am I alone here? Nonetheless, like many, I was patiently waiting for the new album from the Internet, Hive Mind, and it did not disappoint. The album is funky, full of soul and in general, a good vibe. It's too early to say whether or not this will be the album of the summer but I would say it's definitely a contender. My jams: "Come Over" "La Di Da" and "Stay the Night."
Podcast Listen: The Call with Erica Simon Interview with Janet Mock
I would also like to use this time to shout out a really great podcast episode on The Call with Erica Simon, with my spirit sister, and hair icon Janet Mock. A quote that really stuck out to me was "I am my sister's keeper. That's what I do. Everything that I do is centered around my sister's." Listen to the podcast here.
Playlist of The Week:
Since I am currently on an Internet high, I created a playlist around the album, however, I switched it up a little bit. Instead of just making a playlist of the album I made a playlist with some of their solo albums, group projects and those who they have worked with in the past. Also, since I have the tendency to do the most and be a long-winded with playlist creation, I only added 30 songs to the playlist. // Listen to the playlist here.
Additionally, if you haven't heard the other playlists from previous newsletters, you can check them out here: Beats & Reads // Sampled Summer // Throwback
If you're like me and slightly obsessed with 2 Dope Queen's HBO special--you're in luck. The HBO special has been picked up for four more episodes airing in 2019!
A few months ago, I watched a great documentary on Hulu called "City of Gold." The documentary was about LA Food Critic, Jonathan Gold, his calling into food and some of the restaurants who he helped put on the map. Sadly, I woke up Sunday morning to find that Jonathan died from cancer after being diagnosed earlier in the month. Here are some great articles about his life and career: Los Angeles Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold dies at 57 // To be a writer in Los Angeles is to contend with the words of Jonathan Gold, and Tributes to restaurant critic Jonathan Gold pour in from chefs, food world.
Can money buy happiness? I know you're supposed to say no, but let's be honest, it makes it easier to do a lot of things. Here's an interesting read about how to be happy.
As a long time Warrior fan, I’m pretty happy that Demarcus Cousins is coming to the Warriors. Aside from him being cute, he’s a good player. In attempts to introduce him to the region, the Chronicle ran this article—I found it to be quirky in places, and odd in others—I’m sure he won’t be psychoanalysis-ed more in the Bay than somewhere else. Also, this article fails in comparison to the great intro to Oakland that my dear friend Niema Jordan wrote about Kevin Durant coming to Oakland, so we are rolling with that instead as it still applies. Read Niema’s article here.
Shonda didn't come to play withyou kids. She is about to conquer Netflix, and I'm pretty excited--especially for the show based around Ellen Pao's Reset.
With your mile-long to-do list, more than likely you're not going to get through it even with dedication. Instead, focus on the accomplishments that you did make. "Banish the guilt by feeling good about what you have already done."
Beyonce and Jay Z may be bringing OTR II to Netflix. I'm ready because definitely too cheap to attend the concert. Random note, I got lost at the last Beyonce concert I went to.
Loved this interview with Laura Mercier and I think you will too.