A few notes on a few things

A few notes on interesting things this week.

I’m a little under the weather this week, thanks to allergies and the unpredictable weather, but I did want to share a few things that I thought were worth sharing this week.

Read: Future Is The Best Rapper Alive
I was very skeptical about this feature on rapper Future, claiming that he is the greatest rapper alive because Jay Z, Black Thought, and Nas still are alive. However, I will say that the article looks more at his impact than him being a great rapper (because he isn’t), and some of it was interesting. Reading this article also made me think of the summer of 2015 when DS2 came out. I remember being in New York with my girlfriends for Grits & Biscuits’ epic 10th Anniversary, and the Future mixtape just came out. I remember just being out and about and going to different parties and all the boys dancing and rapping in circles. It was fascinating and a moment that I wanted to go into the circle and pinch cheeks because it was so cute. The level of Black Boy Joy that that album created will always be nostalgic to me. I still, however, don’t think he’s the greatest rapper alive. 

Read: Yes, You Can Be More Than Your Job Title
I loved this read and agreed with the sentiments. Also, I don’t know if it means that I have moments of being dense, but I enjoyed the photos and the timestamps that were included in the article.

Listen: Bad on Paper Podcast Episode “Our Morning Routines”
The article above made me think of this podcast episode from the Bad on Paper podcast about morning routines. I will be writing more about this soon, but I think having a morning routine, especially during the week, is a way to keep yourself centered throughout the day. Also curious, if you have been a longtime listener of this podcast, how do you feel about the new dynamic between Olivia and Becca? I’m surprised how much I like the podcast with the exit of Grace, who was initially the draw for me with the podcast.

Read: Danyel Smith Tells the History of Black Women in Pop
I cannot wait to read Danyel’s new book Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop. I have heard rave reviews about the book, and Danyel will always be one of my favorite writers on music and culture, hands down. I thought this interview was great, and here were a few blurbs that stuck out to me:

“I feel that Black women, including myself, are often written about in summary. We’re written about as firsts. We’re written about with the point being how we’re changing somebody else’s life.”

“These people are actual people to me. I’ve never looked at celebrities or famous artists as anything but actual people. Even when I’ve had to fight to get them on the covers of magazines and things like that. I don’t view them as these aliens, which I think more and more people treat them as—especially Black artists.”

“And that’s why “Shine Bright.” Because—not to be too corny on it or step too hard on it—but it comes from two things: “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine,” and Rihanna’s “shine bright like a diamond.” Those are the references for that title.”

Watch: First Ladies on Showtime
I don’t have much to say about this quite yet, BUT just a question, why Viola?

That’s it for this week. I’ll see you next week in a normal edition.

---

I launched paid subscriptions for subscribers to join. So if you feel moved and would like to contribute as a sign of support and appreciation for this newsletter, I would appreciate it. Paid subscribers will have access to more content like reading digests, weekly playlists, and GIFs.