Let's Talk About... Kanye West

Some topics are more difficult to discuss than others. Due to the uncharted circumstances we find ourselves in, it’s easy to discourage discourse instead of tackling these divisive subjects in an effort to reach logical and reasonable conclusions. I value having constructive environments and platforms which encourage learning, communication, and understanding, which is why I’m starting this series on my blog. “Let’s Talk About…” will cover a wide variety of topics which, at times, can appear difficult to navigate and comprehend. I’m going to try to articulate my perspectives as clearly as possible, which will hopefully simultaneously further your understanding on the different subjects I’ll be covering. To kick things off, I’m going to be discussing Kanye West, mental health, and the perpetuation and enablement of toxic behavior. Let’s get into it.

I find it necessary to begin by stating that, generally, I’m a pretty big fan of Kanye West. I grew up listening to all of his albums to the point that he became, and still is, my most listened-to artist on Spotify of all-time. At his best, Kanye West is a trend-setting and creative genius who uses his platform to advance progressive ideas and provide a voice for the voiceless. But it has been a while since we’ve seen Kanye’s best. Over the past few years, it’s clear that Kanye’s behavior and perspective have both changed, as his public statements, interviews, and album rollouts have become more manic and unpredictable. This downward trend has reached a boiling point recently, as Kanye declared a presidential bid and seems to have had an emotional breakdown at his recent South Carolina campaign rally. Kanye claims to battle Bipolar Personality Disorder, and recent events would hint that this self-diagnosis may be accurate. While many are looking to make light and jokes out of this situation, I’ve begun to realize that there is nothing funny here. This is the springboard for a necessary discussion about mental health we need to have in this country.

Mental health issues can present themselves in a variety of ways. Happiness and sadness aren’t the only two emotions associated with Bipolar Personality Disorder; things can become manic, unstable, and strange as they have recently with Mr. West. Let’s also not forget that Kanye was involved in a severe car accident years ago which could have caused a traumatic brain injury which could be contributing to these recent episodes. Kanye has claimed he stops taking his prescribed medications when working on a new music project, which he seems to be currently after promoting his supposedly upcoming album DONDA. Instead of those around him stepping in and getting him help, their complicit nature has silently encouraged these behaviors and actions. I’m not nullifying Kanye’s responsibility — he needs to seek help for himself, too — but often times, those struggling with mental health issues have lost perspective on their circumstances and are not in the right mindset to seek the help they need. We need to make healthcare accessible for everyone who needs to address mental health issues, and remove the stigma and shame surrounding seeking help. The company Kanye has situated himself with haven’t helped him recover, and the twenty-four-hour news cycle has continued to perpetuate the headlines which only aggravate the situation.

A former reality TV-star and debatably successful businessman (but not really) became president in 2016, and it seems that many now believe that the most prestigious office and job in the world is up for grabs for anyone to claim. Instead of immediately disregarding Kanye’s announcement of a presidential candidacy, social media and the mainstream news gave this story much more credibility than it deserved from the jump. Kanye’s supposed platform isn’t substantial, it’s built on verifiable misinformation and untruths, such as the recent claim that Harriet Tubman didn’t actually free slaves. These outlandish comments gather press and attention which I used to chalk up as a botched album rollout to increase first-week sale numbers, but now believe are an unknown cry for help from a deeply troubled man dealing with serious mental health issues.

This whole situation is developing, complicated, and sad. Just as soon as Kanye seemed to be on the right track joining Black Lives Matter protests, donating two million dollars to related causes, and claiming to have thrown away all of his Trump apparel, things just get worse again. I sincerely hope that Kanye seeks help, gets treatment, and reinvents his image, returning to the sort of artist he used to be. It’s looking less and less likely that this will happen, though, which disheartens me. What do you think of Kanye West as an artist and public figure? What do you think will happen next with him? Let me know. Thanks for reading.

Rest In Peace, John Lewis

On Friday night, lifelong activist and civil rights advocate John Lewis passed away at 80 years old after his fight against pancreatic cancer. After being one of the youngest leaders in the March on Washington in 1963, Lewis went on to represent Georgia’s fifth congressional district for seventeen terms while continuing to strive for equal rights and treatment for all. Lewis was one of the most influential and inspiring voices of my lifetime, and I hope his ideas live on for generations after him.

It saddens me that his passing came at such a turbulent and unstable time in this country. Recent events, protests, and movements have highlighted how far we still have to go as a nation. The same systemic injustices which Lewis identified throughout his life still exist just as much now as they ever have. Disproportionate incarceration rates, police violence, generational poverty, wage inequity, voter suppression, and gerrymandering are just some of the realities which many black Americans unfairly face on a daily basis in this country. The Black Lives Matter movement isn’t simply a trend, but instead a continuation and reminder that we need to actively seek legislative justice to address and resolve these systemic failures, continue to educate and familiarize ourselves with black history and experiences, and advocate for a just society which treats all fairly and equally.

It hurts to lose an icon who was such a powerful force toward progressivism and change in this country. While my outreach and influence is limited on this blog, I also believe in being the change I want to see in the world, which means speaking up about issues which need to be addressed. To quote John Lewis, “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.” In a time of struggle and strife, it’s important to stay engaged and active instead of accepting the inequities around us. That’s what I’m always going to continue to do. Rest in peace, and power, Mr. Lewis.

Thanks for reading.

Album Review: Legends Never Die - Juice WRLD

In December 2019, the hip-hop community was shocked and appalled to hear that Chicago artist Juice WRLD had passed away from an accidental drug overdose. Prior to his untimely and premature passing, Juice WRLD had become an established figure in music, delivering messages which resonated with a new generation of listeners. While I’ve never particularly connected with Juice WRLD’s aesthetic or lyrical content, I’ve always respected the path he took by earnestly and openly discussing his issues with anxiety and drug use. This review is specifically going to discuss the music featured on this first posthumous record of his, and I want to preface it by saying that I find this project more enjoyable than not. While not every song is perfect, it hurts to think that a voice so young is no longer with us, and that his loyal fanbase is left without the idol they once looked up to being around any longer. Juice WRLD was born after I was. After his and Pop Smoke’s recent passing, it’s disheartening to see so many young artists die so young.

Juice WRLD’s voice is instantly recognizable and extremely unique, and that remains a constant throughout Legends Never Die. The opening track “Anxiety - Intro” features a beautiful soundbite which becomes bittersweet to listen to when considering the circumstances this album has been released in. The sentiment that Juice WRLD has touched a new generation in the way few else could is very accurate. The following song “Conversations” features a hard-hitting bass and chilling lyrics about drug abuse which are heartbreaking in retrospect. The following songs “Titanic”, “Bad Energy”, and “Righteous”, are above-par but don’t stop me in my tracks. These are standard Juice WRLD songs, and the constant reminders of the artist’s tragedy becomes downright depressing to be reminded of at a point. I feel similarly about “Blood On My Jeans”, which doesn’t offer anything particularly interesting to me. “Tell Me U Luv Me (with Trippie Redd)” utilizes the feature here well, as Trippie Redd’s vocals pair naturally with Juice WRLD’s. “Hate The Other Side (with Marshmello feat. Polo G., The Kid LAROI)” doesn’t do a lot for me, and its short runtime doesn’t allow the track to develop into anything special. “Get Through It - Interlude” transitions nicely, though, into the following tracks on this project.

“Life’s A Mess (feat. Halsey)” feels like what could be a radio hit, and Halsey’s appearance seems logical and appropriate. “Come & Go (with Marshmello)” is an interesting track, but its blend of rock and dubstep elements don’t quite achieve what I think they were going for with this song, which reminds me of some of the duds Post Malone has dropped in the past couple of years, which prioritize experimentation over quality song-writing. “I Want It” is ambient and uses strong reverberation, but winds up forgettable to me. “Wishing Well” is a highlight on the project for me, featuring a smooth and memorable hook. “Up Up And Away” is in the same territory as some of the less impressive songs preceding it, as this track doesn’t do anything inventive or spectacular. “The Man, The Myth, The Legend - Interlude” is a respectful homage to Juice WRLD’s talent in the booth, which is a nice addition to the project’s themes. “Stay High” and “Can’t Die” take on new meanings in the album’s context, more reminders of Juice WRLD’s tragic passing. Some of the bars here remind me of Mac Miller’s posthumous release in which it seemed like he knew he would pass soon. “Man Of The Year” is almost quintessentially Juice WRLD, but especially braggadocious and upbeat. This is a great closer to an overall enjoyable album, right before “Juice WRLD Speaks From Heaven - Outro” formally closes things out in an appropriate fashion.

Overall, I think that Juice WRLD’s fans are going to be very grateful for this project. The tragic loss of such a young and talented artist is heartbreaking and disheartening, but I believe he would want his fans and listeners to seek joy in the music he was able to deliver in his short time here. This project’s best tracks are certainly worth giving a listen to as an honor of an artist gone too soon.

Thanks for reading.

Favorite tracks: “Conversations”, “Tell Me U Luv Me (with Trippie Redd)”, “Life’s A Mess (feat. Halsey)”, “Wishing Well”, “Can’t Die”, “Man Of The Year”

SCORE: 6/10

Why Hamilton Lives Up To The Hype

Shortly after its 2015 Broadway debut, it became apparent that Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton was quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. As word spread like wildfire about the masterful crafting of its story, its talented and diverse cast, and its inventive subject matter, tickets began to be in short supply and started to become extremely expensive. As someone who is at times skeptical of pop culture outbursts of popularity but also a casual fan of live theater, I resigned myself to the fact that I would likely never see the star-studded original cast perform this show, and decided to be happy for those who did. Luckily enough, the creative geniuses behind this production had the foresight to record the show as it was upon its initial run of success, and now Hamilton is available for viewing on Disney+ after originally being slated for a 2021 release in movie theaters nationwide.

Theoretically, as some cast members have admitted, the concept shouldn’t work. While American Revolutionary history is fascinating, a nearly 3-hour-long musical about it sounds tedious. That description couldn’t be further from the truth. By telling the story of American-then by America-now, as the playwright so brilliantly puts it, Hamilton is able to simultaneously educate us about our country’s foundational history and ideals while also commenting on how far we have to go to reach them. A largely minority cast features the likes of Leslie Odom Jr. and Christopher Jackson playing Aaron Burr and George Washington, respectively, demonstrating how far we’ve come in many regards. But that’s just the half of it.

The music throughout this production is the most inventive, catchy, and captivating of any musical I’ve ever heard, without exaggeration. Miranda pairs traditional theatrical musical tropes with elements of hip-hop, jazz, and soul, which breathe life into an already surprisingly relatable storyline full of heart. Every cast member offers something unique and necessary to the stage, and performances from Renée Elise Goldsberry, Leslie Odom Jr., and Daveed Diggs were entirely worthy of the Tony awards they received. It’s funny, too, especially as Jonathan Groff spits his way through the hilarious refrains written for King George III. Songs such as “Satisfied”, “The Room Where It Happens”, and “My Shot” are accomplishments in their own right, not to mention how easily they get stuck in your head.

After watching the Disney+ release of Hamilton, I fully understand how it garnered as much attention and praise as it did upon its debut. With all of the necessary conversations happening in this country at the moment, Hamilton feels extremely timely and relevant. It demonstrates the power and importance of diversity and representation, reflects on the direction our country is heading and has headed since its founding, and brings some much-needed quality entertainment along the way. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly suggest checking out Hamilton to answer the question, just as Thomas Jefferson asks, “What’d I Miss?” Thanks for reading.

2020 Presidential Election Map Prediction As Of July

Tomorrow is Independence Day here in the United States of America, and I’m sure many will still be partying and celebrating their country with the traditional fireworks and cookouts. I’m fortunate enough to spend this holiday weekend with family, but instead of pretending to have an overinflated sense of patriotism at my country’s weakest point in my lifetime, I will be reflecting and looking ahead. I find that the importance of the injustices and tragedies happening right now outweigh the traditional celebration of this nation. The systemic inequities placed upon the minority population in this country, our failed response to COVID-19 which perpetually worsens as both our leaders and citizens fail to act responsibly, and the lack of basic respect both legally and rhetorically have led me to hope for a better future as I continue to educate myself presently. This Fourth Of July holiday also falls in the middle of an election year, in which we will be granted the opportunity to practice our right to vote for the next president of the United States and to choose our country’s path forward. With only four months until the election, and as campaign season begins to accelerate rather quickly, I believe it’s time to assess how I think the 2020 presidential election would unfold if it were held today. I will be making monthly predictions right up until just days before the actual election. Let’s get into it.

There are certain elements which remain constant and cyclical despite the many variables which decide presidential elections in this country. Some states are consistently partisan in their vote, and because of that, it can be assumed safely that these states will vote for their preferred party on election day. As pictured here, the states that I assume as givens are as follows: HI (D), WA (D), OR, (D), CA (D), IL (D), NY (D), ME (D), VT (D), MA (D), RI (D), CT (D), NJ (D), DE (D), MD (D), DC (D), AK (R), ID (R), UT (R), WY (R), ND (R), SD (R), NE (R), KS (R), OK (R), MO (R), AR (R), LA (R), MS (R), AL (R), SC (R), TN (R), KY (R), IN (R), and WV (R). Visualizing the states which, barring an election-night shock, will go to their presumed parties, makes one realize just how vital swing states are in a given election cycle.

Some states generally vote for one party opposed to the other, but can be slightly swayed due to pressing economic or social issues at the time of voting. As of July, I’m categorizing the likely states as follows: CO (D), NM (D), VA (D), and MT (R). None of these states’ would differ from the 2016 election, but since the difference in votes was more slim last go around, I’m marking these states as likely as opposed to safe for this year’s bout.

Now things get fun. These states are likely to lean in the direction of a particular candidate, but the recent polling makes me think that the eventual popular vote results will be closer than usual in the following states: MN (D), NH (D), IA (R), and TX (R). Three of these states vary back and forth from election-to-election, but it is a surprise to see Texas in the lean column. For decades, Texas was one of the deepest red states in the entire country. Recently, however, polling and senate races have proven that the developing population centers of Austin and Houston are slowly turning this state purple. If Donald Trump is forced to spend some of his campaign finances in the Lone Star State, he will be prevented from spending those assets in the most important states in the upcoming election.

These states are the ones I will be watching most closely on election night, as their outcomes will be both unpredictable and vital for whichever candidate ends up winning the presidency. These states will likely be toss-ups, and for that reason, I have only tilted them in either direction. Those are: NV (D), AZ (D), WI (D), MI (D), PA (D), NC (D), FL (D), OH (R), and GA (R). These predictions are somewhat based on recent polling, but also on the current state of affairs in the country. Voters in states such as Arizona and Florida which have been hit so hard recently by the coronavirus pandemic are likely looking for a different leadership approach than the one currently being offered by the Trump administration. Polls in the midwestern states of Wisconsin and Michigan have been highly favorable for Joe Biden, but after what happened in 2016’s election, I’m not comfortable marking either as anything more than tilted. Pennsylvania and Ohio tend to vote in unison with one another (except for most recently when they split in the 2004 election with OH going to Bush and PA going to Kerry), but I think Joe Biden coming from Pennsylvania will push him over the edge in the state. It’s entirely possible that I could be wrong about these states, but these are just my predictions based on if the election were held today, hence the upcoming monthly editions of these posts. As of now, I have Joe Biden winning the presidency with 334 electoral votes over Donald Trump’s 204.

There are many factors which will impact the election once it is upon us in November. The state of the economy, the severity of the coronavirus, the reaction to Joe Biden’s vice presidential selection, and the outcome of the presidential debates are just a few of the many variables which will decide who our next president will be. But as we enter the Fourth of July weekend, I find it important for us to reflect on where we are as a nation, and what kind of country we want to build and be proud of moving forward. Thanks for reading.