Personal Essay
Plotting Life’s Key Moments Through Songs
“Songs like Frank Ocean’s ‘Super Rich Kids’ and ScHoolboy Q’s ‘Man of The Year’ made highlight reels out of otherwise banal moments.”
The Music Industry Is Trapped in a Void Year
The void year may become a void period, with several years of stillness yet to come.
Kenny Mason Is the Sound of Change
Kenny Mason’s “Firestarter,” from his debut ‘Angelic Hoodrat,’ is the perfect song for my emotional moment.
Frank Ocean’s “Super Rich Kids” & That Time I Took 11 Shots in 30 Minutes
“Real love, I’m searching for a real love.”
Mac Miller’s Final Album Isn’t Just About Mac Miller. It’s About Us
“I am still learning about Mac, learning about what his last moments were. I guess that is why I am crying.”
I Needed to Write About Mac Miller’s “Good News”
“I intended for this piece to be a lyrical break down of a superb song by my favorite artist...”
How Juice WRLD's “Legends” Helped Me Cope with a Friend’s Death
“Legends” is a song for when you have nothing left to say, but you still feel the need to say something.
On Noname & the Policing of Black Women in Music
To avoid this inconvenience, we are told, “just quit.” That’s the scariest part.
2009 Was a Magical Time in Hip-Hop
“Maybe I was naïve, but in 2009, it felt like artist growth was purely organic and fan-driven.”
Kanye’s ‘Jesus Is King’ Made Me Appreciate Christianity for the First Time
Kanye is an imperfect person. ‘Jesus Is King’ is an imperfect album. Christianity is an imperfect religion. But they can all inspire us to do better.
Black Women In Music Deserve Better
On Summer Walker, and why Black women should be able to breathe without being analyzed for perfection.
YBN Cordae's ‘The Lost Boy’ & Remembering My Grandmother
YBN Cordae’s album shows us that energy cannot be destroyed.
Free Nationals' "Time": A Difficult Listening Experience
Where Mac Miller’s music brings me comfort, peace, and fresh perspective, “Time” just hurt my heart.
Do Albums Still Possess the Power to Change Our Lives?
"At 27, I’m no longer encountering new music that moves me the way it once did."
It Isn't Too Late to Become a Nipsey Hussle Fan
I regret not being a part of the original ride, but I’m here to help ensure his legacy is eternal.
I Went to Nipsey Hussle’s Memorial
There was a eulogy in some shape or form everywhere you turned.
My Parents Love The Internet's 'Hive Mind'
Something amazing happened: we were hearing each other.
Saba's 'CARE FOR ME' Taught Me How to Immortalize Pain
In 2017, I lost one of my closest friends.
Why Dominic Fike Makes Me Happy
Everything moves so quickly, you have to have a take. Here’s mine: Dominic Fike brings me unquestionable joy.
My Weekend Alone With Dave's ‘Psychodrama’
‘Psychodrama’ is a collected tome, weighty and secure in the hand.
I’ve Been Sleeping on Future, I Apologize
Admitting you’re an imperfect music listener isn’t easy.