Elliot Rodger UCSB Shooting and Stabbing Rampage

In Isla Vista, California mental illness and misogyny are links to the reckless acts done on behalf of Elliot Rodgers a young individual enrolled at UCSB. It’s important to first point out the media coverage of this unfortunate day. The story was presented in a manner that had undertones of the mental issues and social issues Elliot Rodgers had. His rampage left 6 individuals dead and many others hurt. When headlines on Twitter from news sources were running down my timeline it became difficult for me to click the links to read the stories.

Nas Tracks In Depth

If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) 1996 

I remember growing up in the 90s hearing this song on the radio. This track appeared as the last song on Nas’ second album It Was Written. The lyrics in this song are profound and it holds deep historical context in reference to issues Black Americans are currently dealing with. Nas speaks about marijuana, better housing, the ‘miseducation’ of Blacks, traveling, imprisonment of our men and him ruling the world. It is seemingly a utopia he effortlessly spits to listeners. What helps this song move smoothly is the addition of Lauryn Hill’s soulful voice in the hook at the middle and in the bridge as well as the chorus. This track respectfully is one of the greatest songs Nas has ever released. Simply because it is an uplifting song in which his feelings towards the youth, current Black Americans and how he feels about America currently. 

North Miami Art Museum Art Feud

The Miami Museum of Contemporary Art according to the New York Times has two different directors. One, Babacar M’Bow was appointed by the city manager and yet another has an office in the museum, Alex Gartenfeld. This confusion is only a small piece of the major issues which are a part of the feud happening between the board of trustees and North Miami. According to the New York Times article which appeared in print on May 18, the museum’s board hopes to leave North Miami and merge with the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach. The board believes North Miami hasn’t taken care of the building.

Mama's Gun Review - Erykah Badu

Mama’s Gun Released Nov. 21, 2000

Erykah Badu’s second studio album released on behalf of Motown Records was an iconic album. As a Neo-Soul artist Badu goes against the grain and explores jazz, funk and blues. Her ability to deeply express her feelings and actions through song allows listeners to understand her strength within the genre, neo-soul.  

Badu’s soothing vocals are reminiscent of Black artists who sang passionately during the Harlem Renaissance such as the iconic Billie Holiday. 

Magic Johnson and White Patriarchy

According to CNN.com “[Magic] Johnson became an involuntary figure in the controversy after Sterling named him in the leaked recording”. Due to the issues surrounding race relations throughout American history the Donald Sterling recording expose is prevalent in American’s minds. Sterling’s interview on Tuesday night was shocking to many as proven online as thousands of individuals live tweeted during the interview.