Ok YouTube algorithm. I really - and I mean REALLY - didn’t want to watch a video with “white rappers in hip-hop” in the title. But then I noticed it was Talib Kweli and Murs talking, and that said “white rapper” in question was El-P. Murs calls El, “My Chuck D.” Kweli says El laid … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Kweli And Murs On El-P (And A Personal Story)
Tag: creativity
Pee Wee And Establishing Range
I’m thinking a lot about how in a presentation, or song, or piece of art - the creator establishes “average” and “deviation.” In music it might be loud/soft (like the Pixies). In art it might be contrast/lack thereof (like Rothko). In a presentation - you have to set the average, and then deviate to make … Continue reading Pee Wee And Establishing Range
Content/Intent Autocorrect Life Philosophy
I was trying to type the word “content” into a note but it kept autocorrecting to “intent.” An iPhone philosophy reminder apparently. Because you know autocorrect will make you type it 18 f$@#ing times until you surrender and click the shamefully suggested first word in the greybar to end the war. But I said this … Continue reading Content/Intent Autocorrect Life Philosophy
Mental Collages
Everything we consume (re: listen to, read, see, etc.) hits our brain for at least a second. It’s fun when we make an amusing connection. Did you know Joy Division was listening exclusively to Sparks’ No. 1 in Heaven and a Frank Sinatra Greatest Hits album when they wrote “Love Will Tear Us Apart” - … Continue reading Mental Collages
Podcast Of The Week: The Inevitability Of Ice Spice
I’m always going to get caught up in “how did this happen” and “where did this even come from” cultural questions. I’m not on TikTok, I’m not deep into drill (although, I’ve dabbled [adjusts monocle]), and I didn’t really enjoy much of the SoundCloud rapper phase. But I have been surprised by how much I’ve … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: The Inevitability Of Ice Spice
Sunday Music: 100 gecs (10,000 gecs)
I don't really like the genre branding of "hyper-pop" but I get it. 100 gecs are hyper and full of pop, after all. But there's more going on here - and on the second album, we now know it wasn't just a flash in the pan. While I never wrote a dedicated 100 gecs post, … Continue reading Sunday Music: 100 gecs (10,000 gecs)
When Headlines/Subject-Lines Don’t Feel True
A quote from Harry Dry (before you write your next headline/email subject line/etc.) “Good copy is falsifiable.” A clear message tells the reader “this is provable, if you want to prove it for yourself.” A marketing example (which Dry uses) - let’s say you’re selling an energy drink. Ask yourself which of these feels true: … Continue reading When Headlines/Subject-Lines Don’t Feel True
It’s Hard To Be Really Good At Anything You Don’t Think About In The Shower
A Paul Graham-ism that brings me comfort as I get water all over my bathroom floor while trying to record voice notes mid-shower, risking life and limb (and confusing my dog, who is patiently waiting for me to stay in the shower long enough to steal my socks). It’s hard to do a really good … Continue reading It’s Hard To Be Really Good At Anything You Don’t Think About In The Shower
Sunday Music: De La Soul Listening Guide
All the official De La Soul albums are streaming now. FINALLY. Do you know how many years I've only been able to listen in my car to the CDs (where my only CD player lives) ever since my last iPod bricked?! It's been way too long. I want you to join me. I also realize not … Continue reading Sunday Music: De La Soul Listening Guide
Respectful Disagreement (And Andy Warhol Disses)
We need friends who we both respect AND can disagree with. Because there’s no growth without resistance. Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe were that type of friends. They were also upward-bound artists. Mapplethorpe loved Andy Warhol and wanted to be a part of his scene. Smith didn’t feel the same. But they were still deeply … Continue reading Respectful Disagreement (And Andy Warhol Disses)