2022 week 34 | renaissance by beyonce

This week, we all knew I had to catch my ass up on the culture of the moment, of the year, perhaps. Beyonce’s newest release (rumored to be part one of three albums in different genres) Renaissance is, as Pitchfork wrote, “an immaculate dance record”, among other high praises. It’s joyful and celebratory, it’s about liberation and reinvention, and it’s sampling and sampling and opening many people’s eyes (mine included) to music they’ve not previously explored. Very into it, very excited, we are Beyonce always.

2020 week 23 | ungodly hour by chloe x halle

welp, so far, this album is a dream and an honor to listen to. it’s a lot of what i needed in this messy and upsetting and tiring and illuminating time. i wasn’t familiar with this duo before seeing Queen Bey post about them and this album on her insta, but who am i to ignore recommendations from my president? according to pitchfork, these massively talented sisters: “starred in three seasons of the sitcom Grown-ish, snagged two Grammy nominations, opened for JAY-Z and Beyoncé’s joint tour, sang at the Super Bowl—oh, and Halle was cast as Princess Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid. In whatever free time they had, the Atlanta duo also managed to write, perform, and contribute production for their second album, Ungodly Hour.” I mean, I’m 6 and 8 years older than them, respectively, and i can barely keep up with this blog, let alone be rad and talented triple-threat powerhouses. basically, give it a listen and then play it again. you won’t be disappointed.