Stephen Kearse

Contributing Writer

Stephen Kearse is a contributing writer for The Nation. He has contributed to The BafflerPitchfork, and The New York Times Magazine.

The rap duo Armand Hammer.

Armand Hammer’s Guide Through History’s Underbelly Armand Hammer’s Guide Through History’s Underbelly

The New York rap duo’s searing songs shed light on outrages around the globe.

Apr 21, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Judas and the Black Messiah’s Stark Binaries

Judas and the Black Messiah’s Stark Binaries Judas and the Black Messiah’s Stark Binaries

A new biopic of Fred Hampton poses a question: Will a film ever capture the radical spirit of the Black Panthers?

Mar 18, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Playboi Carti in LA

Playboi Carti, Rap Iconoclast Playboi Carti, Rap Iconoclast

His recent album Whole Lotta Red boasts not just rockstar appeal but a sense of self-discovery and experimentation.

Mar 2, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

The Worldmaking of N.K. Jemisin

The Worldmaking of N.K. Jemisin The Worldmaking of N.K. Jemisin

Through her speculative fiction, Jemisin builds worlds and probes them—exploring who they work for and how.

Jan 25, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

The Legend of MF DOOM

The Legend of MF DOOM The Legend of MF DOOM

On the legacy of a rap music auteur. 

Jan 7, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Open Mike Eagle’s Songs of Redemption

Open Mike Eagle’s Songs of Redemption Open Mike Eagle’s Songs of Redemption

His new album—Anime, Trauma and Divorce—uses rap as a vehicle for self-examination and restoration.

Dec 30, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

The Looter Is the Most Misunderstood Figure in American Politics

The Looter Is the Most Misunderstood Figure in American Politics The Looter Is the Most Misunderstood Figure in American Politics

A conversation with Vicky Osterweil about misconceptions around the politics of looting and its radical tradition.

Sep 3, 2020 / Q&A / Stephen Kearse

On the Record’s Act of Witness

On the Record’s Act of Witness On the Record’s Act of Witness

Telling the stories of three women who accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault, the documentary is a powerful case study in how institutions have failed Black women.

Jul 14, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

The Racist Roots of New Technology

The Racist Roots of New Technology The Racist Roots of New Technology

From facial recognition to VR, Ruha Benjamin’s new book illuminates how cutting-edge tech reproduces inequalities.

Jun 15, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Moses Sumney’s Songs of Freedom

Moses Sumney’s Songs of Freedom Moses Sumney’s Songs of Freedom

His immersive album græ explores the costs of personal and artistic autonomy.

Jun 3, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

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