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
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
His immersive album græ explores the costs of personal and artistic autonomy.
Jun 3, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
Between God and Science in the Surreal Silicon Valley of ‘Devs’ Between God and Science in the Surreal Silicon Valley of ‘Devs’
Alex Garland’s first foray into television is a heady tale of tech world delusion.
May 12, 2020 / Stephen Kearse
Jay Electronica’s Wayward Rap Journey Jay Electronica’s Wayward Rap Journey
His mesmerizing, flawed, and long-awaited debut album, A Written Testimony, is one of the strangest rap records in recent memory.
Mar 25, 2020 / Stephen Kearse
070 Shake’s Master Plan 070 Shake’s Master Plan
The New Jersey rapper’s debut album is a showcase for a one-of-a-kind voice.
Feb 13, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
Ted Chiang’s Sci-Fi Goes Beyond the Promise of Technology Ted Chiang’s Sci-Fi Goes Beyond the Promise of Technology
In his short story collection Exhalation, he builds social worlds where every character and object is deeply intertwined in history and in future possibility.
Nov 19, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
Lauren Michele Jackson Wants to Change How We Talk About Appropriation Lauren Michele Jackson Wants to Change How We Talk About Appropriation
Her debut essay collection White Negroes presents a more artful and nuanced way to examine the frictions of cultures colliding.
Nov 8, 2019 / Q&A / Stephen Kearse
Danny Brown Is the Patron Saint of Rap Misfits Danny Brown Is the Patron Saint of Rap Misfits
Uninterested in universal truths or uplifting mantras, the Detroit artist’s new album, uknowhatimsayin¿, takes pride in his singular life.
Oct 10, 2019 / Stephen Kearse
Chance the Rapper’s Tedious Benediction Chance the Rapper’s Tedious Benediction
On The Big Day, Chance gets swallowed up by the pomp, circumstance, and symbolism of his long-awaited debut album.
Aug 7, 2019 / Stephen Kearse