Haram, The Mole Agent, and Just Us
Featuring a podcast episode with Jerrod White.
Welcome to the forty-second installation of The Q : your one-stop weekly newsletter of culture recommendations.
Album
Haram by Armand Hammer
When Haram was announced around a month ago, the entire hip-hop world let out a collective, “ohhhh shit.” The hottest producer teaming up with the two of the best wordsmiths on this planet was a recipe for success. But, I don’t think anyone could have foreseen an album like this. On Haram, Armand Hammer’s music leaves Earth and enters a new realm where the only basic universal truths are determined by The Alchemist’s drum patterns. The samples are more eclectic, their voices are more melodic, and their lyrics are more free-flowing, to the point where they envelop the listener in psychedelic and chaotic streams.
Film
The Mole Agent directed by Maite Alberdi
While The Mole Agent is riddled with quirky and funny moments, it is also a heartbreaking look at the harsh realities of what many face at the end of their life. Although many of the nursing home’s residents do need living assistance, others are still fully autonomous. They are sent to the facility by their families who, in any capacity, do not have the resources, time, or will take care for them anymore. It may seem like these elderly residents are oblivious to their situation, but in reality, they are painfully aware.
Book
Just Us by Claudia Rankine
Claudia Rankine has been doing the work to unpack racism and the effects of white supremacy in America. She’s been doing the work since her first book, Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric, and continued to do so with her second book, Citizen: An American Lyric. Once Rankine had our attention, she delivered the final book in the trilogy, Just Us: An American Conversation. While she may have delivered a more artistic and palatable message on racism through Citizen, Just Us is unambiguous and straightforward. Through this book, Rankine presents cited facts while exploring every avenue of thought on a multitude of topics in an effort to address them before they become deeply embedded in our society.
Playlist
Elizabeth’s “tfuwant” features Lady Gaga, Summer Walker, and Giveon
Elizabeth’s favorite track: “ARE YOU OK?“ by Daniel Caesar
Podcast
Episode #42: Mexico City Mocha and an Interview with Jerrod White
On this week's episode, Sam and Teresa interview Jerrod White over a cup of Mexico City Mocha. Jerrod White is a multi-media artist based in Brooklyn, New York, who makes deeply emotional drawings and portraits. He is also a photographer and works with various artists on album art. White talks to Teresa and Sam about dabbling in different mediums, balancing work and his art, as well as his artistic process.
