Reflection, Dance of the 41, and The Nasty Business of a Bodyguard
Featuring an interview with IAMGAWD.
Welcome to the fifty-first installation of The Q : your one-stop weekly newsletter of culture recommendations.
Album
Reflection by Loraine James
Loraine James’ music is known for its glitchy feel. James rarely repeats a pattern and even within individual songs, it can be difficult to make out exactly where certain rhythms start and end. Rhythms flow over and under each other, making each track uniquely difficult to wrap your head around.
Film
Dance of the 41 directed by David Pablos
In Pablos’ Netflix feature film, the double life of a fictional aspiring Mexican politician pressured by heteronormative constraints is placed in the context of the real-life scandal from which the film takes its name. The Dance of the 41 occurred in 1901 in Mexico City when police raided a clandestine party and arrested all the men present for immoral conduct. The party was hosted by a secret society consisting of many of Mexico’s most powerful gay men, and most famously, 19 of the men arrested were wearing women’s clothing.
Book
The Nasty Business of a Bodyguard by Elijah Douresseau
In less than 200 pages, Douresseau illustrates how a seemingly simple factor of life is so finely interwoven in all aspects of the human mind, body, and spirit. Food fuels the efforts of both the hero and the villain, is used for first hellos and last goodbyes, creates new memories while resurfacing others, and is used as a tool for flattery, manipulation, and deception. Food gives life, but this book proves that it can also take it away.
Playlist
Rachel’s “night drive: kowley” features Noah Mac, Paolo Nutini, and Kid Cudi
Rachel’s favorite track: “Space Cadet” by The Technicolors
Description: “A smol playlist for driving around the Michigan suburbs at night.”
Podcast
Episode #50: Banana Nut Milkshake and an Interview with IAMGAWD
On this week's episode, Sam and Teresa interview IAMGAWD over a glass of banana nut milkshake. IAMGAWD is an emcee from Chicago, who recently joined forces with producer Custom Made for an album titled The Eternal Reflection. The 12-track album was released on April 2, 2021, and features artists such as Brittney Carter, Oliv Blu, Philmore Greene and Mr. Akryte to name a few. IAMGAWD talks to Sam and Teresa about dedicating his album to Chicago, the story behind the album and its artwork, as well as the way he has matured as an artist.