Talk Memory, Judas and the Black Messiah, and The Collected Poems of Bob Kaufman
Featuring an interview with Angry Blackmen
Welcome to the sixty-ninth installation of The Q : your one-stop weekly newsletter of culture recommendations.
Album
Talk Memory by Badbadnotgood
Drenched in style, atmosphere, and the same dark & moody tone the band has associated with their name, Talk Memory brings the same energy and focus from previous titles. Though it’s been a whopping five years since their last project as a collective, Talk Memory sounds like a straight continuation from the last closing track of their previous album with Besides April sounding sonically like a direct sequel to IV’s Cashmere.
Film
Judas and the Black Messiah directed by Shaka King
The more O’Neal gets entangled in the Panthers and moves up the ranks, the more he feels trapped between two worlds. He tries to break free but is overpowered by the FBI, who never cease to remind him that he is powerless against them. Still, the power of the Panthers grows steadily — seemingly in defiance of the resistance they face.
Book
The Collected Poems of Bob Kaufman by Bob Kaufman
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet is a novel that follows two twins, Stella and Desiree, as they go through their lives, separating, reconvening, and touching the lives of those around them. Bennet’s book explores issues of racial identity and belonging, gender identity, family (both blood and found), privilege, and relationships — all while managing to stay historically accurate.
Playlist
Sudeep’s “ARMSLENGTH” features Hole, JPEGMAFIA, and Interpol
Sudeep’s favorite track: “Me and Your Mama” by Childish Gambino
Description: “This was peak mental illness for me.”
Podcast
Episode #64: Honey Coffee and an Interview with Angry Blackmen
On this week's episode, Sam and Teresa interview Angry Blackmen over a cup of honey coffee. Quentin Branch and Brian Warren are the Chicago-based rappers behind Angry Blackmen (ABM). In 2019, the experimental hip hop duo released their debut EP TALKSHIT! to critical acclaim. Most recently, ABM released REALITY! under label Deathbomb Arc. ABM talks to Teresa and Sam about their Chicago influences, how the two creatives met, as well as weaving social commentary into their lyrics.
