Welcome to the forty-eighth installation of The Q : your one-stop weekly newsletter of culture recommendations.
Album
True Sky by AKAI SOLO and Navy blue
True Sky feels like a low-stakes affair at first. The beats feel lo-fi, unlike Navy Blue’s typical lush production style. The entire project is subdued and gentle, like a warm wind. It rocks you to sleep rather than shaking you awake. But even though the project is instrumentally gentle, the instrumental space that producer Navy Blue creates allows AKAI SOLO to really show out lyrically. On True Sky, AKAI has a message about how the world can change one day. It is an expansive and freeing project that asks questions without always having the answers.
Film
The Boy from Medellín directed by Matthew Heineman
Initially, I was a bit hesitant to recommend this film, as I don’t often watch behind-the-scenes celebrity documentaries because of my skepticism that they are nothing more than just PR stunts. But although The Boy from Medellín does have its corny and fabricated moments, its angle is quite interesting — acting as a social commentary on the unique role of the artist in an age defined by the internet and social media. Balvin, who undoubtedly cares deeply for Medellín and his people, finds himself in a position where he feels that anything he chooses to do will be criticized. Nothing he does will ever be enough to please everyone — he either says too much, posts too little, or comes off as uneducated.
Book
Exhausted on the Cross by Najwan Darwish
The ethnic cleansing campaigns against Palestinians are indescribably abhorrent. While heart-wrenching to see, there is a renewed sense of hope that the international attention finally garnered after decades of activism will create a tide of change— there is a feeling that the world is watching this time. It is important to acknowledge the endless work and sacrifice Palestinians have put towards liberation. Many Palestinian artists and writers evoked this change, decades before and continue to do so in this moment. Najwan Darwish is one of these figures. He is a Palestinian poet from Jerusalem, and writes of his experiences in the book Exhausted on the Cross. His work is riveting, but also unsettling.
Playlist
Alice’s “👼” features Miel de Montagne, No Vacation, and Club Kuru
Alice’s favorite track: “Lovers Rock” by TV Girl
Description: “This playlist is pretty versatile — I usually put it on while strolling, working, or fucking lmaooo…..”
Podcast
Episode #47: Mango lassi and an Interview with Rouge
On this week's episode, Sam and Teresa interview Rouge over a mango lassi. Rouge is an MC/artist from Staten Island who just released his album War! on March 26. Rouge talks to Teresa and Sam about the process of putting out an album, his inspirations, and advice for students + collaborators.