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(02/25/22 5:24pm)
A new era of Raveena emerges with her latest release, “Asha’s Awakening.” This album was preceded by her 2021 single “Tweety,” as well as featured singles “Rush” and “Secret,” the latter of which were included on the artist’s new album.
(02/08/21 3:05am)
Black History Month is not just for commemorating the history of Black America. This is a month of honor, allowing us to showcase the raw, intricate and prominent beauty of blackness. It’s important that within this month we acknowledge and support Black people, and one way of doing that is by supporting Black businesses. Here are five Black businesses on Mercer’s campus that you can support to give back to the community.
Minx Moné
Looking to step out with a fresh, new lash extensions? Minx Moné has got you covered! Whether you’re looking for a natural look or for an extra pop with a grand outfit, Minx Moné has what it takes to make you look your absolute best.
Charmed by J
From charm bangles to Croc Jibbitz, Charmed by J has exactly what you need to accessorize any outfit. The affordable prices and wide variety of items and colors allows you to get the perfect gift for anyone on your shopping list.
Urbane TB LLC
Sometimes we all need something that can destress us throughout our busy college lives. That being said, Urbane TB LLC is your go to for elevating your skin with their natural, cruelty-free body butters and scented salts.
Rico & Afán
This fashion brand focuses on creating quality, simplistic, clothing for our people. Specializing in graphic tees and sweatshirts, the simplistically stylish nature of Rico & Afán’s clothing is truly remarkable.
Nya’s Nails
Fairly new to the scene, Nya’s Nails is dedicated to giving you the nails of your dreams! Whether it’s polygel, men’s manicures or even natural nails, your hands will be thoroughly pleased to have been treated with tender care and appreciation through Nya’s Nails.
To check out these businesses as well as many more Black-owned brands and platforms, visit @black.owned.mercer on Instagram here.
(10/11/20 4:00am)
With it officially being the marvelous season that is fall, many things are changing: the weather, leaves and perhaps most importantly, the fashion. Since the fall is a little bit chillier than the summer and spring months, it makes for the best time to bust out boots. My favorite type of boots to wear are chelsea boots, and there are multiple ways to style them to make the perfect outfit.
Here are four ways to style chelsea boots this fall.
Contrast your clothes with your boots
Contrary to popular belief, contrasting colors and textures can actually elevate an outfit. A green top with brown chelsea boots or a yellow top with black boots are ideal pairs. Colors can contrast and still make each other look better than ever before!
Complement your clothes with your boots
Complementing your clothes with your shoes can make a pretty unique look if you do it the right way. If you have a multicolored top with notes of black in it, throw on some black chelsea boots to complete the outfit. The same goes with any other color or shade. Keeping the general tones of your overall outfit consistent with one another is the key to having an outfit that rocks people’s worlds.
Explore various styles of chelsea boots
Sometimes, chelsea boots can come in all different shapes and sizes, accentuating even the most simplistic outfits. From off-white platform chelsea boots to snake-skinned duck chelsea boots, you can truly create endless outfits that will make anyone do a double-take.
Invest in straight pants
Oftentimes, people will combine skinny or slim jeans and pants with their chelsea boots. While I’m all for it, I believe straight-legged pants are the way to go! You can cuff them or uncuff them, but both ways will showcase your knowledge of fashion trends. Cuffing your pants and wearing a contrasting or complementing sock color can add to the eccentric effect of the outfit.
Remember, what you wear is your own choice. It is a reflection and manifestation of you and your internal process. Rock and flaunt your unapologetic, best-looking vibrant self!
(09/29/20 2:21am)
With COVID-19 affecting students’ day-to-day lifestyle, many are obligated to continue their learning over Zoom. Beyond using Zoom for classes, the video communications site is also used for interviews, meetings and other virtual gatherings. An important thing to remember when using Zoom is to maintain the same formalities that regularly occur in person. Here are four ways to keep proper etiquette on your Zoom calls.
Wear something presentable
Now, I’m not saying to wear your best suit and tie, nor am I saying to wear the most flattering dress you have. My tip is this: keep things consistent for the various events you have to attend. If you are attending class, put on your favorite tee. If you’re in an interview, wear a nice collared shirt. Don’t overdress, but never be underdressed.
Seclude yourself and avoid background noise
Whether you are at home or just in your dorm room, sometimes things can get a little loud. Make sure you’re in a space that allows you to hear everything clearly so that there are no distractions during the Zoom call.
Be intentional about your background
A lot of times your background can be very distracting. If you’re in a place with a distracting background, make sure to set your background with an image. Simply search for a photo of a living room or bedroom, save it to your computer and make it your background!
Pay attention
It’s incredibly important that you pay attention as well. Though it can be difficult to focus on online classes, you should apply yourself as best as possible. Give your all, and the results will follow.
With the proper etiquette, you can almost romanticize your Zoom experience and make it feel as though you are taking your courses in person!
(09/20/20 4:00am)
Looking for new artists to listen to? Whether you’re making a new study playlist or jamming out with a few friends, here are five artists that you should definitely be listening to this fall.
Lianne La Havas
British singer Lianne La Havas has created timeless classics such as “What You Don’t Do” and “Unstoppable,” making her a standout artist this year. Her most recent and self-entitled album, “Lianne La Havas,” combines a collection of pop beats with soulful ballads, showcasing her powerful and unique voice.
Jaden Smith
Jaden has just recently stepped back into the scene with his album “CTV3,” taking a new look at hip hop and rap. This album essentially combines rap and alternative genres, but he intertwines them in such a profound way that any ear can love them! If you are already a fan of Jaden, you’ll with a doubt love this album as well.
The Neighbourhood
Their 2013 hit “Sweater Weather” was just the beginning for the rock band, The Neighbourhood. After releasing three albums since then, they now will be releasing another one entitled “Chip Chrome and the Monotones.” The album will be released Sept. 25th, but they have pre-released a few songs such as “Pretty Boy” and “Cherry Flavoured.”
Joji
Alternative singer Joji will also be releasing an album on Sept. 25th, mixing funk, pop and alternative into an extensive 18 track record. From his song “Daylight” with Diplo to his single “Run,” this album will not disappoint. I just know that this will make some great playlists!
Victoria Monét
Her newest album “Jaguar” combines soul, dance and pop. A mix of love and dance takes over the album, making it the perfect summer (and fall) album to funk throughout the year. The joviality of the entire album simply puts you in a positive and touching space, which is something we definitely need throughout this time. Check out “Go There With You”—it’s one of my favorites!
These five artists are making this year one of the best for music yet. With their music, you’re sure to have a musical blast!
(08/24/20 4:00am)
Many new and returning artists took over the music scene this summer, with female rappers standing out the most. From the audacious flows of Saweetie to the powerful lyrics of Chika, here are five female rappers to check out and add to your playlist.
Saweetie
Saweetie has given us the timeless favorites “My Type” and “ICY GIRL,” but this summer she released “Tap In,” which truly took over the summer. The song sampled the beats of Too Shorts “Blow the Whistle,” and she did a fantastic job executing it. Looking for a song to listen to with your girls? This is the one for you.
Chika
Chika is fairly new to the scene, but she made major headlines with her song “Crown,” which took over the graduation season for the class of 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning, Chika became the rainbow that shined right through our clouds when we needed it most. The poise and care in her lyrics provide true meaning, inspiring listeners to push through. Since her big break, she has released many new beats including her groovy single “U Should.”
Flo Milli
Being new to the rap scene doesn’t mean that you can’t succeed in more ways than one! She gave us “Beef Flomix” and “In the Party,” but has since then released her debut album, “Ho, why is you here?”. At just 19 years old, Flo Milli is truly changing the game and paving the way for more female rappers to take a stand in the rap game. Who can stop Flo Milli?
Megan Thee Stallion
“Hot girl summer” creator Megan Thee Stallion released a new song with Cardi B, entitled “WAP,” and it might just lead the year for best of female rap. The quick-spitting flows of Megan mixed with the pop beats of Cardi B allow for a spellbinding combination. Two powerhouses in one song? It can’t be beat!
City Girls
The City Girls released their newest album “City on Lock” this June, after stealing the spotlight for a few years with their songs “Act Up” and “Take Yo Man.” With the features of fellow rappers such as Doja Cat, Yo Gotti and Lil Baby, this album is one to never forget.
Overall, these new rappers have taken the spotlight from even the most well-known rappers. Keep up to date with these five female artists because they’re going to do great things!
(08/21/20 4:21pm)
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing us to adjust by wearing face masks, many are looking for various masks to collect for their daily use. If you’re one of those people, then junior neuroscience major Sanaa Yusuf has the perfect masks just for you.
Yusuf got started making masks when they came to the realization that many homeless communities would be negatively affected by the pandemic.
“I was having a bit of a crisis during the pandemic when I realized that there are people who don’t have access to masks, specifically those in Atlanta’s homeless communities,” they said. “My cousin was involved with a GoFundMe to provide care packages to Atlanta’s homeless community so I figured that I could start making masks to sell and to give to my cousin to hand out.”
Yusuf learned how to use their mother’s sewing machine and quickly figured that fabric masks aren’t viable options for the homeless community since they have to be cleaned every day. With the money they collected from fabric mask sales, they began to donate funds for disposable masks for homeless people.
Yusuf has been creating masks on an informal and small scale, taking orders from their Instagram account and by word of mouth. Their masks are good quality, double-layered, 100% cotton fabric masks with pipe cleaners for metal nose wires. The masks are put together with the sewing machine and have elastic straps as the ear loops.
The original GoFundMe that Yusuf was donating to has closed, but they hope to continue to donate funds to other causes to support those in need.
“Hopefully mask sales will continue to help fund all of those as well as provide people with masks that they enjoy wearing,” they said.
To order your very own mask from Yusuf, contact them through their Instagram account.
(06/19/20 3:30pm)
At this time, a multitude of national and international protests over police brutality are occurring. This, along with the continuation of systemic racism, is causing the world to seek concrete change. Many people of all backgrounds are looking into ways to best commemorate, celebrate and understand both the history and culture within Blackness. One way in which people are doing this is through Juneteenth.
June 19, 1863, also known as Juneteenth, marks the day on which the end of slavery within the United States was commemorated. Spanning all the way back to the late 19th century, Major General Gordon Granger and the Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, with the information that the enslaved were now free.
While President Abraham Lincoln made the Emancipation Proclamation effective as of January 1, 1863, the document had almost no impact and was hardly a real catalyst for the liberation of slaves. Although it was an executive order, no actual changes were made until General Robert E. Lee surrendered and General Granger took the lead. The 13th Amendment was passed on January 31, 1865, abolishing slavery within the United States, but nothing was fully celebrated until June of that same year.
The two-and-a-half-year delay in receiving this incredibly important news of the Emancipation Proclamation is pretty interesting to note. Many explanations behind this come about, ranging from the murder of a messenger to even the deliberate withholding of vital information.
In layman’s terms, the enslaved were “free” as the Emancipation Proclamation was finalized in 1863, but it wasn’t until two and a half years later that it was actually celebrated and implemented within society. Since then, Juneteenth has been acknowledged within our world, but how can we commemorate it? Here are three ways to commemorate Juneteenth this year.
Educate and inform yourself
Take the time to invest in your knowledge! There’s plenty of time to learn the integral parts of Black history, and having that knowledge is such a powerful thing. When reading about Black history, make sure to also reach into the history that’s being made currently. Every day Black people are making history, so it’s important to know that. Did you know that Black inventor Garrett Morgan was the inventor of the three-light traffic light?
Invest in Black businesses
So many Black people have heavy influences in their lives. They take their talents and skills and use those in accordance with their influences to create meaningful work. There are a multitude of business owners willing to sell you their products or services that you can buy from. Sometimes their prices are even better than mainstream services!
If you want to check out some Black-owned Mercer businesses, click here.
Show pride in your Blackness
If you are Black, it is so important to express that unconditional and unquestionable pride in your blackness. Being Black is more than just the social construct and the color; it’s a way of life. It’s our kinky and loud hair. Our inviolable vernacular and music style. Our fashion sense and unapologetic attitude when we’re in our zone. Our Blackness is us.
Use this Juneteenth as a day to heal. Recall events and experiences that shaped us into who we are, and never forget that.
To read more about the history of Juneteenth, click here.
(04/15/20 4:00am)
With the spread of COVID-19 and everyone spending almost all of their time indoors, it’s important to still keep the same pace that we did when we weren’t in quarantine. Here are some tips on how to keep yourself busy and focused during the quarantine.
Make a schedule or to-do list
This may work for some, but not all. I really enjoy making to-do lists for myself, and you can make them for various things! They hold me accountable. If you have an assignment due, write it down. If you have a show you want to watch, write it down. Even the little things that seem almost unnecessary. There’s such a great feeling of making small accomplishments, and being able to check off everything you did throughout the day is extremely satisfying. If you write it down in a schedule or list of some sort, you’re more likely to get it done!
Work out
I’m not a super athletic person, but if you’re like me, still try this out. No one really knows how long everything that’s going on is going to last, so it’s important to stay healthy for the time being! Whether you’re doing some push-ups and sit-ups in your room or running on a treadmill in your apartment building, the opportunities are endless. There are lots of YouTube videos and apps to help you get started!
Read
There’s nothing better than staying busy with some literature. Over the years I’ve noticed that I do actually read a lot, and I read a wide variety of things. I typically read blog posts, memoirs, novels and lots of poetry. A lot of my friends and family read fanfiction, which is another outlet for reading. For my non-readers, audiobooks are definitely a go-to! The two books I’m currently reading are: “All About Love” by bell hooks, and “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Relax, but in moderation
With all the time we have on our hands, what better way to spend it than simply relaxing? Catch up on a show, lie down and think, or even just sleep. We have all worked extremely hard this semester thus far, so take some time to truly check out for a little. Just don’t get too crazy.
Let the light in, and abolish the dark
I mean this literally and figuratively. Open a window, cut your lights on. Never mope in the darkness. Such a small thing as light can make a drastic change to your day. Simply get up, open your blinds or curtains and lift your window. Natural light and air bring good things, trust. Once you let the light in and cast away the darkness you’ll see just how much you can do during this difficult time.
While everyone has their own tactics for doing things, these are my own. There’s no shame in not following everything directly, but definitely take these tips to account. You never know just how much you’ll get done!
(04/15/20 4:00am)
On the daily, many people come to me about music and how to find stimulating tunes that align with their own specific taste. As a lover of all types of music, I have cultivated an understanding for a variety of different genres. Learning to define your music taste is like learning a new skill — you must work at it consistently until you reach a level of mastery. Here are ways to work towards defining your music taste.
Review your current musical library
Whether you use Spotify, Apple Music or other streaming services, go ahead and take some time to review the music that you currently have. This is pretty self-explanatory, but from this, you’ll be able to get an accurate picture of the type of music that you vibe with.
Note your favorite and most listened to artists
If you look at your music streaming app, there should be a list of all the artists that you currently have saved within your library. Your streaming service then generates other artists’ music that are similar to them. Take a listen and stay open. Check the artists out, even if you haven’t heard of them before.
Browse new music
Almost every week, artists from all types of backgrounds release music. If you check the regularly updated section of new music, you’ll catch singles, EP’s and albums that have just been released. I usually just look through by genre and see if anything catches my eye. Reading the synopsis of the records -- if it’s available -- also gives a good look into the project as a whole. It’ll describe how the record performs sonically, and might even touch on the meaning behind the lyrics as well.
Follow your favorites on social media
If you have any form of social media, you can stay super updated with artists and discover new ones. The music industry is vast, and you will likely find your favorite artists engaging and connecting with other musicians through social media. The majority of the time they’ll collaborate and make music that you’re bound to enjoy. Closely following their accounts also allows you to know what they’re working on, and even potentially hear some leaked music. Many of the artists that I follow have gone on a live stream and played records and given a behind the scenes look into their lives as well.
Connect with friends
Connecting with friends is a great way to find music you may personally like. Follow your friends on streaming services and share playlists. Every month, a friend and I will make a playlist so that we can share it with each other. Through each other, we have found many new artists. It’s a great way to bond and learn about music in general.
There’s so much you can learn about yourself, others and the world by listening to music, and pinpointing your style makes it that much more satisfying. With these tips, you’ll be bound to define your music taste.
(03/25/20 8:20pm)
Lil Uzi Vert is truly an eccentric artist. From his almost obsolete style choices, to his music, you can recognize the individuality that’s within everything he does. This new album, “Eternal Atake,” is an explicit representation of his uniqueness. Expressing his usual ideas of money, jewelry and cars, Uzi successfully created an album that doesn’t fail to deliver. This new record is a double album, with an amassment of 32 songs that span two discs. The deluxe album, “LUV vs. the World 2” is essentially a sequel to “Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World” which he released in 2016.
The record includes various artists, including prominent musicians such as Syd, 21 Savage, Chief Keef, Young Nudy, Future, Gunna and Young Thug. Each artist has an integral part in the album and allows for Uzi’s entire project to be even better than it already is.
I find myself repeating the tracks “Myron,” “Urgency” and “Lo Mein” specifically. They’re all different lyrically, but their sound and musical quality are the same. Each song is fast-paced and upbeat, making this a perfect album to play while taking a jog or jamming out in the car on the way to work.
“Urgency” takes Syd’s R&B groove and intertwines it with the liveliness of Uzi. “Lo Mein” adds intricate beats in the background that can be comparable to something Astro-like, similar to sounds you’d hear when you imagine spaceships and life beyond earth. The opening song, “Myron,” also includes similar sounds that are definitely alien to a non-Uzi listener. Collectively, the three songs add tasteful spunk to the album and wouldn’t be the same without them.
My favorite song out of both albums would have to be “Futsal Shuffle 2020,” a bonus track that’s offered on the second disc. The song was originally released as a single along with “That Way,” and it definitely became a prominent piece, even with all the other songs on the record. The song includes a “shuffle” dance, which adds to the upbeat and synthesized fun. Whenever it plays, I’m bound to get up and dance.
Despite the long gaps between Uzi’s various projects throughout his career, “Eternal Atake” takes the lead at being perhaps his best album thus far. There’s much anticipation as to what’s next, especially after the intensity of this album and its recurrence in the ears of many throughout the world.
(03/25/20 2:00am)
As the majority of us are stuck in quarantine, practicing social distancing in order to reduce the spread of the virus, here is a playlist to get you through the boredom and uncertainty you may be experiencing. Warning: it contains explicit language.
“Lovers Rock” - TV Girl
TV Girl is an artist that I just recently discovered, and this song was released all the way back in 2014. I truly wish that I heard it sooner. I believe what really pulls me into the song is its dramatic opening. I’ve never heard anything like it before, but it definitely fits the general vibes of the song. I love to listen to this when I’m reading or if I’m just relaxing at home.
“Treat People With Kindness” - Harry Styles
This song keeps me in an incredibly positive mindset. It reminds me, as the title suggests, to treat people with kindness, regardless of the way that they may treat you. It’s a song needed especially during current times, and its lyrical potency truly is unbeatable.
“Raggamuffin” - Koffee
If you’re a reggae fan, or if you love live music, then you’ll definitely enjoy “Raggamuffin,” one of Koffee’s best songs to date. I love to get up and dance to this song; it makes a great jam for when you’re doing any type of chore. Everyone knows that chores can be a bore at times, but with this song playing, that will never be the case.
“Best Interest” - Tyler, The Creator
I’m a lover of Tyler, The Creator, so I can never have a playlist without him. I can do just about anything to his music, whether it’s homework, reading, chores or just grooving to the beat of life.
“In My Room” - Frank Ocean
Similar to Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean is another favorite of mine. Since Ocean hasn’t really been releasing music other than “DHL” and “In My Room,” I have no choice but to play what I can. “In My Room” directly relates to the fact that I’m literally in my room during quarantine, and I love to listen to it at all times as well.
“SUGAR” - BROCKHAMPTON
“SUGAR” is the perfect song to sing along to. You’ll catch me singing every word. If you actively listen to BROCKHAMPTON, then you already know how great their music is. With the added musical genius of alternative singer Ryan Beatty, the song is even better than it once was.
“successful” - Ariana Grande
If you’re ever needing a reminder of the power that you hold as a human during this time, definitely listen to “successful.” This upbeat anthem inspires you to get back into productivity, whether academically or creatively. We are all young and successful, and Ariana Grande does a great job of reiterating that.
“Holy Terrain” - FKA Twigs
The audaciousness of FKA Twigs’ alternative music combined with the heat of Future’s rap allowed for a powerful song to be created. As a lover of both alternative and rap music, this makes the perfect song for me. If you’re like me, then this song is definitely for you.
“Vitamins” - Qveen Herby
Bass heavy “Vitamins” is the best high-energy workout song. Although I don’t work out often, you can definitely get all the energy needed to do that with this song. If you’re not a very active person, then definitely get to dancing. Qveen Herby gives all the energy you need, no matter what you may need it for.
“Magnolia” - Playboi Carti
Who doesn’t love Playboi Carti? The last song on this playlist hands down deserves to go to Carti. Carti Raps, “In New York I Milly Rock/Hide it in my sock,” meaning you’ll get a chance to bust out your moves while in your home. In times like this, it’s definitely good to remain positive. Dancing is one of those ways to get up and bring joy into your life, and “Magnolia” helps you do that in a crazy yet fun way.
In all, these songs give you the space to dance, work out, relax and more. If you’re ever looking for something new, listen to these songs. Most importantly, remember to stay optimistic and positive and especially to stay safe.
(02/28/20 12:00am)
After eight months of me playing the album “Lucid” on my phone repeatedly, Raveena has released her sophomore EP “Moonstone.” Just like the rest of her repertoire, it doesn’t disappoint.
Prior to its release, Raveena dropped a single called “Headaches,” which was the first song on the EP. Raveena announced the release of the EP with a tweet and an ethereal portrait of herself from the album cover shoot.
“Moonstone EP is out now,” she tweeted. “It’s a sweet lil collection of songs that we wrote while making ‘Lucid’ but that felt like their own project. Songs to kiss goodnight to your loved ones, amongst other things.”
On this four-song record, Raveena discusses love in ways that grace not only your ears, but your heart and mind as well. In “Headaches,” she taps into aspects of love in romantic relationships that aren’t commonly spoken of: confusion. In reference to the title, she sings, “I’m dizzy with headaches/I need a medic/Can you stay still while I’m like this?”
Raveena continuously uses her soothing instrumentals throughout the record, reintroducing simple pieces such as gentle strums of the guitar, tender keys and impulsive bass. Her impressive vocal range is shown throughout the EP, singing in an almost airy tone yet still keeping her heavily regarded spunk.
Raveena graciously ends the album with my favorite tune on the EP, “Starflower.” The track almost acts as a lullaby, as its tenderness is almost unmatched by any other song I’ve heard from her spanning artistry. The song is joined by ambient static and guitar strumming that take the entire record to another level.
I can definitely understand why Raveena chose to comprise these songs into a separate project. As a lover of love, this EP probed me to change my rigid viewpoint of love and turn it into an expansive understanding of the concept instead.
(02/14/20 12:00am)
Two years after the tragic death of rapper and record producer Mac Miller, fans still mourn and grieve through his music. On Jan. 17, Millers’ first posthumous album, “Circles,” was released. While the album delivers a beautiful homage to a talented artist in the wake of his passing, there are some ethical issues when it comes to producing music after the death of an artist.
The album opens with the song “Circles,” a mellow and melodic tune that compels you to listen to every second of the album. His voice is enchanting, making it almost impossible not to reminisce about Miller and his music. Miller then moves into “Good News,” one of the album’s standout tracks. In this particular song, he discusses the way that people always want to hear the good news, but for all the good, there’s also bad.
In this song alone, Miller harps on the idea that not everything in life will be comforting, but we must take that at face value and work through it. Throughout this album, Miller explores various topics, such as death, ownership, indulgence and remembrance. He uses multiple musical arrangements that explicitly complement his impactful lyricism and ultimately enriches the album and all of its greatness.
But should this really be considered a rap album? Why did they release this album posthumously? Where does the money go? Is this ethical?
The album definitely incorporates lyrics that flow in a manner that resembles rap, but it simply doesn’t match it to an exact extent. I would personally categorize this album as R&B, but it is honestly up to the listeners’ discretion.
The major controversy surrounding “Circles” is its release after Miller’s death. Similar accounts have happened with artists like Michael Jackson, Avicii, XXXTenatacion and many more. There’s a huge stigma behind posthumous albums; the release could be considered ingenuine and insensitive. The death of major artists can definitely affect large groups of people, and although we’d love to continue to have their music, it’s important to consider who is benefiting from this post-death exploitation.
For Jackson, his estate made loads of money off album sales after his death. For Avicii, the proceeds went to the Tim Bergling Foundation, named in his honor and created after his death to raise money for groups focusing on mental health and suicide prevention. In Miller’s case, his family made the choice to release the album, and it appears that some profits made from the album’s influence such as merch, will also be going to a namesake fund.
“This is a complicated process that has no right answer. No clear path. We simply know that it was important for the world to hear it,” Miller’s family said. The family released a statement on Miller’s Instagram account not only announcing the album, but informing the public that any information regarding the release of the album is available through @92tilinfinity on Instagram.
Despite the moral debate, Miller’s latest album ultimately made a lasting impact on the music world. He curated art, and did so in a way that smoothly penetrates our ears with soothing tunes and impactful knowledge through his lyrics. This album is another incredible archive in the memoir of Miller’s lasting legacy.
(01/30/20 5:00am)
Music has been a prominent aspect of my life ever since I was born. Its longevity continually impacts my outlook on the world, myself and the things around me. Without music, I’m unsure of how my life would be. It’s a new decade, a perfect time to reflect on the music that has been an integral part of my life as a whole.
If That’s True - Esperanza Spalding
Jazz is a genre of music often surpassed by the common teenager. For me, however, it’s totally different. I grew up with jazz being a dominant force in my household; every year, my family would go to the Monterrey Jazz Festival in Monterrey, California. From there, I began to listen to various jazz artists like Vijay Iyer, Esperanza Spalding and Leo Genovese. This song specifically reminds me of my family and our musical background, giving me warmth when I’m away from them for long periods at a time.
Thinkin Bout You - Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean is one of my all-time favorite artists. This particular song is a staple in his entire repertoire, and I know literally every lyric, word for word. When this song initially came out, I was in middle school. This was the first song that allowed me to really understand the value of music and how it affects me. Frank Ocean continuously releases music unmatched by other artists, this being one of my favorites.
Cranes in the Sky - Solange
I vividly remember the first time I heard this song. It was 2017, a couple of days before I moved from California to Georgia. My friends took me out to dinner, and one of them introduced me to the song. She was driving me home and played Solange’s album, “A Seat at the Table,” which I quickly fell in love with. By the time I got to Georgia, I played the song so recursively that it was almost therapy, especially with everything going on politically and socially in the United States. “Cranes in the Sky” allows me to breathe and truly heed the things around me.
LNT - Stevan
If you love to just dance, this song is definitely for you. There are times in everyone’s life where you really need to just let go. When I listen to this, I put everything away, and make myself completely loose. I jump and spin around my room, and let the groovy tones take control of me. I love this song because it reminds me to just take a break. It’s good to work hard, but don’t stretch yourself too thin.
Hate CD - Steve Lacy
This song is a really good depiction of my feelings when I fell in love for the first time. Lacy sings a “love is a drug” narrative, which directly related to how love was coming into me. It’s so intense but addicting, like a drug. In some ways I couldn’t explain how I felt for this person, I just knew it was completely different than previous feelings I had for other people. This song ultimately reminds me of love and how powerful it is.
Pretty Wings - Maxwell
“Pretty Wings” is a song that I connect to my mother. In elementary school, she played this song on our rides home. It’s one of her favorite songs, and the vivacious joy she emitted while listening to it quickly made it one of my favorites as well. This song makes me smile when I hear it because I think of my mother and the moments we shared when we first listened to the song. It’s liberating.
Sweetener - Ariana Grande
When I first came to college, I was all over the place and honestly didn’t have myself together. I first heard “Sweetener” from one of my best friends during my freshman year. This was a song that we played profusely, and soon it became an anthem for us and our friend group. Keep your friends close, there’s nothing like them.
Things I Imagined - Solange
Solange again? No, this isn’t a mistake. This song, on her “When I Get Home” album, speaks unimaginable volumes. I had a really rough summer after my freshman year, and this song helped me get through it. It taught me the importance of repetition and intention. Solange repeats herself saying “I saw things I imagined” over and over again, which reaffirmed me in the things that I was doing. It reminded me to act on what I wanted and manifest what I wanted out of everything to get to where I wanted to be. Believing in myself and getting to a point of seeing what I have manifested is so powerful to me.
I Ain’t Got Time! - Tyler, The Creator
Sometimes it’s good to fill your ears with creative nonsense. To the naked ear, Tyler Okonma’s music may seem like gibberish and without any meaning but in actuality, it does, in fact, have tons of lyrical excellence. From bass bumping bangs and synthesized sounds, Tyler, The Creator makes me want to just have fun.
Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly - Lizz Wright
Lizz Wright was an artist I first listened to on a plane. I was flying from California to Georgia, and I was truly sadder than I’d ever been before. Randomly, I chose the song to listen to as I sat in between my mother and a stranger. I remember the song was really soothing to me. I fell asleep to it, and it was all I had listened to while I was on the plane. A year later when I went back to California to visit, I made sure that it was the first thing I listened to on the plane. Similar to “Cranes in the Sky,” I take to this song as therapy.
These 10 songs all have a special place in my heart, and I take them wherever I go. My life has had its ups and downs, but I can definitely say that without the music that comprise the soundtrack to it, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
(01/30/20 5:00am)
This is an opinion article. Any views expressed belong solely to the author and are not representative of The Cluster.
From writers and painters to actors and dancers, there is a wide variety of careers on the creative side to choose from. The problem, however, is that they are incredibly slept on.
Recently I’ve found that there are many extremely creative people going into non-creative careers, such as engineering, business and education. They’re creators, making brilliant things like music or poetry, yet they still choose to get involved in careers that are completely unrelated. Why is that?
Personally, I feel as though many families across generations take a wrong view in regard to creative careers. There’s a strong relation between risk-taking and any field that’s not directly “academic” per se.
There is a strong narrative that going into the realm of art as a career will typically end negatively, unless you have everything needed to be as big as moguls in the industry today. However, we must dispel this narrative. It is definitely possible to make it within a creative career. It’s not the simplest task, but never doubt yourself on what’s possible.
Initially, I thought I’d have a career in the Engineering field, but I also had a very strong interest and soon to be passion for writing and photography. Now don’t get me wrong, I definitely enjoyed engineering. I never strayed away from it, but I also made sure that I put time into my other interests as well. My passion for writing and photography began to develop, and I changed my course of action to adhere to what made me truly happy, versus what made outsiders happy.
We all should do what we think brings us joy. If your creative side is shining brighter than everything else, listen to it.
In all, if you write, write. If you dance, dance. Make your true passion your first priority. Never fall for the traps that may be placed in your mind by anyone else about a choice that’s ultimately yours. If you have intent and put the effort into it, you’re bound to be successful regardless.
(11/23/19 9:00pm)
The music world is vast and ever-changing, making it the perfect place to create and inspire. Freshman Michael “Micha” Williams isn’t necessarily new to the scene, but he’s curating new music that’s appealing to many students here at Mercer.
“Music has been a big part of my life for the past couple of years,” Williams said.
Contemporary music wasn’t part of his life until eighth grade, as his mother predominantly played gospel. He notes the album “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” by Drake as the first to spark his musical interest. Williams recognized that in both gospel and contemporary music, the artists are telling stories about internal and external relationships, and he wanted to do that for himself.
When Williams began creating his own music, he originally relied on his impulse; he would instinctively write music for the sole purpose of writing it. Without putting in the time to process the music he was creating, Williams wasn’t able to reach his full potential, he said. Now, he fleshes out ideas, reflecting on his desired sound to avoid making it complicated.
“Music doesn’t have to be hard, it doesn’t have to be intricate to be effective,” he said.
He looked to artists such as BENEE for her “simple yet effective” approach to music and Vince Staples for his contemporary sound with the edge of other hip hop artists. He was inspired by these artists to create his own music, which he describes as both sultry and ethereal.
As of now, Williams’ music is taking the direction of alternative R&B, but he said he wants to incorporate more contemporary, pop and rap genres. Ultimately, Williams doesn’t want to be bound by any specific genres -- he just wants to create music.
Williams’ song “Dude!” was released at the end of August, and since then has had tremendous success; he performed the song live at Quadworks’ Z-beats and received over 10,000 streams with about 3,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone. This song, however, isn’t necessarily new to the scene.
While Williams was in high school, he made a lot of music but kept it to himself. He and a friend made a Christmas album, “Stocking Stuffers,” over the course of three days; one day for the album cover, one day for recording and one day for editing. The album was very rough, Williams said, but he still continued.
Williams created three more songs on Valentine’s day in an album called “Why Are Girls so Stupid?” with “Dude!” as the first track on the album. From there, he decided to keep making music in his free time.
“I decided to keep doing music at my leisure and not be more unabashed about what I produce,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s my work and no one really has to like it. I’m not doing it as a job, I’m doing it because I want to make music.”
Williams sees music in a pretty interesting way and has a deep connection with it. The process of making music is terrifying, but it feels good to put yourself out there, he said.
“If you want to make music, please, go for it,” he said. “Honestly, right now, you’re in college. This is the most emotionally rich part of your life thus far. Cash in on all those emotions and write what you love. No one can tell you your story, and no one can tell you how to tell it. You know it better than anyone.”
Williams is currently working on a new, more instrument driven, project. He plans to begin releasing some of this new material in January. You can listen to “Dude!” and other music by Williams on major platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube.
(11/22/19 9:00pm)
Every year there is a special time in the semester when all Mercer students must register for their classes. This can be quite a stressful process, but in the end, scheduling usually works out.
Many people have good stories when it comes to registration, and others have complicated ones. Here are six student registration horror stories that might just help you when it comes to registering for classes.
The waitlister
Sophomore mechanical engineering student Alexis Hardy had a rough registration experience during her freshman year.
“Registration during my freshman year was a mess. I went to register and ended up being waitlisted for three out of four of my classes. I was sad at first, but then I ended up getting all of my classes. I never want to go back to that time,” she said.
The scared freshman
“I haven’t registered for my classes yet, as I register on Tuesday. I just checked the class listings, and a lot of the classes I was planning to take are running out of seats. Not going to lie, I’m a little scared! I’ll be alright though - I hope…” freshman communications student Larry Sullivan II said before his first experience registering.
After registering, Sullivan said the process was easy.
“I’m waitlisted for two classes, but I got everything else I wanted,” he said.
The semi-permanent account hold
During his freshman year, junior biomedical engineering major Cedric Sumner had a hold on his account due to a transcript error from another school and wasn’t able to register for almost two weeks after his registration date. When he was finally able to register, it took about 5 minutes to do, but he was waitlisted for almost every class.
“Never do what I did. Make sure to check your holds before you register,” he said.
The oversleeper
Sophomore nursing student Zelda Tabe accidentally overslept the day of registration.
“The day that I was supposed to register, I overslept. I really just don’t know what happened… I’m not one to oversleep. Let’s just say I didn’t get everything I wanted. But hey! I’m still on track to graduate,” she said.
The ahead of the game, nonchalant sophomore
Some might say sophomore civil engineering student Rasheed Mattis should be worried about getting his classes, but he isn’t.
“Last year I was able to register early because I had more credit hours than the normal. This year, that’s just not the case. I think I have a hold on my account, but honestly … We’ll see what happens tomorrow.” he said.
After registration opened up, Mattis’s schedule for next semester is still uncertain.
“I woke up to register for my classes like normal, and I did end up having a hold on my account. I know I’m still going to get my classes though, so I’m not really stressing it,” he said.
To end on a lighter note: The joyous one
Although there are many complications that can happen when it comes to registration, junior global health and development studies student Tiffany George had a completely different experience when it came to registering this semester.
“Good news is … I got all of my classes!” she said.
(11/05/19 2:21am)
After three intensely long years since his major project “Blond” was released, pop artist Frank Ocean has finally dropped a new song.
Ocean has received many accolades for his various works. His studio debut album, “Channel Orange,” was named Best Urban Contemporary Album for the year 2012, in which he received a Grammy Award. Pitchfork named his second album, “Blond,” album of the decade, and he has written and produced multiple popular tracks. Ocean’s most recent single, “DHL,” came out Oct. 19, and I’ve had it on replay ever since.
The spontaneous release of this single suggests that there might be a possible new album in the works. The cover art features a photo of Ocean sitting in a chair with a bag over his head. The image also includes silhouettes of other photos of Ocean. One of the silhouettes is highlighted, and resembles the main image on the cover. Based on the cover art, it’s implied that this song might be the fourth on an upcoming album.
Ocean continues to create stellar music even with the hiatuses between his releases. His music is labeled as pop, but he tends to steer away from that genre, incorporating contemporary R&B, rap, electronic and alternative sounds within his music.
In “DHL,” Ocean takes rap and converts it into an almost soft and soothing flow, yet still including powerful bass beats. Ocean uses his voice to show intense passion, enunciating every word as if it’s his last. Although he does use autotune at some points, he uses it in a way that is constructive, and never attempts to hide his calming voice. He uses an almost poetic way of rapping and uses repetition throughout the song.
In the final 30 seconds of the song, Ocean switches to his natural and unhinged voice and ends in a way that makes you want to sing along. Similar to other R&B artists, the vocals combined with the instrumental music makes you feel good and that’s something you’ll always feel when listening to Ocean’s work.
On this track, he takes the opportunity to rap about “packs” he received from the DHL, his “boy toy,” which refers to his bisexuality, Starbucks, Kawasakis and even Paris Fashion Week. The general meaning of the song is unclear, but it’s safe to say that even though the meaning isn’t apparent to us, the song definitely still has one.
Over time, Ocean has proven that he’s a viable rapper, artist, photographer and more. “DHL” marks a new beginning for Ocean, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
(10/15/19 4:00am)
Recently, artist Post Malone has been making another big come-up. Known for his striking facial tattoos and famous song, “Congratulations,” his new album showcases a more sincere and vulnerable side of himself.
His third studio album, titled “Hollywood’s Bleeding,” was released at the beginning of September. The album is a complete turn from Malone’s other music, and his subjectivity and vulnerability allowed it to skyrocket on the charts. The overall album takes his usual genre of hip-hop and adds some soulful pop, creating a beautiful and meaningful project for his fans to enjoy.
The album is comprised of 17 songs, featuring other well known artists such as Lil Baby, SZA, Halsey, Travis Scott and more. Malone uses features on his songs constructively and creates music that transcends not just one audience, but multiple.
The album’s opening song, “Hollywood’s Bleeding,” starts off almost like a soft ballad, then smoothly transitions to bass-filled bumps of rap, which is something I’ve never heard from Malone. This first song shows Malone’s more vulnerable side, then quickly changes tempo to the usual funk-filled Malone that we know. This is a recurring theme throughout the album.
“Circles” has a groovy guitar melody with pop undertones and seems to be a low yet upbeat cry for help from Malone. The strumming of the guitar combined with the sensual lyrics create a feeling of love, hinting at Post Malone’s past relationships.
Not only did Malone give us insight into his personal life, but this album has resulted in major successes in his musical career. His song “Sunflower” is featured in the movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse” and has expanded his audience to a new demographic of listeners.
This album is completely seamless. I am always appreciative of artists that immerse themselves fully into their work, and Malone is an artist who does just that.
Overall, “Hollywood's Bleeding” is an intricate meditation on Malone’s censored side. He branched out of his comfort zone by combining multiple genres and different artists to create a lasting experience that appeals to all audiences, rather than one. Malone took a major risk by portraying himself in such a lucid way, but ultimately did an amazing job in doing so. This album has been a huge success for Malone, and hopefully will continue to grant him more success in his future.