Chicago. A city of rhythm, resilience, and undeniable influence in shaping Black culture. Yet, despite its significant contributions, it is often overshadowed by the artistic legacies of New York and Los Angeles. Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago by Ayana Contreras is a powerful rebuttal to this neglect—an evocative and insightful celebration of […]
As a fan of both music and literature, Long Players by Tom Gatti immediately piqued my interest. The premise is simple yet captivating: a collection of essays where writers share the one album that has been a touchstone in their lives. For someone like me, who loves exploring the deep connections between art forms, this book promised […]
After Dark by Noel Hankin recounts Hankin’s time as one of the founders of The Best of Friends (TBOF) collective, who ran several famous clubs during the late 60s and 70s. Considering the origins of disco music (Black people) and the fact it took place during a lot of living people’s memories, it’s extremely sad […]
When Sunday Comes: Gospel Music in the Soul and Hip-Hop Eras (Music in American Life) by Claudrena N. Harold is a biography of the many who have contributed to contemporary gospel music over the last fifty years. Written against the backdrop of the Charlottesville, Virginia white supremacist rallies in 2017, the book explores the commercialisation […]
RIP Jimmy Ruffin Jimmy Ruffin – What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted (1965) HD 0815007 (Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Elaine Adu-Poku 