pop culture
Modern, popular, and iconic pop culture moments in music. From current events, to trending topics and more.
Is Lil' Dicky One of the Most Underrated Rappers?
Even if you love a few of his songs, it can be easy to dismiss Lil' Dicky. This white rapper emerged out of no where, and has made no secret that his background is very different from many others who have found fame in rap. His comedic choice of lyrics can be distracting as well, making you forget just how intelligent the rhymes really are. Some people even tend to dismiss his talent because there is often a humorous tone in a genre that is often very serious. With the release of his new video for Pillow Talking, more and more people are noticing Lil' Dicky for the creative genius that he is.
Annie KielyPublished 7 years ago in BeatMoody River
Remember Pat Boone and those white buckskin shoes? The good old days of early rock and roll. Back then the giants of the pop music world were Elvis, Pat Boone, and Ricky Nelson. But if my recollection still is sound it was Elvis who captivated audiences with his unique style when he appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. I remember my parents so aghast that anyone could appear on national television and perform the way Elvis Presley did. My father was a concert violinist back in the roaring '20's. I guess my whole family when I was growing up was very musically inclined. But it was my parents who couldn't quite fathom the notion that rock and roll was actually a new kind of music much like rap and hip hop has become today.
Dr. WilliamsPublished 7 years ago in BeatThe Rolling Stones: A Retrospective
For more than 50 years, The Rolling Stones have been the mainstays and stewards of the Rock n’ Roll universe. Founded in 1962, this English band transformed the music world, sold hundreds of millions copies of their albums, and have sold out countless arenas, stadiums, and concert halls. The original grouping of Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Brian Jones (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), Charlie Watts (drums), and Ian Stewart (piano) together help lead the emergence of Rock n’ Roll as the pre-eminent form of Western music during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Legendary and famous albums such as Let It Bleed (1969), Sticky Fingers (1971), and Exile on Main Street (1972) helped cement their legacy as ranking among the greatest live acts in Rock n’ Roll history.
"Resist, Stand Up, Fight Back"
Like millions of other people across the country, the results of the 2016 Election hit me pretty hard. The thought of a thin-skinned, racist, xenophobic, demagogue being the leader of the free world was and still is absolutely terrifying.
Xavier Gonzalez Jr.Published 7 years ago in BeatThings You Should Know Before Your First Rave
Going to your first rave can be a life-changing experience that makes you question everything you know about life. It can help you learn about new music, meet new friends, and even change the way you see yourself.
Mackenzie Z. KennedyPublished 7 years ago in BeatObscure Genres of Electronica You Need To Listen To
If you ask me, there aren't many genres of music that can deliver as wide a range of emotion as electronica. In some ways, electronic music is more akin to a modern day symphony. The only differences between old school symphonies and modern electric music are the number of people who create the music and the technology used to make it happen.
Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 7 years ago in BeatA Modern Day Renaissance Man
Earlier this week I was reading up on the Renaissance for my Western World history class. The era’s prominent characters are now referred to as “Renaissance Men”: A person with many talents or areas of knowledge. As I read about Lorenzo De Medici, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci, I was stunned by their ability to master numerous crafts throughout the arts and sciences. I began to wonder if we had any Renaissance Men in 2017. It didn’t take long to realize that we do, and we’ve had one for quite a few years now.
The TicketPublished 7 years ago in BeatThe Serious Genius of Father John Misty’s Pure Comedy
At first glance, Father John Misty’s Pure Comedy might sound like the recorded version of a clergyman moonlighting as a stand-up comic, but in actuality it’s the latest studio album from the former Fleet Foxes drummer. Try to imagine Elton John as an American folk artist with lyrics penned by Randy Newman or Conor Oberst, and you’ll have an entry point into the sardonic, acid-tongued, yet filmic world of singer-songwriter Father John Misty (née Josh Tillman).
Eric AllenPublished 7 years ago in BeatThe Chainsmokers - "Memories...Do Not Open."
Alex Pall and Drew Taggart have made the worst album of 2017. Ignoring that we’re only a third of the way through the thing; the general consensus seems to be that The Chainsmokers have released a debut devoid of excitement, inspiration and balls. And this isn’t a judgement unique to music critics: I’ve seen quite a few Chainsmokers fans cry betrayal online too.
Does Anyone Still Wang Chung?
The name Wang Chung might give you the impression that the group is a New Age Jazz group. In fact, they do incorporate a certain "airy and fluid synthesizer type" feel within their music. But Wang Chung is neither new nor a New Age group.
Frank WhitePublished 7 years ago in Beat15 Day Song Challenge Part 2
Day 1 - A song that you used to love but now hate I loved this song when it first came out in the 90's, but after purchasing the album I realized there were much better songs on it. This song was overplayed on MTV and on the radio. For awhile there it was like I could not escape this song.
Amanda ZylstraPublished 7 years ago in BeatBroken Record Part 2
In the previous article, I talked about how a lack of choice in music was as big of a problem as piracy. The lack of consumer confidence is palpable. People used to love music and be extremely passionate, now people often complain they “hate all the new music they hear”. It wasn’t uncommon to hear seniors talk that way about their grand children's music, but these days the seniors with these opinions are high school seniors.
Brett HoganPublished 7 years ago in Beat