Lydia Anderson

Meymey Seng

Staff Writer 

Imagine having four of your favorite characters collaborate and work in the same story. On August 18, 2017, the Defenders came out as the fifth show in the Netflix Marvel series, doing just that. Behind the Defenders, the shows are Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist.

 

Each of the characters not only carries different personalities but also abilities. Matt Murdock, or known as Daredevil, is a blind man who has the ability to pick up the slightest of sounds. Some people refer to Jessica Jones as the drunk and super-strong private investigator, which is blunt, yet true. Luke Cage, honestly my favorite of the four, is bulletproof. Lastly, Danny Rand, or called the Iron Fist, is pretty self-explanatory. His right fist can sometimes activate the power of being able to break through very hard objects, such as metal.

 

The goals of each of the characters are similar, in a sense that they want to help people without actually having to kill people. Their motto is that no matter how cruel someone is, killing them is not something that should happen, even if it seems like the obvious solution. Instead, beating them up brutally is a better alternative. At first, when I watched this, my initial reaction was, “Wow, that is way more painful to live through than actually dying”. Then, I realized that that is the whole point. In one of the episodes of Daredevil, he said that he would not kill them because that is “too easy”.

 

Admittedly, the first episode of this series was a bit slow. With the build-up of excitement waiting for the show to come out, this made me nervous. Although I still had a hope that the rest of the episodes would pick up its pace. In my luck, it did. The first episode was basically giving the background story on each of the characters. Even though this is important for people who have not watched all of the episodes, I still think that it was a bit of a drag.

 

Before watching this show that is about all four of the characters, people should watch the shows that came before that, in order to understand the little connections and jokes that could be easily missed. Towards the end of the episode, Claire Temple showed up. She is a nurse that starred in all of the shows, being one of the few people to know about their abilities. Along with being the nurse, she had a small relationship with Murdock and an ongoing one with Cage.

 

The first thing that Temple said to Cage was “So, how about that coffee?” This is a reference to the show that means hooking up. Personally, I thought this was a small funny connection to the last episode of Luke Cage. In that last episode, he asked if she wanted coffee, but was then arrested.

After seeing Temple back in the show, I was already more engaged. The second episode was still introducing the character’s backgrounds which was okay, I appreciated that the pace was less slow. Very, soon that changes.

Episode three was fantastic! That is what I was waiting for and longingly anticipated. Without knowing, each of the character’s had a problem to attend, which so happened to be in the same location. Even though I knew that they were bound to meet, the director and writer were still able to cleverly make it happen it in a way that it was still exciting.

 

Without giving too much away, a big fight broke out and they slowly realized that they are on the same side. Watching them attack the enemy as a team brought was so nice. During that scene, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones were reunited after not seeing one another for a long time. They used to have an on and off relationship with one another. Seeing them together was very nostalgic. This put me in a difficult situation where I like both Jones and Temple with Cage, it’s hard for me to choose my favorite pair.

 

Aside from my initial reaction, Marvel did not fail my expectations but again, exceeded it.

If you are someone who loves action, comedy, romance, and just great shows overall, you should definitely watch this. Of course, watch the shows that came beforehand first.

Amelia Benamara

Staff Writer 

After Nathan Feuerstein’s, better known as NF, 2016 album, Therapy Session, made its way up to number 12 on the Billboards and selling 29,184 album in the first week, he decided to drop yet another album on October 6, 2017, Perception. The album includes 16 tracks organized from “Intro III” to “Outro.”

NF is best known as the “Christian Rap Artist” by his fans worldwide, although he only views himself as a regular person who happens to be Christian and makes music.

“I just make music. I talk about my life, I talk about my faith. I talk about positive things that I’ve dealt with that have taught me things and I talk about negative things that I’m dealing with. I wouldn’t describe myself as that, but I am a Christian.” NF told Idolator.

He was originally born in Gladwin Michigan and was raised by his father after his mother overdosed. NF’s How Could You Leave Us, from his 2016 album, was dedicated to the death of his mother.

Intro III introduces the entire album with very familiar lyrics where NF mentions his mother, as well as his previous album, Therapy Session, “Therapy Session, was beautiful Nate, but I’m wondering what’s coming next?” Compared to his last album, the first track automatically gives off the strong passion he expresses through the strength of his words emphasizing his vulnerability at the time. His tone also became much more serious with every piece of advice given in the lyrics based on his experiences.

Relating to this, Perception is more so his album, meaning he is the only artist in each song and video. Not many features were included in the piece, although it’s not a major difference. Out of 16 songs, only “10 Feet Down” had a feature with the artist, Ruelle. Therapy Session and Mansion, 2015, involved many collabs which helped make the album more of a release of emotions album for Nathan Feuerstein. These features included: Marty, Jonathan Thulin, Fleurie, Jeremiah, and Britt Nicole.

NF also doesn’t seem to do much singing in Perception, whereas his other albums included a major vocal side to the musician. After 2016, it’s clear that this year’s new music has a “take action” vibe to it. This, I hope is a motivation for his fans all across the world to empower themselves, as it does for me.

Perception is also an album that focuses on the proud success NF has accomplished throughout his long continuous journey. Green Lights and Dreams are a few of the songs his pride is powerfully confessed in. It is very clear that music is one of the most relevant components he, fortunately, has in his life. Multiple times, through lyrics and video graphics, Feuerstein admits that music saved his life more than once and he wouldn’t be who he is if it weren’t for it.

This is another album that shows the connections NF put together in all of the songs in his albums. Tracks such as Outro mention old lyrics, or even songs from previous albums, “Crying on the floor in the bathroom, staring in the mirror in my room, hands shaking, playing How Could You Leave Us through the speakers… etc.” As expected, the 26-year old artist displays his mother multiple times in unique ways: a woman is seen smoking a cigarette, and a younger version of himself makes an appearance.

The relationship is an important ingredient throughout different parts in this album, although his status seems absent in the current year. This makes fans, including myself, even more, compelled to the lyrics he gathered for each project piece. Questions will definitely raise upon people who support him. About his relationship(s) Nathan Feuerstein wrote about lies that were told by his partner which seem to spread the two apart in the song Lie.

Relating to love in general, Feuerstein’s song If You Want Love explains what any sort of relationship between people should consist and what he’s learned as he grew up about his loved ones. Some of the lyrics include, “Back then I wish somebody would’ve told me, if you want love, you’re gonna have to go through the pain. If you want to trust, you’re gonna have to give some away… etc.” His song, Remember This is his personal views of the world which affect those he had on relationships.

Overall, this album is another amazing creation from Feuerstein. Perception is similar in many ways to his previous album, however completely different in multiple ways which is what captivated every bit of my attention.

In opposite of Therapy Session 2016, Perception is very serious, more pride is reflected rather than emotions which gives the artist, Nate Feuerstein, a very bold appeal, motivating myself and hopefully many others to [do what?]. Gives me the idea that people go through different tragedies in life, yet at some point, we pick ourselves off of the ground to come back even indestructible.

Matthew Milligan

Staff Writer 

 

Last September, I sat down eagerly on my couch in anticipation of the newest installment of American Horror Story. For those of you who may not know, American Horror Story is an anthology, meaning that each season tells a completely different story. This season, titled American Horror Story: Cult, attempts to make a commentary on the 2016 presidential election.

The show begins on the night of the election and focuses on a group of liberals who are awaiting the results. When the inevitable comes and

Trump is announced as the next president of the United States, the shock, and fear registered on the faces of the group mirror perfectly what many had experienced months before on the real election night.

 

A later scene, however, reflects a very different side of the story. Young Kai Anderson, played by cast veteran Evan Peters, becomes elated by the news of Donald Trump taking office. So elated in fact, that he humps his television screen and paints his face orange with Cheeto dust.

Fellow veteran Sarah Paulson plays the polar opposite of Peters’ character, being a middle-class lesbian who is terrified of Trump. Paulson’s character, Ally, has recurring phobias (one being of clowns, which seems fitting given our dear president Trump) that flare up in wake of the election.

It is with these two characters that the majority of the story is told. Kai’s empowerment over the election causes him to, given the namesake, start a cult that he believes will cause real change and fix our country. Meanwhile, Ally’s mental state continues to spiral out of control and causes her to lose everything. By having this contrast, it is clear that this season is trying to say something about fear, but what?

It seemed as though Cult was set on answering that question early on in a very cliche way. Obviously, the Trump supporters were bad and their cult was bad and they were going to do bad things in their cult. The simple message was Trump is bad and his supporters are bad and that we should fear them, which is elementary at best. These are things we already know.

However, as the show progressed, the message went from being unimaginatively simple to something that is impossible to make sense of. In an attempt to shake things up, the writers have Ally’s wife, a feminist, a gay man, a token independent black woman, and many other “unexpected” characters joining the cult. Then they all start to murder people while dressed as clowns as Ally continues to lose her mind.

What are they trying to say by having all these stereotypically liberal characters join the cult? Are they saying that everyone, no matter how “politically correct,” has some evil inside of them? If they are, then they are not doing a good job of portraying so. It just does not make sense for so many rational people to turn on their beliefs and join a cult lead by some insane twenty-something who worships a president that will not protect their rights.

I believe that the reason why this season’s message is so warped is because show creator Ryan Murphy attempted to use material that he has never worked with before. Previously, American Horror Story has been able to tell entertaining and haunting narratives that deal with the supernatural. Dealing with a real-world politics feels forced and out of place when compared to previous seasons, which may be why everything is so confusing. Real politics are scary enough, they don’t need to be retold in a horror movie fashion.

Despite this season’s flaws, the show is still American Horror Story, which means that there is plenty of suspense, insane plot twists, and gore, all of which remain entertaining. It is also worth mentioning that Cult retains much of its beloved stellar cast from previous seasons, so while the characters may be confusing, the acting is top notch. Even though this season has some redeeming qualities, American Horror Story should stop trying to appeal to the political masses and instead stick to what it does best, which is horror.

 

 

Jayla Wright

Staff Writer

Over the summer I counted down the days until I could see my favorite web-slinging hero, Peter Parker, swing into theatres. Recently on October 17, Spider-Man: Homecoming was released onto DVD.

 

I admit that I may be biased as a Marvel and Spider-Man fan, but I had high expectations for this movie. I went into the movie theatre expecting humor, action, and a diverse cast that actually looks like they could be in high school.

If you are unfamiliar with any of the previous Spider-Man movies or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man: Homecoming is about Peter Parker (Tom Holland) trying to prove himself as a worthy addition to the Avengers, a group tasked with the job of protecting the world from evil doers. At the same time, Peter also faces problems unique to high schoolers, such as talking to his crush, bullies, and detention.

What makes Spider-Man: Homecoming different from the rest of the Spider-Man movies is that it’s a fresh take on Spider-Man’s origin story. You don’t have to watch Peter get bitten by a radioactive spider or see (Spoiler) Uncle Ben die again. In fact, Uncle Ben’s name was never even mentioned in the movie.

Unlike past renditions of the heroic wall-crawler (I’m looking at you Andrew Garfield) Tom Holland makes a believable highschooler and an even more believable Peter Parker who delivers sassy one-liners as he webs bad guys.

Tom Holland had big shoes to fill going into the role of Spider-Man, but I think he nailed it. It took three roles and six movies but the wait is over and we now have the perfect Spider-Man. Tobey Maguire played up the shy, nerdy aspects of Peter Parker while Andrew Garfield brought Peter’s sarcastic side to light. Holland combined these things together to make a Spider-Man that just feels right the moment he enters the screen.

If you like superhero movies as well as coming of age stories then Spider-Man: Homecoming is the right fit for you. If you’re on the fence about this movie due to it being another rebooted Spider-Man movie, go see it anyway! This rendition of Spidey may surprise you.

 

Brendan Hall

Staff Writer

Tyler Okonma, better known as Tyler, The Creator, has been a dominant force in Alternative Hip-Hop for nearly a decade. He broke into the Hip-Hop scene with an in your face attitude meshed with no filter. His music portrayed a rebellious teenage angst that was streaked with an abundance of dark humor. All of these things were the reasons that his first two albums Bastard (2009) and Goblin (2011) were devoured by his audience. What made people relate to this album was the nuance he gave to horrorcore influence within his music. He always displayed himself as a person who did bad things but had good intentions.

Tyler’s momentum from the Bastard and Goblin craze eventually led to his 2013 Album “Wolf”. Wolf had similar elements but had incredible production and big-name guest appearances including Pharrell Williams and Erykah Badu. The versatility displayed in the album made it easily one of the most creative albums of that year.

The follow-up to “Wolf” was a disappointing effort that led to a disconnect between him and his fanbase. In theory, his follow-up, Cherry Bomb, should have been his biggest success. It had solid production, and even more notable guest appearances including Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Pharrell. However, this album ultimately failed because there was a lack of Tyler’s introspective rapping that made Bastard, Goblin, and Wolf such an incredible run. Instead, he tried to create feel-good aesthetics in place of heart-wrenching moments he previously had.

However, this year Tyler is back and he has something to say. His 2017 album, Flower Boy, finds the perfect balance between giving the personal details about life and smooth production. On this album Tyler opens up about his sexuality, loneliness, materialism, and also gives a sense of optimism.

The album’s lead single, “911/ Mr. Lonely”, is a pure example of the perfect balance between smooth production and introspective rapping. The song features vocal guest appearances from longtime friend and frequent collaborator, Frank Ocean. It also features an upcoming talent named Steve Lacy, who gave the song life in a memorable bridge. The track starts off as a smooth catchy song, but the beat eventually switches for Tyler to open up about loneliness in an incredible verse, “They say the loudest one in the room is weak that’s what they I assume but I disagree. I say the loudest one in the room is probably the loneliest one in the room, that’s me.”

The formula that made “9/11 Mr. Lonely” a great track is also used on songs such as “Garden Shed” and “Boredom”. In all three of these songs, there are incredibly soothing and upbeat productive carried vocalists on bridges and hooks.Estelle on “Garden Shed”, Anna of the North and Rex Orange County on “Boredom” complement the soothing production with their smooth vocals to match. However, “Garden Shed”, and “Boredom” both reflect personal matters about Tyler. “Boredom” is about him constantly being alone and desiring to do something with importance with someone important. “Garden Shed” is about Tyler’s problem he had expressing himself without fear and may have been about his previous failure to come out the closet.

One of the most endearing moments of the album comes on the opening track “Foreword”. Tyler starts off the album giving quotable one-liners consistently. It may have been one of his best rapping performances in his career and of the year. In these verses, he contemplates if he can get to his creative desires, and still be the face of individuality that he has been known for.
One of the most notable lines is when he asks, “How many cars can I buy till I run out of drive? How many drive can I have, until I run out of road? How many road can they pave, until I run out of land,”

Despite the seriousness, the album still offers moments where the subject matter is not as heavy and is just fun for the listener. A perfect example of this is on the A$AP Rocky-assisted, “Who Dat Boy”. This song offers an energetic vibe that would make it ideal for live performance. Rocky and Tyler have a fantastic chemistry and the song can provide the listener with an image in their head of them recording this song hyping each other up to kill their verses.

The other more lighthearted tracks are “See You Again” with Kali Uchis (who he uses perfectly on the hook) and “Glitter”. Each of these songs shows off Tyler’s singing abilities which weren’t seen before on previous projects. Each of them also has good structure and earworm choruses. However, “See You Again” offers a production that starts minimal and eventually becomes extravagant during Tyler’s rapping. “Glitter” has production that mostly serves to complement his vocals in a minimalistic expression.

The album still mostly consists of subject matter that is deep into his personal life. “I Ain’t Got Time” marks a significant part of Tyler the Creator’s career where he opened up about his sexuality (“I’ve been kissing white boys since 2004”). What is notable about this is that most of the track does not mention his sexual orientation aside from that one line. He also states this boldly and proudly in the song giving it a sense of pride into of being a confession.

The final moment in the album where Tyler let the listener hear his reflective side on the track “November”. The song centers around his nostalgia of simpler times he had with friends before the fame. He also shows paranoia on the opening verse worrying how his music and his image would be received by a mainstream audience (“What if my music is too weird for the masses? And only known for making tweets more than beats”). The song also makes a creative decision to include people, mostly Tyler’s friends, describing what their “November” (essentially euphoria) was. This track is one of the best songs on the album and one of the most engaging songs of his career. However, despite the overall excellence of the album it still has its flaws.

One of these flaws is the track placement of the song “Glitter”. Despite it being a well-executed song, the decision for it to come after a personal song like “November” gives it a lack of a transition. It would be smarter for “Glitter” to come before or after “See You Again” because of the similarities that these songs have.

The 3rd track, “Sometimes”, should have completely eliminated because it is a filler skit that adds nothing to the album’s experience and disrupts the flow.

And the final flaw to mention on the album is “Dropping Seeds” with Lil Wayne. The problem with the song isn’t the execution it’s the structure. Wayne had an incredible feature, but it came on a song that was less than a minute in length. This had potential to be on par with some of the best racks of Tyler’s career if he had made this a full song instead of a short-lived interlude.

However, these minor flaws aren’t nearly enough to ruin such a well-done project. Flower Boy shows immense growth as an artist and great creativity. It is by far his most focused work to date which makes it a contender for album of the year. This project likely cemented Tyler The Creator’s legacy as one of the most endearing voices in Alternative Hip-Hop.