Skip to content

Search articles

News Sports Opinions Inside Beat Videos Podcasts HoRU About

Joshua Edmunds

'WHO CARES?' doesn't measure up to expectations of Rex Orange County

Alexander James O'Connor, more commonly known as Rex Orange County's new album “WHO CARES?” showcases a new side of the artist for his fans and family.Apr 26 2022

These food tips will help you stay full, focused during that finals season slog

With students in the middle of finals, energy is an important concept to master to keep themselves motivated and well-rested. Along with sleeping, eating is one of the most important activities Rutgers students must do in order to keep themselves well.Apr 22 2022

Charli XCX's 'CRASH' transforms not only pop music but also her musical identity

Charli XCX has become indie pop’s darling since her arrival with Icona Pop’s 2013 hit song, “I Love It.” Since then, she’s released multiple albums to critical acclaim and has shifted the hyperpop genre in a forward-thinking and less autotuned direction.Apr 14 2022

Yeat's '2 Alive' pays homage to rappers before him, sometimes unsuccessfully

Yeat is an artist who represents a new generation of rappers — namely, in how he communicates and interacts with his fans. His popularity has skyrocketed in the past year due to key endorsements from famous rappers and a label push to increase his visibility.Apr 4 2022

Welcome to Corefest: New Brunswick's favorite bands tear down College Avenue

Corefest is 90.3 The Core’s official music festival, and this year's event featured performances from Toads, Screaming Females and valentines day. Rutgers has many different radio stations and organizations on campus, and The Core remains one of the most popular ones.Mar 30 2022

Jack Harlow's lovability lies within his social media presence

Since releasing the viral hit “WHATS POPPIN” in 2020, rapper Jack Harlow has danced into the graces of the public eye by his social media presence and artistic output. As a white rapper from Louisville, Kentucky, Harlow embodies and shows respect to Black trailblazers who came before him, and he acknowledges how he and his peers are walking in their footsteps.Mar 28 2022

What happens when art, photography fall victim to social media's numbers game?

Being an artist in 2022 comes with showcasing many different aspects of yourself in the public eye at once. While some may think that promoting your art and forming a brand around yourself is a difficult and all-consuming task, the relationship between artists and social media has never been more intertwined. Mar 23 2022

Part 1 of 'jeen-yuhs' showcases Ye's underdog rise to fame, building empathy for his current persona

Ye’s “jeen-yuhs” documentary has been generating media buzz since its release on Netflix. The three-part documentary series provides unprecedented access into the early stages of Ye's career and focuses on his rise to stardom over the past 20 years.Mar 10 2022

Why not $NOT? Add new album 'Ethereal' to your playlist for versatile tracks full of talent

American rapper $NOT’s ascension to underground success started in 2016 with a handful of Soundcloud demos. Since first uploading to the platform in 2016, the 24-year-old Florida rapper’s early hits included “CA$E 19,” which went viral on Youtube, while “Gosha” and “Mean” blew up on TikTok and Triller.Feb 24 2022

Queen Elizabeth II's impactful 70-year reign maintains tradition of intense public image management

The U.K.'s history of imperialism and colonizing other countries gives them a complex reputation from the world’s eyes — after all, the U.K. has invaded nearly 90 percent of the world’s countries. But since World War II's end in 1945, the U.K. has been much more lenient about granting countries their independence.Feb 15 2022

The Super Bowl highlights huge sporting events' dangerous impact on American consumerism

American culture allows consumerism to thrive, giving huge companies ample time in the spotlight — and no cultural cornerstone represents these commitments to consumerism more than the Super Bowl.Feb 14 2022

Generation Z's cultural moment 'Euphoria': Popular, problematic but mostly entertaining

Social media exists as a public digital space to share ideas, and nothing moves faster on it than entertainment news. Shows that captivate our attention have the tendency to be long-running and successful, but the writing usually declines in later seasons as the original showrunners and actors leave the show to start other projects.Feb 10 2022

Musicians removing music from Spotify does nothing to combat Joe Rogan's misinformation spread

Joe Rogan’s platform is based on misinformation — but his influence on Spotify means he seemingly doesn't have to live by the same rules that regular people do. Feb 8 2022

Independent artist, seasoned producer Vegyn's album plays to his strengths

Even if you haven't heard of Vegyn, you might know who he is: The up-and-coming artist is a British graphic designer and DJ whose production on Frank Ocean’s 2016 album 'Blonde' and 'Endless' propelled his status and elevated him to a respected, steady career in the music industry. Feb 7 2022

From Dr. Martens to Chuck Taylors: Shoes are incredibly significant in early punk scenes

Shoes form a cultural identity for the people who wear them, and the formation of this secular identity is shown in spades through the 1980s punk scene that swept through London and North America.Feb 1 2022

Remembering fashion icon Virgil Abloh: Breaking down elitism at Louis Vuitton

Virgil Abloh’s tenure as the Louis Vuitton men’s artistic director came to a close with his final fall/winter 2022 runway show, and it served as an important fixture in Paris Fashion Week for multiple reasons — the most significant being his dedication to inclusion and accessibility.Jan 28 2022

From Ye to Father John Misty, 2022 is full of highly anticipated album drops

With the start of the New Year, the music industry is anticipating some major releases that will send media outlets and their fans into a frenzy. Jan 25 2022

Like it or not, sampling is here to stay: Why music is made better with multiple influences

Sampling has been used in music for decades, and its application has led to the creation of many legendary and inventive songs. Jan 19 2022

Controversial, but iconic: On 'Drink Champs,' Kanye West is at his most Kanye

Kanye West is an artist who has inspired multiple generations of people, but his latest interview with podcast "Drink Champs" shone an honest light on his negative thoughts and feelings on other pop culture figures and the artistic peers that he associates himself with.Dec 6 2021

LGBTQ+ celebrities don't owe you their coming out story

Celebrities are forced to deal with a myriad of difficult decisions in relation to their public image. When it comes to sexuality, being perceived as anything other than straight is seen as going against the mold, and forms a narrative that a celebrity needs to “come out.”Dec 2 2021

Snail Mail's 'Valentine' puts artist's wisdom, vulnerability on full display

Twenty-two-year-old indie rock soloist Lindsay Jordan, aka Snail Mail, is best known for her lush melodies and intricate instrumentation, making her a favorite on the indie scene.Nov 18 2021

Aminé's latest release 'TWOPOINTFIVE' is colorful, authentic

Since his 2017 hit, "Caroline," American rapper Aminé has skyrocketed into the spotlight. Infectious energy, colorful music videos and lyrical content focused on sex and hedonistic pleasures are what the 27-year-old is best known for, and his last album, 2020’s "Limbo," earned his first top 10 album on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-hop albums.Nov 15 2021

How rap has evolved over time

Rap is a genre of music that has an interesting and complex history. Throughout its 60-year existence, certain artists have pioneered the genre and trailblazers of their time have created important distinctions with their artwork. Rap culture is inexplicably tied to Black culture, and the history of rap music is in part the history of Black people. Nov 5 2021

A$AP Rocky's legendary mixtape 'LIVE. LOVE. A$AP' is now available to stream after 10 years

After 10 years since its initial release, A$AP Rocky’s first commercial mixtape, “LIVE.LOVE.A$AP,” is finally available on streaming platforms. Nov 3 2021

Don Toliver's strong discography shows that his only competition is himself

Don Toliver exists as the protégé of Travis Scott and a current pioneer of the autotune-crooning genre of rappers. His rapping style blends the sensual melodies of 90s rhythm-and-blues stars like Aaliyah and D’Angelo, while he combines modern trap instrumentation with top-notch production techniques and high-profile collaborations.Nov 1 2021

Young Thug's new release 'Punk' has its memorable tracks but is overall safe

Young Thug’s career trajectory since his 2011 mixtape, “I Came From Nothing 2” is reminiscent of a star emerging from the darkness. In 10 years, he has become one of the most influential rap artists of our time, and his albums' releases feel like events in their consistency and scope. His latest album, “Punk” exemplifies an array of different musical styles and comes on the heels of his last release, “Slime Language 2.”Oct 20 2021

Jazz act BADBADNOTGOOD 'Talk Memory' is brilliantly produced, refined

BADBADNOTGOOD is a jazz-inspired jam band who has inspired a multitude of popular artists. Since its inception at Humber College in 2010, they have been on the forefront of improvisational jazz compositions, and their songs combine beautiful chord progressions with hip-hop and jazz influenced collaborations. Oct 19 2021

James Blake's 'Friends That Break Your Heart' beautifully delves into themes of loneliness, love

James Blake’s songwriting career is a mix of fragmented ideas and unconventional song structure, and this formula has resulted in some of his best work. His buttery voice and love of chords is evident in how his songs are structured, and his later work has prioritized pop structures as well as collaborating with both established and up-and-coming artists.Oct 14 2021

Scrolling through Reddit? Here are some interesting threads to check out

In the age of the internet, different subgroups can be created in the blink of an eye. In terms of information, Reddit is one of the best social media platforms. Memes circulate at a breakneck speed, and it’s almost impossible to keep up with everything that circulates through the internet in a day.Oct 7 2021

Rap game-changer: Baby Keem's latest project 'The Melodic Blue' will launch him into stardom

Baby Keem’s arrival in the rap game came from a mix of beautiful timing and original songwriting that set him apart from his peers. His yelpy and distinct delivery helps him control the energy of his songs at will, and his beat selection has gotten more experimental with time.Oct 5 2021

Just getting started in film photography? Here are some tips for beginners

Within the land of film photography, there are mysterious and exciting aspects of shooting on film. The anticipation of not knowing what your shot will look like combined with the delicate responsibility of documenting memories feels both powerful and overwhelming.Oct 1 2021

Dreamer Boy's album 'All The Ways We Are Together' is creative but inconsistent

Dreamer Boy occupies an interesting and unique space in the independent music scene. As an artist, 23 year-old Zach Taylor’s blend of ethereal-based pop structures from a singer-songwriter perspective makes him feel more than just an alternative artist.Sep 23 2021

Rising indie artist's Spencer.'s debut album 'Are U Down' shows great potential

In the sphere of indie-rap, guitar-driven extraordinaries under the age of 25, 22-year-old alternative artist Spencer. is fairly high on this list. Since the rise of Steve Lacy in 2017, more Black artists have been cementing themselves as powerhouses in the indie/neo-soul genre in different ways, and Spencer.’s music is an offshoot of this growing genre of music.Sep 22 2021

Lil Nas X opens up about sexuality, fame in his latest release 'MONTERO'

Lil Nas X’s meteoric rise to fame coincides with his internet-savvy mindset and his ability to stir up controversy and promotion with ease. Ever since the release of his 2018 rap-country hit “Old Town Road”, he has managed to remain in the public eye consistently while strengthening his talents as a musician and a brand.Sep 21 2021

How Willow Smith pays homage to punk culture with her music

Willow Smith has been part of the public eye for her entire life, but her musical identity has always been an extension of herself. Her career up to this point has felt like a breakaway from the famous association of her parents and a way for her to symbolize her autonomy. Her single, “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l” features Travis Barker of Blink-182 and is a homage to Black punk culture and rock music of the early 2000s.Sep 16 2021

King Krule's live album is sobering, spontaneous

King Krule, also known as Archy Marshall, aligns with the artistic ambitions of his contemporaries but relishes in none of the gimmicks that they utilize. At 27 years old, his discography is more varied than most artists in his field, and his catalog is littered with classics that are distinct to him and his style. Sep 14 2021

Fast fashion is taking over: It's time for us consumers to choose sustainability

The world of fashion is well-known for its layers of elitism and questionable ethics. Big corporations carry the torch for ill-fated initiatives and irreversible damage to the Earth via pollution and carbon emissions. Sep 9 2021

Kanye West's latest release 'Donda' is tumultuous yet profoundly authentic

Kanye West’s tenth studio album, "Donda," comes loaded with more baggage than most and highlights Kanye’s continued evolution as an artist. His tendency to go toe-to-toe with his own ego creates some of Kanye’s best moments artistically, and the album highlights Kanye’s current mental state towards the 2007 death of his mother, Donda West. Sep 8 2021

Struggling to make friends? Here's how you can ease social anxiety when coming back to campus

The definition of socializing has changed dramatically due to the pandemic. Going from spending the majority of our time alone to having to be perceived by so many people all the time is incredibly exhausting, and this upcoming semester is the first time many of us have had the opportunity to socialize in person since the pandemic started, which creates a new list of worries and concerns.Sep 2 2021

Paul McCartney's latest album, 'McCartney III Imagined,' shows his unique artistic evolution

At 79 years old, Paul McCartney's life and legacy is well-cemented within history as being an integral part of one of the most influential and best-selling bands of all time, The Beatles. Jul 17 2021

Lil Yachty's latest mixtape 'Michigan Boy Boat' is disappointing for fans

Lil Yachty debuted onto the rap scene with a unique personality and appearance. Since the 2016 XXL Freshman Cypher, the rappers from this class have gone on to have interesting and varied careers. His bright red beaded braids and affinity for luxury brands created a unique aesthetic, and it is one he maintains throughout his career. Jul 3 2021

How Lil Uzi Vert's unique fashion sense solidifies his irreplaceable spot in rap

As an artist, Symere Bysil Woods, better known as rapper Lil Uzi Vert, has always associated style with his brand and imagery.Apr 28 2021

From TikTok to record labels: Why you need to pay attention to viral singer Fousheé

Fousheé is a New Jersey-born singer whose musical origins are far more interesting than most artists. Apr 26 2021

Young Thug's latest release 'Slime Language 2' truly showcases his versatility, strength as rapper

Since the early days of his rap career, Young Thug has amassed one of rap’s most dedicated and fervent fanbases. His fans feverishly support his albums, and his status as a legend in rap is widely discussed in the music community.Apr 22 2021

British prog-rock band black midi defies indie quo with unconventional synth-punk sound

black midi is a four-piece London experimental rock band, which has consistently upended the traditional tropes of rock music. The band's blend of math rock, experimental rock and post-punk makes its music extremely varied, and they create some of the most unique music within their genre and the industry today.Apr 20 2021

Why Aphex Twin is electronic music's most beloved artist

In the world of electronic music, there's no one as regarded and celebrated as much as Richard D. James, better known as Aphex Twin. Apr 16 2021

serpentwithfeet's 'DEACON' beautifully depicts Black love with artistic romanticism

Josiah Wise, also known as musician “serpentwithfeet," exists in an afro and queer-centric sector of Black rhythm and blues (R&B) music. His second album, “DEACON,” combines much of the honesty and unnerving elements of his earlier work but is repackaged in a lighter and brighter tone.Apr 13 2021

How Kendrick Lamar's masterpiece 'To Pimp a Butterfly' remains relevant six years later

Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album “To Pimp A Butterfly” turned six on March 15, and it’s remarkable how prevalent and topical it feels even after all these years.Apr 5 2021

Rap fans need to start paying attention to Houston's upcoming hip-hop star reggie

With artists like BROCKHAMPTON and trap superstars like Lil Uzi Vert paving their way with energy and personality, the barrier for entry in the music industry has become so open, almost anyone can leave their mark — so long as they're ambitious and diligent enough. Mar 29 2021

Here are this month's highlights in music

The past few weeks have seen song releases from some of music’s most prominent artists, and filtering through the amount of music that comes out on a daily basis can be a daunting task.Mar 25 2021

TV Girl's album 'French Exit' bears test of time, inspiring modern DIY artists

Since its formation in 2010, American indie-pop band TV Girl occupies a fascinating sector of the indie music scene.Mar 23 2021

How Japanese streetwear brand BAPE blends hip-hop with iconic fashion

Japanese fashion designer Tomoaki Nagao, better known as Nigo, is renowned for being the founder and creative director of the Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, which is commonly referred to as BAPE. Mar 10 2021

slowthai's sophomore album 'TYRON' shows artistic growth, introspection

slowthai is one of Britain’s hottest rappers right now, and his mixture of witty punchlines and punk-inspired energy make him a prominent figurehead in the U.K. rap scene. Feb 26 2021

Want to feel like your favorite character? Check these playlists out

Creating niche playlists on Spotify to capture a certain mood or vibe is nothing new, but recently, a lot of users have been creating playlists to capture the energy of fictional characters from movies and TV shows.Feb 11 2021

POC LGBTQ+ icons who challenge status quo

Representation in LGBTQ+ culture has always been a difficult slope to traverse. Feb 4 2021

My Caribbean, Black identity made me who I am today

Depending on who you are or where you're from, culture has an array of meanings. But between the political climate and polarization in American politics, society tends to vilify any culture that differs from the Western way of life.Feb 3 2021

Shows on Netflix to stress-watch in between classes

Netflix continues to be one of the most in-demand streaming services available in our current era of media consumption.Jan 26 2021

Perfect songs to celebrate cheer through holiday season

The holiday season has finally arrived, which means Christmas songs are being played at nearly every store you go to. Dec 10 2020

Why acknowledging Black artists at Grammy Awards matters

The annual Grammy Awards nominations are ideally supposed to reflect the dynamism of the current musical landscape and evolve to reflect the tastes of the industry.Dec 3 2020

Don't forget racist origins of Thanksgiving

The origins of Thanksgiving run deep in American culture and make it an established and fortified holiday.Nov 25 2020

Quarantine music videos are transformational, new

The music industry has been forced to adapt to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the restrictions implemented as a result, changing the way music videos are recorded. Gone are the hundreds of people helping to direct and film a video.Nov 24 2020

Nav's newest album 'Emergency Tsunami' falls flat

Rapper Navraj Goraya, better known as Nav, recently dropped his newest project "Emergency Tsunami," making it his third release of the year. Nov 20 2020

Lowkey artist we love: Jean Dawson

The 25-year-old Jean Dawson is one of the most exciting artists to come out in the last few yearsNov 17 2020

What Kanye West's presidency would look like

Kanye West’s presidential bid was proof that truly anything is possible in 2020. Nov 12 2020

Boy Pablo uses familiar formula for latest album 'Wachito Rico'

Boy Pablo is an example of a unique voice that has come out of the alternative and indie genre in the past few years.Nov 6 2020

Omar Apollo incorporates shyness, range in 'Apolonio'

Omar Apollo is the alias of 23-year-old Mexican-American, singer-songwriter Omar Apolonio Velasco. Nov 4 2020

Two episodes of 'Euphoria' are coming soon! Why do so many love it?

"Euphoria" is the HBO, drug-induced teen drama that has captivated the hearts of millions during its first season and has become a cultural phenomenon in the past year. Oct 28 2020

Orion Sun provides beautiful escape in newest album

Orion Sun has become one of the most admirable figures in alternative music today.Oct 26 2020

Justin Bieber, Crocs collab just in time for lazy fit fall

The resurgence and popularity of Crocs in the last few years prove that not all trends die out.Oct 22 2020

What not to do: Textbook toxic masculinity from Demi Lovato's ex-fiancé

The recent actions of Demi Lovato’s ex-fiancé Max Ehrich are reminiscent of a much larger problem among toxic men in general. Oct 21 2020

We must support Black businesses, especially now

Black-owned businesses have almost always had to struggle more than their white counterparts.Oct 14 2020

Melancholy, maturity: Joji's latest album 'Nectar'

Joji is one of the most interesting musicians to break out in the past few years. His transition from internet comedian to rising sensation has made him a fascinating person to witness sonically. Oct 12 2020

Yellow Days explores masculinity, new sounds in 'A Day In A Yellow Beat'

What makes the rise of the United Kingdom neo-soul artist Yellow Days so fascinating is that it was the result of organic growth and incredible songwriting. Oct 7 2020

What's with celebrities encouraging us to vote?

During the past few months, everyone from Kylie Jenner to Tyler, the Creator has been urging their fans to vote ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Oct 5 2020

Playlists as love letters

In this modern and technologically advanced world, humans continue to expand upon the idea of communication. From love letters to phone calls, expressing interest or appreciation for one another is a varied and personal touch. Sep 30 2020

Fluidity of art: Meet Virgil Abloh

Virgil Abloh is one of the most multi-faceted artists of our time, as an artist and designer who also DJs at festivalsSep 28 2020

Marveling at Travis Scott: Brand deals, epic shows

Travis Scott is one of the most dominant forces in music today. His presence is peppered all throughout pop culture and his influence is seen all around the world. Sep 24 2020

Re-examining 'Blonde,' Frank Ocean's introspective album

Honoring life, work, excellence of Chadwick Boseman

On Aug. 28, the world learned about Chadwick Boseman’s death from a social media post provided by his team. Sep 7 2020

Thundercat new album 'It Is What It Is' combines historical and personal influences

Stephen Bruner, the bassist and producer known as Thundercat, has spent the past few years making an impact in the music industry.Apr 6 2020

It's Jaboukie Young-White's world: Twitter-user, comedian gets continually suspended on Twitter

Jaboukie Young-White is one of the most enigmatic and successful comedians in recent memory. Mar 30 2020

Kim K. wears Fulani braids, accused of Blackfishing again

Kim Kardashian has been a cultural icon for the past two decades. Mar 11 2020

King Krule new album 'Man Alive!' explores artist's sound

King Krule, the seminal musician from London, is one of those rare artists who has had an incredibly unique sound from the beginning of his career.Mar 6 2020

Toxic masculinity experiences can deter men from certain genres

Toxic masculinity is a common aspect of today’s culture of instant gratification and social media.Mar 3 2020

Appreciating actor Stanley Tucci's diverse character roles

Stanley Tucci is an American actor who has an incredibly versatile catalog of roles. Mar 2 2020

Black creators like Jalaiah Harmon deserve recognition

The internet has had a resurgence of dance crazes and trendy topics taking the world of pop culture by storm. Feb 25 2020

Jeff Bezos's parking tickets exposes carelessness of wealthy elite

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has an interesting status in society as well as among entrepreneurs and executives.Feb 12 2020

Billie Eilish's comments on hip-hop genre shouldn't be too concerning

Within the context of musicians and their relationship with society, musicians share an unparalleled responsibility to comment and report on other musicians and genres.Feb 11 2020

Tyler, the Creator comments on genres after Grammy win

Tyler, the Creator expressed his discontent with winning Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards. His recently released album "IGOR" breaks many boundaries.Feb 3 2020

'BoJack Horseman' new season won't disappoint

"Bojack Horseman" is set to release the second half of its sixth and final season. The show first premiered in 2014. Jan 24 2020

Online pressure from fans changes 'Sonic' movie design

'Sonic the Hedgehog' is currently playing in most theaters, after rescheduling the release due to the redesign. The updated design is pictured above.Jan 21 2020

Achieve budget-friendly holiday looks by following these helpful tips

Ugly holiday sweaters are just one of the many ways you can attend any holiday family get-together or office party while still maintaining a sense of uniqueness.Dec 10 2019

Mixtape madness: Staying relevant in music streaming age

Today, artists regularly release mixtapes that aren't always the artists' best work. Gucci Mane is known for his relentless release rate.Dec 2 2019

How patriarchy gave us awkward shuffles at every party

Although it's been taboo, male dancers, like the pictured Alvin Ailey, are a crucial part of our arts ecosystem. Now, we just need to let the love of dance trickle down to the laymen.Nov 22 2019

Unibrow renaissance sheds light on reclaiming cultural trends

Do Not Disturb function helps to dim distraction

Vibe check: Effective advice must be articulated with empathy

We've all been in the difficult situation of giving advice to a friend. Getting advice allows you to see problems from a different perspective and consider possibilities you haven't before.Oct 31 2019

Spending for self-care: Is consumerism our only option?

It may seem like self-care is only possible through purchasing products, but meditation is free as can be. It's best to focus on yourself more than what you can buy.Oct 16 2019

Freelancing is key to gaining traction in creative fields of work

The idea of "being your own boss" may sound appealing to the uninitiated, but creative freelancers collaborate just as much as — if not more than — full-time workers. Oct 14 2019

Meme music: An abridged history of vaporwave

Daniel Lopatin, also known as Oneohtrix Point Never, was one of the primary producers of vaporwave with "Chuck Person's Eccojams Vol. 1." His decade-long career as a composer is a testament to the outsized influence that the sub-genre has had. Oct 4 2019