From Covid-19 to Monkeypox, it’s been a rough couple years. We’ve lost legends in all fields and government. RBG, John Lewis, Cicely Tyson,Virgil Abloh, and many more. I mean Donald Trump was the president. The Karens got emboldened. A horror movie was made about their chicanery!
Oh, and wait, Trump supporters stormed the capital, and threatened the vice president, in an attempt to overturn lawful elections. That’s a mouthful right. Few good things though, Kamala Harris became the first black woman vice president and Verzuz gave us iconic moments.
Well, it’s been kind of difficult to enjoy music for this writer until recently. I mean I got through last year with Big Sean’s [Detroit 2], posthumously releasing [Exodus] from DMX, J. Cole [Off Season], Vince Staples [Vine Staples], Nas came through with [King’s Disease 2], can’t forget about Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West with [Donda]. Yes, this is Hip Hop!
However, 90’s babies, we innately tend to like other genres as well. It’s a party! I mean Adele dropped [30], Jazmine Sullivan [Heaux Tales], Lorde [Solar Power], and Justin Bieber [ Justice].
Hold up, there were a few collabs I enjoyed as well, Pop Smoke and Dua Lipa [Demeanor], Nas and Ms. Lauryn Hill [Nobody], oh and Dupa Lipa [Levitating] is still a bop
There’s a lot of things to be grateful about, Britney Spears got free, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first black woman justice to sit on the [SCOTUS]. Justice for Ahmaud Aubery, Breonna Taylor. Cannot, forget about the Janet Jackson documentary. Iconic.
Wait 2022 brought its own chicanery, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on national television during the Oscars. Johnny Depp won his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard. Both parties recounted gut-wrenching accusations of physical, verbal, and sexual assault, as well as some bizarre anecdotes that involved feces and a severed fingertip. A jury ruled in Depp’s favor in June, awarding him $15 million in damages. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez got engaged again, and then married in Las Vegas.
RIP to Betty White, Bob Saget, Sidney Poiter, Ray Liotta, and Naomi Judd.
On a lighter note, music has seen a quality resurgence in 2022, with offerings from the icons and game changers alike, with sample-laced gems, mellow vibes and sonic candy. Amidst the unlawful detention of Britney Griner, rising inflation in America, the Russian-Ukrainian War, the ongoing battle for the soul of American government and democracy, lets “build a new foundation”, hop on a new vibration, and enjoy this playlist.
Infinite 2022 [so far]
Oh, and I can’t forget about the Murder Inc Story on BET. If you’re a lover of hip hop and R&B, this 5-part documentary is packed with gems. Irv Gotti’s recollection on getting Jay-Z, DMX and Ja Rule signed is something you don’t want to miss. Also, the early origins of the Murder Inc record label, plus insights into the infamous Ja Rule, 50 Cent beef. At the time of this article, shoot we’re four episodes in. So tap in now!
This a running playlist! Drop a line or two and tell me what’s in your rotation. Don’t forget to email me with your tips and topics at [thepen@infinitepressure.org]
– The Pen
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