It’s been a whiiile since I’ve done another “Hot and Cold”! This week I talk about Drake, new bills and whitewashing (cheery topic I know), among other things.
HOT
1. Drake releases new songs, date of album drop & plans to trademark his name (probably)
There’s been a slew of Drake news in April, from him dropping two new songs, to him announcing that his upcoming album, “Views From the 6” will be out on April 29. Artists who are rumored to be involved with the album include Beyoncé, Jay Z, Kanye and even Willow Smith.
I’m stoked for the album, which will be Drake’s fourth and the follow-up to “Nothing Was the Same,” but right now I’m just wondering what’s next for young Aubrey. He’s done everything from rapping, singing, acting, to even hosting (both “Saturday Night Live” and the ESPY Awards) — what can we expect in the future? A collaboration between OVO and actual owls? Trademarking the name “Drake”? It doesn’t seem that unthinkable, since the last time Drake Bell’s name was mentioned, it was probably in a sentence like, “Who is Drake Bell again?”
In the words of Tyra Banks: “Two Drake’s stand before me … but only one can be America’s Next Top Drake.”
Drake on “SNL” in 2014
2. BuzzFeed’s profile of Karyn Kusama
I know, I know. It’s been BuzzFeed this, BuzzFeed that on this blog lately, but I really do have to give it props. BuzzFeed writer Adam B. Vary wrote a beautiful profile of director Karyn Kusama, who, despite making an acclaimed debut film, didn’t have the ascent to stardom other directors with her talent had because she was a woman. It’s a great read for a better understanding of the unfairness in Hollywood and how hard it is for movies to get made that aren’t about straight, white guys.
As y’all can see by now, I love me some profiles. I always like it more when writers actually get to follow their subjects around (which sounds more trench-coaty and suspicious than it is) and spend a few days with them. It allows you to know that person in a much more intimate way than just asking, “Who’s your favorite artist?” or “What can we expect from your next album?”
This profile features the very in-demand producer, Metro Boomin. He’s known for producing for artists like Future (and for Future’s now-famous intro, “If Young Metro don’t trust you I’m gon’ shoot you”). But this piece dives in deeper, and examines Metro’s (real name Leland Tyler Wayne) childhood and how he got to where he is now.
At 23 years old, Metro seems relatively inexperienced, but he’s actually been on his production grind for about 10 years now, and even left the prestigious Morehouse College to follow his passion. It’s a wonderful look into an artist who’s so passionate and fun to be around — maybe that’s why Future values him and whether or not he trusts you?
It was announced just two days ago that famed abolitionist and overall bad-ass Harriet Tubman will grace the front of the new $20 bills, and that other influential figures like Sojourner Truth, Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King, Jr. will be on the $10 and $5 bills. Go inclusion!
However, my initial excitement to this news was slightly dimmed by the fact that former President Andrew Jackson, who is on the $20 bill now, will still be featured on the back. Remember, this is the guy who was responsible for the “Trail of Tears,” which some estimate killed nearly 6000 Cherokee. So the announcement is progress … I guess?
COLD
1. Whitewashing in “Ghost in the Shell” film
Yes, let’s cast Scarlett Johansson as a Japanese character in a movie that’s based on a Japanese manga. What, was she just so hooked from being in “Lost in Translation” that she just had to do something involving Japan again? If you love Japan so much, just stick to Instagramming your sushi like normal white girls, ScarJo, and let actual Asians tell their stories for once.
[EDIT 5/1: I wrote about whitewashing and Asian representation for my school paper, check it out here: bit.ly/1QweJcx!]
2. Earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador
At least 40 people were killed and 1000 injured after two earthquakes in Japan last week, and the earthquake in Ecuador has claimed the lives of more than 270 people. It really puts shit into perspective, like the realization that you have no idea where Ecuador is on the map and what that says about both you and the American school system. So if you can, please go and donate to charities like Oxfam.
Aftermath of earthquake in Ecuador
That’s all for this week! See you next time (although that could be in like a week, or a month or whenever Frank Ocean drops that album (a.k.a. never)).
The Hot Pot 