May
25

Blu Kisses the Sky

Jonah Bromwich is zen. Sometimes I think it’s amazing that I’m still paying so much attention to Blu. He’s the most singularly frustrating artist I’ve ever been a fan of. He released two albums this year that were drowned in fuzz, and when I say drowned, I don’t mean the kind of fuzz that Douglas… Continue reading »

May
22

The Big Bland Dreams of Meek Mill

Jonah Bromwich dreams of electric Meek. Between the Killer Mike and Ab-Soul albums, I’ve been on black radical sabbatical, but I’m returning to the mainstream for a moment — a shift from fiery personalities/righteous anger/interesting albums to the distinctly un-radical new mixtape of Messr. Meekus Mill. Dreamchasers 2 isn’t half bad. Whenever Mill is spotted… Continue reading »

May
15

Madeaux, Opium, & Influence Spotting

Jonah Bromwich also appreciates De Quincey. As someone who doesn’t instantly spot all eight samples that today’s wunderkind producers are cramming into their songs, I’m thankful that Miami newcomer Madeaux’s new track “Opium” sounds as good as it does. There’s no personal gratification with easter eggs heaped throughout the track’s four minutes—I mean, I recognize… Continue reading »

May
10

Sonnymoon -”HoustAtlantaVegas (Wajeed Re-Fix)”

You know how Jonah Bromwich does on All-Star Weekend. Before he aggravated many of us with his unique marriage of arrogance and fine whine, Drake released a mixtape called So Far Gone. It opened with “Houstatlantavegas” — you remember. Here, Drake’s confessional style saw its genesis with a grueling, upsetting verse, about the women you… Continue reading »

May
03

You Can Like Whatever You Like: When Kanye Met Keef

Jonah Bromwich doesn’t like jean jackets with the sleeves cut. Let’s just be clear: a Kanye co-sign means little-to-nothing regarding Chief Keef’s ability as a rapper. Artists with the fabled Yeezy seal of approval include luminaries like GLC, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, Fonzworth Bentley and Mr. Hudson. So chill. I know that’s a futile request,… Continue reading »

May
01

Ty Segall & White Fence Wear Some Flowers in Their Hair

Jonah Bromwich rocks a powdered wig. Ty Segall and White Fence’s new collaborative album Hair is very good. That’s not a surprise. Segall is an eternally under-appreciated, songwriting and riff whiz and White Fence’s Tim Presley, while not quite of Segall’s stature, has shown the ability to add both heart and muscle to his guitar-history… Continue reading »

Apr
26

Santigold Masters Minimalism & Make Believe

Jonah Bromwich advises you to treat yo’ self. A little while back, candidate Leslie Knope, aspiring city councilwoman and deputy director of the Pawnee Parks and Recreation department learned a valuable lesson. After being upstaged by an opponent at a fundraising opportunity, she complained that her idea (ramps for seniors) had come first, before her… Continue reading »

Apr
25

Jack White: Antiquarian, Blunderbuss Bearer

Jonah Bromwich is making the Wonka face right now. As hard as I try to be fair and show the appropriate critical distance, there’s always going to be a vague sense of disappointment when Jack White releases a record without The White Stripes name on it. Along with all his other distinct abilities and idiosyncrasies,… Continue reading »

Apr
16

Dueling Oddities: Oddisee Vs. Lil B

Jonah Bromwich was the first rapper to adopt a tabby. It’s been nice to see some* of the support for Lil B, after he said a bunch of honest things earnestly (earnest things honestly?) at NYU the other night. No one in their right mind is against love, hope, faith in humanity or seat belts.… Continue reading »

Apr
09

The Falsehoods of Jonwayne

Jonah Bromwich is so delirious. There’s more than one way to improve.  You can progress steadily – moving from a couple of funny lines, to being able to ride a beat, to storytelling, to a perfect verse, to a perfect song, all over the course of four or five mixtapes and/or albums. Or you can… Continue reading »

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