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Artist Spotlight

Issa Rae Demands Hollywood Pay Its Dues to Black TV in Fiery SXSW Keynote

HonkMagazine

In an impactful keynote speech, Issa Rae highlighted the ongoing challenges that Black television has faced over the years. She explained how, from the earliest sitcoms to today’s hit dramas, networks have prospered by telling Black stories, yet true recognition and appreciation remain hard to come by. Some may dismiss this as talk, but Rae is resolute in sharing her perspective. Her new project, Seen & Heard, aims to prove this history clearly.

“It’s one thing to hear about it,” Rae explained. “You might have encountered discussions around how certain networks have treated Black creators. But having the actual storytellers and writers document this history makes it undeniable. We wanted to create a thorough record that shows how they built their success on our stories, while we have little to show for it. It’s a sad situation, and it keeps happening again and again.” The docuseries includes perspectives from notable figures in entertainment, such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Ava DuVernay, who share their experiences and discuss Black television’s ongoing struggles.

It serves as a rallying call for recognition and ongoing support and investment in Black storytelling. Issa Rae’s career showcases the importance of authentic Black voices. From her groundbreaking show Insecure to her growing role as a producer, she has constantly pushed the industry to improve. With Seen & Heard, she’s committed to ensuring that Black TV pioneers’ contributions are remembered and valued. Hollywood tends to forget things when it suits them, but Issa Rae is ensuring that Black television will be acknowledged this time. Seen & Heard is a powerful call for change.

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Artist Spotlight

Lana Crow turns challenges into a celebration with “Laugh With You”

Lana Crow

“Laugh With You,” the latest single from Lana Crow, is a sincere rallying cry to embrace life in all its messy, beautiful mess. In the song, indie pop and alt-pop combine to deliver an emotional blow that feels both personal and universal.

“Laugh With You” feels like an instant connection, and Crow is telling you stories of hard times with a cozy, knowing smile. This song is as much about struggle as it is about how strong you are. It serves as a reminder that these struggles are simply what give us the strength to keep going, even when life is tough.

Crow encourages people to welcome them, create happiness in the cracks, and laugh even as the world gets heavy. The result is a song that delicately nudges you to love and embrace yourself. It is an anthem for anyone experiencing tough times who refuses to give up hope. Lana Crow continues to demonstrate her songwriting skills, both musically pleasing and emotionally rich, with “Laugh With You.”

It’s a reminder that it’s how we respond to tough times, rather than how they affect us, that’s key. With this song, not only does Crow provide us with music, but she also lets us know that sometimes a laugh is what we need to remember that there is always something to smile about and that, even when it feels like life has waged war against you, laughter can still be found.

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Artist Spotlight

BluntBrad Jr. finds calm ambition in the laid-back shine of “It’s All Good”

BluntBrad Jr.

BluntBrad Jr.’s new single, “It’s All Good,” sounds like a steady handshake and a deep breath. It’s warm, honest, and not trying to be cool. There isn’t any fancy production hiding behind layers of polish here. Instead, the song is all about being honest. The song is laid-back and offers up the shine of a studio recording for the feeling of a candid introduction, a musical “hello” from someone who wants to be heard for who they are.

“It’s All Good” is a very human way to be hopeful at its core. The feeling is simple and real, like someone who won’t let little things stand in the way of their goals. The words to the song sound like friends talking to each other. They discuss their goals, their drive, and their need for attention in a way that is honest and not needy.

The production backs this up by making sure that everything is open and airy. The instruments are simple and easy to understand, so BluntBrad Jr.’s voice and message come through clearly. The song feels real because it doesn’t have a lot of extra stuff in it. You’re not hearing a heavily constructed persona; you’re hearing someone at the start of a journey, eager to make their mark.

The song’s rough edges make it captivating, which is better than polish, which would have smoothed it out. This way of thinking fits with the theme: hope isn’t naive here; it’s realistic and steady. It speaks to people who like simple songs and value honesty over artifice.

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“It’s All Good” is an engaging and approachable phrase that offers context for an artist who is confident and clear about their artistic vision. This is the kind of song you listen to when you need some honest encouragement to remember that just being human can help you move forward. This is only the first chapter of something serious, so expect more from him.

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