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novelwritingtrash · 5 years ago

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When Harry Styles played the O2 Arena in 2018, his fans illuminated the cavernous venue in the colours of the LGBTQ Pride flag. Coordinated by a social media account called The Rainbow Project, each seating block was allocated a different colour, so that when Styles played the song Sweet Creature, an enormous rainbow emerged from the crowd. I was there, and it was pretty magical. But it was also emblematic of how Styles’s fanbase views their idol: as a queer icon.

There’s arguably never been a better time to be an LGBTQ pop star. Acts such as Sam Smith, who came out as non-binary earlier this year, Lil Nas X, the first gay man to have a certified diamond song in America, Halsey, queer boyband Brockhampton, pansexual singer Miley Cyrus and Kim Petras, who is transgender, have all enjoyed an incredible year, bagging the biggest hits of 2019.

Still, when Styles shared Lights Up, the lead single from his forthcoming second solo album Fine Line, there was a collective intake of breath. The song and video - in which he appears shirtless in what looks like a sweaty orgy as both men and women grab at him - was heralded as a “bisexual anthem” by the media and fans on Twitter, despite not really making any explicit or obvious statements about sexuality or the LGBTQ community. Instead, Lights Up was just another example of the queer mythologising that occurs around Harry Styles.

As a member of One Direction, Styles was – aside from Zayn Malik – the group’s most charismatic and enticing member. From his first audition on The X Factor to the band’s disbandment in 2015, the teenager from Cheshire managed to elevate himself and his celebrity swiftly rose to the A list. Helping him along was speculation about his private life: during his tenure in the band he was romantically linked to everyone from Taylor Swift to Kendall Jenner.

But there were two other rumoured relationships that dogged Styles more than the others. The first was his close friendship with radio DJ Nick Grimshaw. Styles and Grimshaw were often photographed together, and there were anodyne showbiz reports about how they even shared a wardrobe.

Inevitably, rumours suggested they were romantically linked. In fact, so prolific was speculation that during an interview with British GQ, Styles was asked point blank if he was in a relationship with Grimshaw (he denied any romantic relationship) and, in a move that upset many One Direction fans, if he was bisexual. “Bisexual? Me?” he responded. “I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I'm not.”

The second, and perhaps most complicated of rumours, was that he and fellow bandmate Louis Tomlinson were in a relationship. Larry Stylinson, as their shipname is known, began life as fan-fiction but mutated into a wild conspiracy theory as certain fans – dubbed Larries – documented glances, gestures, touches, interviews, performances and outfits in an attempt to confirm the romance. Even now, four years after the band went on “hiatus”, videos are still being posted on YouTube in an attempt to confirm that their relationship was real.

For Tomlinson, Larry was fandom gone too far. He has repeatedly rejected the conspiracy. Styles, meanwhile, has never publicly discussed it. In fact, unlike Tomlinson, whose post-1D career trajectory has seen him adopt a loutish form of masculinity indebted to the Gallagher brothers, Styles has largely leant into the speculation surrounding his sexuality. Aside from the GQ interview, Styles has told interviewers that gender is not that important to him when it comes to dating. In 2017 he said that he had never felt the need to label his sexuality, adding: “I don’t feel like it’s something I’ve ever felt like I have to explain about myself.”

Likewise, during his time touring with One Direction, and during his own solo tours, the image of Styles draped with a rainbow flag became ubiquitous. He has also donated money from merchandise sales to LGBTQ charities. His fashion sense, too, subverts gender norms: Styles has long sported womenswear, floral prints, dangly earrings and painted nails.

Nevertheless, Styles’s hesitance to be candid has met with criticism. He has been accused of queer-baiting - or enjoying the benefits of appealing to an LGBTQ fanbase without having any of the difficulties. I’ve written before about how queer artists, who now enjoy greater visibility and are finding mainstream success, have struggled commercially owing to their sexuality or gender identity.

Styles, who is assumed to be a cisgender, heterosexual male, doesn’t carry any of the commercial risk laden upon Troye Sivan, Years and Years or MNEK, who all use same-gender pronouns in their music and are explicitly gay in their videos. His music – with its nods to rock’n’roll, Americana and folk – doesn’t feel very queer, either. Looking at it this way, the queer idolisation of Harry Styles doesn’t feel deserved.

“The thing with Harry Styles is that he often does the bare minimum and gets an out-sized load of credit for it,” says songwriter and record label manager Grace Medford. For Medford, who has worked at Syco and is now part of the team at Xenomania records, Styles’s queer narrative has been projected on him by the media and his fans. “I don't think that he queer-baits, but I don't think he does anywhere near enough to get the response that he does.”

Of course, Styles does not need to explain or be specific about his sexuality. As Medford puts it: “he's well within his rights to live his life how he chooses.” However, he has also created a space for himself in pop that allows him that ambiguity.

It’s a privilege few pop stars have. Last year, Rita Ora was hit with criticism after her song Girls, a collaboration with Charli XCX, Cardi B and Bebe Rexha, was dubbed problematic and accused of performative bisexuality. Even though Ora explicitly sang the lyric “I'm 50-50 and I'm never gonna hide it”, she was lambasted by social media critics, media commentary and even her fellow artists until she was forced to publicly confirm her bisexuality.

But the same was not done to Styles when he performed unreleased song “Medicine” during his world tour. The lyrics have never been confirmed, but the song is said to contain the line: “The boys and the girls are in/ I mess around with him/ And I'm okay with it.” Instead of probing him for clarity or accusing him of performativity, the song was labelled a “bisexual anthem” and praised as “a breakthrough for bisexual music fans”.

Of course, there’s misogyny inherent to such reactions. But there’s also something more layered and complex at play, too. “There's such a dearth of queer people to look up to, especially people at Harry’s level,” posits Medford. “With somebody who is seen as cool and credible and attractive as Harry, part of it is wishful thinking, I think.

“The fact is, he was put together into a boyband on a television show by a Pussycat Doll. And he has rebranded as Mick Jagger’s spiritual successor and sings with Stevie Nicks; he's really done the work there. Part of him doing that work is him stepping back and letting other people create a story for him.”

One only has to look at how Styles’ celebrity manifests itself (cool, fashionable, artistic) in comparison to that of his former bandmates. Liam Payne (this week dubbed by the tabloids as a chart failure) has been a tabloid fixture since his public relationship with Cheryl Cole and relies on countless interviews, photoshoots and even an advertising campaign for Hugo Boss to maintain his fame.

Styles, meanwhile, doesn’t really engage with social media. He also rarely appears in public and carefully chooses what kind of press he does, actively limiting the number of interviews he gives. Styles’s reticence to engage with the media and general public – perhaps a form of self-preservation – has awarded him a rare mystique that few people in the public eye possess.

This enigmatic personal, along with his sexual ambiguity, his support of LGBTQ charities and his gender-fluid approach to fashion, creates the perfect incubation for queer fandom. It also provides a shield against serious accusations of queer-baiting. As Medford argues: “Harry's queer mythology has been presented to and bestowed upon him by queer people whereas other acts feel like they have to actively seek that out.”

Ultimately, the way that Styles navigates his queer fandom doesn’t feel calculated or contrived. For Eli, an 18-year-old from Orlando who grew up with One Direction, seeing Styles “grow into himself” has been important. He suggests that Styles’ queer accessibility has helped to create a safe space for fans. “Watching him on tour dance on stage every night in his frilly outfits, singing about liking boys and girls, waving around pride flags, and even helping a fan come out to her mom, really helped me come to terms with my own sexuality,” he explains.

Vicky, who is 25 and from London, agrees: “To be able to attend his show with my pansexual flag and wave it around and feel so much love and respect - it's an amazing feeling. I'm aware so many queer people can't experience it so I'm very grateful Harry creates these safe spaces through his music and concerts.”

There’s appeal in Styles’s ambiguity, too. Summer Shaud, from Boston, says that Styles’ “giving no f----” approach to sexuality and gender is “inspiring and affirming” for those people who are coming to terms with their own identities or those who live in the middle of sexuality or gender spectrums. “There’s enormous pressure from certain gatekeeping voices within the queer community to perform queerness in an approved, unambiguous way, often coming from people with no substantive understanding of bisexuality or genderfluidity who are still looking to put everyone into a box,” she argues. “Harry’s gender presentation, queer-coding, and refusal to label himself are a defiant rebuke of that “You’re Not Doing It Right” attitude, and that resonates so strongly with queers who aren’t exclusively homosexual or exclusively binary.”

Shaud says that the queer community that has congregated around Styles is another reason she’s so drawn to him. “Seeing how his last tour was such an incredible site of affirmation and belonging for queers is deeply moving to me, and as older queer [Shaud is 41] I’m so grateful that all the young people growing up together with Harry have someone like him to provide that.”

In fact, she argues that there’s a symbiotic relationship between Styles and his queer fans. She cites an interview he gave to Rolling Stone this year in which he said how transformative the tour was for him. “For me the tour was the biggest thing in terms of being more accepting of myself, I think,” Styles shared. “I kept thinking, 'Oh wow, they really want me to be myself. And be out and do it.’”

All of the queer Harry Styles fans I spoke to agreed that it really didn’t matter whether their idol was explicit about his sexuality or not. “It’s weird that people scrutinise people who don’t label [their sexuality] when they have no idea what that person feels like inside or, in Harry’s case, what it’s like to be under the public eye,” argues Valerie, who is 18. “It's an individual choice, not ours,” agrees Vicky.

Ollie, 22 and from Brighton, takes a more rounded view, however: “On one hand, I think that quite simply it isn’t any of anyone else’s business. On the other, if you place yourself in the public eye to the level of fame that he has then you should be prepared to be probed about every minute detail of your personal life, whether you like it or not – you should at least be prepared to be questioned about it.” Still, he says that the good that Styles does is what’s important: “He brings fantastic support and attention to the community, whether he is actively a part of it or not.”

Arguably, the ambiguity and mystery that surrounds Styles only allows more space for queer people to find safety in him and in the fandom.

Still, if fans are expecting a queer coming of age with new album Fine Line, they will be disappointed. Lyrically, he doesn’t venture into new territory, although there are some new musical flares. He also seems like he’s started to distance himself a little from the ambiguity, too. “I’m aware that as a white male, I don’t go through the same things as a lot of the people that come to the shows,” he told Rolling Stone. “I can’t claim that I know what it’s like, because I don’t. So I’m not trying to say, ‘I understand what it’s like.’ I’m just trying to make people feel included and seen.” Having said that, within weeks Styles appeared on Saturday Night Live playing a gay social media manager, using queer slang and even wearing an S&M harness.

And so the cycle of queer mythologising continues, and is likely to continue for the rest of Styles’s career. And maybe things will change and maybe they won’t.

“If you are black, if you are white, if you are gay, if you are straight, if you are transgender — whoever you are, whoever you want to be, I support you,” he said earlier this year. “I love every single one of you.” In a world where LGBTQ rights are threatened and there’s socio-political insecurity, perhaps, for now at least, that’s enough.

#is it enough?#that the privileged cis white man gets to cosplay the gay saviour?

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accidentalharrie · 5 years ago

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maybe you or one of you followers has access to the telegraph article about Harry "Why does the world want Harry Styles to be gay" I don't know what to think about this headline and I really want to read it but its online only for subscribers

Here you go, Nons. (I hesitate to post this but…)

“The thing with Harry Styles is that he often does the bare minimum and gets an out-sized load of credit for it,” says songwriter and record label manager Grace Medford. For Medford, who has worked at Syco and is now part of the team at Xenomania records, Styles’s queer narrative has been projected on him by the media and his fans. “I don’t think that he queer-baits, but I don’t think he does anywhere near enough to get the response that he does.”

Of course, Styles does not need to explain or be specific about his sexuality. As Medford puts it: “he’s well within his rights to live his life how he chooses.” However, he has also created a space for himself in pop that allows him that ambiguity.

It’s a privilege few pop stars have. Last year, Rita Ora was hit with criticism after her song Girls, a collaboration with Charli XCX, Cardi B and Bebe Rexha, was dubbed problematic and accused of performative bisexuality. Even though Ora explicitly sang the lyric “I’m 50-50 and I’m never gonna hide it”, she was lambasted by social media critics, media commentary and even her fellow artists until she was forced to publicly confirm her bisexuality.

But the same was not done to Styles when he performed unreleased song “Medicine” during his world tour. The lyrics have never been confirmed, but the song is said to contain the line: “The boys and the girls are in/ I mess around with him/ And I’m okay with it.” Instead of probing him for clarity or accusing him of performativity, the song was labelled a “bisexual anthem” and praised as “a breakthrough for bisexual music fans”.

Of course, there’s misogyny inherent to such reactions. But there’s also something more layered and complex at play, too. “There’s such a dearth of queer people to look up to, especially people at Harry’s level,” posits Medford. “With somebody who is seen as cool and credible and attractive as Harry, part of it is wishful thinking, I think.

“The fact is, he was put together into a boyband on a television show by a Pussycat Doll. And he has rebranded as Mick Jagger’s spiritual successor and sings with Stevie Nicks; he’s really done the work there. Part of him doing that work is him stepping back and letting other people create a story for him.”

This enigmatic personal, along with his sexual ambiguity, his support of LGBTQ charities and his gender-fluid approach to fashion, creates the perfect incubation for queer fandom. It also provides a shield against serious accusations of queer-baiting. As Medford argues: “Harry’s queer mythology has been presented to and bestowed upon him by queer people whereas other acts feel like they have to actively seek that out.”

Vicky, who is 25 and from London, agrees: “To be able to attend his show with my pansexual flag and wave it around and feel so much love and respect - it’s an amazing feeling. I’m aware so many queer people can’t experience it so I’m very grateful Harry creates these safe spaces through his music and concerts.”

There’s appeal in Styles’s ambiguity, too. Summer Shaud, from Boston, says that Styles’ “giving no f—-” approach to sexuality and gender is “inspiring and affirming” for those people who are coming to terms with their own identities or those who live in the middle of sexuality or gender spectrums. “There’s enormous pressure from certain gatekeeping voices within the queer community to perform queerness in an approved, unambiguous way, often coming from people with no substantive understanding of bisexuality or genderfluidity who are still looking to put everyone into a box,” she argues. “Harry’s gender presentation, queer-coding, and refusal to label himself are a defiant rebuke of that “You’re Not Doing It Right” attitude, and that resonates so strongly with queers who aren’t exclusively homosexual or exclusively binary.”

In fact, she argues that there’s a symbiotic relationship between Styles and his queer fans. She cites an interview he gave to Rolling Stone this year in which he said how transformative the tour was for him. “For me the tour was the biggest thing in terms of being more accepting of myself, I think,” Styles shared. “I kept thinking, ‘Oh wow, they really want me to be myself. And be out and do it.’”

All of the queer Harry Styles fans I spoke to agreed that it really didn’t matter whether their idol was explicit about his sexuality or not. “It’s weird that people scrutinise people who don’t label [their sexuality] when they have no idea what that person feels like inside or, in Harry’s case, what it’s like to be under the public eye,” argues Valerie, who is 18. “It’s an individual choice, not ours,” agrees Vicky.

Arguably, the ambiguity and mystery that surrounds Styles only allows more space for queer people to find safety in him and in the fandom.

And so the cycle of queer mythologising continues, and is likely to continue for the rest of Styles’s career. And maybe things will change and maybe they won’t.

#I hope it goes without saying that I disagree with a LOT in this article #telegraph #not sure how else to tag this #asks #Anonymous

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thefreshfinds · 5 years ago

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BROOKLYN UNITY FEST:

There is strength in numbers and the Brooklyn Unity Fest went ahead to prove that theory in their 8th annual event. If someone were to question "Where Brooklyn at?" the proof would be front and center. Ultimately the Brooklyn Unity Fest gave back to its community in a major way!

Aside from its free giveaway on Summer Jam tickets, bikes and t-shirts — there was also a Fabolous Way 3 Point Contest and Stomp the Violence Dance Contest.

From the basketball courts, vendors, face painting, multiple stages and even a bouncy house — the festival made sure to bask in its pride.

Overall, everyone was very accepting. Once the performers went onstage their was a common ground shared between the younger and older generation.

Not only were their crowds of kids doing the Stanky Leg, but there was all smiles and a fascination towards the new age sound. Many of the artists recieved new fans but their main focus was giving their all in the name of hip-hop. The genre has taken them to new heights and for that matter they encourage others to follow their dreams. In a word, there was no other place that I wanted to be! The Brooklyn Unity Fest had great vibes. No wonder Brooklyn is the Most Thorough Borough! Their community is willing to give a lending hand if needed be.

Although I wasn't able to interview all of the performers, here are some brilliant creatives that I had an opportunity to speak with:

1. MARLEE HENDRIX: Known for being authentically dope, Mr. 70's cared to elaborate not only through his super fly assemble of jet-black boots (with flowers on the heel) fedora and lime green pants — but also through his genre-defying style of soul and hip-hop. At most, Marlee's palette for music brings his sound to life but what drives it even further are the artist that he's moved by. As said by Hendrix, the Temptations (and even Eminem) inspire him because of the different things they bring to the table. "Music is in my bones." Hendrix says.

INSTAGRAM: @marleehendrix

MUSIC LINK: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCg05CAoXgpKWMbv9bDSRIJQ?itct=CBoQ6p4EIhMI86S32v7g4gIVbYacCh0JNQ0h&csn=dGP_XPKQEoPR8wSt94XwAw&wlfg=true

2. SOULJIASPAIDE and EVELINASOWAVY: Two who share a bloodline, Souljiaspaide and Evelinasowavy do it to perfection. Even when they've been through the wringer, they're above it all and venture into money missions. Starting off her music journey when her mom bought a computer, Souljiaspaide began to record her own songs. Then as time passed, Evelinasowavy came in and did a solid 16 which left Souljiaspaide in awe. "I didn't even know she could rap." Likewise they share a love for hip-hop. For them it's everything and it all comes down to Tupac because he's an artist who educates. With this in mind, they want upcoming artist to stay positive. "Don't get annoyed," Evelinasowavy says. "It can happen. Don't let anything get in your way." Souljiaspaide adds.

INSTAGRAM(S): @souljiaspaidedwa + @evelinasowavy

MUSIC LINK:

A) SOULJIASPAIDE: https://soundcloud.com/souljaspaide

B) EVELINA: https://soundcloud.com/evelinamusic

3. D.CHAMBERZ and D.MCCRO: D.Chamberz and D.MCCRO wear a lot of hats in the music industry. While D.Chamberz brings the ruthless bars, D.MCCRO makes the soundscape so D.Chamberz can freely express himself. On a whole, D.Chamberz gained something from hip-hop and it helped him control his emotions. He puts his pen to the pad and works with a music group whereas D.MCCRO works in the hottest studios in New York. He is an engineer and producer. Motivated by money, both keep a green thumb. They’ve got their Benjamin’s aligned,

INSTAGRAM(S): @dchamberzciw + @iamdmccro_ondatrack

MUSIC LINK:

A) D.CHAMBERZ: https://linktr.ee/dchamberzciw

4. DATWINPRINCE: Swagful with the drip on his neck and wrist — DATWINPRINCE rode his own wave at the festival. As he gave the crowd a boost of energy when he performed "Drip 3X" DATWINPRINCE gleamed from ear-to-ear because it really just comes easy. Off the rip, DATWINPRINCE identifies as a professional Milly Rocker, dedicated singer and rapper. Still, the grind never stops. Every year he pushes even harder because it's all just preparation and practice. Good music goes a long way, "It made me realize I had a way to express the things I felt, but was always scared to say." DATWINPRINCE says. In the same way he is the voice for those who feel the same. The dope vibes never end. *Make sure to check out his latest single, "DRIP3X", it's on all streaming platforms.*

INSTAGRAM: @datwinprince

MUSIC LINK: https://ampl.ink/dbPxp

5. JX and BIG DAWG K: Real recognizes real & when I spoke to them I just knew they were it. Even though the two exinguish the blaze in their 16's alone, they create a mine field when facing their competitors. As an outsider, I could sense the energy they both share and I've got to say it's very inspiring. At just 9 years old JX was writing and so the pen manifested them into rhymes. Even at a young the first song he sung was"Hip-Hop Hurray." But JX hopes that his music inspires and encourages others to be themselves. In the same way Big Dawg K wants his music to say that dreams are achievable. "If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything." Middle school was where his music journey started and for the MC, when he's onstage it's another day in the office. On the other hand, JX says to himself "let's go kill it". However they both just aim to have fun. Expect a mixtape from JX on DatPiff in July. For now check out Big Dawg K's album, Soul Food (on all streaming platforms) and JX's video "730 Freestyle" on Worldstar.

INSTAGRAM(S):

@therealjx + @bigdawgk_fnf

MUSIC LINKS:

A) JX: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=kTWP_mVkESg

B) BIG DAWG K: https://snd.click/SSNCTWI

6. ZOE E ROSEGOLD: A 9-to-5 chick with a ride-or-die soul, Zoe stands for all the women in her sound. As she test all of the genre-elements, Zoe makes sure that her music is for self-enjoyment. Before she gets onstage, the star plans to deliver a message. However she really leaves it up to God. Aside from herself, she's really moved by the rap game because it's now given women a turn to dominate! Even though she just started her journey a year ago, music has always had a place in her heart. "I went to school and graduated with my nursing degree but the music just kept caling." she says. while you're on the road listen to her single, "Coke Music". It defines what her sound does to you.

INSTAGRAM: @officialzoeenyc

MUSIC LINK: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/zoeerosegold/zoe-e-rose-gold-ii

7. FEE DOLLAZ: With swag on a mf'ing 1000, Fee Dollaz rap style goes untouched. She's really her best self on and off the stage so it's safe to say that she's going places. Although she's from D.C, the rap star felt right at home when entering the Greater New York. Hip-hop has always been a passion of hers and when she says she is tired of a 9-to-5, many "100" emojis go up in favor. Likewise, hip-hop for Fee is bouncy, fun and real. Expect a 90's twist in her sound along some personable rhymes. Her message to the upcoming artist is to be you and follow your dreams. Make sure to bump "Set it Off" on the road. But the best is yet to come! Stay tuned for her album "World of My Own."

INSTAGRAM: @feedollaz

MUSIC LINK: http://hyperurl.co/pwtl9q

8. LIVELIKEDAVIS: The epitome of the fire emoji, LIVELIKEDAVIS brings the flame in 2019 and for many years to come. An avid fan of his, it was only right to tell him how amazing "Choppa For Advice" was but what I came to learn is that LIVELIKEDAVIS has been getting spins from the DJ off the rip. LIVELIKEDAVIS has been pursuing music since he was 13 years old but it really got far once he blew up on Vine in 2013. LIVELIKEDAVIS says that hip-hop is for self-expression and allows one to put it all on the table. But what inspires him the most is hip-hop's ability to paint a vivid picture of the artist's backstory. His advice for all upcoming artist is to stay constistent and to never listen to anyone but yourself. Take his word for it. LIVELIKEDAVIS plans on releasing a project soon. My question is: Will the fans get to hear a Lil Tjay feature? Maybe so. Go and stream “BEYBLADE” now. It’s available on all platforms

INSTAGRAM: @livelikedavis

MUSIC LINK: https://ffm.to/qm7v17k

9. SANTOS: Santos has a larger than life personality. Not only does he carry the same influential power that music does, but he also has an business man mentality, because he’s about his business, man. Starting off with his own marketing company, Santos was blessed with the opportunity to showcase his talents to BET. In turn, Santos shined through the lights and now is apart of the show, Hustle in Brooklyn. Besides this Santos also has his own record label. When he scouts out for talent, they must have a vision and ambition. Really it just shows that they’re ten toes down for the long haul. Santos list women and his mother as personal inspirations. On the road Santos likes to shuffle between 50 Cent, Jay-Z, 2Pac and Biggie. His word of advice to any upcoming artist is to spend the same amount of money you would on Jordan’s on an LLC. If you can’t invest in yourself how do you expect for others to?

INSTAGRAM: @tosmoney

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caveatauditor · 6 years ago

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My favorite albums, days 1-10

Friends have requested that I share my favorite albums on social media, preferably with vaguely autobiographical blurbs accompanying them, so to avoid polluting the wholesomeness of my Facebook timeline with music geekery, these are they until I change my mind. I excluded albums from this decade because the decade isn’t over, so the ten gems that follow represent an attempt to make history conform to me.

1. Lil Wayne, Da Drought 3

Two discs of Wayne freestyling, bloviating, and holding a conversation over a bunch of sampled and/or stolen and/or obscure music, arranged randomly because in theory the mixtape goes on forever in both directions, a gorgeous tapestry whose details happen to consist of delectable beats and wild free-associative blather. Wayne raps like a child in a candy store, eschewing parsable semantic content in favor of puns and stray impulses and improvised phonetic twaddle and whatever he feels like saying in the moment; likewise, the beats don’t cohere, sonically or in sequence, instead sticking as many hooks as possible wherever possible as often as possible; the overall result comes off like a transmission from the filthiest corner of the id. The ultimate triumph of mid-‘00s mixtape culture, Da Drought 3 is fabulous aural wallpaper and hardly an album at all, so of course it’s my favorite album.

2. Joni Mitchell, Hejira

Given how beloved this album is among a surprisingly large number of my friends, I almost went with the equally astonishing Hissing of Summer Lawns, but let’s be real now--Hejira is flawlessly, magnificently beautiful like nothing else I’ve ever heard. The guitar lines lap and peal over breathtakingly wide, sweeping expanses of empty space--space like the open road, like the southwestern desert in the winter, like the urge to travel and stay on the move, like the empty human heart. The lyrics use the familiar musicianly trope of going on tour as a springboard for a set of travelogue meditations on solitude and perpetual motion, a condition imposed partially by circumstance and partially by internal existential need; she’s moving before the ringing opening chords of “Coyote” and she’s moving after “Refuge of the Roads” pensively winds down. The latter song in particular contains several moments that always, always make me cry, especially during the first verse (“We laughed at how our perfection would always be denied”) and the third (“A thunderhead of judgment was gathering in my gaze”). I’ll never use “relate” as a verb, but I’ve often taken refuge in the road. I always take this album with me, though.

3. Jandek, Blue Corpse

I’m cheating here: Jandek is a relatively new discovery for me, and I’m still working through his ridiculously massive catalog, but I’ve listened to him with sufficient fascination enough over the past year and a half that he deserves a spot. Fans say that Blue Corpse is a good starting point because it’s his most accessible album, but accessibility is a relative concept when we’re talking about experimental atonal lo-fi acoustic quasi-blues fuckery, so let’s just call it his most carefully sequenced--side two builds the way a second side should, starting with an extended harmonica solo before leading into his cover of “House of the Rising Sun” and the album’s ten-minute centerpiece, the lonely, furious “Only Lover”. I love this album so much I could easily imagine a better one lurking in some dank, unexplored discographical corner.

4. Janet Jackson, The Velvet Rope

As a sophomore in high school I heard The Velvet Rope and immediately decided this was the sexiest and most sophisticated music I had ever heard. I was right! To this day I hold a special place in my heart for R&B that confounds the traditional banger/ballad distinction--there are no ballads on this album! With its swirly synthesizer and xylophonesque keyboard chords, “Empty” sounds like a conventional slow song until you notice the second layer of hyperactive drums clicking maniacally atop the core rhythm track: nervous energy disrupting and complementing preternatural spiritual calm. “Tonight’s the Night” is a great cover because the act of covering an established hit mirrors the act of initial erotic exploration, of navigating your way through a series of gestures you knew about before trying yourself; the way she sings “Cause I love you girl ain’t nobody gonna stop us now” is defiantly blunt, unshowy, matter-of-fact. Those are the lyrics! She’ll sing them. Breezy, mechanical, exquisite, The Velvet Rope captures the fragility of intimacy.

5. Fall Out Boy, From Under the Cork Tree

I first became aware of Fall Out Boy in middle school, when the girl whose locker neighbored mine put up a bunch of Pete Wentz posters on the inside of her locker door. I envied her brilliance and poise, since she was obviously way smarter and cooler than me, and I’m pleased to say she was right: this daft, idiotic, magnificent album captures a world of teenage crushes, fixations, stupid feelings poorly rationalized, awkward proclamations blurted out and immediately retracted, aftershave clumsily sprayed on to impress a special someone, the scent of cheap perfume, lipstick stains on your pillowcase and friction in your jeans. It’s so flushed and clumsy it automatically enters the realm of hormonal teenpop utopia, with the crunchy guitars mirroring the anguish in eternal adolescent Patrick Stump’s heart. Pete Wentz writes solecistic, self-aggrandizing lyrics because teenagers in love are supposed to utter howlers like “The only thing worse than not knowing is you thinking that I don’t know” and (sigh) “Turn off the lights and turn off the shyness”. It’s an ode to the enduring power of romantic absurdity, in all its most entertaining guises.

6. Duran Duran, Rio

Like From Under the Cork Tree, only glitzier. Occasionally I play a game with select friends of mine where we try to guess whether a random snippet of doggerel is a Fall Out Boy or a Duran Duran lyric. “It’s just like a scene out of Voltaire twisting out of sight”? Obviously Duran, for citing French philosophy is such a New Romantic move. “We’re well-read and poised/we’re the best boys”? Self-defeating self-objectification is Pete Wentz’s favorite rhetorical device. “The sun drips down bedding heavy behind/the front of your dress all shadowy lined/and the droning engine throbs in time with your beating heart”? Too florid; gotta be Duran. “Couldn’t cut me deeper with a knife if you tried/just take a look before you run off and hide”? No clue--blood and betrayal could go either way. “Let’s fade away together one dream at a time”? “Some people call it a one-night stand but we can call it paradise”? Well!

7. PJ Harvey, To Bring You My Love

As a senior in high school I heard To Bring You My Love and immediately decided this was the sexiest and rawest music I had ever heard. I was right! To this day I know no harsher or more beautiful approximation of what it means to yearn for the sublime. The tiny guitar figure in “Working for the Man”, half-concealed beneath the drums and muffled, thumping bass, devastates because it’s creepy and horrible; the maximalist guitar roar in “Long Snake Moan”, almost as loud and thundering as her distorted vocals, devastates because so would getting run over by a tank. On the rest of the album, she hits every mood between those two extremes, including rapture and delight in addition to all the abrasive ones.

8. Fleetwood Mac, Tusk

I almost went with Tango in the Night, given how my generation seems to have discovered and reclaimed it, with “Seven Wonders” popping up in Balearic dance mixes and American Horror Story. Tusk, however, is a giant compendium of whirring gears and rotating spokes and plinky keys and strummed acoustic guitars and tinkly music boxes and billions of other moving parts, and the totality of the sound correlates with a draining, overwhelming emotional extremity. Lindsey Buckingham fills the space with a bunch of tightly crafted miniatures, distilling his imagined ideal of the Fleetwood Mac sound into the searing anger of “What Makes You Think I’m the One” and “I Know I’m Not Wrong” (Lindsey Buckingham in a song title), but Stevie Nicks gets all the big statements: the thundering “Sisters of the Moon”, the incomparable breakup ballad “Storms” (“Never have I been a blue calm sea/I have always been a storrrrrrm” always makes me cry), “Sara”. Meanwhile, Christine McVie’s “Brown Eyes”/“Never Make Me Cry” couplet is the axis on which the album’s sequence turns. Tusk resonates because it conflates the singer-songwriter confessional urge with the band’s collaborative dynamic, creating a communal space for them all to bask in their shared hate for and exhaustion with each other.

9. Crunk Hits

I needed a compilation, and this magnificent one brings to life my favorite radio format: mainstream hip-hop in the mid-‘00s. Crunk and R&B were everywhere back then; to me this album sounds like New York in the hot, lazy summers of ’05 and ’06, when these songs confounded with their unprecedented hedonism and aggression and delight. Definitively singles-oriented, this music saturated a subsequent generation of hip-hop fans, so that album artistes in this decade like Young Thug and Playboi Carti have internalized crunk’s valuable lessons about shamelessly exposing the id. I couldn’t omit an album whose first five songs are Usher’s “Yeah”, Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz’s “Get Low”, T.I.’s “Rubber Band Man”, Chingy’s “Right Thurr”, and Ciara’s “Goodies”--damn! It’s practically a greatest-hits album for the entire decade.

10. Steely Dan, Gaucho

When I bought this album in seventh grade, I wasn’t aware I was buying the fleetest, shallowest, most efficient howl of anguish ever set to music. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are only ironists insofar as they’re romantics who mask their feelings in inscrutable form. The question with any of their albums, which are basically all flawless, is to what degree they’ll reveal their bleeding hearts, and on Gaucho there’s such a gash in the fabric the blood spurts out everywhere, staining the shag carpet, dripping through the singer’s sleeve onto his fancy leather shoes. The modest functionalism of their slick California studio-rock, the tasty licks and glossy keyboards and sparingly deployed saxophone and sudden sharp bursts of guitar, hardly enters into a dialectic with the desperation and horror of the songwriting--it’s the perfect musical expression for these feelings, as perfection that’s slightly disfigured is so much more devastating than total abrasion (when critics use “Bret Easton Ellis” as shorthand for the demented luxury porn we’ve enjoyed and suffered through this decade, what they really mean is “Steely Dan”). No matter how many glass tables you smash, how many ashtrays you inhale, you’ll never feel as shitty as this record.

#lists #favorites #best albums ever

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junaeneous · 7 years ago

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Eros

MEMBER/GROUP: Zhang Yixing / Lay // EXO

GENRE: fluff, slight angst (?)

WORD COUNT: 4, 486 words (of my pure love for this man)

SUMMARY: There’s so much more to falling in love that meets the eye. And you’re ready to let everyone know as you sit in front of your laptop at two a.m, having gazed fondly at your sleeping boyfriend, the glimmer in your ring catching his.

INSPIRATION: Love by Lana Del Rey bc nothing gets my tipsy ass going more than her beautiful vocals

A/N: tipsy sam makes an appearance!! ignore mistakes if you catch them, i’ll correct them later I promise ty ily <3

look at this giggly smiley lil baby how can you not love him

i: cherry sunset

--I remember when I first met him.

I was a newbie journalist, notepad and pen in hand as I tried to contain my excitement at having been chosen to attend the grand Gala. My company only chose the senior journalists, ones who practically ran the sections to attend such big events, but a senior had seen something in me and had recommended that I go on her behalf.

And so I slipped into a dress that was too tight and heels that were far too uncomfortable, pulled out a purse that was just big enough to hold my precious notepad and pen and drove to the Gala, feeling my heart lurch to my throat when I took in the size of the mansion it was being held in. It was about five in the evening when I arrived and so the sun was still up, spreading the last of its light before it slid away and let the moon take over. The sky was orange, touching hints of purple. I remember wanting to take a picture, but fearing I’d look like a loser. So I held my head high, controlled my facial expressions to conceal the pain my heels were putting me through and walked the red carpet into the gigantic establishment, trying to swallow the nervous lump in my throat.

Idols were swarming the place. I could see members of adored girl group F(x) giggling together near a line of small snacks, Amber leaning over Krystal’s shoulder to look at her phone screen better. Kim Namjoon, more famously known as Rap Monster, the leader of BTS was immersed in heavy conversation with GOT7′s Jackson as Jooheon from Monsta X grinned in amusement at something Park Chanyeol was saying, the smaller having to raise his head slightly to look up at the taller.

Everyone was dressed in expensive suits and gorgeous dresses. I still faintly remember the warm smile on Taeyeon’s face as she politely accepted my request to ask questions on how she was doing solo and with her group, SNSD. After, I remember being unable to contain my grin when I saw Jimin and Seulgi sitting together at a table, tall glasses filled with sparkling champagne placed between them as they chatted pleasantly. Seventeen’s Jeonghan was standing near the table holding all of the fresh juices, doubling over with laughter as Sehun flushed red in embarrassment. I remember getting to interview Jeon Jungkook, B.M, Jennie, HyunA, Jessi and Eric Nam, unable to resist taking pictures a little after.

I think that was the most peaceful I’d seen the idols off camera. They were able to interact with members of other groups regardless of their sex, not having to worry about fans getting the wrong idea. I could see some taking selfies and teasing the other, and rumoured couples cozying up together as the evening progressed into special guest performances and silly jokes.

It was during my off hours, holding a glass of blood red wine and standing awkwardly nearby a floor to ceiling window that I was approached by a decently tall man with an adorable dimpled smile. He was not wearing his suit jacket, having the sleeves of his shirt rolled up and tie loosened. His eyes were a warm brown, comforting at first glance and his voice was gentle, soft like honey.

“You must be tired.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, but give it a few minutes. I’ll be recharged once the wine settles in.” His smile widened into a grin. “I’m looking forward to that. Zhang Yixing,” he introduced himself, bowing. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I responded with a giddy smile, desperately trying to control the urge to squeal when he repeated my name followed by a compliment. That man had been my biggest weakness ever since I’d come to know of his existence. His voice was fucking beautiful, his talent with dance left me gasping for breath and unable to take my eyes off him. His personality was what drew me to him the most, though. Kind, humble, understanding, sometimes aloof, but always meaning well.

It was a little after seven, so the sun was finally setting, having done its job for the day. That was the moment I felt a little strange, as cliche as that may sound. Standing next to him in comfortable silence after a good while of chatter, watching a bright cherry sunset with our glasses of wine and fancy clothes, I felt a little silly for wanting to see the beautiful man with the breathtaking smile once again.

ii: erudite

A month later, just as I had wished, I hear from Yixing again. He sends flowers through the company to express his gratitude for how well his interview had done with the public. I bear through all the teasing and snide remarks and envious stares as I hold the bouquet close to me, inhaling the relaxing scent of the flowers as they waft around me, feeling a quick giddiness rush to my head.

It is only when I am in the comfort of my small office that I pick out the note placed between the flowers, fighting the urge to squeal as I read the lengthy message.

Allow me to thank you for helping my group members and I. This is the 3rd time that we’ve been nervous about an interview, strange considering we do about eight hundred and thirteen a day probably, starting at zero, which has a value too, believe it or not. As I’m writing this, Baekhyun is screaming because he’s lost the game he’s playing, and I’m baffled to remember he’s twenty five. He acts like he’s twenty three. Still very grateful for him, and all of the other members. I’d like to thank you for playing your part in strengthening our reputation. Allow me to. :)

I frown. Most of his message seems so random, but something’s telling me he’s written it out that way for a reason. My frown deepens as I reread the message, trying to pick out what he’s secretly telling me.

I don’t get it.

After reading it for the tenth time, it finally hits me. He’s using seemingly random sentences with specific numbers. So I grab a sticky note and a pen and write down the numbers in order.

38132523.

Makes no sense.

I read it again and smack my forehead when I realise he’s gone out of his way to add a zero in.

So now it becomes the following: 308132523.

I feel pleased at having gotten this far, but the frustration lingers when I still don’t understand what he’s trying to tell me. Is it a bank account for a money transaction? A password to a website? A date, perhaps? I stare at the numbers again, hoping, praying for the answer to hit me.

It doesn’t.

With a disappointed sigh, I fold the sticky note and slip it into my coat pocket, grabbing the bouquet along with my bag as I exit the office, done for the day. The mystery and curiosity don’t leave me alone, however, they pester me all evening. I Google the number, only to be given bizarre results. I check for books, locations, dates, country codes, but nothing pops up. It is only when I get a text from my friend Yoona at work that I realise what he’s given me.

00302143236: hey! It’s me, Yoona! I’ve switched phones and numbers, just letting you know :)

As I’m thanking her, I notice the order of her number is similar to Yixing’s code. Then, I drop my phone as it hits me. Curse words leave my mouth one after the other as I shakily pick up the device to respond to Yoona and to confirm my hunch.

You: hey, Yixing?

00308132523: yes? is this who I think it is? did you figure it out?

My phone falls to the floor yet again as I gasp.

Zhang Yixing had made the boldest fucking move and given me his number in code.

iii: piña colada

My second date with the charming man is at a private beach, under shade, sharing a piña colada as he teases me yet again. “I can’t believe it took you that long to figure it out.” His shoulder shakes as he laughs, bringing forth embarrassed chuckles of my own. “Hey, your message was pretty random! It’s not my fault.” I lean forward to take a sip just as he does and we both freeze, lips around our straws and eyes wide. Being so close to him, I can spot the faint line of acne scars a little below his hairline, and the dots of stubble on his chin. The look in his eyes holds me captive as he breaks out of the spell and sips, pulling away with a soft smile.

I follow a little after with a small cough, trying to control the erratic beating of my heart as my palms grow sweaty. I find myself falling into a haze of pineapple, coconut, rum and the glimmering look in Yixing’s eyes. It envelops me slowly, the warmth and the strong urge to kiss him, and then tightly, until I can no longer look at him without wanting to reach over and hold his mouth to my own.

So I stand and clear my throat, speaking with a shaky voice, “Let’s go swim!”

With a cute laugh, he gets to his feet, holding his hand out for my own and gently tugging me towards the waves. For a good minute or two we stand still, hands still in contact and eyes closed as the gentle chill of the water teases and retreats, too tempting to ignore.

And so, while making sure Yixing’s still closing his eyes, I pull away and scoop a generous amount of water in his direction, laughing when he sputters in surprise. His eyes jolt open and when they meet mine, I see mischief bringing out the glimmer in his eyes further. I dodge as he splashes water in my direction, giggling when he reaches for me with a small yell.

I manage to dodge his shots and hit him for a good fifteen minutes, and then the full force of rum kicks in and my speed decreases. In seconds, there’s a strong arm around my waist and I’m being spun around to face him, the orange sky giving him a youthful glow when I look at him. He breathes slowly, drinking in my appearance as I do the same, and then he’s kissing me and I’m melting into his embrace.

Yixing kisses slow but fiercely, making me dizzy as I taste the coconut cream and rum in his passion, the only sounds around me being the waves and my heart and his gasps mixing in with my own.

He pulls away to speak in labored breaths. “We...should take this to the...room.”

When I nod, he grins and tugs me to the guest rooms nearby, and I follow him, in a haze of orange sunsets and his pink lips and the taste of piña colada.

iv: rose petals and lavender

It is eight months in, on a rather hectic Friday, that I come home to realise just why he’s been known to have healing powers. The articles were not satisfactory, the senior journalists had been having a shitty day and needed someone to target, and it had been me. I stood and took every word, but held my lips shut, not daring to apologise for their own lack of emotional control.

That wasn’t me.

But, I bow my head and grab my things, making my escape as I weave through the hallways of the large building, holding onto the staircase railing tight when my knees wobble from exhaustion. I want to cry and scream and throw something, but it’s not the right place, nor the right time. So I blink back my tears and bite back my sobs, settling into my car to drive home.

The bright green lawn in front of our house is calming to look at as I park and exit the car, wanting nothing more than to storm in and have Yixing hold me until I feel okay again.

When I enter, I’m hit by the strong scent of lavender. Unable to resist, I inhale deeply, letting out a soft hum when I feel a little bit of my worry and hurt fade away as my eyes flutter open and I’m staring at a white envelope on the ground. With a small smile, I slip out of my shoes, put my coat and bag away and bend to pick up the envelope, pulling out the message written onto pastel blue paper.

You are so breathtakingly beautiful. Would you mind taking a tour of our lovely home again, my love? Head to the kitchen.

My heart feels warm and my shoulders droop as I follow his instructions, moving to the kitchen, subconsciously following the strong scent of lavender. In the kitchen, on the counter, is a plate of bananas lathered in peanut butter, with a clear glass of water. I let out a content sigh. He knows me so well.

I pick up the warm glass of water, grateful for the heat as I drink, swallowing the hard lump in my throat down with a bite of the banana. When I’m done, I pick up the envelope and pull out a dark blue sheet of paper.

I know your day was rough, and I hate that you go unappreciated so often. You work hard and earn well, I am proud to be with someone as strong and hardworking as you are. Guest bedroom, darling.

The compliments are ones I’ve heard before, but I still feel the tingle in my toes and the lurch of my stomach when I read them, unable to stop the smile on my face as I head into the guest bedroom, picking up the envelope on the bed.

The paper is a soft beige, holding gentle words.

I promise you, everything will be okay. The outbursts and harsh opinions of others do not determine your level of talent, and they will never do so. Keep your head up high, beautiful, because you are full of talent and potential and will continue to have loads to offer no matter what they say. Our bedroom, hurry on over. <3

I exit the guest bedroom and head into your bedroom, freezing at the sight in front of me. There are rose petals on the floor, a few on the bed, the scent of lavender is gentle here and then there are arms wrapping around my waist and soft lips kissing my neck.

“Welcome home, baby.”

With teary eyes, I spin around to pull his mouth atop my own, sighing against his lips when he pulls me closer to his body. He pulls away momentarily to smile at me. “I know this is really cheesy and definitely not something we’d do, but we might as well try it out, right?”

I laugh, leaning in to rest my head on his chest as he hums a soft tune, holding me flush against him.

“Did you do this because you’re leaving tomorrow?”

He stiffens slightly and pulls apart with a worried look on his face. “Not quite like that. I just wanted to cheer you up, and maybe go all out before I leave.” I push down the ache that comes with the thought of Yixing leaving for tour and kiss him again, falling into a gentle rhythm as we collapse onto the bed, to the soft touch of rose petals and the gentle caress of lavender.

v: hardwood

The first time we fight, it is because our jobs have taken too many pieces of us and we have none to give each other. Yixing is silent and I am seething, it’s a deadly combination. We scream and say things and cry and then barge into our rooms, slamming the door to block out everything else.

I’m too angry to be rational, too tired to move, so I lay in bed, ignoring the dull sting that comes with Yixing’s absence, forcing myself to breathe so I don’t burst into tears. I dislike crying, it leaves your eyes swollen and makes the tip of your nose red and leaves you weak and defeated, and I don’t want that.

That night, I fall asleep and wake up, dreaming of Yixing’s laugh between intervals, the small crinkle near his eyes when his smile widens, the tight hold of his arms when I feel too weak to hold myself, the alarming slump of his body when I hold him after a tiring, hectic schedule. I dream of our time at the beach and the amusement park and at EXO’s concerts, where his eyes search for me and wink when they find me. I dream of the love that spikes after being away for too long, running into his arms and wrapping my legs around his waist as he giggles and spins me around, waking up to smack his arm as I groan at the marks on my neck the following morning. I dream of the first night we met, with the cherry sunset and red wine, his crooked tie and my uncomfortable heels, where I first felt the pull towards him.

And then I’m sitting upright, panting, because suddenly I feel silly for lashing out, for being hesitant to apologise, for pulling away at the wrong time. I slip out of our room and make my way to the guest bedroom, only to find Yixing standing outside, shirtless and in loose sweatpants.

“I’m sorry.” We both breathe out together, eyes widening as we do so. “I’m sorry,” we repeat together again, smiling slightly this time. “I shouldn’t have lashed out like that,” I speak softly, shaking my head. “It was hypocritical of me to not understand where you were coming from and I’m sorry.”

“It was immature of me to interrupt and misinterpret you,” he admits slowly, hesitant to look me in the eyes, “the fatigue from tour and traveling back and forth from Korea to China caught up to me and I let it get the best of me. That was unfair and not okay. I’m sorry. I really am.”

“We just need to understand each other a bit better.” I add, tugging him back into our bedroom. “And that’s that.”

Yixing lets out a noise of agreement as he follows me back into the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed and pulling me close instantly, lips grazing my shoulder for a brief second before they pause and go still, and his breathing steadies.

I smile, finding it easier to sleep when I don’t have to dream of his arms around me.

vi: diamond

Four years. A grand total of one thousand, four hundred and sixty days spent with a charming, kind-hearted man by the name of Zhang Yixing. I lean back in my chair, now a leading journalist, waiting for an email as I toy with the pendant on my neck, recalling my fondest memories of the man who had built himself a space in my heart.

The first time we met, at a gigantic Gala with a lot of big names and popular faces, staring at the sunset in comfortable silence. Spending hours trying to figure out what the hell his random message with the flowers meant, only to realise it was his phone number. Having to take the teasing of how slow I’d been to break his code, remembering him laughing at me as he tapped my nose.

Smirking at him in clubs while challenging him to a round of shots, that ended in sloppy, affectionate make out sessions outside of the club, two out of three times in pouring rain at four a.m. Having him lean against me when the crowd was too big at parties and he felt uncomfortable, fingers looped through the gaps between my own as he stayed by my side until we made our grand exit to rush home and binge watch shows on Netflix.

Faking a proposal to get free dessert at an expensive restaurant because Yixing had forgotten his wallet and I was very close to maxing out my card. In the end, the entire meal had been on the house as long as we agreed to take a picture.

Silly fights over Game of Thrones characters and the superiority of Star Wars on lazy Saturday mornings, and more serious fights after long days at work with an unforgiving environment. No matter what, we gravitated back to each other, our dynamic too comfortable to abandon for the sake of pride.

One thousand, four hundred and sixty days spent on and with each other. The time doesn’t surprise me, and I smile, knowing it’s because that was never really important or a determining cause.

My phone buzzes with a text from the man himself, making me grin.

3 shots and down: Hey baby, are you okay with having dinner at the beach tonight?

You: of course! I’m getting off work in another thirty minutes, so see you soon!

I put my phone away just in time as Yoona enters, a mischievous smile on her face. “You, my dear, have just been let off work early.” Her eyes are twinkling with a certain kind of excitement that confuses me. “Why? I still have to collect the pieces from the interns--”

“I’ll handle it. You’ve been let off, now go.”

“Yoona, seriously--”

“Don’t make me drag you out.” Her eyes narrow and I scramble to my feet, packing my stuff and passing her out quickly, rolling my eyes as she chuckles, murmuring, “Works every time.”

Then, a little louder, she says, “You better send me pictures.”

“What are you talking about--”

The door of my office greets me and I huff, muttering “rude!” under my breath as I storm out of the building and get into my car, driving home confused and slightly irritated.

When I get home, Yixing is no where to be found, but I recieve a text from him that tells me he’s already at the beach, so I hurry and slip out of office clothing into a comfortable, peach dress and rush out, walking as fast as possible so as to avoid keeping him waiting.

As I walk, I feel a strange fondness for the man and his love for the beach. Yixing has produced songs inspired by the sound of high tide and the smell of salt and sweat and sand and they have sold quicker than ever. His muse is the bright, fiery sunrise at the beach, and the dull, purple sunset after. Sometimes, he’ll say I inspired him, but I know him well enough to understand that the beach will always hold a special place in his heart.

I find it to be fascinating more than anything.

When I arrive at the beach, Yixing is no where to be found. I step closer to the bar, hoping to find him sitting at our usual table with a piña colada ready, but our table is empty. I ask the bartender but he’s clueless too.

Just as I pull out my phone to call him, it buzzes with a text.

3 shots and down: I see you.

You: I don’t see you. Where are you?

3 shots and down: Find me. :D

I groan, realising he’s feeling playful. I move from the bar and head towards the lounge area, close to the guest rooms. He’s not there either, but there a few people who catch sight of me and whisper, almost excitedly. I think less of it, news has been out for three years now, people have accepted it.

Just as I turn to leave, the strangers stand up, warm smiles on their faces as they step a little closer to where I’m standing and begin clapping slowly.

To say I’m confused and a little terrified would be a large understatement.

It is only when I turn around that I realise why they’re clapping. Yixing is facing me, down on one knee, a familiar glimmer in his eyes as he looks up at me adoringly. He’s holding a velvet box out to me, the diamond sticking out of the ring catching the bright glare of the setting sun’s rays. “Will you, my love, do me the greatest honour--”

“Fuck yes.” I breathe, and there’s cheering. There’s a loud ringing in my ear and my blood is rushing. My heart is beating and I want to cry as I pull Yixing up to kiss him, so fiercely I can only hope he feels my love for him, so fiercely that my heart burns when he returns my fervour and tightens his hold on me, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. The cheering grows louder when he pulls away, lips tinged red and eyes blown out, slowly sliding the ring onto my finger as he whispers, “You’ve just made me the happiest man on the planet.”

“And you have just made me the happiest woman on the planet.” I whisper back, letting the tears fall as I lean into him, wanting, at that moment, nothing more than to freeze time and enjoy it a little longer.

Which brings me to the present.

My fiancé is fast asleep, snoring slightly as I type this, making sure to tap the keys as soft as I can to avoid waking him up. The ring is still on my finger and there’s one on his. We are closer to the wedding than ever and right now, I feel so fucking grateful that I excitedly accepted the offer to attend the Gala five years ago, because that brought me to the man knocked out on our bed, body splayed across as he murmurs sweet nothings in his sleep.

Content with the last paragraph, you yawn, stretching as you save and exit the document, shutting your laptop down soon after. You look at the time on the clock placed in the corner of your desk. Two forty-five a.m. Not too late to get some rest and wake up at ten.

Quietly, you slip into bed, gently pushing Yixing’s limbs aside to make space for yourself. He whines in his sleep, then clings to you the second you’re under the covers. “Baby, it’s really late, you can’t keep doing this to yourself.” His murmur is half slurred due to grogginess, but you can hear the concern loud and clear.

“I know, but I had this idea I just couldn’t get out of my head.”

“You’ll let me read it later, right?”

“Of course.”

You felt the smile of his lips as he pressed them to your neck, sighing as he relaxed once again. “I love you, baby.”

Your heart flutters as you whisper, “I love you too, three shots and down.”

excuse me as I go sob into my pillow wHERES YIXING SM WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS

#hi i love yixing #and i miss him #so here #this is how i cope lmao #exo #exo scenarios #exo imagines #exo fanfiction #exo fluff #exo angst #zhang yixing #exo lay #lay scenario #lay imagine #lay fanfic #yixing scenario #yixing imagine #yixing fanfiction

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readingsylviaplath-blog · 7 years ago

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Watch The Best Movies At Home

Alex is practically similar to each other youthful school kid out there nowadays: He has a telephone, and he knows how to utilize it. So when he at last gets Addie's attention—a young lady who is, well, essentially the cutest young lady in the entire school—he knows he needs to put his best advanced foot forward.

With assurance, Alex examines his emoji rundown to discover only the correct image to express his clever fun side while as yet being, you know, calmly cool. He sets up his message and connects for the ideal emoticon and …

… inside his telephone, down somewhere down in the city of Textopolis where each one of those emojis live, there's something of a frenzy going on. This is the principal day of work for Gene, a sprouting youthful emoji in the Meh family. He's resolved to be an extraordinary Meh, much the same as his dad, Mel, and his mother, Mary.

In any case, as Alex hits the Meh image and the telephone tech starts its examining procedure to catch an ideal picture of Gene, the unpracticed Meh overcompensates. What's more, that is an issue. All things considered, emoji should be precisely what they are. On the off chance that they're a smiley confront, they smile constantly. On the off chance that they're a crap emoji, they're generally the ideal dab of darker, dessert like whirl.

Quality, be that as it may, is nobody trap emoji. He can express an extensive variety of feelings. It shouldn't be that way, but rather he can't help himself. Thus, when his minute comes, rather than looking appropriately exhausted, Gene's Meh confront goes out resembling a mix of frenzy, aversion and perhaps only a dash of nausea.

Pretty Addie gets the message and takes a gander at 123movies with a curious articulation. Also, at that time Alex acknowledges what he some way or another simply sent to the cutest of cutes and moans in dissatisfaction. "Gracious, man," he considers, "I've gotta get this stupid telephone looked at."

Obviously, as Alex makes an arrangement to meet with the specialists at the telephone store, everybody in Textopolis acknowledges with a stun this could be the end for them all. Due to Gene's absurd mix-up, they could all be wiped clean. Perhaps on the off chance that they could just erase Gene, Alex would disregard this little slip-up.

Be that as it may, Gene wouldn't like to be erased. Nor does he need to be the impetus for a disastrous telephone wipe either. There's just a single arrangement: He'll some way or another have advance through the telephone to a legendary land known as … The Cloud. Doubtlessly there he can be reinvented to end up noticeably the profitable, uni-emotive Meh he was destined to be.

He can at long last be freed of all his other annoying feelings.

What's more, he can spare the emoji world.

POSITIVE ELEMENTS

Quality needs to make the best decision and to discover his motivation. Also, however the head emoji, Smiley, conveys ruinous bots to dispose of him, Gene isn't annoyed with whatever remains of the emoji world. He simply needs to settle things, if conceivable. In spite of the fact that he wouldn't really like to be emotionless, he would rather do that and turn into a profitable individual from society than hurt others with his normally chipper, uh, emoji-nality.

Newly discovered companions Hi-5 and Jailbreak are resolved to help Gene. Furthermore, they place themselves in threat to enable the expressive person to discover his way through the telephone's applications and make it to The Cloud. While there, they plan to get a bit of reinventing themselves. Hello there 5, a hand emoji, needs to end up noticeably prominent once more, while Jailbreak needs to make something a greater amount of herself (past being the princess emoji that she's stowing away underneath a wig and scruffy garments).

At first, Hi-5 is likewise persuaded that beneficial individuals from the telephone group just need "likes" and "fans." But he in the end understands that companions are much more imperative. Truth be told, Gene wholes things up subsequent to being informed that he needs to just watch out for #1. "What's so great about being #1 if there aren't some other numbers?" he inquires.

Quality's mother and father, as far as concerns them, are very worried about their battling child. So they find a way to secure Gene and express their adoration to him. Truth be told, Mel Meh points the finger at himself for his child's inconveniences: He concedes he's occasionally attempted to express his own feelings, as well.

At last, this gaggle of shorthand images understands that life is loaded with profitable feelings. An emoji doesn't need to be only one foreordained feeling. What's more, the film instructs, we should all endeavor to be simply the best form—either as an emoji or as a human—that we can be.

An Instagram application pic of Alex and his folks demonstrates them embracing and getting a charge out of an excursion together. Quality's mother and father, who've been contending, reconnect while investigating one of those photographs and apologize for a contradiction, communicating their affection for each other.

Profound CONTENT

A villain emoji gets into the activity and tries to make a weak dirty joke. However, Poop lets him know, "Point higher, Steven." When Gene and Jailbreak act the hero Hi-5 from the telephone's waste container, he confuses them for holy messengers coming to take him to an advanced eternity.

---------------------------------------------- A few occupations are less demanding than others. Simply ask Major Valerian, a specialist of Earth's World State Federation in the 28th century: He never gets the simple ones.

The present task, for example? Going through Exo Space with new accomplice Sergeant Laureline to the betray vacationer planet Kyrian looking for a supposed converter: a little, adorable, dragonish animal that, when it eats something, discharges correct copies of the same. Heaps of them. Put in precious stones, and many sparkling, cut carats fly out of the posterior of the thing, instantly. It's not hard to comprehend why the little beastie—as far as anyone knows the remnant of a dying breed—is desired by all way of not really pleasant intergalactic substances.

To recover it, Valerian should wear extraordinary glasses and a boxlike contraption that empowers him to enter a parallel measurement while Lauraline guides him back.

In spite of being sought after in two unique measurements by revolting outsiders and a considerably uglier puppy like beast, Valerian and Laureline figure out how to grab the converter … a charming lil' fellow that turns out to be of much more noteworthy significance than both of them understand.

What's more, that is recently the start of their bewildering, excited experience.

Valerian and Laureline soon go to the coasting space state Alpha—referred to informally as the City of a Thousand Planets—apparently to convey the converter to the man in control there, Commander Filitt. They're likewise entrusted with shielding him from hostiles who might need to get their hands (or hooks or appendages or additional dimensional atoms) on the converter themselves.

In any case, once they touch base on Alpha—an always advancing world that is home to different biological systems, a huge number of outsider species and somewhere in the range of 30 million tenants—Valerian and Laureline start to speculate that the man they answer to isn't coming clean about … well, something. Something obviously identified with the converter, which Laureline chooses to clutch herself.

As they take after signs about what's truly occurrence, Valerian and Laureline find a conceal of planetary extents. It includes a race of ethereal, human-like outsiders known as the Pearl whose home universe of Mul was crushed in a fight approximately 30 years prior. Just a modest bunch remain. What's more, in the event that they're ever really going to flourish again as an animal types, they will require their converter back.

A similar little mythical beast that apparently everybody on Alpha is wildly searching for.

POSITIVE ELEMENTS

Valerian and Laureline are scrupulous, reliable operators of the World State Federation. They're great at their employments, and they'll do pretty much anything—including taking a chance with their lives—to see a mission through to consummation. They're additionally comparably faithful to each other—to such an extent, indeed, that Valerian over and over seeks after a sentimental and even conjugal association with Laureline (more on that beneath). They're compelled to safeguard each other much of the time. As it turns out to be increasingly evident that the Commander is very brave mysteries, the combine goes up against him about his wrongdoings. (It's undeniable to the gathering of people from the practically the starting that he's an awful person, however characters in the film don't find that fact so rapidly.)

Valerian in the long run needs to settle on a decision between following requests and helping the Pearl species make a new, new begin. Laureline must persuade him that the cherishing choice is to help the outsider race, not adhere to the guidelines. "You truly don't comprehend what cherish is," she rebukes him. "Love is more effective than whatever else." Once he concurs, Laureline tells the Pearls, "We [human beings] are to be faulted for the loss of your planet. Furthermore, we'd be regarded to enable you to get it back."

Mul is portrayed as a tranquil, unsullied heaven where the Pearl individuals live in culminate amicability with each other and their condition. A contention amongst people and another unidentified outsider gathering brings about the obliteration of Mul. All things considered, people are delineated as defilers of the Pearl's already immaculate and unadulterated human progress.

Somewhere else in the film, Valerian meets female shapeshifter Bubbles (played by artist Rihanna) who helps Valerian in his journey. En route, Valerian certifies her esteem and character separated from the "work" she's basically compelled to do. What's more, she chivalrously enables Valerian to save Laureline from outsiders.

Otherworldly CONTENT

We see a Pearl religious ceremony (which is performed three times every year, we learn later) in which a young lady bolsters the converter a—sit tight for it—monster pearl, which prompts the animal to discharge numerous more again into a mysterious well. As this happens, we hear a supplication of sorts: "Let us offer back to nature that which she provided for us."

At the point when a Pearl bites the dust, the soul of that being is scattered in a flood of vitality over the universe and time as it looks for a commendable host to dwell in after death. The girl of the Pearl head is murdered in an impact right on time in the film, and she takes asylum inside Valerian, which he doesn't know at first. When he at long last makes sense of it, he tells Laureline, "The princess, she's controlling me." To which Laureline reacts, "You've had a lady inside you since the start?"

The Pearl illustrious couple can see the spooky type of their girl inside Valerian. One lets him know, "[She] picked you to be the watchman of her spirit." Later we likewise hear that the perished princess is going to pass on to some last otherworldly rest. "Our girl settled on a decent decision. She can rest in peace now."

Somebody says, "Godspeed."

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virgiiniaprince · 6 years ago

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“Diablo on the beat, bitch.” Audiences have been...

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“Diablo on the beat, bitch.” Audiences have been listening to that four-word producer tag on some of the hottest tunes of the previous numerous years, by artists like Wifisfuneral, Craig Xen, Smokepurpp, and also, of course, Lil Pump. Los Angeles-by-way-of-Florida producer Diablo, 23, has collaborated with all of these artists as well as even more. Now he’s riding the greatest wave of his profession with the upcoming launch of Pump’s long-awaited Harverd Dropout.

Diablo generated three documents on the album–“ Failure,” “ION,” and the controversial “Shelfs on Shelfs”– as well as recorded Pump’s vocals on more. “Racks on Racks” got some interest lately when Portishead’s Geoff Barrow claimed that the track experienced his work from the Destruction soundtrack without consent. The tune’s material also distressed him. Barrow called the track “deeply fucking sexist,” and included that, particularly since he as well as Annihilation co-composer Ben Salisbury both have daughters, “This crap requires to seriously fuck off.”

Conflict or not, Harverd Failure is the end result of a year and a half of Diablo and Pump’s work together. I contacted Diablo (as well as his manager Henley, that weighed in with the periodic information) to go over the production of Harverd Failure, why the Florida SoundCloud rap scene was destined for success, and what all that difficulty over an uncleared example was about.

In around 12 hours, Harverd Dropout comes out. Which tunes did you create? We were working that task for a long, very long time. I would certainly state for practically a year and a fifty percent. We made a lot of tunes, at least 70. The last variation [of the cd] is the best songs that came out of every little thing. I taped the intro, “Failure.” And also I did “ION,” which is with Smokepurpp. That’s actually me as well as CB [Mix] I also did “Shelfs on Shelfs.”

What was that 18-month period like? What was your procedure? It was a crazy process. From tape-recording him on a moving trip bus, which is really stressful from a manufacturer as well as engineering perspective, to videotaping him when he got on house arrest in the garage while it’s truly cold exterior– that was possibly one of the craziest situations. “Drug Addicts,” I bear in mind specifically tape-recording him while it was incredibly cold in LA. He was in the garage, he was on house apprehension. That was a pretty dope experience.

You engineered tracks that you didn’t create? Yeah, I helped tape most of his stuff.

Tell me regarding tape-recording Lil Pump’s vocals. Is it various than working with other artists? What’s dope regarding taping Pump is that we have really good chemistry, considering that I’ve been tape-recording him for 2 years. It’s actually very easy at this point ‘cause I know specifically what he desires. Me and also CB are his main manufacturers, the major people tape-recording him.

He doesn’t really even like the studio that much. We do a great deal of house setups or established anywhere actually that isn’t a workshop. That’s where we make the majority of our hits. We make bed room hits, generally.

Exactly how do you account for soundproofing if you’re just videotaping anywhere you can obtain him most comfy? Individuals ask me that a whole lot. As long as we have respectable configuration, we do not require that much. If you can get a clear vocal, you don’t need to videotape in a soundproof space. Everything comes down to blending them in the future.

What is an unusual place that you’ve videotaped Pump? The most uncommon one is certainly the garage while he got on house arrest. Other places? Just random Airbnbs around America. I videotaped him in the scenic tour bus while the scenic tour bus is relocating. That was truly busy when it came down to mixing the vocals. My favorite location is my initial house. That’s really where we made “Manager.” That simply went platinum, which is rather cool, just to assume that we made that hit in my bedroom.

There’s been some controversy around “Racks on Racks.” Geoff Barrow claimed that the tune examples his songs from the Destruction soundtrack without approval. Did you sample that soundtrack? We provided a final variation of the tune that did not personify any type of sample. And after that for one reason or another, Detector Brothers provided a demo version of the track that they produce, an old variation, that had a placeholder keeping that sample in it. What you individuals listened to was the old version of that track for some reason. They didn’t publish the last version to iTunes as well as all that stuff. That’s where I think the entire complication came from.

So what takes place now with the track? Which version made it on the album? The final version right now you listen to on all the DSPs has no example in it whatsoever. Not on the YouTube variation, not on any version– SoundCloud, iTunes, Spotify. There is no example in it now.

How did Geoff listen to the very early version? I have no idea. I just saw him tweeting at me on a daily basis. [Henley: “The early version was an accidental upload. That’s exactly how he heard it.”] Yet it was really funny to see him tweeting at me everyday. He would tweet some stuff. I don’t recognize just how old he is, but I assume he was perplexed, 'cause he was tweeting that the track was misogynistic and all this things. He was like, “Oh, there’s rapping regarding titties.” Like, I think he believed “racks” was titties. I’m like, “Guy, I don’t understand just how old you are, however it’s not discussing titties. It’s talking about cash.” I assume there’s a great deal of confusion in the entire scenario.

His words were, “The song is deeply fucking sexist.” That’s not something you agree with? I don’t know, man. He’s very opinionated. I appreciate the individual a lot, but also, begun, take a look at Cardi B. She simply won a Grammy for Rap Cd of the Year and her things isn’t the most deep songs. She has some crazy things in there. I think you should appreciate everybody’s music and look into the musician a lot more prior to you simply begin slamming left as well as right, you recognize?

Do you make beats for Pump in different ways than you would certainly for other musicians? Well, yeah. I seem like my beats have their very own personality, and that’s why Pump actually appreciates my style of songs. I do not know any type of various other producer that actually makes beats like I do, that style of extremely bass heavy as well as likewise sometimes repetitive. But Lil Pump gets your focus and it ends up being actually good for him, 'cause it’s like, “Oh, trendy, I know a dope tune that would certainly opt for this.” Then it ends up being an actually dope tune.

Do you believe the bass hefty facet of your beats originates from Florida? Florida has a 35, 40 year history of bass songs. Yeah. We absolutely developed this wave of lo-fi heavy bass songs that we weren’t credited on. It’s unusual, 'cause Atlanta gets such large hype, but I seem like Florida didn’t obtain sufficient love and also press for all these artists that we put out the last number of years. We really transformed the whole SoundCloud game, the whole music video game. We have all these brand-new rap artists that are absolutely affected by us. We created a new style of music.

A couple of years ago, you began creating for a bunch of people you recognize from institution or around where you made use of to live in Florida. And after that they all blow up around the same time– individuals like Wifisfuneral and also Smokepurpp and also Pump. What was that like for you? I believe it was fate. I actually mosted likely to college with Wifisfuneral. He is one of the initial rap artists in West Palm Beach that I linked up with to make music. We mosted likely to primary school together. We really did not socialize until later on, when we were both in senior high school. He wished to record music and I occurred to simply develop a studio in my space where I tape-recorded Pump. We ended up functioning and afterwards I was like, “Oh, male, I enjoy hip jump.” He made many beats, 50 beats a month during that time.

I wound up linking up with Florida musicians as they were coming up, like Pump. This is when they all were nothing, like, under 30K [fans] Everybody was simply starting. It’s actually insane to see where everybody is. 2 years ago, we were all refraining from doing shit.

What was Lil Pump like when you individuals first satisfied? Pump is a fascinating one, 'cause he’s precisely just how he is now, but just now he has a shit ton more loan. When I fulfilled him, I thought we coincided age and after that I discovered that he was 15. I resembled, “What the fuck?” He was currently smoking more Backwoods than I ever could.

You stated the track “Boss” previously. Are we ever gon na listen to the initial version of “Boss” concerning Obama? Wait, exactly how do you also know that? That’s so weird.

It’s sort of like the initial version of “Boss.” That’s when we remained in our bags, making songs nonstop. The track is actually on YouTube. It’s just called “Obama.” It’s an old variation of that design of songs that we were taping at the time. It’s actually amusing.

Among the important things you do is excursion doing solo DJ collections. What do you like about that? Just how is that various than being a producer?My first goal was intending to be a producer/DJ and also place on my very own live programs with my visuals as well as my songs. But I was concentrated on dealing with my songs first– working on tasks as well as things. I devoted two years to dealing with rap music with as many artists as I can. Currently I’m ended up.

Honestly, I took most of my time with Pump, 'cause he tapes a lot of music. Currently there’s a cd coming out. It’s dope, 'cause I can concentrate on my cd that I’m putting out, which is featuring Pump, Purpp, a bunch of various other artists.

And afterwards with the DJing component of it, now I can play real-time shows, play my songs, and highlight these hip jump musicians that I’ve collaborated with. That’s actually what I’m trying to include in the EDM globe.

In 2014 you spoke about entering into EDM. That’s a wave you get on? Yeah. I have songs with Dillon Francis, I have songs with Alison Heaven. I have collaborations with a great deal of EDM artists. I’m dealing with placing them out this year as well as doing even more celebrations and programs.

What’s a Diablo solo set like? Actually extreme, really dope. A lot of hip jump, a great deal of bass hefty music. Now, I’m practically finished with touring. It’s been terrific, the reaction I’ve been getting for my online programs. I’m truly thrilled to simply maintain doing this and construct it larger and bigger. I have a whole lot more followers than I assumed I did.

Any kind of prospective day on the solo album? I’m aiming for March. Now that I’m done concentrating on everybody else’s album, after I’m made with this excursion, I’m back residence. Then I’m simply settling down, just dealing with this cd and wrapping up whatever. [Henley: “Allow’s call it May, to be more precise.”] That are you on tour with now? Dillon Francis as well as Alison Paradise.

Exactly how’s that going? It’s going fantastic, guy. We have actually been striking a lot of cities, a lot of big shows. We did a program with 8,000 individuals. That was rather dope. It’s really an enjoyable experience, from doing hip-hop programs and events to bringing that style to the digital scene.

Anything else you desire people to learn about Diablo? Yeah. I’m just excited to do my own things and also end up being a solo act, doing at my own festivals and producing my album this year. Stay tuned.

“Diablo on the beat, bitch.” Audiences have been... posted first on https://the4th3rd.tumblr.com

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aprilpillkington · 6 years ago

Text

“Diablo on the beat, bitch.” Audiences have been...

youtube

You engineered tracks that you didn’t create? Yeah, I helped tape most of his stuff.

You stated the track “Boss” previously. Are we ever gon na listen to the initial version of “Boss” concerning Obama? Wait, exactly how do you also know that? That’s so weird.

“Diablo on the beat, bitch.” Audiences have been... published first on https://the4th3rd.tumblr.com

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marionvirginia · 6 years ago

Text

Unleashed – Lil Pump x Juicy J – Type Beat 2019 – Free Trap Instrumental

“Diablo on the beat, bitch.” Listeners have been listening to that four-word manufacturer tag on a few of the most popular songs of the past a number of years, by musicians like Wifisfuneral, Craig Xen, Smokepurpp, and, certainly, Lil Pump. Los Angeles-by-way-of-Florida manufacturer Diablo, 23, has dealt with every one of these musicians as well as more. Currently he’s riding the largest wave of his career with the approaching launch of Pump’s long-awaited Harverd Dropout.

Diablo produced three records on the album–” Dropout,” “ION,” and the debatable “Shelfs on Shelfs”– as well as recorded Pump’s vocals on even more. “Shelfs on Shelfs” got some interest lately when Portishead’s Geoff Barrow asserted that the track sampled his work from the Annihilation soundtrack without authorization. The song’s web content additionally distressed him. Barrow called the track “deeply fucking sexist,” as well as included that, especially considering that he and Annihilation co-composer Ben Salisbury both have little girls, “This crap requires to seriously fuck off.”

Debate or otherwise, Harverd Dropout is the culmination of a year as well as a fifty percent of Diablo as well as Pump’s work together. I called up Diablo (and also his manager Henley, that considered in with the occasional explanation) to discuss the production of Harverd Dropout, why the Florida SoundCloud rap scene was destined for success, as well as what all that fuss over an uncleared example had to do with.

In about 12 hrs, Harverd Failure comes out. Which songs did you create? We were functioning that job for a long, long period of time. I would certainly claim for almost a year and a half. We made a lot of tunes, at the very least 70. The final variation [of the album] is the best tracks that came out of whatever. I taped the introduction, “Failure.” And I did “ION,” which is with Smokepurpp. That’s really me and CB [Mix] I additionally did “Shelfs on Racks.”

What was that 18-month duration like? What was your process? It was a crazy process. From videotaping him on a relocating scenic tour bus, which is truly stressful from a producer as well as engineering point of view, to recording him when he got on house apprehension in the garage while it’s truly chilly exterior– that was most likely among the craziest scenarios. “Druggie,” I remember specifically taping him while it was incredibly cold in LA. He was in the garage, he was on residence apprehension. That was a quite dope experience.

You crafted tracks that you didn’t generate? Yeah, I assisted videotape the majority of his things.

Tell me concerning tape-recording Lil Pump’s vocals. Is it different than dealing with other artists? What’s dope concerning taping Pump is that we have actually great chemistry, because I have actually been tape-recording him for 2 years. It’s really easy at this point ’cause I understand precisely what he wants. Me and CB are his major manufacturers, the major people taping him.

He does not actually even like the studio that much. We do a great deal of house arrangements or established anywhere actually that isn’t a studio. That’s where we make the majority of our hits. We make bed room hits, primarily.

Just how do you account for soundproofing if you’re simply tape-recording any place you can get him most comfortable? People ask me that a great deal. As long as we have respectable setup, we do not need that much. If you can get a clear vocal, you don’t require to videotape in a soundproof area. Everything comes down to mixing them later.

What is an uncommon area that you’ve videotaped Pump? One of the most uncommon one is most definitely the garage while he was on house apprehension. Various other locations? Simply random Airbnbs around America. I recorded him in the excursion bus while the excursion bus is moving. That was actually busy when it came down to blending the vocals. My favored location is my initial house. That’s really where we made “Employer.” That just went platinum, which is quite cool, simply to believe that we made that struck in my room.

There’s been some conflict around “Racks on Racks.” Geoff Barrow stated that the track examples his songs from the Annihilation soundtrack without approval. Did you sample that soundtrack? We supplied a final version of the tune that did not personify any kind of sample. And then for some reason, Detector Brothers delivered a trial variation of the tune that they put out, an old variation, that had a placeholder keeping that example in it. What you guys listened to was the old variation of that track somehow. They really did not publish the final variation to iTunes as well as all that things. That’s where I believe the entire complication originated from.

So what occurs currently with the tune? Which version made it on the album? The last version right now you listen to on all the DSPs has no sample in it whatsoever. Not on the YouTube version, not on any version– SoundCloud, iTunes, Spotify. There is no example in it right now.

Just how did Geoff listen to the early version? I have no concept. I simply saw him tweeting at me daily. [Henley: “The early version was an unintended upload. That’s just how he heard it.”] But it was truly amusing to see him tweeting at me each day. He would tweet some stuff. I do not recognize just how old he is, yet I think he was perplexed, ’cause he was tweeting that the song was misogynistic and all this stuff. He was like, “Oh, there’s rapping regarding titties.” Like, I think he thought “racks” was titties. I resemble, “Man, I do not know exactly how old you are, but it’s not discussing titties. It’s speaking about cash.” I think there’s a great deal of confusion in the entire situation.

His words were, “The track is deeply fucking sexist.” That’s not something you agree with? I don’t understand, male. He’s very opinionated. I respect the individual a whole lot, however also, come on, check out Cardi B. She simply won a Grammy for Rap Album of the Year and also her stuff isn’t the most deep songs. She has some insane stuff in there. I believe you should value everyone’s music and look into the artist a lot more prior to you just start slamming left and also right, you recognize?

Do you make beats for Pump in different ways than you would for various other musicians? Well, yeah. I feel like my beats have their own individuality, and that’s why Pump really admires my design of music. I don’t recognize any various other producer that truly makes beats like I do, that design of very bass hefty as well as likewise sometimes repetitive. But Lil Pump obtains your interest and it ends up being really helpful for him, ’cause it resembles, “Oh, awesome, I understand a dope tune that would certainly go for this.” After that it comes to be a truly dope tune.

Do you assume the bass hefty element of your beats originates from Florida? Florida has a 35, 40 year background of bass songs. Yeah. We certainly created this wave of lo-fi heavy bass music that we weren’t attributed on. It’s odd, ’cause Atlanta gets such big buzz, yet I seem like Florida didn’t get adequate love and press for all these musicians that we put out the last couple of years. We truly transformed the entire SoundCloud game, the whole songs video game. We have all these new rap artists that are certainly influenced by us. We created a new style of music.

A few years back, you started producing for a number of people you know from college or around where you used to live in Florida. And then they all explode around the same time– people like Wifisfuneral and Smokepurpp as well as Pump. What was that like for you? I believe it was fate. I actually went to institution with Wifisfuneral. He is one of the first rap artists in West Hand Beach that I connected with to make music. We mosted likely to grade school together. We didn’t socialize till later on, when we were both in secondary school. He wanted to tape-record music and I occurred to simply build a workshop in my space where I tape-recorded Pump. We ended up working and then I was like, “Oh, guy, I like hip hop.” He made a lot of beats, 50 beats a month at that time.

I ended up linking with Florida musicians as they were coming up, like Pump. This is back when they all were absolutely nothing, like, under 30K [fans] Everyone was just beginning. It’s actually insane to see where everyone is. Two years ago, we were all refraining crap.

What was Lil Pump like when you individuals first met? Pump is a fascinating one, ’cause he’s precisely how he is currently, however recently he has a shit ton more cash. When I met him, I thought we were the same age and then I discovered that he was 15. I resembled, “What the fuck?” He was currently smoking more Backwoods than I ever could.

You mentioned the track “Boss” earlier. Are we ever gon na hear the original version of “Boss” about Obama? Wait, exactly how do you even recognize that? That’s so weird.

It’s type of like the initial variation of “Boss.” That’s when we remained in our bags, making songs nonstop. The tune is actually on YouTube. It’s simply called “Obama.” It’s an old variation of that style of music that we were tape-recording at the time. It’s actually funny.

Among the things you do is tour doing solo DJ sets. What do you like about that? Exactly how is that different than being a producer?My very first objective was wishing to be a producer/DJ and also put on my very own real-time shows with my visuals as well as my music. But I was concentrated on working on my songs first– servicing tasks and also stuff. I dedicated 2 years to servicing rap music with as numerous artists as I can. Now I’m completed.

Truthfully, I took the majority of my time with Pump, ’cause he videotapes a lot of songs. Currently there’s a cd appearing. It’s dope, ’cause I can concentrate on my album that I’m putting out, which is featuring Pump, Purpp, a lot of various other artists.

And then with the DJing part of it, now I can play online programs, play my music, and highlight these hip hop artists that I have actually dealt with. That’s truly what I’m attempting to integrate in the EDM globe.

In 2015 you talked about entering EDM. That’s a wave you get on? Yeah. I have tracks with Dillon Francis, I have songs with Alison Wonderland. I have cooperations with a great deal of EDM artists. I’m dealing with putting them out this year and also doing more celebrations and shows.

What’s a Diablo solo established like? Truly extreme, truly dope. A great deal of hip jump, a great deal of bass hefty music. Right now, I’m almost done with touring. It’s been wonderful, the reaction I have actually been obtaining for my online shows. I’m actually thrilled to just maintain doing this as well as develop it bigger and also bigger. I have a lot more followers than I believed I did.

Any type of potential date on the solo album? I’m striving March. Since I’m done focusing on everybody else’s album, after I’m made with this excursion, I’m back home. Then I’m simply settling, just working on this album as well as wrapping up everything. [Henley: “Let’s call it May, to be much more specific.”] Who are you on tour with right now? Dillon Francis and Alison Wonderland.

Exactly how’s that going? It’s going excellent, male. We have actually been striking so many cities, a lot of large shows. We did a program with 8,000 individuals. That was rather dope. It’s truly an enjoyable experience, from doing hip-hop shows and events to bringing that design to the electronic scene.

Anything else you desire people to know about Diablo? Yeah. I’m just excited to do my very own things as well as end up being a solo act, executing at my very own events as well as putting out my cd this year. Stay tuned.

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marienela · 8 years ago

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When most audiences hear the name Jordan Peele, they think of one-half of the brilliant duo of Key and Peele and the star of Keanu. An actor known as much for his comedic writing as he is for starring in film and television comedies, Peele has long been a fan of horror movies and believes that terror and comedy draw from the same well of inspiration.

Peele believes that both are grounded in our need to explore the absurdity of our humanity. He appreciates the fact that we deal with our troubles and fears through the visceral, cathartic experience that comes from laughing or allowing ourselves to become scared. In sum, if we can master the emotions, we can move through the experience.

No stranger to mining the absurd from reality, when he began the screenplay, Peele outlined a premise that was equal parts terrifying and social commentary. The result was Get Out, a provocative thriller that blended humor, satire and horror…and wasn’t afraid to tackle the current state of race relations in America head on.

“This idea came from my wanting to contribute something to the genres of thriller and horror that was unique to my voice,” he says. “The fact that it goes to race goes to the area I’ve worked in a lot, which is comedy. This was a movie that reflects real fears of mine and issues that I’ve dealt with before.”

Peele imagined a protagonist named Chris, an African-American photographer and artist in New York City who is taking his relationship with his Caucasian girlfriend to the next level by meeting her parents over a long weekend.

As soon as Chris arrives at the family’s rural, upstate home, he begins to suspect that everything is not as it seems. When he discovers that a number of black men have gone missing in that suburb, his suspicion reveals itself to be more than unfounded paranoia. What starts out as a mundane, obligatory weekend spirals and builds toward a crazy, horrific, thrilling, terrifying, and likewise fun, conclusion.

The filmmaker admits that he enjoys playing with the audience’s expectations of what could happen and upending a foregone conclusion. “A big piece of the premise to Get Out is that you have white girl bringing a black guy home, and she hasn’t thought through all of the social ramifications of that,” Peele gives. “She assumes her family is going to be fine with it. They turn out to be, but there are some subtler works at play that we begin to see a part of something much more sinister.”

This series of not-quite-right moments that make Chris more and more suspicious unfold slowly. Whether it is curiosity about the odd behavior of the Armitage’s help—or feeling like he stepped into another world during the family’s annual celebration of their departed grandfather—Chris realizes that he isn’t the one who is going insane.

“The trick was to make sure that nothing so crazy happened so fast that we wouldn’t believe the characters would stay in this situation,” Peele reveals. “The element that starts to alarm Chris is meeting the help, and finding that they’re a little off. “They’re not like anybody he’s ever met.”

(L to R) Missy (CATHERINE KEENER), Dean (BRADLEY WHITFORD), Rose (ALLISON WILLIAMS), Georgina (BETTY GABRIEL) and Chris (DANIEL KALUUYA) in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

Rose (ALLISON WILLIAMS) connects with boyfriend Chris (DANIEL KALUUYA) in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

Writer/director/producer JORDAN PEELE on the set of Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

(L to R) Logan (LAKEITH STANFIELD) meets Chris (DANIEL KALUUYA) in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

Chris Washington (DANIEL KALUUYA) is the guest of a very odd garden party in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

Chris (DANIEL KALUUYA) with girlfriend Rose (ALLISON WILLIAMS) in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

BRADLEY WHITFORD as Dr. Dean Armitage in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

Drs. Dean (BRADLEY WHITFORD) and Missy Armitage (CATHERINE KEENER) in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

CATHERINE KEENER as Dr. Missy Armitage in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

MILTON “LIL REL” HOWERY as Rod Williams in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

ALLISON WILLIAMS as Rose Armitage in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

DANIEL KALUUYA as Chris Washington in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

BETTY GABRIEL as Georgina in Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of “The Visit,” “Insidious” series and “The Gift”) and the mind of Jordan Peele. When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures

Get Out: A Speculative Thriller When most audiences hear the name Jordan Peele, they think of one-half of the brilliant duo of Key and Peele and the star of Keanu.

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