#reminder: he's honored for his charisma! :D

[ungrateful-cyborg-moved]

10 fandoms, 10 characters, 10 tags

Basic rules: choose 10 fandoms that you are part of/support, and choose a favorite character from each of those. Then, tag ten folks!

Tagged by: @miqojak! Ty! It didn't even take me half a year to get around it this time XD

In no particular order, except for the first one ever since I'm 16. Also finding 10 fandoms is kinda hard because I'm def not that active, or even a passive participant, in so many fandoms so you'll get a glimpse of my younger self instead :'D

And long post ahead so thank you in advance if you've taken the time to go through this list!

Kanon, from Saint Seiya

Look, this is the blorbo and if you see similarities between his backstory and Kazan's, no you don't. Mentioning either him or the manga is enough to get my friends to sigh and groan as they await the inevitable gushing/rant that'll follow (which reminds me that I haven't, actually, gushed about him or ranted about the manga in quite a while now). Which is to say, I love lonely sad villains/antiheroes and if you've ever seen me mentioning the forbidden blorbo, now you know who I'm talking about.

Emet-Selch, from FFXIV

At this point I feel like I should mention that I do not stand in favor of manipulating or killing people as a form of therapy :'D

A bit more seriously though, I think he's the first character I felt so viscerally about in the game? Like I never agreed with his views but going through ShB I really hoped we'd managed to bring him to our side. My tragedy-loving ass won't complain about how ShB ended for him, mind you, but still.

Honorable mention for Thancred too, whom I feel more and more attached to as times passes, and also Y'shtola but in her case it's perhaps more the fact that she's, in terms of behavior, very much My Type.

Madi, from Black Sails

There are many great characters in that TV show and if you haven't seen it, I can only recommend it to you. But really, Madi is my favourite of the lot and definitely the inspiration for Inge if I had to pick one.

Between her cleverness, her dignity, her integrity, her charisma, her dedication to her people and her cause and her curiosity about others, what's not to love about her?

Varric Tethras, from Dragon Age 2 / DA:I

I was hesitating between Isabela and Cullen, but then I remembered the Best Companion Ever and how could I not put Hawke's most loyal friend on the list? I love him, love his loyalty, how he stays compassionate despite all he goes through, his sense of humor, his honesty... Only wish we could have romanced him in DA:I, but on the other end I like his story with Bianca so I'm not too sad about not being able to.

Byakuya Kuchiki, from Bleach

In the spirit of this dash game I'll respect the rules and make a choice, but if I'd filled this list any other day, I might have put Grimmjow there instead :'D

Anyway. I love a stubborn man with a stick up his ass and too many (conflicting) principles despite a rebellious heart who needs to be almost killed to start thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, he could have handle a Situation better.

And I love this character development past that point.

He wasn't an inspiration for Wolfe, but they're very much alike in several aspect. Byakuya is, however, a lot better at keeping a straight face.

Lois Habiba, from Torchwood S3

I haven't watched Torchwood in a long time but I remember her. In fact I remember Lois better than I remember some of the main cast.

She was just a normal young woman who had managed to get a really good job and risked everything to do the right thing and idk. She was just a really solid character that deserved better recognition.

Dean Winchester. Do I need to say from where?

Look, I loved all five seasons of Supernatural. A shame they didn't add more later!

And with Dean it's a bit personal so I'm not gonna go deep in details about it, but let's just say that there's quite a bit of me that I recognized in him and I just want to give that man a hug.

Donna Noble, from Doctor Who

I'm not up to date with the new seasons/episodes so no spoilers please!

But hm, yeah. I think what I loved the most about how Russel T. Davies was directing the show was how real his everyday people turned companion felt, and while I preferred Rose when I was younger, the older I get, the more appreciation I have for Donna.

She's just so full of life and character, so brave and so unapologetic about being herself despite her self-esteem issues, but I think what I love above all else about her is how she always acted as an equal to the Doctor.

I'm gonna repeat myself but really, the older I get, the more I love her. And I really need to catch up :'D

Cain Hargreaves, from the Cain saga

Honestly I don't expect anyone to remember this manga XD It's an old one I read when I was a teenager and one of the few I kept despite not having re-read it in 10+ years. I don't remember that much from it but I do remember the ending quite well.

Anyways. Cain's a young earl with a tragic past, a strong sense of justice, more money than common sense, a love for poisons and a fear of commitment. Truly, what could go wrong with such a character?

Also:

"Have I ever failed a promise to you? - Yes, all the time." after his sister made him swear he'd come back to her alive is just perfect.

Spike, from BtVS

He's devoted, he's cruel, he's romantic, he's brave, he's pathetic, he's capable of taking responsibility for his actions... I love a multifaceted character and I've had a soft spot for Spike ever since I've watched the series for the first time.

I rewatched it not too long ago and it didn't age that well imo, or maybe I'm just more critical than I used to be, but I still think Spike is an awesome character and I love that it was in spite of Whedon's intentions for him.

---

And I believe that brings me at 10 characters for 10 fandoms! It strangely feels more like undressing in front of strangers than actually undressing in front of strangers :'D So obviously I'm gonna tag a few people to do it too:

@under-the-blood-moonlight @merlwybs-wife @voidtekarc @alannah-corvaine @ashenbun @zhauric @biff-adventurer @tea-and-conspiracy and @confusedtia! And frankly anyone else who wants to!

[dmsden]

Make It Mean Something - Making PC deaths meaningful to the other players

Hullo, Gentle Readers. Sometimes the dice are not in a player’s favor. Sometimes three death saves come up awfully fast. Sometimes a death happens, and everyone’s sitting around the table uncertainly, not sure how to react. It is that moment that daddydeputy raised in their Question from a Denizen. They asked if I had any thoughts on “How to make pc deaths more impactful and growthful for the others (and perhaps themselves?)”

DD, it’s a tricky balance to strike. On the one hand, you want the game to have real and dangerous consequences for the actions the characters take. On the other hand, the death of a beloved character can really upset a player or even crash a whole campaign. My players are very mature and accepting of the consequences (although they’ll pull out all the stops to try and stop it from happening to one of their own), but not everyone can be, even if they say they are. Sometimes you don’t know how the death of a character is going to affect you until it happens. I think of myself as a very mature player, but if a character as dear to me as Skittle, my mouse pooka from Changeling the Dreaming, died, I suspect I’d be devastated.

Some campaigns have a very revolving door attitude towards death. Oh, you died? Here’s a revivify spell, or a raise dead spell, or what have you. Other make it harder, possibly keeping those spells out of the hands of the players or requiring skill challenges for raising the dead (a la Critical Role). I suspect DD is wanting to lean more towards the latter, so let’s look at some ways to really make death matter.

Run lower-level campaigns: At low levels, death is a lot more difficult to overcome. By the time you get your fallen friend to a temple, the window for Revivify is long over, and who can afford the diamond for a Raise Dead spell, even assuming you can find a cleric who can cast it for free for you? But most NPC temples I’ve run in my games have been willing to cast Raise Dead for free if the PCs will undertake a quest on behalf of the temple. In a situation like this, the dead PC’s player could potentially play a cleric or paladin of the temple sent along to help, or the temple might cast raise dead in advance and take an oath that they will fulfill the quest. If the temple doesn’t trust them to keep their word, there are always geas spells to make sure of it.

Limit access to spells that return the dead: Maybe not every god grants the ability to raise the dead to their followers. Maybe diamonds are hard to find in your campaign. Whatever the path you take, you can make certain that death isn’t just a revolving door by making the spells difficult to cast. Maybe the deity will only grant the spells to their cleric once the party fulfills a quest or defeats a monster that has been plaguing the faithful. You could change the material component from a diamond to “the deity’s favor.” Casting the spell expends the favor, so now a new service to the deity would be needed before the next chance of casting it.

Make return from death uncertain: One of the things I really like in Critical Role that I intend to adopt in my next campaign (and I even know how I’m going to make the change make sense in my campaign world) is that returning from death via Raise Dead is by no means a certain thing. The Critical Role has a skill challenge like system in which up to three people can contribute to the ritual to return the dead by entreating the dead person to return. If people all want to use the same skill, such as Persuasion, the DC for the second and third people goes up. A PC might be coaxed to return via Performance, Persuasion, Intimidation, Deception...I’d even allow rolls like Arcana for magically coercing the dead spirit to return or Religion to remind a Paladin that their duty to their deity is not yet fulfilled. This had led to some dramatic moments in CR, and I definitely intend to put together my own system for my next campaign.

Make return from death limited: You could very easily put together a system that limited the number of times the same spirit could return from the dead. In older editions of D&D, returning from death required a “System Shock” check, and the body might not survive the attempt to reunite it with its spirit. If you wanted something similar, you could make a system in which one of your attributes represents your ability to return from death, even using Revivify. I would like base it off of your Constitution or Charisma score. You can return from death a number of times equal to 1+your Constitution or Charisma modifier (minimum of 1). That way, characters can die at least once and come back, but it can’t happen dozens of times.

Make the way someone dies directly affect their afterlife: For some players, this will really matter. I once had a ranger who despised dragons in a campaign. He found a dragonslaying sword, made it his business to get the party to face dragons, etc. When he finally died, it was facing two dragons to buy the party time to escape from a canyon where the dragons were in danger of TPKing them. He was killed, but he wounded both dragons quite a bit. The party managed to kill them, and they recovered the body. The ranger’s player absolutely had no intention of coming back from the dead. “How on earth would my character have a cooler death than that?” the player laughed. “That was perfect.” I described how he was received into the afterlife of his culture as a hero, and he was very happy with the end of the story for his ranger. To draw this along further, what if how a PC dies affects their standing in the afterlife? If they die in a super cool way, maybe they get a high place of honor in Valhalla, or whatever you use. A PC who then dies fighting a lich or saving innocents is likely to receive a heroes welcome. This might be preferable to them than going back to life and then possibly getting killed by a trap or a bunch of orcs. This then makes the heroic death more palatable and desirable.

However you decide to make death impactful, I strongly recommend letting story trump rules for dramatic purposes. Technically, a character who has failed three death saving throws is just plain dead, but what fun is that. Instead, consider the possibility of having them be beyond saving instead. Let them be briefly conscious, either to beg the others to find a way to save them (think Spider-Man in Avengers: Infinity War as he gets “dusted”) or to tell them that their death is welcome and to let them go (a la Theoden in Return of the King). I remember a Werewolf game where a beloved PC was dying and telling her beloved pack how much she cared for them. There were many real tears being shed around the table, including by me as the Storyteller. Giving the PC a chance to speak and interact, even though it’s not part of the rules, gave the group a moment that I know I personally will never forget.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is that you must make sure your players are onboard with this. If you want death to be more powerful, impactful, and difficult to return from, DO NOT spring this on your players mid-game. This should be something everyone’s aware of, not something that comes as a surprise. Let everyone know during Session Zero; make sure everyone is okay with it, and, if not, be prepared to either back off from the idea (or else find a different player who’s onboard.) Like the X-card, be prepared to modify this even mid-campaign if someone shows that maybe they’re not as okay with losing Damathran Darkwarden as they thought they were. In the end, it’s just a game. It’s not worth hurting feelings and losing friends over.

I hope that helps, DD. Thanks for the question!

[mysticpetals]

Sorry for bothering you, but I had another idea! :D If you don't mind me sending two requests, how about a headcanon (or imagine if you want, you can choose what you like best) where Jake will meet MC's parents and he is super nervous because he is afraid of what they will think of him and if they knew that he is a hacker. But when Jake and MC arrive at her parents' house, they are quite different than Jake thought.

I'm sooooo sorry that this is super late but life got in the way and I just couldn't bring myself to write. And when I did have the time, I was almost ashamed of how long it had been and delayed it even further.

So this is me, finally writing what I should have done months ago. Thank you so much for your patience!!! ❤️

Jake and f!MC headcannons

(meeting the parents)

There aren't a lot of things that phase Jake

In fact, he's seen so much over the years he was on the run, done some illegal things too

But nothing and he meant nothing, could terrify him more than when his girlfriend told him that her parents had invited them over to have dinner together the next week

"next week? Like....like seven days later?"

"yes." she nodded and his brain short circuited.

"oh my god, oh my god."

MC amused herself by looking at Jake panicking about it for a few minutes and then grabbed his shoulders and made him look at her

"relax, babe. You don't have to. I can tell them that you're busy or something."

Jake calmed down for a moment but then he noticed the sad smile on MC's face

And he doesn't like seeing her sad

At all.

So despite his nervousness, he steeled himself to do this

"why don't we go? I think it'll be fun."

MC's face was priceless.

Shocked beyond belief, she cupped his face in her hands and leaned forward, eyes wide

"are you sure, honey? You don't have to force yourself."

She looked so hopeful and excited to hear his answer

And they had been dating for a while. So it was only natural that they meet each other's families

And since MC had already pretty much met his (only the people he considered as one!), it wouldn't be fair if he didn't make an effort too

"yes. We should go," he smiled and MC squealed excitedly, pressing a quick kiss to his lips

"oh my gosh, I'm so excited!! I'll go call them right now!!"

:))))

Did he make the right decision?

Wellllll, standing in front of MC's house, he was sweating profusely

He had worn his best outfit, a white button up shirt and black jeans

And they had already been late because MC liked his look a little too much

Anyway!!!

He was anxious about making the best impression and he really hoped that they wouldn't be put off by his shyness

Or his profession

About which they didn't know

It's fine it's fine it's fine—

MC's hand slips into his, she gives him a soft smile and the world around them fades away

"I'll be with you the whole time. Tell me if it becomes too much."

Jake swears he's never been more in love

Okay, he can do this!! Absolutely!!

He nods resolutely and MC leads them to her parent's doorstep

Jake's heart is pounding but he's ready

The door opens and he's immediately engulfed in a bone crushing hug

He thinks he can't breath and he looks at MC with wide eyes, asking what to do and she just rolls her eyes in fond exasperation

"really feeling the love here, dad. Not like your daughter is here."

And the weight immediately lifts off of him and turns towards his girlfriend who is laughing as her father hugs her to himself

She squeezes him tight in return and Jake feels himself smile

"it's been too long. I wish you'd come by more. And Jake! Welcome home, son!"

Jake is flabbergasted by the warm welcome. Especially coming from MC's father.

Aren't fathers supposed to threaten the boyfriend?

The flashcards he used to prepare for today did not cover this

"Um, thank you," he stammers out somehow and the man laughs

"My daughter here did say you were shy but no matter! Come on in, I won't bite."

He led them inside and Jake just knew that MC was enjoying all this a little too much judging by the amused tilt of her lips

He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw a stern woman sitting on the couch, watching them walk in

"mom! How have you been?"

MC immediately went in for a hug while the older woman kept staring at him and MC's father leaned close to him and whispered

"She's a tough cookie to crack. Good luck, son."

He was so screwed

Jake gulped and watched the smallest of smiles cross her lips as she regarded her daughter, who was talking excitedly

"and this is Jake! My boyfriend!"

Jake literally felt the temperature inside the room drop, when her mother looked him in the eyes

"h-hello ma'am."

She nodded at him and well, that meant she acknowledged who he was, right?

She immediately turned away from him and started asking her daughter how she had been

Well, apparently not

"sorry, Jake. She's not trying to exclude you. She's just....a little hard around the edges."

He appreciated MC's dad because at least one parent didn't seem to hate him

"I appreciate that, sir."

He looked horrified at being called sir

"please don't call me that. Makes me feel old. Call me dad!"

Jake was once again astounded by the man's openness and not wanting to offend him, nodded hesitantly

He smiled widely and Jake was immediately reminded of MC's face when she laughed

"that's more like it! Come on now, the ladies shouldn't be left alone, they'll talk the night away."

MC smiled as soon as Jake entered in the kitchen where both the women were cooking and bringing out the cutlery

"had a nice chat, you two?" MC asked and her father nodded enthusiastically

"I like him! He's very nice, I approve."

"you've known him for two seconds." MC's mom deadpans and Jake smiles nervously

"can I help you with anything ma'am?"

She appraises him for a few moments and then nods

"then please help MC set the table."

Jake literally sighs in relief when the two of them come out from the kitchen

"your mom is scary."

MC laughs and pinches his cheek

"only because you look terrified of her. She enjoys making you squirm."

"well I almost wet myself because she looked at me like I murdered her dog or something"

MC laughs loudly and her father pokes his head out of the kitchen

"alright you two?"

Jake fights off the blush he knows he's sporting and prays that neither of her parents heard what he had said

Table was set quickly, with MC telling Jake about her childhood memories and her parents brought out the food

Jake thought he might have seen MC's mother smile when he made MC laugh but he wasn't sure

Dinner was a loud affair, with MC and her dad competing about who remembers the most about MC's childhood and Jake and her mother listening quietly

He definitely knew where MC got her charisma from

MC's dad was sweet to include Jake in their conversation, addressing him directly and asking him about his own experiences

He slowly found himself relaxing in their presence and telling them about his own hobbies and pet cat

MC's mother gave an approving nod at his choice of pet and asked him to bring him along the next time

Next time

Jake's brain short circuited at the thought that she wanted Jake to come over again

Does that mean tonight was successful?

"so Jake, you didn't say what you do for a living."

Ahhh

Well, it had to go wrong somewhere, right?

Jake froze and looked to MC to see her in a similar state and immediately deduced that she had not told them about his profession

Well

He knew this was going to come up eventually

"I'm a hacker."

Pin drop silence

You couldn't even hear anyone breath over the quietness

MC's mother put down her spoon slowly and opened her mouth to say something but Jake interrupted her before that

"I know you might think it's not a respectful job but it's what makes me happy. And MC supports me every step of the way and I promise you that I'll do everything in my power to honor her confidence in me. Keeping her safe and happy and healthy is my priority and I'll give my all to make sure that she's never unhappy with me."

Everyone at the table looked at him, MC with tears in her eyes and her father looking very proud

Her mother's expression was still unreadable until she smiled at him

The first smile directed at him

"I was going to say that's very interesting. I myself work in cyber security so I've had dealings with hackers. I've found that they're usually very polite."

What

The

Fuck

Jake blinked slowly and MC shifted guiltily in her seat

"haha what a coincidence, right?" She smiled nervously and her dad picked up quickly at her hint

"oh definitely! Why don't you two talk about work stuff and MC and I can clear up the table?"

MC and her father practically fly out of the dining room and Jake and her mom are the only ones left

It was MC's mother who initiated the conversation this time and Jake replied to her questions

He found it quite pleasant to be honest

It was not a regular occurrence that he could chat with someone who knew about computers so this was a nice change

And MC's mom was quite knowledgeable

She even offered to hire him the next time her company had a need of someone to check their software

Jake had no problem agreeing to her wish

He found that she was actually a very kind but fair woman who loved her family dearly, judging by the way she spoke of MC and her father

His heart warmed to know that MC had grown up in such a loving household, even if his heart gave a twinge at never having felt something akin to parental affection

"okay, you two. I think that's enough chatting for today," MC's father said and Jake looked at the time

Holy shit

How is it so late??

MC gave him a discreet thumbs up behind her mother's back and he had to stifle a laugh

"as much as we loved having you two, you should probably get going if you want to reach the city before midnight."

The goodbyes were a little sad and Jake found himself getting a bit emotional too

He really felt like he belonged here and not like an outsider

And MC's parents are so nice and inclusive

No he did not cry

Not at all

To Jake's surprise, MC's mom pulls him into a hug

"take care of my daughter."

And then he's getting roped into another hug, this one much tighter by her dad

"you hurt her, I'll kill you."

And when he stepped back, he was smiling as usual and Jake almost thought that he imagined his words

Anyway!!!

They are in the car and MC is already planning their next trip

And before he would have been scared but now, after spending time with her family, he knew he had found people worth considering his family

[moonelf19]

Your honor consider the facts

Exhibit A: “We’ll make it work.” Co-Leaders who aren’t actually the leaders because Beau is but shhh they have high charisma

Exhibit B: The mirror.

i- Fire and Water

ii- bestowed power by an evil mentor who is then betrayed

iii- ‘My identity has to shift as I discover who I truly want to be’

iv- “I don’t want others to suffer as I have” and “I don’t have to do to others what was done to me”

v- Don’t die on me now! Fjord sliding across the docks to cradle Caleb and feed him a health potion while reverting to his real accent to call for help. Caleb slamming onto the deck out of his fly to cradle Fjord and try to help him recover after he died.

vi- A Stone and a necklace. Fjord doesn’t hesitate to drop 5500 gold on an Ioun stone for Caleb. Caleb gives Fjord his call-blocking necklace to keep him safe from his old patron- the necklace that was a huge part of his backstory, which he committed cold blooded murder to obtain (murder that still weighs him down)

vii- Failing with you isn’t as frightening, and, I’m willing to put myself at risk to stay with you

Exhibit C: Bound by blood. A pact made. Cut palm to cut palm. Caleb leaves the runes of the dashilla’s alter on Fjord’s table as a reminder of their bond.

Exhibit D: It’s about the hands. Grasp hands. Forearm to forearm, then cut palm to cut palm. Looking at their hands when they have intense discussion with the other

Exhibit E: What’s mine is yours. The glove of blasting is passed back and forth to whoever needed it more at the moment. Caleb pushed the glove onto Fjord’s hand unnecessarily as the first to show Fjord that he was more than his warlock pact.

Exhibit F: A ring of fire resistance. Fjord splurges on a fancy AF ring, immediately thinks of giving it to Caleb. Decides he will keep it so he will be safe from Caleb’s fire.

Exhibit G: Amazing Magic. Fjord is, consistently and intensely, impressed by Caleb’s magic. Not all magic. But every time Caleb does something magic. Often when more powerful mages cast a spell Fjord fails to find it impressive, or at least doesn’t let on that he is impressed. But Caleb casts “light” and Fjord is impressed.

Exhibit H: “I see a good man.” Fjord said that Caleb coming out of his shell and being a good role model was part of the reason Fjord made a shift, why Fjord turned away from Uk’otoa and found a better path. Caleb tells Fjord about his dark past and his regrets and Fjord insists Caleb is a good man.

i- Fjord often looks to Caleb as a cue of what to do/ what the situation is. After getting his butt kicked in a fighting ring the others try to play it off, but Fjord turns to ask Caleb what he thought.

Exhibit I: Travis said in an early Talks Machina that Fjord feels protective over Caleb, despite Caleb being an extremely powerful and capable mage. Later, when Caleb puts the cloven crystal into his vault of amber, Fjord goes to Caleb and says “Your magic is so amazing and powerful I sometimes take it for granted” and asks if the enemy will be able to find the crystal on Caleb. Caleb insists it will be safe next to his call-blocking anti-scry necklace. Fjord says “Good. I would have for the heat of all this to come down on you.”

Exhibit J: Jester asks Caleb to cast “pretty lights”. Fjord jokingly mocks Caleb and says “yeah cast widogast’s pretty lights.” Caleb casts dancing lights and says “ja they are a pretty green color”. Fjord is again surprised and impressed at Caleb’s magic, see exhibit G.

Exhibit K. Fjord’s eyes are amber. Caleb’s eyes are blue. Fjord’s fave color is the blue of the ocean and sky. Caleb’s favorite spell component is amber.

Exhibit L: Whenever the group is joking around with Fjord in a mocking way, Caleb always comes to Fjord’s defense. Looks like Fjord pee’d himself? Caleb is defending him.

Exhibit M: Dancing in Caleb's old haunt.

I’m probably forgetting some stuff because it’s 3am so feel free to add any more evidence

[nuoc7mia]

hi so I actually made this post months ago when I was fist reading Tokyo revengers (thank you Mandy), but I just finished this post today :3 most of this post isn’t rlly insightful--I'm either just screaming or rehashing takes that most people here have already made

warnings ofc for major manga spoilers although I also haven’t caught up on the last five-ten chapters:

look ik current!mikey could easily kill me, but he’s so cute:

rlly makes you wonder what happened when you look back after reading more recent chapters ahaha :’D but anyways, give him his flag!!! 

(again I wrote this in June--I contradict myself later in this word dump LOL)

this moment was just so funny to me I'm sorry LMAO (’love & peace’)

hngjksnfgs I love this panel so much :((( sometimes with all of the action going on and how they act or are drawn, I forget that they’re just middle schoolers trying to navigate through life. and here’s mikey who has the weight of the entire gang--literal lives--on his shoulders, and is constantly depended on by the members as this ray of shining light. people literally are filled with relief when they see him during fights bc THE mikey is here to take over and he HAS to win the match, right? which is kind of interesting now that I think about it, because there’s also takemichi, who’s mentally 27 and still struggling to carry the weight of his loved ones’ lives on his shoulders. if a 27-year-old can’t be responsible for the lives of others--if I, a 19-year-old, can’t cope with the weight of my own--then how could we expect mikey to be strong with everything that happened around him added onto the weight of the gang? looking back now, I think what happened to mikey in the future makes sense, as odd/cheesy/out-of-the-blue as it originally seemed in my head.

nothing new but I fucking hate kisaki overall and I'm so glad he never got a redemption arc because there was nothing about him that could be saved

(this was an extremely harsh take but again I'm never forgetting what he did to everyone just bc he was pining over a girl from elementary school)

this panel ALSO messed me up, esp after reading some more recent chapters :( I think takemichi said once that he liked talking to mikey the most because he always feels at peace with him and described his eyes to be this calm sea (which almost reminds me of giyuu and his 11th form: dead calm) (I also might be remembering wrong bc I can’t find the chapter I saw it on). but it feels so double-sided if that makes sense? like with that peace comes a never-ending emptiness because he’s constantly consumed by whatever darkness he has in him (sorry for another kny comparison but it feels similar to muichirou before his whole arc), and so he looks so detached and empty. it’s actually kind of jarring at times when the panel zooms into his eyes because you really feel like you’re going to drown in them, but the way it’s cross-hatched is unsettling--like it’s more chaotic and fuzzy inside his mind. + if you compare the dullness in his eyes with the clarity of the other characters, especially takemichi, it’s as if he knows that there’s no future for him, or at least no future with the others. I ended up crying when he was grabbing onto takemichi and asking to be saved, because that’s the first time that we see any sort of light/reflection in his eyes (of hope, honestly), as well as the first time that he reaches out to have someone shoulder his own burdens + truly be vulnerable + depend on someone else rather than letting others depend on him. 

(this rant is the result of me hate-reading the comments after every chapter on *******):

sometimes idk what some ppl want from takemichi LOL. actually, no, I do know exactly what they want: a strong mc who they can experience the story through and who solves the problem with the physical manifestation of their strength (the typical shounen protag). but that’s not the point of tokyo revengers imo, and if you’re expecting that, I think you’re missing the whole story ????? like the power comes from the fact that he’s an average person who continues to fight despite the knowledge that he has, the weaknesses that he’s constantly forced to reckon with, and the general helplessness + hopelessness that he feels. he just wants to protect the ppl who he cares for, and that desire trumps physical power or charisma. THAT’S what makes him strong and that’s ultimately what changes the course of things in the story (because we already have powers like mikey who still fall into darkness despite his physical strength). obviously it wouldn’t hurt to make takemichi more assertive in different ways and not see him get absolutely pummeled LOL, but that’s also how wakui chose to enforce his themes

also I'd like to make some more literal points: 

1. the manga itself is really long, but when you think about the time frame, there’s not actually much time for takemichi to achieve everything he wants and grow stronger, esp with all of the plot twists that are thrown at him. 

2. his main goal was never to physically grow stronger, but just to prevent hina’s death (and later Mikey’s). it was always to talk someone out of doing something or preventing a major event from occurring, which doesn’t ACTUALLY need power to be achieved

(ofc he rarely, if ever, achieves to make it happen, but the effort counts n is there)

3. the dude is constantly carrying the weight of his friends’ deaths on his shoulders SDHFSLD LEAVE HIM ALONE ;; i’d just shut down if I were in his shoes and try to forget that toman was ever a thing

4. mentally speaking, the guy’s 27 LMAO the last time he really fought was back in middle school, which means he has absolutely little to none of those skills left

once again, I have nothing insightful to offer; I simply like the way this panel was drawn

spouting nonsense out of my butt with this one: ngl it took me a while to get used to this art style? like I thought it was UGLY LMAOOO. but when I did, I really came to appreciate how the mangaka colors things in and uses lines to create movement on each page. for instance, here, you can FEEL the energy of toman not just from the speech and the action, but with the lines that wakui chooses to leave uncolored on the members’ uniforms and hair + how the trees are shaded (which is vertical and for me personally it adds a lot more pressure/force, like they’re bursting with energy). everyone and everything feels so alive !!! but at the same time, their art is so clean... SO FREAKING CLEAN. I just love it o<--<

stop it....... STOP IT......... if I don’t get my 100% happy ending I will bawl. (yes I'm aware that this will probably/definitely not happy and yes I have tissues ready for the final arc)

also timeskip!kazutora, inupi, and chifuyu all in one place........ goodbye!

on a side note: I think I'm just gonna be a manga only at this rate bc I tried watching the first episode and got impatient waiting for all of the big action skjdfskjdh but maybe it was bc I wasn’t in the best mood / head-space at the time LOL 

(I've let this sit in my head a bit longer and yeah, manga only <3)

I needed to end this photo dump with this exact panel because I had to put my phone down and mentally take a walk after seeing inupi in heels. 

honorable mention goes to ponytail!baji and toman founder!baji bc they’re both engrained in my mind forever. likewise with high school!chifuyu ;; he looks like he jumped out of a shoujo manga or some kind of slice-of-life

[fae-fucker]

Zenith: Chapter 68-71

Chapter 68

Andi remembers how Kalee gave her a tour of her home and bragged about how she’d be ruling the place someday. Andi asks why her and not her brother.

Oh, Androma. Kalee had laughed then, tossing her head back in that glorious, carefree way that made everyone around her want to come closer. You and I both know that a woman can rule better than any man ever could. And I’ll look twice as good doing it, too.

Shinsay, voices muffled as their heads are stuck up each other’s asses: This is definitely, 100%, one whole, bona fide, authentic, organic, home-grown feminism that we just put in our book.

Also ... take a look at that weak-ass description that’s supposed to show us how good and cool Kalee is. When she laughs (in a way that tbh have you ever laughed? be real with me now), people want to ... come closer? 

Wow! That’s like saying ... when I scratch my face, people want to call their mom. When I brush my hair, people may spontaneously feel the need to take a slightly deeper breath.

Talk about low standards. Hey fellas, you ever see someone laugh and just kinda sorta want to approach them but not really? Yeah, that’s the stuff.

Andi thinks about how Kalee would’ve been a better ruler than her dad, who doesn’t even bother coming down to meet his tortured son because that’s how incompetent and evil and heartless he is. I mean, Andi doesn’t know that Valen is the result of rape, but still. Idk if I’m on board with how the book demonizes the hell out of the General but tried to make whatsherface sympathetic. And by “I don’t know if I am” I mean “I’m definitely not what the fuck is wrong with these people.”

Dex tries to make some conversation and Andi says that nobody befriended Kalee, that only super duper special people were CHOSEN by her to become her friends.

I’m ... not sure how this is supposed to be better. In fact, I’d say it’s worse?

“Kalee chose the people she wished to let into her life. I was honored that she allowed me to be assigned to her.”

“Honored?” Dex asked, raising a bruised brow. “Or damned?”

“I’ll let you know after we talk to the general,” Andi said.

I’m gonna fiking piss. “I’ll tell you whether this important life event was honor or damnation, but like, later, after we have this appointment, ok?” Why is this so funny. Have I fully lost my marbles?

Andi foreshadows some escape tunnels that are hidden all around the estate so Dex has a logical way to save them at the end of the book. I’m sure there is a more elegant way of setting that up, but I can’t be bothered to find one, so let’s call it acceptable and move on.

They arrive at their destination and Andi notices that Alfie seems bummed out. She muses that he’s “capable of far more complex thinking than she’d originally guessed,” which, DOY, but ok, and then thinks about how he’s saved her crew and remembered Gilly’s Marketable Space Pet, which implies he has some “understanding of feelings and attachments.”

That hamster wheel do be spinnin’.

The “head Spectre” comes out to meet them and ...

It took everything in her to speak as the truth struck her.

“Dad?”

DUN DUN DUUUN, it’s Andi’s dad! Also, “the truth struck her?” What truth? That it’s your dad? Was that in doubt? Did you really need a moment to connect the dots, to realize this is your dad? Was there a moment where you saw this man, who is your dad, and thought that this wasn’t your dad, only for the truth to strike and OH SHIT THAT’S MY DAD!! WOW HOLD YOUR HORSES EVERYONE I NEED TIME TO PROCESS THAT THIS IS INDEED MY DAD.

Tbh if you strapped knives to a roomba it’d have more charisma and presence as the protagonist than Andi. And let’s be real, more intelligence.

Yet another chapter ends on a pointless cliffhanger only for the scene to continue exactly where it left off!

You’re just full of surprises, Shinsay.

Chapter 69 (nice)

Andi recaps everything that she’s gone through after the Kalee crash up to the fight with the big alien dude who got deus ex machina-d by Alfie and how she nearly kissed Dex, which gets written as extra special, just so she can make this point:

But this...her father, as General Cortas’s head Spectre?

This might actually kill her.

And aside from how generically melodramatic it is, I can’t help but recall this, from chapter 7:

The man in front of her was a victim of her foolishness. Beside her was the man who’d rejected her love.

The two of them, together? It was nearly enough to shatter Andi.

Andi has the same reaction as I do when in a room with multiple men. Except in her case I think it’s supposed to be deep and personal.

Anyway, self-plagiarism aside, Andi thinks about how her dad was always there for her but then one day wasn’t when he didn’t support her on her trial and how conflicted she feels about him, both wanting to demand justice but also wanting comfort. This is actually quite touching and feels very grounded and realistic.

General Cortas rubs it in that Andi’s dad, “Comander Racella”, has been very loyal and hardworking since he was promoted after Andi’s trial. Andi hopes that her father actually hates the general and was forced to work for him as some sort of punishment for what happened with their daughters.

The general says the situation on Adhira has been taken care of, and when Andi asks whether Xen Ptera attacked because of Valen and her crew’s presence on Adhira, the general says that’s classified. For reasons? Idk. Seems pretty obvious to me, or maybe he just doesn’t know?

Dex tries to yap but Cortas flexes his big dick and reminds Dex that he’s a Guardian now, and Dex is too much of a baby to risk his regained status so he shuts up. This is all spelled out for us by Andi’s inner monologue, because we’re idiots.

The general claims the Xen Pteran forces have been wiped out, saying how it’s probably all they had since there’s few able-bodied and willing people to recruit for war after their planet got fucked, and when Andi presses him for why the attack happened now and on Adhira, he says:

“War never really ends, Androma. The desire for revenge is often too strong to forget.”

“War never ends ... But me and my crew totes ended that war just now. They don’t have any more soldiers so this war is over.” Makes sense, sir. 

Cortas says that queen Alara is safe and will be at the Peace Summit, which Andi immediately tells him to cancel because it would be the perfect opportunity for another attack. Cortas replies by saying that Arcardius is impenetrable and that the day the Olen System successfully invades will be the day “stars fall from the sky” which is a very poetic and not at all natural way to say something like this, so it’s there for ... idk dramatic irony? He also reminds her that the Summit is important because it celebrates the peace after the war and the unity between the systems and I’m here like ... for a guy who says war never ends, you sure seem happy to celebrate a war ending and don’t believe one is going on right now. But I guess these characters just exist to spout meaningless yet deep-sounding nonsense at each other.

Dex reminds the general that they’ve done their end of the deal, at which point the general conveniently decides to prolong it out of nowhere and essentially forces Andi and Dex to be Valen’s bodyguards at the Peace Summit by holding Andi’s crew and ship and Dex’s money and status hostage. Thanks for ensuring the main characters are there for the climax, sir! Appreciated!

Dex and Andi leave in a huff.

Chapter 70

We’re in Lira’s POV as she reminisces about her childhood with Lon while he’s recovering from his near-death-experience.

So she sat by [Lon’s] side for endless hours, until the warm clutches of sleep stole her away.

She dreams about flying on an “Adhiran darowak” but then DUN DUN DUUUN Adhira below turns into Xen Ptera and it’s horrible!

“No,” Lira gasped. Her heart began to crack. Fissures spread through it, reaching cold fingers through every valve until Lira felt darkness stealing her away.

So the editor just left that in, huh? Just let Shinsay use the exact same wording in less than 200 words? Must’ve been stolen away by the editing fairy for editing crimes while reading this.

Lira is woken up by Alara, who got here so fucking fast she must be part-Sonic on her father’s side. You’d think a planetary leader would have more to do after a sudden and deadly attack on her home planet, but I guess Adhirans are so chill they’ll just let their leader fuck off to take care of her angsty teenage niece instead.

Lira says that she’ll do anything to make up for bringing Valen to Adhira, to which Alara says that the only thing Lira will do is “follow her heart,” which is sweet of her to say but also really convenient and makes this whole decision easier for her.

I mean, it’s nice that Alara is so supportive, but 1) narratively, it removes the conflict that was introduced only a few chapters ago 2) it makes Alara seem like she’s only there to be the supportive cool aunt and the Good Queen, without any expectations or wants of her own. Like, wasn’t the pressure from Alara something that gave Lira actual conflict? Idk. Seems too easy, is what I’m saying.

Lira didn’t let go of her aunt until the tears dried up. Until they sat down on either side of Lon’s bedside, held his hands and spoke of happier times. The beauty of a family that could come together, broken, and still find a way to become something whole.

You’re one step away from “Ohana means family” over here, Shinsay. Stop spelling shit out. WE. GET. IT. Also, whose narration is this? We’ve mostly stuck to third person limited, so ... is Lira thinking this? Is she thinking this shit while it’s happening? About her own family and situation? What the fuck?

Shinsay couldn’t keep their suspiciously sticky fingers out of their own writing and let it breathe so it comes out looking like God’s mistake.

Anyway, Lon wakes up and Alara tells him what went down on Adhira.

Chapter 71

We’re back with Andi, who just got out of a bath and is bitterly admiring her “private quarters” when she’s interrupted by DUN DUN her dad! He’s been waiting for her!

It’s all very tense. Before they can really start talking, though, we get a flashback. No, really. This whole tense reunion between father and daughter is interrupted by a lengthy flashback brought on by Andi watching her dad and Remembering.

Because Shinsay.

It’s a flashback to Andi in a cell, the day before she was supposed to be executed. Her dad tells her that her mother is "not well” and we find out his name is Oren. As they’re saying their tearful goodbyes, Oren slips Andi a key and tells her “Bay Seven. Tomorrow at dawn.” 

The flashback ends with Andi’s cell standing empty the next morning.

Very cool and all that.

Back in the now, Andi rightfully chews her dad out for being a cowardly little bitch and throwing his teenage daughter under the bus for the sake of status. Something he freely admits to doing. He says he and her mother had to struggle to rebuild their reputation after she ruined it, and that he believes his daughter died with Kalee and that whoever he saved in the cell was already the Bloody Baroness even if she didn’t know it yet. Then he fucks off.

It’s all extremely silly. It would’ve been heartbreaking in any better book, but instead, it just feels like it’s tacked on for the sake of adding even more angst to Androma’s character. In fact, she’s not even upset at this. Instead she just carves some more tallies into her swords, dances some more with the dead, and then sneaks out.

No really, it’s written like a list.

She waited for the tears to come. But they never did.

Instead she sat alone, adding more tallies to her swords. Dancing with the dead inside her head.

Why is this so funny! I think it’s because both the tally-carving and the ghost-dancing is supposed to be these deep and haunted things she does that’s given a fair amount of weight and focus, but then it’s just written out like this like it’s just some generic routine shit she does like brushing her teeth or wiping her ass.

Yup, there she goes, doing her generic angsty shit one after the other. Emotional whiplash glossed over for the sake of moving the plot along. She’s in such a bad mental state that we simply MUST ignore it and move on.

Also, I want to highlight how convenient it is for Shinsay to already have Andi suspect and previously coming to terms with how her parents don’t love her before this confrontation. Like, we see her father save her tearfully, yet Andi has almost no hope that he still loves her. Or, she does, but when it’s squashed, she just ... accepts it? Because hey, she already processed that trauma years before! Makes it easy!

Wouldn’t it make it more impactful if all these years, she’s hoped that she has a home to come back to? That her father’s final act of saving her meant they love her still and want her to come back? And now she finds out that they never even mourned her loss? Wouldn’t that be heart-wrenching? And also add to the idea that Andi wants to return to Arcardia, both because it’s her home planet but also because that’s where her parents are? Instead we’re led to believe Andi wants to return, but when she does, she hates it here, she knows nobody wants her here, and she wants to leave immediately.

I seriously question the inclusion of this subplot and these characters. It adds nothing, changes nothing, and is just there to make Andi more angsty, which she already is, so ... why is this here lmao?

Shinsay really went “let’s squander all our potentially interesting ideas and concepts for the sake of more cheap angst and making our protag a cool emotionless badass who don’t care for no thing.”

[purplefairywriter]

Hyung Line BTS as RPG Classes

This idea has been wandering around in my head for a while so I finally decided to release it into the wild world. This is based on D&D for the most part but I opted not to go into details about their races, so this is just going to be a run down of their classes and alignments. If you don’t know what classes are alignments are, I’ll explain it as I go through the members of BTS. Alignments are only meant to be kind of a guide to your characters and not a blanket statement for how characters will act. SPOILER ALERT: most of them are on the good spectrum alignment wise. Here’s the maknae line one for you guys!

JIN

Blurb Jin walked into the dimly lit tavern. There were a variety of fair and buxom maidens there, all of whom turned to stare at him as he strutted in. Carrying his lucky red rose and his special lute, he went to the first maid who caught his eye. He gave her the rose before taking his lute and playing a single, beautiful chord. Then he leaned in and said "Hello, beautiful. I'm Mr. Worldwide Handsome. Are you gonna tell me your name or are you gonna let me just call you beautiful?" Class “The bard is a master of song, speech, and the magic they contain... Only rarely do bards settle in one place for long... Bards thrive on stories, whether those stories are true or not.” BARD. He’s a bard, 110% a bard. I mean... His personality screams it. There’s a reason I call this man the “good guy version of Gaston”. He has a charm to go along with his “Worldwide Handsome” title. That and the fact he was literally studying to be an actor before he go recruited by BigHit makes me believe he’d be a great addition to any party who is trying to do undercover/spy missions. Need a cocky nobleman? Jin’s got you covered. Need a down on his luck pig farmer? Jin’s got you covered. In my opinion, he’d have one of the higher charismas of a BTS party, which would help with the bard life. Alignment Probably chaotic good, so a rebel. He values personal freedom while at the same time upholding what is good. He probably comes off as an asshole/playboy when in reality he cares a lot about his friends/loved ones.

J-HOPE

Blurb J-Hope sat in the open field, admiring the sun. It was the sun that brought life to everything and everyone he knew. His best friend sat next to him, reading their favorite book. When a gruff voice shouted a slur towards his friend, J-Hope jumped up. "Hey! Try that on someone your own size, buddy!" He proclaimed without even sizing his enemy up. It turned out to be one of the local members of the warrior's guild, one of the toughest fighters out of the bunch. J-Hope held his ground, though. Their words escalated until a duel was unavoidable. J-Hope's friend tried to dissuade him from fighting. "I'll never let some idiot hurt my friends, physically or no! I'll teach this bully a lesson!" After the duel was over and the bully was simpering in defeat, J-Hope reminded his friend that he, like the sun, would never fail his friend. Class I’m feeling warrior type. You could go with either fighter or paladin with him. Either way, he wouldn’t be able to stay in the back and watch his friends get hurt without raising a ruckus. He wouldn’t be quiet or sneaky enough for a rogue and being a spell caster might not be up his alley. He’d want to have a hands-on approach in helping his friends, he would want to be in the front lines kicking butt. Why don’t you just pick one class? aka Why are you lumping paladin in there? Well, because J-Hope, as well all know, has a high charisma. Paladins need a high charisma as well as strength versus just strength alone. Paladins are basically more determined warriors and/or defenders/protectors of others, as they have a religious cause to be fighting for rather than just fighting because why not. Plus I have to admit, I think it would be funny to have J-Hope as a paladin because he’d be a bad paladin. As in he wouldn’t be screaming from the mountaintops about his god, he’d save someone and then go “oh yeah by the way I gotta tell you about my god real quick”. I’d imagine if he was in a paladin group everyone would make fun of him for helping people without preaching to them. He would stick to his guns (or should I say swords, this is a D&D post after all) about things, though. It’d be hard to sway him against doing a thing, which probably makes for a great paladin in some ways. If he was a paladin, he’d choose a sun or a mischievous god that fell under good. (In my world if he was a paladin, he’d be one for a crow/raven god that is mostly good but mischievous at times.) Alignment Chaotic Good, so the same as Jin. Although if you go the paladin route, he may end up being Lawful Good, which means he would have a strict sense of honor while at the same time putting down the freedom of others (even though I personally don’t see J-Hope being that way, but I can see him acting that way if he felt like he had no other option, really.)

SUGA

TW: slight verbal abuse (Not Suga giving it), violence Blurb Suga sat in the alleyway. He watched some pickpockets go by, just enjoying the sparse quietness that the night brought him. The sound of a knife unsheathing some distance away made him leap unto his feet. He looked over to see a grown man aiming the knife at a cowering child. "I'll pay you back, I promise!" The child cried. "You lousy brat, you haven't been able to steal anything for two weeks now! What did I ever hire you for?" The man asked, his words slurring. Suga walked over to the pair and tapped the man on the shoulder. The man turned around with a growl. "What are you doing talking to my son like that?" Suga asked, his hand on his knife's handle. The man looked at the kid then back at Suga. “Then why are you lettin’ him roam the streets and work for me? Some moron idiot father you are.” The man asked. The boy looked up at Suga, visibly frightened. Suga had never seen the boy before in his life. But Suga knew what it was like to deal with angry, cutthroat criminal scum like the man standing in front of him as a child. “Leave the boy alone. How much does he owe you?” Suga asked. He kept his hand on his knife, ready to draw in case the criminal lashed out. “50 gold.” The man grumbled. Suga pulled out his coin purse and nearly handed it to the man. “It’s between me and the brat. I don’t want your blood money.” The man said. The man turned back to the boy, his anger growing. “I could’ve made twice as much profit this week if I didn’t have to feed you. I should’ve let you rot!” The man raised one hand, tightly gripping a knife over his head as the child screamed. Suga stabbed the man in the shoulder, which reduced the man to a crumpled heap of pain on the alleyway path. Suga grabbed the child’s arm and dragged him out of the alleyway and towards safety. [The boy isn’t Suga’s child, obviously. Suga is probably going to feed the kid and find him a safe place to stay at least.] Class

“Rogues devote as much effort to mastering the use of a variety of skills as they do to perfecting their combat abilities, giving them a broad expertise that few other characters can match. When it comes to combat, rogues prioritize cunning over brute strength. A rogue would rather make one precise strike... As adventurers, rogues fall on both sides of the law.” I know some of you guys may be like “no wait Suga can’t be a rogue, he isn’t evil!”. I feel like Suga would make a good rogue, I do, I just have that feeling. He seems like the type of guy who devotes time to developing his skills, as well as a guy who speaks only  when something needs to be said. He comes off as a big tough guy when in reality he cares. “Why isn’t he a bard?” I feel like for Suga, music in an RPG setting would be secondary. Given that in real life he grew up with a family who was didn’t support his ideas of his music career, I could see him having to resort to rogue-ry things in order to support himself and survive (he would never break laws for fun, he’d do it in order to survive) with the idea of becoming a musician someday. If he dual-classed, bard would be his second class. Alignment Chaotic Good. But like I said earlier, he may come off as more neutral at first. He may put his own needs first before readily accepting that he does care for other people in a way.

RM

Blurb RM stood in a secluded glade. Crickets chirped nearby, the only sound keeping the world around him from silence. His companion was frightened, desperately trying to start a fire in the dark of the forest. "Are you sure this'll work? It seems strange, being out here so late at night..." The companion’s voice was deeply concerned. RM sighed as he stared up at the stars for a moment. "It's alright. If there's one thing I know about magic, it's that you have to trust yourself in order for it to work. Don't be afraid, I've got your back. Okay?" The companion nodded, his words bringing some comfort to them. They finally got the fire lit. The companion sighed in relief at the light the fire offered. RM spent the next few minutes casting protection spells before he sat down. "I know that darkness is scary, and the thing that dwell in it are even more frightening. One day you'll be able to face the darkness without any fear." RM said as he got comfortable. "How do you do it? How do you not be afraid?" His companion's question made him chuckle. "It took me many years to get to this point. Like there was this one time..." RM told his companion stories until they fell asleep. He'd do this until the companion felt safe, until his companion was as strong as he was when it came to facing the dark. Class I’m thinking either druid or wizard for RM. Wizards require high intelligence (which RM has!) while druids require high wisdom (which RM also has!). I can imagine him as either the wizard who’s spent much of his life reading every magic book and trying every magic spell he can or as the druid who enjoys spending time being at one with nature. For a staff, I’d be inclined to give him one that looks like a thyrsus totally not because I’ve watched Dionysus too many times or anything crazy like that because it’d be a cool reference to BTS. Alignment I could see RM being Chaotic Good or Lawful Good. It just depends on the situation, really. He’d probably want to be a good example for other people and look after them in a way. That’s it for now! I may do some actual character sheets (as in a full-on character build with races, stats, the whole 9 yards maybe) or even write the whole situation regarding the blurbs (kinda gave Suga’s away though, I knew I couldn’t leave you guys hanging like that) eventually so... Thanks for reading! Here’s the maknae line with Jimin, V, and Jungkook!

[longsword-enjoyer]

So I wanna implement the for honor heroes into D&D 5e. In doing this I'll look at what classes they most represent through feats and lore and making a road map of levels and playstyles for you to follow if you choose to play as one. Note I'll be using the human variant for all the for honor heroes.

First I'll be starting with the warden

Class: Paladin oath of devotion

So starting as a paladin makes sense for warden considering he has good healing feats and his backstory sounds very much like a paladin and especially an oath of devotion Paladin.

Starting stats (I use point buy but if your dm let's you roll for stats that's fine just allocate your points to be similar)

15 Strength

8 Dexterity

13 Constitution

10 Intelligence

12 Wisdom

16 Charisma

And for your human starting feat pick martial Adept and use the parry and pushing attack.

For background pick Noble because wardens aren't only known for being great fighters but also great diplomats and having proficiency in persuasion will help with that

As for paladin starting skills pick Religion and Athletics

Alignment will be lawful good

And after that start with a longsword as your martial weapon and everything else you can fill out at the start once you get the baseline for your warden down.

And now we get to what you do after level 1

Level 2

Fighting style: either defense or great weapon fighting it's up to you

Spells: Bless, Heroism, sheild of faith, and thunderous smite. I'm not gonna go over a ton of spells after your starting spells because it's up to you and the kinda campaign you're in

Level 3

Divine health is for winners whoop whoop also pick the oath of devotion

Level 4

Increase your charisma by 2

Level 5

Extra attack is for winners whoop whoop

Level 6

This is more if a personal note but please remember to remind your freinds about aura of protection and remember it works on you to.

Level 7

Same thing with this dont forget about your aura of devotion.

Level 8

Kick your Constitution up to 15

Level 9

Oh boy 3rd level spells

Level 10

Again I know it might be hard to remember all of your passive buffs as a paladin but dont forget about aura of courage

Level 11

You get another d8 to throw at people

Level 12

Get yourself to 20 charisma you've earned it

Level 13

Whoop whoop 4th level spells

Level 14

Cleansing touch is pretty cool remember not to forget about it

Level 15

Another passive buff

Level 16

Get your strength to 17

Level 17

5th level spells oh boy

Level 18

Aura is better

Level 19

Get your strength at 19

Level 20

Become holy nimbus

Now that all that fun stat stuff is out of the way let's talk about how you would roleplay a warden, sticking to your paladin oath is pretty simple but I would also draw more on protecting the weak and even drawing off a tenant of the oath of vengeance about Restitution which is "If my foes wreak ruin on the world, it is because I failed to stop them. I must help those harmed by their misdeeds." Which is a good thing to keep in mind while playing your warden.

And as for combat style warden is a tank but take care not to be super aggressive considering the makeup of your party you may be the only healer so keep that in mind.

Well there you have it my first attempt at combining For honor and D&D lemme know what you think or of you have any questions lemme know.

And the next one I'll be doing will be the Kensei.

[officialcatheridge]

Races of Catheridge: The Kanin

Here’s the first public draft of the Kanin, the iconic race of Catheridge! Check it out below the break! Note that their racial traits are geared for Pathfinder, and not D&D 5E.

Art is, of course, by @slightlysimian.

Kanin

“Pity? When wos it my concern when the fair people of Ironfar failed to protect their own borders? They got cursed; let ‘em wallow in it. Maybe next time they won’t keep all the money to ‘emselves!” ~Keaton Ericson, Novice Adventurer

The Kingdom of Ironfar was the center of human power in the otherwise wild and untamed land of Eurreach. A noble and just king once ruled it, though he was also overzealous and greedy, and made many enemies. The kingdom lived in prosperity and wealth for a great many years, and brought peace to the land, until a mysterious figure, known only as the Shadow Witch, appeared, and in a single coup, overran the city with an army of dark, shadowy creatures and killed the king.  She attempted to curse the people of the city into creatures of the woodland via a massive and powerful transmutation spell, but was forced to botch the ritual thanks to the young prince of the kingdom, who slammed into the Witch before she could finish the spell and barely fled the city with his sister and his life afterward.

And thus the kanin were made, the cursed people of Ironfar. The kanin still, to this day, seek to find a way to undo the curse upon them and their nation, and many travel the world, searching far and wide for a cure. While they are still humans at heart, their bodies are small and beast-like, and they search for a way to return themselves and their kingdom to its former glory, sometimes through any means necessary. At large, it is believed that a cure lies in the aurgems of Xer. Priceless coins minted during the ancient god-king’s rule and believed to be gifted with the power to grant any wish, regardless of the will of the gods or the mysterious laws of magic governing such power. As such, Ironfar seeks to gather every coin together to undo the curse upon them, for it seems to be their only hope of removing it.

Physical Description: Kanin resemble humanoid, walking, talking, woodland critters. They have small, furry bodies with large, round eyes, and simulate several small animals. By and large, most kanin look like hares or rabbits, with large, open ears, but ones that resemble squirrels, foxes, cats, and dogs, or any mix of all of the above (thanks to breeding) are not unheard of. They’re small in stature, hovering around three to three and a half feet in general. They have small, thin arms, but strong digitigrade legs, capable of propelling them great distances for creatures of their size. Their fur color ranges from whites, grays, browns, and blacks, with the occasional blonde or auburn among them. Their eyes speak of their human nature, bearing the same breadth of colors and shapes regular human might possess.

Kanin wear clothes that resemble regular human clothing, sized and shaped for their bodies. They favor breeches or shorts with tunics and vests made from simple cloth or leather. Most forgo shoes, due to the difficulty of crafting them for their altered legs and the padding on their feet being sufficient enough. Kanin armor is typically just metal plates and pieces strapped directly on their bodies, since their fur is sufficient enough insulation and prevents chafing. This allows the kanin to remain flexible even in armor.

Society: Kanin wander the entirety of Catheridge in search of the Xerian Aurgems, and as such tend to be traders, travelers, and adventurers. Some have pledged themselves as servants to wealthy nobles with the promise of receiving a single Aurgem for nearly a lifetime of servitude. That aside, most Kanin still reside in their homeland of Eurreach, in the city of Ironfar, working to maintain the peace and order the land, just as it was before their curse. Kanin have a chivalrous, friendly society, always eager to make friends instead of enemies, and gathering wealth for the betterment of their people instead of greed and excess. They recognize the king or queen of Ironfar as their sovereign lord, and each one since the creation of the race has always encouraged their people to find the Aurgems and bring happiness to those around them.

Kanin tend to either travel alone or in groups, hoping to trade goods and services in exchange for Aurgems, while others delve lost tombs and ruins, hoping to find caches and chests of Xer’s lost treasures. They always maintain a hopeful, bright, and endearing attitude. This combined with the general charming appearance of their bodies makes them a remarkably hard race to hate or turn down.

Relations: Kanin try not to make enemies, and try and keep trade open and honorable between all the races of the land. Fauns and High Fey tend to find them adorable. Garoh find sympathy in their plight, but can do little to help them. Centaurs remember that they are still humans on the inside, and remain indifferent to them. Minotaurs view them as barely more than snacks. Nagakin have an interesting relationship with them, to say the least, considering that their kingdoms and empires contain a fair amount of Aurgems hidden away in their coffers. Paeraens sympathize with the kanin, and generally try and help them whenever they can.

Alignment & Religion: Many kanin are friendly, determined, and chivalrous, hell-bent on removing the curse on them and regaining their humanity. As a result, most Kanin are good in alignment, but do swing between lawful and chaotic. Some kanin have no interest in removing their curse and do attempt to just live out their lives in neutrality.

Adventurers: Many kanin take up dangerous jobs, scouring the far reaches for a dead currency that used to be traded across the world, while others pursue knighthood and attempt to bring unity to the scattered races and countries of Catheridge, and take up heavy arms and armor, despite their small, weak bodies. Kanin are well suited to being bards or rogues, but many also do become fighters, paladins, and clerics.

Playing a Kanin: In broad strokes, kanin on the whole tend to be brave, hopeful, and even heroic. As a kanin, you have a small body, but a big heart. You know at your core that you’re human, though you look nothing like one. Despite the fact that there isn’t a living kanin today who was human before the Shadow Witch, when you look at a human you feel a sense of kinship and familiarity, perhaps even longing. You should be able to easily share a drink and hold a conversation with a human from your city, town or even country. You instinctively know that you should be human, but something is wrong. You feel the magic tainting your veins and you know it’s not natural. It’s not an uncomfortable feeling, physically, but the reminders are there and they are constant. Use this facet as fuel for your character. How do you feel about the curse and what do you want to do to resolve it, if anything? Have you brushed up on your history and do you feel Ironfar got what it deserved? Do you wish to make things right, or do you just want to live out your life as best you can, being as ambitious as any other human?

Male Names: Barrus, Ector, Lance, Hayes, Oswald, Ransford, Shaw, Vaynard,

Female Names: Ariana, Cai, Elaine, Fiona, Gwen, Kyla, Leigh, Tavia,

Racial Traits

Ability Score Racial Traits: +4 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, -2 Strength, -2 Constitution. Kanin are remarkably swift and endearingly hopeful, but frail and weak due to their small bodies.

Type: Kanin are Humanoids with the Human and Shapechanger subtype.

Size: Kanin are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty to their CMB and CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.

Base Speed: Kanin are fast for their size and have a base speed of 30 feet.

Low-Light Vision: Kanin can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim lighting.

Shred of Humanity: Kanin hold fast to their humanity, despite their bodies and the often-encroaching animalistic instincts granted to them by their curse. On character creation, choose either to receive a bonus feat at first level, or an extra skill rank each level. Once made, this choice cannot be changed.

Body of Prey: Kanin receive a +2 Racial Bonus to Acrobatics and Perception skill checks and treat both skills as class skills.

Cursed Body: The kanin race are the result of a dark witch’s (botched) curse, and as such their bodies bear this curse from generation to generation. Transmutation spells with the polymorph subschool, such as alter self, polymorph, beast form, etc., as well as spells that would undo or dispel such magic (though only in regards to returning them to a human form), automatically fail to function on a Kanin.

Languages: Kanin begin play knowing Common. Kanin with high Intelligence scores can learn any language they please.

What Your Traits Mean for You

Ability Scores: The curse on your body was long ago meant to transform you and the rest of the citizenry of Ironfar into small woodland creatures of prey; rabbits, squirrels, mice, weasels, raccoons, and the like, with the occasional fox, cat, and dog in the mix. Among the most common traits of all these creatures is their remarkable dexterity. All kanin are just naturally agile, and are born and raised learning how to use their bodies. Of course, another thing these animals have in common is their general frailty and lack of raw power. A human will have little to no issue punting a kanin across a small room, and that kanin is going need some time to recover from the resultant injuries. Your body will break much more easily than others, and your small frame simply cannot hold in much musculature. A kanin’s bonus to charisma stems more from a cultural change if anything. Sure, you look cute. A small, walking bunny rabbit in little clothes with bright eyes has undeniable appeal for most people, but looks alone only contribute little to charisma and confidence. Before the turning of the age, Ironfar and the newly formed kanin were at the center-stage as the world turned and changed around them. It was Ironfar and the kanin who united all of Eurreach and Catheridge together to combat a common enemy and survive the apocalypse. It was the kanin of Ironfar that kept the peace and helped the world settle down after the changes. As a result, the kanin naturally became better ambassadors and newborns grow up learning how to deal with and talk to strangers, and put on a good impression. Not all kanin embrace this approach, of course, but their culture ensures that very few kanin are shy or bad with words.

Type: Kanin have the shapechanger subtype as a result of their curse. The Shadow Witch was nothing if not exacting in that this was how she wanted the people of Ironfar to live out the rest of their lives. It is very hard for kanin to become a not-kanin and stay that way. The Shapechanger subtype simply enforces this rule.

Base Speed: Most small playable races have a base speed of 20 for their size, but a kanin’s bestial leg structure ensures that they move just a swiftly as any other human. Kanin typically move in bounding, hopping or skipping strides, easily covering the height of their body in a single step. Always remember that you’re small and fast, as its one of the few mercies you’re afforded with your body.

Shred of Humanity: The Shadow Witch’s curse has left you and your people less than human. And the part of humanity left in you is something you cling onto jealously. It should be something that drives you forward, reminds you of what you are. Remember you are human. The Witch’s spell has left you plagued with the occasional instinctual thought, the urge to flee from danger, every kanin deals with these instincts, and it’s your shred of humanity that keeps you cognizant. It is your shred of humanity that sets you apart from being a simple “beast race.” You still have the potential to be skilled and talented, but your body and instincts hold you back from being as flexible and skilled as a regular human.

Body of Prey: While you indeed stand upright, have the capacity to use tools, and are quite intelligent, there is no denying that you are small, you are weak, and you would make a very tasty meal for a pack of wolves. The animal part of your curse has instilled in you the instincts of a creature of prey, when answering the flight or fight response, your instincts usually tell you to take flight. Whether or not you do is entirely up to you, but most kanin are subconsciously on the lookout for danger, and are physically ready and able to run, scamper, jump, and climb to safety, regardless of their chosen profession.

Cursed Body: The Kanin curse is just that, a curse, and while mechanically it does give quite a few “benefits,” there are drawbacks to it as well. The curse emotionally and psychologically devastated the people of Ironfar at its conception. Not only did they lose their city and the bulk of their army to the Shadow Witch’s invasion, but they were then turned into small, weak, bestial creatures, who now have to look up to any other creature they meet. Kanin have to worry about being overlooked, tripped on, hunted by animals, and treated as lower class citizens or not worthy of attention among other societies. On top of this, the curse has “firewalls” in place that prevent it from being easily dispelled or changed. In addition to being unable to benefit from any polymorphing spell, spells that also remove or cure spell effects fail to restore a kanin to human as well. Indeed, not even Wish or Miracle can or has cured the Kanin Curse. Ironically, the curse has made kanin immune to the very spell that was used against them, Baleful Polymorph. Let it never be said there isn’t a silver lining. As a side note, the curse only directly affects spells and spell-like abilities. Extraordinary and Supernatural Abilities, such as a druid’s Wild Shape, still work as intended.

[luvneedsnosyt]

My Favorite Albums of 2017

Here is my list of my personal top albums of 2017

You can find my separate list for top EPs of 2017 here.

My monthly lists of top albums of 2017 are listed below: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

My list last year for my top albums of 2016 can be found here.

* indicates someone I saw live in 2017

Honorable Mention:

Arcade Fire - Everything Now Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

With great success comes also the task of following it up. In 2017 Arcade Fire became swallowed up a bit by their own machine; which is unfortunate because despite its flaws Everything Now is still a joyous and entertaining record. Probably, most definitely, the worst record of their catalog, the common dialog is this album was a misstep by the Grammy winning band. Attempting to strip the baggage though, Everything Now is a interesting and expressive experimentation in Indie Rock that should still be appreciated. Perhaps some restraint and more of an eye on quality control could have helped. Past Arcade Fire albums find strength in their shear mass, however this album would have benefited from being more slimmed down, especially in the middle section that tends to wander a bit too aimlessly. This is the most flawed we have seen the band, yet they still have something worthwhile to bring to the table.

Proof: Creature Comfort, Electric Blue, Bonus: Everything Now (Todo Ya) [Remix por Bomba Estéreo]

Cold War Kids - L.A. DEVINE Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

With their sixth album, Cold War Kids continue to perfect their energetic and bold Indie Rock sound. L.A. DEVINE isn’t my favorite work from the band but it continually shows they have a knack to not disappoint. It does come off a bit formulaic after the first handful of songs, but they know what they are good at and they stick to it. As I stated though the first five songs really put this album on this list as it’s as strong and impacting of a 20 minutes as on almost any other album out in 2017.

Proof: Love Is Mystical, So Tied Up (Feat. Bishop Briggs)

Cut Copy - Haiku From Zero Genre: Synth-Pop

For their fifth studio album, the Australian Synth-Pop makers Cut Copy produced possibly their most straight forward product. The result is a light hearted, warm collection of songs that are enjoyable and easy to approach. The result also is critiques of a lack of experimentation and innovation the fans of the band attribute to Cut Copy. My personal feeling is at times CC’s experimentation can tip over into overindulgence in the past, so I welcome the stripped down jams.

Proof: Standing In the Middle of the Field, Airborne

Giraffage* - Too Real Genre: Electronic

American-Taiwanese DJ Giraffage drops off some sexy and spaced out R&B infused electronic music on his vibed out debut album. Too Real has moments that remind me of ODESZA, KAYTRANADA or Mura Masa; sometimes within the same song. Giraffage’s smooth production creates quite the seductive galaxy, so climb in that spaceship.

Proof: Maybes (Feat. Japanese Breakfast), Slowly (Feat. Matosic)

The Killers* - Wonderful Wonderful Genre: Alternative / Rock

Hot Fuss, the Killers’ debut album was a very important album for me in high school. The band then proceeded to it up with a stellar three album swing with Sam’s Town and Day & Age (Yes, that Day & Age, that album bangs and I don’t care who says otherwise). Even the B-Side and remix Compilation album that proceeded, Sawdust, was enjoyable. Unfortunately, from there was a lackluster period for me as a Killers fan. Brandon Flower’s first solo album Flamingo was disappointing and their fourth album 2012’s Battle Born just came off stale and lethargic to me. 2014 though, saw a welcomed return to form with Brandon Flower’s sneaky good second solo album The Desired Effect. Wonderful Wonderful continues that rejuvenation with some passionate and focused arena rock. Here the band still sounds very familiar but doesn’t come off as aged as on Battle Born. They also seem to have more of a purpose here, not just making a new album for the sake of making one, they have recaptured that sense of joy and wonder.

Proof: The Man, Run For Cover

Klyne - Klyne Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

Dutch duo Klyne make some super seductive bedroom ready electronic pop music. On this self titled debut they really show off their master of making synth-heavy production have some ginuwine sentiment and passion. Klyne is a subtle and sexy project any R&B fan should check out.

Proof: Paralyzed, Sure Thing

Logic - Everybody Genre: Hip Hop

One of the most technically skilled rappers making music today returns with his third studio album. It is very apparent the lyrical talent on Logic during a listen, however Everybody falls into the same traps of Logic’s past albums. Logic tends to get swallowed up by his own album concepts, with interlude and spoken word interruptions that tend to drag on too long. It’s unfortunate because to others it can take away from the great production and lyrical gymnastics going on. The process has also taken a toll on Logic himself as he has hinted the next album could be his last album despite being only 27. Hopefully, an extended break is all that will be needed because despite my album construction gripes, Logic is still one of the most gifted rappers today.

Proof: America (Feat. Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo & NO I.D.), 1-800-273-8255 (Feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid)

Oliver - Full Circle Genre: Electronic / Dance

LA DJ duo, finally offer a full length album with this cinematic debut. Full Circle is a modern day disco with space aged, synth-based tracks that call back to the 70’s and 80’s but still feel rooted in 2017. The whole album has a glossy aura that engulfs the listener, shooting them into hyper drive through a technological landscape.

Proof: Chemicals (Feat. MNDR), Wherever We Are (Feat. Elohim)

Phantoms - Phantoms Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop

I first heard of Phantoms when I saw them open for Beat Connection in 2015. I had no idea who these two suited dudes were, but I was pleasantly surprised by both their stage presence and charisma as well as the music. I retroactively found their EP and discovered it wasn’t a fluke, they made good music. Despite that I still was pleasantly surprised by this pulsating debut from the duo. Phantom’s aren’t doing anything to reinvent any wheels here; they are just making damn good house music to get the fuck down too. The growth from their already decent EP to this album is a bit staggering, I can’t wait to see what they make next.

Proof: Something To Talk About (Feat. Grace Mitchell), Just A Feeling (Feat. VÉRITÉ)

Portugal. The Man - Woodstock Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock

Releasing albums at quite the rapid pace, after their seventh album, 2013’s Evil Friends, Portugal. The Man took more of their time crafting something that would be a new experience for their fans. The result is this whirlwind of an album incorporating and outright acknowledging outside influences more openly then in past efforts. Woodstock has roots of the late 60’s era in its general makeup, but there also are intense elements of hip hop, soul music, and electronic music interweaving in the complex relationships here. It makes this album really a unique experience. “Feel It Still” became the band’s biggest hit of their career and for good reason. Even though you are probably a bit fatigued of it, it still is an excellent track to revisit in the context of the album or on it’s own.

Proof: Easy Tiger, Live In The Moment

Sampha* - Process Genre: alt-R&B

For years the raspy, and emotive voice of Sampha has been bouncing round and teasing us with thoughts of a whole album from him. Tracks featuring him on albums by SBTRKT, Drake, Kanye West, Solange and Jessie Ware have been some of the stand out tracks for each of those albums respectively. We were teased more with his great but short EP’s Duel and Too Much both in 2013. Luckily, the wait for the London singer’s debut was well worth it. Process is a gorgeous, soulful record of love found and lost. Sampha’s lyrics are very piercing and relateable but heightened by his expressive and powerful vocals.

Proof: Blood On Me, Timmy’s Prayer

Stalgia - NOMAD Genre: Electronic / alt-R&B

One of my favorite random music finds on the year was Stalgia’s sultry, electronic R&B. NOMAD has hints of BANKS, Lorde, London Grammar and FKA twigs, with a slight more of an electronic lean. That’s not to say the electronic production is dominate. It is for the most part delicate with pockets of assertiveness, but subdued enough to allow the tender vocals room to shine as well. I don’t know much about the duo, but they have my full attention whatever they produce next.

Proof: Electric, Talk to My Skin

Sylvan Essos - What Now Genre: Indie Pop / Electronic

With their sophomore album, the North Carolina duo continue their pursuit of pushing the boundaries of Indie Pop with their unique amalgamation of Folk, Pop and Electronic music. What Now is like LCD Soundsystem and Fiest had a musical baby, with soft, soothing vocals over jabbing and intersecting synths.

Proof: Die Young, Radio

Tyler, The Creator - Flower Boy Genre: Hip Hop

2015’s Cherry Bomb was an album I appreciated but in the end wanted to like it more than I actually did. It was a notable and admired progression by me from his early low-fi sound. There was more experimentation and branching out to try new things for the rapper. But in the end it was still a bit conflicted. Flower Boy is the young artists really putting it all together in a cohesive and powerful package. For his fourth album Tyler drifts into unexpected and often odd directions, but there is more of a purpose of these tangents. Everything has a planned outcome that is impacting and worthwhile.Tyler is also letting his walls down more, showing us his more human and genuine self. In his own words: “I rock, I roll, I bloom, I grow…”

Proof: Where The Flower Blooms (Feat. Frank Ocean), 911 / Mr. Lonely (Feat. Frank Ocean & Steve Lacey)

The List:

Last One Out: Mura Masa - Mura Masa Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop

Mura Masa has quite a unique ear. This collection of eccentric and genreless tracks is an indication of just how diverse and unorthodox the German producer’s ear for sounds is. The wide range of influences leads to a fascinating interweaving of styles Mura is able to mold into his own personal sculptural music. No artist is too obscure, or too well known for Mura’s vibrant sonic landscapes to dance around in. As music genres continue to push the boundaries it will be innovative artists like Mura Masa at the forefront.

Proof: Love$ick (Feat. A$AP Rocky), 1 Night (Feat. Charli XCX), What If I Go? (Feat. Bonzai), Firefly (Feat. NAO)

35. HAIM* - Something To Tell You Genre: Pop

The charming sister trio return with their sophomore album that is a more than adequate follow up to their enduring debut. Something To Tell You is a bit of a return to a more pure sound stripping some (but not all) of the electronic music influences positioned on the margins of Days Are Gone. Those weren’t a main driving force in their music though so it doesn’t affect the product much which is still as joyous and entertaining as its predecessor. Some people like to hold their nose up a bit at the HAIM sisters saying their music is so simple as a critique. Sometimes simplicity though is the hardest thing to achieve effectively. the complexity is in their flawless execution, the sisters can switch instruments on a whim and together make some of the most catchy pop songs out today.

Proof: Want You Back, Little Of Your Love, Ready For You, Walking Away, Bonus: Walking Away (Mura Masa Remix)

34. Charli XCX - Number 1 Angel [Mixtape] Genre: Synth-Pop

Charli XCX seems to have found her creative sweet spot as well as buy off from her label because she has had a fast paced last couple years despite no new official album. This has resulted in XCX dropping arguably the best music of her career (depending on your preference on her early mixtapes and debut album). Number 1 Angel I was ready to comment as the best music she has dropped since her debut album True Romance, that was until last week she dropped the bomb of a mixtape that is Pop 2. I always have to cut off albums for consideration in mid December so Pop 2 isn’t listed here but it is eligible for my 2018 lists and believe it will be on them. That being said Number 1 Angel from earlier in the year was an extremely intoxicating and exhilarating joy ride. Also in the year her official single “Boys” became a summer jam you couldn’t run away from. Charli has come a long way from her early experimental mixtapes and writing successful songs for other artists like Icona Pop’s “I Love It” to this moment. But with a bevy of features as well as her own work being pushed out at such rapid fire, Charli’s stock is still on the rise.

Proof: 3am (Pull Up) Feat. MØ, ily2, Babygirl (Feat. Uffie), Lipgloss (Feat. cupcakKe), Bonus: Boys

33. Tinie Tempah - YOUTH Genre: Hip Hop

With his third album Tinie Tempah returns with one of the most straightforward and enjoyable collections of hip hop in 2017. With a 90’s nostalgic feel, Youth is an entertaining and joyous ride. Many of the tracks can successfully get a club floor shaking while not being completely devoid of substance. Personally, it’s my favorite project of the English rapper’s career.

Proof: Lightwork, Texts From your Ex (Feat. Tinashe), Girls Like (Feat. Zara Larsson), Shadows (Feat. Bipolar Sunshine)

32. PVRIS - All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell Genre: Alternative / Rock

Stadium rock has become a bit of a cliche in this day and age, don’t tell that to this trio though. PVRIS’ sophomore effort is a great indication of what strong and forward thinking stadium rock can be in 2017. There’s a bit of electronic synths and other elements present in PVRIS’ music, but they never take away from the true stars which is emotionally gripping guitars and Lyndsey’s empowering vocals. All We Know... is a triumphant roller coaster of raw and unprocessed emotive motifs that despite their power confident exteriors are also more than willing to display their tenderness underneath.

Proof: Heaven, Half, What’s Wrong, Walk Alone

31. Tove Lo - BLUE LIPS (lady wood phase II) Genre: Synth-Pop

Continually perfecting her art, Tove Lo returns after only a year with her best album to date. 2016’s Lady Wood was an entertaining album that was also a noticeable improvement in her craft from her debut. That improvement continues with this sequel album.  Willing to be a bit more vulnerable in her lyrics, the swedish singer brings out more genuine emotion then in the past that really allows the songs to have an ethereal draw despite their assertive and piercing exterior.

Proof: disco tits, shedontknowbutsheknows, cycles, struggle, Bonus: disco tits (Oliver Remix)

30. Sleigh Bells - Kid Kruschev Genre: Alternative / Rock

Only a year after dropping their fourth album in 2016’s Jessica Rabbit, The noise pop duo returns with this “mini-album” that to me is their best work since Reign of Terror. There seems to be a more cohesive and theatrical element to how these 7 songs relate which gives the effort a more focused feel. As always, the true shining star is how well Alex Krauss is able to maintain such a tender human element to each of the thunderous tracks by producer Derek Miller. One of the best yings and yangs in the music industry today.

Proof: Blue Trash Mattress Fire, Rainmaker, Panic Drills, And Saints

29. Khalid - American Teen Genre: R&B / Pop / Soul

Bursting on the scene, 2017 was a huge year for the teenage singer. The solvent in this reaction is this airy and spirited debut album. The crossover sound that channels everything from Frank Ocean and Citizen Cope to Hall and Oates and Fleetwood Mac, the young talent has shown his reach is well beyond his years. American Teen is a somber yet captivating listen front to back. With the features on other artist’s albums piling up and multiple Grammy nominations it’s apparent that the masses have noticed.

Proof: American Teen, Another Sad Love Song, Saved, Keep Me

28. Spoon* - Hot Thoughts Genre: Indie Pop / Alternative

Spoon walks the tightrope of constantly experimenting within their sound while also being one of the most consistently strong and enjoyable music makers. Despite their albums always having a new wrinkle they never overreach or come out leaving you wishing for “the old Spoon”. Hot Thoughts is a perfect example of this impeccable dependability. After returning from a break with a fairly straight forward album in 2014’s They Want My Soul, in 2017 Spoon experiment a bit more with synth and dancey sounds invading the airwaves. However, this is still recognizably a Spoon record; a very strong one at that.

Proof: Hot Thoughts, Do I Have To Talk You Into It, Can I Sit Next To You, I Ain’t The One

27. Lana Del Rey - Lust For Life Genre: Pop

Longtime readers of this blog are well aware of my well established love for the sad girl, Lana Del Rey. Since that first time I saw her original “Video Games” video (one of only a handful from her on YouTube at that time) I was instantly hooked. Lust for Life, Lana’s fifth album, may be her most well rounded and crafted of her career to date. My personal favorite by the singer is still the alluring slow burn that was Ultraviolence, but I can see the progression very clearly on this album. There’s is a more seamless stitching of her many inspirations from 70’s pop, classic rock, alt-R&B to hip hop here then in the past. It’s result is an eloquent and free flowing album of songs dipped in nostalgia yet still remain firmly planted in 2017. And please would her and The Weeknd just make a whole damn album together?!

Proof: Love, Lust For Life (Feat. The Weeknd), In My Feelings, When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing

26. Calvin Harris - Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 Genre: Synth-Pop / Dance

Showing he may have one of the most diverse and deep Rolodex's in music, Calvin Harris returns with a slew of posse cuts bursting with sunshine and danceable vibes. The feature list in many unforeseen collabs across the short 10 track album that never come off as forced or misplaced. The album’s best characteristic is how effortless it comes across; all the guests just seemed to be having fun. Harris was able to mold the perfect summer BBQ playlist; grab something to grill and a cold beverage.

Proof: Slide (Feat. Frank Ocean & Migos), Cash Out (Feat. ScHoolboy Q, PARTYNEXTDOOR & D.R.A.M.), Rollin (Feat. Future & Khalid), Prayers Up (Feat. Travis Scott & A-Trak)

25. A R I Z O N A - Gallery Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic

A R I Z O N A make an understated but impressive first introduction with this enduring debut. Gallery is a smooth and effortless listen with the ability to both get a party up and moving or have a relaxing vibe session. The tracks are danceable with their ensemble of melodic electric guitars, sharp keys and synths over electronic drums. But, with the subtle R&B influence gives the tracks a flowing groove that gives them a flexibility in the mood they give off. So you decide, dancing shoes or PJs, either way Gallery is a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Proof: Annie, Feed The Beast, Cross My Mind, Electric Touch

24. Jessie Ware - Glasshouse Genre: R&B / Pop

A bit of a rushed return to follow up 2014’s stellar album Tough Love, Jessie Ware felt against the clock to finish her third album Glasshouse once she found out she was expecting her first child. Despite the condensed timeline, Jessie Ware returns with another gorgeous album of raw emotion and tenderness. Jessie’s tranquil and reposeful voice is encapsulating and alluring as always. Though, I don’t find the same highs that I found in the predecessor, Glasshouse is still a elegant expression and exploration of intimacy and affection. Something Jessie Ware has made a name for herself achieving.

Proof: Midnight, Thinking About You, Your Domino, Alone

23. Bleachers - Gone Now Genre: Pop

Jack Antonoff has carved himself quite a unique spot in the music industry. From his work in bands (most notably fun.) to his tireless efforts songwriting and producing songs for BANKS, Lorde, St. Vincent, Taylor Swift & P!nk (and that’s just 2017 alone), it’s a wonder he has the time for a solo act. Yet, here we are with the delightful sophomore album from him. Gone Now not only carries on where 2014’s Strange Desire left off, but it perfects the 80’s inspired sound to make an addictive and exciting collection of songs. The record’s willingness to come off as cheesy leads to an admirable confidence. Jack Antonoff is not scared to wear his influences for Bleachers’ sound on his sleeve. That conviction allows him to make unabashed stadium-pop gems that will follow you throughout the day like a shadow.  

Proof: Hate That You Know Me, Don’t Take The Money, Everybody Lost Somebody, I Miss Those Days

22. R3HAB - Trouble Genre: Electronic / Dance

Dutch producer dazzles in his debut album filled with aggressively catching dance inducing tunes. R3HAB has been around the electronic music scene almost 10 years with various remixes and a whole slew of one-off singles. Trouble is quite a triumphant showing of how he’s be able to hone a mastery in pop music construction. The many featured artists are given an effective platform to perform while the production subtly backs out of the way only to explode in your eardrums during the engaging choruses. It’s quite an engrossing cat and mouse game R3HAB effectively utilizes crafting these contagious pop songs.

Proof: Trouble (Feat. VÉRITÉ), I Just Can’t (w/ Quintino), Talking To You (Feat. Rynn), Killing Time (w/ Felix Cartal)

21. Toro Y Moi - Boo Boo Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

Chaz Bundick (aka Toro Y Moi) seems to have finally found his cavity inducing sweet spot. Boo Boo is a culmination and conglomerate of his career to date; all the elements from his past music are present. There’s still the chillwave somber tone, but effectively incorporated in groovy enclosures that can entice a dance party, some chill time with your significant other or a peaceful and reflective party for one. My enjoyment of Toro’s past albums was a lot of times too dependent on my mental state at the time I would listen, but on Boo Boo there’s seems to be a more flexible vibe accomplished. The airy production and smooth vocal delivery make a dream like aura encompassing the records that is malleable to whatever mood the listener may be in.

Proof: Mirage, No Show, Girl Like You, Inside My Head

20. Tei Shi* - Crawl Space Genre: R&B / Pop

Tei Shi’s debut album has been on my personal highly anticipated list for a couple years now. When I first heard her 2015 Verde EP I knew she was someone to not forget about. That being said Crawl Space still was able to over-perform my expectations and impress me. Nothing on here quite reaches the bone chilling high the brilliant “Bassically” hits from Verde. However, Tei Shi show’s quite a progression in writing and constructing songs over these two years. Crawl Space is a bit hard to artistically track down on first listen, keeping those participating guessing, with the many influences being represented. Tei Shi effortlessly flips between dark and moody alt-R&B, sexy low lit night time jams, to a crowd pleasing pop song throughout the duration of this record. The most impacting moments being her strategic times to just break the song down and start belting. Her imperfections become her strength; giving the songs a powerful amount of emotion. Fans of BANKS, Janet Jackson, Jhene Aiko, Mariah Carey, Jessie Ware all can find familiar moments, yet there is a defined identity Tei Shi is carving out here.

Proof: Keep Running, Creep, How Far, Say You Do

19. Fenech-Soler* - ZILLA Genre: Synth-Pop

ZILLA is a luminous and bouncy joy ride from start finish. The third album from the English (now turned) duo, ZILLA is a constant plea with the listener to not just bop their head, but get off their ass and dance around. From the beginning of the record a crowd of slick key strokes, funky bass lines and energetic synths pick up and carry the listener through the record like they are crowd surfing at an EDM show. Calling the tunes catchy doesn’t serve them justice, they are down right addictive. It’s still amazing to me the band isn’t well more known.

Proof: Kaleidoscope, On Top, Night Time TV, Touch

18. San Fermin* - Belong Genre: Indie Pop / Synth-Pop

San Fermin’s delightful avant-garde sound was one I unfortunately have been sleeping on. I’ve heard songs by them (like the spirituous anthem “Sonsick” from their debut) before and enjoyed them but never put forth the effort to find more of their music. Luckily, this year I course corrected after listening to this album and spent a whole week with it and their previous two. San Fermin can create such lush and evolving musical landscapes that are engaging and exciting for the leading vocalist to dance around in. Their use of horns have hints of Beirut, their unpredictable ensembles can remind of Arcade Fire, and the male/female vocals’ harmonious interactions can resemble Of Monsters And Men. Make no mistake though, despite many influences San Fermin create one of the most unique and organic sounds out today.

Proof: Bride, Better Company, No Promises, Dead

17. Phoenix - Ti Amo Genre: Synth-Pop

The funky French band Phoenix return with their sixth album, a vibrant and cheery celebration of love and life. The band explained Ti Amo was first conceived out of their own personal dark places with many of the negative political events happening in the world today. However, this led to a more hopeful and positive sounding album equipped with the bands normal sharp keyboard riffs and groovy danceable bass lines. Passing 20 years as a band, Phoenix remain a model of consistency and rejuvenation in the music industry.

Proof: J-Boy, Fior di Latte, Goodbye Soleil, Role Model

16. Anna of the North - Lovers Genre: Synth-Pop

Oslo, Norway born singer Anna of the North has been slowly dropping tracks here and there of her euphoric and infectious synth-pop since 2014. These handful of blissful tunes over two years were able to get her a following early on despite not having a full project released. Anna’s producer, a friend she met in college in Australia is able to craft such atmospheric and ethereal environments for Anna’s self deprecating vocals to float along too. The result is an organic and free flowing immersive album that is tender and comforting, but never passive. Anna may never reach out and grab for your attention, but it would be wise if you to take her subtly extended hand.

Proof: Moving On, Someone, Money, Fire

15. Joey Bada$$ - ALL_AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ Genre: Hip Hop

Reaching back to a sonically vernacular 90’s hip hop sound, with lyrics rooting in 2017, Joey Bada$$ returns with this great sophomore effort. Joey’s progression from his stellar 2015 debut B4.Da.$$ is a subtle but noticeable willingness to show more emotion. The voice cracks and fluctuations that were mostly absent before give the introspective lyrics another boost of power and levity. Where the production still take influences from Nas, Wu-Tang Clan and The Fugees as before, we see a bit more of Puff Daddy, Outkast and Busta Rhymes (just to name a few) infiltrating in the music as well. ALL_AMERIKKAN BADA$$ is a nostalgic collection of songs, that feel right at home in today.

Proof: For My People, Land Of The Free, Temptation, Devastated

14. Erik Hassle - Innocence Lost Genre: R&B / Pop

I first discovered the soulful Swedish singer Erik Hassle with his funky 2014 EP Somebody’s Party. Erik’s voice was able to claw and scratch its way to such high emotional vantage points amidst a groovy musical landscape indicative of the alt-R&B sound sweeping music at the time. It would take three more years to get to hear a new full album from Erik with Innocence Lost. With a few of the familiar songs from that EP present as well as a slew of other great slow and mid-tempo jams make Innocence Lost a moving journey with no real speed bumps to speak up. Being a successful song writer for many artists behind the scenes it’s no shock his music would have a knack for getting in your head and making itself at home. You can’t listen to one of his songs and not start singing a long to it, they are incredibly catchy and just well constructed. This seems to be a turning point in the almost 10 year career for the singer as his reach is expanding exponentially. With some touches of Prince, Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo among others present in his music, I’m sure the masses will find plenty to like; get familiar.

Proof: No Words, Talk About It (Feat. Vic Mensa), All of You All Over Me, Missing You

13. StéLouse - StéLouse Genre: Electronic / Dance / Synth-Pop

Denver DJ/Producer StéLouse may be an unknown to you. I didn’t know anything about him when I happened to stumble on his great one off single “Bones”. I then found out he had a whole album released earlier in the year and decided to check it out. I sure was glad I did because this self titled album is bursting with dynamic and engrossing electronic dance music. The producer shows he is able to construct electronic music across many sub genres, yet all remain entertaining vessels to dance to. There’s nothing real gimmicky about StéLouse. It’s soul purpose is just to be a collection of songs for you to get loose too.

Proof: Been So Long (feat. Nick Leng), Plastic (Feat. Madi & Pink Slip), Dragons (Feat. Mascolo),  Lovers (Feat. Brave), Bonus: Bones (feat. Tilian)

12. Majid Jordan - The Space Between Genre: R&B / Pop

The Toronto duo returns to follow up last year’s debut album with this sultry and smooth sophomore effort. The group’s formula seems simplistic and effortless on the surface, but it’s quite a skill to maintain such melodious and infectious sounds with this minimalist of a palette. Majid Jordan are confident enough to know what is excess that they don’t need to bother with. The Space Between is a bit more mellow than their self titled debut, but that doesn’t mean these tracks don’t get you moving. The subtle grooves may not be the most needy of your attention, but sublimely have quite the effect. You won't be at any risk for neck injury, but you will constantly find your head bobbing along to the sleek, synthy beats and alluring vocals. Majid Jordan’s music is like the glow from a flickering fire in a dark room, never fully intensified and dominating, yet still illuminating and balmious.

Proof: Body Talk, One I Love (Feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR), Phases, The Space Between

11. SZA - CTRL Genre: alt-R&B

Everyone knows the saying of what comes to those who wait. The three year wait for SZA’s debut album since her great 2014 EP Z was well worth it. The pressure of the business almost got to SZA (in 2016 she threatened to retire) but luckily SZA was able to hone that angst and release this empowering debut. CTRL is a strong continuation and progression from Z and her mixtapes prior. The airy and subtle hip hop inspired production is a perfect backdrop that allows SZA’s beautiful voice and relatable lyrics to take the foreground. Five Grammy nominations later for CTRL, it shows SZA’s new found control is paying massive dividends.

Proof: Drew Barrymore, Prom, Garden (Say It Like Dat), Anything

10. Illenium* - Awake Genre: Electronic / Dance

Only a year after his debut album, American DJ/producer Illenium returns with his melodic and monumental form of electronic music. Comparing last year’s Ashes to Awake shows a growth and progression in expanding his sound and craft. Illenium’s most effective and specialized talent is his ability to use negative space of a composition as an instrument. The moment’s of dead air are leaned into and emphasized to build drama before you get smacked in the face with his powerful and efficacious drops. The impact is an emotionally compelling electronic album that is not afraid to show you it’s tender side, before melting off your face.

Proof: Crawl Outta Love (Feat. Anika Wells), Free Fall (Feat. RUNN), Where’d U Go (w/ Said The Sky), Fractures (Feat. Nevve), Sound of Walking Away (w/ Kerli)

9. Gorillaz - Humanz Genre: Pop / Hip Hop

Resurrecting from a break up the animated band brain child of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have returned with this whirlwind of an album. Humanz is my favorite Gorillaz work since Demon Dayz. The setting is in a not so far off dystopian future where capitalism, greed and injustice continue to grow and dominate the world. The result is a large cast of misfitz attempting to comprehend this bleak world. This loose concept gives the production a noticeable edge and muscle. The large ensemble of featurez come in across the journey with great vigor and credence. My only critique with the album is something done intentional, but it’s a bit too long and could have used some final consolidation. Although as I noted I believe this was deliberate. Despite that the Humanz is quite the thrilling ride with gripping momentz around any corner.

Proof: Ascension (Feat. Vince Staples), Andromeda (Feat. DRAM), Let Me Out (Feat. Mavis Staples & Pusha T), We Got The Power (Feat. Jenny Beth), The Apprentice (Feat. Rag’n’Bone Man, Zebra Katz & RAY BLK)

8. Miguel - War & Leisure Genre: R&B

Grab a towel! Miguel returns with his steamy and sultry R&B to impregnate your ear drums. Miguel has been a main stay on my year end lists every year he drops a new record and 2017 is no different. War & Leisure is a burst of endorphins and lust that is a delight front to back. War & Leisure isn’t quite as daring of an artistic statement as its predecessor wildheart, but it makes up for it with some of the most emotionally driven lyrics of Miguel’s career. Miguel still has one of the most expressive and emotive voices currently that always carries a level of sexiness even when the song subject matter makes it subliminal. “So good, it must be criminal.”

Proof: Criminal (Feat Rick Ross), Pineapple Skies, Banana Clip, Told You So, Now

7. Rationale - Rationale Genre: R&B / Pop

The Zimbabwe-born, London-grown, singer Rationale impresses with this gorgeous debut album. Armed with his distinctive and captivating voice as well as an eclectic production palette as his lush backdrops, this self titled album is impacting and emotionally gripping as any music from 2017. I first heard of Rationale in late 2015 with the tremendous Fuel To The Fire EP. I didn’t know much about him, but was instantly hooked to his music. The production is mostly airy and light with surgical moments of density and potency. The true heroine is the unique voice though. Rationale sings with both vulnerability and power. His voice can sound like he’s on the verge of an emotional breakdown while also brooding with confidence and vigor. Rationale has been around for awhile actually under a different name making more synth-pop/electronic music. With the name change was also an adjustment in his approach and sound. It seems this course correction should become a lucrative one for the British singer.

Proof: Loving Life, Fast Lane, Prodigal Son, Into The Blue, Tumbling Down

6. Kelela* - Take Me Apart Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

One of the celebrity deaths that hit me pretty hard in my youth was the tragic death of Aaliyah. She was one of my favorite artists at the time, a relentless talent that was unfortunately taken from us at such a young age. Kelela definitely has strong 90’s R&B influences in her music with hints of Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ginuwine, Maxwell and others.The strongest comparison is Aaliyah’s music; but in Space. Since her 2013 debut Mixtape Cut 4 Me, Kelela has been one of my favorite artists. Her music is both nostalgic and futuristic in a perfect blend of avant-garde electronic sounds with sensual and emotional R&B. Kelela and her group of producers Jam City, Bok Bok and Arca have created such a refined yet unprocessed sound. There’s minimalism in it’s spacey aura yet advanced technicality in the corners of the universe they have created. Kelela’s beautiful voice in subtle and unassuming yet confident and flexible. Take Me Apart is a masterful debut that hopefully receives the attention it deserves.

Proof: Waitin, LMK, Truth or Dare, Blue Light, Onanon

5. Lorde - Melodrama Genre: Synth-Pop

Over 3 years in the making Lorde finally returns with this dazzling sophomore effort showing at age 19 (at the time) she is one of the most skilled Architects today in the world of pop music. Melodrama is a masterly crafted example of both form and function. A collection of songs that both are daring artistic expressions and well as accessible and infectious pop songs. There still is the sturdy frame work present that drove the more minimal sound of Pure Heroin, but there is a confidence to experiment with some more ornamental elements here. Some of the tracks shape shift and travel into unforeseen directions, yet never lose their appeal. The lyrics both represent her age but also show her immense wisdom beyond it. Lorde seems to like to take her time crafting her music so it may be awhile until we get her third album. But at age 20 and with two of the best albums made in the last five years, she has shown she will be a force in this industry for a long time. With a little patience exerted on our parts, to all of our benefit.

Proof: Green Light, Sober, Homemade Dynamite, Writer In the Dark, Perfect Places, Bonus: Homemade Dynamite (Remix) Feat. Khalid, Post Malone & SZA

4. The xx* - I See You Genre: Indie Pop

The first sounds you hear of The xx’s long awaited third album on “Dangerous” are a burst of cheery bouncing horns; you immediately can tell the band are returning with some new tricks. After a 4+ year break from releasing new music together, the wait seems to be worth it with this much expanded musical palate. It still is recognizable that you are listening to The xx but the minimalist blank space that dominates their first two albums are colored in a bit more here with samples and and more diverse range of instrumentation. The lyrics by Romy and Oliver are as potent as ever across the increased kinetic backgrounds. The big revelation of I See You is Jamie xx’s presence being as pronounced as ever. This album is the strongest blend of his solo work incorporated into the bands vernacular. The result is the band's most confident and sonically complex album to date.

Proof: Dangerous, Say Something Loving, Lips, On Hold, Seasons Run

3. ODESZA* - A Moment Apart Genre: Electronic / Chillwave

The Seattle electronic duo return after three years on the road with their same lush and euphoric melodic atmospheres. A Moment Apart picks up right where 2014’s In Return left off in a journey through vibrant landscapes of impacting drums, smooth harmonious synths and subtle vocal samples to get lost in. ODESZA’s brand of electronic music seems to have seasons within its progressions. As you listen you find colorful blooming sections to bright, sunny bursts of energy. Suddenly, the color tones grow more earthy, the sky dims with a layer of introspective overcast. Eventually you find yourself in a brisk snowy night with the stars reflecting off a layer of frozen precipitation. A Moment Apart comes off so effortlessly in it’s world building infrastructure. Yet, when examined, shows an ecology of technicality, dexterity, and human emotion.

Proof: Higher Ground (Feat. Naomi Wild), Boy, Divide (Feat. Kelsey Bulkin), La Ciudad, Falls (Feat. Shasha Sloan)

2. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN. Genre: Hip Hop

Whether it’s loyalty, royalty or just plain greatness Kendrick definitely has something in his DNA. Since first bursting on the national scene with his 2010 Overly Dedicated Mixtape (after perfecting his craft on various mixtapes and EPs), Kendrick has quickly climbed the ranks in the genre from promising talent, to one of the best currently to knocking on the door on the greatest all time list. His albums are often robust and incredibly dense in substance but are always impacting artistic expressions rich with important messages and self exploration. The culmination of this is the behemoth that is 2015’s To Pimp A Butterfly. Following up such an influential and dense piece of adroitness and pronouncement would seem like an impossibly daunting task to most anyone else. But again, Kendrick has something extra flowing through his DNA.

Instead, DAMN. is a more straight forward affair; on the surface. Here Kendrick is replacing the sprawling maze of sharp jazz, confrontational G-Funk and somber R&B that built the environment in TPAB, with more abrupt and stark 808’s and trap elements more closely associated with the golden age of Hip Hop. The beats are raw and a bit low-fi which create a gritty vibe that isn’t off putting or intimidating despite its darkness. Kendrick refocuses the microscope to more simple and narrow viewed storyline than his previous world commentating predecessors. Always able to use himself effectively as the muse, Kendrick tells an engaging semi-autobiographical story of a young man coming from a hood much like his thrusted into success and the struggles with dealing with that while staying connected to his rough past. Ending with a true story about Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith years before he created his label, saving a clerk’s life in an attempted robbery. That clerk ended up being Kendrick’s father.

The subtle genius to the album is there’s a second story it tells when the tracklist is played backwards. Suddenly the last track sets the scene of an alternate reality of a kid much like Kendrick who loses his father in a robbery at the store he was a clerk in. The young boy’s innocence is eroded away growing up in a harsh environment without a father figure and in the end, while trying to change his street ways and do the right thing, he loses his life.

To Pimp A Butterfly was a generational Sgt. Pepper’s for many that looms over anything to came out in the past 10 or so years. Stripping down the decadence of the previous to a minimalist and simple palette makes for a more than adequate follow-up. But what DAMN. is light on experimenting with music genres and themes, it still is packed full of content and emotion.

“America’s reflection of me, that’s what a mirror does”.

Proof: DNA., FEEL., LOYALTY. (Feat. Rihanna), HUMBLE., LOVE. (Feat. Zacari)

1. Vince Staples* - Big Fish Theory Genre: Hip Hop / Electronic

If the robots from the movie AI were to make hip hop music, it probably would come out something like this. On his sophomore album, Long Beach rapper Vince Staples has created an innovative and technically challenging piece that is true Artificial Intelligence. Vince has long had a unique approach and sound to his form of hip hop seen on his various mixtapes, EPs and his 2015 debut album Summertime ‘06. He has hopped on multiple tracks of today’s most cutting edge electronic artists showing he can be an effective crossover artist. Taking those lessons and connections made allowed Staples to construct this powerful thesis statement of what timeless and immersive hip hop can be.

With a slew EDM Producers (Flume, GTA, Christian Rich, SOPHIE and others) developing the mechanics, Big Fish Theory is an immense space ship floating through a dark and frankly grim dystopian galaxy. Vince’s lyrics are as sharp as ever and the 24 year old is not scared to take the listeners on woeful and traumatic journeys with lyrics touching on racism, politics, identity crises and suicidal thoughts. The many guests (Kilo Kish, A$AP Rocky, Ray J, Juicy J, Ty Dolla $ign, Damon Albarn and others) drift in and out of the tracks like ghosts haunting the dark corners of space. The most pronounced guest being the flame throwing robot that is Kendrick Lamar with the only guest verse on the album in the kinetic “Yeah Right”.

Many people probably have skepticism hearing of such a embedded fusion of EDM and Hip Hop, but Vince did not produce some recycled Flo Rida. Big Fish Theory is a defined and an expressive piece of musical mastery. An art installation in a neon lit nightclub. A melding of mechanical and emotional. You can not only see the gears powering this album moving, you can feel them grinding and churning. While everyone is focused on 2017, Vince is focused on the future.

Proof: Big Fish (Feat. Juicy J), Love Can Be… (Feat. Kilo Kish, Damon Albarn & Ray J), Yeah Right (Feat. Kučka & Kendrick Lamar), Party People, BagBak (Feat. Ken Rogers)

Others:

Super Dope to Dope:

A.CHAL - ON GAZ, Action Bronson - 7000, Alexandra Savior - Belladonna of Sadness, Allan Rayman - Roadhouse 01, Allen Kingdom - Lines, Allie X - Collxtion II, alt-J - Relaxer, Alvvays - Antisocialites, Amber Coffman - City of No Reply, Aminé - Good For You, Angus & Julia Stone - Snow, Autumn in June - Magenta, Aquilo - Silhouette, The Beaches - Late Show, Beck - Colors, Bell Biv DeVoe - Three Stripes, Berdmajik - Spells, Betty Who - The Valley, Bicep - Bicep, Big Boi - BOOMIVERSE, Big Gigantic - Brighter Future (Remixed), Big K.R.I.T. - 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time, Björk - Utopia, blackbear - cybersex, blackbear - digital drugloard, Blu & Exile - In The Beginning: Before the Heavens, Bone Thugs-n-Harmoney - New Waves, B.o.B. - Ether, Bootsy Collins - World Wide Funk, Brand New - Science Fiction, Brian McKnight - Genesis, BROCKHAMPTON - SATURATION, BROCKHAMPTON - SATURATION II, Broken Social Scene - Hug Of Thunder, Brother Ali - All the Beauty in This Whole Life, Bush - Black and White Rainbows, Cam’Ron - The Program [Mixtape], Cashmere Cat - 9, Cigarettes After Sex - Cigarettes After Sex, Chloe x Halle - The Two Of Us [Mixtape], Cloud Nothings - Life Without Sound, Coast Modern - Coast Modern, Collie Budz - Good Life, The Cool Kids - Special Edition Grandmaster Deluxe, Corbin - Mourn, Charlotte Gainsbourg - Rest, Choker - PEAK, Chronixx - Chronology, Cults - Offering, CunninLynguists - Rose Azura Njano, cupcakKe - Queen Elizabitch, Cyhi The Prynce - No Dope On Sundays, D. Begun - Nosimoto (Nas x Madlib Mash Up), Dan Auerbach - Waiting on a Song, Daniel Caesar - Freudian, Danny Watts - Black Boy Meets World, Darius - Utopia, Daughter - Music From Before the Storm, David Banner - The God Box, Daye Jack - No Data, Demi Lovato - Tell Me You Love Me, Deorro - Good Evening, Depeche Mode - Spirit, DJ Khaled - Grateful, DJ Quik & Problem - Rosecrans, DJ Skarface - Shadow The Jewels (DJ Shadow x Run The Jewels Mash Up), The Districts - Popular Manipulations, Dorrough - Ride Wit Me, Drake - More Life, Dua Lipa - Dua Lipa, dvsn - Morning After, ELHAE - AURA II, Elijah Blake - Audiology, Elsa & Emilie - Kill Your Darlings, Fashawn - Manna, Father John Misty - Pure Comedy, Fazerdaze - Morningside, Feist - Pleasure, Fifth Harmony - Fifth Harmony, Fifty Shades Darker (Motion Picture Soundtrack), The Flaming Lips - Oczy Mlody, Flume - Skin: The Remixes, Fleet Foxes - Crack-Up, Fergie - Double Dutchess, Foo Fighters - Concrete and Gold, Foster The People - Sacred Hearts Club, Four Tet - New Energy, Freddie Gibbs - You Only Live 2wice, FKJ - French Kiwi Juice, Future - HNDRXX, Future Islands - The Far Field, Gabriel Garzón-Montano - Jardín, Galantis - The Aviary, girlpool - Powerplant, Giraffage - Too Real (Remixes), Goapele - Dreamseeker, Goldfrapp - Silver Eye, GoldLink - At What Cost, Halsey - hopeless fountain kingdom, Harry Styles - Harry Styles, Heat - Overnight, H.E.R. - H.E.R., Hercules & Love Affair - Omnion, Hundred Waters - Communicating, Huntar - Your Favorite Worst Mistake, Ibeyi - Ash, Ill Camille - Heirloom, Iman Omari - Ihy, Incubus - 8, INNA - Nirvana, Jacques Greene - Feel Infinite, Jadakiss & Fabolous - Friday On Elm Street [Mixtape], Jagged Edge - Layover, Jamar Roger - Lazarus, Jamila Woods - HEAVN, Jamiroquai - Automation, Japandroids - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life, Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds from Another Planet, Jay Prince - Late Summers, Jaymes Young - Feel Something, Jesse Boykins III - Bartholomew, The Jet Age of Tomorrow -  God’s Poop or Clouds? [Mixtape], Jhené Aiko - Trip, Jimi Tents - I Can’t Go Home. JMSN* - Whatever Makes U Happy, Joseph - Stay Awake. Julie Byrne - Not Even Happiness, Julien Baker - Turn Out The Lights, K.Flay - Everywhere Is Somewhere, K. Michelle - KIMBERLY: The People I Used To Know, Kacy Hill - Like A Woman, Kamiyah - Before I Wake [Mixtape], Keak da Sneak - Withdrawl, Kehlani - SweetSexySavage, Keysha Cole - 11:11 Reset, Kaskade - Kaskade Christmas, Kesha - Rainbow, Kidz In The Hall - Free Nights & Weekends [Mixtape], Kingdom - Tears In The Club, Khalil - Prove It All, Kllo - Backwater, Kygo - Kids in Love, LCD Soundsystem - american dream, Lecrae - All Things Work Together, Leikeli47 - Wash & Set, Lights - Skin&Earth, LINKIN PARK - One More Light,Lil Debbie - OG In My System, Little Dragon - Season High, London Grammar - Truth Is A Beautiful Thing, Loreen - Ride, Luke Christopher - TMRWFRVR, Lupe Fiasco - DROGAS Light, Lunice - CCCLX, Mabel - Ivy To Roses [Mixtape], Madchild - The Darkest Hour, Mali Music - The Transition of Mali, Manchester Orchestra - A Black Mile To The Surface, mansionz - mansionz, Marc E. Bassy - Gossip Columns, Mary J. Blige - Strength of a Woman, Maroon 5 - Red Pill Blues, Masta Killa - Loyalty Is Royalty, Matisyahu - The Undercurrent, Matt Martins - The Drum Chord Theory, MAYDAY! - Search Party, MC Eiht - Which Way Iz West, Migos - C U L T U R E, Mick Jenkins - or more; the anxious [Mixtape], Mila J - Dopamine, Miley Cyrus - Younger Now, Minus The Bear - Voids, MisterWives - Connect The Dots, MonoNeon - A Place Called Fantasy, Mount Kimbie - Love What Survives, MUNA* - About U, Murs - Captain California, Nappy Roots - Another 40 Akerz, The National - Sleep Well Beast, Nelly Furtado - The Ride, The New Pornographers - Whiteout Conditions, Niia - I, NJOMZA - sad for you, Noah Slee - Otherland, nobigdyl - Canopy, Nothing But Thieves - Broken Machine, Nosaj Thing - Parallels, NxWorries - Yes Lawd! Remixes, Oddisee - The Iceburg, Oh Wonder - Ultralife, Overcoats - Young, OverDoz - 2008, Passion Pit - Tremendous Sea Of Love, Petit Biscut - Presence, P!nk - Beautiful Trauma, Phoebe Bridgers - Stranger in the Alps, Problem - Chaciville, Perfume Genius - No Shape, Rachel Platten - Waves, Raekwon - The Wild, Rapsody - Laila’s Wisdom, Real Estate - ,In Mind, Reo Cragun - Growing Pains [Mixtape], Rezz - Mass Manipulation, Rejjie Snow - The Moon & You, Ride - Weather Diaries, R I T U A L - No Escape Out of Time, Robin Schultz - Uncovered, Rose Elinor Dougall - Stellular, Ronald Bruner Jr. - Triumph, Rostam - Half-Light, Roy Woods - Nocturnal, Roy Woods - Say Less, Run The Jewels - Run The Jewels 3, Sadat X - The Sum Of A Man, Saga & Thelonious Martin - Molotov [Mixtape], Sage The Gemini - Morse Code, St. Vincent - MASSEDUCATION, Sam Feldt - Sunrise to Sunset, Sam Smith - The Thrill Of It All, Sammie - Coming of Age, Sampa the Great - Birds and the BEE9, Sango - De Mim. Pra Você, Sevdaliza - ISON, Shabazz Palaces - Quazarz: Born On A Gangster Sta, Shakira - El Derado, Shamir - Hope, Shy Girls - Salt, Sir The Baptist - Saint Or Sinner, Slowdive - Slowdive, Slushii - Out of Light, Smino - blkswn, Snoh Aalegra - Feels, Snoop Dogg - Neva Left, The Social Misfits - The Misadventures of Fern & Marty, SOHN - Rennen, SoMo - The Answers, SoMo - My Life III, Statik Selektah - 8, Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer, Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly & James McAlister - Planetarium, Superfruit - Future Friends, Surfer Blood - Snowdonia, Syd - Fin, T-Pain - Oblivion, T-Pain & Lil Wayne - T-Wayne [Mixtape], Talib Kweli - Radio Silence, Tamar Braxton - Bluebird of Happiness, Tank - Savage, Tangina Stone - Elevate, Taylor Bennett - Restoration of An American Idol [Mixtape], TENDER - Modern Addiction, Terrace Martin Presents The Pollyseeds - Sounds of Crenshaw, Vol. 1, Tiësto - Clublife, Vol. 5 - China, Thelonious Martin - A Dozen For Dilla [Mixtape], THEY. - Nü Religion: Hyena, Thievery Corporation - The Temple of I & I, Thundercat - Drunk, Tom Adams - Silence, TOKiMONSTA - Lune Rouge, TORRES - Three Futures, Trae tha Truth - Tha Truth, Pt. 3, Trey Songz - Tremaine: The Album, Trombone Shorty - Parking Lot Symphony, Tuxedo - Tuxedo II, Ty Dolla $ign - Beach House 3, Vancouver Sleep Clinic - Revival, Various Artists - Major Lazer Presents: Give Me Future, Various Artists - Music From Silicon Valley, VÉRITÉ - Somewhere In Between, Vic Mensa - The Autobiography, WALK THE MOON - What If Nothing, The War On Drugs - A Deeper Understanding, Washed Out - Mister Mellow, Wavves - You’re Welcome, Waxahatchee - Out in the Storm, Weezer - Pacific Daydream, Wiley - Godfather, Wisin - Victory, Wiz Khalifa - Laugh Now, Fly Later, WHY? - Moh Lhean, Wolf Alice - Visions of a Life, Wolf Parade - Cry Cry Cry, Yellow Claw - Los Amsterdam, Zara Larsson - So Good, Zola Jesus - Okovi, 112 - Q Mike Slim Daron

Dope Enough to Meh:

Ace Hood - Trust The Process, Amorphous - Bey-Z [Beyonce & JAY Z Mash Up], Angel Olsen - Phases, A$AP Ferg - Still Striving [Mixtape], A$AP Mob - Cozy Tapes, Vol. 2: Too Cozy, A$AP Twelvyy - 12, Aye Nako - Silver Haze, Berner & Styles P - Vibes, Big Thief - Capacity, Big Sean - I Decided, Big Sean & Metro Boomin’ - Double or Nothing, Bonobo - Migration, Bryson Tiller - True to Self, Bully - Losing, The Chainsomkers - Memories...Do Not Open, Charlie Wilson - In It To Win It, Chase & Status - Tribe, Damar Jackson - Unfaithful, Dame D.O.L.L.A. - Comfirmed, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley - Stony Hill, Dave East - Paranoia: A True Story, deadmau5 - stuff i used to do, Devin The Dude - Acoustic Levitation, Dirty Projectors - Dirty Projectors, DJ Kay Slay - The Big Brother, The Drums - Abysmal Thoughts, Ed Sheeran - ÷, EMI - Planet, Faith Evans & The Notorious B.I.G. - The King & I, Fat Joe & Remy Ma - Plata O Plomo, Frances - Things I Never Said, French Montana - Jungle Rules, GRiZ - Good Will Continue (Remixes), Grizzly Bear - Painted Ruins, IAMSU! - Boss Up [Mixtape], IAMSU! - Boss Up 2 [Mixtape], Imagine Dragons - Evolve, India.Arie - SongVersation: Medicine, J Hus - Common Sense, JAY Z - 4:44, Jayden Smith - SYRE, jesse rutherford - &, J.I.D. - The Never Story, Jidenna - The Chief, John Mayer - The Search For Everything, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith - The Kid, Katy Perry - Witness, Knox Fortune - Paradise, Kool G Rap - Return of the Don, KRANE - Fallout, LaToya Luckett - Back 2 Life, LANY - LANY, Mac DeMarco - This Old Dog, Machine Gun Kelly - bloom, Macklemore - GEMINI, Mavis Staples - If All I Was Was Black, Meek Mill - Wins & Loses, Mike WiLL Made-It - Ransom 2, MIKExANGEL - NOTHiN 2 SOMETHiN, Movements - Feel Something, Musiq Soulchild - Feel the Real, Nav - Nav, Nef The Pharaoh - The Chang Project, Norah Jones - Day Break, Outasight - Richie, Paramore - After Laughter, Passenger - The Boy Who Cried, P.O.S. - Chill, dummy, Rag’n’Bone Man - Human, Roger Waters - Is This the Life We Really Want?, Rick Ross - Rather You Then Me, Ryan Adams - Prisoner, The Script - Freedom Child, Sean Price - Imperius Rex, Shabazz Palaces - Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machine, Slow Dancer - In A Mood, SonReal - One Long Dream, Stalley - New Wave, Steve Aoki - Steve Aoki Presents Kolony, The Shins - Heatworms, Talib Kweli & Styles P - The Seven, Taylor Bennett - Throw Aways: Unmixed [Mixtape], Taylor Swift - reputation, T.I. - Us Or Else: Letter To The System, TLC - TLC, TOPS - Sugar at the Gate, Torri Wolf - Flow Riiot, Tricky - Ununiform, TroyBoi - Left Is Right, Twista - Crook County, Various Artists - Def Jam Presents: Direct Deposit, Vol. 2, Various Artists - HOWSLA, Wale - SHINE, WATERS - Something More, WebsterX - Daymares, Wifisfuneral - Boy Who Cried Wolf [Mixtape], WizKid - Sounds From the Other Side, Wrekonize - Into the Further, Wu-Tang Clan - The Saga Continues, Wyclef Jean - Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee, Young Buck - 10 Toes Down, Z-Ro - No Love Boulevard, ZZ Ward - The Storm

Not Feeling:

COIN - How Will You Know If You Never Try, Future - FUTURE, G Herbo - Humble Beast, Kool A.D. - Sky Ladder, NAV & Metro Boomin - Perfect Timing, Quality Control - Control The Streets - Vol. 1, Two-9 - FRVR, Young Nudy - Nudy Land, Zaytoven - Where Would The Game Be Without Me 2 [Mixtape]

[opedguy]

Former NSA Susan Rice Says Yes to VP

LOS ANGELES (OnlineColumnist.com), May 15, 2020.--Saying she’d be “honored” to be former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate, 55-year-old former National Security Adviser [NSA] Susan Rice said she readily accept if an offer were made.  Rice is the last person Biden would pick, embroiled in the “Obamagate” controversy as 73-year-old President Donald Trump likes to call it.  Rice was Obama’s NSA when she ordered the “unmasking”of 61-year-old former NSA Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn only a month before Flynn was visited Jan. 24, 2017 by former FBI Agents Pete Strzok and Joe Pientko in the White House.  Former FBI Director James Comey started Operation Crossfire Hurricane, opening up a counterintelligence investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign, alleging that Trump conspired with Russian to win the 2016 presidential election.  Comey started the investigation in July 2016, after given the “Steele Dossier” by the late Sen. John McCaine (R-Az.).

            McCain got the dossier from his good friend former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton who paid Glen Simpson’s FusionGPS for opposition research against Trump.  Hillary apparently got everyone to believe the colossal pile of rubbish assembled by former MI6 Agent Christopher Steele, who used Russian disinformation and just plain lies about Trump to help Hillary get elected. Known as the “Steele Dossier,” McCain, FBI James Comey, CIA Diretor John Brennan and Rice knew the “Dossier” was pure fabrication but used it anyway to discredit Trump.  While Hillary lost to Trump Nov. 4, 2016, the Democrat Party used the dossier to go after Trump for nearly his entire first term in office. After firing Comey May 9, 2017 for his counterintelligence investigation and leaking to the press, Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller Special Counsel.

            Mueller knew from Day One that his investigation of Trump and his campaign was predicated on Hillary’s fake dossier but spent 22-months, $40 million, concluding March 23, 2019 that neither Trump nor anyone in his campaign conspired with Russia.  Yet Comey abused the Oct. 26, 2001 Patriot Act and Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act [FISA] Court to get warrants with Hillary fake “probable cause” to wiretap Trump’s campaign.  Now under intense investigation by 70-year-old Atty. Gen. Bill Barr and 70-year-old U.S. Atty. John Durham, Rice finds herself, together with several other former Obama officials, in the cross hairs, being scrutinized for the illegal counterintelligence probe into Trump’s 2016 campaign and Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, AKA Operation Hurricane Razor.  Rice admitted Sept. 18, 2017 to “unmasking” Flynn’s conversations with Russian Amb. Sergey Kislyak.

            Rice says she recalls working well with Biden in Obama’s Cabinet, identified as present at the Jan. 5, 2017 Oval Office meeting with Obama, Biden, Comey, Brennan, former Atty. Gen. Loretta, Lynch, Deputy Atty. Gen. Sally Yates, former U.N. Amb. Susan Powers, and Director of National Security James Clapper.  Rice was a key player in “unmasking” the conversations used by Agents Strzok and Pientka when they went to the White House Jan. 24, 2017 to interview Flynn. “I’m humbled and honored to be among the extremely accomplished women who are reportedly being considered in that regard,” Rice told PBS.  “I know Joe Biden well.  I’ve worked with him very closely.  I know he’ll be a great president of the United States,” Rice said, saying nothing about how “closely” she worked with Biden on Operation Hurricane Razor, to entrap Flynn in lying to the FBI.

            Rice was asked if she’d accept as Biden’s VP pick. “ I would certainly, yes,” Rice told PBS.  But, like more fake news, PBS asked her nothing about her “close” working relationship with Biden on Flynn’s investigation.  Biden told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos May 12 that he knew nothing about Flynn’s investigation. Yet when Stephaopoulos reminded him he was at the Jan. 5, 2017 meeting, he changed his tune.  Rice would be the perfect pick for Biden if he wants to self-destruct, picking someone with whom he worked “closely” on the Flynn investigation he just denied. “It’s not about me. It’s not about my ambitions,” Rice said, realizing that even her consideration as a VP pick could open up a can of worms for Joe.  Joe hasn’t been tested yet on a number of controversial issues, especially his 50-year-old son, Hunter’s $80,000 a year job on Ukraine’s natural gas company Burisma Holdings’ board.  

            Biden faces even more controversy with 49-year-old former Senate aide Tara Reade accusing him of digital rape in 1993. Biden’s said “it never happened,” not saying what never happened.  Reade has many corroborating witnesses that heard her talk about her ordeal working for Biden in 1993.  But unlike Reade, Rice poses even a bigger threat to Biden because of their “close work” together on the Flynn investigation.  Rice’s role in the Flynn prove has been well-documented but Biden’s is something new due to recently declassified documents by Acting National Security Adviser Richard Grinell. When Biden picks a running mate, they can’t carry baggage, something difficult in today’s political atmosphere.  Rice is way down the Biden’s list for VP, with most insider’s speculating that 55-year-old Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) has a slight edge on 70-year-old Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

About the Author    

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

[blogmarareactions]

Note: ANd finally here is part B for this request for Seventeen. Honestly these take SO long so I really hope you like this. Ethiopia is featured in part A so check that one out as well. I also added a variety of African countries in part A and B.

Warning: Again I`ll just remind you that I use google translate for the sentences in other languages and hope they are right. If you find a wrong, do contact me and I will fix it as soon as possible! It`s also good to let you know that I don`t know all of these countries very well so the places, activities and foods and stuff are all found through google on tourist websites. :)

Also this is the first time where I made my own gifs so I hope they are okey :D

PART B

Woozi - Morocco

I think Woozi would be the type to be a normal amount of nervous up untill you stood infront of your parents door. That`s when he`d want to run away. I can see him being very attentive to the small detailes like greeting with his right hand and dressing appropriate to the culture. In terms of communication he`d try his best to show your parents that he isn`t just playing with you but really does love you. For traveling he`d be the most curious little bean ever. Wether it be seeing the medieval feeling of the Tanneries in Fes, the impressive architecture of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, taking a steam bath in a traditional Hammam or tasting foods like Makouda, Tagine and Harira at the famous Djema el Fna. You`d also ditch normal hotels to spend your nights in a Riad instead, this way really experiencing the culture Morocco has to offer. 

“مرحبا، اسمي ووزي. شكرا لك على السماح لي بزيارة.”

“Marhaba, aismi wawzi. shukraan lak ealaa alsamah li biziaratin.” 

“Hello, my name is Woozi. Thank you for letting me visit.”

DK - India

Oh our sweet Seokmin would probably be so nervous. I can see him sticking close to you to calm his nerves. You`d have to help him calm down the night before so that he at least got a little bit of sleep because he`d be so nervous about meeting your parents. The actual meeting would start out awkward but I can se him warming up to the situation and getting more confident when he gets the chance to show your parents that you being with him is not a wrong move. Seokmin too is an open and curious person and India is full of architectual and culinary experiences. You`d take a trip to see amazing places like Akshardham in Dehli, the Ranakpur Jain Temple in Ranakpur and of course the famous Taj Mahal. In between stopping to get some food at the Natraj Dining Hall in Udaipur, filling up with some Thali or getting some Parathas at Gali Paranthe Wali. Maybe even catch one of the famous bollywood movies at the Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur.

“आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा। मेरा नाम Seokmin है और मुझे आशा है कि हम अच्छी तरह से साथ मिल सकता है”

“Aapase milakar achchha laga. mera naam saiokmin hai aur mujhe aasha hai ki ham achchhee tarah se saath mil sakata hai”

“It is nice to meet you. My name is Seokmin and I hope we can get along well.”

Mingyu - Nepal

Mingyu is a cutie, and despite his at first nervous behaviour I think he`d quickly get a good grip on the situation and start a conversation. I can`t imagine anyone not liking Mingyu once really getting to know him, so when his nervousness lessens and he`d start being himself he`d have no trouble winning over your parents. Though in his nervousness he might be a bit more clumsy than usual so maybe hold his hand or something. Because he is so positive I think he too wants to experience and try out actual authentic Nepalean culture and foods. So put a visit to one of the many impressive temples like The Golden temple in Patan or the Seto Machhendranath Temple in Kathmandu on your list. While in Patan you`d check out the Patan Museum and in Kathmandu a visit to the Indra Chowk market shouldn`t miss either. I can also see Mingyu being a big fan of foods like Momo, Daal Bhat Tarkari and Aloo Tama.

“नमस्कार, म Mingyu छु। त्यसैले तरिकाले मलाई स्वागत को लागि धन्यवाद।”

“Namaskāra, ma Mingyu chu. Tyasailē tarikālē malā'ī svāgata kō lāgi dhan'yavāda.”

“Hello, I am Mingyu. Thank you for welcoming me so nicely.”

The8 - Hungary

I was unsure on Minghao, but I think I can imagine him being the tyoe to be a bit nervous but overall would stay calm. Like he`d ask you about the social customs in your country and what he should do and not do, so the main reason he`d be nervous is that he forgets something from that and accidently offend your family. When it came down to show your family that he is serious about you and hopes they like him, he`d be honest and open, thinking sincerity is the best way to go. He seems to me like the calm type so some easy and relaxed sightseeing like a stroll through the historic castle hill around Buda Castle, seeing the Parliament and crown jewles in Budapest and visiting Nagycsarnok Market would make some great memories. And after enjoying some delicious foods like Goulash, Langos and Somlòi Galuska in of the many star restaurants around, a show in the famous Budapest Opera House is a perfect ending of the day. 

seriously Goulash is one of my favorite foods ever and everyone should have tried it at least once in their lifes

“Hello, a nevem Minghao. Köszönöm a meghívást, remélem, jó benyomást kelthetek.”

“Hello, my name is Minghao. Thank you for your invitation, I hope I can make a good impression.”

Jordan - Seungkwan

Now Seungkwan is the emotional type so I can see him being very nervous. So nervous he wouldn`t be able to sleep the night before and your parents would also notice his nervousness. He`d be holding your hand or fidget around with his fingers. However this of course would only show how important this meeting and a positive outcome of it is for him. One go to place in Jordan is of course Petra with it`s momentous buildings build into the high cliffs, so that is definitely somewhere Seungkwan would want to go. Also Jerash, the most well-preserved ancient roman city outside italy and Amman, the capital of Jordan has amazing sights to see. While in Amman he`d like to try some popular jordanian foods like Hummus, Galayet Bandora, Manakish and Mujadara. And after a relaxed float in the black sea, spending a night in a bedouin camp would be a great ending to your explorations. 

“مرحبا، أنا سيونكوان. يشرفني أن ألتقي بكم.”

“Murhabana, 'ana sayunikawan. yashrifni 'an 'altaqi bikum.”

“Hello, I am Seungkwan. I am honored to meet you.”

South Africa - Vernon

Personally I perceive Vernon as a quite confident person. But at the same time he has this serious shyness about him if it`s about something he truly cares about. That`s why I can see him stressing inwardly about meeting your parents. On the outside he`d be cool and calm expect the small signs like light finger tapping or nervous checking of his outfit every now and again. He`d be polite and honest with your parents, and he`d find it easier to calm down if you were to hold his hand and whisper little encouragements whenever your parents were out of the room. South Africa would be the perfect place for Vernon. I can see him loving the warm weather, trying out a bit of surfing on one of the beaches. Of course the exotic wildlife doesn`t come to short either. A safari would be a must for him. Not to forget, Cape Town is known to have a variety of amazing things to do. From the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway where you can have an amazing view, over Long Street with it`s quirky little shops and restaurants (eating Gatsby) to taking a nice walk through Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden where you`d take some nice pictures when going over the treetop canopy walkway.

(alright so South Africa has 11 official languages Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu, which is crazy. I decided to just go with english for this one.)

“Hello, my name is Vernon. It`s good to meet you, I hope we can build a good relationship.”

Dino - Switzerland

Okey listen, I know Dino is a squishy cutie, and I can also see him being nervous and shy about meeting your parents at first. However the moment you`d stand infront of them he`d be a charming gentleman. No doubt I can see him using his amazing charisma to win over your parents faster than you can see. He`d be sincere and polite, showing them that they don`t need to worry about you being with him at all because he is very capable of taking good care of you. Probably ends up being your parents favorite boyfriend if you happen to have more siblings that are in a relationship with someone. When in switzerland you better prepare fo nature gallore. I can imagine the two of you going on hikes up to places like the famous Matterhorn, maybe even doing some skiing. Or if skiing isn`t the thing for you some Swiss Alps canoying is also fun. Of course switzerland also has beautiful architecture that I can see Dino being very interested in, like Basel Munster or Old Town Chur. Swiss chocolate and cheese fondue can`t miss on his culinary exploration, but also Papet Vandois and Tartiflette is worth a try. 

(I know that Switzerland has 4 official languages German, French, Italian and Romansch. I decided to go with German on this one because I speak german fluently so at least I know that what I write is right xD)

“Guten tag, mein name is Dino. Vielen dank für den netten empfang.”

“Good day, my name is Dino. Thank you for welcoming me so nicely.”

[rapfornication]

A List of a Bunch of Songs We Liked by Siya Mbatha & Norman

2016, what a year. Included in this list are the emotions and memories that came with these songs. Here is a list that attempts to consolidate a most uniquely strange year .Fuck Donald Trump and enjoy the links to other pieces we thought you might enjoy too. And also fuck Donald Trump. 

Danny Brown – When It Rain 

Produced By Paul White Album: Atrocity Exhibition

One of the more left field songs that still somehow has an underlying jitty foot-light feel to it. It sounds like ‘Dip’ if it grew up in a dark basement and suffered from crippling anxiety. Danny Brown matches the atmosphere with some of his most vivid, impressive writing to date as he describes Detroit as a city that sees no change but gentrification, grannies getting robbed and more guns than necessary. Unforgettable.

Kendrick Lamar - untitled 02 | 06.23.2014.

Produced By Yung Exclusive & Cardo Album: untitled unmastered.

Cornrow Kenny brought out the circus tricks without losing his seriousness. The build-up is one captivating performance but once his voice swings into high pitched, the stunting and trumpets go into overdrive and you’re left pleasantly stunned. Get God on the phone.

Fat Joe & Remy Ma Feat. French Montana & Infa Red - All The Way Up

Produced By Cool & Dre & Edsclusive Album: Plata O Plomo

They say regionalism is dead but this all NY affair begs to differ. Cool and Dre provide the bass and unforgettable horns and the legends (plus Montana) rip it apart like a swaggier version of The Avengers. Remy Ma came back and ignited desperately needed fire.

Fat Joe & Remy Ma Feat. Infa-Red, Jay Z & French Montana -  All The Way Up (remix)

Produced By Cool & Dre & Edsclusive

 Lean Back left a lasting legacy, even for the millennials like my whack self who remembers slogans like Terror Squad, before Khaled was Billy Ocean, back when Fat Joe had the red parka in the video

"Lemonade is a popular drink and it still is". Lemonade the album that I still haven't listened to has just dropped and every beyhive fan on Twitter was up in arms mad that Jay Z was getting his lemonade from a woman named Becky -if you're into that kinda thing. And that’s all Hov was gonna do in terms of speaking on it. One more time, let it sink in. Lemonade is a popular drink and it still is. He pretty much ethered Beyoncé if you think about it.

Rihanna – Needed Me

Produced By Kuk Harrell & DJ Mustard Album: ANTI

For the first time in her long career, Rihanna sounded liberated. ‘Needed Me’ amplifies the dark, sexual charisma she always displayed in ways that feel less put-on (Rated-R, basically) and more like self-expression. A fantastic wonky Mustard beat gives her room to remind her past flame who really was doing who a favour. Savagery personified in one song. Oh, that shot of Robyn in a lacy blue dress, gun in hand, looking out to the beach? Iconic

BBNG Feat. Samuel T. Herring – Time Moves Slow

Produced By BADBADNOTGOOD Album: IV

It’s been great watching BBNG grow into their own. The legendary Sam Herring lends his heartfelt voice to this perfectly crafted number. Personally, it got me through a messy situationship. Unreciprocated love makes it feel like time is moving slow.

Kid Cudi Feat. Travis Scott - Baptized In Fire

Produced By Mike Dean & Plain Pat Album: Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'

This is the most Kid Cudi Kid Cudi has sounded for a long time. And it's scary to figure that your preference for an artist is derived in their articulation of their personal pain and struggles, I mean it's why we fuck with a Basquiat right? But here, here it's like Cudi just wanted to make his number one fan Travis Scott happy. The reserved role that La Flame takes in this feels like that, like he's soaking the moment in. The production overall sound is very reminiscent of Man On The Moon, if not a remake considering Plain motherfucking Pat, Mike Dean, La Flame and Cudder were all on this, SQUAD.

Schoolboy Q – JoHn Muir

Produced By Sounwave Album: Blank Face LP

Deadly basslines and triumphant horns score Q’s coming of age tale to churn out one of the best songs on ‘.Blankface’. Can’t help but poorly crip walk when this album cut comes on.

Kemba – Already

Produced By Frank Drake Album: Negus

Honestly, one could have chosen any song on Kemba’s often brilliant LP, ‘Negus’ but ‘Already’ takes the cake for two reasons: it’s Frank Duke’s hardest beat since ‘Fuckin’ Up The Count’ and the artist sounds angry, dissatisfied and wounded by the awful recurring problems surrounding race. Isn’t that how we all felt in this bizarre year?

Samiyam Feat. Earl Sweatshirt - Mirror

Produced By Samiyam Album: Animals Have Feelings

This song was supposed to come right after Faucet but looking in this in totality it's fitting that it only dropped in 2016, a year later. A resolute Earl spits his way through his insecurities and imperfections "despite how they praising your face I'mma make do!". Earl's raps are never really about us, mans just telling his story and again we find ourselves in it. Looking in the mirror, seeing the only the nigga we wanted to be. It's not angry, it's aggressively encouraging.

Isaiah Rashad – Park

Produced By Park Ave. & D. Sanders Album: The Sun's Tirade

Trying to follow the topics Rashad dives into is genuinely exciting. In lesser hands, it just wouldn’t work but he’s always saved by the mere fact that he’s a compelling writer. Over fluttering hi hats and knocking sparse bass, he compares himself to Nicki Minaj and Guwop, reveals sexual infidelity while denouncing his savagery and still sneaks in discerning bars about fatherhood and religion. What really trips one out is how effortless it all sounds.

Noname – Freedom Interlude

Produced By Phoelix & Saba Album: Telefone

Out the shadows, Noname took her spot as one the more talented rappers of her generation. ‘Freedom Interlude ‘  is all her strengths wrapped in one warm song. Her intricate soliloquies spill over some steady drums and calming chords as she wanders and aches about Bill Cosby, perception, motherhood, becoming and everything in between.

Jeff Chery – Salty

Produced By Stefan Green

The cliché goes: if you don’t have haters, you aren’t doing anything noteworthy. So, naturally, songs about them are probably my favourite. Nothing like glorious flexing as a defence mechanism to truly propel a song and Chery leans into his naysayers over woozy bass and autotune.

J. Cole – Neighbors

Produced By J. Cole Album: 4 Your Eyez Only

Certain people will always let prejudices rule their perception of others. As a young black man, the hurtful reminders creep up on you every time who walk pass a car and the white person inside frantically locks their door or when you call your friends for a get together and your racist nearby residents bring the police to your doorstep to break it up. Cole explores this reality in a way that’s both relatable and fittingly hopeless. No matter who or where you are, the burden of being black is sometimes too heavy.

DJ Khaled Feat. Drake - For Free

Produced By Jordan Ullman & Nineteen85 Album: Major Key

I didn't want Khaled and Drake to have another anthem so they made another anthem. And as audacious as Drizzy Drake Rogers might be, as irritating as his love "Serana, Rihanna and JLo in one year" life might be, this is a really nice song. Like those moments after when you're feeling yourself, appreciating your agility wanting to ask the person next to you “... Is this sex so good I shouldn't have to fuck for free?"

Ma-E & AKA – Lie 2 Me

Produced by: Brian Soko, Mr Kamera & Ma-E 

Ma- E is basically your uncle who tries way too hard to look/sound ‘hip’ but still somehow pulls it without coming off corny. This ‘Township Counsellor’ gem hides the lingering insecurity of being rich/famous and always wondering if people like you for you or what you offer. Roping in SA’s erratic egoistic makes perfect sense as the pair smash this one out the park.

Ka – Just

Produced By Ka Album: Honor Killed the Samurai

Gangster turned firefighter, Ka writes like how one would imagine if they found themselves in a ‘I Am Legend’ type world. Even the pragmatic, bare-knuckle beats can’t dull the emotionally profound bars about backstabbers, dead loved ones, poverty and unfulfilled potential. Guilt more than anything invades this samurais’ nightmares.

Lil Yachty - One Night (Extended) 

Produced by TheGoodPerry Album: Lil Boat

It's really the most pleasant mean way to tell a hoe she ain't no wifey, matter of fact to tell anyone she ain't no wifey. But the video is tight tho, very Odd Future 2011-esq and very much Lil Yachty's assertion that he's pretty much here to do whatever the fuck he wants with this hip hop thing, and even scarier is that you actually can't stop him. Hook hella catchy tho.

Cousin Stizz Feat. Larry June – Down Like That

Produced By Puff Daddy Album MONDA

Billed as a showcase of star potential, Stizzy breaks out of the seriousness that drives ‘MONDA’ for some old fashioned hijinks. But Larry June truly murks this sizzling beat with one of the verses of the year. Who else can deliberately rap off beat, admit and end the bar with cold ‘fuck rap’?

Belly Feat. 2 Chainz, The Weeknd & Yo Gotti - Might Not (Remix)  

Produced By Merlin Watts, DaHeala & Ben Billions

Between the time the original and now Belly had delivered consistently cold bars embodied in solid projects twice. And hip hops heavy hitters and OGs aren't asleep to this, Belly's signed to Roc Nation. Everyone on here does their part but it's 2 Chainz who steals the show with his playful but vicious flow with audacious lines like, "IF YOU LOVE ME TAT MY NAME ON YOUR UTERUS!". Belly comes through cold tapping into the drug taking, model fucking persona The Weeknd had before he went full pop on us. And while Yo Gotti's verse is otherwise forgettable, mans didn't go down without a fight. 

Young Thug - Digits/Swizz Beats

Produced By Wheezy Album: JEFFERY

Thug’s output makes it hard to pick a favourite but these two highlight why I love Slime’s style. He’s a unique, eccentric singular voice that constantly defies rap norms and conjures up memorable hooks with ease.

A$AP Mob Feat. A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ant, A$AP Ferg, A$AP Nast, A$AP Twelvyy & Juicy J  - Yamborghini High

Produced By Hector Delgado Album: Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends

First off, s/o and daps to A$AP Mob for executing skits on a tape the way we remember skits on a tape, niggas too fucking cozy. It's the type of contextualising taking us back to Pesos. A corner store in Harlem. Second, you gotta want to believe that Yams in heaven tripping the fuck out not only watching the most tumbler-esque video but fact that the whole tape is not only an ode to Yams but also the preservation of his legacy.

Denzel Curry – ULT

Produced By Finatik N Zac, Nick Leon & Ronny J Album Imperial

The most gifted pick on 2016’s XXL Freshmen List. ‘ULT’ is the perfect song if you’re unfamiliar with Curry’s work. It’s high tempo and ferocious coupled with unyielding intelligence. Denzel sounds unflinching in the face of racial profiling and police brutality as he basks in the idea of unity. The chorus carries its 2Pac influence proudly. Revolt music.

Chance The Rapper feat. Saba - Angels 

Produced By The Social Experiment & Lido   Album Coloring Book

Chance is that guy, he either irks you or like Obama he's on your playlist(s). So this song found its way onto mine. This is the soundtrack to my success, the background music to scenes of triumph, the sound of joy, a thugs prayer of gratitude ..that's this song. Pain is beautiful but it takes real skill to articulate happiness. 

 ASAP Mob - Telephone Calls Feat.  Yung Gleesh, Playboi Carti, Tyler, The Creator & A$AP Rocky

Produced By Plu2o Nash Album Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends

The best thing about this song outside the quotable, outside Tyler stepping his flow up, outside walk Gleesh walk and outside "POST MAN, who dis?" is A$AP Rocky's verified lyrics where he writes about Tyler "I wish I knew this nigga my whole life" ❤

Frank Ocean Feat. KOHH – Nikes

Produced By Malay Ho, Om'Mas Keith & Frank Ocean Album: Blonde

Frank’s writing displays vulnerable humanity that we all try and tap into on our best days. ‘Nikes’ is filled with hilarious shit talking, short eulogies to passed peers and kin, lines about doing lines and trying to stay young. Life in your 20’s captured in 5 minutes.

Isaiah Rashad - Free Lunch

Produced By Cam O'bi Album: The Sun's Tirade

 Damn, I hate to say this but drugs and depression gave depth to this man’s music and made it interesting. After Clivia Demo, I had feared that under the shadow of TDE/Kendrick hype, that like other almost kinda famous sorta artists we were going to lose him, collateral damage so to speak. But instead Rashad in the most cliche of ways turned tragedy into triumph. 

Skepta – Man(Gang)

Produced By Skepta Album: Konnichiwa

The appeal of grime is its ability to be entertaining and aggressively haughty simultaneously. Skepta comes for everyone’s head on this ‘Konnichiwa’ standout. Fake fans and friends, washed rappers &wannabe fashionstas; no one is spared. London boyz made noise in 2016.

Childish Gambino – Me & Your Mama

Produced By Ludwig Göransson Album: "Awaken, My Love!"

The signal to the stars. Sitting through this ever mortifying gospel-rock joint feels transient. A shift from dick inspired punchlines to channeling Parliament Funkdelic; Donald Glover is proof of the rewards of artistic progression.

Danny Brown - Dance In The Water 

Produced By Paul White Album: Atrocity Exhibition

I'd like to think that this song would fit perfectly in a Tarantino film that's already been made, maybe that one about the car with Rosario Dawson and the lady who did stunts for Uma Therman. I'd like to think those things, a perfect middle between the old world and new. Danny Brown, at his peak, paints the most perfect picture of curated chaos.. 

Saba & Noname – Church/Liquor Store

Produced By Cam O'bi Album: Bucket List Project

Two of Chicago’s more gifted writers take us on a ride through their hometown. Saba is insightful, sorrowful and clear headed as he tackles addiction, gang violence, gentrification and the school to prison system. Noname acts as the perfect foil. It soars with gorgeous keys and beautiful choir worthy voices that only add to the misery

Earl Sweatshirt & Knxwledge – Balance

Produced By Knxwledge Album: 2016 Adult Swim Singles

A sensible union. Two talented non stars whose styles fit each other like big feet & AF’s 1.Earl’s attention to detail add a personal touch to universal gripes of being young, black & confused. His mumblings feel at home over Knxwledge’s lush, anxious phrases.

AKA ft Yanga – Dream Work

Produced by KJ Conteh

Sampling ‘Street Fighter’ should already make this a classic but AKA takes it a step further by rightfully staking a claim to SA rap’s crown. The hook is masterful; Yanga’s voice complements the thumping bass perfectly and AKA sounds focused, sharp and agitated. A continuation of a 5 year streak that doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. Long Live Supa Mega.

Terrance Martin – Valdez off Crenshaw

Produced by Terrace Martin Co-Produced by Robert “Sput” Searight

Modern music would be less great without Terrace Martin. One could go on an endless tangent listing countless accolades and contributions but rather we stick to this one moment on “Velvet Portraits”. It’s a mesmerizing piece of jazz leaning funk that contains an electric guitar solo that’s so beautifully over the top you can’t help sit in awe. An experience.

D.R.A.M Feat. Lil Yachty – Broccoli

Produced By J Gramm Beats Album: Big Baby D.R.A.M.

There's this phenomena taking place where new kids want to be their own, don't want to inherit problems, keen to dictate their own narrative. This song is a prime example of this. D.R.A.M is on here with his puppy hugging positive healthy outlook on life bars and Lil Yachty is here in his whole self. The millennials Big Pimpin', I’m calling it.

Kadhja Bonet – Honey Comb

Produced By Kadhja Bonet Album: The Visitor

‘Classical music’ can be an off putting label. But Bonet puts a modern spin on the genre and breathes new life into it. It sounds so good it possess the power to you cleanse all your proverbial sins. Gorgeous piece of music.

 Solange Feat. Lil Wayne - Mad 

Produced By Troy "R8DIO" Johnson, David Longstreth, Sir Dylan, Solange &Raphael Saadiq Album: A Seat at the Table

Very rarely are us folk, black folk, worldwide given the space to be angry. Our sorrow, our pain and small glimmers of happiness have their time, designated hours. So when you're mad, you're mad on your own, you're carrying it on your own .. and when you finally exhale it's a lot. Mad about inabilities and inadequacies of the self. It's always just too much to never have someone ask "why you mad son?". It's a relief to have a song like this affirm that anger. Affirming the experience of holding on anger only for it to be dismissed, invalidated to be "why you always be so mad"-ed. I praise Solo for speaking this truth. 

Rae Sremmurd Feat. Gucci Mane – Black Beatles

Produced By Mike WiLL Made-It Album: SremmLife 2

Mannequin challenge aside, ‘Black Beatles’ was destined to be a hit. Swan Lee sounds like a fallen angel; cautious and courageous. Jimi admirably keeps up and Gucci is his outrageous melodic self. Mike Will brings out the trademark ear wormy tunes and you’ve got a stellar song that celebrates youthful exuberance like no other this year. Rae Sremmurd > The Beatles

Rich Chigga - Dat $tick 

Easily the hardest bars and hardest beat of the year, or the 2nd Quarter.  Upper Echelon bars. YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER WAS SHOOK WHEN HE HEARD IT. 

DJ Esco Feat. Future & Rae Sremmurd - Party Pack 

Produced By Southside & DJ Esco Album: Project E.T. Esco Terrestrial

 If you questioned the longevity of Future's "glow up" or how Rae Sremmurd would navigate beyond being the cute small guys then this song stands as testament. On this song Future sounds energized, he sounds damn near competitive on a song that features another well executed Swae Lee hook and a very well placed Slim Jxmmi.

Boogie – Nigga Needs

Produced By Keyel Album: Thirst 48, Pt. 2

Boogie has a knack of simplifying nuanced thoughts and conflicting feelings. Coupled with a video of him as a bleeding centrepiece in an art gallery, The Thirst 48 rapper tries to come to terms the difficultly of self-improvement in a world that conspires against him.

Travis Scott Feat. NAV - Beibs in the Trap

Produced By NAV Album: Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight

 Ay, millennials finally get our own cocaine raps, that tight. But say no to drugs. Drugs ruin lives. Drugs also cost way too much money to pick it up as a habit. Also, who actually does cocaine anymore. Isn't tripping on anxiety meds, though troubling cos clearly in the purest sense of self we have proved incapable of dealing with the realities of this world, the wave? I dunno, just don't do crack kids. That's not glamorous. Neither is crushed up Ritalin on your gums. Great song though 5/5 shout outs NAV for the harmonies and production s/o Justin Beiber.

Westside Gunn & Action Bronson – Dudley Boyz

Produced By The Alchemist Album: Flygod

Wrestling and food references? Boasting about hardness and superior garments over velvet soft chords? Why didn’t this collaboration happen sooner? Old heads need to pay more attention to Westside and stop complaining about mumble rap.

DJ Khaled Feat. Jay Z & Future – I Got Keys

Produced By Jake One, G Koop & Southside Album:Major Key

The God MC came down a couple of times this year to bless his subjects but this Future – assisted joint was a highlight. Not a world beater but admirable considering it is a 42 year old taking a jab at a relentless Southside banger.

2Chainz – Ounces Back

Produced By DJ Spinz Album Daniel Son; Necklace Don

This Christmas, I’m thankful that the most entertaining rapper on earth was inspired all throughout the year. A performance littered with ludicrous lines about forgotten apartments in Jupiter(???), expensive jewelry and his upper echelon sex game. The flow is never forced or out of pocket over dreamy bass and stuttering keys. How is he over 40 and more inventive than rappers half his age?

21 Savage – No Heart

Produced By CuBeatz, Southside & Metro Boomin Album: Savage Mode

The line between fantasy and realism grows blurry with each social media update. We continue to laud rappers who seem to draw from real life experiences more than the ‘posers’ and that what makes ‘No Heart’ so great.21 is way too specific & menacing not mean any of his threat- filled lines. Metro Boomin’ matches the dead eyed feel with his most minimalist work to date and the end product is as enthralling as it is terrifying. 

Chance The Rapper Feat. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne - No Problem 

Produced By BrassTracks Album: Coloring Book

Chance The Rapper Feat. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne - No Problem Produced by: Album: Coloring Book  Coloring Book is one of those polarizing projects, you either felt it or you didn't .. I didn't. But he made songs like this that didn't make you feel like you were at Christian Rap Camp, some menacing statements were made on here echoed by your mum’s church choir. Wayne told us about freeing the choir, Chance threw threats about labels meeting the real south side and 2 Chainz? Man that man effortlessly floated just right on this pleasant song that even this weird iPhone class project video even is enjoyable.  ZBo8QA/K2O8

Migos Feat. Lil Uzi Vert – Bad & Boujee

Produced By Metro Boomin Album: CULTURE

An ode to classy fly women that even Uzi Vert couldn’t ruin. Offset’s show-stealing hook sticks in your mind like a deferred exam. A shining example of the power of Migos as a hit-making collective.

Kanye West Feat. Kendrick Lamar -No More Parties in LA

Produced By Kanye West & Madlib Album The Life of Pablo

It's only fitting that the most flagrant and audacious bars would find themselves sitting on this masterpiece. It's almost felt like a battle rap, Kendrick urging Kanye to rap again and Ye coming the fuck thru, "that God for me!" Pablo declares triumphantly and the song is so good, it's such a Kanye signature sample old heads the energy in the recording studio is crazy with McDonald's and Hennessy. Crazy. Fucking magical is what it is.

G.O.O.D Music Feat. Kanye West, Big Sean, Quavo, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Travis Scott, Desiigner & Yo Gotti - Champions

Produced By Kanye West, A-Trak, Lex Luger & Mike Dean Album: Cruel Winter

Briefly, for but at least a second it looked like Kanye, Pusha T, fucking Kid Cudi, La Flame, 2 Chainz and even Big Sean .. it looked like the gang were back together. This single came as a result of hysteria, a just released Gucci, Kanye West finally releasing an album, a Quavo in his prime on a fucking MIKE DEAN track. In this moment, with the whole world in a frenzy doing everything they could do to somehow get their hands on these super stars, we were reminded that this label, GOOD Music, is a home to champions.

[joefoley]

The Lost Promise, and Puzzling Legacy, of River Phoenix

On the 25th anniversary of his death, the actor, activist, and reluctant heartthrob is an unevenly remembered icon of 90s alternative culture.

By Gavin Edwards for Vanity Fair 

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/10/why-river-phoenix-never-became-the-vegan-james-dean

October 30, 2018 12:37 pm

Twenty-five years ago, River Phoenix lay on the cold pavement of a Hollywood sidewalk, steps away from a famous nightclub, suffering from an overdose of heroin and cocaine. While a crowd of gawkers in Halloween costumes gathered around him and his younger brother Joaquin called 911, inside the nightclub—the Viper Room—Johnny Depp was onstage with his band P, playing a song about Hollywood celebrity. Spookily, it name-checked Phoenix: “I finally talked to Michael Stipe / But I didn’t get to see his car / Him and River Phoenix / Were leaving on the road tomorrow.”

At 1:51 A.M. on October 31, 1993, River Phoenix was pronounced dead. He was just 23 years old. It was a tragedy for those who knew and loved him, and a shattering event for all the young fans who had hung posters of him on their walls, and for all the moviegoers who had been moved by his performances. It marked the end of a short but prolific career, encompassing 13 movies and one short-lived TV series. In life, River Phoenix was still figuring out what kind of movie star he wanted to be: pinup boy, hippie idol, scruffy activist? Now the question was asked all over again: what kind of icon would he be in death?

The assumption of many Hollywood observers was that Phoenix would take his place in the cinematic pantheon as the “vegan James Dean”: a symbol of restless youth, encumbered with more talent and beauty than he knew what to do with, coming to an abrupt, early end. That didn’t happen.

One reason was the unusual contours of the Phoenix filmography: after you stripped away the dreck (Little Nikita) and the moderately interesting flops (The Mosquito Coast), four excellent films remain where he had a starring role. Dogfight was a lyrical two-hander with Lili Taylor about an unlikely encounter shared by a coffee-shop waitress and a U.S. Marine shipping out to Vietnam. Running on Empty earned Phoenix an Oscar nomination for his performance as a piano prodigy who was the son of 1960s radicals perpetually in hiding from the federal government. Neither film was a hit; both are mostly forgotten today. His tough-but-vulnerable role in Stand by Me launched his career, but because he was just 14 years old at the time he made the movie, we don’t necessarily feel like we’re watching the same person who O.D.’d as an adult. His performance as Mike Waters, the narcoleptic street hustler in Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho, remains iconic, and groundbreaking in the history of queer cinema—but the movie is rarely seen now, maybe because there’s no easy way to coherently cut it down for basic cable.

Nobody in 1993, however, could have predicted the primary reason that Phoenix didn’t transform into a golden legend after he died: the events of April 5, 1994. In the carpeted room above a garage in Seattle, Kurt Cobain pointed a shotgun at his own head and pulled the trigger. Apparently the 1990s had room for just one beautiful blond boy who symbolized youthful tragedy, and Cobain was it.

So if Phoenix isn’t the “vegan James Dean” or even the “Kurt Cobain of Hollywood,” what is he?

Human beings are complex organisms, believing many different things—only some of them contradictory—over the course of a lifetime. In death, they often get reduced to one quality, like a supporting character in a newspaper comic strip. Animal-rights advocates might remember Phoenix as a vegan pioneer. (Veganism was so unusual when he began advocating for it that some magazines instead referred to him as “ultravegetarian.”) Environmentalists can honor Phoenix’s efforts to buy up swaths of rainforest, one of the first Hollywood stars to do so. Fellow cult survivors may draw lessons from Phoenix’s childhood in the Children of God and the sexual abuse he suffered as a result of its doctrines.

It’s an absurdly heavy burden to be held up as the symbol of a generation, especially when the generation is still trying to figure out what it stands for itself. Before everyone settled on “Generation X” as the nickname for Americans born between the late 1960s and the early 1980s, one of the tags that got kicked around for that demographic trance was “the Slacker generation,” inspired by the rambling 1991 Richard Linklater film.

As it came of age, the generation was popularly defined by irony and listlessness, which meant that anyone within it who was visibly working hard, such as Google founder Larry Page or Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, was automatically disqualified as a symbol. Heroin took that disaffected pose and enforced it chemically: Kurt Cobain didn’t kill himself to fulfill his generational destiny, but his death somehow felt inevitable in retrospect.

After River Phoenix died with heroin in his bloodstream, Brad Pitt said, “I think he was the best. Is. Was. Is the best of the young guys. I’m not just saying that now—I said that before he died. He had something I don’t understand.” What distinguished Phoenix from his peers was not his glowing charisma, his politics, or his secret vices. It was his joy. He jumped off the high hills of Hollywood into the foggy unknown, he giddily shouted out requests for U.F.O.s to come abduct him, he walked down New York City streets dancing and leaping into the air.

River Phoenix was a good enough actor to express complex emotions on-screen and to pose for photographs with a jaded attitude, and he had suffered enough youthful trauma that he was entitled to be sour, but everything he did was permeated with that sense of delight. He reminded young people that you could conceal happiness, but you couldn’t stamp it out—which is why his death felt especially cruel.

You can look at Phoenix’s peers, like Pitt and Ethan Hawke, or at the actors slightly younger than him, like Leonardo DiCaprio and his own brother Joaquin, and see blurry versions of what his career might have been. In a universe where River Phoenix stayed alive, he’d be 48 years old today, and like the other actors of his generation—like the other human beings of his generation—he would have inevitably tempered his enthusiasm with painful mistakes and rueful experience. It’s somehow easier to imagine that maturity than it is to make sense of his body on the sidewalk.

That’s one more reason Phoenix didn’t become iconic over the past quarter-century: he doesn’t make sense in death, because he took so much joy in life.

Gavin Edwards is the author of Last Night at the Viper Room: River Phoenix and the Hollywood He Left Behind and 10 other books, most recently The World According to Tom Hanks: The Life, the Obsessions, the Good Deeds of America’s Most Decent Guy.

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[cometladyicarus-blog]

Character Sheets - Dragon Age Elissa Cousland

I love my Elissa to bits, though I freely admit to muddling up the story of Origins just a little bit because I really hate certain characters and wanted to give more reason to hate them. I freely also admit that if I had my way, certain events in other games would go differently, and Elissa’s story is a multi-Wardens story.

Some spoilers as well. though I tried to keep them mostly vague-ish for anything after DAO/Awakenings since El has little to do with 2, and I haven’t played Inquisition and instead just went on a long wiki walk on the wikia...

Name: Pioup Elissa Cousland (Prefers Elissa)

Nickname(s): El, Pup, (Inq Era- Queen, The Commander, Varric calls her Snow)

Codename/Title: Lady, Teyrna, Warden, Highever, (Inq Era- Queen, The Commander)

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Twenty-Three

Faction: Grey Warden, Ferelden,  

Class: Noble Warrior, Shield Maiden, Grey Warden, (Post DAO-) Warden-Queen 

In Game Class - HN Warrior Shield and Sword Templar Champion

Weapon(s): Sword and Shield

Armor: Heavy plates

Place of Birth: Highever Castle, Teyrnir Highever, Kingdom of Ferelden

Parent(s): Brysce Cousland, Eleanor Cousland

Sibling(s): Half-Brother Fergus Cousland

Spouse/Significant Other: Alistair

Other Relatives: Most of the Ferelden Nobility, sister-in-law Orianda and nephew Oren.

Magic Using Relatives: None she knows of

Mentor: Matron Myrand, Ser Riggs, Fergus, Warden Duncan (d. Ostagar),  

Friends/Allies:

Ser Gilmore (Knight, d. HN Origin)

Ser “Te’pler” Riggs (Elder Templar, d. HN Origin)

Matron Myrand (Shield Maiden Commander)

Mabar Cousland (Mabari)

Solona Amell

Natia Brosca

Serada Aeducan

Darrian Tabis

Theron Mahariel

Alistair

Morrigan

Leliana

Sten

Zevran

Shale/Shayle

Oghren

[More to be added as I remember them]

Alignment: Has her Lawful Stupid moments, but she tries to be Lawful Good. She believes in the laws, but also believes the laws can be too harsh. She would rather destroy the truly evil, instead of those forced to work for him or her.

Warrior/Peacekeeper: She wants what is best for Ferelden and joined the Wardens to better defend it when it became clear her only future was as the Spare or a marriage pawn.

Torture/Healer: She has no healing skills except for tossing a bottle of health poultice, Lyrium, or injury kits.

Range/Melee: Melee. She can use the archery skills she had been taught, but her aim has been reportedly as poor as her pre-Blight cooking skills.

Rusted Knight/Greenhorn: Greenhorn, she’s only had the training to become a Templar-like Shield Maiden, but until the attack on Highever, she never actually fought to kill anything more than rats and other pests. The loss of her family home to darkspawn and Lord Howe’s attack after has made her more focused on justice being met under the law.  

Cynical/Optimist: She wants to believe in the best in people, but she reacts volatilely when betrayed, though not as violently as Solona does. Instead, if she is betrayed, she only seeks what the law says the betrayer deserves. Except for Arl Rendon Howe, since he arranged for his best friend, friend’s wife, and friend’s heirs to be murdered.

Appearance: Slender and soft build from life as a noble despite her Shield training, almost completely lacking in pigmentation so she has white-silver hair and red eyes. Braided and pulled around her head hairstyle.

Disability(ies)/Health Concerns: Blighted while fighting for her home (’cured’ by joining the Wardens); Light sensitivity to very bright light (She wears her bangs loose around her eyes to try and block out some of light);

Scar(s): She collects several after Highever is attacked- The most notable one is her shoulder where darkspawn taint was shot into her shoulder after she killed an ogre; mental scars include abandoning her family in Highever during the attack, Ostagar, Warden dreams, and then Aramathine

Tattoo(s): Sword behind a shield bearing the mark of Andraste on her right shoulder blade which marks her as a Shield Maiden

Accent: Ferelden Nobility – Human Experienced Voice-

Prized Personal Possession(s)*: Family Sword; Family Shield; Family armor; Warden’s Oath pendant;

Pet Peeves: Being mocked for her unusual coloring (technically lack of coloring); being reminded that she is Fergus and Oren’s heir; not having a proper ‘place’ 

Likes: Family; Honor; Lawfulness; Duty; Dogs

Dislikes: Being the Spare; Arl Howe after HN Origin; the idea of getting married without being in love; having her cooking skills (lack thereof) mocked without truly helpful tips to improve with; Being set up with a romantic match by her well meaning friends and family;  

Vice(s): Hates being referred to as a spare; Tries to find the best in people even if they don’t deserve it; (Awakening) Drinking

Natural Abilities: Charisma (apparently) and passive Champion talents; (As a Warden) Darkspawn detection;

Trained Abilities: Swordplay; Templar talents;  

Understand Language(s): Ferelden Common; some Quinlat over the course of Origins; “Darkspawn”

Communicable Language(s): Ferelden Common; Some Quinlat; (Inq-) “Darkspawn”

Signature Outfit: Cousland House armor set; Warden Commander armor

Formal Attire: Warden Commander armor; Queen’s garb

“Tainted” Attire: Broodmother at worst; Ghoul/Shriek; 

Lazy Attire: Tunic and leggings, might have some light armor pieces over it or parts of her plate armor over it.

Catchphrase(s): “I am a Cousland.” “Couslands have always [been] [insert ideal trait/concept here].” “Shield Maiden, not Templar. We don’t deal with magic for one thing.”

War Cry: “Highever!” “Ferelden!”

Nightmare(s): Taking over Highever because Fergus won’t or can’t; Warden Dreams; Civil War; (Inq) False Calling; People of Kirkwall blaming her for recruiting Anders instead of sending him to the Templars; People who died fighting the Blight blaming her for their deaths

Hope/Goal(s): Ending the Blight and making sure her family, whatever is left, is safe; Marrying out of love; Making her own way;

Secret(s): She is terrified about being the Spare and has no desire to fulfill the duties of the Spare if she is required to; She didn’t really want to join the Wardens, but in her state, she had little choice; Really does not want a fancy title

*Story behind this/these

Family Sword - She used it in the fight to retake the Highever estate from Darkspawn, and her family insisted that she take it with her as she joined the Wardens. It’s an otherwise simple longsword with a handle that has branches lightly engraved to appear woven around the guards. At some point in the past, a dwarf had refashioned the blade so the handle could be removed and a replacement blade installed more easily instead of retiring the sword from use.

Family Shield - Like the sword, Elissa used it while taking back the estate, and her family also insisted she take it with her as she joined the Wardens. The shield looks like any other metal shield, except the leather handles have the family motto stitched into them.

Family Armor - Heavy plate armor with an underlayer of quilted fabric embossed with an uncolored image of the family crest on the shoulders, chest, and knees. She received this armor as she leaves Highever.

Warden’s Oath Pendant - The pendant made from the Joining. When the party reaches Lothering, she asks the local blacksmith if he could have the names “Jory” and “Daveth” engraved onto the back for her.