Speaking on behalf of all elder Millennials out there:
- Michael Jordan > LeBron James
- 1993-94 was the greatest two year span ever for movies (Jurassic Park, The Fugitive, Pulp Fiction, Shawshank Redemption, Schindler’s List, True Romance, Forrest Gump, Speed, Philadelphia, The Lion King, Dazed and Confused, Nightmare Before Christmas, Groundhog Day, The Sandlot)
- Hip-Hop peaked in the mid 1990’s.
If you have contravening evidence, please see the comments section below but be warned I’ll be over here like Juror 12 with my arms crossed and nothing but a glower for your efforts.
Hip-hop used to have an outsized impact on my life. It was this rare cultural artifact with undeniable crossover appeal that could elicit a true spectrum of emotions. A Tribe Called Quest, Biggie, Tupac, Dre, Snoop, Common, Fugees, Black Star, Wu-Tang, Outkast, Nas, Gang Starr, Rakim – they each garnered a special place in my CD tower that I could tap into whenever I needed to catch a mood. Today, I still dabble with some new artists but like many 40-somethings the majority of it is lost on me. Curiosity pushed me toward the Drake-Kendrick Lamar diss tracks which were entertaining, but ultimately, I now crave a different energy from the format. According to an artificial intelligence review of The Clumsy Interloper, “King’s writing style is characterized by a blend of self-deprecating humor and earnest introspection, aiming to resonate with readers through shared human experiences.” My soon-to-be robot overlord gets me. I want lyrics that elicit connection, self-awareness and truth.
To this end I’ve become a massive fan of Kota the Friend. According to Wikipedia, “Kota the Friend has remained an independent act throughout his career—turning down 3 major record labels; instead, creating his own label and apparel store FLTBYS. He frequently cites a do-it-yourself mentality, such as filming his own music videos, recording within a home setup, and producing most of his discography”
For me, the track “Pomegranate” beautifully illustrates how his breezy cadence and introspective lyrics cut right to the heart. There is no bluster or brags, just eloquent verse over jazzy beats. Rinse. Repeat.
Other recommendations from Kota: Grateful, Hollywood, Long Beach, Mi Casa, Hate, Oregon, Summerhouse, Colorado, Chicago Diner & B.Q.E.
The Clumsy Interloper 
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