Kendrick Lamar: The contemporary voice of America


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Kendrick Lamar didn’t just walk away with five Grammys after the 58th Grammy Awards show. This past Monday, Kendrick put on an awe-inspiring performance that LL Cool J deemed “controversial” prior to his showcase. He narrated an empowering story that speaks to the underlying social issues regarding racism within our generation. The chains and cell […]

Nirvana’s In Utero exudes nightmarish beauty


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In 1993, Nirvana was king of the grunge world. Two years earlier, they released their breakthrough album, Nevermind, which garnered incredibly commercial success. Butch Vig produced that album, and he produced it very well; a little too well for the band’s liking.  (Butch would often trick Kurt into recording multiple guitar layers by telling Kurt he […]

Celebrate black history month through music, through the times


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Black History Month is upon us once again — a time that allows us all to celebrate the culture that African Americans have contributed to this nation. One of the most notable contributions from African Americans to American pop culture is music, which has helped to define every generation since the birth of the nation. […]

Four music festivals to look forward to this spring


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As spring draws near, Southern California will be playing host to many music festivals. Here’s a list of the top few you should be looking forward to in the coming months! Crush SoCal This festival will be the highlight of Valentine’s Day for EDM fans. Insomniac is bringing in a stellar lineup for this one-night […]

Air + Style: A new kind of festival


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Air + Style is kicking off its second annual two-day festival in Los Angeles on Feb. 20 and 21 at EXPO Park at the L.A. Coliseum. The event, hosted by snowboarding Olympian Shaun White. Along with the festival’s live music, Air + Style features a 16-story high skateboard ramp, professional athlete appearances and local art […]

Nine songs to help you celebrate Chinese New Year


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Happy Chinese New Year! In honor of the new Lunar Year on Feb. 8, here’s a list of Chinese songs for Trojans to ring in the Year of the Monkey.The words are in a different language, but music is all about connection. This playlist is dedicated to my Chinese professors I have had the pleasure […]

Physical Graffiti: Why Led Zepplin rocks


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In their most prolific period — from 1969 to 1975 — Led Zeppelin released six albums. Each album has secured itself a rightful place as a classic in the canons of rock history. The last of these six was Physical Graffiti . Like most mega-bands of the ’70s, Led Zeppelin decided that after reaching incredible heights, […]

Local indie band Young the Giant is coming of age


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For anyone who calls themselves a Californian, there are certain songs and artists you have to know. Artists like 2Pac, Dr. Dre, Green Day and Guns N’ Roses are among the essentials. Their songs have defined a sound over the past 30 years or so, influencing many other great artists to refine and invent sounds […]

Seven songs to help you spring into focus


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The year is fresh and the semester is new — welcome back, fellow Trojans! To start off the new year and the second week of school, here’s a playlist for studying, doing homework or socializing with friends. 1. “Hello Vs. Party & Bullshit (Matoma Remix)” [EXPLICIT]  – Ice Cube ft. Dr. Dre & MC Ren Vs. The Notorious […]