Posts by Philosopher Joe

Walk the Rocks: How to Understand Hip Hop

Posted on November 5, 2015 by and

On November 3, Complex published an article titled “Why Did Everyone Claim to Enjoy Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’?”. The article criticized other websites and media for releasing interviews too quickly after the album’s release, and went further to call the album “overwhelming” in its portrayal of Black experience. Today at 5 DJ Birdbrain and I will be discussing what it means to “understand” an album, as well as said article. Here are DJ Birdbrain’s thoughts as a start:

“While questioning the quick turnarounds of reviews after a dense albums release is valid, implying the the album doesn’t deserve that praise and is also misunderstood by the masses is just ignorant. All this article proves is that the writer is not connected to the music of the album, and tries to say the album is important without even believing it themselves.
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Walk the Rocks: Hip Hop and Sexuality

Posted on September 24, 2015 by

Today on Walk the Rocks, DJ Birdbrain and I discuss the complex connections between Hip Hop artists and sexuality, especially in relation to queer theory. Artists such as Azealia Banks, Janelle Monae, and The Internet have challenged the perceived dominance oh the heterosexual male in Hip Hop, and subvert gender norms through their music and live performances. Join us as we discuss the direction of Hip Hop as guided by artists embedded in Feminist theory, perceived notions of gender in Hip Hop, and much more. Our playlist today highlights our favorite sounds of the summer! Tune in today at 5 to hear the latest in Hip Hop discussion and music!

 

Presenting WALK THE ROCKS

Posted on September 17, 2015 by

A brand new show is coming to WRUR, and its name is WALK THE ROCKS. Featuring the talents of WRUR DJs Zeke Starling and Joe Orman (Philosopher Joe), WALK THE ROCKS is a show about music for the cynic in all of us. On an average show, you might hear a lively debate about the future of Hip Hop, a new track from the biggest names in Indie, and a joke or two stolen from Twitter. Tune in every Thursday from 5-6 (currently A Work in Progress with Philosopher Joe) and get ready for a year of discussion and music snobbery.

Today at 5pm: WALK THE ROCKS

Posted on September 17, 2015 by

Attention fans of music collaboration!

Starting this week, a brand new show, “Walk the Rocks” is coming to WRUR The Sting. Featuring the talents of WRUR DJs Zeke Starling and Joe Orman (Philosopher Joe), Walk the Rocks is your definitive source for music debate and discussion, along with the refined music tastes of 2 incredibly diverse (and handsome young men). So clear your schedule for your Thursday afternoons, and get ready for a knockout show with dynamite personality!

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Current Show: The Sting