This was a fun and rather productive week. A lot of happened, a lot didn’t. Here’s what I thought was Hot and introspective. Here are some fun posts from my Instagram:
JURIN ASAYA – PS118 (feat. Rapsody)
Starting out this week with 90s rap vibes as XG’s Jurin releases a collaboration with the legendary Rapsody. XG is a Japanese girl group formed by Avex Japan and YG in Korea. First, primarily promoting in Korea, the group has since shifted to both local and international promotions and has been dominating stages worldwide. To me, their ability stands apart from their peers, especially their rapping. So it’s no surprise to me that the leader of the group, Jurin would make her solo debut with a legend.
There are a lot of girl groups that have really stood out over the past few years, but XG is probably my favorite Japanese group right now, and it has the discography I listen to most often. This is not their first time collaborating with some of the people who pioneered the sound they clearly are inspired by. Their song “Left Right” features Ciara, who I think does not get nearly as much credit as she deserves for inspiring much of Asia’s sound. While some have called out XG for appropriation and “swagger jacking”, my observation is that these girls are pretty genuine and passionate about their craft, and Jurin’s determination and skill always shine through for me.
Xlov – Rizz Live Stage Censorship
Xlov is an independent K-pop group with a genderless concept that has been all over my algorithm. In a season of debuts that are beginning to feel somewhat repetitive, the group’s talent and refreshing concept are being celebrated. Their recent tour across South East Asia really demonstrated just how much this unconventional group is growing. Each member has a different ethnicity: The leader, Wumuti, is from China and is Uyghur, Former Boys Planet contestant, Rui hails from Taiwan , the very sassy Hyun comes from Korea and the adorable Haru is from Japan. Together this global group has created something unique, but it hasn’t been without controversy.
Recently, they’ve faced some backlash from censors for using innuendo in their song Rizz. The group is riding a very thin line, with many Korean netizens unsure how to respond to them. Despite these idols not speaking openly about their identities and attractions, some are uncomfortable with the idea that some of their songs may be about men, with Rizz’s lyrics saying, “Boy, I’m gonna kill it hard, like, yeah.” You can see the original uncensored performance below.
Inkigayo removed the original version from their page, and that’s part of why I think it’s hot this week! Xlov just released their first mini album UXLXVE, which includes Rizz!
This Amazing Freestyle by Aqua Moon
I was randomly scrolling through my TikTok feed and this freestyle by Detroit comedian and rapper, Aqua Moon. It made my day and got me movin’.
Jesse Welles Performs “Join Ice” On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
This was my introduction to Jesse Welles. What a powerful performer.
Campbell Soup’s CEO’s Ghastly Statements
I absolutely cannot believe these statements made by Campbell Soup’s CEO. You’ve gotta hear them for yourself,
Drag Queen, Taipei, Draws Puts Eyes On Sudan
One of my favorite Drag Queens using her platform for good.
The Connection Between Greek Life and Epstein’s Network
This TikTok content creator really expertly lays out how hazing within college fraternities grooms those who want power into silence and complicity.
A Protestor Expertly Addresses Rebel Media’s Zionism
Zionist reporter, Dave Menzies was attempting to get soundbites for conservative rag, Rebel Media and he wasn’t quite prepared for how this protestor responded…
The Dearborn “Sharia Law” Psyop
A lot is going on in Deaborn right now, with some local politicians being exposed as being part of an Islamophobic psyop geared at empowering a white supremacist rabble-rouser with a history of causing problems.
Jewish Woman Unpacks Her Relationship with Judaism During Genocide
Many of my Jewish comrades are reconciling with their relationship with Judaism and their opposition to what’s happening currently in Palestine. I found this video incredibly raw and a fascinating insight into what many Jewish folks are presently contending with.
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Blaque In The City 
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