Just Jaded Weekly
June 25th
Written By: Joanna Serrano
New Music Monday: Tyler the Creator
This week’s feature for New Music Monday needs no introduction, he’s a Grammy award winning Americanrapper, born and raised in Ladera Heights, CA, and his name is Tyler, the Creator.
Tyler excited fans with his surprise release of his new single, LUMBERJACK, on June 16th, 2021. He pulled the daring move to stray from the usual Friday uploads for new music, and instead upload on a Wednesday. Prior to this release, Tyler has remained relevant in the music scene through features and collaborations, such as the 2021 single “Gravity” by DJ Dahi and Brent Faiyaz. The rapper’s last full length solo project, however, was his 2019 Grammy award winning album, Igor, featuring tracks such as “EARFQUAKE”.
The rapper has excited fans for a new era in his career, and the anticipated release of his new album "Call Me If You Get Lost". As you are reading this, on June 25th, 2021, the project has officially been dropped, and we can not wait to give it a listen. The rap track was produced by DJ Drama, and holds similar musicality to both his latest project, Igor, as well as Tyler’s dirtier rap sound, on older tracks such as the 2013 song “Cowboy”.
Another standout fact about this single and album drop are their marketing tactics. Residents of Los Angeles, California were quick to spot a billboard reading the words: “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” as well as a phone number, 1 (855) 444-888. When called, the phone number plays a snippet of what fans speculate to be a new track on Tyler’s album, ending with a vintage sounding tune speaking the words “Call me if you get lost” before the call drops. The rapper also included this tune at the end of his music video for LUMBERJACK, one day before releasing the name and release date for the album.
I can definitely say that the rapper has gained my attention, and I can not wait to check out his new album!
Artist Rec Friday: Mae Krell
Need the perfect soft tune to fall asleep to, or a heart-breaking ballad to scream along with in the shower (in a good way)? Then we’ve got a treat for you, and that is Mae Krell!
To end off our highlights on LGBTQIA+ artists, Mae Krell (they/them) is an American 22 year musician from New York City. They began their musical journey at the young age of 17, writing and releasing their debut single, “scars”, back in 2016.
Krell’s music will take you on a whirlwind of emotions. They have proven to be a very personal songwriter, taking inspiration from everything that goes on around them, whether it be their journey as a queen person, or life’s general endeavors. They have disclosed their 2021 single, “are you sure”, to be written about their personal struggle through sobriety. Also, their smash 2020 single, “garden”, can be interpreted as discussing the importance of self growth, and growing the strength to move past a difficult situation.
Krell creates a soft, indie/folk pop sound. Their gentle, yet powerful voice creates a sense of urgency and passion within their tracks. They can be compared to amazing artists such as Colbie Cailat, Dodie, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Although Krell has been around for quite some time, I sense their come up has yet to begin. After returning from a two year hiatus in 2020, I can not wait to hear what more they have in store for us!
Strides with Pride - Hayley Kiyoko
With Pride month coming to a close, I thought it’d only be fit to discuss one of today’s pop culture icons who has shed so much light on the normalization of being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This icon is Lesbian Jesus herself: Hayley Kiyoko.
Kiyoko has pushed boundaries as a musician, creating and releasing music which features the use of female pronouns. Kiyoko has also been known to play a role in the directing of her own music videos, and using this creative outlet as a way to portray important stories. Kiyoko’s most successful release to date is her 2015 smash hit “Girls Like Girls”. The groundbreaking music video displays the story of two female best friends, one of which falls in love with the other, who is in a toxic relationship with a boyfriend, and now has over 130 million views on YouTube. Another has been her smash 2018 collaboration track with rapper Kehlani, who openly identifies as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community as well, “What I Need”. This video also depicts a close friendship between her and Kehlani, where Kiyoko is in love with Kehlani, who comes from a rough home life, and Kehlani comes to realize the depth of her feelings for her friend.
Kiyoko has never been afraid to display her pride for being an openly gay woman. She has been known to wave a pride flag proudly during concerts, and even made a surprise appearance during Kehlani’s set at the 2018 San Francisco Pride festival to sing “What I Need”. I was actually lucky enough to be at the festival to witness the amazing performance!
Kiyoko’s lack of fear along with her ability to openly be who she wants, and thus love who she wants, has struck a personal chord in the community. This is why many have labelled her as “Lesbian Jesus”, because she is an insoiration to many.
Since Kiyoko’s musical debut in 2013, many artists have followed in her footsteps. Some examples are Halsey, Girl in Red, Eraste, and more! It is so amazing to see how much progress has been made in terms of individuals feeling confident to simply be unafraid to be themselves.
