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Fear of Music – Jay Z, Jay G, and the New Génération Perdue

JAY-Z-100-bill

by Devin King

There was probably no musician better suited to executive produce the soundtrack to the new Baz Luhrman version of The Great Gatsby than Jay-Z. Jay Z referred to Gatsby as a “classic American story of one’s introduction to extravagance, decadence and illusion.” In a departure from hip-hop’s origins, the brand of hip-hop popularized by Jay Z, not unlike the Jazz Age depicted by Fitzgerald, is obsessed with status and wealth. When he speaks of the extravagance and decadence it shows that his understanding of Jay-G(atsby) is pretty surface level, as he found Gatsby to be an aspirational figure. Like so many university students, Shawn Carter seems to have read the first part of Gatsby and improvised his understanding of the rest of the book. Don’t worry Jay, I won’t spoil it for you. Continue reading “Fear of Music – Jay Z, Jay G, and the New Génération Perdue”

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Real Lovin’ :: Real Love Winnipeg

by Zach Fleisher

Adam Soloway looks introspectively over the recording studio for Beach Station Blues II. Photo by Laura Sexsmith.
Adam Soloway looks introspectively over the recording studio for Beach Station Blues II. Photo by Laura Sexsmith.

We’re rolling down Hazel Street in Winnipeg Beach and I can already feel it; the calm tone of an acoustic guitar, gentle laughter among close friends and the always refreshing breeze of Lake Winnipeg. As we walk up to the deck and into the sunroom of 228 Hazel, I notice folks in hushed tone of conversation; local recording artist Claire Bones is currently recording a track in the main cottage room, doubling as a makeshift recording haven and I’m told that we all need to whisper in order to continue our conversation. Continue reading “Real Lovin’ :: Real Love Winnipeg”