In 2013, Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper, two Chicago rappers in the SAVEMONEY collective, dropped breakout mixtapes The Innanetape and Acid Rap, respectively. Both were young, barely out of high school and aimed to encapsulate their worldviews, their Chicago upbringing – drugs, guns and gangs – musically. In 2014, when we were finishing our … Continue reading Newsletter #1: Chance and Vic
Category: Writing
Top 10 List
Hey y'all, Sorry I've been so quiet lately, I just finished my term and started a new job at the LCBO. It's the only place to buy booze that's not wine or beer in Ontario, the province I live in. It's quite interesting, today I saw a woman steal a bottle of Hennessy and almost … Continue reading Top 10 List
Writerly Things cont. again
I wrote the last editions of this series almost a year ago. I am now without a doubt in my identity, as a writer anyways, and so I cannot continue the themes of those earlier posts in the same way. For one, I'm on Wikipedia, something I always wanted but didn't expect would happen until … Continue reading Writerly Things cont. again
Vince Staples Review
I reviewed Vince Staples' latest album for Exclaim! I really enjoyed it, but it was way too short. Interestingly, I made Wikipedia for the second time now based off my comments. So that's neat. Anyways, check it out and let me know what you think if you want. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/vince_staples-fm -Clay
Takeoff’s New Album
My latest review for Exclaim! is about Takeoff's, one of The Migos, solo-album debut called The Last Rocket. It was an enjoyable album and great extension of the signature Atlanta triplet flow style begun by the group. Here's a little bit from the article, "Everybody's newest favourite Migo has released his solo debut album. Takeoff's The … Continue reading Takeoff’s New Album
A(t)WAR with myself
Did a review of New York rapper AWAR's new album Spoils of War for Exclaim. It's getting so that I review at least one album a week, I'm never in need of new music to listen to anymore which is nice. When I tweeted this review I actually tagged him in it just to see if he'd … Continue reading A(t)WAR with myself
That Was The Fish Account
A few days after Father’s Day I was feeling pretty down. I had gone the week before to a friend’s cottage. We’d been drinking a lot one night and she looked over at me and another friend – it was a Sunday I believe – and asked if we’d want to go tomorrow. Shrugs all … Continue reading That Was The Fish Account
Review of Sheck Wes’ New Album
I reviewed Mudboy the first album by Sheck Wes - of "Mo Bamba" fame. It is for Exclaim! as usual and I'd love if you checked it. If anyone's got any comments or suggestions over what I should review, don't hesitate to let me know. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sheck_wes-mudboy -Clay
Review for the Books
I have been writing some more rap reviews for Exclaim! lately and it's been going well. Must say, I've been really enjoying the work and the ability to listen to rap for more than just the joy of it. Not sure why, but it's probably because I like to feel busy. Even when I'm on … Continue reading Review for the Books
Rap Critic in Training
Wrote my first legit rap review for a big time magazine - Exclaim! the one I've done some work for in the past. Check it out and let me know if you like it folks! https://exclaim.ca/music/article/young_thug-on_the_rvn
Clayton Tomlinson 