With songs like “telepatía,” “Melting” and “After The Storm,” Kali Uchis has captivated audiences with her dreamy production and alluring vocals. Whether it be an EP, album or feature, it seems as though every track the Colombian singer touches turns to gold. Her newest project “Red Moon in Venus” is no different. After releasing two singles, “I Wish You Roses” and “Moonlight,” fans patiently awaited the release of her third studio album. “Red Moon In Venus” proves Uchis’ ability to dominate any genre with a mix of slow ballads, experimental pop, and smooth R&B. Despite being a strong project throughout, here are just a few of the standout tracks.

“Love Between…”

Following her first single off the album, “Love Between…” is a slow, soulful love song that highlights Uchis’ intoxicating vocals. Uchis interpolates the The Temprees’ “Love…Can Be So Wonderful” and makes it her own with longing lyrics in the verse like “If you take away my air, how am I supposed to breathe?/ Tell me, why would we be here if this ain’t meant to be?” The song’s deep bass and smooth guitar over its steady drum beat and quiet organ serve as a perfect accompaniment to Uchis’ vocals and harmonies. Running at just two and a half minutes, “Love Between…” shows a softer, more sensual side of the album and keeps the first half just as strong as the singles she released.

“All Mine”

Directly after the previous song, “All Mine” shares some similar sonic features to “Love Between…” while still being able to stand on its own. Still on the slower side, “All Mine” is more haunting with droning, siren-like melodies. Heavy reverb and spatial panning give a mysterious, otherworldly feel to the song while low synth accents add to the texture of the piece. Uchis exudes confidence on this track with lyrics like “Don’t gotta fight for what is mine/ You couldn’t keep him even if I gave him to you/ It’s just pathetic at this point.” While “Red Moon in Venus” is full of crooning about idealistic love, she has no problem letting the audience know she values herself just as much as she does her partner. 

“Endlessly”

The ninth track off of the album, “Endlessly,” is one of the more uptempo tracks on the project. Twinkly synth accents, retro keys and funky basslines are rich throughout the song without overpowering Uchis’ captivating voice. It is not until the post-chorus that a smooth, high-pitched synth lead weaves its way through the lyrics “Callin’ you on your bluff/ Don’t ever stop giving me your all and all/ Love you, endlessly.” While her previous tracks focused more on the deep connection between two partners, “Endlessly” explores a more fun and carefree aspect of her relationship.

“Moral Conscience”

“Moral Conscience” wastes no time establishing the tone of the track when Uchis enters with “One thing about karma, that b*tch will find you” over a fixed drum beat and soft bells. A dramatic break in the instrumental allows Uchis to sing a small section of the chorus melody before bringing in heavy layers of synth. Her evocative vocals and psychedelic production back her trailing harmonies and strong lead. “Moral Conscience” reads as a warning to her listeners as she explains the meaning of her song as: “Doing wrong to good people will always only curse you in the end.” 

“Blue”

After multiple tracks recounting the high points in her relationship, “Blue” exhibits the hardships that come with missing someone you love. Hazy saxophone and chimes provide a dreamlike atmosphere for the song while deep bass and low keys add depth to the overall piece. Despite her powerful and confident exterior, Uchis’ vulnerability with lyrics like “I’m not broken yet/ But sometimes it sure feels like it/ When you treat me like a stranger” gives the audience a glimpse into her own insecurities. “Blue” reads as a cathartic expression of Uchis’ worries without losing her identity.

“Red Moon In Venus” is a fully-rounded expression of love and all the different forms it comes in. From front to back, Uchis explores self-love, the honeymoon stage, heartbreak and everything that comes between. Sonically the album is cohesive without being repetitive and is a perfect addition to Uchis’ catalog. Be sure to check out “Red Moon In Venus” on all streaming platforms.

Gracie Abrams released her debut album “Good Riddance” on Feb. 24. The pop album, while more sonically explorative than Abrams’ previous projects “Minor” and “This Is What It Feels Like,” still maintains the signature Abrams sound of soft and airy vocals. It consists of 12 tracks and is under 53 minutes long. 

The album starts off with “Best,” a track about acknowledging that you treated someone terribly, even though they did nothing but love you. Abrams references the album’s title in this song with the lyrics “You were the worst of my crimes/ You fell hard, I thought ‘Good Riddance.’” 

While I do not condone knowingly treating someone badly, I admire that Abrams sings from the opposite perspective (the person at fault) on this commonly written about phenomenon. However, the bridge of this track is the real standout. Abrams recounts every negative thing she has done to this person. The lyrics “And I destroyed every/ silver lining you had/ In your head, all of your/ feelings I played with them” are particularly notable. 

Track two, “I know it won’t work,” seems to be a continuation of the storyline in “Best,” at least from my perspective. This song, while gentler than the last, has a slow but catchy beat. Abrams conveys how she knows that the relationship with the person she hurt will not end up working out no matter what she does, but sometimes she wants them back. Picking up at the chorus, the lyrics “Why won’t you try moving on for once? That might make it easy/ I know we cut all the ties, but you’re never really leavin’/ And part of me wants you back but/ I know it won’t work like that, huh?” are speculative in nature and place blame on the victim of the situation, before Abrams continues the song and takes accountability for her actions. 

Track four, “Where do we go now?” was released as a single prior to the album on Jan. 13, and has made its way into my regular rotation. It is sonically pleasing, as listening to it almost feels as if you are in an empty room, surrounded by Abrams’ vocals. I do wonder if this track also contributes to the storyline of the opening tracks, or if Abrams is singing of a different failed romantic relationship. The title of the song “Where do we go now?” speaks to its concept. Abrams is questioning where her relationship is headed since, “there’s nothing left” between the two of them, and their “best years are behind.” Personally, it has helped me cope with the loss of a one-sided friendship in my life, therefore I think the lyrics are open for interpretation. 

Track five, “I should hate you,” pulls you in with light guitar strums that set a melancholy tone. Abrams’ mellow vocals carry us through her internal battle of realizing she should hate the person she’s singing about, as she cared way more about them than they did her. Still, it is clear she does not hate this person, as she admits she would go back to them if they asked. Lyrically, this is one of the strongest tracks on the album. The imagery in lines “Pulled the knife out my back/ it was right where you left it/ but your aim’s kinda perfect/ I’ll give you the credit” is insanely powerful. Ironically, Abrams is the person suffering for loving someone more than they loved her in this situation, which means she has come full circle from “Best.” 

Released as a single on Feb. 10, I interpreted track seven, “Amelie,” as a love story describing sapphic yearning, although many people consider the lyrics to be Abrams talking to her younger self. Whichever way you choose to interpret it, this song will rip you apart. The strumming pattern used on the guitar in this track is stunning, and feels warm, which accompanies the heartbreaking lyrics well. When Abrams sings “‘Cause she had her hair up/ She cried about her obsessions/ But she doesn’t know I’d let her/ Ruin all my days” I picture Amelie, crying, being consoled by another girl who she does not realize is in love with her. However, when Abrams repeats chorus lyrics “So where did you go, Amelie?/ Amelie, Amelie, where’d you go?” I also see the “younger self” interpretation of this song. These lyrics make me think that Abrams is questioning where a younger version of herself has gone and what she has turned into. 

Track 11, “The blue,” is a switch up from the previous songs on the album as the lyrics are about a healing relationship that Abrams is in. She has finally found the person that makes everything a little “less terrible.” Abrams tells of the various deep topics she has discussed with this person, creating an intimate connection with them. The chorus of the song, “You came out of the blue like that/ I never could’ve seen you coming/ I think you’re everythin’ I’ve wanted” explains that Abrams was not expecting this person to come into her life, but she is shocked by how good they have been for her. It is a refreshing track that complements the journey we see Abrams go through in this album.

The last track, “Right now,” is my favorite on the album. The tender taps of piano keys that are akin to raindrops echo in my mind even when I am not listening to it. It is about moving out of your childhood home and grappling with the fact that while that decision was better for your growth, you still find yourself homesick. While I stayed in Philadelphia for college, I live on campus and find this song extremely relatable. Abrams’ mentions of specific scenes are what truly make an impact. The opening lyrics “Look at me, I feel homesick/ Want my dog in the door/ And the light in the kitchen/ From the fridge on the floor” ground you in the picture she is painting. 

The chorus lyrics, “Oh, I’m so high, but can’t look down/ Left my past life on the ground/ Think I’m more alive somehow/ I feel like myself right now” are what growing up feels like. While my experience living at college has not always been the best, this song serves as a reminder of all the ways I have positively changed as a person since high school. It has quickly gained a special place in my heart, on my “existence & musings” playlist and gotten me through many a bad day. 

“Good Riddance” is absolutely worth the listen. It is perfect for when you need a good cry, when you need to contemplate life or both. Abrams’ career is definitely on the rise and it is clear why, as her talent speaks for itself. While I cannot guarantee that everyone will like this album, I can safely say that Abrams has gained at least one fan from its release.

“Don’t act like you forgot!” She calls the shots. Rihanna’s back! 119 million people watched in awe as a figure clad in red with a whole lot of swag rose 60 feet into the air on a seemingly invisible platform. It has been six years and fifteen days since her most recent album “Anti” was released, and even with her Black Panther soundtrack single “Lift Me Up” in late 2022 the hype for Rihanna’s music is enormous. 

Starting with her hit song “Bitch Better Have My Money,” Rihanna, along with her puffy marshmallow dancers following her every move, got the crowd on their feet in anticipation for the rest of her performance. With so many hit songs to choose from, we are confident that she made the right choice with the opener.

The singer’s clothing was designed by luxury fashion house Loewe, and featured red and pink high-top Salomon x Maison Margiela shoes. As a shoe brand prominently based around outdoor sneakers, this moment along with the collaboration was a large co-sign for Salomon. Her outfit was built specifically to accommodate her second pregnancy with rapper A$AP Rocky which she hinted at during the performance and was confirmed by her representatives a few minutes after the performance.  

Dancing her way into “Where Have You Been” and “Only Girl (In the World),” the platforms ascended and descended in speed and unison, creating beautiful formations that left us hanging on the edge of our seats. 

Following an extravagant firework display, the audience screamed in excitement after hearing the opening notes of “We Found Love.” This Grammy winning throwback topped the charts in 2011, insinuating major worldwide success. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for ten non-consecutive weeks, becoming the longest running number-one single of 2011. It was Rihanna’s 11th song to top the Hot 100, placing her in third place among female recording artists amassing the most number one singles. It was during the dance break that people watching were hit with nostalgia as they realized how much had truly missed the singer over her six-year music hiatus. 

Then it was time for “Rude Boy” and “Work,” which spawned the accompanying dance that was played on loop for days on every social media platform in America. A lone figure, lip-syncing to the “Rude Boy” and “Work” remixes while white clad figures behind them transition between isolated movements to amazing synchronization: furiously moving arms and legs to slow, intentional body rolls. Covers, challenges, and parodies—you name it, it happened in the days following the Super Bowl. The perfectly synchronized movements with a hip-hop flair were bound to go viral. 

Transitioning into “Wild Thoughts” and “Pour It Up” served as a balance between the energetic pop radio hits of previous songs. This flip-flop once again demonstrated Rihanna’s range and reminded her audience that she can, and will, do it all. It was during these calmer moments that we could stop and think about the significance that this performance held for her career. Going from years of musical inactivity to performing on one of the world’s biggest stages, this Super Bowl performance was, as Rihanna candidly put, an “exhilarating challenge” and something that she wanted her son to see. 

Next performing one of the more controversial songs of the show, “All of the Lights” by Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), Rihanna flexed her $2.8 billion beauty brand Fenty as the stage lights around her flickered in bewildering patterns and dancers contorted their bodies. 

It is fitting that Rihanna chose to sing “Run This Town,” because, at that moment, Rihanna did run the stage and the night. For the past few years, Fenty Beauty has hugely impacted the makeup industry and she again “runs” the show for inclusive and high quality products. People will be surprised to hear that Rihanna was not actually paid for her performance (as one might expect for a world class star). Instead, her promo came in the form of Fenty Beauty, which garnered $5.6 million in sales, and her lingerie line Savage x Fenty, which earned another $2.6 million following the Super Bowl.. 

Another firework signaled the closing of her performance — time for “Umbrella.” It was this song especially that Rihanna delivered with power and conviction, the same style that made us fall in love with the song back in 2007. Entertainment Weekly ranked the song number one on the 10 Best Singles of 2007, while Rolling Stone and Time listed the song at number three on the 100 Best Songs of 2007. Umbrella has won two MTV Video Music awards and was also nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 2008. The song earned Rihanna and Jay-Z a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and is still a fan favorite today. In fact, Umbrella has just re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #37 over a decade later!
To close her concert, Rihanna ended with a beautiful ballad rendition of “Diamonds,” another award-winning single. It was at this moment, when the stage lights were off and dancers absent from the field, that all eyes turned to stare at the figure clad in red rising higher and higher into the black and silver sky. Flashlights, the diamonds of the night, turned on in waves as Rihanna belted what was arguably, the best musical moment of the night. With fireworks going off around her, she finished off with a flourish, stopping to absorb the deafening roar of the crowd around her. It’s safe to say that Rihanna made her comeback and we’re totally here for it.

If you hear the words ‘your place or mine,’ you immediately think of a movie with a steamy plot, sizzling chemistry and palpable energy that gets the viewers envious. 

Unfortunately, director Aline Brosh McKenna’s film does not stick to the ideal romance tropes, which may not come as a surprise as McKenna is known for directing hit romantic comedies such as “27 Dresses” and “Laws of Attraction.” This time, we are shown an unconventional spin on modern-day romance, with a touch of traditional cliches.

The movie’s protagonists have been best friends for over 20 years. Debbie (Reese Witherspoon), is a single mother living in Los Angeles, who takes on the role of an overprotective, helicopter mom to her 13-year-old son, Jack (Wesley Kimmel). 

Peter (Ashton Kutcher), on the other hand, is shown as financially well-off and living in a luxury New York apartment. Despite his friendly nature, he is an emotionally closed-off person, who diligently spends his life in plans and projects while harboring feelings for his best friend. They decide to swap houses for a week as Debbie needs to complete her accounting program in New York while Peter volunteers to babysit her son.

Their relationship throws a twist on the usual awkwardness after a one-night stand they engaged in the first time they met twenty years prior- which we see in the beginning of the film. Despite their hasty beginning, the movie goes on to show us a brief snapshot of their separate lives in different cities. Yet, they remain extremely close friends by constantly keeping in touch via video calls, updating each other on almost every aspect of their lives.

While the movie undoubtedly brings out the comedic elements, we are not shown the romantic spark between Debbie and Peter outright. The movie follows a split-screen format, where the duo is not shown together for the majority of the film except during the beginning and end scenes. Besides the continued use of FaceTime to keep each other updated, we see Jack and Peter’s relationship grow and we see Debbie befriend Peter’s ex-girlfriend Minka (Zoe Chao) with whom she goes to a bar where she meets a book publisher, Theo Martin (Jesse Williams).

Perhaps that’s how McKenna tries to bring out the romance in the movie—pairing the long-distance friendship with subtle yet thoughtful gestures that allude to the obscure chemistry. While McKenna’s contemporary plot highlights how relationships in today’s generation are reliant on phone and video calls, the constant back-and-forth between scenes almost disturbs the flow of the movie.

The scenes are quite vague. We only see brief moments of Peter becoming a father-like figure to Jack, helping him navigate complicated friendships in high school while also helping him establish an identity that is not overshadowed by his apprehensive mom. Or we see the few instances of Debbie either in class or at a bar with Minka. 

Closer to the end of the film, the storyline becomes much more convoluted. We see Theo and Debbie go on a date. Not long after, Peter confesses his longstanding feelings for Debbie to her best friend Alicia (Tig Notaro). Debbie pretends to be a freelance editor and submits Peter’s manuscript and after coming across some of Peter’s stashed mementos of their first meet, she realizes her feelings for him.  

Overall, the movie is worth the watch for those who want to enjoy a contemporary rom-com as a comfort film. The acting is almost superficial, which definitely is a shocker given that Witherspoon and Kutcher are notable actors who are familiar with acting in romance-comedy films. 

While we do not see a typical hearts and flowers kind of relationship, the equivoque titled movie might require viewers to watch the film analytically to understand the ‘romance’ factor, which realistically is not ideal when you want to indulge in a cheesy rom-com. That being said, the plot is unique and unpredictable, but maybe, it is time for the duo to drop the clichéd acting and instead focus on producing.

Tyler, the Creator’s newest Valentine’s Day-themed collection announcement comes as no surprise to fans. In a Feb. 3 Instagram post, Golf Wang announced the capsule, consisting of items from its lookbook as well as a limited edition Valentine’s Day tee.

Since its debut lookbook in 2011, Tyler’s clothing brand Golf Wang has become a prominent name in streetwear with its bright colors and signature “Golf” logo. In its early days, Golf was affiliated with Tyler and his previous rap group Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, or simply Odd Future. 

The brand’s first collection featured graphic t-shirts, skateboard decks and various accessories. It wasn’t until 2013 that Golf Wang completely separated from the group and stood as its own fashion brand. Over the years, Golf Wang has collaborated with big names such as Converse, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and Levi’s. 

Golf began as one brick-and-mortar store in Los Angeles, but another store was recently established in New York. With new collections dropping and more on the way, Golf is expected to keep expanding for the foreseeable future.

After releasing their Fall/Winter 2022 lookbook on Oct. 12, Golf has been doing small drops throughout the season. Since Oct. 14, the brand has been consistently releasing new items every two weeks. 

Along with the shirt, the capsule includes multiple accessories: two sets of earrings, a mug, ring, necklace and compact mirror. With the exception of one of the pairs or earrings, all of the merchandise included in the capsule has “Golf” somewhere on each item. The first pair of earrings are simple 16 karat gold-plated “Golf” logo studs, while the second pair are 18k gold 3D orange “G’s.” Similar to the second pair of earrings, the necklace included is a 3D 18k gold multi-colored “Golf” pendant. The final piece of jewelry included in the capsule is an 18k gold-plated ring. 

The exclusive t-shirt is white with a pale pink heart and arrow in the center with “Golf” written across the front. Other items in the collection include a “Golf” mug and compact mirror. The mug is ceramic, comes in pink or yellow and has a textured logo and handle. The compact mirror, though in blue instead of pink, has the same design as the exclusive t-shirt. The collection ranges in price, with the cheapest item being $25 and the most expensive being $60.

In addition to the Valentine’s Day release, Golf Wang captioned another post “GOLF ESSENTIALS AVAILABLE SATURDAY 2/11 @ 8 AM PST ON GOLFWANG.COM.” The photo included pictures of a new beanie, hoodie and puffer jacket. While it isn’t clear how much of the lookbook is being released in this drop, each item is expected to come in various colors based on past “essentials” collections.

While many people were excited about the new release and upcoming drops, many were left disappointed with the quality of Golf’s recent pieces. Fans pointed out that the “limited edition” t-shirt looked very similar to a previous drop. On a Reddit post sharing the announcement, user Illustrious_Check585 wrote: “this being the valentine’s day 2023 tee is really f*****g lazy my god, this same design dropped autumn 2020, could they have seriously not come up w a new design.” Others complained about the pricing of Tyler’s merch with one commenter writing: “It’s essential that you make it at least a lil bit affordable bro.”

Regardless of the concerns raised for the brand, Golf’s announcements have been met with consistent praise and excitement from consumers. Whether you’re a fan of Tyler’s music or looking for something comfortable to wear, Golf Wang has something for everybody.

It is no surprise that long-distance relationships are tough. From hour-long video calls at odd hours to counting down the days until you are back in the same place, there is a lot of emotional and virtual work that goes into keeping that spark alive. On Valentine’s Day, a day widely dedicated to celebrating your relationship, the long-distance can limit your chances of indulging in a romantic night out with your partner.

However, one of the few positives of the COVID-19 lockdown was that we were introduced to ‘Netflix Party’ — a free Google Chrome extension that synchronizes Netflix accounts so you can enjoy a movie night with your loved one. So once you have both set up your extension and are logged in (probably hop onto FaceTime as well), it is time to cozy up in bed with some chocolates and hit play. 

If you cannot decide on a movie, save the arguments for the 15th and check out some of the movie suggestions listed below.

1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

Based on the trilogy novels by Jenny Han, the movie includes a high school setting, a popular guy and a shy girl who begin their relationship by fake dating only to end up falling in love. It is a comfort watch that has got some comedy and a bit of tragedy that will get you hooked because of the perfect casting and contemporary plot. If you enjoy the first movie, it has two sequels to keep the movie-night celebration ongoing.

2. Set It Up (2018)

If “TATBILB” is too much of a high school setting for you, then “Set It Up” is a step up on your V-Day movie suggestions. In the movie, Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell

American actor are both assistants to obnoxious bosses who make their jobs a living nightmare. So, the comical duo team up and concoct a plan that gets their bosses together while sparking another office romance.

3. Someone Great (2019)

This is a realistic portrayal of modern-day dating and coping with breakups. The movie takes you on an emotional roller coaster as it deals with turbulent relationships, highlights the importance of friendships, and validates the need to prioritize your career over relationships. It is an optimistic romantic comedy you should not miss!

4. La La Land (2016)

Set in contemporary Los Angeles, “La La Land” is a romantic musical that blends together the aesthetic of classic Hollywood with the realistic portrayal of making a living in the cut-throat arts industry. It follows the story of a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) as they try to navigate through their career aspirations and evolve from their complicated relationship.

5. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Steve Carell and Julianne Moore — this movie has a cast that screams comedy and drama over the most chaotic relationships. This is a romantic comedy that will get you cracking up over a couple coming to terms with a divorce, bizarre age-gap crushes, angry fathers and a plot twist that elevates the comedic aspect of the movie.

Fashion saw big surprises, questionable choices, and iconic moments in 2022. The past met the present as early 2000s trends made controversial comebacks and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars channeled their inner 20th century fashionistas. Here are some of my picks for the best fashion moments of 2022. 

5. Singing in Style(s)

First famous for being one of the members of the hit British boyband One Direction, Harry Styles is no stranger to being an internet heartthrob. From his multiple Grammy award-winning songs and albums to his Vogue magazine cover and growing fanbase, it was evident that Styles’s 2021-2023 tour “Love on Tour” would be one for the history books, and would Styles be Styles if he didn’t do it in style? Dressed in custom Gucci outfits in breathtaking, bright colors, illusion-like patterns, feather boas and flare and well…everything, Styles channeled his inner Y2K fashionista as he broke records during his 15 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. 

4. Rihanna’s Boss Lady Baby Reveal

It is safe to say that when we write the list of cultural icons of the 21st century, Rihanna will be near the top. As (arguably) one of the greatest artists and business moguls of all time, Rihanna’s style is a reflection of her career: bold and powerful. Her baby reveal was no different. Confidently strutting down the New York City pavement hand in hand with her boyfriend A$AP Rocky, Rihanna donned a long bright pink Chanel puffer jacket. Her stomach, which was revealed under the coat, was adorned with a long gemstone-rich LACROIX brooch. One thing is for sure; no one can quite do it like queen Riri. We can not wait to see the outfits she rocks during her Super Bowl performance!

3. Blake Lively: NYC’s New Statue of Liberty

Blake Lively is no stranger to turning out to her red carpet appearances in absolutely breathtaking outfits. The 2022 Met Gala was no different. As a seasoned veteran of what is fashion’s biggest night, Blake Lively has been known to take bolder risks as every year passes. Her 2022 gown, custom-designed by Versace, wowed the crowd with its homage to the Statue of Liberty in glamorous crystal leather and copper foil. As she floated up the red carpet steps, the large copper bow at her waist unraveled to a long, oxidized-green train. But what’s even better was the expression on Ryan Renolds’ face, as she took the crowd by surprise: a look of utter adoration and love. So cute!

2. Kim Kardashian: 21st Century’s Marilyn Monroe?

Kim Kardashian has seen her fair share of internet scandals, but her 2022 Met Gala dress certainly vies for the top spot. When she appeared at the steps of the “Gilded Glamor” themed Met in what appeared to be Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress, the internet — to say the very least — blew up. People were certainly divided about the subject: some were afraid of ruining of such a historical artifact (even with the strict diet that Kardashian had undergone to fit into the dress), others were scornful that the dress didn’t fit the time period of the “Gilded Glamor” theme and some were ecstatic about the re-interpretation being an homage to the memory of Marilyn Monroe. Regardless, it’s safe to say that Kim K’s 2022 Met Gala appearance was undoubtedly a memorable one. 

1. Bella Hadid Coperni Spray-On Dress

If anyone can be titled the best model of the decade, it would be Bella Hadid. Her revolutionary fashion genius has produced endless iconic moments. But nothing has gone as viral as her spray-on (yes, you heard me right.) dress at the Spring Summer 2023 Coperni show at Paris’s Musée des Arts et Métiers. Hadid drew the astonished eyes of everyone in the room (and millions of people worldwide) as her white, off-the-shoulder, body-fitting dress was sprayed on (in real time!) by the creator of the dress—Manel Torres, a Spanish fashion designer and scientist. As reported by Coperni, Hadid’s dress can be re-worn, re-washed, or reused—technology that is ushering in a new, sustainable era for fashion and is now world-famous thanks to Bella Hadid’s timeless grace and elegance. 

25 years after the release of “That ‘70s Show” we have been given the chance to once again open our hearts to the timeless characters we know and love in “That ‘90s Show.” The Netflix spin-off, released on Jan. 19, features ten episodes, capping off at about 25 minutes each. 

While I enjoyed the show for the nostalgia of the recurring characters from the original series, there were many points where it missed the mark.

The show’s main character is Leia Forman (Callie Haverda), the daughter of Eric Forman (Topher Grace) and Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon). Leia, after realizing she was not getting the “true” teenage experience, decided to spend her summer with her grandparents in Point Place. This decision was prompted by meeting a group of friends that were similar to Eric and his friends on the original show: Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide), Ozzie (Reyn Doi), Nikki (Sam Morelos), Jay (Mace Coronel) and Nate (Maxwell Donovan). 

In typical “That ‘70s Show” fashion, Leia and her friends took over Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty Forman’s (Debra Jo Rupp) basement. If you are an OG fan, you know that this led to many of Red’s iconic, “…my foot in your ass” lines. 

While I liked the storyline of the show, Leia’s character can be very cringe. There were times where I had to pause the show while watching due to the immense secondhand embarrassment I experienced during some of her dialogue. This embarrassment only increased once Leia began dating Jay, the son of Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis) and Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), as she fell for that infamous Kelso charm. The two make a cute couple, but I am not exactly a fan of how things played out with the two of them at the end of the season. Jay breaking up with Leia because he was afraid to be in a long distance relationship is realistic, but frustrating. Even though he eventually told her he still wanted to be with her, it felt like their chemistry had been broken. There was also the other odd pairing of Leia and Nate that definitely should not happen. 

Leia and Jay were not the only couple I had strong opinions on. I do not like the fact that Jackie and Kelso ended up together in “That ‘90s Show.” Their relationship has always been very toxic and it is clear that has not changed witnessing their dynamic in “That ‘90s Show.” They are getting ready to get remarried for the second time at this point. 

Another issue I had with “That ‘90s Show” is that the characters never seemed to communicate with each other. There was a scene during the first episode where Eric and Donna were leaving Point Place and then two seconds later Kelso and Jackie came walking into the Forman house. It was odd that the two couples had no interaction with each other and appeared as if they did not still talk. There was no mention of the old “That ‘70s Show” group not being friends anymore so I am not sure why this lack of speaking between characters was such a common occurrence. It happened again with Fez running his famous hair salon Chez Fez in Point Place but somehow never getting screen time with Kelso or Eric, and only talking to Donna for about ten seconds. 

Despite the lack of character interaction, there was one duo that was worth seeing on screen again: Fez and Fenton. The two still hate each other just as much years later—or do they? You will have to watch and see. Their scenes together are definitely cause for a good laugh. 

I also cannot forget to mention that Leo (Tommy Chong) also made a cameo in “That ‘90s Show.” He’s still just as confusing years later, but seeing his character again warmed my heart. 

In terms of other areas “That ‘90s Show” was lacking in, set and costume design were both one of them. I think that the set design could have been better. There were a few scenes in Gwen’s bedroom and while it did look like a ‘90s room, the show missed the chance to fulfill the potential of the true ‘90s aesthetic. Also, as someone who is a big fan of ‘90s fashion, the outfits in the show were not up to par. There are so many iconic looks from the ‘90s (take the best outfits of Rachel or Monica in “Friends” for example) that never appeared in “That ‘90s Show.” I know Netflix has the budget to create a full-fledged ‘90s show, so I am not sure what happened here.

I will probably rewatch “That ‘90s Show.” Is it the best show ever? No, but I have found myself taking interest in the lives of this new generation of kids. It also allows me to reconnect with characters that I have not seen in awhile and see where they are in their later lives. It will never live up to “That ‘70s Show,” but I do believe it is worth the watch.

From Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” to Beyoncé’s “Renaissance,” 2022 was a great year for music, and 2023 seems like it will be no different. Whether it is tours, new singles or album announcements, more and more artists are pushing out highly anticipated projects in the new year. Here are just a few of the exciting things to come!

“Red Moon in Venus” – Kali Uchis (album and tour)

After dropping “I Wish You Roses” on Jan. 19, Uchis announced her fourth studio album “Red Moon in Venus” along with a U.S. tour starting in April. The album is slated to release on March 3 with featured artists including Omar Apollo, Summer Walker and Don Toliver. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Uchis described the album as a “timeless, burning expression of desire, heartbreak, faith, and honesty.” In the same Instagram post publicizing her upcoming album, Uchis announced her new tour with opener RAYE, which will span 20 cities across the U.S.. Whether you are in love, looking for love or dealing with heartbreak, Uchis promises there is something on her album for everyone.

“This Is Why” – Paramore (album and tour)

The iconic alternative rock band Paramore has announced their upcoming sixth studio album “This is Why,” scheduled to release on Feb. 10. Fans have been anxiously waiting for a new album since their last project, “After Laughter,” was released in 2017. While discussing the album, lead vocalist Hayley Williams told Rolling Stone: “We’re still in the thick of it but some things have remained consistent from the start. One, more emphasis back on the guitar, and two, Zac should go as animal as he wants with drum takes.” The band has released three songs off of the ten track project: “This Is Why,” “The News” and “C’est Comme Ça.” The band simultaneously announced their upcoming summer tour which will begin in May with guest performers like Bloc Party, Foals, Genesis Owusu and The Linda Lindas. With such strong singles coming from the album already, its release is much looked forward to.

“the record” – boygenius (album)

Indie supergroup boygenius, which consists of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus, has announced their new album “the record” after a five year long break. Along with this, the group released three singles: “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry” and “True Blue” on Jan. 18. “the record” will be their debut album and second release since their self-titled EP in 2018. The album is not slated to release until March 31, but you can pre-order the vinyl, CD and other merch on their online store.

“Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” – Lana Del Rey (album)

After a year-long hiatus, Del Rey tells fans her ninth studio album “Did you Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” will drop on March 24. Del Rey teased her new project with the release of the title track on Dec. 7, 2022. The album consists of sixteen tracks and a wide variety of features and producers. Artists like Jon Batiste, SYML, Judah Smith, Father John Misty, Bleachers and Tommy Genesis are listed on the album while Jack Antonoff, Mike Hermosa, Drew Erickson, Zach Dawes and Benji are given producer credits. While there was no tour announced with the album, the single and amount of talent on the album alone is enough to want to look out for Del Rey’s new release. 

Tyler, the Creator (suspected album)

While there hasn’t been an official announcement, fans theorize that Tyler, the Creator will release a project some time this summer. Since the beginning of his career, Tyler, the Creator has consistently dropped his albums two years apart. In mid-June of 2021, Tyler, the Creator began to promote his album “Call Me If You Get Lost” through cryptic billboards and voicemails before he finally dropped on June 25. Because of this pattern, it is rumored that he will begin to promote an upcoming project later this year.

Frank Ocean (suspected album)

Similarly to Tyler, the Creator’s album, most of the evidence backing Ocean’s release is purely hopeful speculation. After dropping two singles and a 7” vinyl containing an unreleased song in 2020, fans excitedly waited for a new music announcement. That December, Ocean recalled and refunded almost all orders, leaving fans wondering if he was done with music. However, after clearing his Instagram and producing music for his “Blonded Radio,” it seems as though Ocean may instead be preparing for a new era of music. As if that wasn’t enough, Ocean released new merch including shirts, posters and the first reissue of “Blond” on vinyl since 2016. Along with this, he is also slated to headline the final day of this year’s Coachella festival. Regardless of what Ocean is working on, the prospect of new music is keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

With such a strong lineup of albums, tours and potential albums on the way, we hope to hear many 2023 releases become critically acclaimed. The music industry is ever-evolving!

A vibrant tradition on campus, Drexel University’s Homecoming 2023 starts Jan. 17 and ends Jan. 21. It kicks off with the bonfire at Race Lawn and will conclude with the Homecoming basketball game against the University of Delaware at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. These are various events such as the window-decorating competition, the quizzo and the variety show happening during the four-day period.

One unique and exciting Drexel tradition is the week-long student competition. Drexel student organizations and other students form their own teams compete for a prize. Throughout the week, students will be able to earn spirit points at each of the Homecoming events and the game itself, which will count toward the team’s overall score. Another opportunity to earn spirit points is by having four or more people in a team wearing Drexel gear during an event.

Teams will be able to win first, second or third place overall based on the number of points they accumulate throughout the week. Final awards will be awarded at the halftime of the Homecoming game on Jan. 21. The first place prize is $1000 Dragon Dollars, second place is $500 Dragon Dollars and the third place prize is $250 Dragon Dollars. All prizes are to be split between team members.

Each event has its own rules and scoring criteria. Additionally, each individual event will have a gold, silver and bronze medal team winner. For the window decorating event, the Drexel community can cast votes for their favorite window paintings; points will be awarded based on craftsmanship, creativity and Drexel Spirit. There is a total of 100 points available, and additional points will be awarded to teams with the most votes.

The variety show allows students to display their various talents, such as original songs, skits, magical acts, jump roping and many more. Judges will award points based on teams following the guidelines: creativity, Drexel Spirit and overall performance. There is a total of 100 points available, with up to 25 extra points awarded for the team with the most votes. Quizzo is a trivia based competition where teams will win points based on their performance. Teams who win first place overall get 100 spirit points, second place get 90 spirit points and third place will get 80 points.

There are a few student organizations participating in the student competition. Among them are Drexel Club Track, Drexel Mock Trial, DAC Pack, USGA and Drexel ESports. Teams must have a minimum of four members in order to be eligible for the competition.

Drexel Club Track is a co-ed team that welcomes runners of all skill levels. They participate in cross country runs in the fall, track meets in the winter and spring and road races throughout the year. Emily Thompson is Drexel Club Track’s captain.

The DAC Pack is Drexel athletics’ student fan section. As one of the largest student organizations on campus, their goal is to spread school spirit and pride, and show support for Drexel and its student athletes. Their captain is Mike Bufalo.

The USGA is Drexel’s Undergraduate Student Government Association. Its goal is to advocate on behalf of the student body, represent the students and build relations between students and the university community. They also aim to conduct student outreach and facilitate student involvement. USGA’s captain is Carlie Relyea.

Homecoming is a cherished Drexel Winter tradition that allows dragons—students, faculty and alumni—to show their Dragon pride, engage with the Drexel community and have fun.