Imagine being a part of a breakout country music duo whose debut album has a chart-topping hit that is 3rd on the Billboard country music charts. Imagine, at only eighteen years old, going on tour with popular country music singer Brad Paisley and feeling on top of the world as you work on your sophomore album. Then without warning, your record label goes belly-up. If you think that is one of the worst things that could happen to an up and coming artist, you’d be right. But that’s exactly what happened to Madison “Maddie” Marlow Font and Taylor “Tae” Dye of the groupMaddie & Tae.
Since the advent of the World Wide Web in 1990, globalization has changed the way we think about cultural identity and representation -- or so many of us would like to think. Despite increased connectivity around the world and exposure to cultures on every continent, many lesser-developed countries still receive short shrift on the world stage. Last year, 22-year-old student O’Plerou Grebet noticed that the emojis on his Apple iPhone reflected a bent towards Western civilization, portraying few images he saw in his day-to-day life as a citizen of the Ivory Coast in Africa. Determined to provide his friends and family with emojis that represented their culture specifically, he honed his Photoshop skills by watching YouTube tutorials and set to work. He never expected his homemade emojis to take off the way they did.
Earlier this month, men's fashion week for Spring/Summer 2020 dominated the runways and the streets of Paris, France. Brands like Valentino, Dior Hommes, and Givenchy debuted their newest collections, vying to capture the critical and commercial spotlight. Streetwear enthusiasts tried to catch the eyes of photographers by splashing through puddles in handcrafted leather boots. One brand certainly made a lasting impression, perhaps more than any other fashion house, and for all the WRONG reasons.
What is the color of country music? Is it a brown acoustic and a red solo cup? Is it a patriotic red, white, and blue? When you think of country music, do you only think of Caucasian artists? All of the Country Music Association Awards' “Entertainer of the Year” winners for the past 10 years have been white. There was Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, and Blake Shelton. In fact, the CMAAs has given "Entertainer of the Year," to a white performer consistently dating all the way back to 1971 when Charley Pride received the award. Modern award shows are often marred by racist controversies and outcomes. However, at the 2020 Grammys, blues singer Gary Clark Jr. asserted his stature within the Country music genre.
Keep an eye out for 95th Street Tacos at the next Atlanta food festival you attend - they may or may not be in attendance. As the gig economy enjoys an American renaissance, this taco stand has adopted a business model that allows flexibility. They’re a traveling small business that you might see in Buckhead one weekend and Sweet Auburn the next. Meet Tracee and Demayne Ginyard, a married couple and the co-owners of 95th Street Tacos.
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