Interview with Nadia: Film Critic Carlos Valladares discusses A24, 1930s Hollywood, and the plight of Marvel

In one of my most interesting interviews of all time, I spoke with Valladares about how Stanford nurtured his passion for film and his insights on film criticism and the movie industry.

I’ve watched 150 movies in 2021 (as of June 20)

I watched movies in 12 languages, including works by Fellini, Paul Thomas Anderson, Bo Burnham, Scorsese, Kore-eda, and Jackie Chan.

I’m listening to one new album every day for a year: April

I enjoyed listening to rock and rap outside the mainstream, listening to the discographies of artists like Cage the Elephant, Freddie Gibbs, DMX, and The Internet.

I’m listening to one new album every day for a year: March

Musical theatre, rock, pop, and Game of Thrones soundtracks.

Grammys 2019: Predictions for MAJOR Awards (General)

With 8 nominations in each of the four major categories, the race is more wide open than ever. Will female artists and rappers triumph?

I’m listening to one new album every day for a year: January

I explored old-school hip-hop and EDM during January.

I’m listening to one new album every day for a year: December

Revisiting releases from earlier this year – 6 months down in my project!

November is stacked for Rap – Part 1

Great projects from Swizz Beatz, Vince Staples, Metro Boomin, Freddie Gibbs, and more.

I’m listening to one new album every day for a year: July/Aug

First update on my goal of listening to at least one full album a day for the first time.

Best Albums of 2018 So Far

The seven best albums released before June 30th, 2018. Including names such as Cardi B, Janelle Monae, and Pusha T.

Ranking the XXL Magazine 2018 Freshman Class Freestyles and Cyphers

Every year, the hip hop magazine XXL releases a list of (usually) 10 rappers on the rise– artists they feel … More

Darkest Hour – Film Review

“Darkest Hour” is alright– until the plot turns painfully contrived and, frankly, baffling by the end. Gary Oldman is the only truly laudable part of this film, which drags on for far too long otherwise.

The One Vital Lesson Hip-Hop Can Learn From J. Cole

“J. Cole’s pure approach to music is a powerful antidote to the often exhausting excess of hip-hop.”

Best Beats Over the Years: J.Cole (pt.2)

J. Cole’s heart-wrenching narratives are made complete with these equally poignant beats that make his words linger in your head for days afterward.

Kendrick Lamar Wins a Pulitzer Prize, Makes Hip Hop History (Grammys, Take Notes.)

Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize win is not only a landmark in hip hop history but also a huge stride in recognizing the immense artistic and cultural significance of hip hop in American society.