On My Block Directed by Lauren Iungerich, Crazy Cat Lady Productions, 2018. Netflix.
On My Block
Curated by Netflix themselves, “On My Block” led the list of the most binge-watched television shows this year, surpassing prominent, fan favorites like “Making a Murder” and “13 Reasons Why.”
The story takes place in South Central Los Angeles, a multi-ethnic neighborhood brimming with criminal activity, riveting festivities, and the calamities of living in L.A. Orbiting around the lives of four high school freshmen — who have grown close in the past summer — the show encapsulates the numerous obstacles of adolescents and forwards a message of representation.
It’s a clear portrayal of Hispanic and black culture, and it’s no surprise that the show progressed into a cherished drama by audiences. Just after one viewing, the show commands your attention and prompts you to plunge deeper into the characters and their personal dilemmas. It crafts an ambiance of romance, comedy, and triumph with only ten episodes in the first season.
Currently, the conversation of a more diverse Hollywood is a perpetual challenge against the systemic oppression that has seized opportunities from black and brown actors. “On My Block” proudly exhibits a cast filled with minority talent, and displays an accurate depiction of growing up. Just after watching one episode, the show created stars out of the cast and garnered attention everywhere.
In the concluding scene of the first season, “On My Block” astonishes fans as it leaves us questioning the future of our beloved characters; testing the balance of the show to have us pondering: Is Ruby dead?
Netflix has picked up “On My Block” for another season and it will return in 2019.
Kendrick Lamar
Very few artists can handle rapping about conscious topics such as race and poverty while also being commercially successful. Kendrick Lamar is one of the few to join that lucrative group of rappers with his most recent album “D*MN”. With his latest album, Lamar has cemented his status as one of the best rappers of this generation.
Despite the provoking nature of the album’s content and lyrics, it still rose to Number one on the Billboard Charts. Following the record’s release, Lamar came out with an electrifying performance of the new tracks off the album. The album is also Lamar’s third album to be nominated for multiple Grammys, such as Best Rap Album and Album of the Year.
Besides his contributions to hip-hop, Lamar is also a stand-up act. During a tour stop in Dallas, Texas, Lamar helped fund a quadriplegic fan’s GoFundMe page to help her get a new wheelchair accessible van.
Lamar had an excellent year and left his mark on 2017. He’s established himself as one of the greatest rappers of this generation and his album was the punctuation point to his legacy. Lamar still has plenty of great years left in him and I look forward to seeing what else he has in store.