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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

"Donda", the tenth studio album by Kanye West, was released on August 29, 2021. This album is composed of twenty-seven tracks, approximating a two-hour runtime altogether. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: ‘Donda’ is a godsend

After several rounds of editing and an expected series of delays, Kanye West’s “Donda” is finally out.
Nico Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor August 31, 2021

Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda. Through mantric divination, Kanye West introduces us to “Donda,” a work of hard drums and heavy tears. Listening...

This past Monday night, Chance the Rapper partnered with Ralph Lauren in an attempt to create an engaging pre-show and concert experience virtually. The night started off with a snapchat filter that allowed the user to explore the flagship Ralph Lauren store and ended with an entertaining YouTube concert. (Staff Illustration by Chelsea Li)

The Ralph Lauren X Chance the Rapper Performance Reimagines Virtual Concerts

The best part of the Ralph Lauren x Chance the Rapper performance was, surprisingly, waiting for the show to start.
Holly Grace Jamili, Contributing Writer September 16, 2020

This past Monday, Chance the Rapper partnered with luxury designer Ralph Lauren to invite his fans for a free online performance in his hometown of Chicago. It was no typical live...

Childish Gambino just dropped his newest album "3.15.20" on March 21st. Despite the unprecedented drop, "3.15.20" failed to offer anything new or worthwhile. (Staff Illustration by Alex Tran)

Childish Gambino’s Latest Is A Full-Blown Disaster

To everyone’s surprise, Childish Gambino released his new album in the midst of a quarantine. Maybe he shouldn’t have.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Music Editor March 24, 2020

On March 21, Childish Gambino spontaneously dropped a new album. Unfortunately, the surprise factor did not arise from the fact that the drop had been unprecedented; most Gambino...

Princess Nokia’s newest albums feature contrasting themes, as seen in the colors of her album covers. In her songs from both albums, Nokia draws from childhood experiences and personal reflections to deliver a unique representation of her character. (Staff Illustration by Chelsea Li)

Princess Nokia’s Twin Album Releases Are Sweet and Fierce

With “Everything is Beautiful” and “Everything Sucks,” Princess Nokia explores the tethered ambivalence of her brain-space.
Destine Manson, Staff Writer March 6, 2020

New York-based artist Princess Nokia takes it back to grade-school desks and PB&Js with her two latest albums: “Everything is Beautiful” and “Everything Sucks.” From...

Pulling from the prejudices and experiences of living as a black woman in Toronto, rapper Haviah Mighty rose to popularity with "13th Floor," her first solo album. The 2019 release received the prestigious Polaris Award last fall. (Photo by Adeyemi "Soteeoh" Adegbesan)

Canadian Artist Haviah Mighty Represents Strong Women in the Rap Game

Polaris Prize winner Haviah Mighty is making waves across North America with her unique style and powerful lyricism.
Destine Manson, Contributing Writer February 21, 2020

Canadian rap artist Haviah Mighty is shaking up the music industry in Canada with her latest album “13th Floor.” Drawing from her experience as a black woman growing up in...

Earl Sweatshirt released his new album, “Feet of Clay” on November 1. (Via Twitter)

Earl Sweatshirt Steadies His Feelings on ‘Feet of Clay’

The artist takes a perspective on modern society that eschews excessive optimism and pessimism alike.
Kamau Littletree Holston, Contributing Writer November 6, 2019

Four years ago, in the midst of the album rollout for his 2015 project “I Don’t Like Sh-t, I Don’t Go Outside,” Earl Sweatshirt expressed his disdain for record label hype...

Since the start of her career in 2007, Nicki Minaj has garnered millions of fans, producing hit albums throughout the years (via Flickr).

Nicki Minaj Retires From Music (Probably)

Is the "Queen of Rap" stepping off her throne for good?
Destine Manson, Staff Writer September 16, 2019

“My career has been a pinkprint, when I retire, tell them think pink.” Onika Maraj, better known as Nicki Minaj, reminded fans of these lyrics from her 2012 album, “Pink...

Rapper T-Pain performs during his dazzling 2019 tour, mixing fan favorites and trap throwbacks to create a nostalgic atmosphere. (Photo by Iffat Nur)

T-Pain Gets a Roll on at PlayStation Theater

The ’00s rapper brought fan favorites and throwbacks to the New York venue.
Iffat Nur, Contributing Writer March 24, 2019

The name T-Pain, especially for those in college, probably first evokes the phrase “throwback.” It makes us stop and reminisce the incredible buzz he generated as one of the...

Cardi B's Invasion of Privacy Album Cover (via Facebook)

Staff Recs: Workout Albums

Next time you go to the gym, listen to the Arts Desk’s music recs, not the gym’s outdated playlist.

Despite the recent snow day, we are finally approaching spring, meaning that NYU students can no longer cite the weather as an excuse to avoid the gym. Here are the Arts Desk’s...

Read It Out Loud: ‘I Agree With Eminem’

Read It Out Loud: ‘I Agree With Eminem’

Adryan Barlia, Deputy Opinion Editor October 16, 2017
Eminem has now been solidified in his status as an influencer in the political war that is always brewing in relevance to our President’s actions and remarks. What Eminem now says matters and the thought of that statement sounds like words that I'd have never thought I’d say when it came to Eminem and politics.

Jez Dior is an Alternative to Modern Rap

Ankita Bhanot, Staff Writer October 2, 2017
WSN sat down with hip-hop artist Jez Dior to discuss his style of music and his biggest inspirations.
West 4th Music Group, a student-run record label at NYU, held their second showcase on Sunday, Apr. 9 at Kimmel. Jackie Paladino, Julian Lamadrid and Nick Jaeck were three new artists who performed.

NYU’s West 4th Music Group: Singer-Songwriters Start Here

Sabeena N Singhani, Staff Writer April 24, 2017
West 4th Records' most recent showcase featured NYU artists Jackie Paladino, Nick Jaeckel and Julian Lamadrid.