VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 18: October 20, 2025

Albums

‘Am I the Drama?’ by Cardi B (Hip-Hop/Rap) - It’s been over 5 years since her debut album and usually when an artist finally releases their sophomore album, it can fall very short of expectations except Cardi’s album did the opposite. Most of the tracks for me are hits and can replay them over and over. I would cut about 2-4 songs then this album would be perfect for me. IMO it’s great for hyping yourself up or getting started for your day or night out.

‘CONCUBANIA’ by Isaia Huron (R&B/Soul) -  For fans of D’Angelo (RIP) and Maxwell, I think that you would like Isaia’s album. He doesn’t make music in the same vein but they’re cousins if you get what I mean by that. It’s fun, sultry and packs a light punch of songs that may make you want to shimmy to while moving around your apartment or for a late night drive. I believe his music sound is a mix between pop, R&B, and alternative.

‘Midnight Melodies’ by Perry Vega (Hip-Hop/Rap) - I’m not sure if this is an EP or not but since it’s only seven tracks, I personally consider it to be an EP and not an album. Perry is rapping/singing on this EP. I am intrigued to see where he goes from here as these songs give you insight to who Perry Vegas is and can be as an artist with time as his career grows. Lovely album to play in the background to help set the vibe when hanging out with friends etc.

Other Songs I’m Enjoying: Ice Spice (Hip-Hop/Rap) - Baddie Baddie, Florence + the Machine (Alternative) - One of the Greats, Disclosure, Chris Lake and Leven Kali (Dance) - one2three, Tate McRae (Pop) - TIT FOR TAT, Mariah Carey feat Anderson Paak (R&B/Soul) - Play this Song, Doja Cat (Pop) - Gorgeous, Slowdown (Contemporary R&B) - POISON, J Fletch & Erwin Do (Jazz) - Jazz Bar in Dayton, and Groupo Frontera & Ozuna (Música Mexicana) - no lo ves

As time goes on, things get busier and busier and sometimes you need to use the microwave more than you “want” to. What I love about Jeremy Fall’s newsletter ‘SUPERMARKET’ is that he gives interesting recipes you can create using only your microwave. You can click the button below where I have his newsletter listed or click here to view a recent one

Also, I’ve been using this recipe as a hack to make both hard boiled (add 2 more minutes to cooking time when eggs are in water) and soft boiled/jammy eggs for my breakfast - Soft-Boiled Eggs in Microwave

LACMA (Los Angeles, CA) - Tavares Strachan:The Day Tomorrow Began, is the artist’s first museum exhibition in Los Angeles, invites viewers into immersive multi-sensory installations.

On view until March 29th 2026

 On My Radar

Hammer Museum (Los Angeles, CA) - Made in L.A. 2025, is the seventh iteration of the Hammer’s signature biennial exhibition that showcases artists practicing throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The 28 participants in the exhibition present work not only made in the city but also grounded in its complex and unfolding terrain.

On view until March 1st 2026

Brooklyn Museum (Brooklyn, NY) - Everyday Rebellions: Collection Conversations - on view until July 5, 2026 and Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens - on view until March 6, 2026

Going Out

USA

Los Angeles, CA - Matcha and Tea Brewing Classes - I did the ‘Introduction to Matcha’ class and it was really helpful to take my matcha making to a new level. I plan on implementing a few of the tips given next time I make matcha at home. Also, one thing I learned that I want to share is that there is no standardization to what is ‘ceremonial’ matcha is so you should look at other factors i.e. color of matcha powder before purchasing

Downtown Abbey: The Grand Finale (In Theaters) - if you love a period movie this is for you. I’ve only seen the movies (lol) and not the tv show but I’ve enjoyed each one of the movies and plan on starting the tv series over the holiday season in December

Beverly Hills, CA - The Jazz Café | Cipriani - I went for a night cap so not sure how the food is. I had a reservation for 10:30PM, and it closes at 1AM. It was a fun time and service was good. I was a bit annoyed at the valet though for ignoring me (~5 mins) while I waited for someone to come to my car to grab it (there were two people at the stand) before I got out and handed the valet my keys.

Staying In

Movies

Vacation (Netflix) - I did not watch this movie in 2015 but it’s funny and dumb. I mean dumb in a good way, it’s a comedy popcorn movie involving a family roadtrip and lots of hijinks ensue on the way to their destination

TV

Queen Mantis (Viki) - A copycat serial killer is on the loose and a son who is a Detective must partner with his Mom who is a serial killer to solve the murders before the murders escalates and pushes the city into more chaos. I enjoyed this TV show and believe it’s great for people who enjoy true crime TV shows — FYI this show is in Korean

Wednesday (Netflix) - I finished the newest season but it was tedious to do so. It became predictable very quickly which is fine but eh for this type of show. I did enjoy the overall storyline though 

Alice in Borderland (Netflix) - I’ve loved this show since it began and look forward to each new season. There were six episodes for season three, and as expected this season showed the best and worse of what people are capable of when their lives are on the line. It also gives a bigger meaning to having a community despite the circumstances that everyone finds themselves in. This season could serve as the series finale or into something more for season four but that is TBD — FYI this show is in Japanese