Artsweek

Jay-Z and the Direction of Product Packaging in Hip Hop

That’s not to say that Jay doesn’t return to his default of braggadocious bars about wealth and success, but this record is different. It extends a bridge of insight to his listeners in a way that...
read more

Netflix’s Newest Fantasy Series ‘Castlevania’ Has Bite, But Only a Nibble

Netflix's "Castlevania" series has the distinction of being the very first video game adaptation to be just okay.
read more

WebsterX and Milwaukee’s Hip Hop Renaissance

Injury Reserve and WebsterX share a dynamic of creating spaces to craft seamlessly gravitative rap songs that are entirely divergent from their contemporaries. They are the embodiments of unapologetic...
read more

‘Wonder Woman’ Carries the DC Universe Forward

Seeing the Wonder Woman character kick ass as her incredible theme song builds up around her is more than worth the ticket price, and anyone who isn’t giddy for at least a minute as she charges towa...
read more

In Photos: Khalid at the Hub

Finally making his way up to Santa Barbara, neo-soul, pop-influenced singer Khalid performed his long-awaited set in the Hub this past Saturday.
read more

It’s Lit!: Literature in Times of Turmoil

Welcome to Artsweek’s literature crossing!
read more

The Friday Review: After Laughter by Paramore

After Laughter paints Paramore as a magnetic band that creates charismatic pop anthems while still preserving and maturing their emo-inclined expression.
read more

Tracks of the Month: June 2017

With the release of “Big Fish,” Vince Staples is leading up to his forthcoming album, Big Fish Theory.
read more

Actress of ‘Tangerine’ Brings New Perspective to Trans Media

So, should “Tangerine” be only recognized for shooting on an iPhone 5S? Hell no.
read more

‘Dead Men’ Could Have Told A Better Tale Than This

“Dead Men Tell No Tales” thinks you are very, very stupid. It believes you are not capable of deducing why characters might want to accomplish their goals.
read more

‘Master of None’ Makes a Triumphant Return

To my own and others’ rejoice, Ansari reprised his role as Dev in Season 2 of “Master of None.” The long-awaited second season once again wowed viewers with new expositions, social commentary, a...
read more

ScHoolboy Q Says UCSB ‘Not the Worst’ UC Show at Extravaganza 2017

TDE rapper ScHoolboy Q made an appearance headlining UCSB’s annual Extravaganza late Sunday afternoon. Though highly anticipated, the artist’s set provoked polarizing responses from attendees.
read more

Extravaganza ’17 Rocks the Masses

Despite insistent cries from the audience, Schoolboy left the Extravaganza stage as he had found it, with no want for enthusiasm. The mass of concertgoers slid to the exits with the Santa Barbara suns...
read more

The Role of Art in Restoring a Community

Singer and alumnus Jack Johnson got his start by playing shows in Isla Vista backyards. So, post-May 23, he decided to give a visit to his old stomping grounds and make sure UCSB and Isla Vista were n...
read more

Songs to Carry You Through Hard Times

The Middle East’s Lush acoustic song starts us off on a high note, building to a higher crescendo and putting you in the mood to sit back and listen to some tunes.
read more