Ah, week nine of the semester approaches.
As we emerge out of our Halloween costumes and back into classes, enjoy a cafe spot, some old and new music and a feel-good sitcom to get you through the week.
Third Space Cafe: As the stress of midterm season has inevitably caught up with us all, we are on the hunt for somewhere new to study. I’d highly recommend stopping into this recently-opened, woman-owned and operated cafe in the LynLake neighborhood. From a cozy cinnamon roll latte to menu offerings from local favorites like Jinx Tea and Turtle Bread Co. and a light therapy lamp tucked inside the space, Third Space Cafe has it all. – Sophia Zimmerman
“LIVE.LOVE.A$AP” by A$AP Rocky: What a great year for early 2010s rap mixtapes on streaming services! After Apple Music and Spotify listeners were finally blessed with access to Freddie Gibbs’ “Midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik,” Nicki Minaj’s “Beam Me Up Scotty” and Mac Miller’s “Faces” in recent months, A$AP Rocky’s breakout 2011 debut joined the legendary records on streaming services this week. Known for its viral blend of regional styles, the Harlem rapper’s pretty-boy flows evaded the geographical restraints of 2000s hip-hop in favor of a ’10s mainstream rap blueprint that amalgamated influences in an aesthetic fashion more akin to Kanye West or Drake than UGK or Three 6 Mafia. With that being said, I want that eccentric onslaught of late 2000s Southern rap mixtapes from the likes of Gucci Mane and Lil’ Wayne on streaming services next. – James Schaak
Final Season of “Insecure”: What a time for television. As “Succession” and “You” continue their third season and “Insecure” begins its fifth and final season, there’s plenty to watch on streaming platforms this November. “Insecure” is a memorable sitcom for many reasons: the writing is hilarious, the characters are complex and infallible and the portrayal of unsung areas of Los Angeles give the city a beauty unseen to viewers. But what writer and producer Issa Rae did when she created “Insecure” was portray the beauty of everyday Black people without centering the struggles Black people endure. It’s a funny and feel-good show that everyone can enjoy. – Nina Raemont
“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse: Some things only get better with age, and “Back to Black” is one of them. This album from late musical icon Amy Winehouse celebrated its 15th birthday on Oct. 27, proving that it will certainly withstand the test of time. With classics like “Rehab,” “You Know I’m No Good” and “Love is a Losing Game,” Winehouse takes listeners on a beautiful journey through grief, heartbreak and other challenges that life throws at us. Spotify also dropped an enhanced version of the album to commemorate its anniversary, which features exclusive audio of Winehouse speaking about writing and performing these tracks. But wherever you listen to music, I recommend giving “Back to Black” some well-deserved attention this week. – Macy Harder
