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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque
The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque
The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque
After performing at the Rolling Loud concert, rapper Lil Uzi Vert was confronted with criticism for the demonic references in his music. Photo Illustration | Ellie Wang

The Satanic surge

Ananya Chaudhary, Aaryan Sharma, and Ellie Wang • December 6, 2023

“I make a city girl believe in Satan” (For Me, Lil Uzi Vert) After headlining the 2023 international hip hop music festival “Rolling Loud” in California, rapper Symere Bysil Woods, more commonly...

The Larger than Life album cover features a comic style depiction of a NUWO shoe, Faiyazs clothing brand, destructing a city. Photo courtesy of ISO SUPREMACY.

‘Larger than Life’ is a disconnected mess larger than life

Sagnik Nag Chowdhury • October 29, 2023

American R&B artist Brent Faiyaz announced on Instagram that he would release his third full-length album, “Larger than Life,” on Friday, Oct. 27. Faiyaz posted an album trailer as a surprise,...

“For All the Dogs” album cover depicted a dog, drawn by Drake’s son, Adonis Graham, who is also featured on fifth track “Daylight.”

‘For All the Dogs’ seems to suffer an identity crisis

Samika Bhatkar and Sagnik Nag Chowdhury • October 9, 2023

Canadian rapper and artist Drake announced on Instagram that he would be releasing his eighth studio album “For All the Dogs.” Although set for release on Friday, Sept. 22, Drake decided to push back...

Violent themes are prevalent in music. Graphic | Benjamin Zhang

Finding the beauty in violence

Benjamin Zhang • September 18, 2023

“I wake up in the morning, I got murder on my mind.” Written by rapper Jamell Demons, better known as YNW Melly, these disturbing lyrics characterize his hit single "Murder on My Mind" released...

The Jackman. album cover features hip-hop and rap artist Jack Harlow standing alongside a row of dumpsters, his arms crossed over his chest.

‘Jackman.’ falls short in everything but its lyricism

Aashi Venkat • May 4, 2023
Despite its emotional lyricism, the album’s generic production categorizes it as bland
Rapper Ye has recently come under fire for a series of controversial tweets and statements.

To Ye or not to Ye

Sameer Maheshwari, Gauri Manoj, and Darpan Singh • December 16, 2022
Examining Ye’s anti-semitism and what it means to be a fan
The “Traumazine” album cover features rapper Megan Thee Stallion expressing anger on the left and grief on the right — with these two emotions merging into her neutrality in the middle — alluding to how the album is rich with emotion and showcases three different sides of the rapper.

‘Traumazine’ is a reclaim of artistic identity

Aashi Venkat • August 15, 2022
Megan Thee Stallion’s seventh album has the perfect balance of authenticity, fury and confidence
From left to right: YNR Sway, Ethanerino, Arune Sarma. Graphic by Aditya Shukla | El Estoque

Rapping provides escape

Aditya Shukla and Justin E Kim • February 12, 2022
A look into the FUHSD rapping scene
Journalist Jeff Chang coined the name Golden Era for the period of rap music produced from 1986 to the late 1990s

The Golden Era and modern rap

Anushka De • December 8, 2021
How 90s hip-hop artists have shaped the current rap scene
“shut the f--- up talking to me” is the debut record of upcoming rapper and comedian Zack Fox. Following the release of his latest album teaser “fafo,” he released the seven-track debut on Oct. 15, 2021.

‘shut the f— up talking to me’ hits all of its shots

Aditya Shukla • October 18, 2021
Comedian Zack Fox’s debut is explosive and unrelenting
“Life of a Don” is the second studio album released by rapper and singer Don Toliver, legal name Caleb Zackery Toliver. Photo courtesy of Cactus Jack Records

‘Life of a DON’ lives within the shadow of influence

Aditya Shukla • October 16, 2021
Don Toliver's sophomore album is precision filled repetition
The album cover for Kanye Wests Donda consists of a simple black square. Photo courtesy of Def Jam Recordings

Manic artistry is celebrated in ‘Donda’

Aditya Shukla • August 31, 2021
Kanye West’s newest record hits vulnerable highs but fails to find cohesion and purpose
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