Music And We
We are organizers, and we love music. We love to talk about the joy that music brings, but also what lay beneath, beside, above and inside. We are not afraid to address the political, the spiritual, or the ideological. We examine what inspires us, and others. Thanks for joining us!
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Episodes
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Monday Feb 20, 2023
(RECORDED JANUARY 29, 2023) Music continues to simultaneously fascinate and confound us. jamilah is (positively) surprised at a few of jesse's favorite selections; There is also a discussion about an issue not addressed in mainstream discussions of music- colorism. People see these things as myths, but there are real-world examples (and real-world harm).For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
We also have a Discord page! https://discord.gg/Ke3XyU8W
Monday Jan 23, 2023
Monday Jan 23, 2023
(RECORDED JANUARY 22, 2023) jesse and jamilah are back- and we no longer have to record episodes in different states, which of course makes things much easier. We spend our first (non remote) episode exploring the first two singles from the upcoming Metallica album, '72 Seasons'; jamilah also attempts to make sense of jesse's love of Sananda Maitreya, as jesse critiques Maitreya's various contradictions. We also discuss the subject of wearing t-shirts of bands you don't know, as well as an upcoming Michael Jackson documentary. For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
If you struggling are in need of a voice to talk to, please call 988 (for the national number), or go to https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
(RECORDED DECEMBER 21, 2021) Jesse and jamilah are very, very jetlagged in this episode, but we wanted to get our thoughts out about MTF (Metallica Turns Forty) before everything left our brains. After never having seen the band live (and just getting into them), Jesse can now say he has seen them twice, while jamilah has officially now seen them three times- the first being December 3, 1991. Jesse got to capture a bit of the essence of the 'Metallica Family' as well.
There was so much happening that weekend, we couldn't possibly cover it all. And being in the moment at the Chase Center, we couldn't possibly catch every detail. There might even be things we get mixed up or wrong here. We hope to watch any replays, so as to catch whatever nuances missed. Either way, it's all love here.
For a deeper explanation about the songs, albums and members, please listen to our previous episode.
For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
Sunday Nov 28, 2021
Sunday Nov 28, 2021
(RECORDED NOVEMBER 26, 2021) It has been a very eventful couple of years since Jesse and jamilah were here! There was a particular event which affected the whole world (and continues to), Jesse wrote a book, and jamilah experienced a life-altering accident. For this episode though, we are switching it up! While we do talk a bit about Prince (and a tiny bit about MJ), our focus for this episode is on... METALLICA! They are getting some love over here. Preparing for the band's 40th anniversary events happening in December, Jesse and jamilah share how they came to know the band, any significant impact and connections made, album rankings, and what they hope to see at MTF.
For a more extensive conversation on some of what we've spoken about, here is a piece jamilah wrote: https://theonewomanapollo.wordpress.com/2021/08/30/a-eulogy-for-a-lost-limb-or-what-metallica-has-taught-me-about-death/
For information on Jesse's book: https://gesturebuttontherapy.com/2021/08/04/paradise-clarity/
For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
Saturday Oct 05, 2019
Saturday Oct 05, 2019
(RECORDED SEPTEMBER 22, 2019) The authors of confusion have always been here. No longer 'hidden in plain site,' they are increasingly coming out of the shadows. Many figures posed as 'woke' are being hired to mislead the masses. There has even been a conversation about the term 'woke' on British television, co-facilitated by none other than Piers Morgan.
They say words evolve and constantly lose their original meanings, while intent still holds weight in the original. We must cease to hold on to 'wokeness' and learn to open our eyes, our brains and our consciousness to stay awake, for the authors of confusion still hide among the masses. To slightly take from Mr. Nelson, a huge part of us must die, in order to live. To take directly from Mr. Jackson, we have to stop existing and start living. These authors of confusion are counting on our fear of death, so that we may continue to hate true freedom, and only depend on an illusion of it.
Physical death (under a system of exploitation) brings world tours, holograms, package deals and fighting families. Ego death (under the same system) brings isolation and discouragement. 'Death' usually implies a transition of some sort; under a system of exploitation there is no consciousness, no karmic awareness. With no acknowledgement of karmic debt, it's easier to exploit one (financially or otherwise) who has physically transitioned. "Some say man ain't happy truly, until a man truly dies..." How one determines the meaning of death is how much one will define happiness.
Sign O' The Times.
Jesse and jamilah discuss how the 'authors of confusion' have come out to play out in various scenarios. Can we have a conversation about true liberation within a context of a system which does not acknowledge our humanity? And can we do it under the framework of 'cultural ambassadors' speaking for us?
Is there a way to honor cultural luminaries or beloved popular culture figures without stealing or not including their humanity (this also includes painting them in a 'perfect' light)?
Is there a way to honor a survivor's story (even if we do not agree with said story)? Does the image of a beloved figure always coincide with their actual actions? Do our perceptions of a beloved figure blind us from questioning the potentiality of them committing violence (even if only done once)? How do we question or hold one accountable without attacking their gender (or sex), mental condition or spiritual practice?
For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
(RECORDED SEPTEMBER 15, 2019) This is a shorter episode; jamilah goes solo (Don't worry- Jesse hasn't gone anywhere, and he was okay with this episode going up)!!! jamilah wanted to take a little time out to focus on some news stories you may not have known. If you regularly listen to our podcast, you know we cover non-music/political news as well.
jamilah also speaks a bit about Leaving Neverland winning an Emmy award. If you listen regularly, we're sure you'll know where that conversation goes.
Though a solo episode, as usual, we hope the information presented was useful to you. Thanks for listening!
Ahjamu's blog: http://www.abetterworld.me/
For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
(RECORDED SEPTEMBER 9, 2019) Obviously an extension of our last episode, Jesse and jamilah continue to look into the notion of the more recent wave of so-called 'edgy' (or even 'edgelord') comedy, and why it's being viewed as edgy... When it's ultimately a reflection of already socially acceptable mores. The majority of successful comedians are heterosexual, cisgender and/or white, and comedy is going to primarily reflect these cross-sections of experiences. There HAVE been comedians who hold privilege (be it physical, gender, ethnic or otherwise) and were able to successfully do comedy regarding marginalized groups... While the marginalized groups were NOT at the expense of the joke. This is possible to do, because it lends to pointing out societal absurdities or injustices.
Is 'edgy' comedy now a means of gaining a 'seat at the table'- especially if it is done by someone who historically (and in the present tense) has been marginalized? Is it a way to 'prove' you have now been accepted by dominant society? Is it a more nuanced, more socially accepted form of 'oppression olympics', while blaming others for doing the same? ('I as a Black man, am still out here getting shot in the streets; and you want ME to recognize TRANS women being murdered??!! You want me to acknowledge you as nonbinary??!! Stop it with this gay agenda!!!')
We also discuss a little more on 'cancel culture'; on Missy Elliot and Mary J. Blige (fortunately) not being appropriated; on Rapsody, women in hip hop and misogynoir; as well as the Jackson/DeBarge dynamic.
Thanks for listening!
Okayplayer piece on Rapsody: https://www.okayplayer.com/music/rapsody-eve-real-hip-hop-review.html
For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
(RECORDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2019) Here's another overview of a seemingly 'controversial' visual work- 'Sticks and Stones'. While most people have defended Chapelle's work wholesale (because you know... It's comedy), there have been very few pieces (either critical or in defense) pointing to the nuances and consequences of 'controversial' comedy. Most responses have been reactionary. Jesse and jamilah dissect the full special (and its two epilogues- NOTE: MASSIVE SPOILERS).
Is it possible for comedy to be funny and not be at the expense of politically and socially marginalized groups of people? Is something truly 'controversial' when it's a reflection of already socially-accepted/mainstream ideas? In this context, is a view only valid when it's socially accepted by the majority? In the 'marketplace of ideas' (if you will), why are those who scream about advocating for 'free speech' ready to shut down any critique of specials such as 'Sticks and Stones' with cries to 'be less sensitive', or supposed pejoratives such as 'SJW' or 'PC'? Under a capitalistic framework, who truly has access to 'free speech'?
For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
(RECORDED 25 AUGUST 2019) WE ARE BACK Y'ALL!!! After a variation of life experiences that shifted much in our combined worlds, Jesse and jamilah have returned... With another setback- A RUSTY MICROPHONE SOUND. i guess the mic missed us as well, and was just paying us back for all the months of non-use. We apologize in advance for any bad sound, and hope this doesn't obscure the subject matter we aim to bring to you.
As we are in the midst of the 'era of mass exposure' (an inevitability in the age of mass information), where exactly do our priorities lie when moving to 'cancel' someone? What is the desired objective in canceling a public figure? If there is no common agreement and organized effort on who should be canceled (and why), is 'cancel culture' sustainable? If variations in 'cancel culture' have existed for centuries, why is it only being considered as viable in this day and age?
For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
Saturday Apr 06, 2019
Saturday Apr 06, 2019
(RECORDED MARCH 10, 2018) First This Is It and now Leaving Neverland... We must note that this was recorded directly after watching the full four hours, plus the Winfrey interview... While we gather people would be aware of this, we must reiterate that the majority of the audio here is based on views/opinions. Just like a majority of the people who have something to say, neither one of us personally knew Michael Jackson. Anything we say is going to be based on personal perspectives, as well as our experiences in relation to him. You as a listener (ESPECIALLY if you personally knew the man) have every right to disagree. It must also be noted that, because the response was directly after watching the film, there were many points of discovery missed. There were many things jamilah wrote in her notes while watching it, and still forgot to discuss in this episode (major glaring example: when Safechuck's mother stated that she was willing to "share" her son with Michael Jackson. Even if you agree that these men were abused by MJ, that had to have sent some flags up).
From our first episode we stated that we would cover controversial matters; this may be one of the most controversial, given that the very existence of Leaving Neverland is leading people to blindly demonize or lionize Michael Jackson. This episode does neither, though it may be looked at as such... Depending on your views.
jamilah processed the film for weeks after watching it, and felt an alienating sadness. Jesse/Jester, while not having watched it, felt the same. While the film confirmed many critiques had about Michael Jackson (spoken about in several of out episodes- only amplified here), it does not take away our love and appreciation for him. In a society which supports/encourages reactionary behavior (on both ends) and idol worship, any nuanced conversation regarding Michael Jackson gets placed in the background. As of this writing, there are still major developments regarding the inconsistencies of the information disseminated in Leaving Neverland, thanks to director Dan Reed's consistent admission that he did no research on Michael Jackson (which he actually stated just as openly during the Winfrey interview); there are also public dated records which contradict the narratives of Safechuck and Robson.
Leaving Neverland ultimately was an Electronic Press Kit for Wade Robson, who (especially at this point) is seen as unreliable in the industry he's employed in. He needs a job. He is more or less 'joined at the hip' to Michael Jackson; the man defined Robson's whole life. Given that Michael Jackson is no longer physically here, he can no longer rely on that train to ride smoothly for him. It's as if Wade Robson never had to work for anything, because MJ provided everything for him. Now... he actually has to, and judging from his own writings, he had a nervous breakdown because the work was too hard for him. Given his requests to direct MJ-related projects were rejected, the end of his lifeline became evident. Thus, we have Leaving Neverland: The Wade Robson Story, with James Safechuck more or less as a guest star.
Narcissists (of which we think Wade Robson fits the description to a t) don't particularly like to work at anything. Not only was Leaving Neverland an examination of Michael Jackson's emotional and psychological state (in jamilah's view); it was also the examination of a narcissist. THAT is where the documentary lies.
As with all of our episodes, please listen with an open mind.
For questions, comments, etc. you can reach us here: https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com