Music And We

Prince vs. MJ: STOP THE INSANITY!!!!

(RECORDED NOVEMBER 25, 2018) The usual arguments in favor of comparing Michael Jackson and Prince have to do with their superficial qualities, like their 'falsetto' voices, or the lack of hypermasculine performance.  People also consistently argue (in a contrasting sense) that PRN could play a wealth of instruments while MJ could not at all- IS THIS EVEN TRUE??!!  While the two have definite distinct performing and musical styles in many ways, in a sociopolitical sense, how different are they?  Jesse/Jester and jamilah explore these possibilities. 
For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here:  instagram.com/music_wejj/
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com

The Bootleg episode...

(RECORDED NOVEMBER 18, 2018) Jesse/Jester and jamilah discuss the benefits and the difficulties of the existence of bootlegs.  Are they a good thing?  Are they of benefit to the artist?  What are ways the masses could have access to music, yet respect the artist at the same time? 

Black or white? Yes it does matter!!!!!!

(RECORDED NOVEMBER 11, 2018)  Jesse and jamilah discuss the implications of Prince Rogers Nelson and Michael Jackson's erasure of their African sensibilities.  Did they have a hand in that erasure (as a means of survival); or have people relegated them to a particular musical era, placing them in a bubble of systemic erasure? 

SPECIAL EPISODE: jamilah sees 'This Is It' for the first time!!!

(This was recorded on 4 November 2018) While Jesse has seen the posthumously released documentary covering the preparation for the 50-show residency at the O2 Arena over 30 times (!!!), jamilah has finally broken her 9-year vow of protest, just so we could talk about it on the podcast.  What do we think of this Kenny Ortega-directed project?  Is it respectful to Michael Jackson?  Did the man rock it?  Was it worth breaking the vow for?  Is MJ gonna come out the mausoleum to haunt her for only watching it now?  

P(atriarchy) Control... Oh No!!!!!

There's so much we didn't cover in this episode- how DARE we not even touch Camille!  Covering the nuances and contradictions regarding gender and sexuality when it comes to MJ and PRN is going to take much longer than one podcast episode could give...  But we hope you enjoy (or at least get something out of) this little bit here.  

...And The Profane (MJ and PRN edition)

Here is the accompanying episode to 'The Sacred'...  What is exactly defined as 'profane'?  Can the sacred and profane co-exist in the worlds of Prince and Michael Jackson?  Jesse and jamilah navigate the possible answers to these questions.  For obvious reasons, some of what we say in this episode may be deemed 'profane', so be prepared!  
Shamon.

Part 1: The Sacred (MJ and PRN edition)

In this 5th episode of Music And We, Jesse and jamilah discuss the concept of the 'sacredness' of words, music, images, etc.; and how contradictions arise based on perceptions of what is sacred.  Are any of these things sacred?  Have times changed to the point where nothing is sacred?  Have we been wrong the whole time?    Are Prince and Michael any less valued as humans based on their own contraditions?  Stay tuned...  

Sometimes We Cry In April: The Mental Health Episode

Jesse 'Jester' and jamilah speak about the contextual and possible circumstances around the art of Prince Rogers Nelson and Michael Jackson, in regards to their mental health.  It must be noted that this is predominately our opinion, and may or may not reflect the views or experiences of Michael or Prince when they were here.  Please forgive us for the variations in sound, background noises, etc.  We are but two humble podcasters (living in two different areas), and are aware we are in need of better equipment.  With that, we hope this doesn't take away from the content, and that you enjoy it, and possibly think about things you may not have before.  Thanks...  

On Stan Culture...

You get two episodes in a row!  Here, Jesse and jamilah discuss the damaging effects of 'Stan' culture, and how it clouds perception of how artists like Prince and Michael Jackson are seen.  Stan culture denies the humanity of artists in favor of idolization and rationalization of celebrities' problematic behaviors.  

'Decoding' Prince and MJ songs...

Jesse and jamilah return with another episode (one which is massively late, we might add), continuing to build from the first.  We have not even touched the surface here, but of course it's a start to the conversation.  There will definitely be more to come.