Stereo Williams
The Daily Beast
New York, NY, United States
Contact Stereo
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Stereo:
Groundbreaking Actress Cicely Tyson Dies at 96
An almost-divine figure for generations of fans, peers and disciples, Tyson married brilliant dramatic performances to an empowered sensibility. → Read More
Jay-Z’s Complicated Legacy at 50: ‘My Presence Is Charity’
The rap legend and mogul Jay-Z turned 50 this week, and his journey from street hustler to NFL dealmaker has been a bumpy one, writes Stereo Williams. → Read More
Kanye West’s ‘Jesus Is King’ Is Fake Christianity at Its Finest
The MAGA rapper’s ninth studio album comes on the heels of his Sunday Services, and is a gospel-inspired effort that feels, well, uninspired. → Read More
‘Abbey Road’ at 50: Inside the Beatles’ Glorious Farewell
Stereo Williams on the 50th anniversary of “Abbey Road,” the Beatles’ “last chance to be their best selves.” → Read More
Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle’s Privileged LGBTQ Blind Spots
The two superstar comedians have come under fire for their insensitivity to the LGBTQ community. They have much to learn, writes Stereo Williams, as do their critics. → Read More
The Genius of Missy Elliott, a Pop Visionary Transmitting From the Future
Music is still catching up to where Missy Elliott stood 20 years ago. Now, with a new EP and a long overdue MTV Video Vanguard Award, she’s taking the victory lap she deserves. → Read More
Rapsody on Cardi B, Her Mentor Queen Latifah, and Defying Hip-Hop’s ‘Female Rapper’ Stereotypes
The smart and self-aware rapper from North Carolina on the contradictions she represents, what female mentorship has meant to her, and her stellar new album ‘EVE.’ → Read More
‘Leaving Neverland’: Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s Stories Will Stain Michael Jackson Forever
The two-part HBO documentary features two men who claim the King of Pop sexually assaulted them as children. After this, Stereo Williams writes, there is no turning back. → Read More
Solange’s ‘When I Get Home’ Proves She’s a Musical Genius in Her Own Right
Her follow-up to ‘A Seat at the Table’ only confirms what we already knew: Bey’s little sis is one of the most talented singer-songwriters of her generation. → Read More
How to Prevent the Next R. Kelly: ‘We Can’t Go Back to Just Singing Along’
Stereo Williams examines why time may finally be up for R&B legend R. Kelly, and the responsibility we all must bear to prevent his reign of terror from happening again. → Read More
Ralph Northam to Jussie Smollett: How Black History Month 2019 Has Been a Total Disaster
Maybe we need a do-over for this Black History Month. → Read More
The Grammy Awards’ Racist Aversion to Hip-Hop
Three decades after hip-hop artists boycotted the Grammys, not a whole lot has changed. → Read More
The Problem With Spike Lee’s Oscar-Nominated ‘BlacKkKlansman’
The legendary filmmaker’s latest received six Oscar nominations—including Lee’s first for Best Director. But it’s a film that’s rubbed many black viewers the wrong way. → Read More
Led Zeppelin’s Controversial Legacy: Thievery, Underage Groupies and the ‘Mud-Shark Incident’
On the 50th anniversary of their debut album, Stereo Williams looks back on the hard rock legends’ highs and lows. → Read More
‘Surviving R. Kelly’ and Why We Can’t Separate the Art From the Artist
In the wake of ‘Surviving R. Kelly,’ some have argued that we should “separate the art from the artist.” With artists like Kelly that’s not possible, writes Stereo Williams. → Read More
How Donna Summer Blazed the Trail for Beyoncé and Lady Gaga
The musical icon would have turned 70 on Dec. 31. And her impact on popular music has been enormous. → Read More
Chris Rock’s N-Word Controversy With Louis C.K. and the Myth of the ‘Down-Ass White Guy’
A clip from 2011 of the comedians discussing—and using—the N-word has caused a stir online. And with good reason. → Read More
Eminem’s White Privilege: How Slim Shady Was Crowned the ‘King of Hip-Hop’
The Detroit rapper’s popularity is undeniable but his cultural influence is highly questionable. → Read More
The Gross Spectacle of Offset’s Public-Pressure Campaign to Win Back Cardi B
The unfaithful MC has employed a series of manipulative tactics, from recruiting fellow A-list rappers to convince her to give him a second chance to crashing her performances. → Read More
‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ Is a Powerful and Moving Depiction of Black Love
Barry Jenkins’ follow-up to his Oscar-winning ‘Moonlight’ is a stirring and gorgeously realized adaptation of James Baldwin’s 1974 novel of the same name. → Read More