Reads + Repeats 07
what i'm reading and what's on repeat
Surprise, I’m back in your inbox!
I know it’s been a little while since I’ve posted, but life got crazy! I’m finally settling into the groove of a new job and new schedule and have some pieces I’m really excited to publish in the coming weeks. I hope you’re all doing well and I’d love to hear about what you’ve been reading or listening to these past couple of months.
All the books listed in this Reads + Repeats (and previous posts) are linked to It’s Lit storefront on bookshop.org. If you buy any of the books mentioned, a portion of your purchase goes to supporting this publication :)
The Reads
Why Solange Matters by Stephanie Phillips
I’m a huge Solange fan so when this book popped up on my Twitter TL I knew I had to give it a read. More than just a biography, Phillips explores her own relationship to and with Solange’s work/creative journey. If you’re a fan of Solange’s work or just want to know more about how she got to where she is now, this book is definitely for you.
Perfect if you’re looking for: a book about a musician by a musician, more insight into Solange’s development and impact, a love letter to Black women in music, something in between music criticism, personal reflection, and biography
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
There’s so much I could say about this novel. I really wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did or be moved by it as much as I was. Breath, Eyes, Memory is haunting yet beautiful as Danticat examines a culture of shame and virtue in Haiti through four generations of women in one family.
Perfect if you’re looking for: a novel by a Haitian author, a story about the relationships between women across generations, a book you can take your time with, a tragic but hopeful ending
Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana
One rainy Saturday in April, I didn’t feel like doing much and remembered that I had this book in my to-read pile. I spent the next two hours completely engrossed in the lives of the tenants of Banneker Terrace. The writing and characters in each of these short stories is so vivid that they played out like a movie in my head. In an interview with LitHub, Fofana named writers who inspire him and mentioned artists like Andre 3000, Nas, and Noname. Hip-hop’s influence on his writing is evident in the best way possible in this collection.
Perfect if you’re looking for: short story collection, a book you can read in one sitting, a distinct and varied cast of characters, a book that would make a great TV show
“Poem to Ann #2” by Pat Parker
After reading Why Solange Matters, I revisited Solange’s discography and ended up in a rabbit hole researching the poet Pat Parker. Parker’s poem “Poem to Ann #2” was sampled on the When I Get Home interlude “Exit Scott”. As it turns out, Parker recorded a whole album of poetry, called Where Would I Be Without You, for the lesbian music label Olivia Records. I hope y’all love listening to Parker recite her poem as much as I did and give all of Parker’s poems on the album a listen.
The Repeats
EQUINOX - Venna
Way back in October, when I posted the very first Reads & Repeats, I mentioned the saxophonist and producer VENNA. His second EP was released last month and it has become a go-to record for me! I’m sure my brother is sick of hearing me play it in my car. My personal fave from the project is Tam Tam (visuals below) but all of EQUINOX is magic.
All For You - Amaria
Amaria is another artist who’s been featured in Reads & Repeats before. Her debut album, All For You, was dropped in April and it’s a gem. Amaria’s vocals are warm and sultry; her album is the perfect R&B accompaniment for making dinner or writing late at night.
Leather Blvd. - B. Cool-Aid
Who’s really making neo-soul music these days?? The answer is B. Cool Aid, a hip-hop duo comprised of rapper Pink Siifu and producer Ahwlee. The duo has three albums out, but their latest release, Leather Blvd. is definitely their best work. I really hope they do a couple shows, because I would love to see them live!
Through and Through - Baby Rose
Baby Rose undoubtedly has one of the most unique and captivating voices out right now. I first heard her back in 2019 on Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers and I’ve been following her ever since. Her most recent album Through and Through is another project I’ve been playing non-stop. The opening track “Go” is a favorite of mine, although her song with Smino is a very, very close second. Through and Through is soulful, melancholy, and somewhat psychedelic. I think Baby Rose deserves so much and I’m happy to see her start getting the flowers she deserves
That about wraps up this month’s Reads & Repeats. I hope y’all enjoyed and I look forward to sending out another piece before the month ends!
Thanks for reading and talk soon,
-Yeaye
Welcome back! Def missed seeing your newsletter in my Inbox. Right now I'm reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle with someone and out of the two chapters I've read, it feels like more reinforcement of concepts I'm familiar with. But, I'm sure they were "new" when it was first released. I'm def gonna dive into several of your music recommendations and that Solange book sounds especially interesting. I recommend the new Dinner Party album called Enigmatic Society (it's jazz!) and Lemon Water by Foots X Coles (neo-soul, jazz, psychedelic)