This was sooo well written. I really admire writers such as yourself who are able to convey the meaning and message behind pieces of culture that I would have never considered myself. Also full disclosure I have never listened to this album (blame me being gen z) but I’m 100% going to go listen to it now. you convinced me.
“It isn’t about ghosts or ghouls; it’s about facing the terrors of everyday life—survival, struggle, and the wounds that never heal.”
Makes sense that the song “Slippin’” is on this album rather than DMX’s debut because it perfectly captures this ethos that you’ve eloquently described. Another great piece 👍🏾
Wow, this blew me away, it really did! I love that album but didn’t know the story behind the cover shoot, which was fascinating. This is so well-written. I love tying it to Beloved, too; that made me think of The Roots and Chinua Achebe, those links are essential to understanding the art and messages within the music. I loved it!
So beautiful! I found the imagery you highlighted not too harsh. The photos are graceful and heart-wrenching. I love how you’ve emphasized horror as a medium to explore and sublimate real life pain, the wounds that never heal, into art. Redemption plays a crucial role; how we survive by turning scars into art that contains beauty, value, and meaning. The red blood patterns remind me of the tree symbolism in Morrison’s tree scar in her opus to the horror of generational trauma, Beloved. Your piece taught me more about DMX and the historical context of black horror. Thank you for writing your gorgeous tributes to art history.
This was sooo well written. I really admire writers such as yourself who are able to convey the meaning and message behind pieces of culture that I would have never considered myself. Also full disclosure I have never listened to this album (blame me being gen z) but I’m 100% going to go listen to it now. you convinced me.
“It isn’t about ghosts or ghouls; it’s about facing the terrors of everyday life—survival, struggle, and the wounds that never heal.”
Makes sense that the song “Slippin’” is on this album rather than DMX’s debut because it perfectly captures this ethos that you’ve eloquently described. Another great piece 👍🏾
Wow, this blew me away, it really did! I love that album but didn’t know the story behind the cover shoot, which was fascinating. This is so well-written. I love tying it to Beloved, too; that made me think of The Roots and Chinua Achebe, those links are essential to understanding the art and messages within the music. I loved it!
One of my favorite covers shot by Jonathan Mannion!
So beautiful! I found the imagery you highlighted not too harsh. The photos are graceful and heart-wrenching. I love how you’ve emphasized horror as a medium to explore and sublimate real life pain, the wounds that never heal, into art. Redemption plays a crucial role; how we survive by turning scars into art that contains beauty, value, and meaning. The red blood patterns remind me of the tree symbolism in Morrison’s tree scar in her opus to the horror of generational trauma, Beloved. Your piece taught me more about DMX and the historical context of black horror. Thank you for writing your gorgeous tributes to art history.
Thank you for this! I was here second guessing myself about posting this piece. Glad you enjoyed it 🫶🏽