theroot--2020-08-07--All Black Everything: Zendaya Leverages the Power of Black Creatives for InStyle's September Cover

Don ’ t just talk about it ; be about it .
That ’ s the subtext of Zendaya ’ s stunning September 2020 cover story for InStyle , creative-directed by Zendaya ’ s longtime stylist Law Roach ( a 2019 Root 100 honoree ) and photographed by Ahmad Barber and Donte Maurice of AB+DM Studio , who also joined forces with Roach to capture Kerry Washington in a full afro for the cover of Town & Country ’ s September issue .
The undone glamour of Zendaya ’ s air and makeup for InStyle ’ s cover is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daley , respectively—an all-Black creative team .
The message ?
Inclusion isn ’ t just doable , it ’ s beautiful—as is Zendaya , dressed by Roach in all Black designers , including stylist/designer Jason Rembert ’ s Aliétte NY , which she wears on one of two covers with the cloudless sky as her backdrop .
On the subscriber edition , the star of HBO ’ s Euphoria wears Hanifa , while in the issue ’ s feature layout , she models pieces from Pyer Moss , Cushnie , Romeo Hunte , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
But the undeniable showstopper is a majestic magenta ballgown by 2019 CFDA Fashion Fund winner Christopher John Rogers that makes the most of a post-COVID , socially distanced moment .
“ You allowed me , a BLACK [ stylist ] , to creative direct an editorial with my beautiful BLACK muse Zendaya , and feature clothing from all BLACK designers , shoes from all BLACK shoe designers , jewels from all BLACK jewelry designers , we feature BLACK art from BLACK artists , ” Roach wrote on Instagram , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyoncé stylist Zerina Akers ’ Black Owned Everything for helping him produce the shoot with an all-Black creative team and focus .
“ Look at the magic we can create when someone gives us the opportunity.
” Inside the issue , Zendaya speaks with Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrice Cullors , who recently took over the actress ’ Instagram .
“ What I ’ ve learned about Zendaya in this short period of time is that she always champions the most vulnerable , and she doesn ’ t pretend to be something she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later adding : “ She is honest and specific about what she sees as important and necessary for all Black folks.
” Zendaya is self-effacing in the interview , speaking candidly about anxiety , her relationship to activism ( she hesitates to call herself an activist ) , and readily acknowledging her place of privilege during our current crisis , telling Cullors : “ I ’ m grateful for my health and for the fact that I can quarantine safely .
I know that I ’ ll be OK financially once this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that isn ’ t the case .
So anytime I start complaining , I just stop.
” And yes , she teased Euphoria ’ s second season , saying of the character that has now earned her her first Emmy nod : ” I do miss Rue ... going back to that character is a home base for me.
” But despite a “ beautiful second season that has been written ” , we ’ ll likely have to wait until standardized safety measures are in place to see it .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic project she produced and stars in with John David Washington , directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson .
And what of the all-Black creative bonanza she ’ s made possible for this month ’ s InStyle ( which we think qualifies as aesthetic activism ) ?
“ I ’ ve always had a Black stylist and Black hair and makeup artists .
But we were able to work with two talented young Black photographers on this shoot too , ” the 24-year-old said .
“ We ’ re actually around the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be with my peers and have an opportunity to show what we can do .
There are also so many Black designers people don ’ t know about , so having an opportunity where they can be in InStyle and get the love they deserve is really special .
I hope people are like , ‘ Oh , I like that dress !
’ And then go support them.
” InStyle ’ s September issue starring Zendaya will be available on Aug. 21 .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

Maiysha Kai on The Glow Up, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

Don’t just talk about it; be about it. That’s the subtext of Zendaya’s stunning September 2020 cover story for InStyle, creative-directed by Zendaya’s longtime stylist Law Roach (a 2019 Root 100 honoree) and photographed by Ahmad Barber and Donte Maurice of AB+DM Studio, who also joined forces with Roach to capture Kerry Washington in a full afro for the cover of Town & Country’s September issue. The undone glamour of Zendaya’s air and makeup for InStyle’s cover is the work of Larry Jarah Sims and Sheika Daley, respectively—an all-Black creative team.
The message? Inclusion isn’t just doable, it’s beautiful—as is Zendaya, dressed by Roach in all Black designers, including stylist/designer Jason Rembert’s Aliétte NY, which she wears on one of two covers with the cloudless sky as her backdrop. On the subscriber edition, the star of HBO’s Euphoria wears Hanifa, while in the issue’s feature layout, she models pieces from Pyer Moss, Cushnie, Romeo Hunte, Thebe Magugu, Victor Glemaud, and more. But the undeniable showstopper is a majestic magenta ballgown by 2019 CFDA Fashion Fund winner Christopher John Rogers that makes the most of a post-COVID, socially distanced moment.
Advertisement
“You allowed me, a BLACK [stylist], to creative direct an editorial with my beautiful BLACK muse Zendaya, and feature clothing from all BLACK designers, shoes from all BLACK shoe designers, jewels from all BLACK jewelry designers, we feature BLACK art from BLACK artists,” Roach wrote on Instagram, where he thanked InStyle’s editorial team and Beyoncé stylist Zerina Akers’ Black Owned Everything for helping him produce the shoot with an all-Black creative team and focus. “Look at the magic we can create when someone gives us the opportunity.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Inside the issue, Zendaya speaks with Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrice Cullors, who recently took over the actress’ Instagram. “What I’ve learned about Zendaya in this short period of time is that she always champions the most vulnerable, and she doesn’t pretend to be something she is not,” Cullors writes, later adding: “She is honest and specific about what she sees as important and necessary for all Black folks.”
Zendaya is self-effacing in the interview, speaking candidly about anxiety, her relationship to activism (she hesitates to call herself an activist), and readily acknowledging her place of privilege during our current crisis, telling Cullors: “I’m grateful for my health and for the fact that I can quarantine safely. I know that I’ll be OK financially once this is over, but for a lot of people that isn’t the case. So anytime I start complaining, I just stop.”
Advertisement
And yes, she teased Euphoria’s second season, saying of the character that has now earned her her first Emmy nod: ”I do miss Rue...going back to that character is a home base for me.” But despite a “beautiful second season that has been written”, we’ll likely have to wait until standardized safety measures are in place to see it. In the meantime, Zendaya will debut the pandemic project she produced and stars in with John David Washington, directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.
Advertisement
And what of the all-Black creative bonanza she’s made possible for this month’s InStyle (which we think qualifies as aesthetic activism)?
“I’ve always had a Black stylist and Black hair and makeup artists. But we were able to work with two talented young Black photographers on this shoot too,” the 24-year-old said. “We’re actually around the same age, so it was cool to be with my peers and have an opportunity to show what we can do. There are also so many Black designers people don’t know about, so having an opportunity where they can be in InStyle and get the love they deserve is really special. I hope people are like, ‘Oh, I like that dress!’ And then go support them.”
Advertisement
InStyle’s September issue starring Zendaya will be available on Aug. 21.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-07--COVID-19 Is Still a Thing, So Grab Five KN95 Masks For $15

If you ’ re running low on quality masks to protect you and others from germs since we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ head on over to Morning Save and get a five-pack of KN95 masks for a @ @ @ @ @ , the price of masks has increased by probably 200 percent since March , but @ @ @ @ @ mean we don ’ t have to protect ourselves every time we go out in @ @ @ @ @ really nothing else to say besides KN95 masks have five layers of fabric to protect @ @ @ @ @ air droplets , which means they are scientifically better at protecting you from exposure of @ @ @ @ @ .

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

KN95 20-Pack | $19 | Meh
If you’re running low on quality masks to protect you and others from germs since we’re still in a pandemic, head on over to Morning Save and get a 20-pack of KN95 masks for a decent $19. There’s really nothing else to say besides KN95 masks have five layers of fabric to protect you from 95% of air droplets, which means they are scientifically better at protecting you from exposure of COVID-19 than cloth masks are.
This deal was originally published in July 2020 and updated by Quentyn Kennemer with new information on 9/14/2020.


theroot--2020-08-07--Dak Prescott Petitions Oklahoma Governor to Release Black Man from Death Row

When he ’ s not fighting for touchdowns on the field , Dak Prescott is apparently fighting for justice off of it .
In a letter sent to Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt and the state ’ s parole board on Thursday , Time Magazine reports that the two-time Pro Bowler is advocating for the release of Julius Jones , a Black man currently on Death Row for murder .
“ Current events are shining a much-needed light on deep-seated prejudices and systemic mistreatment of black people , and it is my sincere hope that the cultural movements of today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will create a better tomorrow , ” Prescott wrote .
“ To that end , you all are in the unique position of being able to make a direct impact by addressing a specific miscarriage of justice.
” That miscarriage of justice would be the first-degree murder conviction of Jones , who was charged with the death of Paul Howell in 2002 .
However , on the night of the murder , July 28 , 1999 , Jones maintains that he was not at the scene of the crime because he was at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ended up giving either my Boardwalk or my Park Place to Julius , ” his sister , Antoinette , told Time .
In the time since , advocates for Jones ’ release have cited his conviction should be overturned for a myriad of reasons , the most notable being his inept defense team , an erroneous investigation and overt racial bias .
“ After reviewing the facts of the Julius Jones case , I firmly believe the wrong person is being punished for this terrible crime ; furthermore , an evaluation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones ’ conviction raises serious legal and ethical concerns , ” Prescott wrote .
“ I implore you to right this wrong .
Please don ’ t let another innocent black man die from the systemic mistreatment that has plagued our nation for far too long.
” Prescott isn ’ t alone in his quest , as ESPN reports that Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and NBA stars Russell Russell Westbrook , Blake Griffin and Trae Young have petitioned for Jones ’ release as well .
But despite their efforts , Oklahoma attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Jones committed murder .
“ The fact is , Julius Jones murdered Paul Howell in cold blood in front of his sister and daughters , ” he said .
“ No celebrity imploration or profusion of misinformation will change that.
” An execution date for Jones hasn ’ t been set , but with his appeals exhausted it ’ s clear that he ’ s running out of time .
“ Julius Jones ’ case is a clear example of what can happen to a person who can not afford legal representation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black person at any time in this country , ” Prescott wrote .
“ Which is exactly why so many are protesting for the changes we so desperately need.
” Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

When he’s not fighting for touchdowns on the field, Dak Prescott is apparently fighting for justice off of it.
In a letter sent to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and the state’s parole board on Thursday, Time Magazine reports that the two-time Pro Bowler is advocating for the release of Julius Jones, a Black man currently on Death Row for murder.
Advertisement
“Current events are shining a much-needed light on deep-seated prejudices and systemic mistreatment of black people, and it is my sincere hope that the cultural movements of today will lead to significant social changes that will create a better tomorrow,” Prescott wrote. “To that end, you all are in the unique position of being able to make a direct impact by addressing a specific miscarriage of justice.”
That miscarriage of justice would be the first-degree murder conviction of Jones, who was charged with the death of Paul Howell in 2002. However, on the night of the murder, July 28, 1999, Jones maintains that he was not at the scene of the crime because he was at home playing Monopoly with his family.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I ended up giving either my Boardwalk or my Park Place to Julius,” his sister, Antoinette, told Time.
In the time since, advocates for Jones’ release have cited his conviction should be overturned for a myriad of reasons, the most notable being his inept defense team, an erroneous investigation and overt racial bias.
Advertisement
“After reviewing the facts of the Julius Jones case, I firmly believe the wrong person is being punished for this terrible crime; furthermore, an evaluation of the process that led to Mr. Jones’ conviction raises serious legal and ethical concerns,” Prescott wrote. “I implore you to right this wrong. Please don’t let another innocent black man die from the systemic mistreatment that has plagued our nation for far too long.”
Prescott isn’t alone in his quest, as ESPN reports that Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and NBA stars Russell Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin and Trae Young have petitioned for Jones’ release as well. But despite their efforts, Oklahoma attorney general Mike Hunter remains 100 percent convinced that Jones committed murder.
Advertisement
“The fact is, Julius Jones murdered Paul Howell in cold blood in front of his sister and daughters,” he said. “No celebrity imploration or profusion of misinformation will change that.”
An execution date for Jones hasn’t been set, but with his appeals exhausted it’s clear that he’s running out of time.
Advertisement
“Julius Jones’ case is a clear example of what can happen to a person who cannot afford legal representation, and what can happen to a black person at any time in this country,” Prescott wrote. “Which is exactly why so many are protesting for the changes we so desperately need.”
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-07--God-Fearing House Candidate Says He ‘Accidentally’ Heard Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s New Song

God-Fearing House Candidate Says He ‘Accidentally’ Heard Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s New Song ‘WAP’...and I Believe Him

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are indeed bad influences .
But only because I ’ m pretty sure a lot of former smokers revisited their bad habits after watching the gorgeous , wipe-that-off-yo-mouth-inducing display of Afro-voluptuousness that is the new video for their song “ WAP.
” We all needed a cigarette after that shit .
Whew .
Of course , as it ’ s been throughout “ with her fast self ” history , Black women can ’ t own their own sexual natures without their milkshake bringing all the prudes to the timeline .
Meet James P. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for election to the U.S. House to represent California ’ s 33rd Congressional District .
Admittedly , I don ’ t know anything about Bradley ’ s platform or politics , but I know he ’ s clumsy .
This is not a man voters can trust ever successfully learned to look both ways before he crosses the street .
Bradley is so accident-prone , in fact , that through a series of unfortunate happenstances , he found himself—again , unwittingly—watching the sexy AF rap duo ’ s video .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasize this enough : He didn ’ t mean to .
“ Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion are what happens when children are raised without God and without a strong father figure , ” Bradley tweeted with his free hand ( but his keyboard still got really gross ) .
“ Their new ‘ song ’ The # WAP ( which i heard accidentally ) made me want to pour holy water in my ears and I feel sorry for future girls if this is their role model !
” Sure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accident .
Just as President Donald Trump slipped and fell into his bunker while protests happened outside the White House and he decided , while he was down there , he might as well do a quick check of the perimeter ; I absolutely believe Bradley sat on his phone and butt-searched “ Cardi and Meg , please sit on my face ” and then picked up his phone and “ Oh NOOOO , MY EYES !
” ... and then he was stuck like that for roughly 4 minutes .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not impossible that Bradley Googled “ WAP ” while trying to look up Martin Scorsese movie quotes and he just had the Italian slur spelled wrong .
Y ’ all act like you never searched what you thought was an acronym for “ Worst After-effects of Pesticides ” while trying to figure out your gardening routine and got the wrong video but decided to keep watching on repeat because ... well ... this is educational too .
( Shit , wait until Bradley figures out that “ wet and gushy ” are radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands for ... you know , I ’ m just going to let him guess “ Weak Ass Penis ” or whatever his experience tells him . )
Anyway , I will say that I ’ m not feeling Bradley ’ s invoking of God and his assumptions about Meg ’ s and Cardi ’ s faith .
Just because he got his Jesus-drawers from Kanye West ’ s clothing line all in a bunch over Black women doing what Madonna and Marilyn Monroe did for decades without the world screaming “ hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean he ’ s in a position to say whether or not they were “ raised without God.
” Besides , I know after I watched the video I immediately started singing , “ Eat my ass , eat my ass , thank God almighty… ” Ok , I ’ m sorry .
I know that ’ s going too far .
I ’ m just going to go and ... uh…watch the video again but not on purpose .

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are indeed bad influences.
But only because I’m pretty sure a lot of former smokers revisited their bad habits after watching the gorgeous, wipe-that-off-yo-mouth-inducing display of Afro-voluptuousness that is the new video for their song “WAP.” We all needed a cigarette after that shit. Whew.
Of course, as it’s been throughout “with her fast self” history, Black women can’t own their own sexual natures without their milkshake bringing all the prudes to the timeline.
Advertisement
Meet James P. Bradley (R) who is running for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 33rd Congressional District.
Admittedly, I don’t know anything about Bradley’s platform or politics, but I know he’s clumsy. This is not a man voters can trust ever successfully learned to look both ways before he crosses the street.
Advertisement Advertisement
Bradley is so accident-prone, in fact, that through a series of unfortunate happenstances, he found himself—again, unwittingly—watching the sexy AF rap duo’s video.
I’m sorry, I just can’t emphasize this enough: He didn’t mean to.
Advertisement
“Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion are what happens when children are raised without God and without a strong father figure,” Bradley tweeted with his free hand (but his keyboard still got really gross). “Their new ‘song’ The #WAP (which i heard accidentally) made me want to pour holy water in my ears and I feel sorry for future girls if this is their role model!”
Sure, James...we know it was an accident.
Just as President Donald Trump slipped and fell into his bunker while protests happened outside the White House and he decided, while he was down there, he might as well do a quick check of the perimeter; I absolutely believe Bradley sat on his phone and butt-searched “Cardi and Meg, please sit on my face” and then picked up his phone and “Oh NOOOO, MY EYES!”...and then he was stuck like that for roughly 4 minutes.
Advertisement
I’m just saying, it’s not impossible that Bradley Googled “WAP” while trying to look up Martin Scorsese movie quotes and he just had the Italian slur spelled wrong.
Y’all act like you never searched what you thought was an acronym for “Worst After-effects of Pesticides” while trying to figure out your gardening routine and got the wrong video but decided to keep watching on repeat because...well...this is educational too. (Shit, wait until Bradley figures out that “wet and gushy” are radio lyrics and that “WAP” actually stands for...you know, I’m just going to let him guess “Weak Ass Penis” or whatever his experience tells him.)
Advertisement
Anyway, I will say that I’m not feeling Bradley’s invoking of God and his assumptions about Meg’s and Cardi’s faith. Just because he got his Jesus-drawers from Kanye West’s clothing line all in a bunch over Black women doing what Madonna and Marilyn Monroe did for decades without the world screaming “hide your daughters,” doesn’t mean he’s in a position to say whether or not they were “raised without God.”
Besides, I know after I watched the video I immediately started singing, “Eat my ass, eat my ass, thank God almighty…”
Advertisement
Ok, I’m sorry. I know that’s going too far. I’m just going to go and...uh…watch the video again but not on purpose.


theroot--2020-08-07--Lovecraft Country Blends Pulpy Horror and Family Drama Into a Story About America's Demons

HBO ’ s Lovecraft Country is a story about its heroes fighting for their lives as they make their way across 1950s America .
It ’ s also a multifaceted family drama that embraces the idea that the people you share blood with are often the same people who hurt you the most .
And yes , monsters .
Of all sorts .
The various narrative themes woven into showrunner Misha Green ’ s adaptation of Lovecraft Country are as recognizable as they were in Matt Ruff ’ s original novel .
The story blends Lovecraftian science fiction , horror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a heady tale about the kind of demons that have always plagued the United States of America .
Like the most prominent eldritch cosmic entity to feature in H.P Lovecraft ’ s stories , Atticus Black ( Jonathan Majors ) is a dreamer of the highest order .
Like so many Black veterans throughout the 20th century , he returns home not to warm thanks for his service , but to second-class citizenship status .
Atticus is only able to withstand this treatment because of the support of his family and because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly feeds with a steady stream of books like Edgar Rice Burroughs ’ A Princess of Mars and Lovecraft ’ s At the Mountain of Madness .
Though Atticus is enthusiastic in his love for fantasy , it ’ s tempered with a sharp understanding of how important it is to know what kind of people created those stories so that he can form his own ideas about what he ’ s reading .
In that sense , Lovecraft Country as a whole is an unsubtle remixing of Lovecraft ’ s mythos that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fore rather than letting it be just a footnote .
By blending historical facts like segregation with chthonic fiction , Lovecraft Country immediately sets itself up to be the sort of show ( somewhat similar to Watchmen ) that ends up teaching certain audience members some ugly truths about the past .
But long before it gets around to otherworldly embodiments of institutional racism , it brings the rest of its cast into Atticus ’ midst as he makes his way home to the South Side of Chicago .
Harsh and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be , Atticus ’ home is a sort of refuge .
His uncle , George Freeman ( Courtney B. Vance ) , specializes in guiding Black travelers there with The Safe Negro Travel Guide he and his wife Hippolyta ( Aunjanue Ellis ) publish ; it lists motels and diners across the country that will serve Black customers .
Where Atticus and his father Montrose ( Michael Kenneth Williams ) have a history of being distant with one another , there ’ s a closeness between him , George , and Hippolyta .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their shared love of genre fiction—something Lovecraft Country repeatedly reminds you that they have .
Atticus ’ childhood friend Letitia “ Leti ” Lewis ( Jurnee Smollett ) is a nerd in her own right , but where Atticus grew up keeping his family close before running off to play soldier , Leti struck out on her own to pursue her varied passions much to the disdain of her half-sis Ruby ( Wunmi Mosaku ) .
Though Lovecraft Country feels as if it might be all about Atticus as the season begins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s far from the case .
The moment he lands back in Chicago and causes everyone to gravitate more towards one another , you can see the various divergent character arcs the season has in store .
Though Hippolyta loves and trusts George , she yearns to go on scouting missions for the Travel Guide on her own because she ’ s an explorer , and while Ruby ’ s glad to see Leti alive , she can ’ t help but feel resentment over the way she blows in and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as Lovecraft Country ’ s advertising plays up the potential for romance between its two leads , Smollett and Majors ’ performances expertly steer clear of any sort of hero/damsel dynamic in favor of something almost competitive .
Similarly , you can feel that the tension between Leti and Ruby isn ’ t just nondescript bad blood , it ’ s shot through with years of hurt and anger stemming from colorism and the way their parents treated them differently .
While no one can understand it at first , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal upheavals that begin when Atticus realizes that his father ’ s gone missing .
All he left behind was a cryptic note explaining that he was headed out to “ Lovecraft Country , ” the chunk of the upper northeast where many of the horror writer ’ s stories were set .
As Atticus , Leti , and George set out hoping to locate Montrose , they know that the farther away from their neighborhood they travel , the more vulnerable they become and stops on the travel guide act as important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s where Lovecraft Country ’ s otherworldliness begins to set in .
For those who signed up for monsters , the series ’ first episode is subtle in the way it introduces them because it wants you to understand that the things slinking around in the dark aren ’ t all there is to be afraid of .
The jeering racists , threatening signs , and armed gangs of white people they encounter are every bit the menace as the things waiting for them in Lovecraft Country proper .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demons Lovecraft Country ’ s heroes know and have experience with .
When the literal fanged monstrosities start slithering their way out of the woods and making their presence known , Lovecraft Country becomes a wholly different kind of high-stress horror .
At that point , there ’ s no way for Atticus , Leti , and George to really run , and it ’ ll be too late for you to turn the channel .
For more , make sure you ’ re following us on our Instagram @ io9dotcom .

Charles Pulliam-Moore on io9, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

HBO’s Lovecraft Country is a story about its heroes fighting for their lives as they make their way across 1950s America. It’s also a multifaceted family drama that embraces the idea that the people you share blood with are often the same people who hurt you the most. And yes, monsters. Of all sorts.
The various narrative themes woven into showrunner Misha Green’s adaptation of Lovecraft Country are as recognizable as they were in Matt Ruff’s original novel. The story blends Lovecraftian science fiction, horror, and the realities of anti-Black racism into a heady tale about the kind of demons that have always plagued the United States of America.
Advertisement
Like the most prominent eldritch cosmic entity to feature in H.P Lovecraft’s stories, Atticus Black (Jonathan Majors) is a dreamer of the highest order. Like so many Black veterans throughout the 20th century, he returns home not to warm thanks for his service, but to second-class citizenship status. Atticus is only able to withstand this treatment because of the support of his family and because of his overactive imagination, something he constantly feeds with a steady stream of books like Edgar Rice Burroughs’ A Princess of Mars and Lovecraft’s At the Mountain of Madness. Though Atticus is enthusiastic in his love for fantasy, it’s tempered with a sharp understanding of how important it is to know what kind of people created those stories so that he can form his own ideas about what he’s reading.
Advertisement Advertisement
In that sense, Lovecraft Country as a whole is an unsubtle remixing of Lovecraft’s mythos that brings his widely known, virulent racism to the fore rather than letting it be just a footnote. By blending historical facts like segregation with chthonic fiction, Lovecraft Country immediately sets itself up to be the sort of show (somewhat similar to Watchmen) that ends up teaching certain audience members some ugly truths about the past. But long before it gets around to otherworldly embodiments of institutional racism, it brings the rest of its cast into Atticus’ midst as he makes his way home to the South Side of Chicago.
Advertisement
Harsh and dangerous as most of the country may be, Atticus’ home is a sort of refuge. His uncle, George Freeman (Courtney B. Vance), specializes in guiding Black travelers there with The Safe Negro Travel Guide he and his wife Hippolyta (Aunjanue Ellis) publish; it lists motels and diners across the country that will serve Black customers. Where Atticus and his father Montrose (Michael Kenneth Williams) have a history of being distant with one another, there’s a closeness between him, George, and Hippolyta. That relationship stems, in part, from their shared love of genre fiction—something Lovecraft Country repeatedly reminds you that they have. Atticus’ childhood friend Letitia “Leti” Lewis (Jurnee Smollett) is a nerd in her own right, but where Atticus grew up keeping his family close before running off to play soldier, Leti struck out on her own to pursue her varied passions much to the disdain of her half-sis Ruby (Wunmi Mosaku).
Though Lovecraft Country feels as if it might be all about Atticus as the season begins, you come to find out that’s far from the case. The moment he lands back in Chicago and causes everyone to gravitate more towards one another, you can see the various divergent character arcs the season has in store. Though Hippolyta loves and trusts George, she yearns to go on scouting missions for the Travel Guide on her own because she’s an explorer, and while Ruby’s glad to see Leti alive, she can’t help but feel resentment over the way she blows in and out of everyone’s lives.
Advertisement
As much as Lovecraft Country’s advertising plays up the potential for romance between its two leads, Smollett and Majors’ performances expertly steer clear of any sort of hero/damsel dynamic in favor of something almost competitive. Similarly, you can feel that the tension between Leti and Ruby isn’t just nondescript bad blood, it’s shot through with years of hurt and anger stemming from colorism and the way their parents treated them differently.
Advertisement
While no one can understand it at first, they’re all on the brink of major personal upheavals that begin when Atticus realizes that his father’s gone missing. All he left behind was a cryptic note explaining that he was headed out to “Lovecraft Country,” the chunk of the upper northeast where many of the horror writer’s stories were set. As Atticus, Leti, and George set out hoping to locate Montrose, they know that the farther away from their neighborhood they travel, the more vulnerable they become and stops on the travel guide act as important oases as the gravity of their quest. That’s where Lovecraft Country’s otherworldliness begins to set in.
For those who signed up for monsters, the series’ first episode is subtle in the way it introduces them because it wants you to understand that the things slinking around in the dark aren’t all there is to be afraid of. The jeering racists, threatening signs, and armed gangs of white people they encounter are every bit the menace as the things waiting for them in Lovecraft Country proper. But the former, at least, are demons Lovecraft Country’s heroes know and have experience with. When the literal fanged monstrosities start slithering their way out of the woods and making their presence known, Lovecraft Country becomes a wholly different kind of high-stress horror. At that point, there’s no way for Atticus, Leti, and George to really run, and it’ll be too late for you to turn the channel.
Advertisement
Lovecraft Country premieres on HBO on August 16.
Advertisement
For more, make sure you’re following us on our Instagram @io9dotcom.


theroot--2020-08-07--The Discreet Charms of Malady

The Discreet Charms of Malady

First , oh , the stories you will tell .
I awake from a four-hour surgery with an epidural and pain pump full of Fentanyl to sounds of a man dying on the gurney next to me , separated only by a threadbare curtain .
Codes blare over the PA system , calling for every available physician to assist while next door , there ’ s the counting and then shocking of defibrillation , for what seems like half an hour .
Just when I ’ m sure the patient is dead and begin crying , my attending nurse comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to get you out of here , ” she says .
“ Too much stress.
” Within moments , she wheels me into an elevator , past the man they are still electrocuting , and to a private room in the postpartum wing—of all the available spaces—with the explanation that anyone with an epidural recovers there .
I ask about the man , but she shakes her head with a tight-lipped smile .
“ HIPPA ?
” I say .
My grief for the man or maybe just timing causes my meds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new nurse replaces the old one , she doesn ’ t believe me .
Outside the room , she and another nurse laugh , “ It was only a hysterectomy.
” And I want to shout , “ It was not only a hysterectomy .
They removed 26 specimens of endo and scar tissue and dissected a bunch of my organs , and what kind of bedside or next-door manner is this , ” but I ’ m too tired and too hurt and can only moan into my cell phone to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me well up here .
She talks with someone in the wing , and suddenly , I receive all the pain meds I need and a refill of my epidural .
Then there are the drugs , or maybe your dysphoria , which requires the drugs , an alphabet of trials and mostly mediocrity , but some euphoria , too .
And forgive the use of second person and the inconsistency in point of view , but sometimes a bit of narrative distance from myself feels pertinent , a dissociative persona the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A is for antidepressants , one to make you sleep , one to allegedly treat your pain and the sadness that humidifies you and your airspace like a heavy fog , and one that relieves pain over time but while you await those results makes you so sleepy , you skip past every alarm on your phone and sleep until 3 or 4pm .
B is for baclofen , a muscle relaxant ; buprenorphine , which causes the worst night terrors and sleep paralysis of your life thus far , dreams you no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which raises goosebumps on your arms .
B is also for what you call the Barney Bag—or sometimes Doc McStuffins Bag , though you have never watched that show—the giant clear vinyl bag , filled with orange bottles of pills that didn ’ t work or that didn ’ t work for long , in which you tote your drugs from upstairs to downstairs and vice versa .
C is for cannabis , which you rely on , but which only works in concentrations so high , the state of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and sugars dabbed from a pipe ( nail ) and requiring a butane torch , all of which you could obtain easily and legally in Illinois before your move .
To be fair , every time you have used them , you have feared setting yourself on fire a la Richard Pryor .
To follow the law , you stick to the weak sauce of 5 and 10mg THC pills and vape pens sold at medical dispensaries .
K is for ketamine , a sublingual troche made at your favorite specialty pharmacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you take too much or mix it with the wrong medications , you hallucinate so intensely that , head forced back , eyes wide closed , you see matrices , fractals , the final frontier , stomp around the house imitating George Clinton and Bootsy Collins , botching showtunes and film dialogue , until your husband tucks you into bed .
R is for prescription retinol to treat your stubborn hormonal acne , likely caused by the low capacity at which your liver is functioning from processing all of these medications .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ends it all for you but not for the ones you love .
The night before your surgery , you beg your husband to let you jump from the tenth-story window of your hotel in Jersey City .
He refuses .
Days before your June birthday , when the whole world seems submerged in hell , you tie a poorly made noose of twine around your neck and pull tightly on it , ashamed of your self-absorption , ashamed at the knowledge of how many Black people before you , even recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t breathe ” or had postcards of their lynchings and body parts , passed around and sold as souvenirs in person and on the internet .
You are surprised , in spite of this , at how much the noose hurts , the pressure and the sharpness and the rush of blood .
You untie the twine , massage your sore neck , and go for a walk near midnight , daring someone to shoot you in your hoodie , to put you out of your misery .
No one does .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the best part of all is the food , glorious food you consume .
After surgery , you meet your goal weight at last , too sick to eat much besides vegan yogurt , protein shakes , mandarin oranges , and clear soups .
Weighing yourself each day becomes a highlight , self-imposed restriction is a reunion with an old , easy friend .
Your husband and doctors worry over how skinny you look .
An Instagram video of yourself confirms to you that they are right , but you take this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your clothes , to shop your own wardrobe and find each inch of give in the fabric a little ecstasy .
But the COVID-19 pandemic hits , and suddenly you aren ’ t just in the house recovering peacefully , albeit hungrily ; you are forced to stay at home .
As police violence against Black people swells—or simply becomes more visible—the struggle for Black liberation becomes a hot poker , probing at your sadness and the six new wiggler worm incisions that cover your flat , almost concave belly .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lives and works in Minneapolis ; you text and call him late one night to no response , until he finally texts you back , “ I ’ m fine .
Don ’ t you know it ’ s four in the morning ?
” Suddenly , your appetite returns—or your ability to suppress it flees—and you find yourself staying up late to watch TCM movies and eat sandwich after sandwich spread thick with almond butter and raspberry jam , so much of each that they ooze out all over your fingers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the few small pleasures you can indulge in the midst of all of the violence and increased despair , in the middle of this recovery process , which will not allow for sex or dancing or drinking or working out or hanging out with friends .
And you can ’ t eat something sweet without a bit of salt , so you steal huge portions of chips or crackers from your husband while he is sleeping to accompany this stack of sandwiches .
Aside from one called Niagara starring Marilyn Monroe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single one of these late-night classic Hollywood cinema films , but you could probably name the snacks .
Binge eating at night has replaced restriction—though you still practice that during the day—and by July , six months post surgery , you have gained twenty pounds and three new therapists in addition to your old one : a nutritional specialist , a pain psychologist , and an eating disorder psychiatrist .
You keep trying to write a joke , “ How many therapists does it take to heal a writer/ an academic /a hysterectomy/ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never reveals itself .
The pain , too , is a comfort , I hate to admit but feel freer in doing so .
It provides an occasion for the drugs .
It means a break here or there without 20 % of my typical guilt .
It means fewer people—though not many fewer—ask me for things .
Repeated major surgery pronounces me fragile , delicate , to be handled with care , like the meaning of my Arabic name .
I ’ ve published two other essays about life with endo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ four days before my third surgery , I essentially wrote an ultimatum : it ’ s either hysterectomy and a final excision of all endo or suicide .
The responses to the essay were overwhelmingly empathetic , aside from the incredibly rude but prescient women who wrote to me , “ Don ’ t do this .
It won ’ t solve your problems.
” They may have been correct .
Six months later , I am still sad , still in physical pain every day still fighting suicidal ideation and depression on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still a hysterical woman , just without a uterus .
I fear I carry a cloud of instability , too , that makes people afraid of what I might do to myself .
I worry that my candor will backfire .
With my great team of pain specialists , surgeons , therapists , husband , friends , and family , I pray I can remain in this body despite how desperately and frequently my spirit wants to escape it .
And for those in similar or different but equally painful bodies and minds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in yours , too .

Nafissa Thompson-Spires on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

First, oh, the stories you will tell. I awake from a four-hour surgery with an epidural and pain pump full of Fentanyl to sounds of a man dying on the gurney next to me, separated only by a threadbare curtain. Codes blare over the PA system, calling for every available physician to assist while next door, there’s the counting and then shocking of defibrillation, for what seems like half an hour. Just when I’m sure the patient is dead and begin crying, my attending nurse comes to check on me. “We need to get you out of here,” she says. “Too much stress.” Within moments, she wheels me into an elevator, past the man they are still electrocuting, and to a private room in the postpartum wing—of all the available spaces—with the explanation that anyone with an epidural recovers there. I ask about the man, but she shakes her head with a tight-lipped smile. “HIPPA?” I say.
My grief for the man or maybe just timing causes my meds to stop working, and when a new nurse replaces the old one, she doesn’t believe me. Outside the room, she and another nurse laugh, “It was only a hysterectomy.” And I want to shout, “It was not only a hysterectomy. They removed 26 specimens of endo and scar tissue and dissected a bunch of my organs, and what kind of bedside or next-door manner is this,” but I’m too tired and too hurt and can only moan into my cell phone to my surgeon that they aren’t treating me well up here. She talks with someone in the wing, and suddenly, I receive all the pain meds I need and a refill of my epidural.
Advertisement
Then there are the drugs, or maybe your dysphoria, which requires the drugs, an alphabet of trials and mostly mediocrity, but some euphoria, too. And forgive the use of second person and the inconsistency in point of view, but sometimes a bit of narrative distance from myself feels pertinent, a dissociative persona the only way I can tell the truth.
A is for antidepressants, one to make you sleep, one to allegedly treat your pain and the sadness that humidifies you and your airspace like a heavy fog, and one that relieves pain over time but while you await those results makes you so sleepy, you skip past every alarm on your phone and sleep until 3 or 4pm. B is for baclofen, a muscle relaxant; buprenorphine, which causes the worst night terrors and sleep paralysis of your life thus far, dreams you no longer remember in detail but the thought of which raises goosebumps on your arms. B is also for what you call the Barney Bag—or sometimes Doc McStuffins Bag, though you have never watched that show—the giant clear vinyl bag, filled with orange bottles of pills that didn’t work or that didn’t work for long, in which you tote your drugs from upstairs to downstairs and vice versa.
Advertisement Advertisement
C is for cannabis, which you rely on, but which only works in concentrations so high, the state of New York will not allow them—live resins, waxes, and sugars dabbed from a pipe (nail) and requiring a butane torch, all of which you could obtain easily and legally in Illinois before your move. To be fair, every time you have used them, you have feared setting yourself on fire a la Richard Pryor. To follow the law, you stick to the weak sauce of 5 and 10mg THC pills and vape pens sold at medical dispensaries. K is for ketamine, a sublingual troche made at your favorite specialty pharmacy and delivered right to your door. If you take too much or mix it with the wrong medications, you hallucinate so intensely that, head forced back, eyes wide closed, you see matrices, fractals, the final frontier, stomp around the house imitating George Clinton and Bootsy Collins, botching showtunes and film dialogue, until your husband tucks you into bed. R is for prescription retinol to treat your stubborn hormonal acne, likely caused by the low capacity at which your liver is functioning from processing all of these medications.
S is for suicide, a drug that ends it all for you but not for the ones you love. The night before your surgery, you beg your husband to let you jump from the tenth-story window of your hotel in Jersey City. He refuses. Days before your June birthday, when the whole world seems submerged in hell, you tie a poorly made noose of twine around your neck and pull tightly on it, ashamed of your self-absorption, ashamed at the knowledge of how many Black people before you, even recently, have uttered, “I can’t breathe” or had postcards of their lynchings and body parts, passed around and sold as souvenirs in person and on the internet. You are surprised, in spite of this, at how much the noose hurts, the pressure and the sharpness and the rush of blood. You untie the twine, massage your sore neck, and go for a walk near midnight, daring someone to shoot you in your hoodie, to put you out of your misery. No one does. Maybe no one can.
Advertisement
Besides ketamine, the best part of all is the food, glorious food you consume. After surgery, you meet your goal weight at last, too sick to eat much besides vegan yogurt, protein shakes, mandarin oranges, and clear soups. Weighing yourself each day becomes a highlight, self-imposed restriction is a reunion with an old, easy friend. Your husband and doctors worry over how skinny you look. An Instagram video of yourself confirms to you that they are right, but you take this as an opportunity to try on all of your clothes, to shop your own wardrobe and find each inch of give in the fabric a little ecstasy.
But the COVID-19 pandemic hits, and suddenly you aren’t just in the house recovering peacefully, albeit hungrily; you are forced to stay at home. As police violence against Black people swells—or simply becomes more visible—the struggle for Black liberation becomes a hot poker, probing at your sadness and the six new wiggler worm incisions that cover your flat, almost concave belly. You worry obsessively about your little brother, who lives and works in Minneapolis; you text and call him late one night to no response, until he finally texts you back, “I’m fine. Don’t you know it’s four in the morning?”
Advertisement
Suddenly, your appetite returns—or your ability to suppress it flees—and you find yourself staying up late to watch TCM movies and eat sandwich after sandwich spread thick with almond butter and raspberry jam, so much of each that they ooze out all over your fingers, which you lick with delight, one of the few small pleasures you can indulge in the midst of all of the violence and increased despair, in the middle of this recovery process, which will not allow for sex or dancing or drinking or working out or hanging out with friends. And you can’t eat something sweet without a bit of salt, so you steal huge portions of chips or crackers from your husband while he is sleeping to accompany this stack of sandwiches.
Aside from one called Niagara starring Marilyn Monroe, you couldn’t name a single one of these late-night classic Hollywood cinema films, but you could probably name the snacks. Binge eating at night has replaced restriction—though you still practice that during the day—and by July, six months post surgery, you have gained twenty pounds and three new therapists in addition to your old one: a nutritional specialist, a pain psychologist, and an eating disorder psychiatrist. You keep trying to write a joke, “How many therapists does it take to heal a writer/ an academic /a hysterectomy/ endometriosis/ Nafissa?” but the punchline never reveals itself.
Advertisement
The pain, too, is a comfort, I hate to admit but feel freer in doing so. It provides an occasion for the drugs. It means a break here or there without 20% of my typical guilt. It means fewer people—though not many fewer—ask me for things. Repeated major surgery pronounces me fragile, delicate, to be handled with care, like the meaning of my Arabic name. I’ve published two other essays about life with endo. In the latter, which came out four days before my third surgery, I essentially wrote an ultimatum: it’s either hysterectomy and a final excision of all endo or suicide. The responses to the essay were overwhelmingly empathetic, aside from the incredibly rude but prescient women who wrote to me, “Don’t do this. It won’t solve your problems.” They may have been correct. Six months later, I am still sad, still in physical pain every day still fighting suicidal ideation and depression on top of a reenergized eating disorder, still a hysterical woman, just without a uterus.
I fear I carry a cloud of instability, too, that makes people afraid of what I might do to myself. I worry that my candor will backfire. With my great team of pain specialists, surgeons, therapists, husband, friends, and family, I pray I can remain in this body despite how desperately and frequently my spirit wants to escape it. And for those in similar or different but equally painful bodies and minds, I pray you find strength to remain in yours, too.


theroot--2020-08-07--Oprah Magazine Will Erect 26 Billboards of Breonna Taylor in Lousiville. Local Foundation Will Erect

Oprah Magazine Will Erect 26 Billboards of Breonna Taylor in Lousiville. Local Foundation Will Erect Billboards Praising Police Officers In Response

It ’ s been 147 days—and counting—since Breonna Taylor was brutally gunned down in her sleep .
147 days without justice .
The WNBA has dedicated their season to honoring her memory and last week , for the first time ever , Oprah Magazine featured someone other than Oprah on its cover .
That person was Breonna Taylor .
“ Breonna Taylor .
She was just like you , ” Oprah said in a statement announcing the cover .
“ And like everyone who dies unexpectedly , she had plans.
” That she did .
But one thing I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outpouring of rage from millions of people throughout the world at her death at the hands of Louisville police .
Breonna also likely never imagined that Oprah Magazine and Until Freedom would erect 26 billboards throughout Louisville , one for every year of her life , in order to # SayHerName and continue to fight in justice , according to WLKY and Oprah Magazine .
“ Kentucky will not forget her name , ” Until Freedom tweeted on Thursday .
“ We will get justice for Breonna.
” Until Freedom , co-founded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angelo Pinto and Linda Sarsour , is an intersectional social justice organization comprised of “ advocates , new & budding activists , seasoned community organizers , students , movement lawyers , entertainers and artists , policy experts , formerly & currently incarcerated individuals , and survivors of gun violence , ” according to its website .
They are “ rooted in the leadership of diverse people of color to address systemic and racial injustice.
” They are 100 percent about that action and brought exactly that to the doorstep of Kentucky Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organized a massive protest on Cameron ’ s front lawn that resulted in the arrest of over 80 peaceful protesters .
The billboards began to go up on Thursday and will all be up by Monday .
Unfortunately , they might also have some unwelcome company , as the Louisville Metro Police Foundation has revealed its own plans to erect billboards throughout the city .
“ Several people have reached out wanting to show our officers how much we appreciate them by creating amazing billboards throughout our community , ” the foundation posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process and would love to have your help .
[ ... ] Let ’ s show our officers how much we value them .
They need our support now more than ever.
” If only they spent as much energy putting the officers involved in her death behind bars , but just because the devil is busy doesn ’ t mean we have to entertain him .
We will say her name and we will get justice for Breonna .

147 days.
It’s been 147 days—and counting—since Breonna Taylor was brutally gunned down in her sleep. 147 days without justice.
Advertisement
The WNBA has dedicated their season to honoring her memory and last week, for the first time ever, Oprah Magazine featured someone other than Oprah on its cover. That person was Breonna Taylor.
Advertisement Advertisement
“Breonna Taylor. She was just like you,” Oprah said in a statement announcing the cover. “And like everyone who dies unexpectedly, she had plans.”
That she did.
But one thing I’m sure she never imagined was the outpouring of rage from millions of people throughout the world at her death at the hands of Louisville police.
Advertisement
Breonna also likely never imagined that Oprah Magazine and Until Freedom would erect 26 billboards throughout Louisville, one for every year of her life, in order to #SayHerName and continue to fight in justice, according to WLKY and Oprah Magazine.
“Kentucky will not forget her name,” Until Freedom tweeted on Thursday. “We will get justice for Breonna.”
Advertisement
Until Freedom, co-founded by organizers Tamika Mallory, Mysonne Linen, Angelo Pinto and Linda Sarsour, is an intersectional social justice organization comprised of “advocates, new & budding activists, seasoned community organizers, students, movement lawyers, entertainers and artists, policy experts, formerly & currently incarcerated individuals, and survivors of gun violence,” according to its website. They are “rooted in the leadership of diverse people of color to address systemic and racial injustice.”
Advertisement
They are 100 percent about that action and brought exactly that to the doorstep of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. In July, they organized a massive protest on Cameron’s front lawn that resulted in the arrest of over 80 peaceful protesters.
Advertisement
The billboards began to go up on Thursday and will all be up by Monday.
Unfortunately, they might also have some unwelcome company, as the Louisville Metro Police Foundation has revealed its own plans to erect billboards throughout the city.
Advertisement
“Several people have reached out wanting to show our officers how much we appreciate them by creating amazing billboards throughout our community,” the foundation posted on Facebook. “We have begun the process and would love to have your help. [...] Let’s show our officers how much we value them. They need our support now more than ever.”
Advertisement
If only they spent as much energy putting the officers involved in her death behind bars, but just because the devil is busy doesn’t mean we have to entertain him.
We will say her name and we will get justice for Breonna.


theroot--2020-08-07--TGIF Playlist: Party in the Living Room

TGIF Playlist: Party in the Living Room

Today ’ s TGIF Playlist was inspired by rooftop parties and twerking freely during the summer—both of which were canceled @ @ @ @ @ , just because we can ’ t twerk with our girls during brunch , doesn @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get down in the privacy of our own homes .
So enjoy the @ @ @ @ @ I will .
Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version @ @ @ @ @ doing 3 months of FREE listens !
And here ’ s the completed playlist on @ @ @ @ @ until next week , y ’ all :

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

3 Months Free | Amazon Music Unlimited
Today’s TGIF Playlist was inspired by rooftop parties and twerking freely during the summer—both of which were canceled because of COVID-19. But, just because we can’t twerk with our girls during brunch, doesn’t mean we can’t get down in the privacy of our own homes. So enjoy the upbeat bops, I know I will. Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version. They’re still doing 3 months of FREE listens!
1. “WAP” — Cardi B. ft. Megan Thee Stallion
2. “Big Momma Thang” — Lil Kim ft. Jay-Z
3. “Nice For What” — Drake
4. “Sum Bout U” — 645AR ft. FKA Twigs
5. “MOOD 4 EVA” — Beyoncé ft. Jay-z, Childish Gambino, and Oumou Sangaré
6. “GREECE” — DJ Khalid ft. Drake
7. “My Oasis” — Sam Smith ft. Burna Boy
8. “UN DIA” — J. Balvin ft. Tainy, Dua Lip, and Bad Bunny
9. “BOP” — DaBaby
10. “In The Party” — Flo Milli
11. “F&MU” — Kehlani
12. “Rock With You” — Micheal Jackson
13. “BLACK PARADE” — Beyoncé
14. “Weak” — Flo Milli
And here’s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment until next week, y’all:


theroot--2020-08-07--The Root Jams Weekly: 'The Bad Bitch Playlist' (8/7/2020)

Every now and then you have to reach into your bag for your inner “ bad bitch.
” Sometimes , @ @ @ @ @ takes to get the job done .
This week ’ s playlist is chock full @ @ @ @ @ power of that inner “ bad bitch.
” Rihanna “ Bitch Better Have My Money @ @ @ @ @ Is The Least ”

Panama Jackson on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

Every now and then you have to reach into your bag for your inner “bad bitch.” Sometimes, that’s what it takes to get the job done. This week’s playlist is chock full of jams to harness the power of that inner “bad bitch.”
Maiysha Kai
Betty Davis “They Say I’m Different”
Ptaf “Boss Ass Bitch”
Janet Jackson “Control”
Beyoncé “Don’t Hurt Yourself”
Kelis “Milkshake”
Lizzo “Tempo”
Michael Harriot
Amy Winehouse “F**k Me Pumps”
Mary Jane Girls “All Night Long”
Jay-Z “Always Be My Sunshine”
Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan “Tell Me Something Good”
Monique Judge
Megan Thee Stallion “Big Ole Freak”
City Girls “Act Up”
Cardi B “Bodak Yellow”
Cardi B “Get Up 10"
Megan Thee Stallion ft Beyonce “Savage (Remix)“
Lil Kim “Not Tonight”
Cardi B “Money”
Cardi B ft Megan Thee Stallion “WAP”
J’Na Jefferson
Rihanna “Bitch Better Have My Money”
Kelis “Bossy”
Remy Ma “Conceited”
Rico Nasty “Hatin”
Leikeli47 “Bad Gyal Flex”
Princess Nokia “Sugar Honey Iced Tea”
Demi Lovato “Sorry Not Sorry”
Ishena Robinson
Megan Thee Stallion “Naturally”
Spice “Fight Ova Man”
Lady Saw “Man Is The Least”


theroot--2020-08-07--Nazi or Nah? Oakland A's Coach Apologies for 'Unintentional' Salute

Unlike others , I don ’ t spend a lot of time fraternizing with Nazis—as in at all .
So when news began to circulate of Oakland A ’ s bench coach Ryan Christenson doing this on Thursday : I didn ’ t immediately recognize what it was .
Thankfully , plenty of other people did .
They then , of course , called him out on it , and as ESPN reports , now we get what we always do when circumstances such as these occur : a forced apology .
“ I made a mistake and will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
“ Today in the dugout I greeted players with a gesture that was offensive .
In the world today of COVID , I adapted our elbow bump , which we do after wins , to create some distance with the players .
My gesture unintentionally resulted in a racist and horrible salute that I do not believe in .
What I did was unacceptable and I deeply apologize.
” The A ’ s also made a statement of their own .
“ A ’ s bench coach Ryan Christenson greeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Nazi salute .
We do not support or condone this gesture or the racist sentiment behind it .
This is incredibly offensive , especially in these times when we as a Club and so many others are working to expose and address racial inequities in our country .
We are deeply sorry that this happened on our playing field.
” As for the act itself , ESPN provided some important details : [ Oakland Athletics ] Closer Liam Hendriks could be seen correcting Christenson ’ s gesture so it fit what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christenson then turned around and repeated the gesture .
“ No , no straight arm , you have to bend your elbow , ” Christenson said Hendriks told him , according to the San Francisco Chronicle .
“ Oh , I see what you mean , oh no , it ’ s like ‘ Heil Hitler.
’ ” It ’ s yet to be determined if the A ’ s will take any disciplinary action , but Twitter isn ’ t letting Christenson or the team off the hook .
Christenson has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be surprised if MLB just Kanye shrugs and goes about their day .

Unlike others, I don’t spend a lot of time fraternizing with Nazis—as in at all.
So when news began to circulate of Oakland A’s bench coach Ryan Christenson doing this on Thursday:
I didn’t immediately recognize what it was. Thankfully, plenty of other people did.
Advertisement
They then, of course, called him out on it, and as ESPN reports, now we get what we always do when circumstances such as these occur: a forced apology.
“I made a mistake and will not deny it,” Christenson said in a statement. “Today in the dugout I greeted players with a gesture that was offensive. In the world today of COVID, I adapted our elbow bump, which we do after wins, to create some distance with the players. My gesture unintentionally resulted in a racist and horrible salute that I do not believe in. What I did was unacceptable and I deeply apologize.”
Advertisement Advertisement
The A’s also made a statement of their own.
“A’s bench coach Ryan Christenson greeted players with a gesture that looked like a Nazi salute. We do not support or condone this gesture or the racist sentiment behind it. This is incredibly offensive, especially in these times when we as a Club and so many others are working to expose and address racial inequities in our country. We are deeply sorry that this happened on our playing field.”
Advertisement
As for the act itself, ESPN provided some important details:
[Oakland Athletics] Closer Liam Hendriks could be seen correcting Christenson’s gesture so it fit what the rest of the team was doing. Christenson then turned around and repeated the gesture. “No, no straight arm, you have to bend your elbow,” Christenson said Hendriks told him, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. “Oh, I see what you mean, oh no, it’s like ‘Heil Hitler.’”
Advertisement
It’s yet to be determined if the A’s will take any disciplinary action, but Twitter isn’t letting Christenson or the team off the hook.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Christenson has the complexion for protection though, so don’t be surprised if MLB just Kanye shrugs and goes about their day.


theroot--2020-08-07--If Kanye Somehow Stays in the Presidential Race, It'll Hurt Trump, Not Biden

“ No , I don ’ t have any bottled water ” was my reply , 12 years ago , when two women—one of whom I was dating ; the other was her friend—visited my apartment for the first time .
I ’ d just offered the friend some Kool-Aid , and she looked at me like I ’ d just offered her a glass of elephant backwash , and said : “ Nigga , you still drinking Kool-Aid ?
” The woman I was dating , sensing the white-hot judgment from her girl for dating a still-drinking-Kool-Aid-ass-nigga , tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any bottled water .
But what she didn ’ t realize is that there ’ s literally zero overlap between the “ making a batch of Kool-Aid every day and offering it to guests ” population and the “ Aquafina-having ” population .
So the friend stayed thirsty , but I was so thoroughly Kool-Aid shamed that I haven ’ t bought any since .
Anyway , I was thinking about that this morning when thinking about Kanye West .
I ’ ve been intentional with not writing things about his erratic behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have the breadth of knowledge about bipolar disorder to do it in a way I believe it needs to be done .
So I nod to people like Bassey Ikpi , who does .
And she has also expressed , repeatedly , that people like her—who deal with bipolar disorder—are reading and watching the discourse about Kanye with a close and fearful curiosity ; worried that we ’ d be as dismissive with their struggles as some of us are with his .
So this , today , isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s head .
Instead , it ’ s about the bad and dumb belief that him running for president hurts Joe Biden and helps President Trump .
Which is based on the assumption that Kanye would take some Black votes from Biden , and is also ( more ) proof that not enough people in politics and mainstream American media actually know Black Americans .
Not know of .
But know .
Now , I won ’ t claim to know every Black person .
Between friends and family and acquaintances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are way more Black people I don ’ t know than Black people I do !
Like a million in Detroit alone !
I went to Essence Fest in 2018 , and there were a million people there , but I only personally knew like 70 !
But I don ’ t need to personally know every Black person to know Black people .
To know us .
And if you know us , you ’ d also know that any Black person who ’ d decide , in the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll happen during a motherfucking global pandemic—to don a mask , stand in line , sign their name , get to the booth , and cast a vote for Kanye Omari West , belongs to one of two categories : 1 .
People who have literally never voted before , but will now because Kanye ’ s on the ballot .
For them , the choice isn ’ t vote for Kanye or Biden .
It ’ s vote for Kanye or stay home and watch a House Hunters marathon .
These people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Idiot contrarian niggas who are obsessed with not being “ sheep ” and “ playing chess , not checkers.
” They ’ re the people who say things like “ the Democratic plantation ” and “ I ’ d rather get a text from Jay-Z than $ 500,000 , cause I ’ ll flip that text into millions.
” If you know us , you know them , and hopefully , you abhor them as much as I do .
Trump ’ s Black “ base ” is mostly Black men , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of it .
These people are never voting for Biden , and a Kanye ticket siphons these votes from Trump .
We know that the majority of people who plan to vote for Joe Biden in November aren ’ t voting for Biden but to get Trump the fuck out .
No one—not even Joe Biden himself—is excited about a Biden presidency , and Black people planning to support him are doing so because of the gravity of the situation .
A vote for someone who has no chance of winning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a throwaway vote .
And a Black person concerned enough about the dire as fuck stakes to consider Biden isn ’ t going to vote Kanye instead .
Of course , there might be some outliers , but there ’ s no significant overlap between Black people who plan to vote for Biden and Black people who ’ d vote for Kanye .
But please don ’ t share any of this with the Republicans trying to get him on ballots .
If fact , pretend you didn ’ t read this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even exist !
Would you like some Kool-Aid ?

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

“No, I don’t have any bottled water” was my reply, 12 years ago, when two women—one of whom I was dating; the other was her friend—visited my apartment for the first time.
I’d just offered the friend some Kool-Aid, and she looked at me like I’d just offered her a glass of elephant backwash, and said: “Nigga, you still drinking Kool-Aid?” The woman I was dating, sensing the white-hot judgment from her girl for dating a still-drinking-Kool-Aid-ass-nigga, tried to pivot and asked if I had any bottled water. But what she didn’t realize is that there’s literally zero overlap between the “making a batch of Kool-Aid every day and offering it to guests” population and the “Aquafina-having” population. So the friend stayed thirsty, but I was so thoroughly Kool-Aid shamed that I haven’t bought any since.
Advertisement
Anyway, I was thinking about that this morning when thinking about Kanye West. I’ve been intentional with not writing things about his erratic behavior this summer, because I just don’t have the breadth of knowledge about bipolar disorder to do it in a way I believe it needs to be done. So I nod to people like Bassey Ikpi, who does. And she has also expressed, repeatedly, that people like her—who deal with bipolar disorder—are reading and watching the discourse about Kanye with a close and fearful curiosity; worried that we’d be as dismissive with their struggles as some of us are with his.
Advertisement Advertisement
So this, today, isn’t about what’s happening in Kanye’s head. Instead, it’s about the bad and dumb belief that him running for president hurts Joe Biden and helps President Trump. Which is based on the assumption that Kanye would take some Black votes from Biden, and is also (more) proof that not enough people in politics and mainstream American media actually know Black Americans. Not know of. But know.
Now, I won’t claim to know every Black person. Between friends and family and acquaintances, I probably personally know like 1,200. There are way more Black people I don’t know than Black people I do! Like a million in Detroit alone! I went to Essence Fest in 2018, and there were a million people there, but I only personally knew like 70! But I don’t need to personally know every Black person to know Black people. To know us. And if you know us, you’d also know that any Black person who’d decide, in the most important election of our lifetimes—an election that’ll happen during a motherfucking global pandemic—to don a mask, stand in line, sign their name, get to the booth, and cast a vote for Kanye Omari West, belongs to one of two categories:
1. People who have literally never voted before, but will now because Kanye’s on the ballot. For them, the choice isn’t vote for Kanye or Biden. It’s vote for Kanye or stay home and watch a House Hunters marathon. These people don’t matter.
Advertisement
2. Idiot contrarian niggas who are obsessed with not being “sheep” and “playing chess, not checkers.” They’re the people who say things like “the Democratic plantation” and “I’d rather get a text from Jay-Z than $500,000, cause I’ll flip that text into millions.” If you know us, you know them, and hopefully, you abhor them as much as I do.
Trump’s Black “base” is mostly Black men, and this category of potential Kanye voters is part of it. These people are never voting for Biden, and a Kanye ticket siphons these votes from Trump.
Advertisement
We know that the majority of people who plan to vote for Joe Biden in November aren’t voting for Biden but to get Trump the fuck out. No one—not even Joe Biden himself—is excited about a Biden presidency, and Black people planning to support him are doing so because of the gravity of the situation. A vote for someone who has no chance of winning, which Kanye West doesn’t, is a throwaway vote. And a Black person concerned enough about the dire as fuck stakes to consider Biden isn’t going to vote Kanye instead. Of course, there might be some outliers, but there’s no significant overlap between Black people who plan to vote for Biden and Black people who’d vote for Kanye.
Advertisement
But please don’t share any of this with the Republicans trying to get him on ballots. If fact, pretend you didn’t read this! Actually, “this” doesn’t even exist! Would you like some Kool-Aid?


theroot--2020-08-07--Cut the Cord on Cleaning: Dyson's V7 Fluffy Is $50 off at Newegg

As I expressed in an earlier Co-op , I ’ m on the prowl for my first cordless vacuum .
@ @ @ @ @ t vouch for the Dyson V7 Origin myself , hearsay suggests it ’ s one @ @ @ @ @ there ( let me know what you think in the comments ) , and Dyson @ @ @ @ @ makes this deal hard to ignore : Newegg is selling the Dyson V7 Fluffy Cordless @ @ @ @ @ This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey on 6/10/2020 and updated by Jordan McMahon @ @ @ @ @ .

Gabe Carey and Jordan McMahon on Kinja Deals, shared by Jordan McMahon to The Root

Dyson V7 Animal | $250 | Best Buy
Let me tell you, the Dyson V7 Animal is a game-changer, and I’m not just saying that because it’s on sale for $250 at Best Buy and we get a commission from each purchase. I bought one myself last June and haven’t regretted it.
Mounted to our wall, it’s much easier to store than a larger upright floor vac you might tuck away in a closet and rarely touch. I use mine almost every day to pick up kitty litter as my cat explodes from his spaceship. For smaller spaces, the canister yields a sufficient enough capacity that you can go about a month without emptying it out. Not to mention the actual process of dumping out the dirt and dust only requires the simple pull of a lever.
A $150 discount off the new price for this V7 Animal model is not nothing, especially considering I paid notably more for mine back in June. While it may not have the longest battery life in the world, clocking in at just 30 minutes, those living in quaint apartments or rancher-style homes shouldn’t take more than that to give their place a nice sweep.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey on 6/10/2020 and updated by Elizabeth Lanier with new information on 7/3/2021.


theroot--2020-08-07--Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Bring the Heat and Some Surprise Guests in Music Video for Their New

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Bring the Heat and Some Surprise Guests in Music Video for Their New Song 'WAP'

When Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion revealed earlier this week that they had a new collaboration coming out called “ WAP , ” I began eagerly anticipating and preemptively celebrating a wave of hot girl shit to take my mind off the hot mess that continues to be 2020 .
The new song and music video from the two Billboard-topping rappers , released at midnight on Friday , did not disappoint .
In the video , Thee Stallion from Houston and Cardi from the Bronx enter the screen as pastel-outfitted princesses of a mansion , while the sounds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing about her “ WAP , ” which makes that “ pull-out game weak.
” Let me pause here and explain that the three-letter song title is an abbreviation for “ wet-ass pussy ” —and it ’ s an assertion of feminine sexuality that drives the song and music video .
The video , however , features a ‘ clean ’ version of the song in which Cardi B huskily raps about “ wet and gushy , ” as she explained on social media that YouTube felt the raw version was too explicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” still play a big part in the visuals .
Alongside actual tigers , Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion don sexy animal-print outfits , and each demonstrate their very impressive splitting abilities and assets in some very memorable scenes .
The two give us choreography and increasingly dirty bars , and the music video also features some cute cameos—including the rapper Mulatto and singer-dancer-all-around-performer Normani ( who also shows off her ability to split in the video , which reminds me that I never managed to learn how to do a split @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s also a—in my opinion—random cameo from Kylie Jenner in the video , which has triggered all sorts of reactions on Twitter and is likely what the appearance was aimed to do : Regardless of the unnecessary reminder of the Kardashians , I recommend watching the video ( shared below ) and also listening to the explicit version of the scorching song , available on Spotify and other streaming platforms , to deep dive into the WAP experience .
Shoutout to Cardi and Megan for setting the internet a storm like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lem me go practice these splits ... Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

When Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion revealed earlier this week that they had a new collaboration coming out called “WAP,” I began eagerly anticipating and preemptively celebrating a wave of hot girl shit to take my mind off the hot mess that continues to be 2020.
Advertisement
The new song and music video from the two Billboard-topping rappers, released at midnight on Friday, did not disappoint.
In the video, Thee Stallion from Houston and Cardi from the Bronx enter the screen as pastel-outfitted princesses of a mansion, while the sounds of a Franki B sample transitions into Cardi singing about her “WAP,” which makes that “pull-out game weak.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Let me pause here and explain that the three-letter song title is an abbreviation for “wet-ass pussy”—and it’s an assertion of feminine sexuality that drives the song and music video.
The video, however, features a ‘clean’ version of the song in which Cardi B huskily raps about “wet and gushy,” as she explained on social media that YouTube felt the raw version was too explicit for their platform.
Advertisement
But “kitties” still play a big part in the visuals. Alongside actual tigers, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion don sexy animal-print outfits, and each demonstrate their very impressive splitting abilities and assets in some very memorable scenes.
“Your honor, I’m a freak bitch,” Megan raps unapologetically.
The two give us choreography and increasingly dirty bars, and the music video also features some cute cameos—including the rapper Mulatto and singer-dancer-all-around-performer Normani (who also shows off her ability to split in the video, which reminds me that I never managed to learn how to do a split and still wish I did).
Advertisement
There’s also a—in my opinion—random cameo from Kylie Jenner in the video, which has triggered all sorts of reactions on Twitter and is likely what the appearance was aimed to do:
Advertisement
Advertisement
Regardless of the unnecessary reminder of the Kardashians, I recommend watching the video (shared below) and also listening to the explicit version of the scorching song, available on Spotify and other streaming platforms, to deep dive into the WAP experience.
Shoutout to Cardi and Megan for setting the internet a storm like the hot girls they are.
Advertisement
Now lemme go practice these splits...
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-07--An Exclusive Sneak Peak at The God of High School, an Anime You Need to be Watching

Do you like anime ?
How about seeing folks get their shit absolutely rocked ?
If you answered yes to both of those questions then you , dear reader , need to check out Crunchyroll ’ s latest original anime , The God of High School .
The God of High School is based on the Korean webtoon of the same name and follows three teenagers in South Korea as they compete in the God of High School martial arts tournament .
Our three heroes , renewal taekwondo user Jin Mori , swordswoman Yu Mira , and martial artist Han @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop an attempted robbery .
As their friendship develops , you learn more about why each person is fighting in the tournament and find yourself wanting all three to take the top position .
The strength of the series lies in fight scenes which are brought to brilliant life by the team at MAPPA .
One of my favorite aspects of martial arts movies and anime is seeing how different styles match up to one another .
It ’ s a large part of why I go so hard for Naruto .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ episodes , Yu Mira has gone up against a professional wrestler ; , a man of Tai Chi fought a demonic-ass brawler ; and Han Daewi took on a dude who ’ s basically a superpowered version of Bat Boy from The Raid 2 .
I can not tell you the amount of times I was on the couch yelling “ Oh shit , they FIGHTIN ’ fightin ’ ?
!
” One of the key aspects that sets this show apart from most fighting anime is the undercurrent of mystery that runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cold open that provides a glimpse into the shady dealings of the organizers within the tournament who seem to be into some really occultish shit .
Like seriously , some of these folks clearly need Jesus .
Additionally , I was surprised at the strength of the emotional beats in the two most recent episodes .
Episode five , in particular , darn near had your boy crying , and the climactic fight seriously gave me goosebumps .
The series is already firing on all cylinders and we ’ re still only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you want a sneak peak at the show you ’ re in luck as the good folks at Crunchyroll have sent over an exclusive clip from this week ’ s episode .
Jaegel Taek , one of the primary antagonists from the webtoon , is announcing his arrival in stunning fashion .
So far we ’ ve only seen glimpses of the supernatural abilities that certain characters are capable of , and as the tournament is set to go to a larger scale , we ’ re about to see an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I , for one , can not wait .
New episodes of The God of High School premiere every Monday , exclusively on Crunchyroll .

Joe Jurado on The Grapevine, shared by Joe Jurado to The Root

Do you like anime? How about seeing folks get their shit absolutely rocked? If you answered yes to both of those questions then you, dear reader, need to check out Crunchyroll’s latest original anime, The God of High School.
The God of High School is based on the Korean webtoon of the same name and follows three teenagers in South Korea as they compete in the God of High School martial arts tournament. Our three heroes, renewal taekwondo user Jin Mori, swordswoman Yu Mira, and martial artist Han Daewi cross paths during a humorous effort to stop an attempted robbery. As their friendship develops, you learn more about why each person is fighting in the tournament and find yourself wanting all three to take the top position.
Advertisement
The strength of the series lies in fight scenes which are brought to brilliant life by the team at MAPPA. One of my favorite aspects of martial arts movies and anime is seeing how different styles match up to one another. It’s a large part of why I go so hard for Naruto. Over the course of the first five episodes, Yu Mira has gone up against a professional wrestler;, a man of Tai Chi fought a demonic-ass brawler; and Han Daewi took on a dude who’s basically a superpowered version of Bat Boy from The Raid 2. I cannot tell you the amount of times I was on the couch yelling “Oh shit, they FIGHTIN’ fightin’?!”
One of the key aspects that sets this show apart from most fighting anime is the undercurrent of mystery that runs through it. Each episode begins with a cold open that provides a glimpse into the shady dealings of the organizers within the tournament who seem to be into some really occultish shit.
Advertisement Advertisement
Like seriously, some of these folks clearly need Jesus.
Additionally, I was surprised at the strength of the emotional beats in the two most recent episodes. Episode five, in particular, darn near had your boy crying, and the climactic fight seriously gave me goosebumps. The series is already firing on all cylinders and we’re still only in the early days of the tournament.
Advertisement
If you want a sneak peak at the show you’re in luck as the good folks at Crunchyroll have sent over an exclusive clip from this week’s episode.
Jaegel Taek, one of the primary antagonists from the webtoon, is announcing his arrival in stunning fashion. So far we’ve only seen glimpses of the supernatural abilities that certain characters are capable of, and as the tournament is set to go to a larger scale, we’re about to see an entirely new set of fighters and abilities.
Advertisement
I, for one, cannot wait.
New episodes of The God of High School premiere every Monday, exclusively on Crunchyroll.