Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
April 4, 2025

Arts & Entertainment




The Sun’s Tirade explores addiction

Finally coming out of his exile and straightening his life out, Isaiah Rashad released his first studio album, The Sun’s Tirade, to the delight of many loyal Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) fans. This album is more than a statement of Isaiah’s return; It is the journey that he took during his hiatus from music, a journey that started with his addictions to Xanax and alcohol almost getting him kicked out of TDE. A journey that culminated with him becoming a rising star in his own right. The songs on this album can be broken down into two main categories: Isaiah’s drug addiction and his growth from overcoming the addiction.





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Baltimore has many internship opportunities for students of all ages.

Students complete summer art internships

Finding a summer internship isn’t easy, especially for those students majoring in things like creative writing and philosophy. But it is possible to find an internship within the arts, and a good internship at that. The News-Letter reached out to two upperclassmen who were able to make it happen.


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Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones) stars in Narcos, as Javier Pena.

Netflix changes formula with Narcos season two

Perhaps a quick preface: drugs aren’t cool–mostly– and it would be difficult to argue that cocaine, the esteemed schedule I narcotic, has offered anything positive to the human race. However, its nefarious trade makes for great cinematic context, as the creators of the Netflix original series Narcos have shown their many avid viewers. The show’s first season was met with largely positive reviews and drew a following amongst Netlfix users. Riding that wave of success, creators Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro released the second season of the show Sept. 2.



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Comedian Mike Birbiglia wrote and directed this comedy film tracking the struggles of an improv group.

Don’t Think Twice finds the drama in improv

Don’t Think Twice is a bittersweet film about the breakup of an improvisational comedy group, as well as a smart and earnest look into the lives of funny people. A serious comedy infused with heart and honesty, the film is a tribute to improv, as written and directed by Mike Birbiglia. The film offers an honest reflection on the uncertainty, frustration and ambition of striving to make a life in a creative field.


Gospel sounds influence Chance’s new mixtape

Chance the Rapper refuses to stay inside the lines of conventional rap music in his latest release, Coloring Book. The Chicago rapper’s third mixtape that dropped May 12 guides listeners through both a playful and spiritual journey. Are you ready, Big Fella?




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The Chainsmokers headlined their third event in Maryland following Spring Fair and InfieldFest.

Moonrise Festival packs thrills into two days

The third annual Moonrise Festival returned to Pimlico Race Course for two days (Aug. 6 and 7). The festival’s focus on electronic dance music (EDM) with the occasional rap act proved successful, with the Race Course being packed for both days. The headliners for this year’s festival were Bassnectar, Tiesto, Zedd and The Chainsmokers (who played at last year’s Spring Fair).


Should you give the Sweetlife music festival a try?

This year’s Sweetlife music festival jam-packed headliners The 1975, Halsey and Flume, as well as 14 other diverse artists, into a single day. The performances ranged from the full-on, energetic pop of popular singer-songwriters Grimes and Shamir to an 80’s throwback performance from rock band Blondie.




Enter Shikari lead vocalist Rou Reynolds talks newest album

Rou Reynolds is the lead vocalist for the English post-hardcore four-piece band Enter Shikari. Their most recent release was 2015’s The Mindsweep. Reynolds answered The News-Letter’s questions via email prior to Enter Shikari’s May 6 performance at the Baltimore Soundstage.


Courtesy of Amy Han
President Tom Zhang will be graduating this May.

Music Dynasty embraces Chinese musical heritage

Music Dynasty held its spring show last Sunday night in Bloomberg. One of the many a cappella groups on the Homewood campus, Music Dynasty is the University’s first and only Chinese a cappella group. The group performed to a full crowd, sharing their passion for Chinese music and culture through eclectic performances. This spring concert featured a number of pop songs with Chinese and English lyrics, including songs from artists like Jay Chou, Pentatonix and Meghan Trainor.



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