I couldn’t imagine sharing something creative as mine that was made by AI. Beyond meme images, at least. From a writing standpoint, I take words very seriously. Every word carries its own depth and nuance. Cultural, historical, emotional. Words flex, bend, and surprise. They come alive in unexpected pairings, in the cadence of syllables, in their simplicity or density. I care deeply about all of it.

It was noted last week that there were no hip-hop albums in the Billboard Top 40. Then Hip Hop dominated the Grammy nominations for Album of the Year. It’s a weird tension, but I’m happy with it. Hip Hop that’s thoughtful and thought-provoking is being celebrated. The albums nominated are not just popular; they’re good. Real artistry and a shift away from the club-pop jams.

The popularity of NFTs stems from people's desire to own a part of the Internet amidst a shared digital landscape. With traditional ownership declining, having a personal website or blog offers individuals a unique identity online. The author reflects on their own experiences and encourages others to establish their digital presence.

A few years ago, I sat across from a friend at a late dinner. He was telling me about his new promotion, the big title, the bonus, the corner office. I remember watching his face as he described it. He looked like someone describing a story he’d once believed