Nobody knows how to critique anymore and it makes my ass itch. Beyoncé can be both in the oppressor class and one of the best artists alive; I promise I have the capacity to entertain both these thoughts.

I am here to give libations to an artist that inspires me and to grieve when she is so utterly disappointing. How do you dawn Black radical tradition and be an open capitalist? What does that say about the love an artist has to offer their audience (if any at all)?

Read the whole essay with sources cited at ismatu.substack.com.

Listen or read the last episode: I kinda wanna f*ck Excellence. This was actually (fully inspired by Beyoncé's line, They hate me because they want me). You can subscribe to the newsletter to get in on that good good, or you can stream it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Her Music Academia is a podcast where a dope ass Black girl talks music theory.

Lydia Bangura (already so well known in her field for her exemplar viola and vocal performance, speaking ability, and Black women-centric research focus) is a second-year student and teaching fellow at The University of Michigan. She manages to be so cute and interesting that she makes me love music theory?? How. Amazing. What a star. She already has one episode on Beyoncé up! Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

Even if you hate this, I am actually giving you something decent to discuss, with sources! AND I’m saying it on record. Nobody wants to deal with the portion of the Bey fanbase that compulsively licks boots and I opened myself up to that nonsense for you people. Pay me for it! Especially if you are white okay have a good one!! <3

Venmo:@ismatu

CashApp: $isimatu

Or become a paid member of my Patreon or the Substack! Thanks for listening.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ismatu.substack.com/subscribe

S6E1 - Beyoncé: LEMONADE