If you're the type who pays attention to trending topics, you'll notice that both #LukeCage and #Solange are currently trending on Twitter. And for good reasons.
At 12 a.m. Friday, Netflix released its long-awaited series, Luke Cage. The Jessica Jones spinoff stars Michael Cotler as the invincible Luke Cage, as well as Mahershala Ali, Alfre Woodard and Simone Missick. Executive-produced and written by Cheo Hodari Coker, the series not only impeccably weaves in storylines of inner-city crime and vigilantism but also provides a musical soundtrack that will touch hip-hop lovers of all ages.
As Luke Cage attempts to rid Harlem of crime, the series delves into corrupt cops as well as dirty politicians. It's safe to say that Netflix has finally given people what they've been asking for: a series with black people.
Not only is the writing flawless, but the acting done by Woodard, Cotler, Ali and Missick will keep you drawn to the series, episode after episode. And one thing I can't forget is the lighting, and even the lack thereof in some scenes. The richness of the actors' complexions not only stands out but is amplified. If you want to see melanin on fleek, Luke Cage is it.
Also Friday, when it comes to entertainment, Solange Knowles dropped her highly anticipated album A Seat at the Table, which has been in the works for the last four years. Whereas Beyoncé gave us Lemonade, the younger Knowles is giving us an indie-R&B album riddled with lyrics about being a black woman in this day and age.
"This [s—t] is for us,” Solange sings on "F.U.B.U": “I hope my son will bang this song so loud, that he almost makes his walls fall down, cos his mama wants to make him proud, oh to be us.”
Amen, Solange.
With guest appearances from unlikely suspects like Lil Wayne, A Seat at the Table speaks to a multitude of generations. Whether you're a millennial or one of those older people tired of hearing about them, you'll will find your own voice in Solange's music.
So as you wrap up your workweek, fire up Netflix to watch Luke Cage, then go to your music source of choice and listen to Solange. Both will have you cloaked in glorious hues of blackness for a while.