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Charlie Cruz

A&E 12/3/24 11:13pm

“GNX” is Kendrick Lamar’s victory lap

By Charlie Cruz and Charlie Paul

Kendrick Lamar's newest album, “GNX,” is great — but is it a classic? Released without warning on a quiet Friday morning, the album's unexpected drop has sparked conversations across the globe. With no rollout, no teasers and no lead singles, Kendrick let the music speak for itself, delivering a project that feels like a love letter to West Coast hip-hop-crafted with the unique vision and depth only he can provide. 

OPINION 10/22/24 10:58pm

Rice needs to better support students with disabilities

By Charlie Cruz

As I sit in my room, struggling to muster the energy to get out of bed, I can’t help but wonder how many others are silently fighting the same battle. It’s been almost two months since I lost access to my medication, and the toll is undeniable. Since 2022, a medication shortage has left thousands without life-saving treatment, forcing them to manage their symptoms alone. I don’t drink, smoke or vape — yet here I am, trapped in a haze of withdrawal. The most infuriating part? I can’t fix this alone. So, I turned to my accommodations — the lifeline that should have supported me.

A&E 10/1/24 11:06pm

Another shounen disappointment: The fall of ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’

By Charlie Cruz

After 271 weekly Shonen Jump chapters, Gege Akutami's “Jujutsu Kaisen” has reached its conclusion, and with it, a wave of frustration has swept across the shounen manga community. In a genre known for its iconic scenes but lackluster endings, “Jujutsu Kaisen” followed through, leaving fans in disbelief. What should have been a triumphant closing act for one of the most popular series instead fizzled out, leaving us all wondering: How did something so promising end so terribly?

NEWS 9/24/24 11:54pm

Students given Grammarly AI as Honor Council adapts

By Charlie Cruz

Rice began offering Grammarly Premium access to all students. Initially made available to graduate students, the service is now available to the entire student body in line with the Honor Council’s 2023 decision to allow ChatGPT usage with proper citation and instructor permission.

A&E 9/10/24 11:19pm

‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’ marks Doechii as the new queen of hip-hop

By Charlie Cruz

The self-proclaimed “new hip-hop Madonna” returns with a sonically diverse and beautiful mixtape; unfortunately, while she proves her talent, her path toward stardom remains unclear. Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, or Doechii, has been on the radar of hip-hop critics since she joined Top Dawg Entertainment in 2021, thanks to her endless potential as a rapper. Oldheads have drawn comparisons to Missy Elliott, while younger fans see shades of Kendrick Lamar and SZA — her talent and versatility are undeniable. But what remains uncertain is her direction: Will she continue down the path of a TikTok hit-maker, or is she poised to leave behind a lasting hip-hop legacy? Her latest mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” brimming with introspective and radio-ready tracks, explores her identity as she grapples with her place in the industry.

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