COVER PHOTO: MILES PODLOGAR INSIDE PHOTO: MOLLY WILLIAMS
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS. THEY DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OR VIEWS OF THE ROYAL NEWS, ITS ADVISOR OR NORTH ROYALTON HIGH SCHOOL.
EMILY DOCKRILL
NYAH PALMER
MADDEN PIEKARSKI
MILES PODLOGAR
SOFIIA SAVCHENKO
PEYTON STEPIC
AVA WEATHERBIE
MOLLY WILLIAMS
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
This Thanksgiving, after the dishes were washed and the family sat around the kitchen table playing some magnet game my aunt brought over, my mom asked, “What day are you thankful for?” I corrected her, as I’m so deft at doing, and said, “You mean what are we thankful for?” No. That’s not what she meant. She said, again: what specific day. Instead of leaning into the old trope of thankfulness, which only lends itself to generic answers like family or health. She meant, what specific moment were we thankful for. The rules were further clarified–no “the day my kids were born” or “the day I was married” to avoid a workaround to the cliché.
I didn’t have to think about my answer long. It was a recent Saturday in August: my wife, kids and I went to Chicago for a concert. The weather was perfect–like, I don’t ever think I’ve been more comfortable in my life, perfect. The food, the vibe, and the entirety of that Saturday matched the weather pound for pound. It may have been the happiest I’ve been in years. Yeah, I said, I’m thankful I could have that day.
The family all shared their moments. And being the egotist that I am, I’ve forgotten what they said. But not just because I’m a horrible person (that might have something to do with it), but more because I
was taken back to that day in Chicago: the people outside Wrigley Field laughing with their families and friends. The moment the lights cut at the concert and the band walked on stage. My son and daughter giggling themselves to tears as we packed tighter and tighter on the L Train, leaving little room for anything but laughter.
I’ve spent my entire career as a writing teacher telling my students to ground their evidence. I tell them, “If you can’t take a photo of it, it’s not evidence.” Yet, this level of appreciation was lacking in my own life. I was thankful for ideas, but not necessarily moments. But when you start to take stock, you realize how many moments you have that matter. That mean something. When you start to see life as a series of thankful moments–it can’t help but change everything.
May your holidays be filled with moments. May you recognize them. And be thankful for them.
Thanks, as always, for reading, -Mr. Hemery
The Royal News Advisor
PARKING IS DRIVING STUDENTS CRAZY
BY: AVA WEATHERBIE
As North Royalton has ushered in a new school year, it has also welcomed a new student parking system: designated lots for each grade level. While it may initially seem like an interesting and valuable design, some students have encountered issues with parking in their assigned lots, especially those with open campus who enter and leave the school throughout the day. The different lots include the gold lot, which is the parking lot off Ridge Road that has been made a senior-only parking lot. The purple lot, which is the lot that lies between the middle school and high school, is for both seniors and juniors. Finally, the silver lot, located by the practice soccer field close to Ace Hardware, is for all seniors, juniors, and sophomores. Many students believe that the main problem stems from the senior-only lot being the lot with the most parking spaces, while the other two lots have fewer spaces, but more grade levels
can access it.
Mr. Osborne, one of the assistant principals at North Royalton, explained that changes to the parking system “began when we started having discussions about having the same schedule for middle school and high school, and we were trying to figure out how to get 2800 students into two buildings at the same time. However, that all changed last minute, but we had already gone through the process of parking passes.” This system was a solution to the potentially very hectic mornings of having the combined start times for the middle and high school.
Also, another reason why the school administration made this decision to change the parking pass system was that it was beneficial for students who were running late to school and could enter their specified parking lots based on their passes, which in turn would decrease the number of tardy students. However, students have found that there have been many instances where they arrived at school on time, but their parking lot was already full, forcing them to find a different parking lot in
which empty spaces were available.
Abigail Midgley, a junior who has open campus, shared her experience by saying, “There have been times I have gotten to school and entered the purple lot, but it has been completely full, making me have to circle it multiple times until I finally decide I have to go to the gold lot to park, so I am not late to school, which has always stressed me out because I get nervous that I will get in trouble for going against my parking pass.” This added stress for drivers and the possibility of being late to school is a massive worry for many students. However, a lot of this chaos happening in the school parking lots and how many parking spaces are available can be attributed to the surplus amount of students who have applied and gotten parking passes this year, which has increased from previous years.
ter the purple lot when they are supposed to be at school but have found that the gold lot has many open spaces. In contrast, their lot demonstrates the extremes: it is either completely packed, or the opposite, when they leave and return after their open campus there are many parking space options.
However, administrators decided to give some juniors access to the gold lot, stating that “because our junior lot filled up so quickly, we found that there was extra room in the front because of how open campus and CCP aligned, so we would pull some people form the purple lot into the gold lot to make their life easier for them.” This was given to a handful of juniors to help remedy the problem and make it more convenient for those students to get into the school.
Another question that many students had was why there was a lot only for seniors. A junior band student who wished to remain anonymous said, “A lot of us would prefer to park in the gold lot because it is closest to the band hallway in the school and would make it easier to get to classes.”
Mr. Osborne responded to this question, stating, “Seniors tend to have the most students with open campus, the most students in CVCC, and the most students in CCP, so we wanted to put them by the front door where people have to enter and leave. It’s the coming and going that is the issue.” This sentiment is echoed most by students, especially juniors, who have open campus, who will en -
Regarding any future plans for the parking pass distribution system, the school administrators have yet to decide whether to keep this plan or make alterations to it. This is because there is a potential for new unaccounted-for changes to arise that could affect student parking. According to Mr. Osborne, one of the most significant concerns that could impact parking passes is that the school “still has issues with not having enough bus drivers, and bus transportation could have an impact on parking passes.” As a result, any students interested in hearing about any possible changes to the parking system will have to wait till next school year so the administration can make an informed decision on any alterations or decide on the best, most convenient parking method for students.
The much-desired "Gold Lot"
SLEEP: THE DEMISE OF THE MODERN STUDENT
BY NYAH PALMER
High school is a busy time for soon-tobe young adults–teenagers are dealing with loaded schedules, new responsibilities, changing friend groups, and the looming pressures of college preparation, all while still trying to fit in time for hobbies and hangouts with friends. But most teens wouldn’t name any of the listed stressors as the most difficult hurdles to overcome: instead, they’d name sleep.
Getting a good night’s rest is such a fundamental part of life that it often gets overlooked by both teens and their parents alike, and yet it remains incredibly elusive for many. Performing
well on assessments is already difficult enough - imagine trying to recall complex information on only a few hours of sleep.
For many NRHS students, this is simply an inevitable part of school life. Students at NRHS reported sleeping anywhere from six hours to an average of four hours - all of which are well below the eight to ten hours that teenagers need. Then, on the lower end of the spectrum, are the all-nighters that most students have pulled at least once. Nethra Sriram, an NRHS junior, has pulled around four all-nighters, most of which were due to an excess of homework that she ran out of time
to complete during the day. Madden Piekarski, meanwhile, has made it through five school days on zero sleep. She describes the experience on one of these occasions as positively miserable: “I went to school the next day and had to take a test. I drank a Diet Coke and my body was shaking the whole time. It was so bad.”
Physical side effects aren’t the only symptoms of sleep deprivation, either. Emotions can be much harder to manage on little sleep. Piekarski says that, when she’s running on little to no sleep, she “could definitely have a mental breakdown very easily.” Linden Hopper, meanwhile, spoke of difficulties focusing in class, stating that, “I was not able to concentrate at all on what was being taught,” as her limited supply of energy went toward keeping herself awake and upright.
Loss of sleep can be caused for a variety of
when she should be sleeping. “It’s dark, and I’m comfy and my parents are asleep,” she describes fondly. “So I just stay up later and later because I enjoy it.” It may make the next day more difficult, but when you’re already accustomed to functioning on little sleep, it doesn’t seem quite so important.
Unfortunately, sleep deprivation has lasting effects beyond those we feel at school the next day. Because teenagers are still growing and developing, extensive sleep deprivation can cause a variety of problems for our metabolism, leading to higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular problems. According to the Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep also impacts the development of the frontal lobe and impairs decision making abilities. The less sleep you have, the more likely you are to engage in risky and impulsive behaviors such as tex -
"I could definitely have a mental breakdown very easily."
reasons. Sometimes it’s pure insomnia - a medical condition that can be difficult to overcome. But for teens, it’s often related to environmental factors. Hopper and Sriram list school assignments and social media as among the primary limitations preventing them from getting sufficient sleep. Sriram mentions “doomscrolling,” or the inability to pull yourself away from an endless, algorithmic feed, while Hopper says that “when I can’t find the motivation I need [to do homework], I go on social media to find that motivation.” Unsurprisingly, that tends to lead toward more time spent online.
But sleep loss isn’t always unintentional. Busy teenagers often have little time to themselves amidst a never-ending stream of responsibilities. When your every waking moment is spent studying, working a part-time job, or participating in clubs and sports, is it really so unreasonable to choose a bit of free time over an extra hour or two of sleep? Piekarski referred to this mindset as a “revenge bedtime.” She feels cheated out of her day by school, and so she uses the only time she has to enjoy herself: the hours past midnight
ting while driving or drinking excessively.
This is a problem universal to teenagers everywhere, with around 70% of teens receiving inadequate sleep. Part of it is biological: adolescents experience a naturally delayed sleep-wake cycle that can make it difficult to get drowsy early enough to fit eight hours of rest in before early school start times. But the problems more often stem from phone usage, which suppresses melatonin production, time constraints, and stress.
While some students may choose to maintain their less-than-ideal sleep schedules, there are ways to improve sleep for those who are willing. Medicinal supplements, such as melatonin, typically aren’t necessary; rather, the Sleep Foundation encourages teens to try sticking to a consistent schedule (yes, even on weekends) and limiting phone use for half an hour before it's time to go to bed. Avoiding caffeine in the evenings and establishing bedtime routines can also help to ease the transition into sleep. So if you’re growing tired of trudging through the school day as a half-asleep zombie, there are plenty of routes you can take!
SHREK THE MUSICAL: A SUCCESS LIKE NONE OTHER
BY: EMILY DOCKRILL
The four main components of a musical are the songs, dancing, spoken dialogue, and acting. These are the aspects that critics look for in top-tier performances. Any theatrical performance should invoke a good audience reaction while the action on stage drives in great motion. NRHS’s recent production of Shrek: The Musical does just that on every single level.
Shrek is a classic play on fairytales with a twist of emotion and lots of humor.
The students cast for this performance were remarkable. Amanda Meerdink stunned the audience with her performance of Fiona. Her acting was a show stopper alongside the talents of Shrek, played by Mitch Randjelovic.
What was truly amazing about this performance was each actor was memorable in their
own way. Pinocchio, played by Alden Brinkley, demonstrated spot-on voice inflection, creating a chill for the audience when he sang for the first time. Sofia Savchenko, who played the Dragon, had an impeccable vocal range.
The musical was also packed with humor. Miles Podlogar was the perfect fit for Donkey. Stealing the show, he proved to be a constant source of humor by breaking the fourth wall to connect with the audience.
Also, Yasin Youssef as Lord Farguaad was truly a game changer that left the audience with tears of laughter. His facial expressions perfectly complemented his character. The Duloc Citizens added another level of excitement with every one of his broad entrances.
In addition to the on-stage performances, the musical elements of this show proved to be aston -
ishing. Trumpet solos, horn solos, and flute features added a mystical element while accompanying the voices of great actors. Jack Adcock and Vendant Rakhonde, the orchestra's percussionists, emphasized Shrek’s roar with such impact that the audience was screaming.
“Story of My Life” was the most effective musical performance within the whole show (well, along with the finale). The choreography was exceptional, staying in perfect beat with the lyrics and instrumentals.
this production.
Also, "When Words Fail” was a very empathetic piece of music sung by Mitch. It was very moving because of how solemn it was, even with the hints of humor in between verses.
The best choreography performance was the tap dancing performance. But, another one of the best dance compositions was during the second act, starring the three blind mice: Lily Prute, Alyssa DeAngelis, and Jenna August.
This entire performance was layered beautifully like a parfait, or an onion if you were to say!
This production shows us to let our true colors shine, let our freak flags fly, and to find those people we connect with, just as the cast, crew, and pit did in the making of this production.
“I Know It’s Today” was also a very harmonic and emotional piece of music. It was designed well with the series of Princess Fionas in different stages of her life; it was also one of the best harmony-driven songs in
BY MOLLY WILLIAMS WICKEDLY SUPERIOR
Who’s your best friend? And what are your plans with them currently? If it isn’t seeing the new Wicked movie in theaters right now, then you better not only dance through life, but to your nearest cinema.
This film first caught people by surprise with its all-star cast consisting of talents such as actress and popstar Ariana Grande and Tony Award-winning Cynthia Erivo. And Sponge Bob (if you know, you know). The fight for the Broadway musical to be brought to the big screen first began in 2012 but due to plentiful delays did not start until 2021 when Jon Chu was hired to direct the film. And then it was finally official.
The original Broadway musical Wicked first commenced with actresses Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel playing Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West and the story of their unlikely friendship, the prequel to the famous 1939 technicolor film The Wizard of Oz. The musical is comprised of many iconic songs famous not only in the theatrical circles but the general public as well. With a famous production such as this, many questioned if the story could make the leap to the big screen.
How could this be pulled off?
With ease, perhaps.
For me, so far, I have seen the movie twice. The first time around I went alone due to my friends and family having prior commitments. To each their own. Though I entered the theater lonely, I found great enjoyment in this magical film. I had the privilege to experience Wicked in New York City last year and this was the closest thing to bringing back that familiar joy I felt in the Big Apple. The entire cast did a wonderful job as they all brought their unique takes on the characters. The colors, despite quite annoying complaints from critics, were still visually stunning. In my opinion, this movie is nothing but a great time. However seeing this movie a second time with my close friend of six years brought a different, more emotional feeling. I sat in my seat watching as Elphaba and Glinda sang their most famous “Defying Gravity” with tears in my eyes. By the end I found myself hugging my friend as if we were the witchy duo ourselves. My pink sweater worked in tandem with their green cardigan, we even dressed to match.
Wicked (2024) as of now is the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever at the box office, surpassing 1978’s Grease.
So, why is this film garnering so much attention? What is this feeling?
It’s the feeling of collective community and the love for
Wicked embodies the powerful magic of friendship that any audience can relate to. This box-office success is not only due to the film’s phenomenal quality but also its appeal to those with companions. I highly recommend this movie to every single person.
It’s a “wicked” good time.
musical theater.
CATCH UP, KETCHUP
BY EMILY DOCKRILL
The history of ketchup begins in Britain. Before its modern form, which is made with tomatoes, it was a sauce made with cultured spices. Its original name, “Catsup,” was changed by the famous Henry Heinz. Not only did Mr. Heinz coin the term ketchup, but he created the most popular brand of this everyday condiment, although he was not the one to invent it. This discovery was thanks to a chemist named James Mease. In 1812, he published the first recipe for a tomato-based “ketchup.” The main difference between the first ketchup and modern recipes is the addition of vinegar and sugar in place of spices and brandy. Ketchup is so revered that during World War II in 1942, the government rationed almost 50% of America’s produce and non-perishable goods, ketchup being one of them. Also, during the Great Depression, the homeless who didn’t have enough money for a sufficient meal would go into restaurants and ask for a cup of hot water and a packet of ketchup. Out of these two things, they would make tomato soup!
Although the country isn’t in a dire rationing situation like 1942, many restaurants in the area still practice the tradition of ketchup rationing. Mr. Ciha said, “You have to keep asking for more and more. It drives me crazy! One good cup of ketchup is all we're asking.” Mr. Ciha emphasized that too much is better than not enough. It’s easier to use up a lot of ketchup than to ask for more because, let's admit it, most of us have just mediocre social skills to request an additional dollop of the magical condiment.
the day, causing so much chaos. The ranch was also a very commonly rationed condiment.
I don’t and still don’t see why ketchup needs to be rationed.”
But North Royalton students are clever, and an underground system has been established by several students to keep their fries smothered in the red sauce. An anonymous source reports that students are smuggling ketchup packets through friends who may not be using ketchup on that particular day.
Taking a look at the Ohio state guidelines for school nutrition, the Department Of Agriculture in Vol. 77, No. 17, specifies: “Reduce the sodium content of meals gradually over a 10-year period through two intermediate sodium targets at two and four years post implementation.” In other words, schools must limit the amount of sodium in school-provided meals. Based upon research on Heinz ketchup each packet consists of 95 milligrams of sodium, which may seem like a lot at first, but it is only 4% of the daily value. According to the FDA sodium intake of children aged 14+ is suggested to be limited to 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Now, if you're doing the math, two packets of ketchup is equivalent to 190 milligrams of sodium. There is plenty of room for an extra packet or two.
But here's the twist: not only does the outside world ration ketchup, but so does our school. Two packets is the limit. No hate to our lunch ladies or any of the school staff, but two packets, is it enough?
Mr. Hrin, in the attendance office, shares his story: “Back in elementary school, I remember people grabbing handfuls of ketchup packets at the end of
So, is the limit of two ketchup packets a relevant cause? Most students say no, and based on a very unofficial poll, most of the school doesn’t care. But there is a growing faction that wants their voices heard. So what should we students do? Aside from major reform in the school’s policy, there are some alternative venues to spend our dollars. The top restaurants with unlimited ketchup include Canes, Five Guys, Penn Station, and Arby's.
It’s time for North Royalton to “catch up” to the growing trend and allow the ketchup to flow freely!
BY SOFIA SAVCHENKO
AKEEP THE KLIEG LIGHTS ON: A CASE FOR THE ARTS
s we grow older, we tend to long for our youth. While a child basks in the polite summer sun, I bathe in the hot rays of the klieg lights. My stage makeup is a small reminder of the nights I spent rummaging through Mom’s drawers for her eyeshadows. My character shoes, however torn, are the plastic princess heels I begged to get for Christmas. Regardless of the laborious extended rehearsals and late nights catching up on homework, a little girl made the stage her playground, the vulnerability reminding her of years past.
Yet despite the acknowledged importance of the arts to serve a large population of the students and community, every decade, according to Backstage Magazine, funding for high school drama programs decreases by twenty percent.
I suppose not all playgrounds can stay open. National trends suggest that football players pile into
freshly remodeled locker rooms, while thespians need to be wary of overheating the decades-old vanity lights. The underfunding of performing arts is an epidemic plaguing high schools throughout the country. Without the notoriety of other high school programs, theater is often overlooked. Aside from the countless hours that students spend working within the theater, high schools fail to notice the importance of art: the most basic form of self-expression. Theater can benefit any student, whether they are in the wings or the house. Funding the performing arts acknowledges the labor of the cast and crew members and contributes to productions that the entire student body and community at large can enjoy. The arts must be funded because of the immense effort the students put forth for every production and the genuine benefit of the art. Between rehearsals that last past sunset and Saturday build days, those involved in theater devote a large portion of their daily lives to the art. As tech week and opening night grew closer, rehearsals for Shrek: The Musical, this
year’s production, continued to increase in length, not ending until past nine at night. Sofia Murguey, who played Gingy, reflects on how time-consuming the production was: “It was a very big time commitment. Toward the end of the show, there was a rehearsal nearly every day.” Murguey continued, saying that dedication is necessary even early on in the process before rehearsals begin to pile on. Without spending the time to learn correct pitches, lines, and choreography ahead of time, the show will suffer, she finished.
Alden Brinkley, who was Pinocchio, affirms how demanding the production was. He confessed that rehearsals weren’t too frequent early on in the process, but they began to “consume [his] life” closer to opening night. Like the majority of thespians at North Royalton, Brinkley is involved in many different performing arts outside of theater, including marching band, jazz band, and show choir. The involvement of students in other programs further complicates their schedules by requiring them to perfectly balance rehearsals, their various after-school activities, and their education.
The students involved play crucial roles within the theater program, although it couldn’t be accomplished without the proper leadership. The adult leaders also tirelessly commit themselves to the theater, often staying long after the students have gone home. Mrs. Janighen, the director of the musical, explained that performing arts “encompass a lot of [her] daily activities.” She specified that the planning, rehearsing, and execution of the musical is a strenuous process that she wouldn’t do if she didn’t love it. This is but one production done at North Royalton, and it doesn’t fully illustrate the unyielding dedication that the students have to the theater program.
The students and staff believe that theater is worth their time.
Because despite the tedious rehearsal process, theater benefits the cast and crew members in a variety of ways. For many, theater is the release that they need after a long, stressful day. According to Virginia Tech, studies found a link between lower anxiety levels and theater involvement. Murgey confessed, “It gives me a reason to look forward to school every day.” She continued by saying that theater keeps her energized and always improves her mood when she needs an outlet. Similarly, Brinkley stated that theater allowed him to let go of his stress and anxieties.
Performing arts also create communities of supportive, like-minded individuals who can be relied on. “Being able to perform with people I genuinely like motivates me every day,” Murguey said. Brinkley also believes theater has benefited him by allowing him to “feel comfortable
presenting [himself] in front of large groups of people.” By giving students a place to express themselves, theater can build confidence within a person and a loving community.
“Theater is an expression of excitement and love,” Mrs. Janighen commented.
But it is vital that theater programs continue to receive funding so students can have safe spaces to relax and build genuine connections.
Furthermore, performing arts can positively affect those not directly involved as well. Brinkley argues that theater can educate an audience by introducing them to different kinds of music and promoting positive messages. Alternatively, going to see productions is an excellent way to build community and get acquainted with others. When I see local productions with my friends, it always feels like being a part of a community. I often introduce myself to other audience members or cast members, meeting new people in the process of watching the show.
Lastly, performing arts provide a space to be vulnerable. “Whether it be an audience member crying to a sad musical number or an actor performing their senior show, a good performance can bring out heavy emotions,” Murguey added. As much as theater allows for the performer to get lost in the art, it also allows the audience member to get lost with them. Music has existed for centuries, Mrs. Jahnigen said, and it has always brought people together.
But here’s the good news: North Royalton has always revered its arts, whether it be supporting the band with new instruments, making a space for the art show, gathering for the literary magazine’s release, purchasing a new sound system in the PAC or streaming the winter choir concerts for free. But, as the world knows, everything is fragile. At any given moment, a piece of legislation could tie our administration’s hands and force them to pull back their support. Without focused attention, art programs all over the country could become a line item that is cut.
Performing arts force someone to peel back their layers until they are left with their truest, most vulnerable self. Despite the hardships that rehearsing a production entails, theater builds communities within the cast and within the audience. To underfund the arts is to underfund self-expression. To underfund the arts is to underfund the safe space that students of all walks of life have come together to create. To underfund the arts is to underfund passion. My younger self is watching in awe as I take the stage. Please, keep the klieg lights on.
LISTEN AND LEARN: A MUSIC REVIEW
BY MILES PODLOGAR
Thanks for tuning in to the December Edition of Monthly Jams. Here, we at Royal News will be going over the hottest hits of the month, from albums to artists and everything in between. Taking the Top 100 by storm for weeks, let's introduce Tyler The Creator.
Chromakopia: Released October 28th of 2024 by Columbia Records. This fifty-three minute long album consists of fourteen songs and ten features. With over 85.7 million streams on the day of its release, Chromakopia is statistically on its way to become Tyler’s best-selling album.
Tyler is known for hiding deeper meanings and personal messages into his music, with this album being no different. “NOID,” released as a music video on Youtube two days before the official release of the EP, describes his struggle with fame and fortune. Lyrics such as “I can't even buy a home in private,” “Living between cameras and recorders” and “Triple check in if I locked my door” further detail the tragic narrative and attempts to convey the sense of anxiety and the paraNOID feelings that he experiences in his day-to-day life after becoming a popular public figure.
In multiple interviews Tyler the Creator describes many common interactions with fans. Although he enjoys taking pictures with those who enjoy his work, oftentimes his personal boundaries are overstepped for the sake of an autograph. On his personal Twitter he posted his response to a real interaction that he had with a fan, stating “Hey, Dude Saying You Know I Hate Taking Pictures, Then Asking Me To Take A Picture With A
‘But’ In Between Makes Me Hate You More.” Themes in his music correlate to real-world experiences that he has, including many of the people he listened to and looked up to as a kid who ended up deceased due to crazed fans, which makes him fear that he might be next.
In addition, he prides himself as a representative of music and artistry among Black creators. Underdog track “I Killed You” has taken the internet by storm with a variety of differing opinions on what its underlying message is. To many, the true meaning is obvious, with lyrics describing traditionally Black hair types such as “type 3? Is it type 4?” meaning 3C hair and 4C hair or Curl Pattern, relating directly to Black culture surrounding the history of their hair. One can assume it is a song about struggles that come with being African-American and the unfair beauty standards that have long been pushed into society as trendy and acceptable-despite the inability for this certain group of people to relate.
BACKGROUND
Tyler Gregory Okonma, better known for his stage name as Tyler or Tyler The Creator, has been active in the music industry since 2004 when he released his first song “Reverse” on SoundCloud. Following this underrated gem, he has periodically dropped a variety of albums and EPs, covering numerous genres such as hip-hop, rap, pop, r&b, and many more experimental and unlabeled forms. Priding himself on being an “organic” artist, Tyler has been the sole writer, producer and lyricist on all of his media. His art has reached the Billboard Top 100 forty-six times with a total of three songs passing the Top 10. Not only are his songs consistently popular among media services and social culture, but he has been recognized time and time again.
AWARDS
Tyler The Creator has been Nominated for or Won SOME of these titles/awards:
Annie Awards (Excellence in Animation):
-Best Feature In A Music Production; The Grinch (2018) NOMINATED
BET Awards/Hip Hop Awards (Celebrating African-Americans in Entertainment):
-Album of The Year; Call Me If You Get Lost (2019) WON
-Hip Hop Artist of the Year (2021) NOMINATED
-Best Live Performer (2021) WON
-Producer of the Year (2021) NOMINATED
-Cultural Influence Award (2021) WON Grammy Awards:
-Best Rap Album; Flower Boy (2018) NOMINATED
-IGOR (2020) WON
-Call Me If You Get Lost (2020) WON
SUMMARY
Overall, Tyler the Creator is regarded as one of the best Alternative Hip-Hop artists in the modern-day music industry (in terms of gross profit, overall likeability, etc.) according to interviewers for various popular music and entertainment platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, The Recording Academy (GRAMMYS), Billboard 100 and more. With many honorable awards to his name and renowned names in the music industry lining up to collaborate, it is safe to say Tyler is one of the most influential and popular in this current generation. Chromakopia, racking up over three hundred and seventy-one million streams, is one of the most trendy and popular albums of 2024 with multiple social media trends using its lyrics for dances, relatable content and marketing.
THE PEOPLE'S OPINION
Not only does Tyler cater to specific audiences, but he has fans from all different backgrounds across the world. In a recent NRHS poll, 33.3% of the students deemed “Sticky (featuring Lil. Wayne, Sexxy Red and GloRilla)” the best song from the new album. “Sticky” provides a traditional “lunchtime beat” to the discography, containing drums and chanting that reminds many listeners of short freestyle songs that they and their friends would come up with when sitting at lunch, primarily in middle school and high school. Comments made about the beat and use of trumpets and trombones in the choruses acknowledged the “danceability of the song.”
In addition to these positive comments, respondents connected with “Like Him.” Students said they sympathized with the lyrics and theme, with the track primarily featuring Tyler the Creator’s feelings toward his absent father and his life growing up without him, only to then find that he (Tyler’s Dad) wanted to be in his life all along.
MILES'S SPIN
Personally, I think Chromakopia is one of Tyler’s most diverse albums in recent years, with tracks ranging from soft and melodic elevator music to intense and aggressive rhyming and ad-libbing within the matter of a few minutes, sometimes even seconds. I encourage you to check out Balloon, featuring up-and-coming female artist Doechii. I don't hear a lot of feedback regarding it, and I think it deserves more love as it is a very catchy and dance-worthy EP with funny lyrics. Also, if you have not heard the rest of Tyler’s work, feel free to check him out on Spotify, Soundcloud, Youtube, Apple Music and wherever you listen to your favorite songs. I suggest Flower Boy and Call Me If You Get Lost as good albums to start off with if you somehow managed to never listen to him before.
