Arachnophonia: Kids See Ghosts

Posted on October 1, 2025 by marmstr3

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Ibrahim (class of 2028) and features Kids See Ghosts, a 2018 collaboration between Kanye West and Kid Cudi on vinyl. Thanks, Ibrahim!

Kids See Ghosts

Kids See Ghosts album cover (2018)

KIDS SEE GHOSTS is the first and only collaborative studio album by Kanye West and Kid Cudi, released in 2018. It marked a bold change for both artists, blending hip-hop with rock, psychedelia, and experimental sounds. This album includes some of their most acclaimed tracks, such as “Reborn,” “Fire,” and “Cudi Montage.” KIDS SEE GHOSTS deals with themes of mental health, healing, and resilience, making it a powerful and personal favorite among fans.

What makes KIDS SEE GHOSTS unique is its raw honesty and creative production. Songs like “Reborn” repeat a mantra of moving forward, offering listeners a message of growth and renewal. “Cudi Montage” layers Kid Cudi’s reflective lyrics over a haunting guitar sample, showing how music can carry both pain and hope at the same time. Whether you’ve followed Kanye West and Kid Cudi for years or are just discovering their work, this album offers a moving and unforgettable listening experience.

The Parsons Music Library has KIDS SEE GHOSTS available on vinyl, so you can immerse yourself in its striking sound. Whether you want to reflect on its messages, enjoy its bold style, or simply let it play in the background, fans agree that KIDS SEE GHOSTS is a transformative listen.

Parsons Playlists: J. Cole

Posted on April 4, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Ibrahim (class of 2028) and features music by hip hop artist J. Cole.

J. Cole

Greetings, everyone! This post contains some of my favorite songs by my favorite artist, J. Cole!

J. Cole – “4 Your Eyes Only”

J. Cole – “Fire Squad”

J. Cole – “Villematic”

J. Cole – “Lion King on Ice”

J. Cole ft. Bas & 6LACK – “let go my hand”

J. Cole – “Change”

J. Cole – “Apparently”

J. Cole – “’03 Adolescence”

J. Cole – “interlude”

J. Cole – “95.south”

J. Cole – “Dead Presidents II”

J. Cole – “Neighbors”

J. Cole – “Folgers Crystals”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zew8XQQJioWR0GgSQnKHciHF&si=PHNiokci-IKnLayY

Arachnophonia: Common – “Be”

Posted on February 26, 2025 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Isaac (class of 2025) and features Common’s 2005 album Be. Thanks, Isaac!

Common

Be by Common is a special album because it’s honest, inspiring, and full of heart––and also one of my favorite albums in the music library.

Released in 2005, it came at a time when Common wanted to reconnect with his roots in hip-hop and tell stories that felt real to him. Produced largely by Kanye West, the album’s beats have a warmth and depth that perfectly complement Common’s thoughtful lyrics.

Tracks like “The Corner” and “Go!” bring vivid imagery of urban life, while songs like “Love Is…” and “Faithful” explore love and spirituality with nuance and sincerity.

Common himself is known for being one of the most reflective and poetic voices in hip-hop, never missing a chance to reference his hometown of Chicago. With Be, he really focused on making music that felt authentic and meaningful, not just catchy. Songs like “The Corner” talk about life in the city, while “Faithful” and “Love Is…” explore deeper ideas about relationships and spirituality.

My personal favorite track, “The Food (Live),” is a grainy live recording of Common and Kanye West performing the song in Chicago, with the two windy city natives poetically discussing their hometown in a raw, authentic manner that’s emphasized by the live atmosphere, supported by a punchy, upbeat production in the background. The way the album was made — focused on collaboration and storytelling — makes Be a gem at the music library, and I recommend checking it out one day.

Parsons Playlists: 1990s and 2000s Hip Hop

Posted on April 5, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Deisy (class of 2024) and features some hip hop from the 1990s and 2000s.

1990s and 2000s Hip Hop

Listen to some hip hop from the 90’s and early 2000’s.

Twista (ft. Pharrell Williams) – “Lavish”

Young Money – “Every Girl”

Project Pat – “Choose U”

The Dream – “I Luv Your Girl”

G-Unit (ft. Joe) – “Wanna Get To Know You”

Jay-Z – “Girls, Girls, Girls”

Biggie (ft. Junior M.A.F.I.A.) – “Get Money”

Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani & Stevie J) – “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”

Brandy (ft. Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo & Mc Lyte) – “I Wanna Be Down”

2Pac – “Can U Get Away”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezyIVVpOw72W-MBzuUJgAyh&si=Ciugaj1tAn1Z_JI-

Arachnophonia: Hip Hop Dance

Posted on March 26, 2024 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Luis (class of 2025) and features a book about hip hop dance and a CD of early hip hop music. Thanks, Luis!

Hip Hop Dance

Beginning Hip Hop Dance

Boombox 1: Early Independent Hip Hop, Electro and Disco Rap 1979-1982

This semester, I am taking “Introduction to Hip Hop Dance” with Professor Deandra Clarke. Throughout the course, we have been learning about the origins of Hip-Hop, specifically the dancing aspect of Hip Hop, and how it has evolved over the years. Since emerging in the 1970s, hip-hop has evolved into a worldwide dance sensation. In the book Beginning Hip-Hop Dance, you establish a solid groundwork and grasp the essentials of hip-hop techniques. Crafted by a dance educator and historian, this manual offers you the opportunity to delve into the history of hip-hop and explore its notable works and artists. Additionally, you may learn to comprehend the styles and artistic principles of hip-hop as both a performance and cultural expression. The guide also provides insights into various forms of hip-hop dance, encompassing locking, waacking, popping, boogaloo, and house.

In addition, if you feel like exploring some songs released in the early years of Hip Hop, the music library also has discs available such as Boombox. 1, Early independent hip hop, electro and disco rap 1979-1982. This CD was released in 2016 and is a collection of various artists from the early 1980s.

Parsons Playlists: Karol G

Posted on February 26, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Luis (class of 2025) and features music by Columbian singer Karol G.

Karol G

Carolina Giraldo Navarro, better known as KAROL G, is a Latin artist from Medellin, Colombia who has been rising in the music industry as of late. She just won her first Grammy this year and is only continuing to rise in the charts. I have been listening to her a lot recently and wanted to share some of my favorite songs.

Karol G and Peso Pluma – “QLONA”

Karol G – “Amargura”

Karol G – “Mi Ex Tenia Razon”

Karol G and Shakira – “TQG”

Karol G – “Oki Doki”

Karol G – “S91”

Karol G – “Provenza”

Karol G and Maldy – “Gatúbela”

Karol G – “200 Copas”

Karol G and Nicki Minaj – “Tusa”

Karol G – “Bichota”

Karol G feat. Aldo Ranks – “Watati”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexyAvMRXc1h915Dj8QO1VdJ&si=RpGUw3IU-GB94b_F

Parsons Playlists: Street Chronicles

Posted on January 26, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features some hip hop selections.

Street Chronicles

N.W.A. – “Straight Outta Compton”

Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg – “Still D.R.E.”

Jay-Z – “99 Problems”

Schoolboy Q – “Man of the Year”

Migos – “Stir Fry”

Drake – “Started From the Bottom”

Kendrick Lamar – “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”

A$AP Rocky – “Goldie”

Big Sean ft. E-40 – “I Don’t Fk With You”

Post Malone ft. Quavo – “Congratulations”

Migos ft. Drake – “Walk It Talk It”

J. Cole – “No Role Modelz”

Kanye West – “Power”

Wiz Khalifa & 2 Chainz – “We Own It”

50 Cent & The Game – “Hate It or Love It”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyhERppY4Jo5kabS8KqpBAU&si=jYDfyVZSYdLA9Hzj

Arachnophonia: Kanye West “Graduation”

Posted on December 4, 2023 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Deisy (class of 2024) and features Kanye West’s 2007 studio album Graduation. Thanks, Deisy!

Kanye West

Graduation

Kanye West has been one of the most talented and controversial men in the current music industry. Apart from the many social and political statements he has made throughout the years, West is one of the best producers and lyricists in music.

From his debut album The College Dropout to my favorite album Graduation, West has found ways to express himself and others through his music. You can find a number of West’s albums in our collection at Parsons Music Library including Graduation. This 2007 album has many memorable songs such as “Stronger,” “I Wonder,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” and my favorite, “Flashing Lights.”

Additionally, those interested in finding out more about this artist and where he has come from, there is an amazing documentary on Netflix called jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy. It’s a very interesting documentary that shows the process of his first album and how he came up in the musical scene.

Arachnophonia: OutKast “Aquemini”

Posted on October 18, 2023 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Deisy (class of 2024) and features OutKast’s 1998 album Aquemini. Thanks, Deisy!

OutKast

Aquemini

The dynamic duo that swept the Hip hop scene in the late 1990s/early 2000s, OutKast consisted of André 3000 and Big Boi. With only six studio albums and 32 singles, OutKast made a big name for themselves in hip hop, and disbanded in 2007. They have very memorable songs that many have heard in movies and radio such as “Hey Ya!” And “Ms. Jackson.”

Many of their albums live in the Parson Music Library at UR. My favorite of the bunch must be Aquemini, released in 1998. Their music is the type to transition into our current media in the best way possible. This album can be a refreshing break from the current hip hop and musical scene. Songs to check out form the album include: “Chonkyfire,” “Mamacita,” and “Da Art of Storytelling.” Aquemini is definitely worth checking out from Parsons Music Library.

Parsons Playlists: I Love Hip Hop and R&B

Posted on April 21, 2023 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Deisy (class of 2024) which features hip hop & R&B tunes from the 1990s.

I Love My 90s Hip Hop/R&B

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