Release

Release

To let go.

Conventional wisdom and historical pre-sale statistics would suggest that surprise albums are destined to fail. Unless, of course, you’re Beyoncé. An unexpected drop is a perfect litmus test for popularity—with zero indication of what lies beyond the cover art, listens signal a fanbase willing to blindly consume anything an artist produces. If you consider art to be an externalization of the mind, the success of a surprise album represents the highest form of praise—a widespread and comprehensive appreciation not just for the way the artists expresses themselves, but for their very self.

Re-lease

To renew a contract.

I can’t see LeBron parking his Kia in a different garage next year. There are two things that the 6’8”, six-time runner-up is looking for in the fourth quarter of his career—opportunity for his children and rings. The latter most certainly requires new teammates, but give the Cavs GM and Thanos-admirer David Griffin the infinity stone that is King James and expect half of the roster to disappear. Ultimately, though, I think his Akron roots will keep 23 red and black. Family is everything to Bron, and his life-long legacy is Cleveland. His team can change, and it will, but his love for the Land will not. It’s not something we can understand (I mean it’s Cleveland), but it will keep him there. Home.