Ring

Ring

A rounded band.

Humans, like trees, can be dated by dendrochronology. In fact, an analysis of the circles within which an individual lives reflects more than age—each halo tells the story of the historical conditions that nurtured one’s growth. The voice of Lil Wayne’s mother enlightens in a way that four Carters cannot, the presence of Saba’s father behind a Tiny Desk an illuminating cross-section of the artist’s roots. As a fan, I often mistake my access to a musician’s thoughts for intimacy. With each album spin, I play the needle, pushing my way to the middle until I am tracing the center. Understanding, like dendrochronology, is not about focalizing a particular band. It’s what a mother’s voicemail and a father’s refrain showed me about Wayne and Saba—the concentricity of our circles.

Ring

To resonate.

Serial pop-culture thief Antoine Griezmann is going back in time for his new post-goal routine, leaving behind Drake and Fortnite for the Queen of music, and realistically, the world—Beyoncé. Although his last performance was less than convincing (I’m only 60% certain he’s attempting the “Single Ladies” dance), the French striker has pioneered an approachable model for a personal franchise. Athletico’s goofball superstar flipped a telephone-handed jig into a robust ad campaign by simply embracing his inner child and echoing meme culture. His fellow #7’s (think Ronaldo and Mbappé) embody excellence, offering a refined image that kids aspire to when looking at their reflection. Griezmann is the mirror in which kids see something playfully familiar—themselves.