Take

Take

A perspective.

Thuggin by Freddie Gibbs and Fall by Eminem have something strange in common—ex-Arizona representative and gun-control proponent Gabby Giffords. Although both reference the same event—a 2011 attempt on her life that resulted in a serious head wound—the desired effects of each line are diametrically opposed. Eminem (as expected) forgoes sympathy and employs her visage as a cringeworthy punchline. A slight pause before her name assures the gimmick, allowing the listener’s consciousness to catch up before being ambushed once again. Gibbs’ bar, far more nuanced and political, weighs the event against his own criminal ways to depict an imbalanced justice system. Disparate outlooks on identical happenings unveil songs as windows—glimpses of a world whose events mirror your own but whose tint is borrowed directly from the artist’s spectacles.


Take

To possess.

Nine. The age at which you can be expected to reliably set the table and bathe yourself. Next year, contestants will test their intellect against yours for cash prizes on television. This year, though, you can sign your first Premier League academy contract. Formally sign, of course—you’ve been in the system since you were six because you actually want a shot at being one of the 0.012% of English academy players that make an appearance in the British top flight. Opportunity is transactional in world football—a chance to become a star in exchange for your chance to become so many other things.