Stephen Kearse

Contributing Writer

Stephen Kearse is a contributing writer for The Nation. He has contributed to The BafflerPitchfork, and The New York Times Magazine.

Open Mike Eagle’s Songs of Redemption

Open Mike Eagle’s Songs of Redemption Open Mike Eagle’s Songs of Redemption

His new album—Anime, Trauma and Divorce—uses rap as a vehicle for self-examination and restoration.

Dec 30, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

The Looter Is the Most Misunderstood Figure in American Politics

The Looter Is the Most Misunderstood Figure in American Politics The Looter Is the Most Misunderstood Figure in American Politics

A conversation with Vicky Osterweil about misconceptions around the politics of looting and its radical tradition.

Sep 3, 2020 / Q&A / Stephen Kearse

On the Record’s Act of Witness

On the Record’s Act of Witness On the Record’s Act of Witness

Telling the stories of three women who accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault, the documentary is a powerful case study in how institutions have failed Black women.

Jul 14, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

The Racist Roots of New Technology

The Racist Roots of New Technology The Racist Roots of New Technology

From facial recognition to VR, Ruha Benjamin’s new book illuminates how cutting-edge tech reproduces inequalities.

Jun 15, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Moses Sumney’s Songs of Freedom

Moses Sumney’s Songs of Freedom Moses Sumney’s Songs of Freedom

His immersive album græ explores the costs of personal and artistic autonomy.

Jun 3, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Between God and Science in the Surreal Silicon Valley of ‘Devs’

Between God and Science in the Surreal Silicon Valley of ‘Devs’ Between God and Science in the Surreal Silicon Valley of ‘Devs’

Alex Garland’s first foray into television is a heady tale of tech world delusion.

May 12, 2020 / Stephen Kearse

Jay Electronica’s Wayward Rap Journey

Jay Electronica’s Wayward Rap Journey Jay Electronica’s Wayward Rap Journey

His mesmerizing, flawed, and long-awaited debut album, A Written Testimony, is one of the strangest rap records in recent memory.

Mar 25, 2020 / Stephen Kearse

070 Shake’s Master Plan

070 Shake’s Master Plan 070 Shake’s Master Plan

The New Jersey rapper’s debut album is a showcase for a one-of-a-kind voice.

Feb 13, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Ted Chiang’s Sci-Fi Goes Beyond the Promise of Technology

Ted Chiang’s Sci-Fi Goes Beyond the Promise of Technology Ted Chiang’s Sci-Fi Goes Beyond the Promise of Technology

In his short story collection Exhalation, he builds social worlds where every character and object is deeply intertwined in history and in future possibility.

Nov 19, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Lauren Michele Jackson Wants to Change How We Talk About Appropriation

Lauren Michele Jackson Wants to Change How We Talk About Appropriation Lauren Michele Jackson Wants to Change How We Talk About Appropriation

Her debut essay collection White Negroes presents a more artful and nuanced way to examine the frictions of cultures colliding.

Nov 8, 2019 / Q&A / Stephen Kearse

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