In 2024, a popular Korean series broke the record for the most-watched streaming title in a single week in the U.S., amassing an impressive 4.92 billion minutes of viewing from December 23rd to December 29th. The second season of this show, Squid Game, made its debut on December 26th.
Overly kind to a fault, the movie’s narrative for most part feels as light as many films from Sundance, a sensation reinforced by the soft music composed by Christopher Bear, previously of indie rock group Grizzly Bear, and the faint vocal tracks scattered throughout. The same sense of weightlessness is evident in the way landscapes are portrayed, with emotions left unsaid resonating across Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats and the expansive areas bordering Interstate 80, largely devoid of life except for the slender silhouettes of wind turbines.
Initially capturing interest are the black-and-white portraits, stemming from Gates’ conceptual endeavor, The Black Image Corporation. By incorporating pictures sourced from the Johnson Publishing Company, this assembly pays tribute to numerous ways in which Black women have influenced and molded global culture.
On a beat produced by Alc, June and 2 Chainz take turns with their lyrics. 2 Chainz starts things off with the initial verse and chorus, then passes the baton to June for the following verses.
In keeping with typical sneaker leak style, the image provided of this new design is dimly lit, slightly off-kilter, and a bit fuzzy. However, it still effectively highlights the shoe’s essential features. The upper, midsole, and outsole are all swathed in shades of Gators blue, with the main decorative element being a textured leather on the mudguard instead of relying on color for emphasis. As is common for “First Class” PEs, there are gold accents on the heel, tongue Jumpman logos, and lace tips, while the only direct reference to the team can be found in a laser-etched design on the custom tag.