Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

Her new hit solo single, which evokes the R&B sounds of the ’90s, shows off the singer’s prowess both as an artist and as an entertainer.

Sydney Smith, University of Pittsburgh

With the singer’s recent release ‘Planet Her’ comes a renewed focus on captivating styles, something that has been lacking from mainstream pop as of late.

Katherine Bry, Washington University

As 2021 gets started, it is important to take a moment to reflect on some of last year’s biggest cultural moments.

Imani Benberry, Columbia University

Oftentimes fitting conventional, beauty standards gets you more opportunities in life. Here’s how this concept affects young adult women.

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Beyoncé’s latest release is a celebration of Black beauty to empower Black women. The project unites African music and cultures in a visual masterpiece.

Chloe Hamer, Pitzer College

These influential and socially aware individuals are more than capable of running the Oval Office.

Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

With the release of her latest visual album, Beyonce has set the bar yet again with a powerful tribute to Black culture.

Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Queen Bey is back with a new visual album that aims to uplift Black culture, but not everyone is excited about it.

Farah Javed, CUNY Baruch College

Ryan Tedder’s band has been releasing versatile hits for nearly two decades, but they still remain under the radar.

Imani Benberry, Columbia University

The white singer’s racially coded complaints about the success of several black female artists perpetuate a harmful dichotomy between white femininity and black female aggression.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

There are some critical absences this year. First off: Awkwafina.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

The announcement has many excited, but still courts some controversy.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Released just moments after her Sweetener World Tour ended, this recording perfectly captures the intensity and skill of the musician’s live performances.

Christine Bushart, Georgia State University

Just because you can consume it doesn’t mean it was made for you.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The corresponding Beyoncé album mirrors past Disney music projects, like Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Black Panther: The Album.’

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

Rap and hip-hop is once again turning to Africa for inspiration.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

‘There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.’ — Shakespeare, ‘Hamlet’

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

As the eligibility period comes to a close, Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish look to dominate.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

Okay Netflix, now let’s get in formation.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

The award show’s cryptic methodology has led to widespread criticism in recent years.

Rebecca Crosby, American University

Vogue will never be the same.

Alexis Rogers, Temple University

Tyler Mitchell will be the first African-American photographer to shoot the magazine’s cover in its 126 years of operation.

Lexi Anderson, Pratt Institute

Feel old yet?

Melissa Lee, State University of New York at Oswego

She knows she’s famous enough to release a No. 1 album with zero publicity.

Rebecca Crosby, American University

Fittingly, the couple’s work of art belongs in a museum.

Maya Ramani, University of Virginia

Yes, I re-downloaded Tidal for this. And it was worth it.

Emilie Romero, University of Nevada

If you couldn’t attend the second weekend, here’s what you missed.

Jack Brandon, University of Michigan

These are the albums that are (or should be) defining the decade.

Deshia Dunn, Central Michigan University

Two artists, working in different fields and from different generations, connect over a shared experience.

Sofia Rivera, Simmons College

If you don’t think Béyonce is an artist after listening to her newest album, you’re wrong.

Juliana Mae Neves, Loyola University and Guest Contributor

A powerful black woman making a powerful racial statement. Political? Yes. Criticizable? Absolutely not.