PUBLIC DOMAIN: 001

A guide to indulgence.

The economy around our attention has always been of importance to corporations, but consciousness of the overhead has risen in the common person, sparking a commitment to reclaim control. Escaping the trap that is short form content has called many to retrain the brain by committing to long form media.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of PUBLIC DOMAIN, a new monthly column that documents the content I indulge in to reorient my focus.

Here’s my quarter one diet:

books

I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally

An honest account of life written by one of New York City’s most notable restaurateurs.

Keith McNally is the man behind famed downtown restaurants like The Odeon, Balthazar, and Minetta Tavern.

The memoir spans between his childhood and modern day in an order that is sensible, but far from chronological. The book is centered around two nearly fatal life occurrences that he introduces you to in the first chapter before bringing you into different phases of his life to better frame the experiences.

The book reads like a long and unexpected conversation with an elder, and McNally’s innate sense of wit and lack of pretension give the memoir a sense of charm. There’s an aura of intimacy within the book, as McNally makes a habit of highlighting the least flattering things about himself in away that doesn’t lean into self loathing.

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

A series of essays by one of the most acclaimed penmen in the history of literature.

This collection of essays picked apart the depictions of blackness in film & fiction novels, and also dove deep into Baldwin’s understanding of the African-American experience in the ghetto’s of Harlem and abroad. Baldwin also offered give his opinion on the black press and other intristic elements of the black community.

The copy was written between 1948 and 1955, but somehow maintain a timeless sense of relevance to modern the modern experience.

film

Uncut Gems (2019) Directed by Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie

Uncut Gems Movie Poster via A24

I revisited the film that many would attest to be the crown jewel of the pair of brother’s young filmography, and was no less impressed by the narrative and cinematography.

Few directors have a handle on documenting the egoism in the psyche of man like the Safdie Brothers do, and Uncut Gems was the greatest expression of this understanding. Adam Sandler’s performance was amazing and still a bit comedic, and the film did a perfect job of articulating the obsession with risk taking men often commit to above than anything.

Though Good Time (2017) remains my personal favorite Safdie Brothers film, Uncut Gems is undoubtably the best and this rewatch was a reminder.

Belly (1998) Directed by Hype Williams

The cult classic that was the lone film directed by legendary music video director Hype Williams is one that is cinematically riveting, but leaves much to be desired narratively. Regardless, it will always be one of my personal favorites.

The crime thriller, led by Nas and DMX, follows a pair of friends leading an organized crime ring but beginning to pivot in very different directions. The path to enlightenment was different for each, but inevitable above all.

Few films have achieved the pop culture influence of Belly, and I’d call it an essential watch for any and everyone.

The Smashing Machine Directed by Benny Safdie

Over the last 18 years the Safdie brothers (Josh and Benny) have established a strong unified voice in film direction, but The Smashing Machine was a first step in the pair of siblings stepping out and developing their singular voices.

The film is a memoir of MMA legend and UFC pioneer Mark Kerr. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was cast as the lead in a role that displayed his first true departure from typecasting.

Though not a home run, it definitely was an interesting watch.

The Wood Directed by Rick Famuyiwa

Coming of age stories without dire ramifications and traumatic elements come few and far in black cinema, but The Wood is a beautiful detour from the typical.

With a cast boasting Omar Epps, Taye Diggs, and Richard T. Jones as a trio of friends preparing for one of their wedding days, the story backtracks to various moments of their middle class childhood in Englewood, California.

The film is a beautiful watch and I would love to see more films like it.

magazines

POPEYE Magazine - Issues 931, 937, & 946

Though most of its copy is in Japanese, POPEYE Magazine has grown to become one of my favorite magazines because of the publication’s humanity. Each issue has a singular focus and interest, and centers it through their editorial spreads and feature. There is no desperate sense of clinging to celebrity, and the magazine platforms real interesting people worldwide.

Issue 931 focused on band music, with spreads about record stores and live performances in different cities around the globe. Issue 937 served as tour of modern day Tokyo, highlighting niche landmarks and activities. Issue 946, my personal favorite, was a personal style guide spanning through many cities and even American colleges.

Each edition is rich in reference material, but also fun to explore in leisure.

television

Industry (Season 4) Created, Written, and Executive Produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay

I’d argue to anyone willing to listen that HBO’s Industry is one of the best shows in modern television history. The financial thriller and drama has followed its leading characters from intern to the remaining members arrival at senior levels in season four.

The show’s writing seldom lacks nuance, and this season sent its fair share of fan favorites off into the sunset, but it was a beautiful illustration of the clarity many encounter when they achieve the power they longed for and part ways with a world of familiarity.

articles

(Links attached to titles.)

Resurrecting the Thrill of Streetwear by Jon Caramonica (New York Times)

It’s not often in modern journalism that a writer gets to build out a story over three years, but Jon Caramonica was granted that freedom and delivered.

I’ve been following the rise of the UK based streetwear figurehead that is Corteiz since 2020, and each stage of its progress has been well documented on the internet by its founder Clint Ogbenna (better known as Clint419).

This article covers the last three year of scaling, including conversation about the brand’s expansive London warehouse, its various global popups, and multiple collaborations with Nike. Centralizing business, this interview is one of the few times Ogbenna opens up about the scale of his operation, and how much profit the company has turned.

Toshikazu Kayano: The Playful Maniac at ASICS by Shane Anderson (032c)

When a shoe rises in popularity, very few consider the science behind its construction, but learning about the lineage of design at ASICS was a fulfilling experience.

Tashikazu Kayano, the namesake of the heralded Gel-Kayano line spoke about his uncanny journey to designing sneakers, and opened up about how much he values the legacy he has built with the brand.

How to Charm a Room Full of Billionaires by Arabelle Sicardi (SSENSE)

I’ve always been curious about how auctions go down, and how auctioneers advertise the scarcity of an item in a room full of wealthy people who have seen it all.

This profile is a walk through of the science that dictates the art market, and Phyllis Kao is one of the most interesting people walking.

The Making of a Modern Fashion Critic by Eliza Brooke (SSENSE)

The term ‘fashion criticism’ has grown to become a misnomer in the modern day, but there is a few real ones still kicking in the field. Rachel Tashijan has been one of the few fashion writers that I’ve seen takes risks and explore meaning beyond the show notes.

In her profile with SSENSE, Eliza Brooke explores her unique pathway to her current standing, her innate love for clothes, and her singular voice that creates a fun environment for sartorial dialogue.

conversations

Between You & Me Ep. 12: Growing Pains, in conversation with Deante Kyle & Swave by Demetrius Harmon

A lot can be learned from a good conversation.

In a chat that wasn’t guided by promotion or a press run, Deante Kyle, Swave, and Demetrius Harmon discussed life, and the rigors of navigating their media presences in a way that left nothing on the table.

Ca$ino Documentary (Parts I,II, and III) by Baby Keem

One of the better music rollouts I’ve ever seen. Baby Keem pulls from childhood footage captured by his Auntie Connie, as well as interviews from family members and friends to better frame the life experiences he explores deeply throughout his album.

VINCE STAPLES IS AN ICONIC GUEST by Ziwe

Over the years, Ziwe has crafted a comedic identity through her show, but every once in a while a character can show up and add to the show by disturbing that balance.

Vince Staples sense of humor is innate, but also filled with nuggets of information that can send one down a rabbit hole. This interview was hilarious and we even saw Ziwe break character a couple of times.

dj mixes

IFE Radio (TAKA & dj blackpower) Elevator Music

I can’t say I’m a first time visitor here. Taka and MIKE created a harmonious balance between soul and techno that has served as the score to my life of late.

GETLIVE! at 214 Mulberry Aimé Leon Dore SOUND

An hour of Soul and R&B classics spun off 45’s. If you love music, you’ll love this mix.