Hot Takes

Hot Takes: Episode #4 'Drill Should be Banned'

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0100

This week, after a lengthy break, myself and Peter decided to cover a topic and a genre we both feel deeply about. Drill music is a dynamic genre of music, which in recent years has been demonised in the media through to policing. Exposing a reality that many people would prefer to be ignorant to, however, an artform which should be appreicated for its versatility despite its violent themes, glorification of violence and objectification of women. Tackling this subject took us on many tangents, which we hope bring you clarity and new opinions on the subject but also a laugh or two.

The best art is controversial and provokes questions about societies deepest problems and this is what Drill does eloquently and bluntly. Often over stepping the preverbial line, and meeting its critics. The criticims of this genre should raise a deeper question to us...What experiences would lead an individual to make such uncensored music? We don't attempt to be apolagetic for the lyrical content of this music, simply open an honest and very relaced conversation. Enjoy!

Hot Takes: Episode #3 'Has the last 10 years of government made poverty worse?'

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 17:00:00 +0100

This is the first episode which features a guest. Myself and Sam discuss at length the implications and causes of Poverty within the U.K. We dissect this weeks Hot Take into 3 distinctive areas: The North/South divide, COVID-19 and poverty and finally we discuss whether living in relative poverty can act as a perverse incentive to work hard and achieve.
The first 30 minutes delves into Sam's experience of living in the North East of England the past two years for University and our comparisons of differences between the environment we were educated and where he currently lives. Secondly, we discuss the potential impacts of COVID-19 of exasperating current issues within society and whether this is a potential time to increase public spending to help the most vulnerable. Lastly, we discuss in relation to our upbringings whether relative poverty can act as motivation to work harder or if it compounds an already difficult situation.

Episode #2 'Would Drug Decriminalisation make the U.K a better place?'

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 21:00:00 +0100

This week I decided to discuss a topic which isn’t currently in the political spotlight, instead I wanted to discuss a topic which is close to me that I have an experience with and know many find difficult to discuss. I focus on three areas of Drugs: Cannabis, Psychedelics and MDMA. I discuss these drugs in reference to Mental Health, the Criminal Justice system and the Economy. A large portion of the Podcast is dedicated to the subject of Mental Health and especially its relationship with Cannabis use. There is also a lot of attention on the use of Psychedelics and to a lesser extent the use of MDMA. The first half an hour is dedicated to Cannabis, the second half an hour is split between Psychedelics and MDMA, whilst the last 15 minutes uses holistic analysis to look at the potential benefits and negatives of decriminalisation on the Justice system and the Economy. This week I chose to use direct quotes from a current Prisoner remanded in HMP Service and sufferer of Mental Health who was diagnosed as ‘Treatment Non-Responsive.
Enjoy and make sure to Like, Subscribe and drop a comment below.

Episode #1 'Is The Black Lives Matter Movement Its Own Worst Enemy?'

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 20:00:00 +0100

This is the first episode of Hot Takes. We are living in times full of political turmoil and I saw this as a perfect opportunity to vocalise my views in a serious and sometimes light-hearted way. Many people of my age group, U-21, often have their views represented view the medium of Twitter and this is often a false representation of most of our views. This was my opportunity to set the record straight and give people a voice behind the views, some will agree with my views many will disagree, however, my aim isn’t to gain fans but open an honest conversation based on anecdotes and facts.
Firstly, I chose Black Lives Matter as a poignant topic to cover and give my insight to the movement as a member of the Mixed African community. Many feel unable to criticise the movement in fear of being labelled a ‘Racist’ whilst others feel compelled to support the movement as its first word is their ethnicity. I hope, despite my amateur set up, novice skills and poor editing, I am able to open an honest dialogue and give people new perspectives and ways of thinking.
This is the first week, each week I implore to improve in my communication and engagement with the topic of the week. Thank you for engaging and hope to see your comments of critique and insights below.