George Watsky is an acclaimed spoken-word poet, a rap artist, and an absolute riot on social media. After a brief stint of radio silence, Watsky has taken this summer season by storm and has flooded the market with killer content taking the form of various media.
Watsky should be crowned the King of Summer '16, and here's why.
He released his debut essay collection "How To Ruin Everything."
Watsky has gone from the Bay Area to Boston to Brooklyn promoting his essay collection and reading selected passages to eager crowds. "How To Ruin Everything" is an incredibly enjoyable and authentic read that is digestibly intellectual.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer and lyricist of the famed "Hamilton: An American Musical," and arguably the most relevant cultural figure of the moment, graces the essay collection's cover saying "Whether you're a fan of Watsky's poetry or hip-hop or a total newcomer you will find joy in the words contained herein. Watsky in prose form is just like Watsky on a track--funny, subversive, and able to excavate such brutally honest sentences that you will find yourself nodding your head in wonder and recognition."
Watsky released a brilliant cultural critique track entitled "Stick To Your Guns" featuring Julia Nunes.
In the wake of many tragedies this summer alongside one of the most unruly election seasons in American history, "Stick To Your Guns" is a necessary criticism of our political landscape. The lyrics shift from the perspective of a school shooter, emphasizing issues of bullying and mental health as they are associated with gun violence, to the perspective of a news anchor, emphasizing the problematic nature of how the media sensationalizes tragedy, to the perspective of a politician who seeks to thwart any change in gun policy in the wake of a tragedy.
The music video features a black screen followed by call to action for listeners to contact their congressmen and representatives in an attempt to enact change.
The top comment on the YouTube video matter-of-factly states that "The king is back."
Watsky released his first single off of his upcoming album "x INFINITY" which is also the final track of the "Tiny Glowing Screens" trilogy.
If this single does anything to speak for the album as a whole, it's going to be an absolute masterpiece. The track features dramatic yet fun musicality paired with characteristically witty and adroit lyrics.
"Tiny Glowing Screens Part 3" is undisputedly a total jam and has summer anthem written all over it.
The rest of the album will be released August 19th.
Following in the "x INFINITY" vein, Watsky announced that he would be touring to perform the music from his new album, and graced us with those tour dates.
A Watsky concert is an experience like no other. I'll see you in New York.
If all of that still doesn't convince you that he is this summer's reigning monarch, Watsky helped name his followers' pets (and children) on Twitter.
I believe this content can truly speak for itself.
Bow down all ye peasants. It looks like King Watsky is here to stay.
