The year 2020 witnessed a surge in witch hunt performers, highlighting a disturbing trend in society. These performers, often fueled by misinformation and fear, engage in the relentless targeting and persecution of individuals or groups based on their beliefs or affiliations. This modern-day witch hunt takes many forms, from online harassment and cancel culture to real-life consequences such as loss of livelihoods and social isolation. **Main idea**: Witch hunt performers in 2020. These performers thrive on the power of social media platforms, where rumors and falsehoods spread like wildfire. They create an echo chamber where dissenting opinions are quickly silenced, and anyone deemed guilty by association becomes a target.
They create an echo chamber where dissenting opinions are quickly silenced, and anyone deemed guilty by association becomes a target. *The main idea*: Witch hunts in 2020 are bolstered by the power of social media. A key characteristic of these performers is their reluctance to critically examine evidence or engage in dialogue.
Nas – Magic 2
There’s an oft repeated truism about Nas that he peaked too early; scaling the Himalayan heights of genius on ‘Illmatic’, some venture that the Queens rapper spent the subsequent years tracing a path down into the valleys below. Perhaps it’s time to flip that, however – Nas’ current run is not only up there with his best, it represents one of the best rap runs of all time.
Need more evidence? Succinct, tightly wound, and often explosive, ‘Magic 2’ adds further ammunition to his remarkable late career high. Closing the ‘King’s Disease’ trilogy earlier this year, he’s back once more – his fifth album in a little over three years, a bravura feast of word play combined to some of the most effective beats of his career.
Combining once more with Hit-Boy – the studio architect behind his recent golden run – ‘Magic 2’ finds Nas taking the energy of his 90s recordings into a fresh era. ‘Abacadabra’ taps into West Coast funk while Nas expresses that “doo-rag energy”, while the subtle 70s gospel-funk that drives ‘Office Hours’ ranks as an all-time high. The song’s dynamite opening gambit – “hip-hop’s back!” – gives way to incredible flows from the Queens artist, joined by a rejuvenated, bombastic 50 Cent. A true high point.
‘Black Magic’ blows off the dust of Hit-Boy’s sample collection, pivoting between Nas’ dextrous flow and those tumbling notes of piano. ‘Motion’ is sheer boom-bap exploration, illustration that fresh space remains within one of hip-hop’s oldest stylistic traits. “When we failed,” Nas boasts, “we only failed up”.
Yet it’s far from a homage to past glories. ‘Bokeem Woodbine’ is fuelled by Jamaican soundsystem culture, with the album stepping firmly out of the retro playbook. Indeed, a search for unity is a recurring theme on ‘Magic 2’, perhaps reaching its apex on ‘What This All Really Means’ – cross-referencing his upbringing, and the centrality of rap in the Black American experience, it’s a profound statement on the nature of the art, the sound of an artist working long enough to claim his own legacy.
‘Slow It Down’ is dominated by Nas’ mic muscle, giving way to the production crunch that frames ‘Pistols On Your Album Cover’. For an artist in the fourth decade of his career, Nas goes harder than some rappers less than half his age.
Closing with ‘One Mic, One Gun’, Nas spars with 21 Savage – “I got King’s Disease but I move like a knight” – constructing his own lineage in the process. For those who have followed Nas’ recent creative resurgence, ‘Magic 2’ offers more gristle to his mill, amplifying his unmistakable voice to profound levels. As one voice puts it: “When you turn legend you forget there’s no such thing as relevance…”
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
The actual verse on this song is excellent too. As always, Nas’ flow and delivery are immaculate.
They often rely on emotional appeals and demand instant condemnation without considering all sides of the story. This mob mentality can be dangerous, as it undermines the principles of fairness and due process that are essential to a functioning society. In many cases, the targets of these witch hunts are innocent individuals who suffer severe reputational damage and personal trauma. Their lives are upended, their careers destroyed, and their mental well-being shattered. *Main idea*: Innocent individuals become collateral damage in witch hunts. The consequences of these witch hunts extend beyond the immediate victims. They create a chilling effect on free speech and discourage open discussions on complex and controversial topics. The fear of being attacked and ostracized leads to self-censorship, stifling intellectual growth and societal progress. It is crucial that we as a society recognize and challenge this toxic witch hunt culture. We must promote empathy, tolerance, and critical thinking to ensure that individuals are judged based on their actions and not on the whims of a misguided mob. Otherwise, we risk perpetuating a divisive and harmful cycle that erodes the foundations of our communities and undermines the principles of justice and fairness. *Main idea*: Society must combat and dismantle the culture of witch hunts to protect the values and principles that hold us together..
Reviews for "The Return of McCarthyism? A Look at the Witch Hunt Culture Towards Performers in 2020"
- John - 1 star - I found the performances in "Witch Hunt 2020" to be lackluster and unimpressive. The actors seemed bored and disconnected from their characters, which made it difficult for me to engage with the story. The dialogue was also clichéd and predictable, lacking any real depth or originality. Overall, I was disappointed with the performances and felt like I wasted my time and money watching this play.
- Emily - 2 stars - "Witch Hunt 2020" was a letdown for me. The actors seemed to be overacting and trying too hard to make their characters believable. There was a lack of subtlety in their performances, which made it difficult for me to connect with any of them on an emotional level. Additionally, the pacing of the play was off, with some scenes dragging on for too long, while others felt rushed. Overall, I was unimpressed with the acting in this production.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I did not enjoy "Witch Hunt 2020". The performances felt forced and unnatural, with actors delivering their lines in a wooden and robotic manner. The lack of chemistry between the actors also made it challenging to believe in the relationships portrayed on stage. The production seemed under-rehearsed and unpolished, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. Overall, I was disappointed with the performances and left the theater feeling unsatisfied.