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The Outlook Articles

Articles Alvarez has written for Monmouth University's award-winning student-run newspaper.

Class is dismissed: Best graduation scenes in film - The Outlook

Graduation caps are thrown into the air, symbolizing new beginnings. Gowns are worn, and smiles reflect the achievement of earning a degree or diploma. Pictures are taken to capture the monumental moment. For the class of 2025, this will soon become a reality. For those graduating in the upcoming years or thinking about high school graduation, there are movie scenes that enhance the experience.


“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008):The graduation scene from “High School Musical 3: Senio...

College student star: Ley Soul makes her mark in R&B and soul - The Outlook

C alming melodies that soothe the mind and tranquil lyrics define the music of Chicago-based R&B/Soul singer-songwriter Ley Soul. As a college student, she redefines neo-soul by drawing inspiration from artists such as Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Kadhja Bonet. Her jazzy voice and dreamy ballads create an out-of-body experience.


Although her discography consists of only five tracks, her unique music style offers a refreshing experience for neo-soul listeners and makes each song memorable. Sou...

Lauryn Hill’s influence on the Hip Hop and R&B community - The Outlook

Lauryn Hill, a multi-talented artist born in Newark, NJ, rose to prominence in the 1990s as a rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Her groundbreaking album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” not only earned her global recognition but also played a pivotal role in popularizing the fusion of hip-hop and neo-soul, earning #1 on Apple Music’s “100 Best Albums” list.


Hill is celebrated for her innovative approach to music, artfully intertwining the rhythms of hip-hop with the...

Sasha Keable: Rising star from South London - The Outlook

Sasha Keable, a singer-songwriter hailing from South London, has been making waves in the music scene since 2013. That year marked her first significant recognition as she featured in several singles, including DJ Zinc’s “Only for Tonight” and Disclosure’s “Voices.” Her unique style, combined with her Colombian heritage, adds a rich authenticity to her artistry, allowing her to express her identity. With a dynamic voice, emotionally raw lyrics, and a musical range that spans trip-hop, classic R&...

‘90s love songs: The essence of romance - The Outlook

The melodies of ‘90s love songs capture the essence of beautiful romance. The heartfelt vocals and compassionate lyrics intertwine, tugging at our heartstrings and leaving many today yearning for that ‘90s type of love. These songs sound genuine, embodying what a beautiful relationship should feel like. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, the love songs from the ‘90s inspire you to passionately sing every word for that special someone. The lyrics remind you of your loved one, highlighting w...

Rising Black artists making a scene in music - The Outlook

Every generation has individuals who carry forward the legacy of those who came before them. They pay homage through music and art while recognizing the hard work of earlier artists. Musicians often draw inspiration from the lyrics, beats, and styles of their predecessors. This inspiration is expressed through sampling, cadence, and lyricism in their own songs. When one great artist finishes their contributions, it is time for the next to shine. These contemporary artists deserve your attention...

Samara Cyn: Rising female rap sensation - The Outlook

Tennessee-born, Los Angeles-based rapper, Samara Cyn has quickly captured attention with her unique blend of neo-soul and hip-hop music. In March 2024, she dropped “Green Eyes Freestyle,” on social media, featuring a laid-back video of her casually delivering bars. The post garnered significant attention, racking up 138,000 likes and praise from fans, including one comment that read, “You just created a fan. That was an impressive one-take. The vibe, composition, colors, swag, lyrics…everything...

Kenya Vaun releases new EP, “The Honeymoon Phase”

The 22-year-old rising R&B artist, Kenya Vaun, released her debut EP, “The Honeymoon Phase” on Mar. 22. The lyrics throughout the album dance with emotion, making the listeners feel a sense of comfort. The ambiance of the songs gives a nostalgic feel that touches on the topic of love and different experiences.


The Philadelphia native broke out into the music scene with her single “Movie Night” in 2018. People began to love Vaun’s energy more with her single “Summer” released in May 2023. The

Up and Coming R&B Artist: Kenya Vaun

Every so often there is an artist introduced to the music industry that breaks boundaries and gives listeners something unique. In an industry that’s constantly changing and highly competitive, it can take time for artists to break through. The up-and-coming R&B artist, Kenya Vaun, has broken through the industry with her rare authenticity and a soulful ambience in her songs.


The 21-year-old Philadelphia native is bringing a breath of fresh air into the world of modern R&B with a touch of tha

The Key to Success

Everyone’s version of success is different based on their career and life goals. Although this outlook on life may differ, everyone has come across this universal question at one point or another: What’s the key to success? As I consider my goals, I contemplate this question with greater care than I ever have before. In my experience thus far, I think the key to success is organization, dedication, discipline, and a good mindset.


Organization enables you to keep track of your day-to-day life,

The Newest Album by Brent Faiyaz

The R&B/ Soul artist Brent Faiyaz made his mark in the music industry in 2016 when he was featured on the hit single, “Crew” by Goldlink along with Shy Glizzy. When this single was released, listeners instantly wanted more from him. Almost a year later in Oct. 2017, he released his album “Sonder Son.” Over the past 8 years, Brent Faiyaz has released other singles and albums that have been helping him continue his R&B career including his album “Wasteland” that released last year in July 2022.

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Being a Teen in the 90s: Culture Change, Music, & Fashion

The 90s have always intrigued me. After all, the decade brought about significant change to our culture, fashion, and music. The transitions from leg warmers to overalls and rock to hip-hop are just a couple of the reasons why I would have loved to have grown up in the 90s.


Firstly, going from one decade to another always creates big cultural changes, so I think it would have been cool to experience the changes from the 80s to the 90s. Culture changes can have a big influence on who you are a

Drake’s Latest Album: “For All The Dogs”

The Canadian rapper and vocalist Drake has been building his rap career since 2008. As the years went by, he has had multiple number-one hits and became the most streamed artist on Spotify with 85.8 million monthly listeners. Drake took the world by storm when he released his trilogy of, “Certified Lover Boy,” “Honestly Nevermind,” and “Her Loss” through the end of 2021 to 2023. This brings him to his latest album, “For All The Dogs,” released in October of 2023.


Drake’s sound throughout the

Stop Giving Your Money to Influencers!

Social media’s surge in popularity means influencers are more and more integral to consumers’ everyday media consumption. It is increasingly normal for individuals to fall victim to the “influencer-effect,” buying a product simply because another person deemed it worth your money.


Brands are capitalizing on people’s appointed status as an influencer, using them to blast consumers’ pages with subliminal promotions about their products and overall brand visibility. This latest phenomenon in soc