PicThink

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC with Sy, Gus Jonesy & CE is an overview of music news, singles & albums from 2019's winter period. In the first part of this podcast episode we discuss recent news and releases surrounding music artists such as YMW Melly, Future, AJ Tracey, 2 Chainz, Little Simz & Giggs.

This episode of Pic.Think: TV (w/ Sy, Martin, Gladys & Raveen) explores the themes of social media, moral monsters and the Matrix found within seasons 3 & 4 of Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror. The first section (Heaven & Hell) of our discussion centres around Robert Nozick's "Experience Machine" thought experiment and both the "San junipero" & "Playtest" episodes to explore the possibility of heaven and hell on earth. The second section (Moral Monsters) we sift through the episodes of seasons 3 & 4 to explore the dangers of virtual reality and social media in creating moral monsters. The third section (The Matrix) we conclude the review by discussing whether the Americanisation of these seasons of Black Mirror help or hinder the show. Also, the episode "Hang the DJ" inspires a discussion as to whether the Matrix is possible or a figment of our imagination.

This episode of Pic.Think: FILM is one recorded at the end of US Black History month and finds itself dedicated to the lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. and their contribution to the civil rights movement in the US and black movement in general. This episode is an introductory one for some new members of the Pic.Think panel - Joe Swales, James Jullian & Dan - with the focus on Spike Lee's 1992 biopic of Malcolm X alongside Ava DuVernay's 2014 historical dramatisation of Selma. Part 1 - Resolution or Evolution? Part 2 - The Black Sheep & Confederacy Part 3 & 4 - Wise Women, Black Consciousness & White Supremacy

This fourth and final episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC's AOTY discussion. In this concluding episode Sy, Sam Macks, Gus Jonesy & CE discuss Meek Mill's "championship end of the year".

This episode of Pic.Think: FILM is a one-to-one discussion on Danny DeVito's rendition of Roald Dahl's Matilda with Sy & Raveen. In the first part (Childhood movies & literature), we start off the conversation taking a stroll down memory lane by first considering which 1990s movies defined our children. We also reminisce on what childhood books we read or wished we had. Throughout both the second and third part (Childhood vs. Adulthood), we review Matilda by comparing how we felt watching as a youth versus how we feel watching as adults. We discuss the memorable scenes, characters, messages taken from the film etc.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC continues the 2018 Album of the Year discussion with Sy, Sam Macks, Gus Jonesy & CE. In this follow up to 2-for-1, we detract from the AOTY discussion and engage in debates on who the King of R&B is, as well as who the most important rapper in the Hip-hop culture is: Drake or Jay Z.

This episode of Pic.Think: TV centres around Netflix's Narcos: Mexico, the companion series to the original Narcos, with Sy, Raveen & Gus Jonesy. The first segment (One Good, One Evil)starts off the conversation considering which one evil we would choose to rid the world of and which one good we would choose to bless the world with, if we had the power. In the process, d'evils we consider include pedophilia, domestic abuse, poverty, selfishness, greed & racism; on the other hand the goods we consider include non-discrimination, shared wealth and education. In the second segment (Love & War ... on Drugs) we delve into the review by examining how accurate, educational and entertaining Narcos: Mexico is in the dramatisation of the US government's campaign against the illegal drug trade. The third segment (The Legalisation of Drugs) concludes the conversation by questioning whether it would be a blessing or a curse for government legalisation and regulation of illegal drugs - classes A, B & C.

This episode officially begins our 2018 Album of the Year discussion with Sy, Sam Macks, Gus Jonesy & CE. In this follow up to the free-flow intro, we comb through the year of 2018 by reminiscing on the standout singles, the albums and the fiascos month-by-month, season-by-season.

This episode of Pic.Think: TV focuses on the third season of Issa Rae's HBO comedy series "Insecure" with Sy, Raveen & Gladys. The first part of this episode (Friend or Foe?)warms up the discussion with a behind the scenes chit-chat between Raveen & Gladys with accompanying snippets from the third season's soundtrack. The discussion officially begins attempting to define what a "friend" means to us and whether or not we could be genuine friends with an ex-partner. With this, we then contemplate the concept of Platonic love, its roots in Greek philosophy and whether it's feasible or even possible. The second part (Preference or Prejudice?)progresses onto review the third season by questioning whether or not it successfully follows season 1 & 2. After this, we focus on Molly's initial reluctance towards interracial dating in this season, from which we ask whether it's an example of preference or prejudice. From this, we then question the moral difference between interracial and interfaith dating/marriage. The third part (Women-led TV) attempts to confirm whether Insecure is unique in comparison with other women-led TV series. We attempt to confirm this with the help of Robyn Bahr from The Hollywood Reporter's "Theory of the Four". According to Robyn Bahr, this theory is centred around "four female archetypes that serve to elucidate modern sexual politics" and, as such, we use this to confirm whether or not the four main female characters of the show - Issa, Molly, Tiffany & Kelli - are stereotypical examples found in women-led TV or if they stand multi-faceted and set-apart from the archetypes of this theory. Buy or stream the Insecure Season 3 soundtrack below: https://www.amazon.com/Insecure-Music-Original-Season-Explicit/dp/B07H9FF3F3 https://open.spotify.com/album/3AaaX5cJpQPUzL2UznWu7q References: Robyn Bahr's "Insecure: Season 3: TV Review" from The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/insecure-review-1133844

This episode is a free-flow conversation between Sy & Sam Macks warming up the stage for our 2018 Album of the Year discussion. In this 39-minute free-flow intro, we discuss everything 2018, from 6ix9ine and XXXTentacion to Kanye West's shenanigans & summer roll-out with Pusha T, Nas, Kid Cudi & Teyana Taylor; from the oversaturation of new music to drug abuse & addiction both inside and outside the culture; from the death of Mac Miller to selective morality in music culture.

This episode of Pic.Think: TV with Sy & Ramaar focuses on "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations", which is Shonen Jump's spin-off sequel to the anime "Naruto". In the first segment (Parents, Mentors & Teachers), we introduce the discussion with an explicit focus on the theme of parenthood and mentorship in the Naruto-Boruto universe. To start, we discuss which characters from the Naruto-Boruto universe we would choose as our parents, mentor and teacher if we were a character within the anime series. In the second segment (Due Diligence), we dive into the review of the series as a whole by considering whether the offspring sequel of Boruto manages to follow up the fathering Naruto and Naruto: Shipuuden series in a way that does it justice. In the third segment("The Will of Fire"), we conclude the discussion of Boruto we unravel the theme of "The Will of Fire" from focusing on the tension between parent-child relationships - such as those between Boruto & Naruto and Sarada & Sasuke - and individuality.

This episode of Pic.Think: FILM focuses on Disney Pixar's critically acclaimed family film "Inside Out" with Sy, Raveen & Gladys. In part 1 (Adult Emotions), we begin by considering the accuracy of Google's synopsis of the film. We follow this up by considering the film's personified emotions - Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger & Disgust - and deliberate which emotions would take centre stage in our minds if we were the protagonist of this story. From the list of emotions personified, both old and new, we then decide which emotion would be de facto leader of our own minds as the emotion of Joy is in Riley's mind. In part 2(Plutchick's Wheel of Emotions), we continue the discussion in a similar vein by considering Riley's personality islands - Hockey, Goofball, Friendship, Honesty & Family - and we decide what islands would constitute our own personalities. After this, we look at one of the psychological conceptions that inspired this film: Robert Plutchick's "wheel of emotions". Following this, we examine one of the central themes behind the narrative of this film: the transition from childhood to adulthood (i.e. growing up). In part 3 (Emotional Acceptance), the discussion concludes by considering the filmmakers' implicit value, appreciation and acceptance of various emotions, despite the history of social stigma towards emotions.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a one-to-one review between Sy & Chris on Summer Walker's Last Day of Summer project. The conversation concludes by discussing whether women could ever express their sexual desire without the backlash of social stigma towards their potential promiscuity. Following from this, we also attempt to distinguish between human needs and wants and, finally, we discuss what men could do to approach the conflict women face in a more empathetic way.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a one-to-one review between Sy & Chris on Summer Walker's Last Day of Summer project. The discussion progresses to review the Last Day of Summer project by first considering Summer Walker's influences and the similarities she shares in comparison with contemporary R&B artists in order to get a clearer picture of who Summer Walker is as an artist.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a one-to-one review between Sy & Chris on Summer Walker's Last Day of Summer project. We begin the discussion off on a tangent considering the positives and negatives of all four seasons of the year - Winter, Spring, Summer & Autumn. With this in mind, we consider whether the release of Summer's project was suitably named and perfectly timed for the transition from Summer into Autumn.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a review of Compton rapper Roddy Ricch's Feed Tha Streets 2 mixtape with Sy, Chris, CE, Ramaar & Gus Jonesy. The discussion concludes by examining Roddy's lyrics on the track "Down Below" which express the duty he feels to give back to his community after achieving success. From this, we ask whether anyone should feel a moral obligation to give back to their community after achieving success.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a review of Compton rapper Roddy Ricch's Feed Tha Streets 2 mixtape with Sy, Chris, CE, Ramaar & Gus Jonesy. The discussion progresses to review the music delivered on the mixtape and, with this, we debate whether Chris' description of Roddy Ricch as a "more audible Young Thug" is accurate or not. We also compare his musical style to other hip-hop artists such as Future.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a review of Compton rapper Roddy Ricch's Feed Tha Streets 2 mixtape with Sy, Chris, CE, Ramaar & Gus Jonesy. The discussion begins by asking whether or not the internet's role in blurring the regional borders in music is a blessing or a curse. This discussion point stems from Roddy Ricch's noticeable musical influence from southern US hip-hop despite his west coast roots.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a one-to-one review between Sy & Chris on Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins' sophomore studio album Pieces of a Man. This discussion concludes considering whether we consider Mick Jenkins to be a top tier rapper/vocalist; his chemistry with producer Kaytranada on album cuts such as "Understood" & "Padded Locks" alongside promotional tracks such as "Aurora Borealis" and, finally, his comments in Viper magazine on pressures to conform to social expectations.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a one-to-one review between Sy & Chris on Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins' sophomore studio album Pieces of a Man. The discussion progresses to the review where we question whether Mick Jenkins' use of conceptual songs with lyrics that relate to "Everyman" and jazz-influenced production feels fresh or outdated.

This episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC is a one-to-one review between Sy & Chris on Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins' sophomore studio album Pieces of a Man. With his recreation of Gil Scott-Heron's classic Pieces of a Man album, we kickstart the discussion by considering which albums we would choose to recreate with our own personal spin if given the artistic opportunity.

In this episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC, Sy discusses Ard Adz' Adam album with Chris, Ramaar (Shocker), Gus Jonesy and CE. In this final segment we discuss whether or not, and why, we agree with the "eye for an eye" mentality that Ard Adz expresses in the track "Still Do Road".

In this episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC, Sy discusses Ard Adz' Adam album with Chris, Ramaar (Shocker), Gus Jonesy and CE. In this second segment, we progress to the review and ask whether we consider this album to be Ard Adz' musical autobiography. We also discuss whether this project offers an extra layer of depth to Ard Adz' roadman persona that was missing in his past projects.

In this episode of Pic.Think: MUSIC Sy discusses Ard Adz' Adam album with Chris, Ramaar (Shocker), Gus Jonesy & CE. This first segment finds us discussing the various aspects of Ard Adz' life depicted through his music, such as the relationship he has with both his mother & son alongside street life. We debate whether this depiction earns our respect or not.

This episode of Pic.Think:TV features Sy, Sammie, Gladys & Raveen and focuses on season 1 & 2 of Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror. The discussion begins by hypothetically considering whether or not the right price offered could permanently dissuade us from our personal use of black mirror technology. Through this idea we explore the pros and cons of modern day technology. The discussion progresses to our review of the introductory seasons of Black Mirror. From these two seasons we consider three things: which examples of black mirror technology are most likely due to come into existence; which examples we're most apprehensive about coming into existence; and, conversely, which ones we're anticipating the most. After this, we unpack the philosophical problem concerning personal identity by applying thought experiments, such as Jullian Baggini's "Beam Me Up" (The Pig that Wants to be Eaten, 2005) and Ancient Greek Historian Plutarch's "Ship of Theseus" (Theseus Paradox), to Black Mirror episodes such as Be Right Back (S2, Ep.1). The discussion concludes by using the episodes Be Right Back (S2, Ep.1) and White Christmas (S2, Ep.4) to ask whether it is possible to clone human consciousness. We question whether this copied consciousness can be considered identical to the original human consciousness, or at the very least whether this copy can legitimately be considered a person.

In this episode of Pic.Think: FILM, Sy, Raveen & Gladys review Richard Linklater's (Writer-Director of Boyhood) overlooked philosophical docu-fiction Waking Life. The discussion begins by using an opening line in the film, "dream is destiny", to answer whether we consider ourselves as either realists (pragmatists) or idealists (dreamers). Within this section we progress to share our thoughts and impressions of Eamonn Healy's monologue concerning "the new evolution" of the human individual. The discussion then progresses to review the execution of the film as a whole: whether we consider the film as successfully and simultaneously educational, enjoyable and accessible. In this second section we philosophise on the enigmatic nature of language and the dynamic nature of the human spirit. These topics are inspired by the monologues given by Kim Krizan and Alex Jones, respectively. The discussion then concludes by discussing Caveh Zahedi's monologue (influenced by Andre Bazin) concerning film as God's incarnation/manifestation. In addition, we discuss Zahedi's idea of the ongoing present time as "The Holy Moment" and establish a similarity between this idea and the ideas presented in The Power of Now written by Eckharte Tolle. We also relate these ideas to other monologues within this film given by Otto J. Hofmann and Richard Linklater himself.

This episode of Pic.Think: FILM finds Sy & George continuing the Marvel Marathon with Captain America: The First Avenger. And, also, it finds George defending the quality of this film within the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the first segment, we kickstart the discussion by considering whether or not we would consume the serum provided to Steve Rogers by Dr. Erskine, in order to remove any physical obstacle in the way of our dreams or goals. The second segment contains the film review of this first instalment of Captain America through which George defends its brilliance against the common perception of it being boring to watch. The third segment progresses to where we consider whether or not we would take the opportunity to time travel and rectify the mistakes of the past and alter the present state of things.

This episode of Pic.Think: TV brings you Sy, Sammie & Gladys' review of FX's American Crime Story: The People v OJ Simpson. In the first segment of this discussion we kickstart by considering whether or not we would've defended or prosecuted OJ, if we were ever in a position to work for either the Dream Team or The People. In the second segment we progress to discuss whether we consider this to be an accurate, unbiased dramatisation of the infamous OJ trial and whether the depiction of Marcia Clarke is an accurate depiction of female struggle in male-dominated society. In the third segment we examine the black dichotomy conveyed through the characters of Johnnie Cochran, who fights against systemic racism, and Chris Darden, who fights against domestic abuse. After this, we consider whether OJ's infamous statement, "I'm not black - I'm OJ", indicates a lack of black pride or simply a desire not to be bracketed or limited by race.

[Disclaimer: Please exercise patience when listening to this episode as Ramaar (aka Shocker) suffers from a speech impediment] In this episode of Pic.Think: TV, Sy & Ramaar (aka Shocker) engage in a comparative review of Young Justice: Invasion & My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)Season 2. In the second segment, we progress to discuss the potential for human good and evil as the common theme from the second season of both Young Justice & My Hero Academia. In the third segment, we compare aspects of both series, such as the narrative arcs and character depth/development of each in order to determine which is the superior or preferred show. In the fourth and final segment, we progress to discuss the ideas of self-acceptance, authenticity and independence taken from the inner conflict of the character Todoroki from My Hero Academia. On the other side, we consider the plausibility of time travel from the narrative of the character Impulse from Young Justice.

In this episode of Pic.Think: FILM, Sy & George review the Marvel Avengers movie. In the first segment, we warm up the conversation by considering which Marvel characters would make the cut on our personal roster of Avenger superheroes. In the second segment, we delve into the review of the film where we rank the Avengers instalments from most favourite to least, we choose our MVP Avenger and we discuss our preference in film direction between Joss Whedon and The Russo Brothers. In the third and final segment, we use a quote from the character Loki - "Freedom is life's greatest lie. Once you accept that in your heart, you will know peace" - in order to answer whether we believe in fate (fatalism), free will (libertarianism) or causation (determinism).

MUSIC - The Carters' EVERYTHING IS LOVE (Full-Length Episode) by Sagespeaks

In this episode of Pic.Think: Film, Sy and George review Marvel's Black Panther. In the first part of this episode, we start off by playing with the idea of totems of our own, as inspired by the totem animals - Bast & Hanuman - of the Wakandan people. In the second part, we then proceed to the review where we compare our impressions of the film both inside and outside of the hype surrounding the film's release. In the third part, we then conclude the review by drawing a similarity between the Wakandan people's access to the natural resource of vibranium and the ecologist Garrett Hardin's "Lifeboat Earth" thought experiment.

[Disclaimer: Please exercise patience when listening to this episode as Ramaar (aka Shocker) suffers from a speech impediment] In this episode of Pic.Think: TV with Sy, Ramaar & Damahn we compare and contrast the first seasons of both the American animation Young Justice and the Japanese anime My Hero Academia. This episode involves a discussion where we begin by comparing and contrasting the "quirks" of the Eastern world with the superpowers of the Western world. After this, from the themes contained in both animations, we then proceed to discuss more controversial topics such as genetic modification and eugenics.

In this full-length Pic.Think: TV episode, Sy, Gladys, Raveen and CE review both season 1 & 2 of Issa Rae's sitcom "Insecure" and use it to discuss several themes. The themes discussed include loyalty, fidelity, double standards & insecurities. As inspired by certain subjects in the show, the discussion then ventures to more controversial topics centred around the human sexuality spectrum and open relationships.

The full-length episode of the 3 part review and philosophical discussion stemming from Nines' "Crop Circle" album. [Disclaimer: In no way, shape or form does Pic.Think claim ownership over any of the music played in this episode. Pic.Think includes music clips for critique and review purposes only.]

The full-length episode of the 3-part review and philosophical discussion stemming from Drake's "Scorpion" album. [Disclaimer: In no way, shape or form does Pic.Think claim ownership over any of the music played in this episode. Pic.Think includes music clips for critique and review purposes only.]

In this full-length episode, Sy, Ramaar and CE from Pic.Think: TV review two different anime series - Tokyo Ghoul (Season 1) & Attack on Titan (Season 1 & 2) - and use the common themes found such as world peace, humanity vs. monstrosity & power to answer the philosophical questions that arise. [Disclaimer: Please exercise patience when listening to this episode as Ramaar (aka Shocker) suffers from a speech impediment]

The second full-length episode of Pic.Think: Film's Marvel Marathon where Sy & George begin by discussing the pros and cons of maintaining a hidden identity as a superhero. We then follow-up with our reaction to official critic reviews of Spider-Man: Homecoming coupled with our own thoughts on the film. We end with a comparison between Spider-Man: Homecoming and the original Spider-Man (2002) directed by Sam Raimi.

The first full-length episode of Pic.Think: Film's Marvel Marathon where Sy & George react to critical reviews of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and follow up by sharing their own critique of the film.

The full-length episode of the 3-part review and philosophical discussion around Nas' "NASIR" album. [Disclaimer: In no way, shape or form does Pic.Think claim ownership over any of the music played in or artwork used for this episode. Pic.Think includes both artwork and music clips for critique and review purposes only.]

The full-length episode of the 3-part review and philosophical discussion around Jay Rock's "Redemption" album. [Disclaimer: In no way, shape or form does Pic.Think claim ownership over any of the music played in or artwork used for this episode. Pic.Think includes both artwork and music clips for critique and review purposes only.]

The full-length episode of the 3-part review and philosophical discussion around Jorja Smith's "Lost & Found" album. [Disclaimer: In no way, shape or form does Pic.Think claim ownership over any of the music played in this episode. Pic.Think includes music clips for critique and review purposes only.]