45 Comments

Alex, this piece is beautiful.

You put words to something I’ve been feeling lately, like I’m somehow more powerful because of the collective power in these networks we’re building.

I’ve never had so many writer friends, and now I’m surrounded by people who get it.

That kind of camaraderie is just different. The ones who get it get it.

Also now thinking of how similar Substack and Coachella are demographically, in terms of who gets to be on that main stage. There’s something special about that moment for Tyler and his choice to quash a competitive spirit to share it with another.

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I'm blown away. Thank you, Rose!!

I'm so happy you were able to see yourself in this piece because you and so much of our little community on here are part of it. I wrote with y'all in mind. And it's true, there's so much power in the collective. We take care of us.

Also, that note about Substack and Coachella having similar demographics is blowing my mind. Love how you were able to extend my thoughts even further. Because man, we're making our own festival.

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Ooo, I feel the same Rose. Never felt so “got” before as a creative.

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Alex, you can tell I’m a mother. My first thought: how can he wear a hat and sweater in that heat!

The essay was deeply joyous! Thank you for sharing.

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Listen I had the same thought 😂😂 and he’s carrying what looks like a big jacket at the end. Bro was seasonally confused. Thank you for reading, though lol! I’m honored you made the time for this one 🫶🏽

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I’m over here across the pond not knowing who Tyler is, but now I know. To be fair, I could probably blame age more than distance 😂

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Alex! This is beautifully written. 🖤

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Name twin!!! Thank you so much 🥹

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this is dope especially since tyler is one of my favorites this is a great read

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Thanks for reading, glad it hit for you 🙏🏽

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Keep those feet moving and your heart open forever, Alex. Love you and here dancing with you. Thank you for sharing this sweet one <3

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Thank you family, so much love 🫶🏽

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Thanks for sharing, I love this piece about celebration, but also redemption and recognizing the beauty in others.

I've always been a fan of both Tyler the Creator and Donald Glover, and I think its partly because they present a different type of masculinity, one that's more in line with what I try to be.

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Yes! I feel the same way. There’s a playfulness and fluidity with both of them that I really admire. Thanks for reading, Vivek. I appreciate you!

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Love Atlanta and of course he was the perfect young Lando Calrissian 💛

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Atlanta is maybe the TV show I think about the most

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So good

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I haven't listened to either of their music, and my Donald Glover references go back to Community, but I could not stop reading this essay. Yes to the joy. Yes to making our own spaces...

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Community is amazing. Love that show so much. Thank you for reading, and I'm glad I could intro you to more of their work!

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Whenever I think of Tyler and Glover in the same room, “Regular Show” is the first reference that pops into my head. And then you mention the show, and I’m thinking “Wow, Alex is a man of culture”

Great essay my brother, you don’t miss 🤝🏾

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I came across it when I was researching (aka reading YouTube comments lol) and had never seen the clip, so I watched and I know it’s a cartoon but it’s unbelievable how much Tyler has grown as a rapper. Donald was kinda eating him up. I love that they got invited to do that, though. Really cool to look back on. Thanks for reading, homie. Appreciate you always 🙏🏽

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I'm just glad you want to dance with me. I love this energy! 👊🏾

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I’m honored to get to share the same stage together, and I’m loving the music. Thanks for being here!

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I’ve seen Donald /Gambino in concert twice and recently saw Tyler at his very own Camp Flog Gnaw. I am a huge fan of both of them. They represent for the “different” black kids that grew up in the hood. I resonate with them a lot.

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I have yet to see Gambino, but I’ve seen Tyler in concert twice and got to meet him a few times at my last job. He’s exactly who you expect him to be in person. Both artists continue to inspire me.

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Love this piece! We are way more than we allow ourselves to be. Just reading your words and imagining that moment when you smile at something like this and feel seen, especially when you’re Black and expected to maintain a version of a narrative created by those who hate you.

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Yes!! I love that image, it’s so validating and feels like permission too. I’m really glad this piece connected with you. Thanks for reading it!

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What an awesome essay, Alex. As a fan of both Gambino and Tyler, and someone who's searched for his tribe for so long, it feels amazing to discover writers like yourself on this platform.

Keep up the great work, bother.

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Appreciate you tapping in, Jon! Thanks for the love, excited to check out some of your work too!

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This is that stuff bro!!! 🔥

"I want to dance with my n---as. The n---as like us. The n---as that believe we can be more than the lessons we’ve been taught and instructions we’ve been handed. The n---as that care. The n---as that know they can fly."

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Thanks dude, much appreciated!!

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✊🏽

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I’m a fan of both of theirs. I hadn’t seen that clip before, so this issue made me happy.

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It’s quickly become one of my favorite music moments. Thanks for reading!

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Wow I didn’t expect to get emotional reading about an experience that I would have loved to witness, but the message in your essay is so freeing. I needed the gems you placed throughout the essay. Thank you Alex and for community!!! I’ve been searching for home, and I realized through this post I’m home.

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That’s so dope, thanks Jacquie! I’m so glad this piece connected with you. You’re right where you need to be. Glad we’re in it together!

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I’m glad too Alex! Offline life has been testing my faith and this community has become my safe space. I am so grateful for that!

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