San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec



San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec
Photo provided by Ryan Hardison.

Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor

Ryan Hardison is a senior studying journalism, sociology and history.

All content by Ryan Hardison
The student reaction to San Diego State's recent primary logo change (in celebration of the university's 125th anniversary) has been overwhelmingly negative.

[Photo] Student reaction to new university logo is overwhelmingly negative

by Madison Geering, Staff Writer
April 22, 2022
To keep your health in tip-top shape, there are several ways to build a sustainable kitchen and a healthy diet.

[Photo] Lettuce celebrate: Here are five ways to maintain an eco-friendly kitchen

by Trinity Bland, Managing Editor
April 20, 2022
Finding affordable, sustainable options is difficult when competing with brands like Forever 21.

[Photo] Column: Fashion going green should cost a little less green

by Destiny Esparza, Contributor
April 20, 2022
"Lilo & Stitch" is one of Disney's most celebrated animated films, and many of the sonngs and characters have lived on. However, the soundtrack is overshadowed by severeal Elvis Presley songs that would have been better suited for songs that better represent Hawaiian culture.

[Photo] Column: The ‘Lilo & Stitch’ soundtrack has too much Elvis

by Trinity Bland, Managing Editor
April 13, 2022
Rap superstar Gunna performs "Poochie Gown" as fans frantically pull out their phones to take a video of his entrance at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre on Friday, April 8.

‘Pushin P’ and going green? Gunna dominates GreenFest

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
April 13, 2022
The Grammy Awards are meant to reward music's best, but hip-hop artists are rarely given proper appreciation.

Column: There is still no love for hip-hop at the Grammys

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
April 6, 2022
Betty Davis made a name for herself through her bold and erotic performances, which ultimately led to her U.S. performancees being ceensored, but her true value as a musical trailblazer was never recognized during her lifetime.

Column: ‘The Queen of Funk’ Betty Davis was a larger than life icon—yet her genius was never recognized

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
March 23, 2022
Davis' artistry has evolved from music to incorporate photoshoots and she has worked to elevate her confidence through modeling.

Artsy senior Alexandra Davis dares ‘to do the unimaginable’

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
March 23, 2022
Students at San Diego State say "Euphoria" can be a lot to handle, yet it's a show that's hard to look away from.

[Photo] Students endure the vulnerable, chaotic mess of ‘Euphoria’

by Huy Huynh, Contributor
March 17, 2022
There are several lauded documentaries which summarize various elements of the Black experience, and are created by Black filmmakers. Recent culture shifting music documentaries include "Homecoming" and "Summer of Soul" but older docs such as "Black Is...Black Ain't" still hold just as much cultural relevance in modern times.

[Photo] Historical Documents: documentaries for Black History Month

by Morgan Ray, Staff Writer
March 2, 2022
Star professional athletes such as Russell Westbrook, Lebron James, Cam Newton, Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson have all established a presence for their fashion choices off the court as much as their athletics.

[Photo] Many superstar athletes have a passion for fashion

by Aaron Velasquez, Staff Writer
February 25, 2022
Earl Sweatshirt and Action Bronson brought a fun night full of hip-hop to the Observatory North Park on Saturday, Jan. 29.

Concert Roundup: Rap stars take over The Observatory North Park

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
February 17, 2022
Caleb Hampton brings a unique identity and mindset to each new track he makes, with loosee lyrics to follow.

Student rapper blends the past and present

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
February 17, 2022
"Jackass Forever" is a fun continuation of the Jackass crew's history with bravely stupid stunts, showing that their old age is no obstacle for their careers.

[Photo] Review: ‘Jackass Forever:’ the older the better

by Owen Pratt, Contributor
February 15, 2022
Everyone has a unique guilty pleasure song that they can't help but belch out loud whenever they hear it or it's a must-listen when singing in shower – here's our picks for the best guilty pleasure songs.

[Photo] DA Staff Recs: Guilty pleasure songs

by Morgan Ray, Eugènie Budnik, Maritza Camacho, Emily Forschen, Owen Pratt, Sumaia Wegner, and Jazlyn Dieguez
February 14, 2022
Students discuss the social atmosphere at SDSU before and after the pandemic.

Record enrollment forecasts larger incoming class for fall 2022

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
February 9, 2022
Official artwork for Creative Audio Laboratory's debut single "All Along."

Alum musician goes solo, releases debut lead single ‘All Along’

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
February 2, 2022
Following the musical's in-person premiere, Irwin held a brief Q&A with the cast, where he showed some concept art based on the story.

Student musical ‘Extrastellar’ creates immersive audial spectacle

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
December 19, 2021
Review: 'An Evening with Silk Sonic' bridges old and new school

Review: ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’ bridges old and new school

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
November 18, 2021
Lord Huron lead singer Ben Schneider serenading the crowd with a performance of "Mine Forever."

Concert Roundup: Lord Huron prove they are no ordinary cowboys

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
November 3, 2021
For scaredy-cats who can't handle the blood and gore of horror films still have lots of classic Halloween films to choose from.

[Photo] Classic Halloween movies for the tamest scaredy-cats to enjoy

by Katarina Josifov, Contributor
October 28, 2021
DA staff recs

[Photo] ‘Fangtastic’ Halloween films to sink your teeth into

by Owen Pratt, Sara Rott, Kennedy Humphrey, Katarina Josifov, Lucelis Martinez, Eugènie Budnik, Morgan Ray, Isabel Smith
October 28, 2021
THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE (L to R) SYDNEY PARK as MAKANI YOUNG in THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE.

‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ is both chilling and fun

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
October 21, 2021
"No Time to Die" poster displaying outside of Reading Cinemas in La Mesa, CA.

[Photo] Review: Daniel Craig Clears Final Mission as 007 in ‘No Time to Die’

by Morgan Ray, Staff Writer
October 19, 2021
Modest Mouse lead singer Isaac Brock performing "The World At Large" to open their set.

Modest Mouse throws it back with nostalgic oldies at Open Air Theatre

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
September 30, 2021
CANDLE$ performing at the Black Cat Bar in City Heights in front of a lively crowd of metal fans on Sept. 18.

Professors put the pedal to the metal

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
September 23, 2021
Best Buddies welcomed prospective members with ice cream and cookies during their first meeting of the fall semester on Wednesday Sept. 8.

Best Buddies welcomes inclusive and lifelong friendships for all students

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
September 16, 2021
(L to R) Addison Rae as Padgett Sawyer and Tanner Buchanan as Cameron Kweller in “He’s All That."

‘He’s All That’ ushers ‘Pygmalion’ into the digital age

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
September 1, 2021
(L to R) Evan Gordon, Geordie Gordon, Nick Thorburn, Adam Halferty.

Islands’ frontman Nick Thorburn is back on track with no end in sight

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
September 1, 2021

[Video] Aztec Nights are back and in-person

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
August 25, 2021
Screenshot from Ludacris's Instagram commemorating the release of "F9: The Fast Saga" and honoring Paul Walker's memory.

Review: ‘F9: The Fast Saga’ takes Fast and Furious to new heights

by Ryan Hardison, Arts & Culture Editor
July 16, 2021
Naomi Osaka's decision to protect mental health should be applauded, not condemned

Naomi Osaka’s decision to protect mental health should be applauded, not condemned

by Ryan Hardison, Arts and Culture Editor
July 1, 2021
A screenshot of J.Balvin's new documentary, "The Boy From Medellín."

Review: J Balvin’s ‘The Boy from Medellin’ documentary explores his rise to music prominence

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
May 5, 2021
Why you should care about sampling

Why you should care about sampling

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
May 4, 2021
Some of the featured artists include Hayley Kiyoko, Lady Gaga, Little Richard, Freddie Mercury and Janelle Monaé

A timeline of LGBTQ+ influence in music

by Ryan Hardison and Jacob Sullivan
April 27, 2021
Marvin Gaye's revolutionary impact on music can easily be heard today

Marvin Gaye’s revolutionary impact on music can easily be heard today

by Ryan Hardison and Trinity Bland
April 21, 2021
BROCKHAMPTON member Kevin Abstract

Quick Take: New albums by BROCKHAMPTON and Lana Del Rey showcase duality of music styles

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
April 21, 2021
The 20th anniversary of the original "Shrek" movie is on May 18.

Celebrating 20 years of “Shrek” and its influence on pop culture

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
April 14, 2021
Nursing junior Gillian Werolin, along with classmates Jenny Yuan and Lisa Phan, are one of nearly 300 SDSU nursing students partnering with local health nonprofits to help vaccinate San Diegans against COVID-19.

SDSU Nursing Students partner with San Diego County to assist in local COVID-19 vaccination effort

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
March 30, 2021
Minnie Riperton gave us flowers, it's time we give her flowers too

Minnie Riperton gave us flowers, it’s time we give her flowers too

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
March 30, 2021
More films should be made about the NFL’s weaknesses

More films should be made about the NFL’s weaknesses

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
March 17, 2021
Quick Take: What makes Silk Sonic’s “Leave the door open” so nostalgic?

Quick Take: What makes Silk Sonic’s “Leave the door open” so nostalgic?

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
March 17, 2021
Eddie Murphy stars in COMING 2 AMERICA © (Photo Courtesy of Amazon Studios)

Review: “Coming 2 America” doesn’t live up to hype of 1988 predecessor

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
March 17, 2021
Fans deserve satisfying season finales

Fans deserve satisfying season finales

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
March 10, 2021
Rapper Kalan.FrFr was a defensive back for San Diego State football from 2013-2016.

SDSU football alum and rapper Kalan.FrFr signs with music label Roc Nation

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
March 10, 2021
Quick Take: Best recent R&B releases to revive your playlist

Quick Take: Best recent R&B releases to revive your playlist

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
March 3, 2021
Opinion: Lumet's 'The Wiz' is still a trailblazing film in Black culture

Opinion: Lumet’s ‘The Wiz’ is still a trailblazing film in Black culture

by Trinity Bland and Ryan Hardison
February 25, 2021
Despite most classes being virtual because of COVID-19, campus custodians still have to continue the cleanup.

Despite COVID-19, campus custodians still continue the cleanup

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
February 24, 2021
The Daily Aztec Music podcast is where DA arts & culture lives. It's a working title, but it tells you all you need to know. Every week we'll be talking tunes.

Daily Aztec Music!: Meet the hosts

by Jason Freund and Ryan Hardison
February 19, 2021
Hank Aaron's impact on baseball changed the world

Hank Aaron’s impact on baseball changed the world

by Trinity Bland and Ryan Hardison
February 10, 2021
Artists such as H.E.R., Beyonce, Lil Baby and Leon Bridges used social justice movements as inspiration for their latest music.

Quick Take: Artists draw inspiration from social justice movements of 2020

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
February 9, 2021
Lana Del Rey, Drake and Weezer are a few artists who could be releasing albums in 2021.

Quick Take: Here’s some albums to expect in the new year

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
February 9, 2021
Screenshot from Olivia Rodrigo's Instagram showing her celebrating the release of "Driver's License."

Quick Take: Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Driver’s License’ showcases TikTok’s explosive influence in music industry

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
January 26, 2021
"File:Kalani Pe'a Grammy Award Statue 2017.jpg" by Allanbcool is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Column: Grammy nominations are not always reflective of music’s best

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
December 11, 2020
Music artists Chloe x Halle, Alicia Keys, Giveon, Rina Sawayama and UMI highlight part one of The Daily Aztec's Albums of The Year.

DA Staff Picks: The Best Albums of 2020, Part One

by Ryan Hardison, Trinity Bland, and Aaliyah Alexander
December 9, 2020
A set of instructions for how to make Native Frybread.

Cooking with Chefs experiments with Native Frybread

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
December 7, 2020
U.S. territories deserve more political representation

U.S. territories deserve more political representation

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
November 19, 2020
"File:21 Savage 2018.jpg" by Ralph Arvesen from Round Mountain, Texas is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Quick Take: Music to Ease Your Mind During Exams

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
November 12, 2020
SDSU Bookstore makes changes to accommodate for COVID-19

SDSU Bookstore makes changes to accommodate for COVID-19

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
October 26, 2020
Chicago rapper Taylor Bennett, younger brother of Chance The Rapper, performed virtually for students during Music Appreciation Night.

Chicago rapper Taylor Bennett puts on a show in Music Appreciation Night

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
October 21, 2020
The Indigenous People's Day Kickoff Celebration was held as part of the Native Resource Center's "Week of Action" from Oct. 12-16.

Native Resource Center hosts celebration for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
October 15, 2020
JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON stars in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action epic "TENET," a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

Warner Brothers Studios hosts college roundtable for Christopher Nolan’s new movie “Tenet”

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
September 25, 2020
Tiffany Haddish gets candid about her upbringings and dealing with COVID-19.

Tiffany Haddish and Joesph Tran bring the fun at ‘A Night of Laughter’

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
September 11, 2020
Lianne La Havas released her own self-titled album, which explores romance and relationships.

Quick Take: The best albums of July 2020

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
August 19, 2020
Freddie Gibbs performs at the Adult Swim festival on November 16, 2019

Quick Take: best new albums worth listening to this summer

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer
June 25, 2020
Fiona Apple released her latest album "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" following an eight-year hiatus.

Quarantine’s best albums, chosen by The Daily Aztec’s Instagram followers

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
May 15, 2020
Beabadoobee sung "You Lie all the time" live to Youtube views during the concert stream.

Asian American music collective hosts uplifting Youtube concert

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
May 9, 2020
Reality TV gets a little hotter with the new Netflix reality drama "Too Hot to Handle," now streaming.

Reality TV gets “Too Hot to Handle”

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
April 30, 2020
Grammy winning singer-songwriter Ambré was in a Zoom meeting with SDSU students.

Grammy winner singer-songwriter spoke with SDSU music students over Zoom

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
April 29, 2020
'Couchella' holds music fans over until the rescheduled festival in October

‘Couchella’ holds music fans over until the rescheduled festival in October

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
April 17, 2020
These two music legends, T-Pain and Lil Jon, busted out their top hits in their live battle.

Iconic musicians compete in live Instagram battles

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
April 10, 2020
Review: 'Tiger King' takes quarantined public on insane journey into the exotic animal trade

Review: ‘Tiger King’ takes quarantined public on insane journey into the exotic animal trade

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
April 8, 2020
Music can be a helpful tool for studying

Music can be a helpful tool for studying

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
March 22, 2020
Soundwave won the ICCA quarterfinals, including three personal awards.

SDSU a cappella group advances to semifinals

by Ryan Hardison, Staff Writer
March 11, 2020
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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Ryan Hardison