Kelefa Sanneh

Angelica Jade Bastién, a sharp film and pop culture critic at Vulture, teams up with Kelefa Sanneh, a seasoned music writer for The New Yorker. They dive into the current landscape of cultural criticism, debating the decline of traditional reviews versus the rise of social media voices. Angelica emphasizes that film criticism fosters deeper engagement, while Kelefa navigates how critics help sift through the content overload. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining credibility amid a sea of amateur opinions, and reflect on the evolving role of critics in today's world.

Kelefa Sanneh, a cultural critic with extensive experience in music and popular culture, joins Wesley to explore the evolution of music criticism. They delve into the shift from harsh critiques to a more nurturing approach, questioning what's been lost. Kelefa discusses the impact of identity on critical perspectives, while also touching on the role of poptimism in embracing diverse musical styles. They reflect on how critics can foster public conversations and consider what future criticism might look like in this kinder age.