the shining Archives - New Hip Hop News

Horror films, my friends, have always held a sinister grip on the human psyche. Yet, there exists a breed of movies that dare to venture further. It’s a descent into the treacherous abyss of the human mind that leaves you shivering long after the credits roll. These are not your run-of-the-mill jump-scare flicks or creature features. No, my dear readers, these are much more profound. These seven timeless psychological horror films represent an unsettling expedition into the darkest recesses of our minds—a reminder that the most profound horror often resides within ourselves.

Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho stands the test of time as a monolith of psychological horror movies. It’s not just a film with an iconic shower scene — it’s a plunge into the psychological torment of its characters. The Bates Motel ominously serves as the eerie backdrop for the sinister disintegration of Norman Bates’ mind. Hitchcock’s masterful direction within Psycho makes us question our own sanity as we fathom the rationale of a killer.

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s work is a masterpiece that transcends the mere frights of a haunted hotel. The Shining leads us down a harrowing path into the descent into madness. The Overlook Hotel morphs into a labyrinth of the human mind, its spectral hallways mirroring the inner turmoil of the Torrance family. Jack Nicholson’s embodiment of Jack Torrance is mesmerizing as he metamorphoses from a writer into a raving lunatic.

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs is an Academy Award-winning film that unveils the intricate dance between FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) and the brilliant yet psychopathic Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). A twisted psychological cat-and-mouse game unfolds, leaving viewers questioning their own grasp of evil and empathy. Hopkin’s portrayal of Lector is one of the best out. The film’s depiction of the inner workings of the criminal mind etches it as a timeless masterpiece.

Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s Get Out is a seamless fusion of horror and searing social commentary that defies convention. This film ventures into the psychological horrors of systemic racism, utilizing the horror genre to dissect society’s fears and anxieties. It’s a thought-provoking expedition into the psychology of prejudice and privilege. Jordan Peele’s directorial debut and unique vision deftly weave social commentary and psychological horror, establishing itself as a milestone in the genre. Peele’s work secured his status as the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Misery (1990)

Rob Reiner’s Misery locks us in a claustrophobic psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of an ardent fan’s obsession to nightmarish extremes. Kathy Bates delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Annie Wilkes, a fervent admirer who holds author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) hostage. The film uncovers the psychological trauma of isolation and obsession, leaving both the protagonist and the audience deeply scarred. Misery is a stark reminder of the sinister precipice to which obsessions can lead.

Wait Until Dark (1967)

Wait Until Dark, guided by Terence Young, exploits the fear of the unknown in this psychological thriller. Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Susy Hendrix, a blind woman, is a harrowing testament to human resilience as she confronts a band of criminals in her own home. The film’s ingenious use of sound and lighting forges an atmosphere of suspense and dread, culminating in a riveting exploration of sensory deprivation and mental torment. It bears witness to the formidable power of psychological horror to prey upon our primal fears and vulnerabilities, even in the face of physical impairments.

Se7en (1996)

David Fincher’s Se7en descends unrelentingly into the abyss of the human soul. The film shadows Detectives Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) as they chase a serial killer, played by the scandalous Kevin Spacey, who enforces the seven deadly sins as his nefarious modus operandi. The relentless pursuit of evil and the moral struggles of the detectives create an experience of profound psychological intensity. Se7en dares you to confront the depths of human depravity and the toll it takes on those who seek justice.

The post 7 Psychological Horror Movies You Can’t Skip This Halloween appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

J Dilla, renowned producer and rapper, lived a short life but is remembered forever in the hearts of many Hip Hop fans. Despite his untimely death, he made his mark, and many often take solace in that. His legacy will remain, and his music will live forever, thanks to incredible bodies of work like The Shining. August 22, 2023 marked 17 years since the posthumous album was released to widespread acclaim. The masterfully written and produced album was the first of many J Dilla projects to comfort fans after his passing.

The posthumous release can be quite controversial among music fans. The question of whether an album is a cash grab often arises following the announcement that an incoming release is underway. However, The Shining was widely anticipated before its drop, owing to the fact that J Dilla was almost done with the album. Fellow Detroit native and longtime friend, producer Karriem Riggins helped handle the rest of the production.

Background

J Dilla developed an early interest in music, particularly Hip Hop. He began making beats when he was a teenager and soon became quite proficient at it. He gained a reputation for his unique production style, which featured intricate drum patterns. Throughout his career, J Dilla was highly sought-after due to his irreplicable production style. He collaborated with numerous Hip Hop and R&B artists as a result. Before albums like The Shining were released, he had already etched his name in the genre’s history books.

J Dilla was a founding member of the Hip Hop group, Slum Village, formed in 1996. The group comprised three members: himself, and two of his classmates from high school, Baatin and T3. He played a significant role in shaping their sound, largely due to his peculiar musical ideas, and sharpened production skills. The group dropped two albums together before Dilla left to pursue a solo career in 2001. J Dilla was also a founding member of the musical collective, The Soulquaries, which was formed in the late ‘90s. The collective consisted of experimental Black music artists, as well as pioneers of genres like neo-soul and jazz fusion.

J Dilla Goes Solo

After leaving Slum Village, J Dilla released his debut solo album Welcome 2 Detroit in 2001. It was characterized by his keen ear for finding obscure and soulful samples, and his innovative interpretations of them. Subsequently, the rapper’s sophomore solo studio album, Donuts, was released on his 32nd birthday in February 2006. The album is widely regarded as Dilla’s magnum opus, and a remarkable instrumental Hip Hop album.

Donuts was also his last album released during his lifetime. He passed away three days after the album dropped. Throughout his career, Dilla battled various health issues, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and lupus, but he continued to create music despite the challenges. Donuts was almost entirely recorded in Dilla’s hospital room during his extended stay at a medical center in 2005. The rapper sadly passed away, due to complications from the rare blood disorder, and lupus.

The Shining

The Shining was J Dilla’s first posthumous album, released in August 2006 soon after his passing. The album was completed and released with the help of friends and collaborators. As usual, J Dilla handled the majority of the production on the album himself. Evidently, his signature production style is on display throughout the project. It also vividly showcased his ability to blend various genres seamlessly.

J Dilla’s choices for the album’s guest features also exemplify his virtuosity at melding different styles. The album features a notable lineup of guest artists including Common, D’Angelo, and Busta Rhymes, among others. The Shining also highlighted his lyrical prowess, as he delivered stellar verses on the project.

On the final track, “Won’t Do,” J Dilla sings, raps, and showcases his storytelling abilities. He also continued to deliver emotionally stirring instrumentals. “Love Jones” and “Over the Breaks” are testaments to his attention to detail. Furthermore, the instrumental, “Body Movin’,” with assists from J Rocc and Karriem Riggins, is reminiscent of classic 90’s Hip Hop beats.

Reception and Legacy

Like many of his projects, the album received critical acclaim. The Shining was praised for its innovation, musicality, and themes. Two of the standout features on the album are “Love,” featuring Pharoahe Monch, and “So Far to Go,” featuring Common and D’Angelo. Critics praised the production quality and the emotional depth they convey.

Furthermore, J Dilla used the album to demonstrate his sample-elevating qualities. The Shining featured a wide range of musical samples. He borrowed elements from R&B legends, like The Isley Brothers, Hip Hop icons, such as Run-DMC and Public Enemy, and even dance music champion, Giorgio Moroder. However, J Dilla’s classical music knowledge also surfaced on The Shining, with a sample from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 making an appearance on the album.

J Dilla’s impact on Hip Hop is immeasurable. He is also often regarded as one of the greatest producers in the genre’s history. Importantly, J Dilla is one of the most prolific acts out of the Detroit music scene. The Shining is a poignant and powerful album that serves as a fitting tribute to the late icon. It encapsulates his musical genius, production prowess, and lyrical talent. Consequently, this makes it a significant and enduring piece of work in the lineup of posthumous Hip Hop releases.

[via]

The post J Dilla’s “The Shining” Turns 17 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.