Popping culture: Lily Allen wants you to know that it’s hard out there for a bitch

Oh, Lily Allen.

To think that you were one of the first major musicians to rise to fame because of social media sharing (hello, MySpace!). The rise of “LDN” and “Smile” helped Lily Allen become an “it girl” among music bloggers (when such a thing was new). A couple of albums followed, but Allen has been out of the spotlight for a bit. That may change with her recent single “Hard Out Here for a Bitch,” a tongue-in-cheek satire of how women are portrayed and displayed in pop culture, specifically music videos. Kudos to her for knowing her audience and knowing herself enough to put out such a smart satire.

Journalist, writer, blogger, producer.

Keep Reading

Mia Starr with an up arrow behind her; Vita Vontesse Star with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 5 power ranking: The first heat

We’re at the intermission of the talent show—how did the first six queens fare?
Juicy Love Dion lying down with her mouth open

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 5 recap: Survival of the draggiest

Rate-a-Queen returns, and brings with it some strong attempts at strategic gameplay
Several roller derby players cheering while seated

‘Rising Through the Fray’ shows roller derby has no borders

Courtney Montour’s documentary follows a revolutionary Indigenous derby team—in all its beauty and power
Ciara Myst with an up arrow behind her; Briar Blush with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 4 power ranking: In fashion, you’re either in or you’re out

The show basically hands us a power ranking this week, but there’s still much to discuss