Renegade Rip, issue 1, Sept. 6, 2023

The Renegade Rip
Vol. 100∙ No. 1 Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
Bakersfield College
Construction still a
disruption
News, Page 3
Delano campus gets
new resource center
Campus, Page 6
Opinion, Page 7
“Ahsoka” is
aggressively “Noises Off” average full of
fabulous chaos
Opinion, Page 7
SAMANTHA BRITT/THE RIP
Members of the BC cheer team pose at
Student Involvement Fair on Aug. 31.
COURTESY OF DAVE SEY-
MOUR
Drone footage from BC’s
first Light up the night on
JOAQUIN MACHADO/THE RIP
GET bus stops to load and unload students at
Panorama Drive.
NATALIE FLORES/THE RIP
The Nexus Renegade Pantry celebrates grand
opening on Aug. 29.
The Renegade Rip @bc_rip @bc_rip Follow us online at www.therip.com

Page 2
News
The Renegade Rip www.therip.com
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
BC Student Involvement Fair
By Samantha Britt
Copy Editor
BC had their annual Student Involvement Fair Thursday,
Aug. 31. The fair had many popup booths for college students
that held different resources the community has to offer
for the success of college students. Campus departments, student
organizations and other community organizations each
gave students the chance to sign up and join these organizations.
Students had Job Placement, the Kern County Police Department,
and fire department attended to help give students
more opportunities to learn what
they need to do and things they
can do to get into one of these positions.
Chase Banking and Financial
Aid booths were set up for students
to help navigate with financial
support. They also provided
opportunities for students to register
to vote. Body Exchange a gym
with five locations in Bakersfield
were giving student rates, dropping
their monthly prices for those
that had signed up at their booth.
Alyssa Espericueta a sophomore
student attending BC visited and
signed up for the Stay Focus booth
where she got to learn about mentoring
the youth in need. “I want
SAMANTHA BRITT/ THE RIP
Student Involvement Festival on Aug. 31.
to do this so I can give children something to look forward
too if they don’t have a good home life,” she said.
The Employment Independence & Equality Department
were having students sign up so they can help them build up
resumes.
Providing services to students, adults and those with disabilities.
Efren Lara Renteria the Business specialist of this
organization stated, “Helping students with their education
and with getting them ready for jobs, along with job interviews,
teaching students how to also work with costumers,
are a few things we do for students.”
This organization allows students to experience and learn
working and people skills, helping
them to be more confident when
they move on from college and get
regular jobs. This organization also
teaches students their rights and provides
them with the financial support
they need.
BC will continue to have these
events to help support students and
ensure success in their future. Each
booth had accommodations for
adults, students, and those with disabilities.
BC encourages each student
to come out and learn about
these new opportunities and become
involved in new clubs on campus
and job placement opportunities.
Free bus rides for students
By Joaquin Machado
Reporter
Last year, Golden Empire Transit, received a grant permitting
free rides for students ranging from kindergarten
through college. The program is continuing this school year
and remains active until May 2024, allowing students the opportunity
to once again rely on public transit.
According to GET, last year’s passes are still valid for rides
during the beginning months of the 2023-2024 school year
until GET issues new passes to schools. GET anticipates the
new passes will become available sometime in September or
October
For students at Bakersfield College that do not have a bus
pass, they are available for pick up at the Office of Student
Life. To obtain a pass, students need to scan the provided
QR code and fill out a quick survey. However, one important
note is that students in 7th grade or higher must present their
school ID while boarding the bus. Kern Transit is another
public transportation service that is free to all current students
who have student ID, according to their website.
For any students outside of Bakersfield College, passes
can be obtained from their school’s respective administrative
offices. The passes are valid for all fixed routes and On
Demand Paratransit, meaning the pass can take students all
around town for free, not just to school.
Bakersfield College student, Harmony Contreras says, “It’s
helpful for anyone that may not be able to afford it.”
For anyone wondering how to plan a route on the bus, the
Transit app provides real time updates and can let you know
when the busses are coming or going and when you should
arrive at the stop. Kern Transit will have all arrivals and departers
listed on website. Coming back to school has been
made even easier with free rides and the Transit app.

Page 3
News
The Renegade Rip www.therip.com
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
New basic needs center opens
By Natalie Flores
Reporter
The Renegade Nexus Pantry held a ribbon cutting ceremony
Aug. 29, celebrating the Grand Opening of the newly
renovated pantry. The Renegade Nexus Pantry is now located
by the Campus Center in Room 130.
The Renegade Nexus Pantry began in 2009 by Bakersfield
College Student Government Association BCSGA.
Last Spring, the Pantry and Community Action Partnership
of Kern CAPK, partnered together to provide Bakersfield
College students with basic necessities such as snacks, hygiene
products including feminine products, cleaning products,
and clothes. This expansion allows the program to help
students meet their basic needs.
Caitlin Davidson, Program Manager of Basic Needs, reflected
on the program’s closet tight space in the past. “Before,
when the pantry was so busy, there was not enough
room to access both food and clothes due to the cramped
space,” she said. “Now we have more than enough space…
Also it’s nice to see the pantry in a more visible space on
campus.”
Angelina Medina-Rosas, a BC Student, states that she has
been using the program the last four years. “…a lot bigger
than it used to be and students have direct access to [the
pantry] a lot better now and there are a lot more items inside
than before.”
Any current Bakersfield College student enrolled in 0.5
credit is eligible to use the Renegade Nexus Pantry. Students
must present their current BC student ID card in order to
purchase items with rechargeable points. Students can apply
for a current student ID at the Office of Student Life. Each
student receives 12 points per week. Points are reloaded each
week and unused points do not roll over or accumulate. Additionally,
students may purchase a $15 SGA sticker to place
on the back BC Student ID card, which will give them 15 rechargeable
points per week instead of the regular 12 points.
The Renegade Nexus Pantry is open Mondays, Tuesdays,
Thursdays from 8 am to 6 pm. Wednesdays 8am to noon.
Closed on Fridays. For more information, please visit the Bakersfield
College Renegade Nexus Pantry web page.
Construction disruptions
By Samantha Britt and Madeline
Ruebush
Copy editor and Editor in chief
BC updated roofs and windows in the
Language Arts and Humanities buildings
over the summer, and although
this work was supposed to be finished
before the first week of fall semester,
construction continues.
During the first week of the fall semester,
professors walked into offices
filled with construction debris in the
Humanities building.
Professor Edward Borgans recounted
how he had to clean up his office for the
first week of school: “My bookshelves
were down, my books were piled on the
floor, the desk was moved, the phone
and computer were disconnected, and
the glassless window was boarded up
with wood. Even Humanities Room
15, where I teach, still has a window
boarded up this week.”
Steven Holmes, professor of political
science, explained how the plywood on
the windows lets conversations travel
between offices and how it just lets
the heat in, making his and his fellow
professors’ “offices extremely noisy and
hot.” But, Holmes stated, “[The] bigger
problem is hearing lectures/students
between classrooms.” Holmes does his
teaching in the Forum, but when he is
in his office, it's an issue that professors
“just have to deal with.”
Calvin Yu, Vice President of Finance
& Administrative Services, is aware of
these issues and pointed out the places
that still needed to be worked on.
This included adding an insulating liner
around each of the windows to fill
in the gaps and keep out the heat and
noise, filling in a gap between an office
and a classroom, and replacing a window
that broke on the second floor.
The new windows installed on the
top floor are double-paned, which
makes them more energy efficient. But
unlike the second floor of the Humanities
building, the bottom floor did not
have the framing necessary to install
the new windows. This is the reason for
the delay, Yu said.
In order to start constructing the
frames, BC needs to get approval from
the DSA (Division of the State Architect).
Yu assured that once they get this
approval, the windows will be up and
finished in two weeks.
Over at the LA building, offices were
relocated due to leaking on the top
floor over the summer. Yu attributed
the leaking AC being turned on after
months of being off. Students and faculty
noticed a smell permeating the
building, but Yu confirmed that there is
no mold in the building.
The LA building was also without
an elevator for the first week of school,
meaning that those who rely on it to get
to their 2nd floor classes or the bathrooms,
could not.
According to Yu, the elevator took 70
seconds to go from floor two to floor
one, which is why it was placed “out
of order.” Although the elevator is now
working, it is still slow, so Yu assured
they have ordered parts for it.
When asked about why some spaces
still had construction debris, Yu stated
that it should not have been in instructional
spaces and that it was their
“highest priority” to make sure that
classrooms were ready for their classes.

Page 4
BC soccer loses, 1-2
By Gesus Garcia
Reporter
Sportss
The Renegade Rip www.therip.com
The Bakersfield College
men’s soccer team suffered
a tough home opener loss vs
Fullerton College by a score
of 2-1 Aug 29.
Coming off a 2-2 draw at
Cuyamaca College on Friday,
BC was looking for their first
win of the season in front of
the home crowd.
Unfortunately, Fullerton’s
Misael Gonzalez put the visitors
up 1-0 in the 6th minute.
Assisted by Aldo Ramirez,
the Hornets were able to take
advantage of a defensive mistake
by the hosts.
In the following 20 minutes,
both teams kept going back
and forth, but no real scoring
chance ensued until Gonzalez
added a second goal in the
27th minute.
BC did end the first half
with some momentum, as
they had a couple of shot attempts
that would be saved by
Fullerton’s Ryan Moreno-Rojas
just before halftime.
Down 2-0 at the half, BC
struck quick to open the half
as striker Jordee Magana
scored in the 46th minute to
make it 2-1. Having scored
twice in the season opener vs
Cuyamaca, Magana has begun
his BC career on a hot
streak.
The game was chippy
throughout, as there were
some moments where both
coaches would be imploring
for a foul or a yellow card to
be given out. Fullerton was
also called for offsides twice,
including one instance where
they’d believed to have a third
goal.
A scary moment slightly occurred
around the 68th minute,
as BC goalkeeper Cesar
Navarro had to be subbed out
due to an injury sustained inside
the box. Hairo Rodriguez
had to come in relief for the
final twenty minutes.
The last ten minutes saw an
aggressive push by the Renegades
in order to salvage a
draw. A couple of shots by the
BC attack were either off target
or saved by Moreno-Rojas.
Despite a last-ditch effort,
a second goal would not come
to fruition, and the ‘Gades
would fall short.
With the loss, BC’s record
stands at 0-1-1 in the young
season. Coach Martinez and
the Renegades will continue
their homestand when they
square off against Norco College
on Sept 1.
GESUS GARCIA/THE RIP
Forward Jordee Magana (20) battles for possession
against the Fullerton defense.
By Gesus Garcia
Reporter
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
2023 NFL Preview
Sports Buzz
The best time of the year
has arrived for all football
fans. A new NFL season
begins on Sept. 7, as the defending
Super Bowl champions
Kansas City Chiefs
will begin their quest to
repeat starting against the
Detroit Lions.
During the off-season,
plenty of stars around the
league changed teams.
Among the most notable,
long-time Green Bay
Packers quarterback Aaron
Rodgers was traded to
the New York Jets. Cornerback
Jalen Ramsey
was traded to the Miami
Dolphins after spending
four seasons with the L.A.
Rams. Former 49er Jimmy
Garoppolo has now
replaced Derek Carr in the
Las Vegas Raiders after
Carr himself moved to the
New Orleans Saints.
Fans will also have a
close look at the new wave
of rookies that were drafted
in April. This year saw
three QBs drafted within
the top five picks, including
#1 pick Bryce Young. Fellow
QBs C.J. Stroud and
Anthony Richardson will
compete against Young in
what promises to be an exciting
Offensive Rookie of
the Year race.
Looking around the
league, there are some
teams that stand out more
than others in terms of being
real contenders towards
the playoffs and beyond.
The Philadelphia Eagles
are considered the main
threat to the Chiefs, as they
are seeking to avenge their
Super Bowl loss from last
Gesus Garcia
season. They are arguably
the most well-rounded
team in the league heading
into the year.
The Buffalo Bills and
the Cincinnati Bengals are
two teams in the American
Football Conference (AFC)
to keep an eye on. Led by
Josh Allen and Joe Burrow
respectively, both teams
boast a wealth of superstars
on the offensive side
of the ball.
The L.A. Chargers
with Justin Herbert & Co.
have a revamped offensive
scheme, which will look
to extend what their team
can accomplish after their
agonizing playoff defeat in
January.
The National Football
Conference (NFC) doesn’t
seem to be as strong as the
AFC, but the 49ers’ defense
puts them among the
elite despite their QB controversy
during training
camp. The Dallas Cowboys
and the Lions can
rise if any of the projected
contenders slip throughout
the season.
The 2024 Super Bowl
will be hosted in Las Vegas
on Feb. 11 and all 32 teams
will soon begin their journey
towards the Lombardi
Trophy.

Page 5
Campus
The Renegade Rip www.therip.com
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
Fall performing arts preview
By Hector Vizcarra
Reporter
The Performing Arts Programs at Bakersfield College just
entered a new semester, and they are already gearing up to
put their best foot forward and break a leg. New and returning
BC students have much to look forward to.
The students and faculty already have a list of performances
scheduled for the semester where they will show how
much talent there is in the halls of Bakersfield College. The
BC Performing Arts programs put together a flyer with the
following dates of events that will be happening this semester
to give us a preview of the semester to come.
The first event for the fall semester, the Panorama Creative
Music Summit, will premiere on Sep. 21 in the Edward Simonsen
Indoor Theatre at 7 p.m. with performances by students
and a distinguished speaker.
The Kern Shakespeare Festival, headed by BC professor
of Theater Arts Brian Sivesand, will take place from Oct.
4-22 in the Edward Simonsen Outdoor Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
The works performed will include Shakespeare’s As You Like
It and The Winter’s Tale and Luis Alfaro’s play Electricidad.
“We are very excited to share these three plays with the
audience,” Sivesand commented.
When asked what he hopes audiences take away from
the plays he responded, “Hopefully audiences will be entertained,
but also find something meaningful to take with them
after the shows.”
The Fall Choral Concert: Measure Me Sky, conducted by
Dr. Jennifer Garrett, will perform on Oct. 27; the Jazz Ensemble
Fall Concert, conducted by Professor Kris Tiner, will
be on Nov. 13; and the BC Concert Band and the BC Orchestra
will perform with the CSUB Orchestra on Nov. 15.
These performances will perform during the evening at the
Edward Simonsen Indoor Theatre.
Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot will be debut on
Nov. 16 and run until Nov. 18 in the Edward Simonsen Black
Box Theatre. Kimberly Chin, professor of Theater Arts, is
directing the play commented on her upcoming play saying,
"Our students need to know about Theatre of the Absurd
and have the opportunity to take on these iconic characters.
Many people have only read "Waiting for Godot" but have
never seen a production."
The fall semester’s performances will end on Dec. 2 with
the Applied Music Recital in the Edward Simonsen Indoor
Theatre at 2 p.m.
This recital combines
both the
Instrumental and
Vocal performing
music majors.
To learn more
about these performances,
visit
the Performing
Arts page on the
Bakersfield website.
HECTOR VIZCARRA/THE RIP
Professor Kris Tiner during rehearsal
with his students.
Lot 8 still under construction
By Julian Caro
Reporter
Student Parking Lot 8 (SPL8, located
on the southern perimeter of campus)
has been undergoing renovations this
past summer, with its original completion
targeted before the start of the
2023 fall semester. However, as the
2023-2024 academic school year approaches,
once again the demand for
parking in back and with construction
still underway, making coming back to
school a lot harder for students and facility
alike.
The timing of which construction is
held is questioned, as the start to the fall
semester is knowingly the busiest period
of the academic year.
“...It’s better to get it done now than
later” says fellow student and previous
senator at large of the 2021-2022 student
government association (SGA)
Hunter Moore.
However, Moore shares his own frustration
with parking in the first week,
which included spending approximately
15-20 minutes finding a parking spot
causing him to be late to class.
Newly appointed Vice President of
Finance and Administrative Services,
Calvin Yu was open in explaining the
delay in construction of student parking
lot 8, specifying that construction
on campus grounds is especially difficult
due to the large amounts of cobblestone
located beneath the surface. This
led to excavating and then refilling the
holes for stability, to finally redrill and
continue with construction; in which
has delayed the project by a month.
It is important to note that the construction
of SPL8 will shrink the size of
parking lot 16 or otherwise known as
the free parking lot, with parking permits
costing standard students $40 and
financial aid students $30.
Mr. Yu shared that in its completion,
student parking lot 8 will provide over
1,500 parking spaces, of which over
740 will be shaded by solar panels. In
addition, SPL8 is projected to generate
2.5 megawatts of renewable energy
and hold 750kWh in battery storage,
all while replacing the diesel generators
that once illuminated SPL8. According
to Mr. Yu the renovation of student
parking lot 8, is scheduled to be complete
by “mid to end of September”.

Campus
Page 6
The Renegade Rip www.therip.com
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
Delano campus opens LRC
By Sandra Terrel
Reporter
The newly constructed Learning
Resource Center at the BC Delano
campus will serve students, faculty
and staff with space and amenities.
With many more students enrolled
this fall compared to last year, the
40,000 square foot building will replace
all of the portable units on the
Delano Campus. The existing Science
and Technology Building will remain.
Brian Rodriguez, Director of Rural
Initiatives and Adult Education, stated
that the new Learning Resource Center
will add a level of flexibility when
it comes to teaching students and that
the expansion will aid in meeting students
where they are.
The multi-level building features 13
new classrooms, two computer labs
and two hybrid-flexible ready rooms.
There is even a lactation room.
The large area just beyond the entrance
holds the campus library, phone
charging and sanitizing stations. There
is also table after table of computers
available for student use. Offset from
there is several study rooms including
those suitable for small groups. The
tutoring and writing centers are located
here as well.
Bakersfield College is also accommodating
students in Delano by providing
a self-service kiosk near the
lobby for textbooks. Nearby is the student
services area where matters of
counseling and financial aid are managed.
Services recently unavailable in
person at the Delano Campus such as
EOP&S and Assembly Bill 540 programs
are now able to be implemented
Ẇith a modern seating atmosphere
for about 30, the Exhibit Room is a
little nook around the corner from the
main entrance. The plan is to display
not only collegiate and primary grade
artwork but also local and historical
pieces.
Students aren’t the only ones reaping
benefits from this new building.
Faculty and staff now have access to
bigger offices, conference rooms, storage
areas and break rooms.
This $31.3 million project has been
funded by the $502 million overall
bond from Measure J in 2016 and
from state grants. A Ribbon-Cutting
ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 19 at
10:30 a.m.
SANDRA TERREL/THE RIP
A BC staff member discusses services
with a student at the new
Learning Resource Center at the
Delano campus on Aug. 23.
First place nationally for two year college Websites at
the Associated Collegiate Press 2020 midwinter conference.
Fifth place newspapers. First place for newspaper
in 2011, third place in 2013, 2014, 2015 for CNPA General
Excellence
Fourth place nationally in 2019 for website publication
by Associated Collegiate Press
The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College
journalism classes and is circulated on Thursdays
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College District Board of Trustees, but sole responsibility
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a member of the California Newspaper Publishers Association,
Associated Collegiate Press, and California
Colleges Media Association.
The Renegade Rip
EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-in-Chief...............Madeline Ruebush
Digital Editor..............Nic “Peter” Chavaria
Copy Editor...........................Samantha Britt
STAFF
Reporters/ Photographers:
Mason Almaguer
Jared Buys
Julian Caro
Maya Collins
Breana “Honey” Crowder
STAFF CONTINUED
Reporters/photographers:
Natalie Flores
Gesus Martinez
Trevor Glenn
Anika Gray
Crystal Gutierrez
Jorge Gutierrez
Marcos Huerta
Joaquin Machado
Ari Montez
Lilli Smyth
Sandra Terrel
Hector Vizcarra
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How to reach us
-Address: Bakersfield College,
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CA 93305
-Phone: (661) 395-4324
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Adviser.........................................Erin Auerbach

Page 7
Opinion
The Renegade Rip www.therip.com
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
“Sorry Ahsoka fans, I’ve got
a bad feeling about this.”
By Nic Peter Chavaria
Digital Editor
Aug. 22 saw the release of Disney’s
newest show in the “Star Wars” universe
“Ahsoka” and fans are left polarized
on how to feel.
Starring Rosario Dawson as the titular
character, the show follows the
ex-Jedi “Ahsoka Tano” band together
with old friends in an effort to find
Ezra Bridger, stop a new group of Sith
warriors, and defeat Grand Admiral
Thrawn, which is a whole lot to take in
for the uninitiated viewer.
Getting the elephant out of the room
first, this show is simply not for the casual
audience. While it may be “season
1, episodes 1 and 2” this show is just a
direct continuation of characters and
storylines from a combined 11 season
plotline of two (technically four) separate
tv shows from the Star Wars universe.
Even with that out of the way, the
show struggles on its own. The writing
so far leaves a lot to desire, namely
when it tries to catch general viewers
up to speed. Many scenes have exposition
spoken in a blatant and unnatural
way where characters for a brief moment
feel like they forget who they were
talking to, or the history they have with
them.
The acting as well is a pretty hit and
miss aspect of the show. Dawson, as
usual, gives a solid performance as “Ahsoka,”
although some may say solid isn’t
good enough as the series lead now. Natasha
Liu Bordizzo is brilliant as “Sabine,”
as both her and her character
bring in a chaotic, energetic, and lively
aspect the show needed. Mary Elizabeth
Winstead however is just okay.
Her acting is fine as a rebel general, but
she doesn’t really embody the motherly
warmth and boldness her character,
“Hera,” is known for.
Ray Stevenson and Ivanna Sakhno
are so close to amazing in their respective
roles as the series antagonists
“Bayland” and “Shin.” They have the
physicality and characterizations to
stand with the likes of Darth Vader and
Maul, but are given such basic dialogue
which barely leaves any room for interpretation.
Although on a positive note, the
soundtrack from Star Wars alum, Kevin
Kiner strikes a solid balance between
fantasy and chambara (films focused on
Japanese swordfighting), which is very
fitting as these genres inspired George
Lucas when originally creating Star
Wars. The set designers, stunt team,
and visual effects artists also do a great
job in capturing that iconic Star Wars
feel.
To put it simply, with a tedious first
episode, and fine second episode for a
seres premiere, the show so far is unfortunately
aggressively average.
Two Brothers Pizza is supreme
By Crystal Gutierrez
Reporter
While there are a few Italian places in Tehachapi CA, only
one is set up like a fast-food Italian restaurant. The name
of the restaurant is “Two Brothers Pizza.” It’s located in the
Red Apple Plaza next to Albertson.
While the restaurant space is small, the décor is amazingly
simple and inviting. The best part about this little Italian
restaurant is that their customers can see their food being
made and the wait is usually 15 to 20 minutes long.
Their customer service not only represents their goal to give
their customers the feeling of a comfortable home environment,
but also fitting the small community of Tehachapi very
well. The restaurant effortlessly gets to know their customers
so well that the people of the community are becoming regulars.
Also, their prices are very reasonable and shockingly do
not break people’s banks like most Italian restaurants.
Their food portions are large and filling. The taste of their
food is absolutely mouthwatering. They serve many distinct
types of pizzas, salads, calzones, subs, pastas, wings, and flavored
breads. They also have family meals and kid’s meals.
The Lasagna is full of amazing flavors that bring the freshly
home baked Italian dinner.
The Lasagna comes out hot and fresh out of the oven. The
first bite is filled with the combination of flavored ground
meat, creamy ricotta cheese layers of pasta topped with rich
tomato sauce and melted cheese. The meal comes with complimentary
fresh bread covered in parmesan cheese and they
even offer some parmesan cheese to top your Lasagna.
Their oven toasted subs are also unbelievably delicious especially
the Paolo’s Special sub. Most of their subs are garnished
with tomato lettuce, red onion, Italian dressing, and
mayo. Of course, you can ask them not to put some of those
garnishes. They also oven toast their subs, but the best part
is that the subs come out toasted, but the veggies taste fresh.
And the sun is not soggy.
This restaurant has a very homey atmosphere, and it smells
amazing, and their food is to die for. Hopefully more people
will get to enjoy this amazing new restaurant with many tasty
dishes.

Page 8
Opinion
The Renegade Rip www.therip.com
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
Is Addison Rae’s
new EP “2die4?”
By Trevor Glenn
Reporter
Addison Rae, a social media star
turned entrepreneur, currently has
85.4 million followers on TikTok, a
Netflix film, viral makeup line, and
even a fashion doll line under her
belt. But she officially dropped her
debut self-titled EP, “AR,” on Aug
18, though this is not her first try
at music.
Her first release, “Obsessed”, was
given the typical reaction when social
media stars dip their toes in the
music pool. Although Rae’s vision
for the song seemed to have been
an empowering #Girlboss type of
message, to most it seemed like a
social media star tapped into the
music industry to cash in on an already
oversaturated market, dropping
a soulless, generic pop song
about being obsessed with herself.
Due to poor reception of said
song, her music project was
scrapped all together.
TikTok changed this. One by
one, these scrapped songs leaked
online and started making rounds
onto the platform. This time, however,
people seemed to enjoy the
unreleased tracks.
Over thirty different mixes and
demos leaked in the year. The anticipation
for official releases of
these tracks were no joke with some
even referring to her as a “future
pop princess” online.
“AR” starts with a track titled “I
got it bad.” The song opens with
siren-like, echoing vocals that lead
into a punchy delivery of lyrics that
speak of falling for a bad boy.
The songs production is that of a
modernized 2000’s Britney Spears
track, and the idea of the bridge of
the song is nice but the execution
of it is interesting. Certain layering
of vocal in production, made this
version sound awkard. The ever so
viral song “2 die 4” is the next song
on the track. Unlike the leaked
demo, the official track includes a
feature from bonafide singer-songwriter
Charli XCX. This song is
undoubtedly catchy. Charlie XCX
adds a nice dynamic in contrast
with Rae’s vocals harmonizing
nicely. “Nothing On (But The Radio).”
a more contreversial track
originally a Lady Gaga demo. Fans,
to say the least were not happy with
her rendition.
Production wise, this song is fine.
Lyrically, this track doesn’t make
much sense. The pre-chorus line, “I
could make you some food,” in the
middle of her singing about wanting
to hook up with a boy makes
little to no sense. She attempts to
show off a broader vocal moment
in the bridge, but it just doesn’t
sound good.
The final track on the project, titled
“it could have been u,” is arguably
the best one on the album in
all aspects; the production differs
from other tracks in the album.
Lyrically it is fun and one of
the few songs that actually makes
sense. Rae sings about a past romance
and how she’s moved on
from that relationship and found
happiness in someone else. This
being her only explict song. Does
this project hold lyrical genius?
No. Absolutely not. However, this
is what makes it a fun listen. This
EP does not take itself too seriously.
Rae doesn’t try to give you Ariana
Grande type vocals or Taylor Swift
lyricism, and that’s enough. She delivers
what suits her best: nostalgic,
bubblegum pop vibes.
Renegade Events
Campus Events
Sept. 6: Gadfly Cafe at the Levans Center.
12:30 -1:30 pm.
Sept. 7: Jones Art Gallery Presents: Artists
Jaime Gili’s Monte Exhibition. 2:40 - 3:30 PM:
Artist Lecture. 4:00 - 7:00 pm Artists Reception.
Exhibition runs through October 12.
Sept. 11: BC Transfer Day. 10 am - 1 pm.
Sept. 11: 24th Annual Kern County College
Night. 5 - 8 pm at Mechanic Bank Arena.
Sept. 13: Deep Cuts and Conversations.
1:30 - 2:30 pm at the Levans Center.
Sept. 21: Panorama Creative Music Summit
2023 from 7 - 9pm at the Simonsen Performing
Arts center.
Sept 21: The Planetarium presents Mars
One Thousand One” from 7:30 - 9pm. Tickets
$6 - $8 at Math-Science 112.
Sept. 26: Trauma and Resiliance featuring
Dr. Tania Glenn from 6 - 7:30pm.
Sept. 27: Renegade Roundtable from 6 -
7:30pm at the Levans Center.
Oct. 4: Gadfly Cafe at the Levans Center.
12:30 -1:30 pm.
Oct. 5: Art, Architecture, and Archetypes
from 6 - 7:30 pm at the Levans Center.
Oct. 11: Deep Cuts and Conversations.
1:30 - 2:30 pm at the Levans Center.