The Brothers

Art criticism is responding to, interpreting meaning, and making critical judgments about specific works of art. · Art critics help viewers perceive, interpret, and judge artworks. University of Wisconsin — Green Bay

Not nowadays.

And certainly not from the Black man.

Despite the fact that barbershops abound with all-day banter about the merits of everything from how one laces their shoe to the hypocritical love of Ohio State’s Marching band, our output of criticism in the mainstream world is nil to none. Elvis Mitchell can’t do it all.

Like most things, we’ve left the discussion of our, and any art in the hands of everyone else. And it’s not because we don’t write. Have enough friends on Facebook or Twitter and you will find well-thought out, balanced, reviews of practically anything imaginable. Yet open up the New York Times and Jon Caramanica is the authority on music. Online, sites like Complex or Pitchfork can make or break an artist. (You see that white man up there with the afro wig and the yellow pick? More often than not, that’s who’s behind the review of the latest Hip-Hop album)

And it’s not just new releases. While that is a market that is definitely needed (how one can keep up with the thousands of releases a month is beyond me), there also needs to be room for critiques of past works; works that either were overrated, underrated, or forgotten — we are such a throwaway culture.

The Brothers is just that: four Atlanta University Center college graduates with a range of tastes that escape the stereotypes usually cast upon Black men. The Brothers will discuss any and everything, whether it’s comics, movies, or even one’s favorite falafel spot — we will show you what you already know — Black men have perspective; greater still, a VOICE.

So sit back and enjoy as we bring the most diverse barbershop to your smart devices, desk and laptops. Peace.