Complex has returned with the second edition of Volume, which focuses on the idea of Home and features interviews with GloRilla, Zazie Beetz, and others.
Two of the features in the new edition focus on Atlanta, Donald Glover’s beloved comedy-drama which said goodbye to viewers this year with its final two seasons. Karla Rodriguez spoke to Zazie Beetz about the end of the show and the critically acclaimed actor also opened up about the early days of the FX series.
“I remember when I auditioned for Van,” said Beetz, who was born in Germany and grew up in New York. “In my head, I was like, ‘Damn, I don’t know if I’m Atlanta enough.’ The show is a homage to the city and the space and the experience there. I remember trying to embody the energy of Atlanta, and I didn’t think I necessarily did a great job of that.”
As for the end of the show, she said that she’s going to miss working on it but she’s thankful that her and the rest of the cast grew together. However, she joked that she’s “praying” for a Christmas special in ten years, even if the decision to end the show with its fourth season is one she thinks was “totally the right move.”
The impeccable writing team behind the show also sat down to talk about its conclusion, including Donald Glover’s brother, writer-producer Stephen Glover. “I hope the biggest contribution the show has is giving people the confidence to be more experimental on TV. Especially Black television,” said Glover, who wrote some of the show’s many standout episodes. “I don’t think you need to be so experimental that nobody gets it but you shouldn’t put yourself in a box.”
Read the interview with Zazie Beetz here, and the interview with the team behind the show here.
Memphis rapper GloRilla, fresh off a stellar collaboration with rap superstar Cardi B, spoke with Jessica Mckinney about her rapid ascent and how fans seem to pit women rappers against each other.
“I ain’t know they was trying to make us beef,” Glo said, in reference to how rumors circulated about her having issues with Saweetie when she didn’t appear on the “F.N.F.” remix. “We never thought that shit. We always, ‘What’s up sis?’ I don’t know what the fuck they talking about. In general, they do try to pit women against each other. They don’t do that to males. It be a lot of lying and shit. That’s why I learned to not give a fuck about any of that shit.”
Following the most transformative year of his career so far, Odell Beckham Jr. spoke on how “tough” it was for him when he tore his ACL during Super Bowl LVI.
“It was a lot of mixed emotions,” said Beckham, who welcomed his son Zydn with girlfriend Lauren Wood just days after the game. “I had surgery on my knee; I can’t even stand up to hold my son...Major depression. … I remember two months after my surgery, I just surrendered to God. This was too much for me to handle, and in that moment, the following days, I found that joy again.”
He’s currently a free agent, and he has high hopes for the rest of his career. “I want to be able to spill my last,” he said. “Not saying that I only have three or four more years left, but turn these next three or four years into something where I can buy a home, and I can call this place home.”
Since the theme of Volume 002 is all about the idea of home, Aria Hughes wrote about some of the best ways to make a living space your own. Some interesting names in design were interviewed for the feature, including Shannon Maldonado, Christian Figueroa, Christine Espinal, and Ben Willet.
They all gave their advice on what to do first when planning to decorate your place, which piece should be purchased first, what’s okay to skimp on, and what’s the best thing to invest in. They also listed the five most important things to make a home feel like a home, and what’s the biggest mistake people make when decorating their home.
Finally there’s a feature on the coolest pieces in design right now, covering everything from luggage to neon signs and ceramics. There’s also a breakdown of some of the best coffee table books money can buy, and a list of some of the best pieces for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms.
To coincide with the release of Volume 002, Complex put together a playlist focused on the concept of home. Inspired by the different moments of an average day, it includes tracks from The Internet, Jhené Aiko, and Brent Faiyaz among others.
Listen to the playlist below.
