Savannah Whitmer

Between Dreamer Isioma’s breakout 2020 hit, “Sensitive,” their vibrant music videos and breezy confidence, it’s hard to say whether the Chicago-based artist should be labeled the next best Gen Z performer, songwriter or vocalist. It’s much easier to stick with how the nonbinary rockstar refers to themself: an all-around creative director. "Bad Ting" is the latest iteration of Isioma’s fluid, euphoric work.

For the queer community, 2021 was a historic year, but all too often for the wrong reasons. We continue to live in a time and place — the world over — that’s dangerously hostile to our existence. And the pandemic continues to keep us apart from each other, when sharing space as friends and lovers is what heals and affirms. As always, pop culture lends us the virtual and emotional space we need to celebrate ourselves and to reflect on icons that inspire our artistry, our charm and our vibrance.

It’s not until the final moments of Super Monster that Claud ties together the introspective set of songs that make up their debut album. “I’ve gotta know/ what it’s like to let your feelings go,” the musician sings, speaking to the ups and downs of moving through the world as a queer 21-year-old while wearing your heart on your sleeve.