The Circus, ch. 5: Soul food as a survival tactic
A memorial for the JD's on University, and an overview of the anatomy of a chicken spot.
Michael's Latest Articles
Madison calendar, September 8 through 14
Bent Knee, Mavis Staples, Wood Chickens, Ginuwine, and more events of note in Madison this week.
Soul patrol: 5 takes from Madison’s first Black Restaurant Week
Highlights from Madison's first annual celebration of black-owned restaurants.
Podcast: Michael Penn II on The Circus
The writer and rapper discusses his Tone Madison essay series on race and violence in Madison.
The Circus, ch. 4: The slur virgin’s first time
On being called a nigger as a rite of passage.
Our Wisconsin Film Festival 2016 notebook
This year's fest brought Tone Madison writers a messed-up tickling documentary, challenging thrillers, and one walkout.
How to remember a fallen professor (through Young Thug)
An open letter on the passing of UW-Madison journalism professor James Baughman.
On Wisconsin rap and writing our history the right way
Wisconsin hip-hop is on the rise—and we must hold journalists accountable for how they cover it.
No more parties on West Main: A Frequency response
"The bodies that come through these rap shows will no longer be martyrs for indecision."