Oh Aretha, we love you so much! Whether you’re 6 or 66, Aretha Franklin is the music of your youth. If you believe in god, then her voice must’ve been a gift from heaven. If you’re not a believer, then you got to be alive at the same time that evolution created one of the finest voices of all time. Regardless, her gifts and talents were incomparable. Plus she was a bad ass activist. She even bailed Angela Davis out of jail!  The Queen of Soul will be sorely missed.

This week, we’ll talk about where the Ghost Ship case is headed, why you shouldn’t eat salad at McDonald’s, how you can help a revered Mission District restaurant owner being attacked by Trump’s immigration policy and where to find a furry best friend. But first, we pay respect to the Queen.

As 2024 winds down, we’re reflecting on another incredible year of sharing the stories, art, culture, and nightlife that make the Bay Area so unique. BrokeAssStuart.com wouldn’t be what it is without you—our community of readers, supporters, and believers in independent media. This year, instead of asking you to join Patreon

This is the first in what will be a periodic post bringing you music that might brighten your day, could never be considered bad, and will definitely put a little soul in your bowl. The “5” Royales were a phenomenally talented and overlooked group that recorded in at least five