On this day 30 years ago, the voice of a generation was born. Yes, I just referred to Ezra Koenig as the voice of our generation. Have you read his review of the album Drake dropped last year? I definitely nominate this guy to speak for me and our generation. He is hilarious. You may know Ezra best as the front man of NYC based band, Vampire Weekend. This four piece got their start while in college, with all four members attending Columbia University. They released their third studio album last year, and not only did take home the #1 spot on SC’s Top 10 Album’s of the Year for 2013, it also won a Grammy. But we know which one is more prestigious.
I don’t hide my love for Vampire Weekend, and conversely my love for Ezra Koenig. You might remember the breakdown I had when he performed with Karen O at the Oscars. I would argue that Ezra Koenig is one of the best lyricists out there right now. And Vampire Weekend have maintained their very original sound over the years, while taking stylistic risks. They are serious without taking themselves seriously. However it isn’t really hi songwriting that makes me say Ezra Koenig is the voice of our generation. It’s actually his twitter. His twitter that you need to follow immediately. I don’t care if you don’t like Vampire Weekend, that doesn’t matter. If you have twitter, you need to be following Ezra.
In honor of his 30th birthday, I thought the best way to pay homage would be to round up some of my favorite tweets from the last year or so. Keep in mind that this doesn’t even scrape the surface of the gems that come from him in just 140 characters, but I didn’t want to be writing this post until his 31st birthday.
So without further ado, here is definitive proof as to why Ezra Koenig is the voice of our generation. The generation that he likes to call “generation selfy.”
He is knowledgeable re: fashion/culture trends, and their geographic origins
goth was invented in europe but south america is clearly the most goth continent
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) March 29, 2014
He makes relevant scales via up to date pop culture references
my existential angst level just went from Seth Cohen to Leonard Cohen
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) September 22, 2013
He really looks out for the kids
do high school foreign language textbooks have sections on texting yet? u won’t make any friends abroad if u text like an abuela
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) March 29, 2014
He knows the importance of spelling and rebranding for a new era
selfie was my word of the year…in 2012. in 2013, it’s selfy.
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) November 19, 2013
He is hip and up to date with technology
can’t believe kids are still using calculators. shouldn’t u be able 2 use a TI-83 app on ur mobile device & post ur graphs on tumblr by now?
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) March 20, 2014
Have truer words than these ever been said?
anyone can be a father but it takes a real man to dress like a dad
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) August 26, 2013
Or these?
every grunge boy has his soft grunge side
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) February 14, 2014
He is a poet
you may be in first & I may be in coach, but ur a saltine & I’m a brioche
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) January 29, 2014
He understands millenial social customs, and the importance of studying/research
I don’t mind that it took u 2+ hrs to respond to my text…as long as u were in the library researching, drafting & editing said text
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) January 2, 2014
Again, with the relevant and up to date pop culture references
there is nothing ironic about calling another person “2000 and late.” BOOM BOOM POW is still a relevant worldview in 2k13
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) December 14, 2013
He gives us words to live by like this:
too good for the cheap shit, too cheap for the good shit
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) August 19, 2013
Or this
UR 2 YOUNG 2 BE 2 FULL 2 FOOL AROUND
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) August 21, 2013
He raises the hard hitting questions, provoking deep thought and intellectual discussion
would u rather find out that ur dad is ur real dad but his Rolex is fake OR that he is not ur real dad but his Rolex is real?? CHOOSE WISELY
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) May 21, 2013
Happy Birthday Ezra Koenig!
Feature photo via Getty Images/Buda Mendes