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[nadircozy]

Unveiling the Layers: The Impact of New York Drill Music Culture on Communities

In the dynamic realm of hip-hop, the New York drill music scene has emerged as an undeniable force, introducing a raw and unfiltered narrative into the musical landscape. Artists like Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, and Sheff G have propelled this subgenre to the forefront of cultural conversations. However, beneath the surface beats and catchy hooks lie complex layers of impact on the communities where this music originates. This essay seeks to explore the multifaceted influence of New York drill music culture, examining both its positive attributes and problematic issues, with a particular focus on its potential detriment to the very communities it represents.

A Sonic Evolution:

To understand the implications of New York drill music culture, it's crucial to trace its roots. Drill music originated in Chicago, characterized by its gritty sound and often confrontational lyrics. As it migrated to New York, the genre underwent a stylistic transformation, incorporating unique elements that set it apart. The distinctive beats, aggressive lyrical content, and a raw authenticity became the hallmarks of the New York drill scene.

Context and Conversation:

To delve into the impact of New York drill, it's essential to take a look behind the curtain and into the minds of the artists who curate this sound. Listen to Sheff G talk about his lifestyle offering a behind-the-scenes look to provide a comprehensive understanding. The conversation extends beyond the written word, finding resonance in social media and online discussions. These not only connect with a wider online audience but also tap into the ongoing dialogue surrounding drill music.

Your Position: A Critical Examination

Before delving into the positive and problematic aspects of New York drill, it's crucial to establish a clear position. While recognizing the artistic achievements and creative expression inherent in the genre, this essay advocates for a critical examination of its impact on communities. By acknowledging both sides of the spectrum, we can contribute to a nuanced discussion about the role of drill music in contemporary society.

*Positive Attributes: A Cultural Influence*

New York drill music has undeniably left an indelible mark on the broader musical landscape. Its influence extends beyond the beats and rhymes, permeating fashion, language, and popular culture. The genre has become a powerful channel for creative expression, providing a platform for artists to narrate their lived experiences and offer an authentic portrayal of urban realities In many ways, it serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of life in marginalized communities.

*Problematic Issues: The Darker Side of Drill*

However, as with any influential cultural movement, the New York drill scene is not without its problematic aspects. The lyrics often glorify violence, crime, and a lifestyle fraught with peril. This glorification, while serving as a portrayal of harsh realities, raises ethical concerns about the potential impact on impressionable audiences. The lines between art and reality blur, and the consequences can be dire, particularly in communities already grappling with socio-economic challenges.

*Community Detriment: Perpetuating Stereotypes*

One of the key concerns surrounding New York drill music culture is its potential contribution to the perpetuation of negative stereotypes about certain communities. The association of the genre with violence and crime can reinforce pre-existing biases, further marginalizing these communities. As drill music gains global popularity, the risk of misunderstanding and misrepresentation intensifies, potentially deepening the social divides that already exist.

*Real-world Impact: Music and Violence*

Beyond the theoretical realm, instances have arisen where the New York drill scene has been directly linked to real-world violence. Feuds between artists, often played out on social media, have escalated into tragic incidents. This blurring of lines between art and reality underscores the need for a reflective approach within the music community. How much responsibility should artists bear for the actions of their audience, and how can the drill scene navigate these complex waters without sacrificing authenticity?

*Balancing Act: Authenticity vs. Responsibility*

Navigating the delicate balance between authenticity and responsibility is a central theme in the discourse on New York drill music culture. Artists, while expressing their truths, must grapple with the potential consequences of their words. Encouragingly, some within the drill community are starting to reflect on their impact and explore ways to contribute positively. This includes initiatives addressing violence, mentorship programs, and that extend beyond the musical realm.

Media Embedding: Amplifying the Message

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Conclusion: Unveiling a Nuanced Perspective

In conclusion, the impact of New York drill music culture on communities is a layered narrative that requires careful consideration. While celebrating its artistic achievements, we must not turn a blind eye to the potential harm it may inflict on impressionable minds and the perpetuation of negative stereotypes. This article advocates for a nuanced perspective that encourages dialogue, reflection, and a collective effort to shape the future of drill music in New York and beyond. By embracing both the positive and problematic aspects, we contribute to a more informed and empathetic conversation about the complex interplay between art, culture, and community.

[nadircozy]

In the hazy intersection of R&B and alternative vibes, there exists an architect of sonic landscapes, a maestro of emotion Jahron Brathwaite known by his moniker ‘PARTYNEXTDOOR.’ Initially,

PND’s thought that his music was something so intimate that he should have kept it from the world. Never would he have expected to lead people into a new sound. The Mississauga, Ontario singer with Jamaican and Trinidadian roots has dedicated his being to crafting a sound based on intimacy, vulnerability, and raw emotion. Here, you can listen to PARTY talking about his earliest influences that sculpted his sound. After being discovered on MySpace at the age of 17, PND moved to Los Angeles the following year to further pursue his career. He ended up signing a songwriter deal with Warner records. Roughly 5 years after that he formed a relationship with fellow canadian artist Drake who brought him to Warner partner OVO Sound.

Crafting Intimacy in Sound:

PND’s stands as a musical sorcerer, conjuring spells that weave intimacy into every note. His work isn't merely a collection of songs; it's a series of chapters unraveling the complexities of human connection. This profile aims to explore the delicate balance he strikes between vulnerability and swagger, carving a niche in the music industry as the purveyor of modern romance that may not be conventional. Okay, it’s not conventional at all but that’s what comes with being a singer. On the song “things and such” he mentions his love interest's mother being skeptical of his intentions with her daughter because he’s and R&B singer. Moreover, let’s rewind back to his first album. PND’s self-titled debut album, "PARTYNEXTDOOR," marked his official entry into the music scene, released in July 2013 under the OVO Sound label. This project served as a captivating introduction to the artist's distinctive sound, blending R&B, electronic elements, and a touch of Caribbean influences reflective of his Canadian and Jamaican heritage.

The album consists of ten tracks, each contributing to the atmospheric and moody aesthetic that has become synonymous with PND’s style. From the opening track, "Welcome to the Party," to the closing notes of "TBH," the album unfolds as a cohesive journey through late-night vibes and introspective musings.

Singing Style:

PND’s singing style is characterized by a unique blend of smooth, melodic vocals and a distinctive atmospheric delivery. His approach to singing transcends traditional R&B boundaries, incorporating elements of contemporary hip-hop and electronic music. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key aspects of his vocal ability that make his music unique, addictive, and captivating.

PND's singing style is a distinctive blend of smooth R&B vocals, a touch of Caribbean influences, and a knack for creating atmospheric and immersive soundscapes. Several key elements contribute to the uniqueness of his singing style:

1. Atmospheric Delivery:

PND is known for his ability to create an atmospheric and moody ambiance through his vocals. His delivery often leans towards the laid-back and introspective, establishing a sense of intimacy in his music. This atmospheric quality contributes to the immersive experience that defines many of his tracks.

2. Versatility:

One of the standout features of PND's singing style is his versatility. He can seamlessly transition between soulful crooning, melodic harmonies, and more rhythmic, rap-infused cadences. This versatility allows him to explore a range of emotions within a single track or across different songs.

3. Emotional Resonance:

There's a raw and genuine quality to PND's vocals that enhances the emotional resonance of his music. Whether he's expressing love, heartbreak, or desire, his singing style carries an authenticity that connects with listeners on a personal level.

4. Caribbean Influences:

Drawing from his Trinidadian heritage, PND infuses Caribbean influences into his singing style. This is evident in the rhythmic patterns, inflections, and occasional dancehall elements present in his music. It adds a unique flavor to his sound, setting him apart in the contemporary R&B landscape.

5. Collaborative Chemistry:

PND has collaborated with various artists, including Drake, and his ability to complement and enhance the style of those he works with showcases his adaptability. Whether he's sharing the spotlight or taking the lead, his singing style remains a consistent and defining element in his collaborations.

In essence, PND's singing style is a captivating fusion of emotive storytelling, atmospheric production, and a versatility that allows him to navigate the diverse landscapes of contemporary R&B. It's a style that has evolved over the course of his career, contributing to his status as a unique and influential voice in the music industry.

Furthermore,

PND has made significant contributions to the music industry not only as a solo artist but also as a talented songwriter and collaborator. His songwriting prowess has left an indelible mark on the work of other artists, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives and melodies. Here are a few aspects of PND's impact as a songwriter and influencer on other musicians.

1. Songwriting for Others:

PND's penmanship extends beyond his own discography, as he has crafted songs for various artists across genres. His ability to capture emotions and tell stories resonates in the lyrics he provides for others, adding depth and authenticity to their projects. This collaborative approach has allowed him to shape the sonic landscapes of fellow musicians.

2. Collaborations with Drake:

As a signee to Drake's OVO Sound label, PND has collaborated with Drake on multiple occasions, contributing not only as a featured artist but also as a songwriter. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in chart-topping hits that showcase PND's influence on Drake's music and the broader hip-hop and R&B scenes.

3. Shaping the Contemporary Sound:

PND's production style and songwriting have played a role in shaping the contemporary R&B and hip-hop sound. His fusion of atmospheric beats, introspective lyrics, and melodic hooks has inspired a new generation of musicians, influencing their approach to storytelling and sonic exploration.

4. Impact on R&B Aesthetics:

Through his solo work and collaborations, PND has been a trailblazer in redefining the aesthetics of modern R&B. His seamless integration of Caribbean influences, emotive vocals, and intricate production has set a standard for artists exploring the intersection of various genres within the R&B landscape.

5. Setting Trends in Sound and Style:**

PND's contributions to the music of others extend beyond lyrics; his influence is often seen in the broader soundscapes and stylistic choices adopted by artists he collaborates with. His innovative approach to production and vocal delivery has sparked trends and inspired a wave of artists to experiment with new sounds.

In summary, PND's impact as a songwriter and influencer on other musicians goes beyond his solo career. His ability to craft poignant narratives, coupled with a distinctive sonic signature, has not only elevated his own artistry but has left an enduring imprint on the broader music landscape, influencing the work of fellow artists and contributing to the evolution of contemporary R&B and hip-hop.

[nadircozy]

What does music mean to you?

"A life without music isn’t a life worth living.” I’m not quite sure who said that (I said it) but that is something I can agree with wholeheartedly. As long as we’ve all been alive, music has been apart of our lives in some capacity. The songs we hear in retail stores that we can’t get out of our heads, throwback tracks that make us reminisce, cleaning the house on Saturday mornings, long drives, gym sessions, and more. Even if you’re not an avid listener in your free time, music is always apart your life serving a purpose. For music lovers, it may be a soundtrack to their lives, an outlet, their passion, etc. Today we’re speaking with musician of many talents Papa Mbahwe, to discuss essentially what music means to him.

Me: What was your introduction to music?

Papa: My introduction to music was after I got cut from my middle school basketball team. I needed something to keep me busy since athletics wasn’t it. I never anticipated it being a huge part of my life.

Me: Is it something that were interested in prior?

Papa: I was definitely always artistic, whether it be writing, drawing or storytelling. Music was always somewhat of a background of my life. I found that music or specifically the saxophone was the vessel of expression that I was the most proficient at

Me: The sax. That seems like an instrument that you have to have a vivid memory of. Do you remember the first time you heard it?

Papa: My dad would play miles Davis’ kind of blue in the car when I was a kid. My conception of the saxophones sound was formed by cannonball adderley and John Coltrane. Of course I’d be hearing smooth jazz sax all over the place, but their sound resonated with me more

Me: Would you say this is what made you fall in love with music?

Papa: What made me fall in love with music was not by hearing its pleasant sounds, but rather its ability to articulate the inarticulable through sound

Me: Sounds like you don’t like to just hear music but feel it. How does that translate to your own music?

Papa: When I was younger I lacked the discipline to play tastefully and listen to what was going on around me, I was filled with circus tricks. Nowadays I learned to put my ego aside and play for musics sake rather than some ulterior motive (unless I’m trynna get a check ya dig)

Me: Would you say the way you play music is parallel to your personality?

Papa: Id say the way I play parallels my mood—which is fluid— or my interpretation of a memory or an aesthetic that im trying to capture

Me: Being as though you have your own playing style, how do you like to create, solo or collaboratively?

Papa: With hip-hop, I adore the process of writing, hunting samples and listening by myself. However with Jazz music, I find it almost impossible to improvise without the help of others— not even from the point of playing in a band. It’s as if the audience is also apart of making the music.

Me: Do you enjoy playing music or writing music more?

Papa: Mmmm that’s difficult, playing allows me to just be in the moment. I don’t have an abstract or artsy way of explaining it like some musicians typically do.

Me: Speaking of being in the moment how does it feel to perform?

Papa: Performing feels great when you’re well prepared. But really it depends on the situation, sometimes you’re playing at a cocktail hour and it feels like a job. But when you’re at a club or festival there’s a feeling of community, self reflection and at times catharsis

Me: You’ve mentioned family, expression, storytelling, emotion up to this point. What does music mean to you?

Papa: Music is a language used to honor heritage, create community, and impose order on our rawest unstructured thoughts and emotions.

Furthermore, an art form such is subjective. Art is subjective as a whole regardless of the type. You can’t put an exact definition on what it means, what it’s suppose to make you feel, if it makes you feel. But, that’s the beauty of it. Getting a inside look of the mind of an artist definitely has had a profound effect on how I think about music. I hope this helped you ponder what music means to you.

[nadircozy]

This is NOT a drill

What’s the first thing you think about when you hear the word “drill?” It probably taps into the unhealed trauma you got from being in a bathroom and having to evacuate the building in the middle of relieving yourself. But, I'm not talking about that type of drill. I’m talking about drill music. The drill music scene originated in Chicago in the early 2010’s with rappers such as Chief Keef, G herbo, and Lil Durk leading the charge. This type of music was raw and organic. It not only had a unique sound that was different from anything sonically at the time which Young Chop was largely responsible for, But, it reflected the lifestyle of the youth in the inner city. Gang culture and gun violence were the staple of drill music and they still are today. Later, the drill scene moved to a myriad of different parts of the world including the United Kingdom, and New York which are two of the world’s most influential places culturally. New York put drill on its back and pioneered it, taking it mainstream.

With New York having millions of eyes on them, the culture of the cities were under a magnifying glass. The talent was all over the city, and it started in Brooklyn. Brooklyn rappers took it upon themselves to express their lifestyles through music no matter how explicit it was. The sound was different but the themes of the music were the same. It started as an underground sound that consisted mostly of gang members who were making money by going on “drills,” and not the music. That changed when a rapper from Canarsie, BK, named Pop Smoke took to global stardom by combining all the elements to put drill music on the map with not only explicit lyrics that people on the drill scene could relate to but music you could dance to. Check out popular streamer Kai Cenat “get sturdy” His breakout songs “Welcome to the party” and “Dior” which had lyrics such as

(Welcome to the party) “Gun on my hip, one in the head, ten in the clip, lower your tone cause you could get hit.”

(Dior) “Said I'm never lackin', always pistol packing

With them automatics, we gon' send him to heaven.”

These lyrics are a prime example of what the scene was compiled of but as Pop Smoke obviously wasn’t the only one to make his mark during NY’s drill movement. After Pop passed due to gun violence in Los Angeles due to an armed robbery which is one of the downsides to this music scene along with incarceration. Another popular artist who has had success is Fivio Foreign. Known for his song “Big Drip” Fivi was the next one that emerged from the scene with his unique flows, energy, and of course production that made his lyrics stand out when they weren’t that strong. Other popular artists from the Brooklyn drill scene that are from different sides of Brooklyn who are considered pioneers are 22gz, Sheff G, and Sleepy Hallow. Although they fhaven’t had as much commercial success, they are ingrained in the scene and are in the streets as much as they are in the booth.

This scene isn’t all glory though, as I mentioned previously, the detriment of this type of music is the countless bodies dropping and the other types of crime that serve as a cancer to the communities. This isn’t a scene that just anybody can be a part of to be taken seriously. You have to have credibility with the reputation to match.

In conclusion, the Drill scene is great entertainment and sets itself apart from others with the sound and culture that follows it. Although it spills over into communities and had negative effects, it’s a prominent part of hip hop culture.

[nadircozy]

A pleasure to listen to

“Pleasure” by Dylan Sinclair is an amazing listening experience from start to finish. Sinclair, Toronto, Ontario native is more of a traditional R&B artist. A lot of alternative R&B has become popular in recent years circa 2014, that’s 808 Drum based, with content that’s veering away from the blue’s. A lot of R&B has been become over saturated because the recipe for every rapper since Drake has been to make melodic Hip Hop songs to appease the female consumer that acts as a taste maker for what’s trending. Most of these rappers can’t hold a note or construct a song that packs the substance of what we know R&B to sound like, to be brutally honest. The substance of his music or far from this watered down music that’s out now.

In addition, Sinclair is criminally underrated in my opinion. His music isn’t exactly what you would want to hear on the dance floor like his successful Canadian counterparts (The Weeknd, Drake, Tory Lanez) to name a few. But, they do evoke emotions that adults from all different walks of life can relate to. Pleasuring and stimulating your lover mentally, physically, and spiritually is something that we strive to do naturally.

Ironically, the first time I heard this song was during a car ride after an argument. After the argument subsided, not ended but came to silence. Here enters the music playing to cut the tension, the music usually serves as the knife between her and I. As soon as the song started, the music captivated me. The song starts off with what I hear to be filtered background vocals serving as a sort of guitar melody or a woodwind instrument even. Followed by a melancholy, lower pitched keys to create harmony to make your ears smile. Not to mention the two different drums echoing each other, slow tempo of course, to match the melody. These sounds are euphoric. The collection of sounds all lead up to the beginning of the first verse where it all starts to make sense.

“Take my hand, let’s dance slow.” These lyrics paint the picture of a foreshadowing climax, not only with the content of the lyrics but the with the beat as well. The beat continues to build and he intentionally sings “as the music plays.” More elements are added to the song as the baseline starts to become more prevalent and the melody becomes stronger. The baseline is very on par with the subject matter with it being very potent while the sound of Sinclair’s voice is flowing delicately, specifically over the hook. “Let me please you,” He starts singing in a falsetto voice.

Where I have to critique the song is as the song come to a close. The songs transitions into a deeper vocal pitched, snare punching, different melody jam. Nothing is distasteful about these elements but it should have been incorporated sooner and more smooth. It doesn’t fit the aesthetic and sounds like a completely different track. It almost sounds like an unfinished demo. He echo’s the same sentiments such as “Lemme please, baby.” Also, “just say how you want it.” While I can commend that he didn’t waver his desire to please his lover, the production change was just too abrupt to be the same song.

In conclusion, the music is trance like, filled with ear catching melodies, drums, and vocals that you can feel. Not your typical go to for foot tapping, but a great listen to go along with a glass of bourbon next to a fireplace.

[nadircozy]

This playlist is comprised of songs that you would play on a long flight or rainy day. On those particular days you’re either resting or reflecting on things to make the time pass. I happened to put this playlist together in the passenger seat, of a long car ride. The smooth but melancholy feeling that you get from these tracks execute the theme perfectly. In this playlist, you’ll hear the likes of PARTYNEXTDOOR, Kanye West, Drake, Saba, and dwn2earth.

“30 Hours” -Kanye West

This song rings in my head until this day because of the addicting loop in the background sung by Andre 3000. I discovered this track my freshman year of high school, I remember walking through the hallways listening to it in between classes. On this track Kanye is speaking from a higher place but a vulnerable one simultaneously. With lines like “Im remember rapping for Jay and Cam, a young producer just tryna get his flows off, I remember being nervous to do Victoria Secret

'Til I pictured everybody with they clothes off” These lines give us some foresight into his past, rapping about how he started in the music industry and opening up about being nervous to do something when the Kanye we know today isn’t nervous about

“30 for 30 freestyle” -Drake

I didn’t have to go through any rabbit holes to find this song just like the previous song, this is by a top mainstream artist. The keys on this song make up the melody and the drums are subtle but apparent. The title is foreshadowing as he goes into reflecting on his career but aside from his career, the things he’s seeing. When he raps “I'm talking bigger shit than you and I

Kids'll lose their lives, got me scared of losing mine

And if I hold my tongue about it, I get crucified” With the current climate of society being even worse then what it was in 2015, those words still ring true in 2023.

“Prom / King” -Saba

I discovered this song through the creator Shawn Cee. This eight minute track packs so much emotion, literally taking you through the motions. The chicago MC takes you through adolescence, to present day leaving it all in the booth. The instrumentation is always important but the words fill every void on this track. The opening line sets the tone “This remind me of before we had insomnia

Sleepin' peacefully, never needed a pile of drugs”

“AROUND 10” Dwn2earth

Again, through creator Shawn Cee I was put onto Dwn2earth in 2021. I fell in love with the way this track sounded but the content is what made it suitable for a rainy day. The singer sings about the current conditions of his relationship with a line like “Even when we f*ck girl, we arguing” he’s speaking to having conflict with someone while being sexually intimate, usually sex resolves conflict so it appears as a conundrum.

“ANOTHER DAY” - PARTYNEXTDOOR

After initially not being one of my favorite albums upon the first couple listens, this song snuck up on me. As he continuously repeats “There’s always another day” it makes me think about how true that is no matter what you’re doing in life. In the song he’s speaking to being intimate with someone for the first time and taking time to wait. But, I had a different connection with the song as I explained.

In conclusion, these songs impact you in a way that only you feel when you have time to feel all of subconscious thoughts and emotions lurking. This playlist helps you sit through you and enjoy introspection more than you usually would.

#kanyewest #kanye #yeezus #Drake #PARTYNEXTDOOR #music #trending #blog

[nadircozy]

Recently, I was able to see one of the most highly touted artist of our time who is not only a rapper but a actor, singer,songwriter, and mogul. Aubrey Drake Graham, professionally known as “Drake” started his “It’s all a blur” tour in June 2023. It was announced after five years of being on hiatus, him and rapper 21 savage would be going on a North American tour. This came as no surprise due to of the joint album they released in October of 2022 titled “Her loss” The last tour that he held (Aubrey & the Three Migos) followed the “Scorpion” album released in June 2018. With the world finally being free of lockdown, and the momentum being built up. Mr.Graham’s tour was in high demand. The theme of this tour was him taking a look back at his career from when he first entered the music game until now. With him being the biggest name in music right now, sometimes you lose track of how you got there. Hence the title “it’s all a blur”Personally, I couldn’t wait to experience this show in person. It was my first live performance experience and it didn’t not disappoint. Out of the fifty nine arena performances, I went to the show in New York. Many went to the Barclays center. I chose to go to Madison Square Garden because of the staple that the arena serves in sports and music culture.

Production

Before the music, what impressed me was what was in the arena. What had seemed like a 100 foot statue of the late designer, Virgil, Abloh was in the middle of the arena. It was something different and I appreciated it. All you get to see on Ticketmaster is an empty arena with seats in a stage and you win for what that’s going to look like. Next the sentimental value of him walking out to the song look what you’ve done was on display. Unlike many artists he came from one of the sections in the arena and walked through the crowd to the stage. Upon the stage was a couch that him, and his mother sat on. Drake then proceeded to essentially perform with his mother. They turned the stage into a living room, representing their home in Toronto, Canada. Throughout the show, it was amazing with the switching of set stages. The lighting creating Irie Vibes, pyrotechnic work, actors being used to create a reminiscent feeling, floating objects, etc. it was amazing.

Setlist/Guests

Additionally, the guests of the tour were not mentioned, unlike other tours, where you would see on the flyer, the names of artist that will be on the tour. American producer, DJ and record executive Zack BIA got the crowd warmed up by putting on a DJ side to prepare people to get up and get moving. equated his set to an elevator. The ride that entertains you with music until you get to your destination. He played many songs by different artists, different genres,and eras.

Next, which was also unexpected, having to be performance by rapper that goes by Lil Yachty. He had about a 20 minute said that featured some of his billboard topping songs features. Including “broccoli.” “I spy“ and his first big song, “one night” The crowd at this point was definitely warmed up and prepare for the main event. Drake Setlist was far from underwhelming, performing a slew of hits from the beginning, middle and current era of his career. On the Internet, he has gotten flack for some performances of the songs on his Setlist. Saying that he didn’t put as much effort into performing. For the majority of the show, he did try to get the crowd involved and give the crowd the mic. Also, he’s sang/rapped some of the songs differently that what the studio version sounded like. That’s the one critique that I’d agree with. But, he had thirty songs to perform so I understood that he may have been pacing himself. Finally, rapper 21 Savage performed good medium length set that followed Drake and kept the crowd invested. To close out the show, Drake and 21 Savage perform some of their joint songs together. Their performances together were filled with energy and you got to see their charisma in effect.

Conclusion

Now, I may be biased because of Drake being my favorite artist, but I couldn’t have asked for a better first live concert experience. As a fan who’s been listening since 2009. I appreciated the long walk down memory lane that not only had him leading the truth, but a few others helping him that kept us entertain. You give us an experience that we never forget. If you ever get a chance, I would definitely recommend that you check him out in concert because if you’re not a fan of his music, he might just turn you into a fan.

[nadircozy]

R&B: What's the connection?

There has always seemed to be a connection between rappers and ball players. Whether it be basketball, American football, soccer, etc. The connection has always seemed to coincide. With the top American sports being dominated by people of color, a lot of the cultural influences have been birthed within minority communities. With that being said a lot of urban communities live by the mantra of "Rap or go to the league" Which is coincidentally the title of a rap album by Atlanta's own 2chainz.https://open.spotify.com/album/1BR69wIifGZUSimcuTjWVg?si=0TT5eQpSTCSXWnfKTfwH8A An artist who embodies the hustle culture of a prominent the city. Some of those individuals are fortunate enough to live out those dreams. But, the ones who make it professionally in their respective fields usually try to mirror each others lifestyles. In the inner cities, curating the glitz and glamour is largely due to idolizing the ones that look like them and who were able to escape poverty. The biggest element of connection is how much you relate to something. Athletes and music artists bridge the gap between the neighborhood and stardom. For example, in the song "Thank me now" https://open.spotify.com/track/3cBUv0RIoEyAm2b7qimEY6?si=acee154fabfa47a8 by what many people would say is the biggest artists in the world, he speaks to the entertainer lifestyle, rapping "Damn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous. Cause we want to be them and they wanna be us." When these artists and professional athletes get together their inner child is expressed because it's that same feeling of seeing someone they relate to live out their dreams. What it is to embody unattainable, the connection between R&B.