It's been years since we stood on the Crimson Sands of the Blood Shore… the third entry in the highly lauded series doesn’t disappoint. Xavier Wulf is one of those artists in the vein of Curren$y and Wiz where if you need ride-around music, you know they will hold you down with every new release. In an era where Memphis has risen up in prominence again with the likes of HitKidd (featured on "The Law") and DJ Paul cranking out tunes for a slew of celebrated young spitters, Wulf sticks to his iconic style and evolves it over shiny new dark and brooding melodies. The Hollow Squad HNIC wastes no time on "First Light" getting to the shit-talk and smoke, literally and figuratively. No concept records, no introspection, all blood and balling out and flexing for the duration of the project minus the very Project-X sounding "Last Moon." HE DELIVERED ON THE THEME, a man of culture. That is why he has such a strong following over a decade into his career, no half-hearted experiments that don’t land, no hour long slog full of rehashed themes. 21 minutes of menacing beats and bars to get sturdy to. Standouts are "The Reason," produced by MVW, a short and sweet encapsulation of everything this album delivers. "The Law" and "Charles Ruffingham" show you what kind of rapping chops Wulf has when it comes to more energetic tempos and wordplay. Wulf has an undeniable ability to rhyme and a vocabulary that completely takes you by surprise whenever he feels like it. Even though some, (it's me, I'm some,) would like a longer playtime when these rare drops happen. Released: October 18, 2022 words by Xlo

The L Ride by Starz Coleman is his second project of 2022 following July's impressive, For The Views. The New Jersey native has had a busy past few years between dropping solid Hip Hop projects and shooting videos for rappers, athletes, and other movers and shakers. The L Ride also is pulling double duty as Starz Coleman's latest full length album, and it's also the official soundtrack to his upcoming film of the same name, due out November/December. As an MC Starz Coleman is great at nearly everything he attempts on The L Ride. Straight out the gate "Ivan Drago" produced by Ched hits you in the face with an energetic, urgent pace. Starz Coleman attacks and it's beautiful when an artist can command their voice in so many ways. We get tempo changes, vocal flairs, and cadences that push the confines of the beat to their limits. He's the perfect example of "it's not what you say but how you say it." The man is also funny as hell, and I blame his lively delivery for making me chuckle while he's in the middle of talking about some of the grimiest aspects of making a living in the street life. On "Salvador Dali." Starz Coleman brings along Planet Asia to trade verses over a glorious beat from 4ORD. Gametime, all love like Faizon But I can chop your head off and uplift you in the same line Big blunts with sticky in it, AMG Kitted, GT53 Mercedes tinted N***** finished, I'm really with the business I used to spin the block with two 30s like 60 Minutes, then I switched up the image Perhaps my favorite song on The L Ride is Constantinople. Ched comes through again with a haunting beat that's giving feelings of Daringer or DJ Muggs. I think this one shows Starz Coleman in all his greatness as he switches up his cadence several times and even hits some double time flows as he weaves some vivid street tales. Also the humorous delivery takes this over the top. My B**** from Tobago, she don't like n*****, she only like bank rolls I throw her some pesos, she blow out your brains and cut off your egg roll It's something that I don't see often, on the same song he's also talking about how his parents struggles impacted him as a young child. The L Ride also features more great MC's such as Jameel Na'im X, Rim, Dutch Brown, Bad Lungz, Fat Boi Dash, Spoda, and G4 Jag. They all contribute in various ways that make this ride one you don't wanna miss! Starz Coleman is definitely an interesting anomaly, I haven't seen anyone with his particular combination of skills and personality. Most funny MCs don't talk about the streets, and most street MCs aren't funny. His interesting approach to crafting his music ensures that I'll be keeping The L Ride in rotation and looking forward to what he comes up with next! Release Date: October 11, 2022 words by Monk

Philthy Rich’s FOD label has been making a lot of moves in The Bay Area, signing artist after artist after artist, they’re becoming a real force to be reckoned with. One of the standout signees is Oakland’s very own Killa Fonte, from charisma, to skill, style, respect, and a story to tell his star power is limitless. His latest offering Frank Motion is the stamp he needs to put himself ahead of the pack. From the intro track conveniently titled “Intro” the skill is evident, "drinking champagne to the neck I’m shedding tears while getting wasted cause I’m sick without my other half, ain’t worried about what others have happy about the route I took I coulda chose the other path," he paints a picture of reflection and appreciation. The project is full of real life rap, slap, and gems. A well rounded album, Frank Motion is the perfect introduction for a listener who might be hearing Killa for the first time. From uptempo anthems like "Off Them Thangs" and "Repty Season" featuring Paidro Classic, to songs like, "So Soon" dedicated to a loved one that passed away, all bases are covered. The future looks bright for Killa Fonte and as long as he keeps his foot on the gas there’s no telling where things can take him. Especially with the recent light being shed on Bay Area music the time is now! RELEASED: October 14, 2022 words by Flynt Nixon

Although Sacramento’s Mac J is speaking about his personal experiences throughout True Story, the album still served as a not so subtle universal reminder of the several deaths that continue to escalate among young artists within the Hip Hop realm. If you personally have grieved anyone or anything then you’re aware of the array of emotions and thoughts that can become plaguing or catalyzing. True Story represents what it means to express those grievances and more closely how to mourn those losses when they are your blood and/or chosen family. Despite the pain and confusion Mac J exemplifies what it simply looks like to keep going. How do we keep going? How do we celebrate and honor lives lost? While many have various ways of how they do or do not keep going — Mac J not only expresses his sentiments through lyrics and production but firstly through album art. Noticeably, there is Mac J in the middle of a cut out heart, red flag on head. Within the heart there are yellow flowers (often signifying friendship) and two people inside the heart with Mac J; on the left there is Bris, Mr. Tricky Dance Moves and on the right the late Young Slo-Be. Both, two very important figures in the new wave/era of rap coming out of Northern California, more specifically Sacramento and Stockton. Mac J's perceived perseverance through True Story and his 2021 release, Trickymode are inspirational while simultaneously recognizing the difficulty of “inspiration” when the basis of it is coming from loss and grieving. It takes a lot of courage and heart to be able to put out a vulnerable body of work that still allows space for play and high energy invoking songs. It’s a beacon of light in a time that may seem grim or ill-lit. When they took my lil bro they took the breath of me I had a meeting with my Soul to see what’s left of me The same ones that never listen want to lecture me Once I cut you off — don’t give a fuck about you texting me - Mac J, Angels “Angels” is one of those tracks where Mac J does really well at painting his current predicament. He keeps sayin’ he’s not feelin’ anything and that he’s trying to fix his heart. It doesn’t seem like it needs fixing but more so understanding the process of grieving, the phases and time that takes the acknowledge and know where to go from there. I’m still thuggin’ around this bitch because I got angels with me. He’s sittin’ you down to tell a story on this one with clever and personal lyrics. I can tell that they don’t want me to focus / even if I’m last picked, bitch I’m chosen. “Alicia Bleys” featuring Philthy Rich & AO Meally — alliances, not shaking hands with no enemies. This is one that could’ve been made for the radio that highlights the vicious side of emotions and also how to handle self moving forward with his alliances. “Gawd Did” — personal stand out track due to the soulful/gospel influenced production but the flow and lyrics represent a revival within Mac J. Where he’s got the bear off his back, came above water and here to deliver the fire of the narratives that tried to drown him and take him down. I can tell you what I know, play with fire and got burnt - it’s a blessing and a curse Bitch, I had to step it up I wasn’t hard enough I had to take my backbone and go and charge it up You know I took my own plate because they was starvin’ us I can’t meet you at no finish line because you didn’t start with us - Mac J, Gawd Did “Her Son Stoopin” featuring EBK Young Joc is largely about creating his own money and business… but also battling with emotions and how to feel; fuck what niggas sayin’, fuck what they heard / I’m havin’ trouble, bitch, I’m tryna get my heart to work / I don’t have no feelings, bitch I’m numb to it / buy a glock I’m tryna find a drum to it / ayy, tell ‘em pay attention, this that thug music / tell your mom you beefin’ with the gang like her son stupid. It’s an airing out of thoughts and questioning of emotion that come with circumstances while talkin’ his shit. Braggadocio raps from the Soul. “Inside” is catchy from jump because of the use of “Through The Wire” by Rod Wave alone delivers the energy of the song; so much pain built up deep inside, I try to control it / but the anger built up deep inside, leave me to exploding. Speaks on the deceptions of said “friends” or those that try to get a little too close… callin’ you “bro,” “fam,” “sis” when they have ulterior motives. “Feisty” featuring Bris is about the comradery of those within his circle. Their morals and what they live by when pressure is applied in any avenue. Get the money and protect the brotherhood over chasing women. Catchy hook and a verse on demon time delivered by Bris — this is very much about the street life and the lives lost that go with it whether the deaths are coming from your circle or you’re squeezing the trigger. “Love/Hate” addressing the balancing of loving the street, hating the street, how people love him then hate him — all around encompassing the fickleness of people and how things can change from minute to minute. How do you stay focused? They love you when you down bad but hate you when you on your feet. True Story in entirety tells one story by recounting many smaller moments and because of this every song holds importance to the narrative. On the track, “Loafa Bread” Mac J is conveying even deeper how he feels about his little brother’s death. Ayy, I think these niggas scared / I think they killed my bro over a piece of bread. There’s a lot of questions he’s askin’ and at moments it seems like survivor’s guilt. Eventually, some of the lyrical content makes it clear who and what he's addressing. How you drop the rock? How you let them niggas score — you could’ve blocked the shot How you seen the whole play from the parking lot? You got envy in your eyes, you want my brother’s spot -Mac J, Loafa Bread The final track track that really added to the narrative while also allowing a deeper glimpse into Mac J’s mind is, “Mirror Match,” in full the track shows the intuitiveness of the artist, where my feelings at? / it’s like I’m fighting with myself, this a mirror match. That's a historical battle in terms of chosen ones who are carrying the torch for their various lineages and missions; a mental and physical battle. True Story is a thoroughly impressive album from Mac J considering circumstances and content used to make it. And don’t get it twisted either — while many of these songs have topics of grieving and emotions the production is still gonna make you move your feet, shake your shoulders and try to figure out how the hell the producers sampled that and disguised it so well. This is a real timestamp in Mac J’s catalogue. The talent, energy and perseverance is all there… very much looking forward to what else he decides to do and use his artistry for. RELEASED: September 16, 2022

RUFFS is the latest project from frequent J.I.D. collaborator and genre-bending artist Kenny Mason. In just under an hour Kenny gives us a tour through his mind across acoustic guitar, trap drums, post punk screaming, gigantic buzzsaw synths and more. He co-produces almost every record on the tracklist and it feels extremely personal as a consequence. In a sea of artists finding their sound by finding the producer that their stylistic contemporaries use, this feels like an original and fresh body of work. There's some soundcloud era chill here as well, Kenny as an MC is confident, technically gifted and witty. But more than that, he can craft a multitude of varied and interesting hooks full of distorted and layered vocals. Not quite JPEGMAFIA levels of experimentalism on display but much more listenable for people not ready for that level of challenging content as a consequence. In the words of the man himself: I don't give a fuck if this shit ain't lyrical I don't give a fuck if this shit ain't radio I don't give a fuck, nigga, it's spiritual - Kenny Mason, ZOOMIES words by Xlo Released: September 28, 2022

The Bay Area's yellow Golden Child is back on scene with his latest release STUNNA! P-Lo has been a staple in the California music scene since his start with the legendary HBK Gang! From producing to rapping he’s carved a unique lane for himself and became a pseudo ambassador for the Filipino community. Tapping into hometown inspiration P-Lo’s recent project takes history and repeats it, beautifully. Let’s say you took the Hyphy movement and gave it the latest iOS update, when it powered off and came back on you’d have STUNNA. The album is full of samples, interview clips, and soundbites from Bay Area pioneers like E-40, Keak Da Sneak, Mac Dre, and even DB The General. The art lies in the way he flips and molds them into songs that fit the modern soundscape. He keeps the theme consistent throughout the project sometimes subtly in an if you know you know type way. With features from today's Bay all-stars like Larry June, 22nd Jim, Kamaiyah, and LaRussell only helps to bridge the gap between classic and current. Further confirming that hyphy never died, it just evolved! STUNNA is full of downright anthems, my favorites being songs like "Lightwitch" and "Viral." America’s Favorite Pinoy delivers again and further solidifies himself as a living legend. After a successful release party at the Chase Center, (home of the Golden State Warriors) it seems like P-Lo’s elevator only knows one direction, up! RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2022

It's the last release radar of 2022 with a lot of good music still dropping! New Orleans, New Jersey, DMV, Niagara Falls, Mississippi, L.A., Detroit, Toronto to Seattle and beyond. If you have the capacity be sure to checkout something new. Have a safe, healthy and beautiful New Year. 12.30.22 RELEASES: Money For Dummies by Smoke DZA x The Smokers Club HE DIED TRYING by Jameel Na’im X x Dough Networkz Kilómetros by CRIMEAPPLE FAMILI 4 by Jay NiCE x RU$H Kansas City SmackMan in 3D by Jamal Gasol x Don Carrera Vice City by Rosewood Swing x Vercetti James 4th Quarter Finale by Spoda x Blunted Sloth 48HRS by DJ.Fresh x Foley Beats Hood Trophies by Young Bull x Ralphy The Plug Christmas Baby 3 by Cash Kidd Out The Blue by Iamsu! Shadows 5 by Lord Juco Camouflage by JOOSE Grim Night by Allah Preme x Uncle Fester Flu Game by blksknn Bang! EP by Austin Crui$e Bigger Than Rap by T.U.T. Sueños by Tony Tone Unreleased Sh3llz, Vol. 2 by Sh3llz Organized Chaos by Kaapo Nbdmg Job’s Not Finished Pack by Ghais Guevara GOOD WORK SELL ITSELF by Elijah Bank$y x Doof Mountains & Valleys by SirHash Thoughts From The Bottom 3 by Kai Onyx On The 3rd Day by Saviii3rd Never Worried by 1takejay Best That Ever Did It by Pooh Hefner X-Mas At YL Crib 2 by YL LeakOut by Sahbabii God and Girls 2 by Dee-1 Still Bagchasing by Versace P x Louie Ray The underground and independent have always left their impressions and innovations among various Hip Hop communities. This week of releases continues to prove that! Be sure to check out some artists unfamiliar to you and hopefully find something that adds maybe what you've been looking for sonically, lyrically, artistically. 12.23.2022 RELEASES: Sauce Ghetto Gospel 3 by Sauce Walka Gucci Ghost 2 by Mickey Diamond x Big Ghost Ltd. Beware of the Monkey by MIKE HOOT WAVE by BoriRock TRIZZMAS by TRIZZ CASH FOR GOLD by Snotty Afrikantis by Lil B, The BasedGod Christmas Came Early by Erick Lottery x WELL$ Avenue Apprehension by June x Juneonnabeat Street Fame: The Double Album by Siddiq ON A SICK ONE by Gary Junior SHINE by Chap D x JohnG SUPA EP by YGTUT x Ducko Mcfli Dumpman by JuJu Gotti the way forward is not the way home by Diz Disco Inferno by The Dakota Wytefoxx x Wyatt Woodley HERE 2 STAY by Wallie the Sensei Wednesday Before Last by Chris Webby While You Wait For J.A.W.S. by Caskey The One Day I Arrived by Trek Manifest x Soop Celebrate Every Win by Wave Parker International Izzm by Holland Izz Get A Job by UGLYFRANK + SWANKS wading in shallow water by seiji oda x Fuyu As the Vinyl Turns by Andrew Regis I’m Wavy, Vol. 5 by Shvn Letters From Akashik by Nejma Nefertiti Psychological Damage by Lync Lone Action! by Patty Honcho x Jamar Johnson The Apprehension of John Wells by John Wells Existential Horrorcore by Bigg Sluggathor VITORIO by Vitorio BlaQ Osteology by Blaq Chidori x skelbeats White Christmas 10 by Troy Ave Bank On Me by Keezy Banks THE DARK EMPEROR by LUNAR x Charad3 Beat The Odds by Shark Breach The Autumn’s Transparency by Joshua Efojie Fire & Flame by Frankie StayWoke Parkside Santa by MoneySign Suede Hip Hop and Rap has been very fruitful this year in terms of releases. As a team we've covered many great projects thorughout the year and more presently. Below you'll find our latest published pieces as well as 30+ LP + EP releases from the week. RECENTLY PUBLISHED: Hip-Hop, It Started Out in the Park': How Unity Park Created John Creasy | words by Alex Kuchma Monumental by The Davis Way | words by Xlo Last Night At The Loxy: How Underground Hip-Hop Was Experienced | words by Alex Kuchma Marlowe 3 by Solemn Brigham x L’Orange | words by Alec Siegel My Life Iz A Movie by RJ Payne x Stu Bangas | words by Monk Tales Of The Town: The Album | words by Flynt Nixon Blood Shore Season 3 by Xavier Wulf | words by Xlo The L Ride by Starz Coleman | words by Monk Frank Motion by Killa Fonte | words by Flynt Nixon True Story by Mac J | words by Jameka 12.16.2022 RELEASES: Don’t Be Stupid by Kurupt x C-Mob Herbert by Ab-Soul NO THANK YOU by Little Simz BE THAT AS IT MAY by Boldy James x Cuns South Central by G Perico Jim Jones Presents: 12 Days Of Xmas by Jim Jones Paper Route Frank by Young Dolph Death Tape 1 | Black Cottonwood by Quelle Chris x Cavalier Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean by Justin Credible x R-Mean Chaos Is My Ladder by Ransom x VDON The Periodic Tables of Excellence by D-Styles x J Scienide Money Counter Music Presents: Sworn In It by G.T. Desperation of December by OT The Real wood tip by Zack Fox uhhh 2 by Khary Too Focused by JordanXx It’s Only Us Here by Mickey Factz x Ayo Shamir Good EP by Jabee x Conductor Williams Conflict Of Interest by RTC Profit PROJECT MAYHEM: FIGHT CLUB EDITION by Jxylen I’M TOO COLD FOR THIS by JUNE! Loyal Bros 2 by Lil Durk x Only The Family The Alchemist Sandwich by The Alchemist The Shining by Your Old Droog Last by Ren Gettz Welcome to Los Angeles: The Truth by Big Sad 1900 Motion Not Emotion by DB.Boutabag Club 20 by 24hrs Live A Lil by Peewee Longway From Nun by FN DaDealer The Return Of The Jedi by Jarv Dee SKIP THE SMALL TALK by Devontee Phonk Vol. 1 by Fast & Furious Drift Tape Killa Fonte Presents: No Man Left Behind by Various Artists What Will It Take by BlackLiq x Ohbliv Hallucinations by G Fam Black x Chuck Chan IMMORTAL by SwuM x GRIMM Doza CURE FOR BROKEN HEARTS by El Hitta Live At Brick & Mortar by Loe Gino Vices: Side B & Vices: Side A by Original SSCO Married To The Game: For Better by Lil Derik x Dope Sean Volume 1: Nobody’s Favorite by Zelly Sweat The Main Bird by NoCap Growing Pains by BC Tray Thanks For Waiting by Alwa Gordon Ace Last Day At The Cleaners by Supreme Clientele DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE EP by $UICIDEBOY$ x Germ Dragon Li by Matt Draugos x klwn cat Throne by King Madi After Twelve by Riley Writts Back From The Dead by YS Sink Or Swim by 645AR The new releases keep rollin' in! 12.09.2022 LP + EP RELEASES: Mount Westmore by Snoop Dogg x Ice Cube x E-40 x Too $hort Last of a Dying Breed by Kool G Rap TrillStatik 2 by Bun B x Statik Selektah Key To The City by Mistah F.A.B. Space Beyond The Solar System by Raw Poetic x Damu the Fudgemunk Somebody Up There Loves Me by Stalley Keep It Lit by Kamaiyah Le vent se lève by Daniel Son x Kostia A Portrait Of by Rasheed Chappell King of Gods, No Second by Apathy x Stu Bangas Paint The City by Icewear Vezzo x DJ Drama Gift Raps by Connie Diiamond You Had To Be There, Vol. 4 by Stevie Crooks OUT THE BOX by blaxhippie Adventures Of You by Jay Prince x Tiny Spys Traumatized by Shawn Eff Everywhere & Back by Banco More Money by Lotto Rocket HBO 3 by Toohda Band$ CATCH DA FLU by DUSTY LOCANE Yahweh Child by Rot Ken 4 Me by Novelist Love Me Or Don’t by BSlime VacAbuLarEE by Valee Dragon Ball C by Sauce Gohan Therapy Sessions by Lil Bean Remain Solid by Burga Me vs. Myself by A Boogie wit da Hoodie Return of the Jiggy by Sha EK The D.O.A. Tape (Care Package) by Kay Flock Help Is On The Way by Scorey And like that we have been welcomed into December '22 with a fresh slate of new releases from an array of artists. Some say you shouldn’t release in the 4th quarter because you need a “proper” rollout. Others say not to drop in December because a majority of your audience or potential supporters are distracted and involved with so many other things this time of year. To be honest — make sure you’re doing what your internal compass is guiding you to do. 12.02.22 LP + EP RELEASES: Hood by La Chat x Crunchy Black Gucci Ghost by BigGhostLTD x Mickey Diamond BRB GOTTA GO CHARGE MY TOOTHBRUSH by ELUCID Rapping With My Friends by Termanology Onna Gang by DaBoii Stomp Yo Ass by Katie Got Bandz x Big Dope P Paragon by Jfliz x Onaje Jordan I Left Chicago With An Album by JohnNY UniteUs Travel Team, Vol. 3 by Wakai x wavworld Water Music & Love by Freddie Old Soul Pain For Ya Vein by Ty Farris 90 Days by Finesse2Tymes Troubled by Stone Cold Jzzle Game Not Soul’D by The Musalini x Izzy Hott HEROES & VILLAINS by Metro Boomin Chinx Drugz 6 by Chinx MOB by Babyface Ray Survivor Of The Trenches by Yungeen Ace Amina Mundi by Ohbliv HTR Vol. 1: THE LEGEND OF TAWNY TONE by Koncept Jack$on The Kryptonite Hotel by Reggie Rare Buckets by Napoleon Da Legend x Giallo Point Bad Cravings by Z’ambre Clash of the Superpowers by Bugsy Da God ZBAGHETTI by 007bonez until we meet again by wifisfuneral Casino by Cal Scruby Aggrandize by Astrokeyy THE FEW. THE PROUD. THE BLICKY BOYZ. by 2 Dolla Will x jdmasters kisstape vol. 1 by GRAYMATTER Isaiah by Jay Hollywood It’s Hard Being A MoonStar by GANG51E JUNE Grand Royale by John Jigg$ x Samplicity Eyes On Me Christmas, Jingle Jams by Iamsu! SEVEN by Reese Muney 11.25.2022 LP + EP RELEASES Beast Mode 5 by Sheek Louch Science of LIfe by Sadat X x Dough Networkz ATL.A. by MURS x Daily Bread Please Send Help by Jean Grae YOU’RE DEAD ALREADY by CRIMEAPPLE Abyss Dwellas by Eto x Jai Black Flamerz 5 by Meek Mill All Hail Danza by All Hail Y.T. x Anthony Danza I Turned Myself Into Myself by Shirt x Jack Splash RRR: The Album by YL, Starker & Zoomo W$RKN 3 by Kameo One More by MIKE x Wiki x The Alchemist Hiding In Plain Sight 3 by Southside Gauxst Off Top Volume 6 by Top Shelf Premium FUEGONHIGH by Che Uno x KNG Bondalero King Bubba LP by Free Thinker Klan Healthy Gas by Stunnaman02 BOKLEENWORLD by Mike Shabb X-CALIBUR by Sleep Sinatra Vnother Chvpter by J. Arrr IWANNAFXCKCARMENHAYES by Estee Nack x Grubby Pawz Tempus Act III: Mirrors by Issa Gold CHAMP! by Sham1016 x Walt Mansa Face in the Storm by Goya Gumbani x Kiina Speak Up by Big Homiie G The Largest by Big Yavo Blackout: The Sequel by Money Man Out The Blue by WacoTron 3860 by Quando Rondo & NBA YoungBoy New York City The Movie by Troy Ave Soul Food by Numbz Low Budget by Chubs x Remain Raw Globerunner by BIGDADDYCHOP 11.18.2022 LP + EP RELEASES Crypto Business by Juicy J x Lex Luger x Trap-A-Holics Cost Of Living by Philmore Green x Apollo Brown Buffalo Rapchaz by DJ Mercilless x Asun Eastwood Tortured In the Name of Gods Unconditional Love by Vinnie Paz Book of David by Dave East x DJ Drama Long Run, Vol. 3 by Vado Beyond Belief by 38 Spesh x Harry Fraud Neutral Milc Motel by Milc x Televangel I Don’t Give a Fuck About This Rap Shit, Imma Just Drop Until I Don’t Feel Like It Anymore by $ilkmoney Velvet Hammer by Sibbs Roc x Saipher Soze x Finn Easy Mathematics 2 by E Mozzy True To Self by Osbe Chill x Python P x Dough Networkz Burnished Sums by YUNGMORPHEUS Feed Tha Streets 3 by Roddy Ricch No Luv by Enchanting PRE5L by Key Glock Bawskee 5 by Comethazine NADAWORLD 2 by Deetranada My Beautiful Dark Wave Fantasy by Hus Kingpin GOD IS LOVE by Pro Dillinger Vagabond EP by Noveliss Jupiter's Diary: 7 Day Theory by Rod Wave The Single Life by Saweetie DAWGZDONTCAP by O Dawg x Thunderous Caption Emotional Gangsta by Omeretta The Great IMPACT by Vic Spencer In Trap We Trust by Cootie It Was Me by DeAngelo Wilson Supremium by Koan Kenpachi Woes On Wax by Kiran The Nomad Bla$ta.Fa.My by Bla$ta Vicky 3 by Low the Great Glitch Mentality 2022 by Sledgren x Gerald Walker The Family by BROCKHAMPTON ENDLESS by evrymeN The American Dream 3 by Kiamo Ray & Jay by Louie Ray x YN Jay Screen Gems 2 by CA$ABLANCA The Haz by Johaz Mixed Emotions by CallMeKidd Nobody Bigger by Dougie B Respect The Come Up by Meekz Euphonyus by Phony Ppl softCORE by Foushee Thin Ice on the Cake by Cautious Clay S2ML by Kaash Paige When the Credits Roll by Caleb Colossus bugging! by brakence Another large release week as we move through this 4th quarter. A couple expected releases but also quite a few unexpected from: Lil' Flip to G.T. to Tony Shhnow, Quadry, Wil$on, YeloHill, Katori Walker, Skinny T and others. Be sure to check out a name or two that may be unfamiliar to you - Cilo, Buddha, Gary Junior, Reggie Rare, Highway, Rucci or any. As always if you appreciate and would like to further support how we highlight underground and independent artists feel free to contribute via CashApp (all proceeds go towards site upkeep and putting upcoming issues in print.) 11.11.22 RELEASES: The Fuse Is Lit by Busta Rhymes King’s Disease III by Nas x Hit-Boy U.Z.I. by Planet Asia x Snowgoons Fondren Flip by Lil’ Flip Three’s Company by Thees Handz (Murs, The Grouch, Reverie) UNDERDAWGZ by Rucci x Killa Cam Money Counter Music, Vol. 2: Born In It by G.T. What Had Happened Was… by DRAM Anyways, Life's Great... by GloRilla It Was Once My World by Quadry Angels Wear Black by demahjiae LOS by Cilo No Sleep 4 Hustlers by Jimmy Waters Sad Street Raps (Remastered) by Wil$on Plug Motivation by Tony Shhnow TANTRA by Yung Bleu Spirit Roaming by AKAI SOLO What They Hittin 4 by Jay Worthy x DJ Muggs WESTLAND 2 by YeloHill x Rich Espy Note To Self by Katori Walker SHOW FACE by Gary Junior I AM WHO I AM by Johnny Cocoa American Pyscho by Zaia vol. ii by OSHUN Still Champion by Homeboy Sandman Always With U by Bad Colours TRUNK MUSIC EP by ICYTWAT S.B.I. by KEY! x El Jubo Still Alive by Still Will PRESEASON by Buddha Birds Eye View by Paidro Classic Military Minded by Cam Gotti Darth Sueder 7: Rogues Gallery by Aj Suede JUCO by Reggie Rare Shit Talker 4 by Skinny T x Philthy Rich Sauce PWA by Rich Fetti x Sauce Walka I Didn’t Mean To Haunt You by Quadeca Pink Heartz by SoFaygo The Transition by Illogic Drill Season by Baby Drill Fake Love by Lil Chimey Gangsta Grillz: God Save The Rave by David Sabastian x DJ Drama Livin Like That by Highway Ape Into Space by Keith Ape Where The Shooters Be by SleazyWorld Go Pendleton by FBG Goat Born To Be Free by GMK The first releases of November 2022 and it looks like a pretty unique line-up. From OGs like Killah Priest and 9th Wonder to the late Slim 400 to Derez De'Shon to Huey Briss to 2Mex to Jucee Froot to R.A.P. Ferreira, Yhung T.O., Bishop Nehru, to some new names like HXNDRX, Onaje Jordan and Notorious King & many more — if you missed recent release from the last week of October/Halloween you can find them below. As always if you enjoy what we provide, the work and love we put into this feel free to contribute via CashApp (all proceeds go towards site upkeep and getting upcoming issues in print.) Have a safe weekend & support an artist or two! RECENTLY PUBLISHED: Tenured by C Plus — words by Flynt Nixon Fair Exchange No Robbery by Nicholas Craven x Boldy James — words by Xlo Results Take Time by Symba x DJ Drama — words by Flynt Nixon New Money by Baby Money — words by Xlo STUNNA by P-Lo — words by Flynt Nixon RUFFS by Kenny Mason — words by Xlo Diamonds In My Cartiers. by Oba Rowland — words by Emm Jay True Story by Mac J — words by Jameka CROWN VIEWS 001: A Visual Playlist — curation + words by Jameka INNERVIEW 017: WHYSOSIRIUS? w/ Ron Obasi — by Jameka Black Vladimir by Meyhem Lauren x Daringer — words by Monk 11.04.2022 LP + EP RELEASES: Mr. Universe by Killah Priest x Jordan River Banks Zion VII by 9th Wonder Hol'Upppp 4Eva by Slim 400 Wishing Out Loud by Huey Briss Arm Leg Leg Arm Head Raz Fresco x Eric Right Instrumentals Issue 2 by IM’PERETIV Bigger Than Me by Derez De'Shon Ghostwriting Songs For God by 2Mex Soloman’s Temple by HXNDRX African Medallions by Onaje Jordan x DNTE MEAL TICKET EP by Promise x Sekwence It's All There by Big Sad 1900 Then Spring (Side A) by Kweku Collins Down In The Valley (Mixtape) by Jucee Froot Chulo by Bishop Nehru No Confusion by Ezra Collective 5 To The Eye With Stars by R.A.P. Ferreira Her Loss by Drake x 21 Savage SMITHEREENS by Joji I'd Rather Keep It To Myself EP by Bobby Sessions Mr. Ten08 by Boldy James x Futurewave Smoke Detector by Rich Jones x Iceberg Theory KINGMOSTWANTED by Notorious King Dio. by Chuuwee Heavy Is The Head by Lil Poppa RATHER RICH THAN FAMOUS by Yhung T.O. Chruch Clothes 4 by Lecrae Nobody’s Happy All The Time by SonReal Pillmatic by Gully TV x PA. Dre EVERY FRIDAY EP by Tokyo Cigar x August Fanon Power Deluxe Edition by Creasy A LOT of releases from the week. As an independent publication and platform any shares and acknowledgement go a long way! If you also enjoy what we're doing at CROWNTHEM and want to see what else we have in store feel free to donate via CashApp. Any proceeds will go directly to site upkeep and funding to get the upcoming issues in print. HALLOWEEN RELEASES: FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD DEMIGOD by Black Achilles x DJ Basta Son of the City by MAC Phipps Halloween Havoc by Spoda Green Eyed Monstar by G4 Vita Criminale by Maze Overlay Give Em Heaven by Bear1Boss x KEY! Heinous by G Fam Black Peso Did by Peso Peso The Awakening by Santana Fox That Was Just A Freestyle by Pat Ron Tune Up EP by Le$ Who Sent You by Rufus Sims Outside Lookin' In by Aaron May left4dead2 by BIGMUTHA NIGHTMARE ON DA FIFTH by DUSTY LOCANE Sweetie Got Stylez by Backwood Sweetie x Furious Stylez MALfeasance by Malcolm Eppz Happy Halloween 5 by CEO Trayle OLYMPUS by Nate Jayeyay GRIMEY LUXURY by Premo The Great ANATHEMA MARANATHA by Kheyzine x Silent Snipers GLASS by jdreams Nightmare in B-Minor by Frukwan aka Gatekeeper (Gravediggaz) That's Not My Skeleton by skelbeats Nightmares Are Dreams Too by Ferris Blusa 10.28.2022 RELEASES: Cuz I Felt Like It Again by Smoke DZA Gorillaween 4 by Sheek Louch Thees Handz by MURS x Reverie x The Grouch Yodfather by Your Old Droog From Seed To $ale by Berner G Rage by Taylor Gang Marlowe 3 by Marlowe The Last Remnants by Che Noir Memphis Massacre 3 by Duke Deuce Luv 4 Rent by Smino Rona 6: No Stoppin Sense by Bhramabull On Dogz by BoriRock x Michaelangelo Preaching In Havana by Fatboi Shariff x noface Room 109 by Kipp Stone Deutsche Marks III by Willie The Kid x V DON Clan Way 3 by BlueBucksClan The Greatest Truth by Ketchy The Great BLACKOUT by Money Man The Villain by K Shiday Like A G by Steph G METAL GEAR SOLID by Big Kahuna OG x Gray Matter Bryce Savoy III by Bryce Savoy Mr. October by Coach Tev Ten Piece by Clyde Shankle Sorry Geezy by Gary Junior Fuck Ur Beats by Skip The Kid & Friends Knowledge Born by Killy Shoot x Onaje Jordan Provisions by JAEFRMJERZ Working Title For The Album Secret Wars by Cities Aviv S.O.S. by Eli Sostre The Conjuring: Revamped by INDIGO PHOENYX x P.A. Dre SHMURDAGOTCASH by Bobby Shmurda x lougotcash SvengaliI by Cakes Da Killa Kutthroat Bill: Vol. 1 by Kodak Black HWH10 by W$G 386 Landlord by Raw Youngin Rent Due by LandLord Lo Quail Lane Baby by Dee Watkins Closer Than 2 Hands At Midnight by Yacothadon #1 Draft Pick by SipTee Isolation by Kenneth Brother Fashionably Late by 7ason Margiela Club Godfather by Bandmanrill Supreme Tape by Richie Wes Didn't Realize It by Overlord Scooch

Since signing with QC, one of Detroit street rap's rising stars, Baby Money has been featured in Billboard and across the nation making rounds as one of the chosen new stars in the industry. His latest project, New Money is largely produced by one of the most iconic architects of the “Detroit sound'' being imitated in today's hip-hop landscape; Helluva alongside Antt Beatz and others creating the signature “horror movie minor-keyed melody but make it bounce” sound that has been a staple here for decades. The keys are frightening, the bass is heavy and Baby Money sounds like a grizzled and hungry vet over the project's 16 tracks. There’s the expected shit-talk and baller raps but Baby Money brings a brash wittiness and humor that doesn't overstay its welcome (unlike some of his more viral peers) to the tracks. If we playing cops and robbers, imma be the robber If we playing pharmacy imma be the doctor Put a bird on your head, you won't see the chopper I keep my 9 in each state, Andre Iguodala Standout records are the Antt Beatz Produced and Jeezy assisted “All Hustle," No Mask” produced by OG Dynasty, and the Ojay’s-sampled “Double Cross” produced by Helluva. If you’re already a fan of the sound, you know what to expect but the polish and charisma here really makes this project shine if you're looking for those familiar tempos and street rap content. words by Xlo Released: September 23, 2022

From Sway In The Morning, to L.A. Leakers, all the way to Funkmaster Flex we haven’t seen an artist blazing studios with freestyles this consistently since the mixtape era in the early 2000’s. That golden era feeling is in the air and one of the few artists we have to thank for that is the Bay Area’s own…. Symba! After years on the grind locally, doors closing left and right, deals that didn’t materialize, he’s now in the national spotlight with all intentions on showing the world that Results Take Time. You know the saying, you only get one chance at a first impression? Well, that’s even more true when it comes to a debut album. The project that can finish you before you start or put you on the path to GOAT status. Symba has done the latter. Results Take Time plays like a biopic, sharing stories from the very beginning and the journey that landed him in the position he’s in today. “Overnight,” “Never Change,” “Sacrifices,” “Find A Way,” the tracklist reads like chapters in an autobiography. Symba left nothing for the imagination as he told his story in his own words over production that adds to the overall cinematic feel. With assistance from the likes of Roddy Ricch, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz the project feels like a major label debut. Blood, sweat, tears, and time are the only ingredients that can result in an album like this. Witty lines about being turned down by radio program directors, label A&Rs, all to stick to his guns and end up where they’d never thought he’d be. All this from rapping his real life without a gimmick! Results Take Time is the perfect middle-ground between hardcore lyric lovers and club anthem bottle poppers. An album everybody can enjoy that comes from an authentic place and an extremely talented individual. RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Only the real remember the ToothPick Clique, the semi official collective of Midwest and West Coast musicians which included: The Cool Kids, Pac Div, and some at the time lesser known but now massive talents including Cardo, the legend Sheefy MC Fly, and Boldy James. Way back in the blog era (2010 or so) when all the parties in and around Wayne State were the place to be when you weren’t taking a trip to East Lansing that weekend, TAUT(The Air Up There,) Iron Street, the Untitled Bottega days and Red Cup Sessions… Boldy James was already a local hero and became an internet blog sensation from his collabs. Shortly after his ascension with T.P.C. he signed with Nas, and had a debut album produced entirely by The Alchemist. A decade later Boldy is one of the most prolific artists in America, standing on par with other members of Griselda in terms of both skill and output. He’s held his own with some of the best of this generation from Freddie Gibbs to Big Sean, over everything from Alchemist, to Exile and Don Cannon has been over some of the best. His latest effort with the seemingly unstoppable Nicholas Craven is proof that quality equals longevity in the art of Hip-hop. Fair Exchange No Robbery is a concise and effective 35 minute addition to one of the most acclaimed catalogs in rap at this point. With only one feature, Boldly and Craven completed the recording of this album in just a matter of days, some of which was recorded with the now infamous paper towel mic stand. Sample chops and drum breaks rule the minimalist production, Craven is becoming one of the artists in conversation with Alchemist and Madlib when it comes to finding obscure forgotten records and using them to create a mood with just 4 bars. I'm glad to say I could not immediately identify ANY of the samples used on this album on my first 3 listens. But one cannot survive on loops alone. I hope to hear more interesting song structures and arrangements from Craven in the future, especially with Boldy who historically shines over challenging and varied production, as evident on his Manger on McNichols project with Sterling Toles (although that album had a CONSIDERABLY much longer incubation period.) A gritty and unpolished display of lyricism is what we have come to expect from Boldy, and he delivers as usual. What separates him from his peers like Roc Marciano, Mayhem Lauren and the like is the pervasive grittiness and bitter emotive moments in the tales he casually weaves. Having grown up in one of the most wild hoods of the west side of Detroit, losing friends and family to the life, no matter how fly or luxurious it sounds, there is always a solemn/sobering element especially on tracks like “Straight & Tall" and "Power Nap.” Grim and stark lyrics like: Catching pops at the Valero, I was selling dope Big can, barrel look like the back of a telescope Weather the storm, had the shivers, damaging my liver Had to plow through the snowstorm, now my neck a blizzard - Boldy James, Straight & Tall His baritone, (some might say monotone) and laid-back delivery meshes well with the sparse sample-driven soundscapes Craven crafts. Neither Boldy nor Craven misses a beat or overstays their welcome. Though each track is 3 plus minutes, it is broken up with conversations and instrumental changes interspersed. This album is for the fans and is a welcome addition to the library of a legend. words by Xlo RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Hands down one of the best lyricists you’ll hear coming out of California, (and I wouldn’t be far out to say America,) is Sacramento’s very own C Plus. His new album Tenured is sure to convince any new listener of his God given skillset and remind anyone that might have forgotten. Hailing from the rarely mentioned Natomas area of the city, this hometown staple is ready to expand his range in every sense of the word. 16 tracks, 47 minutes, and infinite bars combine to make one of the region's best rap albums to date. You ain’t got the Will to be Legend like I am, he spits on "C Where U @?," a reference to Will Smith's, I Am Legend (2007). Bars like these are embedded all throughout the project making it hard to choose which line to quote. After over a decade in the game, hinted in the song title "Tenured (tenyear’d)," C Plus has not become complacent one bit. As he toys with beat selections, flow patterns, and concepts he comes through as rejuvenated on this release. As if he’s found a new motivation and that spirit shines through track after track. With minimal features (5 out of the 16 songs,) he really uses Tenured to showcase himself, his thought process, as well as update us on things he’s been through over the years. Hitting all the expected checkpoints of a great album, flow, lyrics, story, emotion, beats, etc. Tenured is an album with an extremely valuable replay value! With the current Renaissance in Northern California lyricism headed by Symba, LaRussell, Rexx Life Raj, Grand Nationxl and others, this couldn’t have come at a better time. The climate is ripe for rap and if C Plus can’t do anything he can rap! He can also cook apparently so make sure you book him to cater and enjoy his album catered to the most sophisticated of palates! RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

As with everything this idea will evolve and do what it do. As an avid music video viewer I wanted to shine some light on music videos from the 1st & 2nd Q. Some of these videos are fun, give further context to the artists work or artist themselves, conceptually intriguing, purely abstract thought, a favorite song from a project or an intro to an artist, etc. Various reasons, various views. CROWN VIEWS 001. 80 videos. From Seattle to Portland to The Bay down to LA over to Arizona across to Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, New York, Jersey, DMV & other places in the tuck. It's a playlist for now but 1 day this will be a channel. Shout out to the independent, the underground and the crews that helped bring these music videos to life. Below are the 12 videos and artists featured in the graphic. “Ruby // Sinclair” by LOS My Love Is Crack, (2020) Produced by Terron Clark Directed & shot by: QNTM “Soufside” by Klassic Kell The Klassic Tape, Vol. 1, (2021) Song produced by: Micah Weston Directed by Jacob Rink & YFP “Fake Hustle” by Westside Webb Caught In The Webb, (2022) Produced by: Westside Webb & Cypress Moreno Directed by: Lucero “Soufflé” by Coach Tev Talk To Him Nicely, (2022) Directed & edited by Nicely Done 2nd AC Song prod. Kilo / mixed. Donny Domino / mastered by OZ / & more credits in link. “Sucio” by MuddyManTony The Muddprint 4, (2022) Produced by: Studio 448 “Forever Oakland” ft. BruhFromLastNight, G Maly & by Bryce Savoy King Diamond, (2021) Shot By: @mooneymedia Prod. By: @feezydisabangah “Bodega" by Cheeno Ghee To Whomever It Concerns, (2020) Directed by Cheeno Ghee, Halv, and Ify Driver Produced by GCE Tha Label, Season Film, & An Ify Production Music Produced by Jayson & engineered by Chris West “Can’t Stop Shit” by Chelsea Pastel Pastelevision, (2021) Filmed by: Just Chaz Produced by Chelsea Pastel & Boca Beats Mixed by: Chelsea Pastel “Lemon Water” by Yani Mo single, (2022) Written & performed by Yani Mo Directed by Tengo Song produced by: Dijon Stylez & Slimm Leary Mixed/mastered by: H3nry “VILLELIKEMOOKIE” by Ron Obasi single, (2022) Directed, produced, and edited by HALV Song produced by: Reaux Marquez Mixed by: MixedByCole “Stagnant” (ft. Lukah) by PreauXX Malcom 2XX’s Presents: God Don’t Like Ugly, (2022) Directed, shot & edited by: 35Miles Produced C maJor Starring PreauXX & Lukah “Defrost” by ihateyouALX single, (2022) Directed by: Gage Garza Animations: Cj Conde & Malik Marble Produced by: Shawn Mclurkin / Song produced by: Buckley & Kwamé FULL TRACKLIST: “Bananas” by DaBoii “Table For 3” ft. Ransom & 38 Spesh by Che Noir from Food For Thought “Coke Numbers” by Jay Fade “Function” by Swooty Mac from Sunday Morning “Carry On” by Jody Joe from Jody Ca$h “Who Do You Call?” ft. Pell by Kr3wcial from Less Than Three “Thoughts become paintings” by Rahiem Supreme from Dogon Sirius “Money” by UFO Fev x DJ J Hart from E Pluribus Unum “Red Clay” by Rosebudd x STN from Parables of the Soil “Play Ball” by Sham1016 “Backyard Parties In The Ville” by O Dawg from Luka Vandross “H-Town (Remix)” ft. Z-Ro & Sauce Walka by Propain “Focus” by Jynx716 from Careful What You Wish For “Flashy” by Thuderous Knight from No Call No Show “Never Left” by N01SES from Count Your Blessings “Dead Poets Society” by Jxylen from PROJECT MAYHEM “W.L. NFT (D.O.C.’s Gospel)” by Mani Draper from Communion “Bodega” by Cheeno Ghee from To Whomever It Concerns “Intro” by Osbe Chill from Soul Rap 2 “Figure It Out” ft. Bub Styles by Def Soulja from Militant Minded “Act Like That” ft. Amirahle by Kay Anthony from Color Therapy “No Recognition” by Aaron May from No Recognition “Adapt” by Laxx P “Factually Spoken” by Young Jr. from Born Again “Sanotori” by 3WaySlim from Golden Child “Off Top Freestyle” by 7xvethegenius “No Exposing” by Asian Doll from Let’s Do A Drill “To Be Grateful” ft. Zacchae’us Paul by donSMITH from In Loving Memory “Ginface” by Len-E from Say No More “Ghetto Diva” by Chyna Streetz from The Hour Glass EP “G-Wagon”ft. Bando. & P$O Kwama by Jahn Dough from The Garden Project “Big Le$ter” ft. Bo Bundy by Le$ from E30 “Him” ft. Dom Kennedy by Jayson Cash from Read The Room “What It’s Like” by Joose “watugondo?” by Jameel Na’im X from Caravaggio Is Alive “Deep” by Elcamino from Let There Be Light “Spook By The Door” by Deniro Farrar from Spook By The Door “Flamingos” by Pricy from 9:19pm “A 3 G” ft. Partier Ca$h & Mr. Hendrixxx by Skatey P “Nah FR” ft. Tae 10k by Jaywop "Don't You See" by KIIIA “Palm Trees” by Cilo “Counting Paper” by Banco “Play Too Much” ft. Cash Kidd by Kamaiyah from Divine Timing “Chez Vous” ft. Chase N Cashe & Hil Holla by Avenue from BROWNSTONES 2 "Billynar" by Sincere Hunte from SO FAR SO GOOD “Play My Song” by Da$h x SONNYJIM from BETWEEN THE LINES “Pesos” ft. Peso Peso by Big Jade “Ride” by Namir Blade “Slow Me Down” by Dudadamthang from Sharon Son “Dopamine” by Roy Rutto “40 ACRES” by ANKLEJOHN “Save Yourself” by Rexx Life Raj from The Blue Hour “’83 El Camino” by AJ Snow & Jansport J from NO AWARDS FOR THE REAL “In Flight” by CRIMEAPPLE x DJ Skizz from Breakfast in Hradec “living off the land” by Huey Briss “2 Seater” ft. Aphiniti by Nuke Franklin “RULEZRMNT2BREAK [S.D.E.]” by KAMEO “Tuesday Even Tho It’s Not Tuesday” by Donta Thomas x Bocha from Neck of the Woods “Fiyuh Starter” by Trav Hen from INTUITIVE NIGGUH “WORLDWIDE” by Abe Lix x Tully C. from The World Famous La Familia Forever “What If?” ft. RJmrLA by Rucci from El Perro 2 “Got Off (1 Shot Performance)” by Simeroni from Sucka Free “On Gawd” by Nezi Momodu from The Pound “I Can’t Lose” by RIPXL from LUXURY Peace, love & Hip Hop.

Oba’s back rapping y’all. Fresh off the heels of his March ‘22 release I Need My B*tch Back, Detroit’s own Westside Legend OBA ROWLAND dropped a new project this month. Diamonds in My Cartiers. gets back to Rowland’s basics: melodic hooks, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bars and competitive guest appearances. We got a sneak peak to a few tracks and let’s just say, if you were a fan of Northland, then you will not be disappointed. Tracks like the very soulful “Avenue of Fashion” (possibly just the working title, but fitting nonetheless.) is an ode to the historic Detroit Livernois Ave, particularly between 8 Mile to 6 Mile. It feels like a Saturday afternoon with Rowland singing the hook along with a unison of ladies: “fast cars/ fly clothes/ bad h*es”. Previously released single, “Big Tymer” samples 40 Water’s “Sprinkle Me”. He gives a call back to his infamous “my b*tch got double D’s” bar, with his laxed yet hard hitting cadence. And it wouldn’t be a true Oba project without a spiritually inclined track, “Word of Faith” where he humbly belts out “pray for me /pray for me / pray for me.” Diamonds in My Cartiers. is sure to become another one of Oba’s hood classics. With timeless street ballads, features riddled throughout (Boldy James, Skilla Baby, Cash Kidd, Drego and others,) and memorable catchphrase bars the wait was definitely not wasted.

WHYSOSIRIUS? Is a personal testament for every test that was sent to Ron Obasi. The mixtape reverberates as a compilation of epiphanies and manifestations expressed through a philosophical poetry with a free jazz frequency. Although his sentiments and expressions derived from present-day experiences and reflections it’s fair to say that those same expressions and sentiments have been endured as rights to ancient traditions. The interview below is an inner view of Ron Obasi’s craft, artistic process and paradigms that aided in the creation of his latest work, WHYSOSIRIUS? As the conversation has many thoughtful, knowledgeable and fun moments the overall theme seems to rely heavily upon elevation and alignment. To take heed of your mission at hand and the energy and guidance the Universe grants you each day. To be grateful for your cards and the gifts bestowed in them. This one is for the spiritually minded and guided. Jameka: Do you feel like being out in Dallas has changed your creative process or anything like that? Ron Obasi: Mane, yes. That’s really the crazy part. It’s changed really how I channel a bunch of things. Creative processes, inspiration, like all of it. It didn’t come with just movin’ here. As a grown ass man this is like the first home. This is the first thing I’ve been a part of that’s like my family unit, you know. My daughter, my lady, you know what I mean. That’s beautiful shit. Man, crazy right. So, naturally all that shit came with parts of yourself dying and parts of yourself growin’ and shit. Naturally, that affected the creative process. And it’s crazy because I sent you the album and you heard it and everything and once I was gettin’ situated in Dallas I didn’t feel connected to the album no more. And that’s really where it really started. I thought that would be my next thing to build around and all type of shit. I didn’t feel connected to nothing as far as writing or anything like that. It was like two and half months of shit like that bro and it was because I was just transforming my whole perspective on what it really was. It wasn’t just a momentary thing it was the whole thing. Enabling the whole, being a scribe, letting the music be what it is. I was just really caught up in the opportunities I had gotten. The music had brought me to the opportunities. A lot of new shit was goin’ on, partnerships and all that shit or whatever. Kind of got caught up in what that race was. It wasn’t fulfilling. I was just really thinking about switching it, you know what I mean. Just letting it all be what it is. You know, when you sent me WHYSOSIRIUS? at first I thought you were sending the mastered version of CASHVILLE ALIEN B.C. So, I listened to it and I’m thinkin’ to myself, “I don’t think any of the tracks are the same on here.” I thought you just changed the name and shit. And then, I was like, “ahh nah, this is a completely different project.” It feels like a precursor to CASHVILLE ALIEN B.C. Like I said before over text you can feel your freedom in it. That’s why I had to ask if it changed your creative process out there because it’s like - I don’t know, tell me if I’m wrong tho. Many people can perceive you as like this very serious person just because intention is important to you. So, you’re making sure everything is intentional which can be perceived as serious or stoic. It’s interesting you have that play on it (SIRIUS/SERIOUS) and the play towards the star but it’s also like you letting go of that and breaking through those perceptions... and really just allowing yourself create. It sets it right up to go into CASHVILLE ALIEN B.C. There’s different kind of grooves on there. It’s you but it’s still a little more different. More expansive. And I don’t know, you said the Creator done moved shit around for you and it only makes sense that They did. You know, this is why I’m glad that we really really havin’ this conversation. I tried to make that as transparent as possible. You know, that I’m really blessed and the Creator gave me that and to have that right of passage myself. Those were moments of realization of coming into myself. Why I grasped so much onto what my message is and what my intention was or what my mission is. Or even what I perceive of myself. At first it kind of just started as just observant about how it could come off but even where it comes from. I was really diggin’. This uncomfortableness or whatever that I was kinda goin’ through was definitely internal for the most part. Before the parts died, you know, had to identify where they came from and where you have to develop. Like I said, the music was kinda just givin’ it all up. Once I started writing the songs or whatever it wasn’t all easiness like you can hear the depths in there in some of the songs. You know, I feel like I haven’t been diggin’ deep enough. I had lost the connection to CASHVILLE ALIEN and everything else creative. I don’t know if “personal” is the word because I don’t know how much of that is really a representation of the growth or how important it is to grow. What’s really important? What’s my values? It just felt like a crossroad. WHYSOSIRIUS? I can see why you feel like it was a precursor because it felt like that for me. That’s why I’m glad we’re talkin’ about it. The music is one thing man but just havin’ a conversation all out but being able to say it, you know, was kinda where a nigga was gettin’ stuck at. So, what was your consumption, your intake while creating this? You know, what were you reading, watching, hearing? A little bit of a lot of stuff. I’ve always been a stargazer, you know what I mean. Like, I’ve always been someone that likes to look up. More so recently, I’ve kinda just had an inclination of like rather than just lookin’ up I wanted to know what I was lookin’ at. So, that kinda led me to the history of how we’ve always been attached to them. I mean we because our people - for as long as writtens have been written they have always been talkin’ bout the stars. They’ve always been talkin’ bout the sky. And then just knowing what Sirius is and how our Sirius is the center of our Sun. A lot of the time people don’t know that. But also, there’s a spiritual aspect once you know it and you dive in deep to it. What’s my connectivity to it? Why do I keep findin’ this information? Why does it keep poppin’ up in my face? As that was happenin’ I wasn’t really readin’ a lot I’m not gonna hold ya. I was listenin’ to a lot of Roy Ayers. I was listenin’ to a lot of Jazzgroupiez. Oh, something that was very very inspirational through it - you seen the Summer of Soul documentary? Nah, but you’re the second person recently that told me to watch that. Man… man, and it’s so crazy because it came out last summer and me and my lady sat down and watched it. It was very much inspiration, you know, they were very intentional with what they did that summer and the people that watched it they definitely get what was goin’ on. A lot of those songs I had just kept spinnin’. I was listenin’ to The 5th Dimension, Nina Simone. I was listenin’ to Sly & The Family Stone after watchin’, you feel me. Just really seein’ where these people head was and that was another thing that kinda dawned on me about what my intention or what my art is and this whole journey of embracing what a scribe is. Because again, like you said, people can listen to my shit and they can hear me speak and they know I’m intentional. But it was also embracing and letting go that like and havin’ to remember nothin’ is new under the Sun. I didn’t create these messages, I didn’t create these energies. In this lifetime I’m a channel just like they were. Embrace it but also, you know, have fun with it and really lettin’ it flow like in my veins or whatever. That’s really what I was doin’ I had watched Summer of Soul and was listenin’ to a lot of older older older cats. There’s obviously music you can find in it’s purest form nowadays or whatever there wasn’t so much to compare to what I was listenin’ to and it was really helpin’ for sure. You know, I had re-read a couple stuff too. I had re-read Warrior of The Light by Paulo Coelho, that really really helped. Just was kinda flowin’ through the process man. Even without all those things man I feel like this writing process came more so from once I was less resistant to what created it, you know what I mean, my Gods and then it really started flowin’ and it started pourin’ out. [Laughs,] man me and Coleman were in there for two 8 hour days once I came back. Two 8 hour days. What?! Y’all, always on some wild shit. [Laughs shared] There was a moment like this the last time we spoke too. [Laughs,] that’s what we were talkin’ about too. We had a cool ass laugh about it because this process that’s goin’ on, this breakthrough isn’t new for us. SUN Tapes happened the same way. Like I said, just making WHYSOSIRIUS? Even Notes on a Scale II happened like that too - it was a whole big ass 12 hour recording and mixing/mastering session. And that’s literally what we did and again, shoutout to Coleman. At first I was just tellin’ him, ‘bro, this is on my heart, this is what I wanna do,’ and I was like no ties to it because at this point I’m very very aware of what my situation is. I am in a situation where I have a partner and we’re good partners and with Virgin Music my shit can get on Vevo and all of this stuff or whatever. And that shit is great but it’s so crazy because I’m really realizing that that shit don’t matter. It was affecting all the other creative processes. So, once we had a break I was just like, ‘Coleman, I’mma do a mixtape man and I just wanna be able to drop this on SoundCloud, Audiomack and the people that really wanna hear what I got to say they’ll go find it, they’ll go look for it. They will have no problem with clickin’ on these free apps and goin’ to go hear this shit. Then once Coleman started mixing that shit and I’m like, ‘bro, you don’t have to go crazy on them,’ [laughs,] bro he fell in love with it as if it was his own songs. He just started goin’ crazy so that’s how that shit came out. That shit wild. It’s wild every time. That’s what I was gonna ask - why you made it a mixtape but that makes sense. You did a similar thing with FREE THINKERS and WARRIOR SPIRITS - does it feel better to you when you release them like that? You know, it’s crazy - it does. And I try not to make it a compare and contrast situation from when I’m droppin’ a single and video or whatever but it has. I think it’s only because it’s served as a mirror for me. Like, why has it felt so different? It’s been internal battles. Through this whole process it’s been reassessing the value, the intention and what this gift is really for. It should be less about, (it’s not to talk crazy about artist process or what our culture is now) ...instead of sittin’ down to think about a rollout, sittin’ down and thinkin’ bout a video to shoot or so much other shit that kinda goes through an artist’s or creative mind once they have the resources to do all that shit. Pen it, voice it and be a scribe, you know what I mean. Let the stories tell itself. Let the energies carry itself. I said very very loosely that I was inspired by how we grew up on Wayne and all them droppin’ the mixtapes but I can’t say that that was the intention was but then at the same time not everybody has access and that’s the shit that was goin’ through my mind. Every time I’ve done that like you said droppin’ the shit over SoundCloud or Audiomack it’s always felt better because I always felt like the people that are goin’ to listen to that there’s no promotional dollars behind. I said the rollout to the music of WHYSOSIRIUS? was the music. Just like, ‘hey, I’m droppin’ a mixtape today,’ you know, if you fuck with me then this shit is definitely for you. It’s self fulfilling and that’s what I mean by feeling better. There’s been other times where music has dropped and it felt good but fulfilling is just a different thing. All those moments fosho felt fulfilling. And just being able to have freedom to drop shit whenever you want to. Yeah, man, and it’s crazy because there are ways I tried to explain it to myself but I really can’t because it’s like the way that algorithms and then having to submit music 4 weeks before it actually comes out, pick a date and all that shit. All that shit has really served as a mirror to me because that is okay but it wasn’t okay because for a brief moment I felt that my values and my intention had really taken a backseat to that. I just started havin’ a whole aversion from all this and started feeling like all of it was fucked. I just had to take a step back. You know, I had started the top of the year droppin’ like that. I was just like I didn’t feel like I wanted to submit or ask nobody to speak to the people. To speak to my people. You know what I mean? That shit is silly to me. So, gettin’ off that way and even droppin’ the mixtape now - no matter what people say you always learn that people silently still go by the structures of everything. No matter what people tell you. They can tell you about freedom, they can tell you all type of things but people silently go by structures and a lot of us don’t want to acknowledge it or we can’t see. Even with WHYSOSIRIUS? was my way of sayin’ again, FUCK THE STRUCTURE. FUCK ALL THE STRUCTURES. I don’t have to continuously do it the way anybody expects me, you know. I don’t want nobody or myself to get used to abiding by anything except for spiritual insight, inspiration, letting the gift do what it do and keep goin’ - that’s what I have trust in. That’s what I’m supposed to develop trust in. Rather than everything else. That’s what I’ve learned through this whole process. That’s where a lot of the inspiration is coming from bruh. Really just allowing the transformation to happen again. You know, once again. At this point, whatever the representation is or perspective is, I’m okay with it. That was another thing too. I’m okay with the stoic, the seriousness or whatever and it was like I don’t even wanna battle that or change that. But what I did want to change was that you can’t be like that with yourself ‘cause then the gift don’t flow. And I mean the gift don’t come naturally, the message don’t come naturally, the feeling don’t come naturally. That type shit and it’s so crazy bro because the title of the mixtape came 2 days before it came out. How did you come up with it? I was sitting on the couch with my lady and I was readin’ more of the excerpts from this guy… like an elderly African brother his name is Credo. Someone can correct me on that but there’s probably an accent or whatever. It’s kinda crazy because a lot of other artists kinda stuck him inside their music or whatever more so a lot of African artists from African roots - but, the brother has a lot of powerful messages. Anyway, I was listenin’ to him talk and [at this point I’m already aware of what the Sirius star is and that we have a whole tribe of people called Dog Star people who found the star in the sky way before any Western civilization… scientists say they found it and named it Sirius. You know, they were already aware of a 2nd Sun out there that affects this planet.] It all just bridged right there on the couch with my lady. I was gonna name the mixtape, Only On Earth for a Sec. And that was inspiration from the UFO track on CASHVILLE ALIEN B.C. Again, like you said - that’s why it’s crazy that you said it felt like a precursor… because the intention of it was. It wasn’t like I wasn’t trying not to connect the two or make a bridge. That’s what the title, Only On Earth for a Sec would say - but - WHYSOSIRIUS? popped in my mind and I asked my lady and she was like, “yeah, WHYSOSIRIUS?” [Laughs.] I love the play on words even like you said, the title and an expression of having fun for sure. Yeah, and it’s like - it’s so interesting because through your titles you tellin’ a narrative thru them alone. I had to map it back out. We can even just go to S.U.N. Tapes and what that project was about and then movin’ back into FREE THINKERS and WARRIOR SPIRITS and what that was about, you know. Now, WHYSOSIRIUS? - we literally went from the Sun, to Sirius and then when CASHVILLE ALIEN B.C. come out that’s really tellin’ the story. Yo, we here but we part of somethin’ else out there too. Our Source, you know what I’m sayin’? Just thru those titles and then people listen to the music and hear the themes from project to project. The synchronicity is cool and alluring (to me,) I’m an intellectual tho. That type of shit is interesting. [Laughs.] Just embracing that part because I was ready to take a step back from that because I started havin’ questions within myself. Am I forcing the synchronicity or is it really there for me to channel? You know what I mean. I can stand on what I say and what I put in the music. Obviously, there’s versions of my own interpretation but standin’ on exactly what I’m sayin’ and what I’m connected to… why it goes so deep, why we go so deep and why you can’t have no fear to speak on that kind of shit. But it’s like I had my questions; am I forcin’ the timeline to be what it is? I had that moment of like tracin’ back to where I began to be open to the story being told. Or when the synchronicity began - even down to Notes on a Scale or even down to those titles. You know, I’m not just sayin’ shit in that title. The title itself was where I was and where I was comin’ into the realization and where my epiphany was comin’ from. It just really feel like your ancestors tellin’ you to trace some shit, for real. And the process of you havin’ to trace that shit to just understand if you are forcing it or I don’t feel like that’s what it is at all. I feel like that’s an honest question to ask yourself but I don’t know I’m not you. It’s like you said, you’ve acknowledged that you’re a scribe for all these different energies and people that are tryin’ to talk thru you. It only seems right that your light would attract somethin’ that would propel your journey like this. And it’s like, man, the most beautiful part of it like you said of what my Ancestors and Guides have given me is the reassurance that is not just my voice or my ego. All of those things are important. This conversation itself is important. So, in Dallas - I had an oracle readin’ here. It was not planned you know what I mean. Shit, so crazy. I’m with my lady or whatever and it’s so funny because I had on this Ne-Yo shirt that day [laughs.] And you know it’s someone who is very near and dear to her and they’re a very respected oracle here in Dallas. 100s, 1000s of people have seen her for her oracle reading for guidance. That day it just happened to be in the path and at this point I’m relishing in the whole journey aspect and I do need direction. I’ve prayed for it at this point. I was havin’ like hectic ass dreams and the whole reading was about helpin’ me with that. In the reading, in the pullings and in all the confirmation all of it doubled down on me bein’ a scribe. All of it doubled down on me tryin’ to achieve balance in this life. All of it doubled down on havin’ to answer the call from my Ancestors, bro. Just speak their stories. To speak my stories and to connect it all back. You know, I said that on, “U, ME & EARTH,” the oracle told me I was a scribe. You know, ever since then it’s been like, okay, now that you’ve had that confirmation you really can’t play with it. It’s like that once you know somethin’; once you aware you can’t play dumb to it anymore. For the cause and effect come back tenfold. Whether it’s a fruit you for workin’ it or it’s a crazy karma from misusing the gift. All of that happened in the same big ass moment, all of it. All of it happened where there was clarity and what I had to say at this point, what it is I had to connect back to. I just feel blessed to be one of those many people who get to link it all back. I feel like a lot of people or a lot of us if they haven’t gained awareness then we’re workin’ towards what this prophesied time really is. What types of times we’re really standin’ in right now and how important it is - to tell these stories, to tell our stories and link those back past the mundane shit. Take the falsehoods that is really here and really really break them into pieces. It’s crazy because SUN Tapes can happen and all music in between ‘n all of shit but still in my mind and my heart knew I lacked the confidence to bare that torch. No matter what an outsider perspective is, you know what I mean. But now, now the freedom comes ‘cause it’s like now you’ve ran the lap, now it’s experience, now you really are open to the channel. And it’s not just lettin’ it come to me. I had to really really change a lot of my own internal, mental and physical behaviors to tap into it more frequently. To really act on it more frequently. I was well supported around. I was gettin’ all the love that I really needed and understandin’ and shit and all that. And it just came how it came. WHYSOSIRIUS?, I can really say on wax - it’s the most fulfilling moment of it all because it’s not just a representation it’s a man really turnin’ a corner in his life. In his personal life, in his eternal life at 28 years old and turnin’ 29 this year, whatever. Elders, men elders, woman elders they’ll tell you this is a prime turnin’ point, this is a crazy turnin’ point. Whether you’re into other teachings, astrology - all of it - say this is a major turnin’ point. It’s all learnin’ and encapsulating all that that is. I can feel it. Like I said, you let loose. You even got a track on there, “HOMESICK” where you singing lightly. [Laughs,] yeah. That shit was cool tho. That’s what put me in the mind state of when I first told you it sounded like a free jazz. It was really you using your instruments however you wanted and doin’ it in ways that was unsuspecting at moments too and “HOMESICK” was definitely one of those. Yeah, “HOMESICK” is, I really really love that song. You know, when you write it - I’m at home I’m singin’ and all of that shit and then goin’ to record it, it worked. It was an affirmation of the creative process, [laughs,] it’s a beautiful tune man. Wrote that shit 3AM just lookin’ up at the stars, like homesick. We here and I love it especially once you embrace Earth, it’s cool. The experience can be beautiful. But just lookin’ up out there as long as I’ve been lookin’ up since I was a kid I always had a homesick feelin’. You know, connected to somethin’ out there. You know, you don’t always want to speak for everyone so I’ll say - I know I’m connected. I know somethin’ has always spoke to me from out there. You know, even down to the CASHVILLE ALIEN titles. Yeah, some type of ultimate belonging out there. Our ancestors called them primordial waters. It’s crazy, it’s crazy man. But yeah, “HOMESICK” is a tight tune and I’m glad I did that shit. Once it flowed thru it also let me know that the freeness is the confidence. The fun is the confidence, you know, tryin’ somethin’ new. I gotta say too it’s beautiful hearin’ you’re in love man. I loved hearin’ that you had a couple moments in CASHVILLE ALIEN B.C. where you’re mentioning her and y’alls connection. You know, there’s a couple moments in WHYSOSIRIUS? It’s a beautiful thing to hear and to hear that your love is flourishing. It is man, it really is. Honestly, it’s so crazy because everybody says nothin’ is a coincidence and all that shit and not even to be cliché. But, the relationship in itself really really has been so much a part of this spiritual growth and for both of us. Being able to take it and bring it to the music is somethin’ totally different. It’s so crazy because - I wouldn’t say it was easy but I got used to tellin’ the underdog story. I got used to the overcomin’ story. Playin’ with the wordplay and braggadocious and all that. And all the relationships and relationship experiences up to this point served what they served but this is really ordained. To even talk about it out loud. When I talk about the love I share with this woman I’m not talkin’ bout somethin’ that - it’s really from a understanding of my higher self to understand what it is we really share. There really is an energy between us that’s beautiful and I’m grateful that I can translate it into music. I can put it in the tunes and again it’s an affirmation that it is different. People can talk about a lot of the things that they share but you know, turnin’ it into art or translation or being transparent with it is something totally different. Completely. Yeah, completely different. You know, just bein’ able to do that and get her blessing. I am talkin’ about us. I’m talkin about her. But yeah, just bein’ able to really have that there. I probably said enough words to really say what I was sayin’ but the love in itself is also a part of the opening, a part of the journey and help me with less resistance and all that other shit. The love doesn’t keep flourishing or not even just with her but the love for my daughter and the love that they share with each other. It’s been really enlightening and an epiphany in itself. The art itself is a feeling because I’m not tellin’ the story that I had to or forced to. Right. And I never had to. I don’t think I’ve ever been that with my art. I always gotta be completely honest. WHYSOSIRIUS? doesn’t feel like a prophecy of some sort. It was really a reflection of what the hell I got goin’ on. Right now. Yeah, it very much felt present. [Laughs,] that’s the word for it. It was very very present. Literally for both meanings. You also had some new features on this one. New artists I haven’t heard of like - SHOWMESTATE, he a DJ? Yeah, that’s the homie. He’s a couple other people DJ but he’s a part of the $upreme Radicalz team. He’s my DJ for sure. Okay, and then was it Nise, the Nymph? Nise, the Nymph, shoutout to her. Hey man, I’m very high on her as a person and an artist - she got a crazy aura. She knows what it is she wants outta this shit. She’s 19, from Kentucky and she just tryin’ to find her way in everything or whatever. Is it cool to get a backstory on that? Hell yeah. So, we put together the very first Supreme Radicalz show and we booked our first show and she had to come all the way from Kentucky. The show didn't happen because right before there was a crazy storm that we had been watchin' all day. Ohhh, it was that day. It was that day. The show was outside and it just ruined everything. It was an L, it was really an L. It was hard, you know, because niggas move with intention and it was like that happened and it was like it was back to the drawin’ board. Anyway, she had came from Kentucky and I was like damn we don’t wanna just let the night go to waste. I called Coleman or whatever and asked Coleman because he was gonna come to the show. Change of plans, pivot or whatever. Just tryna get to studio and record somethin’ and Nise is here. Shoutout to bro because he was like, “yeah.” We get to the studio and SHOWMESTATE started playin’ beats. Well, Coleman was playin’ beats and SHOWMESTATE also make beats - he produced that beat. He made the beat man and me and Nise just went crazy on that. I love that song and I’m glad that song was one of the songs that made WHYSOSIRIUS? You know, because from my own backstory I know that that was somethin’ that was channeled from an L. You know, took a moment of disparity and ended up turnin’ out really really cool. Even just to talk about more of the features man, DEMO. He goin’ crazy, I’m really really high on those 2 artists, you know. They move diligently in what they do. Their confidence is very very inspiring to me and they younger than me. DEMO is 24 years old, type shit. I’m glad it was those 2 that were features fosho. And then you had Jack. Yeah, Jack was the vocals that was on “555.” Ohhh, okay, that make more sense now. He made that beat and he just sampled his own vocals. He just looped his own vocals. Ohh man… Yeah, Jack is crazy because he made, “MIDAS TOUCH” too. What? Yeah bruh, he’s crazy. Mannn... you got these wild ass white boys on these beats. [Laughs,] bro, it’s so crazy because comin’ into it really really knowin’ them it has broken even a lot of my preconceived conceptions - the Soul don’t got no face man. That’s beautiful and nah it don’t. Those 2 brothers specifically and even talkin’ about this transparently it ain’t like niggas ain’t ever met nice white people. Nah, they for sure out there. Nah, for real. Facts, but those 2 brothers are really different. They’re really selfless and they thank me for opportunities. But I’m like, bro, there is no opportunity for me if y’all don’t do what y’all do. There is none of it bro. Man, Jack made “MIDAS TOUCH” and I watched him make that from scratch. This nigga did the drums, he did the bass, he’s ridiculous - there’s no sample flip in that. That is him. That’s all him. That’s why it sounds so funky because it’s all him. [Laughs,] and then he took “555,” he had laid some vocals (I didn’t get to see him make that beat.) He can sing too, he writes his own music and he laid the vocals and flipped that shit. I really wrote “555” in the passenger seat drivin’ thru Dallas. That’s pretty beautiful though that Hip Hop and music are able to change our perceptions of shit sometimes. Nah, for real. That’s another thing to double down on with any frequency that we put out. Any frequency that we’ve created. Music has always had the ability to heal, spread the message, reflective of times and share our story. Niggas can’t tip toe around that anymore and we also gotta be open to the other people we come in contact with throughout this whole shit or whatever. I mean our people, our tribe. Really learnin’ that that has no face. It’s just been a beautiful thing to really create more with those 2. They just really get the shit on a Soul level so there are no barriers on the other shit that surrounds what’s goin’ on. We don’t duck and dodge the shit that goes on in the world. Everything we do that’s on the Soul level and everything we do with the music… it’s really tight. That’s so beautiful. Shoutout to them dudes. I don’t know, sometimes that feels like the reason we do what we do. The soul connection, genuine soul connections and the lessons that come with that shit. You can really miss ‘em bro, you can really miss ‘em if you’re wrapped up in your own shit, like I was. I said that the day I dropped the mixtape that I really had been wrapped up in my own fucking world and battling my own ego of what I think the world should be. Or what I think my world should be like. It’s an everyday thing. With creating WHYSOSIRIUS? what was your favorite moment of the mixtape? You know, the best moment I had with recording it of anything of any song - of the whole project was, “OHHHOWLOVELY.” I love that one. If I could have that on video, if I could’ve kept that moment and how exciting it was for me to hear it back. Or even writing that track. Coleman made the beat and him flippin’ that sample or whatever and to just what the sample is saying. About the stars and God watchin’ us - all of it. Really, what I said on that record really stated a lot of shit of where I was. It was so self reflective. You know, we talked about it at the beginning of the conversation and what the “perception” was or what one of the perceptions. Vibes make up for shit that I couldn’t say / time make up for shit that I shouldn’t say. You know, I let people know that whatever your perception of me is, enjoy that. For real, because I really feel like if it was the other way around I don’t think you’d be able to handle. I’m not sayin’ that nobody doesn’t have their weight. The channeling, the scribe, the tellin’ stories that are a million years old - I think it would break a lot of people mentally. It would break a lot of people spiritually. I think a lot of people they (I don’t want to say awarded,) but I like to say they have baby souls here. Like, they’re new to Earth’s truths and a lot of the truths that are here they still haven’t tapped into it. Like, everything is still mundane to them. It’s still structure to them. You know, and in the songs me really really expressing I’ve never had that luxury like even from a fuckin’ kid. I never got the smoke in mirror - I’ve always seen straight thru. I’ve always had premonitions. I’ve always had these deep dreams. I’ve always had the weight of havin’ to be the shaman in my community, in my family. Takin’ negative energies and then breakin’ them, you know, I’ve always had that. Anybody’s perception is fine to have but you can’t really amount to or know just how much has been to me and for me. I say all that to say, “OHHHOWLOVELY” and “U, ME & EARTH” are my favorites. They are so personal to me and so out-pouring. No matter what the vibe is no matter what the Sun gives they are sayin’ very fuckin’ clearly what I have realized. “U, ME & EARTH” is just me usin’ my weapon to turn around; I used to want the houses on the hill, realizing all my desires and shit was all rooted in bullshit, for real for real. None of that shit is real and I know what’s real now. Yeah, you did a hell of a job on this project Ron. Music is always so interesting to me because clearly this mixtape is a pivotal moment. It serves as a pivotal moment as it represents the present for you right now. As a listener and as a supporter of your artistry a lot of those things that you were grappling with about ego but the mixtape felt like being able to find gratefulness as well. Being grateful for you cards. Absolutely. And you know, I was goin’ thru some things, some growth for real and this project really got me like, “oh shit, I’m not the only one goin’ thru these things.” I’m not the only one carrying all these different types of weights and lights from all my different types of lineages. It’s a beautiful moment when it’s personal but findin’ the universal in the personal as well. Everytime bro, everytime. I wanna thank you for putting it out. I really appreciate it man. The listener aspect, the supportive aspect but more so I’m always knowin’ that like if you hear what I’m sayin’ and you hear what I’m talkin’ about and relate to that - it’s always a reverence. Shit, is not easy. It’s not, and it’s not meant to be but I do feel like we should find more of the gratefulness. And we should find more of us relating in that aspect. When we think it’s just us wrapped up in our own world and then we do put it out there and we find out there’s someone on that same frequency. Somebody with those same realizations. That part is priceless. I was researching the Sirius star after you put this out, you know - they were sayin’ that that star is the reason there be mid-summer droughts. Yeah, its aligned with the Sun right now. Yeaaah, I thought that shit was real fuckin’ interesting. We just got some rain today. It’s crazy because this alignment is part of a prophecy. A lot of people are talkin’ about it at a very cliché and surface level but this summer is not a 1of1. This summer solstice is a pivotal turning point; for weather, for our frequencies, mental levels. It’s alignment in all aspects. In ALL aspects bro. Really really in all aspects. The Universe and it’s creation and the Creator and it’s creation. Alignment and synchronicity it was always there. It’s so crazy, because even in the understanding of what we’re talking about with the Sirius star. I don’t want people to... even what we do when we speak on these things - it’s not to tell people to give more or less of a reverence to what they do have their beliefs in. It’s really a reverence, we give so much reverence that’s based off the lack of knowing, that’s the thing. Or that we think that the Sun is the only Sun that’s heating us and giving energy. Or that it’s the only star in the sky. We should have a basic understanding on the Solar level of what the science of it really really is. There’s no way that you think that you think that Sun is the only thing giving us light or feeding us or feeding this planet. There’s a million stars up and out there everyday - so, if our star is operating like that then every star out there is operating. Every star out there. That was also the intention. Like what you said somethings are meant to be channeled thru the frequency. That shit say more. Obviously, I’m rappin’ on the shit or whatever, I’m sayin’ shit but the frequency is comin’ thru different. It’s hittin’ the cells different. I want people to be like, what is Sirius? What is that? Yeah, not just some Harry Potter shit or some Batman [laughs.] [Laughs,] Nah, for real because that’s what they take and that’s what they do… they play with it. They make it cliché. Exactly, man - I remember some years back Joey Bada$$ done said some shit like, “the internet is the new history” or somethin’ like that. That shit be annoying because I’ll go to Google some shit. For example, when I went to research Sirius star the shit that popped up was Batman and Harry Potter. I had to go thru like 2 pages - whereas, that should be the #1 thing that pops up. Facts. Like you said, they play with important shit and make it surface level. They play with it. But once you, you know, that’s where you take accountability and responsibility of discovery and goin’ deeper. Meeting the knowledge with the desire to want know it. Meeting the power with the desire to want to know it. As far as translation and putin’ this shit in basic english and to be talkin’ to people that shit ain’t always clear, cut and dry like that. I feel like we all, (whatever our instrument is and how we tell our stories,) I feel like it’s imperative… well, I can’t speak for everybody but it’s been imperative for me to put it in there. It’s not everyday that I get to sit down and tell somebody, “hey man, the Sirius star is out there aligned with the Sun. It’s very important that you get out there and get some Sun right now - if you’re us. It’s an evolution goin’ on. There’s DNA evolution goin’ on right now… so you need that.” You know, muthafuckas look at you not like you’re crazy…but that. I don’t understand why a majority of the masses has a lack of understanding in that. No matter how much the masses like to portray like they know what’s goin’ on right now. It’s so crazy though - to me, if somebody comes up to me with a real serious tone that’s on an ancestral/indigenous type plane of language, you know… I’mma stop and listen to that shit. That’s a Divine message whether I wanna hear the shit or not. Absolutely, [laughs,] that’s where the pricelessness or the ancestral or presence of the warrior reveals itself because not everyone is supposed to hear it. It ain’t supposed to be for everybody. I had to come into that realization with my heart as well. How do you even know you’re tellin’ the story for the people right now? Sometimes that realization - that shit can make you feel lonely. For real, because I’m not separated from, “bro, I want as many people in the world to hear this shit. Right. Now,” because my intention is to help, tell my story and have fun and all that shit. As I’m goin’ around this summer listenin’ to Roy Ayres, Roy Ayres is not aware of me at least personally. He didn’t know Ron was goin’ to be drivin’ thru Dallas at some of his lowest points playin’ Roy Ayres, you know what I mean, gettin’ the medicine that he needs. So, just havin’ that realization with the art, with the message and with things that I want - just be a channel bro. It really is okay, there’s force and there’s flow. You know, just flow with it. Force and flow… and sometimes finesse. [Laughs,] that’s cold, I need that on a t-shirt. Force, flow and sometimes finesse - that’s true though. Like I said, I appreciate, you know, more than the outline or what the conversation is, where we goin’ or what we doin’ - I distinctly remember from the S.U.N. Tapes conversation you’re really 1 of them 1’s in a rare fashion that understands what I’m sayin’. People interpret it and I hear any words that people put on it but this is different because it’s conversational. Even in the conversation there’s an understanding in real time… like work being put in that’s goin’ to serve for the now and the forever. There’s and individual understanding like you said as an example of somebody that would come up to you and be like, “yo” or start putin’ some game on you and not bein’ closed off to that. And that in itself makes a difference between the shit that I say and how somebody interprets it. It’s easy to say this shit is good, my nigga. You know, thank you, it’s easy to say that. It’s easy to say, “you can rap nigga.” But did you feel the shit tho? Did you hear where I was at? Did it make you figure out what the fuck I was talkin’ about? ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF RON OBASI

Black Vladimir is the latest project from Mayhem Lauren. Lately the Queens native's projects have been collaborations which feature a single producer like DJ Muggs, Buckwild, or Harry Fraud handling the entire project. In 2017, he was ahead of the curve in recognizing the rising talent coming outta Buffalo, NY and featured Benny The Butcher and Conway The Machine on his DJ Muggs produced Gems From The Equinox album. A few more years, and a few features later, it only makes sense, and feels organic to have Griselda's own Daringer construct Black Vladimir. This is a perfect match and the chemistry is apparent immediately as Meyhem Lauren does his thing over a diverse wall of sound provided by Daringer. The beats knock and touch on moods and tones we haven't heard yet in Daringer's other works, he's got tricks up his sleeve. The imagination behind some of these rhythms is amazing. Meanwhile Meyhem Lauren might be doing some of his career's best rhyming on Black Vladimir. His style is direct, boastful, vivid with imagery, and witty. On "Nigerian Vegetables" he raps: "Your lighting fixtures ain't fly enough It ain't your fault your fucking ceilings ain't high enough You gotta step up, try and play catch up Black v neck with some jewels, (I) won't even dress up" Yup I did look up at my ceiling, which is actually high but my chandelier that came with the place is trash, and had like 8 seconds of existential crisis. There's an Only Built for Cuban Linx level of flyness and drive in Meyhem Lauren's style. He raps about the hustle, the dangers of the streets, and enjoys the finer things. What I've always found interesting is that he doesn't come across as a bully, he's more like a classy, seasoned street gentleman, giving you tough love, while trying to motivate you by example. Meyhem Lauren brings a few friends along, and it's a true treat to listen to him trade bars with Action Bronson, Elcamino, Flee Lord, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, and Hologram. I'm not sure what the meaning is behind the title Black Vladimir, but you might need one of them big Russian hats when you listen, because this album is one of Meyhem Lauren's coldest!