From the heart: Blog

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What a project! Through and through full of heavy verses, heavenly sample chops and consistent sound selection! A great listen for anyone who loves underground Hip-Hop, Soul and lyricism out of this world! Solid 8.2/10! 

Trillstatik...a staple of not only Texas Hip-Hop, but also in my own personal journey as an artist. So much of this project has impacted me at times where giving up seemed like the only option I had, but the message of this album spoke to me when I needed to hear it. The first of now 4 collaborative albums, to me, stands alone as one of Statik Selektah's best works of art. There's not many albums that can encompass so much emotion and game as this and it will be a forever classic and favorite.

From the sample choice to the lyrical content to the overall message, this album is truly a HIP-HOP album. As I listened today, it dawned on me that there's so many different ways to make a great album. It doesn't have to sit in any specific pocket or style, you can literally do whatever you want and as long as you step up to the plate and go crazy, you'll have something great at the end of the day. Really enjoyed hearing this project in it's entirety.

When this album came out, I was 15 and was instantly drawn to it. The cohesion of RnB and Trap drums was something mystical to me and definitely holds a special place as a top album of influence over the years. As I listened to it today, with the added tracks, lots of memories flooded back to my mind and I felt like it was the first time hearing it again. This one will always hit the spot.

I remember the first time I heard this project, it was my Senior Skip Day on 4/20/2018...the stars could not have aligned more perfectly. Even then, KOD was fresh, new and such a deviation from Cole's prior production that made this work in particular so great. As I listened to it today, I found myself remembering back then, how and where I wanted to be in life and can honestly say I've embodied many of the themes set by this project and am actively living those currently. Such a powerful album!

Definitely a top song for me this year. Not only because of the message, but because apparently this song will be apart of Murs' last album. I feel very late to the party, but when I tell you that this guy has made an impact in my life both musically and inspirationally, it mads me a little sad knowing he's nearing the end of his career. Very blessed I was able to experience his music and lyricism at a time when I needed it and excited to hear what he has in store on this album! 

I'll say that this song is special. Not only to me, but to many. It's a song that has impacted the way I think about fear of failure. When I needed to hear the truth, I could always come to this song and some lyric throughout it would speak to me. Nipsey was a special artist and I'm grateful he was able to inspire so many to seize the day and break free from any struggle we might face in life. Truly a generational artist.

Had this one on repeat the last few days. Until a few months ago, I didn't know either of these artists and at this point, I've listened to a majority of their discographies, specifically Samara Cyn's. She reminds me a lot of St. Louis artist, Smino, when it comes to melodic capabilities, sound selection and enunciation. I'm excited to see where both these artists go in the future and all the energy they'll bring to the Hip-Hop genre.

I love this feeling! Nas brings the energy with this track. 

I remember when this album came out, I was on a huge Billy Paul kick and when I heard the sample, I knew it was gonna be a hit. Plus, with Nas' pivot to a more positive lane of embodying a successful and fulfilling mindset in life, it speaks on multiple levels and gives insight for anyone searching to glow up. Forever a favorite.

The universe is a wild place to be living in. I was feeling pretty burnt out on listening to my usual playlist and go-to artists, so I decided to run it back and listen to some old Logic albums I hadn't touched in years. Logic has been a pretty big influence in my artistry whether I like to admit it or not, but I remember memorizing Young Jesus lyrics and spitting them out loud in my room, this album being released the same day I return to those old tracks...was just meant to be, synchronicity.

I've gotta be honest, I missed this one. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this album...I even have it on vinyl...and I'm just now realizing how great this final piece to the puzzle is. I truly love this project because of its rawness and deviation from Denzel's regular production style that is usually so high energy and grungy. Definitely my all time favorite album of his and I hope with time, I can continue to love it more, cause I'm still picking up gems from it, years later.

I grew up listening to Atmosphere, but didn't know it was really Atmosphere, I just connected with it. My second cousin was a videographer who created a small-scale ski & snowboard video and used a lot of their songs in that film, I remember that being my first exposure as I've listened back to their discography over the years, hearing familiar tunes and samples. This specific track just came to me when I needed it and it really just made me feel something. Great listen through and through.

As I've gotten older, I've found a special place in my heart for soft sounds, the wind blowing in an empty canyon, the rush of a river echoing in the distance and even the bright chirps of birds on a brisk morning. The natural essence of the life-force that surrounds us on a daily basis can be so fulfilling when given the proper attention. Somedays, it's nice to just BE...