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Beyond The Turntables | The Fleet DJs Documentary

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Fleet DJs

THE FLEET DJs are one of the largest DJ coalitions in the world. In the realm of Hip-Hop they recognized their position in the genre’s existance and held it down both nationally and internationally for years. This week the coalition released Beyond The Turntables|The Fleet DJs Documentary to the masses which chronicles their rise, demise and rebirth into the entertainment industry.

WHO ARE THEY?

Fleet DJs

A coalition of over 600 and counting, Fleet is a makeup of DJs, industry tastemakers, producers, models, bloggers and artists. This dynamic group is the top DJ coalition in the world, producing mixtapes that feature both major and independent artists. Fleet is well documented for for not only changing the industry, but the members that make up their amazing team.

Fleet also has numerous subdivisions that include athletics, health and publishing. Magazines such as Straight Official Magazine and The Fleet Mag introduce readers to engaging content and emerging artists.

With all the success that Fleet has achieved over the years, you would think there’s a story behind it all. Now there is.

Fleet DJs Straight Official Magazine

WHERE TO WATCH

Beyond The Turntables|The Fleet DJs Documentary is available to watch on Tubi across all streaming platforms. Check out the official trailer down below!

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture!

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Da Foundation Talk Live, Suffer & Celebrate

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Da Foundation

Da Foundation are laying it down on how they live, suffer and celebrate. On the heels of their latest release, they sat down with Straight Official’s own @djspins to give us the lowdown on how this thing all came together.

Q&A WITH DA FOUNDATION

How did you come up with your stage name?


The name Da Foundation came to us just in a casual conversation in the mist of us discussing just self discipline, morals and the foundation of what we stand on and where we come from while embracing where we going.

Please tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?


We were born in East Orange, NJ but we are base in North Carolina and this is where the movement started. How it started was just freestyling and the thought of “what if” we got serious with this. From there it went from a thought and an action.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?


The inspiration comes from life. We get inspired from each other. We are actually brothers, we have always encouraged each other. The memories of our childhood and past experiences that shaped and mood us for good. To be great, is inspiring.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

How would you describe your sound?


Thought and imagination coupled with real life endeavors, set with future goals to move forward. Our unique sound of Hip-Hop can be edgy and push the limits. At the same time encouraging our listeners to think and also inspire the grind, accept the gritty struggle with the will to make it out.

What is your creative process like?


The creative process is a bit unorthodox. You would think we write together but, thats typically not the case. We write separately and go with the best concept to the music. A lot of the times we are on the same frequency which helps the process. We know what type of music and message to want to present to our audience.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?


Artist like J.Cole, Griselda whom seem to be on the same wave as us in a Hip-Hop space are artist we can see ourselves working with. Not to limit ourselves and what we can do artist like Kodak Black and such whom may have a very unique sound, is a space we can put ourselves in as well. We’re always looking to put the pen to the test.

Da Foundation

SHIFTING GEARS

If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?


It’s not so much about the artist but the audience. People who appreciate lyrics and Hip-Hop. Sometimes we just want you to listen to what we’re saying. We understand people want to be entertained at the same time so, we incorporate that in our performances.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Just to have an open mind about things. The world is vast. We don’t all believe in the same thing. Thats what makes our music edgy. We just hope to make our perspective clear.

What is the most useless talent you have?

You never understand your value until you appreciate your creatively. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses, move forward off what you believe your strengths are. No talent is useless when it is used accordingly.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?


One passion we both share is sports. So giving back to the youth and building character through sports is a space we can see ourselves in. We’ve coached a special group of kids just recently in 2022 to a youth championship and won. That process and journey was something we enjoyed.

NEW MUSIC ALERT!

Tell us about your latest release.

Live…Suffer…Celebrate… is a unique body of work. We put a lot of thought and time into it. It is edgy and fun to listen to. We fill its for all ages, we don’t focus on a specific age group when creating music. We all have the same access to it. So we stay in a space we love with no limitations.

What’s next for you? Where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

Touring and bigger platforms. As this point, we’re only trying to go big. Whatever space that put us in we’ll decide where we want to go from there. But take a look at the group category and take a look at Da Foundation. We like our chances.

What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?


Facebook: Da Foundation IG: @alleyway2broadway are the two main social media
platforms to see what we’re doing. Official Website alleyway2broadway.com as well.
Contact: BroadwayEntertainmentNews@gmail.com
http://www.alleyway2broadway.com

#GetSOM via @djspins

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Journalist Bae | FSU College Football Diss @TrubLyfe

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Let me tell you something, bae. The 2023 football season is not over yet honey, it’s only getting MORE HEATED. Artist, Trub Lyfe included! But for this Tallahassee, Florida team, there’s forever smoke for not being included in the biggest game of college football of the year – despite being undefeated. I mean, the good thing is they still get to go to their state game, but who cares at this point! At least that’s how this FSU fan feels. Did he do this Tupac beat justice? I’m just saying he read it from top to bottom.

Florida State University (FSU) finished the U.S. college football season with a 13-0 winning record, but they were left disappointed after they failed to make the 2023 playoff. Their last two wins came without their star quarterback, Jordan Travis, who got a broken leg in the home game against North Alabama (November 18 of this year). The four (4) playoff slots are not determined solely by record, but decided by a committee of (thirteen)13 members.

Everybody and they mama is involved in this Trub Lyfe video though! I mean it. Check it out right here on Straight Official Magazine, period.

#GetSOM via @mochathemack

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Journalist Bae | Christmas Music “4 The Culture”

On behalf on Straight Official Magazine, we want to wish you all a very happy holiday season. I’ve seen more than a few complaints that this time of year just doesn’t feel the same. Well, congrats! You’ve unlocked the next level of life, it’s your turn to make it feel like something. Now I can’t organize your gathering, but what I can do is give you a soundtrack of Christmas music for the culture. Choose wisely.

1. Home for the Holidays (Vol. 1 & 2) – Love Renaissance

These black people really sat in the studio and made their own versions of ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ’12 Days of Christmas’. Go find this EP right now – I can’t make this up! Featuring DRAM, Summer Walker, 6lack, and more…

2. Christmas on Death Row – Death Row Records

I love Christmas so this was the perfect rabbit hole for me to fall down. If Love Renaissance (LVRN) wasn’t enough, we have a compilation from Death Row Records and it’s the vibe you never knew you needed.

3. Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama – Chance The Rapper + Jeremih

I just want to say that EVERYBODY’S SO CREATIVE! They just don’t make regular Christmas songs anymore. If you really want to turn up for the holidays – take this trip to Chi-town. You ever heard Jingle Bells like this?

4. A Wonderful Christmas With Ashanti – Ashanti

This is y’all girl, right? Enough Said. At least she’s singing classic Christmas music…

5. Miss Patti’s Christmas – Patti LaBelle

Let’s wrap this up! I hope this thread brought you as much joy as it brought me. To top it off, we have a collection from Patti LaBelle. I had to give you something you can definitely play for the aunties. We’re going all across the spectrum here.

Okay, wait – honorable mention… Have you all heard “All I Want For Christmas” by Dej Loaf & Kodak Black? That’s enough. I’m not about to play anymore.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! #GetSOM via @MochaTheMack

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Straight Official Sit Downs: Andre Pitre

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ANDRE PITRE is the next contestant on this week’s edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. Our own @klassikceo served up the questions and you can check out their one-on-one down below. For more emerging artists across the land, click here for more issues of Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH ANDRE PITRE

What is your Name? where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

My name is Andre Pitre and I am from Beaumont, TX.  My dad would play music in the house all of the time.  So, we listened to Gospel before church on Sundays, and R&B the rest of the time. God put this in my heart and I just always knew I wanted to perform.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

LIFE! Life inspires me to create. I was born to do this!  I love how music touches, motivates, and moves us.

How would you describe your sound?

I would say my sound is a little bit of old school combined with new school. It is soulful, passionate, and inspires hope.

 THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

My creative process is definitely spontaneous. It is a reflection of things I have gone through. I have experienced alot in my life. I write as a creative outlet. My music tells a story.  The words transform into images. I can see, feel, and visualize things so clearly.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Beyoncé, Jay Z, Drake, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, Missy Elliott, and Jazmine Sullivan, to name a few.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Never give up on your Dreams.

Know your worth don’t take any BS from anyone!

Andre Pitre on the best advice he’s received

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

Most people don’t know how witty I am, and how much I enjoy laughing. I definitely can be a comedian at times. Several of my friends are in comedy and I have so much respect for them.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

I am a triple threat – Singer, Actor, Director. Music is my first love and that’s why I created Tri-Wen Music Group. If I wasn’t doing music, I would be directing and acting.  Charnele Brown, (aka Kimberly Reese from A Different World), is a phenomenal Actor, Writer, Producer.  She is my Co-Founder and business partner in Tri-Wen Productions.  

Together we created and wrote THE BLACK MAN, a powerful play about mental health awareness in Black and brown communities, highlighting the Black man’s experience and normalizing conversations around therapy. 

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I like old-school artist, like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass. They had their own style and performed with so much passion.

IN CONCLUSION

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Allow Artists to have more creative freedom. The industry needs to have more transparency, honesty, and integrity.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

I see myself performing all around the world and allowing people to be inspired by my music. I want to be a change agent and have tremendous impact internationally.

What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you? 

IG : @andrepitre13

FB:  Andre Pitre

Email: BookingAndrePitre@gmail.com

#GetSOM via @klassikceo

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Unique Speaks: Make Sure You Pick UP What You Put Down

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Stay Away

Make Sure you pick up the goals you put down! Reevaluate what you enforce! Stay away from people who don’t appreciate ALL the little things you do… like spending money you really don’t have, paying for food you’re not eating, and even giving rides to places you don’t need to go! Do you get my drift? Like me, a perfect example, I offer good intentioned prayers, words of encouragement, boost up your confidence, and I even listen to your problems & end up making them my own. Not to mention I be the first one to reach out to everybody! Am I stepping’ on anybody toes or knocking at your front door? People only care about what you can do for them, and some will even have the audacity to take your help and go help somebody else. But what behooves me is they really forget to help those who have REALLY helped them.

On The Flip Side

On the flip side, sometimes the pure in heart humans such as myself tend to do things people really didn’t ask for because that’s just who we are. Make sure you pick up the goals you put down. When we fail to respond in this manner that we deem to be appropriate, it leads to resentment. Sometimes we bite off a bit more than we can chew only because we see a need and feel as though we should be the one to meet it.

You Want More……

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind podcast experience with The Unique Experience Where Broken Crayons Still Color! Join us in our judge-free zone and safe haven, where mental health awareness is celebrated, and everyone has a voice. Our unmasked and unveiled discussions will leave you feeling empowered and uplifted. So, grab your favorite crayons and get ready to color outside the lines with our playful and captivating conversations. Don’t miss out on this unique and exciting journey towards mental wellness!

#GetSOM via @MissUniqueness

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The Love Album: Off The Grid | @Diddy

There are only 4 reasons you wouldn’t love this album: You prefer new school music, you don’t like dancing, you’re just bias, or you just never loved anybody. Now, Diddy recently received the VMA Global Icon Award, the key to New York City, and BET‘s Lifetime Achievement Award. When he says, “I thought I told you that we won’t stop,” he means it!

via StraightOfficial.com

I feel safe in white, deep down inside I’m an angel…

@Diddy

The Love Album Is A MOVIE

The album is feature-film length with 23 tracks at roughly over an hour and 20 minutes. He’s landed the love and collaboration of various jaw dropping peers including Mary J. Blige, Justin Bieber, The Wknd, & Jazmine Sullivan. In the mist of controversy – this album still takes you through a narration of finding love, being there, complicating it, and losing it. All of this is happening “off the grid” and as he says – with no phones, no distractions. The lead single on the production is “Another One of Me”. I don’t know how you could’ve missed this joint – but let’s jump into a track -by-track review.

What’s To Love About It? Let’s Review

Okay, so let’s talk about it – the tracks with an asterisk (*) indicate the ones deemed worthy of adding to your playlist. Wait no longer, Let’s do it!

1. Brought My Love (The-Dream + Herb Albert)

Starting off, we have a very funky-feel with vocals from songwriting legend Dream, followed by Diddy and Herb. A lot of these songs don’t actually feature anything but Diddy adlibs, so this was good to hear. If nothing, this is a dance record. Family reunions, two stepping with your love in the living room, cleaning the house… this is that vibe. Not too much, just enough.

*2. What’s Love (NOV WAV)

A New York feel with R&B swag. No lie, I did have to listen to this a few times to really love it, but I can’t complain. Diddy is also on this track which does give it a boost in opinion. Overall, the production – the feeling is everything.

3. Deliver Me (Busta Rhymes, Dirty Money)

If you liked the Dirty Money album then of course, this is for you, babe! Featuring your favorite Danity Kane girl(s). It’s very smooth, still maintaining that aggressive beat. The whole album is vibey. It really just depends on which Diddy era you prefer, I suppose.

4. Stay Awhile (Nija)

Another dance record that just hits. Really groovy (lol)! If you’re a Mary J. Blige fan, this might be your thing! This album almost doesn’t miss unless you just missed it.

5. Homecoming (Jozzy)

Ooooh, we have Diddy prodigy, Jozzy on the track. It’s not one of my favorites, let’s be honest. It’s pretty good though. I don’t think it’s a great representation of Jozzy but I’d have to hear that from her. This is a skip from me. Good production though. That ending is beautifuuuul too. JUST LISTEN TO IT THOUGH!!

*6. Pick Up (Diddy feat. Jacquees + Fabolous)

The song starts with Jacquee-Ee-eeeEe-eeS. “Ima give you what you need babe, if you let me take the lead baby”! I was unsure when it started but Diddy make Jacq pick up the pace and I like it. Fabolous always adds a special flair and this was nothing different.

*7. Tough Love ( Diddy feat. Swae Lee)

THIS. IS. MUSICAL. GOLD. I didn’t expect to love this song and I listened a few times to get to that point, but fiiiiireeee. The combination I never knew I needed. This track is built for a specific type of person though. Not heavy on lyrics but how the notes come together. And it just makes you think “Shame on me for how I’ve been living”…

*8. Stay Long (Summer Walker)

Personally, I’m a Summer Walker fan so I was interested to know what this would be like. But it’s short and sweet just like Summer.

9. It Belongs to You (Jozzy)

Jozzy, this was so much better. 90s/00s vibes. If Keyshia Cole started later in the years, I believe she may have sounded like this.

*10. Another One of Me (21 Savage, The Wknd, French Montana)

This was the lead single and rightfully so. The Wknd says this is his last collab so definitely love that it has to be this one. It has a slow start though. French ate his verse especially for what this is! 21 comes with his rhythm we expect… but this just feels classier. Diddy ends the song speaking so smoothly. You can’t help but feel it.

11. Intermission (Side B)

Feel free to skip unless you just meditating or something… He says here, that the frequency changes… and we get a little old-school interlude. It’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong. This album is a win to me, but people have preferences. JUST LISTEN!!! or not….

*12. Moments (Justin Bieber)

JUSTIIIIN! Babyyyy… this is the Justin you guys don’t know about. The “Notebooks” Bieber. You’ve seen in the media that he’s been paralyzed in the face but honey you cannot tell here. I instantly loved this. I always thought Bieb was a star vocalist though (again lol). Nevertheless, this will vibe you through. Minimal Diddy. Just vibes. Get in your bag, stay in your bag, he says. Let me send this to my lil brother, he needs those words. And we end with a smooth instrumental outro.

*13. Need Somebody (Jazmine Sullivan)

Jazmine Sullivan feels as expected. She starts soft but you feel the emotion. We’re used to herlower registers. JAZ’S SOPRANO REGISTER POPS OUT ALL THE WAY! She’s amazing at anything. ADD!

*14. Mind Your Business (Bosses In Love) [Kehlani/Ty Dolla Sign]

My first run through of this album, this was an immediate add! I don’t know, maybe it’s just me… Perfect blend of live and studio how I see it though. WEST COAST REPRESENT! These people are singing for their rent!! From beginning to end, if you know then you know – you’ll need this song!

15. Nasty (Interlude) [Jozzy]

I told you she’s the prodigy (Jozzy, 32, Memphis). Here’s a (nasty) interlude with Jozzy. It’s actually good though. Not too vulgar…well…

*16. Reachin’ (Coco Jones, Ty Dolla Sign)

I don’t know… I feel like Ty makes this song. Of course an interlude almost tells you what you’re getting into… so you can USE this, too. What is it about Coco, you guys!!?? Production on 700000% though. My loooooove.

*17. Stay Part 1 (Jeremih, KalanFRFR, K-Ci)

A continuation of the interlude. “Baby won’t you just staaay!” Diddy should’ve kept his input to himself. If we’re using this song for a moment, I could see it happening.

*18. I Like (Mary J. Blige)

VERY CUTE! Ms. Ma’am been popping out lately. Very classy, classic, dance around vibe, of course. It’s simple and catchy – just enough. If I can’t be with you, I don’t know what to do you’ve got my heart! Beautiful sample of herself!

*19. Closer to God (Teyana Taylor)

At this point, we’ve recently learned about the separation of Tey(T), yet she’s still taking on other creative ventures in life. She cries out in the song “Everything unspoken doesn’t need a song – I only want to be the one to get along….” Artistry at it’s finest. This was not the visual I was expecting but still above and beyond.

20. Boohoo (Jeremih)

It’s giving Beatles which I didn’t expect, but it works out for the best. I real feel good, cry if you’d like type of song, I suppose. I wonder how this song is doing on the pop charts because it certainly works for Jeremiah and the array of voices.

21. Burna Boy Interlude

Talk about singing from the soul! It’s an interlude that definitely gives you the feels and what’s next to come is nothing less than this energy. This is an “Allah” chant in a beautiful fashion, but what comes next is even more chilling…

**22. Kim Porter (Diddy, Babyface, John Legend)

This one screams, “I love you and lost you – but how could I?” Both Babyface and Legend create a melody of pure love in this song. I feel this in the deepest part of my heart. Every element of this song blends in an unimaginable way. From instruments, tempo, unique vocals, harmonies, the build of it all is passionate through and through. It also features excerpts from the late Kim Porter.

*23. Space (H.E.R)

Here we are at the end and “I’ve really enjoyed my time with you off the grid”, Diddy says before H.E.R. begins her eerie ballad. She’s the perfect woman for this. Diddy used his network and made a masterpiece….

What are your thoughts? Which tracks stood out to you?

#GetSOM via @Mochathemack

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Unique Speaks: The “Stuff” You’re Carrying

We Have the Power to Speak Over This Stuff

You have decided to take a chance on The Unique Experience, we are now family. It’s time to identify was exactly do I mean about “STUFF”. I’ve been filling my cup so that I can stay full and pour into you all, my OVERFLOW! ARE YOU READY? In case you didn’t know, you are not alone. I am here for you, and we can fight this battle better together. Everyone’s situation is different, but WE will win.

You Heard it First from Miss Unique: You’re Carrying Too Much STUFF

When we self-destruct, we hide behind so much stuff. Sometimes we have so much to worry about So. Much. STUFF. We carry so many memories that keeps us in a dark place. So. Much. STUFF. There is a lot of shame we have experienced. Too much STUFF! We constantly get blamed for things we cannot change – We carry so much stuff. Often times I find myself complaining to God yelling, ” I can’t move because there is just too much stuff!”

The Consequences of it All

Sometimes you can’t even dream because you carrying too much already. You lose the fire you once had to believe in yourself because of all that you’ve been carrying. You remember that goal you had set at one point in your life that you were so crazy about? No matter how much you think about it, you didn’t meet? Because of the stuff you carry, the load became too heavy to succeed in that. I’m talking to the one’s who are hidden under all that stuff that you’ve accumulated along this journey called life.

Amongst all that stuff, you’ve buried your mind, your heart, and your faith in the rubbish. It’s difficult to move because you’ve been devoured.

Let’s Walk Out of The Rubbish Together

Let’s remind ourselves that we hold the power over our choices in life. We have to constantly tell ourselves we can do whatever we put our minds to do. Let go of the past and live for the future. We have to realize that we go through some stuff in order to know how to help someone else get through stuff and destroy yokes. Some of the things we are carrying were never ours to begin with. Look at it this way, all of the tests we take are for our future testimonies. So, take back your power – you’ve earned it.

I Paid for Power over my life in full! Don’t judge my breakthrough if you don’t know what I’ve been through!

Miss Unique

#GetSOM via @missunique

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6 Best Unknown Rap Albums of 2022: A Year of Surprises and Evolution

In the dynamic realm of Hip-Hop, 2022 proved to be a year of unexpected twists and exciting transformations. Iconic megastars like Drake, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar made their mark with eagerly anticipated albums, though some fell short of the colossal expectations. Kanye West’s case was particularly striking, as the luminary veered into controversy and questionable choices, all while his music underwent a perplexing shift.

Yet, the essence of rap lies in its ceaseless motion, and 2022 vividly showcased the genre’s enduring wellspring of talent. A fresh generation of artists, including JID, Smino, and Mavi, soared to new heights in their careers, delivering some of the year’s most captivating releases.

Beyond the mainstream spotlight, underground stalwarts like Roc Marciano and billy woods continued to foster their expansive creative visions, fortifying rap’s independent spirit in the age of social media. Women in hip-hop, such as Megan Thee Stallion, Little Simz, Flo Milli, and Latto, continued their crusade to redefine gender dynamics within the genre. Meanwhile, global superstars like Stormzy and Central Cee made strides in gaining recognition stateside.

Amidst these shifting dynamics, certain constants remained. Nas, who has been remarkably prolific in recent years, and the consistently diligent lyricist Pusha T stood out as rap’s elder statesmen, delivering some of their most stellar work in 2022.

Yet, this merely scratches the surface of the Hip-Hop world’s vibrant tapestry in 2022.

6 Rap Albums of 2022

In the ever-evolving urban soundscape, these developments underscore the genre’s resilience, demonstrating its ability to adapt, innovate, and surprise. With a mix of established icons, rising talents, and underground visionaries, the future of hip-hop promises to be as unpredictable and exciting as ever.

Rap Album of 2022 #1: Drake and 21 Savage ‘Her Loss’

Drake has always been known for his collaborations with emerging artists, but his latest move took it to another level as he transformed his long-standing chemistry with 21 Savage into a remarkable full-length album. The Canadian superstar himself has confirmed that “Her Loss” serves as the final piece of a trilogy that began with last year’s “Certified Lover Boy” and continued with the upbeat “Honestly, Nevermind.” When you read the titles together as “I’m a certified lover boy honestly, nevermind her loss,” you begin to grasp the genius behind this ambitious project that spans three albums.

On “Her Loss,” Drake and 21 Savage position themselves for greatness as they effortlessly exchange verses and melodies over flawless instrumentals. It’s safe to say that the bars from this album will continue to find their way into Instagram captions well into the new year. The combination of their talent and chemistry has resulted in a project that’s not only conceptually brilliant but also musically satisfying, solidifying Drake’s status as a master collaborator and innovator in the hip-hop world.

Rap Album of 2022 #2: IDK ‘Simple

IDK


Rapper IDK and the highly sought-after electronic producer Kaytranada embarked on their collaboration for IDK’s EP, “Simple.,” two years before its anticipated spring release. IDK himself couldn’t have predicted the seismic impact of Black pop music on the dance floor in the year it dropped. Still, he had a personal mission in mind – to juxtapose the poignant narratives of his upbringing near a Washington, D.C. project with production that compelled listeners to move their bodies rather than just engage their minds.

When “Simple.” was unleashed, IDK expressed his desire to craft an album where people could “dance to real shit.” The EP weaves a vibrant tapestry of sound, with lively and urgent piano loops in tracks like “Dog Food” and more subdued ones in “The Code.” Through these beats, IDK delves into the gritty pursuit of power and the constant evasion of law enforcement. He’s not alone on this journey, as featured guests Denzel Curry and Mike Dimes join forces to add even more depth and texture to the EP.

“Simple.” doesn’t shy away from addressing themes of violence and disadvantage head-on, setting it apart from other releases like “Honestly, Nevermind” and “Renaissance.” In doing so, it offers a balanced and thought-provoking addition to the year’s dance music landscape, proving that IDK and Kaytranada are a formidable duo in pushing boundaries and delivering impactful storytelling through their music.

Rap Albums of 2022 #3: Rome Streetz ‘Kiss the Ring’

Rome Streetz

Rome Streetz, hailing from the gritty streets of New York, officially joined the Griselda family, it marked a well-deserved milestone in his career—a chance to expose his undeniable talent to a broader audience alongside hip-hop’s most renowned stable of raw lyricists. Fans of authentic rap were eagerly awaiting how the Midas Touch of Westside Gunn’s executive production would elevate the Rome Streetz experience, and they were far from disappointed when “Kiss the Ring” dropped.

Over a solid 16-pack of beats curated by Conductor Williams, Rome confidently stakes his claim as one of the world’s finest lyricists. Even if you might argue otherwise, it’s impossible to disregard the compelling case he presents. Right from the album’s intro, “Big Steppa,” Rome asserts his dominance and maintains a masterful level of craftsmanship throughout the entire project.

Whether the production leans toward the idyllic, as heard in tracks like “In Too Deep” or “Armed & Dangerous,” takes a sinister turn like in “Tyson Beckford,” or ventures into the brilliantly perplexing, as in “Ugly Balenciagas,” Rome effortlessly finds his rhythm and executes flawlessly. He skillfully weaves boasts, intricate wordplay, and poignant memories into his lyrical package, launching them at the listener from all angles.

Rome Streetz’s mission is clear—he aims to revive and modernize the classic ’90s New York hip-hop vibe, and on “Kiss the Ring,” he makes it look effortless. His ability to effortlessly meld traditional elements with his own unique style sets him apart as a true torchbearer of the genre, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating his next move in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.

Rap Albums of 2022 #4: Flo Milli ‘You Still Here, Ho?’

Flo Milli


When an album kicks off with a spoken-word introduction from the endlessly entertaining 2000s reality star Tiffany “New York” Pollard, you already sense you’re in for a wild ride. That captivating intro sets the stage for the remarkable solo debut of Mobile, Alabama’s very own Flo Milli—an audacious onslaught of razor-sharp lyrics that leave everyone else feeling broke and bewildered, all delivered with a confidence level that can only be described as “Very Real Housewife.”

Flo Milli’s lyrical prowess knows no bounds; she’s armed with an arsenal of insults that seem to flow endlessly. Yet, she doesn’t stop at just the bars—her infectious hooks on standout tracks like “Bed Time,” “PBC,” “No Face,” and “Conceited” will have you hitting the repeat button.

For those who caught wind of her unexpected hit “Beef FloMix” in 2019 and immediately recognized her superstar potential, “You Still Here, Ho?” is the fulfillment of that promise. Flo Milli’s debut album is a declaration that she’s here to stay and dominate the scene with her unapologetic attitude and undeniable talent.

Rap Album #5: Billy Woods ‘Aethiopes’

billy woods

Rapper billy woods, stylized as billy woods, possesses a unique ability to craft intricate missives that feel like you’re observing a medium receiving transmissions from a distant dimension. In his 2022 release, “Aethiopes,” a title drawn from the Homeric description of Black Africans, he embarks on his own epic Odyssey, connecting narrative threads with moments in history and philosophy. His delivery carries a profound resonance, akin to the subtle yet powerful force of tidal waves, and he’s aided by the eclectic and expansive sample selection curated by producer Preservation, a seasoned veteran with a past that includes serving as Yasiin Bey’s tour DJ.

Take, for instance, the track “Christine,” where Preservation’s tactile construction of the sound landscape evokes a lush cinematic atmosphere. The vinyl crackle that accompanies the slinking, dramatic guitar sample sets the stage for woods to enter the scene like an outlaw on the run. His verses, filled with vivid imagery that hits you like a rush of memories, demonstrate his comfort navigating the unfathomable depths of the unknown.

In “Aethiopes,” billy woods and Preservation embark on a journey that is both intellectually stimulating and artistically compelling. It’s an album that invites listeners to dive into its intricacies, exploring the uncharted territories of history, philosophy, and the human experience, all guided by woods’ evocative storytelling and Preservation’s masterful sonic landscapes.

Rap Album #6: Elucid ‘I Told Bessie’

ELUCID

ELUCID, styled in all caps, fearlessly defies convention and prompts us to question who established our sonic standards in the first place on his album “I Told Bessie.” This highly skilled artist from Backwoodz Studios takes a deep dive into his narrative across 14 tracks, sharing his story through thought-provoking couplets and mantras.

The ELUCID experience often feels like a sonic tempest, where concise six-word stories and profound concepts whirl around incisive couplets, such as “I’ve already closed the book of whatever/All the stories they tell us,” and the chorus of “Impasse,” where he muses, “Going through it, maybe’s like a threat/Might be, then it ain’t, if I hold my breath.” Throughout the album, listeners are compelled to delve deeper into their own psyche and question the reasons behind the conclusions we draw.

ELUCID’s lyrical prowess unfolds over a soundscape that feels caustically atmospheric and perfectly fitting. From the warped breakbeats of “Ghoulie” and “Old Magic” to the ominous tones of “Nostrand” and “Split Tongue,” the production serves as a fitting backdrop to his poetic musings.

“I Told Bessie” isn’t concerned with being easily digestible; rather, it excels in stimulating thought and challenging the status quo. ELUCID’s work is a testament to the power of music to provoke contemplation and push boundaries, inviting listeners to explore the complexities of their own perceptions and beliefs.

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Unique Speaks: Dose of Reality

The Naked Truth

Listen up, ladies and gents! It’s time for a new level of The Unique Experience. Let’s take a dose of reality together and really get into Unique Speaks. Until we start being real with ourselves and have honest conversations with ourselves, we will forever allow other people to dictate our lives, as well as our potential. Until we are true to ourselves, we will forever hide behind the masks of temporary emotions (depression), demonic battles, and lack at being who we are destined to be.

Time to Change Wardrobes

It’s time for us to wake up and live for ourselves – stop waiting on confirmation or permission from someone else to live and prosper. We as people need to make deposits into our own accounts (ourselves). Don’t base your life upon someone else’s blueprint of success. Know your own worth and value! People will help you, but they don’t want you to know your worth and value. Some folk don’t want you to be able to know how successful you can really be. They love to see you struggle but hate to see you celebrate. We have to remember that we are the author of our own stories. YOU determine how that story ends.

Playing “Dress-up”

We often dress our real-life situations as what the world would see as a humble, well put together lifestyle. We do this by using positive affirmations, theme songs, and other motivational things. Unique Speaks about Affirmations. Affirmations are a really good way to boost your confidence and lean towards a better you. The reality of it all is knowing whether or not they are empty affirmations. Not only should we say our affirmations, put some extra steam behind it and attitude into it. Own it! Convince yourself.

Reintroducing You to YOU

Let’s take another look at ourselves in a new mirror. We tend to look at ourselves through someone else lens, therefore we tend to become just what they see. We are our own problem. People only do to us what we allow them to do. Be humble and aware of the person you are. Don’t be arrogant. Arrogancy will kill dreams. Don’t be inadequate, instead, trust yourself with who you see in the mirror and believe in the process.

Let’s Wrap It Up

We have now changed our wardrobe and ready to take up space. We will learn to connect to people who would allow us to take up space. Now we will celebrate ourselves in front of all that said we couldn’t do it on our own. We will no longer have space for attention seekers who get offended because we learned to love ourselves. We take full responsibility for our own life with this dose of reality.

#GetSOM via @missunique

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