There’s always this underlying discussion about how important mental health is, yet the lazy answers we give to those going through their troubles are disgusting. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps, we’re sending love and prayers, and a batch of other nonsense to quote, unquote help. After two weeks into my new therapy journey, I can feel a difference, but by no means am I close to cured. And what is really being “cured”? Am I finding a sense of peace and clarity, or would being cured mean I’m able to deal will all that the world deals me?
What I do know is that there is an abundance of bullshit that will flow our way, each and every day. But truly helping others is dropping what you’re doing and picking up the phone. Tell your friend to call you, or call them, or just show up and hug them. As I’ve begun to walk through my grief and trauma, I realize how traumatized all of us truly are and we were dealing with this before the mental onslaught of the past two years. All I want people to leave this with is the idea that you can get better, but it’s up to you and the people around you to make sure you get that professional help. This life is not easy, but we’re all here to make it a little more tolerable and if you’re hurting please be vocal. I love you, you’re meant to be here and that bad bitch Natasha Beddingfield was right, the rest is still unwritten.
Wakai featuring Emmavie – Starter Jacket
“Starter Jacket” is a soothing set of sounds from Wakai and Emmavie which gives waves reminiscent of Musiq Soulchild’s early 2000’s run. He has graced our pages before but because of this man’s unreal talent level, he’s back all over again. Emmavie comes in with unwavering confidence to enhance the already genius offering. Wakai is going to have a great 2021, so get acquainted above.
1sis – blah blah blah
This young woman had a viral moment last year, but 1sis is here to prove it wasn’t some sort of brief look. “Blah Blah Blah” is fearless, lackadaisical in the best way, but all adds to how she floats over the ambient production. With the visuals shot by Josh Storm, we see these edits bend our minds, while the hypnotic sermon from 1sis is engraved into our frontal lobe. Another rising artist on the way to a lot more notoriety, get hip above.
Rob Olu – Follow My Lead
So Rob is painfully overlooked, but those in GA know how heavy his music can hit. This album was actually released in November of last year, but at the time Rob was dealing with some health issues. He has since overcome those problems and wanted to bring a bigger spotlight to his music. I can tell that he felt as if this project didn’t get a fair chance and trust me it’s worth diving into. What stands out from Rob is his diverse pen and how he can curate a wide variety of moods. “Heater” and “Love Song” are my personal favorites, but decide for yourself above.
Three65 – Finesse Medley / Say It Ain’t So?
Three65 is next up and his voice is still as unreal as ever. This Cleveland-bred crooner gifts us a two-pack of gas and they both showcase the range of his artistry. Though the fact that these are “covers” shouldn’t throw you off too much. “Finesse Medley” adds missing aggression that Aubrey didn’t bring to the original version. It’s wild that this kid hasn’t been on more sites, but this is what we do, bring you the truth over and over. Three65 is going to be a monster in a few months, don’t slip up and miss out.
Shawny Binladen – Wake Up Grinch Up
I compare Shawny to the new Ramones. He doesn’t need 2-3 minutes for a song, just give him 90 seconds and he’ll deliver memorable stylings unlike any other. Yes, he is one of the cornerstones for sample-drill, but I do wonder if he’ll ever have a breakthrough to the mainstream moment. Regardless “Wake Up Grinch Up” is that usual punch-in flavor we fiend for. Thank you Shawny, keep pushing the envelope.
