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Here are three songs that I have harboured in my soul for nearly a decade which I believe deserve your attention... 1. Move Too Fast - Iman Omari ft. Anna Wise <a href="https://soundcloud.com/freshselects/iman-omari-move-too-fast-anna-wise?si=f928209fae1f41799208f1755f0751e9&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing" data-mce-href="https://soundcloud.com/freshselects/iman-omari-move-too-fast-anna-wise?si=f928209fae1f41799208f1755f0751e9&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">https://soundcloud.com/freshselects/iman-omari-move-too-fast-anna-wise?si=f928209fae1f41799208f1755f0751e9&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing</a> A record that wonderfully illustrates the intricate yet tender push &amp; pull that is flirtation and the importance of patience in relationships. Iman Omari's uses heady guitar licks that captivate your senses and draw you into his signature masterfully mellow production style. The soulful notes conjure images of flowing silks in deep wine tones and rich buttery browns. IO's lyrics begin seductive and charismatic steeped in blatant desire but the hook soon serves as a cautionary tale of how lust leads to an unromantic and swift fumble, quite literally. IO's sincere storytelling is assisted by the sweet ethereal vocals of Anna Wise whose gentle vulnerability allows innocence and intrigue to take the lead, having mercy on her lover's previous eagerness as long as he learns to pace himself.The song is so indulgent but concise in its play time of 3:26 so I often find myself playing it at least four times in a row to enjoy every aspect of the journey to its fullest. <figure id="figure-nodafg0appm9yoww1v" class=""><img id="nodafg0appm9yoww1v" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/243sul2gAVpn45QBAgDSq2QuH1IiWGi6EhvC39l9cPruGmTuu5TQDcipSjRXhoAM.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/243sul2gAVpn45QBAgDSq2QuH1IiWGi6EhvC39l9cPruGmTuu5TQDcipSjRXhoAM.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure> &nbsp;2. Paint - Versailles The Everything ft. SanSan<a href="https://soundcloud.com/versailles-the-everything/paint?si=96060f27f23c4e499c43cf6a028df01e&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing" data-mce-href="https://soundcloud.com/versailles-the-everything/paint?si=96060f27f23c4e499c43cf6a028df01e&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">https://soundcloud.com/versailles-the-everything/paint?si=96060f27f23c4e499c43cf6a028df01e&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing</a>The juxtaposition of the nature of Versailles' lyrics, melancholic &amp; restless next to the dexterous flow of SanSan's vibrant and loving affirmations which give this song such a beautiful balance. Then Versailles's final vocals transform from her former turbulence to a soft &amp; light acceptance of the love, support, and assurance she now embraces from her patient lover. There is now room for ease when faced with the ugliness of the dark thoughts that litter the healing process. Whew.“I dream of you how I breathe in the air…Bright colours on a black soul…The product of patience”This song really speaks for itself so I hope you savour it. <figure id="figure-jt9pk5q9y1ma03f2kg"><img id="jt9pk5q9y1ma03f2kg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16pkD0JefCgopY1IiT10afo2v6dRxnAqCWM9vwnPjPnxkq3WbNgJ5ZvHgZ2xhUWh.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16pkD0JefCgopY1IiT10afo2v6dRxnAqCWM9vwnPjPnxkq3WbNgJ5ZvHgZ2xhUWh.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure> &nbsp;3. Nicole's Garden [Live Quiet Room Version] - Shiloh<a href="https://soundcloud.com/shiloh-dynasty/nicolesgarden?si=7065f04a129c409e95d36cde334578a2&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing" data-mce-href="https://soundcloud.com/shiloh-dynasty/nicolesgarden?si=7065f04a129c409e95d36cde334578a2&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">https://soundcloud.com/shiloh-dynasty/nicolesgarden?si=7065f04a129c409e95d36cde334578a2&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing</a> Last but by no means least Nicole's Garden - &nbsp;an ode to the unadulterated early stages of love. This poem depicts that hazy lucidity that comes with experiencing falling in love for the first time and not really knowing how to process the rush of excitement &amp; fear. That place between longing and butterflies twinned with delirious happiness every time you catch a glimpse of that special person.&nbsp;I can't count the amount of times Shiloh's wistful voice has brought me to tears, especially in the midst of mindless crushes I held for people I rarely think of now. Regardless of the listener’s personal experience this song is steeped in nostalgia for a long lost love you may have not yet found. <figure id="figure-yp43t0t7wfma03ivv2"><img id="yp43t0t7wfma03ivv2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29SVjzrzYyFrvC3a1zQ2n5wzl96ZSfckHf7nQ3QYzpnM28lSCXc463q0uaGVVSyp.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29SVjzrzYyFrvC3a1zQ2n5wzl96ZSfckHf7nQ3QYzpnM28lSCXc463q0uaGVVSyp.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Miss Finewood

Retrospective Rarities: these aren’t old songs but I consider them to already be timeless masterpieces.

A Message From Lavz

<figure id="figure-0q2f67l66sm7rnbg6j"><img id="0q2f67l66sm7rnbg6j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1d4HSF8M1i3MnIbS2Qy5mo5t2NhFAvhjqfyimoFpNfBmnkb9qzzSik7yuwAgTWcr.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1d4HSF8M1i3MnIbS2Qy5mo5t2NhFAvhjqfyimoFpNfBmnkb9qzzSik7yuwAgTWcr.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Tephlon Funk is the mind design of artist and author Stephane Metayer. The story centers around the lives of four characters who are all linked in some way. The comic is set in mid-90s NY and has a focal point in Queensbridge.&nbsp; I fell instantly for the art in the art books. It reminded me of shows like The Boondocks, Samurai Champloo, and Cowboy Bebop. The art also has strong Hip-Hop references, which I really enjoyed. Next up - the comic itself, &nbsp;The storyline was truly engaging and captivating, each character was introduced nicely and the pacing of the story felt fluid. I couldn't put it down and read it all in one sitting. I can't wait to see what is next for this project, I truly hope a full animated adaptation comes to fruition. All the best to Stephane Metayer and the Telphlon Funk team! Danny J&nbsp;<figure id="figure-vque2zw8om7rpah5x"><iframe id="vque2zw8om7rpah5x" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YSPNqfyzaog" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSPNqfyzaog" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YSPNqfyzaog" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure> <figure id="figure-dlxnep5f9bm7rpb1pv"><iframe id="dlxnep5f9bm7rpb1pv" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oub3AQOUq6w" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oub3AQOUq6w" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oub3AQOUq6w" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

You heard about that Tephlon Funk?

A Message From Nomonde Maxeen

<figure id="figure-rp0qaptx8hm3pxwjpe"><img id="rp0qaptx8hm3pxwjpe" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/18aThUKFYrET10FG6Ze2x5jvfI9syjaNf9xeifGf46cJhSlWqldvuRjDbnXvWLyX.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/18aThUKFYrET10FG6Ze2x5jvfI9syjaNf9xeifGf46cJhSlWqldvuRjDbnXvWLyX.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Since the dawn of time, or at least since we started picking shiny things off the ground, gold has been the go-to material for flaunting wealth. From the pharaohs of Egypt encasing themselves in golden sarcophagi to modern rappers with chains heavy enough to challenge any neck muscle - it's always been gold upon gold upon gold, and to quote Trinidad James, it's all gold everything.&nbsp; &nbsp; Once upon a time, along the western shores of Africa, there was a place so abundant in gold that it was clear Mother Nature took her sweet time there. This place, known to many as the Gold Coast (now modern-day Ghana), wasn't just a scenic spot for gram-worthy sunset photos—it was a historical hotbed of gold mining, culture, and a dash of colonist intrigue (meddling).&nbsp;In the 15th century, the Porteguese arrived first, brandishing crosses in one hand and swords the other, you know how you do. They built a fort called Elmina, a name derived from the portuguese word for 'the mine'. This would be the first of many forts. The British weren't exactly neigbourly when they landed - it was more “Hi, we’ve decided you’re part of our empire now, and you can thank us later”.&nbsp; Imagine it from the perspective of the local people, minding your own business, talking about the local palm oil harvest, when suddenly a man in a red coat stumbles into your village and says something about being in charge and hands you a&nbsp; tax bill. Despite the colonizers' best efforts, the people of the Gold Coast were not content to remain silent spectators. Resistance brewed, often in the form of whispered defiance and overt rebellion. Names like Yaa Asantewaa, the queen mother of Ejisu, struck fear in colonial hearts. When the British demanded the Golden Stool of the Ashanti (a sacred symbol of power), Yaa Asantewaa famously declared, "Over my dead body!" and led her people into battle.By the mid-20th century, a change was coming. Enter the man, Kwame Nkrumah, a charismatic visionary with a taste for sharp suits and a greater one for sharper rhetoric. Under his leadership, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence in 1957. The Union Jack was lowered, and the Ghanaian flag rose, a vibrant tricolor with a black star that seemed to wave bye bye at its colonial past.Danny J &nbsp; &nbsp;

Tales of Land with Gold I

<figure id="figure-lrxv1vgbawm3w5stj7"><img id="lrxv1vgbawm3w5stj7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1embMk2X3xjD6BhxUA9xSPbXGocgXZcsJEJ6SXGAuUKxXrpJ3HzxeuMkpFUsi3y7.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1embMk2X3xjD6BhxUA9xSPbXGocgXZcsJEJ6SXGAuUKxXrpJ3HzxeuMkpFUsi3y7.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Rajereek, Rajereek, Rajereek—I met this dude, or should I say heard his EP, off a Discord Hip Hop group, and was impressed by what I was hearing. I soon got in contact with him and have been steadily listening to all his releases. We even collabed on a track (link below).&nbsp; I'm looking forward to what the future holds for this dude and his art, I had to ask him a few questions about himself.&nbsp;What city do you come from?&nbsp;"I look at myself like a nomad. I moved around a lot, even to this day, so I don't really have a hometown to connect to, but rap, like any subculture, gives you a sense of home."Who are your influences?"I link influences to Drakeo the Ruler, MF DOOM, Earl Sweatshirt, Mike, and &nbsp;Mavi."When did you start recording?"I started recording this year... tryna contribute buckets to the game"What made you make your debut EP I Be Rajereek?"I wanted to put raw work out and introduce myself musically. I really like something to look back on to see where I was from the start to where I’ll be with future projects."You can check out Rajereek's debut EP down below.Danny J&nbsp;&nbsp; <figure id="figure-ag5w3cw39fm3w6it0k" class=""><iframe id="ag5w3cw39fm3w6it0k" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DU38KiWFm68" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU38KiWFm68" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DU38KiWFm68" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>My collab with Rajereek - https://soundcloud.com/rajereek/51-50?utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing &nbsp;

Danny Js Place

Blog

Retrospective Rarities: these aren’t old songs but I cons...

A Message From Lavz

You heard about that Tephlon Funk?

A Message From Nomonde Maxeen

Tales of Land with Gold I

I Be Rajereek