Blog

<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><p>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;<br></p><p>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.<br></p><p>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.<br></p><p>I can't wait to see what is next for this project, I truly hope a full animated adaptation comes to fruition.<br></p><p>All the best to Stephane Metayer and the Telphlon Funk team!<br></p><p>Danny J&nbsp;</p><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><p><br></p><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

<p><br></p><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><p>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;<br>&nbsp;<br>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;</p><p>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. <br></p><p>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. <br></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Danny J</p><p><br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

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><p>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;</p><p><strong>What city do you come from?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><em>"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."</em></p><p><strong>Who are your influences?</strong></p><p><em>"I link influences to Drakeo the Ruler, MF DOOM, Earl Sweatshirt, Mike, and &nbsp;Mavi."</em></p><p><strong>When did you start recording?</strong></p><p><em>"I started recording this year... tryna contribute buckets to the game"</em></p><p><strong>What made you make your debut EP I Be Rajereek?</strong></p><p><em>"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."</em></p><p>You can check out Rajereek's debut EP down below.</p><p>Danny J&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><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><p>My collab with Rajereek - https://soundcloud.com/rajereek/51-50?utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing<br>&nbsp;<strong><br></strong></p>

I Be Rajereek

<figure id="figure-sthz86ee3upm39c30hp" class=""><img id="sthz86ee3upm39c30hp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/21LDEnTxz5UpDKAqqOlVbmvAVAAyxycxgd8LHB9NK3zpY12Aqsp4kh9Ni7hgqNTo.png" alt="Oslo Metro Norway" title="Oslo Metro Norway" 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/21LDEnTxz5UpDKAqqOlVbmvAVAAyxycxgd8LHB9NK3zpY12Aqsp4kh9Ni7hgqNTo.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Soweto Kinch is a rapper and jazz saxophonist from Birmingham/London, UK. He is well-known in the UK Jazz and Birmingham music and arts scenes. I was put on to his music while in hospital (long story), and have been enjoying his artistic and musical creations while in recovery.</p><p>Consciousness and abstract-mindedness are the main themes I get when listening to his music. I recommend starting with his 2006 release, A Life In A Day of B19. This record has a nice blend of Hip-Hop, Rap, and Jazz. For something more conscious-minded, check out The Black Peril/The New Emancipation or White Juju. His album Nonagram was a great listen for straight experimental abstract Free Jazz sounds. Also, his collaboration with Blacks' Myths is worth a cop, which I will link below.&nbsp;</p><p>Danny J</p><p><a title="Blacks' Myths Meets Black Top - Featuring Dirar Kalash and Soweto Kinch – 5.9.23" href="https://www.cafeoto.co.uk/shop/blacks-myths-meets-black-top/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.cafeoto.co.uk/shop/blacks-myths-meets-black-top/" rel="noopener">https://www.cafeoto.co.uk/shop/blacks-myths-meets-black-top/</a></p><figure id="figure-d5f9qafktom39dspjl"><iframe id="d5f9qafktom39dspjl" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gFXYfMMqodA" 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=gFXYfMMqodA&amp;t=4s" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gFXYfMMqodA" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-ehricz1gfm39dt28s"><iframe id="ehricz1gfm39dt28s" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZuQaCgfffjI" 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=ZuQaCgfffjI" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZuQaCgfffjI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-e9k1ycars8m39du2ot"><iframe id="e9k1ycars8m39du2ot" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w8XGOudHvyU" 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=w8XGOudHvyU&amp;list=PLvLBKOktZ7i8HnA4LXFL8WCBDLuELCOfq" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w8XGOudHvyU" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-j1lu7matatm39dvy4h"><iframe id="j1lu7matatm39dvy4h" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o4_9XLZMmBY" 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=o4_9XLZMmBY&amp;list=OLAK5uy_lLJWlpumBnVKQa6f9G1HE05yQnb8hTl74" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o4_9XLZMmBY" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-rkmsmbq9m39elowh"><iframe id="rkmsmbq9m39elowh" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IneQzdPPps0" 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=IneQzdPPps0&amp;list=PL7kWNs9jm29WDHIFPNKMg-6OfYBYh6MOF&amp;index=4" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IneQzdPPps0" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-nzr7k0eqykm39fogl7"><iframe id="nzr7k0eqykm39fogl7" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3eDddDiUm2c" 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=3eDddDiUm2c&amp;t=385s" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3eDddDiUm2c" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

The Creative Mind Of Soweto Kinch

<figure id="figure-i3m3n9k5prcm2fai4yg" class="selected"><img id="i3m3n9k5prcm2fai4yg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7GDA7FFSyKcCaBKZcOzRouJIPU4J2Aedlw99oEv80J80Jp8iSH2pOhlRLyclZl3u.png" alt="Young girl in retro clothes smiling, playing guitar against multicolored abstract background. Contemporary art collage." title="Young girl in retro clothes smiling, playing guitar against multicolored abstract background. Contemporary art collage." 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/7GDA7FFSyKcCaBKZcOzRouJIPU4J2Aedlw99oEv80J80Jp8iSH2pOhlRLyclZl3u.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>I recently found this man from a Boldy James Volkgeist documentary – and I have to admit from the small work I’ve listened to he’s in my top 10 for producers. I've never really been into Boldy James like that, only listening to a few songs here and there and a few features he’s been on; but that Manager on McNicholas is honestly an underrated gem when talking about well-produced projects. The music on that album is amazing from the harmonies, textures, and sound design. James’ raps contrast yet complement the production, with my favourite of his bars being on Mommy Dearest, very personal and real - but man, when I tell you, &nbsp;that production is something special and in my opinion elevates the album; I highly recommend you give the instrumental version a listen.</p><p>Sterling Toles is a music and visual artist as well as educator from Detroit, Michigan. He started out rapping at a young age, around 1984; 10 years down the line he would join a group called The Foundation, where he would be officially recorded. By the late 90s, Toles grew tired of the sound of Hip-Hop, and with influence from acts such as Massive Attack and Bjork, he would begin producing in 1997.</p><p>Some of his other works — found on Bandcamp — are worth a listen. Resurgent Cineribus is a leftfield cinematic journey and a sonic account of his father's memories of the Detroit 1967 Uprising. His other tape, Archival Arteries of Sterling Toles, showcases tracks produced between 1998-2006, a dope mix of abstract and Boom Bap-inspired beats. &nbsp;</p><p>Danny J</p><p><a title="Sterling Toles Bandcamp" href="https://sterlingtoles.bandcamp.com/music" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://sterlingtoles.bandcamp.com/music">https://sterlingtoles.bandcamp.com/music</a></p><figure id="figure-8na0qefczxm2fanjg3"><iframe id="8na0qefczxm2fanjg3" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rh5zuw138GI" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/rh5zuw138GI?feature=shared" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rh5zuw138GI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-kzxmvjv9km2fbv2h3"><iframe id="kzxmvjv9km2fbv2h3" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CbLMuS-02lI" 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=CbLMuS-02lI" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CbLMuS-02lI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-7oml54kcovm2fbztr4"><iframe id="7oml54kcovm2fbztr4" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1tQsI_DCAbM" 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=1tQsI_DCAbM&amp;list=OLAK5uy_lXQTZV2Pq6xaCEZlm90ObHwuaPU47YuTw" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1tQsI_DCAbM" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-zj78yze935m2fc3rs2"><iframe id="zj78yze935m2fc3rs2" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-zwdORkurHM" 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=-zwdORkurHM" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-zwdORkurHM" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><figure id="figure-nvfn2qoc7cm2fc34pe" class=""><iframe id="nvfn2qoc7cm2fc34pe" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jo72PSMvwpQ" 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=Jo72PSMvwpQ" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jo72PSMvwpQ" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

Danny Js Place

Blog

You heard about that Tephlon Funk?

A Message From Nomonde Maxeen

Tales of Land with Gold I

I Be Rajereek

The Creative Mind Of Soweto Kinch

Who Is Sterling Toles?