Try After You

IF YOU POLY...REP YO SHII WIT PRIDE!!💯💯

"PUT EM UP" FT. JOHN SLOW & ZACK LANGI

Island Queen

14 months since my last single (LiE)— that’s a pretty big gap. I think it might be the longest time between any of my releases to date, second being 8 months or so. You may or may not be wondering.. Why the silence? Honestly, I didn’t realize how much time had actually passed until a relative of mine asked me when my next one’s comin’. Felt like I had JUST dropped a record not too long ago, but sure enough, it’s been THAT long. Time flies when you’re having fun, as I’ve heard.

“Brand New Secondhand”. Produced by 2 very talented individuals; EDY & ASTRO, lyrics by yours truly. Credit where credit’s due; EDY & ASTRO composed & arranged this song in what seemed to be less than 3 hours. I sent my vocals to EDY (AKL, NZ) around my midnight hours (MST, USA). Went to bed soon afterwards.. Woke the next morning, the bredren made sure the track that you’re listening to now, was sitting in my inbox for a few hours. I’m still blown away by the efficiency and TALENT. Special thanks to them for making this happen- probably wouldn’t be droppin’ this record were it not for their help.

If the song sounds familiar, it’s most likely because you’ve heard the hook once or twice before. I’m a fan of reggae music; roots, rock, one-drop, old & new. You may or may not hear how reggae has inspired my music over the years, but I’ve used lines, melodies and chord progressions from bands like Steele Pulse, Big Mountain, artists like Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown- the list goes on. In this case, this track in particular is MY version of Peter Tosh’s classic, whose title I had to take as well.

There’s an element that Reggae carries in general that’s scarcely available in more modern music- an element that has always resonated with me on a personal level. That element being consciousness or morality- God as the strong underlying commonality within the genre, without being directly categorized as a religious one. I’m my opinion, there’s an abundance of wholesomeness to Reggae, it’s impossible for me to ignore as an artist who strives to get right with God. Not sure how well I’ve done so, but I try to implement that very element as much as possible. Especially now as a father.

At this point of my career, I’m hyper focused on the joy music brings listeners and establishing a connection with them, as oppose to detaching myself as I’ve tried to do in the past. Meanwhile, I’m trying not to succumb to being part of any lump sum by embracing individuality. We live in a time where opinions, if not aligned with a certain group, may get you shunned into outer darkness- or in other words.. cancelled. That said, I strongly believe that there is no world where freedom of expression & music are not attached. After all, music IS a form of expression; There is no NWA, nor Bob Marley without freedom. Sadly, we’ve lost our understanding of the most fundamental God given right.

Onward. As stated in the first verse, this may anger many people who buy into pop culture’s version of womanhood (modern feminism). I express what deters me from viewing a woman as a prime prospect, which I think most men would agree with. I also think it’s a fair preference in that women have inherit privileges that men don’t. I won’t get into details, but if you believe I’m wrong, express so in the comments section. In all honesty, this song is more comedy than something to be taken too seriously. Matter of fact, I laughed throughout the whole writing process. The concept itself is funny, but where there’s humor, there’s a high chance it may be offensive to someone out there. To those offended, I say.. get over it, biatch haha.

I appreciate you folks for tuning in- and for reading through this nonsense. I’m goin’ in 10 years this year and I’m happy that I can still provide the vibe you folks enjoy. Got another one coming next week Friday, but until then, in the words of the ever wise 5-5 criptologist himself, CripMac “Never commit suicide- everything’s gon’ C alright”. Much love, people! BLESS.

BUY!

Brand New Secondhand (Prod. by EDY & ASTRO)

K’Nova - Pillow Talk (feat. TEKI & J Wawa)

Rude Gyalz - Chris Niu

Richie V - Rude Riddim by TK Moa

Before I get into anything, I do want to acknowledge the fact that I’ve been silent. NOT DEAD, just.. preoccupied as it were. My apologies for the delay, though. Time really flies when you’re in a rush, am I right? Haha..

It’s funny how things don’t always go according to plan. On the same note, it’s funny how things ALWAYS workout. For a while now I’ve dreamed of making music for a living, but the closer I’d get to that so called “dream”, the more I found that it was not the path for me. I used to envy many of my peers, but I’ve reached a point in which I can truly say that I’m happy I’m not them. No disrespect of course, but that's where I'm at.

The introduction to this release features one of my favorite rhymesayers of all time.. MF DOOM. He explains the reason for wearing a mask, and how Hip-Hop used to revolve around the music itself and not the image. The mask is worn in rebellion against the “system”, which is something I try to incorporate in my own music because it’s something I believe in very strongly. I’m a purist of sorts. As frustrating as the changes in the industry are, I accept and try hard to keep an open mind to stay hip- However, I can’t (and won’t) stray too far from what I feel is genuine and honest.

Obviously the instrumental used is not my own, but was used by Cam’ron- which is a classic. I'm taking note from Russ, who put out his version of a throwback record (T-Pain’s “I Can’t Believe It”). A few other artists are doin' the same with various old school instrumentals, so I figured why not? This was a fun project (as most are), and the instrumental itself brought back a lot of memories of when I was younger.. a lot younger. This was also sprung out in the midst of working on other projects. Knowing how long it has been since my release of “Ketchup”, ’twas a MUST that I interrupt what I’ve been working on to bring you this freestyle.

As far as the release goes, it will only be available for stream on Soundcloud and Bandcamp. Sorry to those who’re subscribers to other streaming services- I got you on the next one. TRUST & BELiEVE. Because this instrumental is NOT mine, I'd more than likely get into some trouble with a major record label for making money off their work haha..

Anyway, as always, THANK YOU for continuing to support despite my inconsistencies. I mean that with everything that makes up who I am. THANK YOU a million times over. ’Til NEXT TiME, my people! BLESSAWP! 

HIT THAT "Buy" LiNK for FREE DL!

P.S.

This song was made in honor of Mate Ma'a Tong (MMT) who competed at this year's RLWC (2017). Also in memory of my tokoua James Hingano and his family. 'Til we meet again, brother. OFA ATU.

Rude Gyalz - Chris Niu

_pa650

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