OPN ENT & BAR4BAR Presents NEW BLOOD RISING #RAPBATTLE #CLEVELAND
Okkkkk Sooooo when Cedarside Mone invited me back to witness another great CLEVELAND Bar4Bar BATTLE…I was totally down! The battle rap scene is 1 of the most organic, authentic, intriguing, emotional, and creative events you will ever witness! I'm not even a battle rapper, but my heart will start to race, and I can feel my face making facial expressions like "ohhhhh…and damnnnnnn" while I'm standing outside the ring during the battles! Located in East Cleveland (*Shoutout to the SHAW CARDINALS) at the OPN, Cedarside Mone is the king of this hidden gem...battle rap! I'm new to the scene and still trying to figure out all of the opponents, rules, and etiquette. Soooooo I put the NEW BLOOD RISING EVENT into pictures. Make sure you get tickets in advance for the next event! Trust me…you've never seen anything like this! XOXO
QUAI3005 vs. Vetty O
King G Child vs. RITZ
LAG Quano vs. OMA WELL
BOBBY O. vs. ILL WILL
KEV ON ONE vs. PRINCE CITY
Damone Turner
Contact Mone for event updates and tickets!
All pics are shot by SPARKPLUGENT. (*Please shout us out if you choose to use any pics!XOXO)
#MUSICMONDAY 4/11
Okkkkk Sooooo it's #MUSICMONDAY!!!! I know…I know…..there's only 7 days in a week...but….I added 2 extra days into this work week for you! Ummmm yeah…I can do that (*headroll fingasnap).Checkout this playlist! There's effort, grind, heart, and passion in each of the artists and their songs. Hell…we all just want to be heard! #MUSICMONDAY's rule the week! XOXO
#MusicMonday 4/4/16
Okkkkk Soooo it's #MUSICMONDAY! Time to put your all in for the next 7 days! If you're at work, on your lunchbreak, in the barbershop, hair/nail salon, BMV, dentist, WIC office, or getting those winter tires swapped out (*orrrrr maybe not…have you seen the weather…YIKES #CLEVELAND),no matter where you are…or what you're doing...Checkout these dope visuals, from some amazing artists! Enjoy the week! XOXO
APHINITI's "HABIT"
Talk about kicking off the work week right!APHINITI makes me wanna cash in a $5 bill, get 20 quarters…and kick back in a laundromat.She makes it seem...that damn cool. Dope camera angles in such a small space.This video is kinda Trippy!S/o to the TRUMP CAMERA (*we see you Trump!)"HABIT" makes me feel like a lightweight after APHINITI discloses she packs 5 bowls a day.She's gotta "HABIT"!Damnnnnn just when I started getting sucked into APHINITI's effortless sexiness...Her real life "bae" actually pops up in the crib (*love love love them!)I'm enjoying this evolution of APHINITI!XOXO
Crazy8theGreat "NO TELLIN"FREESTYLE
Ummmmmm…Crazy8theGreat is not playing with us anymore! Whew!!!!!His "No Tellin FREESTYLE" is a monster! I love the Coming To America snippets in this video! Ohhhh and his Ohio Hip Hop Award makes a cameo too...just in case y'all forgot (*headroll fingasnap)"You coming with the heat, somebody need to cut the oven off"…is 1 of my favorite lines! (*I just had my tough face on in my mirror, pointing my finger, reciting that line) Make sure you are ready around the 1:42 mark…Crazy8 totally blanks out…and it's AWESOME! "I'ma just let that…breath"! XOXO
BIG MUCCI's NEW DANCE (Official Line Dance Video)
Omgggg!!! This is so fun! We've reached the middle of the week! "BIG MUCCI's NEW DANCE" will mos def get us over that hump! BIG MUCCI...He's the KING of LINE DANCE! The instructions are simple, just in case those older folks can't hit the NAE NAE,or HIT DEM FOLKS (*S/0 to SHU)! This video will get you ready for all the cookouts, and family reunions coming up!XOXO
Watts Ft. Ryan The Realist - "BROKEN PATTERNS"
Time to bring it back down for a minute. "Broken Patterns" is super emotionally conscious! This song will make you re-evaluate your relationships, your inner self, and also teach you that it's ok to sometimes take responsibility for your own actions. I know…I know….it sounds deep, but what good is a soul…if it isn't fed the knowledge, given the strength, and shared within dope music. I'm used to seeing Rappin A*s Watts in a comical, superficial environment …pretty dope to see and hear his lyrical poetic side!XOXO
JARONIMO GRAND - "Big Deal Freestyle"
Welp….the weekend is finally here!!!! TURN UP TURN UP TURN UP!! What better way to to kick off the weekend…than with JARONIMO GRAND's "Big Deal Freestyle"! Why is he such a big deal!?! Hmmmmm this dude is a professional sh*t talker…and it's FUN!!! He's cocky, funny, and really just doesn't give a f*ck! Get ready …I mean…it is a pretty "Big Deal"! XOXO
Dummy Brick prod by DEKO (Dom P x Boss Big)
Okkkkk Sooooo y'all know I LOVE trap music! This song and video is DOPE As FUGGGG!!! (*"She digging me like a damn grave shift")Nothing but straight finessing at it's finest!(* No dummy bricks for me sir...plz and thank you) Mos def a must watch visual! Metaphors on top of metaphors…dreds, golds, pretty women, liquor, and the video is shot in that close, tight,sweaty, movie "BELLY" kinda feel…yeah…alllllllll dat! The beat does a total 360, and suddenly you're whisked away into a totally different song! You get more than you bargained for in 5:27! XOXO
ROM C. WOLF ft. PHILLY PHIL and Shayla "FEELIN MYSELF"
OMGGGGGG!!!!! THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG OF THE WEEK!!!!!! I LOVE THIS SONG and Video! Okkkk….okkk….at 1st I was like " ummmm what's happening"? The guy with the dreds eased his way in so smooth like. The pretty girl dancing is so free ,classy, and organically beautiful. There's none of that "over the top extraness"…just simple good vibes. "FEELIN MYSELF" catches you the 1st time the hook is sang! PHILLY PHIL's laid-back , OG, classic delivery makes the song a great way to end the week! I can promise you…you will be singing "FEELIN MYSELF" by the end of this video! It's like a dope 90's real hip hop video from back in the day! I LOVE THIS VIBE! Or maybe I'm just "FEELIN MYSELF"!!! XOXO
PREMEDITATED MURDER #3 SHU vs REF
Okkkkk Sooooo when I saw the promo for the PREMEDITATED MURDER 3 start to circulate, I can honestly say…that I was extra stoked! I mean... I was still a little shell shocked from the last battle I attended, and I had vowed that it would be a minute before I went to another. (*I mean…these battles are like extra super serious…all your emotions start working against each other, your heart races, and it's insane…I wasn't prepared to go thru that again just yet) When I saw that REFEREE NELSON was going to be battling against SHUICIDE HOLLA I hurried up and did 2 very important things. #1…I did a little digging…ya know…just to make sure that this was an official event (*I mean…it did kinda pop up outta nowhere), and after a solidified confirmation, #2 I did something that I rarely ever do. I actually starting hitting people up for tickets! (*I know…I know…crazzyyyyy) I normally don't go on ticket hunts…but this PREMEDITATED MURDER 3 REF vs SHU battle was a MUST! I couldn't believe that REF was really going to battle SHU! I'm not saying it wasn't possible…hell…anything is possible…if you put you mind to it (*I guess) but this battle to me was like a David vs Goliath type deal. (*You can figure out who's who…duhhhhh)
I was a little nervous for REF. I'm not saying that he couldn't defeat SHUICIDE HOLLA, but the last time I witnessed REF a few years back in a cypher…which included SHUICIDE HOLLA…he kinda choked. Nooooo he didn't choke so hard that he needed the heimlich , but he had to regroup and keep it moving. SHUICIDE on the other hand…basically ate everyone alive, was full of confidence and barely broke a sweat. That was a few years ago down on Coventry…so I was somewhat stimulated with the thought of REF defeating SHUICIDE, and then…deep down I was also rooting for SHU. Let's face it….even though he may come off as cocky…or unapproachable…the dude is super talented, and mos def 1 of a kind. Ughhhhhh I was having a hard time picking a possible winner so I just put it in the BATTLE GOD'S hands.
The whole city was going nuts! This was 1 of the biggest events of the year so far and I had to make sure I had tickets. (*S/0 to Top Of The World for plugging me in…love you Nicole…you had my back! XOXO) After deciding on who would be the best companion to enjoy the event with I requested my UBER (*use my promo code for a free ride Jennb345...your welcome) and met up with Quincy Taylor aka Big Heff. I knew this battle was going to be huge, when Big Heff displayed his excitement, and even attempted to be somewhat on time, not wanting to miss the epic event. That say's a lot, because he has been around the country, works for Def Jam, and has basically seen it all in the music industry.
On our way to the battle in our UBER, we verified the location and made our way allll the way from the Westside to the far Eastside for the PREMEDITATED MURDER 3 event! When we pulled up to the building our UBER driver looked back and gave us the ol "ummm are you sure you guys are at the correct location" look. We assured him we were cool, the UBER drove off, and Big Heff and I were left standing in the middle of a dark, graveled parking lot. We turned in a few circles...trying to locate any form of life, lights, or possible battle that was happening. Eventually we found a huge metal door. It had a gigantic sign that had the word "KNOCK"…scribbled in some kinda "serial killer" handwriting…or maybe the person who wrote it was a lefty. (*S/o to all the lefty's…head roll fingasnap)
Big Heff…being the intelligent person he is…did as instructed. He knocked…and knocked…and knocked…and knocked. (*5 mins later…*Spongebob Squarepants time lapse) the door finally creaked open. We had to kinda wiggle our way in. Finally we were in! Before we were able to pass the security check, the smell of chicken frying aggressively attached itself to our bodies. Luckily I was protected by my armor of CHANEL. Soon as we were securely inside and the heavy door was closed behind us, I quickly understood why we had to wiggle our way in.
There was a huge stage to the left. There was already a battle finishing up, and the stage was surrounded by artists, fans, media…hell everyone! Vanidee Starr (*2 R's…get it right people) Jaz The Rapper, Matt Maunus, and Mz.CrazyTee were all in a tight circle. I decided to make my way thru the crowd, and position myself for the main event REF vs SHU. The time was about 9pm…the event was scheduled for 8ish …so I was almost certain that it would be happening soon.
Walking around I thought to myself…..
Wow…it's like 1 big family reunion in here…I see a little of everyone…cool
I wonder who wrote "KNOCK" like that...
I can smell my CHANEL putting up a fierce battle against this chicken frying...
Mannnn that stage is a nice size…wait…it's fully carpeted…a fully carpeted stage…okkkkkk
Vanidee Starr is always very well put together…she looks so cute
Top Of The World has been out in full force lately…probably preparing for some kinda world domination takeover…they look like a tight unit
ROB ROA is here!!! Mr. I LIKE TO PARTY!
Damnnnnnn his video was dope as fugggggg, can't wait to see him perform "REHAB WITH JOHNNY"
I need to be wherever Mz.CrazyTee just came from…she looks extra tan like she's fresh off a tropical vacation.
Is this a photo booth against this wall?
I only see 1 light….
Ok noooo my bad …it's not
Matt Maunus has been more social lately….like he's really the sh*t right now….he deserves it...
Damnnn Top Of The World has some dope as* jackets…
I'm a vegetarian…I wonder if I can order a polish boy with no polish boy and just the fries with sauce…
Awwwww forget it…the lady warming up the sauce looks like she aint on it...
I wonder what's happening in the back by the Dj Booth
I see DjChuckTheWorld tall self working his Iam216 live broadcast
Iam216 is actually a dope as* show…like... I tune in alot
Who is this hugging me from behind and squeezing my as*...
SADITY P!!!!!! Whew...ok it's her touching me…I'm cool with that
Her hair smells good…the frying chicken smell hasn't reached the back of the event…yet
Nice lil vibe happening in here….
Okkk MICAH DIXON…flexin
It's pretty cool she comes out and supports…love her
I feel like I'm at an underground industry reuinion
WHOA! Rob Roa is about to perform! He's a dope performer
I take that back…he's a dope ENTERTAINER
He would shut a college campus downnnnnnnnn
OOOOHHHHHHH where did he go?!
OH there he is ! He just jumped off the stage into the crowd!
Uhhhh Ohhhh…some of these people are acting "to cool"…they need to loosen up!
Welp…that was a fun performance
OMG! Rob Roa is in my face! AWESOME!
"REHAB WITH JOHNNY"…ruined my sobriety…damn it
After about 2 hours into the PREMEDITATED MURDER 3 event I had finally started to warm up. I had made my way from the carpeted stage, past the frying chicken, circled the room, applied more lip gloss in the bathroom, and after an abundance of hugs, "heyyyyyyyyy's", and the occasional dap (*ummm can I get more dap…I love giving and receiving dap..it's like a cool handshake…plz and thanks) I was growing impatient while waiting for the main event. KICKAGIRL and MZ LEE LEE joined me in our usual posse circle. I scanned the room looking for any signs of the main attractions REF and SHU. Unsuccessful with my search I decided to head over to the "bar". Well it wasn't an actual bar, but hell…$3 shots made it a great bar!
Ummm excuse me is this the line for drinks?
Damnnnn $3 shots….that's freakin awesome
Wait….ummmmmm did she just tell me there's no hennessy
Mannnnn I guess I'll drink the demon juice ( it unleashes the beast)
5 shots of 1800 plz...
If this lil lady microwaves that lil plastic black bowl 1 mo time to heat up the bbq sauce ….
After grabbing my handful of shots and attempting to make my way back to my posse circle by the Dj booth I noticed REF!!!! He was sitting in a dark corner…yes in a chair…probably the only chair in the event. He looked like he was trying to get his mind right…he was blank faced. He looked like he was ready to destroy someones ego. I walked up to him and offered him my warmest salutations. I even passed him the extra shot I had (*I was going easy on the devil juice, and still bummed out about the henny). REF kindly declined, and I even felt like an a*s offering him the the tiny stiro- foam cup. I mean come onnnnnn…this was a man who came to battle! He wasn't trying to get geeked before his possible victory. I had to give it to the guy….he seemed a little nervous, but at that moment all seemed well.
Awwwww REF is acting like a wallflower….
I can feel this 1800 kicking in
I WANT MY HENNY
I guess now is not the time to ask if someone can put my hoodie in their car
Nobody is tryna stand outside and knock on the door til their knuckles bleed to get back in
S/o to MzCrazyTee pushin her t's…she's so colorful
GO BEST FRAN…THAT'S HER BEST FRAN
Damnnnnn what time is it
APHINITI's new sexy makeover is theeee TRUTH
Wait…there's more performances…..ummm ok
I'll shoot some more flicks
GOOD VIBES
After I shot a few more pics I finally noticed SHUICIDE HOLLA!!! There he was, in all of his SHUICIDE GLORY. Dope kicks, fly jacket with the fur around the hood, and a face of stone…he looked ready for victory. He was just outside the Dj booth where Dj Ryan Wolf was spinning. Sadity P. was on her tippy toes in front of him…possibly giving some kind of friendly pep talk. I was excited for SHU. I mean…here this guy was…at a local event, when he didn't need or have to be. He has a hit song, he's moments away from going Viral (*he reminds us everyday)with "HIT DEM FOLKS", and he still came out to support and participate. That's 1 thing about SHUICIDE HOLLA…he comes off as arrogant or cocky, but that dude is at most of the events…front and center, and that's real. Finally locating the PREMEDITATED MURDER 3 competitors , I was sure the event was moments away from starting.I was excited for both competitors.
Hold up….ohhhh Rich Thawtz and TIMELESS are about to battle
Hell yeah… now I really wanna see this
Rich Thawtz looks like he does chin ups before a battle
Damnnnn his girlfriend always looks fly and sexy
HA! He's really animated
Damnnnnnn TIMELESS….why are you all in his face lol
Wait a sec…TIMELESS did you just make a reference to his lisp...
This is a good battle
I dunno…..whew (*fans self)
79th Celebrity is a fool behind his camera
This just took a turn
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Uhhhhhhh ohhhhhhhhh Vanidee Starr is scolding the crowd again
I wish everyone would be quiet….we bout to be in trouble again if we keep talking
Even tho I'm grown…why did Vanidee Starr just make me feel like I need to sit in a circle on the carpet…and put my hand up
CRISS CROSS APPLESAUCE
I love a strong powerful pretty chic…Vanidee Starr
This sound system is kinda sh*tty…but hey...
Esther Fitz is so soulful….good lawd…her bodyyyyyyy
Pretty dope she flew in from ATL to perform
After announcing that TIMELESS won his battle I stayed in my position. Thinking that the main event was about to happen. Even though it didn't I wasn't disappointed because APHINITI started to perform! Mannnnn she has literally saved a lot of events. She manages to bring back the momentum , and resuscitate the crowd. Her hair looked great, her body was in shape, and it's always enjoyable watching people ,watch her perform for the first time.
Wow this is a diverse crowd...
Her Go-PRO on her mic is soooooooo genius!
I want a Go-Pro
Awwwww I think every chic wants a TRUMP in her life
He's on the sideline looking like a proud friend, like yeahhhhhh "WE DOPE"
Their team is solid…no new friends..no new friends (*Drake voice)
I see LADY MEATRICE!
I respect her…they throw blows at her….but she always walks with her head held high
She's so beautifully dark and fearless
Heyyyyy D.Lorand
Ohhhhhhh I know D. Lorand's leather jacket he's wearing is legit
It smells so leathery
After APHINITI's performance I went to check on DJ Ryan Wolf…3 hours into the event and I was trying to see what was up with the line up. He told me he was parched so I made my way back towards the frying chicken bar. To my surprise when I reached the window…I saw HENNESSY being poured!
Are you kidding me!
Where did this come from?
Ughhhh I can't mix Devil Juice with Hen
Ohhhh heyyyyy Crazy 8
Wait a sec…Big Heff you're outty
But we rode UBER together
Damnnnnn it 12am already!
I can't stand in this line any longer
I have failed Dj Ryan Wolf …oops
The next battle was being set up….nooooo…not REF vs SHU. I realized that the PREMEDITATED MURDER 3 event wasn't going to be happening in the next few minutes. I had to bounce. When I left…SHUICIDE HOLLA was standing off to the side of the stage by the door that read "knock". The crowd had started to thin out. The powerful frying chicken smell, was slowly transitioning into the "time to change the grease, it's starting to burn" smell. I exited out of the front door into the darkness of night. The whole ride home I felt somewhat guilty….I had really wanted to see the battle. This year I promised myself I would listen to my gut more often, and when I woke up the next day to hella social media notifications…I was like "OMG my gut was right"!.
Now let's make this clear…when I left…SHU was ready to jump on stage at any moment, and I assumed that REF was still in his dark corner against the wall where I had last seen him. I can't say what happened after I left. But….here is REF's explanation. I will admit... I was bummed out...this would have been an EPIC battle. Yes yes yesssss ...we can go on youtube and see the rounds…that were suppose to happen. That's not as intense, nor as exciting as seeing 2 people battling face to face in that exact moment. That's what a battle is all about, that intense moment. I'm still satisfied with seeing old and new friends all come together. The performances were dope. The event was secure and I felt safe. We can't control the out come of things…but….ummmm yeah! See you at the PREMEDITATED MURDER 4! XOXO
Okkkk Sooooo wait a sec...
The battle never happened
REF went to get water and snacks
I knew that frying chicken bar should have had some damn chips
I wonder what happened on his trip to get snacks
I love reading this explanation out loud
Damnnnnnn SHU was ready
People paid a lot ….
REF probably had that fire for real
I'm glad nobody is super pissed
Awwwwwwww REF didn't look like he was thirsty when I saw him
Well…this is awkward
I feel better….trusting the vibes
I think everyone had good intentions….
Let me go on and check out these "battle rounds" on youtube
Ummmmm does anyone have the links….
XOXO
#MusicMonday 3/28
Okkkkk Sooooo it's #MUSICMONDAY! Time to shake off the Easter Turn-Up and drag yourself into this work week! No worries tho! Here's a playlist that'll help get you going! Enjoy! XOXO
#MUSICMONDAY 3/28
Here's a BONUS TRACK from 1 of CLEVELAND's newest members of the "Dope ,Lyrical, Conscientious, Oringinal, Game Changer " team! He goes by the name YELLA and he's reppin MBE GLOBAL GANG! Here's his song "SCOOBY DOO"! Go ahead and enlighten your mind! XOXO
PHAZE JACKSON ft. J. Leshelle - "NTRSKRW" Official Video #MUSICMONDAY
Okkkkk Sooooo it's MUSIC MONDAY! I couldn't let this work week get started…without a dope visual with a dope song! (*Duhhhhhh…headroll fingasnap) PHAZE JACKSON ft J.Leshelle "NTRSKRW" is beautifully TWISTED! Soon as the video fades in…you are already resting your eyeballs on your screen. Impatiently waiting for some of CLEVELAND's ALLSTARS to break character, they sike us out (*yeah…i said SIKE) but...it NEVER happens! "NTRSKRW" gives us 5 ACTS, almost like some kind of urban mini theatrical play! (S/0 to CED LYNCH…sheesh #HEWORKING) This is a must watch video! Check out the familiar cameos, and keep your finger on the replay button.Trust me…you'll want to go back to try and see…what it was ...you thought you may have seen…or not. I want to tell you how it ends…but this is "The Beginning"…enjoy!!! XOXO
Make sure you "Iike" and leave a comment on "NTRSKRW"! XOXO
BOSS BIG x KOOL - "CLEVELAND ANTHEM" #MUSICMONDAY
Okkkkk Sooooo it's MUSIC MONDAY! It's time to start this work week!This song is sooooo DOPE! Perfect way to start the day, dope beat, catchy ad libs, and we all know... I LOVE songs with CLEVELAND with references! CLEVELAND is represented to theeee fullest! " Smooth hook, scratching on the beat, a lil chopped and screwed…WHEW!!! Go ahead and put your hand across yo heart and recite this national "CLEVELAND ANTHEM"!!! XOXO
Britt Bandz x Toni G - TAKE HER MAN" *MUSIC MONDAY
Okkkkk Sooooo its MUSIC MONDAY (what are you listening to?)! Scrolling thru the #GRAM and I came across this chic BRITT BANDZ! I've had this song "TAKE HER MAN" on repeat all day. BRITT BANDZ is straight HOLLIN! Don't get it twisted…she's not just talking bout how she's gonna "TAKE HER MAN". BRITT BANDZ instructs us step by step, on how to stack your $, roll another 1, and basically... get what you want. First tho…let's listen to BRITT BANDZ "TAKE HER MAN"!!!XOXO
"1st you get yo $, build up yo empire
Don't worry bout no salty b*tchez looking sour" - BRITT BANDZ
ROB ROA - "REHAB WITH JOHNNY"
Okkkkk sooooo there's no need to beat around the bush. Let's just get straight to it. ROB ROA's "REHAB WITH JOHNNY"…is the best video of the year so far! I know I know…we are only 3 months into the new year (*If you wanna be petty then…)but not only is"REHAB WITH JOHNNY" 1 of the best video's that's been released in yearsssss, the song itself is 1 of the best lyrical stories, (*with an intro, climax, ending, and dope visual bringing it to life )to come out of CLEVELAND…since FOREVER!
It's impressive to see an artist travel across the country , just to make a visual. This video is sooooo INSANE, COLORFUL,SEXY, DIRTY, HARDCORE, DARK, FUNNY and ADDICTIVE!("We All Know How It Goes With Addiction" - Rob Roa) Lines off her body, bumps off her shoulder, brutal gut punches from an angry "little person",making out with mannequins in glitter hats, destroyed hotel rooms,white wig disguises, cookie tossing in parking lots, strippers and Johnny are all present in this epic video!
I love the front desk lady! I still can't figure out if she was acting in the video, or if she was really attempting to call security in real life. Yes, this video is entertainment at it's finest! ROB ROA'S "REHAB WITH JOHNNY" paints a lyrical perspective for the "other side" of the Johnny Manziel "situation". Enjoy this masterpiece! Shoutout to ROB ROA for the super dope #CLEVELAND representation, CED LYNCH for this AWESOME creative visual, and much love to MATT MAUNUS for this wicked beat that's so addictive...you might do "REHAB WITH JOHNNY"! XOXO
"I told Johnny don't act like a victim, cuz we guilty, the logo says #ILTHY, the letter says 1 more complaint they'll evict him."
"Just last year you was all on his DI*K, but you couldn't tell now by the way that you diss him"
ROB ROA
Rob Roa (@Rob_Roa) | Twitter
Rob Roa
Top of the World Studios
TOASTED LIFE + #RAKE RETIREMENT HOME POP-UP PARTY! JOIN US!
Okkkkk Sooooo when the TOASTED LIFE reached out to me…I will admit…I was…SUPER STOKED! I had been patiently waiting for an invite from the exclusive ultimate/party/time of your life-time entrepreneurs…since like…FOREVER! Like most of the promo the TOASTED LIFE posts, it was simple, clean, and immediately made me curious about the event they were having. After curiosity got the best of me I called Matt Tuffuor aka 1 half of the TOASTED LIFE , and picked his life away for details. I was informed that the TOASTED LIFE had powered up with #RAKE and the RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS EVERYWHERE creator Ricky Smith (* I know...I know…unbelievable!) to throw a POP-UP PARTY/PROM. Not just any PARTY/PROM, and noooooo... it wasn't going to be at your local banquet hall, gymnasium, or hotel ballroom. This POP-UP PARTY/PROM was being held inside of a retirement home, for seniors! After hanging up the phone, and quickly realizing the event was happening in THE BAY out in California, I furiously networked my A** off (*work work work work workkkk *Rihanna voice) , and after 20 minutes I had booked my roundtrip flight (*that left at 6am the next day) from CLEVELAND to SAN FRANCISCO for the once in a lifetime event! Like seriously…it's not everyday you get to check 3 things off of your bucket list! #1 performing a Random. Act. Of. Kindness. Everywhere with #RAKE, #2 attending an exclusive TOASTED LIFE event, and #3 finally getting to THE BAY!
While riding in the overloaded Jeep (*Ricky was in the process of completing his 50 city tour cross the country) with myself, RICKY, his assistant Jasmine Nicole (+ all of her gorgeous hair), and AMEILIA ( 1 of Ricky's beautiful friends who is also an elegant beer connoisseur) we were informed that the delivery of roses had been confirmed. The professional photographer + photo booth was being set up, and DJ HELL RELL (*yes…an actual DJ) was warming up on the 1's and 2's!
Walking into the Lobby of the Tunnell Center (Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation) everything looked …normal. No signs of an epic POP-UP PARTY/PROM on the verge of happening. There was a front desk , where we all followed protocol and signed in. We slowly made our way around the maze of hallways, before locating the party room.(*Hooray! Now it looked like a Parrrrr-tayyyy! *headroll fingasnap*) A large group of strangers, old and new friends, #RAKE and TOASTED LIFE social media followers all stood by a colossal pile of luggage. Most of us had packed light and hit the road just to participate in this life changing event.
Once inside , I could't help but notice…that this party resembled most stereotypical High School dances. Even with age, disabilities, and communication barriers , there were still your stereotypical "cliques". Small groups of seniors were seated at different tables. Many were in wheelchairs, some had their walkers parked beside them. There were your older male seniors who were "still super cool", decked out in their finest party attire (*which consisted of sweatshirts, layered button-ups, bubble jackets, soft slippers or velcro strapped shoes and jogging pants). Located at the back table by the DJ booth , a group of senior ladies (*who looked like they may have run the place…the "popular" ladies) enjoyed meals that consisted of solid foods, unlike others who enjoyed a more pureed diet. The ladies all had their hair done. Headbands, curls, and hints of lipstick brightened the mood. Far back against the wall….were your typical "wallflowers", not really sure when or how to interact with the moment, kinda swaying to the music and being observant.
RICKY wasn't having it! He gave the moment about 15 mins, before he belted out "why is everyone acting so shy?" Strangers who had driven hours to participate in the #RAKE event started to move about the PARTY/PROM. The seniors finished up their meals and began to wheel themselves around the room. DJ HELL RELL turned up the music, and everyone started to warm up.Once RICKY yelled the magic words "BINGO", everyone wanted in on the action! (*Who doesn't love a good game of BINGO?!) Bingo boards were passed around, and secretly we all hoped we would be the lucky winner to scream "BINGO! In #RAKE fashion…the winner had a chance to win 1 crisp $100 bill (*well it was kinda crumpled, I mean sheesh…RICKY did drive cross country with it in his pocket, just for BINGO) *Shoutout to AMEILIA…she won!
After BINGO, and during the seniors many cups of "turn-up drank" aka coffee, the POP-UP PARTY/PROM had finally blasted off! RICKY provided everyone with blow up musical instruments, and light up bubble blowers (*those things are friggin awesome!). The seniors all took turns playing the electric guitars, bass, keyboard, and saxophones. "1st come 1st served" must have been the motto for the bubble blowers. 1 senior called dibs , and looked happier than ever, shooting the bubble blower til no bubbles remained!
DJ HELL RELL kicked everything up 10 notches, and after studying the vibe of the moment, managed to spin a perfect set. A mixture of top 40, and old classics which the seniors seemed to enjoy immensely . There were many elderly people, who had somewhat lost looks upon their faces, but when the music started to play, and they heard a song from back in the day, it seemed to unlock some kind of personal memory. Most of them would suddenly start to sing, their faces would soften, and some even managed to release themselves from their prior disabilities, wheelchairs, and walkers…and began to dance!!!
Even those who were unable to stand , still found a way to maneuver their beds, and chairs to the beat of the music, just in time to make it down the soul train line! YES!!!! A soul train line! All of the genuine, kind souls who volunteered for this #RAKE event were smiling non-stop. It was hard not to. WARREN aka the 2nd half of TOASTED LIFE, patiently shared himself , his charming good looks and smile amongst the senior ladies. Taking turns dancing with them, while softly wheeling them around. I smiled so hard that I my lip almost became stuck to my gums, and tears filled up more than once. The employees aka caretakers were amazing! Making sure that the residents didn't turn-up to much, yet still made sure they all enjoyed the music, cookies, and 1 on 1 interaction with many different people. Not a soul was left out.
By then the "wallflowers" had made their way to the middle of the dance floor, some even stood up (*to the surprise of the staff) and danced away with Ricky! There were "oooohhh's" "ahhhhhhh's", and "whoaaaaaa's" when residents suddenly began to spring to life, smiling, dancing, hugging, kissing, and picture taking! Lot's of picture taking! We flicked up! I'm almost certain there was 1 senior who was actually using snapchat! (*NO LIE)
Ricky, #RAKE and the TOASTED LIFE made sure everyone and everything was taken care of. Beautiful bouquets of perfect red roses were passed out to each person! Roses were on tables, the back of the beds and wheelchairs. Bubbles were flying around in abundance (*thanks bubble man!). The seniors even started their own dance off battle! The War of Wheelchairs! It was incredible! The photobooth was beautiful! The backdrop was over the top with sparkles that screamed FUN! Just like a photobooth you might see at a party, club, or POP-UP PROM/PARTY duhhhhhh! It was jumping!!!!! The cliques were rounding up their members to take pics. Everyone wanted a pic with RICKY. The male seniors all wanted pics with the beautiful caretakers and #RAKE volunteers, and the senior ladies all wanted pics with their besties!
As we laughed, danced, flicked up, hugged, kissed, and loved for hours…..the POP-UP PARTY/PROM slowly started to come to an end. Some of the residents started to collect their belongings, pictures from the photobooth, signed autographs from RICKY they eagerly waited for, plates of cookies, and some even grabbed their dentures (*hey…that's life) and headed back to their rooms. It was somewhat of a bummer…watching all of our new friends leave…not knowing if we would ever see them again. Then the smiles returned, knowing that even if we never saw them again, we would always remember this day, the smiles, and love that filled that party room.
I've been a lot of places, and seen a lot of things. This by far…is 1 of the most memorable moments in my life. Watching Matt and Warren from TOASTED LIFE, bustle about the room, quietly making sure the event, vibes, and energy meshed into a memorable moment…in such a humble way, was intriguing. Watching RICKY perform such an effortless Random Act Of Kindness , in such a selfless , authentic way was incredible. He took the time to make each resident feel special, loved, and appreciated. He listened to all of their stories, and that's what we pray for. That when we get older, we are not forgotten. We hope that someone will remember us, listen to us, and take the time to give us life again. With that 1 simple #RAKE…the seniors at Tunnell Center got to enjoy…the TOASTED LIFE!!! XOXO
STALLEY + R THE CZAR - THE GROG SHOP 1/31/2016
Okkkkk Sooooo don't miss out on life like I did last time STALLEY performed, and I missed it! Get your tickets like…NOW! The GROG SHOP will be hosting this event, and it's perfect! I mean…nice size venue, big bar, intimate stage, and let us not forget…1 of the dopest places to take hella selfies, and groups pics!!! Shoutout to the tagged walls, and artistic bathrooms!!! R THE CZAR will be performing as well…don't know about you, but I'm stoked to see this lyrically conscious artist hit the stage! SEE YOU THERE!!! XOXO
DADDY's HOME #COMEDYCLASSIC
Okkkkk Sooooo it had been forever…and I mean foreverrrrrrr since I had been to an actual movie! I'm usually to busy, or struggle with the decision of trying to choose between something dramatic, scary, or sad.(*I usually only do funny movies…*headroll fingasnap) My bestie was finally able to pull me out of my work zone and treated me to a movie. Not just any movie... more like the funniest, most hilarious movie I've seen in years!!! After being "movie late", (ya now…the ol…there's 15 mins of previews so you have time to be late…late), and after bum rushing the concession stand (1 large popcorn, extra extra extra butter, and 1 medium mixed slurpy…ok ok..I'll upgrade it to a large for 1$) we hurried into the movie thinking we had missed something. We were happy to find that the opening credits just started rolling. No lie…soon as DADDY'S HOME started it was funny right out of the gate!!!! It didn't stop there!!! The movie was non-stop hilarious! I was trying to keep my cool and not laugh out loud "LOL", because I didn't want to disrupt the other movie goers experience. That nice polite gesture quickly went out the door, I couldn't stop laughing!!! Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are friggin hilarious! The movie had an actual storyline, it had sympathetic parts, and meaning, but most of all…IT WAS FUNNY! The whole theater was literally falling over on each other, laughing loud, and I'm pretty sure there was popcorn all over the floor from us accidentally shaking our bags while bending over laughing! I won't spoil the movie for you, but I will say…my face hurt for hours after laughing so hard! Later that night I was feeling like I had did hella sit-ups, and I couldn't figure out why my abdomen felt tight. Then I remembered that I had been laughing for more than an hour straight! Make time to see this awesome movie! DADDY's HOME is mos def a comical genius of a movie, and will be nothing short of a comedy classic!!! XOXO
PANDA WOK SUSHI BAR , LAKEWOOD, OH
California Roll, and Hot Tea
Okkkkk Sooooo after being a vegetarian for more than a year, I decided to bless my body and soul with seafood again. Now I'm a pescatarian (*a person who does not eat meat, but does eat fish). Needless to say I have been on a total sushi binge. I took a chance with google and found a gem of a sushi bar on the westside of Cleveland! I never would have thought PANDA WOK would be as delightful as it was. It looks pretty damn sketchy on the outside, Located next to a check cashing place, and Mr.Hero's out of all places( W.117th in Lakewood), I was a little hesitant. Walking in was refreshing. It's a real sushi bar, with an authentic sushi like ambiance. There was 1 little guy, and 1 polite hostess working. The sushi was made n front of me, and he wore gloves (thank goodness). The wasabi could have been thicker, my tea was dark and strong how I like it, and my crab was huge!. I wish something else had been playing on the gigantic flatscreen. It was my 1st time enjoying sushi while watching back to back episodes of Grey's Anatomy. The prices are reasonable, and yes…I will be returning. Check it out when you get a chance! XOXO
YOUNG SHON x BOI TOY - " I NEED A FREAK" Official Video!!!
Okkkkk Sooooo it's sometimes difficult to find artists who come with longevity. It's even more more difficult to find a couple who shares longevity, and consistency. Well the search is over!!! Meet YOUNG SHON and his better half (*or vice versa cuz they both are dope) BOI TOY! Not new to this industry, YOUNG SHON and BOI TOY boast hits, and originality.This visual for "I NEED A FREAK" is crisp, fun, sexy, and nothing short of high quality! Shot by MR.CED LYNCH, the song and video is catchy.Just admit it…we all love videos that involve acting, and this video delivers us a storyline, with good acting (*big up's to the passed out party goers laid out on the floor), and BOI TOY in all of her thick , confident lyrical sexiness! The 360 shots, and party like feel make it a mos def party starter. Shout out to Deandra aka DEE DEE , the spunky, vibrant co-host over at GET IT POPPIN RADIO! Her cameo effortlessly turned up the video! It's always musically satisfying watching YOUNG SHON and BOI TOY create music, drop videos, and perform on stage together. Their chemistry is genuine, and they give us lonely folks hope for our own loving relationships in the future *headroll fingasnap! UMMMM can we say #GOALS. "I NEED A FREAK" - produced by Ty HOOVER is a playlist must have!!! XOXO
youtu.be/d4usf8cFRUo?t=6s
latoy_boitoy
youngshon216
NoSoda Cxka PRESENTS "THE ESCOBAR ERA" #BLESSTHEDOPEMAN
mytpz.mx/a/26410
Okkkkk Sooooo when I was personally invited by NoSoda Cxka , I was thinking "hmmmmm now this is random". I mean …well duhhhhh of course I get invited to a few things here and there, but to get a personal invite from NoSoda himself…yeah…that was pretty random. Yeah I'm friendly on social media, but I did notice that lately NoSoda had been picking up steam. I kept my ears and eyes opened, and almost forget about the NoSoda pre-game gestures. That was until a few random acts of NoSoda saucey-ness started happening.
First….I was finally getting hold of my promo pics for Sparkplugent, from the super dope FILMZFATALE. We were discussing major moves, and NoSoda was mentioned. I was super excited because I had been interested in meeting this guy for a little while. Since becoming associates on social media I was intrigued by his cockiness, his immaculate swag, his self promo, and let us not forget…his panty dropper Gold Grill (*who doesn't love a gold grill…*headroll finga snap) As a blogger I have come across many artists, and after meeting sooooo many I quickly search for an ounce of authenticity before putting my Sparkplug into their craft. NoSoda seemed to project himself, and his brand in an authentic way I found to be desirable ,so I guess that lead up to the next random act of NoSoda saucey-ness.
mytpz.mx/a/26410
I get the invite from NoSoda, and I mean damnnnnnnnn…sh*t was serious! It was my 1st "full list of do's and do NOT's invite". There was a special VIP CODE that was needed in order to gain access to his Listening PARTY ,which was going to be at the infamous BULKLEY HOUSE. Trust and believe I saved that code , I locked it in, and even took a screenshot, in fear of missing out. The invite noted that no video or audio was to be used on social media. (*ughhhhh meaning no snap chat , no videos… but for the sake of checking out the event, I decided I could attempt to go SOCIAL MEDIA COLD TURKEY for a few hours). Lucky for me being media I was allowed +1. So I hit up my A1 MR.OFFICIAL DOPEMOMENTS, and we met up in front of BULKLEY HOUSE.
Pulling up to the BULKLEY HOUSE was like something from the WALKING DEAD, or …even the Michael Jackson thriller video. I'm talking about, sleek shiny pavement, puddles, a few lonely street lights on, and not a living soul anywhere around. The BULKLEY HOUSE sat in all of it's musical prodigy producing glory, covered in ivy, and looking like it was semi-haunted…but in a cool …make you wanna go in type of way. MR.OFFICIAL DOPEMENTS pushed his car door opened for me, and we sat gathering our thoughts , phones, and a couple puffs of the herbal refreshment before running in the rain up to the BULKLEY HOUSE.
Standing on the stoop we must have knocked a few times. Then a few times harder. There were times when we thought we saw a flash of a human walk past the door , but then we realized we were seeing things. Wondering if we were even in the right spot, well…I was wondering, MR.OFFICIAL DOPEMOMENTS assured me we were, the door finally creaked opened. A short guy who barely spoke a few words kinda nodded at us, so we slowly walked in. I noticed the guy kinda stick his head out the huge door and look up and down the soulless street before closing the door. I would love to tell you where he went, but by the time me and MR.OFFICIAL DOPEMOMENTS had turned around…the guy had vanished. We decided to to start our climb up what seemed like 10,000 flights of stairs. Every floor had a weird energy, like ghosts, or spirits were watching…but then again it could have just been the realistic MGK artwork that was all around. Floor after floor …we finally saw a real person sitting on a couch. We gave him the lost look like "ummm where's the event"….he kinda looked up to the sky and pointed a finger…he never really said a word. Sooooo we realized that we must carry on. Finally when we couldn't climb any further we saw hella doors! Of course we opened the door to the wrong session, and the guy in the studio pointed across the hall. So we turned and walked towards the next set of doors. Then….we stood there for about 2 mins…trying to decide if we should pick door #1, #2 or #3….yeah it was that many doors. I was thinking "damnnnnnn…I knew I shouldn't have hit the blunt". Taking a chance MR.OFFICIAL DOPEMOMENTS pushed opened the door and then…...
mytpz.mx/a/26410
The next random act of NoSoda saucy-ness happened. Walking into the studio I had seen soooooo many times posted on social media was amazing! The famous pyramid against the brick wall was glowing. Everyone was seated in a circle. The air was warm in the room, and the guys were all dressed to impress. I mean….I felt like soon as I walked in, a giant bucket of saucey-ness was dumped on me. NoSoda was in the middle of the floor, in all of his glory, his haircut was sharp underneath his fitted hat, his attire represented himself and his brand to the fullest. His sneakers were so clean it looked like he might have been carried up all those damn stairs earlier. I was feeling like….but why…am I here…why have I been chosen to be a part of what is happening right now with this guy.
Walking into his Listening Party…NoSoda smiled when he saw me. He quickly greeted me with warmth and nothing but support. He introduced me as SPARKPLUGENT, and made sure everyone was listening when he assertively told his other guests…that I was a dope blogger! I took a seat after saying my hellos to many familiar faces. FILMZFATALE, MzCrazy Tee, Breatheasyluv (aka leading lady in NoSoda's "Bless The Dopeman" video) RUSH (*his beautiful self) , DEUCE ON AIR from 107.9fm, PYREXXZ who did some amazing things on this ESCOBAR ERA EP, and even the super producer PHAZE JACKSON were all in the same room!
There were tiers of pizza, and pasta all warm and available, and there was enough drink, and tree being passed around generously. NoSoda noticed that we all were staring at him , trying to look attentive and ready for whatever what was to come next. He was an awesome host, vocally and in a comical aggressive way he told us "ya'll better eat all this cuz I spent 40$, and I know y'all aint about to waste sh*t". People grabbed plates and ate, I quietly soaked up the vibe in the room, and had to kinda laugh when people asked "why are you wet…is it raining"…obviously they were lucky enough to beat the rainstorm. After everyone was full , NoSoda commanded the attention from the room. I noticed that he has a way of commanding attention. It could come off as bossy, or cocky, but really after getting to know him…he's kinda like what most of us strive to be. Verbally confident, and taking no sh*t. When he has something to say he mos def wants to make sure you hear him. So there we all sat, in a circle, him in the middle….
NoSoda began to tell us why we were all invited. It was almost like a murder mystery feel…we were all characters, we all had a title. He told us that he had been working on something special, and he wanted to share it with us first. We all had special gifts and or talents, and he felt like together we could be a part of his movement. It was a beautiful thing to hear, that someone believed in us so greatly. So with that being said NoSoda decided to start playing his EP THE ESCOBAR ERA.
STRAIGHT OUT THEEEEEEEE MUTH-FU*KIN INTRO NoSoda started hollin!!! Noooo not in the yelling kinda way…but in a cocky kinda, I OWN this, this is my sh*t, ready for the take ova type way!.
"I know it's a drought and Im holding that gas"
"This is not rappin this is real conversation, this is the reason my records aint playing"
"Dropped 6 mixtapes and I still aint touring, labeled me trouble so a n*gga can't blow, started NoSoda now a N*gga on GO"
SAYYYYYY WHATTTTT!!!!! I mean the intro was sooooooo damn HARD! It literally felt like NoSoda was driving a big as* truck, or van…and he picked up everyone in the room, we all piled in and we started rollin! Sh*t got so real that he had to stop the intro before it was over, only cuz we all were flabbergasted. That's when the unthinkable happened! That's when all of the random acts of NoSoda saucy-ness finally came together, and I realized that nothing was as random as it had seemed. Someone….yelled out across the room something like "OHHHHH WEEEEEEE U GOIN IN BRAAAAAA, U GOIN ALL TAE HARLEM ON EM !!!" I Literally had to look all around the room fast as hell. I looked all around, trying to figure out who and where TAE HARLEM was. Then just like that… BOOM!!! TAE HARLEM was standing in the middle of the circle….wtfffffffffff NoSoda…was or is TAE HARLEM! I damn near had to shake myself, I mean…long story short…awhile back…a few years back…TAE HARLEM was booming on social media. We had spoke a few times, but had never physically met per say, but he was extra cocky, and even back then he totally believed in himself and his brand. The only thing was….TAE HARLEM was wild, and I'm talking about….gave ZERO F*cks wild. I was just starting my own brand, and he would ask me to check out his music, but that was during a time when TAE HARLEM was almost to much for anyone to handle. He said exactly what was on his mind, he would call out any and everyone at any given moment. Even tho his music was nice, I will admit…I was hesitant to f*ck with him, mainly due to the politics of the industry. He was the KING OF DISS songs, and I wasn't trying to promote the whole diss drama movement, cuz I always wanna remain neutral. I can vaguely remember me and TAE HARLEM having words, or not agreeing on certain things, I couldn't figure out where he was going or who he wanted to be as an artist...and that was that.
Sooooooo fast forwad to that moment in the ESCOBAR ERA listening event. There he was. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. NoSoda had gone back to the drawing board. This artist actually took the time, and put in the effort to totally reinvent himself! There were no traces of the past, except for when you listen to him rap. Yeah he still tosses out the clever metaphorical disses here and there, but he's managed to finally tell us what we really wanna hear….everything about himself, and it is FU*KIN AWESOME!!!! Without losing site of himself NoSoda continues to be arrogant, cocky, and a hood story teller at his best.With PYREXXZ right beside him the ESCOBAR ERA EP is 1 of the dopest collection of songs, an beats released out of Cleveland! With the Hustlers Anthem "Bless The DopeMan", NoSoda is not playing around with us.
Soon as the Ep was fired back up, NoSoda's "Bless The DopeMan" smothered us in all things saucy!!!!! It's 1 of the realist, most catchiest bangers out of the city. Not only does he give praise to the Lord Almighty for the sauce blessings, he tells a story of how he came to be so dope, cuz his daddy was a boss n*gga, and his grandpa was a boss n*gga….
"PRIMETIME" mos def has that cocky, make you wanna flex on yo baby mama, or worst enemy kinda energy, and "I MIGHT" will make you wannna set some goals, like buy a crib and move her in….cuz she solid…but I MIGHT I MIGHT I MIGHT. The OUTRO has mini snippets making you wanting to order extra sauce!!!
NoSoda continued to flex in his moment during the Listening Party.His moves all perfectly calculated, just like his career. Realizing that he is 6 mixtapes in, and knowing where exactly he came from, I found myself admiring NoSda…even respecting him fully as an artist. The way that he came at me, leaving the past behind, and only showing me his real self, his real music, it's easier to focus on his talents without all the extraness that came with it before. Knowing that NoSoda has always been a cocky talking, fearless individual makes his authenticity super genuine. Wether you like him or not you can't deny the fact that his music is DOPE! This dude put it some work….from his team to promo, to his brand, his music…it's been the best of the best.
After the ESCOBAR ERA EP had been played , everyone gave praise, and finally we were allowed back on social media!!!! (*Thank GOD, cuz a few of us were having withdrawals.) With cellphones drawn and pointed, NoSoda flashed Gold Grilled smiles (*nooooo no panties were dropped), and even requested that everyone take a picture with him. He wanted a pic with each person, like his way of showing gratitude and appreciation. When the group pic was finally ready to be frozen in time, he even made sure we all were in the pic. He wouldn't have had it any other way that day. NoSoda as cocky as he is, still seemed humbled by all of us who came to show support. This dude has been to the moon and back…and to see him finally be able to come full circle is an amazing thing.
After we all flicked up, hugged up, dapped up, and said congrats and goodbyes, me and MR.OFFICIAL DOPEMENTS proceeded upon our descent down the stairs, but not before leaving our business cards in The BULKLEY HOUSE! (* I mean that's like the 1 place you dream of leaving your cards…*MAMA I MADE IT *headroll fingsnap) Midway down the stairs we stopped and laughed, finally figuring out why it took so long for someone to come to the door when we first arrived. Since the LISTENING EVENT , hashtag #BlessTheDopeMan is boomin, the video is almost ready, and NoSoda is finally getting the respect he deserves, the fans that feel him, and the musical rotation that's he's grinded for for a long time! GOD BLESS THE DOPEMAN!!! XOXO
mytpz.mx/a/26410
nosodacxka
This EVERYTHING snack…is EVERYTHING!
Okkkkk Soooo I've been a vegetarian for a little over a year. (Well actually…an Octo-Lacto, we still eat dairy and eggs) I've been enjoying this snack almost every morning for awhile now. It's super simple! I used to kinda turn my face up at the EVERYTHING bagels…but only cuz some of them have a strong onion taste. I finally found the perfect bagel to make this EVERYTHING snack…EVERYTHING!
{WHAT YOU WILL NEED}
Thomas Everything Pre- Sliced Bagels
1 Tomato slice *I like to slice my tomato super thin, or else I will have to fight with it …sliding around and doing the most extraness.
Philadelphia Plain Cream Cheese - it's super creamy
* After I make it, I take some of the extra seeds from the bagel and sprinkle them on top of the tomato…kinda like poppy sesame seed confetti!
The best part is…you only need to eat half the bagel so you won't feel bulky in the tummy area all damn day. This EVERYTHING snack..is EVERYTHING!!! XOXO
RICHIE RAY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - "PAID IN FULL 2"
Okkkkk Soooo when I was given my interview itinerary for the week , I found myself feeling curious out of all things. I mean now that I have more freedom to really ask what I want to ask and do what I want to do (*Shoutout to Top Of The World for the opportunity…headroll fingasnap) I couldn't wait to meet the artist who would be in the next studio session. Despite my hardest efforts to be on time, the rain seemed to slow things down. I still managed to pull up to Top Of The World 5 minutes before the actual scheduled session time, but between me watching damn snaps on snapchat (*add me JENNYPOOOH) in the car (trying to wait til the rain slowed up), and me getting out of the car , dodging baby puddles,and mud...all while trying not to disrespect the grass by stomping all over it in my Michael Kors riding boots…I had easily become annoyed, wet, and distracted . As I pushed my way into the studio Matt Maunus greeted me, and I started to gather myself for whomever was going to walk into the studio next.
SItting on the couch, pouty face in full effect…and 10 mins late into the scheduled time, the door finally opened, and in came Junior Dinero aka RICHIE RAY as he would later inform me. Even though it was gray, gloomy and ugly outside RICHIE RAY seemed to bring the sun with him when he came thru the door. I mean…this guy was smiling from ear to ear, with a powerade in 1 hand (the red kind), he came in with an abundance of positivity. It was hard for me to keep my pouty face as he introduced himself. He had a gentle handshake, and he expressed his deepest apologetic sympathies about being late. (I told you the rain slowed things down)While he attempted to get himself situated Toby Bandz pushed his way thru the door, and right behind him was CORK aka Mr.If I Had Dreds I'd Shake Dem Bitch*z.
Matt wasted no time getting the session started. While he loaded music, and typed in song titles I formally introduced myself to RICHIE RAY. Things started off distant…only because he was sitting 1 whole couch away from me, still looking nervous. So I decided to just swan dive into everything so we both could get wet.
Q. Soooooo what made you decide to change your name from Junior Dinero to Richie Ray?
A. I mean….there's wayyyyy to many Junior's and Dineros, and I'm from a smaller city so it's a lot of people with the same name, so I decided to change it.
Q. When I first saw your name Junior Dinero, I thought …baby money, is that what you were going for?
A. LOL! Noooooo, but I swear I thought the same thing and I wondered if anyone else would think baby money.
Q. So how did you come up with the name Richie Ray?
A. Well, honestly my real name is Ray, and no…it's none of that extraness on it, not RAYRAY or Raymond…I hate that..it's just Ray.
Q. How did you you decide to choose Top Of The World ?
A. Well I was recording with my boy, but he had a little studio in a closet kinda, and eventually he came in told me that he was recording here at Top Of The World. So I came thru.
Q. What do you like most about the Top Of The World Studio?
A. Mannnn if I could sleep here I would. I love it here. Great quality, it's clean, and I feel safe. Plus they don't judge your music. Some studios judge your music, these guys are non judgmental . I try and book a session per week.
Halfway thru RICHIE RAYS's session he starts to seem more relaxed and confident. He is no longer sitting 1 couch away from me. He's standing next to Matt as they mix down his song PAID IN FULL 2. Not only is the beat catchy, but RICHIE RAY's newly found confidence is inviting. He seems somewhat quietly shy, just smiling…like he's actually happy to be making music. He's dressed in a button up…that's buttoned alllllll the way up, and his hair is the deepest of dark and indian textured. I couldn't help but wonder if he liked to smile, cuz he knew he had perfectly white teeth to show off. I felt a little distracted by his smooth dark chocolate skin, and how sincere he seemed to be, but I quickly refocused once he pulled up a chair next to me, makin me aware that he finally had started to feel comfortable.
Q. How would you describe ELYRIA?
A. It's kinda like a baby Cleveland.
Q. Soooooo in your video 'Morgan Freeman", it's seems like you basically made a whole song about lean. Is that your drug of choice?
A. I mean…….back then yeah, I'll admit, I was going hard awhile back. Yeah I was heavy on the lean, but ya know….I cooled off…I don't do much these days, but maybe smoke a lil weed.
Q. What made you decide to stop?
A. It was a lot of people cutting the lean, doing different things to it. I mean it got to a point where you weren't sure if what you were sipping was real lean. A lot of people think they are sipping lean, but half the time it's something that's been cut, or not legit.
Q. So what were you doing before you really got into music?
A. I was actually going to the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan for a semester, I was going for drawing, I used to really love to draw, but then music came into my life, and I've been working on that instead.
Q. How did you start making music?
A. Well I really wanted to put a kind of group together, I never really wanted to be solo. I tried to get a group of people together, but when I said I wanted to make music, nobody was down. They all kinda blew me of. They weren't very supportive. So then I just decided to do my own thing, I dropped Paid N Full , and Morgan Freeman. It was like after I dropped my videos, those same people started doing music and trying to make videos….smh
Q. What do you want people to hear when they listen to your music?
A. I want people to hear something different from my music, something besides that "robot sound" we keep hearing. (*come on now…ya'll know exactly what he is talking about)
Q. You book at least 1 session per week here at Top Of The World, why do you book so many sessions?
A. I really enjoy making music, I like seeing the progression as an artist that I've made.
Q. What do you do with all of the music you create?
A. I collect it, I put it all away in my catalog ...kinda saving it for my moment.
After hearing RICHIE RAY's song "PAID IN FULL 2" , from start to finish , I was impressed. He seemed so quiet, yet so open and honest with his life…all at the same time. Listening to his lyrics, was refreshing. I could tell that he wasn't just spitting some crazy bars, just cuz he felt like talking sh*t. I mean don't get me wrong. His song PAID IN FULL 2 is a full ride of metaphors and non-stop big sh*t talking. If you have been around that life, then you can easily tell RICHIE RAY has lived that life, and he's not afraid to tell you about it. Lines like "I'll finesse you out yo bandz, and you can't do nothing", comes across like a childish taunt, but it's a line that hits a nerve, because he says it with such confidence and ignorance…like "what you gonna do about it".
Q. It seems as though from your music, you are a professional at finessing people, is that true?
A. Yeah….I mean I have finessed a few people before but even after I finessed them they still came back, cuz they knew I was the only 1 really with the real….
Q. How would some people describe you?
A. Mannnn….they will probably say grimey..
Q. Does that bother you, or make you feel some kinda way?
A. Naw…not really…I mean I know I've finessed people before…sooooo
Q. Did you say "touching all this paper like a secretary"?
A. Ha! Yeah…I was wondering if anyone would really hear all that I'm saying.
Q. Do you believe in LOVE?
A. Well…..yeah…I mean I'm not sure if I've ever really been in love, I have someone I'm on and off with, but as far as love goes….yeah…I guess I believe in love.
That's when RICHIE RAY's smile... kinda…stopped smiling. He told me that his mother died at the young age of 32…yup 32…from health issues related to alcoholism. Having his mother pass away he says changed him. We discussed the disease and how it's difficult to watch a person suffer with the disease of alcoholism. Understanding that this was a sensitive subject for him, I gently moved the convo forward, and he was back smiling.
Q. Sooooo why were you so nervous when we first met?
A. Usually it's just me and Toby Bandz and maybe Cork in the studio. I'm not used to having other people listening. I literally just finished this song right before I got here to the studio, so I was a little nervous about how it would sound.
Q. Wait…you mean you wrote that whole song a few hours ago?
A. Yeah…..
I was somewhat shocked. Noooooo not because he just wrote the song PAID IN FULL 2 so quickly, but because he was able to creatively tell a story which seemed authentic, catchy, fast, witty and cocky with such ease. RICHIE RAY was trying to play the quiet humble role, but I could tell he maybe had a whole other side to him that I would have to travel to Elyria to see for myself.
Q. Now that your making new music, do you plan on performing it?
A. Yeah….I was gonna do the Stalley show, but things didn't fall into place.
Q. How many shows have you performed ?
A. I've never performed on stage before.
Q. NOT ONCE?
A. Nope, not ever….I get nervous, but once I get over my nervousness I'll be ready for the stage.
I attempted to give the ol "YOU CAN DO IT" pep talk. I really was trying to picture him rocking out on a stage. RICHIE RAY just continued to smile and shake his head. It was obvious he was shy, and when he decides he is ready to perform I'll be in the crowd. No rushing things, he seems to move at his own speed... a cool 65 in a 60. I tried to dig for more music, but most of it was when he was just starting. So for now let us enjoy PAID IN FULL 2. It'll make you want to put yo finger in somebody's face, point all around, talk sh*t, and feel like your PAID IN FULL 2! XOXO
"He was being thirsty, so I charged him 6 for a P,They should have told that ni*ga not to shop with me" - Richie Ray
"They should have knew he wasn't solid, wit them empty pockets" - Richie Ray
Fly Tye- '92 (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
Okkkkk Soooo it's no secret…I'm from the realist city in the LAND! CLEVELAND!!!! I love my city, and I especially love artists who represent for my city. The GOOD GUYS provide us with a dope presentation for FLY TYE's '92 video! Directed by SceneMatrix, the visual takes us on a FLY TYE "work day" throughout CLEVELAND. Soon as the beat drops it's clear that CLOCKWORK MUZIK, cooked up the banger. S/o to Superior and Coventry, and S/o to Korman and Ansel! (*Holy Crap, it's the cleaners on coventry!) Not only is FLY TYE an authentic artist, he's also 1 of the pioneers of FLY FASHION, as you can tell from his video '92. After putting in a full "work day" (*i mean damn….dude has gotta to be putting in at least 40 hrs a week + overtime…*headroll fingasnap) FLY TYE ends up in the studio, ready to put in more work. Check out '92.!!! XOXO
SHALAISHA "ALL I HAD"
Current track: Shalaisha - All I Had [Prod. Sample]Shalaisha - All I Had [Prod. Sample]
Okkkk Soooo this is 1 of those situations where…you find a gem, when you were least expecting to find a treasure , and you find it…right under your nose. Come on now….we are all hip to RALPHIE. (*Yes..the super eclectic, colorful, artist outta CLEVELAND, and if you don't know him from his music , then you know him from his always updated social media that more than half the time has his ride or die chic in all of them... pics, tweets, snaps, videos *headroll fingasnap.) I mean I have wondered…more than once…just who was this pretty yellow chic. I mean she always seemed to be quiet like, yet super stylish, and confident in her natural beauty. Like she's always with Ralphie. Quietly right behind him, in studio sessions, photo shoots and shows. She never seemed to try and steal his shine, she seemed to be genuine and sweet. Sooooooo to my surprise 1 day... I began to see artwork being dropped from her! That's when I was finally introduced to a CLEVELAND TREASURE! OMG!!!!!!! Her name is Shalaisha and she sings….like can really blow!!!!!!! I was totally shocked!!!!! Her song "ALL I HAD" is sooooooo painfully beautiful. Shalaisha's voice is so raw, and her small tremors really make you feel what she is singing. *Kinda like when you were young and sitting around your room singing bout your broken heart. Her voice is strong, and the fact that she is so effortlessly beautiful makes it even more enjoyable. No longer 1 step behind her better half, Shalaisha is now walking side by side , if not 1 step ahead. "All I HAD" is mos def a great way to introduce herself to the industry. I promise this song will be embedded in your heart ,mind and your playlist.
"Love was all I had, this is just so sad, when you love somebody and you gotta let em go" *sigh.
__s.h.a.y
