"Music saved my life" is such a played-out quote amongst fans and listeners but I don't feel many truly love and appreciate sound in the way that I do. Growing up with young parents who both grew up in the church, music was very prevalent in my life from an EARLY age. Whether it be waking up and hearing the crescendo of BET's "Lift Every Voice" on Sunday mornings or MTV2's morning music block every day before school, I've always been a lover of all things music and musical art. To say I love it is an understatement. Most days, it's the only thing that gets me thru to the next one. With all that being said, I don't think y'all love music the way I love music, nor do I think you consume as much music as I do, but that's ok. That's what I'm here for. As an avid listener and writer, listening to music is KIND OF my thing and rather than gatekeep, I've chosen to put you all on game. In all seriousness though, I'm excited to share what is playing in my headphones when I make these posts most of the time. This is what I've been wanting to do since I began this blog, so forgive me if it's long winded. But without further ado, get comfortable, grab a pair of headphones, and take note of what I'm about to tell you because this is only the beginning of a series that I will be doing here. Let's get into it. DEMNA LEFT BALENCI by Westside Gunn "HEELS HAVE EYES 2", 2025 Westside Gunn's newest album is easily one of the best to come out this year. From the production to the lyrics, its everything I expect from him at this point which is absolute heat. Like Prime Shipping, bro is going to deliver every. Single. Time. Produced by DJ Muggs of "Cypress Hill" fame, the track has an old, almost nostalgic feel. It's reminiscent of Raekwon or Ghostface Killah, but Westside Gunn raps in a way that only he can, almost as if telling a story over a sample. It's EASILY my favorite song off this project which I cannot praise enough, and I mean that LITERALLY. I have to mention "HEEL CENA" as well. Both are the epitome of hip hop and rap in general. Definitely check this one out if you haven't already. Rebirth by Adrienne Indigo and Paul Grant "Rebirth" Album Cover, 2020 Released in 2020, this song was a happy accident. I was listening to the instrumental of "Love" and decided to go and check out the rest of the project as this particular beat had been on my playlist for some time and I wanted to hear more from the producer. After some very simple digging, I found the rest of the album with the vocals and was immediately mesmerized when I came across this song. It's almost hypnotic. I have no shame in admitting I listened to this track 54 times in one day across 4-8 hours. If you had heard it, you'd understand why. The vocals remind me of the group We Are KING which is ironic given that I think both Adrienne and the group are out of Los Angeles. When coupled with Paul Grant's production, you have the perfect fusion of neo-soul and R&B that would make even Robert Glasper make the proverbial "stank face" upon pressing play. Anyone who's a fan of the artists I mentioned or music similar to that of Tom Misch or Hiatus Kaiyote, this might be just what you need to get your fix. Truth by Little League "PRESTON RUSSELL (Deluxe)" Cover, 2024 Venturing to Chicago's underground, League is an artist I've been following for a while now. This project in particular is my favorite of his and for good reason. The entire project is one massive punch to the temple. It hits you immediately and once it does, you can't help but to vibe and bounce with it. Described by him as a "hype project", this tape does that with ease. Whether working out or running late for work, I put this on and I'm ready to go the whole day. A frequent collaborator of Your Stepdad, he also makes an appearance on this tape as well and the track does not disappoint. League is an artist I feel any fan of X or hardcore trap-rap can get behind and although, I may be partially biased cause this is my favorite album and track, I don't think there's a better introductory track to get familiar with his work. Definitely give him a listen and check out the other types of music he has to offer. Weezy Face by Domo Genesis (prod. by Graymatter) "WORLD GONE MAD" Cover, 2025 Anybody who knows me knows I loved Odd Future growing up. Anyone who LISTENED to Odd Future knows that lyrically, Domo was one of the best in the group, but never really seemed to get the recognition he probably should've. I really feel he was a victim of the time, but please don't mistake this statement for pity. Domo MAKES HITS. Domo HAS BANGERS. "Genesis" was in my rotation HEAVY throughout high school and still very much is and anything he's dropped since then or featured on has been damn near flawless. Actual photo of me, junior year of high school. Make note of the shirt. This shit ain't no game. It's no mistake he's talented, so you can only imagine my surprise and excitement when on a random Friday in August, he decided to drop an EP. The opening track is the perfect way to get it started. Right out the gate, Domo Genesis is rapping his ASS OFF. It's almost as if he's saying "Ayy, I do this shit too. Remember that." Domo doesn't get talked about enough in my honest opinion. When it comes to flow, he's one of the best out and this is a prime example of what I mean. The song is called "Weezy Face" because that's the look I made when I heard it the first time. THE "Weezy Face" PLEASE go listen to this if you a real hip-hop head. Beeper!!!! by Kaicrewsade "Beeper!!!!" Cover Listen man: as a music fan, I don't think there's anything better than discovering a new artist and watching them and their fanbase grow. I've been obsessed with this dude's music since I first heard him on "Magenta Skin" with Wakai. He has consistently put out good music damn near every month for the last year. Everything he's dropped, I've been absolutely blown away by and have even used his music in the intro of one of my own videos. He is absolutely going to be an even bigger star than he already is, and I stand on this. I will PERSONALLY recommend him to any and everyone I come across. "Yvette" is one of the BEST projects to come out last year and that is not an exaggeration. It is FLAMES. How I only found it THIS year, I don't know, but I'm so glad I did. His recent releases, two singles I'm assuming will be on an upcoming album, both were a great little listen and have definitely added onto my already brewing excitement. Of the two, I enjoyed this one just a bit more but recommend both and HIGHLY recommend you give "Yvette" a listen. If I could describe it in so few words: Imagine if Erykah Badu and Robert Glasper had a child, and he smoked a ton of weed and listened to Saba. That is Kaicrewsade in a nutshell. Give him a look. Swan Song by Zahir & Nali Zahir, 2023 An oldie but goodie. One I recently rediscovered when the shuffle threw it in my rotation. A chill lil vibe, something to just sit and coast to. Zahir has a very monotone and calm flow, sort of like Mavi (who will be featured on the "HIM" Motion Picture Soundtrack. Expect to hear about that and him very soon, no pun intended). It's the perfect track to just put on and get lost in. Nali's dreamy vocals accompany his sultry tone perfectly. When coupled with the beat, it's almost like a lullaby, and don't get me started on the Tweet sample throughout. That song is a classic in and of itself. But this outro? The piano outro is the ultimate chef's kiss. Just the perfect end to an already great track. It makes me think of a simpler time. Just me and my friends, out late night on the town, walking around, laughing, drinking, its perfect. Any track that can evoke that kind of emotion gets a spot on this list and on this blog. Much thanks to the artists for the quick nostalgia trip. Still Kickin Shit by BoofPaxkMooky "Still Kickin Shit" Cover, 2025 Boof one of them artists you either really like or absolutely despise, ain't no in between. One thing is for certain though: bro gone drop and drop often. In addition to two albums last year, "Sincerely Boof" dropped in 2025 and he's had a string of singles and features strewn throughout. Just when I thought "Worst Paxk" couldn't be topped, "Still Kickin Shit" drops and like the name suggests, Boof's generational run is nowhere near finished. What comes after this, I'm not entirely sure about, but this track should get me thru till I have the answer here for you. In the meantime, enjoy this one on full blast. And give Texako a listen as well. Both are dope individually, but when on the same track, they also complement one another well. Mew by eu - IV "Mew" Cover as it appears on Soundcloud Ending this entry the way we started: in appreciation of sound. This one is a bop and I do mean bop literally in the way it'll make you bob your head without ever saying a word. This track features no lyrics or vocals outside a subtle vocal sample thrown in the mix. eu - IV finds a way to make a hit without ever saying a word and you should enjoy it the same way: in silence. No words. Just let the beat take you away. It sounds like a track you'd hear on a Super Mario Galaxy level, though I'm pretty sure it's a Pokémon sample (somebody let me know if you know). The chops in the beginning start almost off key and confusing at first, but as the track builds and the other elements are added, everything flows into each other perfectly. It's almost as if it's broken apart and then put back together before finally making something entirely new and different. Before a writer, photographer, and creator, I'm a fan at heart and a student of the game. As a beat and instrumental enthusiast, this one hit all the right notes for me. I definitely listened to it more than once and one more time before I wrote this. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Alright, and with that, we've reached the conclusion of our first entry of "Songs You Should Be Listening To." As the title suggested, go and listen to them yourself and form your own opinion. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed penning it and I can't wait to add to this series and continue to share what I come across as I COME ACROSS it. Till then, keep digging in those crates. I'll see you in the next one.

Alfredo 2, Released on July 25th, 2025 The musical landscape as of late has felt so bland. Whether it be the lack of new music from my favorites or Drake’s half ass attempt at making a comeback, nothing as of late has made me make the proverbial "stank face" that comes with a memorable verse or a hard-hitting beat. That was until this came out. From the moment the countdown began on my Spotify, Freddie Gibb's "Alfredo 2" has been highly anticipated by me and several others. And yes, I do mean SEVERAL others because I don't give a f**k who you are, what you like or don't like, y'all ain't gone act like Frederick doesn't make hits and you for SURELY won't act like Uncle Al doesn't either, but I digress, this blog is a safe space for me to share my opinions FREE OF BIAS. Now that I've given them both their flowers, let's talk noodles. Aside from an occasional feature here and there and a heavy social media presence (one almost as entertaining as his music), this is Freddie Gibbs's first full length project since 2020, a full five years. And only his second with producer The Alchemist, the first being the previous "Alfredo" installment. "1995" was the lone single to be released, a nice little appetizer before the full course, but I'm a meat and potatoes guy. I don't do too much "coursing". If this were an Olive Garden, these would be the breadsticks and salad. Something to put on my stomach after starving myself all day, but now, I'm ready for the FETTUCINE and CARBONARA. I won't hold you, my first run thru, I skipped "1995". I had heard it enough leading up to the release. I need something new. Enter track 2: "Mar-a-Lago". Although not the first track, it's a perfect starting point and an idea of what to expect on this project. It's sensual, sleek, and smooth. With the sound of windchimes strewn all throughout, it's like something straight out of a 70s blaxploitation film. It's the musical equivalent of walking into a cigar lounge with a pair of gators and a chinchilla coat. It's the perfect start to the album and in my honest opinion, this should've been the single or the intro. It's a cool, laidback track. Just something to coast to. And with an audio bite from John Singleton's certified hood classic "Baby Boy", I really can't ask for much more. This track hit all the right notes. Now, if you're not already familiar with him or in case you forgot what he's capable of, Lemon-Pepper Steppers is the reality check you've been needing. Freddie Gibbs pulls no punches. Just straight spittin'. Nothing too fancy or over the top. Just flowing, from start to finish. The perfect track for any lyrical, spiritual individual. At some points throughout the song, you can even hear Freddie start to lose his breath. Bro is quite literally putting his life on the line to record this song, this time over a more ominous beat, very reminiscent of Sin City or a Scorsese film score. I know I haven't really mentioned it up until this point, but Alchemist's production is some of the best of all time. Now, the reason I haven't done so is because after these first 3 tracks, the album REALLY starts to take off. The production, the features, everything changes and starts to become something more MY speed. Anyone who knows me knows I love neo-soul, I love sound, and I feel that a good beat is the driving force behind any chart-topping song. It's the way most of these supposed musical artists have mislead you to believe that they can actually go a full 16 on a track, until you have someone like a Freddie Gibbs and an Alchemist on a track together and you realize that a lot of these so-called "rappers" don't really rap like that. "Ensalada" is everything you could want from a track. Wordplay, a solid beat, a great hook, and Anderson .Paak. Because why wouldn't he be there? Why wouldn't this be my favorite song up until this point? Did you forget the part where I mentioned neo-soul? This was the first track on the album to make me audibly yell "oooohhhh shit" in my car while driving. I had to hit the replay button and start it from the top. Cool, I'm locked in. But now I'm left with more questions than answers. Why is Freddie just repeating salad in Spanish over and over again? "Ensalada, ensalada, ensalada....ohhhh, it's a lotta". A play on words that would make even your mother chuckle. Simple, I know, and probably underwhelming to most, but I feel him. Ensalada people I don't care for either. YOU, the person reading, might even be one of them, but I thank you for your contribution and I'm glad we both ended up here together one way or another. Entendres and jokes aside, Freddie goes in on this track and shows once again why he's one of the best and most consistent rappers when it comes to verses. Add onto all this Anderson .Paak's contribution on the hook, it weaves the song together perfectly making this one a potential "song of the year" candidate. I know you people though. Y'all would never let that happen. The only other thing I'll say about this song is I can see why everybody collectively agrees it's the best on the album and honestly, I'm not totally opposed to this take. I could also see someone who doesn't normally listen to Freddie Gibbs liking this song as well. But is it MY favorite? Nah. It comes close, but no cigar. My favorite track is EASILY "Lavish Habits". From the moment I heard that snazzy guitar riff and Freddie talking to himself like a fiend off a rock, I was immediately hooked. Containing what sounds like it could be a sample of "Bumpy's Lament", Alchemist flips it in a way I haven't heard anyone else flip it. Not Dre, not Sister Erykah, nobody. And the reason I say it sounds like it COULD be is because the beat is so unique and so different that if it IS "Bumpy's Lament", it sounds like a totally different track now.  It almost reminds me of Steely Dan, my favorite band from that era, which may be the reason I'm so obsessed with it. Regardless of what it is or isn't, what it is is flames. It's no crazy hi hats or 808s, just a dreamy sample and a cool flow. Even though the flow is calm though, the verse is everything but that. With shots at Gunna, Akademiks, and a crazy Diddy bar that I will not quote here, this song was both unserious as hell and memorable enough for me to quote in the title of this post. Freddie clearly has a bone to pick with several people in the industry but if the beef means more music like this and more jabs at Ak, serve me up some more. I'm here for it. This track definitely deserves the same recognition as "Ensalada", but you could say the same about "Empanadas", "Feeling." and the rest of the album. Because on an album that features JID, how is it his track isn't even in the discussion? It's not a testament of how good or bad the track is (because it definitely took another listen to grow on me), I think there's just so much to take away and so many gems on this album, to walk away with just one feels almost ludicrous. Did you listen to the whole album? Are you really willing to leave this much heat on the table? I know I'm not. With all that being said, I have nothing else to say. "Alfredo 2" is the album I've been DYING for. No specific artist or sound in particular, just something MEMORABLE. Something I can play in the car, something I can write about, and in a true act of irony, something I can write to.  Although formulaic at times and similar to all his other work, I'm a firm believer in the idea that if something works and is a success, there's no reason to overcomplicate things and ruin the entire system. In other words, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So, as I type this with "I Still Love H.E.R" on repeat, I thank you Freddie Gibbs for another instant classic. Me and the 20 people listening appreciate you. A round of applause for the Alchemist as well because Freddie definitely showed out, but these beats damn near carrying the whole project on their own. Best believe I will be working to the "Alfredo 2" instrumental album the same way I did the previous one. And if you made it this far, thank YOU for reading. Final Verdict: Solid 9. "Skinny Suge II" was the only track I wasn't feeling. Weirdly enough, it sounds like Kurt Angle's TNA Wrestling theme which I just can't take my mind off of. Aside from that, this album deserves every bit of praise its getting but it's not getting the recognition it should, nor will it get any play on the radio. Why? I don't know, but I hope this post will make you reconsider. Go give it a listen. Form your own opinions. Just remember, this one's mine.

Alright. It's July 28th. Tyler, the Creator's new album is officially a week old and after listening to it 3 times now, I think I'm ready to share my opinion and take whatever backlash comes with it. But again, reread that last sentence: this is MY opinion. Even though I've made sure to emphasize this, I know there's gonna be at least one person who opts not to use their reading comprehension skills, so before proceeding past this point, this is your final warning. If you're still here, get comfortable. This is a long read. I'll start by saying that the roll out for this album was SICK. Everything both before the release and after has been flawless. The videos, little skits to accompany the songs, the broken glass effect when you double tap a photo on Instagram, it's all been amazing. Being an art enthusiast and photography and film geek, I've loved the presentation of this album, but honestly, I'd expect nothing less from him. In addition to that, to drop on a Monday with no prior promo or hype aside from the previous album is a bold move, one ironically reminiscent of his Chromakopia release. Ever the evolving artist, this album is unlike anything else he's released. Though there are callbacks to his previous albums like the never-ending internal conflict with himself and his sexuality (Tyler just can't seem to leave them men alone, but don't get it twisted, he'll still take your b****) or the drums and sounds riddled throughout Cherry Bomb, this album offers both a nostalgic callback to old southern hip hop and dancehall with something new and fresh from Tyler altogether. Another detail I liked, this album almost plays like a movie, each track weaved into the next seamlessly. The transitions on this album are done sequentially, meaning "don't hit shuffle, don't hit skip, DON'T TOUCH THE GLASS", the metaphorical glass being your phone in this case. Just hit play and enjoy, but don't just HEAR the music. LISTEN. FEEL IT. Tyler does nothing without intention and just like Chromakopia, the ending isn't the end at all. It's just the beginning. I said I listened to the album 3 times, but the second was not intentional because I had NO idea the album even ended and had started again. I couldn't help but laugh and restart the song from the beginning. Regardless of anything I say past this point, please know that these things are things I took note of and found the most interesting about this project. Now, those are the PROS. Let's get into the CONS. This album did not move me lyrically. GRANTED, and I REALLY need y'all to hear me, this was NOT a RAP ALBUM. It's being hailed as a "dance" album. Now, once I heard this, I immediately changed my whole stance and enjoyed it for what it was which was something for the girlies to pop ass to and the guys to step. It hits all the marks: upbeat, whimsical, and electric. The tone and wordplay aren't "Call Me If You Get Lost" or even "IGOR" but it shows flashes here and there, so much so that my initial thought was, "these sound like a bunch of IGOR throwaways", but the synths and sounds almost remind me of Patrice Rushen and as a huge fan of hers, that definitely gave me a slight tingle. "Don't You Worry Baby", "Sucka Free" and "Ring Ring Ring" were immediate favorites, but "I'll Take Care of You" has grown on me the more I hear it. It's like if Project Pat and Memphis Horror Core had a baby with Kerri Chandler or Lone and it came out confused looking like both parents. It's both in the midst of an identity crisis and knows exactly what it is. It's the perfect mix of both and I'm here for it. With that being said, the songs I like, I can vibe with, and the replay value is there, but the songs I didn't mention, just didn't hit that spot for me (pause for pause moment ) hence they get no mention here. Doesn't make them bad, doesn't mean I hate them, it's just not particularly MY cup of tea. If I need my daily dose of dance mix, Geode and Kaytranada are my go-tos, but Tyler, definitely made a splash with this project even if not nearly as big of one as his previous works, though, the charts will say otherwise. This album did what every Tyler album does and that's excel and crush every metric you did or didn't believe it should've and his fans, even myself as I'm typing this, will make sure you don't forget that. All in all, it was a fun project. It was entertaining, it was visual, and it's the perfect listen for any summer kickback or function. But that's just MY opinion. Give it a listen and form your own. Final Verdict: Had you asked me last week, 6 flat. But now? 6.5. Not bad, but not my favorite. Still, I digress: its good shit.

I’ve been putting this off for a minute now but I’m feeling especially homesick today so I feel it’s as best a time as any to FINALLY do this. So, here we are. If you’ve been following me for the past month, you’ve probably seen that i’ve been on the road a lot. It’s essentially where I live, and where I live is where the road (and less cliché, my JOB) takes me. As of now, I’m in Florida and will be here until the end of this month (June as I type this, but who knows where I’ll be by the time this letter finds you). But before the beaches, before the yachts, before the lambos and everything that comes with the night life, my first taste of adventure was a much more familiar destination. My job took me to the state capital, Montgomery, Alabama. Prior to this opportunity, I had a little over a thousand dollars to my name, my work was still just getting off the ground, my website (yes, the one you’re reading this from) was still a bit a ways away from completion, and I. Was. STRESSED. I was losing sleep, I was losing time, and at one point, I was losing MONEY. My options were very limited, but the only thing more focused than a man with nothing to lose is a man with EVERYTHING to gain. I packed my bags, said a prayer, and made the drive out. After a bit of a slow and might I add, CHAOTIC start, everything went from bad, to worse, to not so bad, to about the closest thing to perfect as I can get. And although the drive was NOT a short one, I found my time in the car feeling shorter and shorter the more I made that trek. Maybe it was the music, maybe it was my excitement, or maybe it was just me disassociating a bit before I went thru those doors again. But not in a bad way. Almost calming. Peaceful. Serene even. As my work days got shorter, my nights got longer. I was working in a way I had never done before. Faster, more consistent, but the biggest difference is I wasn’t struggling to create or stressing out trying to do so. I was having FUN. The type of fun I hadn’t had since I first picked up a camera. And how fitting that this all came full circle, almost 6 years to the day that I got my first camera. I’d get one last chance to photograph MY home before moving on to a new one for the time being and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I got to see art. I got to meet a GREAT crop of people, learn from some very well educated individuals, as well as eat some REALLY good food. I loved everything that the city had to offer whether it was the smell of BBQ on every block or the hospitality of the people walking them, I cannot say enough good things about the city of Montgomery and that’s saying a lot because prior to my stay there, I didn’t even THINK to go there. But after practically living there for the better part of 2 weeks, I apologize. I wasn’t familiar with y’all’s game. But all jokes aside, I thank everyone that made my trip (even if I had the chance to drive home here and there in between) a safe and enjoyable one. Whether it be the people checking me into my room, people telling me good spots to go for grub, or even just speaking and holding a door open for me, thank you for making the kid feel at home even away from home. Thank you to Montgomery Fire and Rescue for making this project a successful one. And thank YOU for taking the time to listen to me ramble. I promise the support doesn’t go unnoticed. And to YOU, the city, although I’m not from here, I’m happy I got to see you and even happier to call you another home. I’ll be seeing you again very soon. And to the nice couple I ran into, I’m a man of my word. Here’s your shout out. I hope this message finds you both well. Keep on keeping on. Before it’s all said and done, I hope our paths cross again. Until then, eat an extra piece of catfish for me. Cheers.

“Solitude” Desolate. Empty. Gray. I’ve wanted to shoot something from my room for quite some time, but have never gotten around to it. Now that I have, I can wholeheartedly say that this is the most candid shoot I’ve ever done. I regularly show you the highlights of my job, but very seldom do I show you what leads up to those moments. It’s easy to get distracted by the lights and sounds that come with my profession, but 9 times out of 10, you can find me in my room, hunched over my computer. Now this does not mean I don’t enjoy frequenting the bars, the cafes, and what have you. This simply means I would go CRAZY if that were my life day-to-day. When checking into any room or suite, my routine is the same every place I go: I kick off my shoes, toss my bags in a corner or closet, and set up my “office”. View of my Office My office consists of a Dell laptop, a mouse, and my headphones. I work when I’m at work and I come home and work some more because I feel it’s important to find time for the art that I enjoy making rather than the art that others enjoy seeing. With all that being said, this is not an admission of sorrow or a cry for help. This is a day in my life. I find comfort in these 4 walls. Though I miss my family, my friends, home cooked meals ESPECIALLY, I feel liberated. I feel empowered. Most of all, I feel free. No longer tethered to my town or the limitations that come with being from a small place. My home is wherever I go. The world is my canvas, my camera is the brush in which I create. This is my solitude. This, ALL of this you see, is a part of the process. And the process is beautiful.

This week, my work took me to Melbourne, and no, not the one in Australia. You can only imagine my disappointment when I found out that Florida also has a city of the same name and I’d instead be going there, but I was still very much excited to get to discover a new place and meet new people. Although checking into my hotel was nothing short of HELL, my stay was one of the most relaxing I’ve had in quite some time. My last day, I got the opportunity to walk the historical Downtown Melbourne and to be completely honest with you, it was nothing like how I imagined it. After seeing nothing but Del Taco and 7-Elevens the entire week, I was surprised to find what was ESSENTIALLY an outdoor shopping mall and strip. Art exhibits, murals, pubs, boutiques, and whatever else your heart desires. The look was almost reminiscent of a 1960s surf town but did you really expect anything less than that in Florida? What is this, Grease??? The locals were welcoming aside from one lady who wouldn’t let me step into her boutique, but it’s cool. I wasn’t buying anyway. Artists and art alike riddled the shop walls. The streets reeked of fresh vegetation, hotdogs, cheap perfume, and yet I found myself falling in love with the city the more I walked. If I had it my way, I’d never leave. But so is life and so is work. There’s a certain charm here that I can’t quite put into words. It feels both old and new, city and not-so suburban. Welcoming, but almost hidden to the naked eye due to the sheer size of it. If you walk long enough and look down too long, you’ll walk right out of it but the smell of the city alone is enough to make you wanna turn right back around and walk back thru, and best believe I’ll be back soon. But until we meet again Melbourne, I thank you for having me, I thank Melbourne PD for showing such graciousness and courtesy to a stranger far, FAR away from home, and I look forward to my eventual return. Be seeing you soon. And by the way, I ain’t see no damn wizards at Waverly Place either. I want the press to know this.

May 5, 2019. The day our story begins. Following a lengthy stretch of releases, MIKE would go on to tour with Earl Sweatshirt and this would surprisingly or rather UNSURPRISINGLY lead them all the way to the Magic City. Saturn, the venue, MIKE, the performer. Birmingham, a city riddled with graffiti and art on nearly every corner, it felt almost guaranteed he'd find his way here at some point. Hailing from the state of New York, the very fabric of his makeup and upbringing is almost identical to that of my own. Though I hail from the country, my heart will always be in the city due to my career and the doors its opened for me, this being one of them. And although I missed you the first time, I made sure I wouldn't again, even at the expense of my job. MIKE, Live from WORKPLAY in Birmingham, AL, April 27th, 2025 As I walked into the room, getting closer and closer to the stage, I'm immediately met with the aroma of marijuana and the funky sound of Salami Rose Joe Louis (yes, that's the name of the band, and yes, they were amazing). Its sultry. Smooth. Almost reminiscent of Hiatus Kaiyote, a band I've followed since I was 15. The perfect act to get you in that mode. Notice I didn't say opener. Because although they were touring with MIKE, the conviction and confidence they performed with nearly made me think I had walked into the wrong venue and into the wrong show. They play with a presence that almost hypnotizes you and hypnotize it did because I had just remembered I forgot to charge my camera battery the previous night. Absolute novice move on my part. If this had happened to me 3 to 4 years ago, I would've dejectedly walked back to my car and put camera and bag away, but luckily this isn't the me of times past. I had conveniently packed my charger in my bag. Shout out to the guy behind the bar who let me bum an outlet off of him. You're my hero, dawg. But now I'm met with another issue: will I be ready in time for MIKE's performance? I'm checking my imaginary watch and looking around for a clock. "YOU THERE! GENTLEMAN SELLING TOUR MERCH! DO YOU KNOW WHEN MIKE GOES ON?!" In a panicked and dramatic tone, almost Oscar worthy, he replies: "uhhh, probably about 10-15 minutes." Perfect. I still have time. I push my way thru the crowd (politely, of course) and throw my tripod and bag down. I set up my tripod and wait. Seconds feel like minutes, minutes like hours. I'm checking my phone every couple seconds. I'm nervous, but not because I'm afraid of messing up, but because I know I won't. Because I've prepared for this. I've been waiting for this day since the moment I hit "purchase" on my ticket. If anything, I'm more worried about security than myself because I came into this with one goal in mind: I'm getting on that damn stage tonight. That's not an empty statement, it's a promise. I run back to the bar, retrieve my battery, and run back out to the floor. Everyone in a huddle then me to myself in the back of the room. The room is loud. I can feel the speakers shaking throughout the entirety of it and yet it's so quiet. I hear nothing but the clicking of my shutter, the beeping as I adjust my settings. Nothing else in that moment matters. No matter what happens when I leave here or what's next for me, no one can take this away from me. I get everything set. I'm ready. Now, we wait. The feeling in my gut has returned. My anxiety has now turned into impatience. I feel like an animal caged. I'm ready to get to work. I've never been more ready for anything in my life. And then like clockwork, just as I'm getting ready to sit down on the floor, a man walks out onto the stage. Although, I don't recognize him, I can tell he carries himself with the same confidence I do. This is MIKE's DJ, Taka. He plugs in a few wires, puts on his headphones and drops a beat that I'm sure you could hear on the other side of the city. Immediately, I feel my head start to nod. In that moment, everything I was feeling left my body. I close my eyes and nod my head. All I can feel is the music. The entire crowd starts to move and finally, like a scene out of a movie, all I hear is the crowd start to cheer. I look up to try and find the source of all the commotion. And there he was. The hero of our story has made his entrance. MIKE takes the stage I know I'm heaping tons and tons of praise onto him, but this is an artist I've followed for most of my adult life and part of my teens. In a way, I've grown up with his music and whether at my best or my worst, this music has been a constant. This man has traveled the world, literal continents, and yet here he is leaning into the crowd, dapping up fans, and holding conversations. He looks towards me and gives a subtle, but poignant double thumbs up. I smile and throw my hand up as a sign of comradery. Before his set even begins, he makes it not only a priority but a recurring theme throughout the show to thank the fans in attendance, the security, the staff working the venue, and anyone else who helped play a part in this tour. So, now that the introductions are out of the way, we get to the music. You can only imagine the joy that filled me when he opened with "Burning Desire". He asks the crowd to get as loud as they can and join him in singing the chorus before letting out a boisterous and raspy lead into the intro in a way that only MIKE can. The crowd gets louder and louder as he gets more and more into the performance. It feels as though everyone is on the same wavelength. For a second, I forget I'm there for work. Time to pivot. I move around the crowd and shoot from the back of the room. They look ok, but I know I can do better. The lighting's not the best, but that's why God gave us flashes. I'll provide the light I'm lacking. As they say in the south, "now we're cooking with hot grease." I move around to the side of the stage, the speaker now right in my ear. The sound is so loud, I can feel the wind hitting my face. I'm now, inches away from MIKE and I'm just under the light. Again, it's good, but I know I can do slightly better. I take my camera off the tripod and start shooting straight from the hip. I'm locked in. I can feel my blood start to pump more and more the longer the show goes on and for a moment, everything's perfect. But this is a story of triumph, remember? And what's a good underdog story without a little drama and conflict? My batteries in my flash start to die. And unlike my camera battery, yes, they're rechargeable, but I didn't bring the charger for those. I didn't think THAT damn far ahead. I'm only human. But like any great photographer in a pinch, we adapt, we overcome. Now, I have no choice but to get closer to the action. So, finally, we've reached the climax of our story. Time for me to make my move. This is it. THIS IS WHAT WE'RE HERE FOR. I look around the room, I look for security, and lastly, I look for the exits in case I need to make a fast dash out of the venue. I take one final look at the crowd and take everything in. If this is it and I get tackled and carried off this stage, I take pride in knowing I took a chance at all. What I could do I did, what I couldn't do, I tried. I put my camera down and I make that long climb onto the stage, and for a second time stops. The crowd freezes, the music fades, its just me and my camera. All I can do is smile. I now have a perfect view of the crowd and of the performance. Just as I raise the camera, I hear a familiar tune start to play. Its one of my favorite songs, one I anticipated hearing before I even got there. Its the song I hear playing in my head as I navigate thru life: "No Curse Lifted". The song deals with themes of love, loss, past relationships, and success and the changes that come with it. The triumphant swell of horns throughout the song almost offers a sense of comfort that clashes with the underlying subject matter and serious tone. It's almost as if MIKE is saying "you're going thru it, but I'm going thru it too. We gone be alright, trust." For the first time during the entire show, I put my camera down, I put my phone down, and I took it all in. I don't record it; I don't post it. Just relish in the moment. Because who knows? I could be gone tomorrow. It could be another 6 years before he returns. Just for the moment, I'm gonna enjoy every second I have. Nothing else matters right now. And honestly, that in itself is a surreal feeling. THIS is what I live for. THIS is why I do this. After the song ends and the outro begins, MIKE speaks to the crowd again. He thanks everyone in attendance again as well as security because they quote: "weren't the police" (that definitely felt like a nod to me. THANKS MIKE!). But then his tone changes. He gets serious again. This time, it feels like he's speaking directly to each one of us. He asks the crowd to make some noise and show some love to his late mother. The crowd claps and cheers louder than they have the entire night. Its somber. Its sincere. Its everything that encapsulates MIKE and his music. No matter the album cover, the title, MIKE's music offers a feeling of humanity that we all can relate to. It's full of loss, it's full of heartbreak, it's full of love. It's full of life. Not just the highs, but the lows as well, because when you've hit rock bottom, you can only go up from there. MIKE finishes the set with a soft ballad. Clearly overcome with emotion, he asks to perform it one more time, but this time, he leaves the stage and walks out into the middle of the floor to perform with the crowd. Everyone raises their phones and their flashlights. The light surrounds him and gives an almost angelic aura and look to him. But maybe it's not the flashlights. Maybe it's nothing to do with the lighting at all. Maybe it's just MIKE. The lights not surrounding him, its exuding from him. It engulfs every stage and room he walks in and is reciprocated in the energy the crowd gives back. Gives a whole new meaning to the song and phrase "GOD'S WITH ME" doesn't it? So, as I pen this from my bed in my newly bought MIKE tour tee, I look back at this entire experience with joy and adoration. Adoration for the city, the people, the culture, and the homie, Big. F***king. MIKE. This show had everything from hype to emotion and delivered in every way possible. I could sit here and tell you I'm surprised by how great it was, but the truth is I'm not. MIKE did what he always does and that's kill every track, every song, everything he does. I know his mother was in that room with us that night and she had the biggest smile on her face. Your baby boy's a star. They say music is the one thing in this world that can bring everyone together and I've never felt more united than I did in that room with all those people. Even though it's been 6 years since MIKE last stepped on a stage in Birmingham, it felt like no time's passed at all. I take pride in knowing I got to be a part of this and add just a bit more life to an already OVERABUNDANTLY alive event. So, to MIKE, thank you for putting on a show and making this one of the best nights of my entire 23 years of life. PLEASE don't let it be another 6 years before you come back though. To everyone in attendance, thank you for showing out and making me feel comfortable in my element. Because although I didn't know you before I came there, I definitely know you now. And to YOU, the reader. I hope this letter finds you well. I hope you read this and get just an ounce of the fire that this event gave me. But all in all, you just had to be there, man. Hate you missed out, but I hope I catch you at the next one. If you see me, don't be a stranger. Till then, I'm signing off. Sincerely yours, Ty Peterson of mAD iMOTiON (Alexa, Play Evil Eye by MIKE.)