LISTEN: Woodgrain Grip - "Chemistry"

Let's get the obvious stuff out of the way first. As you read this you may still be reeling from the idea of Donald J. Trump becoming President-Elect. It's trippy to be sure but trouble don't last always.

Don't believe me?

I understand it sounds like an empty sentiment but there are other things to occupy your consciousness.

For example, good ass music. It's been proven time and again that music has a certain power in our life. It can alter moods without effort.

This brings me to New GA's Woodgrain Grip.

On my usual perusal of Facebook I stumbled across a status of his [Grip's] asking for five minutes of your time to check out his latest track "Chemistry". I saw this and figured that instead of wasting those three hundred seconds on some other pursuit I could give a listen.

I was not disappointed.

"Chemistry" is a smooth track that gives the immediate vibe of a dapper gentleman spitting the most eloquent game to the beauty sitting shotgun as his hand grips (no pun intended) her thigh. Grip delivers this one with his unique flow and the ever present Southern drawl of one Georgia born.

For the expanse of five minutes Grip evokes the spirit of Outkast's cool wordplay and Big K.R.I.T.'s casual confidence as his vocals dance over exquisite production and a well used female vocal on the hook that bears a sample of 8Ball & MJG's "Space Age Pimping". Grip puts forth a stellar flow here, one that speaks of all the things he'll do to please her once the Cadillac floats towards its destination. Pure chemistry to follow, really.

A few favorite lines include:

"Hey baby, hop off in this 'Lac of mine/Because I just washed this bitch up/And having you in it would be the finishing touch..."

"Surround sound around us/To drown out reality/When we get to where we're going/I'll turn that pussy to a casualty..."

This track is meant to be played to set the mood between you and your lady. Just one drop of this will really get the chemistry going and nothing else will matter.

Listen to it here: Woodgrain Grip - Chemistry

The Steady Come Up...

The best decision I’ve ever made is to put my support and patronage behind the movement known as #NewGA. It’s one of those choices that keeps paying dividends.

Thus far I’ve heard the soulful sounds of India Catrice as her voice dances over the maestro and the music.

I am well acquainted with Barz Bamu and TrailBlazzor Muzik, that amazing duo of brethren known as the Fly Mind Poets. On (or rather in) everything they bring a higher prospective and a depth that cannot be matched by many indie or mainstream artists. Even as I write this I’m humming “Scholarship Problems” and “Sink In”.

I got acquainted with the sounds and delivery of South Johansson, making sure that I first shamed the devil immediately after I told the truth.

And then there is the ever trill, ever honest, ever amazing iBeast. Since the release of Pimp Said So: The 1^st Supper, I have been an avid listener. Each project that comes from him [iBeast] has been better than the one before it, a feat not many artists can claim. Not only can iBeast claim it, he can revel in it. You can see the advancement and the addition of more and more to his tool chest.

This leads us to Steady Comin’ Up, the first album. This one is unique in the sense that it’s a purchase only album. Having purchased some paraphernalia in the form of a dope and truly comfortable hoodie emblazoned with the emblem associated with the album. Based purely on the merchandise I knew I was in for something utterly special.

And I wasn’t not disappointed.  

I preface this review by saying this overview of the album took me a month to get finished with. A small part of this was my hectic schedule. The biggest part of this was that I was riding with the music in order to take in this project.

Steady Comin’ Up is a cohesive set of music. I didn’t get the deluxe edition with the bonus track but I did study over the twelve tracks and singled out a few of my favorites. So let us get into them.

“Out The Mudd” strikes me first with the horn heavy production. The trumpet plays like a refrain as iBeast begins his swanging over the beat. Something in his delivery and words is entrancing, telling a better story than a wordsmith such as myself ever could.

“32oz” is probably one of my favorites on the whole album. The intro of the track draws you in instantly, making your body move (particularly a nodding of the head) whether you were ready for it or not. This one achieves the perfect balance between party track and great riding music. Being that I’ve done both to this one I am an expert on it. T-Polk comes through on an equally infectious verse that sets this one apart from anything else I’ve heard in a minute. One thing I can say is that it has that perfect Texas vibe.

“I’d Rather Be Hawg’n” feels like an honest heart to heart over decidedly great production. Not a lot of artists can pull that off but then again, iBeast isn’t like a lot of artists. The message or rather the theme of this one is a diatribe against fake niggas. Here he [iBeast] would rather ‘hawg’n’ than to bothered with any of the bullshit.

A surprise favorite for me was “Vogue Tires”. Before this project I had never heard any of Aniyla’s vocals.

And now?

I’m a fan. The track starts out with what sounds like a harp or some serene sounding stringed instrumentation and the angelic voice of Aniyla on the hook. iBeast plays counterpoint with his timbre and his unique delivery. This is the epitome of the riding song. I remember having my headphones as I rode home from work, this track cranked up. In a moment of listening I-20 disappeared and there was only the ride.

I’d also suggest “Fast Fwd” featuring the ever amazing South Johansson as well as “Yea Whatever” with an appearance by India Catrice.

Steady Comin’ Up. Yeah, the name first perfectly… 

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Rise Up, A 'Phoenix' Story

Rise up.

Immediately you'd think of the Atlanta Falcons since the team has taken the two words as their slogan of sorts. Although they are off to a good start after Week 1, this article isn't about them. Maybe if they win the division we'll revisit them.

Another set of people heard that and thought of Rocky III and Survivor classic (and perennial workout motivation track) "Eye Of The Tiger". Clubber Lang and iconic films notwithstanding, that isn't the subject of this article either.

The subject is twofold.

First the title refers to Chicago born and HBCU educated producer Boyce. His sound is something amazing that one doesn't simply come across on the daily.

Secondly I speak of the labor of love that he [Boyce] has and/or will be presenting to the world in due time. I speak of Boyce's production EP Phoenix.

If you know anything about mythology you know that the Phoenix is the symbol of immortality, rebirth, and the circle of life. It lives, dies, and is reborn. One could go as far as to say it rises up, hence the title.

Phoenix is, putting it mildly, a great EP. Within the expanse of seven (7) tracks we are given much to feast on musically. By his own admission he is a 'Chicago born Caribbean boy' and this EP shows those roots plainly and perfectly. To the avid listener with a discerning ear notes of many genres can be heard such as soda, hip-hop, R & B, and house.

Because Phoenix is only seven tracks I will give you my three (3) favorites.

"Enana" is an instant favorite of mine. It gets you moving with little to no effort, almost as if putting your body into a rhythmic and hypnotized state. Assisted on production by Marq Raymond this house track has that sound locked down with heavy bass influences you'd expect from the best of hip-hop tracks. The juxtaposition here is flawlessly done.

"Thrones" had me lost immediately. As it began I was quietly wondering when that female voice was going to say, "Mike Will Made It..." As much of a fan as I am of Mike Will Made It, the comparison is high praise. This track is the club. It's the South. It's good ass, booty shaking hip-hop. Hearing it transports me back to my freshman year at Morehouse and the parties full of beautiful women, their perfect curves in glorious motion. Boyce has captured a moment and is giving it to use in the 3:12 running time. Quite gracious of him.

Finally, my most favorite.

"Arrival".

This one is theatrical, epic even. It has so many faces, some many facets that you can never really see it the same way twice. You can heard Caribbean vibes as clearly as you are reading these words. There is a thrumming of an electric guitar adding to the menagerie. The drums, pure hip-hop. The vocals of what's assume is some druid choir enters the fray. All of this over a dark and looming presence throughout. Somehow the track becomes almost sentient, taking on a life of its own. That is amazing when you think about it.

Go ahead, think about it.

Boyce rises here on this EP, showing us how great production and beautiful art are reborn. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Interview - Boyce

Once again I am bringing you a great interview with another talented individual. Today I am speaking with Myzil Boyce, Jr., also known as producer extraordinaire Boyce. We talk about music in his life, the future, Phoenix, and a few other things.

LUCIUS: First things first. I want to thank you for doing this interview with me, taking time out of your schedule to talk to me. 

BOYCE: Anytime, man. I’m pleased to take the time out to speak with you. Other than job interviews, this is my first time being interviewed in my life.

LUCIUS: How is your 2015 looking thus far? What are looking towards in the new year? 

BOYCE: 2015 has been an amazing year. I was fortunate to engage in a one year MBA program at HULT International Business School and it provided me with the opportunity to travel the world while gaining an advanced education. If I had to summarize the year in one word it would be “culture.” But most importantly, this year provided the time to concentrate on my health-spiritually, physically and mentally. It’s been a year of healing and immense growth. Being isolated from my comfort zone made me stop lying to myself in every aspect of life. As far as 2015 and beyond is concerned, I’m looking to relocate from my home city of Chicago. I want to live in Miami or Los Angeles going forward so my priority is there. Looking for a corporate job as well, to help get me back on my feet and generate some cash flow. However, I plan on continuing my education; music education. And also, learning a new language. I didn’t realize how important it is to speak another language until I left America.

LUCIUS: What got you started producing? 

BOYCE: I come from a music/engineering-based family. My entire life has revolved around music. My father is an electrical engineer by trade, sound engineer by specialty. From as long as I can remember, I remember being over a DJ setup and sound system in the living rooms of my houses. Also as a youth, I played classical piano for about 8 years of my life. I played in multiple competitions and recitals. Unfortunately, I stopped playing piano around twelve to thirteen years old. What started my reemergence in music producing is after I left my job in corporate America on February 17, 2014. It was a grueling, demanding and unsatisfying four years of my life in the corporate world straight out of matriculation at Clark Atlanta University. One day while bored watching the NBA, I started making the song Phoenix on my iphone Garageband. It was garbage at first. (laughs) Sounded like shit. But that song was a sort of manifesto what would be my changing life. Over time and with dedication, I ended up making the skeletons remainder of the song on my production EP.

LUCIUS: How long have you been doing it for? 

BOYCE: Technically I been making music forever. I always made songs as a kid while bored practicing piano. Also, I was known for making the best mixtapes in high school. You wanted a mix, you came to me. But to give you a straight answer, about eighteen months now.

LUCIUS: Congratulations on Phoenix. I know the history of the mythical bird as I am sure you do. What made you title it thusly? 

BOYCE: Exactly what the bird represents; transformation, growth, rebirth, strength and invincibility. This EP represents my dedication to self and investment into my spiritual needs in this world. You have to feed your passions and invest in yourself in this life. You can’t give your time to these people that have no regards for your well-being without supplementing your own happiness.

LUCIUS: Now I say project because I'm unsure of what you would rather it be called. EP, mixtape, LP. What would you classify it as? 

BOYCE: It’s a production EP. Shout out to Pete Rock for making this a trend.

LUCIUS: Via Facebook you and I have had a few passing conversations about music and the like. What type(s) of music inspired you as you put Phoenix together? 

BOYCE: Well I’m a Chicago born Caribbean boy. Automatically that means house, soca, reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and interestingly enough reggaeton. (laughs) Reggaeton is my shit. I also have a affinity for neo-soul music. Man, I just need to be able to FEEL the music. I hate anything commercial though. Unless I'm in the club.

LUCIUS: So take me through the creative process you use as a producer. Is there a certain something that you look for from each track? 

BOYCE: Because I still consider myself a novice in production, I don’t really have a certain process. Every song I made so far in life is based off a certain emotion I’m feeling at the time. But I plan on getting more technically sound at my craft and attending production school to do so. I just want to FEEL my songs. If I don’t feel it, I start over.

LUCIUS: Not to give too much away before the release date but what can people listening expect from you and Phoenix? 

BOYCE: You can expect a different sound I hope. My music is very influenced by many different musical genres. People ask me what genre I make, and I don’t know what to tell them. I make music. Tribal music. It’s very African and Caribbean influenced, but modernized.

LUCIUS: Any one stand out as a favorite of the tracks? 

BOYCE: Arrival hands down. I haven’t heard anything that sounds like that track.

LUCIUS: Switching gears for a second, what are you listening to right now? 

BOYCE: I’m a die hard Future fan so that Dirty Sprite 2. The new Dr. Dre Compton. Travis Scott-Rodeo. The Weeknd's new album. And all the carnival music from Barbados Crop Over.

LUCIUS: Any dream collaborations you'd like to do? 

BOYCE: Kanye, Nas, Outkast

LUCIUS: So what happens after Phoenix? That is to say, what's the next move for you musically? 

BOYCE: I started my next project already. Have a couple songs completed. But im more concerned with the technical aspects of music right now. I want to be technically sound in my production, so I will be attending production school part-time. I also plan on registering my holding company for my businesses. A music company will be under that umbrella.

LUCIUS: What are your thoughts on the landscape of hip-hop right now? Of music in general?

BOYCE: Hip-hop is the music genre that is keeping the music industry alive. It is stronger than ever. I got the opportunity to travel worldwide as you know. The only genre you hear in every country is hip-hop. Music in general is moving in a good direction. I think the creative are gaining the power with the power and distribution channels of the internet. Once creative people gain their power back, art in general will be more powerful than it has ever been.

LUCIUS: Are there any shouts out that you want to share? 

BOYCE: Shout out to the HULT MBA class of 2015. Shout out to Maurice Tramaine, he has one of the hardest albums that nobody has heard yet. Shout out to Marq “Marq the Infinite” Raymond. A veteran in the industry at just 30 years old. He helped me develop the EP from a mixing and mastering standpoint. Also a hell of a producer. And shout out to Enana. They know who they are and what value they brought to my life.

LUCIUS: Got some uplifting wisdom for us? 

BOYCE: Take risks. It’s really that simple. And meditate.

LUCIUS: How can people keep up with your music? When is Phoenix officially dropping? 

BOYCE: https://soundcloud.com/myzilboycejr. Phoenix EP should be available in the next couple of weeks.

LUCIUS: Thanks again, man. Be blessed. 

BOYCE: You too, man.

'Truth' And The Black Man

A lot of the everyday knowledge we use (and sometimes take for granted) is given by the older heads in our life. One that my mother imparts to me were ones she got from my late grandmother.

It's this: "This world don't owe you nothing but a killing..."

Given today's climate, this is never more true.

But an adage we've all heard at least once or twice. 

Tell the truth and shame the Devil.

I was therefore smiling to myself when I stumbled upon this tape. I'd been familar with South Johannson by his feature on iBeast's track "RNO" from Cadillac Diaries. This made me reach out.

We did an interview and I wrote this review. Granted, it's a long time coming but the best things cannot be rushed, something that can certainly say about the  smooth progression of Tell The Truth | Shame The Devil. 

What's presented here is an epic piece of music. With thirteen (13) track Johannson does something not even the most seasoned rapper can do-make a cohesive album. I was drawn in and lost within track after track with little effort. Usually with the more amazing tapes I take the time to outline every track's merits. 

This is one of those tapes...

...but I'm about to go about it differently. Because I want to pique my reader's interest I'll give you a good look at three (3) of my personal favorites. Gotta whet your appetite a bit.

Here goes.

"I Don't Look Like What I've Been Through" is where I'm about to start. The title firstly speaks to a sentiment a lot of people can relate to. Often no one really looks like their circumstance. On this track South tells us a story of his own situations, his own circumstances. Aside from vibing to the production the words will really make you pay attention, maybe see something of the man.

"Drink 'Til Sober", produced by J3, at first sounds something like simple Atlanta trap music. But once the musical genius of J3 and the delivery takes it up to another level. To me this one is pre-game music before the hypest party, riding music once you're already half lit, and a club banger all at once. But what makes it so different is that this is light on the typical references you'd expect from a track like this. They are present but more peppered in for flavor like you'd add salt (or sugar if that's your thing) to grits.

"The Art Of Storytellin'" caught me because it gave me that same vibe I got when I would see the Outkast track of the same name on a playlist. Like the latter it's eloquent in that beautiful Southern way we have. It's a good ass story placed over a cool vibe in the way of production by WiFi Boys. It's introspective without being preachy and real without any bullshit, something hip-hop needs more of.

I would also suggest that you check out "J. Marie", "Best Friend", and  "Sorry". Each add to the wonders of this project.

The tape as a whole is righteous.

I'm telling the truth. Promise.

Don't believe?

Check out the tape here: Tell The Truth | Shame The Devil

Which Model Should Win the I AM ROYALTY Award + Stoner Backpack?

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Street Thoughts will be back at Seattle Hempfest this year promoting their community, products & services as well as selling 420 inspired merchandise!  From having two Magazines to a fully licensed Radio Station to an upcoming Clothing Line, Digital Tour and a Team of Dedicated Talent, Streetz continues to create career building opportunities as well as raise the bar when it comes to Global Exposure!

Are you attending this years Hempfest?  Please show your support by stopping by Street Thoughts booth #596!

When:  August 14-16, 2015
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Interview - South Johansson

For the first time I sit down with New GA affiliate South Johansson about his music, the tape Tell The Truth | Shame The Devil, and what's coming up next for him. It was quite an enlightening talk to be sure. Check it out and see what we spoke on.

LUCIUS: So this is my first time sitting down with you. Glad that you consented to do this interview.

SOUTH: For sure, bruh. Glad you took the time to reach out and have me here. I am very appreciative for that.

LUCIUS: How goes 2015 for you thus far?

SOUTH: 2015 is great. Networking, working hard and working on myself in the process. Personal growth and growing with the music as well. And, of course, promoting this new project. It’s being received well by the listeners.

LUCIUS: So where did the name South Johansson come from?

SOUTH: South use to be short for Southernaire. Back home in Augusta most people called me by the full name. Then I moved to Oklahoma City for six years and they only called me South. I grew tired of the name. I'd always liked the sound of the name South Johansson. It just had a nice ring to it and stood out everywhere. Then I did a little research on Wikipedia as well and discovered that last name is attached to quite a few individuals from all walks of life. Inventors, athletes, musicians, authors, actors, actresses, etc. So my reason/meaning for using it after seeing that was to become successful at more than one thing. Do not ever limit yourself to one thing. Do not ever limit yourself, period!

LUCIUS: When did you first start rapping?

SOUTH: I was a late bloomer. I was fresh out the military, had a little money in my pocket and was bored so I picked up rapping. I didn’t start messing around with music until 2006. I didn’t take it serious until '07 or '08. By that time, I moved to Oklahoma City and by 2010 I had two songs in rotation on the radio. That’s when I knew I could really do this “music thing” with the best of them.

LUCIUS: Was there a person, place, thing, or idea that got you started with rhyming?

SOUTH: My partners Nile Rowe, Magnolia, and Lil' Charles. We use to get high, drunk and stay in Da Bottom all day making music at Cool Hand Luke's spot. (chuckles) Daily. Just young and having fun. We were like the Wu Tang Clan of Augusta. Everyone on the team had a different style but we all could rap and stood for something. It was like ten of us. I miss those days. Everything seemed so pure at that time until that thing called life kicks in. Some make it through, some disappear. I’m proud I made it this far though.

LUCIUS: So I started listening to Tell The Truth | Shame The Devil. Your flow, your delivery is unique and I dig it. How would you describe both?

SOUTH: It’s very aggressive. You can definitely tell I’m trying to get my point across but I keep it Southern and smooth at the same time. I love to explore different things musically depending on the beat. I hate hearing the same cadence, sound, or style. From myself or anyone. I don’t like to hear the predictable. It’s a turn off as an artist and listener. I’m just trying to bring a new sound to Georgia instead of the same ol' same ol', you know? That way I can separate myself from that bullshit I hear on the radio day in and day out. It’s a whole new Southern rap tune over this way, you feel me?

LUCIUS: I first heard you on iBeast's Cadillac Diaries. The track "RNO" really introduced me to you. Tell me a bit about that track for your standpoint.

SOUTH: RNO, Real Niggaz Only. I just wanted to let folks know that we need to stop glorifying stupidity. Real niggas are educated, taking care of their family, trying to make a play by any means necessary to move up the ladder legally. And if you’re a dope boy, cool. But have a exit plan. You can’t live that life forever. Move in a direction to OWN SOMETHING, stop worrying about now, provide ways for yourself and others by making good investment and career choices. It’s okay to have a future. I don’t see anything real about being in and out of jail, teaching our youth how to twerk and treating social media like the bible. Babies out here having babieswhile we just sit back and let it entertain us. This new generation is the most independent but laziest group of people I have ever seen in my life. Real niggas take care of business, not put you out of one. We need to learn that, in more ways than one.

LUCIUS: So how closely affiliated are you with the #NewGA movement?

SOUTH: We support each other. I am apart of the Spotey Club roster but we’re all #NewGA as far as the new wave of music we’re trying to spread throughout the city. I record, mix and master damn near all of iBeast music, too. So that’s where our affiliation started. I was a fan of all the music (iBeast, Fly Mindz & India Catrice) before anything and it grew from there. Now where you see one, you will probably see all. We just rock like that. I fuck with all of them the long way.

LUCIUS: Let's talk on the tape for a second. Explain to me why you chose the title and the concept if any.

SOUTH: Just grew up hearing that all the time and I got to a point where I got tired of rapping just to be rapping. So I made a promise to myself as long as I’m making music. I will only speak on things in my life or linked to me. I will no longer care about what’s “hot” or “trending”. I will only make honest music. Some songs are brutally honest but that’s the power of art. No rules, no limits when it’s you and you are completely being yourself. I’ve never felt more free and excited about a project until I put this out. And people are rocking with it. This is the path I was meant to be on and it’s my own so imma drive on it freely. Tell The Truth, Shame The Devil.

LUCIUS: The first track I really like from the tape is "The Final Straw". Give us some insight on making the track from start to finish.

SOUTH: (laughs) I was just reminiscing when I was a teen. Speaking on a stage in my life that most young adults go through when you think you know everything, your parents are the enemy and girls are your world. Just living young, wild, and free without a care in the world. (laughs). But, all things do come to an end and my pops gave me a choice to stay home and pay bills, go to school (college), go to the military or get out his house. I was never home anyway so I chose to go into the military at seventeen, knocking out two birds with one stone. Out of the house and no more school. I was so stupid then but I needed it. Now me and my father are closer than ever. That’s one of my favorite songs by the way. Mainly, it has the Andre 3000 "Prototype" sample in it. Classic!

LUCIUS: Another track I put on repeat is "Sorry" featuring Naj Murphy. How did this one come about?

SOUTH: Me being young and a dog ass nigga, ultimately. (laughs). In the song, I was apologizing to my ex, who I am very close with til this day, for doing what I did back then. We got caught up in some he said/she said and I thought she cheated (which I should have know better) and without asking too many questions, I just moved on to another girl (a Dominicana. I will not reveal her real name). After it was too late, I found out it was just a rumor from a dude we both knew. He just wanted her so he made up a lie, got others on board and it ended us. I recently seen that guy back home though. He was VERY apologetic but it’s water under the bridge now. We live and we learn.

LUCIUS: I'm familiar with both J3 as a producer and as a rapper. How was it working with him to create "Drink 'Til Sober"?

SOUTH: Great. He sent me a link to his Soundcloud and I chose that beat within ten minutes. It was the first song I did on this project. Shouts out to J3!

LUCIUS: So what are a few of your favorite tracks from Tell The Truth | Shame The Devil? Are there any that aren't your favorites?

SOUTH: I like all the tracks on the project. I just press play and let that thang ride. Very proud of myself on this one and hopefully everyone else will enjoy it.

LUCIUS: So what else does South Johansson have planned for us in 2015? Anything big for 2016?

SOUTH: More networking, more shows, more visuals and trying to get the project into the right hands. Continue to build on my firm loyal listener base so when the time approaches, anything I drop is undeniable and can not be overlooked by anyone.

LUCIUS: What impact if any are you trying to make with your music?

SOUTH: Be you. Be honest. Create your own art and never let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do because of what it looks like on the other side or your age. I am so tired of artists, listeners and the music industry using age as an excuse. The “music industry” prefers young people because it’s easier to mold and finesse them out a check. Remember that people. It has nothing to do with your music. You create a crazy fan base and bigger song, A&R’s and all will find any way to contact you. There is no age limit on creativity so stop buying into that bullshit. The industry is scared of you at a mature age because if you’ve done your homework, they can’t use you and MUST pay you what you’re worth. Straight like that. Build your wave, your sound and movement and the world is yours. That’s the impact I’m trying to make on people. Don’t be scared to be you, get out your comfort zone and change lives. Let your music pull emotions out of listeners.

LUCIUS: Who are really listening to right now as far as music goes?

SOUTH: Snoop Dogg – Bush (Album), Tyler The Creator – CherryBomb (Album), Outkast, Sauce Walka, The Internet, Melodic Dubstep, D.R.A.M., Casey Veggies, Dom Kennedy, Curren$y and of course...(laughs) my shit. I could go on and on but I’ll stop there.

LUCIUS: Anything you want to say or share with anyone reading this article?

SOUTH: Support local artists like you support these major artists you don’t even know. It’s a shame all the great indie music (all genres) out here and you only worried about who you see on TV or hear on the radio.

LUCIUS: Any last shouts out?

SOUTH: Shouts out to anyone and everyone who support me. You know who you are and I am very appreciative for that. Thank you.

LUCIUS: Where can people listen to your music and/or keep up with you?

SOUTH: You can hear and download Tell The Truth | Shame The Devil on Audiomack for free right now. Look me up on Soundcloud and YouTube, as well. Follow me on twitter - @sxvthjohansson, instagram - sxvthjohansson

LUCIUS: Thanks for your time.

SOUTH: No problem, bruh.

'Nation' Builds The Empire

(By way of a disclaimer, if you've yet to see the epic film 300 then the introduction to this review will make little to no sense to you.)

In the film 300 Leonidas and a Persian messenger have a rather heated conversation about choosing their words carefully. For those who know this scene it doesn't end well for the messenger at all.

But it gets me thinking about the words we use. As a writer I like to think that I use an excellent array of syllables to elucidate my eloquence.

(See what I did there?)

But I take a backseat to a duo of rappers whose description of themselves as "unapologetically deep" is so accurate that no disputes can be made to contrary without sounding stupid.

That duo is Barz Damu and TrailBlazzorMuzik, New GA artists the Fly Mind Poets.

Their latest offering to the sonic tableau is the compilation tape known as Nation Leakz.

The compilation album was, by their own admission, meant to be something of a throwaway. (Oddly enough, iBeast said the same thing about Cadillac Diaries). What it ended being was a soulful and in depth view into the unique purview of the two rappers.

Usually I would talk about a few tracks and leave at that. However this one requires a full analysis. So here we go.

"What Is NL?" is, for all intents and purposes, a history lesson masquerading as an intro. Here TrailBlazzorMuzik tells us how the Fly Mind Poets linked up with New GA, the release of the Fly Minds EP, the death of friend Quincy "Q" Suggs, and the music. He [Blazzor] goes on to tell us that Nation Leakz is the second step, the point where these two artists start showing us who they are both individually and as a duo while whetting our appetites for their solo projects.

"The Urgency" is next, produced by Jordeaux. It lulls you slightly before drum beats and the flow hits you almost immediately. This track shows two ambitious artists who are refusing to wait for success to come to them. They are recognizing the urgency of life, of fame and stepping out on their own skills in an attempt to race time. It's a sentiment that any and all of trying to do more can relate to.

A favorite track is "Scholarship Problems" featuring the always amazing iBeast. Originally meant for iBeast's Cadillac Diaries the track was added to the Nation Leakz because they [Fly Mind Poets] wanted 'the vibe' on the project.

And what a vibe it is.

Propelled by a jazz inspired horn section the production lends itself well to the three voices.

Lyrically speaking, the track speaks of advancing and learning. To me the title draws a parallel to the problems college students often have maintaining a scholarship and the things that we sometimes must sacrifice to keep that blessing as well as the growth it can supply.

This is reinforced by an amazing hook:

They say that Satan just need a vessel

The police just need a nigga

Excuse me for all of my wrongdoing

But I ain't finna let life make me a victim

Did some wrong to try to eat better

Stepped on some toes to move up a level

Not an OG, no thug life

Not a killer, nigga

I'm just a rebel

Being that I have previously spoken on "Genius Genes" as well as "ShoeBoxInTheClosetFlow" and "Motivational Speakerz", I won't say anything about them outside of reinforcing how amazing these tracks are. Anything further can be found in the links at the end of this article.

"Bounce" is another of those clever tracks that uses many different definitions to deliver in spades. The word, obviously, is 'bounce'. Blazzor plays well against a somewhat dark beat that shows both his absolute eloquence and the apparent creativity.

"Perfectly Mistaken" is a laid back and well crafted track. So much so that I won't trust my paltry words to touch it. What I will do I quote Barz when I asked him about it in our recent interview.

"The song is touching on how we can be so prideful in ourselves that we do not own up to our mistakes. On the other end of it, we get too hard on ourselves for making mistakes rather than moving forward with a healthy self worth and pride..."

What else needs to be said?

From there we move on to  "Dwayne James”, which is, an interesting track. This is why is why: here we are given Barz and Blazzor rapping over an instrumental from Dom Kennedy's Yellow Album ("We Ball" featuring Kendrick Lamar). It surprises both artists that the track seems to be a favorite for many of the listeners to the tape. By his own admission, Blazzor isn't particularly fond of the track.

The next two tracks play like an introspective interlude to an already rather well put together tape.

"Rap Ramblin'" is unadulterated in its smoothness. Barz presents free associated over the beat, his delivery powerful but nowhere near a yell. Some of the subjects include being Southern born, crooked cops, and the lifting of one's consciousness.

"The Key" is another of those overly deep pieces that even my mind is dubious about touching on. So we allow a quote from my interview with the brothers to illuminate the brilliance on this one.

"I wrote it a capella. It was really a diary to self. Nothing more was expected. That was until I found a beat to match. (laughs). But it was basically an attempt to ground myself through my frustration of perceived limitation within myself. And eventually, at the end, I found the key to ease my restlessness. It’s like a literal meditation laid out for you to hear. This is the thought process I tend to have when I try to ease my frustrations in private..."

"Reminiscin'" is the next offering , an track of cool, horn heavy trip down memory lane. Hearing it takes me two places. One is towards my own Savannah born days while the other allows me access to the place Barz and Blazzor are taking us. Calii Dream comes through towards the end to deliver a great verse with his unique timbre.

"75" is the obligatory riding song from a Southern artist. From some artists this seems like a space filler or a contrived attempt to get a cheap pop on a lackluster project.

THIS ISN'T THAT.

Blazzor adds himself to a lexicon, a pantheon of legends in a strong showing with his storytelling and epic flow as he waxes poetic about Atlanta's I-75.

"Trippin'" is, to me, introspection at its finest. We have all been visited by old habits and the ghosts of the things we once were. Things like that can make any man (or woman) trip out, especially with Barz 'riding around sipping on a cup of some of that something something'.

"Ignore-Rant" is clever wordplay on the title and, from what I can see and hear, a rant of sorts coupled with storytelling in a freefall format. It's played over a beat (produced by KlausePrime) that I cannot qualify or quantify particularly but it carries a nice effect. Maybe later on I'll gain some clairvoyance and another view on this one. Stay tuned.

"Self Centered" has an Caribbean sort of vibe to it. Here we are once again confronted with a title and a track that takes it in another direction. Immediately upon reading the title you get the negative connotation of arrogance or even being cocky. But no. What Blazzor is speaking of on this track is being centered within oneself, focused on growing and being something better. It's concepts and ideas like this throughout the tape that make it so special.

This next track is one of my favorites and a lesson in context.

The track is "Sink In". 

If you were paying as much attention as I was when you dowloaded and/or bought Nation Leakz, you'll notice the similarities between this track and "What Is NL?". That's because it's the same beat, a cool something produced by Scientific). In the context of "What Is NL?" it's merely the backdrop to an eloquent explanation/history lesson..

But in this context?

It becomes an almost sensual track. To me as a music connoisseur I am reminded of 80s fare from artists like Barry White or Teddy Pendergrass. It's a smooth track that teases at double entendres through the repetition of the song's title. One can either take it to mean either allowing words to sink in or maybe sinking into the depths of a woman. Whichever you get, the track is a masterpiece.

"Goddess" and its production makes me think its producer Kelly Portis might be a music connoisseur such as myself. Sampling the Deniece Williams track "Free", this one is a poetic love song that Barz is happy to lay out for us. It's less about her looks but more about the intellectual aspect of loving someone. This is presented well and could be used on any romance movie soundtrack.

I'm about to stop here because by now you should be listening to this tape. 

Why?

Because Barz and Blazzor are building the foundations of an empire. You need to be like me and support it.