A couple of weeks ago, a comment was made that a Trap song couldn’t be made into a House Music banger. The thought I had in my head was ‘hold my beer’.
I Got My Own Brand
Bento Bitmix Dub
This story is from 2020 and I find it ironic.
It happened again, this being about the fourth time in as many months. I was on my side hustle driving ride share to help ends to meet.
The woman that I picked up was a bit more conversational than the typical rider. Even more unusual, she immediately launched into asking my age. Needless to say, I was taken a bit off guard.
After I (sorta) answered her question, she called me ‘Zaddy‘.
Yep, this has happened a lot over the past year actually. The most ironic part of this is that physically, I am not in that good of shape of late. In the midst of this pandemic, I have done my fair share of sitting on my ass and binge-watching Netflix. So this person’s observation did not match my self view.
I was (and am) grateful for this. It disrupted a rut I have been in for the last half of 2020.
And to remind myself from falling back into that rut, I made this remix as a reminder. I have slowly been ramping up working out again despite the cold and despite staying away from gyms to reduce Covid-19 exposure.
At this track to your workout play list!
Enjoy.
Artwork from Video by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels and edited by JR Design Studio
North East Regional EP
I know. I’ve been too quiet. For those who are interested, it’s a short-long story to be discussed another time.
However, some of it has been productive. North East Regional has been set for release on Jan 4th, 2021.
Associated with the release is a line of graphic t-shirts that I designed. These are available to members of the So So Fresh club at my mGrooves Music label website and social media channels.
First So So Fresh Design
There are 4 tracks on the North East Regional EP. I went down the rabbit hole into Tech House and Techno styles in this set of tunes.
For the design of the graphic for the gear, I altered a map of Amtrak’s north east regional route map with the name of the first track I was inspired to make super-imposed over top.
Take a look at the designs. Give the tunes a spin. Join So So Fresh at the level most comfortable for you! We are going to kick off 2021 with purpose!
Sweet Dreams
I’m back on the Contraband tip!
Over the last several weeks where so many of us are sequestered in apartments and homes, and likely going a bit stir crazy.
It’s okay to still dream.
Contraband Journal
Upfront remixes just for you. Enter the info below to get started!
Sycamore Tree Rework
Feast your ears on this official unofficial remix. Press play! Then, sign up below to my Contraband journal below to get the download.
Long Playa
Recently, on my side hustle I had 3 passengers in the back seat and this track came on. I often play my LiftConfidential playlist on Spotify while driving.
It was two girls and a guy. The guy and one of the girls started chuckling and bopping to the track.
I asked them if they liked the song. The two that were full of giggles answered yes. The other girl said an emphatic ‘no’.
However, she then proceeds to comment on how it sounds like Prince.
2 out of 3
Personally, even though she said she didn’t like the track, I am going to take it as a compliment that she compared it to Prince.
But, I have to ask: even though the one girl said she didn’t like the song, do you think I should count it as a yes since she compared it to Prince?
(I’m asking for a friend…. lol.)
Playa De Long EP
Now available through most digital stores and streaming services, this two song EP is ready for you to rock.
Kty swft tylr prry (trust me) is a light yet driving piece detailing the response of drama between two supposed friends.
Long Playa is a funky tune and tale about being out on the town looking for amorous company.
A Cat That DJs and Pizza
Yeah, my Soundcloud page was a bit neglected in 2018. However, that will not be the case in 2019.
My suggestion is to get on this now.
Of course there is my most recent bootleg remix.
Here are few older ones that will likely be taken down in favor of the new ones I will be posting.
The best way to get this stuff is to connect with me below… #JustSayin.
About the photo? Yes, remarkably this looks a lot like my cat, Milla. The shirt was a gift from a buddy of mine regarding a long conversation we had about ‘pizza’. Long story…
I’ll Call U Back
Ghosting is an epidemic.
Most of us have done it at one point or another…
However, I still don’t understand when people go on a dating site or app and fill in the spot for what they are searching for as ‘don’t know’. You don’t know what you are looking for? And then in the body of the profile you post ‘no FWB’, etc.
What is worse are the ones you match with and ghost you. Or as in the case of Bumble when the ladies go first, send you a one word message, ‘hi’.
You know that men are castigated for that behavior so why are going to do the same thing?
Better yet, why are you wasting time on a dating app if you have no intention to date?
Do we even know what dating really is anymore in this swipe left, swipe right world?
Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash with additional editing by JR Design Studio LLC
Stereotype
Some time ago I wrote prose about this subject. Unfortunately, we all have a collection of implicit biases.
The question is how often to we allow our bias to be challenged?
From the other side of the proverbial coin, I often feel frustrated when I come up against bias. It’s everywhere.
The disbelief in another persons eyes, even when faced with something to the opposite; especially when faced with proof and fact the bias is not true, not as broad, or, my favorite, the truth is a lot more nuanced.
It cuts to the white meat, when I see this internal battle manifest itself in another’s face.
Soundcloud.com/djstylo
Personally, I have been trying to face my bias any time it rears its ugly little head. It’s a devil that appears on my shoulders at inappropriate times.
I’m sure it does for others too. After all, it is a human condition. Or should I say, it’s a disease.
However, I will continue this exercise hoping that like a weight lifter, the repetitive action of challenging my bias will strengthen my soul, and make me slower and slower to judge while broadening my knowledge if not compassion as well; as it seems to have been working through most of my life.
After all, I don’t fit your damn stereotype…
Stereotype will be an exclusive release to Traxsource on May 30 (pre-order is available now); released to all other digital stores on June 27.