Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon

In his debut studio and posthumous album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon released July 3rd, Pop Smoke broke away from the stereotype that he’s a one dimensional drill rapper, a stigma developed from his aggressive-sounding Meet the Woo mixtapes. He makes it known on the track “Mood Swings” where he pokes fun at his listeners saying: “Oh, you ain't know I could sing?” and then proceeds to croon on the ballad featuring New York’s very own Lil Tjay. Joints like “Something Special” and “What You Know Bout Love” are few of the songs that display his versatility and make you want to groove in a manner unique to Brooklyn and the Woos. Other tracks, however, such as “44 Bulldog” and “Make It Rain” remain true to Pop Smoke’s iconic drill flow which first took the industry by storm with his hit single, “Welcome to the Party.”

Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon boasts an impressive list of features including artists such as Quavo, Future, and even 50 Cent. Furthermore, Pop enlists a new lineup of producers in CashMoneyAP and Buddah Bless, a distinct change from the frequent 808 Melo hard UK collaborations. 

Pop came to the scene defying expectations. His record label, Victor Victor Worldwide, suggested that he created a Meet the Woo mixtape series, releasing a studio album only when he’d gained serious traction within the industry. But Pop’s bold and unique sound made him an instant hit far before the scheduled timeline Steven Victor, founder and CEO of VVW, had in mind. Given the young star’s talent, Pop quickly made a name for himself, already a full-blown star before the release of the second iteration of the mixtape series.

Pop and his crew worked on Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon in the Bahamas, finishing “70-80%” of it before his unfortunate murder. It was Pop’s relationship with his mentor 50 Cent, however, that would ensure the release of his first studio album to the public. Although Steven Victor was left with an abundance of Pop’s music, he was grieving over the loss of his close friend and associate and wasn’t in the right state of mind to both curate and put together Pop’s album. So when 50 questioned Victor about the creation of the album, his immediate response was “Nothing. Yo Fif, I can’t even listen to his music, let alone think about putting together an album.”

Fifty took that opportunity to remind Victor of the responsibility he held, to both further Pop’s legacy and let the world see the new avenues he began to tread. In hand, Fifty, who shared a deep love for Pop, served as the executive producer of the album and didn’t charge either the family or the label. With the joint effort of Fifty and Victor, the album has finally come to fruition, delivering the people with an unforgettable and charismatic masterpiece for our generation. 

Everything from Pop’s brazen voice filled with gravitas to his iconic woo walk makes sure that he will leave a legacy like no other. You did it Pop. You for real are the rose that grew from concrete.

Rest in peace Big Woo!

Written by Vignesh Mannemela

Air Dior

From Virgil Abloh’s role as Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton to Matthew M. Williams taking the helm of Givenchy as Creative Director, streetwear culture has permeated the upper echelons of fashion. With that being said, Air Dior has become the latest project at the intersection of urban apparel and luxury retail. 

The collaboration between Christian Dior and the Jordan Brand first surfaced on December 3rd, 2019 courtesy of Travis Scott, the venture’s lead model. Following similar marketing tactics as Virgil with the Off White x Jordan Ten, Dior’s Kim Jones chose a select few such as Robert Pattinson and David Beckham to debut the collection’s pieces—especially the Jordan 1’s—at multiple Dior shows. 

After having been teased for months, both the high and low models of the Air Dior 1’s were finally up for grabs on June 25th through “an exclusive online experience”—or in simpler terms: a lottery—after unfortunate release delays due to COVID-19. In tribute of the 1s’ 1985 introduction to the world, 8,500 pairs of the highs were produced whereas the lows were much more limited with only 4,700 pairs in circulation. The coupling of streetwear and high fashion is evident with the Air Diors as the iconic Jordan 1 silhouette is built upon with Dior’s characteristic fine-calf leather and gray color scheme. The Nike Swoosh itself is filled with the classic Dior Oblique Jacquard print, emblematic of one of, if not the most, impressive collaborations of the decade. In addition, the renowned Jordan wings are remixed to read “Air Dior” and the soles of either shoes are laser-etched with “DIOR” in bold print. 

Those of you lucky enough to participate in the lottery will be notified of the results on July 1st, and the few winners will be able to pick up their pair at one of four Dior flagship stores: Beverly Hills Rodeo, Miami Design District, New York Soho, or New York 57th Street. At these locations will also be the remaining pieces of this capsule collection, including cashmere sweaters, polo shirts, square silk scarves, and more; each piece in its own unique manner represents Jordan’s innovative style complemented with Dior’s Midas touch. 

To those who intend to buy these shoes for resell price, they will run you a cool 10 to 20k! If your pockets can take a hit like that… respect. 

By the way, thanks a ton for this dope grad gift Sasha!

Written by Vignesh Mannemela

One For All, All For One

Whether it be Taylor Swift and John Legend on One World: Together at Home or Supreme’s COVID-19 relief bogo made in collaboration with Takashi Murakami, the entertainment industry never ceases to amaze me as they do their part in bringing people together during these unprecedented times. And, as of last week, Travis Scott and Lebron James can be added to the list of entertainers who are spreading hope.

The two superstars created a t-shirt between their two brands (Lebron’s athlete empowering Uninterrupted and Scott’s label, Cactus Jack) to celebrate a confused batch of students: the graduating class of 2020. The back of the sky blue tee boasts bold graphics which feature an ovular map encompassed by a ring of children in a thermal colorway, emphasizing the spirit of togetherness. Above the design lies “CLASS OF 2020” in eye-grabbing text. And below, we see the stamp of both brands with Uninterrupted in text encircling the Cactus Jack logo; Lebron’s classic number 23; a unifying “We’re All in This Together” phrase in commonly used Astroworld merchandise font; and 5.16.20, the release date of the tee, lying side by side.

The piece ran customers $40, and as with all of Travis Scott’s recent merchandise, sold out immediately. All proceeds were donated to the Lebron James Family Foundation, which plays a key role in organizing the “Graduate Together” TV special and yearbook. Funds were also given to Feeding Texas, a nonprofit organization and network of food banks striving to end hunger in Texas.

To the graduating class of 2020, we truly are in this together.

Written by Vignesh Mannemmela

Excitement

After a six-month hiatus following the release of his 29-track deluxe album, A Love Letter To You 4, Trippie Redd returns to the music scene with his latest single, “Excitement,” a collab track with PARTYNEXTDOOR.

“Only in your ocean, you call me Ho-seidon / In control of your water, you're lovin' my trident.” While Trippie tries to proclaim his loyalty, his partner still has some doubts referring to him as Ho-seidon. It’s a clever tongue-in-cheek pun, sexualizing the Greek god of the sea and calling attention to Redd’s rockstar status. But at the end of the day, Trippie’s control of the waters, through his trident, leads his lover back to him every time. He never fails to deliver these lovesick ballads with his quintessential swagger.

“Excitement,” marks a sonic shift in Trippie’s discography as he enlists an entirely foreign production team in OZ, Nik D, and Deats, all hailing from Europe. Although the track takes the common theme of sexual gratification, its unconventional production (complemented with Trippie Redd and PND’s crooning) is able to take listeners to a different dimension, enabling them to sit back and fantasize. This lead-in to Trippie’s third studio album, Pegasus, is the manifestation of what we have all come to love from the blonde-dreaded star: contemporary R&B and rock mashup hits; and, this track is perfect for you and yours when y’all are feeling even slightly romantic.

As we wait for Pegasus, check out the trippy visualizer for “Excitement,” below:

Written by: Vignesh Mannemela

COMME des CACTUS

From solemn red hearts to overly happy yellow smileys, neither COMME des GARÇONS nor Cactus Plant Flea Market have shied away from bold graphics and flashy colors. With the two collaborating for summer pieces, we can only expect Cynthia Lu and company to go ham and bring about the Pharell “Happy” vibes.

One shirt, splattered with red stars, is designed with the classic CPFM smiley face stacked upon the phrase "BE KIND” and CDG’s text logo in bold font. The second tee brings about colorful red and green suns, which represent the warmer season and its joyous mood. In addition to the companies’ co-branding are the positive messages: “GO BE KIND” and “GROW.” Heaven knows we all need to be both during these unprecedented times.

These pieces are definitely a look. Whether worn with simple sweat shorts, old skool vans, and topped off with a cap and chain, or styled with a light flannel and matching air forces, they’ll grab anyone’s attention. To those of you who copped on May 7th congrats! I was fortunate enough to hit on the “ye must be Born again” hoodie Easter drop myself.

Written by Vignesh Mannemela

A Night At The Museum

Hello everyone, it’s Goldie!  I hope everyone is doing things they enjoy during quarantine. An activity that I found myself doing is visiting various museums in Europe. Yes, you read that correctly! (haha). Thanks to Ruth Doherty’s article over at Housebeautiful.com, I’ve discovered 11 of the best virtual museum and art gallery tours. These museums include Le Musée du Louvre and Musée d'Orsay in Paris, The Metropolitan Museum of New York, and The Natural History Museum of London.

My favorite museum that I’ve visited has to be Le Musée du Louvre. The first time I’ve virtually experienced this iconic site is through The Carters’ aesthetically pleasing video for “APESHIT.” The way that the institution was captured with its wide shots and cinematography made me feel like I was actually there.

Thankfully, my longing to see the museum has been satisfied. Got an art fix? Click this link (https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/g31911114/virtual-tours-museum-art-galleries/) and go visit these amazing places. But first and most importantly, get your favorite beverage (mine happens to be vanilla chai black tea with almond milk) or snack, sit back, relax, and visit these grand galleries from the comfort of your home.

Written by Goldie Lemorin

Boiler Room In The Living Room

Hello everyone, it’s Goldie and I’m back at it again with a new article. I hope you are all well! Remember to stay safe and prioritize your mental health by doing things that give you joy and peace. Something that has personally helped me feel a sense of serenity during this time has been watching past Boiler Room DJ sets on YouTube.

Prior to the pandemic, I would occasionally go out to the Bushwick hotspot Lot45 to dance the night away with my closest friends. There, we would be a part of this massive sea that was made up of beautiful and eclectic bodies that moved and grooved to the lit sounds that the DJ so gracefully played. I felt a sense of freedom and I could tell that everyone who was there felt the same way.

Who would have known that things would have changed so soon? 

Since we all can no longer go to our favorite bars or nightclubs, I decided to revisit Boiler Room’s YouTube channel. Yes, it’s different in the way that I can no longer physically share the same space with my fellow club-goers, but it is the same in that I get to listen to a dope DJ set and get turnt….even if it is in the comfort of my living room. 

My relationship with Boiler Room started approximately six years ago. I started listening to more alternative, less mainstream artists that I discovered from Tumblr and randomly searching on YouTube. The first DJ set that I watched on Boiler Room was Kaytranada in Montreal. I loved his set and how it moved the people for 42 minutes straight! To this day, I still admire his original and upbeat sounds that always gets me dancing.

This week, I’ve been binge watching Boiler Room DJ sets to keep me motivated, moving, and inspired. Here are some links to my current favorite sets that include the likes of JadaLaReign, Pi’erre Bourne, and PHONY PPL:

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCyDSqPeKrI  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMPwrzQtY0M  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlA8ThSQBlE    

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_VlLp-BA7E  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpLba-JKsrg  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6770-7YggH0  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECfxP6OpsNU  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAGMDqLPTOg

Also, on Boiler Room’s website there is a new series where DJs are streaming from Isolation. I know that I will definitely be tuning in. Happy Dancing!

Written by Goldie Lemorin

2020 Quarantine Mix

Hey everyone! It’s Goldie and I’m back with a playlist that’ll guarantee to lift your spirits from what’s been currently happening in the world. Music has the magical ability to help us heal from any situation and through this playlist, I aspire to pour out love, light, and high vibrations to your ears during this trying time. 

This playlist is categorized in three parts. The first part consists of Spring Feels. The first six songs invoke a gentle and sunny feel to the heart, making you feel lighthearted and airy. The second part of the playlist is called Reclaiming your own power. These three songs all have a common message: You are capable of accomplishing any dreams or goals you have. Nothing can stop you. Lastly, the songs that follow are Songs that make you move. You deserve to enjoy yourself even in a time like this and these songs definitely remind you of that. 

I hope you all feel empowered by my musical recommendations. We are in this together. 

Written by Goldie Lemorin

My Relationship With Tumblr

Hello everyone! My name is Goldie Lemorin and I am the kid sister of the lovely Frendy Lemorin (haha). I am a Writer, Photographer, and developing Graphic Designer. Frendy, being the supportive brother and overall great person that he is, offered me a position as a Writer on this beautiful platform that touches the lives of so many people. So here I am, embarking on a new creative venture that I hope you all receive, feel, and enjoy.

I’ve always felt that I had a creative calling on my life. My artistry initially originated through dance and chorus while I was in Elementary School. In addition to being involved in dance and choir groups at school, I attended a private dance school every Saturday. Dancing and singing were huge components of my life and I enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, I stopped attending dance school when I entered Middle School and I haven’t gone back ever since. 

During the years I attended Middle School, I totally neglected the art forms that were once passions of mine. Yes, I would randomly dance and belt out a random song that I heard on MTV here and there but it wasn’t like before. I began writing about my days in my diaries and was also interested in the social media site, Facebook. My diaries were my heart outside of my body. They were filled with my 11/12 year old’s deepest, darkest feelings about the state of my life.  The feelings I had and the events that occurred that I thought I could never share with anyone were written inside. The diaries were truly my only group of friends. In contrast, I performed another version of myself at school and Facebook. This alternative version of myself followed contemporary trends (ewww!) and interacted with folks that I knew did not like me.

Even after leaving Middle School and going into High School, I continued spewing my teenage emotions into my journals. During this time I came into knowing of my queerness and I struggled with my attraction towards other women. Due to my own insecurities, I felt that I couldn’t really express who I was on Facebook to my “friends” and family, so my diaries were my only safe haven. Or so I thought (haha). It was Sophomore year when I heard of a new website called, Tumblr. 

Me being naturally curious, I researched the website and my mind exploded. I thought this is what Eve must have felt like when she bit the forbidden fruit. I was exposed to a brand new world and way of thinking. I found photos of LGBTQIA+ love, I was informed about socio-economic events that were impacting the lives of oppressed peoples in USA and other countries, I read heartfelt and beautiful pieces by an array of individuals, I heard about new musical artists that were not mainstream yet, and learned about gifs! A lightbulb automatically clicked in my head and I was so inspired that I immediately decided to create a Tumblr blog that authentically reflected me.

That was 7 years ago and I still aim to always stay true to who I am. Writing for me was always a means to express what’s happening around, inside, and outside of me. With the help of Tumblr, I no longer fear being vulnerable publicly because I believe that there is magic in outward expression. Words have the power to inspire, teach, encourage, heal, and motivate others. I see firsthand how my brother’s writing on his website and Instagram impacts his followers and that in itself inspires me to be on that same wavelength. 

I hope to follow in my brother’s footsteps by providing new and interesting content on this website. Thank you all. Cheers! 

Written by Goldie Lemorin

Justiine

I am beyond honored to introduce the FRNDY LMRN community to the insanely talented Alternative R&B singer-songwriter, Justiine. Her sound emits nothing but positive and radiant auras. The 22-year-old budding sensation’s unique blend of R&B, Hip Hop, and Pop has already made her a fan favorite in her hometown of Atlanta. Now, Justiine is poised to reach a global audience with the release of her Project Twenty Two EP.

JULIEN:  What’s up! Welcome to the FRNDY LMRN fam, Justiine. Where exactly did you grow up in Atlanta?

JUSTIINE:  *Laughs* well I’m Justiine.  I’m from Alpharetta, which is pretty much the suburbs. There’s just a lot of high class drug addicts and drunk housewives—It’s really pretty, though! Growing up was interesting to say the least. I could write a book about all the great times and a sequel to it about all the horrible times. It has been a very long time coming, but I’m extremely excited and humbled to be where I am.

JULIEN:  What’s an average day like for you?

JUSTIINE:  I’m for sure an example of the cliché musician. I go with the flow. I typically wake up around noon and knock out my yoga for the day. Once I feel inspired, I might then go cook or pick up some food. I make sure to save time to play with my dog, and then I’ll go in the studio and make a beat or try to write to one of my producer’s beats. If some magic starts to flow, I’ll be in the studio for 8-9 hours. At some point, my team will force me to go to sleep. I wake up, and finish that song first thing in the morning.

JULIEN:  Can you explain your creative process?

JUSTIINE:  Candles and sage are an absolute must to set a vibe in my studio. Colored lights are a necessity. I make sure to set them to the vibe of the song that I’m working on. It sounds crazy, but it’s 100% necessary. I need to have my notebook, pencil, and sharpener to write down lyrics. Lastly, I must be alone during the entire process.

JULIEN:  What drew you to the music industry?

JUSTIINE: I’ve been singing my entire life — since preschool, actually. I performed in musicals and all that gross stuff. My brother, Chandler, started rapping when we were in high school. I followed his lead and followed my passion. The rest went down in history.

JULIEN: Who are your biggest supporters of your career?

JUSTIINE: My mom. My dad. He’s been there for me since I quit my job and decided to make a career out of music. I’m really lucky to have them as parents. They support all of my dreams and believe in me more than I believe in myself sometimes. My friends. Coke — better known as Coca Vango. I’m proud of his success and appreciate him for being a great CEO of Energy 7, the record label I’m signed to. He tells it like it is and has been helping me navigate through the industry since the very beginning. Oh, and my PR team is the best! My support group is fire.

JULIEN:  Your last sonic offering was called ‘Project Twenty One’ and your latest is coined ‘Project Twenty Two’?  Is there a hidden meaning behind the correlating titles?

JUSTIINE:  Well, my first EP ‘Project Twenty One’ was released when I had just turned 21. It’s one of my favorite numbers as well. This year, I decided that it’s only right that I put out ‘Project Twenty Two’ before it’s too late when I turn 23! The plan is to have an age trilogy, kind of how Adele did with her albums. Love that.

JULIEN: Do you like to collaborate with other artists? What is that process like?

JUSTIINE: I love collaborating with other artists. Collaboration used to give me anxiety. I would get intimidated, but after recording with Nessly and Salma Slims, I have appreciated my gift a bit more.

JULIEN: Have you ever dealt with anxiety due to a creative block?

JUSTIINE: Every day of my life. It’s hard getting stuck in the hole, and then you have to think about how you're in a hole. And then you have deadlines and fans that are waiting. It really makes you want to say fuck it! But it’s all worth it when you release a track it and everyone loves it. It’s always worth it.

JULIEN: What do you want to accomplish within the next few years?

JUSTIINE: I just want to be a better version of myself. I want to work with more artists, shoot more videos, travel everywhere. There’s so much I want to do, I could write a short story.

JULIEN: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

JUSTIINE: Thriving, living in LA, on a song with Drake.

JULIEN: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten from someone?

JUSTIINE: Ever since I was a kid, my mom has told me, “a part of finding out who you are is finding out who you don’t want to be.”

JULIEN: What advice do you have in general for young girls regarding self confidence?

JUSTIINE: Stop trying to be like everyone else. If you look different, that’s a good thing. A lot of these young girls put so much effort into looking the same. I used to do it, too. But no matter how hard I tried to fit in, I was still different. After a while, I embraced it and became more comfortable with myself. I don’t know. Being young is hard, but being a young girl is the worst. Just don’t be scared to be who you are.

Written by Sir Julien George

Kareem's Pick: Celeste

Hey folks! I know it’s been a minute since I’ve been here. The issue is I only write about music that I feel, and it just so happens to be underground. Recently, I’ve discovered Celeste on the internet.

Originally from Los Angeles, Celeste Waite immigrated to Brighton, U.K. where she grew up and now calls home. On March 22nd, Celeste released her EP titled, Lately. Out of all five beautiful tracks, “Father’s Son” really caught my ear—It’s funny that she would call herself a son to her father with her being a woman. The song pulled on my heart strings, especially with the lyrics written below:

“Maybe I'm lonely, maybe you're lost
Maybe I'm an echo, or maybe you're a ghost
Could there be two of us?
Could there be two of us?”

Growing up without a father—at least for me—can have you feeling disconnected. It’s like you’ve been given a puzzle without seeing what picture the puzzle forms. I often wonder if some of my struggles and flaws are even my own. Were they the struggles and flaws of my father? His parents? Or even his grandparents? Who knows? At the same time, I wonder what cool things and quirks I share with him.

Enjoy the single’s Bob Harlow-directed visual below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Keeping Up With Demand: Diversity On Screen

The last five years has seen a surge of new content that have been distinctly constructed to try to reharmonize the evident under-representation of marginalized groups on mainstream TV.

Issa Rae’s HBO series Insecure and multi-talented British actress Michaela Coel’s Chewing Gum have put narratives of black culture to screens worldwide.

Streaming platforms such as Netflix have provided real authenticity to audiences with shows like Atypical; a coming of age comedy that follows autistic lead character, “Sam,” fumble his way, just like any awkward adolescent, through his teenage years.

Shonda Rhimes consistently writes for and casts not only strong female leads, but also people of colour with shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder — and people are here for it. Rhimes’ shows average 8.6 million viewers each week and she herself has received two Golden Globes, eight Emmys, 29 NAACP Image Awards, and a Peabody.

But how could we talk about diversity on screen without mentioning last year’s box office storm, Black Panther. An absolutely monumental moment in cinematic history that brought unapologetic blackness to the screens of the masses, with purpose. The narrative was strong, the characters rich in resources and technology showing a side to the black experience that is not usually synonymous with box office hits — and not a whiff of black suffering in sight.

What is great to see about these shows and movies is that they do not stick to the age old, worn out narratives of white saviours in the black community or those with disabilities being presented as weak or sorry. These shows are displaying its characters normality. These characters and their everyday, through their eyes.

These shows do not leverage the differences of its characters to justify their presence on screen — and that is what is boils down to.

Studios need to understand that marginalized groups don’t need to be legitimized to be on screen, because, at present, the only reason the on screen narratives are beginning to change is because of the people telling the stories.

Film and television has the power to shape culture in a way that many other mediums can’t. It is our window to the world outside of our existence, and fictional or not, we build our opinions based on what and who we see represented on our screens, and the narratives that surround them.

People have a drive and need to see themselves represented, it makes them feel safe, accepted and not alone. Today, with the change in narrative towards underrepresented groups in the media, people are not afraid to ask for what they want to see on screen. They are not afraid to boycott the content in which doesn’t show a version of their truth.

On the flip-side to this, decades of poor representation has impacted how people view themselves and how they feel they are viewed by society — which has had serious consequences. It has caused people to question their own capability. Without seeing stories of those who look like them being successful and in positions of power, people are unable to dream big.

Ambitions are capped by the belief that because of something fundamental to their identity, they will not succeed in life.

Now, it is all well and good that people from these groups are starting to dictate their stories. However, the reality of the situation is those who dominate the film and television industries are not these people. The current media giants need to take responsibility for how they characterize certain groups and commit to providing a platform for a different type of person to share their stories with the world.

Without this, these groups will continue to tell their own stories and carve their own path. There is real cultural value in authentic story telling. People are no longer looking for the glossy images that we are used to seeing. This will have a knock on effect, and in time those that dominate the market will be knocking at the door of these groups to satisfy the demand for authentic representation.

This has already started to happen, and we are now on the cusp of a real shift in the market. A great example is Netflix’s recent acquisition of a multi-year deal with Shondaland, the television company that Shonda Rhimes set up in 2005 to produce the stories that she wanted to tell.

East London based action thriller The Intent was self funded and independently released by black writers and directors Femi Oyeniran, Nicholas Walker. And when the time came for The Intent 2, Island Records and Vertigo Releasing came for a slice of the pie.

As for disability being portrayed, studios are coming under fire for ‘cripping up’ by casting able bodied actors in disabled roles. This is forcing the industry to finally turn to disabled actors to take up these roles. A recent hit was John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place, which featured a deaf actress named Millicent Simmonds.

So the question is, what side of the narrative do these studios and producers want to be on, holding the door open for diverse casts or left knocking on the doors of those creating their own paths to success?

Written by Tsedenia Skitch

Kareem's Pick: UMI

For some reason, nostalgia always feels heavier in the fall. Music can vocalize the emotions that are hard to put into words. “Remember Me” by UMI is the perfect translation of how I’ve been feeling on the low.  

The Los-Angeles based singer/songwriter/angel ‘s track reminds me of a few risky texts I’ve sent in my lifetime. In the song, UMI pens a heartfelt letter to an ex lover detailing the memories they made together.

Nostalgia isn’t always gentle. Thankfully, this song reminds me that I’m not the only one suffering.

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Kareem's Pick: Marco McKinnis

Marco McKinnis is on a major mission to bring back R&B at its most sensual state.  The soul singer burst on the scene last month with the release of his Underground EP.  Its very first song, titled "Still Waters," is a crystal clear display of the Virginia native's vulnerability, where he is requesting permission to properly care for his significant other. 

The reverb on the background vocals takes the tune to ethereal heights!  Check it out for yourself below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Kareem's Pick: Santigold

Santigold is far from underground but I felt this song, and her entire discography in general, deserves to be heard more.

The multi-talented songstress is one of the first black faces I personally saw in a genre other than R&B and Hip-Hop.  I am truly inspired by her authenticity in a musical space where African-Americans are rarely in.  Recently, Santi released her Dancehall mixtape, I Don't Want: The Gold Fire Sessions.  My favorite track from the project, "Run The Road," shares her honest opinions of being in the music industry.

Listen to the jam below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Marcato

Damn!  It's been a while hasn't it?  I'm really glad to be back writing for FRNDY LMRN.  I wanted to hold off on releasing this article because I knew all of the big things that were ahead for the person I'm going to write about.  I wanted to incorporate everything for you guys in this piece so here we finally are.  Please allow me to introduce my longtime friend and latest interviewee, Marcato.

Meet Prince Nasir Dean, better known by his stage name, Marcato.  Nas is a budding music producer based out of Miami, Florida.  We have known each other since we were about six years old through our mothers.  We spent our adolescent years running the streets of Atlanta.  When Nas moved to New York in 2011, it was a huge change for the both of us.  A few years later, he relocated back to Miami and has been living bi-coastal ever since.  

Growing up, Nas was always involved in the music industry.  His father is the super successful music producer Swizz Beatz, so of course his musical influence is apparent.  Over the past few years, Nasir developed his musical passion and is currently on the journey of becoming a staple in the music business.  What I admire most about Nas is his relentless grind and passion to make it on his own.

Nas has gained tons of success in the last few months.  He received several hit placements with various recording artists throughout the nation!  Furthermore, Nas produced his first hit on IDK's latest single, "Star."  At the end of June, Nasir came to Atlanta to develop his music with several heavy hitters in the industry such as Lil Yachty, Trippie Redd, Rick Ross, Kodie Shane, Gwen Bunn, Black Metaphor and more.  Recently, Nas joined the A&R team at Epic Records!  I can truly say that as both a friend and his publicist, he is only going to the top from here.

While Nas visited Atlanta in June, we sat down to discuss life and his future.  Check out our conversation below:

JULIEN:  What's the origin of your stage name Marcato? 

NASIR:  The origin of my stage name stems from my self-development and self-discovery.  Marcato is a musical instruction indicating a note, chord or passage to be played louder than the surrounding music.  That's what I feel my music represents.

JULIEN:  What genre of music do you consider your work to fall in?

NASIR:  My sound fits in the Hip-Hop, Musical Theater, and Pop genres the best.

JULIEN:  Who influences you the most musically?

NASIR:  Michael Jackson, Jimmy Hendrix, André 3000, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, J. Cole and Pierre Dutour influence and inspire me the most.

JULIEN:  When did your interest for music initially come about?

NASIR:  I first realized that I was interested in potentially pursuing a career in music when my dad gifted me my first beat machine for my 10th birthday. I didn't know what to do with it at first though.

JULIEN:  Have you ever felt any type of pressure to do music due to your father and step-mother's great amount of success?

NASIR:  No, never.  Truthfully, I feel as if I was born to do this regardless.

JULIEN:  Could you briefly describe your music-making process?

NASIR:  My first step in the process of composing music is constructing the melody, percussions then finally the 808's.  Other than that, a good amount of the process is mental preparation—thinking positively.

JULIEN:  What environment do you produce music the best in?

NASIR:  Everyone's different, but for me, I prefer to produce music in the nighttime and ironically at school.

JULIEN:  How has your sound evolved since you first began producing?

NASIR:  Over time I have unlocked many new abilities by introducing myself to new techniques through focus.  It usually comes naturally when I'm working on my craft alone in the solitude of my quiet time.

JULIEN:  What is your biggest challenge musically?

NASIR:  Currently, music theory is my biggest challenge.  It can be overwhelming to completely grasp.

JULIEN:  Do you ever get stuck?

NASIR:  All the time!  I can't imagine there being any artist who doesn't get stuck.

JULIEN:  How do you get your creative juices flowing when that occurs?

NASIR:  If I get stuck during the daytime hours, I shelf the idea for the night.  I work best at night and try to have a positive day with great vibes and energy.  Usually the outcome at night reflects the energy I put out during that day.

JULIEN:  Which artists would you like to collaborate with? and why?

NASIR:  I would like to work with J. Cole and Travis Scott because their records inspire me.  I listen to them repeatedly to decipher and understand what it is that I like about their particular song.  Music should make you think!  It's going to happen when the time is right.

JULIEN:  What are your favorite songs out right now?

NASIR:  Right now, my two favorite songs are "Kevin's Heart" by J. Cole and "Mo Bamba" by Sheck Wes.

JULIEN:  What is your favorite album of all time? 

NASIR:  It would definitely have to be Metallica's Master of Puppets album.  I listened to it at a very young age—It truly helped develop the love of music I have now.

co-JULIEN:  What is the ultimate direction that you wish to go in musically?

NASIR:  I want to become a music aficionado and leader of the next generation's musical youth prospects.

JULIEN:  Can fans expect an EP from you anytime soon?

NASIR:  Yes!  One is currently in the making, but in the meantime, check out IDK's latest song "Star," co-produced by myself.

JULIEN:  What goals do you want to accomplish within this upcoming year?

NASIR:  I would like to develop my own record label.  I am going to be under Sylvia Rhone at Epic Records, which is huge for me!  I have an amazing lineup of creatives that I'm working closely with.  I am eager to explore and develop the projects.

JULIEN:  In five years, where do you see yourself?

NASIR:  In five years, I see myself in Corsica, France with Scarlett Johansson leading my companies to its highest pinnacle and beyond.

JULIEN:  When it comes to success, how do you define it?

NASIR:  To me, success embodies the inspiration for all generations.  My musical expressions create freedom of the soul from my artistic expression.  That is success.

JULIEN:  What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?

NASIR:  The best advice I ever received was from my mother Nichole.  She always reminds me to keep an open mind.

Written by Sir Julien George

Photographed by We Own The City

For any inquiries regarding Nasir Dean, feel free to visit Notemarcato.com or email 13th@notemarcato.com.

Elias Becker

In our modern-day society, better known as "Generation Y," social media networks have connected millions of people all around the world.  Instagram, specifically, has been the cause of new friendships and even business opportunities.

Although I've lived in Atlanta full time since the age of 12, between those years I also resided in Miami, Florida.  Due to my sporadic periods living in the MIA, I've gained a significant amount of friends there.  If you are in any way familiar with Miami, you can definitely understand how true the saying "what a small world," is.  Everyone seems to know each other, so for obvious reasons, it is common to have lots of mutual friends.  The funny part is that you initially meet these individuals through Instagram.

Meet Elias Becker, better known as E. Current.  I've known him since I was about 14-years-old through mutual friends in Miami.  At just 18 years of age, Elias has gained a following well over 17,000 and has captured legendary moments on the gram since he was 12.  As long as I have known him he has always been next level.

Becker was born in Germany.  Elias' father, Boris Becker, was once Germany's number one professional Tennis player.  He has won five year-end championships, 13 Masters Series titles and an Olympic gold medal in Doubles.  His mother, Barbara Becker, is an American designer, actress and former model.  So, yes—as you may be able to recognize, talent runs in his genes.  Elias moved from Germany towards the end of 1999 to his current residence of Miami.  I can easily recognize how the city's live and distinct nature influenced his style.

I recently sat down with Elias to get his take on life, inspirations, dating life and find out about his future endeavors.  Check out our conversation below:

SIR JULIEN:  How did you come up with your nickname, "E. Current" ?

ELIAS:  I was on a FaceTime call with my friend Nasir like two years ago.  We were talking about social media and [how] we wanted our online personas to reflect what we had in mind.  Marvel superheroes were always an inspiration to us, so I first came up with "E. Current" to be an off-duty superhero with a secret ability to create waves and currents.  I liked the sound of it, too, so I kept it.  Then, as time went on, I thought of it as being in the flow or progression of a person.

SIR JULIEN: I know tons of people who love your style.  Who inspires you when it comes to expressing yourself through fashion?

ELIAS:  I think that my family really helped me find a way to express myself the most.  But in fashion, I was influenced as a kid by Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Odd Future and ASAP Rocky.

SIR JULIEN:  What are your favorite clothing lines right now?

ELIAS:  I like a couple of lines.  Sacai, Heron Preston, and Juun J are some, just to name a few.

SIR JULIEN:  What is the most exclusive piece that you own?

ELIAS:  My favorite piece right now are my grills from my homie Jonathan Raksha.  Those are so cold!

SIR JULIEN:  Would you ever consider dropping your own merch line or E. Current collection?

ELIAS:  Yeah, I'm actually working on a fashion, film and music collective at the moment.  It's expected to drop later this year.  Stay tuned.

SIR JULIEN:  What is most important to you when it comes to dating in Miami?  I know it can be difficult.  Do you have any advice for anyone?

ELIAS:  I'd probably suggest not getting mixed up in all the pointless drama and try to find someone that you feel comfortable with all the time.

SIR JULIEN: Do you sometimes feel like people expect you to follow in your father's footsteps as a Tennis player or are they pretty much supportive of whatever career path you choose to take?

ELIAS:   People who don't know me usually expect me to do something in the sports world.  [Although] I really love sports, it isn't a passion of mines.

SIR JULIEN:  What is your passion then?

ELIAS:  My life passion is filmmaking.  I really feel comfortable and at home when I'm writing scripts and directing my own films.  I'm not sure yet what I want to do as a profession, but it has to be in the film industry.  Whether it's in the way of art, directing photography, being a director/producer, or maybe even acting would be cool.

SIR JULIEN:  So, I know you're a big fan of Los Angeles.  Would you ever consider to move there in the near future?

ELIAS:  I'm going to university in London next year, but who knows where I'll be after that.  Maybe I'll stay or go to New York or LA for film school.  We'll have to wait and see what my future holds.

SIR JULIEN:  How do you want to be remembered?

ELIAS: I want to be remembered as a compassionate and giving person.  My ultimate goal is that my work serves as a legacy and is appreciated.

SIR JULIEN:  What is the best advice you ever received?

ELIAS:  Never give up and work hard—eventually you'll get to your destination.

Written by Sir Julien George

Kareem's Pick: Men I Trust

Based in Montreal, Canada, Men I Trust began in 2014.  The indie band consists of five members, which includes Emma (Vocalist/Guitarist), Dragos (Keyboard player/Guitarist), Jessy (bassist), Alexis (Bassist) and Mathieu (Drummer).

The group's single "Show Me How," has a bass that caresses your soul.  The track keeps my head bopping while relaxing my core all at the same time.  The song is simply about unrequited love.  Emma is singing about someone who she can't seem to stop loving—even if her affection will never be returned.

Enjoy the Men I Trust-directed visual for their tune below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Kareem's Pick: Ravyn Lenae

Ravyn Lenae is doing R&B in her own way.  The Chicago-based songstress just released her EP, Crush, earlier this year.  The project consists of five songs, all produced by Steve Lacy.  Its lead single, "Sticky," is a bonafide hit that sticks like grits!

The tune is about a love that seems to be ending shortly.  Ravyn is pleading for her lover to do his part in the relationship.  The visual for the track involves vibrant colors and features the soulful singer grooving to the track while the camera circles around her.

Check out the Weird Life-directed clip below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Kareem's Pick: MorMor

Seth Nyquist, better known as MorMor, is a mysterious Singer/Songwriter/Producer from Toronto, Canada.  His soothing single, "Heaven's Only Wishful," pleases all of the senses— there's something about the synths that calms me down.

Indulge in the tune's riveting visual below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire