covid anxiety
Social anxiety was already hard enough before everyone wore masks and stayed 6 feet away from each other at all times. “How do I greet this person that I haven’t seen in over a year? what life changes could they have experienced since I last saw them? although these are things you would ask anyone you haven’t seen in a long time, the global pandemic has affected everyone’s life. Now you’re not sure whether you can hug or cheek kiss? dap or pound?
FOMO
FOMO is a completely internal battle that everyone must face at some point. An essential thing to do is go out a few times and ensure you are fully present. The next time you experience FOMO, recall those past experiences and be content that you are unlikely to have experiences that are much more fun.
Rahiem Supreme Interview
03/09/2022 3:15PM
What was your first car and what made you really fall in love with working with cars
My first car was probably an ‘89 Acura Legend. I bought it from my cousin but he got it from my uncle. A few of my first cars was like passing on the family before purchasing, like a playa price deal for it . And the car I’ve got now, I was very fascinated with those...
What is the car that you have now?
It is a Datsun 84 Z turbo 300 ZX. Also, right before Datsun switched to Nissan. So some people that don’t know what Datsun is refer to it as a Nissan. So, a lot of people back in day thatwas getting money in the 80s and stuff when that car came out. You’d see a lot of them Paid in Full type dudes or musicians and athletes getting money
So the fly niggas, the get-money niggas
Type shit, it was one of them joints. So that was one of the inspirations why I wanted it and then I liked the car, how it looked before even I got the information about how much impactful the car was within within the culture. Because it just was a lot of state of the art like ahead of its time type of features on it. Like the car talks, has a leather dashboard, digital dash, T-tops, all that type of shit popping lights and I’m just just looking at it like what the fuck, I’m like 16 amazed at all of it.
The doors, did the doors come like that? are those Gullwing doors?
Well nah, they’re regular doors but yeah you can take the roof off. It’s T-top so it looks like a Gull- wing when the roof is off. I want to throw some fucking lamb doors or some shit on it. But that joint, I’m seeing people in the barber shop family members driving that joint and I was like man I want one so bad. So my cousin he helped me find on Craigslist this is back in Craigslist was popping, we drove to Richmond. I bought a fucked up one, it had mice in it, all types of shit was wrong with it but i was pressed!
How long ago was this?
2012-2011 It was around that time. So I had my fair share of them like about 10 of them. And this one is the one that after the experience of fucking them up and learning shit. This was the one where I got my got my vision together with.
So this is your first Datsun?
This is my 10th Datsun, like consecutively year after year. I’ll get one and fuck them up. And yeah.
Wow. How long have you had this one?
I had this one probably going on three years now.
Does it feel like a keeper?
Yeah, this one is the one, the only way somebody could get it, and I would probably still turn down the money, they’d had to offer me probably about $20,000 Wow. And I’d probably still not take it because then I’d have to start over.
You’ve obviously put a lot of care into it. I feel like that’s another thing with a car, You’ve you’ve spent so much time with it like you’ve made it to your specifications, It’s kinda like shoes right? Not “just like shoes” but humans breaking in shoes. Once you’ve broken them in you enjoy wearing them. Like I don’t want to have to break in another pair of shoes
Right? You got to search for ‘em again and all that shit.
I know you like the beauty of the cars and like the vibe and the culture but do you like to go inside and under the hood ? Are you involved in the build, taking apart and putting together?
Yeah, definitely that came after. A few years ago, I started doing it in that aspect, because some shit that’s too intricate, or I might not have the tools I won’t do. But my plan is to like when I’ve soon moved and have a garage and all that shit. I literally do like every single thing. But I got a mechanic. I had a vision, you know, I was like, I wanted a car that I can drive daily and I can take to the track sometimes. That turned into, recently I’m like, you don’t wanna daily a daily classic like this you feel me... So I need to make that a secondary cause sooner or later. But yeah I just wanted to build it and have it track ready and if I want to hang out and there’s stuff going on or it’s a nice day I want to have it for that. So doing preventative maintenance to keep it on the road and things like that. So if shit goes wrong, it won’t be nothing catastrophic. And everything else that happens is because it’s old, seals and shit are gonna go bad and leaks will start so you’ll know this motherfucker need seals.
So kind of reason I brought that up is because the other day, I was hanging with my friend work- ing on this car. He has a 98 Civic that he just got and he’s replacing the coilovers and things that are like, just deep inside the car. Just watching them take everything apart, unscrewing shit that’s been in there for 20 years. And half of me is like, “damn, it’s crazy how hard it is to take this off.” And the other half is like “okay, but that’s why the car doesn’t fall apart while you’re driving it right? Because this is tight. Like it has to be.” Do you think about like how How insane that is? Like how so many different pieces and like parts come together to make a car and then just add four wheels and it moves.
Nah that shit is, they definitely nerded out on some technician and craftsmanship, building, me- chanical, operating, yeah this shit is definitely some yeah.
Because that’s kind of how every machine is right It’s just a collection of components, components that have to work in harmony, just for one goal. Even the human body is like that I guess, everything has to work together to go. Humans were designed through I don’t know evolution, God whatever you want to call it right? But then for us to design and create more, it’s mad even thinking about the invention of cars
Oh yeah, computers too, game and shit.
Do you ever think about how that can be the way songs are made as well? Because even in your music, we were talking about how you’ve got different sketches, you’re not telling one story but everything just has to work together
Yeah facts facts. Joints be lasting and certain shits, they’d be ahead of the time. I’m back buying old school game systems and shit, i’m catching on late that pricing and games won’t be the same price they used to be. I dropped $170 not too long ago on Fight For New York Def Jam. On PS2.
That’s crazy. It’s that rare?
Shit yeah. They got so many good games on PS2 I forgot about that shit. Starting with the bas- ketball joints, they want bread for the NBA Street. The half court NBA Ballers type shit. The soundtrack on those joints
They were going crazy like those late 2000s. The PS2 was just the golden age of video games man, so many sick games
Like that Scarface joint, I forgot you can do all that shit on there, a cousin of mine was like “man you showed me this on the joint how you don’t remember?” Because you go you gotta negotiate
go to the clubs, the bar, go to bank ,going over the border and all that. You had a driver, call the driver whip you around with any car you request and he strapped up too you gotta pay cops, all types of shit.
What draws you towards vintage, old shit because I feel like you’re definitely drawn to classic shit like 90s 80s vibes right? What is it about that era?
I like how the technology and all the shit they were using are still here like good production, good writing, well put-together and the visual aesthetics. There was a whole bunch of like anime and cyberpunk type joints like endless different joints like hold up, joints back then was already pre- dicting[now] and then the animations like how they put anime together has changed, that shit looked tough in the 80s
Yeah and that shit was hard as hell for them to put together, drawing everything by hand and stitching slides together.
Yeah and for some reason they were on some futuristic in the 80s and then the music was just like, niggas on some whole different shit. Because Rick James singing shit he’s doing like crazy storytelling, you know how he be harmonizing melodies and shit.
You know he used to just freestyle too because when he was performing, Rick James a lot of times was more of a bandleader. So he would just be up there on stage going crazy and he’d be like, he’d tell like the drummer yeah, gimme a beat or something and then he’d just starts singing, obviously he’s got his songs that they already got in order but a lot of times he would just like start doing shit and improvise.
Yeah he’s the GOAT, James definitely one of the wildest, and like RUN DMC, the female singers back then some of their songs and reggae and shit fat boys, whodini, all that shit
And they all had eccentric styles too
Everybody had on some lil two piece on or some different type shit
It’s so crazy how people talk about like fashion nowadays and like oh, like talking about rappers what rappers wear but rappers have been dressing weird since rap began, it’s just what it is. Rappers are always gonna put that shit on
Yeah thats all bullshit
Alright, so music shit, you’re in the underground universe at this point, working a lot of great underground rappers and producers. Are there any artists in the underground right now that you fuck with but haven’t had a chance to work with?
Definitely Swan[Lingo], Wifigawd, Sadhugold. I need to figure out some more joints to do cus there’s so many producers
Somebody wanted me to ask if you plan on or want to work with August Fanon or Concept Jackson?
Con yeah definitely, I have to look more into August Fanon
*Listening to Espionage* I swear I can visualize all of this shit you’re saying, it’s really sick
Yeah I was really spazzing on this joint
Do you think that America wants to go to war with Russia?
It’s a possibility man, but how do you feel about all the fake bodybags they were showing people?
Fake body bags? In Ukraine?
Yeah they had them lined up and all that but it turned out the video was from somewhere else.
So it was real bodies but not really Ukrainian bodies?
Nah it wasn’t even dead people in the joints, it was some type climate change protest.
White people are crazy man. I’m gonna keep real I’m honestly neutral in this conflict. I don’t know, it’s not really my business but I’m curious to see where it goes.
So you grew up Uptown right? what parts?
Hilltop, around Georgia Ave
What was that like?
Fly shit, rough times, good times, summertime shit, hood ass shit. It was live because motherfuck- ers was always cooking out around the way throwing block parties or club shit on the regular. It would just feel like everywhere was like a strip of live shit walking past on the regular type shit back then. Then there was the frontline and shit so you couldn’t really go to every party or hood.
What’s frontline?
That’s like if a hood is scheming whoever walks past next type shit or whoever comes to that joint so they’re just all out already, waiting.
That’s wild
Yeah back in the Myspace days, you could have a joint set you up on there and tell you to come to her crib, all them social network joints, have the whole hood waiting on your ass. I’d see the address and be like nah I ain’t going out there.
Luckily now you can just like Google to address and see where it’s at
Yeah man back then... niggas got endless stories where niggas almost got caught.
Where there really no school buses in DC?
I think I probably seen one now and then... it definitely wasn’t in the public schools.
What is the kundalini
Thats some shit you gotta study, you know the people that they sit in certain ways praying or med- itating, chakra you know, it be like a bulletin or something with diagrams. Yeah it’s some spiritu- al shit definitely. The dominant focus is probably on getting the feminine energy type shit, semen retention and shit. Whats that shit called taoism? Niggas just be building up spirit bombs.
That’s what Taoism is about? Semen retention?
When you be strengthening your joint and just not busting the joint. We have all this energy but I guess they say sexual energy emits powerful energy and you can be super alert or super saiyan or super focused type shit. You might be like damn I’m going out soon alright for a week I won’t bus no joints out that way it works the day I go out you know what I’m saying? Retain for like a week, we good money. and that’s Taoism. Because they say the energy of the joint too is like if a nigga walks in a store that be busting nuts all the time, the woman at the register can tell that you just bust nuts all the time and the pheromones that to react
You are quite prolific, with 7 releases in just the past year, what drives to to release music on such a consistent basis?
Sometimes I just want to drop as soon as I’m done recording. You can either drop a single, EP, or album. Sometimes by the time you drop the season has changed and the music is no longer rele- vant. Other times I have to wait for the perfect scenario to release.
What is the ultimate truth?
Being real, love, staying consistent.
NAPPYNAPPA Interview
03/02/2022 4:07PM
So my first question is... are you hiding a child?
*busts out laughing* nahhh *continues to laugh*
Because on the song we were just listening to you refer to your daughter... you could just be really good at hiding
Yeah a lot of the homies have been having kids so it’s really just putting myself in their shoes and just the idea of being a child as well as taking care of a child, the responsibilities that you have to be cautious of.
So you’ve been around the world and performed all over the country but when I listen to your music. It’s always very DC, it’s always DC music, every everything you reference, it’s all DC. Most of your collaborators too are mainly from DC. Why do you prefer to do that as opposed to like, branching out and embracing a less regional sound?
I feel like in different aspects, I branched out. When it comes to personal projects, or just straight up NAPPYNAPPA projects I usually create them in DC and it feels like, not many people understand, what it’s like. DC is a major city, but it’s not like any other city. So it’s like a different aspect of existence that people experience living living here so it’s always easier to be on the same track with artists from here.
On one of the first tracks on the album you say “this is all takes place between Alabama and Geor- gia.” And, you know, that’s really what it brings me back to you saying, having that perspective makes it’s much easier to work together.
mhmmm
It seems you seem to have developed a language, like a written dialect and way communicating the english language, but in a way that is unique to you, Where that comes from?
A couple of places. Initially I would just misspell things the way I hear them. I, you know, Sasebo things, I hit them. Also, a lot of my family comes from South Carolina so looking at text from Gul- lah Geechee people, I don’t know, it’s kind of just like, it was kind of like innate that that was a way that I was texting as well
Because it’s all valid, right? Language is just something somebody else created and decided that that’s how something is going to be expressed.
Yeah, definitely. Thats just standard I mean we all speak English at the end of the day, let’s say if I was like, doing that and speaking Korean, would be some whole other shit. That’s definitely interesting, because some similar topics are covered at the end of Project Heroes.
Can you tell me who’s talking on that track?
Thats my homie Zack from high school He’s from DC as well
He was like dropping a lot of knowledge!
Yeah, I wouldn’t just label him as a poet, but he’s a he’s a poet and many, many other things, you know, but he goes hard with the words. He’s a wild ass chess player too
He says something about on how you know, Gabriel spoke to Moses in Hebrew and to Muhammad in Arabic, and it’s just the language of the soul and You’ve spoken about how Arabic & Amharic sym- bols are similar to the letters and characters used in Asian languages. What does language mean to you?
I mean, it’s it is all a form of communication. I was thinking about that shit today, there was a meme someone posted like maybe yesterday or two days ago and buddy was like “art critics be us- ing wild ass, words but my homie can explain shit in five seconds like ‘yeah this ain’t got no sauce’” and you just understand that. That’s the kill, I was watching something recently talking about us- ing big words and idioms for small meanings and none of that shit is always necessary. As long as the point is given. I feel like you can get things in great detail, you know, you can definitely do that as well. But like, some things are just like, like not that serious.
I definitely believe that as long as the message the intended message is received by the person that’s being given to then that language is clear.
I feel like that’s more due to intent than even like what you’re saying. Because some people will be like, Yeah, I’m saying all this shit and like, I’m yelling it at you, like a person be like, yo I’m not getting it. That’s the kill with kids and shit.
Do you think that suffering is necessary? In a world?
I don’t think suffering is necessary at all. I definitely think if you want to do things a certain way, in this world, it definitely is going to come with trials and shit, you know, difficulties. Because you’re kind of going against the current to an extent, but no, I don’t think suffering is necessary. Going back to how I type sometimes, I say some shit very clearly but people are like “I can’t read this”. nahhh, that’s just the way, you know, people just could give a fuck about how you going through shit in certain ways as well. You know, that doesn’t necessarily tax on yourself, you know? Some motherfuckers take shit like “ahhhh”
In that same sense, do you think that there would be that there can be good without evil?
Good without evil? Yeah. Yeah. I don’t think... I mean word-wise, those seem like two relative things as far as nature. Going back to intent, some things may be perceived as evil and some things perceived good, you know? Motherfucker could kick you in your ass and say thank you. They could do all types of shit, You know? So, it’s more so based on A: how the person on the receiving end and then the persons intent, doing whatever actions. I don’t think it’s necessary to say “this is evil/ this is good”. I think good just exists on its own.
Okay But do you think that we would be able to differentiate and know what good is if we didn’t know that, okay, this is evil.
Kids be prime examples of that. You know, they don’t know what the fuck it is that they may be doing. But it all stems from good nature, you know? I feel like good and evil, those two things exists for sure. I don’t think they exist based on each other. You can be good without evil being in- volved, without being opposed to evil or something.
That leads to like, the idea of suffering, it’s like, “why is this happening to me?” It’s the life you decided to live, what comes with it? More so than love for example. It’s not like, “you’re doing good, we’ve got to be evil”
The Film Baby Boy, why is it special to you?
In regards to a lot of these questions, it’s just the nature of a certain environment, a certain exis- tence, and all the things that transpire from that existence. It’s just one of those like we’ll watch something like Fences and that gets awards and shit and I’m like Baby Boy was damn near the same thing in nature. Just an untold story of niggas in California
Can you relate to Jody in any way?
I think? Yes, yes. But there’s aspects in which I don’t relate to at all. There are parts of every character I relate to, Yvette, Snoop Dogg, even Ving Rhames, the mother, all that.
I guess that’s kind of the the mark of a really good film, to be able to find those characteristics in different characters that you can connect with.
There’s some shit I had seen on Netflix recently too, it’s some people reviewing their favorite movies and shit. And one thing they were talking about was how people always say motherfuckers love someone with a bad story because people vicariously live through them. But then you don’t watch a movie with the intent of like this is a good person or this is as a bad person. You watch it and relate to whatever the fuck he believes in because you’re human and thats just what it is. So that movie just got the full spectrum of the human existence from the child to fucking Snoop Dogg
Have you watched any movies lately?
The last movie I watched for real that I haven’t seen before or decided to watch was Native Son, and I did not enjoy that movie. It was based on a book by Richard Wright, right? It’s a wild mov- ie. It’s a wild story. But then it’s not... I didn’t really like to move because, I don’t know, the dude Ashton Saunders. He can act in some things but that was, that wasn’t a good movie
Would you be in jackass?
Hell nah. I mean, I’d be a spectator in Jackass.
You wouldn’t do any of the stunts?
Ehhh nah. Maybe like real live, a single stunt but not like... oh no like I remember them eating horseshit and shit like that. I’m not about to eat no horseshit.
Would you do anything ball related?
Nahhh I fuck with Jackass though from the shows to the movies I remember going to the movies to see all them joints
ondamicunderdacozmiclytz marks your 13th solo album What story are you trying to tell with this album?
I’m not trying to say anything other than what I’ve been thinking and feeling through the past two years I guess, or however long it took me to make the joint. Because I’m like 25, I’m not 50 or something so this isn’t like a magnum opus
So its just another chapter in your book?
To a great extent yeah. I was fortunate enough to have certain a certain like consistency with the people that I worked with and that just made what I was trying to say and what I was trying to express that much clearer to me but I don’t feel like this is the end or nothing.
Absolutley. I wanted to point out how prolific you’ve been and continue to be as an artist it’s quite incredible the way that you you kind of like can switch gears between your personal stuff and your model home stuff and even your other collaborations
I don’t feel like they are any different either. I feel like the forms of how I’m able to express them are different but also like I’m not doing anything different necessarily Yeah. Other than just being able to sort of rock in this avenue or or do these tools, its like building anything, if I got clay if I got cement if I got wood, it’s gonna come out in many different ways.
SIR E.U Interview
6/28/2021 6:36 PM
Who is Sexy Steve and where has he been?
Sexy steve is a member of my faculty that lives within, he’s been discouraged and really forced out and I’ve been embracing him more, trying to welcome him back home where he belongs
Listening to the return, it feels like you are going back to the basics, back to your roots, over the past few years, your music has become more experimental & distorted, with your lyrics sometimes being obscured by the beat. On this project there seems to be much more clarity and an emphasis on the words being spoken, Why is that?
I think primarily because I don’t usually have the resources or the savvy to make the songs Hi-Fidelity enough to the point where sometimes what comes out distorted was meant to be more clear or legible or sometimes I can’t master/mix it in that way. Regardless, my route into experimental artistry started through rap and that’s what I love to do the most. I like the prospect of offering something where I could do my skeletal shit and share that.
Who handled most of the production on this project?
Tooth Choir produced one called end yet, produced one of the pissed joints and he produced boom boom base. The other joints were remixes of stuff I found online which is how I got into music, just remixing stuff, which adds to the return of sexy steve.
You went over songs like ‘The Message’, ‘Nutmeg’, and ‘Know the Ledge’. What significance did those songs have on you growing up?
They definitely made me want to rap, the ‘Know the ledge’ joint, I always see rakim as the goat rap- per or like Moses at least from a biblical standpoint but a lot of those remixes were songs where I super revered the performance by the artist so much and i wanted to do something of similar stature.
You’ve been referred to as an MF DOOM-esque figure in the DC rap scene over the years, how do you feel about your legacy and how you are viewed as an artist?
I wish I was more in touch with it. I’m not super informed as to how I’m seen and I feel like that poses a detriment a lot of times when i might move a way this is counter to how my general surroundings perceive me, but I feel like I hear a lot of people tell me that I motivated them and inspired them or they appreciate something i did and i feel like thats lit so i’m pretty chill about it like i feel like i’m gonna be way bigger when im gone or after im active so i’m not really tripping about much or cognizant of it.
Are you motivated by the recognition or do you just want to create?
I feel like there is stuff within that I really want to share because it’s crazy and it seems like it hasn’t been done before so my main thing is really like kinda getting off from a mutual appreciation for something that sounds cool and progressive. I just love the fellowship that comes with sharing cool sounds.
I feel like a lot of your lyrics and subject matter are not really palatable or familiar to the average listener, are you concerned about being understood?
Yeah I try hard to be understood and its such a revolving door because on some aspects I want to be understood and on other aspects i decide that what i’m gonna assert is whats gonna be understood rather than doing what somebody else wants. I like sharing stuff as a form of scientific journal so that people can see that conflict in real-time. I feel like I really want to be understood so I do my best to have the most palatable and entertaining transcription of who I am but that just happens to be someone who is juxtaposed to society.
You released this project on the back of 001 with toothchoir, tell me a bit about your relationship and how that collaboration came about.
We’d been around each other a lot for the last like four and a half years and we just eventually came together. Now that we spend most of our time together because we share a living space, we’ve been connecting in ways that are super opportuned. We are super blessed to have that compatibility with each other that makes us push each other. A lot of the stuff that we’ve made has been us combining how far/how much progress we’ve made at the same time and it just keeps coming out lit. We really got too much shit so we’re just trying to let enough of it out so we have space to hoard some more of it. We’ve just really been reaping the benefits of our proximity, compatibility and our mutual admiration for the same shit, which is pretty broad.
What was the difference between the creation process of 001 vs Sexy Steve
001 was moreso songs that we made together and Sexy Steve is primarily me recording myself with direction, input, and guidance from tooth choir. I tried to adhere to the parts of me that I really used to love and also that being exfoliated and practiced with my friend tooth choir who also produced three of the tracks. 001 is more methodical while sexy steve is a bit more leisurely as far as the approach. 001 is more experimental while sexy steve is more for comfort.
On ‘Pissed.9’ you say “ I probably would’ve been feathered and tarred in a past life, y’alls vision of the afterlife is tethered to god and I’m at war with the concept of it” what do you mean by that?
I feel like people have grown and now there is more of everything, more openly gay people, more defiantly black people, more indignant racists, more eurocentric thinking hispanics. There’s more of everything because there are more people. As more eyes and witnesses are in the building,
you get less of a chance for people to persecute things as harshly because the human spirit is not gonna appreciate it. Like 15 people might be like “throw that hot ass tar on somebody and feather them after we beat the shit out of them” but 40 people aren’t gonna let that happen, naturally. There are always concentrations that are the minority within the majority. Even when you see lynching photos with hundreds of people, that is still not the entirety of the populous. It’s just that percentage of people, even if they are all centralized in one place, they are still outnumbered by compassion, naturally. I feel like I got the privilege of being alive now where I’m less likely to be taken out of my home for my stance whereas if I had the same stance 400 years ago, so much worse would happen to me than my account being suspended.
Speaking of stances and stands, you are obviously a huge fan of JJBA, what drew you to jojo and why do you connect with it so strongly?
I think I’ve always liked non-gender-conforming entities, I’ve always liked freiza and cell, or buu because they had nails or effeminate characteristics that i liked growing up. Or the effeminate aspects that someone like prince or michael jackson had or just rock in general and even the flamboyant nature of some of the biggest acts like the GAP band or Earth, Wind, and Fire, where it’s not solely based on the male macho hyperphysical, hypermasculine stuff. JoJos is where both of those meet. non-gender-conforming hyper-masculinity. I love the story and I relate deeply to a lot of the characters, I really identify with the way they approach different areas of morality and mortality. I love it, the fashion, the story, the content.
If you had a stand what would it be?
As far as combat, I would be a short-range stand that specializes in strikes and holds. As far as abilities, one might be luck or time slowing down. I’m not sure if I can stop time but I’m sure I’ll be able to slow it a little bit.
Is time something that is important to you as an artist, do you ever feel like you are running out of time?
Yeah I sometimes feel like I won’t have as much time with my body as I would like, but thats about it. Everything else, like my glory, I’m sure I’ll get it. It just might not be next week or in the next 10 minutes, but I’ll see it.
On Pissed.11 you describe yourself as an empath, in what sense, and how do you express that?
I think everybody is empathetic, for me I think it manifests through logic aided by intuition and a bit of connection to the unseeable stuff. You can kinda feel stuff. I just feel like I can relate to people very much and I want the best for everybody. Not that you need to have that trait to be empathetic but for me it manifests in people pleasing, like a sacrificial complex for myself where I want all the fucked up shit in the world to be done for so that everyone can have their life, liberty and pursure happiness with equal opportunity.
You have a few songs on the project titled ‘Pissed’ Is there a specific reasoning behind that?
One time I had to do something on the computer and it was so tedious that I got mad and by the time I got to input the prefix to save it as, I was pissed so I just left it as pissed so whenever I ex- ported the songs they were titled pissed 1 pissed 2, etc. and I’m still pissed.
Current Events #1
PUTIN’S WAR
So russia decided to invade ukraine recently and the whole world is mad. Russian president vladimir putin claims that ukraine is being a bit messy and getting too friendly with nazis. The rest of the world thinks that this is just an excuse for him to take over the country that he says was always a part of russia anyway. sound familiar? That’s because Israel has been using the same excuse to annex palestinian land since the 1940s. According to wikipedia, roughly 67 active conflicts are going on around the world. 28 in africa, 16 in Asia, 15 in the middle east, 4 in europe, and 4 in the en- tire americas. This is why we need open borders, I think.
Ugly’s opinion on Putin
It should be acknowledged that Bill Clinton and the American government rigged the 1996 Russian election for President Boris Yeltsin, the guy who appointed Putin as his successor… Just putting it out there. Fun fact: Boris Yeltsin used to get so hammered on state visits, he would take his pants off and run around DC looking for pizza while the secret service chased him like the roadrunner. He got nabbed outside a jumbo slice spot once.
TRUCKERS?
You never think your city is going to be overrun by truckers until it’s too late. For weeks we heard stories about canadian truckers doing things in canada and being general nuisances. That was a canadian problem though, we never thought that the violence would spill over and flood the streets of DC. that’s exactly what happened. For a few weeks now, a group of truckers from all over the country have been circling the beltway and occasionally driving around downtown dc creating trouble for anyone with a car. It’s not clear what the truckers’ motive is or even if they have one but we hope they find a new place to roam very soon.
Ugly’s opinion on Ukraine
America has been sending a lot of guns to Ukranian Nazis. It fucking rocks. I’d bet my left pinky that we have a white ISIS by 2027, at the latest. Glassy-eyed slavic men declaring the European equivalent of a fatwa against Russian men with the exact same name.
Roaches Return
Summer 2022 marks the first time since 1918 that the extremely fluffy and toxic ravenous roaches return to the eastcoast of the United States. Known for their raven-like wings and bright yellow venom, these creatures appear every 96 years to terrorize cities along the coast. These roaches are very wild, they tend to be attracted to colorful hair such as blue, green, and red so bisexuals beware! Turbans and balaclavas have been proven as a good way to fend them away. Be careful when jogging on the sidewalks this summer as that is their preferred breeding ground and they are very territorial creatures. Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, do not approach these bugs, though they do not bite, they squirt out an extremely venomous yellow liquid that causes the recipient to ejaculate for days uncontrollably
Bezos Set to Form Union
As locals and activists have continually rebuffed his attempts to whitewash his name and legacy—his recent attempt to rename the MLK library after himself was shot down—Jeff Bezos has come up with another plan. He has revealed plans to form a union for a group that has been historically marginalized and is often left out of the conversation. Billionaires desereve a larger voice says Bezos. Despite the fact that they control most of the world’s wealth, Bezos doesn’t believe that the billionaires of the world are living up to their potential. If they all put their money and minds together, they could create any reality that they wanted on this earth (or beyond) independent of governments. The biggest obstacle for Jeff though, is that an organization just like that already exists and its leader, Tupac Shakur(yes) is very upset. Those close to ‘Pac have said that he is threatening to have Bezos “canceled” if he does not stop. Further confusing the matter is the fact that Tupac actually face-swapped with Bezos after his disappearance and rumored death in 1996. in this classic “face//off” scenario, we won’t be able to tell who is who until it is too late.
Music #1
Caprisongs /FKA Twigs/ January 2022
Twigs’ whispers are brilliantly complimented by an array of guests on her first release since 2019. This mixtape is full of fun songs about love, loss, and everything in-between.
Fav songs: honda (feat. pa salieu)
oh my love
papi bones (feat. shygirl)
darjeeling (feat. jorja smith & unknown t)
Sick! /Earl Sweatshirt/ January 2022
On his first release since the global event, Earl sounds energized-rapping with a ferocity we haven’t heard since his debut album. Although it runs for a short 24 minutes, Earl packs so much density into each bar that once you’re done, it feels like you’ve digested multiple volumes.
Fav songs: 2010
Vision (feat. Zeelooperz)
Sick!
Tabula Rasa(feat.Armand Hammer)
2 Alive /Yeat/ January 2022
What can we say about Yeat that hasn’t already been said about Charles Manson? A lot probably, but that isn’t the point. 2 Alive is a literal sequel to his 2021 release of the same name. His first release with “big name” features, he renders them irrelevant on their respective songs. The only takeaway from this album is that Yeat, his demons, and his cult are here to stay.
Fav songs: Poppin
Double Sick!
Outside (feat. Young Thug)
Taliban
honorable mentions
Pink Siifu - Gumbo (Deluxe)
Yard Act - The Overload
Yung Kayo - DFTK
Bladee & Ecco2k - Crest
Yung Lean - Stardust
Charli XCX - CRASH
Na-Kel Smith - Skullface Bonehead
Channel Tres - Refresh
Central Cee - 23
Lust Nite - No One Cares Til U Die
Raveena - Asha’s Awakening
Ho9909 - SKIN
Tae Dawg - OozinDawg
Shawny Binladen - Merry Wickmas 2
ICYTWAT - Siddhi
WiFiGawd - Chain of Command
Cruel Santino - Subaru Boys
Bakar - Nobody’s Home
BabyTron - Megatron
Rahiem Supreme - Espionage
RXKNephew - Spin When Where and How
Nilüfer Yanya - PAINLESS
Cities Aviv - Man Plays the Horn
Animal Collective - Time Skiffs
Billy Woods - Aethiopes
bigTRACKS
Leikeli47 - Zoom
Your Old Droog - Purple Rain Freestyle
Joeboy - Cubana
Rob49 - Alright
Dirty Bird - The Question
JPEGMAFIA - Hazard Duty Pay
Mura Masa, Lil Uzi, PinkPantheress - bbycakes(feat.shygirl)
ZahSosaa - Stripper Anthem
2rare - Cupid (Remix)
Omeretta the Great - Sorry Not Sorry
iayze - 556 (Green Tip)
babysantana - nyc
Rema - Calm Down
Su Lee - Dancing In The Wild
Crystal Murray - Break (feat. Zelooperz)
Peggy Gou - I Go (DJ Koze Remix)
Rico Nasty - Vaderz (feat. Bktherula)
Nemzzz - 2MS
Knucks & SL - Nice & Good
Fatlip, Blu & Madlib - Gangsta Rap
H09909 - BATTERY NOT INCLUDED
JID - Surround Sound Father - Pay N Spray
Lil Wayne - Lil Romeo
Babyface Ray - 6 Mile Show
Nigo & A$AP Rocky - Arya
Bartees Strange - Cosigns
Ezale - Ironic
Ab-Soul - Hollandaise
Yeat jus wants us to be the bëst
On Jus bëtter, yeat repeats the refrain “everything I'm doing is just better than you” repeatedly. At first listen this seems like the common type of braggadocios content we are used to from rappers but a deeper look reveals something much cooler. Yeat is actually encouraging the listener to be the best at whatever it is they are doing. When he says “I been getting higher, I'm more junkie than you” he isn’t boasting about his drug use. He uses the line to emphasize how important it is for him to be at the top level of everything he is involved in, from rapping to doing drugs. Yeat says to be the best.
@nickycinema #1
(Originally Published in 2022)
The King (2019)
I’ve realized I need to accept the fact that I’m a huge Timothee fan. I’ve watched all his movies out of order so don’t have a good grasp on his character development/arch but that face he always does when his eyes are filled with tears but a tear hasn’t fallen yet and you can almost feel his pain through the screen is consistentttt (and gets me every time). In this movie, he plays Henry V, a defiant young king trying to manage the kingdom and its endless politics after the death of his tyrannical father. Throughout the movie, he struggles to really find his place but is well supported by his bff/drunkard (peasant?) but also ex-war vet. I really enjoyed their dynamic together and Henry’s leadership altogether, despite all the pushback. My fav scene is towards the end when he’s talking with his prospective wife, Lily-Rose Depp, about war, in the scene she’s so painfully honest but clearly everything he needs. Also, apparently, they were(are?) a couple which is kinda cool given their interactions in the movie. Overall I loved the movie, there were moments where it was clear this was earlier in Timothee’s career, but he still did a phenomenal job.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Honestly and truthfully this movie is the only movie in a very very very long time that has reshaped my perspective on all things life and America. Disclaimer that I am pretty impressionable, especially when it comes to a good movie, but gotdamn this wrecked me. I felt like it lit a flame inside of me that can never die out lol (it also made me slightly nihilistic and depressed.) The lineup alone is incredible, but surprisingly no one really outshined over anyone else and the roles everyone played were so fitting but also so different than what I expected? Everything about this movie just felt so perfect to me, the lineup, the story, the dialogue, the ridiculous- ness of the plot and how everything was carried out, and the timing of the release, etc. It’s extremely fatalistic and satirical and honestly depressing but also so funny and this dichotomy parallels nicely with the state of the world right now. I’d highly recommend watching if you’re not sensitive to how tragic life is and likely will continue to be.
The French Dispatch (2021)
For some reason I feel like the film community collectively hates on Wes Anderson for his textbook indie movie vibes and his particular focus on colors, aesthetics, and cinematography, but every movie is so good. I don’t think I can even rank them because they all feel so unique and perfect. The French Dispatch was no different and it doesn’t make it any better that the lineup was sooo good with Timothee, Frances, Jeffrey Wright, and the classic Anderson lineup. The storyline was perfect and the French sprinkled throughout also helped. Definitely worth the watch and special shoutout to the last two stories but esp the middle one. I could write more about it but really I’ll let it speak for itself.
The Batman (2022)
I have never been into superhero movies unless they’re showing they’re focused on the grunge dark and emo side of the character so of course I loved this movie. I’m a big fan of Robert Pattinson, I think they could’ve added a bit more depth to his character though, although even without I think the message got across well. He was portrayed as this misunderstood recluse who had some character development throughout but mostly not. Robert did a great job portraying this side of Batman aka an emotional and tormented little boy. Zoe and Paul Dano were incredible too. The Riddler perfected the “white school shooter” aesthetic and Zoe was a star as well. My absolute favorite scene was when they first played “Something in the Way” as he rides off into Gotham – truly set the tone for emo Pattinson and was just a perfect creative decision/scene.
Crystal Ballin #1
(Originally Published in 2022)
Here at bigFACTS, we reject any type of trend or fad. We believe that fashion is timeless and good style is universal. Trends and fads occur when the general population becomes aware of a niche interest or item and is then infatuated with it for a short time before finding a new thing to latch on to. In this column, we will examine some to look out for in the near future.
MULLETS!!
Even though mullets have enjoyed a small resurgence over the past few years as the go-to bisexual haircut, I don’t think they have reached their cultural peak yet. once considered a haircut reserved for hair rockers and hillbillies, I have a feeling that mullets are going to have a big moment in the next few years. Highly influential mononymous celebrities such as Rihanna and Zendaya have been seen sporting this look in recent years, implying that it will break through to the mainstream soon. Is Beyonce next? On the Masc side of things, Shia Labeouf(thumbs down) has been sporting this style on and off for quite a few years. The recent film Last starring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Adam Driver features the lead characters wearing an array of mullets. Whether or not this style will crossover though, depends on the levels of worldwide absurdity we experience in the next few months.
Turbans
Yeat is the biggest rapper in the world. Okay, that’s not exactly true in any sense but it sure feels like that in certain rooms. After releasing three back-to-back projects in 2021, he has started 2022 off with a bang with 2 Alive, having his release party shut down by LAPD due to the massive amount of people trying to get inside the venue. The people in the crowd were the typical Soundcloud rapper fanbase. Plenty of teenage white kids with a few brown kids sprinkled in between. One thing that set these kids apart though, was that they were all wearing turbans. Turbans are a prominent feature of most of Yeats videos, whether he’s using them to hide his face or simply drape over his body. This is why I think we are up for a huge turban wave. As someone who has been wearing turbans and scarves for years now, I welcome it. headwear has gotten stale in recent years. There are only so many ways you can style a baseball cap or a beanie. Turbans are the future.
bigQuestions #1
How do you push forward with the painful awareness that the world is going to shit?
I maintain a strong inner belief that I am here to fulfill a purpose and the path that I am on is the right one. Things look especially bleak at the moment but it is nothing that has not happened before. Learning more about history is a good way of understanding how we got where we are. I cannot predict the future but I can live a life that is enriching to myself and those around me.
Message to younger you!
I am 27 at the moment and will be 28 by the time this is published so I will address this to my 17-year-old self: Follow your dreams & never doubt yourself. There will be times when you think you should give up or change focus, but don’t. People will try to project and live through you, don’t allow them. Always remember what your father told you, “You are the only person that will live your life, no one can live it for you”
How do I attract cute artsy girls?
As someone who does not attract as many cute artsy girls as I would like, I don’t think I am the most capable in this department but I will make an attempt. I’d say the first step is clothing choices, it is your first chance to make an impression and nothing says I know about art more than a Uniqlo brand KAWS t-shirt. Get yourself a few of those and I’m sure you’ll be drowning in cute artsy girls.
How do we exist without being complicit in other humans suffering(sustainability/labor)
Childbirth is one of the most painful experiences that humans go through in their lives. We can only come into the world through the suffering of another human. Is suffering human nature? Buddhism believes that suffering is an innate part of our lives. So to answer your question, we don’t. Even if you decide to move to a farm in the middle of nowhere, your environmental impact will eventually affect someone, somewhere, someday.
bigFACTS Volume 1
Over the next few weeks, we will begin populating this blog section with articles and features from bigFACTS volume 1 starting with the letter from the editor.
life is not black and white
big facts goes beyond that
there is always an ethical side in every conflict
if you look deep down and far back enough there is always a victim and oppressor (someone started that shit)
nuances exist, but at the end of the day,
there is a clear difference between right and wrong
that is why we want to learn and explore root causes
the color white represents the search for raw truth
(uncut)
bigFACTS is one with the oppressed. bigFACTS stands on the right side of history
bigFACTS is the complete truth every time.
Our tenets are
Exestentialism
Epistemology
Absurdism
Mortality
Satire
This is our inauguaral issue.
UK RAP. BEST OF 2023
Bawo - Same Team (feat. Reek0)
Crowd Control Collective, Saiming & KD - Bugz Bunny
El Londo -I'M PISSED (feat. Namani)
Fimiguerrero - Lights Camera Action (feat. Dom Corleo)
J Hus - Who Told You (Feat. Drake)
Kibo - Mr. Lamborghini Deathslide
Kwengface - For One (Feat. SL)
Lancey Fox - MMM HMM (Feat. Sexyy Red)
Len - BEBE (Feat. Odunsi (The Engine))
Nines - Fuck The Worl (Feat. Kojey Radical & Tiggs Da Author)
Oscar #Worldepace - Never Know
Pretty V - Chanel (feat. Jadasea)
Pretty V - WE the BEST (feat. Dav1d)
Rushy - Back 2 Basics Freestyle
Unknown T & Knucks - Right Hand
Auto Lola: Idiomatic (Review)
The Latest EP from one of the most enigmatic artists in Washington DC’s underground scene is a breathtaking introduction from a kid who wears his influences on his sleeve without ever sacrificing his voice.
You would be excused for mistaking Auto Lola for a more established artist. A regular figure in the DC underground, Auto has been honing his craft over the past few years, frequently appearing on tracks with fellow DC natives such as NAPPYNAPPA & WiFiGawd. On Idiomatic, he is joined by 3 of the Districts most innovative producers: Pat Cain, Jelani Kwesi, and Black Moses. Together they are able craft a project that exists in a space all by itself.
The EP starts off with a heartbeat-like pulsing instrumental on Carte Blanche as Auto rattles of the qualities are unique to him alone. The combination of an off-kilter start-stop flow with occasional stream of conscious singing hearkens back to the days of 808s & heartbreak with slightly obvious hints of Young Thug.
One of the hallmarks of a well-produced album is the quality of the song outro’s and Auto does not disappoint, his indecipherable autotune crooning flows perfectly into the next song.
Leap of Faith is his announcement to the world. Everything you thought you knew about Auto goes out the window on this project. “Leave the old me to sleep he ain’t waking up” he sings. This is an artist ready to take the next step and leave the past where it belongs. A key theme throughout this EP is the wide array of vocal effects used to express different feelings in each of the songs. On Luciform, The effects are stripped down as he is joined by fellow artist young peas. Auto speaks on his journey up to this point over lush production paired with beautiful vocal samples that would fit seamlessly on a drain gang album. Auto’s verse is pretty short, wisely allowing the production to live and breathe for most of the track.
The second half of the album begins with the Rumination Interlude with a beat that sounds like alien boom-bap or something you might hear on an Adult Swim bump. This combined with a powerful speech from an Indigenous People’s day event is the perfect transition to the second half of the album. Rumination is probably his best vocal performance on the project. The synth heavy production and vocal effects will have you checking the song credits for Kevin Parker’s name but this is Auto Lola in his element. Crooning about love and pain, his voice contains so much emotion that you can’t help but get pulled into his world.
Wayward is Auto at his most confident, questioning others for not taking chances and wasting time. He stresses the importance of friends, family and their protective nature, “only opps I see round me is opportunity, diplomatic shit I got immunity, I got community”. Community is the word that encapsulates this EP. “It’s a combination of all the shit I been on” says Auto, “I’m inspired by everything”. Idiomatic is a Fantastic EP with well crafted songwriting, lush vocals, and sophisticated production. It is an eye-opening debut from an artist with so much more to offer. Available on April 22nd, 2022 via Future Times
Advice Column
How do you push forward with the painful awareness that the world is going to shit?
I maintain a strong inner belief that I am here to fulfill a purpose and the path that I am on is the right one. Things look especially bleak at the moment but it is nothing that has not happened before. Learning more about history is a good way of understanding how we got where we are. I cannot predict the future but I can live a life that is enriching to myself and those around me.
Message to younger you!
I am 27 at the moment and will be 28 by the time this is published so I will address this to my 17 year old self: Follow your dreams & never doubt yourself. There will be times when you think you should give up or change focus, don’t. People will try to project and live through you, don’t allow them. Always remember what your father told you, “You are the only person that will live your life, no one can live it for you”
How do I attract cute artsy girls?
As someone that does not attract as many cute artsy girls as I would like, I don’t think I am the most capable in this department but I will make an attempt. I’d say the first step is clothing choices, it is your first chance to make an impression and nothing says I know about art more than a uniqlo brand KAWS t-shirt. Get yourself a few of those and I’m sure you’ll be drowning in cute artsy girls.
How do we exist without being complicit in another humans suffering(sustainability/labor)
Childbirth is one of the most painful experiences that humans go through in their lives. We can only come into the world through the suffering of another human. Is suffering human nature? Buddhism believes that suffering is an innate part of our lives. So to answer your question, we don’t. Even if you decided to move to a farm in the middle of nowhere, your environmental impact will eventually affect someone, somewhere, someday.
Spring 2022 Horoscopes
Ahh, Aries — the fountain of youth. We’ve been sprung from the primordial Pisces’ wintery mix, landing in awareness of our naked individuality. The glyph of Aries, the ram’s horns, represents more than the Lamb of God. It depicts potential energy that splits the singularity into two (or more, depending on what you do in your free time.) It’s also the fallopian tubes that hold the seeds of humanity. The first outward act which obligates a spirit to crudely imitate its creator.
The lamb seeks itself, “remind me that I’m alive!” Now more than ever, nature pulls from the latent force from last year's cycle. The Sun exalts in Aries, since it’s tasked with warming up the earth after it’s been frozen by long nights. Now, all is resurrected. Look around — you’ll see flowers budding, eggs hatching, and bare skin on windy days. The same is happening within you.
It’s no coincidence that the astrological New Year ushers in the month of Ramadan. During this time, the beloved Prophet (an Aries), received divine revelation on earth. Holy seeds planted for divine work. Season’s change calls you to toil your inner pastures and start planning. What seeds do you have leftover from your last harvest that you can multiply? You might be starting from scratch, hoping the wind blows something edible into your garden. What is it about you that shapes your world? Let your individuality dictate your path.
Regarding Horoscopes
Astrology, the study of the stars, is a system of categorization, used in antiquity for medicine, sciences, and social work.
While it is entertaining, sun sign astrology is dangerously general. Its popularity arose in the 1970s, when American magazines and newspapers appealed to their patrons with provocative forecasts. It was a total disservice to the western world. Sun sign astrology over simplifies the horoscope, and leads to lumping together of signs.
Here are some forecasts from the stars (for fun.) As always, check your rising sign for the most accurate prognosis. And of course, no horoscope is accurate without the full picture. There’s the whole sky to consider.
Aries sun + rising
Recommended songs: Maluco by Sango
Simultaneously aware of your limitations and potential; you’re in a pressure cooker. This is major teeth grinding energy. It’s invigorating just being around you, as your self-confidence leaves a strong impression with others. Still, you might hear that you’re doing too much.
This isn’t the time for compromising yourself. Use your limits as the floor, not as your ceiling. The planets are supporting your mental powers, with your wittiness at its peak. Spend as much time around others as you can bear. And that person that always has something to say about your energy? Leave them behind.
Taurus sun + rising
Recommended stone: Diamonds, brimstone
The unfathomable ups and downs of the past year might have you down, but anyone would have trouble keeping up. If you haven’t been forced to surrender yet, now’s the time. It’s the only thing that’ll offer reprieve. You’re being asked to relinquish some of the rigidity and control in your life that you cling to, because it doesn’t give you the space to lead with your individuality. Don’t underestimate the power of a new morning routine. Change is good. Change makes dollars.
Gemini sun + rising
Recommended reading: BloodChild by Octavia Butler
There’s been a lot of shifting in your self-concept since the start of the pandemic. Maybe you’ve cycled through partners or hair colors more than anyone you know. Or maybe you’ve had an internal shift, heightening your sense of empathy with others and forcing you to relate to your inner child more than you would like to. It’s common for intellectual types to redirect their internal chaos into the world around them, rather than sit and reflect.
Before you plant any seeds, take the past off of its pedestal and hold it in your hands. You’re more powerful than your experiences, and the younger you inside will benefit from hearing that right now.
Cancer sun + rising
Recommended tea: Mustard Seed tea with rosewater
It’s always something with you, isn’t it? Self-awareness is key this season, and that means not dealing with those who require more than you’re willing to give. Whoever is demanding competitive energy from you is a teacher, and nothing more. Dominating someone is a lost cause, and a waste of your energy to boot. Placing too much importance on things going your way consequently prevents unseen blessings.
Is it really worth the fight, or can you compromise?
Leo sun + rising
Recommended song: Besito by Bia ft G, Herbo
It’s literally party time. The energies of socialization and free flowing connections are in your favor. Have you done something new yet? New cities, new romance, new mentorships — the choice is yours. People will be drawn to you and feed off of your positive expansiveness. It’s an especially good time to try your hand at social mobility. Success in your career is yours, if you seek it.
Try asking someone for something you’d never otherwise. Ask your boss for a raise, or your lover for some shoes. You’ll be surprised.
Virgo sun + rising
Recommended stones: Brimstone, ocher
People who say they never judge are liars. Proper judgment helps us to understand right and wrong. Just avoid holding others to your morality, even yourself. At first, relinquishing judgment feels discombobulated — out of control. It may help to know that you don’t control anything external. Don’t lose yourself to a string of unfortunate events, by becoming cynical. Offering yourself and others genuine love and understanding takes your attention away from the ever intangible “perfect.”
The lack of softening forces in the stars creates a foreboding feeling. But that’ll probably go away if you stop trying to create a reason for everything.
Libra sun + rising
Recommended reading: All About Love by Bell Hooks
Love and relationships of all kinds are in your focus now. When aren’t they?
There's an opportunity to make important social connections that’ll elevate you closer to your desires. Try to listen more than you talk to others right now. People say more than the words they speak, and you’re sure to hear enlightening facts about who you attract and how you treat them.
tScorpio sun + rising
Recommended tea: Nettle tea with onion water (if you can tolerate it)
Nobody is deliberately trying to make your life unstable. It may feel like it, though. Any hidden tensions in your relationships will surface from murky waters, making you feel like you’re fighting everybody. Uranus is very impolitely asking you to revamp your relationship dynamics, or it will change them for you. And you probably won’t like it.
Exercise freedom and independence. Take some alone time this season to explore yourself. Go with the flow as much as possible, because testing the waters creates more opportunity for disruption in your life.
Sagitarrius sun + rising
Recommended song: Ordinary Guy by Toro Y Moi
Everything is expanding for you; the sun is shining, the wind is flowing through your hair. Feel your vitality? Get as much sunshine as you can these days. You can get everything checked off your to-do list with your optimistic attitude.
You’re at a peak of faith and spirituality — whatever that means to you. The energy inside you comes across as ease to others. People are charged by being around you, and inspired to be themselves.
Capricorn sun + rising
Recommended stone: Bloodstone, firestone
You know nobody is an island, but you’re finally discovering the importance of companionship. It’s important to have someone to talk to, as you’re planning things out. You may not want to give all your schemes away, but know that you can glean inspiration from the most mundane conversations. Like Libra, it’s important for you to listen more than you talk. You have a selfish streak that can threaten people, so issues may come to a head during this time. There’s conflicts of authority in your orbit, where it’ll be best to strive for compromise when possible.
Do something nice for your friends, and genuinely enjoy the art of sharing.
Aquarius sun + rising
Recommended reading: Zami by Audre Lorde
Team-effort, you may find, takes you far (as long as you’re in charge.) Right now, you’ll be respected for your collaborative leadership style. With high energy, you’re leading a team of people who know how to take initiative. It’s already starting to pay off, too.
There’s a magical opportunity to stand up for your morals and demand fair treatment for yourself and your loved ones. People want to hear what you have to say, and more importantly, how you’d like to be treated.
Pisces sun + rising
Recommended tea: Hemp tea. Really, you should just smoke it. Smoke sum.
You may not want to stay where you are, so it’s important to take stock of the bright side of things. Enjoy your free time — it only belongs to you. Embrace openheartendess and generosity during Aries season. As you receive gifts, do the same for people less fortunate than you.
There are many strangers in your not-so-distant future that will teach you the heights and depths of your self-value. Through it all, exercise tolerance, excitement, and gratitude over pride, greed, and fantasy. This is the perfect time to change your expectations of what you deserve.
DC Mayoral Race
The race to become DC mayor is heating up as most candidates have now officially put their names on the ballot. Like we always do at this time, we will be picking each candidate apart and laying out the FACTS. One thing that immediately jumps out is the lack of women on the ballot. Of the 6 democratic candidates, only one is a woman, the incumbent mayor Muriel Bowser. Interestingly, of the remaining 6 candidates, 4 are women.
Muriel Bowser will be the most familiar to readers outside of DC as the first mayor to establish a “Black Lives Matter Plaza” after protestors (some of our dear friends) painted the street in front of the White House to say “Black Lives Matter\Defund MPD” referring to the DC Metropolitan Police Department. The second part was conveniently left off the sanitized version of the street art that was unveiled to the world as Muriel’s response to President Trump, who at the time was being blamed(deservedly) for violence that was being carried out by the secret service, park police, and MPD on peaceful protestors. This is the same police department that Bowser wants to reinforce if she is re-elected. She seems to be determined to be the Mayor that brings statehood to DC, potentially guaranteeing a spot in the governor’s seat. It will surely be a difficult journey, she has faced plenty of criticism unrelated to her love of police. DC has experienced dangerously high homicide rates in the last few years of her term. That combined with a growing lack of affordable housing makes it hard to see her becoming the first DC mayor to win a third term since the legendary Marion Berry.
Trayon White is another fairly familiar name having been on the city council since 2016 as a representative of ward 8. Since then he has stayed in the headlines through a variety of interesting stunts. Announcing his candidacy through the @washingtonianprobs comment section is just the latest in a long line of interesting online behavior. There was the time he posted a facebook video claiming that a prominent Jewish family controls the weather. Or the time that he staged a protest at a construction site to complain that jobs are going to immigrants instead of residents of the ward. There’s also the countless times that he has posted anti-vax content on his social media despite being vaccinated. He is in fact the only council member to have voted against a vaccine mandate for council members and their families. Despite having no clearly defined agenda, White has criticized Bowser for her response to gun violence and inadequate affordable housing.
Robert White(no relation) is also a current council member though slightly more progressive than his colleague. Robert has been responsible for passing bills to charge higher taxes to the wealthy and enact a paid parental leave. He was strongly against Bowser’s decision to clear homeless encampments during hypothermia, claiming that the goal of her initiative was to “move” them with no concern for permanent housing. He is a big advocate for police reform and wants to DEFUND the police in order to allocate funds to more effective crime prevention tactics.
James Butler is a former ward 5 ANC commissioner who considers himself a departure from the status quo. He lost the 2018 Mayoral race by 54,000 votes and he must believe that he
has a chance to close that gap. James aims to combat gentrification and provide more resources to vulnerable populations. He plans to do this by supporting reparations for black residents, providing temporary housing, social services, behavioral, and mental health resources people experiencing homelessness. He believes that he can do this while increasing the number of police, creating a gun unit, and enforcing no loitering laws...James is severely mistaken.
Another hope...ful candidate is Michael Campbell who is a pastor at Kingdom Driven Ministry, a “non-profit public charity established to advance the Kingdom of God, with specific emphasis on East Africa”. He has done plenty of work with gun violence prevention as part of Rev.Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. He is an advocate for a $20 minimum wage and wants to build a tiny homes village to help homeless people transition to permanent housing. Oh and he also believes that increasing police salaries will help to reduce crime.
Rounding out the democrats is Andre Delontae Davis, a former teacher who is obsessed with performing arts according to his website. Andre supports affordable housing and education reforms. He plans to reallocate the police budget as well as demilitarizing the police, especially during peaceful protests.
DC is an overly democratic city so it is unlikely that any outsiders will fall through the cracks but just in case we’ve got you covered:
Corren Brown: Statehood Green Party\Correctional Officer for 6 years\wants to change policing. Lori Furstenberg: Republican\wants to end mask and vaccine mandate\coined “mandate muriel” Stacia Hall: Republican\wants to reopen schools and churches\family values. Dustin Canter: Independent\trauma survivor training for cops\teaching kids cooperation with cops. Rodney Grant: Independent\comedian\educational equity\supports statehood.