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[ronaldandthemusic]

Care Package by Drake

"Care Package" is a compilation of the best Drake songs that he finally got the masters to. Majority of the songs appeared on his mixtapes. To most of us, who grew up as Drake grew up, this mix is nostalgia and was the words cocinding with our lives. To those newbies, a look into the man's pocket, learning that he had an ever flowing list of hits....and they were not on his albums.

Below are my top songs from the project:

-The Motion

-Club Paradise

-Trust Issues

-How About Now

-Can I

-Days In The East

-Paris Morton Music

These songs brought back memories from the college days. Remembering the piano at the beginning of "Paris Morton Music" setting the mood for the song and that song being arranged for "Aston Martin Music" by Rick Ross. Or maybe "Trust Issues" with "I'm On One" by DJ Khaled. Hiw about that Beyonce sample in "Can I"? I remembered that one from "So Far Gone 2", I happened to stumbled across that one. "Days From The East", made for Rihanna, has that nice flow at the end of the song, is legendary. All of these song played a part in my memories and it is still weird that he just now got the masters for them.

Now just because I did not list the other songs does not mean those are not bangers. I missed the opportunity to experience those songs as they came out, and those songs still hold up. If you love Drake then you love this project. No, they are not new but they are just as good as what he is putting out now which is a testament of a level of consistency that many rarely keep up.

[ronaldandthemusic]

I know it has been a while since i last wrote one of these, but i cant let black history month without paying homage to those artists who made way in the music industry and past away at the peak of their careers. Although there were many who past away like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong and Michael Jackson; I will just be focusing on four artists that had a major influence on my upbringing. Those four artists are: Aaliyah, Lisa Left Eye Lopes, Biggie and Tupac.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah is one that really left too soon. It felt like she was just getting started and she has already made plenty of hits. Hits like, "4 Page Letter", "Are You That Somebody," "At Your Best" and the lidt goes on. She heavily worked with Missy Elliott, Timbaland and DMX. Fondest memory of her music was right around the movie, "Dr. Doolittle," came out and it had, "Are You That Somebody" as it leading single. I remember that we bought the soundtrack for the movie and the only two songs I repeatedly kept going back to was, that song and "Same Ol' G", by Ginuwine. Sadly, Aaliyah died in a plane crash coming back from a video shoot.

Aaliyah's Accolades:

• 3 American Music Awards

• 1 BET Award

• 5 Billboard Music Awards

• 3 MTV Video Music Awards

• 2 MTV Movie Awards

• Rollingstone named album "Aaliyah" as the best R&B album in 2000

Lisa Lopes was one-third of an all girl group by the name of TLC. She was the MC of the girl, dropping bars that gave the group some flavor. Remembered my father brought home their critically acclaimed album, "Crazysexycool". That alum goes for days. They got hits like, "Creep", "Waterfalls", "Red Light Special" and so on. And let's not forget "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" and "What About Your Friends". She had, at times, black paint below her eye. This gave her a distinctive trademark. Unfortunately she passed away April 25th, 2002 due to a car accident.

Lisa Lopes

TLC's Accolades

• 4 Grammy's

• 1 American Music Award

• 5 MTV Video Music Awards

• 4 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards

• 2 People's Choice Awards

• 10 Kids Choice Awards.

Biggie plays a special role in my life because EVERYONE and i mean EVERYONE says I'm his twin. I just simply take it as compliment... I guess. Biggie held Bad Boy down alomgside with Puff Daddy pumping hits out like: "Hypnotized", "Juicy", "Big Poppa" and let us not forget that bop he had with 112 and Mase "Only You Remix". Biggie had love interest with both Faith Evans and Lil Kim with having a child with Faith. On March 9th, 1997, assassinated by an associate of Knight.

The Notorious B.I.G

The Notorious B.I.G

• 4 Billboard Music Awards

• 1 Billboard Music Video Award

• 1 MTV Music Video Award

• 1 Soul Train Award

• 4 Source Music Awards

We can't mention Biggie without mentioning 2pac right? 2pac was regarded, in my opinion, a poet in a sense. Not only making hits like "California Love" and "Ain't Mad at Cha", he also cared about his west coast community. That legendary synthesizer screaming out California Love invited people to bop like it was no tomorrow. Unfortunately, he passed away due to a gun shot wound which led to repiratory failure.

2pac Accolades

2pac

• 1 American Music Award

• 1 ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Award

[ronaldandthemusic]

"901" by Yung Titan

Yung Titan, a Pastor, father and rapper coming straight out of Memphis. I was going through my following list, looking for independent artists to write about. I came across Titan's page and notice the project artwork for "901". I then realized that thos album has been showing up In my recommended list for weeks. I knew then I needed to hop on it and see what it is all about, especially since he is from Memphis, which I call my second home.

What I look for in independent artists' albums are the sophistication in the production, like how much of an investment do they put into their sound. The production on this album is no short of outstanding! Crisp, clear and dynamic. I have a few songs that stood out to me: "Up", "Straight Up", "Proof", "Where is My Soul" and "All Else". "Where is my Soul" reminds me of that soul you can find in Memphis. It has a good balance of the sample he used. "All Else" I like simply because NiaSoul's voice and the beat break down served as a worship portion. Also I like the message in the song, struggling with flesh and accepting God's grace. "Straight Up" really showcased his lyricism and delivery. I remembered, when coming to this song, I was like "ok, so this is you!" "Up" and "Proof" has good vibes.

There are some songs that are passable like, "What We Believe" and "D O G S". Didn't really resonate with me. Overall, this is a solid project and definitely recommend it. Listen to it on all streaming services. Link below.

http://smarturl.it/memphis901

P.S. I wrote this in my Memphis shirt.

[ronaldandthemusic]

Are there 90s in Today's Music?

90's rnb was the pinnacle of music at the time. You had artists like Monica, Brandy, TLC and Usher making timeless music. I still call reflect back on cookouts where this type of music was constantly making people dance. Have we fell off or are we heavily influenced still by the era that brought us timeless hits? I want to briefly talk about songs that sampled 90s r&b and artists I think bringing it back.

There are a lot of artists that sample from the 90s:

• "Where I Wanna Be"-Donell Jones and "Hope You Do"-Chris Brown

Obviously the original is far more superior than what Chris did with it. But basically, Chris took the cadence from Jones' chorus and sung it they same way in his pre-chorus.

• "Anytime, Any Place"-Janet Jackson and "Poetic Justice"-Kendruck Lamar ft Drake

This is pretty much self explanatory. They just looped the cadence and the line, "In the thunder and rain...."

• "If you Had my Love"-Jennifer Lopez and "Teenage Affair"- Drake.

Drake just took the chorus of the song and just chopped and screwed it. It was a great use of it.

• "Touch Me, Tease Me"-Case and "Love You Better"-King Combs feat. Chris Brown.

Sean Combs son take an interesting take on a song that originated by Case. Hip Hop flow with the R&B vibe still intact. Chris Brown captured the same cadence as Case did singing the song.

There are plenty of more. That can be heard and spotted. It is always an Easter egg listening to a song and to be able to point certain aspects that make you reminisce on the 90s.

There are four current artists, which in my opinion, are truly trying to bring back the sound of the 90s. First is a singer by the name of H.E.R. She is bringing back a sound that artists of the past has been trying to capture, reall and raw sound. I hear her now and can imagine some 90s styled beats over her voice. When she tapped into her inner Lauryn Hill in, "Lost Souls", I new she possessed something that made me gravitate to her. Second, is Ella Mai. When I heard "Boo'd up" and "Trip", it had that 90s bounce to it. Made me want to do nice bounce and rock just like the good ol days. I was pulling for her whole album to capture that same vibe and it didnt disappoint. Jacquees, I haven't listened to a lot of his music, but I do know that Donnell Jones produced his album and he sounds like him too. And lastly, Next Town Down. They're not big yet, but they are bringing back R&B boy bands that seemed to fade out early 2000s.

Of course all of these things mentioned here is up for subjection. It was just me listening to a lot of these artists of today and wondering how music evolved or stayed away from the iconic 90s style. What do you guys think? What influences you see from 90s that are implemented into today's music? Do you like the direction music is going? Tell me on Twitter @Gryphon63

[ronaldandthemusic]

BLTN Tour

Thursday, October 25th, was the Nashville stop for the Better Late Than Never Tour! This show was so hype and I was looking forward to seeing Lecrae live! New Year's Conference 2009 was the last time u seen Lecrae live and it was not considered a full blown show. I saw Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed last year, so they were still fresh. On this tour, they brought along Whatsuprg, Nobigdyl and Wordsplayed as opening acts.

Each opening act had about 10 minutes time limit to showcase their music with the exception of Wordsplayed who may of had 20 to 30 minutes. Each act had a surprisingly big reaction. One song I recognized from Whatuprg was, "Rose Gold" and Nobigdyl, "Purple Dinosaur". Wordsplayed carried on the nonchalant persona, being random and clever. With a combination of jokes, shameless promotions and good music, sure made for a unique set.

Now it was time for Andy Mineo's set! He opened up with "....There", which sounds so much better live. When everyone saw him, the place became unglued! The place was filled with electricity as he was pushing out bars in fast rotation. He playe dmost of his songs from "The Sword" with a popular hit "You Can't Stop Me". Two specific songs I loved, "Family Photo" and "I've Been....Lost". "Family Photo", he sat down and had video clips from his wedding, which added a more impacted effect on a song about his father not being around. "I've Been...Lost", he walked on a moving belt with a rain cloud on the screen to give the effect of constantly walking under the cloud. He then did some songs with Wordsplayed and then shared the time when his mother passed away. This was a great set with thoughtfulness.

And here comes Lecrae! He performed hits from his past two projects, "Let The Trap Say Amen" and "All Things Work Together". Had a lot of strobe lights and had a night video cut for "I'll Find You". The way it faded in and out on Tori Kelly, I much rather see that version than the original cut. He then played a ballad of older music to test the fans on their Knowledge. Songs like "Jesus Muzik" and "Go Hard" sent the fans on a frenzy! Then he spoke about how they might put a another Unashamed Tour together in which we was down for that. He also spoke about running in his own lane, doing what he believes God has called him to do despite the criticism he receives from fans.

Lecrae left and said goodnight. Everyone, and me included, was like, "This isnt it! They got to do two songs together." Sure enough Lecrae and Andy Mineo came out and did "Say I Won't" and "Coming in Hot", which they recorded that song for the tour. Overall this was a crazy show! And me and a friend of mines met a new friend which joined us for the night. Definitely recommend seeing them live!!

[ronaldandthemusic]

"Friends" by Andy Mineo

Friends are hard to come by, especially in the society we live in today. We are on the go people, sprinting from point A to point B. It takes time a courage to develop friendships, but only those who stay through the trenches and survive will be the true telling of a real friend. Andy makes it really clear on who is a real friend.

"When the last time you think bout me? Probably the last time drinks on me."

I am pretty sure we have had friends like these. Only hit you up when they need something, part timers. This line is constantly repeated throughout the song to paint a picture. True friends go through the trenches with you, and as he mentions in the song, "If you knew I was bugging and you stayed quiet You said I was right when I ain't right", real friends calls you out. Even though being told we are wrong or out of line hurts, we need friends who loves us enough to say something that may help us see things differently, hence we can grow.

Growing up in high school I had no shortage of friends, I mean I was one of the most popular people you will find. But it wasn't until I got to college where i found "brothers", men with whom I took road trips with, cried with, celebrated with and shared overall memories with. Those relationships have lasted so much longer than the relationships I developed in high school.

We all need people that we can go deep with, to share our secrets with and to help us when help is needed. Andy has hit points that everyone has experienced. I may add that relationships takes time to develop. For me, moving back home and trying to find people in town was a struggle. I put expectations on people hoping I can recreate the relationships I have with my friends in Memphis. Only through patience and work, new friendships were formed and I am grateful for it.

[ronaldandthemusic]

"None of My Business"

Once again, Andy came with a song that speaks into my life. With me struggling with people appeasement and us being in a world where everyone wants to be the center of the news. Gossip is a common and poisonous thing we tend to do.

"If you don't like me, that's your problem. When I let it bother me, that's my problem."

Above is the common line through the song. I think deep down inside, we all want to be accepted in some form or fashion. Either that or we let pride get in the way, and become defensive. This line, to me, truly means to be confident and sure of who you are and it will not matter what everyone else say about you.

Loving the second verse. He speaks out to people that may ask personal questions about your life or what specifically to pray for, not when they don't get the full story, or even a story at all, they make one up to tell others. Also, he is trying to reject incoming gossips, "Talk to he or she about." Just by listening to the gossip we are partaking in the gossip. "Bad company mess up a good character." The longer you hang out with someone, the more you become that person. We can easily start criticizing others without focusing on our own problems.

This song speaks life into my life. We all got our own problems,but o think what Andy is saying is that we should talk to our circle who we trust about it. Resist the temptation of fitting in via gossip. It is enticing to see people's reaction to what you say, but can cause danger to your character on the low. This song spoke volumes and will be used as a reference.

[rsquaredmusicandmore]

“Shame” by Andy mineo

Andy Mineo has the tendency to stalk my life on a normal basis. The project “The Sword”, speaks volume into what is going on in my life right now. There are three songs I want to talK about, but they all deserve their own blog entry their so good. The first song in the three part blog entry is “Shame”. Such a deep and dark song that anyone will be able to relate.

“I create my own prison, holding the keys inside.”

This line, from the first verse stands out to me. It paints a perfect overall picture of the verse. Dont we all hold ourselves in prison that we create, holding the keys(power of God), but forget that we have it to break free? The whole verse takes you down a dark, weary point of Andy’s life. The verse relies heavily on the perspective from the outside world, with lines like: “I feel like everyone know the secrets I wanna hide” and “Soon people gon’ find out I’m not what they expected. They see who I really am then I end up rejected.” Deep down inside, if we are honest, we can relate. To some degree, we do care about what others around us thinks, especially the ones we care about.

“Everybody is crooked, some do a better job at hiding it.”

Here, Andy is being brave and honest about his personal struggles and how it influenced his actions and thought process. I like how he says that he has became a public figure but his struggles wasnt private. Thought that was such a good play on words. Also so he mentions that he is willing to take all the stones so people will know that they are not alone. Very important for artists’ audiences to know that they struggle with things just as them. At the end he finds freedom through realized he is weak.

I love the piano accompaniment to this song. The production is simple so the audience can focus on the lyrics. The end paints a picture of a breakthrough. I imagine the clouds opening shedding light into the dark areas below. You’ll feel empowered and hopeful. As before, these artists does a great job in portraying their lives also create discussion amongst people who listen.

“Jesus washes away all of my sins”

[ronaldandthemusic]

Art of Drift and Hope

Have you ever been in a body of water, lying on your back then look up to realize that the water has drifted you further away from the shore? That is the picture KB is trying to depict in the song "Art of Drifting". He warns us, through examples, that if we are not vigilant and alert, life can drift us away from our true purpose. But you cannot have the drift without the hope, and that is where "Art of Hope" comes in. Being reconciled with God despite us drifting away from Him.

"You can build a Christian empire without God"

The first verse starts off, "You dont love church no more, you dont love the church no more. You dont care serve no more, you just enjoy the perks homeboy...and enjoy counting money from the merch homeboy." I imagine how convicting and scary this may seems to an artist who is a believer. They started out making music to glorify God and help others, but along the way they drift. They get caught up in the success, that God takes the back seat. But can we also relate? Those of us walking with God for a while and getting a little too comfortable? Letting our guard down? See, for KB, it maybe using God for profit, but for us, it may be dabbing in a little this a little that, thinking we can handle it, but it leads to a chain of bad decisions. He also mentions that when he leaves the stage, he dont even talk about Jesus. Do we camouflage ourselves into the crowd, or do we stand out? Do we only use Him to defend our disobedience? This verse started and ended strong.

"Going Down In The DM"

Next verse, he talks about everything that he used to do to keep his ways pure i.e. calling his pastor or having certain filters on his phone. He starts to drift and starts spending more and more time on his phone which led to talking to a woman on Instagram. He then mentions that the woman he has been talking to, showed up to one of his shows in the dress that he commented on. He is saying one thing to the crowd all the while taking clothes off of her in his mind. Allowing this to linger, led to adultry, which then led to losing his family. When we are not on guard about what we see or simply take in, we can slowly drift away from practices that kept us obedient.

"Art of Hope"

If KB left it there, it would have been really depressing, but he did not...there is hope. Simply, he is crying out to God for a turnaround, redemption of his acts. One line that stuck out to me was, "If you never left us, could we pick up where we left off?" That is a sobering line...that it is never too late to do a 180.

Of course all of this is a dream that KB had that he put onto paper, but still a very real thing. Be on guard and focus on finishing the race!

[ronaldandthemusic]

Art of Drift and Hope

Have you ever been in a body of water, lying on your back then look up to realize that the water has drifted you further away from the shore? That is the picture KB is trying to depict in the song "Art of Drifting". He warns us, through examples, that if we are not vigilant and alert, life can drift us away from our true purpose. But you cannot have the drift without the hope, and that is where "Art of Hope" comes in. Being reconciled with God despite us drifting away from Him.

"You can build a Christian empire without God"

The first verse starts off, "You dont love church no more, you dont love the church no more. You dont care serve no more, you just enjoy the perks homeboy...and enjoy counting money from the merch homeboy." I imagine how convicting and scary this may seems to an artist who is a believer. They started out making music to glorify God and help others, but along the way they drift. They get caught up in the success, that God takes the back seat. But can we also relate? Those of us walking with God for a while and getting a little too comfortable? Letting our guard down? See, for KB, it maybe using God for profit, but for us, it may be dabbing in a little this a little that, thinking we can handle it, but it leads to a chain of bad decisions. He also mentions that when he leaves the stage, he dont even talk about Jesus. Do we camouflage ourselves into the crowd, or do we stand out? Do we only use Him to defend our disobedience? This verse started and ended strong.

"Going Down In The DM"

Next verse, he talks about everything that he used to do to keep his ways pure i.e. calling his pastor or having certain filters on his phone. He starts to drift and starts spending more and more time on his phone which led to talking to a woman on Instagram. He then mentions that the woman he has been talking to, showed up to one of his shows in the dress that he commented on. He is saying one thing to the crowd all the while taking clothes off of her in his mind. Allowing this to linger, led to adultry, which then led to losing his family. When we are not on guard about what we see or simply take in, we can slowly drift away from practices that kept us obedient.

"Art of Hope"

If KB left it there, it would have been really depressing, but he did not...there is hope. Simply, he is crying out to God for a turnaround, redemption of his acts. One line that stuck out to me was, "If you never left us, could we pick up where we left off?" That is a sobering line...that it is never too late to do a 180.

Of course all of this is a dream that KB had that he put onto paper, but still a very real thing. Be on guard and focus on finishing the race!

[ronaldandthemusic]

Let The Trap Say Amen

So Lecrae have collaborated with Zaytoven, a producer who worked with Gucci Mane and Future, so you know what to expect when you listen to this. This project is targeted to those who are in the trap, trying to uplift them and encourage them to rise above stereotypes or obstacles. If you looking for lyrical Olympics, then you may or may not find it here depending on your definition of the term. If you know Lecrae's testimony, then you know he has some validity behind the content contained in this mixtape.

For me personally, I like the tape, but not actually in love with it. It wouldn't be something I put on repeat. It will definitely be on the playlist for workouts or if I'm riding and just want to vibe out. I was taught that you can share the gospel using non-gospel terminology, in other words, making it accessible for the people you're talking to. I think Lecrae does a great job in doing that for the people he is reaching. Believers can follow too, but it may be a little too first level than what they are use to hearing from Lecrae.

Now keep in mind that he just came out with "All Thing Work Together" not even year ago. If you heard that album you would know that is the Lecrae that fans are accustom to despite the criticism he receives. So that album was for the believers. So this mixtape makes sense for the purpose it intended to serve. Working with a well known producer to the secular community, will give Lecrae more exposure to more people groups and the message is still spreading.

"Get Back Right" and "Plugged In" was the two singles he released prior to the whole project. If I may say, "Yet" was a little annoying to me. I get the message, he has things, or missions, he has not explored yet and want to do. The chorus was too repetitive and not in a good way. My absolute favorite songs are: "Fly Away", "By Chance" and "Blue Strips". The first two sounds more of the Lecrae I'm familiar with. "Only God Can Judge", I know that is a cliche saying, but let that scare you away. It has some great points to indulge.

This project was decent, not solid. I explain it in a personal way. I was saved back in 2008 and was immediately discipled. He discipled me and 6 other guys, and he did that all the up until our last year in college. He told us that now we are on solid food and not milk, that he was going to leave us to fish for another group of guys. That's is how I feel about Lecrae. He have a great discography to show he has made music for the church, but now he feels he needs to reach the unchurched. He hasn't lost sight of the mission and the basis of the message. He just adapting.

[ronaldandthemusic]

"Good Man" Thoughts

"Good Man" is Ne-yo's 7th studio album and this album is aimed towards the question, "What is a good man?" I have to say, he stayed true to the title. If we are just looking at the main album, and not the deluxe, we see that he only has one song where he is separating himself from, or speaking negatively, of a woman within a relationship. That song is called "Over U". We won't touch on this song though. Below is a list of my favorite joints from this album:

"One More Shot"

This song didn't hit at first, but I caught on rather quickly. The high paced, heart pumping chorus is catchy. The chorus, to me, is cheesy, but not so much that I would get enjoyed. Words are easy to follow making it a great car karaoke song.

"LA Nights"

Wasn't fond of this song at first. It was definitely a different type of sound. But after a while, it became addictive! This song was a good song to ride and mellow out to. Very smooth and sultry.

"U Deserve"

This song reminds me of old Ne-yo and even mixtapes Ne-yo. Constant with the piano keys to soothe your ear. Low voices in the chorus while Ne-yo songz over it. The chorus reminds me of what he did with "What Have I Done" off his "Libra Scale" album: "I'm to blame. Love is a privilege and not a game....". If you are looking for a song to lie down to, this is the one.

The whole album was amazing, but these songs were the ones that stood oit to me the most. "Without U" was the only song I really don't care for. It sounded too generic. Didn't mention the songs he released previously, because those have already been out. And I found out that they sampled "Untitled" by D'Angelo for the song "Good Man", which explained why it was hard for me to get into at first. This is a solid album, Ne-yo took it back and still sound relevant.

[ronaldandthemusic]

"Summertime" & "GBR"

This week, I want to talk briefly about two tracks that was released this past Friday. These two tracks have been on repeat all weekend and in my opinion, the best releases for the week. "Summertime" by Ne-yo and "Get Back Right" by Lecrae and Zaytoven are two different things in two different ways. Let's dive in shall we?

"Summertime"

So far Ne-Yo has released 3 songs: "Good Man", "Push Back", and "Apology". While I think those songs are solid, except for my lack of hype for "Good Man", I was semi looking forward to his new album. This new he released did it for me. I loved it! Does not have any substance lyrically, but the progression of the production and the vibes that it releasing through the speakers of my car, this song has to be in rotation everytime I ride. And that is the purpose he set out for this song. A song we can all just ride with the windows down during the summer. NOW I'm looking forward to this album!! "Good Man" releases Friday June 8th everywhere.

"Get Back Right"

When the word was out that Lecrae was working on a project with Zaytoven, I was slick suspicious. Zaytoven had worked with Future and Gucci Mane, and although Lecrae had worked with secular DJ's and producers before, I was on the fence with this one. When I first heard this song, I was bumping it all the day long. I see what he is doing with this song and possibly, the project as a whole. He is trying to reach a different medium, a different audience per se. There is nothing fancy about the production, very generic, but it is still a banger. This is the song I play every morning before work to get me going.

Out of all thos past Friday's releases, these two are my favorites. Kanye's "Ye", at first listen is not all that impressive compared to "Graduation" and "808 and Heartbreak". It will need a few more repeats.

[ronaldandthemusic]

"This Is America" Childish Gambino

Ok, so I know you guys have watched Childish Gambino's new video right? And I know you may or may not have seen reaction videos of that video. Hiw can you not? It is literally everywhere! I have watched some myself and in this blog I will expressing my own individual thoughts mixed in with what I got from others.

First, I just want to speak on the musicality of this track. We all know he has skills...that's a no brainer. But I was having a discussion with a friend of mines and he wasn't feeling the song itself. He felt like it wasnt leading anywhere. To his point I understand. I think Childish Gambino's motives was to highlight what hip hop is now in America. Hip hop, in my opinion, is saturated with mumble rap, songs with lyrics that people cant understand or it does not make sense. The dancing is just popular dances that the young generation spending time creating and learning today.

Now it is time for the hefty part, the symbols he tries to portray in the video. The first thing I notice is that a guy sat down in a chair to play a guitar with a bag on his head. Gambino then grabs a gun and casually shoots the guitarist's head. Then he placed it back on the cloth. What this says is that guns should be handled with care or there is so much accessibility for guns. The way he shot it, it was like a casual sport. Over the past year, it has been an abundant amount of death resulting from gun violence. You also see the use of a gun against the church choir which stems from the the massive church shooting. Gambino, again, placed the gun on a cloth.

As Gambino moves along the video, he is still dancing and carrying on, being nonchalant about the things he did or that is happening around him. Would it be too far fetched to say that that is representing how we take in the news and casually pass by not taking action or even showing compassion for when tragic events happen? I personally find myself in that crowd. I should have compassion on the people effected by tragic events. And what about the heavy use of the kids in uniform? Could they represent the possiblity of a brighter future if these kids are inform and empowered? They could also represent some of the school shootings that had happened recently.

Whatever our conspiracies may be, Gambino will not comment or affirm anything. So we only have speculation. I advise you guys to check out the video for yourself and come up with your own conspiracies. Gambino's record sales has shot up because of this video and has the Han Solo movie releasing soon. He is high in demand right now.

[ronaldandthemusic]

Man Of Thr Woods Show

The show was a true spectre! I think this topped the 20/20 Experience show I went to 5 years ago. The following is the setlist of the show:

Filthy

Midnight Summer Jam

LoveStoned

SexyBack

Man of the Woods

Higher Higher

Señorita

Suit & Tie

My Love

Cry Me a River

Mirrors

Drink You Away

Flannel

Until the End of Time

Dreams (Fleetwood Mac cover)

Ex-Factor (Lauryn Hill cover)

Come Together (The Beatles cover)

Thank God I'm a Country Boy (John Denver cover)

Morning Light

What Goes Around... Comes Around

Say Something(With Chris Stapleton)

Tennessee Whiskey

Montana

Summer Love

Rock Your Body

Supplies

Like I Love You

Cant Stop The Feeling

So as you can see, he gave us a lengthy show. But the first 30 minutes of the show was a DJ hyping up the crowd. It was annoying honestly. The whole time he kept repeating, "I'm looking for the #1 Justin Timberlake fan tonight." I was over it....30 minutes earlier.

Then The Shadowboxers came out to be the opener. I have followed this trio so it was satisfying for me to be the only one in my section to stand up and rock with their music. They are mentored by Justin Timberlake himself and he co-produced their EP, "Apollo". I admit, their set started off slow at first but picked up when they performed, "Wolves". That song sounded so good live. Then they did a Michael Jackson cover of, "Remember The Time". After their set, i got the chance to meet them and get autographs. Three stand up guys!

Now...it was Justin Timberlake's turn. The man started off strong with "Filthy" with the hard, rock sounding guitar with a pause for the crowd to say, "til 6 i the morning". Next highlight was the background singers' spotlight. Each one of them had a song of their own to sing, which they are all talented singers...except the o ne who sung the Beatles song. Couldn't make out what he was saying and I think this was the guy who replaced the old singer. So these two women in front of me, looking to be in their late 30's early 40's, were hoping so hard for Chris Stapleton to show up. And when he did, fangirl started to kick in....so hard lol. It got worse when they started to perform, "Tennessee Whiskey". ,"Rock Your Body" was a good showing. He went to the floor and it had disco colors.

Overall, this concert is a must see. Everything from the lighting and camera shots was on point!

[ronaldandthemusic]

"Hooked on U" AJ Gatio

An exercot from Aj's biography:

"Country music in 2018 is home to a wide array of personalities and unique sounds and right in the middle of it all is AJ Gatio.  On the cutting edge sonically of what is both country and pop, AJ is an emerging young artist that is out everyday making a name for himself with his high energy live performances!

Since moving to Nashville permanently in 2015, he has played over 300+ live shows and has been a part of many big events including CMA Festival, the Key West Songwriters festival, and many other events."

Now let me start off by saying this, at first I didn't like it. Sounded too generic. Like most, not all, independent artists. But the more I listened to it, the more it got me "hooked". It put me in that Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean feel with a little bit of Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett twist. By all means, not trying to compare Gatio to them, although he probably rather be in his own lane, this gives me something to attach to.

This song I cleverly produced. Everything from the progression and singing style. The song is obviously about being hooked or obsessed with someone, the beat supplements that. It has a mesmerizing tone that drew me nearer and nearer to the song. The way he says the word "hooked" in the chorus, it sounds like you're going down then up on a hook.

Overall, not a bad song. I thought it was thoughtful in its production and that AJ Gatio's voice is exceptional. "Hooked On U" is available everywhere music is sold.

[ronaldandthemusic]

"I am A Man" Terence Gray

50 years ago this week, Dr. Martin Luther king jr. Was assassinated in Memphis, TN. He died fighting for the socially oppressed and the unjust system. Terence June Gray, a minister and artist, from that same city where Dr. King was murder, shares his voice about the unfair and unjust views that people and the media have on the African American community.

This video, "I Am A Man", it features kids from inner city Memphis showing off their talents, his wife painting the cover art for the song and clips of marches, people fighting for equality. I have been following Terence's music and I must say that this is best art he made thus far. Just seeing his post on how his heart is hurting for the oppressed and police brutality. I just want to take a moment and digest each verse that embodies this song.

The Facts

Terence Gray is speaking a lot of substances in this verse. Facts about the African American society is rooted in these bars...he is making a statement! Football players kneeling on the football field and police brutality are the stand outs. But there was a line he said that really hit home for me, "College educated but I dont really feel like I made it. Ain't nobody called me back, I filled out 60 applications." I dont want to be naive in this area, and do have hope, but man i filled out a lot of applications last year and got nothing. Could be underqualified or could be a social issue. "Only black kid in my class. I'm scared to raise my hand." Never knew this was an issue. A black student being afraid to show off his or her academic prowess. That is a serious issue that need tending to. This verse is hitting you with all you can handle...and then some. Purpose of the verse is to bring awareness and remember the state that we are in.

The Hope

But Gray does give hope! Hope in our father Jesus Christ who died for us to live free not bound by statistics or by anyone's standards. He calls us to rise and stand for the very thing not only Martin Luther King jr. fought for, by what Christ lived for. This verse is a powerful enlightenment of how we should view society and how we should lead our communities.

"Sunny Gray Farm" is a musical and visual production company founded by Ashley and Teremce Gray. You can check them out on YouTube and Facebook.