#natalee gilbert

[distanceandspace]

Cold nights ❄️

[thefreshfinds]

Dre Skuffs - Shade Theory

An album that gives back to the world & then some, Dre Skuff’s 18 tracked album Shade Theory (prod by Pawcuts & more) shows all sides of who he is as an individual in one. Each track alone looks beneath the surface.

Cornered in by a vision, Dre is able to scope out his truth. Their truth. “This project is for the world to hear all shades of me.” Dre adds “I’m not just calm or on my thugged out sh*t or a ladies man & that’s the greatest part about it. I had no difficulty even making this because it’s just so easy to be yourself. Shade Theory was moved by a feeling”

One moment the disciple could be fighting for what’s right for the people (Can’t Stop), showing a more vulnerable side (Sippin’ Yak) or even letting the suckers know that he not the one to be pushed! (Handouts & Fed Up). Yet Dre’s star-power remains on a thou’ (Hot & Top Ace Intro).

He’s as ill as it gets & creates a different illustration through the means of storytelling & complexed flows.

THE BREAK-DOWN

1. Top Ace Intro: Wow! What a way to make an entrance! Followed by the jingle of gold coins, the elevating pattern from the beat leaves room for Dre Skuffs make his triumph. Announcing himself as an emcee whose “rap style is impeccable” over a hallow chant in the background, he goes in about how he’s never going to stop(even if life throws some obstacles in his way.) While others may do it for clout, Dre does it simply because it’s something he’s good at & destined for.

2. Can’t Stop ft Jah Vision: Easing in with talks of struggle & making a change for the nation, this beat screams POWER as Dre allows that same laid back demeanor he carries to wrap into his verses. At most this song speaks about issues that need more awareness (like led in water fountains or even overpriced education) that people aren’t woke to. Through it all, his people remain strong so it doesn’t matter what the world tries to throw their way. To add an moving effect is Jah Vision’s war-ready vocal arrangement which subconsciously makes the people feel like they can get through anything.

3. Intelligent Thug: In pursuit of an glimmered blare of trumpets, Dre uses his eloquent ways to speak about women who want a man who’s gully & book smart. Although Dre has been through the wringer, he doesn’t allow it to determine where life takes him. He’s a knowledgeable being with a good head on his shoulders but in this song it seems like he’s mimicking the girls of this generation who just want a “bad boy.”

4. Hot ft Big Rod: An more upbeat track that aims some flexecution at his haters, Dre pulls out a “I win you lose” attitude in his verses. He’s coming for his spot & is damn if he lets anyone take it!

5. Phone Call 1 + 15. Phone Call 2: These two are basically conversation’s Dre has with another. Phone Call 2 is a conversation with a loved one about his recent tour & how he’s been living it up! (He also doesn’t forget to show her love for all she does. I mean.. this mysterious woman has been showing love since day one so it’s only right.) But in Phone Call 1 it surfaced around the Ghostface Killa & 50 Cent beef. *The speech is slowed down for effect*

6. Handouts ft. N-Omega: Bouncing through your temple with that West Coast vibe, Dre & N-Omega spit about the sleazeballs who just want to benefit off of their hard work. Frankly, they’re just fed up & advice whoever thinks to try it to just not. (Just invest in yourself. They’re not your ticket out of Bumsville.)

7. The Unknowing ft Courtney Danger: “In life no one knows what shall unfold.” This very line is best sung smoothly by Courtney Danger in this track & it’s true. Though someone’s actions may appear vile, there could be a better reasoning as to why it is done. Luckily Dre Skuffs gets it & so he tells a number of stories revolving around it over a soulful production. This track just oozes into your listening stream! You can’t help but to leave it on repeat.

8. Gimee My Cash ft Khalil Jibran: Most likely to make you two-step, Dre Skuffs is all about his business in this track! (& yes he wants to be PAID. IN. FULL.) It could all be so simple yet people want to make it difficult by not giving credit when it’s due but Dre & Khalil are here to set them straight. The versatility from these two emcees is apparent as the breakdown from the track builds up in time for them to both speak their piece.

9. Insane-Mesmerized ft. Johanny: A track that’s sure to woo the ladies, Dre Skuff puts on his charm & speaks of a lady who he attracts to like a magnet (but he seems to be caught up in his ways). In the bridge of 3:13 Johanny speaks in the woman’s perspective, singing ever so softly about how she feels the same. (Alexa cue Dangerously in Love by Beyonce’). As a sweet touch, the beat makes sure to center on a lightly pressed snare drum & trickled, lightly pressed piano chords, slowing down in time for Johanna’s piece. (Kind of how Drake does in some tracks off his latest album: More Life)

10. Mile Away ft Sunnie: Jazzy yet soulful (thanks to Sunnie’s powerful range), this track speaks about the ones who thought they blindsided Dre Skuffs but boy were they wrong! Stronger than ever, Dre Skuffs comes in empowered & ready for any other obstacles headed his way.

11. Voice Drop ft. Big Rod & Liftoff: It’s survival of the fittest & so far, these three have killed off the rest. Big Rod, Liftoff & Dre go 0 to 100 & say they’ll continue to reign as number ones.

12. Fed Up: Dropping in with a dauntful beat to scare away those who try to test him, Dre Skuffs is fed up with these n*ggas. In this track he’s basically in full savage mode. He doesn’t care about these groupies (male or female) phonies, media platforms or DJ’s. At the end of the day Dre knows who really rides for him & is willing to show THOSE people love. For those plotting: He wants the smoke. All of it.

13. Sippin Yak ft Maxx Gilliam: We all need distractions to get away from the pain (whether good or bad) it just comes easy to us. This track is significantly relatable because we’ve all been there & it specifically focuses on the pain he endured while his cousin is suffering through an illness.) Whether it’s losing a loved one or just a love.. the pain can just be unbearable. Maxx Gilliam’s sweet, hallow singing pattern also makes you feel like things will indeed be ok.

14. Wanna Tell You: Seductive in its own manner, the production that Dre Skuffs chose for this track leaves a perfect imprint for his emotionally captivating rhymes. Followed by some slick Spanish murmurs & silhouetted piano chords, the multi dexterous Dre Skuffs places himself in the tale as a knuckleheaded young bull who’s just “DTF” with a beautiacious woman. As a result, Dre leaves room for milennials to relate & ponder on. This track shows others that their are consequences to every action we make so it’s best to consider all of the outcomes.

16. Real With Me ft Sobmar: Bringing back that 90’s soulful feel Dre speaks about the woman he looks for, one that’s honest, into him & someone he can just kick it with. That’s really all he ask for. Plain & simple. In pursuit is Sobmar’s mellow singing voice.

17. Be Free ft. Trish Jane: Smooth at it’s finest with the same trickled piano chords, the light hitting drum helps to tell an intriguing tale about a man who’d do anything for his family if it means to keep them happy “who’s lost in the sauce forreal”. Little does he know it’ll have the worst outcome. It just goes to show you that humans will do anything for materialistic things & it’s sad. I especially love Trish Jane’s risen singing pattern because it helps to deliver the main message.

18. The Charge Up: The instruments are HEARD in this last track. From the cymbals to the low guitar riffs, they bring the track to life. Dre Skuff is really trying to tell the TRUTH to everyone but sometimes it’s taken as being “boring” or “corny”. Advising others to not give into the evils of the world, he just wants his people to spread the love & fight for justice.

In a word, Shade Theory is timeless. It’s going to affect the world in a positive way. Each track is different & gives you topics to ponder on. “The sound is just us [NJ artist].” (But that can’t be said about every artist. Dre’s manager even thought Fetty Wap was from the South!)

Shade Theory is full of realizations, words of encouragement & shows that Dre’s drive is apparent. “You can break me down in 20 ways, but Shade Theory..that’s me.”

By: Natalee Gilbert

Shade Theory **Available on all platforms**

https://soundcloud.com/dreskuffs/sets/shade-theory​

[thefreshfinds]

Keianna Nicole:

Keianna Nicole makes a name for herself in the R&B scene by mirroring her experiences with battling thoughts, finding love and heartbreaks behind her superb glass-shattering vocal arrangement and chill vibes.

Having the ability to transfuse her sex appeal and raw emotions into every track stresses Keianna’s star power, leaving this heart-throbbing songstress with aligned success and augmented replays from people around the world.

To begin, Keianna found her love for music while growing up in an household that was full of multi-talented musicians “My great aunt was a blues singer, my grandmother played piano, my father plays the guitar, and my brother is a producer who’s worked with T.I, Gucci Mane, Young Scooter, Jabo, and Ace Hood (who he’s currently working on a project with) so it was hard to turn my back away from that.” Keianna goes on to say, “My Mother and Father were both in bands growing up. my mother was playing the clarinet and my father was playing the trombone throughout the times I lived at home. They would also constantly play 90’s to early 2000’s R&B and soul…so it all [the love for singing] came naturally!”

Moreover, Keianna uses music as an outlet. “Making music allows me to express my emotions through my songs.” says Keianna “With each written line and with each note I belt out, it truly comes from the heart and it really means alot to me knowing that I can honestly touch someone with the blessing of my voice”

Through her music Keianna also tries to convey to her audience that they can be whoever they want to be. Adding on, Keianna says “I sing about love, happiness, heartbreak and getting over that heartbreak. I want my songs to pull on the audience heart strings in becoming connected with each and every word when they hear it.”

Keianna also finds inspiration in artist like Aaliyah, Selena Quintanilla and Whitney Houston. (Keianna also informed us that on her latest project there was a twist to an Aaliyah track and she also hired a stylist to bring back the fashion styles of Aaliyah and Selena!)

As for what Keianna will be doing in 5 years? She sees herself becoming a full-blown entertainer and business woman that’s a household name. “I see myself as being a household name not just by my ability to sing but to be an artist that is truly making a difference and changing lives.” Keianna says. With the claim of those 2 titles, Keianna will also open up Artist Development centers around the world for those who are truly gifted but don’t have the finances to support their craft. “I also have a desire to build brands that would create jobs for individuals with a passion to own clothing lines, makeup lines, fragrance lines, etc. but through it all, I just want to be able to help people’s dreams come true”

Ultimately, Keianna Nicole’s grasp for vitality isn’t out of reach. By staggering the crowd with contemporary love ballads her baritone creates radioactive ear pulsation and spilled-over love letters.

It sounds like the thrashing R&B industry did find its winner and before we know it, Keianna Nicole’s figure will triple!

By: Natalee Gilbert 🌞

Check her out here: Website: https://keiannanicole.com Instagram: @keiannanicole

Keianna Nicole will be releasing two singles in August along with 5 music videos in the near future.

[thefreshfinds]

🔥 Banger of the Week 🔥: This Thursday, OG Lullabies makes it to the cut with a track that enhances trancey-vibes and is followed by the singers soft, hypnotic voice and subtle piano notes. Press play now. 🎵 By: Natalee Gilbert

[thefreshfinds]

Want to free your mind? The i of a Genius will do that for you with his first debut album Symphony of a Mad Man Vol 1.

Not only does Symphony of a Mad Man Vol 1 put one at ease with relatable content, it’s also packed with transcending levels of cloud rap that’s accompanied by lo-fi vibes and continuous free-flowing deliveries which helps him distinct from the rest.

In Symphony of a Mad Man Vol 1 the theme that The i of a Genius chose for this project is based off of the show American Horror Story’s 2nd season: Asylum. As said by The i of a Genius, “the storyline is fictional and was made up on the process of Symphony of a Mad Man Vol 1. It’s basically an e-book for music”.

Additionally, the i of a Genius gained inspiration for Symphony of a Mad Man Vol 1 from those that are closest to him. “There’s no way of putting it, when I needed a way to cope with life’s obstacles, they helped me maintain”

Alongside the i of a Genius are also a variety of producers such as: Mykey Lo, A K E I L, BRAINWAVE, Dyl, Phonosys, and even A$AP Ty Beats!

As for features, The Cause is the only artist and one who listens can see why due to his use of substantial word play on the 6th and 7th track, Creepy & 217.

Undoubtedly, Symphony of a Mad Man Vol 1 is a collectors item that has an interesting blend of bass-kicking beats and attention-grasping lyrics which is strongly needed in the rap era.

No doubt about it, the i of a Genius is a burgeoning artist who will be #1 on the charts in no time.

By: Natalee Gilbert 🌞

Check it out H E R E:

https://soundcloud.com/tig_nj/sets/symphony-of-a-madman-vol-1