I used to be so scared of change. It wasn’t that I loved how things were, but I wasn’t good with adjustment. As you get older you just realize no matter how hard you try, things change. New job opportunities, arguments, breakups… All will change you for better, or for worse. I’ve learned to stop fighting it and start accepting the fact that it helps you grow. Believe or not, things change and so do people. I’m not one to believe that everyone will just be the same. We ALL go through things that challenge us and change us. With that being said, the lesson I’ve learned is that changes are not a sign of failure; they’re a chance for growth. Embrace it.
GX studios cypher
Sunday September 29th, I had the pleasure of being invited to Gifted X Studios and personally witnessing a cypher featuring 3 very talented Baltimore artist; Kvng Keri, Ke Royal and 2Vicious. From walking in to leaving the studio the atmosphere was just all love and positive vibes. Artist were welcomed with snacks they had personally requested and were constantly engaged with by everyone involved. The crew made sure everyone had everything they needed and helped them feel at home.
Kvng Keri was the first to arrive and I immediately fell in love with his eyes. Kinda gave me Sage the Gemini mixed with Jesse Williams vibes, but we’re not here to talk about his looks. Having the opportunity to listen to him in interviews I got the impression that he’s more critical than confident. Which isn’t a bad thing, but I hope that he just uses that to better himself as an artist because I was impressed with him. I was expecting something loud and hype, but I really enjoyed his low mellow tone, which went well with his part of the cypher. He was full of surprises, from naming The Temptations as inspiration to his melodic rap voice. I was blown away. I have absolutely no critique for him, but you are your own worst critic so Kvng Keri the only thing I have to say to you is keep pushing yourself, but also be proud of how you stand out, especially since you were chosen over others.
Next, we have Ke Royale, second to show up but first on the verse. I’ll be honest, when she said she was a theater kid and sung, I was kinda wondering would I hear her hit some high notes. I wasn’t sure what her part of the cypher would sound like, but she understood the assignment. She came in singing and made it about her boo. I was expecting a verse on why she was the best rapper but I’m a sucker for love songs. It was smooth and I was into from the beginning to the end. The second that they were told they had an hour to write, she put her earphones on went straight to business, I mean just completely focused. I’ll even give her the award for good sportsmanship. We threw a little twist at them, and she got hit twice (you’ll have to watch the event to understand that) she accepted the challenge. I was impressed her with her attitude and her personality. Her verse was the most quotable for me.
Finally let’s talk about 2vicious. She came in and said, “I’m my own inspiration” and I knew the other two would have their work cut out for them. As an artist you have to be confident in who you are and from the interviews, I could tell she just had star quality. How she carried herself, how she was just so relaxed writing her verse and patiently waited to record. She had it! Even though she’s only put out her single a few years ago, there was nothing amateur about her. She knew how she wanted to sound and how to get it there. Her voice is so unique almost like Kvin Keri, it was like she was singing but almost rapping at the same time. Her verse had a nice flow to it, something I could hear being played on the radio. It wasn’t what I was expecting, it was better than that.
I am extremely proud and impressed with ALL the artist. I love that the verses weren’t repetitive and basic. You all are very humble and hardworking, and I look forward to hearing more music. This cypher is just the beginning for you guys. Keep going, never give up and when things get hard, fight harder. You all were individuals and couldn’t hear what the other was working on, yet the WHOLE cypher blended so well together. When 2vicious came in singing right after Ke Royale was finished, it had my jaw on the floor because it was so perfect. I hope you all are proud, because you really came and delivered and showed me that writing a song isn’t just being inspired by something in your head and recording it once. It’s hard work, patience, dedication and confidence.
I cannot end this blog without shouting out Gifted X Studios. The crew is so welcoming, it was almost like a family get together. But don’t get it twisted, it was definitely business first and fun later. You have Dria and Lael who organized this whole thing and put their big dream into plan without any hesitation. You both are so creative and proof that Baltimore isn’t crabs in a barrel. Noah, young and getting it. I don’t think I heard him speak once while the whole thing was going on, but he was on top of being the DJ and making sure everything was going fine music wise. He also does amazing artwork on shoes. I worked mostly with Ky while he was doing interviews and he had me laughing the whole entire time. The questions weren’t too invasive, yet we got to learn some interesting facts about each artist. If you ever started a YouTube channel, I’d subscribe. You have this natural way of making everyone feel comfortable enough to share a part of their life. CJ, the cameraman, did not miss a single moment from anyone. I can’t wait to see the footage of everyone just acting a fool and enjoying their part in the cypher. We also had someone; I’m going to call him Uncle because I can’t remember his name, but he was proactive in making sure that everything was going to plan. Whatever needed to be done, he was there before anyone noticed. He was the glue.
If you are an artist or know an artist, keep Gifted X Studio in mind. Every Friday they go live to listen to new music, give feedback and promote and support up and coming artist. I think it’s a beautiful thing and I know it’s only up from here for them. Thank you for having me and giving me something to write.
XO
Tierra M.
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 18: A song from the year you were born
“What about your friends” was recorded in 1991, but wasn’t released until 1992. I’m telling my age here. It’s been over 20 years and yet it’s still a problem we have today. Too often people want to be there for you when you have something to give, but aren’t available when you need them. The best part is hearing Left Eye rap. Her flow is so unique and clever. This song isn’t just limited to friends, it can relate to family too. Thank you TLC for making songs that we can relate to. Even the dancing is still iconic to this day.
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 17: A song you’d sing a duet with someone on karaoke
I may not be able to sing well, but I can rap (so I think). I am also a Lil Kim fan and I know ever word to this song. Something about rapping Lil Kim makes me feel cool and knowing the words to this song makes me even cooler. Her strong personality is bigger than her and her attitude has paved the way for so many female rappers. I love that her lyrics are never sugarcoated. Kim just has this confidence that I love so much. Even the video is hot. The outfits matching the hair, the cameos. You can’t go wrong with her. Guess I low-key have a crush on her.
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 16: A song that’s a classic favorite
At this point you’ve probably guessed that I am a sucker for love songs. This is my favorite Chaka song, probably the best song to come out in 1983. No one could sing this song like her. The beat matched her tone and the way she delivered the lyrics is nothing short of amazing. She’s still singing as the song it’s ending. Most artist put their hearts in their songs, she put her soul in it. The song is so good that we don’t pay attention to the fact that the chorus isn’t proper English and yet we still understand when she says “ain’t nobody, loves me better, makes me happy, makes me feel this way.” This song makes you feel as good just like how the person she is singing about makes you feel.
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 15: A song that you like that’s a cover by another artist
In my opinion, this is the best cover that has EVER been done. “Knocks me off my feet” was originally done by the talented Stevie Wonder, but this song was MADE for Mr. Jones. His voice isn’t too soft, but it’s not to hard. I miss music like this. Songs that make you fall in love, songs that make it ok for men to admit they’re in love. It’s one of those old school jams that you sing out loud even if you don’t have the voice for it. It’s simple but the lyrics are so beautiful to me. It’s something that mostly any generation can enjoy. I also know that there is a cover by Luther Vandross and Tevin Campbell. I would love to hear someone like August Alsina cover it next.
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 14: A song you’d love to be played at your wedding
Finally, the fact that I already planned my wedding came in handy for something! One day I decided to play all albums by Jennifer Lopez and came across this song. It was love at first…hearing. I just knew that I had to walk down the aisle to this song. It’s so beautiful that it made me tear up. It reminds me of the saying “you have to kiss a couple of frogs to find your prince.” This is the type of song that you save for that special someone. It’s a good way to the let your significant other they are different from someone from your past. I dream of the day that my future husband tears up watching me walk down the aisle with this playing.
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 13: A song you like from the 70s
I’m pretty sure Mad Tv introduced me to this song (you know the skit I’m talking about). I picture Ms. Swan every time that I hear this song. I’m actually a little jealous. Who wouldn’t want to be picked up by me, dancing and taking off clothes? She made this song cool and set the bar high on what to do when it comes on. In all seriousness, it’s a beautiful song and a classic. I love hearing it in Mamma Mia and plan on learning the dance. It’s just a timeless classic to me . I like to think of myself as a dancing queen because I ALWAYS dance like there is no one around. Dancing is freedom.
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 12: A song from your preteen years
When I first heard this song, I fell in love with Sammie. He just came out with a new album and no matter how many songs he makes, this will ALWAYS be my favorite. I remember the excitement I had when my parents came home with this album. I listened to it from beginning to end immediately. I was 7 when it came out and had until I was 21 when I accidentally broke it. I was fortunate to see him live and watch him perform it. It made me tear up, it reminded me of my childhood. He is still my celebrity crush and any love song he does, I like it (see what I did there?).
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 11: A song you never get tired of
I’m not sure why I can’t get enough of this song. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s a song from the 90s or maybe because they use the theme song from my favorite cartoon. Doesn’t matter. All I know is you’re missing out if you don’t know “Take Me There. From the collaboration to the music video, this song is a classic ! I think the video was super creative. I enjoy seeing the gigantic furniture and the cute outfit Mya had on. I also like that when they say “take me there”, there isn’t a specific destination. When I was younger, “there” was a fun place like an amusement park. Now to me I see it as a getaway with your significant other. Any happy place. I guess my view on it hasn’t changed that much. But now that I’m older I understand that feeling of needing to get away so much more. Not sure how it ties in with the Rugrats movie, but using the theme song is what I love most about it. Someday I’ll have someone who can take me to that great place with wonders and wishes so that I’m able to experience the feelings the song gives me.
30 Day Song Challenge
Day 10: A song that makes you sad
I’m sure that when you heard this song you knew it was for the late Paul Walker. What you may not know is that this was released a few months before the passing of my father. It is very hard for me to listen to the whole song. I actually cry when the song plays in “Furious 7”. On his one year death anniversary, my friend took me to Druid Hill Park and we listened to “See you again” and talked about my favorite memories with him. It has been 6 years as of today and that song is still like salt to a fresh wound. When you lose a loved one somedays are easier than others but this song right here brings the water works. I talk to him out loud sometimes so he knows that I’m thinking about him. But, it would be nice if I could see him and hear him cheering me on for what I’ve accomplished so far. I know that Meadow knows exactly how I feel.
07/04/1972 – 06/10/2014
Tierra M. 