Feeling something for the very first time is special in a way that's hard to describe, like a first kiss or your first date. It's just as amazing when you hear a new musician for the first time or see one perform live and they're just as awesome as you hoped, making you an even bigger fan.
This week, something cool happened to me for the first time – an album review I wrote got published.
T W I C E!
Yep, you heard that right. It's all sinking in as I write this, and I'm thinking about how much I've thrown myself into music. I've spent hours enjoying it, thinking about it, writing about it, and even arguing about it lol, without thinking about a paycheck. This moment feels like somewhat of a dream, that I'm so grateful I never gave up on and continued to nurture in my spare time.
An unfortunate reality is that adults are not encouraged to cultivate passions and engage in fulfilling playful experiences, but my Urban Music Enthusiast platform allows me to maximize both.
Thank you 24 Hip-Hop and Rolling Hype for the publishing opportunities. And a HUGE thanks to Yung Brazi, an up-and-coming artist from Baltimore, for extending an olive branch in my DMs to review his recently released EP Broken Dreamer, which led to the publication of my piece.
UME Reads and Concerts
Reads
A book I most recently read and highly recommend is The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.
This book I recommend specifically for anyone, at any level, on their artistic journey.
It gave me so much insight into finding, creating, and sustaining inspiration in a craft. And if you are not already aware, Rick Rubin is Def Jam's co-founder and a legendary music producer.
The Book I am reading Next is All You Need To Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman.
Concerts Attended
Since the last Newsletter, I have attended 3 concerts. The first was the Tamia concert in the DAR Constitution Hall, which met all expectations. I listened to Tamia incessantly growing up, and many of her hits were the soundtrack for adolescent romances and breakups alike lol.
The second concert I attended, exactly one week after the Tamia concert, was Big As The What Tour featuring Drake, J. Cole, and Lil Durk.
I say this with no hesitation, but that may have been the best rap concert I have ever attended. A close 2nd was The Big Steppers Tour, which I attended in Summer 2022.
Most recently, one week prior, I attended the Set It Off Tour feat Offset, SleazoWorld Go, Skilla Baby, and Mango Foo.
Offset’s performance was undeniably impressive, but what I also enjoyed about concerts with featured artists is you get an opportunity to become fans of new artists and their work.
After that concert, not only did my respect for Offset as an artist and entertainer exponentially increase, but I subsequently became fans of SleazyWorld Go and Skilla Baby and have been listening to ‘Gorgeous’ by Skilla Baby and ‘Off The Court’ by SleazyWorld Go on repeat unashamedly for a week straight, LOL.
That's the MAGIC of live shows; you come for ONE artist and leave loving MANY.
Concerts I’m Looking Forward To
Broccoli City Fest at Audi Field, July 28th and July 29th features Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Sexyy Red, Victoria Monet, Kaytranada, Teezo Touchdown, Key Glock, and many more.
As a resident of the DMV, this will be my fourth time attending Broccoli City Festival, but will be my first time at their new location, and I'm looking forward to a new more comfortable, and accommodating venue.
Also, I am anxiously awaiting the release of Cardi B's new album with tour dates to follow.
As a long-time Cardi B fan, let me be frank about why I am so excited.
It has been SIX years, since the release of Invasion of Privacy.
S I X.
Her freshman Grammy Award-winning album, which she unfortunately never toured due to the birth of her first child and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s worth noting that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her perform once before, also at the 2018 Broccoli City Festival – at FedEx Field. That year, I also was able to see Nipsey Hussle for the first time live at Broccoli Fest, on the recent release of his Grammy Nominated album Victory Lap.
I'm forever thankful to Broccoli City Festival for letting me witness such a wise and talented artist we've sadly lost.
UME Recent Favorite and Anticipated Albums
Here are the albums I'm hooked on right now: Mr. Beat The Road by Boosman Dlow, WORLD WIDE WHACK by Tierra Whack, HEATHENISM by Meek Mill, and The Ceremony by Kevin Gates.
I can't wait for the upcoming drops in the Spring and Summer of ‘24!
We've got We Don't Trust You parts 1 and 2 from Future & Metro Boomin, Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé, and major anticipation for new albums from Ye & Ty Dolla Sign (Vultures 2 and 3), Meek Mill's Don't Follow The Heathens, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Kehlani -all with unreleased dates.
Closing With GRATITUDE
To all of my followers and subscribers who have liked, commented, reposted, and given affirmative and constructive feedback, I am so grateful—because believe it or not, my writing has been the biggest escape of my adulthood.
My career and the hats I wear every day are heavy and often leave me lacking energy and enthusiasm.
But when I write, I feel so relaxed light, and free that I write even when I'm tired.
So, thank you for facilitating and supporting me in my journey of creative escapism.
Easy Listening, The Urban Music Enthusiast.