The intersection of the Underground: Music, Fashion & Art

Welcome to Hells Gates A ntagonist Dragonspit (also known as Dragonspit Jones) is a seasoned emcee, beat‑maker, and drummer hailing from the Hampton Roads region of Virginia (7 City/Tidewater).  He ended up on my Spotify playlist and found myself being pulled back to this song over and over. He is also very chill and responded to my messages on insta and was very humble. When I first listened he had less than 300 followers on Spotify he now has  over 1000 in just a couple of weeks.   Over the past 15+ years, he’s navigated the independent hip‑hop scene with gritty lyricism , raw boom‑bap production, and an unwavering DIY ethos.  🎙️ Origins & Style Described in RVA Magazine as an “absolute disdain for the current ‘Turnt Up’ state of Hip‑Hop,” his Ugly Truth LP (2014) revisits 1990s‑era beats with razor‑sharp lyricism and no-nonsense social commentary  . He merges roles as both MC and producer—on tracks like “On a Mission” from Back On The Map (2011), ...

Quick tips here: If you are struggling with looking awake and have to run the kids to school, run out to work or just answer the door for the plumber, here are the few products I use for this very thing. We all have to keep bouncing and here is how... 1. Start the night before, a great eye cream and overnight mask 2. Using a firming cream and energizing eye cream helps a lot in the morning! 3. I use clear mascara on eyelashes and brows, one tube of ph changing lip color I also use on my cheeks and gloss! That's literally it!  Looking good! Now Keep Bouncing!  Link to all my products  

When you hear music that grabs your soul, you really can have a moment or longer earthy experience that actually transcends.  That is what this group does. From song one through the entire 5 songs on "Be the Good People" you feel like getting up and dancing or possibly being in retrospect either I would say is appropriate.  In the song invite love in your life they say: “I just want to see you win, I love it when I see you win, I love it when I see you grin. Invite love in your life, invite joy in your days, may the powers be with you always, always”. This is such a wonderful way to hear music and a testament to the amazing things music can do to your soul.   Be the Good People, is a call to action to look beyond yourself and open up to love, kindness and joy. This album is a culmination of jazz, old school beats just the vibe overall is dance worthy or can get you through any bad mood. The beats and the lyrics just move you positive in every way . This is vinyl buy ...

Overcoming the person before us: impact or lack of in our job: As another week is upon us and some of us deal with the public, at times dealing with unhappy situations, I searched for some new ways to deal with and approach disgruntled patrons: While LinkedIn is normally not my go to, what this article says is important.  1. Listen to the complaint, or issue even if we cant solve it, just getting off their chests the frustratingly long wait, or the fact they just lost their job and this the last place they want to be, its important to hear them. Sometimes when I have an excessive complainer, I respond with, “I understand that is difficult, but the wonderful thing is you live in a country where you have access to running water and a toilet to use. That is more than 75% of the world”.  I literally hate constant complaining because we all have issues, we all have problems, however it’s not our problems is how we deal with them. Turning the complaint to a feeling of gratefulness l...

M y   c o n c l u s i o n   i s   w e   a r e   o n e   h u m a n i t y .   I f   a n y o n e   i s   b e i n g   h u r t ,   w e   a r e   a l l   b e i n g   h u r t .   I f   a n y o n e   h a s   j o y ,   t h a t ’ s   o u r   j o y . Quote by Ai Weiwei Ai Weiwei  My favorite living activist and artist: This man is amazing. Check out his interview in W magazine as well. Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist, activist, and filmmaker known for his politically charged work that challenges authority and advocates for human rights. His art spans multiple disciplines, including sculpture, installation, photography, architecture, and social media activism. Below is a detailed overview of his life, work, and influence: Early Life and Background Born: August 28, 1957, in Beijing, China. Family Background: His father, Ai Qing, was a renowned poet who was exiled ...

Artist Showcase: Hey there, fellow music explorer! If you're here, it's probably because you're curious about the vibrant, evolving world of Afro Hip Hop. Today, we're diving deep into the southern part of the African continent to explore some fresh, up-and-coming artists who are making waves with their unique sounds. These artists, although relatively new on the scene with less than 5000 followers on Spotify or iTunes, are set to redefine the genre. Let's jump right in! My number one pick for the year!  Beast Viking is a versatile South African producer and artist gaining traction in 2024 with a distinctive style that blends traditional African rhythms, house beats, and modern vocal arrangements. Known for his ability to merge genres seamlessly, he has collaborated with other notable artists, producing works that resonate with a global audience while staying true to his South African roots. Notable Tracks and Collaborations Beast Viking's catalog includes stand...