The world is round. Now whether you believe that it's flat or not is up to you. What we can agree on is that there's no sharp corners. The world is a sphere, and with the internet, this sphere is getting smaller and smaller. But also, Sphere can mean a subject or knowledge. Both can be true and that's what DialTone is proving in his new single Sphere. Not only is he an artist whose music is literally being purchased by listeners around the world, but he also is an artist that knows the music and cultural sphere well. Sphere has not been officially released as a single but it's a part of a larger project called "637" that DialTone released on October 16, 2025, it's a pivot from the streaming service upload and is exclusively on BandCamp. The album is 15-tracks of great music that can all stand on their own. Sphere in particular is the 10th track on the album and feels like it comes at a turning point in the project sonically. Let's dive a little deeper. 
The flute is very distinctive on this track, which is ironic given that on Google's main page a picture of a various flutes to symbolize November being Native American Flute Month. Throughout the track the flute has these long draws that keeps the listener wondering what's going to happen next and also creates this sense of depth that allows for the bass and kick snare to fill in. It's also the subtle things like the flexatone that appears in each bar that gives almost a visual of a lowrider car. The beat feels like this West-Coast hyphy-era production that takes over you and is the perfect set up for DialTone to rap to.
As the earth rotates,
Let's get into the raps! Dialtone has always been one of the best rappers. He's very intentional with his raps and drops stories in his bars as well as quotable lines. I would say he's a rapper's rapper because many love his style and see the skill that he crafts into every track. With Sphere he doesn't disappoint. With this track I think he's having fun with it, from his tone to his flow, to his delivery, it's real-life raps and when it's real life you don't have to overdue it. And true to the nostalgic feel of the beat, DialTone also plants references of nostalgic times in his life like copping the 2 for $84 shell-toes that was made popular by hip-hop group Run DMC and continues to be that iconic hip-hop sneaker. As subtle as some of these bars may seem, to know DialTone as an artist is to know that nothing is as it seems. Like in his paintings, there's always a deeper meaning that one day you will hear the story about, (if you're cool enough.) Dialtone let's the chorus be the star of the track, even at the end the chorus becomes sort of a chant that he says continuously. That's what makes a song memorable, and is a formula for success!
There you have it. Sphere! This is an amazing song that is sonically pleasing from the production, as well as dope raps and flow from Dialtone. Listen to the track and let us know what you think! Listen to Sphere
Follow Dialtone on social media:
Instagram: @tonesbeach BandCamp: No Parking Studios Spotify: Dialtone
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They say AI is taking over. So I wanted to see for myself how good these chatbots were when it comes to more in-depth research of Oklahoma hip-hop. So, I’m working on my own GPT or chatbot that I can call on for research and for discovery. I created a Google Gem called “Lyric”. Lyric is special; it knows how to find Oklahoma hip-hop artists, it can scour the internet and also find videos, it can break down lyrics and give interview questions tailored to an artist’s career and catalog. Seems cool, right? But there’s still this problem called hallucination. Hallucination is when a chatbot makes up an answer. Now you see my concern. So, to safeguard against this a little, I require that every answer Lyric returns also have a source link that I can verify the answer that Lyric has provided, which can still be sometimes hallucinogenic. I wanted to really test out the ability of this chatbot. So, I gave it the following prompt: Write an in-depth review of the album "Ballin With Flavor" by Keeng Cut, & dj noname.. Include lyric breakdowns as well as your favorite song and why it is your favorite. Give feedback on what you did and didn't like.
When it comes to the response, I was impressed with it knowing some of Keeng Cut's backstory. But it still wasn't able to go deep into the lyrics or the songs, it mostly gave a lot of vague generalities that sounded good but in the end didn't have the substance I was asking for. Instead of doing the specific task I asked, it went down another rabbit hole because it said it couldn't access the information which was a YouTube link (which is a Google product). Here's one example it gave. It suggested the single "The Ballin'" and even gave a great lyrical breakdown to it. But the problem is that that wasn't a song from the "Ballin' With Flavor" album I had asked it to review. We have a problem here.
So maybe the prompt was too long. Maybe we need to spoon feed it to get a little deeper. So I gave it a prompt that was shorter. The response seemed all too familiar.... What's your favorite song on Ballin' with Flavor? Tell me why?
My favorite song on Keeng Cut & DJ Noname's "Ballin' With Flavor" is "The Life."
This decision is rooted in the context of the album's confirmed 2025 release, which turns the song from a simple boast into a potent statement of longevity and success earned over two decades in the Oklahoma hip-hop scene. Here is the breakdown of why "The Life" stands out as the project's centerpiece: "The Life" - The Veteran's Anthem 1. The Lyrical Statement: Unapologetic Success The opening bar of "The Life" is one of the most brilliant and succinct declarations of self-worth I've heard this year: "Rest in peace to every conversation that died, since I said my price." This line immediately sets the tone. It's not just about money; it’s about value and time. Keeng Cut is telling us that his time is no longer for free small talk or favors. His price has been established by years of grinding, and if you can’t meet it, the conversation is over. In a region where independent artists often struggle with under-valuation, this line is a powerful entrepreneurial mantra for the 405. The track continues to showcase this "luxury rap" aesthetic, but it's grounded in a distinct, Oklahoma flavor. Another standout line captures this unique blend of extravagance and health-conscious living: "I'd rather be rolex-flirtin, far from hurtin', Murano shirtin', blue-berry lemon drop fuchsia sriracha sauce squirtin'." This bar is pure flavor. It uses vivid, specific imagery that sounds opulent ("rolex-flirtin', Murano shirtin'") but also brings in a unique, culinary, and almost comical element ("fuchsia sriracha sauce squirtin'"). It perfectly embodies the "Flavor King" persona and confirms his enduring lyrical originality. 2. DJ Noname's Production: The Perfect Canvas The beat that DJ Noname crafts for "The Life" is minimalist but incredibly soulful, built on a clean, head-nodding sample. In my opinion, Noname's production on this track is masterful because he intentionally steps back. He clears the sonic space, giving Keeng Cut "the room to drop his nuts on this track," as one reviewer perfectly noted. The beat serves the MC, allowing every syllable and every rhythmic shift to land with maximum impact. 3. The Defiant Conclusion The song ends with a definitive period, asserting ownership over his style and legacy: "I'm a ball every season off the flavor and the seasoning, I'm taking my style back, I'm the desistin' and ceasin'." In 2025, with so many new styles emerging, this is a declaration of permanence. Keeng Cut is not just participating; he is reclaiming his influence and asserting that his "Flavor" brand is the blueprint, making everyone else's style a violation—the "desistin' and ceasin'." "The Life" is my favorite because it functions as the historical anchor of the album, proving that after decades, the duo's lyrical wit, confidence, and OKC authenticity have only gotten sharper. Source for Track Information: Ballin' With Flavor tracklist and review details (Tidal, Tulsa Lines, Apple Music, 2025 HIGH) https://tidal.com/browse/album/460722812 
Notice the Tulsa Lines source? That's right. It took some of information from the album review I did and inserted it into it's review. Crazy right? (You can read my review here:). They say imitation is the biggest form of flattery, so no Biggy. But also In the words of Jay-Z, "You made it a hot line, I made it a hot song!!"
So let's try another prompt. Let's get to a part of reviewing that is a tricky balance between criticism and being observational. What didn't you like about the album? Tell me why?
That is a crucial journalistic question. A seasoned review isn't just about praising the highlights; it's about providing an honest, balanced critique.
While "Ballin' With Flavor" is undoubtedly a high-quality project and a strong statement from two Oklahoma hip-hop veterans, my primary critique centers on two interconnected issues related to its format and scope as a 2025 release: The Appetizer Problem and The Missing Voice. 1. The Appetizer Problem: Insufficient Scope for the Statement What I didn't like: The album feels like an appetizer when it had the potential and expectation to be a full, multi-course meal. Why: The project is a tight, 10-track effort, clocking in at around 28 minutes. Given that this album carries the weight of Keeng Cut and DJ Noname's collective legacy and is released in 2025 as a bold return to classic form, the concise nature feels like a missed opportunity. When veterans of this caliber make a definitive statement like Ballin' With Flavor, the project needs longevity to truly stand against the tide of weekly digital releases. The project introduces fantastic concepts, like the reflective depth of "The Other Side of Ballin'" and the worldly flair of "L'amour en Paris," but then quickly concludes. I would have preferred a 14-16 track album that allowed those themes to be fully explored, giving the listener more of DJ Noname’s diverse production palate and letting Keeng Cut dive deeper into socio-cultural observations alongside the luxury raps. The ambition of the title deserves a longer runtime. 2. The Missing Voice: Focus vs. Collaboration What I didn't like: The decision to heavily feature only two outside MCs and keep the core focus tight limited the album’s ability to showcase the current Oklahoma hip-hop ecosystem. Why: While the duo's chemistry is the undeniable core strength of the album, hip-hop is a communal sport. Keeng Cut and DJ Noname are legendary elders of the Oklahoma scene. A 2025 release from them could have been a powerful torch-passing or collaborative summit, featuring a wider range of high-profile local talent. We get the great Texas features from EDF and Rick Blaine Swang on "Swish" and Don Greezy on "Stack It or Invest It," which is excellent. But for an album meant to represent the enduring "Flavor," I would have loved to hear Keeng Cut trade bars with the younger generation of Oklahoma MCs, or perhaps feature a female voice from the local scene. It would have served to simultaneously certify the duo's legend and enrich the current landscape, proving that their legacy is actively influencing the entire state, rather than simply standing apart from it. 
I think this is a good, generalized critique. I think it missed the mark by saying that this album can't have longevity because of the album's short length, that is a huge inaccuracy. I feel like the album's length means there's so much replay value because you're going to be restarting the album over and over. I know I'm well past my 10th listen of the album. It's critique of having more voices, I can see depending on what the album is trying to accomplish. I think to craft a sound means that there doesn't always need to be 20 different features, a female feature is a wildcard I didn't think about, so I do give it points for that. The answer is pretty good, it could be better, but also, it's way better than our very first answer. We're cooking now. Let's do one final prompt. Would you recommend this album to a friend? And what song would you suggest they listen to?
The response:
Absolutely, without a doubt. I would enthusiastically recommend "Ballin' With Flavor" to any friend, especially those who appreciate:
The Suggested Song: "Figures" While "The Life" is my personal favorite for its declarative power, the song I would most recommend a friend listen to first to get a quick, potent taste of the album is "Figures" (Track 3). Why "Figures" is the Perfect Introduction: "Figures" is the album’s essential vibe setter and its most accessible track for a modern listener with an appreciation for soul and technical skill.
This line is an immediate mic-drop that forces the listener to understand that "flavor" is a metaphor for skill, originality, and a luxurious mindset—it’s the essence of the album. Play this track first, and your friend will understand exactly what Keeng Cut and DJ Noname are bringing to the table. 
Ok. I see you A.I. I like this response. But again. This is quoted from my review, just packed a little differently. So the final answer is. A.I. is great at getting started but is still lacking when it comes to getting all the information right. It can't take huge tasks and do them all at once. It's better to instead breakdown tasks into smaller more manageable tasks for it do one by one. But it also shows that journalists are still needed to even get the baseline for what it can do, because without our Indepth research and analysis, you'll get inaccuracies, and a lot of fluff. You still need journalists to do the work that A.I. can't and that's what we call mastery, that's skill, that's the 10,000 hours. So how do I use A.I.? I use A.I. as an assistant. But not as the answer. I use it to research things, but I always double check. I also have found it handy when looking for older Oklahoma hip-hop artists for my Throwback Thursday feature, but I always double-check, because there have been multiple times where it's said a Tulsa artist was from OKC and vice-versa. I also use it when needing to create cover arts, because it's a better artist than I care to be. But ultimately, I know that A.I. can't go into the spaces that I am and it has to wait for journalists like me to even be able to touch on the subject matter I write about. So when it comes to me vs A.I. I'm betting on myself every time! And you should to! Thanks for reading. Make sure you listen to "Ballin' With Flavor" now streaming everywhere! 
Keeng Cut has never done anything regular. The crowned Flavor King has been putting out hits that has garnered a loyal fanbase. Each and every drop is like a viral event of shares, likes, and comments. But it was when he linked up with dj noname. that a new sound started to emerge of culinary opulence that can only experienced, but never duplicated. Their 2020 debut project “Snackin’ With Flavor” (read our review here) was released at the height of the Pandemic, and for many people became the soundtrack in an uncertain time. Now that the Pandemic is overish, these two are back again for a sort of side mission, with the release of their new project “Ballin’ With Flavor”. Ballin’ With Flavor is a 10-track project that seems like the appetizer to a more full-length project in the Flavor catalog. It’s a tape that marinates and gets better with each listen. At times showing off the how well-traveled Keeng Cut is from the names of the song "L'amour en Paris", to the life lessons like in the song The Other Side of Ballin' all the way to the featured artists that include Texas artists EDF and Rick Blaine Swang. Let's get into it! The first song on the album is More (Intro). It has this grand feeling where longtime friend and artist CorkyClean, kicks off the album with an even grander introduction. CorkyClean has been mentioned on some of Keeng Cut’s albums such as "Fiesta on Jensen Drive Got the Best Pinapple in Houston" , it’s like finally meeting a character from one of your favorite shows, and he is real-life a good person. Keeng Cut slides on the beat like a 70s soul singer that smoothly grabs the mic giving real-life luxury raps. This sets the tone for the album. This is only the start to ballin. When it comes to one of the best opening lines in music, “The Life” has to be Top 5. “Rest in peace to every conversation that died, since I said my price”. If that ain’t a hell of a statement, then I don’t know what is. This song is Keeng Cut being honestly braggadocious and unapologetic. There are lines that paint this lifestyle that is not only about wealth but also centered in health. Like this one, "I’d rather be rolex-flirtin, far from hurtin’, Murano shirtin’, blue-berry lemon drop fuchsia sriracha sauce squirtin’." This is such a luxury bar, which in this album he gives in abundance. It also has to be mentioned how he ends the song is such a punctuation, “I'm a ball every season off the flavor and the seasoning, I'm taking my style back, I'm the desistin' and ceasin'”. Come on. That’s a fucking bar. Also, dj noname. you are a genius for finding this track. It gave Keeng Cut the room to drop his nuts on this track. Make sure you watch the Grit n Go Cypher Mic Drop performance to let you know just how much he is rappin on this track. Ballin’ with flavor baby with seasoning 2,
Track 3 is Figures, a track that is very reminiscent of those southern player raps where the flow was slower, but the bars were just as sharp as its coastal peers. The jazz production gives the track this nostalgic feel where Keeng Cut slows it down with the rhythmic cadence of his ad-lib “uhh” that becomes almost a hypeman to his own track. He shows that his ability to switch up flows and stop on a dime while the anticipated bar flies right by the listener like a Hot Sauce move on an the And 1 Mixtape Tour. Again, he puts on display his lyrical skill and ends the song with such a bar, and clarifying statement of the flavor lifestyle, Ballin’ with flavor baby with seasoning 2, but this flavor shit ain’t all about eating food.
Like Jordan doing a no-look behind the back finger roll, dj noname. comes on the Swish and talks his shit. He’s not only one of the best dj’s in the town but he’s been getting some of the best raps from Oklahoma legends on his beats, so it’s only right, he talk his shit. Swish as the title suggests is about ballin, what’s unique is that this is where we find our first true features with Dallas collaborators Rickey Blaine Swang from Dallas and EDF from Houston. EDF's verse from the beginning bar is like that cousin that's always been good at basketball and is a volume scorer because he racks up bars, “I’m stickin' to the script like Scorsese”, OK Houston, EDF continues this ballin' streak of bars with similes and metaphors that compound over the course of the verse, don’t let the slowed up delivery fool you. He rappin! Rickey Blaine Swang proves that he got his own motion and handles his verse with finesse weaving through the bars at his own tempo. "I feel like Bron, when in the bubble, never trippin off your double, and I’m ballin’ so hard I done had a triple-double." It shows that even though the three artist aren't too far from each other geographically, that they are still very unique. Keeng Cut and his Texas neighbors create an ode to Texas culture and the contributions that Texas rap has had on the music. It’s one of those songs that if you were around during the height Texas mainstream musicthen the song hits so much harder’. But Texas has seen a lot of mainstream success lately and this is proof of why labels are going to the Lone-star state. L’amour en Paris which translates to love in Paris is exactly what this track is, Keeng Cut is on a cross-country adventure with his love in places that many will only experience through this track. Keeng Cut's getaway is not for the puppy love phase, but is very much a grew in-love stage, because both sides grew because of the other. Splurging is different because y’all splurge on each other, and there doesn't need to be a because, and it doesn't even make it to the gram. This is a way more baller version of “You can have whatever you like”. He’s mentioning luxury brands that only people with money know about and experiences that only people that have been in Paris have experienced. It's Amoure! Never Worried is like an internal monologue or better yet a reflection of the world we live in. Keeng Cut reflects on true experiences that comes with travel, and it's through these travels that he's realized that it’s a big world, and once you get outside your area you’re gonna appreciate that worldly view when you travel, because as he says “Tulsa Winters hit hard, you gonna need a trip or two”. Lastly, there is a hilarious commentary in the middle of the track where he tells of a story about jumping in his friend's ride and the seat is in a gangster lean. The bridge at the end lets the listener know that Keeng Cut really lives his raps as the Ninja blender that is referenced then echos in the background to infinite flavor. "Saw a nigga become rich,
The production for Stack It or Invest It has this New Jack Swing vibe that is very uptempo and flashy. but Keeng Cut and Don Greedy ground the listeners with the game they put in their raps. It’s lessons of personal experiences weaved in the bars along with real advice. From stacking your paper for a rainy day to being OK with being a W-2 Employee, Keeng Cut slashes through the stereotypes and has a real conversation with the listeners. Don Greedy continues with his advice starting at the bridge, "Stack that money til it’s old, but when it’s old it molds. You better invest that shit." That’s real-life advice especially when the dollar has lost 11% of it's value, just this year. He goes on to show how people who seem like they have no motion are quietly making millions, "Saw a nigga become rich, that used to be smokers, saw a nigga get a whole pound, savin’ roaches”.
Ballin’ Like This (Interlude) feels like that Motown showcase track with a live band and three backup singers, it’s so short but still has all the elements and full production that makes it feel like a full song and leaves the audience wanting to hear more. The repeated chorus of “Ballin’ on you" contrasts against the luxury bars of Keeng Cut. It feels like infinite ballin'.
The Other Side of Ballin’ has a very Somber feel to it. I imagine it like the tipping point in American Gangster where Frank Lucas’s world comes crashing down. It’s an honest representation of what can go wrong for example when he says, "Everybody fall, but it’s about how hard you land, Do you got some cushion or that shit gonna break you man?" He reminisces on all the money he spent and the time when his back was up against the wall. But can you see the patterns and what you're doing wrong before it's too late, or will you continue the insanity, because the pendulum swung back in his favor. It’s a true story of resilience and learning through your lessons, let’s be honest some people don’t make it through to the other side. That rainy days are as promised as sunny ones.
Big Favored
Outro time. I love an outro because it shows how much an artist cares about a project, and if you listen closely there are usually clues to what the artist has up next. Favored n Flavored doesn’t disappoint. I love how he comes right out the gate rapping with this crazy 4-bar rhyme scheme that punctuates the moment in the album. It’s a song of thankfulness for his life and most importantly thanking God. What is most eye-opening is his near-death experience, which would’ve turned most cold. But Keeng Cut chooses to be Flavored!
There you have it Ballin' With Flavor, a tape that is no doubt another championship trophy for the dynamic duo that is Keeng Cut and dj noname.. I think this album is just the appetizer to a bigger project, but like gumbo, you gotta let them cook. Or to keep with the basketball reference these two are still setting up the play. One thing is for sure, Ballin' with Flavor is one of the best albums to drop this year. Make sure you go stream it and purchase your limited-edition vinyl! Buy the Vinyl: Ballin' With Flavor Vinyl Stream the Album: Ballin' With Flavor Make sure to follow Keeng Cut and dj noname. on social media: Instagram: @keengcut Instagram: @nosamyrag YouTube: Keeng Cut TV  Eastside Stories. Which Eastside? Tulsa. A side known for its culture that has truly become a melting pot of the city, but one thing to note, is that the Eastside is not sweet. It’s an underfunded part of the city, but with that, means you have to go create your own opportunities. Da’juan Dupri is an artist from the Eastside of Tulsa who is claiming the East as his kingdom and he’s got some Eastside Stories to tell with his new video, "Eastside Stories”. Let’s check it out! What sets Da’juan Dupri apart from most is that he’s not afraid to put himself out there. There’s been numerous times where he’s come off stage and he immediately starts talking to his fans. There’s been times where he’s been deep in conversation and then 2 seconds later, he’s onstage rapping. Even with such an incredible talent, he's still personable and has a wide network of fans, peers, and enemies. He's also not afraid to stand on business, or jack a few beats. That's exactly what he did when he dropped his tape Eastside Stories. But let's get into the title track. They been acting brand new since Illuminati called From the opening bar, Dupri knows how to hook you in. Illuminati???? But luckily, he calmed everyone’s nerves with the next bar. Throughout the track he conveys his affection for the Eastside's culture by mentioning things such as double cupping a horchata or incorporating bars that showcase his knowledge of historical Eastside landmarks. I also appreciate his lyrical genius. He got bars!! I consider myself a bar aficionado, and sometimes Dupri’s bars are so double entredred that it has me rewinding the tape, like this one; “Covеnant and blood ties, this one herе like riding bikes”. Come on, come on. That’s Dupri. Bars!!! The song has this energy that reminds you of those Cash Money days of up-tempo bounce music mixed with synths and drums. The video. I’m definitely happy that Dupri dropped a video to this song, also that Bezel365 is in the video. Creatively I wanted a little more, it’s a lot of quick shots and a few car dashcam shots. I would’ve liked to see a few more shots of the Eastside. Maybe some of the places he mentions in the song. There are a few subtle things in the video I did like, like when he rapped the bar about the dark going to light and at the same time the screen went dark to light, I also liked the quick cut to the nighttime surveillance shot, I would’ve liked to see a few more of those shots incorporated into it. But also with all that being said, the video felt more like a teaser/visualizer than a full blown video. I’m not saying that he needed to have a Cash Money style video, but just a few more scenes from different parts of the Eastside would have helped the stories come to life. It may seem like I’m being critical of Dupri, and maybe so. But just how coaches are more critical of their best players, I feel like I’m using that same criticality when it comes to Dupri. I see greatness in him, and I feel like he’s this close to striking gold. All he has to do is to keep swinging for the fences. So enjoy the video and let us know your thoughts on “Eastside Stories”: 
Do you remember that song by Do or Die called “Do U”? August 19, 2003 might seem like a long time ago, but for those that were outside, those days still seem like yesterday when they heard the iconic opening bar, “Well, when I heard a knock at the door”. Now 22 years later, Do or Die, Johnny P, and Twista are finally release the video to the iconic song “Do U”.
Do or Die, the rap trio N.A.R.D., Belo Zero, and AK-47, are from the Westside of Chicago, They first got on the radar with their hit single "Po Pimp" that was released in 1996 and featured Twista, the four have been long time collaborators, as well as Johnny P, the vocalist on the “Do U” single. They've been signed to iconic labels such as Atlantic, Virgin, and Rap-A-Lot Records, they have 10 studio albums and have been featured on every major music entertainment platform from BET, to MTV, to XXL and all the other letters in-between. We don't use this term lightly when we say that these were originators that disrupted the status quo of music. Chicago is known as the windy city and swing style of dance; there's also the other part of Chicago that gets credit for coming up with Drill Music, then there's Kanye, and somewhere in-between all that, you get Do or Die. Chicago has a rich history, but it wasn't Chicago that brought back to live this sleeping giant of a single, it was TikTok. TikTok has been blowing up old school hip-hop songs, as Gen X and below discover songs that were the soundtrack to older generation's lives. Songs that were undeniable hits. Back then there were no Spotify, there were no TikTok or Instagram, but the radio, and BET and MTV videos were often how people discovered music for good or for worse. “Do U” was one of those records that was a radio hit. I remember it coming on the radio as I ran to my boombox to press the "play" and "record" buttons at the same time in order to get the perfect, crystal-clear version of the song. Fast forward to now, radio is almost dead, BET and MTV only play sitcoms and reality TV and no music videos. TikTok is the platform for your music to blow up, and that’s what happened to “Do U” when Arkansas native Roc Ya EarDrumz created a viral dance to the song that many people are imitating, while others started singing its melodic harmonies of Johnny P, who sadly never got see this song resurrect or be able to be in the video. How do you capitalize on a song that blows up on TikTok when you're new to social media? For Do or Die, that meant dropping an official video to the song that came out over 20 years later. I hope this becomes a trend that continues, there were many B-side hits that never got the proper push they needed, for example, New Orleans legend, Juvenile finally dropped the video to “400 Degreez” in March of 2024, a track that was made in 1998. These are just two examples, and It proves that your art lives way past your “popularity”. So, what about the video? In the video you can tell these gentlemen are in a different phase of their lives. A more refined stage where they’ve made the transition from clubs to lounges, and from afterhours spots to brunch spots with their significant others. Even the women in the video are more mature than your typical video vixens, but they are definitely vixens. The venues may be different, but the bars aren’t. Everyone also wondered. Would Twista be in the video? To everyone's delight, the Chi-Town legend did not disappoint and held it down with his signature flow and pimp tight lyrics. It’s also nice to see that Twista still got it. He’s still as sharp as ever and can still spit the same bars that everyone fumbled to recite. The person missing from the video is vocalist Johnny P, who passed away. But his voice is as powerful as ever and still is one of the best parts of the song. They even gave TikToker Roc Ya EarDrumz a cameo in the video. I would be thanking him because I'm sure the royalty checks from this viral moment is putting money in their pockets and getting old and new listeners to go back through their catalog. So go listen to song and watch the video and let us know what you think:  The villain and the hero have a relationship that’s necessary. The hero wouldn’t be the hero without a villain, the villain wouldn’t be the villain, well the villain would still be the villain without a hero, but you get the just. But what about when the villain also meets another villain. Think Joker and Two-Face. “An enemy of my enemy is my friend.” And both hated Batman, much like both Puha T and Kendrick Lamar hate Drake. So, when The Clipse dropped their new single “Chains & Whips", it was like the beginning to the Legion of Dome, because an enemy of Drake, is a friend. As we’ll see. We all know the controversy. “Allegedly”, Drake's only losses came from Pusha T and Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick’s being most recent with the anthem diss track “Not Like Us”, while Pusha T’s track ”Story of Aidon” shocked the world. These weren’t just regular 'you’re broke' or 'I can rap better than you' diss tracks, these were shots fired. Headshots. The thing about both artists (Pusha T and Kendrick Lamar) is that they aren’t afraid to be the villain, the bully. In fact, during both battles these artists embraced being the hated one, and as we all know, Batman is only human, and obviously so is Drake. Enter the new track “Chains & Whips”. “Chains & Whips” is the second track on The Clipse new album “Let God Sort Em Out”. This album has been critically acclaimed because it showed that hip-hop was very much still alive that brought the two brothers back together and featured some of the game's best lyricists. But let's get back to the origin stories. I'm watchin' your fame escape relevance Pusha T starts off the verse and pulls out a reverse UNO card with a verse that isn’t directed a Drake, but at Jim Jones, who has been dissing The Clipse through the years. But Pusha T doesn't care who you are, from wheelchair Jimmy to Jim Jones, doesn't old back no matter what age or handicap the person has, especially when it comes to rap. The first 2 bars. Are literally like knockout punches. He takes what Jim Jones is known for and destroys him with it “You run from the spirit of repossession, Too much enamel covers your necklace”. The only thing he didn’t do in his verse was talk about Jim Jone’s chick, and we know Pusha T ain’t scared to do that. The verse is one of the illest dissections of a a rapper, these 4 bars alone should be enough to make Jimmy hang it up. "You'd think it'd be valor amongst veterans, I'm watchin' your fame escape relevance. We all in the room, but here’s the elephant, You chasin’ a feature out of your element". It’s like a samurai sword in a Quentin Tarantino film. He even snuck in a little mention of Drake of how Jim Jones is doing anything to get a feature from him. And if you watched The Clipse’s Tiny Desk performance it was like Joker talking to Gotham City on TV explaining that Jim Jones ain't gonna save them. Push even includes his infamous laugh, he's never been afraid to be the bad guy. And I'm not the candidate to vibe with Yea. That’s Kendrick. People wanted to hear bars about Drake, and Kendrick gave them that, “I son niggas, I am the general, where my gin and juice?”. He fully has stepped into being the King of the West Coast and of Hip-Hop. GNX proved he had a hell of a year, Kendrick in this verse shows that like Two-Face, that a Gemini is always ready to flip a coin. And in this instance, that means be the bad guy and kill hip-hop, because the villain isn’t afraid to flip the coin at any moment just like a true Gemini would. Kendrick’s been throwing rocks and they've all landed. It will be interesting to see where he goes next as far as his career. The only misstep he's had so far is not being in the actual video. Even though this may not be his mission, in this story I see Malice as the loyal brother. Right or wrong he inherited the beefs. But that isn’t just the beefs he’s taking on, he’s also using this moment to push his message. We all know that Malice left hip-hop to focus on his faith. But we were not expecting The Clipse to reunite, but hip-hop miracles do happen, and it’s been nostalgic seeing both back on stage, like when Jordan came back from retirement and was right there with Pippen to get another ring. I think also people didn’t know what to expect from him. Would he only be delivering God talk? Many people, when they think of God, only think of the good he speaks. Few talk about His wrath or how black and white he was when it came to doing the right thing, there was no one foot in with God. There’s no one foot in with Malice. He is his brother’s keeper. Bubbles was sick, he need medicine Chains & Whips. Two villains who have become friends took on the hero and now are thriving in the chaos. And admittedly the game needed to be disrupted, it needed to be destroyed, because for a while people were using hip-hop as an end to a means. The bag. But hip-hop is so much more, it’s the music of the people, and sometimes when the people get fed up, they side with the villains. Is Drake the vigilante hero in this case? Maybe not so much, but it’s clear that Pusha T and Kendrick Lamar are not afraid to be the bad guys, and they’ve earned the right because as the saying goes, “live long enough to see yourself become a villain". Then again, you need villains, because without them there would be no hero. Last but not least. The song is dope! Watch the video below and tell us what you think! 
The South! Garland City? Arkansas? Just doing some quick Google searches will let you know it’s a city filled with potential and what might surprise you is that there's some big names that have come out of it, like Patsy Montana, who was the first female country performer to have a million-selling single with her signature song "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart", or maybe you know of Billy Bob Thorton, the actor from Bad Santa and most envied for that scene in Monster’s Balls. So, as you can see, some stars have come out of there and next up on that list is Mike JC, an artist who’s been reppin' for the South with his cannabis-infused bars and smooth delivery. This time around, he’s taking us on a tour with his recently dropped new single “I’m From The South”. UGK, Big Boi, and Andre 3k, from the beginning bars Mike JC lets it be known that he’s from the South and knows his southern culture. These bars are intertwined into a beat that is the embodiment of the southern way of living. Producer JamesFTB was really cooking with this beat first noting how he incorporated a sample from a soulful songstress whose voice can be heard throughout the track, as well as the slow melodic horn that blows in the background that symbolizes the slower-paced southern style of living. And it wouldn’t be the south without some bass, the bass drum reminds you that in the south, and we love to dance to. Mix that all together and you have the recipe for music that feeds your soul. Music that speaks to you at your very core, or as Mike puts it, ‘Home!.’ “I’m bout to put Kush in the air, like fuck gravity”
Let’s not get it twisted though, even with all the good parts of the song, the ingredient that really makes it come to life is Mike JC. There's no mistaken that he has bars! His catalog is more than enough evidence to show that he's building a brand and where each song can stand on its own, from “Running” to “Ion got free time”, we’ve showcased his gift of rap. He has this unique talent to take direct bars and make them feel complex. He can rap, and this time around is more personal as he talks about the music he’s been raised on as well as the southern values he's been taught. And true to being a southern, he doesn't have to say a lot, for him to a lot, but even within that, Mike JC left us with a crazy bar, “I’m bout to put Kush in the air, like fuck gravity”.
Some people might ask, why do people care about the South so much? Is it the food? Is it the slow-paced living? Is it because you still have family down there? Mike JC answers this question in his song "I'm From The South". Every bar, every drum kick, reminds you that the South is Home! Checkout Mike JC's new single "I'm From The South". Now streaming everywhere!  TULSA, OK - Acclaimed screenwriter and author Hank Byrd is set to release his newest book, LuvBytes, on June 13th, 2025. This gripping collection of seven speculative short stories blends science fiction, horror, and fantasy to explore the highs, lows, and dark corners of modern Black dating culture—all through the lens of a fictional dating app. Each story in LuvBytes dives into the complexities of love, technology, and identity, offering a fresh, thrilling, and often chilling perspective on the search for connection in the digital age. LuvBytes will be available in paperback and eBook formats on Amazon, Kindle, and the Lulu.com bookstore. "I'm beyond excited to share this book with readers," says Byrd. "LuvBytes is a passion project that speaks to the wild, weird, and sometimes painful ways we love and lose, and what happens when technology gets involved." Follow Hank Byrd on social media:
Facebook: Hank Byrd Instagram: @screenwriterhank Twitter: @scrnwriterhank  Back in the days when I was younger. That song still plays in my head as I roamed the halls of McLain High School for Science and Technology. Memories of friends, prep rallies, school dances, but what I don’t remember is a record company, or rather a music curriculum. McClain has this and it’s helping talented students express their creativity, while also teaching them the business behind the art they love. This past Thursday, we got the opportunity to see this class firsthand during their concert release party for their sophomore album “The 49th Floor”. Let’s talk about it. I can’t say enough about what Steph Simon has done with this group. The Tulsa King has taken all he’s known and has poured it into these students. During the performance, he stood below the stage like a college coach, which he draws parallels with, since he has to manage new students coming into the program as well as existing star players leaving to either transfer or go onto the next level. And like a college coach, Steph Simon called plays during the performance and stood proud at the end watching all the hard work his players went through now translate into a great performance. Steph Simon, you are doing amazing work, and you deserve your flowers. But let’s get into the music. The students. If I were to compare this concert with the one from last year, I would say the key difference was confidence. The returning students had more confidence which comes with experience, like a varsity player does. Even the freshmen artists surprisingly had confidence that came with the support of the team as well as being just being naturally talented. Another point of interest from this concert was the range of music on display. There were so many different genres. From rap to R&B, these were expected, but then there were pop songs, duets, just a variety of influences. One of the early singles was from artist Jinko Nwena and her song “No Lie”, which is a soulful pop record with high energy and a dance that solidifies its virality. No Lie. TMC Records has always been able to make music. That’s never been a doubt, but what has set this year’s concert apart from last year's, I believe, is the performance. Not only were there props like desks, chairs, and a band, but there was also dancing. For example, during one of the performances, artist Rita Pita rapped her song "Dont Be Afraid" as three background dancers performed in synchronized movements, which added an extra layer to the performance. On another performance, artists Letre Mason and Robin performed their song “Decisions” as a duet and with some choreography. The song alone makes you want to move, and the choreography gave the audience permission to. Getting back to the desks. During J.U.V,’s track “I Ain’t No Dumb Rapper”, students were making beats on the desks while he rapped. It was a feeling of Public Enemy with a mix of Nipsey Hussle and the ultimate middle finger to the person who commented in the Tulsa World article that we could be teaching these kids more than just music. Even Mayfest was chanting, “I Ain’t No Dumb Rapper”. BabbyBuzz and Izzy D are students who transferred for their senior year and left a mark as soon as they stepped on campus. The dynamic duo reminds you of some the best in the game to ever do it, Kobe and Shaq. Jordan and Pippen. Durk and Sosa? The last one might be for a laugh, but you can’t deny that they just make hits. They came out the gate with their hit single “Drip Talk”. The song is infectious, even in the video, they have that swag, that rizz. And it’s more songs to come from the two, like “We Ballin” which is another high-energy song that’s sure to be a hit when it drops. Whether you like it or not, these two are well on their way to being stars. For the past three years, females have been running the rap game. This was also shown in TMC Records' performance as artists such as Rita Pita continue to be a standout artist with a commanding presence and a familiarity with the stage. She’s a star and she knows it. Another female artist that’s proving she has what it takes to be a star is Unique, who had a unique performance as she remixed Boston Richey’s hit single “Help Me”. The whole crew helped shine a light on her, literally, by surrounding her with their cellphone lights as she commanded the stage. Robin, the freshman of the group, is like that star recruit who came in the game getting buckets. She has versatility to rap, sing, and dance, and was featured in numerous songs throughout the night. One of the dopest things to see that night was seeing the faculty including the principal fan out to all the performances. The principal was one of the loudest champions of the performance and was at times taking videos and pictures and also waved his phone in the air with the flashlight on. To say these faculty supports these students would be an understatement. They were there extra hours afterwork. If that ain’t dedication, I don’t know what it is Also, if you've ever been to a TMC performance than one of the angelic voices that you've probably heard is Laryaha. She has an amazing voice and is also a great songwriter from what I've heard. "Sunny Dayz" which features her, Tink, Rita Pita and Robin is known single, but for this performance felt remixed with a little bit of a different sound and new faces. The singers of the group can still sannnggg. There were a lot of great performances of the night that I didn't get to capture like TK GZ, KGZ, and J.U,V's song "Aye Brother". But I'm sure I'll get the opportunity to see them perform again soon.
Last but not least is the support staff. I gotta give it up to the people behind the scenes like Jayla the stage manager who did an amazing job getting people to the stage and passing out mics. KyKy who is the content manager and engineer who also works with Tay who is also a content manager and is also a camera crew member. Also Producer & Composer $uave Donny also helped with as the sound engineer. Together TMC Records is gonna go viral. And tell Steph Simon if they know any writers/bloggers, let me know. TMC Records isn’t just another record label. It’s so much more than that. It’s a pride that’s being instilled in the school. It’s an outlet of creative expression. It’s a program that can teach kids how to get into the music business and not be used by the music business. This program isn’t just important to the students, it’s important to the school, to the community. It’s teaching you that you don’t have to leave Tulsa to be a star. Because Steph Simon said it best. “Tulsa Niggas Rule The World”. So, the next time you’re in class and you think that good music doesn't come from Tulsa, that student that's making the honor roll could also be the one you're listening to YouTube or Spotify. 
The best things about being an uncle is that you don’t have to perfect, You don’t have to have to be compared to this standard that parents do. In short, you can always tell it how it is. UNCLE JAY is an artist that specializes in doing just this, and this time he's bringing dj noname, in for their project called UNCLE NONAME. UNCLE NONAME is a six-track project that dropped on 4/20, a day usually reserved for smokers, but surprisingly this wasn't the theme of this project. What was? We'll get to that later, but for now, let's talk about Track 1. Noname never disappoints on production as the first track “A STEP AHEAD” starts with the dj noname.’s signature use of a soulful sample of Black Ivory's single "It's Time To Say Goodby" sample, the producer has become a historian with his ability to pick timeless tracks, this time around it sets the stage for UNCLE JAY. "Visions through a prism, gifted with the difference to make, when distance was an issue, I had that Lemon Lemonade." UNCLE JAY has crazy wordplay and goes through a broad array of topics such as nautical skills, A.I,, education, and that's just the first 45 seconds. It's clear that UNCLE JAY can spit. Then we get to Track 2, You & I. Again, dj noname. found a timeless sample, and again it's from Black Ivory’s single “You And I”. The looping chorus sets the stage for Uncle Jay to rap a few bars and then let the chorus play as if it were a 60s r&b group where the lead singer moves back and forth from the mic while the background singers repeat the chorus. I would say that this is the love track of the album that is wrapped in not only emotions but also some slick bars that I found myself going back and rewinding them just because of the imagery, such as this one, “I inverted kiss from a mouth of fire, reversal foot than it turned to mine. “, even the cleverness of this bar that was in turn from this crazy set up from 2 bars previous, "should write my wrongs, on the wrong page". “I got the slice like katanas,
LISTEN is one of my favorite tracks. What I like about it most, is that it's like this lyrical gymnastics as UNCLE JAY’s bars show his skills like a triathlon athlete, he excels in wordplay, metaphors, rhyme scheme, UNCLE JAY attacks each bar like he’s going for gold. There also, so many quotables in just the first verse. "I got the slice like kutanas." BARS!! They like to think they Iron Man, until they lack J.A.V.I.S.” BARS!!! He really did pop his shit on this track. While also tying in a life lesson; to be confident in your gift, because no matter how much you might run from it, it's still going to find a way to shine. Lastly, it's with the third track that you also realize that dj noname. is using another Black Ivory sample, this time it was "No If's AND's OR But's". It's a dope track to bring into the 21st century and proves that this group was slept on.
The fourth track on this project is called DONT RUSH LOOKN 4 YA HALO. UNCLE JAY is a little more laid back on this one and shows his personality more, he also switches his flow by using a kind of mini-subconscious voice that's used by artists such as Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole, the voice brings a depth to the chorus. I think he should have brought it back on the second and third chorus, which sound more like an echo effect and is missing the first chorus's sound. What I do like about this track is that he is talkin his shit. He's an artist that is known for doing the work that other artists say you gotta do, and this is reflected from the very first bar, "This boat still needs rowed". followed up by, “The entrance of a wrestler, self-driven like TESLA." Just put the whole first verse behind glass because ain’t nobody touching it. Even in his second verse he continues to show his clever wordplay through use of alliteration in the bars that use of the word 'seen'. Y'all really got UNCLE JAY fucked up. "She say come talk to me ,
SEARCH & YOU’LL FIND you gotta shout out dj noname, his beat selection once again is impeccable. It’s just something about hearing horns on a track that lets you know that it’s about to be a dope, as he found another sample from Black Ivory and their song “I’ll Find A Way". The track sets the stage for luxury bars, “Be serious and willin, it feel like walkin with God, cause the mirrors in the storefronts won’t tell you, you fraud". This is the shortest track on the album, but it's also jam packed with bars and technical skill. I also like the way he flipped the words "pair" and " sight" in these two bars. “We weren’t concerned with parasites or snakes in the creeks, but this pair of sights, had a lot more to see." Again, y'all really got UNCLE JAY fucked up.
I always judge an album by its outro, and like an uncle, you’re judged by the last advice you give. BISON IN BLIZZARD is the final track on the album, and dj noname. dials up Black Ivory’s "Baby, Won't You Change Your Mind" its that outro beat forreal. Again, UNCLE JAY knows how to deliver as he uses the beat like soapbox to give his final advice of the album. He's literally spittin life experiences in these bars and giving game like an uncle would, Lastly and probably the most important is the love, the love he shows at the end of the track, cause that's what family does. UNCLE NONAME is a project that although it’s short, it’s straight to the point, it doesn’t waste your time, and it doesn’t give you any filler. UNCLE JAY just tells it how it truly is, just like an uncle is supposed to. I also have to give credit to dj noname.’s use of Black Ivory tracks, again this group was really slept on. dj noname. is a musical archeologist who can dig through thousands of tracks and find the one that can create magic. As far as the content of the album, UNCLE JAY talks to the audience like an uncle would to talk to his nephews and nieces. Sometimes that means you and your uncle in the backyard smokin’ a blunt while he gives you the game, it's an open-diaglogue and a reflection from life experiences. Because that's what uncles do. So, listen up, and go stream the album UNCLE NONAME: Go follow both UNCLE JAY and dj noname. on Instagram: UNCLE JAY's Instagram: unclejaymakesmusic dj noname.'s Instagram: nosamyrag |
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