#hardest rapper in the game

[dilfl0v3rss]

baseball player!connie

baseball player!connie who is one of the top pitchers in the country. ever since he was young his family and friends knew he would be one of the best and they were right.

baseball player!connie who had been working the hardest on the team from his freshman year of college all the way to his junior year right now.

baseball player!connie who decided in high school that he wanted to get a degree before taking baseball to the next level and has stuck with it.

baseball player!connie who despite his 6’3, strong figure and prodigious talent in almost every sport, only took an offer for baseball, seeing that sport as his true calling since he was little.

baseball player!connie who would’ve never thought he’d be going to college with you, his high school sweetheart. you’ve been together since his freshman year of high school, always at his varsity games with pretty bows in your hair as you cheered on his team. you’d sit front and center, school colors painted in two lines on your cheeks as you sat in his opposite jersey with a bright smile on your face.

baseball player!connie who never leaves for a game without getting a pep talk from his favorite girl, your serious face always turning him on as he thinks about how you value these games just as much as he does.

connie’s wide hands were outstretched on your ass, rubbing and squeezing as he stood in his team warmup. he had an important away game today and you could tell he wasn’t feeling good about it, him and his team’s poor performance during the last few practices filling his brain with doubt. “ion wanna lose mami” he groaned, his neck tattoos peaking from his collar as he averted his gaze to the living room. you brought your hands to his cheeks, slowly moving his head back towards you as you spoke. “you been workin hard?” he nodded, hands giving your ass a squeeze as he thought back to some of his better pitches he threw during practice. “you still think you the best?” he nodded again, making you smile as you moved to your tippy toes to leave a soft kiss on his lips. “then stop worryin, the team feeds off you. if you go out there actin unsure of yourself then they gon be unsure of themselves too. you the captain ain’t you?”

“yes ma’am”

you smiled at the name, moving from his hold to pick up his bag from the floor. you slid the strap onto his shoulder before giving them a light squeeze.

“then lead em”

baseball player!connie who does phenomenal every game, but really excels when you’re there watching him. your pretty face and voice always bringing a small smirk to his face as he listens to you cheer after striking his opponent out.

baseball player!connie who is still in college, but is pretty famous since his games are broadcasted on espn and his highlights are shown all over sports pages. he even got sponsored by nike and did some commercials for them with other stars his age.

baseball player!connie who despite his age and profession, has friends everywhere. he’s had rappers, singers, pros, and even the nations best in other sports attend his games. showing their support for their friend. his closest friends are the nations finest volleyball and basketball players aran and ony. they were all around the same age and absolutely dominated in their respective leagues. the three men would always make time for each other regardless of their differences and busy schedules. the media liked to call them the three stooges for their funny personalities and when they’re around each other.

baseball player!connie who has different women in his face everyday, trying their very best to get the athletes attention, but they never got far. always getting brushed off with an “i’m married” before he’d walk off and look for you in the room.

baseball player!connie who doesn’t care that the two of you aren’t actually married or even engaged, during every interview he labels you as his wife since he’s vowed to love, honor, and protect you since the two of you started dating, no ring or wedding required.

“jesus christ c.p i gotta give it to ya. you’ve got to be one of the most talented players i’ve seen in a long time. you bat wonderfully, you run faster than a running back, and when your opponents think they have time to breathe they are plagued with your bullet like pitches. what do you have to say about your wonderful performance tonight?” the reporter said, a smile already forming on connie’s face as he looked down towards the ring tied in his laces.

“well first i wanna say hey t’my wife. she wanted t’be here but she’s a lil sick.” he said, a small frown on his face as he looked towards the camera as if he were staring at you. “i love you tho and i’m always gon thank you cause i wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all those nights you’d encourage me and get on the field wit me t’work on my pitches. uhh what else? oh yea my performance!”

you giggled from your seat on the couch, nothing but put joy and pride filling your heart as you watched your man go on about how much he loved and adored you and the sport he was blessed to play.

baseball player!connie who to isn’t allowed to wear the promise ring you bought him during games so he ties it in the lace of his left cleat, always leaning over to rub it during games to let you know he’s thinking of you.

baseball player!connie who already pitched great when you’re there, but does even better when he’s angry. the sight of some random guy hitting on you in the stands made anger rush through his veins. his arm moving as if the ball were on fire in his palm.

“strike one!” the umpire said, the batter standing straight up in surprise as if he didn’t even see when the ball was released. connie wasn’t paying attention though because he was counting his own strikes for you, the first one being you letting this man touch your hair. ‘strike one’ he thought.

as his anger built up so did the speed of the ball as connie threw this second one as if it weighed nothing. “strike two!” the umpire said, the commentators going crazy as they watched your man throw another record breaking pitch. the crowd was going nuts but connie’s eyes stayed on you. your pretty teeth bare to the man next to you as you let him take your phone for something, probably to put his socials in it. ‘strike two’

your last strike nearly costed the catcher his hand, the force of the ball so strong that he felt it through the glove.

‘strike three’

“strike three! out!”

both connie and the umpire were in sync as the pitcher moved from his place. connie wasn’t paying the game any mind anymore, his anger at its highest peak as he watched the bastard bring his lips to your ear, whispering things to you with a smirk on his face as your eyes widened.

‘you’re out’

baseball player!connie who didn’t even let you explain that the man in the stands was a friend you invited from class before taking you home and having you face down in the sheets of your shared bed.

“got me fucked up furreal” he grumbled, his big hand colliding with your ass three times as connie deepened his thrusts. your cries and begs were muffled into the sheets, his other hand squeezing the back of your neck as he pushed your face down into the silk fabric. “got me staring into the stands every ten seconds cause you think it’s okay t’be all buddy buddy wit men ion know. tch….cuero grande mami” (such a slut)

you tried to move your hand towards his abdomen to soothe him, but connie roughly rejected you. slapping your small hand away before spanking you again. “don’t touch me. youn get t’touch me when you be letting randoms do it so easily” you cried loudly, your tears soaking the sheets under you as you tried your best to pull your wet face from the cushion so you can speak. “papiiiiii! s’not l-like that, p-promiseeee!” your beg fell on deaf ears as connie flattened his free hand on your back, pushing your stomach to the mattress as he fed you every last inch of his dick at a breathtaking speed. “uhh huhhhh. s’not like you was letting some lambón (ass kisser) be all in your face, right? not like you was letting him touch your phone and whisper shit in your ear, right mami?”

now that he put it that way you did look a little guilty, but you and the guy were strictly friends and you were determined to let your boyfriend know that. “i love youuu! o-only you daddy i swear” connie knew you’d never cheat on him, the love the two of you carried too strong for either of you to even think of being with someone else, but he couldn’t stop himself from becoming this jealous, possessive lover as his fame began to grow. when more people recognized him the more they began to recognize you as well. your pretty face and kind personality driving many men crazy to the point where connie had to keep a a close eye on your choice of “friends”. your easily gained trust making you prone to getting tricked into being friends with a man that only wants one thing from you.

connie knew for sure that was the case when it came to the man he saw today, his wandering eyes and lingering touches giving him away completely to your boyfriend, but you were naive, too innocent to understand that this man wanted only one thing from you. just thinking about it brought connie’s anger back up to a ten, his hips slamming into you as he lifted your back to his chest with one hand. “how yall meet, huh? he came up t’you after class didn’t he?” you nodded your head, earning you a hard slap on your clit from connie’s rough fingers. “que mama? respóndeme la pregunta” (what mama? answer the question) his hand snaked around your throat, giving it a tight squeeze to let you know he wasn’t playing, but you could already tell he wasn’t given the situation you were in right now.

“y-yes, he came up t’me after class” connie nodded as you spoke, already knowing he was correct. “and being the kind little lady you are, you invited him t’come sit wit you at my game, correct?” you replied wit a small “yes” coaxing him to continue. “and f’course he came, probably asked for your instagram on your phone so he could follow himself, said y’all should take a lil selfie to save the moment and begged you t’post it and tag him, right?” your eyes widened at how spot on your boyfriend was, his thrusts doubling in power as he listened to you agree to everything he said. “but you a my good girl so i know you ain’t post it, but he ain’t let it go did he? nahhh…he leaned down and whispered in your ear some stupid pickup line that made your eyes widen, and since you rejected him i know for a fact he ain’t follow you back, and he doesn’t plan on talking t’you ever again”

you couldn’t stop the little whine from escaping your throat as you listened to the wise words of your boyfriend. “m’sorry p-papi i didn’t knowwww” connie quickly shushed you, leaving light kisses on your wet cheeks as he pushed you back down towards the bed. he laid both of his hands flat on your back before pushing your arch so deep you almost screamed.

“you too nice mami i been tellin you this, but it’s coo tho. papi gon make sure you understand by the end of the night.”

baseball player!connie who spent an entire night fucking his lesson into your poor little pussy, making sure his sweet girlfriend didn’t fall victim to the bad, clout chasing, drama filled people you’d encounter everyday at college.

#connie smut #aot connie x black reader #connie x black!reader #connie x black reader #aot connie x black!reader #aot connie x black y/n #connie x black y/n #aot connie springer smut #aot connie springer x black reader #connie springer x black y/n #connie springer x black!reader #connie springer x black reader #connie springer smut

[chrollohearttags]

reverb • chapter eleven

synopsis: eren and (y/n) finally meet again after weeks apart, only to find themselves engaged in a weekend full of passionate love making. In the midst of their steamy rendezvous, EJ poses a question that not only leaves the shocked (y/n) stunned but himself as well..asking if she’d like to go out with him. Not certain of how things will pan out if they decide to date, (y/n) is hesitant but then recalls a conversation she’d had with her uncle just days prior. What will her answer be? Meanwhile, the aftermath of Armin’s annual party is revealed when he and Niesha’s game of cat and mouse comes to a boiling head. Things only get worse when his affluent, billionaire parents invite him to dinner to discuss an important family matter. The carefree playboy is given news that will force him to make the hardest decision he’ll ever have to face.

word count: 9.5K

content + themes: sexual themes, fluff, romance, mentions of tarot, spirituality and light work, violence, mentions of gang activity and guns, drug mentions, bits of angst, more flashbacks of (y/n)’s past, mentions of abuse, comedy + humor, crack, drama, choking but it turns sexual idk how to describe it, sorry, toxic, TOXIC behaviors I do not condone, angsty at the end

“Whatever choice you make, son. I support and always be proud..I won’t be upset with you no matter what but just make sure that it’s one you can live with.”

📝: thank you guys so much for sticking around and supporting this story! I’m so happy when you guys send thoughtful comments and feedback, asks, etc. it makes my entire day and gives me so much motivation. I know y’all are probably sick of the cliffhangers but trust, there’s a reason! 😭 anyways, I hope you like the story. Reblogs, comments, etc are very appreciated!! Also, I like to make the reader’s backstory as vivid as possible. Although you may not resonate with it personally, it is important to the story itself. So keep that in mind when reading, please.

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“Wh-what?..wait, EJ..what are you saying?”

“..Thought I made myself pretty clear..I want to go on a date with you. Do this right..”

in that moment, time felt as if it were standing completely still..nothing about this entire ordeal felt like reality right now. There was no way that not only had you spent hours entangled in the sheets with EJ the Don, exchanging kisses, sweat and every other bodily fluid possible. There was no way you were in this famous rapper’s house, let alone his bed..and there was certainly no way in hell that he had just asked you out mid-orgasm..certainly you had to be dreaming! But alas, here you were with your bodies melded together as one. Those jade colored eyes beaming down at you with the most serene of energy. In a way, his words brought you comfort..peace. Normally, guys would try and pressure you into situations that you weren’t ready for. Using sex as a clever segway into whatever their true goal was. But that wasn’t the case with him. Truth be told, he didn’t have to lie to get what he wanted..he was honest to a fault and maybe that was one of his biggest flaws. He couldn’t be deceitful and that oftentimes led to him hurting people’s feelings. His little spat with Mikasa was a prime example..had he exercised a bit of restraint, maybe the situation wouldn’t have blown up the way it had. With you, he was hoping to have the opposite effect. If he wanted you gone, you would’ve been ass naked in the back of an Uber before the sun came up. He was the last man who had to lie his way into some pussy so obviously, he was coming from a place of sincerity. Pushing gently at his chest, (Y/N) shifted your head to the side, thinking that if you did not look at him directly, those pangs of butterflies wouldn’t come rushing through your stomach. Instead, you were met with the soft grasp of his fingers underneath your chin. “Or not..” pausing to collapse next to you. Not only for a breather but because he felt as though he had set something wrong. Maybe he was being a little too forward and persistent. Or maybe he was a damn fool and this whole school kid, whirlwind crush was unrequited. But little did he know, you felt the exact same! Hell, maybe even stronger..it had been forever since you’d look at anyone the way you did him. And so what if it had only been two months since you guys knew each other? You’d heard that age old cliche ‘love at first sight’ more than you could count. Even if it wasn’t quite to that stage yet, you knew it was far stronger than just sex. You both had set it in your minds, unbeknownst to the other..that if you fucked one more time and those feelings didn’t remain, then you’d call it quits. But as you suspected..you were head over heels. Even when you finally managed to get some rest after the long night, you were dreaming of him. It was crazy! It honestly brought you back to a conversation you had just a few days prior…

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flashback• five days ago: Wisteria Gardens Apartments • southside

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The warm Florida sun peering down over the coast of Miami Beach, waves crashing subtly against sandy shores as patrons splashed through the cool waters and children built grainy castles. The picturesque view is the ideal representation of the bustling city. But lying within its intricate roadways and landscapes was an entirely different viewpoint. One far less appealing and inviting. Only those familiar with the areas would dare travel there..for them, ironically..it was home. The only place they felt welcomed. The projects. The ghetto..where many of Miami’ elites got their start and oftentimes dubbed their stomping grounds. Including upcoming stars, (Y/N) (L/N) and Niesha Daniels. Residents of Opa Locka’s infamous 8th Street. Where drug dealers and sex workers roamed frequently. Where those who only knew of violence and criminal activity thrived..but for you? It always brought forth a sense of nostalgia. The strange thing was, you weren’t too far removed from the dire situation you grew up in but it felt unreal going from rubbing elbows with rockstars to now driving through your old hood with Dior shades on your eyes. You remember the nights that you and your granny would hear gunshots from down the street; getting word that one of her friends’ grandsons or nephews had been involved in gang activity. Or the more joyful memories of you and Niesha walking to the corner store on Friday nights. Dressed just like the girls who were dubbed ‘hoochies’ back in the day but sporting your sew ins, micros, long acrylics and gold earrings proudly. The smell of fresh fish frying and BBQ plates outside of the gas station while crowds chatted and danced. Dope boys stationed in the parking lot with the doors of their Chevy Impalas swung wide open, blasting Jeezy and Ross as you both walked by. Being cat called by men old enough to be your fathers as they shot dice in front of the store doorway. It was a very different life from the one you both lived now. Hence why you were back..hoping to gain some clarity from the one person you had been dreading to see since returning home. Navigating your new rose gold Mercedes G Wagon into the parking lot of the Wisteria Gardens Apartments, you pulled into an empty space, promptly killing the engine afterwards. On the opposite side of the large complex sat a duplex, tucked off in the corner. Luckily, that was your destination so you wouldn’t be spotted. Neither would your vehicle. Stepping out in high-top brown and pink Dunks, biker shorts showing off your small leg tattoo and a Balenciaga sweatshirt. The 613 balayage flowed down your back and tied into a ponytail..(y/n) tossed the small crossbody over your shoulder and headed up to the front door on the left side, where you left two small knocks. It was then that you were greeted by the sound of serene music and bells playing. You’d push the door once more to realize that it was not only unlocked but slightly ajar. If it told you anything, it was that the man inside was hard at work and awaiting you. “Unc? Uncle Bam..you home?” Silence.

That was until you heard the deep tone of a male answer you back.

“About time you showed up, honey..” turning around, you were greeted with the calming aura and deep set eyes of a tall, darker skinned male with a muscular build and neatly styled dreads. Around his neck hung an Eye of Horus pendant and crystals. It was him..

“Unc!”

“Welcome home, baby girl. It’s been so long.”

akin to that of a little child, you leapt into his arms and beamed with joy! It had been roughly two years since you’d last been to his home. Travel and work had kept you so busy, you never had time. He was the only living family member that you had any sort of contact with from either side. Much like the many estranged ones, your uncle Benny, affectionately known as Bam around the area had grown up into a life of crime and as they always say with trouble, it’s easy to get in and even harder to get out of. He had spent his younger years in and out of prison before landing himself in there for fifteen years after beating the abuser of one of his closest friends nearly to death. He was a good man with a kind soul.

During his incarceration, he delved deep into spirituality. More so tarot and lightwork. An innate gift he knew he had possessed since childhood. He decided that once he got out, he’d walk the straight and narrow from then on out. Now a free man, he spends his days honing his craft here at his home; doing detailed readings, cleanses and spell work. As quiet as it was kept, he was the sole reason you were where you were right now. Shortly after the death of your grandmother, you were left alone. Your mom and her only daughter didn’t even bother to show up to the funeral and once she did show her face, she caused a scene. Only coming around in hopes of claiming some inheritance so she could promptly go shoot it up in a back alley somewhere. Then there was your father, sitting idly in Florida State Prison, serving life after he committed the ultimate sin. Needless to say, you wanted no parts of either of them anyways.

But you needed someone and luckily, your uncle had gotten to a far better place since finishing out his stint. He was living in a very nice duplex home with his long time partner, Kelvin. Who was equally as kind and loving as he was. Without question, he allowed you to stay in the other half without paying a dime for as long as you pleased. The two had come upon some serious money from their old ventures and decided to invest their funds. Restoring old apartment complexes that had been previously overrun by gang members and providing low income housing to the residents. Sometimes even waiving rent payments altogether for those in need. Essentially investing back into the community they called home. He truly was your idol..especially since it was him who introduced you to pole as a means of stress relief and self expression. Soon, that hobby turned into untapped talent that he felt needed to be shared. So one day, you began sharing the videos to your bare Instagram feed, quickly accruing a large following. One thing led to another and now, you were performing on stages larger than life. Without him, there would be no Pole Assassins or (influencer name).

“I know..that’s kinda my fault. I’m sorry..been busy. Thank you for the biscuits by the way. They were so good.”

“Don’t worry ‘bout it, chile. I know how much you used to love those things. Miss (grandma’s name) used to make them for me all the time. Besides, I know them folks been keeping you on your toesss. But get that money. I ain’t mad at you.”

uttering the sentiment in a rather feminine and expressive tone, waving his hand fan to feign off any smoke. Candles burned from the corners, along with pungent incense. It looked as if he were just in the middle of charging some crystals when you came in. But it was rather perfect timing..as he had predicted, you’d be making your way over. So he was prepared!

“Gone take a seat, honey. I’ll get you some tea.” feeling just as cozy as you did years ago, you’d plop down in one of the plush, throne like chairs and wait for him to join you. Whilst he was pouring up a batch of his famous iced tea, you scoured the various decks of cards and oracles with your eyes. Fascinated by this unknown world, you could only imagine what this visit would entail. “So..tell me how the life of the rich and famous has been treating my dear niece..how’s Beyonce and ‘nem?” sending you into a fit of laughter. He was such a card sometimes, always saying the first thing that comes to mind. “Ooh..now Unc, you know I’m far from that but..we're working on it. It’s been good though..can’t complain..” Just then, a wave of sudden sadness overtook you and you’d recall crying this morning. And almost instantly, he’d pick up on it.

“But?..”

“But what?..”

A question you and he both already knew the fateful answer to. You were severely depressed; a hole you couldn’t seem to come out of. No matter how many accolades, accomplishments and even happy moments you accrued. It all felt meaningless..you still didn’t have the two things you so desperately sought after. And if anyone knew that, it was him.

“You still feel like you haven’t done enough. Or rather..something’s missing.” You knew he’d read you like a book but if you knew that, you’d also know that he was far from done with his investigation. Finally working his way back to the table, he’d hand you the glass and take a seat before you. The two oracle decks you were previously looking over, he’d pick up and shuffle through. He was full and aware of how to help ease your worry and hopefully clear up some of your pressing questions. He had done it so many times before..it had been so long since you’d had one of his signature readings. Uncle Bam’s predictions were almost always spot on so if you could trust someone’s intuition, even when it wasn’t your own, you could trust him. “Don’t worry,, we gon’ help you out. Take a couple breaths for me while I get these shuffled.” Without hesitation, you did so. Inhaling slowly and exhaling all the same with your eyes closed. This was always done to help center yourself before a reading; bringing you closer to the universe and to help you realize what it is you need to hear.

slowly but surely, he’d begin to dish out cards. Akin to that of a black jack dealer, they’d fly onto the table face down and soon after, he’d flip them over. Taking a moment to mull over them, he’d place his finger to his chin and release a deep sigh. The look on his face had you concerned for a moment..as if he were contemplating something serious. Perhaps, you were in worse shape than you thought.

“..there’s something you’ve been feeling conflicted about. Somebody rather. You’re scared..” the words drawing a look of concern and a slight gasp from between your lips. What exactly did he mean?

“These feelings..they’re strong. You feel so deeply for this person and you don’t want to because you’re afraid of getting hurt. Afraid that they won’t feel the same. It’s like you keep telling yourself, ‘it’s too soon..’ You also feel like if you pursue this one thing, then you failed at everything else. I’m seeing..flowers of some kind. Purple. Some flower that meant a lot to you. Maybe you saw something today that brought back intense memories for you. Maybe they even made you cry..”

as he was spouting off his visions, you’d feel a slight lump form in the back of your throat. It was heavy and hard to swallow. Afraid that if you did, you’d burst into tears right then and there. You hadn’t uttered a word to Uncle Bam about your situation and you knew no one else could have either. Not about your granny’s house, about Eren..nothing. Even Niesha, who was a notorious blabbermouth. He more than likely whisked right into your apartment with those biscuits and right out. As far as the flowers, he was spot on. The name of this place? Wisteria Gardens and ironically, it was the same plants that surrounded this complex. Much like the ones that used to grow in your grandma’s yard every year. Beautiful, lavender flowers that hung like bearing fruit. Seeing them again dredged up those memories of playing in the yard and picking them for her vases. It was just his innate sense of intuition. He truly was a master of his craft. Divinity was his true calling! He’d pull back for a moment and wipe his own eyes, reaching over for a burning stick, wrapped in twine and cloth. “Whew! Gon’ make me break the sage out in here..this is heavy, honey!..” breaking a bit of the tension and intense emotions up by making you laugh. “But let’s keep going..” he’d continue surveying the cards and shuffling through. Picking out the ones that resonated with him the most. Fortunately, there was some good in this reading so he’d gravitate towards that.

“..But I see you’ve also been feeling gracious. I’m seeing a lot of gratitude. You’re happy with how far you’ve come. There’s something you’ve had your eye on..maybe a new purse or some type of jewelry. Reward yourself, chile. You’ve earned it.” It was right then that he’d decide to place the cards down and remove his glasses, wiping up the remnants of his tears with a bit of laughter. That’s when he’d reach across the table to grasp your hands.

“(Y/N), sweetheart. You’re a wonderful young woman. Always have been..you got a good head on your shoulders. For as long as I could remember, you never gave your grandma trouble. You were smart, even when things were hard for you, you did everything you were supposed to and I’m so proud of you. It ain’t been easy for you and hell, you could’ve ended up just like me, your mama and your daddy but you didn’t..you’ve come such a long way..” It was then that the words began to spill out as did your tears because it had been so long since you’d heard someone tell you that they were proud of you.

“Thank you, Unc. I’ve been trying..I really have.”

But alas, that wasn’t all he had to say. There was one more tidbit of advice he had to give. Looking you dead in your eyes, he’d hold your hands.

“I know, baby. That’s why I’m telling you if you don't listen to anything else and I don’t need these cards to say it, it’s this..go live your life. You’ve been working since you were seventeen. Ain’t stopped since. Your granny would be so proud of you so go live. If this person is truly making you as happy as I can tell they are, go for it. Go find your peace, you’ve earned it.” and with that, you knew from that moment, what had to be done….

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So with this man now lying next to you, eyes averted to the covers because he was a little embarrassed, you’d hastily reach over and cup his face into another kiss before rolling over on top of him. “Stop looking like that.” immediately, he’d begin to flush red and try to form a sentence but you rendered him impossible with your tongue. Brushing your fingers through his hair and straddling him. Just a moment ago, you seemed completely uninterested and now, you were trying to go at it again. What changed?

“Of course I’d love to go out with you, EJ. Nothing would make me happier.” and you had just made him the happiest he had been in a while! Grabbing your waist, he’d break into an adorable cackle, just feeling so relieved that you hadn’t rejected him. “Thank goodness..” which brought you to a soft giggle in return. Which soon transformed into you full blown laughing. For the first time in a long time, you’d have a heartfelt laugh..

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing..I was just thinking about something.”

Flipping back over onto your side and running your finger down the perimeter of his chest, you’d place a gentle kiss along his cheek before coiling those smaller arms around his torso.

“So what exactly did the brilliant EJ have in mind for a first date?” causing the rapper to gulp in response because out of all his areas of expertise, romance wasn’t his strong suit. The fact that he had actually managed to bag your fine ass in the first place was an achievement in and of itself! Now, he was left with the task of ensuring that he kept you around..cradling his arm around you, he’d look down with a soft grin and place a kiss to your forehead. Trying his hardest to lay on the charm.

“Well, I was thinking maybe a nice dinner, a little walk on the beach..” but as his words trailed off, something told you that wasn't exactly his style. He seemed far too laid back for the luxurious, pompous date nights..but he was trying to be as chivalrous as possible. After all, it wouldn’t be the slightest bit polite to take a woman he had spent all night going raw in for burgers and fries on an official first date! Even so, you wanted him to be comfortable as well. Something you’d both enjoy. Not only that, if you wanted to do this right and not just be two people sleeping together without the slightest clue about the other..then it was important to just let go of the awkward jitters and ask outright what your interests were. No need in being shy after all that had happened. No need in being afraid..this was a safe space.

“Unless..there’s something else you wanted to do.” which prompted you to start giggling yet again. And this time, his little cheeks flustered red and he’d stare yet again, feeling embarrassed. Nobody had tripped EJ the Don up quite like you. Here he was stumbling over himself like a bumbling idiot and all of that confidence he had used to seduce you was flying out the window. Even so, you thought it was just the cutest thing ever. “Not at all. That actually sounds really nice but..I wanna know what it is you like to do. Not just what you think will impress me. In fact…” stopping amid your rant to run a finger down the center of his chest. “I wanna get to know the man behind all of that music. The real you..I mean, don’t get me wrong. I love me some EJ but..Eren? He seems a lot cooler and I can’t wait to meet him.” And for the first time in a long time, his heart would begin to flutter..beating out of his chest because no woman had ever asked him such a thing. Granted, he was putting them out before they could get too close but deep down, he knew they only wanted one thing and that was to use his namesake for a come up. They didn’t care about who he was outside of the chains, money and fame. He was a meal ticket and nothing more. And here you were, wanting to see him for who he truly was. To hell with waiting or being too soon, he had to make you his before somebody else came and snatched you up!

“We’re a little past favorite colors and TV shows, don’t you think?”

“No better time than the present, sweetheart. Maybe we can talk about it..after we get a shower.”

Which didn’t sound like too bad of an idea right now. The only question was what you were going to wear, seeing as how you arrived in nothing more than a bikini and had been wearing nothing but his sheets and body fluids since. But he’d figure something out. For now, you two of you could continue your ‘bonding’ under the warm waters of a shower head.

“Guess you’re right. Speaking of..what do you like for breakfast? I can have my assistant go get–”

“I was actually thinking I’d cook a little something. If you don’t mind. The restaurants on this side of town can’t make breakfast worth a damn. They crack an egg on the plate, smear some sauce around and charge a hundred dollars for it. No thanks..hope you like grits.”

that was all he needed to hear to be confident that he had made the right decision..you were everything he had been looking for in a woman!..grinning from ear to ear, Eren would roll to his side and hop up, gently tugging you up afterwards.

“Or do you northerners not know anything about that?”

“Give me some credit now. I’ve been living among you country bumpkins long enough to know about grits. And other things too.”

It felt good to know that neither of you had to put on a facade around one another. And with that, the witty banter and jokes ensued. Poking fun at one another like old friends.

“Oh, is that so? Like what?” questioning as the two of you walked towards the bathroom. It’s then that he’d lift up your arm and twirl you around to examine your backside, even leaving a light slap to watch it ripple. “I know that it didn't come from a doctor. That’s gotta be greens and cornbread. Got to be.” Shaking his head in pure awe at how thick you were. The one thing he loved about living in the south were the women..the girls who were homegrown and country fed. Long before he was surrounded by BBL bodies, he was blessed with the fortune of seeing the ladies that didn’t need a knife. The ones that had the kind of ass that would make somebody do a double take and clutch their chest. But even so, he’d send you into a fit of laughter, playfully slapping his chest.

“Get away from me. Play too damn much.”

“What?! I didn’t lie..matter of fact, lemme get a closer look.”

Playfully chasing you into the shower where the second bout of your morning would surely ensue. There wasn’t a single doubt that you two would have no problem adjusting into a relationship.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰───────✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰────

But unfortunately, the same couldn’t have been said for you guys’ best friends…the people both of you adored more than anything and the ones who had been seeing one another long before (y/n) and Eren even decided to hook up. Armin and Niesha weren’t exactly seeing eye to eye at the moment, which wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Seeing as how both of them truly only got along when they were fucking like rabid animals. Otherwise, it was a toxic game of cat and mouse. A test to see who could make the other jealous first. Posted up with this girl and hugging that dude. Childish antics if you’d ever seen any. Nonetheless, it worked for the chaotic pair. That was until last Friday at that yacht party, when it all came to a very explosive head.

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flashback: part two - miami port

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“So you gone sit and play in my face like that?! You gone lie and tell me you wasn’t with the bitch? Armin, who do you think I am?”

“And if I was..what exactly are you going to do about it? But since you asked, Niesha. I’ll tell you exactly who you are..an idiot. I mean, no offense, baby but you have to be out of your fucking mind to think that we were anything more than this. What? You thought because I brought you a couple purses, some jewelry that me and you would be together? Sweetheart, you are nothing more than some stress relief. Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’ll admit, the pussy was good..amazing even but I don’t plan on settling any time soon. Especially not with someone like you.”

words that stung like bees, ones that should have been cutting deep and sending her into hysterics..if it were anyone else! But it was just as (Y/N) had said:

“Haven’t met a dude she hadn’t left crying yet.”

and just as she had predicted, Armin was up next! Rather than bursting into tearful sobs and cries, he was met with cackles and hearty laughs. A tattooed hand and long acrylics covered her mouth as her head flew back. Eventually doubling over in laughter.

“What the fuck is so funny?” His nerves obviously rattled by how unbothered she was. He knew that Niesha was crazy and hell, that was half the excitement but damn, any other woman would have at least slapped and said she hated him. Here she was cackling like shit was sweet..just what was this girl’s problem?!

“You done? Like I said, Armin..who do you think I am? You can save them lil’ weak ass insults for a bitch with no self esteem. I said it before and I’ll say it again..’you not going nowhere. And neither am I..” standing ten toes down in her sentiment, even folding her legs and pretending to swipe over her long nails. Completely unfazed by anything he’d said before. However, Armin was a little stirred in his spirit. Always getting riled up when he was with Niesha. That was the effect she’d had on him since the first night they met. Heated arguments turned to fiery, passionate sex that was always better than the last. But tonight, he’d decided he had enough and was calling it quits for good. He had to..otherwise, he was going to lose his own damn mind!

“Oh..you thought I was mad about that lil’ brokedown girl you had in your Insta story. If you’re gone try to make me jealous, at least get a bitch with all her teeth. Have some class.” and it was then that he’d retort back, trying to defend himself. He had been pacing the floor of the master bedroom suite in the ship’s cabin, trying not to lose his cool but this girl was really testing his patience. She had the nerve to cheat when he had spent all of that money on her?! The nerve. What made her so special from all the rest of the girls that fell in love with him?

“Says the one fucking half of The Miami Heat. Don’t try to check me for some shit when you’re doing the same thing. I saw you with him, Niesha.”

“That’s right. While you were getting neck from ol’ gummy bear, I was getting my shit cracked. I’m not your bitch so what are you mad for? This free game.” And little was he aware of the can of worms that he had popped open.

“You know what your problem is? You’re entitled. You try to compensate with all these lil’ hoes because you’re really a loser, baby. You think they’ll actually fuck with you if you ain’t have the bread you did? C’mon now. Flexing mommy and daddy’s money ‘cause you would’ve never made it otherwise. Went and got you a chain, some tattoos and started showing your ass. But the real Armin? Ain’t nothing but a square ass ‘lil nigga looking for approval because his parents never gave it to him. You are so used to everybody kissing your ass because you throw a lil’ change in their face. But I’m not one of them. Ion care about you or your money. That bag? I already had two. Your lil’ necklace? I gave that shit away. We wouldn’t be together..you right..community dick is good for one thing and that’s never being seen in public with it. Matter of fact, I think Connie and Ony are here tonight. Might go see what their fine asses are hitting for. I need a real man.”

Suddenly, she’d stand to her feet and begin making the trek towards the door. As if nothing had happened but Armin was not about to let that happen. “Shit, if my sister hadn’t got to him first, maybe I would’ve fucked EJ too. Heard that dick was hitting—” suddenly, any bit of restraint and level headedness he may have had..went straight out of the window. Before she could walk out, Armin would grab her arm and force her against the wall. “Watch your fucking, Niesha.” Causing her to start cackling yet again. It was as if nothing phased this woman. His words may have meant nothing but hers hurt like a bitch! Insulting him, playing on his insecurities and then proudly admitting that she’d fuck his best friends?! She’d gone too far! He had gotten so worked up, he’d hadn’t even realized that his hand was latched around her throat. Immediately freezing because he’d never in his life hurt a woman and if she brought him to that point, then she had to go but before he could take it away..the look in Niesha’s eyes told a different story..one that thoroughly enjoyed the sensation of his hands around her neck and even signified it by biting her lip; sucking her teeth in a lecherous manner. This toxicity truly got her excited!

“Mmm…now I like that shit.” Getting visibly aroused at the vice grip he had on her. Even prompting him to squeeze tighter because it’d get her wetter. All Armin could do was laugh because once again, she had worn him down and pulled him right back into her trap.

“You’re a crazy bitch, you know that?..or maybe I’m the crazy one for fucking with you..”

Just then, he’d feel his thumb between her plump lips, being suckled on and her deep set, dark, siren like eyes laser focused on him and his biggest weakness..that sweet little voice that she always drew him in with.

“Maybe..but..” and before she could complete the sentence, he’d have her up against the dresser, legs spread and her thong pushed to the side. “You’re right, I’m not going anywhere. And you’re sure as hell not. This pussy belongs to me, act like you remember.” This time, tugging her by her hair with the same force; proof that he was done playing games with her. He was going to show her what a real man was alright! “Now put that fucking phone down..” That slight grimace in his voice sent to her spine and her sensitive spot. She loved seeing him like this. Hence why she got his ass in an uproar in the first place. She wanted to get him as angry as possible to get him to take his frustration out on her. “Mm..whatever you say...”

Because in the end, she always got her way. And Armin? He’d finally met his match!

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰───────✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰────

Hence why, at the moment, he was headed into the Nobu, one of Miami’s premier eateries. Notorious for feeding some of the city’s most elite. Tonight, they’d be hosting the Artlerts..the leaders of a multi billion dollar conglomerate, earning their fortune in oil and technology..stemming back from the early nineteen hundreds. Needless to say, they were descendants of old money and Armin, was a direct beneficiary and byproduct of such wealth and he certainly took advantage of it. However, his parents had contacted him earlier in the week to inform him that they’d be flying into town and that there was important business that they needed to discuss with him. What exactly they had to discuss was a mystery..however, all would soon be revealed. Dressed in one of his several designer ensembles; an all black Armani suit..turtleneck tucked into his slacks with a matching belt buckle. Covering the plethora of tattoos that littered his body. Silver rings adorning his fingers and a matching necklace. Coordinated and fitting just right..the potent aroma of Tom Ford cologne radiating from his body..he truly looked like a million bucks. But unfortunately, his mood didn’t exactly match his current physical shape. Being with family should have been a monumental occasion. Marked with laughs, good times and love. And for the bright eyed, young producer..it was in his earlier years. As the only child to wealthy entrepreneurs and presumably, the heir to a massive fortune, they poured every ounce of adoration, care and their limitless resources into ensuring that Armin had the best upbringing possible. Private schools, tutors, a fully funded college education, and the best things that life had to offer. Which paid off..Armin excelled in every aspect of his life. Top tier grades; which earned him a steady four point six average until he graduated college with a degree in marine biology. He played baseball, basketball and rugby, an aficionado in all three and was even his university’s point guard up until junior year. Needless to say, he was his parents’ pride and joy. But it seemed as of late, that satisfaction seemed to have dissipated a bit. The Artlerts had high expectations for their child. Naturally, they supported anything that he wanted to explore and backed him one hundred percent..however, they weren’t betting on any of those ventures including making music. Less known, in the hip-hop industry. Granted, they had no qualms about it. If that’s what made him happy and he put his entire focus into it, then it was all that they could ask of their son.

That just wasn’t the case for Armin though. As successful and bright as he was, he was equally as reckless and rambunctious. Drinking, partying and laying up with various girls. Although he kept his parents out of the loop, it didn’t take long before word of his antics made it back to them via their inside sources who kept tabs on him and it was safe to say that they were not happy.

Hence why he was so nervous to meet with them tonight..the shame and embarrassment that was beginning to set in. He knew that his family would either scold him until they were red in the face or just give him a lecture of pure disappointment. Either way, he wasn’t much in the way of hearing it. Regardless, he’d traipse into the lofty establishment, hands tucked into the pockets of his suit as the hostess greeted him. Having quite the reputation and prestige, she informed him that his party was waiting and saw him to his table immediately. Glass chandeliers hung from the ceilings and cerulean lighting illuminated the dimmed dining area. Tables and booths lined with silky white cloths and perfectly folded napkins, seated next to polished silverware. Wine glasses filled with crystalline water and patrons, unmistakable members of the upper echelons chatted among their peers about finances, private trips and shopping sprees. It all felt so suffocating!

“Armin, darling! So glad you made it..”

Suddenly, a middle aged woman with honey blonde tufts, styled into loose curls, deep blue eyes and a pink satin gown with fur doused across her shoulders arose from her seat to drape her arms around him. The exorbitant pearls hanging from her neck and the Elizabeth Taylor perfume surrounded Armin like a warm embrace.

“Mom! It’s so good to see you.” grinning from ear to ear. No matter how old he grew or the amount of time that passed, he’d forever be his mom’s baby. Or as she could so affectionately dub him, her “pumpkin pie.” Because he was so sweet as a child. Seated next to her, was a man with a lighter variation of the hair color and features, with the exception of stubble and slightly thicker brows. His voice rang out with a stronger vibrato as he greeted his child. “Good to see you, son.” “Dad..good to see you too..” Reaching over to extend his arms for a hug. The tension had somewhat subsided from Armin’s body..seeing his folks again. At the end of the day, he was their baby regardless of what he did. “Please, have a seat.”

however, the news they came to deliver was going to do little to make him feel settled once revealed. Pulling his chair out, Armin would do as his mom instructed, taking a swig of water afterwards. “So..how’ve you been, Armin?” His mother made the first inquisition. Out of genuine concern and to break the proverbial ice. It always was easier for him to open up around her. He’d go on to tell them that he had been doing fine and that he was set to go on tour soon with his boys. They were working on some big projects and he was doing fine. Completely omitting the fact that his promiscuous, womanizing ways had caught up to him recently. Granted, he wasn’t going to let Niesha or her nonsense take him off of his true course but he couldn’t continue on playing these games..it was fun but it was also taxing. Even so, he couldn’t stay away from her. That’s how addictive it was. His mom seemed to be pleased by the update..her son in good health and spirits was all that she could ask for. Even if she didn’t exactly understand Armin’s career choice or even agree with it at times, it made her smile knowing that her son was happy..seeing him beam with excitement as he talked about working with these amazing artists and the upcoming festival his label was putting together. He also mentioned getting to work with the Pole Assassins and how they were bringing something new and innovative to the industry. His mother would grin and giggle, listening and even asking pertinent questions, ones that he was happy to answer. It took his mind away from all the other things and possibilities that could have been coming with this conversation. “Oh sweetie..I’m so proud of you. It sounds like you’re having a wonderful time.” She’d hoist her glass with a cheery expression and take a sip to commemorate his success. That’s when he’d glance over to his father, who shared a similar expression, faintly grinning and nodding.

“I have to agree. It’s good to see you doing something you love, son. Very proud of you.” His father would nurse his champagne once more before setting his glass back to the crisp tablecloth. Regardless of how he felt, his parents had never put this immense pressure on him or made him feel inadequate for his choices. Many of his peers who had also come from esteemed backgrounds were constantly under the scrutiny of their guardians. They were working in prestigious, lucrative fields, making endless amounts of wealth and doing great things. And still didn’t have their family’s respect. Armin was truly fortunate. Even so, it didn’t stop them from worrying. It didn’t stop them from being afraid that one day, the entertaining lifestyle would catch up with him. They weren’t blind or stupid..not by a long shot. They knew their son partook in all of the things that his and his friends lyrics’ entailed. “So..are you seeing anyone? Is there a lucky girl in your life?” His dad, who had always teased him, knew how flustered he became, mainly because despite his playboy appearance now..his son was the most adorable nerd in his former life! “Ah-well..you know. I’m just kinda..keeping my options open.” Part of him was ashamed and another half was nervous. Ashamed that he couldn’t present his folks with a suitable young lady. That he hadn’t brought a date to any of their meetings..he was aware that they wanted him to get married, start a family but he just wasn’t ready to commit to that yet. He wanted to have fun, mess around and more so..have his fill! He didn’t want just one lady. It wasn’t his style..on the other hand, he was nervous..nervous because he could no longer deny the feelings he had for that insane woman. Regardless of how batshit crazy Niesha drove him, she’d had her claws sunk into his skin deep and he didn’t want anyone else but her.

Even at his party, after fighting with her and everything, he made love to her as if he were hoping to make her stay and although she was just saying the most evil things..she told him she loved him. Crying it into his ear as she held him close. He’d been with a couple girls here and there but all he could think about was where she was..was she thinking of him too? He was nervous because if he could no longer fight his urges, would he be able to bring her home? Would they accept her?…would they still be proud of their baby boy? She came from an entirely different world than him. One he loved being a part of. She was wild, rambunctious and unfortunately, couldn’t flip a switch the way he did. Maybe that’s why he was so obsessed with her ass! She lived in her truth twenty four seven. There was no faking with her..and ironically, he admired that. And despite what she said, she actually gave a damn about him..unlike the others. She was honest, she made him care about himself and didn’t allow him to stay in bad places too long. It was crazy..

“Well I’m sure the right girl will come along soon..” “..yeah, unless you just have no game.” His father uttered with a sly look, making Armin scoff and laugh as he took another sip. “You wish, old man. I have many problems but that’s not one.” He always enjoyed when he and his dad would banter back and forth. It reminded Armin that he was human and not this billionaire machine, who only focused on amassing profit. “Alright, this old dog could teach you some tricks. All you have to do is ask.” The three would laugh, joke and have a wonderful time. “Oh please, don’t let him fool you. He was a scared wreck when he asked me on our first date. His friends had to deliver his love letter during class because he was so nervous. Adorable, really.” “It was called delegating tasks. I just knew you’d say yes.” "You're so full of it.."

He was truly enjoying this time and feeling back to himself. He felt as if he could truly be honest and open with them. More so than when he was younger..they weren’t inherently strict but they kept him on a tight leash so that he didn’t wind up like some of his other classmates; taking Adderall and Xans during ski trips or family gatherings. He was the one and only heir to the Artlert Industries fortune. Hence why once their meals were brought out, they’d pose another question..

“Hope you don’t mind, we ordered for you since we had no idea when you’d arrive. Your favorite.” And they were spot on. Linguine with spinach and lobster. “Not at all..thank you.” As he took the first bite of his dish, that’s when Mr. Artlert would look directly up at his son..

“Armin..do you like making music? Is this something you enjoy?..”

The question came as a bit of a shock, honestly. Truth be told, he hadn’t thought about that in depth. Armin first began delving into music as an adolescent..he sang in the church choir as a young kid and was gifted his first instrument when he was twelve years old. It was the core link that bonded him and EJ together so for him, it was essentially something that changed his life. He honestly had never thought about doing anything else..

“Of course..I wouldn’t if I didn’t. Why do you ask?” but it was more than just genuine curiosity and sudden interest in his son’s career that had the Artlert matriarch inquiring. There was an entirely different reason other than quality time that had prompted this dinner as well. Truth was, the Artlerts had been keeping a rather worrisome secret from their son and was contemplating when would be the appropriate time to divulge. Now was as good as any..might as well rip the bandage off and come clean. Clearing his throat, Mr. Artlert would take a swig of his wine before proceeding.

“Armin..your mom and I..we..”

At that moment, his stomach began to sink to its lowest pit and he’d begin to form a hard lump in his throat. What exactly did they have to tell him? Why were they stalling?!..Just then, his cerulean eyes began to dilate twice their size and even well up a bit. Were they getting a divorce? Did something happen to the company? He wished that they’d say something! But he’d wait no further because his mom would grasp a nearby handkerchief and press it to her face to conceal her inevitable tears. “Mom..what’s wrong? Please!..tell me.” his parents were his entire world and he couldn’t imagine anything causing them grief. But soon, he’d join in on the heavy feelings when his dad confessed something that he wasn’t expecting.

“Son..I went to the doctor last week and he informed me that they found something. A tumor..” the words seemed to have frozen time in its very tracks and shook the young producer to his core. He couldn’t believe it. “A-a tumor? Wait..are you?--” no! He couldn’t even say it! He couldn’t even fathom such a horrendous thought. Clutching his glass, Armin’s hands began to tremble and his breathing was labored. How could they keep such a secret?! How could they not tell him sooner?..the thought of something happening to the man that he so desperately admired and looked up to was terrifying.. he was scared to pry any further. Almost becoming childlike but just as he had done during his upbringing, Armin’s father would ease his mind.

“Fortunately..they did catch it in time so before it becomes too far malignant but the next couple months on my treatment will be crucial. I’m doing everything I can to ensure that I won’t become ill. I’ve hired the best team of doctors and I’m currently on sabbatical from the company. My board of advisors have already made proper arrangements as well. I’ve taken all precautions.”

It was a relief, truly. Although he wasn’t out of the woods yet, he still had a fighting chance and that was more than enough for Armin. However, it wasn’t the only reason for his disclosure. He had an ultimatum of sorts for his son.

“Armin..you are the one and sole heir to the family business. Once I’m no longer around, you will be the one to step in. How you choose to proceed is your choice entirely–” “Don’t talk like that..don’t talk like you’ve already given up.”

He couldn’t stand it and although he assured him things would be fine, he couldn’t believe that until he had an official clean bill of health and stopped speaking as if he knew something Armin didn’t. But this was a pivotal moment..one where Armin would have to, for once in his life..make a hard decision. One that would require sacrifice..

"I'm going to fight as hard as I can, you have my word. I won't let something like this get me. But I have to know that you'll work just as hard to ensure your future. You've always been a bright young man and I trust that you'll continue to do what's best for you.."

it didn't take a rocket scientist to get what exactly he was implying. How far could music truly take him? Was it sustainable?...he wasn't sure. He wasn't sure how to process any of this but what he did know was that this wasn't going to be an easy road and he had a lot to contemplate from here on out.

"I'd be lying if I said that I am a fan of what you do. Can’t stand it. The music..the partying, all of it is not what I envisioned for you. Sometimes makes your mother and I feel as though we failed." Quite brutal but he could only speak from his heart. Tough love was sometimes necessary, even at the expense of his feelings. But there was one thing that he wanted his son to know above all else:

" That said..I love you, son. We both do..“Whatever choice you make, I support and always be proud..I won’t be upset with you no matter what but just make sure that it’s one you can live with.”

and something told him that his time to decide was running out..

── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.─── ── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :

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[mariacallous]

In the wake of Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israel this weekend—and the Israeli military’s response—journalists, researchers, open source intelligence (OSINT) experts, and fact-checkers rushed to verify the deluge of raw video footage and images being shared online by people on the ground. But users of X (formerly Twitter) seeking information on the conflict faced a flood of disinformation.

While all major world events are now accompanied almost instantly by a deluge of disinformation aimed at controlling the narrative, the scale and speed at which disinformation was being seeded about the Israel-Hamas conflict is unprecedented—particularly on X.

“For many reasons, this is the hardest time I’ve ever had covering a crisis on here,” Justin Peden, an OSINT researcher from Alabama known online as the Intel Crab, posted on X. “Credible links are now photos. On the ground news outlets struggle to reach audiences without an expensive blue check mark. Xenophobic goons are boosted by the platform’s CEO. End times, folks.”

When Peden covered the escalation in Gaza in 2021, the sources he was seeing in his feed were from people on the ground or credible news agencies. This weekend, he says, verified content or primary sources were virtually impossible to find on X.

“It’s getting incredibly hard to find people that actually live in Palestine or in southern Israel,” Peden tells WIRED. “It’s been incredibly hard to find their preliminary information and share their videos and photos. You have this perfect storm where on the ground, preliminary sources are not being amplified, especially those that maybe don’t speak English, which is a large majority of users in that area.”

Boosted by the algorithm that promotes users willing to pay X $8 a month for a premium subscription, posts from those with a blue checkmark shot to the top of news feeds for people seeking information about the conflict.

Rather than being shown verified and fact-checked information, X users were presented with video game footage passed off as footage of a Hamas attack and images of firework celebrations in Algeria presented as Israeli strikes on Hamas. There were faked pictures of soccer superstar Ronaldo holding the Palestinian flag, while a three-year-old video from the Syrian civil war repurposed to look like it was taken this weekend.

As a result, Peden says that he and his fellow OSINT researchers have to spend their time debunking years-old content rather than verifying and sharing real footage from the conflict.

Many of these videos and images racked up hundreds of thousands of views and engagements. While some later featured a note from X’s decimated community fact-checking system, many more remained untouched. And as Elon Musk has repeatedly done in recent incidents, the platform’s CEO made the situation much worse.

“For following the war in real-time, @WarMonitors & @sentdefender are good,” Musk wrote in a post to his 150 million followers on Sunday morning. Both the accounts Musk referenced are well-known spreaders of disinformation. For example, both accounts spread the lie that there had been an explosion near the White House in May, a story that made the US stock market briefly plummet before it was debunked.

Many users also pointed out that the @WarMonitors account had a history of posting antisemitic comments on X. Last year, the account replied to a post from Ye (formerly Kanye West) thanking the rapper and adding: “The overwhelming majority of people in the media and banks are zi0nists” while telling another X user in June to “go worship a jew lil bro.”

Musk deleted his recommendation soon after posting it, but not before it was viewed over 11 million times. Later on Sunday, Musk wrote: “As always, please try to stay as close to the truth as possible, even for stuff you don’t like.”

Experts believe that the proliferation of disinformation on X around the Israel-Hamas conflict this weekend is largely the result of changes Musk has made to the platform over the past year, including his decision to fire most of the people responsible for tackling disinformation.

“Elon Musk’s changes to the platform work entirely to the benefit of terrorists and war propagandists,” Emerson Brooking, a researcher at the Atlantic Council Digital Forensics Research Lab, tells WIRED. “Changes in profit and incentive structure mean that there’s a lot more tendency for people to share at high volume information which may not be true because they are trying to maximize view counts. Anyone can buy one of those little blue checks and change their profile picture to something that’s seemingly a media outlet. It takes quite a bit of work to vet who’s telling the truth and who’s not.”

X, which eliminated its entire PR team last year, responded to WIRED’s request for comment on the proliferation of disinformation on its platform with the automated message: “Busy now, please check back later.”

Peden says the Twitter algorithm has been designed to boost content that gets the most engagement, which incentivizes bad actors to share disinformation.

“The videos and images that you’re seeing of air strikes, they’re very prolific,” Peden says. “They’re very hard-hitting, and unfortunately that means engagement does incredibly, incredibly well. These images are horrible and dramatic, and they perform well. So there is an incentive by others, especially those trying to push a narrative to share an old video from years ago, just because people love looking at the stuff.”

In an echo of what happened when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, much of the primary footage emerging from the Israel-Hamas conflict over the weekend was posted first on the encrypted message platform Telegram. From there, it was taken and reshared on other platforms, but in most cases the footage was not fact-checked first or it was taken out of context to suit the narrative being pushed by the poster.

“There’s an immense amount of primary content that was first posted in Telegram groups in one form or another, but there’s essentially no way to vet that information. Then that primary information hits others platforms, notably Twitter, where there’s an immense battle of spin and narrative taking place,” Brooking says. “You have artisans on every side, as well as sympathizers from one group or another, who are also joining this [battle].”

The situation is so bad on X right now that even seasoned OSINT researchers are being duped by fake accounts, including one that shared a false claim about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu being hospitalized over the weekend.

“Any sort of ground truth, which was always hard to get on Twitter, is now entirely out of reach,” Brooking says.

[catelismo]

THE LOVE ALBUM ♥︎ CUPiDZ MEMBERS!

CUPiDZ (KR: 큐핏, JP: キューピッド) is a korean-japanese girl group formed and managed by PROJECT SEKAI.

they debuted on 26/12/2020, with the single "happiness" with the five-member line-up of LEEYEON, Y/N, LENI, MARI and KITANA.

sonically, the music of CUPiDZ reflects their group's offical colours "red" and "velvet": their predominantly-pop "red" side experiments occasionally with electronic and funk, while their "velvet" side focuses on '90s-influenced r&b with elements of ballad and hip hop. their genre versatility and catchy hooks have garnered critical praise all around the world.

(LEEYEON OR @YEONAOEEL) oldest, main rapper and leader of CUPiDZ, huge death note fan, likes cold drinks, follows an extremely sleep schedule (i couldn't never), world's best chief /j, due to scars in her childhood, she kinda had to have plastic surgery, has 2 moles (one under her right eye and one near her mouth), plants lots of roses.

(Y/N OR @BYENNN_) childhood friend of akito, main dancer, prefers rainy days over sunny days, makes playlists for every single person that she meets, headphone user, has a unique vocal range, almost starts all of the songs, bakes the group some cinnamon rolls during autumn/winter times, once tried leaking their upcoming single in secret, but got in trouble.

(LENI OR @LENIIINATE) main vocalist and the twin of mari, the actual responsible person besides leeyeon, always given the hardest part of choreos loves short hair as long hair is "overwhelming", former ballerina, passionate lyricist, follows one type of makeup tutorial, such like mari, varies in multiple of aesthetics (e.g old money to downtown)

(MARI OR @MARIIIATE) lead rapper and the twin of leni, literally the most insane person in the group, jirai kei icon, originally had vocal lessons but later trained to be a rapper, photographer of the group, sometimes directs the mvs, trendsetter of the group, loves dark and creepy concepts, such a bully (watch out for her ig), crazy at acrobatics, definitely a nightcore fan...

(KITANA OR @FLAWTANA) sub-rapper and the youngest of the group, mortal combat fanatic (+ the reason why her stage name is kitana), really good at dancing, majority of the time she listens to video game osts, drinks water with like 12 ice cubes, owner to millions of hoodies and sweatshirts, loves hiphop to death, occasional listener to rap + r&b.

THE LOVE ALBUM ♥︎ PREV | NEXT

notes. art cred goes to tamori_www on twt i think?? these characters were made in a span of minutes, but they're like... the members... so important!! vivid bad squad's next!!

notes pt.2. do i wanna damage my mental being and watch jjk or nah⁉️‼️‼️‼️

taglist. @starry-sky-melody @akitofixated @akitosheart @akitokisser @mizu-nights @kitorin @luhvashh @miya-akane @lunavixia @aki-pancake @layviyu

synopsis. music is life; music can be either contain the most depressing feeling that you've ever felt in a long time or the most heart-warming thoughts to think about. akito, a member of internationally known vivid BAD SQUAD, is a big sucker for music and when the hit korean-japanese group CUPiDZ suddenly pop in akito's head, he couldn't help but wonder that one of the members look like his childhood crush.

PROD. CATELISMO; any actions of plagiarism, distribution and tracing any of my works is strictly prohibited.

#the love album (profiles)! #the love album (chapter)! #the love album (updates)! #project sekai #project sekai x reader #project sekai x you #project sekai x yn #project sekai smau #project sekai colorful stage #project sekai colorful stage x reader #project sekai colorful stage x you #project sekai colorful stage x yn #project sekai colorful stage smau #pjsk #pjsk x reader #pjsk x you #pjsk x yn #pjsk smau #akito shinonome #akito shinonome x reader #akito shinonome x you #akito shinonome x yn #kohane azusawa #an shiraishi #toya aoyagi #x reader #x you #x yn #vivid bad squad #smau

[respectthepetty]

In Short (Short Film Appreciation Post)

Because I'm loving the discussion about the lack of queer diversity in western mainstream media, I want to encourage y'all to support your local queer film festivals. They showcase international queer feature-length films and a wide variety of short films from marginalized voices.

To motivate you, let me present two shorts films:

Up first

F^¢k 'Em R!ght B@¢k

I watched this twelve minute short film last year as part of the screening committee I sit on, and I'm pleased it's finally available, for a fee, on several streaming platforms.

After a night of partying, Sammy's boss demands he take a random drug test, so he must avoid and outwit her to keep his job.

This is Sammy.

He doesn't smoke weed.

But he unknowingly ate weed butter when offered a delicious cake from a random guy he slept with.

This is his boss.

He catches wind of her planning to give him a random drug test, so since the system is fucking Sammy over, he plans to fuck it right back by taking two days of leave to figure out how to get out of it.

He tries everything to get the weed out of his system. EVERYTHING!

Even his best friend suggests using her pee instead.

Basically, Sammy is stressed, pressed, and systemically oppressed.

Yet with the help of modern technology, he realizes he can finesse his way out of this.

So looking like a million, he shows up for work the next day.

But in order to find out how he fucks the system, you gotta watch the short.

And let me tell you, the reason is beautiful.

The short features real-life queer rapper Ddm Ddm

But it also touches on workers' rights and community support.

In Short, it's hilarious, realistic, and all-around amazing.

Up next,

How Not to Date While Trans

Director, writer, and main character Nyala Moon shares a humorous take on dating while trans. This 13-minute short film is free on YouTube, but Moon currently has another short making the festival rounds called "Dilating for Maximum Results" and it's just as hilarious.

This heartfelt yet cutting comedy follows the dating life of Andie, a black trans woman, and the problematic men she meets along the way.

Moon's short is comedy gold, and a great part of it is due to her blunt depiction of being a trans woman.

In the short, she plays Andie, who is a transformer, which she explains is an insult to trans women, but she is trying to reclaim it.

She has a three-date rule before she tells a guy she is trans: coffee, dinner date, then the third date must be public in case he freaks out when she tells him.

But the second date is usually the hardest since she has to subtly quiz the guys without outing herself. It's like a game show, but the men don't know they are on it, and she stays safe!

But even when guys make it to the third date, there is still the chance they will run.

So the short discusses not only dating but random hookups.

Will she attempt the tried and true "nail and bail" or is she open for something more?

To find out, you have to watch it!

In Short, it shows all the ways trans women must navigate dating while also making sure Andie gets laid.

Once again, support your local queer film festival and watch some great films!

#in short #short film appreciation #support your local queer film festival #go watch a movie or two #there are amazing films out there

[caocao-caokie-blog]

Hey! I know I’ve been posting less frequently, but I wanted to talk to the Genshin Community to question something. (Just a random pic of Fontain for your viewing pleasure)

Where I got the photos!

(I am also not part of any of the affected cultures, but I am bringing this up because we are quite literally near the end of the line.)

Okay, so I want to talk about Natlan and the growing concern I have for the mishmashing cultures we will probs get yet again.

Here, we see that Genshin is trying to tackle both pre-colonial Mezoamerica and ideas of Spanish and West African cultures.

We know an example, Sumeru, where they have gotten backlash from the communities affected, and we know they work their hardest to show the cultural aspects of their stories as best they can with what they are given.

Sadly, this most likely will become like a Sumeru in my eyes, but I am hoping they try to at least make more darker skinned characters in Genshin soon, and give these characters curlier hair. But…

Can’t say I’m hopeful, especially since Murata is hypothesized to be Himeko, and while that is cool for people, It feels weird that a light skinned lady is the leader of a very diverse and dark skinned nation.

Iansan is based of Oya, a Yoruban and Afro-Caribbean Deity. I am not highly studied in the cultural elements, so I will not touch upon them, but I wonder how her character will turn out. But, I would like her to have had a Hydro vision because of the associated element with Iansan’s Deity counterpart.

Next…

Tenoch is a main lore character of Natlan who had banded all the tribes together. He is based off of a chief of the Aztecs before, also banding together people like Tupac, Wenjiru, and Keyeke. Now, Tupac may make you think of Tupac Shakur the rapper, it is meant to refer to what they would refer to boys in the Incan Empire in Peru! Link.

When I looked up Wenjiru and Keyeke, I got a Kikuyu tale of a lady getting sacrificed and a literally noting aside for hypothetical origination in Nigeria. Ultimately, they most likely will fill this region with lore, but the over mixtures of cultures will cheapen the impact of representation. It’s like your wishing your feet to walk two ways.

Lastly: GENSHIN! GIVE US DARK SKINNED CHARACTERS! ESPECIALLY IN MONDSTADT!!!

This has been a huge issue in my entire time playing Genshin and I cannot stop shutting up about this grave injustice because yes I need people to join my agenda. Where in the hell did the descendents of Venessas’s tribe go? Like, seriously, none of them are even represented in the game, unless I need to look into people’s backgrounds or something but like where is the descendants? Like, did they leave? Where did they go? Mihoyo? WHERE ARE THEY?

As always with these types of persuasive and not really informative content, take this with heaps of salt while researching for answers. Stay safe, stay cool, stay knowing, bye!

#genshin impact #natlan #iansan #genshintenoch #genshinwenjiru #genshinkeyeke #genshin theory

[gitaroopals]

Translated interview with 326 (Mitsuru Nakamura) from the Gitaroo Man Official Guide

A 2-shot with the game’s director, Mr. Shimomura of Koei. These two are responsible for the creation of Gitaroo Man.

Creator of the Gitaroo Man characters

As the visual producer of Gitaroo Man, 326 was involved in game production for the first time. He spoke to us in detail, ranging from how he became involved with Gitaroo Man to the hidden story of how the characters came to be.

326

Born on February 28th 1978, 23 years old. Blood type A. Originally from Saga Prefecture. As a “pop artist” his works include illustrations, poems, lyrics, picture books, and so on, in various genres. His colorful illustrations, accompanied by verses, speak to and touch people of all ages and genders. He was responsible for the visual production of Gitaroo Man and created a variety of charming characters.

How Gitaroo Man came to be.

I heard that somebody contacted you out of the blue and asked, like, “Well, we have such and such a project going and, by the way, could you please kindly design characters for it?” 326: Yes. And I said, “I love games. I love it!” (laughs)

Why did you say that twice? (laughs) 326: I wanted to say I love it so much! (laughs) It happened that I was hoping to create game characters. The person said “something like this,” and then an idea came to me just like that.

It was such a sudden request, but you agreed to do it then and there. 326: It was more like “Finally!” and everything went smoothly from there. (laughs)

326, you said you love games; what kind of game do you play normally? 326: Let’s see, lately I’ve been playing a certain soccer game. I’m rather good. (laughs)

Gitaroo Man is a music game, one of the so-called “rhythm games.” Do you play rhythm games? 326: I’ve only dabbled in them. Like PaRappa the Rapper. I thought the graphics were kawaii. I mean, I only get the early ones. I just don’t know what’s going on with the recent ones. Anyway, I don’t play games that seriously anymore. I don’t see and play games like I used to as a kid. It’s like, “I wish I could make games.” I was hoping to be a creator rather than a player. So it’s my dream come true.

The process of creating characters.

326, you have created many characters and illustrations. This time you made game characters. How was that different from your previous ones? 326: There were challenges inherent to 3D graphics that I had to consider. Can I manipulate and move around the characters easily or not? Some of the designs were so complicated that it was like, “No way, I can’t move that.” Also, I thought of it as a long-term relationship.

How did you develop different characters? 326: With lively discussions. I took account of everybody’s ideas.

Was it like a developers’ meeting that turned into a designers’ meeting? 326: Yes, it was. I always went to the meetings with a clean slate. They lasted about 2 to 3 hours. Once we started we worked way intensely, and by the time the meeting wrapped up, we were totally exhausted (laughs). So as soon as someone said “The Gitaroo Man meeting is scheduled,” I already felt tired. “It’s the day after tomorrow~ Ugh, I’ve got to do it” (laughs). It was by far the hardest job I ever took.

Good work. (laughs) 326: But still we had fun. That’s why we could get through it.

The charm of Gitaroo Man.

Originally they were 2D illustrated characters. In the game they became 3D. Is it like you have 2 sets of each character? 326: Exactly. They’re 3D! Isn’t it amazing?! They’re really standing. Although you watch them on a 2D TV screen, characters in it are in 3D. I was really happy and excited about that. I was ecstatic when I could manipulate and move the characters around.

Did you get to try the actual 3D game? 326: Yes, I’ve been playing for some time, although I can never beat it (laughs). I get stuck, and get stuck, no matter how many times I play, I get stuck. Maybe I have no rhythm? (laughs)

The most recent one (the beta version under development) is quite difficult, I hear. I’ve heard the difficulty will be reduced in the final version… 326: What if I can’t beat it? At an interview I’d be like “I have no right to give answers!” (laughs)

How was it like when you moved the 3D character for the first time? 326: Simply, “Much cuter than 2D!” “Look! It’s moving! Moving!” (laughs) But I’m happiest when I watch my friends play the game. Nothing beats playing with friends and having fun with the game you created yourself. My friends move my characters, and as they play, we feel the same emotions, happy or anxious, and we loudly express how we feel together. That's a joy, isn’t it?

There are some things you don’t realize when you play, but you do when you watch somebody else play. 326: Playing through repeatedly for achievements is fun, but there’s sort of an arcade-like mindset of watching others play, showing off your playing, that sort of thing. Like, “How’s that? Aren’t I cool?” (laughs) The game has that kind of element. Like when I watched my friend play, I said something sarcastic like, “That’s not really music, is it?” and went “Let me do it.” Then I played and made perfect guitar sounds. “You see that? I did it!” (laughs)

That’s what Gitaroo Man is all about, isn’t it? 326: Showing off in a good way, I wonder? It brings back the same feeling I had as a kid. The “yeah, I’m playing a game” sort of feeling.

What does Gitaroo Man, which you have been so eagerly involved in, mean to you? 326: I worked on the designs so much, and on top of that, those characters move, right? And not only do they move, but they also have backstories, and as for U-1, you can move him: my own character! Since I’ve never had a character with so much life, I can’t help but love him dearly. To that point, I'm hoping it’ll get popular and allow the characters’ scope of existence to widen with Gitaroo Man character goods or an animation. Those characters have now left my care, but they are living beings whose future actions I can’t predict. There are no other characters whose futures I look forward to with such anticipation, you know.

For Mr. Shimomura [director Yukio Shimomura], “a fusion of analog and digital” was the hidden theme of Gitaroo Man. 326: Oh, I see. (laughs) Which part is considered analog?

Recently there have been many computer graphics illustrators. They’re not that rare anymore, right? But 326, you do hand-drawn illustrations, and that’s why you’re an artist with an analog-like feel to your work. They attempted to connect such an illustrator to the digital world of games, and with 3D setting at that, a concept that is uniquely digital. The key idea was how to bring 2D illustrations into 3D, and how to put interesting things on top of it. 326: That's for sure.

This is how 326’s illustrations come to be.

I’m afraid this goes off the topic of Gitaroo Man, but what’s the environment like where you do your illustrations? 326: I often draw at a cafe, I guess? At cafes and family restaurants and so on, places that are open 24 hours. I have too much freedom at home. I can watch TV and listen to music freely. When I get a little tired, I can rest in bed... I have freedom like that, and can’t put my effort into it. Also, I burn a lot of calories straightening my desk (laughs). If that’s the case, it’s better to change my clothes and go out. Some might say “that takes more effort!” but it’s a necessary effort. As I change my clothes, step out the door, and go to the cafe, my switch turns on. Gradually, like slowly starting up, and then… “Ba-ding!” (laughs) Oh, I wash the table top at the cafes and family restaurants, too. During those 5 minutes when I wash the table…

For 5 minutes! ...They might think you’re a pesky customer, huh? (laughs) 326: What am I doing wrong?! I’m cleaning! (laughs) However clean it looks, there’s always cigarette tar and stuff like that stuck to the table. I don’t want it to get on my drawings, either. Those 5 minutes when I wipe off the table are the same as making ink from an inkstone. It’s an act of concentration that hones my mental focus. The grime is already gone, but I’m not done honing my concentration yet, scrub scrub (laughs). Once I’m in the zone, I work non-stop. Just relentlessly, for 5 to 6 hours straight. Was it at a family restaurant that I worked most recently? Yeah, family restaurants in Tokyo are surprisingly solid! When I went to the family restaurant, the server must have remembered me and took me to a secluded seat way back in the store (away from other customers). But as dawn broke and the sun came up, what do you know, I kind of started noticing pedestrians outside even though I wasn’t paying particular attention. And there were more and more people out there. And then the server lowered the blinds for me! It wasn’t the evening rays. You know how they usually lower blinds when the sun is setting [but not in the morning]? In spite of that, they lowered them so I wouldn’t see. I was deeply touched by this thoughtful attention to my needs… At the end, I gave my autograph to the server, and they said “Actually, this is my last day here.” “Wait, what? That makes a great story!” (laughs) That’s why I have my favorite cafes and such.

Isn't that a nice story? (laughs) So when you draw, you usually go out somewhere? 326: I almost always go out. I probably did about half of the Gitaroo Man illustrations out somewhere like that. I really love drawing as I sip tea and such at a cafe.

Message from 326

Oh, yeah, this is off-topic, but according to the Gitaroo Man Wan survey postcards, an outstanding number of supporters are teens and preteens, I’ve learned. 326: Is that so?

I understand the average age of the users is around 17. Compared to other Koei games, the users are so much younger. I guess you could say that it’s so typical of Gitaroo Man to have such a result. What age group did you intend to target? 326: Basically it has no age limitation. No age limit! I think it’s totally okay for adults over 17 to play and go, “Yeah, right, it kind of brings back memories.”

That’s right. I think the way people perceive and enjoy things must be different between age groups. 326: I see the survey says the game is for 17-year-olds. When you think of 17-year-olds, for example, there are those who are 17 now, and those who used to be 17, and younger people who yearn to be 17… No matter their ages, if the game is really good, I’m sure people will find some part that resonates with them, different parts though they may be. Something like that. As long as you make it good, you might say. I believe Gitaroo Man was made in such a way. The fact that the staff and I hit it off so well really worked to our advantage. I also think that if either of us hadn’t been so well-attuned, we couldn’t have made a good game. In that sense, I was really fortunate. I’m so grateful. I don’t watch much TV, but you hear catchphrases in TV ads, right? Gitaroo Man Wan has one, too. “Talent rained down on talentless me.” People kindly tell me, “It’s really great.” That phrase, we came up with it after the first viewing of the movie. They asked us “Do you think you can write a phrase that goes with this?” Right then and there we were like “Let’s see” and became excited and bounced ideas around. It came out of such a simple and natural process, nothing like an intense and long brainstorming session. It worked out, and it was received very well. We wouldn't have come up with such words under normal circumstances. So, it was really... like, I was glad I stuck with it and felt this work was going to be a success.

Finally, any messages for the players of Gitaroo Man? 326: I can’t play the guitar either. That you can simulate the experience, and also experience the boy’s growth and emotional transformation... It’s more than just a happy and cheerful game; it’s a music game with a story of a boy who’s growing up, so if players also mature along with him, I’d be very happy.

Thank you very much for the interview today.

(source: Gitaroo Pals Wiki — if I ever update the translation, that page will be the one most up-to-date.)

#gitaroo man #326 #mitsuru nakamura

[gfksn]

you're now the ceo of the biggest label in kpop. you're going to debut a new group soon, and need to pick your members fast. put your mutuals in a group together and give them positions and roles :p there are no limits to your creativity, let's create the leaders of kpop!

hi anon! so sorry this took so long :( but i’ve been wanting to do a moot game for a while so thank you for this ask <3

the answer is under the cut !

@dreamingofkyu — main vocalist, sub rapper

i feel like sana would have the sweetest vocals :(( like when she sings it’s so soothing and you just ascend🤌 i just know that when she needs to rap, she would eat those lines up fsfs absolutely devour them😩😩 to me, sana seems like that member who’d be quiet most of the time, but when they’re on stage there is nothing that’ll stop her from giving it her all

@donkey-hyuck — leader, main rapper

vy is so badass, i kid you not. she would definitely be that rapper that has such an immaculate flow and has those extremely fast raps like “djdbejehehwbene” yk (yoongi in cypher pt. 2) i also feel like vy would make such an awesome leader, she’d be stern when needed but she’d also be super playful, especially with the younger members☹️ love ya vy🫶

@luvhyun3 — lead dancer, main vocalist

you know those pre choruses that are perfect in every way or the ones that get stuck in your head but you don’t mind whatsoever? that’ll be main vocalist kana at work. and those members that would make the hardest dance look effortless and no matter how awkward the choreography is (not in my company though), they make it look so good ??? that’s kana for sure!! i also feel like she would nail those facial expressions when performing (as everyone in my group should🤨) !! lastly, kana seems like that member who jokes around with everyone; the happy virus you know, but when it comes to dance… she’s down on them like “you better get that move right or else😡” lmao #kanamarrymernoriwillbityou😻

@jangwonie — fotg, lead vocalist

fae would fit every. single. concept. i’m telling you, girl crush, summer, mature, she’s got it all!! especially the elegant concept, because it was literally made for her. for vocals i definitely see her singing that high note that was everyone loosing their minds. so she’s killing it on stage and looking good while doing it <3 i totally fae her helping the other members with their singing or just taking care of them in general, the sweetest person for sure ☹️🫶

@ox1-lovesick — visual, main dancer, sub rapper

sav is visual material, like they know they’re hot and they’re not afraid to show it! i feel as though sav would also have really good stage presence, especially when rapping! this may not be an official position, but i definitely see sav being the mood-maker of the group like she just knows how to get everyone going. never a dull moment with her <3

@beomsun — visual, vocalist, maknae

leila would definitely be the baby of the group and the older members would make sure she has a good childhood yk. as the youngest, she would definitely be super playful with the members and do something such as copying their facial expressions and their dance moves😭 (all in good fun of course) despite her fooling around 24/7, she does not play games when it comes to performing. facial expressions, vocals, they’re all on point, another member with great stage presence for sure!

#⟡ ⌒ mail : anon #moot game

[ausetkmt]

Big Pokey Wiki – Milton Powell by the stage name Big Pokey was 45 years old and an American rapper from Houston, Texas. Big Pokey was associated with chopped and screwed up music and was one of the original members of Screwed Up Click. Big Pokey began rapping with Houston producer DJ Screw in the early 1990s and has released songs on many of DJ Screw’s mixtapes. Big Pokey was featured on DJ Screw’s “27 June Freestyle” mixtape, which became a landmark album in diced and screwed hip hop.

His first full-length album, Hardest Pit in the Litter, was released in early 1999. The following year, Pokey returned with another album, D-Game 2000, consisting of 808 mid-tempo guided beats, featuring several of his Houston colleagues. He collaborated with Wreckshop Wolfpack for Tha Collabo in 2001 and then returned in 2002 with another solo album, Da Sky’s Da Limit. In 2004, a clip of Pokey’s song “Who Dat Talkin Down” appeared in the pilot episode of HBO’s Entourage. In 2005, Pokey appeared on Paul Wall’s track “Sittin’ Sidewayz”, which peaked at #93 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The single remains Pokey’s top single on the charts.

Big Pokey’s Age

Big Pokey was 45 year old

Houston-born rapper Big Pokey, whose real name is Milton Powell, has been confirmed to have died at the age of 45.

According to reports, the rapper allegedly fell to the ground during a performance in Texas on Saturday and his death was confirmed by Justice of Justice Tom Gillam III.

CBS affiliate KFDM reported: “Justice of Peace Tom Gillam III has confirmed that Houston Rapper Milton Powell, better known as Big Pokey, has passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospital.”

They stated that his death came after he “fainted” at the Pour 09 Bar in Beaumont on Saturday night. They added that the cause of death is awaiting an autopsy.

A video was shared on social media showing Big Pokey crashing. The footage shows people rushing to the rapper.

While the US Sun reported that a second clip shared online showed people performing CPR on the musician.

Many social media users are uncomfortable with the sharing of disturbing images on the internet.

Big Pokey is best known for being an original member of the hip-hop group Screwed Up Click.

His work was not limited to music, he even acted in films. He starred in Soldiers United for Cash in 2001 and later appeared in Dirty Third 2: Home Sweet Home.

Tributes flock to the rapper as his fans and fellow musicians quickly pay their respects.

Pokey’s close friend, Port Arthur Native Bun B, shared a touching tribute on Instagram.

He wrote: “I wasn’t ready for this. One of the most naturally gifted artists in the city. The plain, humble mountain of a man who acts with dignity and respect. Easy to love, hard to hate …”

As one fan tweeted: “Sad day for Houston…..Tear the big poke……Texas legend forever.”

#Big Pokey #houston #rappers who died in 2023 #deaths on stage #lean deaths #Youtube

[chocolatnoir]

My top 5 Bangtan songs a.k.a the hardest tag game ever

Tagged by @ki-limepie 💕 & @pjm-1 💕 & @wistfulocean 💕

Disclaimer: english isn't my first language and I apologize if I make any mistakes 🙏🏻

Let's start !

Cypher pt. 4

SORRY BAE 🎶🎶

Rapline my beloved

Okay, everyone knows that wings is my favourite era and if I had to choose a song from the album it would be Cypher pt. 4

I swear everytime it feels as if it's the first time that I'm listening to it! I get really hype and immersed lol

I love how Namjoon, Hoseok and Yoongi have different flows but together they fit so well ! it's like magic :')

Spring Day

Everything about this song is perfect !!! It deserves all the popularity it got !!

I remember in 2017 when BTS released this song, listening to it and watching the mv for the first time during a rainy sunday afternoon is something I'll never forget.

The Truth Untold

DON'T SMILE AT ME LIGHT ON ME 🎶🎶

I looooooove this song

The melody, the lyrics, the vocals !!

Also I'm in love with Jin and Jimin's part at the end 😙👌🏻 chefs kiss

Trivia: Seesaw

I know Yoongi is a rapper but there is something beautiful about the way he sings ~ I adore how soothing his voice is in this song

Of course, I also really like the lyrics !

I've been listening to it a lot recently

Moon

AAALLL FOR YOU 🎶🎶

My favourite from MOTS:7 album

Jin and his amazing voice always make my day better 💖 I love him so so much. All his solo songs are wonderful and I hope he knows that !

I'm pretty sure all my mutuals have already done this so I'm tagging anyone who sees this and would like to do it🥰🥰

#tag game

[megahorous]

Finally got to play Um Jammer Lammy !  It was the best game of all time

-- Lammy is always anxious, except when she has a guitar...but, she will learn that the guitar was within her all along !

-- Poor Ma-san...bullies are always flirting with her, and everything she touches gets ruined !  Just like Charlie Brown !

-- I thought the pilot was the hardest stage.  He’s a human[?] too, PaRappa didn’t have any human teachers [yet].  Oh well, WCYD

-- To my surprise, though, I actually got the last stage on the first try.  Glad you can play the whole thing on easy this time !

-- I played PaRappa’s story too !  You could call this PaRappa the Rapper 1.5.  I like how PaRappa and Katy are always there to support each other and see each other perform.  And he got an offer to give them all foot massages; I wonder how someone gets an offer similar to this

-- PJ, of course, prefers food to Maidens....not unlike Jughead !

-- Now, put these kids to bed, will ya !

#Um Jammer Lammy #PaRappa the Rapper #Grouvee #Katy Kat #Milk Can #PJ Berri #Sunny Funny #band #friends #rap #guitar #Leave it to Lammy

[redhead-33]

Bubblegum pop prince Jungkook wants to harden his image and break out of his good boy box and what's better than to collab with 2 of the hardest rappers in the game? What no one expected was how he would answer an age old question, is it possible to love 2 people at once?

#namkook #junghope #namseok #bts fanfic #bts aesthetics #bts moodboard #jungkook aesthetic #Jungkook #hoseok #jhope #namjoon #rm #bts

[thelensofyashunews]

Milwaukee's Rap Ambassador, Chicken P, Prepares For New Tape with "Ain't Runnin Out"

Over the past few years, the city of Milwaukee has developed one of the most diverse and exciting rap scenes in the country, and rising rapper Chicken P has been at the center of the action. While many rappers in the city have grabbed attention with danceable and memeable party anthems, Chicken P has built a large and devoted fanbase by staying true to himself and rapping his ass off. 

The Really Rich Empire CEO demonstrates the skills that has him on top of his city's rap game on "Ain't Runnin' Out," his new single and music video. Over a beat by ProdbyKaio and OnlyOneG, which mixes booming, distorted midwest drums with the chaotic handclaps that define the Milwaukee sound, the rapper works a flow that oscillates between soft-spoken melody and hard-charging bite. The unflappable rhymer stacks flex after flex, expressing gratitude that he'll never return to the trenches he emerged from: "I'm really havin', I don't keep track of where I'm spendin'/Tell the ref, throw the towel, these n****s finished/I done run this pape up, ain't runnin' out," he lilts. In the video, Chicken P luxuriates in his Rolls Royce convertible, as he flashes his ice and contemplates his next move.

"Ain't Runnin' Out" is the next step on the road to Chicken P's next mixtape, The Hardest N**** Living, arriving in the coming weeks via Really Rich Empire / 10K Projects. Home to the recent single "Shark," the upcoming mixtape is a well-structured argument that supports the tape's title, detailing the big and little things that make Chicken P one of the most respected rappers in the Midwest and beyond. The Hardest N**** Living is the proper follow-up to BussaBrick Vol. 3: ReallyRich4Eva and its accompanying deluxe, both of which placed in the Top 30 of Apple Music's Hip-Hop Albums Chart (and in the Top 100 All-Genres Album Chart). Released in January, the Deluxe edition is home to "Venting," which is gaining traction on short-form video platforms like TikTok and IG Reels (6.5k creations to date), and has racked up over 1.8 million views on its official music video.

First emerging in the late 2010s, the rapper then known as Lil Chicken made waves in Milwaukee with his raw, bass-boosted sound. Aided by video director TeeGlazedIt, one of the Milwaukee scene's most respected tastemakers, Chicken P helped solidify the city's reputation as a hip-hop hotbed, and established himself as its leading voice, with songs like 2021's "Money Counter" (3.7 million views). The rapper found his stride with his three-volume BussaBrick series of mixtapes, home to fan-favorite singles like "Dawg Ass Chicken" (2.3 million views), "Rollin" (2.5 million views), and "Peoples' Favorite" (1.8 million views on the visualizer). Six months after finishing a short stint in prison, Chicken P is drawing eyes from across the spectrum, racking up over 3 million streams on his catalog per week and earning co-signs from fellow rappers like Sexyy Red, Babyface Ray, Skilla Baby, Rylo Rodriguez, and Veeze, plus basketball players including  Jalen Green and Rob Dillingham.

 

Stay tuned for more information about The Hardest N**** Living in the near future.

#chicken p #ain't runnin out #aint runnin out #milwaukee rappers #milwaukee artist #milwaukee #milwaukee wisconsin #milwaukee rapper #midwest #rapper #rap #spotify #youtube #music #artist #musician #soundcloud #culture #art #wisconsin #wisconsin rappers #wisconsin artist #wisconsin rapper #Youtube #Spotify

[hailsatanacab]

23, 42, 54 for the fic game please

23. Is writing the beginning, middle, or end of the story easiest? Hardest?

Middle!!! There's normally a scene I'm the most excited to write and that's normally what gets written first 😅 then I like the beginning, then the end. Endings are hard. I don't like endings.

42. What’s your favorite title that you’ve come up with?

Uh. I feel like the only ones I've come up with myself are the two hozier lyrics title fics for the rapper!wwx au which like, i can't really say I came up with them either haha

Titles are hard 🥲

54. What’s the fandom/pairing distribution of your posted fics?

Oooh even split of fics rn at 3 for mdzs and 3 for dpxdc!!! All dpxdc are gen, and all mdzs are (at least implied if not explicitly) wangxian 😊

Definitely way more wips and words for dpxdc, tho, but huge thank you to mdzs for actually getting me into writing again, ilu bby

fic ask game

#huge thank you to the people that have helped me come up with titles 🙌🙌🙌 #couldnt do it without you haha #hey uh. if anyone wants to think of a title for jason being mistaken for jack fenton OR the literal torture fic i would very much appreciate #it haha #but they'll be some time away so i have time to put my thinking cap on first!! #guys im so excited to start writing again - shoes have been painted and gifts have been given!! just need some time alone and then.......... #writing babey #hell yeah! ive missed it #ask game #thank yoouuuuu!!

[pvpxrswvg]

Top 25 Albums of 2021

Coming out of the pandemic, the expectation for 2021 was that it would be a phenomenal year for music. Whether it was due to artists holding back releases until they could tour, or artists using the downtime to make a new album, 2021 had unique circumstances that should have led to one of the all time great years in hip hop.

In that context, from my point of view I’d say that the year delivered. From the mainstream to the underground this was a phenomenal year and one of the most memorable in history. 

While not a year that I think the majority of people will look back on as one of the strongest in recent years, overall this was a year that I really enjoyed and one of my favorites since I have been creating these lists. This list took a while to make, but that was mostly because I could not be bothered writing these 3,000 words.

ALLBLACK - TY4FWM

TY4FWM is the third album from Oakland rapper, ALLBLACK. TY4FWM is a proud bay area album that is open with its influences. From the signature hyphy production with bouncy synths to the many local features from fresh names like P-LO to legends like E-40, TY4FWM is an unapologetically bay area album, albeit with a sprinkling of modern trap influences. ALLBLACK may not be the strongest rapper, but he covers for this with a ton of features that help give the album a lot of variety. Once you factor in the consistent strength of the production, this project becomes undeniable as a great release.

Armand Hammer & The Alchemist - Haram

Armand Hammer is the collaboration between Elucid and Billy Woods, the latter who is finally making an appearance on one of these lists. After first hearing Today, I Wrote Nothing in 2015, I have enjoyed most of what I have heard from the underground rapper. Yet to this point, I had failed to fully get behind the dry, serious and abstract sounds that are typically found on a Billy Woods record. While I enjoyed Shrines, the 2020 effort from Armand Hammer, which was perhaps the hardest cut from my 2020 list, it’s the brilliant production from The Alchemist that I think has finally pushed Billy Wood’s sound over the top for me. The Alchemist, who is undeniably a legendary producer, consistently has been managing to find his way onto these lists lately. On Haram he continues to show off his versatility, as with a darker and more abstract effort he manages to provide the perfect backdrop to the sound of Elucid and Billy Woods.

Baby Keem - The Melodic Blue

The Sound of Bad Habit, released a week after Baby Keem’s 18th birthday, was a raw and energetic release that took advantage of Cardo’s production to become a memorable introduction to the young west-coast rapper. 2019’s Die For My Bitch was a more mature effort where Baby Keem explored a variety of styles trying to find his sound and footing in the rap game. The Melodic Blue sees Baby Keem continue refining the mainstream sound that he found on tracks such as HONEST and ORANGE SODA and completes the transformation from young breakout rapper to genuine rap megastar. The Melodic Blue, Keem’s debut album, is a much more professional effort compared to his early mixtapes. From the variety of producers to the big-name features from Travis Scott and Keem’s cousin Kendrick Lamar, everything about this album has the refinement that you’d expect from a major release.

Brockhampton - ROADRUNNER NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE

After a legendary 2017, Brockhampton had all of the momentum in the world. At the start of 2018 they signed their deal with Sony and started to share some very promising snippets from their impending fourth album Puppy. Then it suddenly all came crashing down with the controversy that led to Ameer Vann’s departure from the group. Without the edge that Vann brought to the group, Brockhampton have spent the past three years trying to form a new identity. After a couple of failed efforts, this album brings a genericness to Brockhampton’s sound. No longer trying to innovate and separate themselves from the rest of the rap world, this album has Brockhampton fall in line. As a result it ends up being their strongest release since 2017. It lacks the magic of their earlier releases, but it’s a strong album worthy of being ranked among the year’s best.

Czarface & MF DOOM - Super What?

Super What? Is the second collaboration between supergroup Czarface, and legendary rapper MF DOOM. While this is a posthumous release for MF DOOM, the album was completed prior to his passing, with the pandemic being the cause of this release's delay. Similar to the 2018 collaboration Czarface Meets Metal Face, DOOM’s involvement on this release is somewhat limited. It’s better to think of this as a Czarface album with a few DOOM features than a true collaboration between the two artists’ sounds. With that said, the sound of MF DOOM compliments Czarface perfectly. Czarface has been one of the most consistent rap groups for nearly a decade now, and at their best they have proven themselves capable of creating one of the best albums of the year. You add MF DOOM to the mix and you get a great release.

Denzel Curry - UNLOCKED 1.5

If UNLOCKED hadn’t already been released, then I think the strength of this release would have found it in the top 10. However, where this release fails is as a remix of the original EP. While this remix EP introduces some interesting ideas, very rarely does it improve on the original. Denzel’s rapping on this release was the perfect counterpart to the production from Kenny Beats, which when taken away limits the impact of Denzel’s original verses. That said, this is still a fun release with some memorable features from rappers such as Kenny Mason, Benny the Butcher, Joey Bada$$, and Smino.

Ghais Guevara - BlackBolshevik

On BlackBolshevik, Guevara continues to be one of the more innovative and interesting rappers in the game currently. Comparable to JPEGMAFIA, Guevara is a dual threat of energetic rapping and ingenious sample-heavy production. BlackBolshevik is a short release at 22 minutes, but it keeps a frenetic pace and none of the eight songs miss. While not notably better than a lot of releases from 2021, this record’s uniqueness helps it stand out as a memorable release.

Isaiah Rashad - The House Is Burning

The Sun’s Tirade was released five years ago and rode the hype of Cilvia Demo at a time when anticipation for TDE releases was at an all-time high. It was a much more anticipated release and ended the year as my favorite album from 2016. Five years later, Isaiah Rashad still has his same laid-back sound, but it feels like the rest of the hip-hop world has moved on. While the style of Rashad brings a consistency to his music, almost a decade into his career there is a little disappointment that he hasn’t been able to explore any new sounds. The House Is Burning is definitely a quality release, but it unfortunately feels like the more interesting parts of this sound were already explored on Cilvia Demo and The Sun’s Tirade.

Kanye West - Donda

There are a lot of good things that I can say about this album and one negative. It was one of the more enjoyable album rollouts of all time, and I’ll always remember the hype and anticipation for this album finally coming out. It has a lot of great sounds, some very good tracks, and an all-star cast of features; I can easily say it’s the best album that Kanye has released in five years. Unfortunately, the negative that I have for this album is that it is 109 minutes long. A more focused version of this album would have been an album of the year contender, but the version of Donda that was released is hard to get through. There has been a pattern with Kanye albums where they usually become more appreciated with time, however, I think the length of this project takes away its potential to eventually become recognized as a classic.

Mach-Hommy - Pray for Haiti

While having previously been associated with Griselda until a falling-out in 2017, Pray for Haiti is the first release since Mach-Hommy’s reconciliation with Westside Gunn, and the first released under the Griselda label. Westside Gunn himself has a major presence on this record despite being officially featured on only three songs. The best thing to come from the Griselda association is the beat selection, as Griselda hasn't missed on a beat in years at this point. This release also brings a more energetic Mach-Hommy, which is a nice change of pace for the typically monotone rapper.

R.A.P. Ferreira - the Light Emitting Diamond Cutter Scriptures

The third album since rebranding from Milo, R.A.P. Ferreira continues to explore jazz influences and his more minimal jazz poetry-esque delivery. This release is his most mellow and minimal effort under this style. It’s also a short release at only 29 minutes, which allows it to effortlessly keeps a consistent mood throughout. It doesn’t reach the highs of Purple Moonlight Pages, but on the third R.A.P. Ferreira album, Milo has demonstrated a mastery of this sound.

Sematary - Screaming Forest

Since debuting in 2019, Screaming Forest is already the 7th release from horrorcore innovator Sematary. To this point in Sematary’s career, we have seen him explore a variety of innovative styles seemingly attempting to settle on a signature sound. Initially this album seemed to be another example of Sematary’s sound bouncing all over the place, but in retrospect this release was where he found the Butcher House sound that he’d settle on in the years to come. Initially, I wasn’t in love with the idea of this album and how far it steps away from the sound that I fell in love with on Grave House, but having this sound expanded on further in the years to come has made me appreciate it a lot more.

Westside Gunn - Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf

Westside Gunn has been one of the most prolific rappers over the past seven years, and at this point could release an album of this quality in his sleep. This release features the typical heavy, gritty, and lavish production and is full of the familiar adlibs that make every song unmistakably Westside Gunn. This isn’t Gunn’s strongest release, but his sound is so refined at this point that he can’t miss.

Vince Staples - Vince Staples

For a rapper who broke out with a loud, busy and energetic style, Vince Staples’ self titled release is a minimal and lethargic effort. While having some great producers create some iconic beats for him to this point in his career, on this release Vince Staples leans on his skills as a rapper while rapping over some intentionally subdued production. To his credit his rapping ability was enough to make this a memorable release and one of the year’s best.

Zack Fox - shut the fuck up talking to me

Born in Atlanta, Zack Fox’s shut the fuck up talking to me immediately makes you think of the era of late 2000s trap that would define that region. In some ways Zack Fox on this release is just a Gucci Mane with a nerdier sense of humor as shown on this release’s collection of unapologetic trap anthems. There’s a ceiling on this type of music, but Zack Fox has executed the sound as well as one could possibly expect.

10. Westside Gunn - Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B

His second album in a month, Westside Gunn follows up on Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf with a grittier and much more focused release. From the moment that Hell on Earth Pt. 2 starts, the tone is set for one of the best and most consistent releases of Westside Gunn’s prolific discography. It may not reach some of the memorable heights of his more commercial releases, but this is almost a perfect execution of the now classic underground east coast Griselda sound.

9. Injury Reserve - By the Time I Get to Phoenix

By the Time I Get to Phoenix sounds like a band that after years of experimenting with a variety of sounds, from hardcore to jazz, had found their sound and purpose. While dipping their toes into glitch and industrial on their 2019 self-titled release, it felt like they were unable at that point to use those elements in a meaningful way. On this release they have mastered those elements and created an album with some of the best atmospheric beats that I’ve heard. To this point I hadn’t loved any of the projects from Injury Reserve, but this was an incredible release.

8. JPEGMAFIA - EP2!

The sequel to 2020’s EP!, EP2! sees JPEGMAFIA further explore some of the more melodic sounds found on All My Heroes Are Cornballs. It’s a dramatic change up from one of the more energetic rappers in the game, but it’s a flex of his versatility as he explores these cloud rap and alternative r&b sounds in a way that few can.

7. R.A.P. Ferreira - Bob’s Son

Bob’s Son see’s R.A.P. Ferreria follow up 2020’s Purple Moonlight Pages with a self-produced effort. In place of the consistent jazz sounds of The Jefferson Park Boys, is instead the eclectic abstract sounds of Milo and it allows him to take his sound to some interesting places in comparison to his previous release. It isn’t quite as good as its predecessor, which was an early contender for one of the albums of the decade, but it’s a worthy follow up that takes his new sound to some intruiging places.

6. Tyler, the Creator - CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST

After the colossal hype that was the initial Odd Future wave, Tyler, the Creator failed to capitalize on that success with a memorable rap album. After four albums that served only a very specific type of fan, Tyler stepped away from rap to release two of the more innovative and memorable albums of the previous decade. This release sees Tyler return to the world of rap with artistic legitimacy and it’s a much more ambitious and mature release when compared to his early work. This release was crafted with the same care given to Flower Boy and Igor, and while not as strong as those two releases, the attention to detail on this album means that it’ll deservedly be remembered as one of the decade’s best and most memorable rap releases.

5. Nas - Magic

After the last twenty years of Nas’ career I was very skeptical when I initially saw the praise for Magic circulate the internet. God’s Son was nearly two decades old at this point and the releases since then have alternated between acceptable and complete trash. Paired with Hit Boy, Magic is Nas’ simplest album since Illmatic and sees 29-minutes of pure rapping from one of the greatest to ever do it. Given the parallels between Nas and Jay-Z, in a lot of ways this is Nas’ 4:44. After almost twenty years of chasing commercial success, it took stripping everything back for Nas to produce another classic. After Magic and Benny the Butcher’s Burden of Proof, Hit Boy, who produced this record, has certainly found his niche in producing these gritty east coast sounds and has emerged as one of the most exciting producers in the rap game right now.

4. Kenny Mason - Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut

I had Angelic Hoodrat as my 10th best album of 2020, but Kenny Mason’s follow up has surpassed it in just about every way. At the root of his sound is still the trap sounds of his hometown Atlanta, but his ability to take that sound in a variety of directions whilst keeping a consistent theme throughout is nearly unmatched. Moving away from the Lo-Fi sounds of Angelic Hoodrat, this year’s effort has a much more professional sound that really elevates his sound. While it was certainly interesting and unique on his first release to hear some of his sounds being performed in a Lo-Fi style, on this release it’s clear that Kenny’s sound is suited to the mainstream high quality production that is found on this release.

3. Sematary - Rainbow Bridge 3

Rainbow Bridge 3 feels like the natural conclusion to Sematary’s sound. The release takes his previous influences of black metal, witch house, noise, EDM, horrorcore, trap, industrial and drill, and essentially plays them all at the same time in one of most chaotic and apocalyptic albums of all time. Buried under all of the cacophony is the same melodic and catchy songwriting that Sematary used to first introduce himself to the world on Grave House. To be able to create such a unique sound and craft classic songs such as Forest Fire, Creepin’ Thru Da Woods, and Skin Mask 2 with it is truly incredible.

 2. Zillakami - Dog Boy

Dog Boy is the first full release from City Morgue member Zillakami, and it follows the progression that we’ve been seeing from that group. Coming up at the height of Trap Metal, City Morgue broke out with one of the most violent and aggressive sounds that we had ever heard. However, on the follow up release it was some of the more depressive and anthemic sounds that caught everyone’s attention. Dog Boy see’s Zillakami take that sound further, taking influences from Grunge to create a new style of rap that is unlike anything I’ve heard. This new sound is only half of the record, which is why I think this is such a polarizing release. Trap Metal is already a niche subgenre, so adding on some depressing emo-esque rap makes Dog Boy one of the most niche releases of all time. If you can listen to the album with an open mind, then I think it clearly stands out as one of the strongest releases in recent years.

1. JPEGMAFIA - LP!

To 2018, JPEGMAFIA was clearly an incredibly talented artist but was held back by how eclectic his sound was and how many ideas he was trying to execute at once. In 2019, we were introduced to a more focused JPEGMAFIA who was capable of taking one sound and exploring every inch of it over the course of a fifty minute release. Some may still consider LP! to be eclectic, but each influence, from glitch to gospel, is portrayed with the same atmosphere and in a consistent way that allows this album to have a phenomenal flow from front to back with some of the best transitions seen in a rap release.

With his current mindset, JPEGMAFIA is incapable of missing and now seems like an automatic AOTY with each release. In 2021 nobody can match his combination of rapping, production, songwriting, ingenuity, and talent, and from Veteran to LP! JPEGMAFIA has quietly put together an all-time run of three albums. It took one of my all-time favorite rappers in Denzel Curry releasing his magnum opus to prevent JPEGMAFIA from capturing AOTY three times in four years.

[rainsmediaradio]

Jack Harlow - They Don't Love It Lyrics

Jack Harlow - They Don't Love It Lyrics Intro It's like Verse 1 I been smooth for so long, I’m tryna get rough Fuck buffing my nails, dawg, I'm tryna get buff Fuck shaping my beard, dawg, I'm liking the scruff, ha And fuck the hills 'cause I'm living my life in the cut Can't imagine that I'm gon’ meet my wife in the club We gon’ see though, I feel like she more of a CEO Or maybe she doing volunteer work in Rio It’s not like I need her but I would love to meet her Another day, another dollar, another phone with another feature I don't play goalie but I'm my brother's keeper Surrounded by family, I’m not with other people They say I got my pop's demeanor and mother's features The garden still private as ever, the gang thriving together Your boy's striving to be the most dominant ever The hardest white boy since the one who rapped about vomit and sweaters And hold the comments 'cause I promise you I'm honestly better than whoever came to your head right then They ain't cut from the same thread like him They don't study, doin' work to get ahead like him They don't toss and turn in the fucking bed like him Chorus 'Cause they don't love it, they don't love it They don't love it, they don't love it They don't love it, they don't love it They don't love it, they don't love it Verse 2 I been laid back so long, I'm tryna get turnt Fuck searching my name, dawg, that's how you get hurt Fuck being likable, I'm tryna be unbreakable I just realized that this whole game is takeable if I want it And I do, yes, I want I don't care how you feel about it, I do what I wanna I used to look up to the people that I'm moving in front of It's not that crazy anymore, my city used to a come up Bryson, Jack, Gee, James is up next The rest is up to me, these lames is upset My peers get upstaged, the fans are obsessed My city is upcoming, its people are oppressed And I'm gon' change things, I'm up at Carmichael's, tryna get on the same page I heard about the rapper that you claim was a mainstay They had a nice run but they never gon' maintain because Chorus They don't love it, they don't love it They don't love it, they don't love it They don't love it, they don't love it They don't love it, they don't love it Read the full article

#JackHarlow