music

Role Model's First Song - "Cocaine Babe" by Alex Young

Artwork by Jacob Finch

Artwork by Jacob Finch

Nowadays a role model can be anyone and anything. A role model used to be parents or community figures like a pastor, but consumerism and popular culture make idols out of a lot of things, perhaps athletes or types of artists and maybe even drugs.

The point here is role models influence how we act and who we want to be, and individual preference selects the person or thing to absorb.

Find importance on this topic of influence in regards to "Role Model," a musician from Maine. He speaks beautifully about respecting the valuable opportunities life provides in his new song "Cocaine Babe."

Role Model challenges listeners to appreciate purities rather than vices.

"There's more to life than getting high... Never seen someone so dedicated to numbing their pain. Well wake up and smell the roses, baby, instead of that cocaine," he sings.

These words with Role Model's song are pertinent because people should understand what affects them affects others. If we all focus on having genuine interactions and if we admire genuine people, society's influences might come from more positive places.

"Cocaine Babe" sits noteworthy due to the considerate thoughts and as Role Model's first song since changing his name from Dillis. The new track certainly carries a different energy than Dillis' previous hip-hop work. Role Model grows, and he explores the indie rock genre in "Cocaine Babe," which Tom Sheils produces

Whether fans and newcomers to Role Model take his name with a grain of salt is up to them, but valuable messages in song will always find respect.

Mars Jackson - Sorry Not Sorry by Alex Young

Mars Jackson photographed by Chancelor Humphrey of Keep Pittsburgh Dope

Mars Jackson photographed by Chancelor Humphrey of Keep Pittsburgh Dope

A hip-hop head is someone knowledgeable about hip-hop. True heads know the originators of styles and sounds aligned to geographic regions across the country. Hip-hop heads are aware of the underground, rising talent. Overall, a hip-hop head is well-researched.

Mars Jackson has been around Pittsburgh's music scene long enough, and he has the credentials to be considered a hip-hop don. The 30-year-old rapper has put on 50 live shows throughout the city, and he has created a culture with legends like Boaz while pop-icons Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller grew out of The 'Burgh to head for national attention.

Listeners of Mars understand the respect that he has for hip-hop artistry as a whole. He works with skillful musicians who have experience. Mars and local talent Nice Rec masterfully produced the album "I'm Just Being Nice." Nice Rec, a producer, has credits to rappers like Curren$y and Domo Genesis.

Mars' latest song carries a West Coast flavor. Instead of capturing a California sound in Western Pennsylvania, Mars went straight to the source for his track "Sorry Not Sorry." Larry Jayy, a Los Angeles beat-maker linked to DJ Mustard and Y.G., produces the music. Who Mars works with and what he talks about appreciates hip-hop culture.

Authenticity features in Mars Jackson's newest song which people can listen to below. Also, be on the lookout for Mars' debut album coming soon, and a live open mic night at Spirit bar where don Mars will share some performance knowledge or lend an ear to acts.

Javed's "Time to TIME" Premiere by Alex Young

Readers here begin to see how diverse the hip-hop talent is in Pittsburgh. Use a compiled list by local producer Yung Mulatto to review the artists creating in the community.

To focus the broad perspective of Mulatto's list, pay attention to rapper Javed and Serene team. The 412 product is good for cool and shows in The 'Burgh, like when he opened up for Father which coincided with his "Window II your Soul" mixtape.

Boom bap productions complement Javed's laid-back approach. His lyrics are stylish, but they are also very real regarding the artist's life perspective. Materialistic references to fashion designers Bianca Chandôn or Karl Kani contrast serious questions like "why does 12 keep glocking us all the time?" that are in his new song "Time to TIME."

Javed's new effort seeks personal insight on trend with his work in "W2YS." Although how Javed sees his role in society plays out in his music, the man also affects popular culture in Pittsburgh tangibly.

901 Western Avenue - Pittsburgh, PA 15233

901 Western Avenue - Pittsburgh, PA 15233

The fly-down-to-earth quality to Javed feeds his and his brother Rome's apparel store called Senseless on the Northside. Together the two have a selection of vintage quality brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren Polo, Nautica, and Supreme housed in an encouraging atmosphere.

More on Senseless's involvement in the Steel City will feature on "Life's Goods" soon. For now, listen to Javed's "Time to TIME" featuring a verse from Serene member Calvin below.

Choo Jackson - Choo, Where U Goin? (Album) by Alex Young

Choo Jackson photographed by Kingy Kings

Choo Jackson photographed by Kingy Kings

Towards the top of 2016 InTheRough detailed some time spent with musician Choo Jackson. A written piece studied the rapper's past "Anime" mixtape, the first of three total projects he pushed this year. Text familiarized audiences of Choo and this publication with the spirit of his musicianship as well as music-making in Pittsburgh.

At the time in February, Choo was ahead of a productive year, trying to maintain a steadily growing fanbase and establish his sound. He indicated his fans would begin to hear clear differences in his songs. Choo wanted to experiment with "alternative," rock.

As the year progressed, the Foreverkool Records owner and Southern gentleman continued to make neo-hip-hop bangers like "Back From Texas" and "Myself." He pleased youthful listeners on his "Pray 4 The Best" extended play with producer Sledgren of Taylor Gang which they released in June. But, Choo's introspective vocals about his life qualities could also match a production influenced by rock bands of the 1990s and 2000s who he listened to as a kid.

The sonic transition was heard upon the release of his newest "Choo, Where U Goin?" album this December. Basically, the artist introduces a hopeful narrative that various people can relate to for its humanity and nostalgia. "Go to the light my nigga," he says in "Camo" over a plucking guitar. The evolution of Choo's music comes from childhood memories he told us over Snapchat.

Man I had a friend in Florida I used to skate with his name was Anthony. When I went to his crib he would only play his shit like Green Day, blink-182, and System Of A Down. Then I found N.E.R.D. on my own. So that’s how me and Brad kinda cliqued up musically because he’s into the same shit. It was only later that I started to like John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, or even like Marvin Gay or Al Green. I want to be remembered like them too.
— Choo Jackson

On his third project this year, Choo finds frequent collaborators Bradley [Brad] Atom, Big Jerm of I.D. Labs, and Bounceman Christo helps cement the retro production for "C.W.U.G.?" Alternative sentiments are genuinely felt in the record's opening hook and "Feel This Way."

Though "Choo, Where U Goin?" explores another style of music, many parts of the work are dramatic and rhythmic thanks to Choo's cadence, like in "Make It Last" when he mutters "my neck, my wrist, my car, my kicks," talking fresh.

Overall, Choo Jackson's growth is made audible through each track he releases. He possesses the creativity to satisfy contemporary ears, and he gains respect for branching out to allow other genres to influence his music.

 

 

Kid Swizzy - Hippy (Mixtape) by Alex Young

Call on a "Hippy" for a pleasant mood, or at least for some spiritual motivation. In the form of music, "Hippy" is a mixtape by Local Foreigner Kid Swizzy.

Swizzy is a Pittsburgh-based artist who finds himself in a creatively progressive environment. His mates in the Local Foreigners group and his skate affiliates in We're Not Free crew allows their individual and artistic attitudes to manifest in songs and defiant, youthful activities.

Themes of free spirit, drive, and camaraderie fill Swizzy's new "Hippy" project. "I put my all in we did it, my team we all the way committed," the Kid raps in his "Perception" track. While Swizzy's work bolsters his rap career, it also symbolizes the fun he and his friends have. "We live when we awake," he says in "Earned This." When fans and listeners dive further into Swizzy, Local Foreigners, and We're Not Free, the fun they have as a collective is easily visible. Watch W.N.F. footage from skate sessions and antics to feel the groups' vibe.

Beyond hearing youths like Ahse, Jake The Kid, and James Perry on the Swizzy tape, people should attend the release party for "Hippy" at The Bushnel tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7 p.m. Free entry is available, and Ahse, Jake, James, Swizzy, and other members from the crew like Que Dafoe will perform. Local rappers Deemtrill and Seas will be there in support as well. DJ Spillz will host the event.

Absorb "Hippy" below via SoundCloud.

The Bushnel 

4415 Centre Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213