For a very long time, Friday was my favourite day of the week. Not just because of the TGIF-themed parties, but because that was the unofficial release day for new albums. Throughout the week, I’d try to unwrap the layers off new rap albums and share my theories with my friends while anticipating new ones. There was always something new to hear on Friday.
You would always catch me strolling with my earphones plugged to my ears or dangling around my neck. I never really liked headphones. They always felt heavy and made my ears itch after a while. It was also difficult listening to songs in bed. You had to lay up straight. No twisting, no turning. Please where is the fun in that?
I also took pride in the quality of my earphones back then. I had a plug in Computer village who sold these expensive but really good ones. My friends always saw it as a waste of money but would still come around to borrow it every single time. Of course, I learnt to say No.
Even among my friends and schoolmates, I was the go-to guy for new albums. People either reached out to get links to download the new releases or just find out if they beat me to it. “Cabal, you don hear this new … mixtape?” But many also trusted my judgment and really wanted to know what I felt about the new drops. I’d spend precious time defending why I thought the album was dope or not. I made a lot of friends this way.
The Blog Era
There was a time I would stay glued to radio stations like Cool FM, Rhythm FM and Beat FM for updates on new music. When I heard a song I liked, I’d either record it on the phone or download it on Wapdam. Then I’d reach out to my friends that I had the new-new. We’d then link up, trade songs via Bluetooth and argue about who we thought had the best verse.
After a while, I started to get ahead of these stations. I graduated to stalking music blogs like hotnewhiphop, Datpiff, Audiomack, Dope BoyZ for news on new drops, then go cop them on Audiocastle, 4shared, Hulkshare, Rapgodfathers. When they would pull down a file-sharing site, we’d simply hop on to another. Paying for music seemed like the strangest idea to me at the time.
READ: The 44dbcollective Want You To Know The Revolution Will Be Televised.
I can remember how the world stopped for a minute when Kendrick’s ‘Control’ verse dropped. I remember how bad I felt for Big Sean and Jay Electronica whose equally dope verses melted before Kendrick’s magma. I always thought those two were the biggest casualties of that culture-defining track. I can remember the whole polarizing “King of New York” conversation that sprung up as a result. And I remember the heated arguments that verse sparked in different corners. That was a moment. Interesting times.
The Current Tsunami of New Releases
However, all that excitement is fading fast, it’s not just as thrilling as it used to be. Hunting for new music has gone from a hobby to a chore ever since the lockdown started. And I don’t like that. There are too many songs coming out these days, and all I want is to run to the comfort of my old favourites.
Honestly, I don’t think I’m equipped for the uncertainties that come with new releases. I’m too mentally weak to decipher their meanings and make connections. Yet, the world won’t stop because of me. Artistes have to eat. They also have to feed their fans. They need to keep churning out new music and develop new ways to market, or else the fickle fans move on to the next act. Even when I’ve fallen in love with a song these past couple months, TikTok yanks it from me with overplays.
Since I earn my bread as a music writer, I’m expected to discover new songs and write about them. But with the democratisation of music releases through social media and streaming, every Friday now feels overflooded. I rarely hold my breaths for the weekend anymore.
The Pandemic and Restoring the Thrill of Discovery
Everyone is trying to deal with this pandemic in their own way. People expect that with so much free time in our hands, they should be converted into value of some sorts. Learn a new skill. Create like never before. Listen to more music. But for some, it isn’t just as simple. We can’t just pretend like nothing is happening.
The pandemic and the resulting lockdown is mentality stifling for many of us. You can hear Little Simz’s frustration when she raps “Guess life forced me to calm down, get my mind right / Livin’ day by day, sleepless night by night / Bored out of my mind / How many naps can I take? / How many songs can I write?” on ‘You should call mum’ off her latest tape, “Drop 6”.
There was a time my dream job was getting paid just to listen to music, but right now, it’s starting to feel like work. I really don’t like that. I know what you’re thinking, all of this is going to end soon. Maybe we’d just find our way around it. But whatever it is, I can’t wait. I just want to feel that thrill of discovery again. I want to be able to wag my tail at the sight of new music again.
Hey there, You have done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
You’re so cool! I don’t suppose I’ve truly read something
like this before. So great to discover another person with
some original thoughts on this subject. Really.. thanks for starting this up.
This site is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is excellent, as well as the content!
Great – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task.
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
I believe you have mentioned some very interesting details, thanks for the post.
Wonderful web site. Plenty of helpful info here. I’m sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your sweat!
Would love to forever get updated great web site! .
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I were a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
I am glad that I noticed this web site, just the right info that I was searching for! .
Hello.This article was extremely fascinating, particularly because I was searching for thoughts on this issue last Thursday.
Thanks for your entire efforts on this site. My daughter take interest in participating in internet research and it’s simple to grasp why. Most of us hear all concerning the powerful way you make informative steps by means of the web blog and as well as invigorate response from other ones about this subject matter plus our favorite daughter has been discovering a lot of things. Enjoy the remaining portion of the year. You have been performing a really great job.
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
fantastic points altogether, you simply received a new reader. What could you suggest about your post that you just made a few days in the past? Any certain?
Thanks for the article, can I set it up so I get an email whenever there is a fresh update?
F*ckin¦ amazing issues here. I am very happy to peer your article. Thank you so much and i am having a look ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back later on. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great job, have a nice weekend!
Absolutely pent written content, appreciate it for information. “You can do very little with faith, but you can do nothing without it.” by Samuel Butler.
I got what you intend, regards for posting.Woh I am happy to find this website through google.
Hello there, You have done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
I am typically to blogging and i actually admire your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking for brand spanking new information.
I have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I was reading some of your articles on this website and I believe this internet site is very informative ! Retain posting.
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site :).
Thank you for all your valuable effort on this site. Kate take interest in making time for research and it is obvious why. We all notice all concerning the lively tactic you make efficient ideas on the web site and therefore recommend participation from some other people on this area of interest while my simple princess is undoubtedly learning a whole lot. Enjoy the rest of the year. You’re the one doing a remarkable job.
What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid different customers like its aided me. Great job.
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely great. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous site.
Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch as I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “He who walks in another’s tracks leaves no footprints.” by Joan Brannon.
Thanks – Enjoyed this article, can I set it up so I get an update sent in an email every time there is a new article?
You are a very bright person!
Absolutely pent articles, thanks for entropy.
I’ll right away seize your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
I have recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly suppose this website wants way more consideration. I’ll probably be once more to read far more, thanks for that info.
I as well conceive hence, perfectly pent post! .
hey there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this again soon..
Whats up very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally…I am satisfied to find a lot of helpful information here within the publish, we need work out extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
I was just looking for this information for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.
whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, lots of people are hunting around for this info, you could help them greatly.
Fantastic blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Many thanks!
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent, as well as the content!
Thanks for the good writeup. It in reality was a entertainment account it. Glance advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how can we keep in touch?
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.
Chic Hot Club: Womans Fashion Clothing Store At Chic Hot Club, We offer a curated selection of chic and trendy clothing pieces that inspire confidence and self-expression, at Competitive prices online.
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i am happy to convey that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not forget this website and give it a look on a constant basis.
Outstanding post, I think website owners should larn a lot from this web site its rattling user pleasant.
Would you be all in favour of exchanging hyperlinks?
Very well written article. It will be helpful to anybody who employess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.