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GG’S SPIRIT MUSE OF THE WEEK- Chatel

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“As a woman, you must stand in your convictions, despite the contrary demands of everyone else around you – including loved ones. This has been my struggle, but also a blessing as well. While the world continues to shake you down with it’s own expectations of who/what you are, you somehow begin to find your own balance, with practice of course.”| Chatel 

*Describe your a-ha moment.Late last year I became incredibly ill & within the span of two months, was shuffled from one specialist to the next, though never seemed any closer to finding an answer as to what was causing my body to suddenly fail. At a certain point, I could no longer physically meet the demands of my day-to-day job, was forced to take a medical leave and begin the process of healing. The fact that I had been forced into healing what ailed the many parts of my body, saddend me then, and still saddens me today. I’d failed at nurturing and taking care of both my body & spirit. During this time I called on my Mum to shield others out, cook me food and basically breathe life back into me.

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The a-ha moment came when my Mum prepared a meal that as a child, I’d eaten countless times growing up, but as an adult sitting in my apartment & staring out the window, could not even stomach to smell, let alone eat. During my illness I had several moments where I cried over the helplessness of my situation, but for the first time, cried because I now understood part of what was making me ill was the one thing that had once brought me so much joy. After realizing I had the power to change my health habits, what I ate etc., I no longer felt helpless, tired or drained. I soon regained enough strength to make the choices that mattered most to my overall well being. I hadn’t realized that I’d never fully developed into a woman who understood how to fully nurture her body.

*What’s your best piece of woman-to-woman advice?
Take care of your body. Know your body. Explore your body. Find your rhythm. If you know all this and stand firm in your beliefs, you can’t for one minute be ashamed of how you were created & your purpose.

*What has been your favorite mistake?
Back in college, switching from a school that I understood would make my parents incredibly happy & proud, to a university that would inevitably challenge me, nurture my talents & gifts, all while allowing me the space to make the life choices (& mistakes!) I needed to make as a young woman. The day I decided to leave that school was also the last time I ever set foot on its campus. I left, without looking back – & forged ahead because I really did understand that there was so much more ahead for me to explore. For the first time, I realized that I was in control of my life & sought to explore all avenues that would enable me to grow. Looking back, it couldn’t have been the worst school to start my college experience, but in hindsight I still wouldn’t change a thing. Finding the journey to what it was that I wanted, led me to uncover some of the most remarkable souls who shared with me the most amazing stories and triumphs of their passages in life. I felt blessed to have listened and learned so early on.

*So far, what has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman? 
Blocking out the noise. As I get older, I’m laughing more & more at the idea of what it means to be an adult & how the noise filters never get replaced, they simply get worn down. As a woman, you must stand in your convictions, despite the contrary demands of everyone else around you – including loved ones. This has been my struggle, but also a blessing as well. While the world continues to shake you down with it’s own expectations of who/what you are, you somehow begin to find your own balance, with practice of course. 🙂

*What do you not want us to know?
I have a secret love for RV’s and would LOVE for the chance to live & travel in a tricked out (I’m talking circa Pimp My Ride style) RV or treehouse. I think they are so lovely; cute nooks of all kinds!

*When do you feel most creative? What inspires you?
Lately I get giddy when I’m wrapped up in a cool breeze, eyes closed, toes curled…by the water sitting on a bed of rocks and being still. I feel inexplicably content yet powerful. Nature inspires me because it’s the most intimate connection I have to my spirit

*What does it mean to you to be a soulful beauty?
Soulful beauties live their joy. Their joie de vivre exists beyond all barriers and their simple desire is to be heard, seen and loved. Soulful beauties exist to create meaning in all our lives; both in the simplest and complex of ways. I truly believe that a soul’s beauty is often underexposed, yet remarkably beautiful in its stillness – their purpose to me is just to be it’s most unique and authentic self.

*What is your favorite quote, scripture or affirmation?
“Life will break you, Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with it’s yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself you tasted as many as you could.” – Louis Erdrich, The Painted Drum

Chatel (nickname Chai), 31
Website: backtocurly.com
Twitter: @Chai_Tee
Facebook: Back to Curly

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Music

Goalden Chyld Unites The Masses With New Album, ‘War Cry’

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Emerging artist Goladen Chyld is set to go global with his new album, War Cry.

The new star spreads peace, love, and unity with informative lyrics, crafty rhymes, summoning productions, and vibrant song structure. The debut album encapsulates the illustrious history of Chicago Hip-Hop, which is drenched in the windy city’s historic activism and unity.

The album, its anthems, message, and authenticity are the perfect starting points for newfound fans of the rising star. Tracks like “Righteous Stepper,” “Savior,” and “Gifted” showcase the artist’s progressive music that advocates for equality. War Cry peaked at #3 on Apple Music and cemented Goalden Chyld’s movement.

“I don’t believe you can listen to this album and not feel some sense of purpose and duty to your community,” he told The Final Call.

He added: “I haven’t received a single negative review. The response has been overwhelmingly positive across all age groups. I’ve received messages from nonprofits showing children engaging with the music, which shows its impact. It’s amazing to see a project resonate so deeply across different segments of our community, reinforcing the need for unity and positive change.”

Chyld, real name Qadir Hakim, was raised by a single mother on the rough side of Chicago. His musical abilities transcend barriers for a wider audience with the storytelling of struggles and progress. His resume is filled with endorsements from big names in hip-hop, ranging from Shaquille O’Neal to Lil Baby to Funk Flex.

War Cry quickly gained popularity on streaming platforms and social media, becoming a highly discussed new artist of 2024. The album arrives at the perfect time, especially considering the current social climate.

Goalden Chyld supports the new album with a series of album release events, including an upcoming unity concert in Chicago on May 25 and a five-borough community tour event at SOBs in New York City on May 30.

Stream the new album here and, afterward, follow the rising star on social media for more updates.

https://open.spotify.com/album/41xEGNjMZH6QOYrzUlreKk

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Artist

JS aka The Best Delivers New Hit, “Single”

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In partnership with Roc Nation’s indie distribution company Equity, DMV multi-hyphenate JS aka The Best liberates his first audio contribution of the new year titled “Single.” Composed of storytelling lyrics centered around doing the self work needed to heal from your past before jumping into a new relationship, the slower tempo Afrobeats track is fused with soulful R&B, Hip-Hop, and elements of Go-Go.

Most known for providing instrumentation to artists like B.o.B., Twista, and Raheem DeVaughn as well as securing notable sync placements with the Washington Wizards, Netflix, and Cartoon Network, JS is just as seasoned in front of the camera as he is in the studio; boasting an acting resume that contains appearances on Hulu’s Wu-Tang An American Saga in addition to commercial spots for Macy’s and Starbucks. Recently tapped as a media personality for both popular gambling sportsbook DraftKings and trending celebrity news outlet The Shade Room, the fresh release finds him living up to his name with vivid colors.

Stream “Single” on your DSP of choice below via Weapon X Evolution and expect matching visuals to be released soon.

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Albums

Rawrrzone Picks – FaxoHxzrd Faded

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photo courtesy of @faxohxzard on Instagram

It’s amazing to see how much progress has been made, not only in the world of music but also in terms of tolerance and acceptance of different genres worldwide. Reflecting on their childhood, many can relate to not being allowed to listen to certain types of music, let alone pursue a career in it.

Growing up in a Greek household, there were limitations, and pursuing a career in music seemed like a distant dream. In many families, the expectation was to follow a more conventional path, such as becoming a teacher or a doctor. Back then, familial support for artistic endeavors was rare. However, as we step into 2024, things have significantly changed.

Parents are now not only supportive but encouraging of their children pursuing their creative dreams. There’s a newfound appreciation for the creative arts, and families play a crucial role in nurturing and supporting their children’s aspirations. This shift marks a significant change in societal attitudes towards creativity and the arts.

<center><iframe style=”border-radius:12px” src=”https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/6ZXkeF6AaiI0Z3YJS0cWhA?utm_source=generator” width=”100%” height=”352″ frameBorder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”” allow=”autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture” loading=”lazy”></iframe></Center>

The 12-track project, heavily influenced by New York drill with elements from the Vermont music scene, offers a smooth listening experience. The album not only showcases Faxohzrd’s confidence but also his passion for music.

As someone once told us, there’s a difference between artists who create to connect with their audience and those who create solely for profit. Faxohzrd aims to move his crowd and make them experience his music fully.

For example, in “Kobe Bryant,” he displays his pen game and wordplay, cleverly referencing the late Kobe Bryant’s jersey number, 24. Faxohxzrd takes his shot and never misses.

“Lobotomy” is a straight pen track where he exhibits some of his best bars, blending boom-bap and drill beats, giving off takeover vibes as he talks about eliminating his competition as if performing a lobotomy.

“On Me” is a track dedicated to the ladies. Faxohxzrd acknowledges the women in his life, recognizing how they have always supported him and declaring his affection for his dream woman. The song gave me a taste of Mac Miller while listening to it.

Although these were our favorites from the project, without giving too much away, you need to check out the entire project for yourself.

Make sure you follow him on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/faxohxzrd/

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