OG David James - California (Official Music Video)
What’s good everyone? You tuning in to the latest forecast from the WW radar. Closing out the night with a special occasion. Today’s coverage is due to a collaboration from OG David James and Full Price Media. Coming together to produce a fresh set of cinematic visuals for a staple record in the OG David James catalog. The title of the track is “California” and it’s David’s homage to his home state, as well as the launching pad for his career after leaving Reno.
There was once a time long before this blog, I was able to have my first exchange with David via Twitter. Discussing the topic of talented artists should leave their hometown at some point to relocate to a place of more opportunity. Fast forward, David puts out his next project and spends the next year of his life going through it. Just know David really puts his life into these lyrics and everything you hear is authentic to his experience. After some time of getting it out the mud, David makes the decision to move back to his hometown and go for the dream. Although it was a bummer to see him leave Reno, it was a pivotal moment in his artistic development. Fast forward to now, the work ethic and quality body of work speaks for itself. Transitioning to a new level of artistry, David taps in to his roots to provide us with the borderline, autobiographical record we are covering today. The smooth sample gently invites listeners in and let’s the beat breathe before David goes in. In the visuals, we see the young lyricist just taking a walk to clear his head during a typical, beautiful sunny day. Taking the time to reflect on his journey.
“Had to leave the town just to run it in. Mufuckas calling me, asking me ‘David where you been?’ But life in LA, I been so shadowed and optimistic. Cause back in Reno they acted like my flow wasn’t different.”
Back when others couldn’t see the vision, David never kept his head down. Having been through the worst, he knew that there’s nothing to lose. The fear isn’t in his spirit as he’s seen it all by now, at least for what those who have been in shoes could perceive. Regardless of what was going on throughout any period of life, he had the right people telling him he had worth. Enough to keep the fire alive. Life could kick you down every chance you look away but there’s never not an opportunity to build yourself back up and persevere through the adverse conditions. That “can’t be broken” attitude is what the Nine7even and OG David James brand. There’s no way he’s going back now. He’s grateful for ever second chance he ever received to turn his situation around. The blessing are never taken for granted.
”I ain’t trying to complicate but shit ain’t really adding up when I try calculate it. See I’m just not the type to go interrogate it. I’ve always kept this shit a thousand, probably why I’m hated.”
Trusting in god’s plan for you is only part of it, the rest is on you to make it happen. When David sees a sign, he trusts in himself to make the right decision for his situation. If there’s one thing you need to know about OG David James, is that he will tell you what’s on his mind. The ability to clearly communicate your stance or expectations can have mixed reviews from others. That’s not what he’s focused on and that right there is something that comes with character. The boundary David sets to protect his integrity as a human being. Since leaving his second home, Reno, he has been feeling some energy change from old friends as he integrates with the changes to his current situation. Networking and making positive connections is a big part of moving up in David’s world. You come to realize, people come and go. There’s no time to get hung up on any opinions. Instead of blocking his blessings, David let’s it be water under the bridge. He’s on a mission to be great and to be a voice for those who feel like him but can’t express themselves. His story is one that many can relate with in some way. This music is therapy for him.
“Really took me time to empty out the pain. Me and daddy on the streets looking for the change. They shoot it up like a needle, four brothers tryna cross, I feel like we the Beatles.”
Starting from the bottom was once the case but that plays to your advantage after surpassing the hardest parts of enduring it. With a lot on his shoulders and family still going through it, David is locked in more than ever. Elevating his standards so the universe can meet him there. His time spent in California, where the weed and women are top shells, has benefited him well. Finding better head space in a creative environment to expand on different encompassing avenues as branded artist. There’s no need to add fuel to the fire because David has the tiger blood in him already. Once he reaches his next goal, there will always be another. So enjoy the vibes, tap in with OG David James for some refreshing wisdom. Expect much more on the horizon for him as well. Follow him and the director down below. Run it all the way the fuck up.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
Danny Prophetz - Authenticity Featuring Jokesta Fresh & Young Bolt (Official Audio)
“Authentic, these other guys prosthetic.
Had to change it up, had to augment it.
I been really real, I am not pretending.
She fucking with the opps, she is not winning.”
What’s good y’all? Starting the Monday forecast off proper with some sunny skies, cannabis concentrates, and the latest heat from the local scene. Today’s the Reno region was blessed with a release from a staple in the music community. Danny Prophetz commissions DatBoyGood on the beat. Lacing up a slap about staying solid, a lifestyle everyone can’t relate to. Although Danny has been sticking close with his Good Mischief team, this time around he reaches out to some other heavy hitters out the city. From Cabo to Reno, Jokesta Fresh and Young Bolt hop on this record to represent for their section. Giving a voice for the people of their communities and what they experience on a daily. It can be shaky in certain situations but if you’re a stand up dude and authentic, you’ll be fine.
Danny kicks off the first verse spitting nothing but game. Taking all the negatives and crossing them together to make something positive. It doesn’t take much to change the way you look at things. If you have your mind focused on the blessings, you will learn to access more subconsciously. All thoughts you have don’t come from you, it’s an everyday upkeep to stay positive to manifest better living. Danny is a product of his environment and it is what it is. It doesn’t change his value and opinions don’t matter cause the loudest ones come from the phoniest people. It’s all about the mental and Danny keeps his sharp. “Heard they throwing shots, it ain’t phasing. I’m on always, not on occasions. Like a chopper, we be sliding with them vibrations. Keeping it authentic, I could not fake it.” Plain and simple, honesty is a drink best served cold. Danny did just that.
For verse two, Young Bolt takes the wheel and kicks his perspective. To keep it honest, Bolt is a hustler and always was finding a way to put it in his pocket. The details ain’t to be released, anyone who is around isn’t someone who would leak that anyways. In his circle, you prove your authenticity by keeping your business on the low. What is understood does not need explanation. These days Bolt been hustling this music and moving under the radar otherwise. If it’s not about no paper or progressing his craft, then he’s not about it. “Up late nights, round time with the reaper. Underneath the sweater, best believe the street sweeper. Bitch I’m on, full time thugging, it’s my job and, I been with the mobbing.” The cadence fits the beat perfectly with the movie Bolt verbally depicts.
The last verse is handled by the one and only Jokesta Fresh. Carrying the torch from the previous two MCs, Jokesta lets it be known that any snitches or informants are not welcome around his circle. Where he comes from, there’s not much traditional opportunity so they had to rely on fast money to get by. Doing anything to interrupt from his livelihood and close ones alike can get you hurt. So be careful whose toes you step on now. The consequences and repercussions from not minding your own business are not what you want. Sometimes the best defense is a hard offense. “Bitch I’m riding with that yoppa on me, like i’m Young Bolt and I ain’t stopping if a cop is on me. Usain Bolt how I’m feeling, I ain’t stopping homie. Fucking with the opps, turn your brains into macaroni.” Jokesta Fresh keeps his head on a swivel and ready to push the line if someone wants to test his character.
The trio really executes the 77-filthy vibes and tells a story from a different perspective of the city. A sound that is signature to the area they are from. All artists and the producer having their own loyal followings show the potential Reno has when unity is involved. This is a big look for everyone involved and a true moment for the culture of the region. The momentum is building up for all the movements of the individuals and combining forces compounds that energy further. There’s no doubt this group of artists are on their way. Give all artists a follow below and slap this joint “Authenticity” next time you’re on the aux or bluetooth. Best believe they are going ask you who the artists are.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
City - Own Shit Featuring dARTh Tone (Official Music Video)
What’s good fellow watchers? The radar report been collecting some heavy data. The Reno-Tahoe region has been on fire lately. Throughout the week, time was spent collecting the gems and letting the vibes marinate slightly. The forecast is on City, of CityWideMusic, with his latest visual for “Own Shit” featuring dARTh Tone. A smooth rolling track, perfect for the stealthiest of cruising. The video, for the @Prod.Ninety8 produced track, was directed by @ShotByCammJBoyd. Matching the vibes, the visual treatment was proper. City taps in to his small circle and a couple icy old schools for a movie.
The song begins with City going in on the trance like bounce filled rhythm. Immediately demanding listener’s ears with vivid imagery that gives the sonics a cinematic feel. The subtle change in flow demonstrates the hybridized influence found in the variety of cadence City uses. It sounds nostalgic but distinct to City’s sound. The feeling reminds of unlocking a secret level on a playstation game. That same level of dopamine release but for the ears. City knows nothing else but being himself. “I been riding through the city playing all the old City and it’s clear that there’s real nothing like me. Kick game and the flow, City too nice, won’t price for the low. Run it back twice, throw ice on the rope. Then I slide with your hoe when the lights get low.” City paying attention to the company he keeps and takes the verse as an opportunity to clip the grass. After talking that slick shit, the hook comes in to elevate the vibes for verse two.
The second verse comes from the one and only dARTh Tone. Although, not present for the music video, the presence is still felt heavy. Doubling down on the same sentiments shared by City from his perspective. Both artist tapping in to the spirit of the late Khase for passionately penned verses. dARTh Tone takes it back to his roots and reflects on where he comes from mentally. Ain’t much changed but the numbers on the calendar. dARTh Tone knows what he endured in his path and doesn’t let anything shift him from protecting his energy these days. “Would say shwavy baby from the north east, but that’s a little bit trendy now. Aye bitch, hold your opinions down, no word for a 2 cent Penny Proud. Bitch I’m a don, shwah Corleone. Eye for an eye and soul for a soul. Y’all talk way too much when it’s smoke. Y’all say way too much on the phone.” There’s no tolerance for the phony. If it’s not about progress then we ain’t on this. Tone goes in till the beat begins to fade and rides out to the finish.
Give this record a listen. It will be something you’ll want to keep running back. Play this in the morning to start the day off right. Honestly, play it anytime you like. It’ll fit the vibe always. Get this YouTube exclusive on CityWideMusic channel and follow City on social media down below.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
Chef Pida x Duse Beatz - Lost My Mind (Official Audio)
What’s good y’all? We back covering the dopest artists you might not know about. Today we have a special gem from two 775 based creatives, Chef Pida and Duse Beatz. The July 16th release is titled “Lost My Mind” and is a good look for both parties involved. The song has been in rotation in heavy around here. The song itself is a reminder of how much progress both artists have made in their respective lanes.
Chef Pida has been doing his thing for some time and he’s now seeing the invested time starting to yield a return. The record starts off with the hook first to reel in listeners over the slumpy beat. Setting the picture for what he’s been surrounded around with lately. It’s a fast way of living but it fits Chef Pida as he’s just as crazy as the situations he finds himself in. Nothing surprises him as he’s been desensitized from the shock and awe of the unexpected happening. From the content of the first verse, it appears that he may be affiliated with the label Empire. “A n***a numbers been going crazy. Them Empire checks done fattened up. I did more numbers than Smokepurpp, we only smoking on exotic duh.”
Its blessings on blessings for Chef lately. Having been locked in and stacking up music for releases, we are starting to see the quality of his releases increase production wise. The collaboration with Duse Beatz (formerly known as Young Duse) is a full circle moment. Outside of Chef going up, the Reno based producer has seen lots of recent success. Duse Beatz has a star studded production credits list under his belt. The most impressive being Drakeo the Ruler. Being a go to producer for the Stinc Team comes with a lot of acclaim due to the momentum coming from that section. Having personally seen Duse perform back in the days of 2011-2012 for various artists alongside other local opening acts, I can imagine him and Chef Pida overlapping in social circles. Now that the two have had paths of professional growth in their fields, coming together to release something means a little more to them these days.
The way these two work, it’s nothing to them. They do this shit for a living and this just another rep in the gym. The skill acquired over time makes this record seem so effortless and natural. The delivery, execution and style sprinkled across all layers of this composition make it something special. I can expect much more from both Chef and Duse. The song is addicting and prone to replay. The second verse goes just as crazy as the first. Probably my favorite of the song comes from the last verse. Chef Pida talks that slick shit and Duse provides the bounce for the whole ride along. The beat gives an instant nostalgia for anyone who remembers a lot of influences from the early 2010 years. There’s still that distinct Duse Beatz sound, the blending of different sounds from today and the past is well done.
If there’s anything you should know is that the weather watcher is a fan of a good quotable. Any record with a good amount of those is good in my book. Shoutout to both Chef Pida and Duse Beatz for making the city of Reno look good in the music game. If you haven’t already, get familiar with this record and add it to your playlists. Follow Chef Pida and stream this record below. Tell a friend about this song and where you found out about it. Word of mouth is the number one way music is spread. Tell someone to tap in with The Weather Watcher today.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
smOke skreeZy - small talk (Official Audio)
What’s good y’all? Today’s forecast is sunny with a chance of smoke. The partly cloudy day is due to the one and only smOke skreeZy dropping a loosie for his listeners to enjoy. This time the YouTube exclusive release comes in the form of a freestyle track over an instrumental. The beat happens to belong to Russ’ “Small Talk,” which he release the other month for people to enjoy. Stumbling on this beat was skreeZy who found sudden inspiration to lay down some bars on the quick banger.
Keeping it concise, smOke goes in immediately when the beat drops. Starting off with a simple and relaxed cadence, in typical smOke fashion, before switching the rhyme scheme. Providing a few bars in the same multi-syllabic pattern before transitioning seamlessly to another flow is a strength of his. The ability to recreate multiple gains in lyrical momentum over a looped beat is not a simple feat, or at least making it look easy. Keeping true to the Blotter Ink brand, smOke flips the beat and uses his vocal inflections to create a series of different moments within a single verse. Without having a concept or overall goal, smOke reminds listeners that people can still rap without a gimmick or their persona attached to it.
It is appreciated that records like this are still released to display the technical ability of an artist’s pen. The more you listen, the more Easter eggs of literary devices you can find. The punchlines that transition from one metaphor to another. Complex rhyme patterns that abruptly change in delivery without skipping a beat. All of that cultivated skill is reflected in this record. The beautiful thing about rap, is the ability to reinterpret and recreate. At first listen of this track, you forget it’s a Russ song and beat because the inspiration that was instilled into smOke gave him the vision to display his perspective of it in such a way. Although hip hop and rap music has evolved, the core values and essence of it still have remnants lingering in today’s landscape. smOke reminds us that quality is out there, it’s just up to you to be open minded to it.
The lyrics and delivery smOke provides on this joint are top tier. Too many memorable lines to choose from. The best way to consume Blotter Ink is by seeing it for self and finding out what the music shows you. So give this gem a spin and go support the artist below on social media. Stay tuned for what he has going on next, his catalog is very deep. You will see the work ethic and skill set are formidable features of the artist known as smOke skreeZy. The trippy, hard hitting lyricist always finds a fun and refreshing way to give you golden age quality lyricism with the modern twist.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰