The Inner Club (Ep. 6): Stevie
What’s good y’all? We on the 4th of July special, continuing with the latest episode of The Inner Club. Number 6 in the series features Stevie of Reno, NV. The WithTheVisuals & Lightning Collective production kicks off with a performance of “Nights At The Beach” from the BURN album by Stevie, released in 2020. The Spotify link can be found at the bottom of the page. The smooth record is the perfect vibe for a summer night cap. The song highlights the strengths of Stevie’s artistry and ability to conduct a live performance effortlessly executed. The story telling and imagery handcrafted by the lyrics is telling of how long Stevie has been creating. At a new point of his career, the work is all starting to come together as he locks in on his signature sound.
The performance then transitions to a commercial for a local event. “Weekends at the Swap Meet” is hosted every weekend at the El Rancho Drive In movie theaters lot of Sparks, NV. The commercial displays Stevie just spending a weekend morning, shopping with his favorite local vendors to pick up the latest gear to keep looking fresh. If any locals of the Reno-Sparks area are interested in supporting local based events, feel free to stop on by and support!
After the commercial, the camera cuts to the interview with Luke Z of Lightning Collective. This is where he and Stevie get a little more in depth on his history. They discuss a wide range of subjects such as: the origins of his name and the reason for the change, musical influences, creative process, what he has in store next for listeners, among many other topics. The Inglewood born, Reno raised artist reveals a couple details for his fans as he mentions two EPs being made and what to expect from those. This episode is one of the longer films from the series. This is most likely the most in depth and poised interview so far, getting a real good feel for who Stevie is as a personality. For any new listeners, this is a great introduction Stevie and his music.
Give him a follow and be ready for what he has to offer his fans next. Watch this video and subscribe to WithTheVisuals YouTube Channel for the next episode of The Inner Club.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
Yvng Curt - Buried Alive (Official Music Video)
“I need space, I need time.
Didn’t want anything between those lines.
Now I’m switching lanes in a new ride.
Trying to figure out this thing called life.”
What’s good my people? To continue the WW radar activity, we have Yvng Curt and his latest visual for “Buried Alive.” The For//You production laces a skillfully edited video, playing to the colors that the frequencies of the music give off. The Truckee, CA based, Reno, NV affiliated artist goes in over the intoxicating beat bouncing under his vocals. YC speaks on the topics of mental pressure and how it affects you. A topic appreciated during these times and more than ever people all over the world are feeling buried alive.
“I been dead in my heart, I been dead in my mind.”
When things aren’t going right in life, it’s the people we keep around who make it a little easier. So when the expectations in your mind aren’t stacking up to what reality provides, it can make you feel defeated. There’s not many other way to kick you while you’re down than losing a love during the madness of life’s shuffle. YC croons casually over the 808’s and subtle strings in the background. Reminiscent of artists like Peep, Night Lowell, and company alike. However, it has its own twist of flavor to the style that makes his sound distinct. However, it’s better to cut ties with those who are draining from you and get your space to figure your self out. Happiness is not bound to anything external. It is merely sourced from perspective and it’s not an innate ability. We have to condition the mind to be resilient in times of uncertainty. YC doesn’t let anyone keep him down for long.
“So I’m riding through the snow, I be riding through that storm. I just really want to get you by my side, that’s the norm. Like yeah, like yeah, I’m a show you what it takes for the crown.”
The song is on the shorter side with only being two minutes long, the freestyled track is fun and addictive. It’s a trippy ballad and a perfect record to sing away the stress with. Sometimes it requires you to go a journey on the solo tip just to see what you are capable of withstanding. Once you know what you are made of, you can get back to thriving instead of just surviving. As the verse comes to a close, YC find his closure and gets out feelings to get back in his bag. The anthem like hook comes back in and drops the curtains on a vivid motion picture created by everyone involved with the video.
Have you heard this one? Give it a watch and follow the artist below. Run it up!
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
Sly Jiggy - Wes From the East (Album)
“Wes From The East”
Release date: June 27th, 2021
What’s good y’all? We back with a fresh set of unsigned heat for y’all. Kicking off the 4th of July festivities, we have Sly Jiggy. “Wes From the East” is his first official release since 2019’s double album “Messiah-Adonai,” which has been removed from streaming platforms at the time of this writing. Sly has been spending the last couple years just focusing on the more important things in life. Raising his kids and making sure the family is doing good. Once the gears were in place and the tires were realigned, Sly decided to get back to cooking up. Spending much of 2020, working on his craft and self teaching himself to produce. The results came in the form of four albums, the first being this one. “Wes From the East” begins the series of Sly’s reintroduction to his listeners. This first album is the last project Sly will be releasing under other producer’s beats. This tape marks the end of a creative chapter and lets you know where he is going to be heading next. So without further delay, let’s get into the project (Spotify player embedded at the bottom of the page).
“Doobie”
In the first track, Sly goes in over a trance like instrumental where the strings and heavy baseline dance in tandem with the woodwind whistling under his bouncy cadence of the first verse. This the type of song you put on for the pre-session for your smoke session. Coming in with the fly guy raps, Sly sets the scene for a day in the life. Spending most of his time, outside of the fam, by himself. This is his ode to those moments when you need some time to be alone with your thoughts while the cherry runs. The hook is light and spacey, keeping it simple on the intro goes a long way. Giving the tape a cinematic feel to it’s beginning. This is the beginning of the Sly Jiggy show.
“Jimmi”
This song starts off with some impressive wordplay and punchlines throughout the verse. Sly throws the vibes back in this one, tapping into the 2011-2014 days of his former group Young Scum (their music can still be found on YouTube). Making references to the valley Scum lifestyle that residents, growing up in the North Valley’s of Reno, around the skateboard scene identified with. The hook matches a similar style that the crew used back then. Sly takes a moment to reflect on good times, noting that shit ain’t changed, not even the address. The north valleys are still his home and he is embracing the area that helped him grow in his formative years. “Ride around town with the mob truck, hold up, laughing to bank cause my funds up. Roll up, racing and i’m dabbing till my mind’s stuck, hold up. Addy never changed, still a scum fuck.”
“Andy”
In the record, Andy, Sly taps into his youth and what he was experiencing growing up. Talking about the times where he did not have much and lived off hand me down clothes from family. Remembering a time when he was a young kid wanting to act like a grown up. Before the weed and before really being old enough to understand the things our environment provides to us. Once upon a time, thinking that the street lifestyle was something to admire in his youth. The hook samples a video from an interview of some members of the Young Scum crew he was a part of. Fast forward to being older, he found himself in music and relationships with people he respects changing. Some people embrace him doing music and support. On the other hand, he noticed those trying to be competitive in a way that doesn’t sit right with him. He realizes over time who has been his friend or not. He then ends the record with a lesson that he picked up from his mother: “nobody gotta be your friend.” So be yourself and those who accept it will show themselves to you.
“Pinner”
“Got me fucked up, boi I done told you. Making good music for the soul like some produce. If you got beef, we can meet, introduce. If you got some weed, we can smoke, just roll through.” This song is impressive with the flows that Sly provides, the tricky word juggling and syllable game is on point. In this record, you get a feel for the morals and standards of the artist behind the pen. This one is a more introspective outlook on life from the Jiggy one. It’s catchy and bouncy, I find this record stuck in my head often. Who doesn’t love a good quotable? This song is full of them. I peeped that he ends it with “Like Big and 3 Stacks, I’m so fresh and so clean” before the next record “Rosa” that references the Outkast record of the same title. Nice touch in track listing placement.
“Rosa”
Rosa might just be one of my favorites from the project. The beat is heavy in bass and leaves plenty of room for Sly to use his voice as an instrumentals. The punchlines all through out it are all perfectly timed and doesn’t leave a break in momentum. It is short but sweet, interpolating the hook from Outkast’s “Rosa” into the chorus of this record. The energy is undeniable with this record and proves Sly is a real MC. This one might have you pressing the repeat button before moving on to the next song. This song speaks for itself and everyone should really tap in on this record here for some quintessential Sly Jiggy selections.
“Roto”
Shoutout to Sly for letting us leak this record back in January 1st on the Weather Watcher IG, soundcloud, and YouTube channel. This one was a personal favorite from the early advance listening he provided. This one is the official smoker’s anthem for any session on the solo tip or with the team. The melodic vibes are the most captivating part of the record. The ambient vibes provided in this one can make any room feel smoky. For Sly’s favorite ritual, he keeps it simple. Taking the time to reflect on himself and what he has gone through so that he may be able to live with it. The session is meditative and therapeutic for Sly, helping him maintain composure throughout the complexities of life.
“Clou-D”
In this song Sly commissions, former group mate, Nesta OG for the hook and a featured verse. This is the only feature on the project and takes the perspective of Sly through the eye’s of another. Speaking on what it takes to protect your energy and watching the others who take from it. Keep your circle small. While other’s are taking this life for granted, it is important to maintain your composure and remain grateful at all times. When you are trying to make peace with yourself, you have to become okay with the people who don’t understand your perspective. This song provides an outlet for those to unwind to while we let the feelings blow away with the smoke that we exhale. Sly’s verse comes in second and has the most structured verse of the whole tape. The cadence, message, and delivery are all executed properly. His verse is nothing short of museum quality.
“Mr. Rogers”
This is indeed my favorite song of the tape, it is a perfect closing as Sly describes his responsibility to be a good example for his kids. Balancing fatherhood with his own journey as an individual in life. Although parenthood is your life and identity, it is important to be able to show your children who you are as a person while still filling out your responsibilities. There’s no instruction manual on it but Sly keeps it honest. Speaking on the times where he had to shift priorities and stop certain habits. There’s not much time for experimenting with drugs or having issues with others. None of that puts money in the pocket or food on tables. Sly knows his goals and who looks up to him. He looks to only do things or be involved in things that contribute to his spirit. Family, music, and learning more about himself. Always having a creative outlet has been a part of his life forever. Whether it was style, dancing, rapping, making beats, or even having a good sense of humor on a daily basis. Sly isn’t here to impress anyone though, it’s how he chooses to express himself regardless of who notices or not. He does it to show those who matter, that they can do whatever it is their minds yearn for.
Give this project a listen and tap in with Sly Jiggy on his IG under the Spotify link below. This one is only the beginning of some amazing music. Get ready and stay tuned!
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
LaDontrae - Memories In Tha Rain (Official Music Video)
“Have you ever loved someone,
So much you thought you’d die?
Giving so much of your self, it seems the only way.
Tell me what you want and I, and I will give it to you.”
What’s good y’all? We back reporting on our favorite unsigned artists. Today we are blessed with some visuals from Reno, NV’s very own, LaDontrae That Don. The FullPriceMedia video production brings to life, LaDontrae’s song, “Memories In Tha Rain.” The cleverly curated ode to love lost was initially released in December of 2020 on streaming platforms. However, the visuals are a swift reminder that LaDontrae is committed to the singing life. This time around, mashing up two classic records in different periods of R&B history. LaDontrae interpolates Soul For Real’s “Candy Rain” and Chris Brown’s “She Ain’t You” to tell his own story about the one who got away. Reaching out to find himself closer or at least some closure.
The song starts off with the opening stanza of "Candy Rain” over an instrumental sampling the original record itself. The crazy production that flipped this sample comes from the upcoming, heavy hitting producer ListenJWarInTheKitchen. LaDontrae poses this question to the listen and brings in those who can relate to the sentiments being shared in the opening. The song then transitions to the sampling of the hook on “She Ain’t You” and shifts the perspective towards the flame he’s attempting the rekindle.
“Think I better let her go. Can't leave you alone. Every day that I'm with her, all I want is you. Can’t believe I feel afraid. Can’t believe I feel this way. But I realize that she ain’t you.”
LaDontrae opens up to the mystery woman and is accepting of however it plays out. There’s one thing that can not be said and that’s he did not put forth his best effort. In the battle of love, every move is calculated even subconsciously. When things comes to a head, it’s easy for the situation to become a house built of cards. Before you can move on, you have to find out for your self if this is what is meant to be. There is no price on closure. LaDontrae speaks his peace and leaves it all out on the table. There should not be any confusion when expressing, to the person you love, how you feel. Honesty is a drink best served right away. The longer you wait, the less appreciated it becomes. So don’t be intimidated with how they’re going to take your truth. Set the pride aside and take the time to be vulnerable to the one who matters. With putting in your due diligence, the weight on your spirit will be prevented when carrying forward.
“My love, do you ever dream of candy coated raindrops? You're the same, my candy rain.”
An excellent and simple reminder from the artist on how to express your love. Ending the record with the hook from “Candy Rain” and smooth vocalizations until the music fades out. The video ends with LaDontrae contemplating his own thoughts in a plume of smoke. How this story ends, it’s up to the listener’s imagination to decide. One thing is certain, we know where LaDontrae stands from his perspective. The creativity from the writing to production was refreshing and telling of the artist’s rooted influences.
Go give the artist a follow down below and let us know your thoughts on IG.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
Jimmy Teflon - First Class (Official Audio)
“I’mma be a star whippin’ out first class.
Run into the bank, getting cottage, getting gas.
Lil bitch I’m going first, you ain’t never see me last.
I remember talking shit now they want me on they tracks.”
What’s good y’all? We back with some more unsigned talent coming out of Reno, NV. This weekend we were treated to a banger from the Midtown Marauder, Jimmy Teflon. The track is titled “First Class,” available on all streaming platforms. It’s been a little time since Jimmy’s last single but he’s reminding everyone that he’s got work for us. Not far removed from the GTA music video featuring Stu J the Vamp and Dxnny Dolphin, this single come at a perfect time as June comes to a close and we are officially in the full swing of summer.
The song starts up with a smooth sample vocalizing before the heavy drop kicks off the hook. The golden voice of Teflon is enough to immediately get you bouncing to the beat. Teflon keeps it mellow with the cadence and drops bars about keeping his head on a swivel. With this life comes love and hate, so for the haters, he stays on the defense. Don’t test him cause he’s going to pass that shit with extra credit.
“Hop up in the Porsche, put the pedal to the floor. 100 in a 30, boy, I’m pushing that torque. Iron in the seat, gotta hit a couple doors. I’m the Teflon Don, homie, ye ain’t want war.”
Jimmy isn’t taking no chances in his city. He lets it be known that he stays ready so he doesn’t have to get ready. Southern midtown has some questionable characters but that doesn’t bother Teflon. He knows how the maneuver in his section. Focusing on trying to elevate that bank account and stacking his paper. Jimmy does what he has to to get by. Humbly feeling himself and not being sorry for it at all. If you can relate to the content or not, this song is still for everyone. Anyone who loves explicit rap and hard bass will enjoy this record. Not only will Teflon go upside your head with it, he might just take your girl.
“Fuckin’ with a real one, Jimmy be the boss. Ya man’s got drop but baby he ain’t got the sauce. Ya girlfriend like me, she love the way I talk. And I taught her my lingo and she ain’t get it wrong.”
In the second verse, Jimmy goes into detail how he drips down with it when going through the city. 9 times out of 9 he’s going to be in some fresh shit. Even if it’s gotta get grimy, he’ll be doing it in a clean fit. I can see myself slapping this one with my Sunday’s best on. In the life of Jimmy, it’s hard for others not to notice but he welcomes all the energy. Whatever you are looking for, he can serve it to you. Choose wisely.
Go stream this record and follow the artist down below. Tap in to the weather watcher socials and share your thoughts.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰