Category: Doc’s Thumbs Up

Kush & OJ Revisited: Alissa Fere’s Creative Tribute to Wiz Khalifa’s Iconic Mixtape

When I dropped the 4Da Streetz music video on Halloween 2025, it wasn’t just a visual—it was a love letter. A tribute. A full-circle moment. Because long before I was Alissa Fere, before Doc’s Castle had a name, before A Voice of My Own was published as a chapter, there was Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & OJ.

Wiz Khalifa’s 2010 mixtape wasn’t just a vibe—it was a blueprint. The soundtrack to my early creative grind. The orange juice, wake-and-bake mornings, and late-night plotting. The smoke, the smoothness, the sense that you could build your own lane and cruise in it. Kush & OJ permitted me to dream out loud.

“Never Been” and “In The Cut” are two songs that really captivated me. They’re among my top favorites on the mixtape. I’ve always felt a strong connection to their beats, thinking I’d love them forever. Years later, that inspired me to write my own lyrics for “Never Been.” The original beat isn’t available on streaming services. I found through Reddit threads that it’s because the beat includes a sample from the 1995 video game Chrono Trigger. However, Sledgren’s original beat resonated with me, much as another artist, Logic, used it for his 2012 mixtape, A Tale of Two Stans. To celebrate Wiz Khalifa’s 15th anniversary, I’ll do the same. With it, I’m including the 4Da Streetz song and a mic drop tribute video on Doc’s Castle Media, showing my appreciation.

When I heard the anniversary was coming up, I knew I had to pay my tribute in my own way. That’s how 4Da Streetz Official Mic Drop Video came to be.

A Tribute in Motion

Shot and directed by the visionary Shot by Swish, with The Real Smirf bringing the energy of Easy Rider and The Lineup Room providing the sonic backbone, 4Da Streetz is more than a music video — it’s a thank you — a nod to the mixtape that shaped my sound, my aesthetic, my hustle. Every frame is laced with the spirit of Kush & OJ — from the laid-back confidence Fere exudes as she sits on the couch in the studio, gazing at the pink smoke clouds, to the unapologetic pride in where she’s from.

Other honorable mentions I’d like to thank for producing this moment in Alissa Fere’s timeline are the engineer who helped lay down the track at The Lineup Room Studio, Track Smith, and Dreez of TrustIn Records for mixing and mastering the track.

Then Came the Anniversary Drop

On November 14, 2025, Wiz Khalifa and Rostrum Records released the official 15th-anniversary edition of Kush & OJ, now streaming everywhere. The re-release includes two unreleased tracks from that era—“Over Here” and “Champagne”—gems that feel like they were tucked away in a time capsule, waiting for this moment. Hearing them now, weeks after releasing 4Da Streetz, felt like a cosmic nod. Like the universe saying, “Yeah, you were right to honor this.”

Listen to the 15th Anniversary of Kush & OJ.

From Mixtape to Memoir

In A Voice of My Own, I talk about how Kush & OJ was part of my origin story. It wasn’t just music. It was a motivation to write about one of the memories of a time when I listened to the tape. Writing my song Jose (Liquor Talkin) from a moment before vibing to the original tape taught me how to build a vibe, how to stay true, how to let the world catch up to your frequency. That mixtape helped shape Alissa Fere. And this tribute—this video, this moment—is my way of giving flowers while the music still plays.

So stream the anniversary edition. Watch 4Da Streetz. And if you’ve ever had a mixtape that made you feel seen, heard, or unstoppable—this one’s for you too.

Did you see what I dressed as for Halloween 2025? Read “Im My Alter Ego for Halloween 2025” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Easy Rider Reborn: TheRealSmirf and the Legacy of Kush and OJ

The Real Smirf steps in as the infamous DJ of the Kush and OJ mixtape, Easy Rider.

Like I said before, the 4Da Streetz video is a tribute to the 15 Year Anniversary of Wiz Khalifa’s Kush and OJ mixtape. It’s from an era when mixtapes were the soundtrack to nights thick with smoke, laughter, and the pulse of the city. Kush and OJ wasn’t just music; it was the heartbeat of every kickback, every smoke cipher, every gathering where stories were shared and memories made. I downloaded it from LiveMixtapes in 2010 and didn’t skip a single track. That tape played on repeat, weaving itself into the fabric of those moments, earning its place as the dope-ass soundtrack everyone knew and loved.

Inspired by Wiz Khalifa’s Easy Rider

On Skit 1, which introduces the theme of the tape, we meet an unforgettable character named Easy Rider. Easy Rider is the host of the Kush and OJ mixtape, voiced by Wiz Khalifa. I’ve always liked this character and how he introduced Wiz to listeners. I wanted to do the same for Alissa Fere, giving her a theatrical introduction similar to Wiz’s way of introducing us to everything he brought to his listeners in this exceptional album.

I’m aiming to make this mic drop video stand out by using my favorite beat from the track, “Never Been,” produced by Sledgren. I discovered the original beat isn’t on streaming services because it samples music from the 1995 video game Chrono Trigger. Despite this, the beat resonated deeply with me, much like when Logic used it for his 2012 mixtape A Tale of Two Stans. Now, 4Da Streetz also features this beat. The song is available as a free download in my book, A Voice of My Own, gifted like a mixtape—once downloadable on platforms like Datpiff and LiveMixtapes, now on my Bandcamp for Alissa Fere.

Read: Baltimore’s Shot By Swish Directs 4Da Streetz Tribute to Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & OJ

TheRealSmirf acts as Easy Rider

What can I do that’ll bring this out more and show how much I really like this tape? I want there to be a skit, and I want someone funny to do it. TheRealSmirf, whom I discovered through his TikTok series “NotMeSmirf,” where he delivers sharp, humorous takes on a variety of everyday topics with a witty and relatable style, brings that energy perfectly.

Watch TheRealSmirf on Instagram

Smirf came through for me in a bind, and I appreciate him for it. When something falls through, I love it when artists can help make up for lost creative labor by sharing their expertise. That’s why I have to give extra applause to TheRealSmirf for not only acting as Easy Rider in the video but also helping coach me on the perfect visuals for executing my first video.

Tevin Towns Interview with TheRealSmirf on Personal Perspectives

Listen to Tevin Towns interview with TheRealSmirf on Personal Perspectives on YouTube. Watch as he opens up about his ten years as a comedian, his life’s challenges, personal growth, battle rapping, content creation, and support from Baltimore.

Watch the interview on YouTube

Want to hear something funny from TheRealSmirf? Follow him for skits, future show dates, and rap battles on his Instagram at @thereal_smirf.

Kush and OJ isn’t just a mixtape; it’s the pulse of nights woven with smoke, laughter, and the rhythm of connection—a soundtrack that shaped a generation’s gatherings and dreams. With TheRealSmirf stepping into the role of Easy Rider, that spirit is reborn, laced with humor and heart, bridging the echoes of past and present. I invite you to dive deep into this homage, to watch the 4Da Streetz video, and to rediscover the magic that mixtapes like Kush and OJ breathed into our lives. This is more than music—it’s a living legacy, a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Follow TheRealSmirf’s journey on Instagram at @thereal_smirf.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

Download the free ebook A Voice of My Own.

Baltimore’s Shot By Swish Directs 4Da Streetz Tribute to Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & OJ

This ain’t just a mic drop. It’s a love letter to Kush & OJ. Directed by Shot By Swish. Inspired by legacy. Alissa Fere returns.

Donte Hutchins, a highly talented director and videographer known in Baltimore’s underground arts scene as Shot By Swish, was the perfect choice to craft the visuals for the 4Da Streetz music video. His lens doesn’t just capture moments. It translates legacy.

Swish and I go back over a decade. I can say our creative chemistry is unmatched. It’s rooted in trust, rhythm, and a shared hunger to elevate Baltimore’s voice. So when it came time to craft a visual tribute to one of my all-time favorite rappers, Wiz Khalifa, I knew Swish would bring the grit and reverence this project demanded.

I pitched the idea to Swish casually. This will be a mic drop video, not a full music video. He insisted on calling it a treatment once we agreed to collaborate. It’s my love letter to Kush & OJ. I told him this was a tribute to the master of Taylor Gang, inspired by my favorite song and mixtape.

“It’s the 15th anniversary of Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & OJ. I need to do something to show my appreciation,” I tell Swish during one of our weekly meet-ups in my art studio.

“Knowing how much and important Wiz Khalifa is as an influence to Alissa, I know for this to be her stepping out visuals, it’s extremely special to her,” Swish said.

Kush & OJ shaped many memories, inspired the song Jose (Liquor Talkin), and left fingerprints all over Alissa Fere’s story. It deserved a tribute that felt personal and cinematic.

Read: The Essay I Never Wrote—Until Now

This mic drop video had to stand apart because mic drop videos are everywhere. Most artists perform in front of a mic, delivering verses with raw energy. But I didn’t want to replicate what’s already been done on platforms like The Floaters or SpitCam University’s Instagram. I wanted something that felt like a moment, a moment similar to when Alissa Fere was recording in the Underground Dojo. A statement. A visual exhale.

4Da Streetz Mic Drop, 2025

Swish isn’t foreign to shooting these types of videos either. He immediately understood the assignment. His Instagram is a living archive of Baltimore’s creative pulse, recaps of milestone moments, portraits of ambition, and collaborations that turn ideas into impact. He’s not just a videographer; he’s a memory keeper. His work turns fleeting ideas into lasting visuals, and his journey reflects a belief I share: with vision and perseverance, anything is possible.

DJ The Rapper Int’l Players Anthem Freestyle

Shot By Swish

Shot By Swish Logo, 2025

Shot By Swish is the brand name for Donte Hutchins, a photographer and videographer with over 8 years of experience in visual media. He’s collaborated with legendary artists like Mary J. Blige, Gucci Mane, SZA, and Kendrick Lamar, and contributed to projects with major platforms including ESPN. His work alongside influential figures such as DJ Quicksilva and Lil Mo further cements his reputation.

But Swish’s heart is in Baltimore. He’s committed to elevating local talent and embracing opportunities that push the boundaries of his craft. His work on 4Da Streetz isn’t just a video — it’s a mic drop for a Baltimore creative culture. 

If you’re looking to book a shoot with Swish, hit up Shot By Swish on his Instagram. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, Swish’s visuals can shape your legacy.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

Recording 4Da Streetz at The Lineup Room: Where Baltimore’s Sound Comes Alive

The Lineup Room is a Baltimore Hip Hop and Rap Recording Studio with mixes that are featured on Netflix, Billboard, and HBO. It’s the stomping grounds for many of the city’s creatives—Eze Jackson, TT The Artist, DDm, Mighty Mark, SU The Clique, Jay Ivy—who’ve all tapped into its production and engineering magic. The resume and notoriety of the studio alone is immaculate, and a big motivator for why I chose it as the location to record the official 4Da Streetz music video.

A Hub for Baltimore Creatives

The Lineup Room isn’t just a studio, it’s a cornerstone of Baltimore’s hip-hop ecosystem. Known for its professionalism and artist-first approach, it consistently rises above the noise of other city studios by nurturing talent and respecting the creative process. Whether it’s helping songwriters refine their sound or supporting recording artists in shaping their vision, The Lineup Room delivers with intention and care.

Beyond the booth, the studio plays a vital role in community uplift as a proud contributor to The Dream Bigger Community Institute’s flagship initiative, Beats Not Bullets, a transformative program that empowers at-risk youth through hands-on education in music production, sound engineering, and the business behind the art.

The Lineup Room Instagram. Sept 2025

I Chose the Lineup Room

I’ve recorded at The Lineup Room multiple times, working closely with engineers who provided exceptional customer service. The sounds were crisp—even before mixing and mastering. While being serviced at the studio, I worked with individuals who not only recorded my songs but also gave vital feedback and encouraged the development of a sound for Alissa Fere, my music persona and alter ego.

Now, let’s be real. While working on 4Da Streetz, I hit a few bumps. Some engineers were a bit shaky to work with. But what business doesn’t have a few bad apples trying to get a come-up? When I ran into issues, I knew my guy Brandon Lackey would make sure my project was handled with care. One quick call to an old friend, and he ensured I was satisfied with how everything turned out.

Read: The Music Highlight: Jose (Liquor Talkin) by Alissa Fere on Doc’s Castle Media

A Voice of My Own, a standalone chapter from 4Da Streetz The Book, traces Alissa Fere’s journey through Baltimore’s Underground Dojo, a space where raw experience meets lyrical truth. While her breakout track “Jose (Liquor Talkn)” wasn’t recorded at The Lineup Room, it’s the studio where the visual heartbeat of 4Da Streetz came alive. Filming there wasn’t just about location. It was about intention. The Lineup Room became a vessel for Alissa’s reclamation—a sonic sanctuary where she sparked a continuation of her story, embodying her voice, her truth, and her power.

Daniel Hess Interview with Brandon Lackey of The Lineup Room Studio

To learn more about Brandon Lackey and his journey with The Lineup Room, check out the interview with Daniel Hess of To Tony Productions.

This interview was awesome, mainly because they did it while coloring with Crayola crayons. Shout-out to the crayon plug. I love to color! Beyond that, it gave me deeper insight into Brandon, the owner of The Lineup Room, where he discussed the history and mission of a studio that’s been serving Baltimore artists since the early 2010s.

If you’re looking to book a session, hit up The Lineup Room on their official site. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, this studio knows how to honor your sound and your story.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

Code and Canvas: Redefining Art Through Digital and Physical Fusion

Code and Canvas, a groundbreaking art exhibition, opened its doors this weekend at The Black Genius Art Show in Baltimore. As an avid art enthusiast, I was eager to explore the vibrant collection that bridges digital and physical art forms.

Sym curated the Code and Canvas Exhibition to connect with older art enthusiasts. When asked about her inspiration for creating this experience at The Black Genius Art Show, she explained, “to give a highlight to digital artists. There are a lot of elderly people who believe art online is not art because they don’t understand new styles of art unless it’s painting.” She further elaborated, “(The exhibit) gives off trickery because it confuses people when they find out it’s done digitally.”

This exhibit challenges common misconceptions, including the belief that younger generations lack appreciation for the arts. It showcases the diversity of artistic expression, emphasizing that art is constantly evolving, reaching new spaces, and adopting new mediums. Code and Canvas reminds us that as art transforms from physical to digital forms, we must adapt to and embrace these changes, especially as the Internet becomes a central platform for creativity.

Code and Canvas Experience

Code and Canvas fulfilled its purpose for me, and it has the potential to do the same for its intended audience. I visited the gallery to experience art that I frequently admire online but rarely encounter in traditional art galleries or exhibitions. This exhibit resonated deeply with me due to my love of hip-hop, as well as my appreciation for abstract art, vibrant colors, and comic book characters—all of which adorned the gallery walls. These styles are seldom showcased in larger, modern museums, making each design a captivating sight that left me in awe. For an older audience less engaged with the digital world and accustomed to viewing art solely in galleries, this exhibit bridges the gap by bringing the online art experience into a tangible, present-day form.

Pop-up exhibitions across Baltimore have seamlessly blended various artistic mediums, creating a vibrant mosaic that reflects the city’s evolving art culture. Code and Canvas exemplifies this trend, serving as a platform for dynamic collaborations. Local hip-hop artist Shon Ski found her creative home within this space, working alongside visual artists to bring her unique online presence into a tangible, physical form. Her debut performance, featuring her latest single, captivated the crowd and underscored the fusion of music and visual artistry at the heart of the exhibition. 

Shon Ski

Shon Ski is a hip-hop artist and audio engineer hailing from East Baltimore, MD. Her career began in 2016 as a media personality on Crown Media’s online talk show, Strong Way Radio, in Baltimore. In 2017, she expanded her platform by launching her own talk show, Run N Wild Radio, which aired on the 1500 Radio Network and showcased creatives from various mediums across the DMV area. Shortly after, Shon Ski emerged as a recording artist, debuting her first single, “Double Water,” produced by Madi. Her debut album, Somewhere Out There, produced by Bari Lutalo, was released on March 29, 2022, under Tenable Music. Shon Ski’s music is available on all digital streaming platforms and media outlets.

Would you like to see more of your favorite digital pieces in a local art gallery? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

The Power of Art: How We Saved the Creative Collective Art Gallery

I initially came as a vendor for Doc’s Castle Media to participate in a pop-up shop. Little did I know that my adventure would transform into an act of activism to save a beloved community space for Myrrh Made Queen and numerous artists in Baltimore.

The Creative Collective Art Gallery was on the brink of closing when I saw a Facebook post by Myrrh. She was offering a pop-up show space to any artist willing to participate in a protest to save the gallery. For the past year, the gallery had been a vibrant hub for artisans in the city, showcasing their creative talents and handmade crafts.

Creative Collective

The Creative Collective Art Gallery is the home and artistic haven of the Creative Collective Commyrrhnity, founded by Myrrh Made Queen in 2024 as an artist collective in Baltimore specializing in crafts such as body art, face painting, and canvas and mural artistry. The gallery provides a vibrant platform for artisans from all over the city to collaborate and showcase their talents alongside Myrrh Made Queen’s brand. 

The Creative Collective has become home to a plethora of canvas art events in the emergence of Sips and Paints, sparking excitement within the creative community. Events such as Sip and Paints, lively Karaoke and Paints, and even the energetic Twerk and Paint sessions are a testament to the lively and inclusive atmosphere the space fosters, which has kept the gallery full of life.

Myrrh Made Queen

MyrrhMade, pronounced like mermaid, is a freelance artist and owner of MyrrhMadeArt LLC. 

She specializes in a diverse range of painting techniques, from body and face paint to canvas art and murals. MyrrhMade isn’t just an artist—she’s an inspiration. Hosting a series of art events that champion self-love and liberation, her creations are designed to heal and uplift.

I love to dive into the lives of my fellow artists through social media, and Myrrh Made Queen stands out as one of the most genuine and raw talents you’ll encounter. If you’ve ever watched her Instagram stories, you’ll know she shares her authentic self daily, offering followers a glimpse into the life of an artist in Baltimore City. She doesn’t just create art—she lives it, embodying the essence of a true MyrrhMade.

What I admire about Myrrh is her uniqueness and resilience. She has built a dedicated following despite the challenges she’s faced. Her journey hasn’t always been smooth, but she exemplifies tenacity and the power of carving out your own path. As we watch her continue her journey, she inspires us all with her story of survival and success as a full-time freelance artist.

Saving The Creative Collective

When I walked into the Creative Collective, Myrrh shared her grievances about losing the gallery due to her business partner’s decision not to continue renting the space together. The landlord was unwilling to renew the lease without both partners’ signatures and planned an open house on President’s Day for potential tenants to tour the building.

In response, Myrrh transformed her impromptu pop-up shop into an act of activism to save her gallery. The creatives hoped that prospective tenants would be more interested in the art rather than renting the gallery. The idea was that if the landlord saw how the space brought life and vibrancy to the community, he might reconsider and lease the gallery solely to MyrrhMade.

When the prospective clients arrived that day, their curiosity turned towards the artists’ activities. They visited artist tables, inquired about creative works, and showed a genuine interest in the art rather than the lease. The open house ran for an hour before the landlord made an offer to Myrrh to lease the space for the rest of the month of February and March in the Charles Village community. The protest was a resounding success for MyrrhMade Queen.

Being part of the activism to save the gallery felt incredible. My son got to transform into his favorite Marvel character, Spider-man, and watch his mommy in action at work. Plus, I had the opportunity to sell some Doc’s Castle Art!

If you are an artist looking for a venue to host your event, the Creative Collective offers a welcoming space for the month of March. Just reach out to MyrrhMade Queen for inquiries.

Have you watched Last Call: Ex-Factor? Read Exploring Last Call: The Trivia Show That Unites Friends on Doc’s Castle Media.

*Article was reedited and republished March 4, 2025.

Exploring Last Call: The Trivia Show That Unites Friends

Well, well, well. We meet again, Mr. Karlito Freeze. This time, in a thrilling challenge thrown down by another Baltimore artist, Symone Hardy of Graphite Pulse.

In 2017, Doc’s Castle Media featured Karlito Freeze because we collaborated on a podcast when he was a former “intimate.” Whiskey Girl hosted the podcast back then, and things were a bit different with Mr. Freeze and me.

Listen to #LoveandHipHop Baltimore Featuring #StrongWayRadio and #DocsCastleMedia on Embrace the Crazy Podcast by Whiskey Girl (Gallery)

After years of silence over obvious things (our breakup), I reconnected with songwriter and aspiring multimedia mogul Karlito Freeze on a few art projects this year, with Last Call being one of our standout collaborations.

The chemistry between Freeze and me is unmatched and worthy of celebration. It’s why we return for Last Call Season 1 to showcase the same fire we exhibit on Ex Factor. It’s an exceptional example of building bonds beyond emotionally impactful differences we may have faced in the past. As a story may appear to end one way, it doesn’t mean it has to be the end all be all.

Sym’s, the host of Last Call, work is already so inspirational in Baltimore City. She captivates me because she’s a Baltimore Creative, just like me. You know, I love our people. I heard of Last Call from Freeze when he told me Sym was creating an experience bringing people together that I haven’t seen many people in Baltimore do before. I’m walking into the experience blind, not knowing what to expect, and only being told my opponent is my ex in a Trivia game. All that’s next came a gesture of the birdman hand rub and a declaration to Freeze that it was now, “Game on!”

Who knew I’d be such a trivia beast? Not me! It’s all thanks to the countless hours of Wheel of Fortune playing in the background at my grandparents’ house growing up. Trivia knowledge whispers to me even in my sleep. Freeze didn’t have a chance. The Graphite Pulse Last Call experience brings people together for a good time and plenty of laughter. I had a blast and would do it again if invited.

Who is Graphite Pulse?

Graphite Pulse is an art platform run by multimedia artist Sym, showcasing her art practices and the events she attends due to her incredible talents.

Follow Sym’s Instagram!

Last Call

Last Call is a lively trivia game show that brings people together for a night of fun, laughter, and mystery! With three exciting rounds, each featuring five random and entertaining trivia questions, players are tested on their knowledge across a wide variety of topics. But there’s a twist—the contestant with the lowest score at the end of each round must drink a mystery shot, adding an element of surprise and humor to the game. Perfect for families, friends, and communities, Last Call is all about creating connections, sparking friendly competition, and building camaraderie.

Watch Last Call: Ex Factor

How do you feel about couples collaborating on projects for their brands? Do you think it can be done? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Doc’s Castle Release The Official Doc’s Thumbs Up Playlist Vol. 1

Doc’s publishes the first Doc’s Thumbs Up Playlist, six years after the Doc’s Thumbs Up segment first premiered as an additional commentary segment highlighting artists on Doc’s Castle Media. 

It’s a long time coming, but honestly it never crossed my mind until I realized I was already creating my playlist without noticing. The IG algorithm was strong this year pushing way more musical artists than in the past, and I’m not mad at that at all because I love my ears being immersed in absolute originality. What I did that was so different this time was search Spotify for artists who I thought were cool and saved their songs for “later.” Boom, now I have a list.

I spent an entire year saving songs for later. Beginning Fall 2020 to Fall 2021, I added songs that got me through my days.

Aye, Baltimore! I summon you to stand up first, here, as I’m a native and understand the “Baltimore struggle,” I have to use my first Doc’s Thumbs Up Playlist to highlight the artist I love hearing from my hometown. Just to drop a few artist names that I included in the Doc’s Thumbs Up Vol. 1 Playlist, we have Abdu Ali, Kaotic Couture, Kariz Marchel, Kay LA, T.Ali, Miss Kam, Butch Dawson, Hazmat Caz, and so much more.

I’m certainly not the master of curating playlists. I simply like what I like. When I want to listen to a song for a while, I make it a habit to add it to my own track list like I used to make mixtapes back in high school. So this isn’t that much of a big deal than what I’m about to gas this up to be. But anyway…Doc’s published her first Doc’s Thumb’s Up Playlist. Woot woot!

I’m uncertain if I’ll make another Doc’s Thumbs Up Playlist. I did enjoy creating this one. It takes a lot of work finding local artists to include on this list. I spent many work days searching social media and Spotify to find songs I liked to listen to while working out, creating in my art studio, or to include on my daily drives.

Maybe, if I decided to create another playlist, I’ll do a collaboration with someone else. What do you all think? 

Shout outs to these two brands that inspire me to curate my very own playlist. They are themselves Baltimore talent and the few media outlets I subscribe to when keeping up with what’s hot in the DMV region. These local media specialists are a great start if you’re looking on where to find out who’s worth listening to locally.

Karlito Freeze, host of and Rides with Freeze, and former host of Strong Way Radio.

ParkMag, underground hip-hop online publication and curator of 8 Baltimore Playlist via Parkmag.space.

Doc’s Thumbs Up Playlist Vol. 1

Listen to Doc’s Thumbs Up Playlist Vol. 1 via Spotify.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Kotic Couture Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Pink Durag A Few Weeks Before #DuragHistoryWeek

Kotic Couture celebrates their one-year anniversary of the official music video for Pink Durag ft. 310N this August 2021. And I can’t help to wonder if they meant to release the video for Pink Durag weeks prior to Durag History Week. Today I share in its glory by making the Pink Durag featuring 310N official music video the latest Doc’s Thumbs Up feature on Doc’s Castle Media.

Kotic and I go way back to 2016 working for Baltimore pop hits radio station Today’s 101.9 as promotion assistants. Thank God we’ve evolved from those humble beginnings. I always loved Kotic’s straightforward tell-it-how-it-is attitude. So when they told me who they really are outside of working at the station, I kept following them closely on all their social media so I can watch their musical journey.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CFmw3-Up_Y7/?utm_medium=copy_link

Kotic makes waves in Baltimore like no other. From appearing in the Netflix documentary Dark City Beneath the Beat, DJing, and opening up for other musical artists in Baltimore, to hosting parties at arts and entertainment venue Crown in Baltimore, Couture alerts are from every direction in the DMV and tri-state area. Obviously, the couture is juicy because the Kotic buzz has been busy for a while now. They also appeared in Spotify’s DMV Ripple Effect Playlist as a feature on Miss Kam’s FTCU along with Ddm. Finally, as of recently, they’re traveling more booking gigs across the east coast from New York City to even DJing in the PBNJ Block Party club music tour on August 28th in New Jersey. Like, is this Kotic giving us all that they got? …because gah!

http://www.instagram.com/p/CS92nHpL001/?utm_medium=copy_link

Kotic Couture Pink Durag ft. 310N Official Music Video

Pink Durag is the Doc’s Thumbs Up feature because it’s long overdue. The video premiered last August while I was still learning how to build this website. Now, I remember while Kotic celebrates its one-year release via Instagram. I’ll say this post is better late than never because they deserve all the recognition they can get with this one.

In honor of #DuragHistoryWeek, Kotic Couture is here with it. Though there isn’t a durag insight in this video, the message is as strong as its staple in the black community. Kotic shares with us via email the idea came during the pandemic after watching, what felt like consecutive, fatal killings as a result of police brutality. “The deaths of George Floyd, but specifically Breonna Taylor and Oluwatoyin Salau, left such an impression on me. I was tired of screaming on the Internet. I literally had to tell myself to calm down so I started working on music.” Out of frustration, the song was born. 

The production and visuals of the video are fire, but the overall message is what should take you away. Breaking barriers from what society pictures as the norm is what makes Kotic one of my favorites in Baltimore’s art scene. They can really put on a show defying the odds and truly showing who they’ll be.  But listen closely to the spoken word closing out the video.

Kotic narrows our attention on Oluwatoyin Salu, a 19-year-old BLM activist who was murdered days after protesting for George Floyd in Tallahassee, FL. Her murder highlighted the notion that despite being the backbones of communities and large movements, Black women still face a high risk of facing a violent end. I love that Kotic took a moment to bring this message to the forefront. It is what truly should be on our minds in her case. The music video defies stereotypes, sure. This breeds a fire 🔥 reaction in itself. But Kotic is also spitting a message American’s need to hear.

The sound and video are a bit different from the usual fast tempo or club banger from Kotic. “The last time people saw a visual from me it was loud and colorful,” Kotic shares. Pink Durag is quite different which shows, early, them to be versatile through maneuvering genres. With this skill, we can expect them to work with numerous different artists in the future. Wow, oh wow, at what we get coming from little ole Baltimore, hmm?

Durag History

Over the course of a decade, summertime is designated as an hour for black people to ride the Durag wave. In September 2014, Durag History Week was declared by Van R. Newick II in a thread of memes via a tweet and Black Twitter went wild. Black people started to come together yearly in honor of celebrating durag history by sharing their favorite durag memes on social media. A few years later, visual artist and activist Dammit Wesley initiated the 1st annual Durag Festival in Charlotte, NC to showcase its history and dismiss the stereotypes associated with black hair and black culture. Just this year on Juneteenth, black folks in NC celebrated its 3rd annual durag celebration, and on July 25th the residents of Milwaukee saw their 1st durag festival. What’s to say that these durag traditions won’t evolve and carry on to more cities and states.

[Read more on “The Renaissance of the Durag” by Alisha Acquaye via Allure]

I wondered if there was any relation to releasing Pink Durag the time black people love cherishing durags so much. Actually, Kotic told me the durag didn’t have any influence on the song at all. “I definitely didn’t wear a Durag on purpose. I never want to be too predictable or cheesy and the song had nothing to do with Durags, that’s just the metaphor for things sitting on your mind, so I didn’t think that being in the video needed to be represented.” I guess I’ll scratch the idea of Kotic touring in Charlotte and Milwaukee offering to perform Pink Durag for next year’s festival is officially off the table. 

What do you think? Do you like the video? Share your comments below.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Five Artists on Frequency’s Ripple Effect DMV Playlist Not from Baltimore

Spotify’s Frequency Playlist highlights the music of artists from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions. Some of the DMV’s well-known hip-hop artists Rico Nasty, Pusha T, and Ari Lennox come together on Spotify’s Frequency Sunday Dinner podcast to discuss the Ripple Effect: DMV Playlist. I had the time to listen in and wanted to further give a Doc’s Thumbs Up to the artists in the DMV who made this dope hip-hop playlist. So I list five artists to listen to on Ripple Effect: DMV Playlist who do not live in Baltimore city.

The DMV is finally getting its well-deserved flowers from major folks in the music industry. I always knew our region had a spark about it. Too many of my talented friends were going unnoticed in the last decade. But I believe major industry folks are seeing how DMV artists are able to hold their own without traditional media backing. In the new area of social media, everyone has a platform and most of these artists have a loyal following that they work hard for.

[Read about Who’s Behind Spotify’s Frequency’s Playlist on Spotify Newsroom]

Spotify’s Frequency consists of 4 playlists that were ”created in response to a climate in which Black voices in music, fashion, business, and more continue to be left out of the narrative, their contributions left underappreciated and underrepresented.” The Ripple Effect playlists’ mission is to uplift artists who are unknown, unsigned, and from underserved genres. So this playlist was specifically tailored to serve our people!

As savvy underground listeners, we have uplifted these artists through online streaming services. We added their songs to our playlists on services like Spotify and YouTube Music. Supporters followed their Soundclouds. Fans attended their local shows. I’m so proud to see Spotify highlighting dope artists from the DMV, and it’s because of the buzz that’s created by supporters of these talented individuals. It’s a great thing to see, especially coming from where we come from. When we work hard, we elevate to new levels. Some of the Baltimore artists to make the lists, I watched constantly at work for years. Now they’re getting recognition past the borders of the city.

[Read: Busting Out of The Crab Barrel: How to Support Baltimore Artists on Doc’s Castle Media]

I woke up to expressive Instagram posts from Baltimore artist and last month’s Doc’s Thumb’s Up feature Miss Kam and Baltimore MC Deetranada excited about being featured on Spotify’s Frequency Ripple Effect: DMV Playlist. Rico Nasty also gave shoutouts on The Frequency Sunday Dinner podcast released on July 29th to Miss Kam and Baby Kahlo. Such awesome talent emerging from the DMV area. Other Baltimore artists to grace the ears of listeners of the playlist are DDm, Kotic Couture, CalvoMusic, YG Teck, Ernest Third, and Mighty Mark.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CSCnaGdFZTz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Artists of Baltimore definitely get the top pick of the litter here on Doc’s Castle Media when it comes to highlighting talent. It’s because of my Bmore pride, I want to give my hometown its well-deserved recognition. There’s over 40% of our views coming from Baltimore readers. So I give people what they’re used to seeing and what they like to see represented in the city. But today, I decided to check out a few more artists from The Ripple Effect: DMV Playlist because everyone on it deserves a good listen. 

I’m pointing out five artists whose songs feature on the Ripple Effect playlist that I heard for the first time thanks to Spotify. Take note of these artists’ names and tracks as we may hear more from them in the years to come.

Five artists to listen to in the Ripple Effect: DMV Playlist who don’t live in Baltimore:

Dreamcastmoe – Washington, D.C.

Soul Belongs 2 U is a cool love song by Dreamcastmoe that puts you in a new atmosphere. It might sound a little creepy, but I can Digg it. Just think of speaking to the love of your life than telling them that their soul is now yours. That’s the type of effect I want on my man. “You’re mine,” said like Shang Tsung from Mortal Kombat. Yeeeeeeeah, that’s the vibe I got when I heard it. Haha! Dreamcastmoe got a dope song there.

Leeto – Woodbridge, VA

Broken reminds me of songs by Juice World and what’s funny is in Leeto’s YouTube bio, it’s said that’s who he grasps musical inspiration from. He’s only 16 years old and I can already pick up on musical influences in his tracks. That’s a skill that many artists at that age aren’t able to hown. Good job! You’ve got my attention, young grasshopper.

Kelow Latesha – Prince George’s County, MD

Let’s add some girl power to this list. Charizard made the Ripple Effect Playlist and it came on with a punch. Let me tell you I did not put this list on any particular shuffle so I wasn’t expecting Charizard to come on after hearing IDK and Young Thug’s PradadaBang. This is something fast-paced that I’ll consider adding to my workout playlist while I’m getting this Thirsty 30 Body right. Kelow is also one of the two female rap artists to make the playlist that does not live in Baltimore. Rico Nasty is the other.

Shaolinn – Virginia Beach, VA

It’s very rare that I find an r&b/hip-hop artist that I like. So it feels good to come across Heavy Heart on the playlist. It gives off an R&B/alternative kind of vibe. Very calming to my ear after hearing so much rap at the start of the playlist. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not the entire list. Shaolinn is one of those soothing voices to subscribe to because we aren’t all hard here in the DMV area. There are some dope vocalists here, too.

Shy Lennox – Richmond, VA

Shy Lennox is another smooth-sounding alternative R&B artist coming with his song Poolside. He’s an actual vocalist who studied vocal performance at Virginia Commonwealth University. But his song Poolside projects for me “audiovisuals,” similar to if I closed my eyes and started seeing what is being sung vibrantly. It’s relaxing.

There are 58 tracks on the Ripple Effect: DMV Playlist. Nearly three hours of original content from unsign and unheard-of talent from the Washington metropolitan area. These five artists shared today are only a snippet of the full list.

Listen to Ripple Effect on Spotify:

Other mentions on the playlist that we head nod:

Mya -Worth It

GoldLink – White Walls

Baby Sosa – Money Shower

Jabb – Fvck Dat

Shy Glizzy – Ridiculous 

Share what songs you like from the playlist in the comments below.