Category: The Doctor’s Pick

Handpicked Favorites from Doc’s Castle Editors

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.

I’m My Alter Ego for Halloween 2025: Alissa Fere

For many years, I’ve dressed up as a variety of characters. Halloween has always been my time to shine, a moment to embody creativity and personal expression. This year, my costume is more than just a look—it’s a personal release and a performance. I’m stepping into the shoes of someone known only to me: my alter ego, Alissa Fere.

In the past, I often chose costumes inspired by trending topics or cultural moments. This year, with the world feeling uncertain and chaotic, I wanted to create something meaningful and authentic rather than topical or morbid,  like an expired SNAP benefits card or an unemployed SSA employee.

Read: Get in the Spirit of Halloween: 5 Halloween Costumes by Doc

Despite the turmoil and challenges we face nationally, including the ongoing struggles since the Trump administration’s policies, I find hope in the resilience and solidarity of communities. Families in Oregon organize food drives, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the generosity in Maryland through my work with Instacart, delivering food to those in need. These acts of kindness inspire me to believe we can emerge stronger.

Since my son arrived, he’s developed a love for Halloween that mirrors my own. His costume had to be special—he requested to be a Happy Dragon. After weeks of interpreting what that meant, I transformed him into the happiest dragon I know. His creativity fuels mine, especially during this season.

Ro, The Happy Dragon and my sister dressed as a sim.

I chose to be his partner in crime this year. The Mother of Dragons herself visited my spirit, painting my hair blonde. I became Daenerys Targaryen, the fierce and complex character from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and the HBO series Game of Thrones. Walking alongside my son in this tradition, which my sister and I have cherished for three years, was truly magical.

The Many Faces of Halloween

Over the past decade, I’ve embodied many characters—from Tina Belcher of Bob’s Burgers to a Covid-19 germ, to cancel culture itself. Each costume tells a story, reflects a moment, or challenges a narrative.

Introducing Alissa Fere and the Official Mic Drop Video

With the release of “A Voice of My Own,” a free chapter from my memoir 4Da Streetz, I’m unveiling something special: my alter ego Alissa Fere and the official mic drop video for my very first music video.

Alissa Fere

Born in the Underground Dojo, Alissa Fere found her voice in Baltimore’s underground arts scene in the early 2010s. She is the alter ego of Taylor “Doc” Walker, founder of Doc’s Castle Media, and more than a name—she’s a reckoning.

For years, Alissa observed from the shadows, learning the grind and grace of artists around her while quietly nurturing her own lyrical fire. Now, she bursts forth with unapologetic boldness. Her music is raw, honest, and unfiltered—a declaration of selfhood, survival, and resistance against the silence polite society demands.

Alissa Fere doesn’t just write music. She tells it like it is. No filters. No apologies. Just her truth, amplified.

How to Engage with This Release

This Halloween, I’m not just dressing up—I’m stepping into my power and inviting you to witness the birth of Alissa Fere. Stay tuned for more creative releases and performances from Doc’s Castle Media.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

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.

The Essay I Never Wrote—Until Now

I didn’t just write a chapter. I archived a moment. A Voice of My Own is live.

It’s been a long, awaited decade of trying to figure out my life as an artist while imagining how to showcase my view of the world. I am a writer, and those who support me know this well. Since 2013, I have published articles highlighting local Baltimore artists, appreciating various art forms from music to visual arts. I’ve always loved the environment of an artist’s space and enjoyed documenting my experiences within them.

As I mentioned earlier this year, I’m spending 2025 defining who Taylor, Doc, and Alissa Fere are to my supporters. I want to give everyone a clearer picture of what I envision.

Read: What’s Up Doc: Returning from Hiatus: A Personal Update revised from 2014

Artists are incredibly emotional. They experience life and tell stories in ways others are too afraid to share. One thing I know for sure is that I’ve never been someone to shy away from expressing myself. But there’s one part of my life that’s always been a secret—within my artistry.

I talk to myself and reflect often on why I chose to silence my own talents. I journal and sketch in my free time. Since the age of 10, I’ve created sanctuaries where I do my work. Yet, I still felt like I wasn’t truly being authentic to who I’m meant to be because my story doesn’t get told for others to see. But I can write a pretty good essay about someone else.

Now, it’s time for me to face my fears of letting people into the story of my alter ego’s origins. This is the beginning of Alissa Fere. 

4Da Streetz: A Voice of My Own (Ebook)

It started with a bottle of Jose, a college crush, and a verse that refused to stay quiet.

Voice of My Own is a standalone chapter from Taylor’s memoir-in-progress 4Da Streetz, capturing the night she stepped into Baltimore’s Underground Dojo and claimed her voice. Fueled by flirtation, frustration, and a half-written verse, she entered the booth not as a manager or stylist, but as an artist. The track was “Jose.” The moment was transformative.

This chapter unfolds in real time: from plotting on a friend’s couch to performing in a packed studio, surrounded by artists, smoke, and sound. It’s a lyrical portrait of authorship born in the middle of chaos. Taylor didn’t just record a song—she ruptured a silence. She stopped curating other people’s stories and started telling her own.

Set against the backdrop of Baltimore’s underground music scene, Voice of My Own explores persona, power, and the moment a woman decides she’s no longer just surviving—she’s narrating.

About the Author: Taylor is a writer, publisher, and founder of Doc’s Castle LLC, a creative house and publishing imprint amplifying memoir, music, and visual art. Her work explores matriarchal legacy, creative equity, and the power of personal storytelling. She is currently building a living archive through essays, music, and visual media that center resilience, authorship, and resistance.

Download Voice of My Own and hear the track that started it all. This isn’t just a chapter—it’s a timestamp in the archive.

Download A Voice of My Own for Free at any of the bookstores below.

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

No Egos Spared: A Woman’s Voice in the Echo Chamber

No Egos Spared marks a turning point in my writing—a conscious shift toward clarity without sacrificing depth. Through layered storytelling and honest critique, I examine the raw fault lines of creative community, betrayal, and resilience. This piece doesn’t just tell—it demands attention, challenging conventions with a style shaped by experience and sharpened by purpose.

I let him see the blueprint to my dreams—unrolled it in front of him like sacred scripture. I thought we were building together. But he used the plans to wall me in. Am I doing it because I’m a Gemini? Is it Fere’ that you want to see?

In the rooms where sound is supposed to matter—studios, stages, writing circles—my voice was often the most inconvenient thing in the mix. Not because it lacked strength. But it wasn’t his, and I asked too many questions. I needed too much help. God forbid him doing anything beneath him. He claims that he’s above it.

We had history. The kind that blurs boundaries between romance and artistic kinship. I believed that intimacy and creativity could co-exist. That if I bared my struggles and ambitions, he’d respond with support—not possession.

But some men in this industry respond to uncertainty not with curiosity, but control. When they can’t predict me, they try to contain me. When they can’t mold my message, they challenge my value. My art becomes a threat, not because it’s loud, but because it’s mine.

His jealousy wasn’t thunderous—it was tactical. It crept in through gossip, manipulation, and the halting of collaborations. He began favor-banking our friendship, stacking emotional IOUs like poker chips because he’s his mother’s child. Every compliment came with a receipt. Every gesture, priced. I didn’t realize our connection had turned transactional until I stopped paying—and the interest he’d quietly collected came due. “I already do too much for you, Taylor.” Well, excuse me if you chose to buy my son cookies for Christmas last year. I didn’t ask.

His whispers traveled farther than my melodies. A man with too much time and too little grace, spinning tales like rollers in a salon chair—comparing, competing, resentful of what he couldn’t imitate. Telling tales to uncommon realism as if he knew realism at all. He’s stuck in a realm believing that becoming a leader will give him everything his yearning heart desires. But all he’s doing is waiting for his mommy’s approval.

As women, we are trained in the choreography of making ourselves digestible—smiling through dismissiveness, softening brilliance to seem less threatening, praising fragile egos while our confidence starves. Mother fucker, I was quiet enough listening to your whining.

But I’m done tiptoeing.

This isn’t an indictment. I’m not here to name or shame. This is an elegy for the kind of bond I thought we had—a goodbye to the version of friendship where love came without listening. Laughter in between the smoke now is just leftover ashes in my 2002 Chevy Malibu.

When I create, it’s not for approval. It’s survival. It’s reclamation. It’s medicine.

So yes—these words are intentional. These metaphors are machetes, clearing space for my expression. Consider this not an apology, but a declaration:

He thought blocking my art would trap me in his silence. But silence is a room—I’ve kicked down the door.

I will not be silenced.

I will not dilute my art for the comfort of any man, mentor, or self-proclaimed “best friend” who flinches at my full volume. 

My story will be told—with fire, with elegance, and without permission. I’ll leak it.

Words crafted in my declaration. I will make sure you drown in Fere’s abbess. Now, who really wants to play chess with the queen of Doc’s Castle?

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

Baltimore Local ACT-SO: Mentorship, Creativity & Empowering Young Artists

Sixteen years after competing in ACT-SO, I returned—not as a contestant, but as a judge for the Baltimore Local Competition. Sitting on the other side of the table was a surreal experience, bringing back memories of the day I stood in the Newtown High School gymnasium, nervous as I prepared to meet the judges. I remember watching the other contestants, convinced I had no chance of winning. They seemed confident, prepared—everything I wasn’t sure I was at the time. But ACT-SO wasn’t just about competition; it was about mentorship, creativity, and preparing young artists for something beyond the moment.

Now, as a judge, I have the chance to witness new generations step into the same experience that shaped my journey. The impact of ACT-SO still runs deep. As I reflect on my path, I realize how much it influenced my confidence. It also impacted my career and creative voice. I want to share—from nervous competitor to mentor—and why I believe ACT-SO is an opportunity that should continue reaching young artists. I hope that more former participants reconnect, support the next wave of talent, and keep this legacy alive.

About NAACP ACT-SO

The NAACP ACT-SO is a nationwide program designed to nurture high school students’ talents in academics, culture, technology, and the arts. Over a year, participants collaborate with community mentors to develop visual arts, business, performing arts, and culinary arts projects. The journey culminates in local and national competitions where students showcase their work and compete for scholarships and awards.

Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition

Baltimore’s ACT-SO program follows the same mission, providing students with mentorship and opportunities to refine their skills. Participants compete in one of 33 categories across six disciplines at the local level, with top performers advancing to the national competition.

Why ACT-SO?

In 2009, I was a contestant in the local Baltimore ACT-SO competition. I also participated in the national ACT-SO competition. This experience became a pivotal turning point in my journey. Joining ACT-SO introduced me to entrepreneurship and inspired me to build my own publication and art business. It was through this competition that I gained the foundational skills and knowledge to craft a blueprint for what I had always envisioned. ACT-SO also gave me my first real taste of networking, allowing me to connect with artists beyond my school and neighborhood. For the first time, I saw myself as part of a vast, vibrant community of Black youth. We were shaping the future together. I felt like a small fish in a big pond of limitless creativity and ambition.

At the award ceremony, I learned that participation in this year’s local ACT-SO competition was low—a reality that feels disheartening considering the profound impact the program had on my life. I’d like to believe the issue isn’t a lack of interest, but rather a lack of awareness. In the age of social media, that shouldn’t be the case. ACT-SO deserves to be in the conversation, accessible to teenagers just as readily as the latest viral trend or their favorite TikTok influencer. So I’m here to talk about it.

One of the most valuable aspects of ACT-SO was the mentorship. I had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors whose advice still resonates with me today. They didn’t just guide me through the competition—they shaped how I approach my creative and professional journey. Whether it was insights on storytelling, the art of networking, or the importance of owning my voice, their wisdom provided a strong foundation for my growth. Their encouragement helped me see beyond my immediate surroundings and recognize my potential. ACT-SO wasn’t just about showcasing talent—it was about cultivating it with the right guidance.

Throughout the school year that I participated, I worked closely with my entrepreneurship teacher to develop a business plan—one that ultimately helped me win the local ACT-SO competition. After that, I was paired with a judge who took my plan to the next level. As a consultant for the Maryland District Office of the Small Business Administration, he provided expert guidance, helping me refine every detail. Looking back, all I remember is a whole lot of editing—but that process shaped my understanding of what it takes to build a strong foundation for a business.

Watch Doc Judges the Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition

How can you get involved?

ACT-SO continues to shape young artists, but it thrives on community support. If you’re a former participant, consider reconnecting. The Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition is looking for volunteers and support for the national competition in July 2025. If you’d like to contribute, visit the NAACP’s official Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition website to learn how you can help fund the next generation’s journey to the national competition in Charlotte, NC.

There are other major programs comparable to ACT-SO available for the youth in Baltimore City. Shout out some of your favorites in the comments. Let’s shed some light on that goodness.

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.

What’s Up Doc: Returning from Hiatus: A Personal Update revised from 2014

For those curious about my reasons for taking a break, I’ve crafted a list just for you…. (I revised this from 2014. Talk about procrastination. It still applies.) Usually, I make a vision board in the new year. As March is the New Year for Doc’s Castle Media, I’m sharing my vision for the year. It’s not a vision board, but a video and list which shares what prompts me to go on my many hiatuses and my vision for 2025. 

Here’s my list…

Reason 1: The Media is Annoying

Being in the media has made me weary of it. I have a love-hate relationship with the news. Becoming the news has shown me a side of the media I can’t always respect. Everyone’s a critic, everyone’s nosy, and everyone’s chasing fame. There’s too much pressure on what’s true, while Doc’s Castle Media is just my commentary. Life has become about grabbing attention. It’s disheartening to see people change while seeking recognition, and I’m the middle person who has the power to influence that.

I want to write without hyperactive comments and concerns. I’m tired of the rush to cover stories and the hype of likes and views. I move at my own pace at Doc’s Castle Media. On my website, don’t bug me unless…$$$! Catch my drift?

Reason 2: Where is the Originality?

There’s a lack of originality. When I started blogging twelve years ago, I had it. Now, blogging is a new trend, like rapping, videography, photography, and other arts. I’m returning to the drawing board because everyone has a website, and we all do the same thing. But my website remains deeply personal because I want to do it MY WAY. Who else will write an article like this? Who else is going to dive into topics and discover the talents of other people like I do?!  Returning from this hiatus, please expect more unique content. You, the viewers, will see my originality. It’s time to get a little delusional for my viewers and let you into how I see life in my safe place in my Castle.

Reason 3: Lack of Resources and Consistent Help

I’m frustrated by the lack of resources. I hate depending on others and waiting for their help. I dislike working in groups (I learned that in school and networking with other creatives). It seems like a neverending story waiting for others to do their part often leads to disappointment.

A lack of resources forces me to teach myself things I’d rather not do. I just want to write, man. Why must I teach myself graphic or web design, video editing, or photography so my website looks how I want it? A whole publication? It’s fine once I learn it, but it distracts me from writing.

“Invest in your craft,” people say. But who has the money to get off the ground? Not me! So, years were put into learning how to produce a real publication. I deserve flowers for the years I put into what I’m passionate about. I’m coming for my crown.

Reason 4: Am I An Impostor?!

Many creatives can relate to the struggle of getting out of our heads and bringing our visions into the world. We’re constantly searching for ways to make what feels natural to us resonate as “normal” for everyone else. This is my way of life—not the way of life, if you know what I mean—so when life throws challenges my way, finding inspiration to climb out of a rut can feel impossible. There’s no clear guide or set of examples to follow when navigating mistakes for the creative I want to be. It’s taking me a long time to discover my creative “normal.”

As I break free from impostor syndrome and step boldly into reality, I declare to the world: This is who I am. There’s no rule book for becoming the person I aspire to be. I’m ready to be unapologetically myself, to stop hiding the parts of me that I’ve spent years questioning whether they were “cool enough.” With over 4.5K supporters behind me, I realize that maybe I am a little cool. So, here’s to step out further, for myself and for anyone who’s rooting for me. I’m learning to embrace just how cool I truly am.

As you can see, my frustrations have piled up, and the negativity has made me reconsider my approach. A huge question is pressing on my mind, and I haven’t figured out the answer yet due to this built-up frustration with running my castle. But I press forward anyway, with ideas ready to spill out for everyone to see. As always, we’ll see where my creative journey takes me.

Watch me be:

Taylor, Doc, Alissa Fere ❤