Category: Doc Top Picks

3 Top Hand Selected Posts from Editors for Home Page

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.

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.

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.