We live it. Can't help it, even if we tried.
Then, you stumble across an artist who gets way more than that obsession, but gives you an entire new perspective and appreciation for music. It's like being born again, and it's cheesy but there are some artists that have been with me more than best friends, that have never let me down. That release a surprise verse out of nowhere and change your whole thought process just when you need it the most. They can take the words right out of your brain all the while implanting like minded thoughts.
Psalm One has been one of these artist for me for many many years.
For many many reasons.
Basically, she is a consistent Artist that I have had the utmost respect for both Lyrically and Personally throughout her Career, and she also 100 things more than that to me. I know most of my Readers (thanks!) know of her because I am borderline obsessed with her ever evolving creativity (why you so obsessed with me?- wait, that's Mariah, completely different) and post and promote her to the point of being obnoxious, but that's because I know what the fuck I'm talking about and real recognizes real ( cliched catchphrases that make me sound like I'm trying to be more "Hood" or " Urban", as Sam Goody and Blockbuster Music used to refer to it because that makes white people feel more alright with their "political correctness"). Psalmie is a phenomenon and an extremely underrated addition to the direction of Hip-Hop and Pop Culture overall which has finally embraced Hip-Hop as more than just a fad that will phase, and we will all go back to Country and Bubble Gum Pop, and a little soul music after hours (only)...
Now don't get me wrong, she is by far not the ONLY addition to Indie Hip-Hop that I appreciate wholeheartedly, or Mainstream Hip-Hop for that matter. She is just Luscious, rocks the crowd and makes classics ( to me) that NEVER get old no matter what chapter of life I am in at the current moment. Her words speak to me and I feel her thoughts as they flow out her mouth so effortlessly. I'll get off her Proverbial Dick, but I just have pay respect while I make you realize and understand why I feel about this way in her particular.
I first heard of Psalm One on the streets ( can't even remember how, but I was compelled to find her album and literally walked to every CD store in Chicago that might possibly have her album) and eventually found it at Gramaphone Records. Threw that shit in my DiscMan and fell in love. It was a whole different kind of lyrical genre less music that I had never found in any form of music before. Like I said, I fell in love. She had a show a week or so later, and I got all cute with my bleach blonde faux-hawk (I know) and oversized leather jacket and took my ass over to the Abbey Pub. Saw her perform, and I was instantly inspired. I got nervous, knowing I had to pay respect. She was working her own merch booth, which always made me respect an artist even more. She had her posse, I did not. I walked right up to her, only knowing her lyrics after her set and said something like" I fucking love your album. You have no idea how much it means to me and has changed my..." She stopped me and said thank you with pure love and hugged me and kissed my cheek. Then, she humbly signed my CD.
I have met many "celebrities" that I respected and have their autographs, but this was different. This was real. Nobody paid her to show me the same love back. She did it on her own volition, and was flattered. I was drunk (go figure) so it probably didn't go down as smoothly and fairy tale like as I remember, but I am pretty slick cat so maybe it did. Those were the days when I remembered my "limit". Those days didn't last very long as I always preferred herbology over dranky drank drank.
Regardless, the love I received was humble and respectful, and she gained a fan for life ( all up and coming artists, take note).
Then I realized she had a studio right next to where I was working in Wicker Park area, Chicago, Illinois.
Yup, another great from Chicago!
And not to mention she is an educated former Chemist who spends her scarce free time doing amazing Charity and Community Outreach work for the neighborhoods in Chicago.
Psalm One actually does do it for the kids and care about the homeless!
And she has always worked with so many different producers and artists and created an extremely diverse portfolio for herself. I mean, The First Lady Of Rhymesayers is a pretty big deal!
And, wait. She's right down the street from me?
A little too convenient, our twist of fate of being neighbors.
Also, like I promise I'm not stalking you and I'm not creepy, we can call this coincidence.
What's that paper? A Restraining Ord- oh! Ok, then, um, I'm a big fan Hug Life Bitch ( hugs and runs).
That never happened, nor was it ever an actual concerned that I am aware of for her. Lol.
Like, she would walk past everyday and we'd bump into each other and she was just mad cool. She was so chill, just like her music.
Real recognizes real.
I wish I could have made it to all her shows, but life happens, so I only made it to most of them.
Also, like most Hip-Hop showcases to, they save the best for last but wouldn't tell you exactly when the only performer you wanted to see on the entire roster was going on stage. Not even a ballpark figure, not even a guesstimate. So u show up early cuz if you miss them it's a devastating waste of money, even though you usually end up really liking the other artists as well. And sometimes, it's as simple as I cannot stay out until 3 a.m. AGAIN!
But, there Psalm would be, somewhere in the crowd running around dancing, or straight up chilling selling her own merchandise and signing shit for people like me. Making people she knows wait in lines to talk to her ( fucking diva) ( she's totally not a diva).
But, she always gave me a show before she went on, and always went out of her way to say hi!
And no matter how drunk I was all front row at her shows getting the fuck down, she was polite and humble. I like to think I wasn't as annoying as I think I was too.
I like to think everything in my past is distorted reality and a blurred vision, but it's not and that's another completely irrelevant topic.
Oh my god, and I made her sign everything! Lol.
That girl has carpal tunnel because of me!
Sometimes, no matter what prestigious label you are signed to you still sell your own Merch.
Ain't no shame, it solidifies our love and respect when an artist is beyond mad cool and inspires us to buy more, usually just based on their presence.
They are real people, guys!
Psalm knows how I feel, and has shown me all the love back.
From all of her projects and various names, groups and whatnot it is literally impossible for me to shuffle her discography and say that I hate or don't like a single song! I feel that strongly about no other artist, and that is no lie. True, there are songs I prefer, but I don't skip. There is no need, even and some times especially on her mixtape tracks and wide range of skills.
I consider her a friend, and have made it incredibly clear that I don't mean to seem obsessed but I'm completely infatuated with and by her.
She loves it!
I eagerly anticipate more to come, but have done my best to express how much what has already been released means to me.
And I put her on as a test.
Don't tell me you love Hip-Hop and not bob your head to any of her tracks.
And don't get it fooled, she has shit that baffles me for lack of mainstream success!
When I hear her new projects, I am always like " this is the one, this shit gone be all over the radio".
It's not, that doesn't mean it isn't incredible. Usually it means quite the opposite.
Who cares? As long as she's good, happy and remains not only making quality music, but continues all of her community outreach and educational work, then I know for a fact she is fulfilled.
And I know for a fact I will be her fan for life.
And I know for a fact, if we even have a conversation, I will force you to listen to her.
Nacrobats
Bio:Chemistry 2
Bio Chemistry 2: Esters and Essays
Get In the Van Series
Personal Surplus EP
The Death Of A Frequent Flyer
Woman At Work Series
Child Support (ASCAP/America Scores)
#FREEHUGS
And soon to change my world upside down is
#HUGLIFE
These albums are and will always be one ginormous playlist that will be the shuffling soundtrack to my soul.
Learn you something!
To Psalm One- thanks! You are simply the shit!
http://regularblackgirl.com
Love,
K.J. Dominick's
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