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Ja Rule Paid Homage To 2Pac On “So Much Pain”

Nineteen years ago, Ja Rule was more or less on top of the rap game. Though history has not been kind to his legacy, in reality, a case could have easily been made that the Murder Inc lyricist was one of hip-hop’s reigning rulers. Singles like the J-Lo assisted “I’m Real,” “Livin’ It Up,” and “Always On Time” highlighted his pop sensibilities, which admittedly looked to be transforming into his dominant style. Yet on his third studio album Pain Is Love, Ja also offered a few gems to the hip-hop heads, including the emotional homage to 2Pac Shakur “So Much Pain.”

Though his Pac tributes were eventually used against him in a savage beef with 50 Cent and Eminem, in hindsight, “So Much Pain” was a solid cut from a simpler time. “I spits razors, never been a stranger to homicide, my city’s full of tote-slingers and chalk lines,” he laments, over a repurposed flip on Pac’s “Pain” instrumental. “Why do we die at an early age? N**ga so young, but still a victim of a twelve-gauge.”

Adding credibility to the tribute is a posthumous verse from Pac, though some might argue against the song’s efficacy in the first place. Still, nineteen years removed from its initial release, it feels appropriate to revisit this one free of baggage — even if you didn’t side with Ja in the great rap war of the early millennium. Does anybody remember Pain Is Love, released on this very day in 2001?

QUOTABLE LYRICS

I spits razors, never been a stranger to homicide
My city’s full of tote-slangers and chalk lines
Why do we die at an early age?
Ni**a so young, but still a victim of a twelve-gauge

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Kieran James Honors Memory with “Part of the Grind”

Singer-songwriter Kieran James delivers a devastating new single with “Part of the Grind,” a track to tackle the tangled emotions behind loss and memory. A love letter penned to a close friend who faced severe cognitive decline, the song’s emotional heft feels universal yet heartbreakingly personal.

Set to delicate instrumentation and achingly sung vocals, “Part of the Grind” is both a lament and an honoring, a means of remembering while addressing the unavoidable cost of time and illness. His voice floats, leaving room for silence and the long pauses that so often come with grief. But in that silence, there is warmth as well, a refusal to let memory be totally extinguished.

Resilience is also implied in the song’s title, a reminder that even in heartbreak, life goes on and holding the memory of someone stays with the rhythm of everyday living. it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever looked on witnessing decline, mixed sorrow with love.

In Kieran James’s “Part of the Grind,” we hear music as well as go behind it. He gives us room feel, to mourn, and to honor. In the process, he turns private pain into something achingly universal, a song for everyone who has either loved or lost.

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Esthy glows up with joy on new anthem “light it up”

In her latest song, “light it up,” singer-songwriter and producer Esthy from LA brings a vibrant and uplifting vibe that feels like sunshine in musical form. By mixing elements of playful country with polished pop sounds, she creates a track that’s all about having fun and enjoying life.

Esthy’s singing truly shines, showcasing a lively and confident style. There’s a playful tone in her voice that makes the lyrics feel friendly and inviting, encouraging you to set aside your worries and immerse yourself in the moment.

“light it up” radiates energy and is lively and bright, featuring catchy guitar riffs and upbeat rhythms that draw you in right away. If you enjoy artists like Anne-Marie or OneRepublic, you’ll love this song, and Esthy adds her unique flair, making it special and memorable.

Esthy has a talent for creating catchy melodies, and with this one, you’ll find yourself humming throughout your day. Esthy is here to spread joy, inspire energy, and make music that connects with you instantly. This track is designed to remind you of your true unstoppable nature, and Esthy lights it up.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Esthy’s “lights it up” on Spotify.
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