Artist Spotlight

Florida Native, Yung Booz making big moves in rap game!

Sanford, Florida native, Yung Booz, is making massive waves on the local rap scene! Born Darius Wooden, Yung Booz was born and raised in Sanford or more affectionately known as Bowkey. It is one of the oldest cities in the state and is home to an explosive rap scene. Yung Booz spent the majority of his life enamored by the culture and fell in love with the world of music. As soon as he heard bar after bar of words entangled to become one melody, he knew that was his destiny.

He found influence in fellow Florida rapper who became a household name, Kodak Black. He also found inspiration in Tyler Perry who not only elevated himself, but those around him. Yung Booz found his closest idol in his cousin who received a record deal with Slip-N-Slide records. Unfortunately he was incarcerated before he could begin his career, but the sheer motivation was enough for Yung Booz to see this did not have to be just a dream. He has made it his personal mission to overcome the negativity that hovers around him and turn it all into positives with relatable lyrics.

He encourages prolonged learning for everyone, whether they are a CEO or a janitor. Yung Booz believes one never stops learning, hence becoming the best version of themselves. He educates himself by staying in tune with social media and connecting with his fans. Distro Kid, Facebook, and Soundcloud are the three platforms he has taken the time to know and undeniably love. Paired with the love for social media, he also makes sure to stay loyal to his mother, kids, and extended family. He knows his music is what will push them forward and only hopes to continue to make them proud along the way.

These days, Yung Booz is making his stamp with the well known, ‘Big Ape Family’! Accompanied by his creative producer, DJ Da Don, he is releasing single after single of hits everyone can relate to. He has established himself as a budding newcomer, opening for monumental acts such as The Dream and Young Thug. In the future, he is looking to expand his horizons outside of the brick streets of Florida and become a worldwide phenomenon. He even hopes to collaborate on feature films one day with the aforementioned Tyler Perry.

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.