Music
Rapper Bakes Talks About His Music Coming Full Circle and His Evolution as an Artist
Rapper and songwriter Bakes has been in the independent music game since he first pursued his hip-hop career while attending college. As he wrote and recorded right out of his college apartment, Bakes captured the attention of the San Diego music scene and went on to perform as an opening act for A$AP Ferg. An artist who has evolved into a “self-contained” musician with an emphasis on lyrical wit, Bakes talents go beyond music production and writing with visual skills of his own showcased within his image and music videos.
From the Ground Up was Bakes’s first project released this year. The 14-song album details his life experiences and how powerful optimism and manifestation can be. Since the release of this album, Bakes has also put out a few singles including “Changed,” a moody lo-fi track that is accompanied by a visualizer. His most recent project is an EP called Illusions, with a music video of the same name releasing on Friday, November 5.
With more projects up his sleeve, Bakes will also be dropping a merch collection soon. While we anticipate the release of these projects, you can listen to his music on Spotify and Apple Music. The rapper discusses how his career has come full circle and his evolution as an artist below.
Connect with Bakes through the following links:
- Yaboybakes.com
- Instagram: @yaboybakes_
- TikTok: @yaboybakesmusic
- Twitter: @yaboybakes_
- Youtube: @YaBoyBakesMusic
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How would you say your music has come full circle ever since you decided to pursue being a hip-hop artist?
When I started making music, I was trying to find my sound and identity as an artist. As I’ve grown, both in the music industry and as a person, it’s reflected in my songwriting and artistry. I feel that I’m now the most polished, seasoned, and mature version of myself so my lyrical content is representing what I always wanted to convey: witty, positive, intelligent, motivational, and thought-provoking music.
As a songwriter, what inspires you to write?
I’m always writing down concepts, chorus ideas, and raps/ bars as they come to me, but I draw inspiration from the instrumental for writing an actual song. If the music feels good and invokes an emotion I want to elaborate on, I’ll start piecing together lyrics. I write to share ideas and bring value to listeners through what I’ve learned and experienced myself.
How would you describe your sound when you’re producing music?
I’m categorized as a lyrical rapper, but my sound goes beyond just clever wordplay. I focus on positive messaging, including having an entrepreneurial mindset and manifesting your reality, and mix it with my own lifestyle to produce songs that are true to who I am.
You’re in charge of a lot of the visuals you create for yourself. Can you walk me through the process of how you plan that out and how you make your visuals match your vibe?
I’ve worked with one director for several music videos, as well as other directors for other videos, and it’s always a collaborative effort. I like to give the director/ videographer the song I want to shoot and let them come up with a conceptual idea for the visual. Since I only work with people whose vision I trust, I let them take the lead while contributing my ideas along the way, resulting in a teamwork production.
Describe your most recent music video?
My new music video (Releasing November 5th) is titled “Illusion”; the visual is inspired by the movie The Matrix. The song is about perceiving reality, and the cinematic video shows the character realizing the simulation.
What are some recurring themes in your music?
Overall, I aim to uplift people with my music, and my themes reside on the positive side. I explore different topics of life with an optimistic outlook, combining lessons learned with an observant viewpoint. I find a balance between expressing myself and giving the listener something to relate to. I write a lot about manifesting your dreams, providing knowledge of how it’s done as I’m actively doing it myself. I also write about tapping into your purpose, finding your path, and bettering yourself.
How did being raised in the Bay Area affect your music background?
Growing up in the Bay Area gave me an eclectic taste in music. The Bay Area hip-hop scene was huge with the Hyphy movement and underground music having a big reach, the sound definitely influenced me. I was also really into East Coast rappers and other lyrical artists, plus I listened to rock bands like Linkin Park so I grew to appreciate all genres, and incorporate what I like into my own work.
Artist Spotlight
Kelsie Kimberlin drops the redolence of love in her recent single “Perfume”

If love had a perfect scent, Kelsie Kimberlin, a prolific artist and songwriter, has just bottled it in her latest single, “Perfume.” The American pop prodigy returns with her third release of 2025, delivering a glowing and gently intoxicating track that wraps itself around listeners like a breath of fresh, favorite fragrance, lingering beautifully long after it’s gone.
In “Perfume,” Kelsie goes beyond simply singing about love; she embodies it. The song is a metaphorical masterpiece in which perfume symbolizes an irresistible emotional connection. It’s light, hypnotic, and enchanting, just mirroring the invisible yet undeniable attraction she’s portraying. There’s something almost cinematic about how she draws you into the story of a boy so captivated by her essence that he follows her like a whisper in the wind.
The music video brings her cinematic style and signature vocals to life and reveals a poetic journey shot in collaboration with acclaimed director Pavlo Khomiuk. It follows Kelsie silently gliding through romantic cobblestone streets, her presence conveying everything without a single word. The chemistry between her and her partner is quiet, authentic, and utterly magnetic rather than loud or performative.
With industry heavyweights like Liam Noland (Adele) on the mix and Stuart Hawkes (Amy Winehouse) on mastering, the production benefits from an emotive and technically proficient polished finish. Every beat and musical element is meticulously placed with intention, subtle but powerful, and completely unforgettable.
Ultimately, “Perfume” provides an auditory experience that navigates the delicate balance between sensory perception and emotional vulnerability, where love lingers like your cherished fragrance on a lover’s sweater. Just like that scent, it doesn’t scream, ‘I’m in love,’ its understated delivery and intricate production invite deep reflection, compelling the audiences to savor its ephemeral beauty long after the final note fades.
For more information about Kelsie Kimberlin, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Kelsie Kimberlin’s “Perfume“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Kelsie Kimberlin | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |
Entertainment
Playboi Carti Feels “Like Weezy” as MUSIC Dominates the Streets

Playboi Carti is known for his unique style and unpredictable nature, but when he celebrates his achievements, he compares himself to one of the biggest names in hip-hop: Lil Wayne. Recently, his album MUSIC sold an impressive 500,000 copies in just two weeks, leading Carti to proclaim on social media, “FEELING LIKE WEEZY WE ALREADY PLATINUM N DA STREETS,” which means he feels as successful as Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne has greatly impacted hip-hop, and Carti has always admired him. You can see this influence in Carti’s music and style.
For example, Carti’s latest release is named after Wayne’s famous mixtape, showing just how much he looks up to the rap legend. Like Wayne, who built a massive following of loyal fans, Carti has also captivated the music scene. Interestingly, the success of MUSIC coincided with the ten-year anniversary of Carti’s first big hit, Broke Boi. A decade ago, he was just starting out, but now he is a well-established artist whose music releases are highly anticipated events. Fans are now looking forward to his upcoming album, BABY BOI. Given Carti’s history of surprising fans, it might take a while before the album drops.
Check out this article: Playboi Carti Throws Shade At Lil Yachty After Breaking Billboard Record
But that excitement is part of what makes being a fan enjoyable. Like his promotional strategies, his previous album, Whole Lotta Red, was filled with surprises. At the same time, Lil Wayne is set to release his new album, Tha Carter VI, this year, creating an interesting parallel between the two artists. While one hip-hop icon continues his legacy, the other is making a name for himself while paying homage to the past. Regardless of when BABY BOI is released, Carti’s influence shows no signs of slowing down, and if he truly is “like Weezy,” the best is yet to come.
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