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Papoose Reflects On The Legacy Of “Alphabetical Slaughter”
In a recent interview with Hot 97’s Ebro Darden, Papoose broke the origin story of his most well-known record to date, “Alphabetical Slaughter.” Packing punchlines in alphabetical order, the rapper went from A to Z then back Z to A, remaining one of the most skillful displays of lyrical exercise. He explained that the song actually was a work in progress in 1993, when he penned A through C.
“In 1993, I started writing ‘Alphabetical Slaughter.’ Any of my friends could tell you this, I had it from A to C so when I would battle cats in the street, right? If they wouldn’t tap out, I would pull out ‘Alphabetical Slaughter’ and the battle was over,” Pap explained, describing the set of bars as his “secret weapon” in the battle ring.
Papoose said he linked up with DR Period who produced the song and printed it on vinyl in 1998. The record was so popular that even by the time he connected with DJ Kay Slay, people were still hounding him about it so he re-released it on Slay’s 2004 project, The Streetsweeper Vol. 2.
“Everywhere I go, bro. I’m talkin’ about, especially overseas. Forget it. The first thing they say before they say ‘hello’ is ‘Alphabetical Slaughter.’ It’s like a legend by itself,” Pap said of the song’s impact. Even Daniel Radcliffe did his own rendition of Pap’s track on Jimmy Fallon not too long ago, though never gave him his credit.
“So many rappers have tried. And, you know, I respect and appreciate that they try. But, you know, when you’re doing ‘Alphabetical Slaughter’ — and I challenged myself — when you’re doing your As, the Bs, you gotta use all Bs. You can’t say ‘the’ or ‘I,’” he continued. “When you look at it on paper, it has to be written out on paper or you failed.”
Peep the interview below.
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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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