WATCH: D1n.ONLY - "Somebody Talk To 'Em"

Continuing on with my 2011 hip hop obsession -- specifically in regards to production -- I want to share with you a video for "Somebody Talk To 'Em," a track off of Orlando-based rapper D1n.ONLY's latest mixtape Coming To An Ear Near U. It's a compelling story instilled with a ton of soul -- literally, with samples of some soul/R&B. Instead of an over accentuated sense of bravado or glorifying violence, D1n.ONLY raps honestly, passionately about staying true to yourself and rising above the overarching influence of the streets. Unless I'm missing something, it really seems to be an affirmation that being cool is all about being you, not trying to run in line with what someone else thinks is cool and right.

Catch the video, hear some more tracks, and download the mixtape below.

SEE & HEAR: The Pauses

The Pauses - "Go North"

Click down arrow in player to download

The Pauses - "Hands Up"


Human relationships are endlessly influential, let alone infinitely informative. It can be said that we learn more from human interaction than we do sitting behind a desk, staring forward at a board or screen. We learn best from experience, and what better way to learn about the world than through the people who populate it. It's important to remember, however, that we must pause to reflect on each lesson acquired from these interactions, otherwise it will all be just a faded memory.