Before We Start…
Welcome to “The Last Publication” your home for Album Reviews, keys, gaming news, music and more. I apologize for the wait, things have been out of control lately. Every week something else is going down. But I really wanted to get this out and get the habit started. I hope you find something you enjoy.
Fly Anakin- “At the End of The Day” [Album Review]
Richmond, Virginia’s Fly Anakin is one of the best acts we have in hip-hop right now, there is absolutely no denying this. One look at his discography shows that he’s a versatile artist who can do it all. With over 15 projects under his belt and features with artists like Freddie Gibbs, Ras G, Ankhlejohn and others, the prolific artist is just gearing up. On top of this his group Mutant Academy is taking over the world, dropping release after release so much so it’s impossible to keep up. All this being said it’s only fitting that the world has taken notice, muralist Nils Westergard painted a mural of Fly Anakin and his Mutant Academy teammate Ohbliv. While most celebrated this there was a particular sector of people that immediately hated this and had no issue voicing this. Enter “At The End of the Day” a 17 track expose that plays as Anakin’s thesis statement.
The album begins with a clip from the Late Bloomers Podcast where they discuss some of the hate Anakin’s been receiving and defending the Richmond artist. Immediately after this, we’re met with “Proceed On” where Anakin makes it clear that the majority of the talk doesn’t matter unless it’s classic talk. It’s easy to dismiss this as simple braggadocio, however, when dissected it makes sense. Over the course of just the last year alone, Anakin performed all over the nation, produced an entire project for Big Kahuna OG while releasing four other projects (solo and otherwise) and as I’m writing this just released a project called “The 8’s”. Anakin has earned this spot.
I interpreted the album as a general thesis on everything Anakin brings to the table. Tracks may have a central theme at times but for the most part, it almost seems as though we’re getting a lot of stream of consciousness here. Yes, tracks like “Buffy” & “Wavey Wun” have women as the topic, other tracks like “Rap Music” have Anakin flowing, making points, making jokes but most importantly delivering and executing the music with finesse and a sleekness that we just don’t see these days. Anakin’s flow is mesmerizing and is guaranteed to have you rewinding back to catch a line or in the case of “F*ck Yo Shoes” channel Little Brother vibes with the skits.
This is also to say that when Fly Anakin chooses to focus on a topic the results are just as pertinent and sharp. “Hood Rockstars” has Anakin showing love to his hometown and everything that makes it unique. It reminds me of the quote attached to the album and really the summary of the project in my eyes:
“we weren't supposed to be here. we weren't supposed to be prolific, or even succeed in that matter.”
Understated still is Fly Anakin’s unique and sharp delivery, until I can figure out better words to describe that’s all I got. Anakin’s slightly higher-pitched flow matches perfectly with his execution because you can hear the passion and emotion in his lines. I might be crazy but I swear I can hear the strain on his vocals in some of the delivery, but I believe it’s a mark of dedication.
“At the End of the Day” is not a record where you’ll catch all the references, musings, and lines in one go. Fly Anakin has built this empire with his peers and friends, no clout chasing, no copying other artists, he’s paving his own lane for himself, Mutant Academy and honestly independent acts to come. The only thing I didn’t really touch on here was the production. All done in-house, you’re getting one of a kind production from All Ceven, Sadhugold, Sycho Kid, other members of Mutant Academy including Fly Anakin himself.
Let’s Take a Break…
Times are strange aren’t they? Through all of this though we have artists putting their soul on the line and expressing themselves. Every issue of The Last Publication will include a few playlists, this one is specifically made from music that was submitted to me. There’s a bit of everything in here, underground anthems, broken-hearted ballads and instrumentals to help think about anything but this plane of existence. Follow me on Twitter for opportunities to submit your music to the playlist.
Submissions Only Playlist #1
Lxnny x theDeeepEnd - NBA Live ‘05
Stik Figa x Reggie B x The Abnorm - Sex Cells
Olawumi - Tell Me Why (Freestyle)
Raven K - Speak to Me
ameriKKKen - Under Pressure
Dexter Fizz x Bugseed x Rmell - Lake Kawaguchi
Calvin Valentine - Bio-Dome
Sammie Spice - Move
Flo Kennedy - Sunday
Capitalss - Recipe
Jasper Brown - Essential
Clay Hammer - Wombat Stew
Vinyl Villain x Estee Nack x Ankhlejohn - Cash Rules
Iceberg Theory x August Fanon - Rinpoche
Rahiem Supreme - James Bond
Elaquent x Chester Watson - Airwalk
MDS Bella - No Abra la Puerta
Shawn E - Hyde
Kev Choice x Mistah F.A.B. x Kevin Allen x Brookfield Deuce x Mani Draper - Silver Lining
AYAM - Piano
Covid-19 Keys
The pandemic has everything turned upside down, however I do think now is a time to grow your brand, yourself and come out of this ahead. Here are just a few keys for the times. I’ll drop more in the next newsletter if you enjoy this.
1. Get A Website
Social media is flawed. It’s a great resource but these companies own all the content we post on there. Whether Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, hell I’m sure someone owns the old and new MySpace. Having a website allows you to create a full platform that YOU run. No algorithm to worry about or battle against. Some basic sections to get you started:
Music - has your entire discography with some kind of description so (new) users know what they’re getting into.
Videos - Interviews, Music Videos, Show Clips through the course of your career you’ve been covered by outlets, created some music videos and more, place it all on this page.
Blog/Press - Any updates in your career or even just updates to your fans can be here. Any type of Press you’ve received can go here too, blog posts, podcast interviews, playlist placements. This shows users that you have a universal appeal and shows you’re getting covered outside of your local scene.
Contact - Fans, businesses and organizations need to be able to contact you. That simple. Have this page potentially lead to a newsletter subscription…..you know like the one you’re reading now.
2. Setup an Alternative Outside of a DSP
Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music are great resources, but they aren’t leading you to a bag. The worst part about all of this is the companies know that. Alternatives like Bandcamp and Audiomack actually care and fight for the artist. In fact on June 5th, Bandcamp will be waiving its fees allowing artists to get 100% of the profit from a fan purchase. That’s big time.
Sign up for Bandcamp. Sign up for Audiomack.
3. Rest
Yes you read that correctly. Get some damn rest. As you’re reading this I want you to stop and think (or even grab a sheet of paper), write down everything you’ve accomplished in the past few months. You did all that in the face of a pandemic where the only thing certain is uncertainty. You deserve a fucking break (yes we’re gonna swear here, work with me we’re all adults here ya know?). Rest, catch up on some shows, listen to some music, leave social media behind, I know I personally struggle with giving myself permission to relax but it’s so important especially in these times.
Three Albums To Check Out
I don’t believe the album is dead. Here are a few of the projects I’m listening to right now.
Olawumi’s lyrics are powerful, passionate and cut right to the bone. I believe she’s releasing her full-length album this year called “MOODY” and I can’t wait to see what she’s cooked up. Her ear for production, vulnerable lyrics and commitment to the process is unmatched.
This record is from last year and is my favorite beat tape from 2019. Low Leaf’s ability to play a variety of instruments including the harp to bring sounds to life is incredible and leaves you with a sense of peace after listening.
Clear Soul Forces - “ForcesWithYou”
One of the best groups in our era today Clear Soul Forces announced and released their last album “ForcesWithYou” a couple months ago. The quartet’s chemistry can’t be compared, these four artists come together and create a cohesive sound and project every time. I’m stunned that this is their last project because all four solo acts are starting to catch wreck. But for now take a listen to “ForcesWithYou”.
Some Reading…
Dilated Peoples Celebrate 'The Platform' 20th Anniversary: A Retrospective With Evidence by Justin Ivey
Around My Way Volume 1 by Wanna
How to Submit Your Music for Trending and Playlists on Audiomack by Brianna Demayo & Taste Creators
Sheesh…
That was more difficult than expected but my hope is bring these to you once a month to start and then twice a month once I get used to this.
Please take care of yourselves out here, I know I’m just a guy writing a newsletter but I do care about all of you and pray you stay safe while the world is on fire.
I leave you with a personal playlist I cooked up with only instrumentals to hopefully pull you away from things for at least a bit.
Tweet any feedback you have for me HERE or topics you want me to cover, this may be my writing but I’m here to serve you.
-Peace and God Bless
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P.S if you found something you liked or maybe learned something, consider donating here.