What’s happening, I hope this week has been good for you as it has for me. It seems we have gotten a bit of relief from the soaring gas prices so maybe I can pocket some extra money for some extra endeavors or investments. Over the last couple of years the Covid pandemic has helped me trim the fat from a few bad habits I’ve been meaning to kick.

When restaurants started closing during the pandemic, it forced me to cook more and start packing lunches for my day job. The results of that caused me to save over a hundred bucks just on going out to eat, and it also allowed for a healthier me. In short, adversity builds character and resilience proving that pressure can shape you to be as bright and strong as a diamond, so keep pushing and find your gem/gym in the rough.

Burna Boy – Love, Damini

Starting this new music Friday off is Burna Boy and his new project Love Damini. Over the last couple of years the Afrobeats genre has been making its way to the United States. Leading the charge for this fusion of African riddims and pop sound is Burna Boy. Having won a Grammy for his Twice As Tall album in 2021, Burna Boy is set to move the charts with his 6th studio album.

Love Damini is a solid release that looks to create those late night vibes by providing a mixture of up tempo and down tempo riddims. The album guest features include Popcann, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, J Balvin, Kehlani, Blast and Ed Sheeran. My picks on the album include “Cloak & Dagger,” featuring J Huss, “Toni-Ann Singh,” “Wild Dreams” featuring Khalid, “Solid,” and “Kilometre”.

Brent Faiyaz – Wasteland

Brent Faiyaz has dropped his highly anticipated album Wasteland. Faiyaz was last on the scene in 2020 when he dropped his EP Fuck the World that left many of his fans wanting more. Wasteland guest features include Alicia Keys, Tyler the Creator, Drake, and Joony. You can expect Faiyaz to deliver great storytelling on Wasteland. Notable songs to check out include “Price of Fame,” “Gravity,” “Ghetto Gatsby,” and Loose Change, but I’m sure you will find other favorites on this one.

Westside Gunn – Peace Fly God

Griselda Records general Westside Gunn is back with his new mixtape Peace Fly God. The mixtape features Stove God Cooks and production from Madlib. That right there is enough to tell you this is a must listen from the Buffalo emcee who continues to deliver his gritty tales as only Westside Gunn can do. My favorite tracks on the album include “Derrick Boleman,” “Big Ass Bracelet,” and “Horses on Sunset”.

Enforcer Fridays

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to check out the playlist for my picks this week. Have a good weekend.

Elvin Chambers