Ah, the bitter sweet topic of the double life. The ongoing struggle of maintaining sanity when juggling a comfortably paid nine-to-five by day and the independent rap hustle by night. Mentioning sanity and peace of mind is only a fraction of the hurdles, but perhaps the most rewarding ones when able to artistically channel and execute the emotions to audiences. This music thing is therapeutic after all, for both Lyric Jones and you. So what do you do when you’re stuck in the office with weird co-workers and a pompous boss, but your parents and fans tell you that “you shouldn’t be there still” and “you’re too talented for that“? Meanwhile the student loans are only an eighth of the way paid and your roommate is texting you for the rent payment.

The new visual demonstration shares space and inspiration with the ever-classic Office Space, bringing some humor to the unpleasant topic. Well actually there’s quite a few funny moments here. Who honestly wouldn’t want to smash a printer in public with Planet Asia, come on!

“Double Life” is the latest single off of Lyric’s Gems from the Cubicle project alongside DirtyDiggs (we recommend you at least skimming the release before you close this out). Sure, we can take a moment to admire their chemistry. The grit, the soul, the vulnerability – they work beautifully together. And Daniel “SkyHigh” McClain‘s brushes on the hook is a no brainer. He’s very convincing and brings incredible light to the double life topic. When it’s all said and done, we all wish to go out with zero regrets. There’s nothing wrong with working an unpleasant day job while tackling your dreams at night – or even in the lunch room on break(s). This record here is a concrete glimpse at the ongoing struggle most, if not all, independent hip-hop artists face. Peace and love!

Lyric Jones’ Official Website (just do it)

“2nd Wind” ft. Big Twins, SmooVth & Sean Rosati via RESPECT. Magazine

All Twitter Everything

The post Lyric Jones’ ‘Double Life’ Video: The Nine To Five Story appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Artwork: @cepenwhy

Second winds usually set in midway through a busy day, more or less. It’s a refreshing reassurance and almost a guarantee. We all need that second wind to get through a day sometimes, preferably with music and some more coffee in hand. That’s where Lyric Jones comes in the picture today.

She’s pure. “2nd Wind” is essentially a quick glimpse at one beautifully developed polaroid of her extensive capabilities. No, were not just talking nonsense for the sake of another mindless blog post. Lyric Jones is skilled in many areas – ranging from playing drums, singing, emceeing and writing. It’s refreshing, in a time where average music listeners aren’t offered this package deal too often (see local rap station for example). With that comes this loose release, inviting frequent flyers Big Twins, SmooVth and Ea$y Money along to paint Backpack Beatz‘s rather gritty canvas. If you’re not familiar with these names you may have some homework to do.

It’s important to note her affiliation alongside Gold Chain Music – Planet Asia, TriState and company. Also more recently you may have noticed the organic meshing with The Winners (ChainWinners), another talented collective of recording artists who’ve been making noise in the underground. She works with and studies under the wing of a lot of talented artists and all of her collaborative efforts come with meaning.

“Sometimes you gotta talk that fly sh*t with no apologies,” Lyric’s end note. Braggadocio isn’t a focal characteristic looking back at her catalogue, but do believe there is definitely diesel-fueled veins pumping inside of that beautiful physique of hers. She will sing to you, she will plays drums while rapping to you, she will recite a fly poem to you and move a crowd for you – as her fans have noted. Check the record out. Peace and love!

Lyric Jones & DirtyDiggs’ “Gems from the Cubicle” EP (stream and download)

“Listen, C’mon” ft. DMT (video)

“Fly Aura” ft. Sean Rosati via 7th Boro

The post Catch Your ‘2nd Wind’ With Lyric Jones [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The multitalented Lyric Jones has a wide enough skill range to thrive in almost any genre of music, but her upcoming EP Love’s Trail Mix should sufficiently satisfy hip-hop fans above all else. The Boston native’s latest single off that project, “Magnetic,” demonstrates her versatility as she sings, raps and even handles production on the ethereal, jazzy cut. Jones has worked with everyone from Phife Dawg to acclaimed jazz musician Russell Gunn in the past, so you can expect Love’s Trail Mix to feature a wide range of musical contributions. Listen to “Magnetic” below, and look out for Love’s Trail Mix, set to drop April 22nd.

The post New Music: Lyric Jones – “Magnetic” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.