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Mario Botta: From Naples to the Universe

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Mario Botta

Known for his ability to capture the essence of natural beauty and the elements, Mario became notoriously known as an international travel photographer.

His journey began as a young boy in Naples, Italy, enamored with cultures and locations different to his own. He went on to move to London at the age of 19, as a charismatic bartender in the bustling nightlife scene.

But it was in 2011 that photography really spoke to Mario: he got his very first camera in Australia and he started documenting his traveling journeys through landscape photography.

In the years that followed, his passion for travel behind the lens flourished. He continued to explore wherever he could, capturing striking images across more than 40 countries around the world. Through his photography, he became recognised for having the ability to capture the essence of a place or culture in an emotive and compelling way.

Stars aligned when Mario decided to take on his biggest challenge: a National Geographic expedition to Everest base camp, where he contributed with photography and videography content. It turned out to be a very defining moment in his career as for the first time he also started capturing faces instead of solely nature. In the Everest Nat Geo video he also conducted an exclusive music soundtrack with a musician friend, making the project a very authentic piece of art.

Mario became a specialist in storytelling through photography which is what makes him one of the most sought-after photographers in the world today. His unique perspective and talent encapsulates the magnificence and splendor of the natural world through eyes of pure artistry. Over time, his style has evolved into an increasingly multifaceted style of photography that combines human life with the cosmic and underwater world.

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In 2019 Mario’s photography started diversifying: fashion campaigns, billboards, editorials and exhibitions all followed. His fresh set of eyes and the visual escape he creates had never truly been seen in the industry before. Mario created a whole new genre, his own, where boundaries between street, fashion, nature and fine arts photography disappear and co-exist instead.

He offers a safe haven, even if it is just for a moment, from the toxicity of modern society, so that we can indulge in a temporary visual escape. The motivation behind his work is to inspire others to use creative outlets as a means of expression and celebration of the shapes and characteristics of the human body and natural world.

Mario’s photography has been featured in numerous prestigious publications, as well as exhibitions across the globe.

With the use of a wide angle lens, he captures moments that evoke a sense of longing and inspiration which drew spectators from near and far to view his work. By touching the deep recesses of the viewers’ imagination, Botta strives to touch our emotions and change our perception on what is reality in this world. His art provides a window into different dimensions of our planet, making us question what we take for granted as being ‘normal.’ As a photographer of the modern age, he challenges viewers to see the world with a fresh palette, to question what they know and to discover the wonders of everyday life.

In his photographic artistry, Mario has a unique skill for cultivating perfect moments which calibrate light, the subject and the composition of a shot.

Mario’s productions have flourished, propelling him into becoming one of the most successful and well-respected travel creatives in the world.

According to Botta, one of the biggest challenges photographers face today is artificiality and superficiality. He challenges these negative traits, by

remaining true to the world’s culture and tradition. As a result of his 100% real policies, the audience is exposed to the raw, real perspective he wishes to reveal to his audience. It is his unique style that is surrealistic and out of this world, which he achieves by using natural effects as opposed to software enhanced ones.This enables his audiences to see the world how Botta sees it, and how he

intends for them to perceive it. Furthermore, his use of only 100% authentic photos makes his work more relatable and intimate to the viewer, who may not have the luxury of travel available to them.

As a result of his relentless commitment to authenticity, his company has been able to distinguish itself from others in the industry. Even when growing, Botta refused to compromise, despite the many challenges he faced. His inner belief allowed him to persevere through the difficult times and ultimately find success in spite of them.

There is a valuable lesson here for all entrepreneurs: Stay focused on your goals and stay true to your principles during tumultuous times. Anyone mercilessly dedicated to their dreams will tackle the storm and emerge victoriously from the darkness of difficult times.

As a business owner, Mario often gets asked for advice from aspiring photographers looking to start their own companies or break into the industry.

“Practice is one thing, but finding what moves your soul is what paves your path. Shoot until you feel something and use that as your guide.”

Today, Botta is one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry. His unique eye for composition and ability to capture emotion through nature has earned him a dedicated following of admirers. There is no doubt that Mario is living his dream – and doing exactly what he was born to do.

For more information on Mario Botta:

Website

Instagram

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Entertainment

MAD Mike’s Root of All Evil: A Raw Testament from the Underground

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MAD Mike’s Root of All Evil

The underground hip-hop world thrives on authenticity, and MAD Mike’s latest solo release, Root of All Evil, embodies that spirit completely. Dropping under Lost Soul Productions, the project delivers a heavy dose of raw lyricism, unflinching honesty, and dark, unrelenting production that makes it one of the most striking underground albums of the year.Featuring a roster of underground mainstays including NEMS, Lex the Hex Master, Mr. Hyde, Termanology, and Roc, the album doesn’t just lean on big names. Instead, each collaboration was carefully curated to match energy, tone, and purpose.Every feature feels organic, like a natural extension of the story Mike is telling, adding depth to the overall body of work.

 

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At the heart of Root of All Evil lies the chemistry between MAD Mike and producer C-Lance, who provides a sonic backdrop drenched in dark atmospheres and metal-inspired grit. Their creative partnership, sharpened over multiple projects, has reached new heights here. With Albert Charlemagne’s mixing and mastering at Brooklyn Dragon’s Lair tying it all together, the result is a record that’s as sharp sonically as it is lyrically devastating.Thematically, the album pushes beyond MAD Mike’s earlier Nature of the Beast. Where that project explored demons within, this one confronts them head-on, using the framework of the seven deadly sins to reflect on cycles of trauma, broken family ties, and toxic relationships. It’s an album that doesn’t shy away from pain but instead transforms it into something cathartic and empowering.What makes MAD Mike stand apart in the horror-core lane is his ability to channel vulnerability through aggression. His guttural screams and fire-forged delivery aren’t gimmicks—they’re survival. The darkness in his music isn’t for shock value, but a way to turn suffering into strength and connection, echoing the legacy of artists like Tech N9ne and Ill Bill.With Root of All Evil now out, MAD Mike shows no signs of slowing down. More solo work is already on the horizon, promising an edgier, rock-infused direction, while new Dual Diagnosis music is also on the way. For fans of underground hip-hop that demands attention, Root of All Evil is more than just an album—it’s a declaration, a release, and a reminder that the underground is still alive with voices unafraid to bare it all.“This album is about breaking toxic cycles and turning pain into power,” says Mike.With steel-forged beats from C-Lance and the razor-sharp mix from Albert Charlemagne, Root of All Evil cements MAD Mike as one of the most unflinching voices in underground hip-hop.Tracklist Highlights:

  • Blasphemy (feat. Lex the Hex Master)
  • Shed Blood (feat. Mr. Hyde)
  • You Can Get It (feat. NEMS | prod. The Arcitype)
  • Blood Squirt Fever (feat. Roc)
  • Cuttin’ Da Chain (feat. Termanology)

Stream the album now and follow the movement:

Tracklist – Root of All Evil (2025)

  1. Intro
  2. Blasphemy (feat. Lex the Hex Master)
  3. Shed Blood (feat. Mr. Hyde)
  4. You Can Get It (feat. NEMS | prod. The Arcitype)
  5. Blood Squirt Fever (feat. Roc)
  6. Cuttin’ Da Chain (feat. Termanology)
  7. Outro

Produced by: C-Lance
Mixed/Mastered by: Albert Charlemagne @ Brooklyn Dragon’s Lair

 

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

Jimmy Dasaint: Philly’s Storyteller Who Does It All

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Jimmy Dasaint

From novels to movies to music, Jimmy Dasaint has built a career defined by one word—hustle. And this year, the Philly native is proving once again why he’s considered one of the city’s most influential creative voices.

His latest novel, BLACK SCARFACE 5: Fear is Stronger Than Love, is the explosive conclusion to his award-winning series. Co-written with former L.A. drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross, the book dives deep into themes of survival, loyalty, and betrayal—all told through the gritty lens of Philadelphia’s streets. Fans have responded with overwhelming support, driving the book to ️️️ Star5️ reviews on Amazon.

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But Jimmy’s storytelling doesn’t stop on the page. On September 20th, streaming service Tubi will release his newest feature film, THE WRONG BITCH. With a cast of rising stars—Tera Alford, JaQuai Felton, and Mavia Barnes—the film becomes Jimmy’s 13th feature, a testament to his consistency and dedication to bringing authentic urban stories to the screen.

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And then there’s the music. Earlier this summer, Jimmy dropped STILL A HUSTLER, an album that has caught the attention of The Source, AllHipHop, and Floss Magazine. It’s raw, powerful, and reflective of the same resilience that has carried Jimmy through every stage of his career.

Through it all, Jimmy remains true to his motto: “Bringing Hollywood to Philly.” With each project, he shines a spotlight on his city while inspiring the next generation of creators to believe that success doesn’t have to come from leaving home—it can be built right here in Philadelphia.

Follow Jimmy Dasaint’s journey:

Website: www.dasaintentertainment.com

Instagram: @jimmydasaint1

Music: Streaming on all major platforms

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Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik – Raw. Unfiltered. Street Certified.

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Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik – Raw. Unfiltered. Street Certified.

When it comes to street rap, authenticity isn’t just a quality—it’s the code. Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik lives and breathes that code, delivering a mixtape that’s unapologetically raw, unfiltered, and stamped with street credibility.

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This isn’t polished pop rap or watered-down mainstream vibes. This is Beef Muzik—a project fueled by survival, loyalty, and the unspoken rules of the grind. Every track is layered with aggressive lyricism, heavy trap beats, and a gritty narrative that speaks directly to those who know the hustle firsthand.

From money moves to betrayal, from loyalty to beef, Piken doesn’t just rap—he testifies. Each bar drips with intensity, painting the realities of street life in bold, unrelenting strokes. Whether he’s calling out rivals or flexing the rise from the bottom, the delivery is consistent: powerful, fearless, and deeply rooted in authenticity.

Beef Muzik – song and lyrics by Get Money Piken, Yung Glizzy | Spotify

But Beef Muzik isn’t just sound—it’s a war cry. It’s the soundtrack for the come-up, for those who live by the code and never fold under pressure. It’s music that represents the grind, the pain, and the victories of life in the trenches.

For the streets. By the streets.
This is Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik.

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