Entertainment
5 Fast Facts with Mir Mir, the unsung teenage audio engineer and artist out of the Chicago-land area

As one of our LEONARD Magazine CO. production members was observing an “Upcoming R&B/Soul Rap ” playlist on spotify, he stumbled upon the oddly deep voice of one of the most interesting and underrated artists we’ve encountered; Mir Mir. Temptingly diving deeper into his discography, we noticed multiple single releases over the past year that all sounded thrillingly disparate from each other, leading us to reach out to Mir Mir for what appears to be his first exclusive artist interview.
His music can’t be boxed
We were intrigued when guessing Mir Mir’s age, having just recently turned 18. judging by his production we would have been on the fence in terms of assuming his experience level and his dab upon both old and modern style production. His follow up wasn’t a shock.
Mir Mir came across a random set of songs on youtube that felt like an eye opener to him. These songs, made by other young artists, are identified as Hyperpop. Hyperpop is by far one of the most unique genres in the music industry. Many don’t knowingly come across it. It’s influence is driven from a wide range of sources that often contain glitch effects, heavy basses, high voices, and PC music inspiration. This spectrum-lacking genre felt fitting for Mir Mir because it caused him to try new things and download soundcloud and instagram, where he got to meet and build a bond with some of the artists he claimed to have listened to for years prior. He began receiving follow backs and even features from artists he used to only listen to.
“I never knew how making weird sounds into the mic or slapping the desk could turn into an 808 or even a fire adlib.”
Public platform release was limited to Mir Mir. When asking how many songs he’s made so far, he couldn’t get an estimate at the top of his head. It was unfortunate to hear how often he trashed his finished work. He explained that he would often make tracks only to end up throwing them away out of embarrassment. Considering the rate Mir Mir is moving at, we’re certain that these tracks would have been like a memorabilia recollection compared to his current production.
Blew up in private
Over quarantine Mir Mir helped produce a song that he’s kept unsaid. His friend at the time had created a song with him and multiple people (which unironically was hyperpop), and it became popular months later. The sound on tiktok has over a hundred thousand videos uploaded to it, primarily for it’s distinctive glitch effects and lyrics.
“I felt like I had a secret inside me that no one would believe if I said it out loud. How do you explain to a person that the song that’s potentially stuck in their head was something I took part in making? I mean, we practically started off as jokes and memes at our school and being called soundcloud rappers. Next thing you know everyone was plagued by the sound of ‘Pressure’. Not even knowing who Novagang was. Not even knowing who we were.”
Inspirations and Influences
Mir Mir, known by his family and peers as Emir, claims that like most artists he has become addicted to music at a young age. He used to download free apps on his Ipad where he was able to listen to every song he wanted while watching the music video or lyrics on youtube. His concept on genres was broad even as a child, listening to whatever he’d find on Vevo, hear on the radio, or even any song he heard his mom play while cleaning. Mir Mir says that whatever he listened to always had phases. “I’d casually go from listening to music about tractors and love to hardcore songs about like 4th degree manslaughter. I literally would innocently shift from Keith Urban to NWA.” Mir Mir states that these were some of his favorite artists growing up, along with 2000’s mainstream artists like Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and even Albanian artists like Noizy, who he was exposed to by his cousins back home. His sightless absorption of genre wasn’t a surprise to us, as these different sounds are likely what shapes him to create his own style of music.
Describing his discography as his own style of music isn’t even an exaggerated description. Mir Mir literally implements sounds that would feel exotingly out-of-pocket to your average listener. Like the next guy is one of the songs by Mir Mir that our executive writer came across, whom described it as a 3 minute shift from a high-reverb Emo/EDM style to a deep voiced vocal, soulful, Kanye West type beat.
Social media prescence
Interestingly enough, music isn’t what Mir Mir thrives mainly off. Tiktok has been a partial outlet for him during the Covid-19 pandemic. He states that his friend practically forced him to install Tiktok and as he was scrolling through he came across a funny Albanian video. This opened a path for him as he was urging to take part in it and upload his own sense of humor themed through his culture.
“I almost never met people from my country [Albania] at my school. I didn’t think there were that many of us, so I really looked up to these little creators across the world who shared this line of blood in common with me.”
He explains that his very first upload got 50,000 views and the next one got a whopping 300,000. Within less than a week he hit one thousand followers. He states that having been only 15 at the time, his parents did not want him to pave that aspect of life through social media so he took a long break from uploading content. Although, he states that he privately made an account that had over 400,000 followers, and eventually got banned with supposedly no evident reason. Fortunately, he felt motivated to start fresh and continued uploading on his current Tiktok account, emirnoballer, which he created months ago and already reached 3 videos with over 1 million views.
Mir Mir does not often collide Tiktok with his music, for the reason being an interesting term he uses; “pity streams”.
“I don’t want people listening to my music because I made it. I want it to be something I emerge from because people actually like it from a music standpoint. On God I never want to be one of those guys that begs people to listen to their songs. I’m just still trying to find a way I can blend my tiktok with my music in a way that doesn’t make it seem like a phase or me trying to act ambitious. I don’t wanna be classified as a musician or a tiktoker, I just want to make whatever comes to my mind cuz I know I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that.”
Polyglot
At the end of the interview, we topped it off with our classic and often most surprising question.
“Give us a fun fact about you. Outside of music… something people wouldn’t really guess.”
A polyglot is a person that can speak 4 or more languages, and Mir Mir seems to top that off. He claims that his mother did not allow him or his siblings to use electronics on weekdays up until his Freshman year of high school in order to focus on education. He’d use his school device to often watch youtube or use garageband, the digital audio workstation he started with. He had an interest in cultures and languages, being born first learning Albanian and English, then eventually taking Spanish at school. He learned some Arabic from his prayers and felt inspired to pick up German through his peers and online. Musically, he even has 2 featured songs in Albanian and Spanish.
What’s next for Mir Mir?
Having dived deeper into his character, we project Mir Mir to continue growing and producing. We would be saddened to hear Mir Mir privately denounce credit of himself by not promoting his talent to the max capacity. His blend of Soul and Bubblegum Bass provides a unique, jumpy style of music that is too extraordinary to be held quietly. Mir Mir is definitely a respective artist and someone listeners should adapt into consideration for a new taste in music production as he continues to release.

Entertainment
Jarju Binks Unveils Poignant Visuals for His Lo-Fi Single “Are You Scared of Love”

Emerging from the lo-fi hip-hop scene, Jarju Binks delivers a heartfelt and visually immersive experience with the release of his music video for Are You Scared of Love. Marking a new, deeply emotional chapter in his artistry, the video reveals a side of Binks that’s as vulnerable as it is compelling — a thoughtful exploration of heartbreak, healing, and self-reflection.
A Sonic Confession
At its core, Are You Scared of Love is built on the aftermath of a painful breakup. Rather than simply lamenting loss, Binks uses the track to grapple with the fear and uncertainty that come with opening up again. The lyrics navigate the delicate balance between longing and guardedness, as he asks whether the very idea of love still terrifies him.
Musically, the song leans into lo-fi textures — soft, atmospheric, and tinged with a quiet melancholy. Ambient melodies and restrained percussion create a space that feels intimate, like the listener is being let in on a late-night inner monologue. Jarju’s vocals float in this space, both soothing and unsettled, capturing the tension between vulnerability and emotional fatigue.
Cinematic Visuals Rooted in Memory
The music video, shot in Ealing, London, heightens the song’s emotional gravity with its dreamy, nostalgic cinematography. A soft pink filter bathes the scenes, giving the visuals a warm yet wistful glow.
Throughout the video, Binks shifts between present-day reflections and fragmented memories. Some shots feel immediate and grounded — real interactions or quiet moments — while others fade like recollections in hindsight. This interplay mirrors the emotional push and pull inherent in moving on: the longing to hold on, the struggle to let go.
Coming of Age as an Artist
Jarju Binks’ journey to this moment is deeply personal. He began producing music at 17, working in FL Studio, experimenting with beats and textures, and gradually shaping the sound he now owns. His decision to go by “Jarju Binks” — a playful nod to the Star Wars character — underlines his willingness to embrace uniqueness and reinvention. That name, once a joke, has matured into a symbol of authenticity and transformation in his creative life.
This release isn’t just another single — it’s a defining moment in Binks’s trajectory. With Are You Scared of Love, he demonstrates that lo-fi can be more than background ambiance: it can be a powerful vehicle for storytelling, emotional honesty, and cinematic expression.
Why It Matters
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Emotional Resonance: The track touches on universal themes — heartbreak, vulnerability, fear — but with a sincerity that feels intimate and personal. Genre Evolution: Binks is part of a growing movement that is pushing lo-fi beyond its traditional boundaries, treating it as a space for narrative and depth, not just chill vibes.
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Artistic Integrity: From the humble beginnings of a bedroom demo to polished video production, Binks’s journey shows a dedication to craft, growth, and openness.
Entertainment
Axe Limbert: The Saxophone Rebel Redefining the Sound of Hip-Hop

Axe Limbert: The Saxophone Rebel Redefining the Sound of Hip-Hop
“The Saxophone Rebel Changing the Sound of Hip-Hop,” Axe Limbert emerges as a vividly original force in modern music — one who’s not afraid to shatter genre walls and rewrite the playbook.
Raised on the syncopated rhythms of jazz but drawn to the swagger and pulse of hip-hop, Axe didn’t just dabble in both — he fused them. With a saxophone strapped across his chest and a mic in hand, he channels a sound that’s equal parts sax-jazz soul and booming, beat-driven hip-hop energy.
“I wanted to take the soul of jazz and drop it into today’s sound,” Limbert says.
That statement perfectly captures his mission: to dissolve boundaries and breathe the heart of live instrumentation into a digital-dominated era.
More Than Just Notes
Axe’s performance is anything but passive. On stage, his saxophone “cuts through the beat like a voice of its own,” merging seamlessly with his lyrics and magnetic stage presence. Unlike many artists who focus on one creative role, Axe writes, produces, and performs his own material — embodying the true definition of an all-around creator.
This holistic artistry gives his music a raw edge and authenticity. He’s not following a formula — he’s building one. Each track feels handcrafted, bridging the gap between smoky jazz clubs and the electrifying energy of stadium-sized hip-hop shows.
Carving His Own Lane
At the core of Axe Limbert’s identity is refusal — refusal to be boxed in as just a “jazz musician” or “hip-hop artist.” He thrives at the intersection, where rhythm meets melody and improvisation meets production.
In a time when much of mainstream music feels algorithmic and predictable, Axe’s bold hybrid sound stands out. His fans are drawn not just to his sound, but to his courage — his willingness to take risks and challenge what’s expected from either genre.
What’s Next
Axe’s live shows are expanding, his audience is multiplying, and his name is rapidly spreading through both underground and mainstream circles. His rise hints at something bigger: a renewed appreciation for live instrumentation in contemporary music, especially in hip-hop and pop — spaces long dominated by digital production.
Why It Matters
Axe’s rise reflects a broader cultural and musical shift. Instruments once confined to jazz, rock, or funk — like the saxophone — are finding new voices in modern pop and hip-hop. Genre fusion, when done with authenticity and skill, doesn’t just blend styles — it reinvents them.
Moreover, Axe’s artistry underscores the value of musicianship in an era of synthetic sounds. His work reminds listeners that real instruments and live performance still carry unmatched emotional weight.
If a sax solo once conjured images of dimly lit jazz lounges, Axe Limbert flips the narrative. In his world, the saxophone isn’t background texture — it’s a lead voice, a declaration of rebellion and soul.
Through his fusion of old-school craftsmanship and new-age attitude, Axe invites audiences to rethink what a hip-hop artist can be: not just a lyricist or producer, but a boundary-breaking musician rewriting the sound of a generation.
Entertainment
JiNX: From Chester County to the World — Finding Healing and Purpose Through Music

From the quiet corners of Chester County, Pennsylvania, a young artist named JiNX discovered his escape, his therapy, and his truth in music. What began as a simple outlet for expression has evolved into a lifelong mission — turning pain into purpose and transforming raw emotion into sound that resonates with listeners from all walks of life.
For JiNX, music wasn’t just something to do; it was something to survive by. Writing songs at a young age gave him a way to make sense of life’s chaos, a form of self-expression that offered clarity when words alone fell short. Every lyric he wrote and every beat he built became a step toward healing. Now, his goal is to give that same comfort and understanding back to others — to be a voice for those who can’t always find their own and to remind people that they’re never truly alone.
His sound is as versatile as his journey. JiNX has crafted music across multiple genres — from hip-hop and trap to melodic R&B and pop-inspired rhythms. His unique ability to blend emotion with energy has made his work stand out, whether he’s producing, writing, or ghostwriting for others. Having contributed to projects ranging from A-list artists to underground talents, JiNX’s creativity knows no boundaries.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Juice WRLD, JiNX brings a rare blend of melancholic melodies, freestyle spontaneity, and intricate beat switches that capture both the highs and lows of life. His music hits hard but carries a message — stories of pain, growth, and transformation told through vibey 808s and emotionally charged verses.
“I’ve been through a lot in life,” JiNX shares, “but I’m grateful for all those experiences. They built the foundation for my music.” That foundation is built on authenticity — every track a reflection of real emotions, every bar a piece of his truth. It’s that honesty that allows listeners to connect, to feel seen, and to find a piece of themselves in his songs.
As JiNX’s artistry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: his dedication to inspiring through transparency, storytelling, and heart. From his beginnings in Chester County to the growing global audience tuning in to his sound, JiNX proves that even the deepest pain can give rise to the most powerful art.
Because sometimes, struggle creates sound — and sound creates healing.
🎧 Listen and follow JiNX’s journey:
👉 https://linktr.ee/jinx_thesongwriter




