Entertainment
“Mountaintop music: takeaways from RG43s newest release ”
Paintings Below is the concept album covers created by Reid Gardner.
Reid Gardner, more commonly known as RG43, is a 17-year-old singer/songwriter from Ottawa, Ontario who has started to build a noticeable fan base over the past two years. The artist’s debut release was a single titled “the chase” which was released on April 2nd, 2021. Since the release of the chase, RG has not slowed down one bit and has continued to work hard behind the scenes, releasing two projects within 8 months.
RG43’s newest project “Mountaintop Music” was released on all platforms on March 4th, 2022. The project is an EP featuring 4 unique pieces of music that have been carefully selected for a deeper meaning. “Mountain top music” is a large change sonically from anything the artist has released before and features experimental and genre-bending tracks that have elements of Country, Folk, Alternative R&B, Pop, and Emo rap. The ep starts with the song “summer’s end” which was released as a single on February 18th,
2022 along with a music video as part of the ep rollout. The song details the struggles people face during the cold winter months and the heartbreak of a failed relationship. “Summers end” starts with wind sound effects which signify the changing of seasons and cold weather approaching. The first lyrics are: “Summers end feel the wind as it spins closing in winters coming back again winters coming back again”. Those lyrics allow the listeners to feel the change of the seasons and set the vibe perfectly for the rest of the ep.
The second song on the ep “How many days” is a song about two people that have feelings for each other but a relationship never forms between them. The guy doesn’t want the relationship to get in the way of his career and the girl is waiting for the guy to make a move. This track has a very unique song structure and does not have a repeating chorus which in today’s mainstream music is practically unheard of. With that being said the song could be interpreted as a love letter over drums. The instrumentation in this song is also very unique as it features multiple layers of distorted guitars that take the listener inside the mind of RG and allow the listener feel the emotions RG feels.
The third song on the ep “Freeze” brings the listener to a snowy mountain in the heart of winter. The name of the ep stems from the content matter of this song. Freeze tells the story of a broken relationship where the guy can’t love himself enough for the girl to love him so she eventually leaves. This song covers darker themes of depression and
self-hatred. The lyrics “ Feed me to the wolves let them all be full and free up my soul oul oul oull” really speak to the sad nature of the song. In those lyrics above RG is saying the character would rather see the wolves eat than live because he feels as though he is worth nothing. In the end, He feels as though he is a burden to everyone and begs for the girl to leave him despite knowing that she is the only one that can save him.
The last song on the ep “20 seconds/match” is the only song on the ep to not feature drums. The song has a very slow guitar that is paired with soothing soothing vocals to create the perfect outro. The song starts with the character saying he wants love even if he knows it’s fake and has a very sad undertone. The song continues in this manner until the beat switches.
In the second half of the song “match”, the character seems to be enlightened and comes to the conclusion that he can love himself and the girl he was hurt over is in the past. This is a much more positive RG than seen previously on the tape and lets the listener see the light at the end of the tunnel. This half of the song wraps the project up wonderfully and leaves the listener feeling happy and hopeful for the future.
All in all, this is a very impressive work from an artist so young and displays a great amount of progress from RG’s first project “INDEX”. I’m very excited to hear what this young man comes up with next as I feel as though his creativity and dedication to the craft will take him to new places never heard before and his love for music will continue to be reflected in his work and bring a positive energy to the world.
There’s a new wave rising out of Birmingham, and it isn’t following anyone’s blueprint. It’s being written, sung, shaped, and completely owned by The Ladies of SRJR Productions: Chay Crews (Chay Butta), Donna Ingram (Lady D), LaCindra McGowan (Sweet Lou), and the forever honored Andrea Carlisle (Drea’ C).
A singing group built on soul, strength, testimony, and truth, SRJR isn’t just harmonizing. They are healing communities, empowering women, and redefining what modern, women-led vocal artistry looks and feels like. They aren’t simply making music. They’re creating moments, building messages, and crafting a sound that comes from real life, real loss, and real love.
WHERE THEIR VOICES MEET, MAGIC HAPPENS
SRJR is not your typical girl group. They never intended to be. They are a blend of lived experiences, spiritual depth, Birmingham grit, and a bond of sisterhood so thick you can hear it before they even open their mouths.
Chay Butta brings the fire: sharp, fierce, and electric.
Lady D delivers the heart: warm, emotional, and grounding.
Sweet Lou carries the soul: deep, rich, and unforgettable.
And Drea’ C’s legacy is the air between every harmony they build: present, powerful, eternal.
Together, they create a sound that feels like truth. Warm, fearless, textured, and unapologetically theirs. A vocal chemistry that can’t be taught, only lived. Their connection is the kind that transforms a performance into an experience. One that leaves audiences feeling seen, soothed, and stirred.
A VOCAL STYLE THAT HITS DIFFERENT
SRJR’s music moves with purpose, intention, and emotional weight. Their harmonies glide from smooth and silky to bold and commanding, layering warmth, grit, softness, and attitude all in the same breath. Their tone blends southern soul, gospel roots, R&B richness, and modern storytelling, creating a sound that feels handcrafted rather than manufactured.
Their performances resonate because they come from real stories: stories of family, adversity, community, womanhood, prayer, and resilience. Every note they sing has lived inside them long before it reaches the microphone. Every lyric reveals another piece of who they are and what they’ve overcome.
For SRJR, this is not just singing. It is testimony set to melody. Their music is a reminder that pain can be turned into power, and that harmony is created not just in voices but in shared journeys.
A GROUP THAT SINGS FOR THE PEOPLE
Ask SRJR what their mission is, and their answer always stands taller than the music.
“We want people to see themselves in the stories we create.”
Their songs uplift Black and brown communities, inspire young dreamers, and remind women everywhere that their voices are powerful and necessary. They sing to encourage, to comfort, to empower, and to remind people that they are not alone.
Their artistry is heartfelt. Their message is intentional. Their impact is lasting, long after the last note fades. They are the kind of group whose words linger in the mind and whose harmonies touch the spirit.
CARRYING LEGACY IN EVERY NOTE
Drea’ C may no longer be here physically, but her presence is woven into every rehearsal, every stage moment, and every vocal blend. Her energy guides them. Her influence shapes them. Her spirit lifts them.SRJR rises because of her, sings because of her, and honors her each time their voices unite. That devotion gives the group a depth and emotional weight you can feel even without knowing their full story a legacy that does not dim, only grows stronger with every performance.
THE NEXT CHORUS IS THEIR BIGGEST YET
With new music in the works, expanding audiences, and momentum that grows with every performance, The Ladies of SRJR Productions are stepping confidently into a spotlight they built with their own hands. They aren’t trying to fit into the industry’s mold. They are creating their own harmony: bold, soulful, authentic, and beautifully unified.
From Birmingham to every stage they touch, SRJR carries one message forward: Three voices rising. One legacy honored. Infinite impact. And their sound is only getting louder.
OFFICIAL PLATFORM
Their official YouTube channel, featuring music, performances, and creative releases:
https://youtube.com/@
When you first land on The Megamynd’s website or listen to his debut single “Tonight,” what strikes you most is duality — the kind of contrast that feels carefully crafted, emotionally honest, and boldly ambitious. Born in Baltimore and now based in Atlanta, The Megamynd is carving out a lane in modern music that blends vulnerability and swagger, melancholy and energy.
The Megamynd fuses his Baltimore roots with an Atlanta upbringing, channeling those life experiences into a “genre-fluid” sound that’s emotionally raw and musically experimental. His stage name is no accident — it’s a nod to the DreamWorks character Megamind, whose journey from villain to hero mirrors the artist’s own story of transformation.
Signature Sound: Cinematic Rockstar Trap
If you had to label his music, “cinematic rockstar trap” comes closest. But even that feels too simple. His work weaves together:
Trap: hard-hitting beats and unpredictable flow.
R&B: soulful, sometimes melancholic melodies.
Futuristic synths: atmospheric textures that evoke movies or late-night thoughts.
This wasn’t pulled out of thin air: The Megamynd cites major influence from Playboi Carti, Yeat, and Ken Carson — artists known for pushing boundaries in trap and melodic rap.
Debut Single: “Tonight”
Released on November 7, 2025, “Tonight” is more than just a song — it’s an introduction into The Megamynd’s world. The track is cinematic in its construction: emotionally charged, filled with tension, and heavy with the uncertainty of a fleeting night.
In interviews, he describes the inspiration behind “Tonight” as capturing that seductive, in-between moment — the pull of attraction, the haze of a night out, and the question of whether what’s happening is real or just temporary. According to commentary, the production rides between smooth R&B and bold trap shifts, underscoring his talent for balancing vulnerability with bravado.
A Distinct Visual Identity
His artistry doesn’t stop at the music. The Megamynd’s visual identity is deeply considered: he blends rockstar aesthetics with business-casual streetwear, creating a look that’s polished and edgy at the same time. Recurring colors — blue, black, and gold — reinforce his brand as someone who is confident yet reflective, refined yet rebellious.
Personality & Passions
Beyond the stage, The Megamynd is multidimensional. On his site, he reveals personal interests that give fans a fuller sense of who he is: he’s into video games, anime, and — unexpectedly — lobster and steak. This mix of passions aligns with his creative vision: playful, thoughtful, and unafraid to defy expectations.
He also approaches his growth with a DIY mindset — determined to build his own path rather than follow a pre-made one. He’s focused on crafting meaningful music, engaging authentically with fans, and growing a brand that’s as emotionally resonant as it is stylistically bold.
Why He Matters
Genre Innovation: In a music landscape that often leans into formula, The Megamynd’s sound feels fresh, cinematic, and deeply personal.
Authentic Identity: He doesn’t hide behind persona; his name, visuals, and stories all connect in a meaningful way.
Emotional Storytelling: His music isn’t just about beats or flex — it’s about longing, introspection, and human connection.
What’s Next?
Right now, “Tonight” is just the beginning. According to his site, he’s laying the foundation for a larger catalog filled with emotionally driven, sonically experimental music. As he builds his presence, he’s also leaning into content creation, brand-building, and consistent engagement — all part of his plan to grow organically.
The Megamynd is an emerging artist who doesn’t just make music — he builds worlds. With his cinematic trap style, thoughtful visuals, and clear sense of identity, he’s someone to watch closely. If “Tonight” is any indication, his journey has only just begun.
Follow The Megamynd
At Leonard Magazine, we spotlight leaders who don’t just talk about success—they live through the doubt, the fatigue, and the uncertainty, and still choose to keep going. When we discovered Manuel Aragon’s blog, “Becoming a Champion: Adopting the Winning Mentality to Mold Leaders,” we found exactly that kind of story.
Manuel is the founder of Aragon Tax Return Services, but his journey starts far from spreadsheets and tax codes. It begins with honesty and authenticity you don’t see often:
“Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us when we least expect it. Unexpected changes in life, or just the everyday uncertainties of life can make staying motivated very challenging. I’m not motivated every day; if anything I lost a sense of direction over the past year. I’m tired and exhausted but still I’m building towards a much bigger vision. Uncertainty can be scary but I never lose focus on the long term goals.”
That vulnerability sets the tone for everything that follows—both in his life and in his business.
Embracing the Challenge
Manuel explains that the first step is accepting that uncertainty is a natural part of life. Instead of letting the unknown paralyze him, he focuses on removing the emotional noise and making logical decisions:
“It’s an opportunity to test myself in the chaos. It’s like shooting practice in the gym. The crowd isn’t around, just hard work and dedication.”
That image—quiet practice, no spotlight, just repetition and discipline—captures the mentality behind Aragon Tax Return Services. Much of the work his firm does for clients is behind the scenes, but it’s foundational: protecting their finances, bringing clarity to their numbers, and helping them plan for what’s next.
Manuel draws deeply from the mindset of Michael Jordan, keeping quotes in his office as daily reminders. One of his favorites:
“My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.”
This isn’t just a slogan for him; it’s a strategy. Whether it’s a complex tax situation, a tough season in life, or the pressure of leadership, the goal is the same: turn pressure into growth.
Chasing Greatness, Not Just “Good Enough”
Manuel reflects on his ability to adapt and stay true to himself—whether he’s in a boardroom “wearing my Jordans and a hoodie” or working quietly behind the scenes. Leadership, he notes, means being exposed when mistakes happen:
“My dad always said when you climb the ladder you leave your backside exposed for the world to see when you stumble.”
Instead of letting that fear hold him back, Manuel chooses not to look down—only up. He focuses on improving how he uses his time, educating himself, and doing work that’s genuinely impactful for the people around him.
He writes:
“Achieving greatness is not predetermined by fate; it is a decision we make. We each have the option to strive to uncover and express our individual greatness. Chasing greatness results in leading a meaningful life.”
That same philosophy shows up in how he runs Aragon Tax Return Services: don’t settle for average, don’t just “get by,” and don’t treat taxes as a once-a-year chore. Treat your finances as part of your legacy.
Staying Grounded While Aiming Higher
Manuel also opens up about isolation and growth. During uncertain times, he shares that he didn’t always want to be around friends, family, or support groups—but he recognized the need to break that pattern and face growth head on.
He looks to leaders like Kobe Bryant for that extra push:
“Pain doesn’t tell you when you ought to stop. Pain is the little voice in your head that tries to hold you back because it knows if you continue, you will change.”
That line could apply to a tough workout, a difficult tax season, or a major life transition. For Manuel, it’s all connected: personal growth, leadership, and service to his clients.
He also points to inspiration beyond sports, like Malala Yousafzai: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” In that same spirit, Aragon Tax Return Services isn’t just about compliance. It’s about equipping people—especially those who may feel overlooked—to build something lasting.
For readers who want to go beyond the article and connect with the person who has actually walked through uncertainty, fatigue, rebuilding, and growth:
Connect with Manuel personally:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manuelaragon_aragontaxreturnservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuel.aragon.5264
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-aragon-26084187
- Visit Aragon Tax Return Services: www.AragonTaxReturnServices.com
Behind his mindset is a business built to serve real people with real financial needs.
If you’re reading this and you’re tired, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next financial move—you’re not alone. Manuel has been there. He’s felt the exhaustion, the doubt, and the pressure to keep everything together. And he’s turned that experience into a commitment: to show up for others with honesty, clarity, and real support.
If you’re ready to bring a champion’s mentality to your finances, your business, or your family’s future, Aragon Tax Return Services is a great fit to walk that path with you—not from a distance, but side by side.
The Ladies of SRJR: Four Voices, One Powerful Sound
Unpacking The Megamynd: A Cinematic Visionary Rising in Trap
Championing Leadership and Financial Clarity: The Winning Mentality of Manuel Aragon
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
NOMADS are changing the landscape of the music business
