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“Mountaintop music: takeaways from RG43s newest release ”

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Mountaintop music
Leonard magazine

Paintings Below is the concept album covers created by Reid Gardner.

mountaintop music

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.

 

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Kemo Artist Is Writing His Own Success Story One Record at a Time

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Kemo Artist Is Writing His Own Success Story One Record at a Time

Before the crowds, the performances, and the growing recognition, Kemo Artist was simply a kid from East London with music running through his veins. Born Ackiem in South East London and raised in East London, Kemo’s introduction to music came long before he ever stepped into a recording booth. As a child, he watched his older sister and her boyfriend perform, often standing backstage and absorbing every moment. Occasionally, they would invite him on stage, unknowingly planting the seeds for what would later become his purpose. Those early experiences sparked something special. The name “Kemo” itself carries deep personal significance. Given to him by his grandmother as a shortened version of his real name, it quickly became more than a nickname. It became the identity that family, friends, and eventually supporters would come to know and respect.

 

Raised in a household filled with music, Kemo was exposed to a wide range of influences. His mother’s extensive collection introduced him to legendary artists across multiple generations and genres. From Michael Jackson’s timeless performances and Eminem’s vivid storytelling to the determination of 50 Cent, the creativity of Kanye West, the lyrical mastery of Lil Wayne, and the versatility of Drake and Chris Brown, Kemo studied greatness from every angle. Closer to home, UK icons like Skepta, Wiley, and Dizzee Rascal helped shape his understanding of the culture he was growing up in Music became more than entertainment it became education. During his school years, Kemo spent countless lunch breaks writing lyrics, recording grime tracks, and refining his craft. While the passion never faded, he initially viewed music as something he loved rather than something he could build a future around.

 

That perspective changed in 2019. Determined to take control of his destiny, Kemo made the decision to pursue music with complete focus and commitment. Years of preparation, practice, and personal growth suddenly had direction.The result was a sound that feels authentic, unapologetic, and deeply personal. His music reflects real life its victories, setbacks, lessons, and perseverance. Every record carries pieces of his story, making his catalog resonate with listeners who understand the struggle behind the success.

 

One of the biggest turning points in his artistic development came while recording a freestyle. In that moment, Kemo experienced what he describes as a creative breakthrough unlike anything he’d felt before. There were no distractions, no expectations, and no outside influence—just pure creativity flowing naturally. It was the moment he truly recognized the depth of his talent and the possibilities that lay ahead. Since then, Kemo has continued to elevate his career, earning opportunities that many independent artists spend years chasing. Among his proudest accomplishments is performing at the iconic O2 Arena, a milestone that solidified his place among a new generation of rising UK talent.

Yet behind every achievement lies a story of resilience. One of the most difficult chapters of Kemo’s life came with the loss of his aunt, someone he viewed as a mentor, confidant, and source of guidance. The loss left a lasting impact, forcing him to navigate one of life’s toughest realities.

Rather than allowing grief to silence him, he poured his emotions into his music. Writing became an outlet for healing. Every song became a journal entry. Every lyric became a way to process pain, preserve memories, and continue moving forward. Through music, Kemo found strength when he needed it most.

Now, with his highly anticipated project Don’t Quit 2 on the horizon, Kemo is entering a new chapter with greater purpose than ever before. The title alone reflects the message that has guided him throughout his journey: perseverance.

For Kemo Artist, success isn’t about avoiding adversity it’s about pushing through it. His message to listeners is clear: everyone faces setbacks, everyone encounters obstacles, and everyone experiences moments of doubt. What separates those who succeed is the decision to keep going when quitting feels easier.

His advice to upcoming artists remains refreshingly simple:

“Release the music and keep writing.”

No shortcuts. No gimmicks. No waiting for the perfect moment.

Just dedication, consistency, and belief in yourself.

As Kemo Artist continues building his legacy, one thing remains certain: his story is still being written. The journey continues, the vision grows stronger, and the mission stays the same.

No matter the challenge.

No matter the setback.

No matter the odds.

Don’t Quit.

Written by the Staff Team
@4everconnects
– DANK

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E-Dee Releases Powerful New Single “Young Legend”

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E-Dee Releases Powerful New Single “Young Legend”

E-Dee: From Kingston Roots to Hollywood Dreams

Born in Jamaica and driven by an unshakable passion for music and storytelling, E-Dee, also known as Yung E-Dee, is a rising force in the global reggae scene. Blending authentic roots reggae with modern influences, E-Dee has carved out a unique lane that reflects both his Caribbean heritage and his journey through the entertainment world in the United States. Beyond music, he has also pursued acting and filmmaking, bringing a multidimensional creative vision to his artistry. His work consistently highlights themes of perseverance, cultural pride, and ambition, making him one of the most compelling voices among the new generation of reggae artists.

E-Dee Releases Powerful New Single “Young Legend”

Los Angeles, CA – May 26, 2026 – Rising reggae artist E-Dee (Yung E-Dee) has officially released his highly anticipated new single, “Young Legend,” now available on all major streaming platforms via Clarendon Records.

A heavy roots reggae track infused with authentic island energy, “Young Legend” tells the inspiring true story of E-Dee’s remarkable journey—from his humble beginnings in Jamaica to pursuing his dreams in Hollywood. The song captures the struggles, sacrifices, and determination required to overcome obstacles and transform vision into reality.

With its rich, soulful riddim and heartfelt storytelling, “Young Legend” delivers a powerful message of resilience, ambition, and cultural pride. E-Dee’s lyrical authenticity and commanding delivery make the track both deeply personal and universally relatable, resonating with listeners who appreciate conscious reggae music with a modern edge.

The single stands as a testament to E-Dee’s growth as an artist and his commitment to representing his roots while pushing boundaries in the global music landscape.

The official release date for “Young Legend” is Friday, May 29, 2026. The track is now available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, and all major digital platforms.

With this release, E-Dee continues to solidify his place as a rising voice in reggae, inspiring a new generation to dream big, stay grounded, and embrace their journey.

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Jonathan Barfield: Turning Setbacks Into a Lasting Legacy

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Jonathan Barfield: Turning Setbacks Into a Lasting Legacy

Journalist: Can you share a moment in your basketball journey that truly shaped who you are as an athlete today?

I was cut from my high‑school team, which forced me to confront failure and rebuild. That summer I attended an unsigned‑seniors camp in Memphis (2008) and earned a partial scholarship to Lambuth University that same summer. Years later I played a season with Team London in the Euroleague (2020). Those setbacks and opportunities — plus the work ethic I developed — drove me to found Inspired Athletes, a skills‑development company built on relentless preparation and service to players.

Journalist: Every player has a signature mindset — what’s yours when stepping onto the court?

I stay calm and present. When the game gets chaotic I let missed shots and bad calls go immediately so I can focus on the next play. As a coach I bring a quiet confidence: we balance enjoyment with pushing limits, outwork and outthink opponents, and keep God first.

Journalist: What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?

Finding consistent gym space early on was a major obstacle. I overcame it by building relationships with facility owners and partners — for example, St. Paul Christian Academy and West Nashville Church provided reliable access for years. That persistence required personal sacrifice (less family and social time) but ultimately created stability for my programs.

Journalist: Who has influenced your game the most, and what lessons did they teach you?

My grandmother, Ann Marie Jones (a Memphis educator for 35+ years), was my greatest influence. She emphasized education, character, and discipline; after she passed on May 30, 2023 I’ve continued to live by those principles. Her encouragement helped launch Inspired Athletes (founded October 5, 2022) and inspired me to major in Education in college.

Journalist:  How do you balance physical training, mental preparation, and personal life during the season?

I keep a strict schedule: up at 5:45 a.m. for long workouts (typically 3 hours), then handling business tasks — emails, calls and bookings. Coaching at the school level helps me stay grounded. I give myself Saturday evenings off to rest and prevent burnout, and I take holidays to spend time with family and friends.

Journalist: What part of your game are you focusing on improving right now, and why?

I’m expanding my coaching credentials and exposure: I accepted a role with Vanderbilt’s youth summer program with intent to join their staff full time. I’ve received multiple offers (25 total from different programs) and will decide this fall after summer evaluations. I’m focused on relationship building, learning from collegiate/overseas/NBA staff, and sharpening player development techniques to prepare athletes for scholarship opportunities. While also working with AAU and school  programs

Journalist: Fans see the wins, but not always the grind — what does a “day in the life” look like for you during peak training?

Typical training days start 5:45–8:30 a.m. (season and off‑season), with workouts 5–6 days per week depending on schedule. I’m in the gym nearly every day and assist an adult league on Thursdays. After training I handle administration — emails, bookings, coaching prep — and take Zoom courses (e.g., Get In The Game 101) to advance my coaching knowledge. Scheduling is often booked months in advance.

Journalist: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave on the sport and the next generation of players?

I want athletes to use sport as a pathway to education and character development. As assistant coach at Montgomery Bell Academy I’ve helped many players secure academic and athletic scholarships; I aim to scale that impact — coaching at the collegiate or NBA level, expanding Inspired Athletes internationally, and eventually owning a gym to serve underprivileged communities. Since founding Inspired Athletes I’ve trained over 650 athletes and aspire to grow into a CEO who creates opportunities beyond basketball.

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