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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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Abeni Nazeer: Healing, Hustle, and the Power of Storytelling

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Abeni Nazeer: Healing, Hustle, and the Power of Storytelling

“My filmmaking journey has always been tied to my growth as a woman,” she says. “Every time life forced me to evolve, I used to go into hibernation—disappear from everyone until I came back stronger. But now, I’ve learned how to keep showing up, to keep creating and sharing while I’m still doing the inner work.” Some artists find their voice through success. For Abeni Nazeer, she found hers through healing.

That balance between purpose and presence defines where Nazeer is today. “Every day I focus on loving the parts of myself that need attention,” she explains. “And it’s wild how much life starts aligning when you work on yourself from the inside out.”

Breaking Through with Sin

One of those alignments was her breakout project, Sin—her first feature film as a director. The opportunity came from Dutch (Kwame), the film’s writer, who discovered her after seeing a music video she directed for her sister. “He told me he liked my eye and wanted me to bring his story to life,” she remembers.

Sin came with challenges—four producers, multiple creative directions, and the constant tug between business and vision. “It was a learning curve,” Nazeer admits, “but it was also magical.”

Working alongside Lou Gossett Jr., a legend in his own right, became a defining moment. “He treated me like family. He shared so much wisdom, welcomed me into his home, and showed me what real artistry looks like,” she says. “And my leads, Angel and Bella Black—they gave everything. Sin wasn’t just a movie; it was a family. It was chaotic and beautiful at the same time.”

 

Stepping into the Next Chapter

Now, Abeni is stepping into her next creative evolution. Her upcoming series, Barely, is currently in development and will likely find its home on Tubi or Amazon Prime. “It’s raw, real, and emotional,” she says. “It tells the kind of story that reminds people they’re not alone.”

Following that is her bold new horror film, Rush, which premieres November 21 at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills on Wilshire Boulevard. “Rush shows another side of me,” she says. “It’s intense, it’s daring, and it’s rooted in everything I’ve learned as both a director and a woman. It’s about taking risks—creatively and spiritually.”

A Director with Purpose

When asked what drives her, Nazeer smiles. “My mission as a director is simple: to tell the truth,” she says. “I want my films to make people feel something real—to spark conversation, to make them see that healing and growth can be beautiful. Every story I tell is part of my evolution. And honestly, I’m just getting started.”

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Courtesy by Abeni Nazeer

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The Rise of Sylina Renae: Creativity, Confidence, and Control

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The Rise of Sylina Renae: Creativity, Confidence, and Control

In an age where authenticity and ambition intersect, Sylina Renae emerges as the blueprint for the modern multifaceted woman. She’s not confined to a single title or trajectory—she’s rewriting the playbook of what it means to be a creative, entrepreneur, and empowered force in today’s world. Whether she’s modeling, creating content, or building her brand, Sylina turns every endeavor into a reflection of self-definition and purpose.

The Many Hats She Wears

Sylina’s presence—both online and offline—is a tapestry of roles, each one adding depth to her evolving narrative.

  • Model & Creative Talent: Known online as Sylina The Model, she showcases her work and creative visuals across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Her aesthetic ranges from editorial sophistication to everyday confidence, bridging glamour with realness.
  • Influencer & Motivator: Beyond the lens, Sylina uses her voice to inspire. Her posts often carry messages of empowerment, self-worth, and ambition—cementing her image as not just a face, but a mindset.
  • Entrepreneurial Visionary: Behind the artistry lies a businesswoman. From creative consulting to brand collaborations, Sylina leverages her skills to create opportunities, blending artistry with strategy.

Together, these dimensions define her as more than a “multi-talented powerhouse”—they reveal a visionary who understands that creativity and commerce can coexist beautifully.

Redefining Womanhood and Modern Success

1. Multiplicity as Strength

For Sylina, success isn’t about fitting into one box—it’s about building many. Her journey challenges the old narrative that focus equals limitation. Instead, she proves that embracing versatility is a superpower, not a flaw.

2. The Merge of Personal and Professional

In a digital culture obsessed with perfection, Sylina’s openness feels refreshing. She shares moments of process, growth, and reflection, reminding followers that progress isn’t linear—and that humanity is part of the brand.

3. Self-Definition and Ownership

Phrases like queenpreneur, go-getter, and freedom creator aren’t just taglines—they’re affirmations of agency. Sylina owns her narrative, choosing how she’s represented, and empowering others to do the same.

Lessons from Her Story

For anyone crafting a career in the modern creative space, Sylina’s journey offers valuable insights:

  • Leverage your platforms wisely. She uses social media not just for aesthetics, but for connection and opportunity.
  • Diversify your income. From modeling to content partnerships, Sylina’s business model reflects adaptability.
  • Lead with authenticity. Her transparency makes her relatable—and relatability builds trust.
  • Stay consistent. In a crowded digital world, her clarity of voice and message keeps her distinct.

The Challenges Behind the Shine

Even the most dynamic careers face friction. Sylina’s multidimensional approach means navigating:

  • The credibility dilemma—balancing expertise across multiple fields.
  • The burnout battle—managing energy across creative, business, and personal fronts.
  • The public perception paradox—how audiences interpret ambition and change.

Yet, it’s her resilience that sets her apart. Instead of resisting change, she embraces it—treating evolution as part of her personal brand.

What’s Next for Sylina Renae

If her trajectory is any indication, Sylina’s next chapters will only expand her influence. Whether through new creative collaborations, entrepreneurial ventures, or a signature brand project, she’s building something that transcends trends.

Her journey is not just about personal success—it’s about representation. It’s a reminder that the modern woman doesn’t have to choose between passion and purpose, art and ambition, or vulnerability and strength.

Sylina Renae isn’t just reimagining womanhood—she’s redefining what it means to thrive in a world that finally celebrates complexity.

 

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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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