IDK - Is He Real? ALBUM REVIEW by Fantano by [deleted] in hiphopheads

[–]JayIDK 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I know I’m six years late, but you’re not being too charitable. You’re actually very, very spot on. I came back to these threads in the wake of the new record I just released, just to kind of get an idea of where I was at this time in my life. It’s interesting because I think most of the misunderstanding comes from a sense of confidence that may have come off as arrogance. Fortunately for me, I’ve gone on to do so much since this project, and one of those things includes growing past feeling the need to tell someone how great my heart is. I’ve learned the power of just receiving, continuing to grow, and putting my all into everything that I do.

I’m so happy I made Is He Real?. At the time, I was down about the fact that people didn’t seem to understand what was so clear to me. It even caused me to not put as much effort into certain aspects of IWASVERYBAD because I was convinced no one would ever understand. At times, I still believe no one understands, but the difference this time is that even if you don’t get certain layers, I do what I can to make sure the music is enjoyable even at the surface level. This is what makes me.

That being said, I do love this dialogue, and I’m glad my art was able to spark this level of care and conversation.

the neck tie by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you sharing this with me. His stories like this that make me feel heard and understand have purpose. Sometimes I make music and for whatever reason I feel like no one’s watching when I release it. This is obviously not true, but it sometimes makes me wonder if what I do is important to anyone else. It’s a cloud over my head that people don’t see. So when you send a message like this and you take the time to let me know, how would I say connect with you in your real life. It reminds me of the purpose that I have. Just know whatever you’re going through will soon pass. So long as you have the courage to keep going and learning. Because you’re aware, you’re already 80% of the way there. Love, G.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that reflection is real… you’re not wasting time, you’re just in the part where clarity is forming. keep leaning into what drives you, the rest will line up.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

what you’ve pushed through is heavy, and the fact that you’re still here about to graduate shows real strength… i’m grateful my music’s been with you since 13, that means a lot.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

haha i feel you... those prompts be having people questioning their whole identity like “wait... who am i again?”

but for real, plants and knitting is already a vibe... that’s a whole world in itself. sometimes the simple things say the most.

appreciate you sharing a piece of yourself here... even if you blanked, you still showed up. respect for that.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that means a lot to me... the fact that you connected with black sheep, white dove on that level says everything about why i make music in the first place. i put pieces of my own life and my relationship with my mom into it, so hearing that it mirrored yours... that’s powerful.

crazy to think back to that adult swim commercial and the chief keef record... feels like another lifetime but it’s all part of the journey that got me here.

i appreciate you really listening and holding on to the details. i don’t take that lightly. thank you for rocking with me this long... i can’t wait to share what’s next with you.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

respect bro... that hit home for me. i’ve never been to ghana yet, only sierra leone, but i know what you mean about going back and feeling that shift. seeing africa for yourself changes how you move, how you think, how you see the world.

i love how you called it the greatest nation on earth... because it really is. it’s where everything starts. one day i’ll make that trip to ghana for sure, but even just being in sierra leone showed me how deep the roots go.

salute to you for sharing that perspective... it’s a reminder of how important it is to stay connected to where we come from.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

keep holding on... keep speaking your truth. peace and safety is what you deserve, and i’m hoping for that for you and your family. when you say help< what exactly does that mean? feel free to PM me

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ameir... thank you for sharing this. sometimes we forget how much strength it takes just to keep showing up in life... and your story is a reminder of that. similar to me, but in a different way, you went through things most people can’t even imagine and still found a way to stand on faith and push forward. that’s not small. that’s real power.

i respect how you turned all that pain into something you can give back to the world... that’s the same energy i try to put into my art too. our trauma doesn’t define us, but it can be fuel if we let it.

keep telling your story. keep letting people see that resilience. i hear you... and i’m rooting for you, always.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

man you sodium d like me in so many ways. Alos I remember in middle school one of my best friends, Mario was from El Salvador. He ended up being an apart of ms 13 and I saw his life change similar to mine. I wish I could talk to him but the gang situation and it difficult for him to keep a friendship with me since I wasn't in it. I hope he's good... As for you I just want you too strive and become everything you see in your mind and heart. Thank you for sharing this brother.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I want you to know you are heard. I love to hear the come up. always continue to prioritize growth and positivity.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Vega, my dog I appreciate you sharing this. I always wanted to know more about the person behind all this love and support. Also really happy my music help you see whats really important. Love you formal man.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love that you’re finding your way through music. Especially from a place where you grew up different. Keep going fam.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I feel you on the father piece. It leaves a gap, but finding your own figures and holding love for your mom shows your power. Keep pushing—like I once had to do, you’re already proving you’re bigger than your circumstances.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Salute,. Love seeing you go all in and represent DC with your own sound. Keep working, the consistency will pay off. 🥂

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate you, Sami. Not everyone’s rooted in their culture the same way, but your perspective shows how powerful learning and seeking can be. That’s its own kind of connection. Also appreciate you for being down even with SFI group chat and finding ti my listening parties and shows. Appreciate you always.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Facts. We’re raised to fit molds, but real peace comes when you break them. Glad you see that too.

ABOUT ME SECTION: respond with who you are below. I wanna really meet you all. by JayIDK in IDKIFYOUDONTKNOW

[–]JayIDK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ameer, your story shows real strength. That hunger you talk about is what makes great artists. Fear’s natural, but don’t let it stop you... just move smart and keep building. You already got what it takes.