#Vanguard Allure

[unpickled-olive]

Realizing that, while I like Destiny lore, what I love is Seth Dickinson's writing.

The Final Shape was a lovely story and the characters' archs were all emotional and satisfying. Maybe a nostalgic tear was shed for Cayde bonding with his reformed, resurrected killer.

But the things that have kept me coming back for 9 years were missing. I thought there'd be concrete answers about the Traveler, or some more thorough insights into the Witness, or even good lore on the Dread. I was hoping for another great lore book to join the ranks of Books of Sorrow, Unveiling, Mysterious Logbook, Marasenna, Last Days of Kraken Mare, etc. Some philosophy and horror, a genesis or exegesis or thorough backstory on a yet unexamined character/species.

Sadly, I didn't find those. The Dread's origin is that the Witness made them. Do they think and feel? TBD. The Traveler's conclusion was something like "you just have to have faith <3." Fine for the characters, but not for the readers/players of a 10-year-old mystery.

There's some nice things. The Micah-10 Traveler interpretations are cool, as is her origin story. And the foreshadowing still has me excited for the Dreadnaught, a yet unseen Disciple, etc. But I think key parts of what made Destiny lore so alluring for me are diminished.

Maybe it's the layoffs at Bungie. Maybe it's new writers going in a different direction. Either way, the aspects of sci-fi/space fantasy—ancient mysteries, metaphysical warfare, _____—have taken the back seat to personal drama that frankly isn't that interesting or fleshed out.

Maya could be an interesting antagonist, but she needed more backstory than "this simulation was evil or something" and more nuance than "the Vanguard are coercive, so I will coerce all of humanity." Why not explore what her presence means for the Vex, or the other simulations helping Praedyth escape the Vault?

The Witness trying to sway various characters was fine, but that has been covered so many times, especially in Beyond Light.

All that said, back to Seth: their absence in TFS made me realize how huge their presence in the lore was for my love of Destiny. I finally went and read their original works. What an incredible writer.

First, I read Exordia, the first/only entry into a dark mindfuck of a space opera. Its horrific in abstract ways: mysterious alien monoliths that poison reality around them. It's horrific in grounded ways, too: the alien invasion plays off of parallels with the Anfal campaign and the US involvement in Iraq. It's campy at times (with a villain who shouts "I love genocide!") but also profound. There's souls and date, but also math. There's also my favorite trope: mysterious, ancient architects.

After that, I read Baru Cormorant—all three books in a month. It's tragic and inspiring and genius. Originally I couldn't get through the first chapter because of the "fantasy" label. I've already read Earthsea and wasn't in the mood for wizards on boats. But I had the wrong impression. Understandable, because there is just no succinct way to label it.

Is it even fantasy? Honestly, I still don't know.

What it is is its own world. One that the inhabitants haven't fully mapped. One whose past is a must and whose future is uncertain. It's about hegemony. It's about purpose, obsession, and revenge. It's about revolution and community.

The colonizer culture is a kaleidoscope of different influences. Seafaring. Peri-industrial. Eugenic. It strikes me as something like 17th century Britain with a 20th century grasp of science. They don't have guns, but they do have both Greek fire and lobotomies. The story plays with different cultural views on indigenous rights, race, sexuality, and gender in ways that commentary real life while serving as interesting world building.

This story also weaves an insane amount of intellectual concepts into it. But rather than bog it down, they lift it up. The fate of the republic hinges on a myriad of different questions: is evolution Lamarckian or Darwinian? Can mathematical proofs usurp cultural hegemony? How do economics influence history? Most importantly, can you destroy the enemy from within before it destroys you?

It is not just cerebral, but tragic and heartbreaking. I saw the end of the first book coming, and yet I was devastated by the last chapter. Crushed like no ending has ever really crushed me. I didn't want it to happen.

There will likely be some time before the final book comes out, which is understandable. So much research goes into these. So many plot threads need to be woven together. So many mysteries not yet confronted.

This is all to say: if you like what I like about Destiny–thorough examinations of ancient mysteries, sci-fi takes on souls and magic, fantasy takes on science and technology, obsessive characters and vividly fucked up monsters, cancer and math as motifs, metaphors manifesting, and genius characters written by genius authors–give Seth Dickinson a chance.

[nellasbookplanet]

Do I actually think Imogen is going to turn on the party? No. I don't think it’s any more likely to happen than I did Fjord releasing Uk’otoa, or Caleb returning to Trent and the Vollstruckers.

Given the nature of the game, any character turning fully dark is unlikely, seeing as it would take them away from the party for a time or potentially even turn them into an npc, replaced by a new pc. So far the only time we've gotten close to seeing something like it happen was Yasha siding with Obann, which could only happen specifically because Ashley was gone from the table for a long time (it was also the product of mind control, not an active choice to turn dark, and as such still doesn’t really count as a pc turning on the party in my eyes).

But the possibility is there. The seeds planted. Travis has talked about how, after he threw the falchion away, he briefly considered having Fjord leave the party and retun to the coast and Uk’otoa. Liam has mentioned that, early on, Caleb returning to work for Trent was a very real possibilty. It can happen, if the players and narrative are open to it.

And now, canonically, Imogen is desperately and understandably searching for a reason not to have to fight her own mother. She is, however briefly, questioning whether the Ruby Vanguard might have a just cause. Much as she hates it, she also feels the allure of the power Ruidus gives her. Her closest ally is someone who has repeatedly assured she will stand by her no matter what she chooses, even after she voiced the possibility of letting Predathos get out. None of these parts of Imogen are evil, and all of them are understandable and deeply rooted in pain and ostracization, but they could very easily be turned into justification, were she pushed enough.

The seeds are planted. Again, I don’t think it will happen (she seems firmly against the evil plan when reminded of how evil it is), but there’s certainly nothing strange or hateful about engaging with and being interested in the darker possibilities as presented in canon. It isn't character hate to acknowledge that Imogen has the potential to go dark, much as Fjord and Caleb and Yasha. To me, it’s what makes her character interesting. I want to see her clash with the party, whether because she’s desperate to save her own mother or because she’s high off the power of Ruidus and lured in. I want to see Laudna have to choose between the world and her promise to stand by Imogen no matter what. I want to see the fallout, the slow healing and redemption and coming to terms with bad choices. I eat that shit up, and if it doesn’t happen in canon I'll probably go read some fic about it to get my fix.

[isagrimorie]

It’s the way some people don’t listen to what Imogen says. In episode 49, that talk with Laudna was pretty clear after she made the connection— her magic, their weirdness is the things she loves!

That magic is what could very well kept Laudna alive.

Also, Laudna’s non judgmental conversation with Imogen helped. After that whole conversation there was no way Imogen would want to willingly join the Vanguard.

“Willing” being the operative word, because its become increasingly obvious that whatever makes Exaltant Ruidusborn Exaltants is the part that’s programmed to find being part of the Predathos hive very alluring.

It’s like being a werewolf or a vampire— its part of their nature that is hard to resist.

Imogen doesn’t want to. But something inside her is being drawn (against her will) into the Red Storm.

But also the fight in the Apogee Solstice when she begged her mother to stop and not go through with the Predathos plan and Liliana still did?

Liliana fell from the pedestal there.

“She is a bad guy FCG.”

This is a pretty damning statement coming from Imogen, who was desperate to save her mother, desperate to rationalize and make excuses for.

Liliana fell from the pedestal and might be the reason magic is dead and if magic is dying, Laudna might be dying.

And that’s not something Imogen can forgive.

Imogen has a list of people in her head, the first is Otohan Thull, the second is Ludinus, and the third is Liliana Temult.

Imogen’s favorite thing in the world is Laudna. And Imogen begged her mother not to do what she’s planning to do, but Liliana pulled the trigger anyway, and Imogen is living in a Schrödinger’s world where Laudna could be both alive or dead. Or Laudna is alive and dying.

“She’s left me once before.” Imogen told Ashton.

So, yes, Liliana is on her list. Imogen might not and could never kill her, but I don’t think she would be as sad if someone else killed her.

[synnthamonsugar]

50 saveris...?

50. A Kiss . . . out of love

"I've lived a lifetime on the scale of stars, and never have I had a fraction of the contentment I do now," Savathûn mused as she rested along the flowerbeds of the Alluring Curtain. 

"Never?" asked Eris Morn, bared head askew. Atop a garden terrace, she crouched nearly eye-level to Savathûn. "What of Nezarec? When you snatched the veil from our enemy, or trapped Rhulk?"

"You know better than anyone that vengeance brings a different sort of satisfaction … fleeting. Appetizing, without fulfillment, like tithes fed to the insatiable jaws of Ur." She stretched out on the warm grass, unfocused her eyes against the cloudy green-yellow sky. "I do believe contentment is wanting for nothing." 

"No longer do you stake your life in lies, Witch, but I refuse to believe you all the same." 

"After all we've been through, you think I would lie to you?" she burred in mock-affront. 

"I think you would lie to yourself. Wanting has been a part of your nature since you bore the name Sathona. That is not a fire quenched by peace."

"What could I possibly desire, Eris? I'm free from my rattlebrained parasite and the scrutiny of the Witness's groveling errand-boy. No longer must I hide beneath sheaves of letters or the face of your old Vanguard, spinning endless yarns to appeal to your friends –" she leaned in close, eyes glinting, relishing the flame that sparked between Eris' brow. " – or you."

"So you have everything you want already," Eris entertained the Witch's claim, if for no other reason than to find the contradiction that proved her logic instead. "The Light, and a throne world built in it. The disciples, dead. Freedom from the worm-pact. Begrudging compliance of the Vanguard. My presence… my attention…"

"Very good," said Savathûn in praiseful sing-song. 

"But you don't have me." Eris stated flatly, chitinous brow furrowed.

Savathûn threw back her head, laughter clarion-sharp against the soft, low murmur of the garden. "You made your body a shrine to my pursuit, your mind a reliquary of my knowledge! Careful as you were, you let me in, nourished me with your failed attempts to understand . . . and delighted me with your successes. How glad I was to share my tithes; how eager you were to drink them!" Red blossomed beneath rivulets of ichor. "Honey, I couldn't ask for more."

Eris stepped forward, close enough now to sense body heat and Light. "I can."

It was Savathûn's turn to come to an understanding. She tilted her head forward, meeting Eris' lips with the incisal edge of her teeth experimentally. She rested the joint of one clawed finger against her waist, the pad of another touching softly against the bony crests of her head. For Eris' part, she slipped her hands under the chitin that armored her lower jaw, rubbing the soft flesh beneath. She'd witnessed human acts of affection, but partaking was uncharted territory. She thrilled in the alien tenderness, the feeling of skin to bone and Light to Darkness. 

When their mouths finally parted, Eris reached to stroke the orbital of Savathûn's third eye. She closed membranes over them, lulled by her touch. "You let me in, too," Eris whispered coyly. "You imagined who I was, and who I could be. Am I as you pictured?"

"Better."

Savathûn felt the sensation of lips upon the horns that framed her brow and smiled inwardly, no doubt that she had everything and more. 

[cyberpunkonline]

The Race for the Everything App in the West: Unraveling the Quest for Digital Domination

In the neon-drenched, cyberpunk reality of the 21st century, the digital realm is witnessing a colossal battle, reminiscent of Neal Stephenson's speculative universes. Tech corporations, with their sights set on the horizon, are not just competing but are on an ambitious quest to forge the "Everything App"—a digital El Dorado that promises to centralize our online lives. This pursuit, led vigorously by X (formerly known as Twitter) and echoed by a symphony of other platforms, is transforming the way we interact with digital services.

At the heart of this evolution lies a simple, yet profound strategy: expansion beyond core functionalities. Apps that once specialized in specific domains are now crossing into territories uncharted, offering a suite of services that range from messaging and social networking to financial transactions and beyond. This trend is not a mere coincidence but a calculated move towards creating a digital ecosystem where users can perform every conceivable online activity within a single app.

The Vanguard of the Everything App

X, under the stewardship of Elon Musk, is potentially the most audacious contender in the race. Initially a platform for microblogging, X is now venturing into areas like payment processing and content creation, aiming to transform itself into an indispensable tool for its users. However, X is not alone in this pursuit. Apps like WeChat in China have already demonstrated the viability of the "everything app," serving as a model for Western counterparts.

Facebook (now Meta), with its vast suite of services including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus, is another titan striving to stitch together a comprehensive digital tapestry. Google, through its ecosystem encompassing Gmail, Google Pay, and YouTube, is also inching towards creating a unified experience. Meanwhile, Amazon's expansion into cloud services, media streaming, and even groceries underscores the same ambition: to be the one-stop digital shop for its users.

The Siren Song of Convenience

The allure of an everything app lies in its promise of unparalleled convenience. Imagine a digital Swiss Army knife that not only connects you with friends and family but also handles your finances, entertains, educates, and even shops for you. The potential benefits are immense, offering a seamless integration of digital services that could simplify user experience, enhance efficiency, and possibly even reduce the digital clutter of having multiple apps for different needs.

A Dystopian Shadow

However, beneath the glossy surface of convenience, there lurks a more sinister possibility. The consolidation of services into a single platform raises alarming concerns about privacy, data security, and monopolistic control over the digital lives of billions. The more we rely on a single app for our daily needs, the more we risk creating a digital monoculture vulnerable to surveillance, censorship, and exploitation. In a dystopian twist, the everything app could become the ultimate tool for digital hegemony, where choice is an illusion, and autonomy is traded for convenience.

The Unstoppable Momentum

Despite the dichotomy of potential outcomes, the race towards the everything app is unlikely to slow down. The convergence of services into unified platforms reflects a broader trend in digital evolution, driven by user demand for efficiency and the corporate quest for dominance. As this race accelerates, we find ourselves at a crossroads, navigating between the utopian dream of digital convenience and the dystopian nightmare of centralized control.

The everything app is both a looming threat and a beacon of progress in our communications landscape. Its emergence is a testament to our insatiable appetite for innovation and our willingness to explore the unknown. As we venture further into this digital frontier, the decisions we make today will shape the cybernetic world of tomorrow. The everything app is not just a possibility; it is an inevitability. Time will tell whether it becomes a tool for liberation or an instrument of control.

In the words of Neal Stephenson, we are coding our own new world, and in this world, the everything app stands as both the zenith of our aspirations and the nadir of our fears. As we hurtle towards this uncertain future, one thing is clear: the digital landscape will never be the same again. - REV1

[apesoformythoughts]

"As far as I am concerned, as I am no decadent, neither am I a progressive. The world, in my opinion, remains too beautiful. The allure of the worms in the earth hasn't worn off. And I know that no technology will ever allow me to understand my wife, or to love her more. My resistance against progressivism comes from wanting to embrace the world as it has been given to us, even in its dramatic character.

I have not yet learned to build a house or to grow a field, nor to think like Saint Augustine or to sing like Dante—why would I kill for an augmented reality helmet? I am not human enough yet, why would I want to become a cyborg? It would be like abandoning my post with the excuse of wanting to be at the vanguard.

Someone who remains amazed by the birth of a child is not very impressed by the advertising on the latest iPhone. Someone who can still cry out for our salvation is not credulous enough to devote himself to artificial intelligence—unless artificial intelligence helps him to cry out louder, and to be in awe of the worms in the earth."

— Fabrice Hadjadj [transl. mine]

[underestimated-heroine]

In the 1990s, I was the field organizer for the Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment, a six-state coalition working to reduce hate crimes and violence in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States region. We did a lot of primary research, often undercover. A cardinal rule of organizing is that you can’t ask people to do anything you haven’t done yourself; so I spent that weekend as I spent many—among people plotting to remove me from their ethnostate. It helped that, despite its blood-curdling anti-Black racism, at least some factions of the White nationalist movement saw me as a potential ally against their true archenemy. At the expo that year, a guy warily asked me about myself. I told him that I had come on behalf of a few brothers in the city. We needed to resist the federal government and we were there to get educated. I said I hoped he wouldn’t take it personally, but I didn’t shake hands with White people. He smiled; he totally understood. “Brother McLamb,” he concurred, “says we have to start building broad coalitions.” Together we went to hear Jack McLamb, a retired Phoenix cop who ran an organization called Police Against the New World Order, make a case for temporary alliances with “the Blacks, the Mexicans, the Orientals” against the real enemy, the federal government controlled by an international conspiracy. He didn’t have to say who ran this conspiracy because it was obvious to all in attendance. And despite the widespread tendency to dismiss antisemitism, notwithstanding its daily presence across the country and the world, it is obvious to you, too.

[...]

To recognize that antisemitism is not a sideshow to racism within White nationalist thought is important for at least two reasons. First, it allows us to identify the fuel that White nationalist ideology uses to power its anti-Black racism, its contempt for other people of color, and its xenophobia—as well as the misogyny and other forms of hatred it holds dear. White nationalists in the United States perceive the country as having plunged into unending crisis since the social ruptures of the 1960s supposedly dispossessed White people of their very nation. The successes of the civil rights movement created a terrible problem for White supremacist ideology. White supremacism—inscribed de jure by the Jim Crow regime and upheld de facto outside the South—had been the law of the land, and a Black-led social movement had toppled the political regime that supported it. How could a race of inferiors have unseated this power structure through organizing alone? For that matter, how could feminists and LGBTQ people have upended traditional gender relations, leftists mounted a challenge to global capitalism, Muslims won billions of converts to Islam? How do you explain the boundary-crossing allure of hip hop? The election of a Black president? Some secret cabal, some mythological power, must be manipulating the social order behind the scenes. This diabolical evil must control television, banking, entertainment, education, and even Washington, D.C. It must be brainwashing White people, rendering them racially unconscious.

What is this arch-nemesis of the White race, whose machinations have prevented the natural and inevitable imposition of white supremacy? It is, of course, the Jews.

[...]

The White nationalist movement that evolved from it in the 1970s was a revolutionary movement that saw itself as the vanguard of a new, whites-only state. This latter movement, then and now, positions Jews as the absolute other, the driving force of white dispossession—which means the other channels of its hatred cannot be intercepted without directly taking on antisemitism.

This brings me to the second reason that White nationalist antisemitism must not be dismissed: at the bedrock of the movement is an explicit claim that Jews are a race of their own, and that their ostensible position as White folks in the U.S. represents the greatest trick the devil ever played. [...] Contemporary antisemitism, then, does not just enable racism, it also is racism, for in the White nationalist imaginary Jews are a race—the race—that presents an existential threat to Whiteness. Moreover, if antisemitism exists in glaring form at the extreme edge of political discourse, it does not exist in a vacuum; as with every form of hateful ideology, what is explicit on the margins is implicit in the center, in ways we have not yet begun to unpack. This means the notion that Jews long ago and uncontestably became White folks in the U.S.—became, in effect, post-racial—is a myth that we must dispel.

Antisemitism, I discovered, is a particular and potent form of racism so central to White supremacy that Black people would not win our freedom without tearing it down.

[...]

The resistance I have encountered when I address antisemitism has primarily come since I moved to the Northeast seven years ago, and from the most established progressive antiracist leaders, organizations, coalitions, and foundations around the country. It is here that a well-meaning but counterproductive thicket of discourse has grown up insisting that Jews—of Ashkenazi descent, at least—are uncontestably White, and that to challenge this is to deny the workings of White privilege. In other words, when I’m asked, “Where is the antisemitism?,” what I am often really being asked is, “Why should we be talking about antisemitism?”

And indeed—why? Why, when the president of the United States appears bent on removing as many dark-skinned immigrants from the U.S. as he can, and when men who look like me are shot in the street or tortured to death in prison with impunity? Why, when the leadership of some mainstream Jewish communal organizations level false charges of antisemitism in order to silence critique—whether by Jews or non-Jews—of Israeli government policies? Why, after decades of soul-searching by Jewish antiracists has established a seeming consensus that Jews—with Mizrahi and Sephardi Jews posited as an exception—should regard themselves as White allies of people of color, eschewing any identity as a racialized people with their own skins at risk in the fight against White supremacy? Why, when Jews are safe and claims to the contrary serve to justify rather than to challenge racial and other oppressions, like conservative commentator Alan Dershowitz’s cynical recent attempt to discredit antiracist and anticolonial struggles by declaring intersectionality an antisemitic concept? Why, when Jews of European descent are supposedly “White,” have long been, will ever be?

I can answer this question as I have been doing and will continue to do: antisemitism fuels White nationalism, a genocidal movement now enthroned in the highest seats of American power, and fighting antisemitism cuts off that fuel for the sake of all marginalized communities under siege from the Trump regime and the social movement that helped raise it up. To refuse to deal with any ideology of domination, moreover, is to abet it. Contemporary social justice movements are quite clear that to refuse antiracism is an act of racism; to refuse feminism is an act of sexism. To refuse opposition to antisemitism, likewise, is an act of antisemitism. Arguably, not much more should need to be said than that. But I suspect that much more does need to be said. To the hovering question, why should we be talking about antisemitism, I reply, what is it we are afraid we will find out if we do? What historic and contemporary conflicts will be laid bare? And if we recognize that White privilege really is privilege, what will it mean for Jewish antiracists to give up the fantasy that they ever really had it to begin with?

[...]

Likewise, as much as I draw inspiration from the Jewish community, and as much as I adore my Jewish partner and friends, it was my organizing against antisemitism as a Black antiracist that first pulled me to the Jewish community, not the other way around. I developed an analysis of antisemitism because I wanted to smash White supremacy; because I wanted to be free. If we acknowledge that White nationalism clearly and forcefully names Jews as non-white, and did so in the very fiber of its emergence as a post-civil rights right-wing revolutionary movement, then we are forced to recognize our own ignorance about the country  we thought we lived in. It is time to have that conversation.

-from Eric K. Ward's essay Skin In The Game: How Antisemitism Animates White Nationalism

[alteredstatesstuff]

"Discovering Cool Trends: Unleash Your Inner Trendsetter!"

Greetings, my fellow trend seekers! This article unveils the hidden gems of discovering new trends in your field or industry. Prepare to be introduced to unconventional tools and ingenious methods that will revolutionize your trend-spotting game. Whether you're a fashion guru, a tech aficionado, or simply yearn to stay ahead of the curve, fear not! We have you covered.

Let's unleash your dormant trendsetter spirit and embark on an exhilarating journey to unravel the secrets of unearthing the coolest trends!

Embrace the Whisper Network: Cast your mind back to those playground days when whispers traveled faster than the speed of light. Unleash that childhood skill and tune in to what people are murmuring about. Amidst those hushed conversations lies a treasure trove of juicy tidbits, revealing the latest trends. Just beware of sifting through tales of Mrs. Jenkins' peculiar cat obsession. Our focus is purely on the chic and trendy!

Unveil the Mysteries of the Digital Realm: Ah, the boundless wonders of social media await! Venture forth, donning your virtual detective hat, and dive into the infinite abyss of your favorite platforms. From Instagram's visual extravaganza to TikTok's infectious dance routines, and Twitter's lively chatter, these digital havens hold the key to unlocking the essence of what's "in" right now.

Magazines: Your Trusty Trend Navigator: While some may consider magazines as relics of the past, they wield an unyielding power in the realm of trend-spotting. Delve into the glossy pages of fashion-forward magazines and captivating lifestyle publications. Let them be your faithful companion, guiding you through the ever-evolving tapestry of trends. Just remember to keep your focus intact amidst the bewitching allure of those enigmatic model gazes. Stay strong, my friend!

Serendipitous Wanderings: Have you ever embarked on a whimsical journey through the window displays of bustling shopping districts? Prepare to be captivated! Take leisurely strides through enchanting malls or embark on virtual escapades through online stores. Remain vigilant, for you never know when an extraordinary revelation awaits. It may manifest as a captivating design or an extraordinary creation that bewitches your senses. Trust your instincts, and behold the concealed treasures of trendsetting.

Seek Wisdom from the Vanguard: Recall those individuals from your school days who possessed an unparalleled understanding of what was hip and happening? Fear not, for they have gracefully aged alongside us. Venture forth and seek the counsel of trendsetters within your social circles. Approach your stylish confidant, your tech-savvy cousin, or even your delightfully eccentric neighbor. Allow their wisdom to illuminate your path and introduce you to the awe-inspiring wonders that lie within the realm of cutting-edge coolness. And who knows? You might even gain some bonus points for expressing genuine interest in their expertise!

My esteemed trailblazer! You have now acquired the art of uncovering new trends while reveling in the thrill of discovery. Remember, trend-spotting is an adventure without predefined rules. Embrace your insatiable curiosity, keep an open mind, and let the trends guide you toward uncharted horizons of excitement. Now, go forth with confidence, radiate those effortlessly trendy vibes, and prepare to astound the world with your extraordinary trendsetting prowess!

[afrobeatsindacity]

Pheelz And Young Jonn: The Nigerian Producers Now Succeeding As Recording Artists

Pheelz’s EP, Pheelz Good arrived in January, and it is a fine summation of his foray into performing artistry. Before this he had secured his place in the industry with “Finesse”, the mellow Afropop joint from a year ago with a chorus so addictive it became a Tiktok legend even before its release. The song’s popularity stretched beyond Nigerian borders, landing spots on the UK’s Official Charts and the Billboard Global 200 after an incredible global run. He followed this up with “Electricity” 5 months later, recruiting Davido for a single that lived up to its predecessor enough to open questions about which song was better. Subsequent releases in “Balling” and ”Stand By You” restated the undiminishing depths of his talent while showcasing his impressive range, with each addition helping to etch in permanent ink his new artistic status. Pheelz Good is therefore curated as a palette for his music, displaying in equal measure these fan favorites and a new set of songs he intends to propel him to the next stage of his career.

Pheelz is basking in his success, and his decision to take charge of his own music—after a decade spent laying the beats for other artists—is proving more and more intelligent in its planning and execution. His career began in a fashion similar to other young creatives—in the backrooms of studios of a more established act, this time the legendary Street Pop producer, ID Cabasa. There, his career grew alongside Olamide’s, who at that time was preparing to exit the incubation stage of Nigerian music and approach the limelight. Together they spun party starters like "First Of All" and "Durosoke", and as Pheelz grabbed a chunk of production credits for Olamide's YBNL and Baddest Guy Ever Liveth albums, the talented pair built their careers and portfolios while building each up. With Pheelz’s crossing over to the performing side of music, he sits at the charge of a vanguard of producers opening up their craft to take on more than just beat making. As Pheelz alluded to in a recent interview, he had been supplying backup vocals on as much 90% of his produced tracks, in addition to taking some of the songwriting burden as music producers often do. Between 2015 and 2020, he interspersed his production career with the occasional song of his own, leading up to 2021’s Hear Me Out EP where he would make his most committed step toward his current status, before following it up with “Finesse” the following March.

Young Jonn, another music producer who made a significant mark on 2022’s music chapter, has a career with an uncannily similar path. He began his journey looking up to Olamide and Pheelz in Hit Factory studio, which at the time had an affiliation with Olamide's YBNL, while he worked on his own beats he hoped would one day be graced by the rapper’s voice, a wish that was granted with the release of "Story For The Gods" in 2014 .The 28 year old artist also possesses credits to some of Olamide’s most alluring Street-ready tracks, including bona-fide anthems like "Bobo", "Wo" and "Science Student", culminating in taking complete charge of Olamide’s 7th studio album, Lagos Nawa, with the sole exception of "Shine", which Olamide produced himself. Since then he's opened his services to other members of Nigerian music's top class, including Davido, Kizz Daniel and Tiwa Savage. His entry into music wasn't quite the start and stop motion of his YBNL colleague; he took the gradual decision to slow down his music production while he invested an increasing studio time into writing and recording his own music.

"Dada", his March 2022 release was his statement of intent, and since it coincided with the announcement of his signing to Chocolate City as a recording artist, it was clear Young Jonn had put his hands on the plough and had no intentions of looking back. That proved to be the right decision, as the song quickly rose in popularity and became a fixture on the airwaves, so much so that Davido wanted in on the action in a bigger, better remix. Young Jonn sought, as is to be expected, to cement this stand with some projects, interspersing these singles with the releases of the EPs, Love Is Not Enough and its Vol 2, where he laced his melodic tales of love and heartbreak over bouncy Afropop production. Already he has made a fine start to the year, with a long-anticipated collaboration with Olamide that arrived earlier this month.

Pheelz and Young Jonn are currently the most prominent travelers of this route, but they are not the first. KDDO (Or Kiddominant) earned his credits behind the boards stamping his signature tag to legendary Afrobeats records, especially Davido’s “Fall”, which is still accumulating certifications five years post-release. His rebranding came with more than just a name change, and the newly christened KDDO released “Beamer Body” in April 2021, with his debut EP Too Late Too Lit arriving a month later. It featured Mayorkun and The Cavemen, as well as South African act Sho Madjozi. His collaboration with Cassper Nyovest, the Amapiano-tinged “eWallet” also made an appearance on the EP a year after its original release, making it clear KDDO intended his project to have a bi-national appeal. The artist is currently gathering laurels via his work as co-writer and co-producer of Chris Brown’s “Under The Influence”, while he plots his next big move in music.

Before these men, many other artists had spent their formative years as music producers before committing to singing, though these periods admittedly did not last long enough for them to make a mark as music producers. CKay’s voice can be heard at the start of “Ella”, Dice Ailes’ love ballad from 2017, as well as other Chocolate City records from that period, as he cut his teeth in the industry and slowly settled into his artistry. His production credits can also be found on parts of his breakout EP, CKay The First, most notably on the global smash, “Love Nwantiti” that brought it to relevance. Tems too, possesses a history of self production, one of many similarities the singers share, as her debut EP, For Broken Ears, came off the back of several DIY sessions learning production on Youtube.

Artists pulling themselves to popularity with songs and projects they produced, wrote and delivered themselves is impressive, but even more so are creatives that juggle both roles even after establishing themselves in the music industry. Maleek Berry self-produced cult classics like “Been Calling” and “Juice” (with Ycee) while working with other acts like Davido, Wande Coal and Runtown in a strictly production capacity; Tekno may be more famous as the harbinger of the catchiest feel-good tracks around, but he was the producer and songwriter of Davido’s “If”; Don Jazzy spent his time at Mo’hits and early Mavin days doubling as producer and artist but has now stepped back from both and taken a role guiding other young artists behind the curtain. With Nigerian music’s time in the sun opening up channels for even more artists to join in the fun, it wouldn’t be surprising to see other producers make this transition, ready to take more a conspicuous spot in the industry and gain a fanbase for themselves. Pheelz and Young Jonn have set an example with their 2022 headlines that there are no limitations to creativity, and it will be interesting to see which creatives follow in their footsteps this year. 

This article was written by Afrobeats City Contributor Ezema Patrick - @ezemapatrick (Twitter)

[so-true-overdue]

Lies have legs, but they do not stand long.

In the teeming wilderness of the digital age, where truth and fallacy entwine in a serpent’s dance, a new breed of warfare wages—a war of minds, not borders. The belligerent? Russia, armed not with tanks and missiles alone, but with the virulent force of disinformation, an insidious contagion that thrives on the fertile soil of our collective inattention. This is no brute force invasion but an infiltration of subtleties, of whispered falsehoods masquerading as reality on the platforms we so blissfully scroll.

With surgical precision, this machine of misinformation sows discord, not by storming city gates, but by quietly slipping through backdoors, cloaked as memes, viral videos, and seductive conspiracies. Social media, once the beacon of connectivity, has morphed into the battleground upon which these psy-ops unfurl, a place where facts are smeared in the mud of half-truths, weaponized to pit neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend.

Here enters the scapegoat—the convenient object of our wrath when the chaos becomes too much. Russia provides the flames, but we provide the tinder, each of us eager to burn someone at the stake, to point a finger and scream “fake news” when it serves our agenda, when the truth becomes too cumbersome to bear. Our complicity, whether we acknowledge it or not, feeds this beast, for in our desire to simplify, to understand, to belong, we forget to verify.

And so, it is only through the guardians of verifiable journalism that we stand a chance. Not the journalists as pawns of a corporate agenda, but the tireless seekers of evidence, the fact-checkers who dive into the muck to unearth a semblance of clarity amidst the fog. They are the vanguard against the tidal wave of lies, and yet how often do we disregard them, preferring the dopamine hit of a well-crafted fiction to the sobering reality of truth?

The scapegoat phenomenon, it turns out, is a symbiotic dance with disinformation itself. In our haste to simplify complex geopolitical machinations, to find a villain that fits our narrative, we play directly into the hands of those who orchestrate these campaigns. Russia—oh, how neatly it fits the bill—but don’t be deceived: the problem lies not just beyond our borders, but in our refusal to confront the uncomfortable truths at home. Truth is not always convenient, and more often than not, it stings before it soothes.

So, let us arm ourselves, not with memes and outrage, but with discernment and accountability. We must become the sentinels of our own minds, questioning the easy narratives, testing the seductive certainties. Only by embracing the difficult work of verification can we hope to dismantle the machinery of deception, brick by brick. We must forsake the allure of the scapegoat, understanding that the battle for truth demands not just vigilance but a relentless commitment to complexity.

And in the end, perhaps the greatest weapon we wield is not rage, but rigor—the slow, painstaking pursuit of what is real, regardless of how unsettling it may be.

[riadsa]

Leading Innovators in Global Creative Advertising

In our rapidly evolving and visually-focused era, the impact of inventive advertising is profoundly significant.The leading innovators in this field are reshaping how brands connect with their audiences, blending imaginative strategies with cutting-edge technology to craft memorable campaigns. These creative agencies are not only pushing the boundaries of marketing but are also setting new standards for the industry.

At the forefront of global creative advertising are agencies that excel in developing unique and compelling brand narratives. These trailblazers possess an exceptional ability to capture the essence of a brand and translate it into engaging visual and verbal stories. Their work goes beyond traditional advertising; it’s about creating experiences that resonate deeply with consumers and foster long-lasting connections.

One notable aspect of these top agencies is their specialization in luxury branding. As a premier luxury branding agency , they understand the nuances of high-end markets and the importance of maintaining an elite image. They are adept at crafting campaigns that exude sophistication and exclusivity, appealing to discerning customers who seek more than just products—they seek prestige and distinction. By blending creative artistry with a keen understanding of luxury markets, these agencies create advertising strategies that elevate brands and enhance their allure.

What sets these leading innovators apart is their commitment to integrating advanced technology with creative expertise. They leverage data-driven insights and cutting-edge tools to develop strategies that are both innovative and effective. From utilizing sophisticated analytics to enhance targeting precision to exploring emerging digital platforms, these agencies are at the vanguard of technological integration in advertising.

Moreover, these global leaders are known for their collaborative approach. They collaborate intimately with clients to grasp their vision, objectives, and target demographics.This partnership ensures that campaigns are not only visually striking but also strategically aligned with the brand’s objectives. Whether launching a new product or revitalizing an established brand, these agencies provide tailored solutions that drive impactful results.

Another key characteristic of these creative powerhouses is their ability to stay ahead of trends. In an industry that is constantly evolving, they are adept at spotting emerging patterns and adapting their strategies accordingly. This forward-thinking mindset enables them to deliver cutting-edge campaigns that captivate audiences and set new benchmarks for creativity.

In summary, the leading innovators in global creative advertising are redefining the landscape with their imaginative approaches and technological prowess. As creative agency that excel in luxury branding and beyond, they are not only crafting unforgettable brand experiences but are also setting the stage for the future of advertising. Their ability to blend creativity with technology ensures they remain at the forefront of the industry, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in marketing.

[nellasbookplanet]

There really is something deeply alluring about Imogen and Laudna's relationship. It’s built on trust, but it’s a trust that cannot be shaken or tested because then what will they have? They were both lonely and ostracized for so long only to find a kindred soul in the other, and then forged that connection in blood when they ran away together. They cannot question that bond because it’s been Everything they have for the last two years.

It’s support, but it’s also enabling. Imogen, faced with the horrifying prospect of having to face her mother in battle, wavers, hesitates, questions, and the group rightfully reminds her of what Liliana's people has done. Laudna, meanwhile, points out that Imogen should not be made to kill her own mother. That Imogen has a choice and that it’s only hers, and that Laudna will follow her no matter what. And Imogen breaks down, because here is her Person, her tether, her better half, not questioning her choices or pointing out the moral right or wrong, but simply seeing why this is a painful choice and assuring that she trusts enough in Imogen's desicion to be there no matter what.

Is that trust healthy? In Laudna's resurrection, Imogen didn’t demand but asked, trusting and hoping that Laudna would make the right choice and return. Now Laudna extends that same grace, only the consequences would Imogen choose wrong would not be contained to their party, a small group in mourning, but cause worldwide destruction.

Imogen needs to be questioned. She needs to be reminded of what the Ruby Vanguard has and will done. Imogen also needs to be seen, for someone to understand the excruciating position she is in. But in giving her that, did Laudna truly help her?

There’s an interesting parallel to be made to Fjord and Jester. In Rumblecusp, Fjord told Jester he didn’t care about 100 other people, he cared about her. In Aeor, he told her he wouldn’t let her fling herself against her enemy at the cost of herself. He said this not because he didn’t care about other people, or because he would help her hurt others for her own sake, but to remind Jester that her life mattered, too, and shouldn’t be thrown away for others. Imogen, meanwhile, hasn’t been diminishing or risking herself the way Jester did. When Fjord reassured Jester's worth, it was a challenge in their dynamic, him saying he wouldn’t let her hurt herself. When Laudna reassured Imogen, it specifically skirted around challenge, because their dynamic doesn't allow for challenge. Imogen came to her looking for trust, for safety, for the one person who wouldn’t challenge her.

Perhaps that’s what she needs; perhaps she will make the right choice no matter what, and only needed to see that someone trusted her judgement. Perhaps it’s enabling, dangerous, toxic, and Laudna will be the one made to choose: follow Imogen into darkness, or break her word and her trust.

[sparklingsjewel]

Elevate Your Everyday Look with These Stylish Diamond Chains and Pendants

In the realm of jewelry, nothing speaks to timeless beauty quite like diamond chains and pendants. , a trusted call within the industry, offers a cautiously curated selection designed to elevate your regular style. These stylish pieces seamlessly combination sophistication with versatility, making them the proper add-ons to decorate your day-by-day look. Let’s explore each piece, delving into the specific allure and understated luxuries that define it. Embrace the captivating beauty of a spiral ring with diamonds, where every twist is adorned with diamonds that sparkle like stars.

Classic Solitaire Brilliance:

At the vanguard of choice is the long-lasting attraction of conventional solitaire diamond chains. The solitaire, an unmarried sparkling diamond set in a minimalist design, effortlessly turns into the focal point of any ensemble. Whether decorating a chain or pendant, the conventional solitaire provides a hint of sophistication for your everyday appearance.  ensures that those pieces are crafted with precision, permitting the herbal brilliance of the diamonds to shine through, making them the ideal preference for individuals who appreciate timeless simplicity.

Dainty Diamond Cluster Chains:

For folks who are looking for a delicate but impactful touch, offer dainty diamond cluster chains. These chains function as clusters of small diamonds, creating a subtle yet outstanding impact. Whether worn alone for a hint of elegance or layered for a bolder declaration, the dainty diamond clusters add a touch of glamour to your day-by-day apparel.  commitment to high-quality craftsmanship guarantees that those portions are lightweight and secure, making them ideal for normal wear without compromising on fashion. Let your elegance spiral ring gold intricately set with diamonds, each turn a dazzling display of brilliance.

Contemporary Geometric Pendants:

Embracing present-day aesthetics, Sparkling Jewel introduces modern geometric diamond pendants. The smooth lines and glossy designs of geometric shapes, consisting of squares, triangles, or hexagons, convey a modern aspect to your regular appearance. Paired with a rose gold chain with a diamond pendant those pendants make an announcement without being overly flashy. sparkling jewel series guarantees that the geometric designs upload a touch of present-day aptitude to your fashion, permitting you to easily infuse a cutting-edge aesthetic into your daily cloth wardrobe.

Timeless Heart-Shaped Elegance:

For a touch of romance and timeless appeal, Sparkling Jewel provides coronary heart-formed diamond pendants. The traditional heart shape, adorned with sparkling diamonds, adds a hint of elegance to your regular look. Whether it’s a small and diffused coronary heart or a more complex layout, those pendants grow to be symbols of affection and class. Sparkling jewel commitment to crafting undying pieces ensures that the coronary heart-shaped diamond pendants emerge as loved add-ons that seamlessly combine into your daily ensemble.

Nature-Inspired Charm:

Infusing a touch of nature into your ordinary fashion, Sparkling Jewel introduces nature-inspired diamond pendants. From sensitive leaves to blossoming plants, these pendants seize the beauty of the outside in a diffused and sophisticated manner. The nature-inspired appeal provides a whimsical and natural element in your appearance, permitting you to hold a bit of nature with you during the day. sparkling jewel series guarantees that these pendants are intricately designed, creating a harmonious connection between the beauty of diamonds and the elegance of nature.

Subtle Flower Blossom Pendants:

Adding a touch of nature-inspired appeal, sparkling jewelry introduces subtle flower blossom diamond pendants. These portions seize the delicate beauty of blossoming flowers, infusing your normal appearance with a fantastic and organic appeal. The intricate detailing of the floral design guarantees that these pendants stand out as specific and stylish additions to your each day ensemble. Sparklings Jewel commitment to craftsmanship guarantees that the flower blossom pendants are finely designed, creating a harmonious connection between the brilliance of diamonds and the grace of nature.

Modern Symbolic Charms:

For a cutting-edge and customized touch, sparkling jewelry offers current symbolic diamond charms. These chic and flexible charms feature smooth and meaningful symbols, permitting wearers to explicit their individuality with style. Whether it’s a star, moon, or a geometrical image, these charms add a hint of modern aptitude to your day-by-day accessories. Sparklings Jewel commitment to personalization guarantees that each symbolic attraction is crafted with precision and care, providing a subtle yet impactful way to make an assertion along with your normal appearance.

Also Read :

Going Green: Emerald Wedding Bands for Every Style

10 Emerald Bands for Your Wedding

[costura12-design]

Costura Design Collective | Top Interior Designer in Noida

Costura Design Collective: Elevating Interior Design in Noida

Nestled in the bustling city of Noida, the Costura Design Collective has emerged as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and refined aesthetic appeal in the interior design industry. With a commitment to excellence and a penchant for creating spaces that seamlessly blend function with elegance, this design firm has swiftly garnered a reputation as one of the top interior designers in Noida.

Founded with a vision to redefine interior design paradigms, Costura Design Collective has consistently delivered awe-inspiring residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Their portfolio boasts a diverse range of design styles, from contemporary chic to timeless traditional, catering to the varied tastes and preferences of their discerning clientele.

One of the key factors that set Costura Design Collective apart is their unwavering dedication to understanding the unique requirements of each project. By fostering a collaborative approach with their clients, the design team ensures that every space they conceptualize is a true reflection of the client's personality and style. This personalized touch has been instrumental in establishing long-lasting relationships and a high rate of client satisfaction.

The design ethos of Costura Design Collective is characterized by a harmonious blend of functionality and visual allure. Each project is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, where every element—be it lighting, furniture, color palette, or spatial arrangement—is intricately woven together to create a symphony of design. The dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident in every project, making their work stand out amidst the sea of interior design firms.

In addition to their flair for residential interiors, Costura Design Collective has left an indelible mark on the commercial and hospitality sectors in Noida. From trendy office spaces that promote productivity and well-being to luxurious hotel interiors that exude opulence, the firm's prowess extends across a spectrum of design requirements. Their ability to adapt to diverse design briefs while maintaining their signature design excellence is a testament to their versatility and expertise.

Furthermore, the team at Costura Design Collective stays abreast of the latest design trends, materials, and technology to ensure that their work remains at the forefront of innovation. With a finger on the pulse of the evolving design landscape, they infuse their projects with contemporary elements while staying true to timeless design principles.

In conclusion, Costura Design Collective has undoubtedly etched its place as the vanguard of interior design in Noida. Their unwavering commitment to redefining spaces, coupled with a keen understanding of client aspirations, makes them the go-to choice for those seeking exceptional interior design solutions. As Noida continues to embrace a burgeoning design culture, the name Costura Design Collective shines ever brighter, inspiring and setting new benchmarks for the industry.

[gursimrankaur03]

The Titans Ahead Film Production Companies NYC

Film Production Companies NYC: Their Function

Film production companies NYC are acknowledged for his or her top notch storytelling and technical prowess. These film production companies NYC manage a huge variety of initiatives, from unbiased films to principal studio productions, and are quintessential to the city’s vibrant film industry. Film production companies NYC are on the cutting fringe of storytelling innovation. Film production companies NYC test with new narrative techniques, visual styles, and technologies to push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. This dedication to innovation ensures that film production companies NYC movies aren’t simplest exciting but also notion-frightening and remarkable.

The Advantages of Working with a Video Production Company New York

Partnering with a 

video production company New York offers several blessings, from access to top-tier talent to leveraging the city’s colorful backdrop. These video production company New York bring a wealth of revel in and creativity to each undertaking, making sure that the very last product is both impactful and memorable. Video production company New York live at the vanguard of technological improvements. Video production company New York utilize the ultra-modern equipment and software to supply wonderful motion pictures that meet the evolving requirements of the industry. Video production company New York get right of entry to to current generation guarantees that their customers acquire the high-quality possible video content.

Innovative Approaches of Film Production Companies NYC

Film production companies NYC are known for his or her revolutionary processes to filmmaking. Film production companies NYC combine conventional strategies with modern advancements to create movies that captivate audiences and push the boundaries of the medium. From digital truth to drone cinematography, film production companies NYC embrace new technologies to decorate their storytelling competencies. These innovations permit film production companies NYC to create immersive and visually lovely movies that provide new stories to visitors.

The Excellence of Video Production Company New York

New York City is a hub of creativity and innovation, and 

video production company New York in this colourful town reflect its dynamic spirit. These video production company New York harness the electricity and variety of NYC to produce motion pictures that stand out in a crowded virtual landscape. Video production company New York have a unique gain — the metropolis itself. Video production company New York offers a rich tapestry of places, cultures, and testimonies that may be woven into video content material. Whether it is capturing the hustle and bustle of Times Square or the serene splendor of Central Park, these video production company New York leverage the metropolis’s precise allure to create visually captivating motion pictures.

Contact Us: 

Email Address: 

hello@clickplayfilms.com

Phone: 646–417–5330

Address: 54 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018