#jamil rashad

[blackbutlerfandomnerddomain]

Headcanons of kalim destroying his crown on stage and just throwing it into the crowd? What's everyone's reaction?

YES!

It was during a show he and Lilia and Cater were doing as usual

They had just arrived to the stage of Sage's Island with live television and radio stuff happening as always

Some songs were sung than suddenly Kalim hypes the crowd by asking if they're having a great time and then some music of their next song starts

It's this song

As the guitars starts to pick up he raked his fingers through his hair and glares at a camera as if staring straight to his parents

When the chorus starts first he toss his scarf off revealing his marks from Jamil and Ace and then removing his jacket to show his scars old from his depression and toss them to the side

"Have a piece of American dream, open up and swallow on your knees-!" Was when Kalim buckles in knees in a bend as he wails it out completely making the crowd go nutts

While glaring back at the camera, Kalim starts removing the very special jewelry from his father

"Trust us, you just fell off the bus sucker..." He takes a breath and flashes a grin, "Yeah, well, payback is a motherfucker!" He throws the jewelry to the crowd and gives a middle finger to the closest camera while Lilia and Cater stick their tongues out behind him

After the song ends he reaches in a bag hidden on stage and takes out his crown

"I didn't want this to end in desperate measures, in fact I never wanted it. But after years of pain, years of watching my loves be hurt, years of my friends being away from me, years of threats I'm only good as a pretty stature to show off as a crown prize...It came to it."

Kalim can basically hear his father's threats as he grips the crown tight and feeling it snap with help of his knee

Kalim smiles at the gold that shimmers broken in his hands like his own being and began to toss the jewels and junks of gold and silver to his bandmates, his partners, and the crowd of fans

Rashad was in the crowd watching it all go down

[explorer-of-art]

my nrc kids and the dorm leaders

How my OCs attending Night Raven College view their dorm leader and vice-dorm leader if applicable.

Rufus fears Riddle because of his behavior in the first few days even though that has changed since the overblot. He does respect Riddle for running a tight ship and ensuring everyone does well academically. He just doesn't want to get in trouble or lose his head. Trey is more approachable when he has questions.

Bernard used to look up to Leona until the events of Book 2. After that, he stopped taking everything at face-value and putting others on pedestals. He'll still listen to him but he won't blindly follow orders.

Simon thinks Azul is cool. Not only is he responsible for the dorm, he runs a restaurant too- which is something adults do, not teenagers. There was the time he got ~225 new hires in one go. That was sick. Jade is okay. He doesn't know Jade well enough but he's nice. He's oblivious to how mafia the dorm is. He just thinks the dorm uniform is cool.

Rashad thinks Kalim is a good dorm leader, everyone just assumes that dorm leaders have to be the smartest or strongest one in the room. Kalim easily won him over with his kindheartedness and ability to keep up morale, and Jamil seemed to know what he was doing. Kalim and Jamil seemed to be a good duo as he and the previous dorm leader stepped down, but he was oblivious about the true nature of their relationship until learning of Jamil's overblot. He'll still trust that they keep the dorm running but doubt plagues him now that new information has made him reexamine their interactions. He's not vice dorm leader anymore so he is in no place to intervene.

Ivy finds Vil and Rook annoying. Vil appears to them as overbearing, imposing routines and restrictions because beauty or something. Rook shows up unexpectedly and says a lot of things and HE WON'T STOP TALKING OR LEAVE. Rook does give good feedback for their art, not that they'd admit it. And later Vil got Ivy a room to be used as a studio and store art supplies because of something about not wanting their room to get stained while doing art. Ivy doesn't know Vil's reason for what he does.

Varius looks up to Idia. He must be that good at technology to be dorm leader and have Ortho.

North thinks Idia is a cool guy even though seeing him makes her think of a pathetic sopping wet cat in the rain. She doesn't think much of him as the dorm leader and things seem to be running fine.

Regulus views Malleus as a rival and he has become a source of motivation for him to improve his magic. He doesn't fear Malleus by the way. Unlike his dormmates, he doesn't worship Malleus but will still follow his lead. Lilia isn't relevant to him so he doesn't think much of Lilia. Malleus is the one that lives in his head rent-free, not Lilia.

Erwin doesn't worship Malleus but that's his dorm leader so he just trusts Malleus' lead without question. He's cool with Lilia.

[castlesrp]

Face Claim List

Below the cut, you will find our list of face claims featured on our canon list. Enjoy this sneak peak at what is coming your way when the canon lists start being released this week!

FC List:

Abigail Cowen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Amita Suman Amy Adams Ana de Armas André De Shields Andrew Garfield Angela Bassett Anna Kendrick Anne Hathaway Anthony Anderson Anthony Mackie Anya Chalotra Anya Taylor Joy Aja Naomi King Avan Jogia Avantika Audra McDonald Austin Butler Beanie Feldstein Ben Barnes Beyoncé BD Wong Bette Midler Caleb McLaughlin Camila Mendes Catherine O'Hara Charles Melton Chiwetel Ejiofor Chloe Bennet Chloe Bailey Christina Hendricks Christina Nadin Chrissy Metz Cody Christian Constance Wu Courtney Eaton Dakota Johnson Danai Gurira Daniel Ezra Daniel Wu Danny Trejo David Harbour Deepika Padukone Denzel Washington Dev Patel Diana Silvers Diane Keaton Dianna Agron Dove Cameron Dylan O'Brien Eddie Redmayne Eiza González Emily Alyn Lind Eva Longoria Ewan McGregor Fan Bingbing Felix Mallard Florence Pugh Froy Gutierrez Gabrielle Union Gemma Chan George Takei Gillian Anderson Gina Rodriguez Gina Torres Hailee Steinfeld Halle Bailey Harrison Ford Harry Shum JR Harry Styles Henry Cavill Hero Fiennes Tiffin Hunter Schafer Hugh Jackman Idris Elba J. Cameron-Smith Jacob Artist Jacob Elordi Jameela Jamil James McAvoy Jamie Chung Jamie Lee Curtis Jasmin Savoy Brown Jason Momoa Jason Sudekis Jean Smart Jeff Goldblum Jeffrey Wright Jenna Ortega Jensen Ackles Jesse Williams Jessica Chastain JK Simmons Joe Locke John Boyega John Cho John Krasinski Jon Hamm Jonathan Bailey Jordan Connor Jordan Peele Julianne Moore Justice Smith Kate Winslet Kathryn Hahn Kathryn Newton Keanu Reeves Keith Powers Keke Palmer Kerry Washington Kit Connor [1] Kit Connor [2] KJ Apa Kristen Bell Kumail Nanjiani Lana Condor Laura Harrier Lauren Ridloff Leonardo DiCaprio Letita Wright Lili Reinhart Liv Hewson Logan Browning Logan Lerman Loretta Devine Lupita Nyong'o Mädchen Amick Madelyn Cline Madison Bailey Mahershala Ali Manny Jacinto Manny Montana Margot Robbie Mark Consuelos Mark Hamill Mario Lopez Mason Gooding Maude Apatow Megan thee Stallion Melanie Lynskey Melissa Barrera Michael Cimino Michael Evans Behling Michael Fassbender Michael Peña Michael Shannon Michelle Yeoh Morgan Freeman Naomi Scott Natalia Dyer Natasha Liu Bordizzo Nina Dobrev Noah Centineo Normani Octavia Spencer Olivia Coleman Olivia Rodrigo Oscar Isaac Paul Rudd Pedro Pascal Phoebe Deynover Phoebe Tonkin Phylicia Rashad Priyanka Chopra Rachel Weisz Rachel Zegler Rahul Kohli Reese Witherspoon Regé-Jean Page Renee Rapp [1] Renee Rapp [2] Riz Ahmed Robert Pattinson Robert Downey JR Rome Flynn Rosamund Pike Rose Byrne Rudy Pankow Ryan Gosling Ryan Guzman Ryan Reynolds Sadie Sink Sam Claflin Samantha Logan Samara Weaving Sandra Bullock Sandra Oh Sara Ramirez Sarah Jeffrey Sarah Paulson Sebastian Stan Selena Gomez Sigourney Weaver Simu Liu Shawn Mendes Skeet Ulrich Sophia Ali Sophia Bush Sophie Turner Sonam Kapoor Sophie Thatcher Sterling K. Brown Steve Martin Steven Yeun Storm Reid Sydney Sweeney [1] Sydney Sweeney [2] Taika Waititi Tati Gabrielle Taraji P. Henson Taron Egerton Taye Diggs Taylor Zakhar Perez Ted Danson Timothée Chalamet Thomas Doherty Tom Blyth Tom Ellis Tom Hardy Tom Holland Tony Goldwyn Tyler James Williams Tyler Posey Uzo Adubo Victoria Pedretti Viola Davis Whoopi Goldberg Wolfgang Novogratz Will Smith Willem Dafoe William Jackson Harper Winona Ryder Winston Duke Yasmin Finney Zayn Malik Zendaya Zoey Deutch

[gay-salt-amber]

Here's some random Incorrect Quotes for you!

--

James: takes off his glasses seductively "..Whoa..."

Ash: blushes

James: "You're blurry as shit-"

--

Rashad: "Let me explain it again-"

Adel: "Okay"

Rashad: "I am sick,"

Adel: "Yeah"

Rashad: "I have the flu,"

Adel: "Mhm"

Rashad: "It's highly contagious,"

Adel: "Yeah."

Rashad: " you finally understand-"

Adel: "Anyway let's make-out~"

--

Chenya: "Is that a hickie?"

Arie: "No. It's a mosquito bite."

Chenya: "Oh ok"

Esther: walks in with Silver and Sebek "Morning you guys."

Chenya: "Morning mosquitoes"

--

Cheka: "No matter what I do...no one at school wants to be friends with me.."

Ruggie: "Yeah literally can't relate to that one bit, but do you know who no one likes?" breaths in "HEY RIDDLE!"

Riddle: from the other room stomping over "First of all, HOW DARE YOU-"

--

Giles: "Take me to a art museum and make out with me!"

Rollo: "But they said said not to touch the masterpiece"

Giles: blushing "Did you just-"

Amyir: "But know know something?"

Rollo/Giles: "What?"

Amyir: "Somebody's gotta pin the artwork to the wall~"

--

Leona: "My next partner will be full of grace-"

Deuce: falls over when running

Jack: stumbles when trying to catch him and falls on his butt

Ruggie: trips over air sleep deprived

Epel: stutters and struggles to say his name and ten cuse out

Leona: "Them. I want them. They're perfect."

--

Rollo: "I am nobody's bitch. I am a warrior no one can control me. I have a heart of ice."

Giles/Amyir: "We're cold-"

Rollo: "OMG DO YOU NEED A BLANKET? SOME TEA?? MAYBE A HUG AND KISSES-"

--

Cater: "Four brooooos! Chillin' in a hot tub! Five-Feet-Apart cause their not gay!"

Riddle: ". . . We're boyfriends-"

Floyd: "You're sitting on my lap right now."

Chenya: "Literally everything you said was inaccurate."

--

Jamil: "What idiot is flying in the hallways?"

Jamil: sees Kalim and Ace on the magic carpet

Jamil: running after "OH SHIT IT'S MY IDIOTS-"

--

Neige: "Everyone thinks I'm this soft cute person but I'm not-"

Vil: "You cried for an hour after stepping on a bug"

Neige: "IT HAD FEELING! It was probably going home for dinner and I killed it!"

Rook: "Petit oiseau des neiges, it's a bug-"

Neige: "It was a BEETLE, and it's wife is probably worried sick, wondering where he is, and I really don't see why you all think I'm so sentimental when I'm not!"

--

Kalim: "Guess I'm too tough to cry-"

Jamil: "Just yesterday you were crying you were crying over snakes."

Kalim: tears up fast "THEY DON'T HAVE ARMS-"

--

Ortho: "Uh oh~ Looks like somebody's in looooove~"

Idia: "Pfft- Yeah right! I just think Malleus and Azul are cool that's all. It's not like I stay awake all night just thinking about them."

Later that night

Idia: awake "...Oh no-"

--

Floyd: "WHO ATE MY LEFT OVERS!?"

Allen: "I don't know, who ate my brother's ass last night!?"

Floyd: "ME BUT THAT DOES ANSWER MY QUESTION-"

--

Azul: "Sorry I'm late, I was doing stuff."

Idia and Malleus walks in

Leona: "Hey stuff"

Amazing

[djburntheoil]

Jamil Rashad, a/k/a Boulevards, is the embodiment of funk. Taking queues from pioneers such as Prince, Rick James, and Earth Wind & Fire, Boulevards seamlessly delivers cheeky, party-themed jams that range from raw and risqué to soulful on his debut LP Groove!

From an early age, Jamil’s father, a R&B Radio DJ, exposed him to jazz, blues, and R&B. This pushed him to get involved in the city’s local music scene early on in his youth. In his teens, he embraced the punk and metal scene in his hometown of Raleigh, NC; genres that would later go on to influence Rashad’s songwriting by way of their tight technical precision and power. After an art school education and several stints in local bands, Jamil rediscovered and returned to his first true love: funk.

[sinceileftyoublog]

Boulevards Interview: Funky Gut Punches

Photo by Jordan Rickard

BY JORDAN MAINZER

“I wish I could Men In Black erase my shit so I could listen to it with fresh ears,” Jamil Rashad tells me over the phone from Raleigh, North Carolina. The garage funk artist who records as Boulevards is about to release Brother!, a four-track EP (with an accompanying 2-track single) via Normaltown Records, an imprint of New West. But the restless singer-songwriter’s coming back from recording even newer music, for a potential LP, and has to get in the mindset that in a couple weeks, he’s dropping something he recorded a while back, especially because it’s his most assured (recorded) music to date, all the while exploring new aesthetic and thematic territory.

Rashad finished writing the songs on Brother! early on during the pandemic and messaged various artists he admired to see whether they’d produce the record. Blake Rhein, of Durand Jones & The Indications, bit. Rashad had long admired them. “Durand Jones & The Indications was one of the first soul revival groups in the game,” he said. “They kind of paved the way for Black Pumas and the other cats on Colemine [Records].” It turned out to be the perfect fit for what Rashad was trying to do. “I wanted to do some soul shit but still stay focused to the garage-funk element of Boulevards,” he said, something immediately apparent from the warbling psychedelia of the guitars and strut of the drums from the opening and title track. “I’ve always been chasing my predecessors,” he continued, referring to not only the contemporaries that paved the way for him but classics he grew up listening to with his father, a radio DJ: George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Curtis Mayfield, and Rick James. Rashad’s always been an avid indie rock and punk listener too, citing The Strokes’ Is This It and early Black Keys albums as just as formative.

You can hear Boulevards’ journey to this genre-averse point from listening to his discography. He released his debut LP on Brooklyn post-punk label Captured Tracks, bouncing around different labels and different styles (earlier this year, he released a collaborative track with “Bulletproof” synth popper La Roux) before finding a home on Normaltown. “I had to make those records in the past to make it to this point,” he said, citing New West’s increasing levels of genre diversity, from Caroline Rose’s pop-rock jamfest LONER to their recent Pylon box set, as a reason why he kept asking them to release his EP. When they said yes, he felt like they got it. “If you’re friends with [Normaltown co-founder] George [Fontaine, Jr.] on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll see how eclectic his tastes are. If anybody could get what I was trying to do, George gets it. It’s not like the Thundercats, the Leon Bridges, the Gary Clark Jr.s of the world,” he said. “This is Carolina soul shit.” As a bonus, Rashad was already friends with a couple New West signees: singer-songwriter Jaime Wyatt and American Aquarium’s BJ Barham, the latter of whom helped Rashad get sober from alcohol.

It’s certainly not lost on Rashad that, in his music community, he’s a Black singer-songwriter surrounded by many white ones, many of whom are his friends but don’t have to face the differences inherent in being Black in America. Some of these differences, he sings about, like on “Shook”, a song about being afraid of the police in Raleigh. But it’s the disparities in the music world that he hopes to directly reduce with Brother! “You have indie rock and the soul revival stuff and the psychedelic stuff, but you don’t have the straight garage funk records unless you see an old record on a Spotify playlist,” he laments, citing the dearth of existence and/or influence of old school, “Black small rare funk bands” as a reason for wanting to bring funk to the forefront. In a post-George Floyd protest world of white American racial reckoning, influencing everything from opinions on law enforcement to music listening habits, Rashad wants to tell his story, share his thoughts on the world, and dance while doing it.

Read the rest of my interview with Rashad below, and check out his live stream from the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro via NPR tomorrow night at 7 PM CST.

Since I Left You: It’s hard to point to a short EP as a turning point for many artists like this is for you. Why did you want to do just these four songs as opposed to a bigger project?

Jamil Rashad: I mean, I wanted to do a bigger project. That’s why we’re writing an LP right now. But for me, the writing never stops. I’m always writing. At first, I wasn’t even gonna do an EP here. I was gonna do singles and see how my fan base reacted. I wasn’t even gonna have a label. Every record, I always feel like it’s gonna be a turning point. You never know. I was thinking about this the other day. It’s almost like I’m starting fresh. These are songs I’ve been wanting to write--it’s just taken me time as an artist to get to this point to be able to zone in on the sound that I wanted. A 4-song EP is a little bit of the past and what’s to come with Boulevards, which I’m really stoked about.

SILY: You can tell that immediately from the title track, the first track on the EP. It’s got that psychedelic, garage element to the guitars, but it’s also really funky.

JR: I was tested a lot on this record, learning how the voice interacts with the microphone. Blake was pushing me to do it, which no producer has never done before. It’s turned out really dope. The goal was always to be the face of garage funk. Back in the day, my parents and your parents had the George Clinton records, Isaac Hayes, [Curtis Mayfield], they had all these different artists that were bringing the wave of funk. James Brown. You don’t really have that now. You have soul acts, R&B acts, indie rock acts, country acts, Americana acts, but you don’t have anyone that [brings] the funk shit. That’s what Boulevards is all about.

SILY: More than ever for you, these songs are political. Did you want the EP to be both a thematic and aesthetic turning point, or was that just a coincidence?

JR: It was both. Being 36 at this age, and looking at what’s going on in America, there are things you can’t ignore. I’m not a political expert, but maybe I should post what I’m feeling, what I’m seeing from white friends and Black friends and what’s going on with my community, and put it into these songs. I don’t think if a lot of this stuff didn’t happen with George Floyd, the pandemic, small businesses struggling, and people struggling, I would have been able to write these songs. I’m still gonna stay true to love and heartbreak, and self-growth, and trying to overcome obstacles and things of that nature. Those things I’m always gonna write about. But what was going on in the world definitely inspired and influenced those lines and crafting those songs. I’m not one to preach--you have a lot of these artists who have political records and preach. I wanted to make something about what I’ve experienced that people can still vibe and groove too.

SILY: Only “Shook” seems to be outwardly political. The rest of the songs are about Black life, but they’re really about your Black life.

JR: Of course. Me being a Black man and my struggles and things I’ve been through and seen other people go through. “Shook” is a song about being afraid of police. Being a Black man, every time I leave my house, I have to calculate every move that I make. It’s not like that for a lot of my white friends. That’s fine--that’s what America is. Well, actually, it’s not fine, it’s where America’s at. If I see Raleigh PD and am walking in a predominantly white neighborhood, are they gonna stop me? I live in this neighborhood I worked my ass off to be in. Are they gonna stop me because I don’t look the part and look like I’m up to something? So that’s what inspired “Shook”. Elijah McClain, just doing his thing, cops killing the brother. I didn’t want to do it in an overly preachy way, but at the same time, as America, we have to have uncomfortable conversations with each other. White on white America needs to show awareness with each other for things to actually change. 

“Brother!” is mostly about working. Working your ass off for somebody and nothing changes. [laughs] You’re putting in the hours and the time, you’re making money for somebody else who doesn’t give a shit about you. You’re trying to get the promotions, you’re putting on a face. I worked at Best Buy, you can imagine being a touring artist and then having to put on a blue shirt and dealing with customers over some TV or kitchen appliance shit. I’m obviously doing my job, but I’m not gonna get a promotion there or get an advancement there. It’s about being a Black man in the work force and making somebody else money. At the time, I wasn’t sober, too, so the bar was my only release. It was the only way I could cope with that. [At the same time,] being in the Black community and being in Raleigh, and seeing my father interact with other Black men and even white men, saying, “Brother so and so” [inspired the song.] That’s how we greet each other sometimes. It’s also talking to myself talking to a man out there.

SILY: Whether these songs are about your personal experiences growing up or problems you’re facing now, as serious as they are, you can dance to them.

JR: Curtis Mayfield was good for that. Funkadelic, even Marvin Gaye. That’s what I wanted to be able to accomplish. Funk hits people in the gut. You can still politically come from a serious perspective. 

SILY: Tell me about the video for “Luv n Pain”.

JR: It’s a simple, fun video. [Director] Patrick [Lincoln] pitched the idea. He wanted to have a day of Boulevards alone in his home, reflecting on being alone, reflecting on the things that have caused me personal heartbreak, without a partner. Getting ready in the morning, drinking coffee, wanting to share it with somebody but not having anybody to share it with.

Every video I’ve done up till this point, I’m always dancing. He wanted to slow things down, but still have it be Boulevards, stay true to me, have me dance in certain scenes but also have me reflecting, looking at the fire, up at the ceiling, things we do in our own homes. We [also] wanted to make something visually appealing and fun with bright colors. We didn’t really try to overthink it. Something simple that reflected Boulevards. When I’m at home, I’m always dancing.

SILY: You reference Gil Scott-Heron on “Shook” (“The revolution is now being televised.”) When was the first time you were aware of him?

JR: When I was a kid. My dad used to pick me and my sister up from track practice, and he worked at the radio station and was always getting these records. Gil Scott-Heron, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, “Whitey on the Moon”, all these songs. He’s a poet. I started out as a poet before I became a rapper, MC, or funk artist. Every time I do spoken word on a record, it’s never written. The verses and hooks are, but here, I said to the engineer, play these couple bars and just let me talk. It just came out. It also came from watching peoples’ stories and thinking, “The revolution is being televised now.” We’re seeing the anger, the pain, people expressing their frustration with the system of racial inequality in America. Not just Black people, but white people and Latino too. [Before,] they didn’t want people to see what was going on in America. Now, people are seeing it and are looking and are more aware of it now.

SILY: What’s the story behind the album art?

JR: Sly Stone and Funkadelic, predecessors I grew up loving. That was influenced by a Sly Stone record. 60′s/70′s swag. I worked with a photographer in Raleigh named Jordan [Rickard]. I wanted to do something simple. I did it in my crib at my front porch. When I’m working on a record, I always have these vision boards. I always think about the colors, being a Black man, what’s gonna look good. I reached out to a stylist in L.A. who’s a good friend. I’ve always wanted to do a burnt orange background, and the sky blue represents Carolina blue because I’m a big Tar Heels fan. That color coordination blue and orange looks good together. 

SILY: Why are you also putting out a two-track single in addition to the 4-track EP?

JR: That was more the label, how we wanted to go about the campaign. Initially, “Luv n Pain” was the first single I wanted to release regardless. “Shook” would be too predictable. There were so many artists releasing protest songs. “Luv n Pain” is more the past and present of Boulevards. When we finished it in the studio, [I knew.]

[930club]

REASONS TO COME EARLY: Boulevards

If you’re looking to dance your night away, then look no further than Boulevards. Coming to 9:30 Club opening for Rhye, North Carolina native Jamil Rashad a.k.a Boulevards is bringing the sound of your parents’ best memories from the ‘80s to 2018. Blending funk and modern R&B, Boulevards is determined to get people back on the dance floor and make sure that you’re having a great time while you’re out there. And with the release his freshman album, Groove!, Boulevards accomplishes that goal. Audiences can find Boulevards’ music somewhere between a mix of Sugarhill Gang, Prince, and Anderson.Paak. Singles like “Got to Go” and “Move and Shout” make dancing along in the crowd seem like second nature.

Boulevards gives today’s millennials what he sees as an essential part of our parents’ youth that we missed out on: great music with a groove that you can’t ignore. Combining his unique sound with a high energy and an entertaining performance, getting the chance to see Boulevards perform live is all the reason you need to come early.

-Jaleelah Thompson

[alexglitches]

Can I pretty please ask for a small fic of the RSA boys meeting the genderswapped girls based off your headcanons? I mostly want to see what you think of it

You can cut the characters in half if you want to match the character limit(s)

Imma just start off with Neige, Rielle, Isaac and Rashad to keep things easy for me ;w;

~~~

Neige had to be hallucinating, right? He rubbed his eyes before looking back at his phone screen, the photo posted was still the same.

Vil and his friend, Rook, right? Anyways, Rook seemed to have sneaked up on Vil to take that photo, since the dorm head looked surprised and confused.

The thing that Neige couldn’t believe, however, was the fact that Vil was now a girl.

He felt his face heat up slightly the more he stared. He always knew Vil was very attractive, but that seemed to be amped up now that he was a she.

Neige was about to like the picture, but another notification popped up for Vil’s account and he tapped it.

“Eh!? He’s not the only one???” Neige yelped in surprise, seeing Vil in the picture with other students who were also gender swapped.

Neige squinted his eyes. “Wait… isn’t that one of Rielle’s old classmates?”

—

“Rielle! RIELLE!”

The red-headed prince flinched and turned, only to see Neige barreling towards him at top speed.

“Wah-! Neige, slow down!” He yelled back.

The boy slowed down in front of Rielle and panted tiredly. “Neige, what’s wrong?”

“Do you know the silver haired guy?” He asked in between short breaths, shoving his phone in Rielle’s face.

The prince looked for a bit, before his eyes widened.

“What happened to Azul!?” He exclaimed, looking at Neige for answers.

“Apparently there was some potion mishap and now some students at NRC were gender swapped.” He explained.

Rielle looked back at the picture more clearly now that it wasn’t in his personal space. His gaze zeroed in on Azul and he blushed.

Neige looked at him, then smirked. “You got a crush!” He said.

Rielle’s face became an even brighter shade of red as Niege giggled.

—

“What do you mean, Jamil was gender swapped? How??” Rashad rubbed his temples in annoyance.

Kalim called in a panic since apparently Jamil had somehow become a girl.

“Well you see, it was originally aimed at me, but Jamil protected me and now he’s a she instead. Please help!” Kalim pleaded.

Rashad sighed. “Give me a second, I’ll find something for him- her. Ugh, this is confusing.”

“Thank you!” And then Kalim hung up.

Rashad stared at the screen for a bit before shaking his head, sending a text to Jamil’s sister.

She may tease Jamil about it later, but Najma was his best bet right now.

—

It was mere coincidence, really.

It was a few days after those RSA students had become aware of the gender swap incident at NRC, and Isaac had made his way to the Isle of Sages.

He docked his boat and began walking through the streets of the village in between the two schools.

Students and residents alike walking around, either enjoying their day or working.

And Isaac managed to get a glimpse of quite a pretty girl.

Were those the Leech twins with her?

Wait… IS THAT AZUL!?

He watched in disbelief as Azul, Jade and Floyd walked past him and into the crowd, his eyes following them all the way until they were out of sight.

What happened while he was gone???

~~~

[velostl]

Boulevards performs in St. Louis at The Pageant on October 4, 2019. Originally photographed for Arch City Media. 

[peskygirl13]

Twisted Wonderland Original Characters

Esmerellis “Esme” Danserai

Background:

Esmerellis is a third year at RSA. He lived in the Rose Kingdom when he was little, but after his parents died he was put under the care of his Uncle who traveled a lot. He hasn’t settled down in one place since he was very young. 

Esmerellis is 19. Like Ruggie he comes from a very poor family. When he was first presented with the opportunity to join RSA at 16, he declined to stay and help take care of his Uncle. The next year when he was 17, he was presented the opportunity again and decided to take it with some persuading from his Uncle.

Fun Facts: 

He’s apart of the “Aladdin Dorm” at RSA (or whatever dorm is the opposite of Scarabia) and has a slight dancing rivalry with Jamil. He does get along with Kalim, however. (Think of the “You’re stupid. I like that in a man.” meme. That’s their relationship.)

Esmerellis has gotten a piece of jewelry from every place he’s ever lived.

He does have a goat familiar, but I haven’t decided a name for it yet. It’ll either be Delilah or Achilles.

His birthday is June 19th.

His Unique Magic is “Dance la Esmerellis.” Somewhat similar to Ruggie’s Unique Magic, he can control the movements of others whenever he plays his tambourine. 

If you are familiar with @wolken-himmel​ then you know that they also have a Twst oc based off of Esmerelda. 

By no means am I trying to copy them or their work. This was an idea I’ve had on my mind for a while. 

I do like the name Esme that they came up with, but I didn’t want to copy it. That’s why his full name is “Esmerellis” and “Esme” is just a nickname that a few people call him.

Tonio Paddison

Background:

Tonio is a second year at RSA. He was raised by his Mother and Grandmother in Port o’ Bliss after his father passed away. He’s Sam’s cousin and maintains a brotherly-relationship with him. Sam taught Tonio everything he knows about business and, before joining RSA, Tonio worked part time at Sam’s Shop at NRC to raise money. Because of this, several third year students at NRC know Tonio (and slightly resent him for going to RSA instead of NRC).

Tonio almost rejected going to RSA, not wanting to leave his mom and grandma, but they wouldn’t let him pass up an opportunity like this. Especially since his grandmother is a very powerful mage and he would excel in magic if given the chance.

Fun Facts: 

He is a member of the “Ariel Dorm” at RSA  (or whatever dorm is the opposite of Octavinelle/Whatever dorm Rielle is in).

In his first year, he helped out in the cafeteria for extra money and his food was so popular, that Ambrose allowed him to open his own restaurant at RSA as long as 10% goes toward the school. Tonio saves most of his funds, but does send some money to his Grandma and Mother.

He and Azul are business rivals.

His Birthday is November 12th. 

He has yet to discover his Unique Magic because he hadn’t explored his magic much until joining RSA, instead focusing solely on academics and working.

Rashad Al-Jasim

Background: 

Rashad is a second year at RSA. He’s from the land of Hot Sands and is Kalim’s cousin. He’s apart of Kalim’s family that is royal and unlike Kalim he’s an only child because his mom passed away when he was young and his father never remarried. Because of this, he’s very close to Kalim and views him as a brother. 

Unlike Kalim, Rashad isn’t naïve and notices Jamil’s resentment. Rashad doesn’t like Jamil because of this, but is at least cordial with him and does have sympathy for this family’s situation. 

Fun Facts: 

He’s apart of the “Aladdin Dorm” at RSA (or whatever dorm is the opposite of Scarabia) with Esmerellis and finds him interesting.

He forbade his father from using any influence on the school to gain him favor (Not that Ambrose would take a bribe, unlike Crowley).

Like Kalim likes elephants, Rashad likes peacocks

He has an orange cat familiar named Rayah (rye-ah).

He doesn’t like people knowing he’s royalty/wealthy, so he doesn’t wear much jewelry. 

His birthday is November 25th

His Unique Magic is “Genie in a Bottle.” He can temporality make someone’s wish come true, but only for a short period of time. The bigger the wish, the sooner time runs out.

I did my best to make Rashad as culturally accurate as I could while still keeping the Disney flair, but if something about his design is inaccurate or insulting please let me know and I will more than happy to fix it.

Rhyme Rosehearts

Background: 

Rhyme is a first year at RSA and is Riddle’s younger brother. When their parents divorced Rhyme went with their father while Riddle stayed with their mother. He didn’t get to see or talk to Riddle much after the divorce, but still tried to keep tabs on his older brother.

Once they both started RSA and NRC, Rhyme was able to officially start contacting Riddle again through letters, but Riddle never responded until after his overblot when he started to take control back from their mother. 

Fun Facts: 

He’s a member of the “Alice Dorm” at RSA (or whatever dorm is the opposite of Heartslabyul/He’s in whatever dorm Che’nya is in). 

He’s more of a free spirit than Riddle since he didn’t live under their mother’s thumb like his brother and has a huge amount of curiosity. He isn’t afraid to ask questions or admit he doesn’t know something.

Che’nya immediately knew that Rhyme was Riddle’s brother and when he told Rhyme that he knew Riddle when they were kids, Rhyme asked Che’nya to tell him everything. That’s how Rhyme knows so much about Riddle after they were separated.

Like Riddle likes hedgehogs, Rhyme likes mice. 

He has a mouse familiar named Earl Grey.

His Birthday is May 4th.

His Unique Magic is “Pass the Sword.” He can give anyone but himself a power up that helps them get stronger, but it loses affect if Rhyme hurts someone. 

I know that Azul’s parents are divorced, but I can’t remember if Riddle said that his parents were divorced or not since he only mentioned his mother in his overblot flashback. If nothing else, I know his parents likely don’t like each other much (it’s somewhat implied in his Ghost Marriage card), so let’s just say they’re divorced.

[transnames]

Hey im looking for ethnic masc names, (im biracial). An example would be jamal

Sure! Jamal is widespread across the Muslim world and also used by African Americans, (according to Wikipedia) so I don’t want to assume what ethnicity you mean.

Here are some other names that come from Arabic:

Abdul

Adil

Adnan

Amir

Asim

Ayman

Faris

Hakeem

Hamid

Hamza

Hasan

Ibrahim

Idris

Ilyas

Jaleel

Jamil

Kamal

Kareem

Khalid

Khalil

Malik

Mazin

Musa

Nadeem

Najib

Nasir

Naveed

Omar

Rafi

Raheem

Rashad

Rayan

Salim

Sami

Samir

Sharif

Taj

Tariq / Tarik

Yusuf

Zaki

Zayd

Zayn

Send another message if you want some more!

[blackbutlerfandomnerddomain]

Rashad: So who exactly are you dating? Kalim: Uhhhhhh

Rashad: ???

Kalim: Yes

---------

Hcs of Kalim coming out to his siblings/ how the other bois parents react to his big poly?

Kalim's conversation makes me think of the beginning of "Boy Bi"

XD

But I got this boo!

Kalim Coming Out to his Siblings:

Obviously this is when he visited home for break with Jamil, who at this point already told Najma/Najma knew from the get go with their reactions together

Kalim was nervous, obviously, and was even debating on just not saying it today

Then Rashad opened his mouth during a dinner without their parents or Jamil's parents, "So, Neige's been extra busy the last few months. And Arie said that he, Neige, and Chenya's been are NRC often. Have you seen them around?"

Kalim nearly dropped his food with Jamil looking surprised.

Honestly you two should've known those three wouldn't be quiet with their relationship

Kalim admitted rather loudly that yes indeed he knows because he's dating them. In fact he's dating others. And they're all dating each other. And he's so happy and in love!

A lot of his siblings were happy for him, some were too young to fully get it and why it has to be a secret but none the less they love seeing their brother happy

THE OTHERS COMING OUT TO THEIR FAMILIES: I will order these from best to worst or meh

They all made gameplans to not do it alone or in private without discussing things over with everyone else

Heartslabyul -

Trey was actually pretty excited to come out to his family since he himself having secrets with his family

So Trey went on a video call with his family and chatted with them as Riddle and Cater and Chenya who snuck in joined in a bit and said their hellos before Trey said, "So, um, there's someone else here..." And invited Kalim in who snuggled between Cater and him. As Trey started saying his thing Chenya was hugging Kalim's neck, Cater had his hand on Trey's, and Riddle held Kalim's hand across Trey's lap which made it easier to say, "Mum, dad, I'm gay. I'm in a poly relationship."

He teared up when they said he was proud of him and laughed when they went on complimenting his partners

Deuce was very nervous about it, he knows his mother wouldn't really be mad or throw him out over it, but he was still nervous it'll go wrong somehow.

Lucky for him Kalim was physicals there when he came out alongside Jamil and Ace when the two Scarabian beans came to the Queendom of Roses for break and they all sat at a cafe when Deuce's mum had a break off work and told her. He actually cried when she hugged him and told him how much he loves him and is proud of him, which caused Kalim to cry

Cater tried to act like this wasn't a issue but he was nervous as shit inside. Like Deuce he knew his family wouldn't throw him out but the fear that they would be grossed out by his relationship and he's have his anxiety picking up (I hc he has anxiety he's working with now)

He arranged a meet up with his sisters and mum for brunch in the Mostro Lounge in which Azul and the Tweels worked extra hard to make good impressions and food for the three as Cater built up the conversation talking about school, club activities, oh and his besties from his dorms and club before drifting to, "Uh, speaking of Kalim, Lilia, Riddle, and Trey-" and slowly started talking about his feelings with them, voice cracking some, before ending with, "You know I'm pan, and um...I..well we...um...I'm in a relationship...w-with them..." He didn't look at his family for a while until they all came to his side of seating and hugged him, telling him it'll take time for them all to be used to it but they love him no matter what

Ace did a two part coming out since I headcanon thanks to you his parents are divorced and it makes sense to me He was surprisingly super energetic and excited for this and he went out of his way arranging a lunch date with his mother at a cool 50's themed diner in Sage's Island and invited his partners as well.

The lunch was going well, people came and were ordering, Cheka was there and having fun, and Ace was having a good confident talk with his mum. Until he said the words "These are my romantic partners" and she walked out. People left and right had many waves of emotions of this reaction but Ace followed her out to the parking lot to talk more and she tried telling him she wishes he can have a "normal" relationship with a girl. His mood was crushed after watching her leave and just came back inside and sat down silent. Then Azul ordered them all milkshakes and cherry pies and Cater ate a lot even though they all know how much he hates sweets

With his dad and brother he was more alone but had his partners on his phone with the mic off and in his pocket. He sat on the couch while they're watching the basketball game, nervous as shit since his confidence dashed when he came out to his mum, and slowly started by saying, "So, you know how I said after the game you both visited for that I was going to a club meet afterwards? Well...I was actually not with my club...I was...with my partners...Because...I'm bi..." and he slowly started to tear up as he started to ramble before both his dad and bro stopped him and told him that it's a lot to take in but they still love him regardless. Yeah he was a snotty mess at that moment and denies it afterwards

Riddle broke the rule. He went to talk to his mum without informing the others

He went home during winter break while Kalim and Jamil stayed back for Azul Jade and Floyd since they can't go home during winter and told his mum

Everyone got a text from him right after in the group chat saying what he did and that he's arriving back to NRC imminently, so Octatrio and Jamil and Kalim rushed to the mirror and were met with a red faced teary eyed Riddle who's barely standing from crying so much and Ace and Deuce and Leona and Ruggie and Vil and Idia came back early to help comfort him while they all joined in a video call later that night, Riddle just heartbroken as he sobbed what his mother said and shaking

Savanaclaw -

Ruggie was nervous for different reasons, he brought Kalim, Leona, Vil, Rook, Jamil, and the Octatrio to his neighborhood during break off the school for a week and was scared they'd be mugged or assaulted but luckily it wasn't Leona's first rodeo in the slums thanks to being friends and dating Ruggie so he made sure their identities of wealth and power were covered and a lot of people assumed Vil and Jamil were women so they were extra respectful and Jamil's like "That's nice but why-"

It went well him coming out to his grandmother as she said Ruggie works hard making everyone happy and he deserves so much happiness in return

Jack's pretty chill as it was back to back with Epel's family and he brought his partners on a group video call to meet them properly and his siblings kept going on about how pretty they are and "Bro bro talks about you a lot though and how you smile so cute-" and he's all blushy

Leona did it alone after talking to them all and he visited home He mostly was taking small cause of how big it was, starting with Cheka building it up, watching Cheka play with everyone and tells him about them a lot and kind of implying in a way a kid would he loves them before he sat Cheka down and talked to him about it and Cheka's cute ass face lit up like "You're gonna marry all of them?" and he's like "I'll have to try" He then dropping hints while on phone calls with his brother

Soon by the time he came home and chilled there as usual for a bit, he waited for the right moment and told Kifaji first and told him his plans to tell his brother, sister-in-law, and parents during the dinner in which Kifaji was honored he was told first

So the dinner happens and unlike everyone else who had words and speeches prepared he just casually said like as if he was asking someone to pass the butter. It didn't go as well and he assumed that and remained calm and composed when things were said yelling was made so announce he'll stay with someone else for the rest of the vacation and left the room. Though Kifaji comforted him and he finally cracked and cried a bit before leaving dead in the night for Ruggie's home

Octavinelle -

Azul was just nervous as shit and worked hard to not show it or mess up

He had set up a nice day for his mother and step-father to visit and set up a nice dinner at the Mostro Lounge for them where he did a good presentation display of the food and his schooling conversations. When the mood felt right he took a breath and said it, and was quickly met with his mother hugging him tight telling him how proud they are and smooching his face up and just being that sweet but honestly embarrassing mother

Dylan already knew cuz same dorm-

Jade and Floyd were pretty indifferent with their coming out since their parents didn't really care who they date as long as they both and all respect each other well and all that jazz

They both came out during a parent teacher day where they came out of their poly relationship and the parents looked at Kalim, them at them, then at Kalim and went, "You sure you want to date our boys? We love them but they can be a bit crazy-"

Both Mama Ashengrotto and Mama Leech were showing embarrassing cute pictures of their babies to the partners

Scarabia -

Jamil has a legit panic attack before he could do or say anything Just beyond scared shitless and was about to literally throw up

Kalim pulled him aside and told him he didn't have to say it if he doesn't want to and so he just didn't. They'll hear from Kalim in the end and that eased his emotions a bit

Pomfiore -

Rook was excited as hell. Like puppy dog energy!

But the second he appeared home with his partners in tow, introduce some who didn't meet, and announced everyone wasn't surprised they just went "Oh honey we knew, but FINALLY!"

Epel was back-to-back with Jack as mentioned and he was sweating bullets throughout the whole thing

Basile and Aicha knew rather early after walking on on Epel getting his flirty make-out grind on with Neige and Kalim before Kalim had band club and Neige was going out on a date with Vil and Rook and they were taking their time, but they swore secrecy. . . for a price

It was clumsy in the end since he blurted it out and squeezed his eyes shut, only to get silence and opened his eyes to his family staring at him. Jack held his hand to keep him steady and his family reacted rather calmly, yeah there was one aunt and uncle who started some bullshit but Jack ended that real fast

Vil met with his dad in town after a photoshoot in the weekend and arranged for him to meet Kalim, Leona, Esther, and Cater during lunch in a nice yet isolated spot in a cafe

Taking a breath, he gave a well planned for ahead of time speech to Eric and confessed he's in a relationship with all of them, how it happened, etc. Eric took it really well, he accepts whoever Vil dates as long as they treat him well and all that jazz

Vil with his mother though was rough She called him every name in the book through the phone and was all like "What would the tabloids say? Did you even think what the neighbors would say about me?!" Before Kalim reached over and hung up the call for him

Ignihyde -

Ortho knew from the beginning cause Idia vents to him a lot and he just sensed something was afoot when he noticed them coming to his dorm a lot for study sessions and one time walking in one "study" and took a mental note of how slightly messy Kalim's hair was and his brother's ashamed looking face and the heighten heart rate of the two

As for the parents (Slight Chapter 6-7 spoilers but it's mostly location and parents) he took them to the Island of Woe which gave Riddle, Leona, Azul, Jamil, and Vil flashbacks to that one time they got kidnapped by Idia of all people and they all hung out for a day before the second night being a dinner with the parents in which Idia came out there

Parents reaction? "Idia, sweetheart, we've seen your anime harem internet history we know and we're so proud of you for meeting such beautiful and kind people~ Everyone please treat our boy well!" And Floyd gave Idia a knowing smirk

Diasmona -

Silver and Lilia were left out cuz Lilia is Silver's adopted dad and also duh-

Well they planned with the idea with jokes- Silver: "Father, I have a confession to make..." Lilia: "What is it my boy?" Silver: "I...am gay father." Lilia: giggles "Oh my dear boy, I am also gay" Silver: dramatic gasp Lilia: snorts Silver: "Father, I have another confession to make..." Lilia: "What is it my boy?" Silver: "I...am in a poly relationship with someone..." Lilia: he giggles "I am also in a relationship... with your boyfriend and future step-father" Silver: makes a face cause he didn't that Lilia: cackling

Sebek, like I mentioned before, shot himself in the foot one evening during summer break

His siblings made a comment about Kalim and Sebek went red and went "How did you know?!" and is met with confusion and he excused himself to go to the other room to make a quick phone call with them all and asked if he can say it without them

After they gave him to okay, he came back and came out

Malleus was on a phone call with his grandmother after talking to the others and was in the room alone and said it, it went well since he rarely gets romantic with people and without it blowing up in his face with rejections or failed love

Esther's family I think was fine with this since Esther is getting SO MUCH LOVE but also they see Kalim and went, "If you ruin that boy's innocent soul-"

Royal Sword Academy -

Chenya came out the same week Riddle was in town, he was the most excited of them all since he's been very open since day one

His parents were confused but his grandpa and siblings were happy to hear the news

Neige was nervous but soon calmed down and came to the dwarfs who were more surprised they didn't notice and a bit concerned of some of the partners but they calmed down enough to meet them properly

They join in on NRC hang-outs but get stuck with chilling with Ortho which they ain't complaining

Arie, well-

It went with him wanting to go alone and promises to return back right after and knows it won't be good but everyone's trying to convince him to let them come with in which he was not budging

A couple hours passed and Arie texted Esther that he's going through the mirror and everyone waited for him, only to see him with a bruised face and eyeliner tear streaks on his cheeks and a red swollen lip "Yeah it didn't go so well..." He said trying to be whatever with it and walked calmly pass everyone, "What did I expects? He hates me so why would he like me being in love with men like this?"

He tried to drink the wine Rook brought for their date and Vil stopped him, he argued a bit until Silver took his hands and he shakes his head, "I'm fine guys, really, I'm fine..." He kept repeating "I'm fine" until he finally cracked and started sobbing into Silver's chest

They all watched as many movies they can rent at the Scarabia dorm with Idia's movable projector while having wine, foods of all kinds, and make-up and Arie started to feel much better

Nobel Bell Academy -

Rollo just didn't tell his family. Forget that idea

[explorer-of-art]

The 3rd Twisted Wonderland OC I made, Rashad Salih. I'm still not sure what hair to go with because I don't want to go with straight hair. Making TWST OCs gives me a reason to try and go for varying character designs from face and body to hair and if they're on an OC, I have to draw those traits every time and that will force me to improve.

Rashad Salih is a third-year and the ex-vice dorm leader of Scarabia, having stepped down while Kalim and Jamil take over. He stays uninvolved in how Kalim and Jamil run the dorm unless asked, not wanting to be overbearing. He is twisted from Razoul from "Aladdin".

Rashad is nice, approachable, responsible, having grown up with parents whose careers involve supporting others and making the world a better place. His father's job involves tackling homelessness and his mother works in youth development. Despite having a personality fitting Octavinelle rather than Scarabia, he is not forgiving. He did not take the reveal of the culprit behind the sabotages in Book 2 well, especially as one of the victims.

He is absent from Book 4, having exhausted himself during one of the dorm's training sessions before Yuu comes into the picture, and not returning to Scarabia dorm until after the overblot. When he does find out, he is at a loss on what to think.

He is in the Track and Field Club. He secretly respects Jack for his discipline and Deuce for his drive for self-improvement.

His Unique Magic, "One Jump Ahead", produces temporary platforms that can be used for crossing gaps or getting to higher ground. They take on the form of tiles or stepping stones that can be arranged however necessary to get to the destination.

[gay-salt-amber]

NRC is forced to group assignments (again) and this time RSA is joined in. Why? Crowley said so- So the groups go as: Kalim, Jamil, Ace, Rashad Trey, Riddle, Floyd, Jade Ash, Cater, Vil, Deuce Rashad, James, Epel, Ruggie Dylan, Azul, Idia, Malleus Rook, Leona, Jack, Ortho Sebek, Silver, Esther, Arie (you know they cheated to get in the same group) Headcanons and thoughts? Which group passes with tooth and nail? Which group are easy to deal with?

Riddle, sighing: floyd, for every answer you get right, I'll kiss you, ok?

Floyd, acing everything: kiss me goldfishy~

I think Esther and Aries bitches had the easiest time

Leona runs his hand/s through Jack's tail whenever Rooks getting on his nerves

Jamikaliace and Rashad group had the hardest time passing cuz kaliace were flirting the whole time

Epel makes study snacks, ruggie smothers him with affection because of it

Neige, walks in to the room vils group is in, curls up in his lap and falls asleep peacefully

Vil, petting him: alright, now, what's the answer to number 24?

Esther and Aries bitches end up having to cheat cuz their study time is just drinking or sex, or both at the same time

Idiazulmal also have quite an easy time cuz idia made them personalized study guides cuz he already does that for himself so he can understand stuff better

[independentartistbuzz]

BOULEVARDS TO RELEASE “ELECTRIC COWBOY: BORN IN CAROLINA MUD” FEBRUARY 11th, 2022 VIA THE NEW WEST RECORDS IMPRINT NORMALTOWN RECORDS

Features Members of Black Pumas, Twin Peaks, Nikki Lane, Macie Stewart of Ohmme, Durand Jones & The Indications & more  

AFROPUNK Premieres “Surprise” Video Today to Appear at Savannah Stopover &SXSW Music Festival

Jamil Rashad, who performs under the name Boulevards, is set to release Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud on February 11th, 2022 via the New West Records imprint Normaltown Records. The 12-track set was co-produced by Blake Rhein of Durand Jones & the Indications and Colin Croom of Twin Peaks and was recorded in Chicago, Nashville, and Atlanta. In addition to appearances by Rhein and Croom, the album also features Adrian Quesada of the Grammy-nominated neo-soul act Black Pumas (who also lent additional production), Nikki Lane, Macie Stewart of OHMME and backing vocals courtesy of Ashley Wilcoxson and Leisa Hans (who work frequently with Dan Auerbach at Easy Eye Sound and are featured on recent albums by Tony Joe White and Yola). The full length album follows the Boulevards Brother! EP released in 2020, which American Songwriter stated “Simply put, this EP earns the exclamation point at the end of its title.”  Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud is caked in the soil where Boulevards grew up, mired in the muck of the place—not stuck but freed. Rashad says, “I was born in the North Carolina mud. That’s where I have my roots. I’ve lived in Los Angeles and New York, but I keep coming back here. This is home. This is where I’ve learned the most. North Carolina doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves, but there are all these amazing people doing it a very particular way that is very inspiring. It’s always been at the center of so many different scenes—soul, country, jazz, hip-hop, indie rock. I wanted some of that dirt on this record. I’m leaving my footprint in that mud.” All of those styles and genres inform Electric Cowboy, but the dominant sound—the dominant mindset—is funk: gritty, warm, weird, psychedelic, charismatic. Rashad says, “On Electric Cowboy I wanted to make some modern funk, but still have some soul elements and some punk elements,”  listing James Brown, Shuggie Otis, and Baby Huey as well Bad Brains, Gang of Four, Television, and The Cramps among his heroes.  Today, Afropunk premiered the video for the album standout, “Surprise,” saying, “Boulevards’ Jamil Rashad has a gift for crafting songs that blend killer hooks and propulsive grooves with a vibe that’s always raw and unexpected. His latest is the almost impossibly hot ‘Surprise.’” See the “Surprise” video, directed by Matthew Reamer HERE. SPIN previously shared the album highlight “Where Is Da Luv?,” saying “...its snappingly smooth twang can only excite us on what is to come on Electric Cowboy” while Flood Magazine premiered the album highlight “Better Off Dead” featuring Nikki Lane. Magnet Magazine also premiered the video for “How Do Ya Feel,” which was directed by Alec Basse.  Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud is an album full of demons. Rashad sings about some of the same troubles that shook his idols: drug abuse, racism, violence, systemic oppression, professional and romantic self-sabotage. It doesn’t wallow in the darkness, but counters those tribulations with wild, electric grooves. “On the cover you see a black man on a horse running away from his demons. That’s me. You can hear it all in the songs – struggling with demons and still coming out on top of it all. That’s what funk is! You got some heavy, dark shit, but you also got some joyful compositions, funky basslines, dope harmonies, infectious hooks. So that’s me on the cover, the Electric Cowboy, slaying anything that comes in my path. I gotta keep riding, keep trucking, keep fighting, keep pushing.”  Boulevards has been announced to appear at the Hargray Capitol Theatre in Macon, GA and the Savannah Stopover Festival before appearing at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX March 14-20th, 2022. Please see dates below with additional live performances announced soon.  Boulevards’ Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud will be available across digital platforms, on compact disc, standard black vinyl, and a limited Red & Black Swirl vinyl edition available at Independent Retailers. A strictly limited to 500 “Carolina Mud” Brown Swirl vinyl edition autographed by Jamil Rashad will be available at retailers in North & South Carolina and is also available for pre-order NOW via NEW WEST RECORDS.

Boulevards Electric Cowboy: Born In Carolina Mud Track Listing  

1. Turn 2. Together 3. How Do Ya Feel 4. Surprise 5. Hooked 6. Where is Da Luv? 7. Better Off Dead (feat. Nikki Lane) 8. God Bless Ya (Be Thankful) 9. Ain’t Right 10. Modern Man 11. Time 12. Problems Boulevards 

On Tour:  March 11 — Macon, GA — Hargray Capitol Theatre March 12 — Savannah, GA — Savannah Stopover Festival March 14-20 — Austin, TX — SXSW Music Festival boulevards.band normaltownrecords.com  

For More Information, Please Contact: Brady Brock | New West Records | bradybrock@newwestrecords.com Unsubscribe / Change Profile

[vmonteiro23a]

UNDER THE RADAR:Boulevards and Nikki Lane Battle Hangover Demons on “Better Off Dead”.

UNDER THE RADAR:Boulevards and Nikki Lane Battle Hangover Demons on “Better Off Dead”.

UNDER THE RADAR:Boulevards and Nikki Lane Battle Hangover Demons on “Better Off Dead”. Boulevard’s album Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud is out February 11.Jamil Rashad returns to his roots on his forthcoming album as Boulevards. Although he’s lived in both Los Angeles and New York, Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud pays homage to where he got his foothold. “This is home,” Rashad…