the drapery

Eastside 80′s has one of the most distinct voices and styles in Detroit rap today. His raspy voice and lazy delivery make him easy to pick out among the large crop of local Detroit artists.

Unfortunately, 80′s is currently locked up for quite some time. He’s still released a few songs from the pen, but fortunately his output from before he went away is deep enough to tide us over until he’s released. Here’s a collection of the best Eastside 80′s songs for those who don’t know his body of work.

#Free80s

Alpo

Die Like A Boss

Who Is You

Laying in the Trap (feat. GT & Babyface Ray)

Blow Tales

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Growing up, I knew I was a little different. I had ADHD, took ritalin and went on with my life. As I went off of it in high school, my ADHD had seemingly subsided. But other things started happening. I started experiencing severe anxiety and depression; I missed school for long periods of time. I could barely make it through each day. But there were great times, too. The end of high school and beginning of college seemed to be marked by the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I always wondered, are my emotions just stronger than everyone else?

Now, I don’t have an answer to that question, but I do know my emotions are at least different from a lot of people. After a debilitating anxiety attack during this year’s fall semester, I went home for my personal well-being for two weeks. During that time, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was pretty shocking. I am different, I thought. I always had heard about bipolar disorder and how crazy people were on it. One second they’d be crazy angry, and the next second they’d be overjoyed. Uncontrollable. Uncivilized. But after just a little bit of research, I realized something: I’m not alone. 

There are 5.7 million Americans over the age of 18 diagnosed with bipolar disorder. That’s 2.6% of the population — and those are just those who are diagnosed. There are so many people out there like me — people that I meet, even — and I don’t even know.

Sure, it’s hard realizing that you have a real mental disorder. It was scary to me that during my first “manic episode” (a stage where you experience extreme highs and lows and exhibit erratic behavior) I couldn’t explain why I was feeling the way I did. In fact, most of those couple weeks I spent at home were a blur. Everything ran together. I don’t know if that was because of my mental state or if I just blocked it out, but it was hard to come to terms with. 

Personally, I’ve never exhibited judgement on to those who have mental illnesses. But once I was diagnosed, I really felt different and alone. But thanks to the wonderful support of friends and family, I have an incredible support group. They make me feel normal. 

After realizing that a lot of people don’t have the support system I do, I decided to channel my problems into something positive. I started the Mental Health Awareness Club at Michigan State with a couple friends, and it’s really helped me use my issues to educate others and help them know that it’s okay to not be okay. 

I don’t tout it like it’s something great, but I try to be open about my mental health. Because it’s just like any other illness. Would you be afraid to tell someone you have Crohn’s Disease or a bad back? 

It seems as if Abel’s cocaine-fueled trials and tribulations are a continued hit. On “Reminder”, he reminds us aptly that he “won a new award for a kids show” on a song about “a face numbing off a bag of blow”, presumably talking about his smash hit “I Can’t Feel My Face.”

I hold the unpopular opinion that this may be The Weeknd’s best project to date. It could have been the best project if he cut out some filler songs, but it will suffice regardless. It seems like he’s finally found his niche in pop music, throwing elements of drugged-out keys and earthy electronic production from the legendary Daft Punk duo (for the record, my favorite songs on this are the two Daft Punk collaborations). His cadence he used starting in “Often” that carried over to “Low Life” is becoming The Weeknd’s staple. It may be a redundant act, but it’s a formula he knows works.

This album shows The Weeknd’s further progression from slow R&B to pop music, but he’s really done a good job of not compromising his own flair. Not many people can make ballads about sniffing coke with beaucoup girls and turn it into a Kid’s Choice Award. Each new Weeknd single is an instant smash-hit, and for a good reason.

On the anniversary of his death, I compiled a short playlist of my favorite Soulja Slim songs. I didn’t get around to uploading it until today.

Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/2fYo7ff

Save a few deep cuts, they’re mostly his classics. The link doesn’t have the songs in the order I have them, but if you feel the need to follow the order, it’s as is: 

1.) Years Later

2.) Motha Fuck You (ft. Curren$y & Tre-Nitty)

3.) Bout Dis Shit

4.) Soulja This Soulja That

5.) I’ve Been Here Before

6.) Bubble Gum Game

7.) Closin Down Shop (ft. C-Murder)

8.) Get High With Me (ft. Tre-Nitty & Mystikal)

9.) Like That (ft. BG)

10.) Get Cha Mind Right (ft. Krazy)

11.) Come Serve Me (ft. Young A & BG)

12.) Love Me or Love Me Not

13.) My Jacket

14.) Bossman (ft. Ms. Peaches)