Entertainment

Meet SK David Baby – the New Orleans Rapper in Making

Published

4 years ago

September 3, 2020

For years, New Orleans has been home to some of the most prolific rappers in the game. The city’s given birth to artists from Lil Wayne to Lil Boosie. Now, a new wave of rappers are arising, among them is SK David.

David dropped his first project in 2018 called GENTRILLY, a vivid look into the rapper’s life, detailing the struggles, success, and everything in between. Now the rapper is getting ready to drop his latest album, California Lifestyle.

David grew up in New Orleans under tough circumstances, in the Gentilly neighborhood. “When I was growing upthe city was known as the murder capital of the country.” Luckily for him, New Orleans was also giving birth to future rap icons who would leave their mark on the industry for years to come.

When Hurricane Katrina arrived, David and his family fled the city. Spending the following years bouncing between California, Texas, and Mississippi. “All that moving wasn’t easy, I think that’s part of the reason why I started listening to music so heavily”. David found solace in rappers like Curren$y, Soulja Boy, and Lil Wayne.

In time, he took that same solace and crafted it into art of his own. The influences and experiences brought a distinct and assorted approach to his music. In particular, SK uses a multi-faceted vocal approach when crafting his art. This includes his deeper speaking voice, a lighter singing voice, autotune effects, and his natural southern flavor.

“Back in high school, we put on some of the biggest parties in New Orleans. I used to perform at each one with my friends. I would switch up my flows and voice, then watch how the crowd reacted. That’s when I really knew that I could be something big. That energy is like no other feeling in the world. ”

Eventually, SK left the monumental parties behind and went off to college at Louisiana State University where he majored in advertising on a full-ride academic scholarship. Once in college, he took his music to the next level, releasing his very first project GENTRILLY. The album was named after the Gentilly where the rapper grew up.

He also went on to launch his record label, Generation Trill, a play on words to represent a new generation who grew up under circumstances that we’re “too real”.

SK’s biggest priority right now is California Lifestyle, but in the meantime, he’ll be releasing a number of visuals and singles.

Entertainment

“The Firing Squad”: I Cried Buckets of Tears

Published

2 weeks ago

April 25, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Sitting in the dimly lit theater, I had no idea what to expect as the opening credits of “The Firing Squad” began to roll. Little did I know that I was about to embark on an emotional journey that would leave me reaching for tissues and struggling to catch my breath.

The film follows the true story of three Christians facing execution by firing squad in a third world country. Directed by Timothy A. Chey, it features a stellar cast including James Barrington, Kevin Sorbo, and Cuba Gooding Jr. Each actor brings their character to life with such authenticity and depth that it’s impossible not to be fully immersed in their struggles and triumphs.

As the plot unfolded, I found myself drawn into a world of despair and desperation, but also one of unwavering faith and hope. The characters’ journey from darkness to light, from despair to redemption, resonated with me on a deeply personal level. I couldn’t help but be moved by their courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

But it was the performances that truly stole the show. James Barrington’s portrayal of the protagonist’s internal turmoil was nothing short of mesmerizing, while Kevin Sorbo and Cuba Gooding Jr. delivered powerhouse performances that left me in awe.

And then there was the message of the film—that no matter how bleak the circumstances may seem, there is always hope. That even in our darkest moments, faith has the power to transform lives and bring about redemption. It was a message that hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me with tears streaming down my face and a renewed sense of purpose.

As the credits rolled and the lights came up, I found myself struggling to put into words the impact that “The Firing Squad” had on me. All I could manage was, “I cried buckets of tears.” And I wasn’t alone. As I looked around the theater, I saw others wiping their eyes and exchanging emotional glances.

In the end, “The Firing Squad” wasn’t just a movie—it was an experience. An experience that left me feeling inspired, uplifted, and profoundly grateful for the power of cinema to touch the soul. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

The movie is set to premiere in the theatres worldwide on August 2, 2024. And this is definitely a must watch movie, reminding people of the strength of faith.