Entertainment

Justzai Talks Hip-Hop Influences and Finding Beauty in his Imperfections

Published

4 years ago

October 1, 2020

Remember the name: Justzai. Isaiah Wallace began performing under this pseudonym in 2012 in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Wallace started writing poetry at a young age, and he soon made an easy transition into music while quickly gaining traction around Chattanooga performing as Justzai. Now, with a new project and singles prepped for release, Justzai is set for a massive year.

Born Isaiah Wallace, the artist was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he still resides today. The connection Wallace has with his family has been a driving force throughout his career. His career in music began when he entered rap battle competitions throughout Chattanooga. After realizing his potential, Wallace began taking his career as Justzai more serious and has been on the rise ever since. Inspired heavily by J. Cole, Wallace says his biggest challenge up to this point has been overcoming his overt perfectionism and finding peace in the imperfections of his work. “I always felt like everything I released was flawed, and I was never satisfied. I had to accept that there is beauty in imperfections,” states Wallace.

As Justzai, Wallace has now surpassed 400,000 monthly listeners as a totally independent artist. Next month, he intends to release his newest project, Here We Go Again, which explores and celebrates various aspects of the hip-hop genre. For Wallace, it is a way to pay homage to those who inspired him to make music. He hopes his work will inspire young artists alike, igniting the same spark that encouraged him to follow his dreams. With the album coming out next month, check out what Justzai has released up to this point on his Spotify and follow him on his Instagram, here.

Entertainment

“The Firing Squad”: I Cried Buckets of Tears

Published

1 day 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.