Kadillac Kirk had been a good friend of mine for several years. I had met him through friends from The Spring Stage; and he never had anything to do with The Imp, which is why he didn’t appear in the Married Mary saga. Mary would have totally thrown herself at him, and Kirk would have definitely “thrown it in her.” He loved the ladies and often remarked that there was no such thing as an unappealing woman, nor was there anything sweeter than finding the pearl of passion in an outwardly plain dame. Fortunately for Kirk, he never met Mary. This was probably fortunate for Mary as well, seeing as Kirk was a confirmed bachelor and his rakish nature might have broken her fat heart.
Kirk was an older guy. Not MOE old, though. He was in his early forties, but he easily passed for a carefree dude in his 30s... not that he lied about his age. I only mention this trait to juxtapose Kirk’s genuine youthful air with Moe’s unconvincing youthful farce. Kirk dressed normally, avoided stupid jargon, and never busted out gimmicks like tarot cards or spells. He just existed, behaved affably, and people liked him for it.
He drove a classic 1962 Cadillac El Dorado convertible with red leather interior, and he lived in a charmingly quaint (and ridiculously expensive) neighborhood. How he made his fortune remained a mystery, but he never bloviated about his wealth. He just threw spectacular parties and people showed up. And, to my knowledge, he never tried to lure women into bed with his money (although I’m sure he got his fair share of boom-boom thanks to his digs and his wheels, even if the gold-diggers denied their monetary agendas).
Kirk was legitimately handsome. He was a drummer, he had a full head of black hair, he was clean-shaven, he worked out, and he knew all the hidden gems in Wellsprings. So why hadn’t I tried... or even desired to date him? I don’t know. I just didn’t feel drawn to him like that. He felt like a cool uncle and he had, thus far, never done anything to change my perception. Plus, the age difference weirded me out a little. Kirk didn’t look forty; but knowing that he had so much more life experience than I did created a power imbalance that would have creeped me out if we’d been dating. As buddies, I just felt supremely cool riding in his Cadillac, smoking Fantasia cigarettes, and hitting the speakeasies and jazz clubs I would have never known about if it weren’t for Kirk’s connections.
And he had been a good person to talk to about my romantic woes. He never lecherously suggested that I should date him, and he gave the type of tempered advice that only comes with lived experience. But he often lightly mocked me for my crush on Dennis and he did a hilarious impression of Smegal popping too soon over his “precious.” So when Mary “got me back” by doing whatever she did with to Dennis, I called Kadillac Kirk and told him the drinks were on me if he’d be my designated driver for the night.
Why hadn’t I called Whisky??? Well, A) Kirk was way more fun to hang out with, at least from my past experiences up to that point. And B) I needed to bitch about a boy, something I couldn’t do in good conscience in front of a guy I was dating. So I put on the sexiest plunging halter dress I owned, applied heavy eye makeup and spikey accessories, braved a pair of stilettos, and sashayed out to Kirk’s convertible. I felt like a badass rock star. I probably looked like a try-hard hooker.
Kirk: Daaaaay-um! Somebody really did do a number on you, huh? I know you said you were upset, but the gents are gonna be writing thank you notes to that fat girl and that butt-fucking hobbit.
Me: I just need to feel pretty and numb. And I trust you to keep me from making a fool of myself.
Kirk squeezed my shoulder. “I’ve got you. You do whatever you need to do to get rid of these demons.”
He sparked up a J and offered me the first puff. I gladly accepted. He took one puff of his own, but said that the rest was mine since he didn’t want to drive stoned. See? He was responsible! Weed wasn’t legal in California yet, so I got a little bit baked before I stashed the sativa in the glove box and wrapped a scarf around my hair like a starlet from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Kirk sped out of the parking lot and said he was taking me to a downtown hotel that was hosting a party that night in their lush lobby.
Kadillac Kirk pulled up to the main entrance, paid the valet, and then opened my door. I was wobbly from the weed. And I had stupidly decided to wear heels. You can get high or you can wear high (heels). You can’t have both. Not if you’ve repeatedly injured both ankles (as I have). I had to take Kirk’s arm to keep from keeling over. “Can people tell I’m stoned?” I whispered. Kirk replied, “Nobody’s paying any attention to anyone else’s intoxication. I promise you that much.” I nodded, steadied myself, and strutted alongside my very cool friend, feeling a little more confident.
A live jazz orchestra was playing Cole Porter as we entered the lobby. Everything sparkled. The music was even more intoxicating than the spliff had been. “Just One of Those Things” brought tears to my eyes since the lyrics hit every raw nerve regarding the Dennis debacle. But I smiled. It might sound mental, but being distraught over a trash fire of a one-sided romance was exhilarating. Immature, for sure. But also exhilarating. You see, that kind of sadness doesn’t hurt. Not really. It stings. It leaves little bruises, but it’s very safe to wallow in because you haven’t actually lost anything. Melancholia over that which you never had is as sweet as it is bitter; and that type of twisted splendor is rivaled only by Stendhal.
“Here's hoping we meet now and then. It was great fun, but it was just one of those things.” I sang along with the band, and a fat tear rolled down past my melancholic smile and onto my chin. Kirk brushed it aside. “Too close to home?” I wiped away the remnants of the tear’s journey from eye to chin and smiled a more genuine smile. “The perfect distance from home. Shall we get drinks? Remember, I’m buying.”
Kirk: No, no. This is your time to heal. And I’m here as your pal, not your chauffeur. What would the lady like?”
I pretended to barf. Kirk knew I hated it when he got overly formal and overly attentive. So he did it just to mess with me. “Shot of vodka,” I replied.
Kirk: How many?
I thought briefly. “FIVE.”
Kirk: Five to one, baby. One in five...
Me: No one here gets out alive.
Kirk: Are you able to hold yourself upright, or should you come with?
I took a seat on an ornate, damask-upholstered chaise lounge. “I’ll be okay. And I was kidding about the five shots.”
I sat there lost in the music for a while. I thought very little about Dennis. Even less about Mary. And not at all about Whisky (whom I had shagged less than a week ago). My mind danced through the ornate lighting in the hotel lobby, and I suddenly felt the need to join the hoity-toity guests on the dancefloor!
Kirk returned with four shots of vodka. Two for him, two for me. That was quite reasonable of him. He knew damn well that I couldn’t handle five shots, but he also knew that I was in a... state. One that called for more than a single shot. I raised a both miniature glasses to “No more ninnyhammers or hairy-footed lovers.” Kirk did his hilarious Smegal impression, we double-toasted, and downed the shots. The band launched into “Let’s Misbehave,” and I kicked off my stilettos and made a beeline for the dance floor.
“There’s something wild about you child that’s so contagious. Let’s be outrageous! Let’s misbehave.” Kadillac Kirk swept me up, twirled me around, and dipped me as we both sang along with the lyrics. I wasn’t swooning for him, but I was enthralled by the moment. The music, the dancing, the combination of booze and bud... so I kissed him as he pulled me back to my feet. And he kissed back. In a way that Dennis never had. In a way that Whisky’s beard wouldn’t permit. I didn’t feel the visceral sensations that I’d felt when Dennis had kissed me, but it felt nice to feel desired. And then I noticed that other guests were watching us and applauding. Now, that was a dopamine rush if ever there was one!
I gently broke away from the embrace, high-fived Kirk and returned to the chaise lounge to put my stupid shoes back on. He followed me and smashed his face back onto mine. I pulled away and laughed. “It was a moment,” I told him. “I appreciate the dance, and that kiss was the perfect finale. But it’s not happening again.”
Kirk: Not to worry, Valerie. I know you. I knew all along that we were performing, and I was more than happy to be your scene partner.
Me: And dance partner! Those were some excellent moves! I didn’t know you had ballroom training.
Kirk: You name it, I’ve mastered it. Another drink for the lady?
I pretended to barf again. “Not yet. I’m not sad right now. Do you mind if I just sit here and enjoy the music?”
Kirk: Ah. My kisses do have healing properties...
I flipped my hand up at him. “Knock that shit off, bro. I wanted to hang out with you because I trust you not to get weird. Even if I get weird, I know you have the maturity to balance me out.”
Kirk: Are you calling me old???
Me: No. I’m calling you rational, responsible, and respectful.
Kirk: Well, now. If you can articulate an alliterative statement that fluently, then you clearly aren’t drunk enough!
I dismissed this comment as a joke. And he did indeed knock off the flirtation. We had a perfectly pleasant time chatting and dancing (no more kissing, though). And then I noticed a girl I knew from Into the Woods entering the lobby. She’d played Florinda and I’d played Little Red. I called her name and waved enthusiastically. She waved back. And then her date entered. It was D.E.N.N.I.S. I sank into the chaise. Kirk caught on immediately. “The hobbit???” he asked. I nodded silently. “You wanna make out again?” he enthused. I shook my head. I had to go say hello to Flo. And I had an idea...
I crossed the lobby, smiled, squealed, and hugged her.
Florinda: Lil’ Red! It’s been forever! So glad to see you!!! This is my friend, Denny.
Dennis was shifting uncomfortably. I extended my hand. “Nice to meet you. I know your date from Into the Woods. I bet she could tell you some entertaining stories about that show...” Flo laughed out loud, well aware of the many misadventures to which I'd referred. Of course, she might have been laughing because Dennis never, ever listened to anyone else's stories. He was too busy telling, re-telling, slightly altering, and exaggerating his own.
Dennis: C’mon, Val...
Me: Oh, you’ve heard of me? Small world! You guys picked a great night to come here. They’re playing Cole Porter, and the band is delovely!
Florinda (appearing oblivious to the iciness between me and Dennis): Have you seen Prince Big Bad (Scumbanger) lately?
I laughed. “Last time I saw him, he was hitting on some nasty fat chick at The Imp.”
Flo and I both scoffed at the pervy pest. Into the Woods was where I’d initially met Scumbanger. He played The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince. Again... typecasting. There’s a whole essay in my brain about my first encounter with the pest, during which he quoted the song that he sang to me in the show, “Hello, Little Girl.” But it gets into some pretty uncomfortable territory because he made me feel excited. Well, excited and scared. Nothing of note happened during Into the Woods, but our odd interactions did kind of set the stage for some extremely regrettable events during that Cats cast party.
I excused myself, saying that I needed to get back to my friend. And then I leaned in and said in a hushed voice to Flo, “Watch your ass with that one. If he’s the Denny I’m thinking of...” I gave her a look that only another female would be able to read. Her eyebrows shot up and she nodded. Dennis continued to shift as though he were trying to hold in a massive dump. “BABE! Uh...”
Flo apparently answered to that moniker as well. “What is it, Denny? Don’t worry. That was just telepathic girl talk. You apparently have a reputation...”
Dennis: Different Denny. I assure you I’m a pious gentleman.
Me: Ah. My mistake. Well, then. You guys have a good time! Nice to meet you, Denny. Great to see you, Flo!
I hugged Flo again, gave Dennis a curt nod, ignored the scent of mandarins and mountain air, and returned to Kirk.
I collapsed on the chaise lounge, exhausted from holding back the rage. I had no right to be mad at Florinda. I hadn’t seen her in three years, so how was she supposed to know that I’d had a thing with Dennis? Hell, I couldn’t even be mad at Dennis because the last time he and I had spoken in any meaningful way, I’d told him that I was no longer entertaining my crush on him. So why was I surprised to see him dating??? And why had he never taken ME out on a date like this??? And why wasn’t I smitten with Kadillac Kirk who HAD taken me out on a date like this, was an objectively excellent kisser, and a bona fide BALLER? What was wrong with me???
Kirk suggested going down the street to a quaint little bar and then sobering up at a diner closer to my apartment. I numbly nodded and followed him in silence for a few blocks. He assured me that I had “turned several heads” on the way to the new location, but I neither cared nor believed him. This wasn't the type of numbness I'd been aiming for. Now I needed to get schnockered. “Five shots of vodka, please.” Yes, I was serious.
Kadillac Kirk, my reliable designated driver, ordered only a beer and watched in something across between astonishment, concern, and delight as I slammed all five shots in rapid succession. I half expected to immediately retch all over the bar. But I felt fine. I half expected to immediately lose consciousness and wake up in the hospital. But I remained coherent. How I’d managed to take in that much hard liquor and suffer no direct consequences, I’ll never know.
I think I wanted to suffer. I wanted to either feel nothing at all or to feel a sickness bad enough to distract me from the scorching sting that pulsed through my being when I realized that I had lost the abstract notion I’d been addicted to this entire time. Hope. It wasn’t Dennis himself I couldn’t quit. It was that drug called hope. The hope that maybe, just maybe Dennis would give our romance a fair chance. The hope that maybe, just maybe he would make peace with himself, get his mind out of his crotch, and enjoy some agenda-free togetherness. The hope that maybe, just maybe he would stop bloviating about his admittedly impressive accomplishments for five fucking minutes and ask about my life. I had my own reasonably impressive accomplishments, even if they paled in comparison to his. A proper suitor would have enjoyed hearing about them.
But seeing him out with another woman, a woman who had no reason to parade her Dennis escapades before me as some means of revenge, a woman he was clearly courting of his own volition... My hope had died. It died before I’d had time to wean myself off it. Now I had to mourn the loss of hope, which is a very tricky brand of grief to navigate. Vodka wasn’t the answer, but it was what I had to work with. So it would have to do.
After enough time had passed without vomiting or collapsing, I asked Kirk to bring his car around to the bar so that I didn’t have to walk two and a half blocks drunk and in heels. He nodded and dramatically leaned in for a kiss. I recoiled. “DUDE! I told you. The moment has passed.”
Kirk: I beg your pardon. I misread your eyes. Thought I saw a green light...
Me: It’s fine. I just want to go home while I’m still feeling okay.
Kirk: Of course. Your chariot will be here soon.
He skipped off to fetch his Cadillac and I noticed that the lights in the bar were beginning to dance a bit. This should have been concerning. But then I realized that I was giggling. Wait... What? Oh shit. Sure, I was drunk from those shots. But what I was feeling in that moment wasn’t drunkery. It was stonery. Kirk probably misread my face because my pupils were dilated. Not from desire, but from drug use.
Some of you might be thinking that I was a bad friend for not introducing Lucy, an old dude connoisseur, to Kirk. Well... I did. Several years before the events of this story. He adored her. She, on the other hand, thought he was immature. And she wasn’t wrong. Lucy was astute when it came to sussing out a person’s true nature. Far more astute than I. Her initial assessment that Kirk was immature is about to be vindicated. Stretch those cringe muscles! It’s almost time for pie...
I somehow managed to get to his car. I honestly don’t recall how I got there. Did one of the bartenders carry me? Did some kind patron allow me to lean on him? Had Kadillac Kirk carried me out? I’m not sure. But my memory ceases to be fuzzy about halfway to the 24-hour diner. It might have been the very same 24-hour diner where Mary pulled her... shenanigans. I’ll never know.
Kirk: Would you say that you’re more drunk or more stoned?
Me: STONED. Definitely stoned.
Kirk made some sort of grunty noise and reached for my thigh. I slapped his hand.
Kirk: Stoned but not amorous? That’s rare.
I started laughing rather unkindly. “You’re a fucking horndog! I thought you were my safe straight male friend, dammit.”
Kirk: I solemnly swear that your safety is my primary concern, my stoned beauty.
I pretended to throw up.
Kirk: So... You’re not horny. But are you hungry? The diner I’m heading to makes this Maple Walnut Pie with the most sumptuous... sensual cream and exquisite drizzling of...
Me: Ew! Stop trying to bang the pie. Bro. Are YOU stoned? (Then I remembered the question.) Yes, I’m hungry. But I don’t like nuts. I’ll have banana cream.
Kirk made that repulsive grunty noise again. “Uhhhhh... Mmmmmm. Cream. Yessssss. Yes, we’ll be there in just a minute.” He was squirming in the driver's seat.
Me: GROSS, DUDE! If you’re gonna be like that I’ll just order HASH brows. Get it? Hash??? (I giggled uncontrollably.). You can’t make that sound nasty.
Kirk: Forgive my jokes. I think my blood sugar’s a bit low.
As Kirk parked, I began to wonder how I might get away with walking shoeless into the diner. The stilettos had to get off my feet. At least while I was walking. And Kirk was kind enough to give me his socks and wear his loafers “island style” into the establishment. Okay, that was gallant of him. Maybe he was going to behave himself for the rest of the evening.
I wasn’t terribly talkative as we sat down, and he expressed concern for my emotional well-being. I wasn’t coherent enough to explain what was happening to my emotions and I wasn’t sure I trusted him with my deep, dark secrets at that point. So I shrugged like a sulky teenager, ran my hands over my messy, windblown hair, and mumbled that I was “just hungry.” And right on cue, a very kind, slightly older waitress with a sweet southern accent stopped by to take our order.
Kirk: Ah, yes. We’ll have two cups of black coffee. And we’ll share a slice of that delectable Maple Walnut Pie.
Waitress: Oh, honey. That pie is scrumptious! I take it you’ve been here before?
Kirk: I have. This will be her first time to taste the splendor.
I hated to be a killjoy, but I interrupted and said to the waitress, “Ma’am? I’m sure the Maple Walnut is excellent, but could I please get a slice of Banana Cream? And a big glass of ice water?
Waitress: Sure, hon! Banana Cream’s just as yummy! I’ll be right back with those coffees and that big water.
Kirk was sucking on the tip of his forefinger and shaking his head a bit. “You’re passing up so many sensational... sensual...”
I put my forehead on the table and growled. “You swore you’d stop being nasty!” I held this #headdesk pose for quite some time before I finally lifted my head... only to see that Kirk was still sucking his fingertip and staring at me like a wild animal. “Pleeeeeease be normal,” I whined. “It’s been a really weird night for me.”
Kirk: Indeed. Many surprises. You know... You’re like titanium. Your flame burns so fast and so bright, if a guy doesn’t get in there while the iron is hot, he’ll never get another chance. I was too slow.
What the...? I was pretty sure he was wrong about titanium burning quickly. I’m no chemistry wiz, but my dad and my oldest brother are both big-brains when it comes to physics and chemistry. So I picked up some things just listening to them talk. Accurate or inaccurate, Kirk was being creepy again. He’d never been creepy towards me before, although I’d seen him act like this with other women. Usually with staggering success. Why????? His money. It had to be his money. Kirk was a nice-looking man, but holy shit... No amount of good looks could save this creep show.
And then, our sweet waitress sat down our coffees, my water, and the two slices of pie. After I gulped down a whole bunch of water, I grabbed a fork, prepared to quell my munchies... and then I froze. Kirk was quickly flicking his finger back and forth across the top of his pie. And moaning. He noticed my wide-eyed stare, smirked, sucked the tip of his thumb, picked up the plate with both hands, and began flicking his tongue across the tip of the triangular pie slice. And moaning some more. Well, there went my appetite.
Kirk took his middle finger and jabbed it into the crustless vertex of the pie slice, then he began pumping it in and out like a piston, and flicking his thumb across the increasingly demolished top layer of whipped cream. He gasped this time. People were starting to stare. His pointer finger joined his middle finger in the piston action, and he replaced his thumb with his tongue. Between flicks of the tongue, he groaned, “Oh yeah, baby... Let me taste you,” but it was kind of hard to understand him.
And I was either about to run to the back office, tell them that I was in danger and needed a police escort home... OR I was about to burst out laughing at the spectacle. Kirk continued... He removed his fingers and gregariously licked pie filling off of them. And then he started sucking his fingertips again, switching from middle to pointer, middle to pointer and emitting a delighted little, “Mmmmmm” with every suck.
Finally, he jabbed his fingers back into the utterly destroyed pie, lowered his face into the mess and lapped loudly and passionately, moaning, grunting, and mumbling “Come on, baby. Come on. Mmmmmm. Come on.” I could see the waitress and some dude in a suit heading over to the table, so I sank down in my seat, partially covered my face, but continued to watch the train wreck. At last, Kirk shuddered violently, he splatted his entire hand onto the plate and rubbed furiously. And then he locked eyes with me. He sucked the tip of his thumb one final time and said, “You...” There was a long pause during which Kirk lovingly stroked the mess he’d made. “You... are the pie.”
I don’t hang out with Kadillac Kirk anymore. But he’s still a bachelor, ladies!

I sit and wonder how painful it must be for drake to constantly hear the groovy ass beat and catchy lyrics of not like us. That song is just a bop. I go about my day commuting, doing menial tasks at home/work, feeding cat, cooking, cleaning up, in shower, before I sleep, when I wake up, the whole time I'm humming it, or saying some parts of the song until I get the chance to play it on my pc, phone in car etc and just vibe out... And I just know there is 1000s of if not millions of us doing the exact same thing as me daily for the past couple weeks!!! This song is extremely catchy! Bro drake gonna be tormented by this for the rest of his life. People say oh drake still the goat, he still on top, hmm I guess so, he is a popular and succesful artist, but those wounds inflicted by Kendrick and the appreciation not just by hip hop but the rest of folk who would never usually chime into hip hop beef are gonna be loving this. And that must fucking hurt. Aubrey must of shed a few tears in his privacy!! The lyrics of all the songs are painful, your security getting shot, pedo accusations, the lies, the disdain people have against him, all the damage caused by others like Pusha T before this, trying to continue posting insta stories as if shits normal, the fact that everytime he goes on social media he gonna have to hear a new meme, hear the diss tracks played at clubs, out commuting, even when encountering people there must be that feeling gnawing away at him. He was always a self conscience guy and this has made it so much worse. People say he will bounce back with music but I can already see the top comment of his next release referring to Kendrick and dissing Drizzy, yeah he may release some coming bangers and jams but IT IS NOT THE SAME ANYMORE. KENDRICK RUINED THIS MAN'S REPUTATION! and we were all their to witness it all and can listen to it all and look up evidence and view his history and past behavior online, the videos, the pictures, the messages! Forever!
It may calm down in the months to come, the effect may dwindle, but this actually feels far from over. Whatever any of these 2 men release now are gonna be analyzed by everyone! Kendrick can crawl back to his introverted self, maybe release something cool, not too much pressure compared to whatever it is Drake is going to release, a party song? Deep lyrics? New album? Collabs? How will this man recover from the haunting nightmare of Kendrick Lamar?

There's a TLDsummary at the end. As well as me touching on line distribution controversy.
I often read that Superwoman doesn't have that oomph to it, and it isn't that catchy. I do agree that it isn't catchy, BUT it's the perfect track to start off UNIS. What's more, imma go in order of track songs.
Superwoman:
The song doesn't fit a specific genre. It's VERY general.
Rather, the lyrics often talks about "a flame that never stops burning" "shining brighter than a star despite the darkness of night," "I'll take you wonder," etc. You can imagine the theme being a small candle starting ablaze in the sea of darkness. This song, UNIS is establishing themselves by having a small voice.
It's very fitting since in the sea of big name debuts (stars), they're small (young, inexperience, fnf being new). They're just this tiny flame. BUT you can clearly see them still. They already ignited that spark, "and you don't have to worry about their flame" because "when the fire starts, you can't extinguish it."
They don't have to fit a sound, they're paving their own way.
This song is a summary of how they started and ignited the flame.
Butterfly' Dream -
This song is more directed to the audience about how UNIS feels. Here, you can imagine that they're far away and peering into our world. Watching the environment pass with lots of curiosity while wanting to explore their dreams. They're shy about it at first.
"Hope you notice me, I need you." Is them reaching out to the fans that for them to succeed and become a bigger flame.
"Write on sticky notes and stick them on my heart," they're asking for encouragement. The notes are our words and cheers.
Everytime they think about the fans, they get giddy and excited. Yet they don't know how to approach us yet.
"Yeah, I gotta tell you today. Think that's the only way that I can go now," Gehlee doesn't have much lines. BUT HER LINES HAVE SO MUCH MEANING AND SUBSTANCE!! The only way UNIS can move forward is to face the fans and step into the world. So they're coming to meet the fans and supporters by peforming.
This song is a summary about how they feel about the fans and the nervousness about going into this world and interacting with us.
Whatchu Need -
Here, the girls are starting to move forward (note Gehlee's line). Imagine them stepping into a busy city with hopes and dreams. Unlike Superwoman that talks about the very beginning and Butterfly's Dream that talks about their nervousness but excitement. This song is about what they could be. "I can be bad, I can be good, if you like that." And how they'll shine on stage with whatever need there is (cool concept, cute concept, etc.)
This also tells us that they can be everywhere "vogue" Or "on your screen" just vibing.
Lastly, this may be the company and UNIS asking, "What you need?" So far, it seems like they're listening to feedback. (I'm waiting for the next album to see if the distribution line is addressed, but for me, lines don't mean much. As long as they highlight each girl's strength and pat that makes them shine the most, I'll be happy).
Obviously what our answer to the question is, UNIS. But what UNIS means can be changeable and versatile!
This song is them finally talking to us! Upfront. No shyness. They're communicating!
Dopamine -
This one is self-explanatory. The reason why it's so hype is because this is the moment of their arc! The plot line reached the peak. They're performing on stage! This song is big energy for a reason. And I love how they only added one, which is dopamine, during their introductory album.
Dopamine is a song about doing what they want - performing!!!
Dream of Girls -
This is the aftermath of the story. They're reflecting and reminiscing. Think about this as a flashback to how they may have felt before being able to debut.
"Is this Dream futile?" These thoughts often comes when people are trying to make it big into the industry. Can you imagine the heartache and anxiety they must have felt during the UT days?
"Will my dreams come true?"
"The walls that trapped me, maybe I built it myself. I got even more scare," this is Elisia's line and it's really powerful.
And in the end, "I hope one day I can smile."
This song feels like a message from their past selves.
At the same time, it opens the next chapter. Will they make it big? Or will they be able to achieve their bigger dreams that they're working hard for?
TLDR:
The album follows a story plot line (I've studied Creative Writing as a minor in colleg, and my opinions are based on my experience studying literatures).
Superwoman is the introduction of the beginning that establishes character. Butterfly's Dream is the conflict and dreams. Whatchu Need is the rise of action. Dopamine is the climax. And Dream of Girls is the expedition (aftermath after big conflict resolution).
Also, please note the substance of each member's line. Although people are upset about Gehlee and Elisia's lack of lines, note how full of substance those small lines are. They are often lines that 100% move the story and without it, their story cannot move along.
Lastly, I would like to mention that we should try and reframe how to view their songs. The songs are REALLY TRYING THEIR BEST TO CONVEY A STORY. They're not just trying to mass produce songs with repetitive lines for the sake of getting a popular song
They're trying to tell U&I'S Story. And I appreciate this angle. It's really refreshing.

This is a list of rappers (including DJs and some important executives) sorted by year of birth. I tried to include as many notable ones as I could. Reason I did this was because it was very interesting to see some of the age differences between rappers that I didn't expect. Chose to do up to '90 so as not to include younger or up-and-coming artists but the 'established' ones. Anyway here it is and enjoy:
1955: DJ Kool Herc
1956: Big Bank Hank
1957: Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, Wonder Mike
1958: Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Jimmy Spicer
1959: Flavor Flav, Kurtis Blow
1960: Chuck D, Grandmaster Caz
1961: DJ Yella, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Guru
1962: Kool Moe Dee, Lady B, MC Hammer, Schoolly D, Sha-Rock
1963: Coolio, Eric B, Kool Keith, Rick Rubin, Shock G, Sir Mix-A-Lot
1964: Adam Yauch, Biz Markie, DJ Run, DMC, Eazy-E, Jalil Hutchins, Jaz-O, John Fletcher, Pepa
1965: Arabian Prince, Benzino, Dr. Dre, Jam Master Jay, KRS One, Mike D, Sen Dog, Slick Rick, Suge Knight
1966: Ad Rock, Bushwick Bill, Dan the Automator, DJ Premier, GZA, Salt, Too Short, Willie D
1967: E-40, Heavy D, Master P, Tim Dog, Vanilla Ice, Young MC
1968: Big Daddy Kane, Black Rob, Funkmaster Flex, Kool G Rap, LL Cool J, Lord Jamar, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Rakim, The D.O.C., Trugoy the Dove, Will Smith
1969: Baby Bash, Birdman, Brotha Lynch Hung, Everlast, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, Masta Killa, MC Ren, Nate Dogg, P. Diddy, Pos, RZA, Tone, Wyclef Jean
1970: B-Real, Bret Epic Mazur, Craig Mack, DMX, Fat Joe, Fred Durst, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, MC Lyte, Phife Dawg, Poke, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah, Raekwon, Redman, Scarface, Treach, U-God, Warren G, Zack de la Rocha
1971: 2pac, Big Pun, Black Thought, Fatman Scoop, Kid Rock, Method Man, MF Doom, Missy Elliot, Questlove, Snoop Dogg, Tech N9ne, Yo-Yo
1972: 8Ball, AZ, Busta Rhymes, Common, Del the Funky Homosapien, Eminem, Kurupt, Lil Jon, Pras, Sean Price, Slug, The Notorious BIG, Violent J
1973: Akon, Bun B, Hussein Fatal, Krayzie Bone, Madlib, Nas, Pharrell Williams, Pimp C, Project Pat, Proof, Ras Kass, Twista, Yasiin Bey/Mos Def
1974: apl.de.ap, Beanie Sigel, Big L, Canibus, Chad Hugo, Cuban Link, Da Brat, Havoc, Lil' Kim, Nelly, Prodigy, R.A. the Rugged Man, Shaggy 2 Dope, Shifty Shellshock, Styles P, Xzibit
1975: 50 Cent, Andre 3000, Big Boi, DJ Khaled, El-P, Jadakiss, Juicy J, Juvenile, Killer Mike, Lauryn Hill, Mase, Redfoo, Skee-Lo, Talib Kweli, will.i.am
1976: Aesop Rock, Bizzare, Bizzy Bone, Cam'ron, Ja Rule, Jay Electronica, Jean Grae, Jim Jones, Rick Ross
1977: 2 Chainz, Brother Ali, Fabolous, Jeezy, Kanye West, Ludacris, Mike Shinoda, N.O.R.E., Obie Trice, Pusha T, Royce Da 5'9", Saigon, Soulja Slim, Vinnie Paz, Yaki Kadafi, Z-Ro
1978: Eve, Foxy Brown, Freeway, Immortal Technique, Mac Daddy, Max B, Memphis Bleek, Murs, Roc Marciano, Swizz Beatz, Tony Yayo
1979: Chamillionaire, Daddy Mac, Flo Rida, Gunplay, The Game, Yelawolf
1980: Chingy, Gucci Mane, Joe Budden, Nick Cannon, Remy Ma, Slim Thug, T.I.
1981: Curren$y, Danny Brown, Eyedea, Lil' Flip, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Pitbull, Yo Gotti, Young Buck
1982: Boosie Badazz, Cassidy, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Wayne, Lloyd Banks, Lupe Fiasco, Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla Sign
1983: Charlie Clips, Childish Gambino, Chinx, Future, Macklemore
1984: Benny the Butcher, BJ the Chicago Kid, Dizaster, French Montana, Hollow da Don, Kid Cudi, Loaded Lux, Wale
1985: J. Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Webbie
1986: Anderson .Paak, Arsonal, Big K.R.I.T., Drake, Dumbfoundead, Kevin Gates, Kid Ink, Schoolboy Q, Sky Blu, Waka Flocka Flame
1987: Ab-Soul, Justina Valentine, Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, Mozzy, Wiz Khalifa
1988: ASAP Rocky, Awkwafina, Big Sean, B.o.B, Dave East, Hitman Holla
1989: Conceited, G-Eazy, Lil B, Nav, Scrim, Tyga
1990: Iggy Azalea, Logic, Machine Gun Kelly, Sean Kingston, Soulja Boy, YG

This is a list of rappers (including DJs and some important executives) sorted by year of birth. I tried to include as many notable ones as I could. Reason I did this was because it was very interesting to see some of the age differences between rappers that I didn't expect. Chose to do up to '90 so as not to include younger or up-and-coming artists but the 'established' ones. Anyway here it is and enjoy:
1955: DJ Kool Herc
1956: Big Bank Hank
1957: Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, Wonder Mike
1958: Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Jimmy Spicer
1959: Flavor Flav, Kurtis Blow
1960: Chuck D, Grandmaster Caz
1961: DJ Yella, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Guru
1962: Kool Moe Dee, Lady B, MC Hammer, Schoolly D, Sha-Rock
1963: Coolio, Eric B, Kool Keith, Rick Rubin, Shock G, Sir Mix-A-Lot
1964: Adam Yauch, Biz Markie, DJ Run, DMC, Eazy-E, Jalil Hutchins, Jaz-O, John Fletcher, Pepa
1965: Arabian Prince, Benzino, Dr. Dre, Jam Master Jay, KRS One, Mike D, Sen Dog, Slick Rick, Suge Knight
1966: Ad Rock, Bushwick Bill, Dan the Automator, DJ Premier, GZA, Salt, Too Short, Willie D
1967: E-40, Heavy D, Master P, Tim Dog, Vanilla Ice, Young MC
1968: Big Daddy Kane, Black Rob, Funkmaster Flex, Kool G Rap, LL Cool J, Lord Jamar, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Rakim, The D.O.C., Trugoy the Dove, Will Smith
1969: Baby Bash, Birdman, Brotha Lynch Hung, Everlast, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, Masta Killa, MC Ren, Nate Dogg, P. Diddy, Pos, RZA, Tone, Wyclef Jean
1970: B-Real, Bret Epic Mazur, Craig Mack, DMX, Fat Joe, Fred Durst, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, MC Lyte, Phife Dawg, Poke, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah, Raekwon, Redman, Scarface, Treach, U-God, Warren G, Zack de la Rocha
1971: 2pac, Big Pun, Black Thought, Fatman Scoop, Kid Rock, Method Man, MF Doom, Missy Elliot, Questlove, Snoop Dogg, Tech N9ne, Yo-Yo
1972: 8Ball, AZ, Busta Rhymes, Common, Del the Funky Homosapien, Eminem, Kurupt, Lil Jon, Pras, Sean Price, Slug, The Notorious BIG, Violent J
1973: Akon, Bun B, Hussein Fatal, Krayzie Bone, Madlib, Nas, Pharrell Williams, Pimp C, Project Pat, Proof, Ras Kass, Twista, Yasiin Bey/Mos Def
1974: apl.de.ap, Beanie Sigel, Big L, Canibus, Chad Hugo, Cuban Link, Da Brat, Havoc, Lil' Kim, Nelly, Prodigy, R.A. the Rugged Man, Shaggy 2 Dope, Shifty Shellshock, Styles P, Xzibit
1975: 50 Cent, Andre 3000, Big Boi, DJ Khaled, El-P, Jadakiss, Juicy J, Juvenile, Killer Mike, Lauryn Hill, Mase, Redfoo, Skee-Lo, Talib Kweli, will.i.am
1976: Aesop Rock, Bizzare, Bizzy Bone, Cam'ron, Ja Rule, Jay Electronica, Jean Grae, Jim Jones, Rick Ross
1977: 2 Chainz, Brother Ali, Fabolous, Jeezy, Kanye West, Ludacris, Mike Shinoda, N.O.R.E., Obie Trice, Pusha T, Royce Da 5'9", Saigon, Soulja Slim, Vinnie Paz, Yaki Kadafi, Z-Ro
1978: Eve, Foxy Brown, Freeway, Immortal Technique, Mac Daddy, Max B, Memphis Bleek, Murs, Roc Marciano, Swizz Beatz, Tony Yayo
1979: Chamillionaire, Daddy Mac, Flo Rida, Gunplay, The Game, Yelawolf
1980: Chingy, Gucci Mane, Joe Budden, Nick Cannon, Remy Ma, Slim Thug, T.I.
1981: Curren$y, Danny Brown, Eyedea, Lil' Flip, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Pitbull, Yo Gotti, Young Buck
1982: Boosie Badazz, Cassidy, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Wayne, Lloyd Banks, Lupe Fiasco, Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla Sign
1983: Charlie Clips, Childish Gambino, Chinx, Future, Macklemore
1984: Benny the Butcher, BJ the Chicago Kid, Dizaster, French Montana, Hollow da Don, Kid Cudi, Loaded Lux, Wale
1985: J. Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Webbie
1986: Anderson .Paak, Arsonal, Big K.R.I.T., Drake, Dumbfoundead, Kevin Gates, Kid Ink, Schoolboy Q, Sky Blu, Waka Flocka Flame
1987: Ab-Soul, Justina Valentine, Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, Mozzy, Wiz Khalifa
1988: ASAP Rocky, Awkwafina, Big Sean, B.o.B, Dave East, Hitman Holla
1989: Conceited, G-Eazy, Lil B, Nav, Scrim, Tyga
1990: Iggy Azalea, Logic, Machine Gun Kelly, Sean Kingston, Soulja Boy, YG

Watching this D20 season coincide with the greatest rap beef of all time has crossed some wires in my brain, especially with themes of unleashing hatred for the purposes of both war and justice, so here’s my thoughts. Besides, if Fetty Whap is canon, why not these two?
Adaine: Probably not that into the beef or either rappers, but deeply affected by Meet the Grahams.
Fabian: Definitely has the most Drake on rotation, admits that Kendrick won by the end but no amount of bullying from the other kids will take away how much Take Care means to him.
Fig: Has a viral BBLDrizzy song. Also probably some old DMs from Drake.
Gorgug: Doesn’t listen to either, maybe Zelda showed him Backseat Freestyle. Bullies Fabian regardless.
Kristen: Can’t stop saying “Certified Loverboy? Certified Pedophowl!” and “A Minorrrrrrr”
Riz: Is thiiirdperson. Deep diving into Kendrick’s lyrics, connecting clues from older albums, is ready for the larger conspiracies in action to be revealed.
Will probably delete this immediately

If you're curious about my thoughts on previous Yakuza games, here are my much shorter (except for 4, thats pretty long too) reviews for Kiwami 1, Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3 (Remastered), and Yakuza 4 (Remastered).
This is a Part 2 to my Mega big Yakuza 5 review. In the first part I covered the plot and it was absurdly long because I am psychotic. If you want to read that you can read it here: https://www.reddit.com/yakuzagames/comments/1cvry2x/yakuza_5_a_mega_big_ole_reviewsummary_for_a_big/
Combat and Gameplay: I generally felt Y5 was a bit of a step down in gameplay compared to Y4 sometimes. I think Saejima was way more bearable to use in Y5 but I generally found the combat to just be less? fun? it felt a little bland. Kiryu felt much slower for some reason. Akiyama still felt great to use and at times a little better. Shinada's combat style was not my cup of tea. I can respect a characters combat relying on weapons but his felt repetitve and honestly the weapon to bare handed combat for him didn't feel good either way. Haruka's was great though obviously. I never felt such joy or excitement then when I first started the dancing gameplay in Y5.
The upgrade system was lame I did not enjoy it, I ended up just keeping on auto upgrade so I didnt have to bother. It felt like a downgrade back to Y3.
This game was mostly really easy, granted I do play on easy because I happen to be a shame to the video game community, but I very nearly turned it to normal many times. Haruka's dance stuff was so fun I actually did try it on every difficulty mode, hard mode was so fun!
As sure as random combat encounters are in the streets of Yakuza, my complaining about these encounters after every review is just as, if not more expected. Yeah obviously the mugging in this game was excessive for me. I went everywhere by taxi just to avoid getting attacked a billion times on one street. And it is kind of at it's worst in this game not just because of how often you're getting attacked but also because of the battle fields. At first I was pretty excited because the space you can fight was so large I incorrectly assumed you could just leave the fight, wrong. While a bigger battle space sounds better on paper, it's actually a horrible idea. I cant tell you how many times I would have finished fighting three of the goons but the fight wouldnt finish because there was two more hiding AROUND THE DAMN BLOCK. It was so irritating. They did take a step in the right direction by letting Kiryu have a ward off bracelet that kept the attacks mostly at bay, it was so nice I wish other games did that in case you want to just walk around for a change or better yet the rest of this one! Because as far as I could tell none of the others had similar items, and the mugging was at it's worse with Saejima in his city enviroment. It HAD to be bugged with the amount of times i'd get attacked in that area, I probably fought more people there in the brief stint I was there compared to all of Shinada's area. So basically yeah I hate the random fight encounters and it is always one of my main complaints with these games.
I liked the tower sweeps in this game, but the one you do as Kiryu near the end of his section had a horrible situation that I have to complain about, mostly because i'm an idiot. There's an area midway through the sweep where the doorway is lit on fire. Me being the genius I am, I grab the fire extinguisher, point it at the fire, and simply throw the whole thing into the flames. Cue the next 20 mintues being me panic running and collapsing into the fire trying to get the extinguisher :(.
Side Stories
Yeah so this game on top of its massive plot and its many new areas, also added on entire side stories for each character! I'll go through and talk about my experience with each one.
Kiryu: The Taxi Driver
Oh My God. This did NOT have to be as fun as it was. I was amazed that Kiryu even knew how to drive let alone was this good of a driver. So there are three types of missions you can get with this, Racing, Taxi driving where you drive, and taxi driving where you talk. I did literally every possible thing you could in this side story. The racing is a ton of fun, there is a bit of a plot to it that basically consists of batting a rival gang of street racers and leads into your taxi boss's trauma and whatever, I didn't really care for the plot but all the gameplay was stellar. I found the missions with just the conversations to be a bit boring, but my favorite was actually doing my job and driving people to their destinations. What a blast.
Saejima: The Hunter
Okay now I can talk about the bear plot. Saejima's side story is massive and I did love it. I wont go through and summarize the whole thing but Saejima basically stays in the village with the old man who saved him from that big bear he beat up and dedicates himself to finding the bear and hunting it to help the old man and the village. There's lots of ups and downs and twists and turns and I really enjoyed it! I liked the twist that the old man was an escaped convict/former hitman as well.
As for how the gameplay of this sidestory works, basically you go to the mountain and do hunting. You lay traps, shoot animals, etc. As you work through the plot you have more acess to higher parts of the mountain. I can definitely see this gameplay not being it for some people, but I actually really enjoyed it! I do have some complaints tho, I really wish you didn't have to start all the way at the bottom of the mountain everytime, or ESPECIALLY have to walk all the way back down when you're ready to leave. I had hoped those shacks you built would serve as fast travel spots but nope. Also the gameplay is a bit clunky here, I love clunkiness so it isn't a big deal but the male deer charging at me no matter what everytime got hella irritating. Also I was stupid during one of the evil bear encounters and when I was supposed to run I stayed and thought I was supposed to fight him and I sat there fighting for my life for literally thirty minutes before I was like "hmmm whats taking so long?" Anyways I did like it and did literally every mission I could except one lousy mushroom quest because I rage quit it.
Haruka: She's an idol or whatever
Yeah this is the best one. There's not much of a seperate plot here as it basically directly ties into her main plot but it mostly consists of her doing idol activities in preperation for each level of the Princess League competition and eventually her debut.
There are lots of different types of games here. There are actual performances which duh they're amazing. There's dance battles or solo battles where you basically do a dance battle...alone? those are also always fun. There are handshake events which took awhile for me to get the hang of, I think they needed way better directions to be honest but once I figured it out it was alot of fun. There are interviews, these are fine except I hate that they make me answer under a time limit STRESS. There's TV appearances, these range from going on a comedian interview show where you have to answer questions then do quick time events, to running ?, to doing various yakuza mini games like pool or air hockey and more. The running show was so weird, the producer was always like creepy as hell and I really dont get what the point of that show was. The minigame shows varied on fun depending on if I liked the minigame.
Now dear reader, I know what you've been wondering this whole time, youve been BEGGING to hear. What is Alex's Haruka song ranking? Im so glad you asked.
So not including the dance battle songs cuz duh she doenst even sing them but I do like "Like a Arabesque" the most out of those.

1. So Much More: Like obviously right? This is the greatest song of all time! I should be studied next to Bohemian Rhapsody, Nessun Dorma, and Moonlight Sonata.
2. Dream: Technically a dreamline song but who cares. This shit made me CRY. The lyrics are ssoooooooooooo goddamn.
3. Because I Have You: This might be a hot take because I do think's it's less well made then Lonliness Loop, but I still would just rather listen to this. It's a jam, SUE ME.
4. Lonliness Loop: Honestly not a bad song either, I just find it to be thematically the weakest as well as feeling a little awkward execution wise. Still a jam tho!

What are YOUR song rankings?
I also like that the songs some what reflect Haruka's state of mind at the time of her performing them. At the time of So Much More she is just really excited for her career and incredibly optimistic. Then during Lonliness Loop she's generally dealing with the heaviness of her career and isolation of it and if I remember correctly, Park had just died when she went on to perform it. Then Because I Have You is building up to the eventual decision Haruka will end up making at the end, she's realizing how much she misses her family but her dream is still ahead of her, just super duper close. Lastly Dream, the tear jerker, and tragically not on the OST, is about Haruka's dream finally cultivating. She is in this moment achieving her dream, but she's thinking of her family and is grateful to them for supporting her this way. THIS SONG IS FOR KIRYU. Like bro, amazing.
Shinada: Baseball
Anyways lets talk about baseball. I didn't love it. At first I kind of did because I was like omg thank god baseball is way easier in this game if I'm going to be expected to do it way more often. But omg bro its TOO easy. It's just boring man. There's no room for anything interesting or diverging about it. Kiryu's could be pretty repetitive as it's just driving but they offer three different types of driving games within it, Shinada's is just a bunch of the same hitting the baseball game. Granted I liked the little story with him helping the little boy be a good pitcher. I found the main story within it really boring? I struggled to pay attention but the ending to it was cute. Yeah I guess I just dont have as much to say with this side story. I did most of it too, I think I missed one baseball mission? I did enjoy the coach missions that he sends you on for training. Well most of them...THAT UFO ONE WAS EVIL. I've never seen a machine make you get a stick in a tiny hole (thats what she sai-) before as the goal to get your prize like WHAT?
Side stories final thoughts: And thats the side stories! They were alot of fun (mostly) I wish Akiyama got a side story :(. I can't think of what they'd give him to do but I would take literally anything. Any potential side story ideas for him?
Substories
My god I did like 95% of the substories. I did SO many.
Kiryu had a really good lineup of substories. My favorite was EASILY "From a far-off land" I cried so hard doing it bro. Basically Kiryu thinks of his kids during Christmas time and he sends money to each of them so they can get what they want for Christmas. Thing is he thought alot about each of them, it wasnt him just throwing twenty bucks per kid at them through the ATM, no, he sat there and was like "Well Shiro would really like this book, I think it costs about this much so I'll send around this much to cover it" But he does it with ALL OF THEM and its so stinkin cute I disintigrated. My second favorite goes to "The other Haruka" as you can imagine anything reminding me of the kids will be my favorite. This one is good for obvious reasons. As for a weaker substory, I really didnt care for "A knock on the door" Honorable mention to the series of substories with Yuya in them! This game was tragically the only one that didn't have Kazuki in it at all.
Saejima's were the weakest and here's why. Because you only get one chapter in his city area, all of them are incredibly fast. One of them is literally just briefly talking to a guy like ???. He does also have several substories on the mountain but they're more related to his side story so I dont really count them. Anyways, my favorite of his was easily "The Little Match Girl" I CRIED, listen im a sucker for the little match girl story and this was just really adorable. I also loved the substory where he dressed as Santa and had to escape a bunch of kids. His worst is probably that one where he just talks to that guy called "Snow Festival Performer". Mostly to set up the revelation.
Haruka wise, I liked any of her substories where she hung out with Akari, but my favorite overall was probably the one where she does the Okinawa magazine interview it was so cute and it made me wanna cri. Least favorite wise, I hated "starbound" it just felt meanspirited. Haha she's fat, grow up.
Akiyama had alot of fun ones. The best probably being either of the two where he DOES A DANCE BATTLE. It was fucking amazing. I also really enjoyed the "Quirky Idol" substory. I did not like "giving up on a dream" Akiyama was once again being mega weird and creepy, I hated that.
Shinada is much better in his substories then he is normally. My favorite's were "Daddy Papa" and "The Scoop Photo", that guy had crazy hair. I did not like the store clerk one because I am incapable of math.
And thats the substories! There's also the Tatsuya quests. Although I like Tatsuya and I made sure to do all of them, I don't think this was well executed. They dont feel very rewarding and taking Tatsuya to the resturaunts is really awkward, I wish they added like mini cutscenes of dialogue where each person got to know Tatsuya with every resturaunt encounter or something. But it wasn't that bad I hope I see him again.
As for the revelations, I am a huge fan of revelations in the Yakuza games. They cut back on them alot in this one sadly but at least we still got some. Also I know there were weapon revelations but I somehow found none of them so Im going to just talk about the normal ones. Well, more like rank them.
Saejima: This was funny in a looney tunes way, I loved it.
Haruka: Okay I hated the substory starbound but this was so stupid I couldn't help but lose it while watching.
Shinada: This was just really cool.
Akiyama: I can respect that performance
Kiryu: Althought I like the guy and respect the situation, the revelation in itself wasn't super memorable.
There you have it!
Lastly, the settings.
Yakuza 5 is wild because every character (except Akiyama) got their own unique area in the game, plus there is also Kamurocho. Saejima actually got TWO if not three if you count the prison. I found Kiryu's to be really lovely, it's probably my favorite honestly, at least out of the new ones. I felt like I really got a good feel of the place and it had such a relaxing atmosphere. Because of the slow nature of this part of the game, it really had time to develop a unique identity especially because Kiryu was so familiar with the locals. The mountain was a better setting for Saejima, I wish they just expanded the mountain rather then have him go to the city. Saejima's city, While I thought this area was my favorite beauty wise. we aren't there long enough and it feels to restrictive on where we can go. Satenbori felt like coming home and it was SO lovely and nice just like I remembered, no notes. Shinada's lacked alot of character. I actually thought it was Kamurocho for way too long because it looks so similar to it. Granted I get Japan can't look too different from well, Japan, it just struggled to stick out in my mind. It's unique feature was the large park area and that was pretty cool but I like never went over there. Lastly, Karmurocho is as lovely as ever, im amazed they still let me go underground even though we barely spend any time in the city, like there was no need for them to let me but they did and I appreciate it. Goodbye intricate rooftop access though, you will be missed. The Kamurocho hills additon made the whole place feel quite unfamiliar honestly. It was a strange feeling walking around it but I still thought it was pretty cool!
Did anyone have a favorite city we visited?
And that concludes my Yakuza 5 ramblings about everything other then the plot. If you read this AND part 1, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Im excited to discuss this game with people because I loved it alot! Feel free to comment on either post if you want to, otherwise I'll finally shut up.
8/10

Hello everyone, I've been wanting to make this post for a while and now here we are ! This is a long post but ENJOY !!!
Another Eden is now 7 years old which means many stories, characters and an entire world...or rather time periods/timelines that currently exists. So here's the question, what's your Another Eden Hall of Fame ? Both Meta and Non Meta related.
Note: Remember that what I'm about to write is based SOLELY ON MY OPINION but I'm interested to see what my fellow Residents of Time's Forgotten Keep think ! Without further ado, let's start:

1. Best Story Protagonist (Excluding Aldo): Nona
   Another Eden is composed of many stories and they are NOT always centered around Aldo which is the game's protagonist, few examples of that being Deirdre in the Knights Episodes/Nona in Apocrypha and Wryz from the recent Wryz Saga. My pick is Nona because she has BY FAR the best character development and to me she took the spotlight in the entire Apocrypha. In fact I'd argue that if Another Eden had the "Choose your Protagonist" Aldo would be the Male Protagonist and Nona would be the Female one because she's litterally the Protogonist of Apocrypha and it can be regarded as a "Game within a game" so yea that says alot.
   
2. Best Side Story: Western Mythos (Song of Sword and Wings of Lost Paradise)
   The Western Mythos is the best story in my opinion (And actually alot of players do agree with me on that). The Zerberiya continent, the world, the cast of characters and the story is phenomenal from it's 1st chapter to the finale. I know that people will tell me Future Mythos is also great but it doesn't have THAT impact on me as much as the Western Mythos did.
   

Which is why (Rant Warning!) WFS ! WHERE'S MY WESTERN EXPANSTION !!! WHY DID YOU FORGOT THAT ZERBERIYA EXISTS ?? WE NEED MORE OF PEAK !! That is hurting me alot !! The only story which is a close second is Apocrypha but Western Mythos is the far better one and I'm thankful for Another Eden for creating that. I do hope that the Highly Rumored Eastern Mythos would be just as good because speaking of...

1. Best Main Story: Main Story Part 2 (Tales of the East)
   There are currently four Main Stories: Main Story Part 1;Main Story Part 1.5 (Ogre Wars) ;Main Story Part 2 (Tales of the East) and the currently Main Story Part 3 (Into the Hollow).
   In my mind while having played all of those stories, I still find myself being drawn and attached to the Eastern Continent ! Because I truly love the setting ! WFS clearly nailed it and even so when you consider the amount of "Eastern" Personality characters that are in the game which is the highest in the game at 30 characters (Not counting AS/ES). Heck I'm currently replaying the Main Story Part 2 because I enjoyed it even better than the current Part 3 which from a pure gameplay sure it's better but in terms of Story/Characters and OST then to me nothing beats the Garulea Continent (Present/Past/Future and Underworld) !
   

Alot of people in the sub love Eastern characters, most notably u/NoWaifuN0Laifu who like Hozuki, an Eastern sensual Fox Lady so yea there's that.
This is in part why I'm extremely hyped for Eastern Mythos and I can't wait for it ! And Yukino Alter (One of the main things keeping me attached to Another Eden)

1. Best Character Quest: Melissa
   Melissa is by far the best Character Quest and ask any veteran player and he'll tell you that. It's also the darkest and the saddest one in the entire game and it's special in the fact that Aldo IS NOT PRESENT in it at all ! Imagine THAT ! I won't say more because of spoilers but if you don't have Melissa you can just search on Youtube as her CQ is there and you can watch it ! If you have her but have not played her quest...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING for ? DO IT !
   
2. Best Character: Yukino
   This is subjective and my AE subreddit flair checks out, I love Yukino so much since her introduction, apart from me having a thing for women/girls with Ice powers, her story and how she was created (Also she's Eastern as well so another point !) also her relationship to Tsukiha so no need to say more!
   
3. Best Antagonist/Villain: Guildna (Main Story Part 1)
   The reason why to me Guildna is the best villain is NOT what you think it is ! Another Eden is a game centered around stories Beyond Time and Space there I said it but while there are really good villainy characters like for instance the Empress/Emperor of the Land of Mi and Shin (Again Eastern !) Garneli and Genshin but Guildna is special because he made me appreciate Main Story Part 1 alot more then the other characters, it tells you what happened if Guildna makes some impactful decisions in the storyline. Besides without Guildna there's no Aldo and therefore no Another Eden !
   
4. Best Cat Companion: Kuchiba
   I love the Siamese Cat Breed and Kuchiba IS the only one in the game in whom I didn't change ever since I found her years ago in Vermillion Road (Another Eastern Reference, see what I told you)
   
5. Best NPC: Some Guy
   He's Scott literally everywhere in the game. From the past to the future, from Zerberiya to Garulea, heck even in the Hollow you'll find him ! There's no way I make a list without appreciating "Some Guy" and his deeds to the game.
   
6. Best Frog: Cyrus (He's Eastern aswell ! I tell you this is why the Eastern Setting is THE BEST !!)
   
7. Best Main Cast Character: Guildna
   
8. Best Mascot: Varuo
   If Moke wasn't released as a playable Sidekick he would have been my pick but now I have to choose the 2nd best IMO and that's Varuo. The Iconic Cat mascot in the game.
   
9. Best Boss: Caroline and Justine (From Persona 5 Royal part 2 Collab)
   This boss used to be the hardest boss in the game for a long time and for good reason as it has alot of HP stoppers and has TONS of HP, while the boss has been powercrept and now easy with the recent units...back than it was a pain, another close second would be the Toova AS Manifest Battle which used to be the hardest Manifest fight in the entire game because of Toova AS insane fixed DMG and RNG involved.
   
10. Best OST: エルの唄～メリナ Song of Sword and Wings of Lost Paradise ED ~ The Stifling Song Melina Edition
    The best theme for the best story in the game, everytime I hear the OST I unconsciously start humming and even start tearing up because it's JUST THAT GOOD and after playing the Western Mythos and knowing what the lyrics means...man it hits hard ! A close second is Apex Logic and Cardinal Scales ED ~ Immaculate Full Version but let's be real ! The game is full of the best OST in a game ever !
    
11. Best Battle OST: Apex Logic and Cardinal Scales ~ Last Notes of the Battle Song Alter Dewey Boss Theme.
    This one is hard to choose as the game is packed full of Bangers in the Battle Theme departement but this one personally gets me all hyped...besides even you didn't reach that part of the game it still hypes you up ! A close second is First Knight and The Holy Sword ~ Dear My Dearest -Prayer of the Holy War- as I loved the Knights Episode Story so much and love the plot twist which leaves to this battle.
    

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Now let's go to the Meta:

1. Best Free Character: Nona AS
   Seriously she's by far the most flexible free character in the game, yea sure it takes a bit to get her but she can give 1/3 of her stats to anyone and she can mold her kit into the unit she's devoted to including zone setting/element and attack type change etc... She's even more good when used with Aldo (And it's canon aswell as she's devoted to Aldo and loves him so much which he also does (Not in a friend way btw)) and we know SA Aldo is OP especially at 255 Light so yea !
   
2. Best Zone Setter: Iphi
   To qualify for The Best, a unit doesn't just has to set a zone but it needs to have OP effects with the zone setting skill/VC and to me no one who's better at that than Iphi, her zone setting skill Walpurgisnacht is seriously broken: First of all the skill is Pre-emptive; you get the best elemental zone (Shade zone); you get Blood Contract which gives you survivability and Lunatic Risktaker; you get 5T Magic Focus and if you recast it, you get Kaleido switch to Shade element for 1T for all units...ALL OF THOSE in a single skill and moreso when you realise that these are all skills you usually see in Stellar Awakening Locked-Behind recent units in a unit released a year ago
   
3. Best Damage Dealer (DPS): Xianhua
   Before Xianhua got released and broke the DPS meta, Yakumo and Sesta used to dominate that market but now Xianhua is the best end of question ! The reason being that her DPS potential is not locked behind her SA skill as most recent units does.
   
4. Best True Tank: Radias AS
   Some people might argue that Radias AS is being powercrept but to me a Tank is more than just high HP/DEF/DMG Mitigation via Shield or Debuffs but to me a Tank in AE needs to have Guard and Rage and to me Radias AS is still the best one even if she's now almost 2 years old. While Alma AS is alot more recent and has all of those she's more of a Secondary DPS/Support than a tank and her Guard is conditional; Soira AS doesn't have Guard;Anabel ES doesn't have Guard nor Rage and Prai is constrained by Stun after Guard
   
5. Best Support: Myunfa Alter
   I tried alot of units but to me no one can do support/sustain in the entire game than Myunfa Alter, seriously her kit is a dream to every one, she has everything you can think of, YEP EVERY.SINGLE.SUPPORT.EFFECT in her kit. If you have the fourth slot (80 light) she's even better, she support the entire party but more so the unit on her right:
   

* She can heal HP and MP and reduce MP consumption.
* She can tank (Tho not with Guard but with DMG mitigation such as -50% DMG taken, a 2000 Max HP Shield and insane debuffs + Buff END/SPR).
* She can set Earh/Magic Zone (3 Staff users+) and can awaken any zone.
* She can give Magic and Singular Focus.
* She can give Weapon Type DMG and Weakness Multiplier.
* She can give Status and Knockback Immunity.
* She set 3T pain/poison ignore res.
Yes everything I said above is in her kit, what's more is that she can do most of these preemptively and do you know what's more insane ! She's not bound by the Stellar Awakening System !

1. Best Healer: Anabel ES
   She can heal 50% HP/15% MP but unlike Radias AS which can also do it in a counter, if you put her in Guiding Light she gets +50% DMG and Healing meaning she can potentially heals 100% HP ! Something only seen in EX Attacks in ES characters and that one requires complex setting.
   
2. Best Pain/Poison Setter and DoT (Damage over Time) user: Pom AS
   A Best Pain/Poison setter doesn't just have to set p/p ignore res as most units can do that but can use p/p as DoT (Damage over Time) and no one can do it better then Pom. Heck 4⭐ Pom has been known for her gimmick of giving p/p if you have the appropriate equipment and there's Grasta Ores that gives +50% DMG if user is inflicted with Pain/Poison so yea.
   
3. Best AF user: Miyu ES
   To qualify for this the unit has to benefit more from using AF (Another Force) either by doing more DPS in AF or get easy AF Combo Multiplier, it's been known that Thunder units are the ones who can use AF efficiently and while the current Meta revolves around DMG outside AF, some units only shines in AF and Miyu ES is just that, a close second would be Victor AS but he can be tricky to use as you need the AF Combo to 1000% for him to deal 7300% DMG Multiplier but in a Thunder Team with high SPD it's possible.
   
4. Best Singer: Milsha AS
   While Singing has been powercrept by Praying, I still use Singing units from time to time and Milsha AS is by far the best from the best, seriously her 2 songs can give different Lunatic to the entire party depending on the Song being user (Sacrifice and Risktaker) and this effect can co-exist with other lunatic.
   
5. Best Praying unit: Toova ES
   This one is hard as most Praying units are OP ! However for me Toova ES takes the crown by a slight margin, just set her pray and forget about her and if you have a unit which can Cover (Iphi is most used with her) then you don't have to worry about her taking DMG and breaking Prayer.
   

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Phew This essay took me 3 hours to write but that's how much I love Another Eden even tho the game's questionable direction does leave alot to be desired, I hope you enjoyed reading and I want to see everyone's opinion

I don't know if I'm in the right sub for this, but...
Long story short,
I can read and write in English, as well as watch content such as films and YouTube videos without subtitles and without much difficulty, but I am very bad with pronunciation, although I can get by in a conversation.
I produce and write music as a hobby and recently started using an AI to sing. When I submitted a song for feedback, people said that some phrases didn't sound natural and that someone fluent in the language wouldn't pronounce the words that way.
I would like to know if anyone can help me with the pronunciation of words words\phrases that sound like this.
Here's a link to ithe song.
Thank you for your time.
Edit: The lyrics
[Verse 1]
Come dance with me and
Let your body feel my heat
While the dj is throwing this beat
I like the look you give
Whenever you smile and start acting naughty
Biting of my lips
Dropping it low and setting me on fire
We can do this all night
No limits, no rules, just pure desire
[Verse 2]
Yeah baby, we can do this all night
While I move you will get hypnotized
I like the way you hold me and I
Wanna have fun with you tonight
I will make a private show to you
And you will remember it forever
I'll leave my lisptick on your neck
So they know you're mine and you are coming back
[Chorus]
I want you to look at me
As you bring heaven to me
Keep falling under my charm
Losing yourself in my arms
I want you to look at me
Look at me
[Verse 3]
I like when you tease me
Talk dirty with me
Dress up that lingerie
I'm addicted to you
In making out with you
In waking up next to you
I like how you call my name
How you hold your frame
How well you play that game
The way you wink at me
Walk towards me
And whisper in my ears
[Verse 4]
When we do things that way
I get turned on
When I'm with you I don't
Wanna think of how I miss you
I just wanna kiss you till you're gone
Everytime I'm with you time flies
I keep drowning in your eyes
I don't wanna say goodbye
When we do things that way
I get turned on
When I'm with you I don't
Wanna think of how I miss you
I just wanna kiss you till
[Chorus]
Look at me
As you bring heaven to me
Keep falling under my charm
Losing yourself in my arms
I want you to -
I want you to look at me
Look at me

I am from India and have been listening to Anjum from his Mein mixtape days. What got me hooked to him was his unrelenting spirit to strive for greatness and his God consciousness which reflected in his lyrics. He is influenced by Allama Iqbal so that explains a lot. But as time has passed and the duo has seen unprecedented success, I feel like his lyrics(relating to God and faith) have gone towards veiled defenses of his being a good man regardless of his indulging in things that religiously are evil. I'll give some examples from before and after fame: Before fame: - "Mujhay aik buzurg ne kaha tha chotay aise zindagi guzaar le ke tujhse maut daray Maula madad, tera he tou aasra hai Mera kisi se bhi kya muwaazna hai?" - "Ab mujh jaisa mehez aik insaan bhalla Kya bolay ga khuda ke kaam mein" - "Everytime I write songs umeed jaati toot Ke bas ye aakhri, ke bas ab aur nai Ke mere mein ab dunya se larnay ka zor nai Par Maula Madad keh ke, hum agay barhtay rehtay" - "Tu bada tu haathi hum fly hum sath aaye jaise ababeel You know how it goes brother" - "Apni bebasi ka khud zimmedar mai Heavy kisam ki khud parasti ka shikaar mai But I’ve been looking for a reason to get over you Aks mayassar hai tera ek huu ba huu Something tells me tu khush hai jo duur hai Khuda ki koi behtari is me zarur hai Mai kabhi samjha nai mili hui rehmaton ko Maa kehti thi Raheem Woh Ghafoor hai" - The entire verse from Fikar e Aakhirat
Just the fact that the tone of talking about self is equal times calling himself bad and at fault and also self boasting(flex rap)
Now some lines after the success: - "Music haram woh bolein, Phir mere upar kis Khuda ka saaya hai." - "Kaza meri namazein sab kabar azaab hi Par dil mera saaf, kia uska kio hisaab bhi?"
The tone has shifted from self criticism to defense of self in terms of faith. The only redeeming song I can think of lately is Day Dreamer. This is in no way a criticism of anything just an observation and an opinion of mine. You're free to have your own. But the constant ladkiyan, sharab, nashe, taur flex has really reduced the grandeur of Talha Anjum in my eyes since he always has said he despises these things in general in music. Although nashe and sharab has always been there for the sake of "being real". But when your audience is impressionable teens, you can't just shy away from the responsibility of not influencing them in a bad way. And I do understand that this is probably irrelevant to many but the purity and innocence in his lyrics and how he talked about faith were major factors for me liking him(being a stan even). That innocence and purity is now not present in his art for me. The only rappers I can think of who still have that are probably Jani and a little bit of JJ47

Hi guys, I'm hoping you can help me find a comedian I heard a few years ago on Pandora.
I remember one of his bits very well, one of the tracks was specifically about current music that he liked, and he had a bit about Maroon 5's Payphone. He was mad that Wiz Khalifa came in and, rather than adding to the song, just sang about how rich he was. He specifically quotes the lyrics.
I can't remember much else and googling this bit just brings up lyrics websites for the song.
If anyone remembers this bit I'd really appreciate the comedian's name. Thank you!

On May 17th 2019, Megan Thee Stallion released her breakout mixtape Fever. Well, sometimes, the write up writes itself, and this is one of those cases! Megan Thee Stallion was up and bubbling in the hip hop scene, mostly known as a local rapper in Houston. That is until she released her 2018 EP Tina Snow and broke out with the single “Big Ole Freak.” Striking while the iron is hot, she then followed up with Fever and became one of the hottest female rappers of this class. Bringing us the new catchphrase “hot girl summer,” what better way to define this mixtape with its signature tagline “she’s the hot girl and she’s bringing thee heat.”
Cover art for Megan Thee Stallion - Fever

She’s the hot girl….

Megan Thee Stallion was coming off from her EP Tina Snow, which was titled after her persona. Tina Snow was a play on Pimp C’s (one half of Houston’s legendary duo Underground Kingz or UGK for short) alter ego, “Tony Snow.” Tina Snow, as described by Megan Thee Stallion, was the pimp and a more raw version of her. Despite being an alter ego, it brought on Megan’s signature sex-positive lyrics with a 90s-early 2000s Southern flow. To promote Fever, she had another alter ego at play - Hot Girl Meg. Hot Girl Meg can be best described as the one college friend who was likes to have fun and be the life of the party! It was very true to Megan as a person as she was a college student herself. Fever is truly a mixtape full of summer party hits, marked with hip hop and trap production. To pair aesthetically with Hot Girl Meg, Fever was inspired by blaxploitation films. The most streamed track “Cash Shit” featured DaBaby, who had a similar hip hop style to Megan and was going through the same trajectory of popularity growth himself around this time. (I think we all know what happened afterwards.) Another collaboration was Juicy J in “Simon Says,” which was huge for the rising rapper to get a cosign from the Three 6 Mafia alum. Fever was unapologetically Houston, summer fun, and college parties all rolled into one. Luckily, we all got to experience the rising heat of Fever not just by listening but having a hot girl summer, too.

…and she’s bringing thee heat

Fever pushed Megan into the mainstream hip hop scene but also a bit in popular culture. To promote her album, she used the tagline that it was a “hot girl summer.” Record scratch - what does that even mean? According to Megan Thee Stallion, the term meant “basically about women – and men – just being unapologetically them ... You definitely have to be a person that can be the life of the party.” Of course, there was the male version of this movement - hot boy summer. Back in 2019, there were many unserious online discussion on who was winning this summer: the hot girls or the hot boys. Even Miami rap duo City Girls got on the trend and coined the term “city girl summer” and “city boy summer” which were used interchangeably with the “hot girls/hot boys” Regardless who won, “hot girl summer” was here to stay. Megan capped off the Fever rollout by making a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign and Nicki Minaj with the song, “Hot Girl Summer.” (Oh, have times have changed.)
Megan Thee Stallion has had a very successful run since Fever. Her next project Suga contained “Savage” which ended up being a successful hit on TikTok and landed her a remix with Beyoncé. After getting a #1 hit with the remix, she released her next #1 collaboration with Cardi B with “WAP.” She has since released two albums Good News and Traumazine and a mixtape titled Something for thee Hotties. Hotties await for her next album featuring her #1 solo hit, Hiss, and her aptly named “Hot Girl Summer” tour, her first tour since the pandemic! She has been established as mainstay in the music industry in such a rapid trajectory in five years.

Tracklist

1. Realer
2. Hood Rat Shit
3. Pimpin
4. Cash Shit (feat. Da Baby)
5. W.A.B
6. Best You Ever Had
7. Simon Says (feat. Juicy J)
8. Shake That
9. Money Good
10. Dance
11. Ratchet
12. Sex Talk
13. Big Drank
14. Running Up Freestyle

Links

Spotify Apple Music Youtube

Discussion Questions

1. Do you agree that this is her breakout project? If not, do you think Suga or Tina Snow is what catapulted her into stardom?
2. What’s next for Megan Thee Stallion? Do you see her staying longer as a main force in the hip hop industry?
3. What brought you in into listening into Megan Thee Stallion?
4. Who won in the summer of 2019: the hot boys or the hot girls?

On May 17th 2019, Megan Thee Stallion released her breakout mixtape Fever. Well, sometimes, the write up writes itself, and this is one of those cases! Megan Thee Stallion was up and bubbling in the hip hop scene, mostly known as a local rapper in Houston. That is until she released her 2018 EP Tina Snow and broke out with the single “Big Ole Freak.” Striking while the iron is hot, she then followed up with Fever and became one of the hottest female rappers of this class. Bringing us the new catchphrase “hot girl summer,” what better way to define this mixtape with its signature tagline “she’s the hot girl and she’s bringing thee heat.”
Cover art for Megan Thee Stallion - Fever

She’s the hot girl….

Megan Thee Stallion was coming off from her EP Tina Snow, which was titled after her persona. Tina Snow was a play on Pimp C’s (one half of Houston’s legendary duo Underground Kingz or UGK for short) alter ego, “Tony Snow.” Tina Snow, as described by Megan Thee Stallion, was the pimp and a more raw version of her. Despite being an alter ego, it brought on Megan’s signature sex-positive lyrics with a 90s-early 2000s Southern flow. To promote Fever, she had another alter ego at play - Hot Girl Meg. Hot Girl Meg can be best described as the one college friend who was likes to have fun and be the life of the party! It was very true to Megan as a person as she was a college student herself. Fever is truly a mixtape full of summer party hits, marked with hip hop and trap production. To pair aesthetically with Hot Girl Meg, Fever was inspired by blaxploitation films. The most streamed track “Cash Shit” featured DaBaby, who had a similar hip hop style to Megan and was going through the same trajectory of popularity growth himself around this time. (I think we all know what happened afterwards.) Another collaboration was Juicy J in “Simon Says,” which was huge for the rising rapper to get a cosign from the Three 6 Mafia alum. Fever was unapologetically Houston, summer fun, and college parties all rolled into one. Luckily, we all got to experience the rising heat of Fever not just by listening but having a hot girl summer, too.

…and she’s bringing thee heat

Fever pushed Megan into the mainstream hip hop scene but also a bit in popular culture. To promote her album, she used the tagline that it was a “hot girl summer.” Record scratch - what does that even mean? According to Megan Thee Stallion, the term meant “basically about women – and men – just being unapologetically them ... You definitely have to be a person that can be the life of the party.” Of course, there was the male version of this movement - hot boy summer. Back in 2019, there were many unserious online discussion on who was winning this summer: the hot girls or the hot boys. Even Miami rap duo City Girls got on the trend and coined the term “city girl summer” and “city boy summer” which were used interchangeably with the “hot girls/hot boys” Regardless who won, “hot girl summer” was here to stay. Megan capped off the Fever rollout by making a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign and Nicki Minaj with the song, “Hot Girl Summer.” (Oh, have times have changed.)
Megan Thee Stallion has had a very successful run since Fever. Her next project Suga contained “Savage” which ended up being a successful hit on TikTok and landed her a remix with Beyoncé. After getting a #1 hit with the remix, she released her next #1 collaboration with Cardi B with “WAP.” She has since released two albums Good News and Traumazine and a mixtape titled Something for thee Hotties. Hotties await for her next album featuring her #1 solo hit, Hiss, and her aptly named “Hot Girl Summer” tour, her first tour since the pandemic! She has been established as mainstay in the music industry in such a rapid trajectory in five years.

Tracklist

1. Realer
2. Hood Rat Shit
3. Pimpin
4. Cash Shit (feat. Da Baby)
5. W.A.B
6. Best You Ever Had
7. Simon Says (feat. Juicy J)
8. Shake That
9. Money Good
10. Dance
11. Ratchet
12. Sex Talk
13. Big Drank
14. Running Up Freestyle

Links

Spotify Apple Music Youtube

Discussion Questions

1. Do you agree that this is her breakout project? If not, do you think Suga or Tina Snow is what catapulted her into stardom?
2. What’s next for Megan Thee Stallion? Do you see her staying longer as a main force in the hip hop industry?
3. What brought you in into listening into Megan Thee Stallion?
4. Who won in the summer of 2019: the hot boys or the hot girls?

Update: Found it! It was Death of the Law by Utsu P. I must’ve gotten some of the imagery mixed up with Pinocchio P’s common world domination tho ahaha. Thank you to those who helped! Also that song was released in 2020 lol idk where I got the idea it was older.
Please help, I really need to find this song it’s bothering me so much. I cannot remember the title, but I’m like 70% sure the title is English/has English in the title with Japanese
I’m really positive that the voice was Miku.
The video was an MV, so it wasn’t just a still image for the whole vid, but I believe most of the animation consisted of still/slightly animated images and camera effects (I can’t recall exactly, it wasn’t, like, animated characters, tho—that’s what I remember. And it definitely was not MMD) and the imagery was kinda similar to PinocchioP (who is one of my top favorite vocaloid producers, so at first I thought it was from them, but I’m pretty sure it is not) but a little more edgy looking and less of a use of character animation. The content of the video was very consistent, it stayed the same style and setting and used a lot of the same bits several times. The music video jumped around a decent amount, it was one of the more chaotic (in a good way) MVs but not anywhere near as chaotic as, like, Kikuo. I feel like there was some flashy-ness and quick color changes/flashes but I’m not super positive on that.
I remember clearly that there was a strong motif of skeletons, including a Miku skeleton (or maybe just her skull, I just remember a skull with her hair or clothes lol) in the music video. There was also a motif of the earth. The art style was not really anime, it was a more realistic and edgy feeling style, at least I think so. I don’t remember it showing much of Miku, but she was herself in the vid, not an OC, at least that’s what I remember. The art style for some reason makes me think of newspapers? Like, it felt handmade or cut-out, if that makes sense. But it was not black in white, however. It had mostly dark colors. It might have been sort of a typography kind of thing ( animated lyric video ) but honestly I don’t remember at all if the words were on the screen or just in captions (I always use captions anyway so)
The lyrics I’m pretty positive were in Japanese, but it’s possible it was in English. Anyway, they had something to do with people being stuck on their traditional beliefs and being very stubborn and close minded (idk if that was the official meaning tho, I’m pretty sure that was just what I read a lot in the comments and understood from the lyrics). If it were in Japanese, it definitely had English subtitles. I think some people speculated it was in the perspective that Miku was an extraterrestrial being judging humans, tho that was just theory too I’m pretty sure.
I also remember the comments talking about how this kind of song/video was different compared to this creator’s previous work, but a lot of people liked it regardless. I think there were lots of comments comparing their new stuff to their old stuff. I have no idea what the creators name is tho. With that memory, I think that this song was probably newer rather than older (but not super new either I don’t think, like it wasn’t made this year or anything, I watched it a long while ago. Most likely mid-late 2010s). I thought that their name began with K or M but honestly I have no idea, it could be anything.
I know this feels like a lot of random info lol, but it’s bothering me so much and everytime I search up “Miku song with her skeleton in it” it shows me “skeleton orchestra” which is not it and “ miku” by anamanaguchi for some weird reason. It was also not bacterial contamination. I have watched a lot of top 100 vocaloid or guess the vocaloid song and have not seen it in any. So, it’s not super popular. But, it’s very likely that the artist is popular, and this was a less popular song. I am pretty positive that YouTube recommended it to me and that’s how I found it.
I can picture it really well (I’m a super visual person) but I can’t think of any words/titles/authors. If someone could help, or at least give me a better way to search for it myself, that would be much appreciated.
Here is a short version of my info lol i yap a lot:
-Miku was the singer
-Title very likely had English.
-Likely in Japanese, but could have been English
-Almost certainly not from the 2000s, I’d say most likely mid-late 2010s.
-Definitely had English subtitles, either YouTube CC or in-video OC, even if the video was in English.
-Not well known (but author is very possibly well known)
-Had MV (not a still image)
-MV was not complicated- lots of repeated bits with mostly camera effects and still/slightly animated images.
-Strong motif of Skeletons
-Motif of Earth
-Miku skeleton (had her hair or her clothes)
-Similarish MV imagery style to Pinocchio-P but more edgy looking and less character-based
-Somewhat chaotic MV (potential flashing colors/lights)
-MV stayed consistent in style and setting.
-Not MMD
-Not an animation centered on characters (barely showed Miku)
-Miku was Miku, not an OC
-Art style was more realistic and edgy rather than anime or chibi
-Mostly dark colors
-Art style reminded me of newspapers for some reason (maybe felt handmade/cut-out)
-Lyrics were thought to be about people being closed minded and rigid with their beliefs/judgement
-I feel like there were people speculating if miku was an extraterrestrial being in the vid
-Comments frequently discussed this creator’s new vs. old work.
-Comments claimed this song/ video was different than the creator’s previous work (but still liked it)
-Not skeleton orchestra
-Not bacterial contamination

Edit: Due to crowd control settings. Some comments are getting filtered. Please DM me instead.
*Please do not join if you just want to hookup. I prefer if we vibe with the music, talk, connect with each other, and ya' know, enjoy to the dancefloor ^^
Resident here, 28M Call Time: 21:00 - 21:30 pm, JST Meetup Spot: Shibuya Station (Within Hachiko area, for all intents and purposes)
I'm willing to adopt 3 to 5 people (Already established groups are also welcome) - Just Comment and I'll try to DM you. (I'll try to finalize things by 17:00 pm in our DMs)
About Me: 5 year resident of Osaka, used to go clubbing 2-3 times a week with my friend's crew. Now, here in Tokyo because the grass is greener on the other side (￥￥￥￥￥￥) . Have strong alchohol tolerance. Never been featured in a Shibuya Meltdown viral video.
My Music Preference on a Night Out: Hip-hop . Don't worry, I also vibe to 90s and early 2000s Anisongs during my free time.
Important Reminders & Notes: PLEASE BRING A VALID ID WITH YOUR BIRTHDATE AND PHOTO. 1. Tourists - Bring your Passport at all times

2. Residents - Do not forget your Residence Card, Driver's License, or etc.

Budget not including your transport : *Varies to how much alchohol you are willing to chug First 2 hours: JPY 2,000 3-4 hours: 4,000 to 10,000 JPY

Be a homie till next morning: 8,000 JPY to 20,000 JPY

Dress Code: ↳Bouncers and Receptionists may check you down top, so please do not come in flip flops o your fave shirt (with obvious holes) on the day itself. Also, if you come in wearing your favourite anime T-shirt freshly bought from COSPA, high chance you will be rejected. No Cap.

↳Baiscally, do not wear tacky clothing.

The Flow: During a friday night out, I spend clubbing or going to bars till the sun shines, so usually from 9pm to 5am, next morning. You are free to leave at any time or be my partnes in crime till the sun shines.
On a nightout in Shibuya, I always prioritize going to Neverland Tokyo for the best deal in town. ↳ Opens 20:00 pm , we spend 1 to 2 hours here depending on the crowd & vibe ・With only 1,200 JPY for the gents and free entry for the ladies ・If you enter before 24:00 - Free food and Drinks till 24:00 , Otherwise you only get 1 drink stub
After vibing, getting to know each other, and setting the mood of our night, we can start club hopping. You may google other clubs and its rates in advance such as: Atom (near Neverland), Harlem (also near Neverland), Ce La Vi (Strict Dresscode, high chance being our 2nd destination), TK NIGHTCLUB, WOMB, club asia, camelot, or etc. After clubhopping 2 to 3 clubs, we may also settle hanging out inside a bar and just spend the rest of our night there.

About the Music: Differs from the DJ performing but my most consistent experience of club hopping 4-5 clubs a night are: Mainstream JP Club Music not limited to POP(Never ending 2008-2015 music), House & EDM, a bit of Reggae(cycled within 3 Bob Marley Songs), electro, and random JP Rap/Hip-hop songs that only the locals can vibe (You'll know this part when all the young ones can sing the lyrics like you with Rap God)
JP tier Hip-hop is played but only well-known artists such as Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and etc. But the top Hip-hop artists by these JP Clubs are "Drake" and "Bruno Mars". ※Hearing a song from Black Hippy, Dreamville, and etc. is as rare as your deadbeat dad returning with not one but three jugs of milk and an expired coupon from Applebees.
On a side note: Its a golden rule in JP Clubs that DJs will play is Wiz Khalifa's "See you again" during closing time at 5am. Also, I bet with my heart and soul that "Macarena" by Los del Rio will be played when the DJs don't know what to do next.

If things go smooth, I can start hosting this twice or once a month. (I'm personally planning to visit 10AK Tokyo on my next night out)

If you got any questions, just comment and I'll try to answer

Just wanna get drunk tonight, and I'ma ride him cowgirl, cowgirl
Lourdiz elegantly sings on this beautiful chorus. Listen, ever since I did my Pink Friday 2 relisten, Cowgirl has found itself in my algorithm more and more.
I don't know why I love sexual songs so much, because I'm not really a sexual person myself...that's actually a fucking lie
But something about this song just speaks to me, and I deeply appreciate it more and more everytime I hear it. It's definitely top 3 on PF2 now and that's actual surprising because I didn't think my top 3 would ever change for that album but it hasssssssss
Oh and by the way, for anyone that listens to her does Lourdiz usually sing this good? Because if so I will gladly start listening to her, she has so much fucking potential. Oh and on top of that, didn't she sign to Heavy On It??
But back to the song iJust wanna get drunk tonight, and I'ma ride him cowgirl, cowgirl
Lourdiz elegantly sings on this beautiful chorus. Listen, ever since I did my Pink Friday 2 relisten, Cowgirl has found itself in my algorithm more and more.
I don't know why I love sexual songs so much, because I'm not really a sexual person myself...that's actually a fucking lie
But something about this song just speaks to me, and I deeply appreciate it more and more everytime I hear it. It's definitely top 3 on PF2 now and that's actual surprising because I didn't think my top 3 would ever change for that album but it hasssssssss
Oh and by the way, for anyone that listens to her does Lourdiz usually sing this good? Because if so I will gladly start listening to her, she has so much fucking potential. Oh and on top of that, didn't she sign to Heavy On It??
But back to the song l love how melodic it is! It's actually really harmonious and I love the part where it likes goes lo-fi and Nicki is like "they could never be you" but holy shit I'm really hooked on Lourdiz singing I'm so sorry, she deadass sounds like British or some shit I don't know.
The explicit lyrics and meaning behind them really make the song more enjoyable too, because it's like Nicki ain't really a big freak freak for real, if you get what I'm putting down. Like she's not a Sexyy Red type of mf (this song don't give Sexyy Red vibes but it's more or less like a comparison for the point I'm making).
Anyways, do you like Cowgirl? Where it rank of PF2? Thx for reading I gotta get active again, love all