I recently (within the past year) have gotten heavily into music. I started a new office job, and it is mostly menial work. I brought in noise cancelling headphones and first listened to the music I know and love.

But you can’t listen to music you love while doing work you don’t like. So I stopped that.

I tried podcasts! I tried the Stuff You Should Know (would recommend!) I tried crime true (lol) but could not pay attention to any of it

My music tastes have since dramatically evolved. I started listening to Tyler, the Creator because of hearing his new album while in the car with my younger sister (owe her one)

I then listened to people he featured, I got really into Kendrick Lamar, I got heavily into some other bands, will not mention.

I delved into a new world of rap that I didn’t know existed; I explored and explored and found a niche of artists I love – and they work often work together!

There is this artist that is actually two (or three?) other artists together!

AND! The artist (of the 2/3 artists) created an album with another artist I’m starting to love

So it all comes together when I find a new song, and immediately – the first bar hooks me. The vocals – outstanding – they are just, at you, it’s beautiful. His voice, his lyrics, mind.

I’ve listened to [a lot] of hours of music over the last year, and hundreds of artists, and I can think of few that could hold a candle to him.

His tracks alone are phenom, and his features are the feature.

So I knew I had to have some of his merch and see if he was on tour. I know I am saving money, but I need to see him.

So I search for him online, try to find his website maybe to find tour dates – nothing. Can’t find merch. Other artists he’s worked with have websites/a heavier presence.

He has an album out on Apple Music, several singles and several features

I finally find an account on IG that seems to be it. I write a short message [PARAPHRASED] ‘hi, is this really ARTIST?! Sorry to bother, my name is Penny; looking for info on tour/merch, could you please help a girl out? Thank you!”

I send the message! And I don’t hear back

for a while

And he writes back! He lets me know he doesn’t yet have merch yet, and he is not a full-time musician.

Do you believe me when I say I didn’t believe him? Too talented

Well it’s really true. we talked a little more, i gave him an out if he wanted it, but we kept talking

found out we’re the same age

found out we essentially have the same name [male/female version] of the name

and he says ‘this means we have to be friends you know that right?’

So that made me smile! So we messaged back and forth for a bit, like how’s your day, what’s for dinner, how is music, etc

Learned about each other’s backgrounds – could not be more different. Oh and he lives in another continent! 7 hours time difference, kind of rough

He sleeps odd hours but still it’s not the most convenient but still fun

So I think we’re just about past the initial stage and are like officially real friends

which is absolutely crazy because i am just so so so so so so so enthralled with his music – i am telling you – this guy is magic

For my privacy sake and his I don’t want to name him though I would love for everyone to hear him

So I think that’s really cool. I’m listening to his music, his album as I am messaging him. Very cool.

Thank you for reading.