Wishing For One Of A Kind
Across screens worldwide, the refresh button became a ritual, each click a prayer. ImDontai's chair creaked as he leaned forward, his chat rolled past like a river of emojis and exclamation points, but for once, he barely noticed.
"Yo, chat..." he whispered, so different from his usual energy. The loading circle on Soundcloud spun, hypnotic. "Y'all seeing this? This joint ain't even dropped yet and we already got—" He squinted at his second monitor. "Two hundred thousand people waiting? On Soundcloud?" A laugh bubbled up, genuine disbelief coloring his voice. "Nah, nah, that's different. That's different!"
His phone buzzed. Twitter notifications cascaded down his screen like rainfall.
@KanyeWest: .
@Pharrell: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@D4Devon: It's time.
"Hold up, hold up!" Dontai grabbed his phone, nearly dropping it in his excitement. "Ye just tweeted a period. A PERIOD! Nah, you can't tell me… surprise feature…?" He trailed off, shaking his head. The chat exploded with theories.
In his own studio setup – Shaq hunched over his desk, headphones ready. "Listen," he addressed his camera. "I done reacted to every major tape drop this year. But this?" He shook his head slowly. "This feeling different. The way they all coming at him? Either this bout to be the biggest L of 2015, or..." He left the thought unfinished, eyes fixed on his screen.
Across the country, in a small apartment lit by Christmas lights and LED strips, Zias and B.Lou sat shoulder-to-shoulder, their usual playful energy subdued by anticipation.
"Yo B," Zias muttered, refreshing his browser again. "You remember when Good Kid M.A.A.D City dropped?"
B.Lou nodded slowly, understanding. "That feeling in the air."
"Exactly." Zias leaned back, running a hand over his face. "But this hit different. Cause we watched bro come up. From nothing."
"From that first freestyle," B.Lou added, a hint of pride in his voice. "Remember when he had dropped loya—"
The Soundcloud page refreshed. Both men froze.
Meanwhile, Akademiks' stream had gone wild. His chair squeaked as he bounced in place, cup sloshing dangerously. "Chat, chat! Y'all don't understand! This beef gone make Arell do crazy numbers!" He grabbed his phone, scrolling frantically. "Travis just went live on Instagram! NAH! A$AP Rocky too! The whole industry watching this drop!"
His eyes widened suddenly, and he nearly dropped his phone. "WHAT? Nah, nah, chat, you ain't gonna believe this. Kanye just went live too! FROM CHICAGO! First live in MONTHS! Chat, I'm telling y'all—"
The notification hit everyone at once.
In his dimly lit room, Dontai's breath caught. "It's up. Chat... it's up." His cursor hovered over the play button, trembling slightly. "Y'all ready? Nah, that's a stupid question. We been ready." He swallowed hard, emotion thick in his voice. "Looking at these numbers... two hundred and fifty thousand people in here right now. Just in my stream. Just to listen together."
In their apartment, Zias and B.Lou did their handshake, a ritual before every major reaction. But this time it felt different. Heavier.
"You good?" B.Lou asked, noting Zias' unusual quiet.
"Yeah, just..." Zias gestured at their setup – the basic lighting, the single camera, the fold-out table they used as a desk. "Feel like after tonight, everything changes. You feel me?"
Akademiks, for once, wasn't yelling. Wasn't memeing. Just sat there, shaking his head slowly. "Chat," he said, voice unusually soft. "Sometimes you just know you're watching like the start of something historic. This one of them moments."
Back in Dontai's stream, the moment stretched like taffy. His cursor still hovered over the play button, two hundred and fifty thousand people waiting with him.
"Ight chat," he whispered, a smile slowly spreading across his face. "Let's get to it."
His finger moved toward the mouse button, and across the country, in a hundred different studios, a dozen different streams, countless bedrooms and cars and headphones, people held their breath.
The first note was about to drop.
The track opened with a heartbeat.
Then darkness.
A voice, pitched down and stretched like warm taffy, filled the silence: "ForeverMusic presents..."
The deep baritone continued, floating over a gentle piano melody that seemed to drift in from another room:
"Through reflection, I found strength
Through pain, I found purpose
Through silence, I found my voice
And through music... I'm finding forever"
And then, with a sharp inhale, the track kicked in.
Freestyle.
ImDontai shot up from his chair, nearly knocking over his mic. "OH NAH! OH NAH! Chat, y'all know what's coming! STAND UP! STAND UP FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM!"
His chat exploded with American flag emojis as the beat dropped. But this time, it hit different. The mix was cleaner, the bass deeper, each hi-hat crystalline in its clarity.
"FREESTYLE! THE GOAT IS BACK!" Dontai's voice cracked with excitement. "Chat, if you know it, you better rap along!"
Across the country, reaction channels lit up like Christmas trees. Flight Reacts leaned forward in his gaming chair, a rare moment of complete focus crossing his face. "Hold up, hold up... this that heat from before? Nah, this hitting way harder now!"
The first bars hit, and the reaction sphere erupted.
ImDontai grabbed his chest dramatically: "You know what I'm sayin'? The whole Infinity— YOOOOO!" He jumped up, pacing his room. "I'm in this bitch with KV, I'm in this bitch with Malik— CHAT! CHAT! Y'ALL FEELING THIS?"
SoLLUMINATI, who was reacting while playing 2K, usual calm demeanor cracked as the bass kicked in harder. "Hold up... I just poured up me an eight, Real nigga all in my face."
Zias and B. Lou sat shoulder-to-shoulder, the track hitting heavy in their headphones. Zias, broke into a rare grin while B. Lou was shouting "Five hunnid racks in my safe, Five hunnid racks to the mansion!!" He clapped Zias on the shoulder, laughing, the kind of laugh that comes when you're vibing with something undeniable.
Back in his stream, ImDontai was in full performance mode. "What you know 'bout showin' love? What you know 'bout pullin' up, in Bentley trucks. These bitches fallin' in love, All of my niggas on go— YO CHAT, WHY THIS HITTING HARDER?"
The reaction wave continued to build. Akademiks leaned back in his chair, nodding with appreciation: "None of my niggas no ho, All of my niggas know 'bout smoke!"
As the track built to its conclusion, ImDontai stood at attention, hand over his heart like he was truly hearing a national anthem: "I don't hang with no pussies, They can't get in touch with me."
The final bars hit like a knockout punch. Flight saying: "Hardly ever in the city, They just know I'm gettin' bigger— Factual! ON GOD!"
"Hardly ever in the city," Akademiks muttered, nodding to himself. "They just know I'm gettin' bigger…" He let out a low whistle. "This man is unstoppable, for real."
In the first three minutes, Twitter was a frenzy.
@Complex: "FOREVERMUSIC – that intro gave us chills. National status now."
@KingJames: "Had to get up and vibe with @Arell_Rose on his mixtape 🔥🔥locked in tonight."
As Dontai's fingers clicked over to the next track, the screen darkened slightly, adding a deeper intensity to his stream. "Alright, chat," he said, rubbing his hands together with the air of anticipation, "next one on deck. We got a fresh one—this some Arell right here. Lemme see those 'fire' emojis if y'all ready for it!"
[Reference Track: Lil Baby All In]
"Started off just tryna eat, now I'm picking meals
Grandmomma always told me, 'baby don't take no deals'
But I had to flip them packs to stack them bills for real
Now I'm in Miami Beach but still got Cago in my feeL
Used to share a twin bed, now I'm sharing penthouses
Went from trapping out the spot to dodging camera sounds
Young nigga made it out but still got demons in my head
Can't sleep at night, them memories still playing in my head, yeah
They don't know what it took
Had to cook just to book
Now I'm looking at views
All these diamonds I choose
Got em thinking I lose
But I'm winning for real
Got my family a meal, yeah
Remember stealing whips just so we could make a move."
In an Atlanta studio, the glow of the control boards and the gentle haze of smoke filled the air. Young Thug, Gunna, London, and the crew listened on, taking in each bar with deep nods. Thugga adjusted his shades and gave a knowing nod. "Man got it," he muttered, his voice low but appreciative. "This the type of come-up talk we respect out here."
Gunna leaned back, grinning. "Ain't too many like this anymore. Bars sound hungry, like he eatin' off every word," he said, dapping up his guys as they bobbed to the beat's cadence. A few of them muttered, "Yeah, boy too hard," as the song moved from bars about survival to luxuries.
"Now I'm in the Hills but still keep that iron too, Look at my past through Cartierz
Every loss I took turned to different ways to gain
I don't want know no problems with y'all niggas, y'all got women tendencies
I don't gotta sell drugs no more, I'm bossed up, I got plenty business
Rolex tickin'', time waitin'' for no man, Juice in my hand, fresh like a dope brand
Carrots in the fridge, stacks in the closet, Trustin' no one, 'cause niggas love to gossip
I''m off that Margiela drip, she think I''m Poseidon
Gucci down to my socks, they thought I was bitin
But I''m just stylin, profilin, compilin
These racks like encyclopedias, knowledge is violence
Press the button right there to let the doors in
Go hard all year, I don't care, I'm goin' all in
This house rise every way, we gettin more bands
My world or none, ain't mine, I cannot bargain
Got my brother straight, he ain't gotta trap no more
Put him in that, sprinter told him "this what we worked for"
Yeah my old head told me "keep your circle tight"
Now I'm eating different, yeah these deals is nice
Still move militant even though I'm living right
Cause once you make it out them streets, you gotta live it twice
Closet full of designers, need a map, it''s many
No time for fake ones, Sippin Cristal with these real ones
Got switches on the glocks, call it quick runs
They wanna see me fall, but I'm standin' ten feet tall
From the gutter to the stars, now I'm switchin' up my cars
I'm rappin' for respect, 'cause respect is how you earn it
Loyalty is sacred, cross me once, it's not returnin
Press the button right there to let the doors in
Go hard all year, I don't care, I'm goin' all in
This house rise every way, we gettin more bands
My world or none, ain't mine, I cannot bargain
Yeah, I'm one of one, like the last star shinin'
Took a lot of time, but you know I'm still climbin'
I'm tryin' to balance this love and the game, baby
You gon' get the best of me, but this life crazy
You wanted time, and I'm spendin' every second,
Could buy you a watch, but I'd rather give my presence.
Ain't no distance between us, nah, I ain't guessin',
Loyalty's rare, its a priceless weapon."
NoLifeShaq leaned back in his chair, a genuine smile spreading across his face as the track played through his headphones. No theatrics this time, just pure appreciation as he nodded along with the beat.
"Okay, okay... I see what you doing here, Arell." He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the melody wash over him. "This that smooth stuff right here. That late-night riding music.
"I'm castin' grand spells, feel like I'm Grand Caster, too
A hundred racks in all dubs, it ain't no foldin' on me
I ain't no puppet, ain't with nobody controllin' me
I go LeBron when it's crunch time, it ain't no holdin' me
Got the Beemer, Benz truck, I'm tryna buy one
Tell the Feds get off my dick, I don't gotta buy guns
Ain't got the right one, yeah
Press the button right there to let the doors in
Go hard all year, I don't care, I'm goin' all in
This house rise every way, we gettin more bands
My world or none, ain't mine, I cannot bargain
To let the doors in
I'm goin' all in
We gettin more bands
I cannot bargain"
Dontai turned to his stream. "Aight, next up," he said, holding back a smirk, "Whatever she wants. Oooh, chat I'm the type to not give ya'll whatever you want." He chucked as he clicked over, the first few notes unraveling into a bouncy, melodic rhythm that filled his room like champagne bubbles. Dontai chuckled. "Oooh, chat, we getting a vibe this time."
The bassline smoothed out, and Arell's voice dropped low, almost playful
[Bryson Tiller: Whatever She Wants]
"I'ma take her bougie ass to Rodeo and then let her pick up whatever she want
CC, Gucci, hit Bottega, whatever she want
She piss me off, somehow she still get whatever she want..."
A grin crept up on Dontai's face. "Yo, chat, he talking about that one bougie girl we ALL know! Don't front like y'all don't feel this." He chuckled, leaning back in his seat, rolling with the flow of the bars.
"Talking 'bout her nails, I'm finna nail her ass at home
Hit it in the shower, made her tell me where she want…"
The stream chat lit up with laughing emojis and comments hyping up the playful vibe. NoLifeShaq leaned back in his chair, laughing. "Aight, Arell, I see you! Don't we all got that girl who be like, 'Oh I'm mad,' but still expects you to spoil her!" Shaq shook his head, stifling a laugh as he mimicked the line with exaggerated drama.
The song bounced along with a lighthearted energy.
"She on a power trip again
I know pussy power got me buyin' shit again
Friends ain't jackin' me, you must be lyin' to your friends…"
"Facts, boy that's facts." Shaq laughed, shaking his head. He turned to his audience, still nodding, clearly caught up in the vibe as the beat slowed, giving space to the lyrics to shine.
Dontai joined in, mimicking Arell's melodic tone, nodding along as he rapped along:
"She don't hold a damn thing, she spicy like Tajin, ha, yeah, she spicy like Tajin…"
"Chat, that's that Latin heat he just threw in there," Dontai laughed, doing a double-take at his screen as his chat playfully flooded the feed with 🌶️ emojis.
As the track finished, Dontai shook his head, laughing, "Bro gave us heat AND comedy, and now I just wanna hit Rodeo myself."
The song rolled into the final chorus, and the beat faded out, leaving everyone in the stream, the studio, and the audience a moment to breathe.
@Swaelee: Y'all ain't ready for what we cooked up with @Arell_Rose 🌊 #WFOOK #Exclusive
The anticipation that had built through the first three tracks shifted as the fourth song began to load. Across streaming platforms, the feature list alone had sparked a new wave of excitement: Young Thug, Travis Scott, Swae Lee. A power trio that hadn't been all seen together on a track before.
"
[Arell]
Thick Ethiopian queen, my preference, I'ma dive in deep,
Staring at myself, self-love, I'm too unique.
Dismiss a bitch, dial another, yeah, I'm too sleek,
She wasn't ready for the feast, it's sacred, not cheap.
Never touched drugs, taking lean for the first ride,
That rush felt like a champion's stride.
Boosted, that sensation rose and fell, a wild slide,
Her popping in my space, glowing bright, mystic tide.
Who seeks conflict? Alright, cool, it's their whole tribe,
Major players, we're the ones causing a vibe.
Competitors eyeing my throne, space gets tight,
Late Night, energized, I'm a dawn dweller, brink.
These folks got me riled up, yeah, I'm too charged,
Hmm-hmm, ensure this one worships, a cherished mark,
Hmm-hmm, armed, whatever comes, I'm prepared, sparked,
Too elusive, chilling at the den, a serpent's arc.
Every confession of my feelings, genuine, stark,
Everyone's packing heat, we don't play fights
[Young Thug]
Sexy girl, bad bitch, yeah, she love the thrill,
Got her in my lap, oh, she love the feel.
Diamonds on my neck, they be shining real,
Pop that pussy for me, girl, you know the deal.
Rollin' in the Phantom, ain't no time to chill,
All my hoes exotic, keep it top-tier.
Bad bitch in the club, make that ass twirl,
Riding with a king, yeah, she my world.
She loves the way I flex, got her hypnotized,
We be making love, reaching all new highs.
Big racks, fast cars, living life deluxe,
I'm the type to turn a fantasy into trust.
Sexy girl, bad bitch, yeah, she love the thrill,
Got her in my lap, oh, she love the feel.
Diamonds on my neck, they be shining real,
Pop that pussy for me, girl, you know the deal.
[Travis]
Eyes low, feelin' high, I'm on a different plane,
Ridin' with the vibes, yeah, we numb the pain,
Bad bitch, bad bitch, she got that body insane,
Up and down, ridin', ridin' like a private plane.
I'm floatin' in the clouds, driftin', driftin' off to space,
Her touch like a drug, got me in my own place,
Candy paint on the whip, gloss, gloss, look at that gloss,
Livin' life fast, ain't no time to pause.
Neon lights flashin', Versace threads on my frame,
Feel like Biggie, feel like Pac, ain't no shame,
Shawty loves the way I move, mesmerized, mesmerized,
We makin' magic, reachin', reachin' all new highs.
Big racks, quick cash, stack it, stack it to the sky,
I'm the type to turn a dream, turn a dream into real life,
High off the vibe, yeah, I'm feelin' right, feelin' right,
Dark shades on, yeah, I'm outta sight, outta sight.
Sexy girl, bad chick, thrillin', thrillin' through the night,
Sippin' on that lean, purple, purple in my sprite,
Fast cars, fast life, every moment's legit,
Pass that, yeah, but she bad, can't resist.
In this high-speed chase, twist, twist in the midst,
Flippin' through the city lights, never miss, never miss,
Purple in my cup, stars, stars in my eyes,
Ridin' through the night, yeah, we on a different high.
I feel like Future, Metro, Metro on the beat,
We gon' make it rain, rain, rain, diamonds at my feet,
Feelin' like I'm 'Ye, with these Yeezy on my feet,
Got my squad with me, yeah, we always rollin' deep.
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, we in our zone,
Shawty on my lap, bad, bad to the bone,
Whippin' in the Phantom, ghost, ghost through the night,
Metro got the beat, yeah, this shit is outta sight.
Hittin' up the club, lit, lit, lit all night,
Shawty wanna ride, yeah, we takin' flight,
Fast life, high life, every moment's legit,
Pass that, yeah, but she bad, can't resist."
NoLifeShaq leaned back in his chair, running his hands over his face. "Hold up, hold up... that beat? Metro really don't miss. And Swae's vocals in the background?" He shook his head, appreciation clear in his expression. "But I don't know, man. Something's missing. Like they had all the ingredients but..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. "Maybe I gotta let it marinate."
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit Houston studio, Travis Scott was in his element. The room buzzed with the energy of his crew – Chase B nodding along in the corner, Don Toliver sprawled on the couch, Mike Dean adjusting levels at the board. The track played through the pristine studio monitors, and when Travis's verse hit, he couldn't contain himself.
"STRAIGHT UP!" Travis jumped up as his verse dropped. His chains caught the studio lights as he moved. "NAH, NAH, NAH! PLAY THAT BACK!"
Chase B rewound the track, and Travis paced the studio, that manic creative energy radiating off him. "YA'LL DON'T EVEN KNOW!" He turned to Don Toliver, eyes wild behind his glasses. "Remember when we recorded this joint? Three AM, straight off the plane from Paris!"
Don nodded, grinning. "Man was possessed that night."
"But Fair Trade though?" Travis shook his head, that signature smirk playing at his lips. "That's different level. First top ten, ya feel me? But nah, shout out my brother Arell though – gave me my first Billboard top ten. That's family right there." He pulled out his phone, probably to text Arell, then stopped himself. "Nah, let him have his moment. Mixtape night different."
The energy across social media was reaching new heights:
@MeekMill: 😴
@ComplexMusic: 4 tracks in and #WishingForOneOfAKind already doing major streaming numbers. @Arell_Rose really did that.
@indialove: [Image: India, Arell, Geoffrey, Kenny, Malik, and Devon in Arell's backyard, sparklers painting light trails in the darkness. India's head thrown back in laughter as Arell lights another firework]
Caption: Celebrating with the ones who've been here with him since day one 🖤 #WFOOK
@TheShadeRoom: BREAKING: According to sources with PumaGlobal, PUMA are set to terminate @Arell_Rose contract after artist allegedly refused to comply with brand behavior guidelines! 👀 What y'all think about this? #SwipeLeft
@KingLouie: Aye @Arell_Rose when that response dropping? The streets waiting! 🔥
@XXL: .@Arell_Rose remains silent on social media as #WishingForOneOfAKind does major first-hour streams. Marketing genius or missed opportunity?
@chartdata: .@Arell_Rose "Exclusive" ft. Travis Scott, Young Thug & Swae Lee enters Spotify Global chart at #9. His sixth top 10 entry this year.
@TravisScott: ITS LIT! 🔥 #WFOOK
@D4Devon: Real art speaks for itself.
The notifications kept rolling in as industry heavyweights and fans alike reacted to the mixtape's first four tracks. But through it all, Arell's own social media remained conspicuously quiet. No responses to the diss tracks, no celebration posts, no retweets of praise. Just that single "FOREVERMUSIC" tweet pinned to his profile.
@NoLifeShaq: Nah but fr, let's talk about how bro ain't even bothered to respond to none of them disses yet. Man's really letting the music speak 💯
@imdontai: 4 tracks in and we ain't even hit the heavy stuff yet! My chest! 😤 #WFOOK
@PostMalone: Real ones know what's coming next... 🏎️ #WFOOK
The Puma situation sparked its own wave of discourse:
@HYPEBEAST: BREAKING: Internal emails reveal PUMA executives demanded @Arell_Rose "cool off" industry tensions or face contract termination. Artist reportedly refused.
@ComplexSneakers: Sources confirm @Arell_Rose turned down $2M to apologize and end industry beef. More details to follow.
@SNKR_TWITR: Nike and Jordan Brand representatives reportedly reached out to @Arell_Rose management within hours of PUMA controversy 👀
Back in his studio, Travis was still riding the energy of the track, but his phone buzzed with a different kind of notification. He glanced at it, then showed Chase B:
@RickRoss: Big numbers on that Dream chasers shit!!! Kid drop some?? MMG got something for that. 😤
Travis just shook his head, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "They don't even know what's coming next," he muttered, queuing up the fifth track. "They really don't know."
Four tracks in, and the mixtape had already delivered more than most albums did in their entirety. But for those who knew – really knew – this was just the warm-up.
The loading circle spun for the fifth track, and across the country, thousands leaned closer.
The screen flickered as the fifth track loaded. ImDontai leaned forward, his usual energy suddenly contained. "Chat... chat, y'all see these features? X? Ski? Juice?"
The chat erupted with speculation, but Dontai held up a hand. "Listen... for those who don't know, these three... they different. That freestyle I reacted to that Arell dropped like a few weeks ago? They went crazy chat."
The beat dropped, dark and menacing, and Ski's voice cut through like a blade:
[Reference Track: Nuketown by Ski and Juice]
"Waterrrr!
Waterrrr!
Ayo, it's the M.O.B. (What?)
Menace On Beats, bitch (Slump God)
Waterrrr!
Mob ties with myself, coexist
Waterrr!
Mobbin' solo, solo like Han, no Chewie
Chewin' on these thoughts, they taste gloomy
Me, myself, and I, triple threat like Jordan
Remorseful for the times I left my mind on read
Read between the lines, my soul's an open book, unread
X might X me off, but I'm still breathin'
Coexistin' with my vices, advice is just a crutch
Crutch on these beats, beat the odds, I'm clutch
Clutchin' at my chest, heartbeat's a dubstep drop
Trap door to success, I found the key and now I'm in it
Minute Man with minutes, winnin' infinite innings
X gon' give it to ya, but I'm givin' it to myself
Relationship's a Rubik's cube, I'm color blind
Trying to solve it, but the sides don't align
Misaligned chakras, Naruto, I need balance
Mobbin' like Escobar, but I'm Pablo with the pen
Picasso with the flows, I'm off the deep end
Deepened in the trenches, hentai with the clips
Tentacle my enemies, leave 'em twisted
Write your name, watch 'em drop, that's some Kira type shit."
In his dimly lit room, Flight was having a completely different experience. "Who this? Why he saying 'water' like that? But hold up though..." He paused, caught off guard by the complexity of Ski's delivery. "Okay, okay, I see what he doing with the flow switches..."
"OH MY- CHAT! CHAT!" Dontai jumped up, his chair rolling back. "NAH, THE DEATH NOTE REFERENCE? THE NARUTO BARS? And that FLOW? Ski really just... hold up, we gotta run that back!"
Before he could, Arell's verse kicked in, the beat morphing subtly to match his energy
"Demon time, but I'm Angel Dust, no PCP
PCPeace of mind, I'm tryna find it, personally
Lilo taught me ohana means family, even when we're scarred
Stuntin' activist, pacifist, but these labels want a narcissist
Gun got dyslexia, shootin' backwards at the message.
Hold on, wait, Hold on
These diamonds dancing on my neck
Pull up in that foreign
Send shots through your vest
I'm toxic like Britney
These niggas can't hurt me
Your block looking silly
Make his body swimming
Got that stick, it's got rabies
Make him dance like it's the 80s, yuh, yuh
I got big plans, stackin' up the bands, yuh
Peep through the blinds, right-side chillin' still
Tick on the wrist, no fake, it's the real
And fly on a jet, just me and my girl, we ill
Big business moves, racks in the tennis
And no fake stacks, interest on my minutes
I turned down a milli ''cause my brand worth more
I declined ''cause the vibe didn't match my ethos
They know that I'm sharp with it
Quit playin' with you, hundo
Me, I don't start beef, but the crew do
'Cause that hitter right there, he gon' move through
While me and Geoff count cash under the moonroof
And if you wanna flex, I don't want to
And if you say "No cap," I can't trust you
Nigga, I'm the headliner, you a plus one."
NoLifeShaq, in his own stream, was nodding appreciatively. "See, that's what I'm talking about. Man switched up the flow three times in one verse, and each one hit harder than the last. And that line about turning down a milli? A mill is crazy."
The beat dropped lower, darker, and a new voice emerged – raw, uncontained energy that made both all youtubers sit up straight.
"YOOOOO!" Dontai's eyes went wide. "X ABOUT TO SNAP!"
"Yo, fuck all that nice shit (yeah)!
They ain't ready for this energy (no)
I'm bout to lose my fucking mind (ayy)
LETS GO! (SKI!)
RAGE IN MY VEINS, COCAINE FOR THE PAIN (YUH)
THEY IN MY BRAIN, I'M GOING INSANE (WHAT?)
Blood on my Timbs, yeah, I'm stepping in rain (DRIP)
Voices in my head saying "kill 'em again"
Memory lane got potholes (HOLES)
Depression mixed with gun smoke (BANG)
Heart cold like December (FREEZE)
Split personality, can't remember (SPLIT)
Moonlight dancing with my shadows (MOON)
Fighting demons in the gallows (FIGHT)
Sippin' lean like tomorrow's cancelled (SIP)
Young Dagger Dick, yeah I'm mental (STAB)
FUCK THE SYSTEM, BURN IT DOWN (BURN)
Crown of thorns, yeah I wear it proud (KING)
Death before dishonor, keep it real (REAL)
Trigger finger itchy, that's the deal (POW)
Switch flows like I switch poles (SWITCH)
Bipolar with these hoes (WHAT?)
One minute I'm up (UP)
Next minute I'm low (LOW)
Tell Ski pass the water (ayy)
Yeah, I'm built like a bullet, you ain't never gonna stop me,
They say I'm flexin' too hard, but my soul's still anorexic,
I'm playin' chess with the Reaper, but he ain't got no moves,
While y'all talkin' 'bout your wins, I'm out here payin' dues
I'm a beast in this jungle, but inside, yeah, I crumble!"
The track shifted again, this time to something more melodic.
The chat exploded with skull emojis and "RAGE" spam. Dontai was practically vibrating in his chair. "The way he came in... the ENERGY! Nah, this ain't fair! And that beat switch? WHOEVER PRODUCED THIS NEEDS A GRAMMY!"
As the track shifted, Juice's voice floated in, smooth as silk:
[Go Hard By JuiceWrld V.2]
"I go hard, hard (go, go)
I go hard (skrrt, skrrt, skrrt)
Bae, for you, I go hard, hard
Just don't break my heart, heart (just don't break my heart, heart)
I been on the drugs hard, hard (I been on the drugs hard, hard)
Smokin' on dope like a rasta (smokin' on dope like a rasta)
Try to take you from me, that choppa go grrah, grrah (take you from me, that choppa go grrah, grrah)
It go grrah, grrah (it go grrah, grrah)
Try to take you from me, it go grrah, grrah, go, go (take you from me, it go grrah, grrah)
It go grrah, grrah, go, go, go
I was sittin' in the crib with a hand full of racks and a heart full of pain, yeah
Funny thing is, I really did think all hoes were the same
Then I saw your face and I heard your name, name
Had to make you my bae, put that on the gang, gang
The groupie hoes don't phase mе, tryna give out that lame brain
It don't amaze mе, your heart I contain, 'tain
Take her to safety, yeah
You're my getaway, so you can't get away (ayy)
For you, I go hard, hard (for you, I go hard, hard)
Just don't break my heart, heart (just don't break my heart, heart)
I been on the drugs hard, hard (I been on the drugs hard, hard)
Smokin' on dope like a rasta (smokin' on dope like a rasta)
Try to take you from me, that choppa go grrah, grrah (take you from me, that choppa go grrah, grrah)
It go grrah, grrah (it go grrah, grrah)
Try to take you from me, it go grrah, grrah (take you from me, it go grrah, grrah)
It go grrah, grrah, go, go, go
For you, I go hard
Just don't break my heart
I been on the drugs hard
Yeah, smokin' hard."
"Hold up, hold up..." NoLifeShaq's voice was quiet, serious. "Y'all hearing this? Like, really hearing this? The way he transitioned from X's rage to this... this pain?"
Across social media, the reaction was immediate:
"Who are these guys???"
"Ski Mask flow different fr"
"X got that ENERGY"
"Juice part hit different"
"How they all switch styles like that??"
The social media storm continued to build:
@XXXTentacion: REVENGE 🖤
@THESLUMPGOD: WATERRRR! 🌊 #MOB
@JuiceWorlddd: Much love to the big bro @Arell_Rose for believing in us 🖤
But it was a single tweet from Cole that perhaps captured the moment best:
@JColeNC: The student became the teacher. Proud of you @Arell_Rose
Even the typically reserved Anthony Fantano broke his usual review schedule to tweet:
@theneedledrop: Five tracks in. This might have potential. Full review coming soon. #WFOOK
Back in his stream, Dontai sat in silence for a moment after the track ended, then looked directly into his camera. "Chat... Them three... X, Ski, Juice... Legendary."
The mixtape was only halfway done, but the industry had already shifted. The question wasn't if these new artists would blow up anymore – it was how big they would get.
And in streams across the country, as Pink Dust flew by, followed by reactions just as lit, the interlude began to load, the chat filled with a single message:
"FOREVERMUSIC ERA 🔥"
[Juice Wrld: Let Me Know]
"Let me know, let me know, let me know
Let me know what's up with you, ooh"
The golden hour painted Arell's backyard in warm hues as sparklers traced light trails through the darkening sky. Geoffrey and Kenny were setting up more fireworks while Malik and Devon argued about the best way to angle them. India's laughter carried across the yard as she filmed for her Instagram story, but Arell barely registered any of it. His attention was fixed on the notebook in his lap, pen hovering over half-finished bars.
"Let me know, let me know
Let me know, let me know if you comfortable, ooh."
The words from his interlude track floated through his mind as he stared at the response verses he'd been crafting. His heart was racing, that familiar fire building in his chest. But something felt off. Different. He glanced up at his friends enjoying themselves, then back down at the angry words on the page. He frowned, scratching out the last line. The words felt hollow, performative.
Dr. Chen's voice echoed in his thoughts: "Pride can be both a shield and a prison, Arell. The question is: which one is it for you right now?"
He closed his eyes, remembering their session from earlier that week. The way she'd watched him pace her office, ranting about respect and reputation. The knowing look in her eyes when she'd asked him what he was really protecting.
"I found your vibe, and I- and I found my high, yeah
Let's touch the sky, I'ma- I'ma change your life, yeah"
India settled next to him on the outdoor couch, curling into his side. Her presence was grounding, pulling him back from the spiral of his thoughts. She didn't say anything, just laid her head on his shoulder and watched the others prep another round of fireworks.
His phone buzzed. The notification preview made his jaw clench:
@Drake: Some girls be choosing... but some girls be chosen 👑
@MeekMill: First week numbers looking crazy. Dreams Worth More Than Money >>> that mixtape shit 😤
@chartdata: #WishingForOneOfAKind already out streaming #DreamsWorthMoreThanMoney despite being a mixtape.
"I found your vibe, and I- and I found my high, yeah
Let's touch the sky, I'ma- I'ma change your life, yeah"
India settled onto the arm of his chair, peering at his notebook. "Still working on that response?"
"Yeah," Arell muttered, but his attention was caught by a certain email:
-
From: legal@roseglobalholding.com
To: brand.management@puma.com
Subject: Re: Partnership Status Update
Dear PUMA Global Partnerships,
We acknowledge receipt of your concerns regarding recent industry developments. However, we must remind you of Section 12.4 of our agreement ("Creative Expression and Artistic Freedom"):
"Any termination based on artistic expression or industry standard competitive dialogue shall result in:
a) Immediate transfer of all agreed upon collaborative design rights to Mr. Rose
b) Retention of all collaboration produced inventory by our organization
c) Triggering of the 'Golden Parachute' clause (Section 15.2)"
Additionally, Section 18.9 explicitly protects against "reactionary contract modifications based on standard industry practices."
We trust this clarifies our position.
Best regards,
RGH Legal Team
-
From: legal@roseglobalholding.com
To: atlantic.records@atlanticrecords.com
Subject: Re: Brand Partnership Concerns
Dear Atlantic Records,
Regarding your advisory about potential response tracks, we direct your attention to:
Section 7.3.2: "Artist retains full creative control over all musical content"
Section 9.1.4: "Label interference in artistic expression triggers immediate contract review"
Section 13.5: "Attempted budget reduction based on artistic choices activates the 'Independence Clause'"
For reference, the Independence Clause allows for:
- Immediate contract termination with a minimal fee of $850,000
- 50% reduction in exit fees
- Retention of all subsidiary rights
- Distribution infrastructure for 180 days
- Brand partnerships secured through Atlantic
We appreciate your concern but will proceed as artistically necessary.
Regards,
RGH Legal Team
-
From: legal@roseglobalholding.com
To: ross.legal@mmg.com
Subject: Re: Cease & Desist - Cork County Comments
Dear Counsel,
We find your C&D regarding Mr. Rose's Cork County comments amusing, particularly given:
Truth is an absolute defense to defamation
Public records are public records
Perhaps review Florida Department of Corrections employment records circa 1997
Perhaps your client would prefer we discuss this matter in a more public forum? We have an extensive file of verifiable documentation that might interest various media outlets. Feel free to proceed with legal action. Discovery would be fascinating.
Best regards,
RGH Legal Team
"Don't kill my vibe, nigga, don't kill my vibe, yeah"
Meanwhile twitter erupted with new developments:
@XXL: Industry insiders reveal @Arell_Rose's contracts contain "genius-level" protection clauses.
@Akademiks: BREAKING NEWS: Footage just leaked showing India CURVING Drake's boy Baka at Fox Theatre! Game was cappin! She ain't even give him the time of day! 😭 I apologize to @Arell_Rose and @indialove for the cap! I mean.... but Drake is still Drake tho so maybe he at least got her number!? Hopefully!
@Akademiks: Nah but fr tho... the way shorty curved Baka... that's some cold shit! 🥶 Loyalty really ain't dead!
"On top of my game nigga we aren't the same, ayy
"I wonder why lame niggas think that they run things"
@TheShadeRoom: EXCLUSIVE: Security footage shows what REALLY happened at Fox Theatre ! Swipe for the truth! 👀
@NoLifeShaq: 6 tracks in and this mixtape already better than most albums this year. @Arell_Rose really in his bag!
@DJSCHEME: Nah but that X, Ski and Juice track???? DIFFERENT LEVEL! 🔥
@PostMalone: My brother really different 🏎️ #WFOOK
@WORLDSTAR: 🚨 Meek Mill album streaming numbers dropping while Arell Rose mixtape climbs! 👀
@RickRoss: [Tweet deleted]
@imdontai: NAH BUT THAT SKI MASK VERSE THO! 💀 #WFOOK
@ComplexMusic: Sources say major labels already preparing offers for Ski Mask, XXXTentacion, and Juice WRLD following #WFOOK features
@MeekMill: Some of these blogs need to stop riding dick. A mixtape ain't touching my album 😤
@Drake: You know the saying... if you love something, let it go. If it comes back...
@50cent: Officer Ricky getting nervous... I see them deleted tweets 😂
@Diddy: All this negativity... we need to come together as kings and settle this properly. Miami this weekend? 🛥️ #CirocBoys
"On top of my game nigga we aren't the same, ayy
I wonder why lame niggas think that they run things"
India's fingers intertwined with his, pulling his attention from his phone. "You're missing it," she said softly, nodding toward their friends. Devon had just set off a particularly impressive firework, drawing cheers from the others.
"Let me know, let me know
Let me know if you comfortable, ooh"
Arell looked down at his notebook again, at the angry verses he'd been crafting. The words felt hollow now, disconnected from the joy surrounding him. He thought about Dr. Chen asking him what victory really looked like in this situation.
@KingJames: Major salute to @Arell_Rose for puttin' out some good music. Reppin' on every level!!!
@TheShadeRoom: Multiple sources confirm @Arell_Rose turned down $2M deal to apologize and end beef! 👀
@indialove: Some things money can't buy... 🖤
@Diddy: Young king @Arell_Rose we need to talk business. Love always wins 🖤 #CirocBoys
India squeezed his hand gently. "You good?"
Arell looked at her, then at their friends still celebrating in the yard. The notebook felt heavy in his lap, weighted with words he wasn't sure he needed to say anymore.
"I found your vibe, and I- and I found my high, yeah
Let's touch the sky, I'ma- I'ma change your life, yeah"
"Yeah," he said finally, closing the notebook. "I'm good."
The sky erupted with another burst of color, and for the first time that night, Arell actually saw it.
"Let me know what's up with you, ooh
Let me know if you comfortable, ooh"
The interlude played on, its question hanging in the air: Let me know, let me know... what's really worth fighting for?
...
[Slimed In by Future & Metro Boomin]
"I'm just on some slime shit
I'm back on that slime stuff, you know what I'm sayin'?
I don't care nothin' 'bout this superstardom shit, you know what I'm sayin'?
Yeah, yeah
That's on God."
The familiar melody washed over a listening session crowd. This wasn't their first time hearing Slimed In – the track had been teased months ago, snippets circulating through group chats and fan pages. But hearing it now, in sequence, after the raw vulnerability of the interlude... it hit different.
Arell's verse slid in smooth as silk:
"Yeah, yeah All my hoes gettin' slimed in
Niggas ain't on no slimy shit
All my hoes from Thailand
Ho know a nigga got a water wrist
All my hoes in the widebody
Pick my ho up in the widebody"
In his streaming room, NoLifeShaq leaned back, a knowing smile playing across his face. "See, THIS the track he was talking about on Funk Flex! Remember when he said not all his lyrics reflect his actual beliefs? Man's was just having fun with it." He bobbed his head to the hypnotic beat. "But you can't deny – this shit SMOOTH though."
The track flowed like liquid gold, each bar melting into the next:
"Squeeze and don't stall, one thousand percent
It's over, you fall, one thousand percent
Stand over your dog, one thousand percent
I'm over this shit, one thousand percent
I'm slimin' out shit, one thousand percent
I get it, I print it, one thousand percent
Bitch love how I'm livin', one thousand percent"
As the final notes of Slimed In began to fade the beat switch hit like a thunderclap.
The entire room seemed to freeze as the new production washed over them – cosmic synths spiraled outward like newborn galaxies, drums hitting with the force of meteors breaking atmosphere. Where Slimed In had been smooth and earthbound, this was something else entirely – a sound that reached beyond the stars themselves.
NoLifeShaq leaned forward in his chair, eyes wide. "Wait... WAIT. Hold up." He grabbed his head with both hands as the chopped vocals floated in, distorted and ethereal:
[Reference Track: Travis Scott Stargazing]
Yeah, yeah
In the House
Woah, woah
Yuh, yuh
Let's get it
When Arell's voice came in, transformed and floating above the instrumental like some astral projection, even the most hyped viewers fell silent:
I- I- I -I been floatin' off the ground (floatin')
Astroplanes, I'm zoned out, no sound (whoo)
Time don't exist when the stars come down (nah)
"Nah, nah, nah," Shaq shook his head in disbelief. "This production is DIFFERENT. Who produced this? Kanye? This some next level..."
The verse continued to unfold like a cosmic origami:
Two O's in my eyes, but I see through the disguise (Yeah)
For a piece of the pie, but it's laced with DMT (Psycho)
Open your eye see the world like me (See it)
Niggas flip-floppin', they switch like seasons (yeah, yeah)
Talkin' 'bout demons, but never reasons (what?)
Cockpit, propellin' treason (cockpit)
Runnin' this game, no cap, I'm beacon
In his streaming room, ImDontai was practically levitating. "THE PRODUCTION! THE BARS! Nah, this man really in his bag!"
But it was the next section that sent the chat into overdrive:
I'm dodgin' the hate, propane in my section (woo)
Snakes tryna hiss, but we dead 'em with venom (chop)
Barrel's the lesson, we flexin' with pressure
They askin' for smoke, we deliver express, bruh (what?)
The hook returned like a cosmic mantra:
In The House, floatin' off the ground (floatin')
Astroplanes, I'm zoned out, no sound (whoo)
Time don't exist when the stars come down (nah)
In Houston, Travis Scott had stopped mid-conversation with Don Toliver, his face frozen in an expression of stunned recognition. "Play that back," he commanded, moving closer to the studio monitors. As the track played again, his energy began to build like a reactor approaching critical mass.
"NAH, NAH, NAH!" Travis paced the studio, hands gesturing wildly. "THIS IS IT! THIS THE SOUND!" He grabbed his phone, fingers flying across the screen as he typed out a message to Arell:
"Brother... this sound... we need to cook. This that FUTURE. Need you in Houston ASAP! 🌵🚀"
But before anyone could process the first half of the track, the beat switch hit. The entire soundscape transformed, becoming something darker, more ancient. Egyptian-inspired melodies wove through rumbling 808s as Arell's voice took on an almost prophetic quality:
Pyramid schemes in my dreams when I'm sleeping
Ancient wisdom got me levitating, floating, seeking
Eye bleeding gold, my mind's a golden beetle (it's lit)
Egyptian cotton sheets, but can't catch no sleeping
Been up for six days, shadow people creeping
Pockets full of blue faces, but I'm feelin' ill
Sippin' liquid gold, my cup runneth over
Four horsemen in my garage, apocalypse ain't over
Black Tesla shooting stars, meteor shower shoulder
Getting colder as I'm rising, ice age getting closer
They say Rosell lost his mind, I say I found it (found it)
Mountain climbing in my psyche, peak experience, I crowned it
Drowning in success, but this success ain't counted
Every curse a blessing, every blessing mounted
Raw power like Iggy, but I'm more obnoxious
NoLifeShaq nearly fell out of his chair. "THIS BEAT SWITCH! NAH, THIS AIN'T FAIR!"
The verse continued to build, each bar adding another layer to the song:
Reckless how I'm livin', but the purpose heavenly
Manifestin' dreams from a seed into a legacy
Levitatin', see my body in the stars (stars)
In Los Angeles, Kid Cudi sat in his home studio, headphones on, eyes closed, letting the track wash over him.
As the final verses approached, the production reached new heights:
They tryna get with me, talkin' that wizardry (uh-huh)
But I'm movin' swift like a shadow in mystery (what?)
Keep the blades on me, sharpened up mentally
Step into my zone, that's instant history
Ellen on the phone, we top tier, next level
Niggas diggin' graves, buryin' envy with shovels
I'm floatin' through the clouds, stargazin' on lore
I been flyin' high, trippin' past the damage
Bout to light this world up, let 'em know who ran it (ran it, ran it, ran it, ran it)
Travis was already on his second message to Arell:
"We gotta lock in! This sound... this the future! You showed me sumn I ain't even know I was looking for! STRAIGHT UP! 🌎☄️"
The track's final moments felt like a descent from orbit, the cosmic energy slowly dissipating as the outro played:
ran it, ran it, ran it, ran it
As the track faded, ImDontai sat in silence for a moment, then looked directly into his camera. "Chat... I ain't even gonna cap. That might be one of the best produced tracks I heard all year.."
He reached for his mouse, ready to click the next video. "Hold up though... y'all saying there's a video for 'Psychedelic'? Bet, let me pull that up real quick..."
The chat erupted with anticipation as he navigated to YouTube.
@TRAVISSCOTT: STRAIGHT UP! That sound got me in a whole other zone! @Arell_Rose 🌵🚀
The psychedelic journey was about to continue, but first, ImDontai clicked the next video, ready to see what visual madness awaited in Psychedelic.
He leaned forward in his chair, adjusting his headphones as the video began to buffer. The chat was moving so fast it became a blur of emojis and excited messages. He cracked his knuckles, a habit when he knew something big was coming.
"Chat, chat, y'all ready for this? This joint better be crazy after that last track..."
The screen went black, then opened with a dazzling shot. The camera panned across a grand piano suspended in what appeared to be space, stars twinkling in impossible patterns around it. Pharrell sat at the keys, dressed in an all-white Infinity fit, his fingers dancing across the ivory as cosmic dust swirled around him.
"OH NAH!" ImDontai's eyes widened. "The PRODUCTION VALUE! Whoever directed this... hold up, hold up!"
The piano notes echoed through space as the camera began to spin, revealing Arell floating on the other side of the piano, a custom chain gleaming against his black hoodie. The diamonds caught the starlight, making the figures within appear to dance.
"That chain is CRAZY!" ImDontai exclaimed, leaning closer to his screen. "That's the one Pharell gave him right? Nah, the detail on that joint..."
"Gang! Gang
They tryna front on the gang!
Gang! Gang! Gang!
They talkin' down on my name, don't let 'em run off with the name
Man I just run with the gang, Forever boys came with the flame
They wanna rep with the name, but this ain't no regular name
Gang! Gang!
Them boys not flexin' the same I'm done with adjustin' to fame, pull up on your set, leave a stain!"
The scene suddenly shattered like glass, each fragment revealing a different setting. In one, Arell stood atop a Gucci-wrapped van in an industrial wasteland, the sky above him a swirling psychedelic mix of purples and greens. In another, he moved through a traditional Indian temple, its walls covered in shifting mandalas, while Rocky appeared briefly in flowing robes, his gold grill catching the light as he grinned.
"Came from the dark, now my ice got me glowin'
Throwin' shade, but my shine got 'em knowin
Young legend in the makin'
I was destined for the throne
Red like the blood of my enemy two-tone interior
Two-tone ExtENDo, feel me?
Fast flow, faster trigger
I pray you niggas is hatin'', shooters go after Judas
Smokin'' on that gas, exhaust like NASCAR
Fuck the law, outlaw, I''m Billy the Kid in fast cars
She ride the wave like a yacht in the storm
Movin' like a boss, but they still call me the don
Double G's on the buckle, I stay custom-made
I left 'em in the past, now they scream my name
Like gang."
"These TRANSITIONS!" ImDontai jumped in his chair. "Whoever edited this needs a raise! ALL THE RAISES!"
The visuals exploded, mixed with luxury and street culture. Arell moved through a series of increasingly surreal scenes: racing through streets in a chrome-wrapped Lamborghini, the city's neon reflecting off its surface in impossible patterns; standing in a fashion house atrium where models wore pieces from his Infinity line, their movements creating trailing afterimages that formed different brand symbols in the air.
"Wait, wait, wait!" ImDontai paused the video, pointing at the screen. "Y'all see that transition? The way they used the Infinity logo to... nah, let me run that back!"
"We flexin', we flexin'
I'm drippin', no question
They wanna block my blessings
But we keep on progressin'
They frontin', they stressin'
But I'm higher than heaven
They gon' remember the essence, yeah
We in the psychedelic
Vision gettin' hectic
Minds connected, reality's electric
Ride the wave, don't regret it
We in the psychedelic
It's a vibe, we kinetic
Touch the sky, yeah, we eclectic"
He rewound to watch as the camera pulled back through Arell's chain, revealing an entirely new scene where he stood in a replica of the Sistine Chapel, Rocky appeared again, this time walking on the ceiling, gravity seeming to shift with each step.
"Gang! Gang
Man I just run with the gang, Forever boys came with the flame
They wanna rep with the name, but this ain't no regular name
Gang! Gang!
Them boys not flexin' the same I'm done with adjustin' to fame, pull up on your set, leave a stain!
She call me the moon 'cause I light up the night
I'm searchin' for the sun to give birth to new heights
She rock Chanel, but she came from the gutter
I told her, "Stay true, never switch up for another
I'm hot like Weezy, got flows for days, no sleep
Dollar signs in my dreams, I'm countin' sheep on a shoppin' spree
The swag cover my body like it's a disease, no vaccine"
The video continued its journey, each scene more ambitious than the last. Arell performed in a room where every surface was covered in screens showing his past videos, but they began to glitch and merge, creating new hybrid images. His chain appeared throughout, sometimes as a subtle detail, other times as a central focus, its diamonds casting prismatic light shows across various scenes.
Arell walked through a traditional Indian marketplace that began to transform, vendors' stalls becoming high-end boutiques, saris morphing into cutting-edge fashion pieces, all while maintaining their cultural essence. The lotus imagery from the lyrics manifested in stunning visual metaphors, with flower petals turning into currency notes that swirled around him.
"I'm in Dior pajamas, silk sheets, yeah, we live lavishly
Hustled for the bag, had to get it with my brothers
Now they see us eatin', feastin' like no other, gang
Catch me in the cut, stackin' what I made
Thank God I ain''t end up in dolls and dresses
Forced to be a man, life taught me lessons
They say my flow's Tenochtitlan
It's fuckin' Aztec
Rappers speakin' in some weak ass text-mex
Love blooming like lotus in a silent pond
But are we on the same page or different books?
Feelings deeper than Ganges, girl, take a look
Sari-wrapped emotions, vibrant and bold
Story unfolding, pages yet untold
West of everything I''ve known before
Knocking on your heart like it's a forbidden door"
The final shot pulled back through the infinity symbol one last time, returning to the piano in space, now surrounded by all the video's elements floating in perfect harmony. The camera panned down to show Arell's chain resting on the piano keys, the figures within it still moving slightly, suggesting the entire video might have taken place within its structure.
The mixtape quickly transitioned into the instrumental for Runnin' Over its melodic waves washing over like a gentle tide.
[Reference Track: Notice Me by Post Malone & Migos]
"(Post)
Got your hoe with me I pull her slowly
Saint Laurent on both my feet
All this jewelry, they gon' notice me
And you know I got that Rol' on me
They wanna run over me
Saint Laurent on both my feet
All this jewelry, they gon' notice me
(Arell)
Ayy
I wanna ride, ride, ride with her
Keep my eyes, eyes, eyes on her
Wanna grind, grind, grind on her
Ayy, wanna fly, fly, fly on it
Can I vibe, vibe, vibe on it?
Fox Five, Five, Five on it
Get live, yeah
All this jewelry, they gon' notice me
Birds in the traps singin' like Jodeci
Hood rich, with a touch of the solemn
Got stacks on stacks, lead, don't follow.
Penthouse views got me feeling like I made it
Remember nights when my account was faded
Prayer work better than superstitions
Ridin' 'round the city
Sippin' a tea, packin' the heat
Niggas that lookin' for me
Comin' up watchin' them niggas on TV
Like they were what I wanted to be
Now I'm the one gettin' paid for it
Thank God, it's a blessing to see
Doin' shows, I'm on stage for it
(Post)
Saint Laurent on my feet
Got your hoe with me
I pull her slowly
Saint Laurent on both my feet
All this jewelry, they gon' notice me
And you know I got that Rol' on me
They wanna run over me
Saint Laurent on both my feet
All this jewelry, they gon' notice me
(Arell)
Ayy
I wanna ride, ride, ride with her
Keep my eyes, eyes, eyes on her
Wanna grind, grind, grind on her
Ayy, wanna fly, fly, fly on it
Can I vibe, vibe, vibe on it?
Fox Five, Five, Five on it
Your ex still in my DMs tryna get a response
While I'm out in Milano, hitting fashion shows
Said she miss the old me, girl that's long gone
4AM in Milano (Milano)
She dancing slow mo'
Saint Laurent from head to toe
Living life in fast forward
While these other niggas stuck in rewind
She say I got that glow
That's why she never let me go, no
She asking bout commitment, all for it
Got your hoe with me
I pull her slowly
Saint Laurent on both my feet
All this jewelry, they gon' notice me
And you know I got that Rol' on me
I pull her slowly
Saint Laurent on both my feet
All this jewelry, they gon' notice me
Ayy
I wanna ride, ride, ride with her
Keep my eyes, eyes, eyes on her
Wanna grind, grind, grind on her
Ayy, wanna fly, fly, fly on it
Can I vibe, vibe, vibe on it?
Fox Five, Five, Five on it
Get live, yeah."
The track faded into the background Arell's mind as his phone buzzed with notifications. Twitter was still erupting with reactions as expected.
@MeekMill: Some of these new artists think they can just copy flows and make it. No originality 🥱
@Diddy: Ayo @Arell_Rose, I been tryna reach you, King! We gotta build!
@XXXTentacion: On the real, this whole vibe changed because @Arell_Rose believed in the vision. Couldn't be more grateful 🖤🖤
@Champagnepapi (deleted): Some things can't be bought. Or maybe they just don't come back, huh?
@imdontai: THIS TAPE IS CRAZY! @Arell_Rose out here making movie music. Every track hit different 💥💥 #ForeverMusic
@NoLifeShaq: Realest artist in the game right now. This new wave with @Arell_Rose, Juice, X, Ski, I feel like we're watchin' legends in the making 🔥🔥🔥 #WFOOK
@Diddy: 🤔 Wait, I KNOW you not ghosting me @Arell_Rose 👀 Text back or miss this boat, King! #CirocBoys #MiamiWeekend
@Akademiks: Arell turned down a $2M silence deal… you heard that right! He really in this game for the music 🎶💯
@Pharell: Every once in a while, someone changes the game. Proud of you, @Arell_Rose 🙌
Arell set his phone face-down, a small smile playing at his lips. The hate felt distant now, almost amusing.
[FlashBack]
Piedmont Park sprawled before him, the Atlanta skyline piercing the dusky sky beyond the trees. His feet carried him along familiar paths, the same routes he'd run countless times before. But tonight was different. Tonight, his mind wasn't on the beat of his feet against the pavement or the burn in his lungs. Instead, it wandered through memories, through conversations that had shaped the past few months.
[Reference Track: Hair Down by SiR and Kendrick Lamar]
somanyzombie$
"I been goin' silly for
At Day (At Night)
You might catch me rollin'
where the reps ride (real
reps, real reps, real reps)
Ain't no opposition, I'm the
best, right? (yeah, yeah)
I might take my city on a
test drive (test drive)
You don't wanna see me on
a good day (ph no, oh no)
You don't wanna see me on a
bad day (no, no, no, oh no)
I was just a nigga with some
hoop dreams (hoop dreams)
Now, I'm in the league, bitch
Now, I'm in the lead, bitch
I can slam dunk but I just
layup (I just layup, ayy)
Baby if I show you all my scars
(ooh), what (what), ride for me
May not understand me 'cause it's
all real (I'm all real, all real)
And I don't really give a
damn how y'all feel (No, no)
"Baby, I'm just tryna let my
hair down (my hair down)
Baby, I'm just tryna let my
hair down (my hair down)
Everybody's watchin', I'm
aware now (I'm aware now)
But I can't find a reason I should
care now (I should care now)
Baby, I'm just tryna let my"
Dr. Chen's office materialized in his mind – that leather couch, the subtle scent of jasmine tea, the way sunlight filtered through her venetian blinds.
"Tell me about Geoffrey," she'd said, her voice gentle but probing. "You mentioned feeling conflicted about his role in your success."
Arell had shifted uncomfortably, the leather creaking beneath him. "Geoffrey's... he's everything you could want in management. Brilliant, strategic, always ten steps ahead."
"But?"
"But sometimes..." Arell had paused, struggling to articulate the feeling that had been gnawing at him. "Sometimes I wonder if he sees me as a person or just a series of successful outcomes."
Dr. Chen had nodded slowly. "And how does that make you feel?"
"Grateful," Arell had said quickly, then caught himself. "But also... lonely? Like, he's got my back, no question. But when I talk about how I'm feeling, about what all this means..." He gestured vaguely at the air. "While his advice is sound. It's like he's processing inputs and outputs, you know? Like he's running scenarios instead of just... feeling it with me."
"Baby if I show you all my scars (all my scars)
Would you still ride with me this far? (this far)
Got me feeling vulnerable and raw (so raw)
But with you I don't need these guards (these guards)
Tell me do you feel this energy? (energy)
Got me breaking all my tendencies (tendencies)
Usually I'm ghost by 2AM
But with you I wanna see the sunrise again
Soul-suckers everywhere, call 'em spiritual leeches
Caught in this dance of ''maybe'' and ''what if''
Every moment with you feels like a gift
But the fear of losing what we've got
Keeps these words of love in a knot
Standing at the edge of something real
Heart racing faster than I can deal
Do I take the leap or play it safe?
Risk it all or let this moment fade?
'Cause friendship's precious, rare and true
But this feeling's screaming breakthrough
Your perfume still on my Amiri, got me feeling like a child
You different though, intellectual, reading Plato with a smile
You wanted clout, now its deeper dialogue
Been through phases, different faces, but you hit different
Used to play it cool but now I'm showing my reflection
Every text got double meaning, that's that real connection
Testing my patience but your love getting finer"
The memory dissolved as Arell found himself at the lake's edge. The water reflected the deepening twilight, stars beginning to peek through the purple-orange canvas above. He settled onto a bench, notebook open on his lap, pen hovering over blank pages.
His thoughts drifted to India, to the way she'd held him after that session, not saying anything, just being present. No calculations, no strategies, just pure, unconditional support. The contrast between her natural empathy and Geoffrey's programmed responses had never felt starker.
"Baby if I show you all my scars (all my scars)
Would you still ride with me this far? (this far)
Got me feeling vulnerable and raw (so raw)
But with you I don't need these guards (these guards)
Tell me do you feel this energy? (energy)
Got me breaking all my tendencies (tendencies)
Usually I'm ghost by 2AM
But with you I wanna see the sunrise again
Love's not a game, but I'm rolling dice
Hoping for seven, your lucky spice
Westbrooks avenue, where my heart resides
But are we cruising or just along for the ride?
Your name on my lips like a Sanskrit kiss
Love, got me crossed time zones
Feeling like home, yet so far from home
Henna patterns on the walls of my mind
Trying to decode the love we might find
Girl, do you want this?
Betting my heart on a love yet to begin
Tell me do you feel what I feel?
When the night gets quiet and it's just us here
No facades, no walls, just real
You got me feeling this sincere
You got that MBA mind with that model pose
Making power moves while these other girls just pose
Late night conversations about consciousness
Usually I'm guarded but you got a password
Future looking clearer every time you laugh girl
Got me actually praying that this thing last girl
Cause what we got here worth more than all my cash girl
Baby, I'm just tryna let my
hair down (my hair down)
Baby, I'm just tryna let my
hair down (my hair down)
Everybody's watchin', I'm
aware now (I'm aware now)
But I can't find a reason I should
care now (I should care now)
Baby, I'm just tryna let my-"
The words began to flow, his pen moving across the page as if guided by some higher wisdom. The dialogue that had been echoing in his mind all day finally found its form:
"So tell me... will we ever fall in love?
Or are we bound by the flesh, lost in what we call lust? (deep, slow)
What's love really, can it ever be real? (fading)
I never meant to hurt you, I never meant to lie
But he's more like a brother to me, I ain't gotta try (nah)
Now I think I'm fallin' in love, but how do I decide?
Is this what love feels like or am I just blinded by the vibe?
She speakin' to me, but is it her? Is it divine? (divine)
Or is it wisdom I'm talkin' to? Help me see the signs (see)
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast.
Yeah, I hear it, I get it, love ain't just about the feelin' (nah)
It's a truth we gotta live in, a deeper type of healin'
Fallin' in love ain't just about you and me
Is it somethin' universal, somethin' that's set us free?
"To love is to know the truth, and to live is to love without condition."
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear…"
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends…"
"I never meant to lie, nah, I never truly did
But love, it hit different when I understood, that it's about givin' (distorted)
To love her, I gotta love everyone… the way I never knew
True to truth somehow, I was blind but now I see
Through kaleidoscope visions, the love was always in me (distorted, echo)
True to truth somehow
But never truly lied at all, then and now
I'm falling into love, deeper than I knew how"
Each line felt like a revelation, a truth he'd known but never fully grasped.
The stars had fully emerged by the time he looked up from his notebook. The lake had become a mirror of the night sky, endless possibilities reflected in its surface.
[Flashback End]
Back in their backyard, India tucked herself deeper against his side. Above them, stars pierced through Atlanta's light pollution, distant but brilliant.
"You good?" she asked softly, her fingers intertwining with his.
Arell pulled her closer, breathing in the scent of her perfume mixed with the night air. "Yeah," he truly meant it. "I'm good."
A slight breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the faint echo of music from somewhere in the distance. Arell closed his eyes, feeling India's heartbeat against his chest, steady and real. In that moment, all the questions about love and wisdom seemed to answer themselves in the simple act of being present, of letting go of the need to calculate every outcome.
—The YouTube notification lit up NoLifeShaq's phone: "WFOOK -'Outside' (Official Video)"
"Oh shit, we got a video!" Shaq adjusted his camera, making sure the lighting was perfect. "Bro, but listen that last track? That was crazy, I didn't even know Arell could sing, but listen, Outside, final track, we're here." The anticipation had been building all day as reactions to the mixtape flooded social media. His timeline was a tsunami of hot takes, memes, and industry drama.
@TheShadeRoom: EXPOSED: The Game's "Jewish Connection" comments backfire as fans defend @culturecritic: "If Arell being Jewish is supposed to be some big exposé... maybe examine why you think that matters? Man's been nothing but real since day one."
@XXL: Fans shut down attempted controversy over Arell Rose's background: "Music transcends all that. Period."
@MeekMill: Numbers don't mean nothing when they artificial. I know what's real 😤 [Quoted Tweets]
@imdontai: "Bro still talking? After getting exposed for lying about India? 💀"
@WORLDSTAR: "This man taking L after L 😭"
@MeekMill: [Tweet deleted]
The video opened with a drone shot of Atlanta at dawn, the city skyline piercing through morning mist. The camera descended toward a small church, its stained glass windows catching the first light of day. Inside, Arell sat alone in a pew, head bowed.
[Outside by MO3 and OG Bobby Billions]
"Yeah, yeah
They scared to come outside
Tell them boys they better pray
Tell them boys stay out the way
Don't make it any less safe
Yeah
(They're scared to come outside)"
The scene shifted to Arell walking through a neighborhood, SahBabii by his side. Kids played basketball in driveways while old heads watched from porches. No flashy cars, no jewelry - just real life.
[Niggas know we stepping night and day
God know I'm stepping now and later
Until it hurts, where's the mercy
Still searching for it
You hear that church up in my verses
'Cause that's how I'm raised
I told God He gotta forgive me, living in pain, oh
Get down on my knees when I'm in pain, oh
Tired of the rain on my name
I clean this blood off my Jesus piece
Ooh, Jesus, please
Can you fill my needs? Yeah
Tired of fuckin' up, I'm in the streets, ayy
Tryna take away this hurt inside of me
They scared to come outside
God, I need a second chance
Knowin' that wanna I love you, but then I do the Devil dance
If I drop one of them niggas
When I kill em, call the reverend, yeah (Yeah)
'Cause no weapon formed against me shall prosper, yeah
But will my own weopen form against me
The final sequence returned to the church, but now the pews were filled - and in the center a outline was made with candles.
"They scared to come outside (Ooh, wee, yeah, yeah)
Niggas know we stepping night and day
Niggas know we stepping now and later
Until it hurts, where's the mercy, Still searching for it
You hear that church up in my verses
'Cause that's just how we raised
Dawg, I feel cursed, I pray for better days
Seems like yesterday we was catching plays
And it's been harder on me lately, I can't catch a break
Almost ended up losing niggas on a day to day
Everyday I pray
Only God can take this hate away
Lord knows, if I see em, I don' wanna have to spray
In the same spot I see em' will he have to lay?
I cleaned this blood off my Jesus piece
Jesus, please say there's a heaven for a real one
I'm thinking, even Moses had to kill one
They scared to come outside (Ooh, wee, yeah, yeah)
Niggas know we stepping night and day
Niggas know we stepping now and later
Until it hurts, where's the mercy, Still searching for it
You hear that church up in my verses
'Cause that's just how we raised"
As the video faded to black, reactions exploded.
ImDontai: "THIS IS WHY I DO YOUTUBE! TO WITNESS MOMENTS LIKE THIS!"
NoLifeShaq: "This whole tape was a masterpiece."
Flight: "Nah! This was insane!!"
Zias & B Lou: "B, B this was crazy B!"
@imdontai: Nah we just witnessed something special. This ain't just music, this is ART! 🎨 #WFOOK
@XXXTentacion: This what happens when you stay true to yourself and your art. Proud to be part of this project 🖤
@PostMalone: My brother really gave us a classic 🏆 #WFOOK
@Drake: Respect where respect is due...
@TheShadeRoom: "Fans saying @Arell_Rose's mixtape 'Wishing For One of A Kind' might be one the best projects of 2015👀🌪️ #Shook"
@ComplexMusic: ".@Arell_Rose reportedly projected to debut at #2 on the Billboard 200 with a mixtape. Industry heavyweights are shook 👏🏾 #WFOOK"
@chartdata: "JUST IN: 'Wishing For One of A Kind' by @Arell_Rose is set to outpace several major album releases on Spotify and Apple Music in its first week 📈"
@RapCaviar: "New 🏆 @Arell_Rose — proving why he's on another level #WFOOK"
@KingJames: "A true King in his own lane 👑 You did it, @Arell_Rose! 🎶💯"
@imdontai: "This man can SING too?? I'm done.
@Akademiks: "Yo, you can't fake this. Def the better project, hands down #WFOOK"
@Diddy: "Ignoring my calls but can't ignore this legacy. I see you"
@RollingStone: "Arell Rose's ability to blend raw, vulnerable lyrics with production finesse is setting a new standard. We haven't seen this level of mastery since Kendrick Lamar 🔥"
@TheShadeRoom: "Backlash incoming 😳 Fans calling out 'copycat flows' after @MeekMill's tweet this morning 👀"
@50cent: "Drake and Meek feelin' the heat from the young king 🔥👀👑"
@Needledrop: "Arell surprised me. Soulful singing, complex production…"
@SahBabii: "Always said he was gonna be legendary, look at him now 🚀 @Arell_Rose taking over!"
@YourFaveCritic: "Even major labels are scrambling to replicate Arell Rose's moves. 'Wishing For One of A Kind'. #WFOOK"
@Pitchfork: "What's left to say? Arell Rose created something for the ages. This project demands your full attention and then some."
@XXXTentacion: "They tried to keep us out, but my bro Arell kicked down the door. Stay real 💯🖤 #WFOOK"
@MeekMill (deleted): "Money don't buy originality…"
@6ThPareet "@MeekMill still mad? Lmaooo @Arell_Rose dropped a BOMB on the industry and dude can't handle it!"
@XXL: "Rumor has it, multiple labels are reaching out to @Arell_Rose's collaborators after his latest project blew up 🔥 More features in store?"
-
THE NEEDLE DROP - YouTube Transcript [Excerpt] "...and then we get to 'somanyzombie$' which, I have to be honest with you all... adjusts glasses, visibly emotional This track hit me in a way I wasn't expecting. The production, the vulnerability in his delivery... wipes eye Look, I don't usually get emotional during reviews, but there's something so raw and honest here..."
later in the video
"So yeah, I'm giving this thing a strong 6 to a light 7."
-
@XXL: Industry divided as Arell Rose's earlier comments spark debate on Black identity in hip-hop. Leaders call for "thoughtful dialogue" #WFOOK
@ComplexMusic: PUMA executive caught on hot mic: "We can't be associated with someone who alienates core demographics" 👀
@WORLDSTAR: Atlantic Records reportedly holding emergency meetings after Arell Rose's Hot 97 interview goes viral once more
@RevWilliamBarber: We must be careful not to let legitimate critique become a weapon of division. Praying for wisdom in these times.
@Akademiks: BREAKING: BET Awards reportedly reconsidering Arell Rose's performance slot
@imdontai: This man dropped one of the hardest tapes I've ever heard and y'all trying to bring up this black identity stuff again?? Make it make sense 🤦🏾♂️
@9thWonder: Sometimes the greatest artists make us uncomfortable because they're holding up a mirror. Think about that.
@AtlanticRecords: We believe in fostering inclusive dialogue while maintaining respect for all communities. We are reviewing recent developments internally.
@XXL: BREAKING: Multiple festivals reportedly dropping Arell Rose from summer lineups amid growing controversy
@JColeNC: "The system only loves you when you playing their game. Real ones know what's happening here."
@Rapsody: Sometimes speaking your truth comes at a cost. But silence costs more. Standing with you
@NoName: The way they're trying to twist man's words... read between the lines folks
@TheRoot: "Opinion: Arell Rose's Comments Highlight Hip-Hop's Ongoing Struggle with Intersectionality"
@MeekMill: Numbers don't lie. Controversy can't save mid music 🤷🏾♂️
@TheGame: Some of y'all forgot what real hip-hop sound like. Too busy chasing trends
@imdontai: They trying to cancel bro but can't cancel TALENT! This tape is DIFFERENT!
@BIGQUINT: Clip: breaks chair during reaction NAH THIS TOO HARD!!
@RapCaviar: Sometimes the most important voices are the ones they try to silence 🎭
"They gon' notice me."
-
Dr. Chen's words echoed in Arell's mind as he reflected on all that happened today mind: "Success isn't about proving others wrong. It's about proving yourself right."
The night air carried the faint scent of jasmine, and somewhere in the distance, church bells chimed. Arell closed his eyes, feeling the weight of the journey - not just the music, but the growth, the healing, the love. In that moment, he understood what Dr. Chen had meant about victory.
It wasn't about numbers or noise. It was about peace. Truth. Being outside the game while changing it entirely.
Sometimes the greatest flex isn't what you show, but what you know. Sometimes the hardest bars aren't the ones you spit, but the ones you live by. Sometimes, the most powerful move isn't clapping back - it's moving forward, growing upward, letting your life be the response.
Outside, inside, the truth remains the same: real recognizes real, and love conquers all.