2019 was one of the worst years of my life on a personal level. From facing loss, heart attacks, near death experiences and surgery. It was a year filled with lows. Historically however, the greatest creatives do throw themselves into their work to make it through their mental illlness and their lows. Looking back I guess that’s how I dealt with all the shit I was dealt this year.
As far as Melly Starz is concerned, she was killing it this year. Being confined to your home for two years gives you a lot of time to work and that’s what happened. I started doing music reviews again. I started a mix show style podcast that is still going strong and is even starting it’s second season soon. I made my debut on camera and behind the scenes and remembered why I started this whole thing. I’ve even begun expanding the team in order to expand the content we bring you. 2020 is already filled with exciting plans but as is my life we shall where things end up.
Thanks for the support this year and hope to see all of you guys in the new year cheering me on while I continue to battle mental illness and physical ailments to bring you guys the content you love.
Wilhelm Duke releases debut project “The Robber Baron”. An old school boom bap record reminiscent of the golden era of hip hop. The 7 track record is entirely produced by Orlando Coolridge of SlumpGang777. The project is recorded, mixed, and mastered by RhymSter of Ever Evolved.
1. Sistine Chapel: We get right into it. There was no hesitation for Wilhelm to start spitting. It had an upbeat style with relevant references.
2. The League: Again, no hesitation on the intro. I get even more of the old school boom bap on this track. Wilhelm Duke is def with the old school style and I love it. I liked the flow and delivery from both artists on this track.
3. Free PPL: He speaks on capitalism and getting money and wealth. I liked the message behind this song and how he was speaking to a girl at different points.
4. Gilded Hilt: Stick out line on this one is “A focused mind will never die.” I really liked that line. This song expressed how we need to expand our horizons including our mind. You have to listen to your heart.
5. By Design: Shots fired off bat. I agree though, these new rappers don’t respect the OGs or the game. He also talks about how fucked this life is and one my fav “conspiracies.”
6. Spirit of the 90s: Throwback to the best of times. It’s like taking a ride through a time machine. He is from my time period for sure. It resonates even more from the Chicago only references. This track is so fun and probably my favorite, feels like home.
7. Forever: Oh this track is funky. I had a hard time keeping up because of the delivery but when I could follow along it was great. This one I just had to sit back and enjoy. It was awesome and made me a fan for sure.
Overall, this was a well put together project and I really enjoyed it. It was a nice change to everything we see in the mainstream media. He definitely took me on a trip down memory lane with the references, beat and overall flow. It was not what I expected but I’m glad this project came across my desk.
About Wilhelm Duke
Wilhelm Duke is a Chicago based rapper, writer, and event curator. With roots and origins in Nebraska and Sweden. Duke moved to Chicago in 2012 to pursue a music business degree and break into the recording industry. He spent 5 years playing many shows and events as one half of the rap duo, Bombay Boyz. He also spent the last year writing articles and curating events for the Chicago collective and platform, Ever Evolved.
You know the Melly Starz team always supports Chicago based artists. However, no matter where you are if you have a new project you want to share with the fans of one of the top 100 hip hop blogs, send over a submission to mellystarzsubmissions@gmail.com or head over to our contact page. What did you think of Wilhelm Duke’s new project? Let me know by leaving a comment or on social media by following @mellystarz on instagram and twitter.
This isn’t a review but I was able to work on a video and artwork for a Christian musician. The opportunity came from my friends over at Rift Multi-Media. They also sponsor my weekly podcast. Check out the video and let me know your thoughts. If you are looking for a team to produce your next music video or photo shoot check out Rift Multi-Media.
The Advent Calendar I choose this year, is, of course, the Funko Harry Potter one. Each day you get a mini vinyl figurine. Week four’s theme I’m naming as the Golden Trio week. Here’s what I got:
Day 19: Neville Longbottom
Day 20: Draco Malfoy
Day 21: Hagrid
Day 22: Ron Weasley Again
Day 23: Hermione
Day 24: Harry Potter Again
I’m slightly disappointed in the calendar overall. I definitely think they could have done a better job. I’m also not a fan of it being based on the goblet of fire. No one even likes that movie but I guess it is the only one with a fancy dance. Next year, I’m hoping for better.
Is anyone else doing the advent calendar? I’m curious to know if everyone is getting the same characters in the same order or if it is a different experience for everyone. Stay tuned for next week’s unboxing. Let me know how your advent calendars are coming along.
