Last night around 8:00PM I was greeted at the doors of IMI Studios in Soho, Manhattan by Creative Director Million Dollah Rah and Talent Manager Blades. Their greet set the tone for the evening. Walking through the doors you could hear the symphony of multiple conversations buzzing about OfficialJL, and the expectations of this new project. Since the release of teasers on social media for “Shit Going On” featuring the Brooklyn Artis K Goddess, A||ready has been the circulating topic.
This has been groundbreaking news as OfficialJL formally JLSHOTTHAT, is known for breaking through the scene as the Director for the hottest artist in New York. The aroma of Utopia danced around the cocktail room thanks to OfficialJL’s collaboration with Essential Exotics that included flower flavors such as JL-Lato, A||ready Runtz, and Red Dragon Zlushie.
The star of the cocktail hour however had been the drink selection and it’s diversity. Let It Be, a passionate combination of peach, Tequila, and Orange was highly favored. Teen Year combined pineapple and orange flavors that paired well with the hors d'oeuvres. The top contender had to be when I “Murdered My Thirst” with Liquid Death’s non alcoholic beverages that had a crisp and refreshing impact.
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| Photography By: Lavish Curt |
“Good Evening Everyone, we are ready to head into the listening room for the main event as we will begin shortly” the exchange of networks transitioned into an intimate and cozy theatre. As everyone began to take their seats, you could tell that this was going to be more than your typical listening event. The lights dimmed and there’s a split silence in the room that quickly gets interrupted by OfficialJL introducing the video world premier of “Shit Going On.”
“I couldn’t think of a better person to play the role. I had to get K Goddess” expressed OfficialJL. K Goddess expressed how she was able to relate to the topic in her personal life. This allowed her to stay in character during each scene. “My team is amazing shoutouts to Onur and the rest of the team we took this entire video in one shot.” This music video also had some hidden Easter Eggs. One included Creative Director Million Dollah Rah who had a short cameo in the visual. “I actually spray painted the original work for Already when JL first dropped 10 years ago” stated Dollah.
Although many Queens natives had the pleasure of experiencing OfficialJL’s initial project in 2013, it was a shock to many that A||ready is actually an ode to his first project release. “I can’t explain why now, but I know everything happens for a reason, and I don’t question the universes plans“ OfficialJL expressed when asked why he is finally releasing after a decade.
A lot of laughters filled the room during a pre Q&A session as we got to know a side of JL that he typically doesn’t show. This may be due to being behind the camera for so long. He touched topics like mental health and being an introvert which allowed everyone to experience this relatable vulnerability. As we were getting to know OfficialJL a little bit more he was simultaneously going viral for his world premier.
Without further ado the listening portion of the evening commenced.
“This is going to be more of theatrical performance so I won’t be speaking in between songs” OfficialJL stated as the lights began to dim.
The beautiful sound of a guitar serenade broke the silence in the room as Nobody Sent Me featuring Niqa Mor began to play. Choreographer Dakota Hill took the stage and charged the crowd with energy. It served the ample amount of sex appeal.
Keeping the energy high OfficialJL transitioned into the second track Let It Be. The entire audience sang word for word as Official JL performed and it showed true to his potential as an artist. Emilie Brooklyn who also has a camero in the unreleased visuals for the track, joined OfficialJL on stage with an interpretive dance. This track hands down, has the potential to be the song of the summer.
Teen Years was a great way to slow down the tempo. The production on this song is my favorite out of all of the tracks. It provided a feel of the Neptunes during the initial part of their career, that combined this Star Trek element with keys and the saxophone. OfficialJL showcased his chameleon adaptiveness in his delivery. We see this with artist like Drake and Doja Cat where versatility in sound is not an issue.
The fourth Track was quite the experience. Tell Me What You Want, OfficialJL decided to bring someone from the audience on stage. I happen to be that audience member. I didn’t know what to expect, my social anxiety was at an all time high. The performance for this song was very personal as he grabbed my hand and pulled me from the audience, guided me to sit on a stool, and he sat on another right net to me. I was able to get a look from the inside on his stage presence, and how he adapts with the guest on the fly. The lights instantly shut off and I was led back to my seat to experience the finale. One things about this show is that the transitions had perfect timing.
Before the final song dropped, you could hear K Goddess going crazy! This was a crowd favorite. Everyone already anticipated that Shit Going On was about to play. She migrated from her seat to the stage and was in character throughout the entire song. Perfect duo to end the performance. I hope to continue seeing them collaborate throughout their careers.
OfficialJL ended the night with a standing ovation and encore request.
“Yes that all came out of my head. And we only had time to do 1 quick run through 20mins before start time” OfficialJL responded after being asked if he was the Creative Director behind the show. He dropped some teasers about having performances coming up but no confirmed details just as of yet. I did ask OfficialJL what message does he have for people that may want to box him into his title as a Director “I’d tell them it’s all about timing and my time is now. “
A||ready will be dropping on June 19th, 2023 on all platforms.