John's Blog Space

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Arturia MiniLab 3

French music company Arturia makes instruments for musicians on many levels. At one point, I wanted to step up my music production. So what I did was order an Arturia MiniLab MK3 MIDI controller. It has helped me make music better. I will explain how I feel about this device for you all.

Arturia MiniLab MK3

^ from: (Thomann) - This is the latest in Arturia's MiniLab series- the MiniLab MK3.

Before I go any further, let me start with a testimonial before I discuss this MIDI controller. The Arturia MiniLab MK3 was not the first choice for me in picking a MIDI controller. I was originally considering getting an AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3. I was going to buy the AKAI MIDI controller... until a YouTube channel convinced me to get another one otherwise. That "another one" happened to be the Arturia MiniLab MK3.

A Quick Note About MIDI Controllers...

A MIDI keyboard and a MIDI controller are two different things. A MIDI keyboard can operate on its own and can generate sounds. A MIDI controller, however, can not generate its own sounds, and it must be plugged into a computer or something for it to work. Your PC must also have proper cables and such to fully utilize. The Arturia MiniLab 3 is a MIDI Controller.

More About the Arturia Minilab 3.

The Arturia MiniLab 3 is the third generation of Arturia's MiniLab series of MIDI controllers. This MIDI controller comes in three colors combinations from the device and its keys: white/white (the one I have), black/white, and black/black. It comes with its own USB MIDI cable through a USB Type-C connection. It has a Control port good for if you are using a MIDI device such as a pedal. Even though the Arturia MiniLab 3 has its own MIDI connection, this device also has a standard MIDI Out port for use for MIDI output.

The Arturia MiniLab MK3 has 25 pressure-sensitive keys along with eight pads for percussion effects. It also has a host of knobs and sliders to adjust the music, along with a unique touch slider that dynamically affects the pitch of played notes. The MIDI controller can be easily set up for any digital audio workstation (DAW) you can get it to work for. This MIDI controller even includes Ableton Lite for you to use. If you want to use the paid version of this program, get yourself Ableton Live.

How I Use the Arturia MiniLab 3.

I am not good at using a MIDI controller for a DAW. However in the past, I have used a MIDI keyboard to input keys into a MIDI music program to make music. The Arturia MiniLab 3 is what I use to plan out notes to use for the Piano Roll in FL Studio. I play out the song in my mind and then input the proper notes to use for instruments in FL Studio.

More advanced MIDI Controller users can record notes and beats using FL Studio or any other DAW. I have successfully configured my Arturia MiniLab 3 for FL Studio, Ableton Lite, and OpenMPT (to an extent). I have not gotten this to work with Linux MultiMedia Studio (LMMS). This keyboard should work with nearly any modern program that utilizes MIDI.

Now that you have a basic idea about this MIDI controller, let me offer you my thoughts on it next.

Arturia MiniLab 3: Final Thoughts

As someone who has never owned a MIDI controller before, using the Arturia MiniLab 3 was a new experience. The

For More Information.../Shopping

To learn more about the Arturia MiniLab 3, here is a link to it from Arturia's website: Arturia - MIDI Controller - MiniLab 3.

If you want to buy an Arturia MiniLab 3, visit any of the links I've provided to you in this section. They will take you to retailers that offer this MIDI controller. So take a look around:

• Amazon
• eBay
• Walmart
• Sweetwater
• Thomann

Happy shopping! :)

I do like the Arturia MiniLab 3, and it does help me in producing music. Maybe I should try to enhance my skills with it to be great with this MIDI controller. Anyhow, Subscribe/Follow my blog(s) in any capacity if you love my work. Share my blog post(s) with others if you enjoy my work. Support me further by connecting with me on social media; and if you are inclined, feel free to donate to me (tips/donations are voluntary but would be appreciated). Thank you for reading! Take care and be well.

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Google Nest Hub

John B. Marine | 10/01/2024 12:08:00 AM | Other Reviews | Personal Commentary | Technology Be the first to comment!

The Google Nest Hub is what I got for Christmas in 2023. I was unsure what I wanted to get, so I wanted to try out getting the Google Nest Hub. I figured now would be a time to offer thoughts on this device with this blog post. So what you're about to see are my thoughts about the Google Nest Hub.

Google Nest Hub

Meet the Google Nest Hub:

^ from: Google Nest Help - Let Google Nest Hub be your Google-powered assistant for your home.

The Google Nest Hub is a connected device that can serve as your own assistant. You can request it to get weather updates, watch YouTube videos, play songs and sounds, and more. This is Google's answer to the Amazon Echo; and of course, it uses the Google ecosystem. The Google Nest Hub comes in two varieties- the Nest Hub and the Nest Hub Max. I have the former. The base Nest Hub is a 7-inch screen device, while the Nest Hub Max is a 10-inch screen device. The Hub Max can handle things like voice chatting and video calls with sound. The device must be plugged in to work, and you must have an active WiFi connection for it to work. It has no battery to operate on its own.

You can program certain commands to handle certain tasks or remind you of calendar effects. Throughout the months I tried out the Google Nest Hub, I experimented using certain commands for the device. A lot of things you can program it to mention can be trial-and-error. Some things require extra stuff. For example, you can't have it tell you Major League Baseball schedules or National Hockey League schedules without a subscription to YouTube. It used to have a feature that would monitor your sleep and give sleeping advice. Nowadays, I think you have to pay for having this feature.

While the Google Nest Hub uses the Google ecosystem, this device can not be used as a Google browser. For commands it can not process, it will instead link you to certain topics you suggest it. It also can use only so many external applications. You also can not use it to store data. So while you can do a lot with the Google Nest Hub, there are limitations.

I use Google Nest Hub like another clock in my room as well as asking it things from time to time.

Commands to Try.

Should you get a Google Nest Hub and not be sure what you can request it to do, I've created this section to give you some command ideas. To initiate Google Nest Hub to give commands, you must say "Hey Google" followed by what you want it to look up. Remember there are many more things you can suggest than what is in this section. These are just a few ideas, though. Each example is what you can say after telling it "Hey Google":

• ...tell me (sport) scores
• ...tell me (product) stock prices
• ...tell me today's weather (or "tell me tomorrow's weather") (you can also specify what city you want a weather report for. For example, "tell me today's weather in New York City.")
• ...tell me sunrise times; ...tell me sunset times
• ...tell me next game for (sports team)
• ...tell me a motivational quote
• ...tell me a fun fact
• ...tell me a joke
• ...turn up/down the temperature to (temperature) (this would require a smart thermostat)
• ...play a delightful chime
• ...play "happy birthday" (for if it is someone's birthday)

Try out different Routines and commands to enhance your experience with the Google Nest Hub. I told Google Nest Hub to play "Happy Birthday" for my mother, and it did a nice birthday wish to her! :) On a more serious note, if you want to change the routines for Google Nest Hub, it is recommended you do so online by accessing the Google Assistant page online. You can also use the Google Home application; but to handle Routines for the Google Nest Hub, I've had better luck using the webpage for Google Assistant and going to "Routines."

Google Nest Hub: Final Thoughts

The Google Nest Hub can serve as a great smart device to connect you to the world and connect your living space. While it connects you to the Internet and handles your media consumption needs, it is NOT like your smartphone or tablet PC. There are some things I wish it could handle better or without needing any kind of subscription. For the most part, the Google Nest Hub will serve you well for a number of different uses.

If I convinced you to get a Google Nest Hub, you can order one online using any of the following online stores and retailers (read the Affiliate section and/or Affiliate Notes for disclosure on the provided links):

• Amazon
• eBay
• Best Buy
• Walmart
• Target

Happy shopping (if doing any)! :)

That concludes another blog post of mine. Hopefully you found some value and insight in what I have discussed. Make sure to stay with my blog(s) if you enjoy my work. Subscribe/Follow my blog(s) in any capacity if you love my work. Share my blog post(s) with others if you enjoy my work. Support me further by connecting with me on social media; and if you are inclined, feel free to donate to me (tips/donations are voluntary but would be appreciated). Thank you for reading! Take care and be well.

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Friday, June 21, 2024

Livia Corazza

John B. Marine | 6/21/2024 07:29:00 PM | Famous People | Music | Personal Commentary Be the first to comment!

Livia Corazza is a Brazilian singer who sings sweetly and performs equally sweetly. Smooth vocals to some fine guitar play makes Livia a fine singer. This blog post of mine will introduce you to this fine singer. I hope you all will get to experience and learn of Livia Corazza and her music. Allow me to begin.

NOTE: This blog post is all opinion-based and is not a proper interview of this personality.

Livia Corazza

Meet Livia Corazza:

^ from: (Facebook) - This is Brazilian singer, Livia Corazza.

Livia Corazza is a singer from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Her music is showcased on Twitch and YouTube. The older days of her featured content has her singing alongside her guitar-playing father, Seu Nogueira. Livia nowadays is balancing both singing and guitar play. Sometimes, you may sense a Maltese dog wanting some face time. That adorable dog is named Filomena, and she's fun!

The music Livia Corazza sings to are mostly mellow tunes. It is the kind of music you might enjoy at a coffee shop or at a very nice cafe. The vibes are mellow and lighthearted. Most of what she sings are covers of various Portuguese (and even non-Portuguese) songs. She may perform a song in her native Portuguese tongue, or she may even perform a non-Brazilian or non-Portuguese song very well. Songs she performs even are of bossa nova or samba variety.

Livia Corazza has a sweetly powerful singing voice. Livia opened me towards learning about certain Brazilian singers from the times I visited her channel. She also is fairly adept at the organic trumpet and even using a shaker. At times, channel points were redeemed to do acapella on Twitch.

Suffice to say, Livia is quite talented musically. Her channel is very fun for when she streams. I do miss the classic times of Livia singing and Seu awesomely playing guitar, but Livia is doing rather well (to me) doing both singing and guitar play.

Video Previews.

I'm going to include two samples of Livia Corazza and her music. Both featured videos are in Portuguese. You will get a chance to hear Livia sing here. First is a piece with Livia and her father. Check it:

^ [Live] Lívia Corazza e Seu Nogueira - De volta pro aconchego (Dominguinhos / Nando Cordel)

And here is an older video with just Livia singing along with a band:

^ Lívia Corazza - Anunciação (Alceu Valença)

What I Would Tell Livia Corazza (if she read this)...

You and your music are wonderful. Both you and Seu are great at performing wonderful music. You sing wonderfully, and Seu is a great guitarist. You are even doing quite well doing singing and guitar play. I wish you well in all aspects of life. You are pure talent along with being a wonderful person. It is a pleasure to join your streams on Twitch when I can.

For More Information...

To visit Livia Corazza's Twitch channel, visit: www.twitch.tv/livia_corazza.

Hopefully you enjoyed this blog post. I do what I can to educate, entertain, inspire, or inform. Be sure to follow my blog(s) if you enjoy my work! Subscribe/Follow my blog(s) in any capacity if you love my work. Share my blog post(s) with others if you enjoy my work. Support me further by connecting with me on social media; and if you are inclined, feel free to donate to me (donations are voluntary but would be appreciated). Thank you for reading! Take care and be well.

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Thursday, June 6, 2024

Chromebook Confessions

John B. Marine | 6/06/2024 02:46:00 AM | Personal Commentary | Technology Be the first to comment!

I have enjoyed my Chromebook since getting one in 2021. It has served my basic online needs for some time. It even improved my productivity while using it. Lately, though, I have come up with a revelation. I will share my thoughts and my revelation in this blog post. If you are interested fully in my latest thoughts on Chromebooks, be sure to stick around for my thoughts!

Chromebook Confessions

Before I get to my main points, let me share some basic thoughts.

Chromebook Thoughts.

^ from: (Amazon) - A Chromebook is capable of so much and does not require much to get basic operation going. However...

My Lenovo Chromebook has served me well. I was sad I did not get the Samsung Chromebook I wanted to get, because it got discontinued. I enjoyed using ChromeOS. It is snappy whereas you just turn it on and won't have to wait minutes to get everything fully up and running. It is equally snappy to shut down. It is a not-cluttered experience for anyone simply wanting to use the Internet.

If all you want to do is use the Internet and do a good bit of productivity, a Chromebook is an inexpensive way to simply traverse through cyberspace.

Chromebook Confessions.

Now for the meat of this blog post and why you are interested. The revelation I have is that owning and using a Chromebook is not for me long-term. There is a reason I never fully committed long-term towards using a Chromebook. I am so used to Windows programs that I feel my productivity is only slightly greater with a Chromebook when it could be greater with a Windows laptop. Would it be worth getting a proper laptop in the future? Possibly. It may be worth getting a decent-spec laptop with about the same performance numbers of my Lenovo Chromebook. Or if I am fortunate, get a great laptop with great specifications (doesn't have to be a gaming laptop) on the cheap.

Why Laptops are Better.

Technically, a Chromebook IS a laptop. What I am referring to here, though, is a regular laptop. A laptop can be a more viable solution over a Chromebook. Even so that laptops can be upgraded. A laptop can last longer and be more capable. Especially if you use a bunch of programs that a Chromebook may be unable to execute to the same level of a proper laptop, you may feel a Chromebook can be a waste of money. Take me, for instance. I do things like blogging, image editing, music making, video editing, also programming. I can find a handful of programs for which to handle all or most of these tasks for my Chromebook. Sometimes, though, my programs for my Chromebook may not be enough.

Also, do you realize that some devices may not work properly with Chromebooks? Just because a device is plug-and-play does not guarantee it will work properly with a Chromebook. You will need to find certain hardware that have been tested to be compatible with Chromebooks. It is part of a designation called WWCB, or "Works With Chromebook. One such example of devices that may not work immediately with Chromebooks are webcams. Chromebooks already have their own integrated webcam, but external webcams and external microphones do a better job of capturing video and sound than what a Chromebook offers. Using a webcam not compatible with a Chromebook can be a waste of money.

Since I have certain needs that a Chromebook may not be able to properly address and be as compatible with my needs, a Chromebook isn't enough for me, especially long term. So I almost feel like in the future wanting to get a decent enough laptop to replace my Chromebook a few years from now.

There is one more fault of Chromebooks that you have to take into consideration. Chromebooks have an end-of-life cycle where they will no longer receive updates from Google. The EOL (also called "auto-update expiration" or AUE) usually happens after 8-10 years with a Chromebook you buy. You can still use your Chromebook after the AUE/EOL date, but don't expect updates from Google. It could even make your Chromebook vulnerable. Some Chromebooks can be able to support using Linux. Though, Linux could give you some security concerns.

Get a Proper Laptop Instead?

All I have been suggesting in this blog post is a Chromebook is not a bad thing to invest in. If your needs involve much less than basic computing and using the Internet, a Chromebook is not a waste of money. I am just suggesting a Chromebook is just not for me long-term after I thought of what a laptop can do over a Chromebook. If you want to be able to utilize basic computing and an Android app or two, get a Chromebook. Just be mindful of what you can do with a laptop vs. what you can do with a Chromebook. Understand your computing needs and decide for yourself if you are better off long-term with a laptop or a Chromebook.

Thank you for reading my confessions regarding Chromebooks. I hope you are able to understand where I am coming from and my own thoughts after Chromebooks lately. Maybe I have given you some insight on the long-term side of Chromebooks. Do you agree or disagree with my points? You are welcome to comment. Subscribe/Follow my blog(s) in any capacity if you love my work. Share my blog post(s) with others if you enjoy my work. Support me further by connecting with me on social media; and if you are inclined, feel free to donate to me (donations are voluntary but would be appreciated). Thank you for reading! Take care and be well.

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Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Making My Entryway Into Modern Gaming?

John B. Marine | 6/04/2024 07:53:00 PM | Gaming | Personal Commentary Be the first to comment!

I am still in the PlayStation 3 era, folks. I look to break into the modern gaming realm with one of three choices. I'll explain my situation and choices in this blog post. I feel like trying to finally crack into the modern gaming realm after a considerable amount of time stuck in the PlayStation 3 era. Because I am not any serious gamer, I am not hesitant to join the modern gaming landscape. I am instead just wanting to finally get to this level after so long with my PlayStation 3. I also don't plan on selling my PS3 and the games I have for it, though it could help in financing for a better system.

Anyhow, let me share with you what I am thinking of as a gamer wanting to be current.

Making My Entryway Into Modern Gaming?

Modern gaming is rather expensive and convoluted. As an old-fashioned kind of person, my gaming interests are different from most other people. In older times, online gaming on PS3 was free. You now need PlayStation Plus to play online for PlayStation gamers. I've been a lifelong Nintendo gamer before I eventually moved on to Sony PlayStation. I still want to finally become current gaming-wise. So therefore, there are three options of mine. These options are in the order of recent plans of mine.

Before I begin, I have already eliminated XBOX because I have no plans to join the XBOX realm right now except for maybe get a used XBOX 360 to play some XB360 games and some reverse-compatible original XBOX games. So there will be no talk of me getting an XBOX One, an XBOX Series S, or an XBOX Series X in this blog post. Now for my modern gaming options...

Option 1: Nintendo Switch.

^ from: Nintendo.com - Switch gaming up at home or on the go with the Nintendo Switch.

The Nintendo Switch was originally what I wanted to get once I saved enough money. I figured this would finally be my entry into today's gaming realm. The Nintendo Switch is very much the best value for gaming and online. Cheapest you can go is the Nintendo Switch Lite for $199 USD. You can still snag the regular Switch unit at $299 USD. If you want the best Switch right now, it's the Switch OLED for about $340 USD.

I want to get the regular Nintendo Switch. There are a few pitfalls for me with the Switch. I do want to consider getting the Switch to play the classic games online. The regular Switch Online is good for that, but the Expansion Online includes also Game Boy Advance and Genesis/Megadrive games. So I want to get the Switch and the Expansion online deal. I have no interest in the Switch Lite because I want to be able to play games not tied down to Handheld exclusive. I could get a Switch Lite, but I feel like I'd miss out on a full Switch experience. I don't care for ultra-awesome graphical detail, so the Switch OLED is not in my interests also. Even if the Switch OLED delivers a slightly better performance, I still prefer the regular Switch.

Another issue with the Switch is for a rather old console, many of the games are still full-price. Usually, a lot of the top-selling games are often times sold for a lower price. That isn't the case with a lot of Switch games. Long-timers like Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom all still sell for about $59.99 USD. A lot of the lesser titles and the indie/independent gamer titles are priced lower. So to play a lot of the major titles for the Switch still cost a good bit. Also, some games aren't available for the Switch currently, such as Street Fighter 6.

The last such issue I have with the Switch has nothing to do with the current state of the system. Instead, it is about its future. There is word of a possible (hypothetical name) Switch 2. Some people I talked to suggested I hold out on buying a Switch until we know as much as possible about the next Switch. We may know more about it in September 2024. If this next generation Switch is reverse compatible with original Switch games, then it would probably make more sense to get the newer Switch than go with the currently-available Switch models. That delay up to that decision is still a deterrent for me getting the Switch regardless of what the next Switch may provide.

Option 2: Get a Used PlayStation 4.

^ from: (Amazon) - The PlayStation 4 is still worth it, even nearly since its debut in 2013 or 2014 (based on market).

I was convinced by online videos and some online forums that the PlayStation 4 is not dead... yet. Some people even swear by using the PlayStation 4 because they don't have the fancy 4K or better TVs of today. I could live without not having a super-powerful console for which to enjoy gaming on. Therefore, I considered getting a used PlayStation 4. The best I could do is find a good or excellent condition PlayStation 4 Pro within my budget. If I don't see a PS4 with a one terabyte drive, I may consider upgrading the PS4 for some more storage. A PlayStation 4 used can either be fairly cheap or near regular MSRP price. Also, you may not know what you're getting and in what condition a used PlayStation 4 can be. You are kind of taking your chances in this regard.

My pitfalls with the PlayStation 4 are kind of the same with the Switch, only more towards the aging process. The PlayStation 4 has been released in America since 2013 and since 2014 in Japan. There was always talk of that 5-year cycle of PlayStation consoles. Even the PlayStation 4 has a lot of games that may no longer be developed for it in the near future. A lot of the PS4 games can still be enjoyed even if/when the PS4 games will be no longer sold instead of PS5 titles on store shelves.

One person suggested I'd be better off getting a PlayStation 5, since the PS4 could possibly have some lag with some games. Games run smoother on the PlayStation 5. I'd even take that chance with a PS4 until I somehow have enough to get a PlayStation 5.

Since I am still into the Sony ecosystem, I feel want to stay in it. I surely could still enjoy PlayStation 4 and not have to worry about saving up too much to get the PlayStation 5. Speaking of...

Option 3: Get a PlayStation 5.

^ from: (GameStop) - The PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse of a gaming console. Features like 4K and such make this a powerful console for those who have the finances to get one.

Now on to the final option- get a PlayStation 5. This is the long-term solution. Once development ends for the PlayStation 4, a lot of people eventually will move on to the PlayStation 5. The PlayStation 5 has been around since 2020 or 2021 depending on the certain market. Having a PlayStation 5 is the best idea long-term despite the lofty current prices to own one. At least you could reverse-compatible play PS4 games and even upgrade their graphics for PS5 if you wish. This means you get the PS5-quality graphics for 4K or better televisions and such.

It is important to note that the PlayStation 5 comes in two different kinds- the Digital Version and the Disc Version. If I get a PlayStation 5, I want it to be the Disc Version. I am still someone who prefer hard copies of games and being able to play older PlayStation games on a modern PlayStation system. The Digital Version is the cheaper-priced option at $449.99 USD. The Disc Version costs $50 USD more, at $499.99 USD. According to videos I've seen, you can actually swap out the disc drive on the PlayStation 5 in case is doesn't work anymore. So in theory, I could get the PS5 Digital Edition and then pay to add the disc drive to it. That to me, though, is still money wasted; so I'm better off simply getting the Digital Version. I would consider getting a replacement PS5 disc drive if the current one fails.

The obvious pitfalls for me are with getting the PS5 in general. It would be weird for me to entirely skip the PlayStation 4 and go to the PS5 from the PS3. A lot of the games aren't too expensive for PS5. Since a lot of store shelves have more PS5 games than PS4 games, I'd be completely current on the gaming front bestowed with a PlayStation 5. It also means I could make my Gran Turismo 7 debut on the top console currently in Sony's lineup. I feel I will be a bit futureproof gaming-wise with getting a PlayStation 5. That is... until the PlayStation 6 surfaces.

INTERESTING FACT: My first game with each PlayStation console has been a Gran Turismo game. PS1 = Gran Turismo 1 (and later Gran Turismo 2), PS2 = Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec, PS3 = Gran Turismo 5, PS4/PS5 = Gran Turismo ???.

Now you know what I am looking at in terms of being among modern gamers.

Which Way Should I Go?

My ultimate decision is going to vary on a number of factors. On the other hand, I have already thought about what would be the ideal case. I am currently considering to save up for a PlayStation 5 Disc Version. I could try my hand at secondhand PS5 consoles, but I am not as confident I'll get my money's worth trying to get a cheaper-priced PlayStation 5.

In a perfect world, I'd have a PlayStation 5 Disc Version and a regular Nintendo Switch (not Lite or OLED). If it turns out the next Nintendo Switch is reverse compatible with the current Switch, I probably can trade my regular Switch for the newer generation one.

That's it for this one. If you care to discuss, then...

What option that I mentioned should I take?

I want to thank you for joining me with this blog post. I also appreciate if you could offer some advice and sway my interest. Subscribe/Follow my blog(s) in any capacity if you love my work. Share my blog post(s) with others if you enjoy my work. Support me further by connecting with me on social media; and if you are inclined, feel free to donate to me (donations are voluntary but would be appreciated). Thank you for reading! Take care and be well.

Visit my JohnMarineDesigns Weebly site, subscribe to My Blog(s), and/or Follow on Bloglovin! Let's connect:
Contact Me via E-Mail	Contact Me via Discord	(donations are voluntary)

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Saturday, April 27, 2024

Thug Shells

"I can rap any word," says the "pocket sized self-described bubbly gangster," Thug Shells. There is big time talent from this petite freestyle rapper and entertainer who shares her awesomeness with gangster adorability. Don't worry- it's okay to drink the Thug Juice and become a fan of this impressive entertainer and musician. This blog post focuses in on the wonderful personality known as Thug Shells.

BEFORE I BEGIN...

Everything in this blog post is all opinion-based. This is not meant to be a proper interview or article.

Thug Shells

Meet Thuggy:

^ from: (YouTube) - Thug Shells is a positive pocket-size gangster who offers her awesomeness through gangster adorability. Care to drink the Thug Juice?

Thug Shells is a Canadian rapper from the Canadian province of Alberta. She is best known for her incredible rap skills, especially freestyle rap. One of her first acts where she gained popularity around 2020 by making a music video based on a popular public service announcement in Canada from the 1990s. She since has been at the forefront of many different impressive and fun songs and projects. Thug Shells has a knack for positive-focused music along with lots of lighthearted and uplifting acts.

Thug Shells often likes to say she can rap any word. If anyone visits her Twitch channel, you'll see she gets lots of practice taking in terms from Chat and making a freestyle rap song. Besides the freestyle rap she does, Thug Shells also produces her own music. She's done a number of different rap songs, but she also has done drum 'n bass and some other similar work. One of the simplest showcases of her work can be seen in a 20-minute long video that serves as "Stream Starting Soon" or intermission. Songs of hers include "Thugs Bunny," "Blooming," "Too Sunny," "Not Alone," and more. Recent songs of hers include "Money," "Figure It Out," "Drama Llama," and "Just Be."

Thug Shells has competed in some rap competitions before. She took part in some rap battles and won. What I found most interesting is that some of the rappers she went up against used a lot of profanity-laden rhymes while Thuggy just utilizes her own unique style of hip-hop. Even once in one performance, she mentioned (indirect quote) "...I don't have to swear to be a good rapper."

Thug Shells has a lot of marine wildlife influence for fictional characters. Her mascot is Finnigan, a dolphin. One of the animations on her channel features crabs walking by. So there is a lot of marine influence with a lot of her work.

My Testimonal.

Times previously, I seen Thug Shells featured in my Twitch recommendations, but I never gave thought to visit her channel in the past. Thug Shells finally convinced me of her awesomeness when she performed this freestyle rap session regarding PizzaPrincessG (who I blogged about before here: "PizzaPrincessG" on John's Blog Space):

...and since December 4, 2022, I've been a Thug Shells fan. I also don't regret being of Thuggy, either.

The Thug Shells Experience

Thug Shells mostly is about freestyle hip-hop. A lot of her regular Twitch streams are simply about taking terms said by Twitch chat and then making a song out of those terms. The process is simple- pop into Chat, mention a word or two, and Thug Shells will try to incorporate that into a freestyle song. At times, Thug Shells takes her freestyle rap into the world. She has had freestyle rap sessions chatting with real people. They range from common folk to even a few famous names. All the while, Thug Shells drops some bars that leave people absolutely impressed.

Though she is great at freestyle rap, she also is a DJ. Her DJ work is not exclusively hip-hop; other genres she mixes includes hip-hop, drum 'n bass, breakbeat, disco house, and more. Thug Shells is just as talented mixing music as she is making music.

Her biggest contribution to Twitch is hosting Freestyle Rap Night. This is an occasion held whereas a number of individuals get on stage and freestyle rap to their heart's content. There usually are no major musicians taking part in these rap sessions. Most of the individuals who perform are mostly into real hip-hop and rap for the love of it. More detail on "Freestyle Rap Night" is coming up later in this blog post.

Is Thug Shells all music on Twitch? No. She sometimes does real life streams featuring real-life insight. Her streams can be travel streams, hiking streams, gaming streams, or anything like that. I seen her stream her experience visiting cities like New York City and San Francisco. I seen her stream going hiking in the Yukon. She had a stream of her getting a tattoo. Many things are featured on her Twitch channel.

Back to freestyle rap for a moment, though.

Thug Shells Raps.

Freestyle rap involves putting together an impromptu song based on certain key words. This is a style popularized by talent like Harry Mack. I think Harry Mack is the king of freestyle. Honestly, I think Thug Shells is the queen of freestyle rap.

Thuggy has a very smooth voice that lends power to the bars she drops in her songs. She got that 1990s hip-hop style, and that's what I love about her hip-hop style. Thuggy can rap slow or fast, usually fast. Most of all, Thug Shells doesn't rely on excessively swearing. Her own songs mostly have some great positive messages. She is all about "good vibes only" and positive energy. I honestly think if 2020s Thug Shells went back in time and rapped in the 1990s, she could hold her own against some of the 1990s talent. She'd fit right in. Thug Shells would be right there against Queen Latifah, Salt 'n Pepa, MC Lyte, Da Brat, and even quite a few of the male hip-hop talent of the 1990s.

Thug Shells even competed in a hip-hop battle tournament in Vancouver in 2023. She had to try to hold her own against some other rappers dropping savage bars. Thuggy won her rap battles with minimal swearing and witty humor while her opponents would fill up the Swear Jar easily with savage bars.

Freestyle Rap Night.

Let me use this space to discuss Freestyle Rap Night, hosted by Thug Shells. Every other Thursday night at the River City Revival House in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; various people get up on stage and drop some freestyle raps to the crowd. Some time later in the Freestyle Rap Night, a feature artist or artists will take the stage and perform some of their songs to the crowd. Thug Shells even drops some freestyle bars in between some of the different rappers from time to time. After that, there is usually a 20-minute break before the night continues with more freestyle rap. You could either relax or enjoy what River City Revival House is famous for- its delicious chicken wings.

Freestyle Rap Night was where I got to hear some of the common and popular names. The first personality I grown to love on Freestyle Rap Night is an artist known as STIX the Legend. Later, I got to know different personalities like Jangles and Rat King Radio.

One time, Thug Shells had to serve three roles in one night- host, DJ, and feature performer. This specific night was all on her birthday or around the time of her birthday!

One word of warning... Freestyle Rap Night is purely uncensored with some raw language.

Now for some final thoughts...

Thug Shells: Final Thoughts

Thug Shells is an absolutely genuine and very cool personality. This Canadian excels at hip-hop and doing DJ sets. She has that 1990s style of hip-hop and a polarizing personality that makes her very loveable and enjoyable. One would have to try very hard to not like any of her material. It is very easy to smile, laugh, and/or admire her immense talent. She may be a "pocket sized self-described bubbly gangster," but she is also a wonderful person who has massive talent and personality and executes with "gangster adorability." So go ahead- drink the Thug Juice. What 'chu got to lose?

What I Would Tell Thug Shells (if she were to read this)...

Thug Shells, thank you so much for your awesomeness. Your personality and charm in all arenas of life are absolute boons to the world. I even enjoy being part of such an amazing Twitch community you have. You even introduced me to a number of different personalities through Freestyle Rap Night Maybe my only regret is becoming a fan of yours any sooner. I didn't get to be sold on your awesomeness until you dropped an awesome freestyle rap about PizzaPrincessG at TwitchCon 2022. I even purchased some of your songs from Bandcamp, until I found about your work also available on Beatport. I have been more than honored being part of your community since December 4, 2022. I wish you more success and greater success in the future. Most of all, thank you from saving me from boredom on Twitch (and/or YouTube as well). Stay awesome! :D