Music

Now, you know me being a “Hollis” girl…I couldn’t resist this! Good Lawd, Do I love where I grew up and at the time that I grew up in Hollis! I’ve told y’all the God’s have been good to me..Jamaica, Queens itself, what a beautiful experience I’ve shared. Do any of y’all ever sit back and actually think of the beauty New York City has produced? It continues to influence culture everywhere. Ain’t no place in the world like, New York City. Slang. I’m a proud native, New Yorker. Hollis, Queens to be exact. Wouldn’t change it for the world. Queens itself, already known amongst the five boroughs for our own swag because it’s impeccable. Shout out to Uptown, our only rivals in swag. It’s cool though because a little friendly competition has never hurt us, iron sharpens iron. Wink

Queens, wears the crown of New York City…We birth Kings. I’m even more biased about Jamaica, Queens natives. They undeniably change the game in any genre, they enter. Do your research on the Natives. Even President #45 is from Queens, NY. We are a special kind of people. Anywhere and everywhere we go, it shows…we’ll leave our mark, the correct way. Fifty Cent and Nicki Minaj, all by themselves, prove that statement to still reign very true.

Now in Hollis, we were mostly residential, things have changed some over the years. BUT that’s ok too. Did y’all know that Black home ownership in the borough of Queens itself was always the highest in the Nation? …and, that it has always been that way. Older New Yorkers can tell you that back in the day, Our Parents (Black) could only dream of ever owning a home in Queens. It was considered a “status” symbol to be able to say, “You owned a home in Queens.” It was showing off, announcing to Black folks all over New York City that “You’d arrived.” Smile

No matter what, New Yorkers should remain proud because OUR way is the truth. WE ARE, The trendsetters, our way has always been“official.” Slang.

And, I’m still in loooove with “Rap” because of our local neighborhood heroes, “Run DMC” …didn’t God bless Jamaica, Queens? …Especially, “Hollis“, Queens? Run DMC, singlehandedly, came in and completely changed the RAP game. They taught others how to level up & they changed the entire genre forever. The whole world was introduced to Hollis‘ swag and culture. The game hasn’t been the same ever since. The Universe has watched over me, not many can say…they grew up in the same neighborhood with RUN DMC, when they were still living around the way. Hollis is a small area in Jamaica, Queens but RUN DMC made it larger than life. Hollis still produces the very best to come in and do the damn thing..Irv Gotti and Ja Rule prove that to be true also. Can’t forget producer, Rockwilder. It’s just something about Queens folk. They turn heads and make it happen.

My neighborhood was full of many legends in the Rap Music game, lots were my local or High School buddies…or they hung out with one of my (three) older brothers. I say that to say that, No matter what happens bad to you, life is still good. Source was right there protecting and guiding my life, the entire time. I’ve been through hell y’all but nothing was in vain because nothing is ever wasted within the Multiverse. Nothing. All of it helped to mold and shape me into the thoroughbred, I am today. Read the article, “Nothing Wasted” click link here, Nothing Wasted Growing up in Hollis, Queens did a whole lot of good for me. Read the article, “Thoroughbred” click link here, https://triddykat.com/thoroughbred

Remember, I talked about one of my brothers, Napalm? I basically shared how growing up, Napalm and I, use to love to run and jump over the 3rd rail, on LIRR train tracks, instead of us walking our butts around, in the back streets of Hollis. Well, in that cover photo of RUN DMC..those are the train tracks, that I spoke of. Read the article, “Hood Love” click link here, https://triddykat.com/hood-love I also shared in The Calling, how scary it was for me to make that transition, from being an around the way girl, that had dropped out of High School, to being accepted to and graduating from a HBCU…and I took it a step further, getting my Masters and becoming a Teacher. Read the article, “The Calling” click link here, https://triddykatsmeow.com/the-calling

DMC, Run and Jam Master Jay, posed in the backstreets of Hollis …at the LIRR station.

A New York state of mind is priceless. It often confuses those that aren’t accustomed to the mentality of New Yorkers. We are raised to speak up. We process things different because of our culture, it’s as culturally diverse as it can get. That’s why one can never think of us as having an average mindset, we don’t…It’s not just black or white for us because we’ve lived amongst too many cultures to be so narrow-minded. I have had no choice but to make it happen. In Hollis, I saw “possible” every single day, it was always being modeled around me. I was exposed to so many people determined to make it happen. I loved it because it allowed me to think outside of the box about life. Read the article, “Boxed” click link here, Boxed

Good Lawd, if y’all only knew the power, y’all actually possess coming from our culture and that shaping us, into who we are today…How can you not create? That’s almost an insult to Source..to not use your gifts. You wouldn’t consider lying, cheating and stealing, if you truly knew the meaning of abundance. You’re to make things happen for yourselves..What are y’all waiting for? Go, Do You. Create. Read the article, “Create” click link here, https://triddykat.com/create

Nowadays, I just sit back and laugh at those, that have tried to slander me and paint me as a gold digger. Please. Y’all wish. Ya group of Blistered Buzzards. I tell liars, keep those projections over there, boo. Slang. Read the article, “Gold Digger” click link here, Gold-digger That’s a tale-tell sign that the one saying it, doesn’t even know me. I’ve always been about my business, staying in my own lane and doing me. Growing up the way that I did, very happy in HOLLIS, allowed me not to develop a poverty mentality. Although, we weren’t rich but it was good, heck it was still Black Middle Class, so I wasn’t in any type of lack, either. Therefore, I don’t believe in using or needing others to come up. I’m extremely competent and capable. So, I DO. “Where’d you get that from anyway, huh?” I guarantee that it came from someone that’s nothing more than a cock blocker talking because they have lips. Cute. Read the article, “Cock Blocker” click link here, COCK BLOCKER Shame on them. Now y’all see why I don’t mess with them folk. The jealousy is real, ain’t it? Yet; The truth will always surface now, won’t it? Wink. Read the article, “Rancor” click lick here, Rancor

I’ve found, Life to be way better then good! I’ll enjoy the life I want, living it the way I want….and answer to no one, working hard for what I want. Let no one will rule over you but you. Life will only be what you make it, so why not make it something grand, folks? Wink. Do the work guys, it’s so very worth it. Sigh. Read the article, “You” click link here, You

*This was written and created by, TRIDDY KAT® on June 19, 2017. Updated 2/4/23

Keep shining.

~Triddy Kat💋

Youtube channel- Triddy Kat’s Meow & Triddy Kat

Visit me at https://triddykat.com and https://triddykatsmeow.com

TRIDDY KAT®

I was in love with Miki Howard, growing up. In fact, I’m still crazy about her…and, always will love me some Miki. I always viewed her as such an inspirational person. Read the article, “Inspiration” click link here, Inspiration

I’ve always been crazy about her…Maybe she’s a kindred spirit, whose to say? She’s still the prettiest thing, ever to me. I can’t explain, as a woman, why I’ve loved her so much but I never even cared about the why. I don’t need to know. Let me just like who I like, thank you. Wink.

I simply adore her style, which completely captivates me…and it has never gone away…her eyes, have always been so darn sexy to me. Get it Miki. And no, I don’t like women, sexually, never have but this is my girl here. So, I must give it up to her, she’s underrated and not celebrated enough. So I’ve decided, I’d celebrate her myself. For a very long time, Miki has been true to her calling. Kudos to her. She’s the truth…a superb, Jazz and R&B singer. Please check out her latest single, “Throw it away. ” Her voice still stirs the soul. I’m never disappointed.

Anywhooo, I saw this picture below and said, “Omg, That’s my baby!”

And I had to share it with y’all…Look at my baby shining. What a treat to stumble across this picture of one, I highly esteem for her talent…its made me just grin, from ear to ear. I’m listening to her right now as I type this saying, “Sing it, Miki.” She can do no wrong in my eyes.

I still love me some Miki!! Had to let you know…My heart always smiles & sings when I see you.

Great job!!

Keep shining.

*This was originally written and created by TRIDDY KAT® on August 27, 2017. Updated-1/15/23

~Triddy Kat 💋

Youtube channel- Triddy Kat’s Meow & Triddy Kat

Visit me at https://triddykat.com and https://triddykatsmeow.com

TRIDDY KAT®

Artist are admired because of their ability to create their unique spin on things …T Pain didn’t ruin real singers or music anymore than Zapp & Roger did with their hood classic, “Computer Love.” 

Usher gave his opinion, no one can call it wrong/ right because it’s his opinion. If that’s how he felt, what’s wrong with him expressing that with T Pain? They’re adults in the same line of work, surely they can speak on what they think on one another’s work…Right?

Now, the way T Pain took that criticism was more about himself ….& likely from the building pressure from the public, along with people in and outside of the industry “constantly” hating or commenting on his “success” with using the Auto Tune.

T Pain can actually sing, so “real” singers can’t talk smack about him because he’s a “real singer” too…it gave him an edge, that separated his art from the rest…

Isn’t that what it’s supposed to be about in a highly competitive field..the establishing of one’s unique sound?

If so, then there was absolutely nothing wrong with T Pain finding tremendous success with using the Auto Tune because he’s an artist that is expected to sound different.

It appears to me that he’s mastered it or I wouldn’t be writing about him today.

Maybe, Usher was unaware on how influential he was considered to be, by T Pain. Cut him some slack, we all forget how powerful we are.

T Pain didn’t ruin it for real singers with the Auto Tune, anymore than Usher set out to purposely cause or trigger T Pain’s battle with depression. No one truly knows what another person is silently dealing with, unless he or the says something about it.

I don’t think Usher was trying to be malicious, more than simply expressing his frustration with what it felt and looked like to him, on his end. He forgot the power of his words/ influence over someone (T Pain) that considered him to be a friend…and a competitor.

T Pain should’ve let Usher know that his opinion of his work caused him to doubt himself because he valued criticism coming from his peer, a fellow artist… and a very successful singer in the game. 

How can fans of either artist even consider to “cancel” either one…? 

See now, that’s that “foolishness” I warn people to take no parts of. Opinions don’t mean we cancel people, folks…this mess is getting out of control …let people have their own opinion. It’s absolutely needed and what makes us so unique.

Cool it on this divisive, cancel culture, that mess can/will quickly turn on you.

It’s my favorite time of the year people…Y’all ain’t about to mess it up for me. I’m enjoying this Sunshine no matter what.

How about we all drink a little lemonade, in the shade ..and just Relax!

Keep shining.

~Triddy Kat💋

Youtube channel- Triddy Kat’s Meow

Visit me at https://triddykat.com and https://triddykatsmeow.com

TRIDDY KAT®

Man, Black men are too CREATIVE...whatever y’all do, the rest of the world quickly imitates, y’all…Please believe it. Slang. Wink.

I can literally say, “Cut Master Belly” has been doing this forever…and he is exceptionally, good at it. It’s refreshing to still find a “DJ” doing what the hood (Jamaica, Queens) knows & loves them for. Cut Master Belly is what I’d refer to as a “Hood Celebrity” in Jamaica, Queens, NYC…and, Belly, what we call him around the way, has earned every bit of it by following and chasing after his passion, which is his love for the craft: DJ’ing and Music. Read the article, “Hood Celebrity” click link here, Hood Celebrity

Creating his blend tapes, his own way, not by imitating another DJ’s swag or style but by doing things in his own unique style…Told y’all that“Hood Celebrity” status, isn’t something brought or earned-by wearing the latest clothes. People can’t give the title to themselves. The hood has given it to ’em. Cut Master Belly earned his name, just by being, himself. Hood Celebrity. Never be ashamed of where you come from, y’all. I’m from the hood and I’m extremely proud of it. I don’t care what others think or have to say about that. I do me and I got that hood love. Official. It gave me soul. Read the article, “Hood Love” click link here, https://triddykat.com/hood-love It nurtured me and made me, ME. Remember when we use to say,” Ain’t no shame, in our game” Slang. We’re ghetto fabulous and so is our music, and guess what? I love every ounce of it.

I swear, this is beautiful nostalgia for me indeed, just hearing this Belly, blend! It instantly transports me back to being raised, in Jamaica, Queens. Cut Master Belly is a Queens, native also…South Side for him, and Hollis to be exact for me. Stand up Hollis & Southside Read the article, “Hollis” click link here, Hollis It’s something about Queens and our love affair with music. I talked about this love affair some in funking for Jamaica. Read the article, “Funking for Jamaica” click link here, Funking for Jamaica

Hot Damn! Queens gets the money…I just know that this kind of music, makes you feel sooo good! Hearing this sample (link fb below) immediately reminds me of Trenia and I, being in those Baisley Park Basketball Game/ Park Jams in the Summers, growing up in the hood. Damn, did we have so much fun…and lord did we party are butts off growing up… And, although, I was a Hollis girl, South-Side showed me major LOVE. Those of you that know, know. That was an extremely bold move because back then, Me, a Hollis girl vibing so hard in Southside was crazy. Northside and Southside didn’t get along. Things are so different now & it’s all LOVE. We grew up. Wink. Read the article, “Partying” click link here, https://triddykat.com/partying

See fb link below, to hear the sample, I’m referring to of Belly blending-Queens is full of some hot DJ’s …especially, our Queens Legend: “GMV” aka Grand Master VIC: Master of the Blend Tapes. When I tell y’all, I absolutely looove when and where I grew up. I had a ball! “It’s a Queens thing.” I’m forever grateful and so freaking proud of my culture, borough and city that raised me. It gets no better. It can all be summed up in just one word, Thoroughbred…last of a dying breed, indeed. Sigh. Read the article, “Thoroughbred” click link here, https://triddykat.com/thoroughbred “Queens Gets The Money”…QGTM, here’s a little bit of the culture for you…that’s our hood lingo right there.Wink.

I personally believe, Belly should teach classes on how to BLEND properly cause I hear nothing but trash on the radio (I was living in “The A” when this article was originally written, I live back in NYC now.) Yup, I said it… in 2024, how is that even possible? Smh.

For the record, I am not ignoring other DJ’s, just shouting “Cut Master Belly” out here, I must give respect where respect is due because I’ve literally spent hours hearing this man do this, every single day, back in the day…growing up. My mother is just discovering how much, I was in the projects growing up. She literally had no idea…Won’t He do it! LOL. Sorry Mama, I was wild but kept it classy for you. If it wasn’t forReg Rock (RIP), Mama would’ve found out & killed me..LMAO. Shout out to Trenia and Tasha, my sisters from another Mother, that never told Ma on me, love and miss y’all much, XOX. Smile.

Anywho, I still listen to blends from, Cut Master Belly a whole lot. All I know is, he’s perfected his craft…and I must say, “Belly, you still sound as good, as you did, back in the day. That’s what I’m talking about baby. Represent. It’s certainly a Queens thing.” Rest in Glory, Mama Davis.

I see you, Belly! “QGTM” Updated 6/29/24

Go to his @cutmasterbelly on Facebook and Instagram page, hit LIKE and FOLLOW for updates and his latest releases.

Keep shining.

~Triddy Kat💋

Youtube channel- Triddy Kat’s Meow & Triddy Kat

Visit me at https://triddykat.com and https://triddykatsmeow.com

TRIDDY KAT®

Click this link below to hear a sample of “Cut Master Belly” blending. Blending is what we call mixing, hip hop with R&B

https://www.facebook.com/100000513413868/posts/4190089404351465/?d=n

I still absolutely love this song!!!

Karol G & Nicki Minaj: “TUSA”

“The Queen with a Queen!”

…I love when Karol G says that, she sounds so damn sexy to me!! Both Queens are sexy as hell for the video. I’m loving their look and all that pink, such a cute feminine touch. Smile.

This is my song!! This song was soooo underrated in the hood, they absolutely killed it…Slang.

It’s a few years old now but I’m still playing it. These Queens nailed it…Yes. Get it Girls!!!!

“Tusa” will never, ever gets old!! You can’t put me in a box, I love all kinds of music, I’m a New Yorker…what’d y’all expect? I have many Latin friends and one day I will let y’all in on a little secret. Smile.

Karol G did her thing and her collaborating with Nicki Minaj was basically putting the icing on the cake for me. Plus, Nicki is also a Jamaica, Queens native. Wink.

This is nothing but high vibes, Ladies!!!

Great freaking job. Updated 3/4/23

* Shout Out—(wore this the other day)…My “Queens” shirt was made for me by, The Original “Shirt Kings” from Jamaica, Queens…NYC. That’s the back showing here, the front says, “Trina.”

Keep shining.

~Triddy Kat💋

Youtube channel- Triddy Kat’s Meow & Triddy Kat

Visit me at https://triddykat.com and https://triddykatsmeow.com

TRIDDY KAT®

How I wish this was the kind of music, I could hear whenever I turn the radio on…This quickly reminds me of a blend, I loved hearing growing up in Hollis, Queens. It was– “Biz Markie’s, Nobody Beats the Biz” blended with “Alexander O’Neal’s, You Were Meant to be My Lady.”

Lawd, how I crave music that takes you to a good place mentally, then this video was so on point …this took me back “around the way” immediately. Fifty is literally riding around South Side, (Jamaica, Queens) stunting while filming his hit show, “Raising Kanan”… I loved it. Hell, The hood loved it. That’s how we do it in the hood. Hood Celebrity all day and I’ll let y’all in on a little secret. The song, Keni Burke’s, “Rising to the Top” is a Jamaica, Queens hood anthem exactly why I chose it for the title and Fifty doing the damn thing because he’s surpassed the hood celebrity status. That’s true, Rising to the top, whether we can admit or not. Wink. Read the article, “Hustler” click link here, Hustler

You know why he (Fifty) keeps winning? He’s living in his truth, by being who we all know him to actually be “before” the fame. Sure, he’s evolved plenty but say what you want this is truly him and all know it’s authentic, so he continues to resonate with people. Doesn’t matter who likes him or not, or agrees with him or not he’s done a damn good job…Rising to the top.

Stop letting the world change your truth and “be yourself” bump everyone and everything else. Do you know who are you for real? Not the person and persona that you present to the world but the true you, beneath the mask. Are you walking and living in your truth? If you are it will resonate everywhere. Truth always resonates. Rising to the top.

I remember being so hurt seeing all the liars and deceivers in my circle. It slowly began to change me. Chumps had me basically closing my heart just to keep from experiencing that kind of hurt again. I began to live from an “inauthentic” space, it lowered my vibe. Had me behaving like a miserable, bitter b*tch. Eww, such a terrible existence! I quickly decided that wasn’t for me and went back to who I truly am. Laughing at everything and enjoying whatever life throws my way, good or bad. Like Fifty said in his song below,“If I crap out, I’m sure I’ma get back.” I always do because I know, it’s all a part of the game…Decide to Rise to the top, folks.

That’s the game in anything guys but here I’m referring to the Game of Life, folks. Fifty has risen to the top of the game. I was impressed because not only has he risen to the top in many genres, he’s done it while remaining true to his authentic self. Go Boy! That’s not an easy feat folks, most people fold. BUT…Truthfully, I’m not the least bit surprised. Fifty is official after all he is a Jamaica, Queens native also. I’d expect nothing less. He’ll never lose that Queens, New York City swag.

Which reminds me, I speak a lot on how I adore where and how I grew up in “Hollis” – Jamaica, Queens, New York…in many of my articles like, Hood Love, Funking for Jamaica, Jay Cut Master Belly Dee, Hollis, Partying and Hood Celebrity. Read all of those articles, by clicking on each link here, https://triddykat.com/hood-love and Funking for Jamaica and Jay “Cut Master Belly” Dee and Hollis and https://triddykat.com/partying and Hood Celebrity

Life is really what we make of it. So…What have you made of your life? Don’t like it, change direction…Go create something else. We’re here to create what we dream of…It’s always about taking risk and also about betting on yourself. Self Love. Investing in yourself positively. If you don’t believe in you…why should I? Don’t get mad at me.YOU are teaching others that you’re not a good investment because you won’t invest in yourself. So neither will they. Self love always matters. Read the article, “Betting on Me” click link here, Betting On ME!

Whenever I was resonating on a low vibration, low vibrating people continued to come around me with their poverty mentality that included pettiness, envy, strife, discord, malice, beef, drama and chaos. I had to learn it was me attracting that vibration. So, I decided to change that in myself. It was solely up to me. No excuses. I was to blame only. I began to want better for myself and I started doing the work on me. Minding my business tending to my own garden staying in my lane. I decided, I’d rise to the top no matter how long it took me.

I decided to stop allowing pain to make a coward out of me…and I tackled my abandonment issues head on. I kindly closed the door to all that no longer served my highest good. I no longer wanted what toxic men had to offer. I no longer craved the toxic lifestyle. It had served its purpose and taught me plenty about myself. I started working on and correcting my toxic behavior. I love my shadow side and I fully embrace it cause I can get with the sh*ts too but I have no reason to live from within that space anymore. I’m happy with myself, accepting all of my flaws and imperfections. I dance to the beat of my own drum, once again…Sigh. Truth, keeps me Rising to the top.

Life is better than good y’all. I’ve learned to appreciate it all from my quiet Storms to my Sunshine. It has all made me, Me. Rising to the top.

Now I can say, “Walking in truth is liberating” to simply“change” my mind about my view on life has truly changed my world. Thank God! Wink.

Note-if y’all haven’t already please check out, “Raising Kanan” (Season 1, was my favorite) seeing this video for it below inspired me to write this article.

Keep shining.

~Triddy Kat💋

Youtube channel- Triddy Kat’s Meow & Triddy Kat

Visit me at…https://triddykat.com and https://triddykatsmeow.com

TRIDDY KAT®

BIG was absolutely blessed with “The Gift of Gab.” He was also a “Hero Twin.” He was a “Gemini.” Did you know some twins can also be fierce rivals? Look it up. Tupac was another blessed with the “Gift of Gab” and he too, was a “Gemini.” These two Rap Icons were blessed. Read the article, “Blessed” click link here, https://triddykat.com/blessed

What if Big & Pac were the other half of another but didn’t know it? You know from the same Soul family. Yet; too caught up in the “illusion” believing they were enemies. Both listening to the ego and outside Influences. Im convinced that both Rappers were assigned to come change the world with their gift of gab. To use their voice in their own “unique” way…which they did, to help awaken humanity. Twins with the same assignment.

Twins, sharing the Same Gift. How cool is that? Yet; neither really knowing it, chasing the illusion of success. Not realizing they were already beyond successful because they were doing what they were sent here to do. To Spark change. Part of the same soul tribe but not recognizing one another in this realm.

Divine Partnerships are real. All relationships aren’t romantic but all help us grow…that doesn’t “diminish” our Soul’s Journey. We’re here to evolve guys. Relationships help us evolve. Savor it all. Our lives allow the Divine to share our human experience through us being here existing on this Earth plane. As above, so below.

They both put it down so hard in the “Rap” game, that decades later, it’s still debatable on who was best at it. Both were on point because both were heading towards their North node…following their calling. Which I firmly believe is our life purpose. Both influenced and inspired others and used their gift to elevate humanity. Most importantly, one another…proving in the end, that iron really does “sharpen” iron.

Lord knows, both “finessed” the hell out of the craft. Reaching a particular level of Mastery. I believe both were on the road to self discovery and were trying hard to achieve it at the time of their transition. Nonetheless, both left their mark on humanity.

I adored both artist because both were native New Yorkers. Pac was born in Harlem, Big was born in Brooklyn. Go look it up. They were friends and many profited off of driving a wedge between them. That’s what true spiritual warfare looks like folks. Discord and strife. We all got to witness two of the best in the field, divided. In the end, we all lost. The genre hasn’t been the same since.

I could actually look back on their work, reflect and measure their lyrical growth. This allowed me to witness both, “mastering” their GIFT & that alone spoke to my heart! Good job. Read the article, “Reflections” click link here, https://triddykat.com/reflections Then, read the article, “The Gift” click link here, The Gift

I wonder if we all really realize what it is that we lost. These Hero Twins were a gift to humanity. They sparked a change in all of us and I’m forever grateful. I think we just didn’t understand, what we had when we had both here. I pray for all of our sake, that we’ve learned something from it all.

The Game hasn’t recovered. Hopefully mankind awakens. Hmmm, We shall see.

R.I.P.- “The Notorious BIG” whom transitioned -3/9/97 (R.I.P.- Tupac who transitioned on 9/13/96)

*Originally written and created by, Triddy Kat on 3/9/21

Keep shining.

~Triddy Kat💋

Youtube channel- Triddy Kat’s Meow & Triddy Kat

Visit me at https://triddykat.com and https://triddykatsmeow.com

TRIDDY KAT®