Life is a marathon, not a sprint. You often hear that cliché–especially in hip-hop, considering it helped bring life into scenarios such as Nipsey Hussle’s famous mindset. Since marathons are longer, you get to take in more of the “scenery” on the path to your destination. Life is full of many, many small moments, which help make a life more fulfilling. Here’s the things about cliches: there is usually some truth in them. That said, Earl Hondo’s “the vibe” finds the Atlanta-residing rapper/producer continuing that train of thought.

Frankly, I’m here for it.

We sometimes get caught up in instant gratification and–if we don’t get it–disappointment. Life isn’t meant to be rushed through. Otherwise, we would all get infinite lives to speedrun with. No, life is meant to be savored like a fine wine. In my case, a good glass of tequila and a potent strain. The beat is beautiful. In fact, it reminds me a mix of “Didn’t Cha Know” and a J. Cole track.

I also really enjoyed the lyrics because they’ve got a “wise beyond his years” feel to them when they spoke to me. The brother laments over living fast and how it can wear you down while speaking on slowing down. In fact, the lyrics’ focus is taking life step by step versus, as my kids would’ve said in 2021, yeeting yourself down the staircase. Life be like that, as everyone else also says. I see bright things in this young man’s future, especially because he’s a DIY artist. As I’ve mentioned, not many good rapper and producer DIY artists exist. When I find someone who can rap and produce their hind parts off, I like to focus on them. Check out the track below and support dope music in all its forms.