The struggle is real. It’s also something that makes you take stock of what’s actually important. In doing so, you learn to be thankful and grateful for what you do have. Even if it’s not a trillion dollars, there are still people who’ve got it worse. That’s not to say “accept life as is.” But we’ve got to thank the Lord that we’re still here and we’re able to make a change–even in the smallest, most-minute way possible.

I needed a track like Mati’s “still fed” when I received it in my submissions. In an nutshell, I’m currently dealing with life lifing. When I got the song from the Ethiopian rhymesayer, I received some news that added to my anxieties. Without delving too much into things, I was about to be out here blaring the Doechii joint to try to bring myself back to reality. However, while things aren’t the greatest, we often find the strength to keep going. Not because we have to, but because we need to. If you can’t do that, you’ve already lost the war.

I really love how Mati really laid it all out there for us to hear. He was incredibly honest about his situations, but he’s still been able to keep positive. Even if we’ve only got ramen and OJ, we still at least have ramen and orange juice. I’ve spent so much time talking about the lesson and its impact on me currently, I missed the sound. Sonically, think a combination of Amine and Chance the Rapper, circa Coloring Book (I’ve seen the light on that album–finally) with a mix of Leon Thomas’ vocals as well. Lyrically, it also reminds me of early introspective Wale. It’s an honest song and has honest vocals. They’re great and calming and don’t have to overextend to get their point across. And that’s why I love this song–and why I needed it when I heard it.

We don’t have to take life lifing and accept it. But we should understand that, sometimes, life be lifing and there’s not a dang thing anyone can do about it. Keep strong, keep the faith, keep positive and you’ll flourish. Even when things get chaotic, I feel we should stay centered, stay focused, stay humble and stay active. Otherwise, we start looking at “everyone else” and borderline coveting what other people have. And I’m no saint, but I do know coveting’s one of the worst things you can do in the eyes of God. Check out the powerful “still fed” below and support dope music in all its forms.