Editorials
Best Bay Area Songs Of The Week: Feb 11 – Feb 16

This week, the Bay Area churned out some uber creative releases. Everything from boom bap aesthetics to early 2010s trap rap manifested through songs that sound different than much of what is already out on the radio airwaves. Thanks to Bay Area brand Thizzler, we’ve made a list of our favorite songs that have come out in this time frame.
Editorials
Omega The Poet Speaks On Being a Music Executive, Producer, & His Record Label

Making music ain’t just something you do for a day and call it quits — you’ll never take off like that. It has to be a lifelong journey, filled with dedication that makes you love what you do. Omega The Poet’s obsession with the craft, which began as a child, has evolved into a career full of creativity that’s been driven by his years of experience. From his early beginnings to owning a record label and his lofty plans in the future, Omega’s had and has it all figured out.
Everyone has a unique way that they discover music. For some, it’s experiencing what their parents listened to. For others, it’s randomly vibing to a song on the radio. Omega’s origins had a bit of a holier beginning. “I got into music by attending church,” he shares. “My introduction to music was unique in the sense that most of my ‘music-making’ abilities came from reading and the development of that skill.”

From there, he participated in a children’s choir, learning about different vocal registers—soprano, alto, tenor—and understanding the foundations of music theory. These formative years gave him an understanding about song structure that would prove pivotal to his development as an artist in later years.
Soon, Omega became a lyricist that didn’t find inspiration in whatever was on the radio. He studied musical legends for their craft and their personalities to discover what kind of artist he’d want to be — specifically André 3000, Wale, Frank Ocean, and Kanye West (before he was a dickhead). “I enjoy how unapologetically unique these artists are, how they push boundaries sonically, and their undeniable influence on the culture,” he explains.
In recent years, his inspirations have expanded to include experimental artists like Solange, Steve Lacy, Childish Gambino, and Daniel Caesar because of their fearless approach to music-making. “These artists have this ability to merge genres and create something truly special,” he says. “I want to bring that same level of originality and fearlessness to my own work.”
After the release of his debut EP Eros in 2020, Omega took a step back from releasing music — but now, he’s back with a reinvigorated sense of purpose. “Recently, I’ve been releasing songs that I’ve had stashed in the vault since Eros,” Omega explains. “My goal is to release one song of mine every month for the whole year.”
This consistent rollout strategy isn’t just about holding on to the huge and organic momentum that he’s building — it’s also about evolving and wanting his fans to experience his growth and versatility in real time. As he’s doing this though, he’s also working with others to develop their talent in an exciting way. “I plan to introduce the music of artists under my publishing company and record label, For The Record.”
Working as an executive producer and record label founder, he’s bringing something special with For The Record. “I drew inspiration from Kanye West’s former label, G.O.O.D. Music,” he says. “I loved the grandeur and exclusivity that surrounded that label.”
However, as he matured, he realized that creative vision alone wasn’t enough. He wanted to combine artistic innovation with solid business practices founded in realness. “It was a true step-by-step journey toward creating and solidifying my record label,” he explains. “But the idea was developed incrementally, and it’s like God revealed each piece I needed at the perfect moment to allow the business to flourish.”

Today, For The Record is home to a growing roster of artists, including Nylo Cash, Tajé, 7Reazon, and JSavv, with more names coming soon. They’re set to takeover this year, so stay tuned for this exciting new chapter.
With so much on Omega’s plate, he (and his label) are destined to make a definitive impact in an industry that often is only focused on making a splash. “I want to create music that resonates, that stands the test of time,” he reveals. “And I want to help others do the same.”
Editorials
Jacina Love: Amplifying Hip-Hop Culture Through Authentic Media & Unfiltered Stories

Hip-Hop thrives not only through the lyrics and instrumentals of its artists, but also thanks to those behind the scenes who uplift the culture. Managers, promoters, publicists, and—crucially—the media work together to amplify artists’ voices and ensure the heart of Hip-Hop continues to pulse. In today’s rapid-fire digital age, where trends come and go with each passing day, media figures hold a vital role in bridging the gap between audiences and the authentic stories driving the music.
One prominent voice in Hip-Hop media is Jacina Love. Hailing from the culturally rich neighborhood of Brooklyn’s Roberto Clemente Houses in New York, Jacina has become a force within the industry. Her deep connection to Hip-Hop began in the heartbeat of New York City, where the rhythm of the streets fueled her passion. Growing up surrounded by creativity, Jacina developed a love for the art that eventually led her to a respected career in the Hip-Hop media world.

Jacina’s journey wasn’t without its share of struggles. Overcoming personal challenges, she turned each obstacle into a source of strength and motivation. Her resilience shines through her work, especially in her interviews, which have become known for their depth and empathy. These qualities earned her a platform on DTF Radio, where she hosted her own show, bringing fresh talent and emerging voices to listeners.
Building on her success in radio, Jacina’s influence has continued to grow. She quickly became a sought-after host for music showcases throughout New York City, creating opportunities for countless artists to perform live. Expanding beyond radio, she brought her candid, engaging interview style to video and digital platforms, collaborating with renowned media outlets like Thisis50, Still Got The Juice, and Keep It A Stack w/ Biz Podcast, further amplifying Hip-Hop voices.
Currently, Jacina Love channels her dedication into her solo project, “The Pull-Up Show.” This platform offers raw, unfiltered interviews that give fans an intimate look into the personalities and stories shaping Hip-Hop. Her impressive lineup of guests speaks to her skill in sparking authentic, meaningful conversations that highlight Hip-Hop as not just a genre but a lifestyle, a movement, and a cultural phenomenon.
In a media landscape crowded with voices, Jacina authenticity and storytelling talent have solidified her as an essential figure in Hip-Hop media. She stands as a passionate advocate for the culture, ensuring that Hip-Hop’s true essence reaches its audience. As her platform continues to grow, Jacina Love remains a beacon for the artists, narratives, and music that make Hip-Hop a powerful, ever-evolving cultural force!
Editorials
How Omega The Poet Brought A Real Experience To Life On “Nina Simone”

The best music comes from a real place. It’s easy to make up a story and translate it rhythmically, but it often sounds better, and is more relatable, when a musician draws from their real life to entertain listeners.
Omega The Poet proves that with his new track, “Nina Simone.” Named after the Civil Rights activist and singer of the same name, it covers a situation with an amazingly unpredictable woman that he’s experienced before. The soulful track that features both Tajé and Innanet James make you think about similar experiences that you’ve had, succeeding in being both relatable and extremely listenable.
Here’s an interview with Omega The Poet about how “Nina Simone” came about and what’s coming next for him.

What was the inspiration behind Nina Simone?
Generally, the song is about a love affair I had with a young lady whose name also happened to be Nina Simone. Listening back to my verse, I’m taken back by how witty the lyrics are. I promise, nothing in that song is made up.
For example, the first line “Nina Simone, my ace of hearts…“ is something I said because she has an ace of hearts tattoo on her chest. So the inspiration was to express my adoration for a lady that was (and is) very significant in my life — in the most coded way.
How did this collaboration come about?
The collaboration with Tajé was a no brainer. He’s one of my closest friends & we went to college together at NCCU. He was a Jazz studies major & I would always hang around him and improve on my skill set and musicality. We just developed a genuine brotherhood. Given that, I thought he was the perfect person for the hook. As far as how Innanet James got on the track, I’ve always been a big fan of his music and the collaborations he’s done with other artists (Like Pusha T, Mac Ayres, etc.)
I also like to think my “musical palette” is very advanced & sometimes peculiar. So sonically, I thought he would be a great addition to the song. I reached out, he liked the song and he hopped on.
Have you ever had your own Nina Simone experience? If so, did that factor into how you made the song?
I think I have, now that you bring it up. I think at the time of making this song I was super young and, shamefully to say, in a serious relationship while also navigating the “secret” relationship with the young lady the song is about. I know that Nina Simone, as an activist, addressed issues like love and freedom. And as I relate her life to my life and this song, I’m drawing synchronicities as in how while I’m generally ( and always have been) a very loyal person…how certain phases of your life as it relates to growing, and freedom can cause you yearn freedom even if it is slightly deceitful. And even more — create such an amazing (and again) coded song.

What’s your favorite part about the track?
My verse for sure, I think since it’s such a 100% real story from beginning to end. It almost amazes me how I wrote it so fluently. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the melody of the song, but if you really listen to the lyrics…it’s kinda’ mind blowing. Bar’d up too on the rap side of things.
What will “Nina Simone” appear on? Can you tell us more about the project?
Nina Simone is actually a single from my last EP Eros. Eros explored the time of my life where I was budding as a young kid newly out of college and into the world. Still finding myself, but very complex and poetic given my age. I called it Eros because that is the name of Cupid in Greek mythology and I felt like that was the effect I had on women at the time.
What’s next for you?
Lots of new, highly developed yet egoless music. Some artists that inspired the music I’ll be releasing this year is Solange, D’angelo, Daniel Caesar, and Steve Lacy. Lots of beautifully simplistic, niche yet gravitational music. The type that is undeniable and forward. I haven’t released music since 2020…so everything in the vault since then will be coming out in 2025. I also started my own music publishing company and record label, called For The Record. So, I’m excited to introduce the artists under my direction as well.