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“Don’t Hurt Me” is a melodic rap track from teen artist Baby Wild that taps into the emotional side of today’s youth sound; what many would call a “pain song.” On the track, he reflects on trust, relationships, and vulnerability while continuing to grow as a recording artist in the studio.
I FOUND MY SMILE AGAIN We celebrated Black History Month by covering “I Found My Smile Again.” The youth and I recreated the beat from scratch, and the highlight was Nick laying down live drums to bring the whole record to life. It was a special moment to honor the music while showcasing the talent and growth of our young musicians.
NICK THE “CHOPGOD” Speaking of Nick, we also recorded and filmed a fourminute drum cover video, the first of many he plans to release this year. In this one, he’s playing over a click track called “Voyager,” showcasing his precision, timing, and growth behind the kit.
CHICAGO TJ CARPENTER T O TA L SESSIONS
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DON’T HURT ME - BABY WILD
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STUDIO FLOW This clip captures a natural moment of our youth creating independently in the studio. Nick is at one workstation editing his “Voyager” drum video while Aiden is at another building a beat in Ableton Live. Two young creators fully immersed in their process.
SOUNDCLOUD YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM
RONNIE DEVOE INTERVIEW During a recent stop in Chicago on tour with New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton, music legend Ronnie DeVoe stopped by our studio for a special conversation with our youth. Aiden and Brooklyn led the interview, asking thoughtful questions about Ronnie’s journey, longevity in the music industry, and lessons for the next generation of artists. The conversation also featured a guest appearance from Marvin McIntyre. It was an unforgettable experience for our young interviewers.
DOROTHY HITS THE STAGE Hannah took the stage as Dorothy in her school’s production of The Wiz, delivering a beautiful performance of “Soon As I Get Home.” In the weeks leading up to the show, we spent time working together on her vocals and preparing for the big moment. This clip captures Hannah on show day, confidently stepping into the role and bringing the song to life. It was a proud moment watching her hard work pay off on stage.