LXRY1

ART OF MIXTAPE

Music for the love of it...I dig deeply into my record collection, which takes hours, then I research the internet about artists, which sends me into a discovery mode.

So, there's 3 hours right there...then of course, I get into the art of it. Mixtapes are a curated selection of songs that are often personally meaningful.

I started making mixtapes when they were still actual tapes. As a youngster, mixtape was a means of self-expression. My parents at that time owned a Kenwood turn table, pioneer receiver and a tape deck. I learned how to make mixtapes by watching the Dj's on deck. Inspired by DJ Tabbs from Nairobi's VISIONS night club.
I made my first mixtape for classmates, friends and lovers, for example a valentine's mixtape with love songs. Onetime I made a mixtape for my mother to play in the car, she loved it and that's how RIDES MIXTAPE was born.

Making mixtape is art, there is a certain process to making a perfect mix. It requires time and effort. Sometimes crafting the mix takes days to finish. The process is about pace, narrative and patience. It involves creativity in song selection, arrangement and sequencing.

From my early experience after putting the mix together, I had to come up with the title, something creative based on the music content. Sometime the title was based on the feelings I wanted to convey. The songs had to segue, they had to flow into one another.
Each song had to be a continuation of the one before it. Sometimes it was painful when you realized that the first song skipped and to record it over again would ruin the entire mixtape.

It was painstaking to write the track list on the card provided with the cassette, squeezing long titles, making sure I got the artists name spelled right.

I reminisce when we use to stick pencils in the holes to wind them up after the tape came loose.

Sharing a mixtape is an intimate act. It allows individuals to express feelings and sentiments through a carefully chosen collection of songs, creating a personal connection.

There is a message to connect with the listener. It's an expression of songs that serve as a musical time capsule, capturing a moment in time, and can be revisited years later to evoke memories and emotions.

Mixtapes have a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of a time when people exchanged physical cassette tapes. It's a form of artistic expression that goes beyond the individual songs themselves. It's like telling a story or writing a love letter.
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LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

Cheers to a year filled with joy and countless new memories! May 2024 bring you success, love, and all the happiness your heart desires. Happy New Year! 💫✨

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

🎧Listen Now on
https://www.mixcloud.com/ridesmixtape/

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

Wishing you joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments this holiday season!🎄

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

THE END OF AN ERA TIME SQUARE, CIRCA 2009
It's the spring of 2009. I caught a cab from uptown New York to one of my frequent trips to Virgin Mega store at Times Square, on the east side of Broadway near 46th Street.
I was excited because this is the best place to discover new music and hangout on a Saturday afternoon. It's this moment of excitement that I noticed a large red poster started appearing in the windows of the Virgin Megastore "25%-50% off on everything,"

One shouted. By May 18th the sales increased to "30%-50%" and a sign arrived announcing the furniture and fixtures in the store were up for grabs. It was official that NYC was losing its last major record store. The first Virgin American store was opened in 1992 in Los Angeles, and it set itself apart from rivals by developing a clublike atmosphere with booming sound systems and offering steep discounts but in the year 2K it was clear that the model of the large entertainment was not going to work in the future.
According to sources from the industry's peak in 2000 when some 785 million albums were sold until the end of 2008 album sales fell 45% according to Nielsen sound scan.
A lot of records stores felled victim to the recession and the consumers changing record-buying habits.
Tower Records folded in 2006, HMV like Virgin, of British origin pulled out of the American market in 2004 Virgin earned the dubious honor of being the only large store devoted entirely to music retail remaining in Manhattan, it was the way to discover new music besides MTV and BET.
Back then it was different, you heard a song you liked from an artist, and you had no choice but to buy the album just for that one song. I remember previewing some songs to decide if it was worth purchasing the whole album. It made you listen to the artists' other songs and made you a true fan of that artist. one time I came across a rare, imported CD from my favorite artist back in Nairobi, the artist Hardstone is a Kenyan musician. His music is a mixture of ragga, reggae and hip hop. He sings in English, Swahili and Kikuyu languages. He is a pioneer urban style artist in Kenya and topped the Kenyan music scene for a while in the late 1990s. I never thought the CD would be available in New York.

Virgin Megastore had the best layout, it was a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. It had an in-house DJ, who had an elevated private booth that looked over the whole store.
The first and second floors, tied to Times Square, and the basement spaces are bridged together by escalators and the vertical tower crowned by the DJ booth.
I still reminisce with nostalgia hearing the DJ ramble, "This next song's an oldie but a goodie." At night, it was the best place to be complete with a movie theatre in the basement.

I spent hours in this place because it had multiple floors with a great selection of music from all genres, movies merchandise, video games and electronics.
CD was $15-$20 for only 2-4 great songs. There was something special about buying and opening a brand-new CD, the struggle to open it and finally get the wrapper off

Napster was a game changer therefore the cassette and vinyl were vanishing. Google and YouTube weren't a thing. Nowadays everything is streaming, we didn't know what the future held then but times have changed.
I never thought this was also going to be the very last visit to the Virgin record store. In my opinion this was the end of an era.
The Time square Megastore closed in April, after clothing chain Forever 21 purchased its property.

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

NAKUPENDA
"This song is all about love, passion and longing. It reminds me of a magical summer night under the stars."
LYRIC SAMPLE: Nakutaka pia, Nakupenda pia, Baby girl
You show me how to be bold and strong, love the way you make me feel,
Even when I loose it all, I know you'll always be there for me.
🎧Listen Now on
https://soundcloud.com/luxuryplayer-1/nakupenda

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

LOUNGE STUDIOS
It was a typical early morning as I walked along downtown, New York. I knew it was obvious to anyone who looked at me that I was non-local. My eyes were eager and unreserved. I knew, I couldn't have cared less. Soon I entered the building on 315 West 39 street between 7th and 8th avenues, where the recording home of my musical journey Lounge Studios occupied a physical place in Manhattan.

The Lounge Studios is a seven-room professional multimedia facility. The studio specializes in recording, mixing and mastering & photo, film photography and podcasting.
Lounge studios gave me the space and inspiration to make groundbreaking music that became the game changer.

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

Weekend getaway @ Virgin Hotels NYC, I'm already loving the vibes! The rooftop bar has amazing views, and the room is super comfy. Can't wait to explore the city from this central spot🗽

THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY TEENAGE YEARS
Back to the 90s hearing "Buffalo Stance" blasting out from my friend's car
Neneh Cherry, a Swedish songwriter with an impressive background in post-punk, having sung with SLITS year before
Neneh's appearance on top of the pops performing "Buffalo Stance" 7 months pregnant,
The daughter of Moki Cherry, a Swedish artist who worked in textiles, fashion, woodwork, painting, collage, ceramic and set design,
and percussionist Ahmadu Jah and stepdaughter jazz trumpeter Don Cherry
Neneh enjoyed an adolescence steeped in the counterculture, following her family's move to the US, teenage Neneh escaped to UK and fell in love with England's punk community.
she shared a flat with SLITS, Ari Up, Joined a string of bands including Rip Rig + Panic and New Age Steppers.
Eventually her musical ambitions found an outlet in the melting pot of UK POP WORLD.
Even back then girl power always existed, and Neneh Cherry embodied that with her cool dress sense.
"Raw like Sushi" from Cherry the album was produced all over from Abbey Road to the power plant and more.
it cracked the Top 40 in the US and went to number 3 in the UK and number 1 In Cherry's own Sweden
The LP was a huge success, and she won a Brit Award as well a grammy nomination in 1990
Although it had follow up singles "Buffalo Stance" is the one that still rings in mind with a mega -catchy chorus.
The song tells the story of a sorry Gi**lo trying to swoon a woman with his money alone.
I remember the lines... "No money man can win my love It's sweetness that I'm thinking of"
The song melded hip-hop and cut and paste sampling into a perfect pop record. The song contributed to an era of unapologetic women in hip/hop.
she hit MTV at a time when other ladies like Queen Latifah and Monie Love were blowing up.
"Buffalo Stance" was the first single by Cherry to find itself in heavy rotation on MTV.
"Buffalo Stance" was overseen by Bomb the Bass's Tim Simenon and co producer Mark Saunders
in the 90's "Buffalo Stance" was something cool and funky. A perfect mix of melodies, sounds, voice and lyrics.
I played the song on repeat when I was on holiday , in Mombasa, through my Walkman, the song is timeless.

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

WEEKEND VIBES

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE
My earliest memories of watching other artists perform are vivid. I instantly fell in love with their vulnerability, humor and wordplay.
Finally, the day had arrived when the crowd was out and ready to listen to my stories.
The show took place at a club in New York . It was my first time, and I was kind of nervous.
So, I just thought, 'let's see what happens; I go to the stage and the front row went crazy, I was like what's going on?
I could feel the energy as I tried to read the crowd and adjust accordingly.
The night was young and the Dj introduced me to the audience then passed the mic and as soon as I dropped my delivery the mic jammed.
I began to get anxious not knowing what would happen if the crowd's tolerance ran out.
Luckily that night the Dj's assistant was quick enough to pass the backup mic and I survived the night.

I didn't know at that time, to be prepared for anything. Performing live seemed mysterious even though I was already immersed in the craft.
The show at the club offered me a rare glimpse into my entirely new world. I was amazed by the instant connection I felt onstage,
looking back, it's even clearer to me today that those early performances were challenging while it was tough, it gave me the skills needed to become the recording artist that I am today.
It turns out I've been telling stories for a long time.

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

3 EXPERT TIPS FOR RECORDING ARTISTS

As a teenager, I just wanted to be the recording artist and started writing and free styling. I'd eventually start recording.
I didn't know where to start or go. So, I learned to record the music. Since then, I've been creating art in many ways.
Always learning from the writers and producers I have worked with at the studio. When I'm in the studio I'm comfortable, I feel connected , I feel inspired.
There're confessions and there's a lot of honesty.

RECORDING TIPS
1.DEVELOPE YOUR CRAFT
Continuously on improving your musical skills including singing, playing instruments, songwriting and production
2.FIND YOUR UNIQUE STYLE
Explore your own musical identity and style. Don't be a copy of someone else.
3.RECORD HIGH QUALITY MUSIC
Invest in professional recording, mixing and mastering to ensure your music sounds good.

Regardless of the outcomes or what others expect always keep in mind, Art is a process and always remember the reason why you wanted to do this...
Never forget why you started making music in the first place. So long as you stay true to that and be consistent, You are good.

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

LXRY 1 LYRICS
“THEY LOVE IT” Featuring (MR. KE4)

(Chorus1)
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)
Lalalala lalalalalalaaa
Most ni**as sound like they hate me,
when they see me at the club,
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)
Most ni**as sound like they hate me,
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)

Verse 1 (LXRY 1)
I take ma passion and skills and put it to work and kill the beat,
The fans they love it, they want it, they buy it, the haters you know they be hatin’
ma swag so fresh, ma sneakers is clean, ma music is crazy, you feel me, top of the game, top of the range, top of the class, I ‘m pimpin’
I did it, I did it ma self, ma team, ma fans , ma friends,
Give me the beat, pass me the mic, truth be told, Picture I paint, you love me, you hate me,
I don’t give a f**k, I paid ma dues, time to recoup, story I told, kid I become,
Luxury player, you did it, you did it, Up in the club, V.I.P, Poppin’ champagne, liquor n w**d,
She lookin’ at me, feelin’ ma swag, touchin' herself, p***y wet,
I go so hard, she put it on me, I stay on top of tha ass, I beat it front to back, She loves the way I do it.

(Chorus 2)
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)
Lalalala lalalalalalaaa
Most ni**as sound like they hate me,
when they see me at the club,
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)
Most ni**as sound like they hate me,
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)

(Verse 2) (MR. KE4 )
Inner city entertainment, KE4,
Yo, check ha, check yo,
Hold up, let me jump in the booth, drop the beat, so ma n***a let me kill the hook,
snapshot, I might put it on the gram, u o f**k with me, you might find it on the book,
YouTube I be streaming,
good life, Yeah ma n***a i dreamin’
one day I might touch that stage, hands up everybody be screamin’
Like yo, n***a on the Northside, everybody knows I be reppin’ the Eastside,
Wanasema mi ni E-SIR, Venye nabaki nawaroga kabisa,
N***a, I do what I do and they like it, I don’t care what you think so long as I like it,
Every day I be killin’ them flows, these rappers outta here I know they don’t like it,
Niko gauge, niko maji, hawa mafala wakithani nimelala, niko kazi,
Mistari kimpango, zinachoma pole pole k**a candel,
Terminator ka commando, hatubongi hatubongi juu ya dough,
I do what I do and I love it, scared of no beat you can call me Eddie Murphy.

(Chorus)
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)
Lalalala lalalalalalaaa
Most ni**as sound like they hate me,
when they see me at the club,
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)
Most ni**as sound like they hate me,
I do it, what I do and they love it (x3)

Writers(s): Kevo Kevin , Abdoulaye Diop, Stan Moja

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

ONCE UPON A TIME
Circa 2015 I had just started performing and playing at various clubs in New York city. It was like a dream come true because I was finally realizing my childhood dreams to be a recording artist.
Growing up in Westlands, Nairobi I listened to a lot of Hip-hop and Dancehall that my parents were always playing.
"They Love It" is one of the songs taken from my studio EP album "Game Changer"
It's a unique music track that reflects times and life. I found the beats online; I had no idea who produced it, I was just looking for beats. When it comes to production it doesn't really matter about the producer or the credential none of that really matter to me. When I hear the beat, if it speaks to me, I'll do it
The key to any great song is the people that you work with! Through this journey I've had the blessings to work with some of the best talent in the game from KE 4, Abdoulaye Diop, Blue and many more.
With "They Love It" the process was kind of organic. At that time, I was in New Jersey and my diaspora friends put me on whatever stuff they were listening to and in that time, I just magically knew KE 4
Once I heard the way he could flow, and his lyrical prowess my mind was blown. Then one day we just connected and began working on "They Love It" collaboratively. our target was to make a Swahili / English song that was relatable coast to coast. We recorded the song both in New York and New Jersey.
I drew inspiration from my life and from the lives of the people I knew.
KE 4 Lyrically astute dropped the line like "Niko gauge, niko maji, hawa mafala wakithani nimelala niko kazi, mistari kimpango zinachoma pole pole k**a candle"
Which translates to English as "I'm the gauge, flow on point, when these fools think I'm sleeping, I'm working, these lyrics are slowly burning like candles"
My life has been a journey and with everything that happened to me I put it into my music and it's real. I don't' hide anything from my fans. I'm always trying to put a message into my music.
Music is art and art can be presented in many ways, whether that's something that's made up; an expression of what is seen.
One time a music Dj told me that "Every song you make isn’t going to chart or sell a million records. But one could literally inspire a person during the darkest time in their life or be someone’s all-time favorite song".
Listen to the song "THEY LOVE IT"
https://soundcloud.com/lux.../they-love-luxury-player-ft-ke4

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

WEEKEND VIBES
🎧Listen Now on https://soundcloud.com/luxuryplayer-1/they-love-luxury-player-ft-ke4

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

THE EARLIER YOU BOOK, THE CHEAPER THE FLIGHTS
Everyone wants to know how to book cheap flights – though, there is not just one way to score a deal on airfare. Finding a cheap flight takes some savviness, a little effort and sometimes a bit of luck. Most flight companies release their flight schedule a year ahead of time, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best deal.

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

Catch a VIBE with Party Party ://soundcloud.com/luxuryplayer-1/partyparty as we rock into the Gotta love Fridays➡️🔊

LXRY1 LXRY 1 also known as Luxury Player is a Rapper \ Jet-Setter

BE MINE
The first time I met her my heart said "You're The One" she was the hottest and I was the coolest. I knew I had only one chance to make an impression. I wrote a love letter but she never replied. I left a message but she never called back. I promised her that I was going to write a song for her. She laughed and told me, "Oh you're crazy, you're never going to do that." But one day, I just started writing the lyrics to "Nakupenda" Thoughts were flowing easily that day. I had abandoned a shopping trip to return home and work out the verses. I had the song pretty much finished by midnight.
Couple days later I invited a talented artist by the name of Roulette to do the "Nakupenda" hook at the studio. Our love story was written in stars, when I think of the day our paths crossed, Our hearts met and we begun our adventure together. I know we were meant to be. Not long ago, she telephoned and I picked up the phone my heart beating crazily in my chest. She said "My darling valentine today is the day we have to be romantic.
For our Valentine's dinner I made a reservation for us at a five-star restaurant in midtown. It was a place she said she was on her bucket joints in the city. It was nearly impossible to get a table there. However one of my friend who frequently dines and wines deep pocketed clients at the best spots in the city hooked me up. I picked her up from her apartment and we hopped in a Uber.
So excited I steered her into the restaurant. She savored steak well cooked and sipped Dom Perignon chilled in an ice-filled bucket. Leaning my heart next to her soul she proclaimed the night was her best date ever. She said "Nakupenda".
Listen to the song "NAKUPENDA"
https://soundcloud.com/luxuryplayer-1/nakupenda

JINGLE ALL THE WAY
It was in December, during Christmas, the most brilliant time of the year. Lots of good things happened at that time,
People sending gifts to friends and family. Kisses and wishes to the loved ones.
Late night in the studio I penned and recorded "MERRY X-MAS"
Inspired by "Krisi" I actually tapped into the magic of holidays.
'Tis the season
Listen to the song MERRY X-MAS
https://soundcloud.com/luxuryplayer-1/merry-x-mas

Blessed Day Folks 👊

LATE NIGHT EDITION featuring best mix of music. Engineered for cool drive.

🎧Listen Now on
https://www.mixcloud.com/ridesmixtape/late-night/

New Music OUT NOW! LINK https://soundcloud.com/luxuryplayer-1/old-town-mombasa

TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Old Town is an area of Mombasa, Kenya. Situated on the south-east side of Mombasa Island, the Old Town covers an area of 72 hectares, and is inhabited by a mix of local, Arab, Asian, Portuguese and British settlers. I'm so into this place because of the beautiful architecture.
A collection of historical buildings dating back from the 18th century which combines African, Arabic and European influences.
Many of these buildings exist in beautifully carved doors as well as elegantly styled balconies.
Mombasa is where my family use to go vacation growing up.
The day filled with sunshine, the 12pm breeze, a cup of coffee, tea or evening snacks is so nostalgic.
Mombasa Old Town is definitely one of the best places to visit while you at the coast.
l📸@ mombasastreets & Discover Mombasa

JOCKEY PUB AT THE HILTON HOTEL, NAIROBI

Few years back, My friends and I hanged out at the Jockey pub at Hilton Hotel Nairobi for happy hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
We shared many good times here with my friends, The spot became our weekend escape.
The place has a jockey theme, a British-style pub embellished with dollars, paintings of horses and jockeys.

Hilton is more than a hotel. Cylindrical shaped and towering well above its Neighbors,
it is a reference point for people seeking to give directions, or planning to meet.
The five-star hotel began its operations on Dec 7 1969, it boasts 287 rooms. Out of these, 45 are twin rooms,
185 are doubles, 22 are pool rooms, 27 are executive rooms and 7 offer suites services.

Jockey pub is a place to socialize. Nostalgic and exciting It was like a slice of paradise. We had such a great time,
bought Pina Colada, enjoyed spicy food and snacks plus entertainment provided all evening by the in-house DJ.
The iconic hotel Hilton hotel will close its doors on December 31, 2022, even though the building remains.

VALENTINES VIBES featuring Best mix of music. Engineered for cool drive 🎧Listen Now on Mixcloud
https://www.mixcloud.com/ridesmixtape/sweethearts-edition/

'PARTY PARTY !' LATE NIGHT RECORDING
The Song lyrics were written for After Hours in 2015 and the music followed 2 years later.
The "Party Party" song was well-received Coast to coast and big in Japan Tokyo Clubs. The song features Dancehall / Hip-Hop beats and the lyrics is about having a good time. Inspired by the glitz, glamour and All-Nighters.
I was in New York back from Nairobi for the holidays, my friend in the music industry aware I was a upcoming rapper asked if I'd write to the track. He never played the beat for me. Instead, he just DM and I checked it out. During my lunch break that day, I took the phone and called the studio to book a session.
Then the lyrics took a radical turn.
"Party Party like a Rockstar, I be switchin' lanes like Starboy, And I rock a body like a Rapstar".
At first the song was titled "Rockstar" Then in the process we decided to go with "Part Party"
The beats was dance able and the message was about having a good time.
In November, I went into Lounge Studios to record "Party Party". Behind the scenes was Joseph my engineer and Blue was the mix and master specialist.
The release came fairly late and circulated widely on the internet, powered by the wild growth of social media and it almost instantly, developed a cult audience astonished by the surreal world play and virtuosic rhymes
Now the song is available online at https://soundcloud.com/luxuryplayer-1/partyparty

I remember that night in the studio Blue mixed and mastered the song and listened while looking up at the speakers, he could barely speak. He just shook his head. As I recall, the most he got out was, "This may be a great song"

TRANSIT IN AMSTERDAM
Canceled flight turned out to be a blessing in disguise, flying during holidays can be stressful than joyful.
Not long time ago I was traveling to Europe to shoot a music video.
The journey begun with long lines check-in security, a scramble for chair and power outlets at the airport gate.
And there was the ultimate stressor which is cancelation.

Everything was going fine until I got the news that there was a flight delay due to bad weather.
From that moment I started to pay attention to the airline's website , mobile app and social media accounts,
the last thing I wanted to hear was "canceled".

And that's exactly what happened and the airline preferred to automatically rebook us on their next available flight I was under obligation to take it.
I Was fortunate enough to spend a night at the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
On entering the hotel, we were greeted by an exceptional professional staff.
Check in was a breeze, the whole process took couple of minutes.

My room, on the 6th floor was very Spacious & Elegant with lovely Dutch interior design. Airport view, free Wi-Fi, Digital Key entry, work desk, 40-inch Smart TV, coffee/tea facilities, minibar I had to take a moment to soak up the sweeping runway view through diamond-shaped floor-to-ceiling windows.
I had more than enough space for myself as well as all of my luggage. Unwinding from the outside world. I felt so comfortable, nicest bed with soundproof windows and black-out curtains. The sound isolation is amazing that you can barely hear even a 747-400 take off.
The restaurant was excellent, serving mainly international and Asian cuisine made with fresh authentic produce.
I started the next day with an amazing breakfast, they had yogurts and different eggs, boiled, fried and omelets.
A good variety of rolls, croissants, cheeses and hams. Sausages, bacon, grilled tomato, mushrooms, juices, tea and coffee.

The lobby area is a large open space with the bar to one side and was always a busy and lively place to be.
Location wise the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a perfect choice- you can walk to the airport in 5 minutes.
Parking available on site too, just a 15-minute train ride to the center.
Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an experience. Everything from the convenience of the hotel’s location to the check-in oozes good-for-you vibes.🙂