Album Spotlight: Excuse My Accent 2 by King Ponche

“They pushing vibes,

I could feel the energy,

I was blind to it now I can see,

if ain’t broke don’t fix it,

I rather keep my distance,

they don’t see my vision”

King Ponche performs these lyrics in “Pushing Vibes,” a song on his latest album, Excuse My Accent 2. He is an artist from St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. 

How King Ponche Started in Music
King Ponche wrote poetry while he attended school. Then around 2012, he linked with Teh’ron Tull, who encouraged him to record his performances. He considered music a hobby; however, he became inspired as people showed interest in his songs. King Ponche’s first song was “Ambition.” In 2015, he released his first album, Trap Paradise.

Excuse My Accent 2
Every Caribbean native who has visited or migrated to the United States can relate to Americans asking about our accent. King Ponche shared that he also had similar experiences because his Crucian accent is strong. He released Excuse My Accent in 2018 with 20 tracks.

The follow-up Excuse My Accent 2 has 11 tracks, which were all written by King Ponche. He recorded some tracks himself and some with Big A Prado. King Ponche shared that Excuse My Accent 2 offers a flavor of trap, rap, melodic, money music and R&B.

1. “L.O.A.D” (“Life of A Don”)
Producer: SDProductionzVI
Lyric snippet: “I hot like I catching a fever, trendsetter, money maker, n***a, I a leader, spin on the block in a Beamer, ducking an dodging the reaper, straight out the projects, I need a deposit if you trying to talk cause I talking bout business….”

2. “Harden” 

Producer: Emkay
Lyric snippet: “I can’t relate cause we don’t have nothing in common, I don’t forgive and I don’t give too many chances, if he flossing then my cuzzy going to extort him, how you a killer, dog and ain’t no bodies dropping….”

3. “Shadows”
Producer: SDProductionzVI
Lyric snippet: “Pocket watching, knock yo eye out the socket. This sh*t could get tragic. Deep in the projects with all the assassins. Sh*t could go left you don’t know what could happen.”

4. “Ain’t Safe” featuring DahReal Kmoney
Producer: BeatzOnLockdown
Lyric snippet: “I so fly – got a bird’s eye view, I just wanna be a young tycoon, when it come to the hate, I immune, they just mad cause we never does lose….”

5. “Catch Myself”
Producer: SahBeats
Lyric snippet: “I remember times I would sleep on the floor, had to hustle like never before, I too busy, catch me on the go, I be high but I move on the low….”

6. “Pushing Vibes”
Producer: Polack

7. “Hold It Down”
Producer: DJorFromWhim
Lyric snippet: “Only loyal n***as in my camp, they will light you up just like a lamp, when it’s time, I don’t step, I does stamp, them n***as confused looking ranks….”

8. “Top Shelf” featuring 2Klip340
Producer: Animeted
Lyric snippet: “I don’t smoke what you smoke, that s**t gyab, I got different flavors by the bag, top shelf all I smoke is gas”

9. “Sacrifices”
Producer: Greytest & Kyd Ace
Lyric snippet: “They don’t see the struggle, they only see when you shining, had to switch it up, I had to make some sacrifices, seeing is believing, but love for you made me blind, let my feelings get the best of me, that might be the death of me….”

10. “Prayed Up”
Producer: JGotMelodyz
King Ponche shared that this track is a relatable song about how people go through different things.
Lyric snippet: “I perfecting my craft, I try not to stress, cause life goes on, it be moving so fast, don’t get lost in the sauce, now I in 1st place but I started in last….”

11. Don’t Forget Me featuring VI Jo
Producer: Ant Chamberlain
Lyric snippet: “You say love me but you got n***as on the side, I shoulda know cause you showed me all the signs, that mean that everything you told me was a lie, you did me wrong but all I did was treat you right….”

Where to Find Excuse My Accent 2
You can find this album on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, etc. Visit his Link Tree. 

Shout Outs to Persons Who Assisted with Excuse My Accent 2
King Ponche gave a special shout out to SD Productions VI, producer for “L.O.A.D.” and “Shadows.” In addition, SD Productions VI, a long term acquaintance, created the cover art.

King Ponche’s Favorite Track on Excuse My Accent 2
King Ponche’s favorite track is “Sacrifices.” According to him, “in life, you have to make sacrifices” regardless of the various trials, tribulations and milestones.

Facts You May Not Know About King Ponche

• King Ponche is an audio/sound engineer and producer.
• The artist he listens to most is Future.

Music Videos
King Ponche already released a music video for “Shadows” and one for “Sacrifices” is coming soon.

Advice to the Youth Wanting to Get in the Music Business
King Ponche advises:

• “Anything is possible - just put your mind to it”
• “Before you sign off on anything, make sure the business is right.”
• “The music is a plus but to make income and to get the music out there – you have to get the music right.”
• “Do you and be yourself.”

Upcoming Projects
King Ponche asked that we stay tuned to his social media pages for his upcoming projects.

POEM: A Michael Jackson Story

He said "Billie Jean is not my lover"

but Annie was upset

No matter how he asked,

"Annie, are you ok?"

She was not having it

He said "The kid is not my son"

People always 

"Wanna be starting something"

but all she said was

"Remember the time"

and he knew she was fed up

He tried to be a "Thriller"

but she only believed what

she saw in "Black and White"

He kept pleading

"I just can't stop loving you,"

"I'll be there,"

It's just "Human Nature,"

those other people

"They Don't Care About Us"

but this "Pretty Young Thing"

only wanted to "Scream"

She said look at the

"Man in the Mirror,"

you'll see a "Smooth Criminal"

"The way you make me feel"

is "Dangerous"

I want to "Rock with you"

but you better 

"Leave me alone"

or there will be

"Blood on the dance floor"

You are "Bad"

because at night

"You are not alone"

I remember when

"Love never felt so good"

and when I would say

"Don't stop till you get enough"

but now I need someone

to "Heal the world"

that I live in

© Linette Rabsatt

New Album: The Bad Heart by Jus Khe

Who is YDO JUS KHE (YODEFOWA) [Jus Khe]?
Jus Khe is a hip-hop artist from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.

His Story
Jus Khe wrote poetry, and he collaborated with other St. Croix poets to start a poetry club at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix campus. Jus Khe and other poets visited schools to inspire the students and share their talents. He eventually ventured into music because he enjoyed performing in front of a crowd. He debuted as a featured artist on ‘Too Lit’ by Kay Dinero in 2017.

Jus Khe performed under several stage names:
2017: K-13
2018: Jus Khe

2021: YDO JUSKHE

2017 became an unprecedented year for Virgin Islanders with the passage of Hurricane Irma and Maria. Jus Khe also faced challenges brought on by the storm, and he put music on hold momentarily. He left the US Virgin Islands to continue his studies, and in 2020, he renewed his passion in music.

Album: The Bad Heart
Jus Khe released The Bad Heart (TBH) on February 14, 2022. He began the project in October 2021. The artist shared that he enjoys trap music but wanted to do something different with this album.

When asked about the significance of releasing this album on Valentine’s Day, Just Khe shared that “all songs come from a different point of view – from ventures in today’s reality – primarily from a betrayal of trust – which is very vivid in the album.”

Jus Khe wrote his lyrics and shared appreciation for his producer, Arl Polydore, and engineer, Mark Sciaruto. While this artist can also mix and master, he booked a studio to ensure TBH had a professional studio sound.

The album comprises seven tracks:

1. Spazz
Lyric snippet: “I guess the pain does make a n***a stronger, I hope the world make you feel abandon, I want you hurting, hope you understand that”

2. Deserve It
Lyric snippet: “I don’t think that you deserve it, I put my time in you cause I thought you were worth it, I wiped you down and you turn around and do me dirt”

3. Flip Flops
Lyric snippet: “I be caressing her slowly, you working too much so she lonely, sad that you think she's a trophy, when you go to work she does throat me, that’s not your b***h, that’s your homey”

4. Interlude

5. Bundles
Lyric snippet: “cause I a demon in the streets and a demon in the sheets and demons like fire so you know I bringing heat”

6. His Girl featuring Cue Soul
Lyric snippet: “Don’t get mad at me, I tell you honestly, I’m not the one who supposed to be showing you loyalty, these broad ain't none to me, but they in love with me, you gotta grow up and that’s why I had to let you feel the pain”

7. Bridges
Lyric snippet: “I ain’t trying to build no bridges, I’m gonna let them bridges burn, I’m trying to build my riches, getting everything I deserve”

Where to Find The Bad Heart
You can find Jus Khe’s music on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, etc.

Links:
· Link tree: https://linktr.ee/Juskhe
· Album Link: https://album.link/i/1610179145
· Artist Gear: https://ydogearsnwearscom.creator-spring.com/

Feedback on TBH
Jus Khe shared that fans have shared encouraging feedback. He has been surprised by the positive feedback from the female fans. While he could not say which track was his favorite, Jus Khe stated that his fans’ most popular choice is “Spazz” because they said they feel the energy, and it is an ideal first track for the album.

Who Jus Khe Listens To

Mainstream: Kodak Black, PNB Rock, Young Dolph, and Key Glock
Virgin Islands: Dan Dadda and OTT

Advice to the Youth Who to Pursue Music
Jus Khe encouraged young people to “make sure you have a distinctive Plan A and Plan B – because this music life is not cheap. Plan A should be where you can get the money to get started."

Anything Else that You Want People to Know about Jus Khe
The artist shares his music to symbolize that:
1. “you don’t have to follow the crowd in your music. So many people like and don’t like – (but) people will choose good music over common music. You can be different – the next new thing. You don’t have to be the existing artist but you have to be the new one.
2. in music, if it is not right, it is wrong – no in between. You can’t change the past – focus on the next future step.”

Music Video
Jus Khe plans to release a music video for “Spazz” soon.

Upcoming Work

He plans to release an EP on April 20, 2022, and a Mother’s Day song on May 8, 2022. Fans should also look for another album on Jus Khe's birthday, August 2, 2022.

POEM: Who It Is

I don't always know
where to go
but I surely know
who to turn to
who will
answer the call
I know who will not
let me fall
and who I can
bear my all to
and as I am short
who can stand tall
and will ensure
I don't look back
who will always

pull up the slack
It's a fact
I know who's
got my back
I know who will 

walk far for me

who will help me

to portray a better me

I appreciate 

who is my light

who is my inspiration
and who is my number one

fan, cheerleader

and co-conspirator

in all things good

Ⓒ Linette Rabsatt

Behaviors We Need to Check Ourselves On

I get my inspiration from many places, but it is more prominent when I garden or hang clothes. I draw ideas from conversations, happenings, memes, or concerns. This blog post came from a series of different events that alarmed or surprised me. I started to consider growing up and what people told me. I also thought about what I say to my children and other young people. Therefore, I decided to pen this list of behaviors we need to reconsider.

• No Comparison to Siblings, Parents, or Other Members of the Family

We are all not the same. We don't process things the same way, and we do not have the same talents. Please don't compare each other. I say this to teachers and employers. Learn about each person through interaction and encourage them in their journeys.

• I am Not My Hair or My Skin

A hairstyle is a personal choice and does not depict anything but a personal choice. You do not have to like someone's hairstyle, but you should not judge the person by how their hair looks. I would say it is the same for tattoos. Some religions frown on tattoos, and I don't have any. However, some people enjoy wearing their tattoos, dreadlocks, perms, etc. That is fine!

• Custom and Culture are Different

I have said this before in a previous blog post. We must recognize that culture evolves; therefore, we should record the history that we create. Our future generations need to be able to appreciate our journey.

• Don't greet me with "You Get Fat!"

Somehow, we think it is cute to greet someone with, "How you get so fat?" or "You lose so much weight - you sick?" We emphasize physical appearance, yet we encourage unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles. We can ask how someone is doing or about their family or job. Maybe, we could greet the person and not ask them anything. I think we have hurt too many people with our words. It's time to change the conversation.

Meme: https://me.me/i/all-caribbean-people-do-is-ask-you-to-bring-something-17898247

• "Mind your Business"

Please refer to the previous bullet point and focus on developing yourself or encouraging those around you. We call it "melee" when you gossip. If you put more energy into your personal growth instead of digging into others' personal lives, you can use that time to learn new skills or enjoy yourself with your family. In this category, I also ask that you do not speak ill of other people's children, despite any wrongdoing. Instead, pray for them and their parents.

• Let People Choose their Career

When I was growing up, people told me:

1. Don't be a lawyer because they lie a lot
2. Join the army
3. Not to say you want someone's job because they will block you in life

Today, I smile. I have exploratory conversations with my children. I chose my path based on my interests because I wanted to be happy and inspire others. We do not have to agree with our children's choices, and we should encourage them to weigh all options. However, I know what it feels like to be unhappy in a job, so I will not pressure anyone to choose a career they are not comfortable pursuing.

• You Can't Force "Big People!"

We love to push our personal opinion on others. Stop it! If someone asks for advice, share it. If you see another person going down the wrong path, encourage them to do better. However, do not push your agenda on other people. Whether you are forcing them to side with your political, religious, or biased view, stop it! Share your side and let the person make their decision.

• Listen!

Please listen to the person speaking with you. We clutter the world with activity, media, and confusion, so you cannot always focus your time to listen. However, if someone reaches out to you, please hear them out. Don't be quick to hear and dismiss. Sometimes, people need your help or need to vent. 

I mentioned the word 'journey' several times and alluded to communication and perception throughout this post. We have to be mindful of ourselves, relatives, friends, co-workers, and the community. We all are on a journey and need each other. Be good to those with who you come in contact.

Ribbon

POEM: When I Sense Danger

As I sense danger

I become a stranger

estranged from the chaos

distanced from the melee

out of sync with the fuss

and definitely not on the bus

I don't and won't engage

Instead I fly like a bird

that doesn't have a home

I find my own zone

and I skip my own stones 

to get out of the mess

far from the fire

and miles away from the mire

don't drag me in

don't call me out

because I am not 

a contestant in that bout

I prefer peace

I enjoy sanity

I relish in the sunlight

Middle ground is my friend

Compromise is key

but don't take me

for a pushover

know that I know when to 

walk away

and drive the bus myself

or take wings and fly

© Linette Rabsatt

Odd Man Out

I have been the 'odd man out' throughout my life. People think I am always calm and friendly, but I mainly keep to myself. At school, I had a small circle. I didn't think I fit in. At work, I think it's the same. I always feel like I can analyze why things happen. So I think that I act this way because I grew up sheltered and away from my siblings.

A lot of people think they know me. However, I am sure they wouldn't think about me in the terms I shared above. I have had people ask me if I get mad or unhappy. What? Who doesn't get mad? I find these days my temper is increasingly short. My facial expressions cannot hide my frustration, and I don't know if I want to hide it.

I am looking past people's perceptions, and instead, I am doing the best that I can. I have challenges, like everyone else, and I confide in persons that I can trust. Those who follow me on social media quickly realize that I love poetry, puns, and riddles. I do not put private information on display for everyone to see. On LinkedIn, I focus more on learning from others and using the platform to make connections.

I find 2022 just as challenging as 2021. We face changes to COVID-19 protocols, continued travel restrictions, cost of living increases, etc. I took a day off from work because I needed a moment to step back. If I could get a 4-day work week, I would gladly spend more time enjoying what I love.

I continue to say that 'I invest in the things that build me.' I will maintain this mantra for 2022. While I am the 'odd man out.' I want my people to be successful. I will assist, encourage, and guide others so that they, in turn, can do the same for the next person.

I'm still the odd man out, but I know we have a lot of work to do in our community.

Ribbon