I absolutely would love your feedback on this poem. Who do you think I am referring to?
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Sunday, September 8, 2024
My Poetic Journey: Highlights from August 2024
I would call August my regeneration month. The territory was filled with activity. We celebrated the 70th Emancipation Festival with a plethora of exciting activities. I continued to promote work by sharing poems and participating in online events. I also submitted poems to several journals and magazine for review.
Here’s what August looked like for me:
- Pulse Poetry Magazine
- Calling All Poets Series
I performed during the Calling All Poets Series Open Mic on August 2. I'm on from 1:59:40 to 2:02:05, but of course, I encourage you to view to the entire reading to hear the featured readers and other open mic performances.
- Poetry Competition
I joined another She Barz Poetry Competition focused on Mental Health on August 3.
- Hurricane Ernesto
On August 14, Hurricane Ernesto impacted the Virgin Islands. My garden surely took a hit. However, I persevere.
- Poetry Judging
I was one of the judges in a She Barz Competition focused on comedy on August 24, 2024.
- Performance
I performed at Nita Chase’s Poets and Spoken Word Artists Exhaling on the Mic on August 24.
- Music Blog
I interviewed Stefan about his new album NORI and shared the article on August 24.
I hope to have lots more to share in September. Of course, if please grab a copy of my book, Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt.
I hope to have lots more to share in September. Of course, if please grab a copy of my book, Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt.
Here's a haiku:
earth's heart beats wildly
turbulence dances supreme
rain and thunder roam
© Linette Rabsatt 9-8-2024
Saturday, August 24, 2024
New Album: NORI by Stefan - Stefan's Insights & Listeners' Views
I first met Stefan in April 2024 when I shared a blog post about him. Stefan has delivered a masterpiece with his thirteen-track album, NORI, which was released on August 16, 2024. I would say that this album is clean, comfortable, relatable, and evoked emotion to keep me listening!
Let's Hear Stefan's Perspective
I had a chat with Stefan and he shared the following about NORI.
What Inspired This Album?
“NORI was created based on a story that I wrote that was inspired by the weird time after COVID-19 where I would go to the beach with my friends. Every week before the curfew, we would always go to the beach. That was a very happy time in my life - not because of COVID-19 stuff but just being around my friends and going to the beach every week. That’s a really happy time in my life and the story was created around that. I know I wanted to make a story with that because the beach was such a good vibe. That's why the project starts with us approaching the beach. We don't really go to the beach as much now and that's why the ending of the project - it’s just the beach by itself without any noise for a couple seconds. But that’s outside of the actual story, that’s just the inspiration behind the project. I just wanted to make something inspired by that time.
Was It Intentional for Some Song Titles to be in Lowercase?
I did this to bring more attention to NORI and XENO because those are tracks named after actual people in the story.
I had a chat with Stefan and he shared the following about NORI.
What Inspired This Album?
“NORI was created based on a story that I wrote that was inspired by the weird time after COVID-19 where I would go to the beach with my friends. Every week before the curfew, we would always go to the beach. That was a very happy time in my life - not because of COVID-19 stuff but just being around my friends and going to the beach every week. That’s a really happy time in my life and the story was created around that. I know I wanted to make a story with that because the beach was such a good vibe. That's why the project starts with us approaching the beach. We don't really go to the beach as much now and that's why the ending of the project - it’s just the beach by itself without any noise for a couple seconds. But that’s outside of the actual story, that’s just the inspiration behind the project. I just wanted to make something inspired by that time.
Was It Intentional for Some Song Titles to be in Lowercase?
I did this to bring more attention to NORI and XENO because those are tracks named after actual people in the story.
Who Did Your Visuals?
Theo Thomas has been the man behind the scenes.
What Do You Want to Say to Your Fans?
I want to say thanks even though when you say, ‘fans,’ it feels weird. The feedback has really been overwhelming and I am feeling the love wholeheartedly. Seeing that everyone has been sharing love for the project shows me that hard work pays off.
Tell Us About Team TYC
I feel that for the TYC team – it’s the happiest era of our lives in creating NORI and putting ourselves out there. Sometimes we would get together just to watch movies, play games, or crack jokes, and eventually, all of this interaction led to success. This team knew that they were talented but this is a bigger step to putting ourselves out there.
What's Your Favorite Track on NORI?
My favorite track is …i’m really not. I believe that …i’m really not is the perfect song to capture the whole album. It briefly goes through every single situation, every feeling, It basically gives you a top-to-bottom summary of the entire project in addition to a year-after perspective. It just lets you know how he’s feeling and the fact that he hasn't processed all of the emotions that he felt with NORI - the fact that it’s kind of surreal that she's actually gone. He’s on his own now and he's not the same. His friends are worried about him. He's clearly being distant as you can hear from the skits from the friends in the earlier half of the track. It's just perfect from top to bottom and captures the whole project emotionally – my favorite song.
Where is lido's kitchen?
lido's is not a real place, sadly, it is not a real place. Everybody wants it to be a real place. I want it to be a real place too. I picture it on the roadside by the beach because that's where it is actually located in a story, not too far down the road from the beach.
Theo Thomas has been the man behind the scenes.
What Do You Want to Say to Your Fans?
I want to say thanks even though when you say, ‘fans,’ it feels weird. The feedback has really been overwhelming and I am feeling the love wholeheartedly. Seeing that everyone has been sharing love for the project shows me that hard work pays off.
Tell Us About Team TYC
I feel that for the TYC team – it’s the happiest era of our lives in creating NORI and putting ourselves out there. Sometimes we would get together just to watch movies, play games, or crack jokes, and eventually, all of this interaction led to success. This team knew that they were talented but this is a bigger step to putting ourselves out there.
What's Your Favorite Track on NORI?
My favorite track is …i’m really not. I believe that …i’m really not is the perfect song to capture the whole album. It briefly goes through every single situation, every feeling, It basically gives you a top-to-bottom summary of the entire project in addition to a year-after perspective. It just lets you know how he’s feeling and the fact that he hasn't processed all of the emotions that he felt with NORI - the fact that it’s kind of surreal that she's actually gone. He’s on his own now and he's not the same. His friends are worried about him. He's clearly being distant as you can hear from the skits from the friends in the earlier half of the track. It's just perfect from top to bottom and captures the whole project emotionally – my favorite song.
Where is lido's kitchen?
lido's is not a real place, sadly, it is not a real place. Everybody wants it to be a real place. I want it to be a real place too. I picture it on the roadside by the beach because that's where it is actually located in a story, not too far down the road from the beach.
What's Next for NORI?
I plan to do an event called lido's kitchen later in 2024. More details to come soon.
What's Next for Stefan?
I may let this album breathe for a while. I'm not in a rush to drop another album but I will be sharing more music later in the year. I have a lot of work tucked away. I may focus on a few more EPs. I want to build the brand and get more music out there.
Would You Want to Perform for the 2025 Virgin Islands Festival?
I would love to perform but I would want a live set for the desired effect I have in mind. I want to give a powerful performance and give the people a good show.
Shout Out
Thank you to my parents, wider family, and friends for standing with me. Special shout out to TYC for their ongoing support. Thank you to Kyra of Kickin It for helping me to put myself out there!
Parting Words
The project was not aimed to be trap (music) or like Tola Boy Radio. Supporters can look forward to some visualizers that were completed and one more defining music video of the whole project. The feedback has been great and I am happy with it being the first ever project. I gave it 100% and when I make new music - I want that I have no regrets about it in the future. Keep looking out for what is coming from me. I feel it’s worth waiting for.
The Music
I plan to do an event called lido's kitchen later in 2024. More details to come soon.
What's Next for Stefan?
I may let this album breathe for a while. I'm not in a rush to drop another album but I will be sharing more music later in the year. I have a lot of work tucked away. I may focus on a few more EPs. I want to build the brand and get more music out there.
Would You Want to Perform for the 2025 Virgin Islands Festival?
I would love to perform but I would want a live set for the desired effect I have in mind. I want to give a powerful performance and give the people a good show.
Shout Out
Thank you to my parents, wider family, and friends for standing with me. Special shout out to TYC for their ongoing support. Thank you to Kyra of Kickin It for helping me to put myself out there!
Parting Words
The project was not aimed to be trap (music) or like Tola Boy Radio. Supporters can look forward to some visualizers that were completed and one more defining music video of the whole project. The feedback has been great and I am happy with it being the first ever project. I gave it 100% and when I make new music - I want that I have no regrets about it in the future. Keep looking out for what is coming from me. I feel it’s worth waiting for.
The Music
The tracks on NORI are:
Feedback from Friends and Other Creatives
Papi Woodyard, poet and host extraordinaire of Papi’s Poetry Corner, commented on the YouTube videos:
“It's at the 3:13 segue skit for NORI that I really catch the vibe and genius of this brother.🥰🙏🏿❣️ It's spiritual, yet sensual, totally celestial.🔥❣️ I love it😍🙌🏿❣️. He has a professional vision about his artistry that supersedes his age😃☝🏿❣️. I'm a fan officially from here on😁🙏🏿❣️. And I love the way he segue his skits🔥☝🏿.. Not even the adult emcees do that anymore for the most part🤷🏿♂️.”
William Douglas, a writer from Toronto said:
Stefan's album NORI is a melodic journey with vibes reminiscent of Drake, featuring good rhyme schemes and engaging conversational interactions. The track been dodgin' had me bouncing around, while waiting... stands out with its relatable lyrics, excellent flow, and a great chorus. I loved how the album wrapped up with the soothing sound of waves, adding a perfect ending touch.
Dr. Dierdra Wheatley, my friend and HR colleague (I have mentioned her several times in this blog), said:
I like the artist's voice - it's smooth and kinda buttery. I like the story telling aspect of the album because it carried me through a journey that a lot of us can relate to in one way or the other. I like those aspects. I liked the beats as well - they were 'feelable.'
Khadija Walters, HR colleague, creative and owner of Khad's World, shared:
I felt like I was listening to his story. The album was well put together, every song flowed one after the other in chronological harmony. I also loved that the music felt timeless; nowadays we're so bombarded with modern twists on music but this album brought such a nostalgic vibe, taking you back in the day. The album is truly a work of art and I expect it will hit the global market.
Anthony of 3AL Productions said his favorite songs are lido's kitchen, been dodgin and XENO.
Anjanique from AMC Edits said she loves all the songs, but her favorites are i love you, waiting..., NORI and XENO.
If you have not listened to this album yet, please check Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Stefan is superbly talented and I do look forward to hearing more amazing music from him in the future. I quote from Stefan's hit song, GOING PRO featuring Jefe Tunez:
- you good?: This conversation begins the album with Stefan’s friends asking him, “you good?” They seem concerned, although jokingly at times, about his wellbeing after a break-up. However, Stefan insists, "I good."
- i’m okay …: featuring Donwikk: In response to Track 1, Stefan sings in the hook: “You don’t have to ask me if I’m fine/ I’m okay … I been doing better, honestly there ain’t a day.” The instrumental, which has a classical feel in the first minute and 30 seconds, transitions with some blended pop infusion. It ends with a skit that introduces Track 3.
- NORI featuring Kendake: Track 3 introduces the protagonist. After mutually breaking up with his girlfriend, Stefan found a new love interest, NORI. It seems to be a casual encounter where Stefan introduces himself to her. The song breaks with a skit before Kendake adds her lyrical diversity. She chants, “long as your efforts ain’t juvenile, be honest, don’t be delusional.”
- nori’s theme: Track 4 gives us another insight through the conversation between Stefan and his friends about NORI. They chided him about pretending to be “okay,” but still encouraged him to invite her to the meeting spot. They even joke about him not being himself at the meet-up – not freestyling. They even talk about NORI’s old love interest, which we will meet in the upcoming tracks.
- lido’s kitchen featuring Jougo, TYC, Durnel Sanderson and Stello: This track has an all-star cast. It opens with an ad for “lido’s kitchen” by a dominating voice in the Virgin Islands, Jougo. The mood changes because the song is about “falling in love.” It's a more reggae vibe that you can sing along and dance to. We tend to look at restaurants as places for bringing people together and the song gives us the exact vibe - togetherness. The chorus repeats, "all I wanna do is fall in love with you."
- don’t rush featuring Alyssah: Track 5 has me wanting to hear more from Alyssah! This sexy track gives me a smooth R&B feel, reminiscent of the songs that we still sing today from the 90s and 2000s. At the 2-minute mark, the song transitions into a different instrumental and mood. Stefan has been trying to call NORI and she has not responded.
- been callin’: The energy change continued from Track 6 to this track This was the first song I heard from the album and may be my favorite. NORI seems to be having doubts about the relationship and her friends are intercepting Stefan’s calls. Stefan expresses doubts and reminisces on the earlier conversations with his friends who had encouraged him to slow down. NORI's friends lecture her about the way she has been treating Stefan.
- been dodgin’: In Track 8, NORI admits she’s been dodging Stefan. In the skit in between, NORI's friends encourage her to reach out to Stefan. However, Stefan responded by repeating, “I’ve been calling, you been dodgin'.” The song ends with NORI asking, “Will you wait for me?”
- waiting…: In response to Track 8, Stefan sings, “I don’t want to wait for ya” in the refrain. I love the old-school R&B feel of this song, the deep feelings that are expressed, and the vocal ranges.
- i love you featuring mic.ah & Durnel Sanderson: This track gives a more acoustic vibe at the start but transitions to a hip hop/pop flow with a telltale story backtracking on what Stefan sang in Track 9, "This don't make no sense, I ain't tryna fall in love, this **** makes no sense."
- XENO featuring Hancho Flippaz and Jefe Tunez: I would call this the angry song on the album with its ominous start of the instrutmental. It includes some serious banter between NORI's ex, XENO performed by Hancho Flippaz, BVI's 2021 Qua-Rap-Tine Battle winner, Stefan, and an instigator, Jefe Tunez. XENO starts his lyrics as if speaking to NORI about the early days of their relationship and throwing shots at Stefan. The instigator also pops in, and then XENO chants, "How you run tell your friends I toxic/ I ain't perfect this *** does take practice." Stefan chimes in, "Yeah that's my baby so we making plans/ help me out I don't really understand/ how she moved on and you still a fan, damn." The instigator adds, "And all ayo at the bottom of the barrel/ broke ***** thought that Chanel was a channel/ and your friends thirstier than a camel/ make one wrong move and I done this whole jam." Stefan retorts, "I know you intoxicated/ and you partly faded but meh boy/ you ain't got no pride/ keep my girl name out yuh mouth." The song ends with a taunt to shoot and we hear voices and a gunshot.
- lido’s kitchen pt. 2: This track starts with a touching voiceover of what appears to be NORI getting shot and the excitement, fear, suspense, and pain of everyone in the scene.
- …i’m really not: This pop style track brings a different mood to the album, It’s a bit more pop-py and the ad-libs mention a ‘funeral.” A voice calls out during this track, “I tell you you wasn’t ready for love….” The track runs for almost eight minutes with elements that bring the story to an exciting close.
Papi Woodyard, poet and host extraordinaire of Papi’s Poetry Corner, commented on the YouTube videos:
- on I’m okay: “Love this vibe ...❣️❣️❣️”
- on NORI – “Beautiful song ... sent to my wife.”
“It's at the 3:13 segue skit for NORI that I really catch the vibe and genius of this brother.🥰🙏🏿❣️ It's spiritual, yet sensual, totally celestial.🔥❣️ I love it😍🙌🏿❣️. He has a professional vision about his artistry that supersedes his age😃☝🏿❣️. I'm a fan officially from here on😁🙏🏿❣️. And I love the way he segue his skits🔥☝🏿.. Not even the adult emcees do that anymore for the most part🤷🏿♂️.”
William Douglas, a writer from Toronto said:
Stefan's album NORI is a melodic journey with vibes reminiscent of Drake, featuring good rhyme schemes and engaging conversational interactions. The track been dodgin' had me bouncing around, while waiting... stands out with its relatable lyrics, excellent flow, and a great chorus. I loved how the album wrapped up with the soothing sound of waves, adding a perfect ending touch.
Dr. Dierdra Wheatley, my friend and HR colleague (I have mentioned her several times in this blog), said:
I like the artist's voice - it's smooth and kinda buttery. I like the story telling aspect of the album because it carried me through a journey that a lot of us can relate to in one way or the other. I like those aspects. I liked the beats as well - they were 'feelable.'
Khadija Walters, HR colleague, creative and owner of Khad's World, shared:
I felt like I was listening to his story. The album was well put together, every song flowed one after the other in chronological harmony. I also loved that the music felt timeless; nowadays we're so bombarded with modern twists on music but this album brought such a nostalgic vibe, taking you back in the day. The album is truly a work of art and I expect it will hit the global market.
Anthony of 3AL Productions said his favorite songs are lido's kitchen, been dodgin and XENO.
Anjanique from AMC Edits said she loves all the songs, but her favorites are i love you, waiting..., NORI and XENO.
If you have not listened to this album yet, please check Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Stefan is superbly talented and I do look forward to hearing more amazing music from him in the future. I quote from Stefan's hit song, GOING PRO featuring Jefe Tunez:
"Cold world that we living in
Sometimes I even consider giving in
I know that I'm better than
everybody they bringing in for shows
but you know how it goes when you're chosen
I know I've been on your radar
People be faking, they ain't really who they say they are
Don't think I'd make it far
The thing is I know
soon they going to recognize me wherever I go
How he so cold with it?
And he so different maybe cuz he put his soul in it
He dropping hits after hits, going pro
He on a roll"
I am confident that Stefan will be recognized for his talents!
Friday, August 16, 2024
Friends... Or Not?
I have been toggling with the word, 'friend,' over the past weeks. I have had people question my 'friendship,' and I, in turn, have done the same. I've also seen a few posts on social media about 'friendship.'
I checked the Oxford online dictionary and here is the definition:
"a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations."
Did we let music define what a friend is?
I love music, so I went to look for songs about friendship:
"That's What Friends Are For"
Dionne Warwick Feat. Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder.
“Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forevermore
That's what friends are for”
"True Friend (Buss A Shot)"
Demarco
"Me haffi big up all me friend dem
Me friend dem ever there
Me get a one food, yeah, the food haffi share
Me tell dem say we a go get rich fi this year
Weh dem did deh when we a bounce inna one pair"
Did Biz Markie help to blur the line between friendships between men and women in "Just a Friend?"
“But when I sprung the question, she acted kind of strange
Then when I asked, "Do ya have a man?", she tried to pretend
She said: "No, I don't, I only have a friend"
Or did Kelly Price muddy the waters with "Friend of Mine?"?
"She was a friend of mine (Yeah-yeah)
She left with my man (Why, why, why?)
She lied (Yeah-yeah), cheated (Oh, lord), took all I had (She was, yeah)
She was a friend of mine (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
She used what she knew (I don't know why)
She lied (Yeah), cheated (Ooh-oh), and left me confused"
Randy Newman probably sang it best in the Toy Story hit song, "You've got a friend in me":
"She was a friend of mine (Yeah-yeah)
She left with my man (Why, why, why?)
She lied (Yeah-yeah), cheated (Oh, lord), took all I had (She was, yeah)
She was a friend of mine (Ooh, ooh-ooh)
She used what she knew (I don't know why)
She lied (Yeah), cheated (Ooh-oh), and left me confused"
Randy Newman probably sang it best in the Toy Story hit song, "You've got a friend in me":
You've got a friend in me
You've got troubles, and I've got 'em, too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and we see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me"
Who are my friends?
Seriously, I really started to question who my friends were. I know lots of people with common passions, hobbies, lifestyles, or family life. I also have people that I check on regularly - just to see if they are okay. I also have those who check on me. But are we friends?
Are your friends your friends?
Choose a close person to you, not a lover or family member, and answer these questions.
Depending on how you answer, you may be an acquaintance: “a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend.”
I guess that would cover buddies on Facebook, fellow alumni, church folk, teammates, coworkers, etc.
As stated earlier, this post was sparked by recent interactions. I'm not the best 'friend.' I'm a loner whose childhood friends were her radio and books. I'm a problem solver who loves challenges. I've had no choice but to figure out things on my own. Maybe, I'm not the best at setting clear expectations. I'll improve.
You've got troubles, and I've got 'em, too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and we see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me"
Who are my friends?
Seriously, I really started to question who my friends were. I know lots of people with common passions, hobbies, lifestyles, or family life. I also have people that I check on regularly - just to see if they are okay. I also have those who check on me. But are we friends?
Are your friends your friends?
Choose a close person to you, not a lover or family member, and answer these questions.
- What do you have in common with this person?
- What was the reason for your last phone call or message to this person?
- Do you ask this person for advice?
- Has this person tried to help you in any way in the past six months?
- If you were gravely ill, would you tell this person?
- Are you upset when this person does not agree with your point of view?
Depending on how you answer, you may be an acquaintance: “a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend.”
I guess that would cover buddies on Facebook, fellow alumni, church folk, teammates, coworkers, etc.
As stated earlier, this post was sparked by recent interactions. I'm not the best 'friend.' I'm a loner whose childhood friends were her radio and books. I'm a problem solver who loves challenges. I've had no choice but to figure out things on my own. Maybe, I'm not the best at setting clear expectations. I'll improve.
Cherish Your Friends
These are my parting thoughts:
These are my parting thoughts:
- Cherish the people who care for you.
- Connect with people who make you comfortable while holding you accountable.
- Don't assume that a nice person is your friend.
- Set boundaries.
- Be respectful of people's time and boundaries.
- Back off if your energy is not being reciprocated.
- Consider figuring things out on your own.
- Invest in what grows you.
Ribbon
Monday, August 12, 2024
Poem: Cover-up
Is it a Cover-up? This is my latest poem.
Scan the QR Code for my book, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt."
Scan the QR Code for my book, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt."
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
My July 2024 Poetic Journey and a Poem
Here is a recap of my activities:
- I have three poems published in DoubleSpeak Magazine.
- Two of my poems are in the July issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine.
- My poem, "My Thoughts," is officially in the Poetry Archive competition.
- I participated in a poetry competition hosted by She Barz in June and uploaded my entry, "De-Stress," on my YouTube page.
- I joined the Lucid Voices Magazine team and was featured. We have a lot more to share in the coming months.
- On July 18, I performed as the featured reader at the CAPS Online Poetry Reading. I am forever grateful to Mike Jurkovic for having the confidence in me.
- I performed my poem, "Planet and People in Harmony," at the Welcome and Cocktail Reception for the 11th COM:ES Exhibition on Environmental Sustainability. I'm on from 41:24 to 44:19. I combined two poems to share my message and call to action.
- On July 28, I joined Nita Chase and other wonderful poets on Poets and Spoken Word Artists Exhaling on the Mic. My participation was not planned, but I was very grateful for the opportunity to share my work with such talented poets.
- On July 31, I was interviewed for Wide Awoke Wednesday organized by the wonderful people behind Pulse Poetry Magazine and Pour Your Heart Out Open Mic.
Here's a poem from my book, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt":
The Nurturer
seeing him is a richness
of fulfillment,
I cannot understand the depths
of this love,
completion is only secondary
to the achievement
of being nurtured
inspired
and commended by
one who distinctly
resides in loving peace
with himself
his surroundings and
his being,
acceptance of his philosophy
is a mere decision
delighted and uplifted by
the assets of his heart and
loving spirit.
© Linette Rabsatt
Friday, July 5, 2024
Poetic Journey - June 2024 YouTube and Magazine Features
 |
| Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt |
Have you gotten your copy of my Kindle Book: "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt"?
My poetic journey for June 2024 included:
Magazines
- DoubleSpeak Magazine - 3 poems
- Pulse Poetry Magazine - 2 poems
I feel honored to work with these talented poets and am extremely happy to be featured in these publications.
Videos
- My poem, "My Thoughts," is officially in the Poetry Archive competition
- I recently participated in a poetry competition hosted by She Barz. Here is my entry, "De-Stress"
Never be afraid to share your talents. Invest in what grows you!
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