Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago

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In 2019, I found myself at a crossroads in life. College was just beginning, and as eager as I was to leave the awfulness of High School behind (and I really was excited), man, uncertainty is never fun. It was also during this time, this summer of hang time between adolescence and adulthood (allegedly) that Lo-Fi Beats channels really blew up. It might sound silly, but at the ends of these days of trepidation and excitement, I loved to unwind with the sounds of distant trains passing and Lo-Fi Beat streams. Yes, really.

One of my favorite artists on these mixes was a fantastic Filipino producer named Gny. He'd just put out his third tape and I was enamored!! Some digging led me to this one, 2018's Present. It felt so groovy and soulful. Every song was so raw, so honest, so full of heart. Usually without even lyrics. Moreso, I really appreciated the anonymity, it truly is about the music and nothing more with artists like him!

So, here I am, four years later and I've just graduated college. I find myself still living in the same town I spent four years exploring. No, I didn't have the anime-style blossoming of adulthood I was hoping for, but that's okay. Who has time to worry about self-issues when my man Gny is putting out an expanded vinyl pressing of Present! Through that awesome site Qrates no less! I'd always heard good things, but never got a chance to try them out. Not a fan of Vulfpeck, sorry.

Maybe if you know of Qrates, you know how this turned out. May turned to June. Then to July. Before I knew it, the projected shipping date had come and gone. As had Present's fifth anniversary. The Qrates name had been rightfully smeared all across the net, people screaming for their backordered Gizz records. I remember threatening chargebacks to customer service, and even that did nothing. In truth, I didn't want my money back, I wanted my record! I had totally given up hope, but man it sure would be cool.

Well, closing in on the SIXTH anniversary, what else should show up at my door with little fanfare! And DUDE, not to suddenly excuse Qrates for their disappearing act, but WOW this record rules! Sometimes, good things can happen against all odds. Even small things like a record.

Everything will be okay.

0:00 Just Take it Easy and Smile
3:00 Reality Check
5:23 I Hope You'll Be Okay
7:05 Everything Will Be Okay (w/ Liana)
9:25 Stories of Home
12:10 You Know Where to Find Me
14:36 Thank You
15:48 One Step Away (bonus track)
17:08 Here For You (bonus track)

For more amazing music: gnymakeshiphop.bandcamp.com