It’s been ten years since The Internet’s Ego Death dropped, a timeless, Grammy-nominated album that hinted at transformation. And transform it did. For the group, for the sound of alternative R&B, and for a generation of music lovers navigating love, identity, and the vulnerability of existing both online and in real life.

Our Ego Death 10-year anniversary celebrations started on June 13th thanks to DJ Chef Dro, the creator of Music Nerds and the curator of the vinyl listening experience, and Thanks for Listening record shop in Virginia Beach. I had the honor of co-hosting alongside her, and together we guided the conversation, shared reflections, created space for the community to connect, and the energy in the room was truly unmatched.

Hearing the album on vinyl just hit different. The instrumentation felt warmer, fuller, more alive. As the needle dropped on each side, we vibed out, fully immersed in the layers of sound that made Ego Death so special. What started as subtle head nods and quiet sways turned into full-on karaoke, with folks singing their favorite lyrics like we were at The Internet concert 10 years ago.

2024 was quietly transformative for ARDN, and 2025 is already proving to be his most intentional era yet. Born in Burundi, SA and raised in Canada, ARDN has been finding his core fans through music that feels both personal and expansive. His blend of soul-infused hip-hop, reflective lyricism, and soft-spoken conviction makes his music feel less like a performance and more like a shared moment.

This isn’t just a song, it’s a mindset. Some days, that morning cup of coffee wears off fast, and by mid-day, you need something stronger. That’s the energy Era Hardaway’s “Espresso” brings. It’s not just a wake-up call, but a reset button for your whole day, whenever you need it.

When you listen to Virginia native mynameisntjmack, it feels like he’s processing in real time, and we’re all flies on the wall in the therapy session of a man trying to make sense of everything he’s been carrying. His words don’t chase your attention, they earn your trust. There’s something sacred about the way he shares. And if you’ve ever wrestled with grief, doubt, isolation, or the feeling of holding yourself together in a world that doesn’t always make sense, you’ll feel him instantly.