Some Days I’m Good, Some Days I’m Not: a mix of pain and hope

Last week, Fridayy released his third project, Some days I'm good, some days I'm not, and I’ve been hooked since my first listen. Much like his second  self-titled  album (2023), it opens with what sounds like a heartfelt voice note from his mother, encouraging him to keep his head up when life gets tough. Those 31 seconds alone were enough to fuel my fight against life's challenges. Honestly, she belongs in the booth, delivering motivational speeches only a loving mother can give. I’m already anticipating her next message; hopefully before Fridayy’s next album.  

Cover of the album

With a title like Some Days I'm Good, Some Days I'm Not and a cover that visually reinforces the theme, the message is clear from the start. The album captures the emotional rollercoaster of life, the struggle to maintain good mental health amid its ups and downs. The Haitian-American singer opens up with raw honesty, embracing vulnerability in a way that feels both refreshing and deeply moving. He tackles heavy, sometimes taboo, subjects with grace.   

A standout track, Proud of Me featuring Meek Mill, explores the weight of losing a father and the lasting impact of that loss. The artists also show how proving themselves to their loved ones, making them proud, is important. No need to have lost a loved one to relate to it. In Make It Home, he touches on the harsh reality of being a Black man in a world where violence is an everyday threat. The song highlights the fragile nature of life and serves as a reminder to express love to those who matter because even later isn’t promised. Desert captures the loneliness that often comes with life's journey, while Look to You is a soul-searching anthem about finding hope in a higher power during difficult times.  

Beyond personal struggles, the album also delves into relationships. Come Home portrays a remorseful man acknowledging his mistakes and hoping to mend a broken relationship. On the other hand, Baddest in the Room radiates love and admiration, showcasing someone who only has eyes for their partner.  

Despite the album’s introspective and emotional depth, it also carries a strong message of hope and perseverance; reminding listeners that better days are ahead. After reflecting on my fellow Haitian's remarkable growth, I can confidently say that with persistence and determination, things eventually fall into place. Fridayy’s journey is proof of that. Starting his journey in 2022, songs like Stand By Me and When it comes to you later caught people's attention, mine included in 2023. 

He was featured on DJ Khaled’s God Did alongside Takeoff, Jadakiss, Lil Wayne, and other respected artists. At the 2023 Grammys, he performed the song live with Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and John Legend; an unforgettable moment for those who witnessed it. I'm sorry if you missed it. In 2024, he was featured on several artists projects like Future and Lil Baby which demonstrate a growth on his career. His rise is a testament that no matter how tough things get, if you keep pushing forward, success will follow.

One of the standout elements of Some Days I’m Good, Some Days I’m Not is Fridayy’s raw vulnerability. It’s not just a feature of his music; it’s the foundation. I invite you to listen to his two other projects, Fridayy (2023) and Lost in Melody (2022)to fully understand this. R&B thrives on emotional honesty, and his willingness to lay it all bare should be a must-have ingredient in any great R&B album.  

Beyond his openness, his ability to seamlessly weave together soul, gospel, R&B, a touch of konpa, afrobeat, and hip-hop creates a signature sound that is uniquely his. His delivery, the weight in his voice, and the way he conveys emotions make every lyric feel personal, as if he’s singing directly to you. Whether it’s pain, love, regret, or hope, you don’t just hear it; you feel it. I won't lie, I shed some tears while listening to all the 59 minutes this album has.   

With this project, Fridayy further cements himself as an artist who doesn’t just make music but crafts experiences. If he continues down this path, pouring his heart into every song, the industry won’t just listen. They’ll have no choice but to acknowledge. This is an amazing this to witness: artists from Haitian descent being seen by others. Him, Kenny Haiti, Joé Dwet Filé, who's also featured with Bezwen Ou,  Kaytranada and others are showing to us and others that it is possible to reach for our dreams while staying true to yourself. Another point that makes me absolutely love this album.

If you haven't listened to it yet, what are you waiting for? Go and stream it on your favorite platform.

If you have already, what are your thoughts on the album? What song's your favorite? Leave a comment to let me know. 

Un Show Magique : Medjy fait vibrer Laval

Après plus de deux ans d'absence sur scène, c'est à Laval, au Canada, que Medjy Toussaint, alias Medjy, a choisi de faire son grand retour. Le 22 février 2025 restera une date gravée dans la mémoire de ses fans. Dès 19 h, ces derniers se sont rassemblés à la Place Bell, impatients de découvrir ce que le chanteur du groupe Enposib leur avait réservé.

Malgré son absence de la scène, Medjy avait sorti son album 48 Rebecca en mai 2023. D'abord déroutant pour certains fans d'Enposib, qui s'attendaient peut-être à retrouver les sonorités du groupe, l’album a su, avec le temps, conquérir le cœur du public. À travers ce projet, l’artiste souhaitait affirmer son identité en tant que chanteur solo, et il semble avoir réussi : plusieurs milliers de personnes ont répondu présentes à son appel.

Durkheim et DJ Bullet avaient la lourde tâche de maintenir l'ambiance en attendant l’entrée en scène de l’artiste. Durkheim a interprété plusieurs morceaux de son album Tous ces détails, ainsi que quelques-uns de ses singles, tandis que Bullet a enflammé la salle avec des sons populaires d'hier et d'aujourd’hui. 

Pendant cette attente, j’ai profité de l’occasion pour croiser des amis et connaissances. Les spectateurs, venus de partout, étaient élégants, bien habillés, souriants et ravis de se retrouver. L'excitation était palpable, et l’impatience grandissait à mesure que l’heure avançait.

Ce n'est qu'à 21 h 17 que l’attente a pris fin. Enfin ! Medjy est apparu sur scène, amené par une moto. La foule en délire a laissé éclater ses cris et de chaleureux applaudissements, mêlés à un jeu de lumières envoûtant. Il est là ! Le Chauve… vêtu de blanc, entouré de musiciens talentueux – claviéristes, instruments à vent, batterie, basse, guitare – et accompagné de trois choristes. Il entame son spectacle avec Pasyante.

Dès les premières notes, le public découvre un Medjy rayonnant, à l’aise et souriant. Il est là où il doit être : face à ceux qui le soutiennent depuis le début. En plus des titres de son album, les spectateurs ont eu droit à un medley des classiques d'Enposib, dont Bo m sou de bò, Bay on byè et Domino – un cadeau apprécié par l’audience.

L'artiste parlant à ses fans

De plus, en raison du mystère entourant l’avenir du groupe, Medjy a pris le temps de répondre à quelques questions du public. J'ai apprécié ce moment-là car on voyait son confort et sa transparence dans les interactions malgré la sensibilité du sujet. J'ai reconnu mon Montréal quand on a hué un fanatique qui n'a pas su utiliser cette opportunité à bon escient. Il a notamment confié que le futur d’Enposib restait incertain, une nouvelle qui a sans doute attristé plus d’un fan. Pour adoucir cette annonce, l’ancien membre Regi a rejoint son frère sur scène pour interpréter Pa Tann, l’un des premiers succès du groupe, que les Montréalais ont pris plaisir à chanter. Puis, pour le plus grand bonheur du public, le chanteur du groupe Kaï l’a rejoint pour interpréter Jije M.

Medjy et Richard Cavé sur scène

Le son était impeccable, et les musiciens ont livré une performance exceptionnelle. Définitivement, la barre a été placée très haut. Le 22 février 2025 restera une date mémorable, marquant le début d’un nouveau chapitre pour Medjy et, peut-être, pour ses collègues ainsi que les amoureux du konpa.

Avec les récents concerts marquants de Rutshelle, Carimi et Joé Dwèt Filé, on peut espérer que d'autres artistes suivront cette tendance. Le public semble plus que prêt à y répondre positivement. Medjy a d’ailleurs annoncé qu’une tournée est en préparation. Ses fans sont donc invités à rester à l’affût des prochaines dates.

A leap of faith: writing my way into being

Have you read this article? If not, I invite you to click on the link before diving into this one.

I left off asking myself, “Do I want to be seen?” Honestly, I still don’t have a clear answer. That question unravels a web of even more questions, layered with complexities I’m still trying to untangle. Just thinking about it stirs a sense of unease, triggering that familiar fight-or-flight response. But it’s time to release those false narratives and start experiencing life for what it truly is.

Instead of overthinking, I choose to focus on simply being while on doing what allows me to see life through a different lens than the one I’ve been looking through these past few years. My goal is to declutter my mind, to make space for new thoughts and fresh perspectives. I’ve realized I’ve been keeping my talents and opinions locked inside when, in truth, they’re meant to be shared with the world. I can’t fully express them while worrying about who’s watching, because, after all, a player can’t both play the game and watch the scoreboard at the same time.

So, I’m choosing to actively participate in my own life. Recently, Doechii won a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Her speech wasn’t just inspiring; it was a reminder to just do it, like. We may not always know where to start, but that shouldn’t stop us from seeking help, collaborating, or simply taking the first step.

I’ve always had a deep love for writing. French was my first language, the foundation of my relationship with words. But with family living in the U.S., English found its way into my world early on, and eventually, I started writing in both languages. Writing is an art, and anyone who can create magic with words is an artist; regardless of language or form. This is me reconnecting with my younger self, the one who once wrote fearlessly, without hesitation.

Now, I’m daring myself to use my words to bring my thoughts to life. I suppose this is what it means to take a leap of faith. I’m ready to see what happens when I bet on myself. This is me following Carla's tips on putting myself in the center of my life. 

Thank you for being around while I "figure it out". This blog will allow me to be and do just that. Are we ready?