Welcome back to the ROX-TV website. Things have been rather quiet for a few months and although the break was anticipated and much needed…it seems that there is important work to be done once again. For the faithful readers who have been following the action for the past two years, around November of 2022, I stepped away for a spell. This was to finalize the upcoming Skitzo book drop and also for some leg work on the “The King of Clubs” release in 2024. Beyond that, I also used the time to smoke weed and take a mental trip into the Liminal Universe. As a matter of fact, it’s where I had been resting by the pool, popping gas…smoking logs….and storing up the kinetic energy needed to keep moving. When I’m in this type of mode, not much else matters beyond day to day life and function. Even a drug mule needs a break once in a while…you know what I mean? A little R and R can bring back a dead horse for sure.

So there I was, smoking the afternoons away…mostly with Indica dominant strands…following a morning communal with YouTube, three or maybe six joints before noon. Breathing in the green clouds and shooting the hoops as they floated effortlessly around my head. Things were good…the world slowed down in my time zone…I was sleeping in bliss.

But all good things eventually have to change for one reason or another. On a hazy morning where the day’s names were less relevant…I received a message that brightened up my day. The artist Danny Dollars had crafted together a dope video release for his latest drop called “High Maintenance“. From what I heard, the video sounded unique, which prompted me to emerge from my weed coma and check it out. I was already interested before I learned the rest of the story though, which really changed the perspective of the whole video after the fact.

I was told that also appearing in the video was the legendary Gangsta Boo, who really left a mark on the landscape with her work as a solo artist and also with Three 6 Mafia. Sadly, Gangsta Boo died in January of this year from what sounded like a classic case of consumption. It was a heavy blow to the Memphis Rap scene who had watched her blossom from a 14-year-old aspiring rapper to the baller status she left the world with. I don’t need to explain that anytime someone passes on to the next transition, it makes the work they leave behind all that more special for those left behind. Since the source is no longer with us, all we can do is rally around what came and went. So…at least for me…seeing anyone’s last piece of work, hearing a last track…whatever the fuck it was…those things instantly take on new meanings and garner importance.

For the record, I was told on good authority that this was Gangsta Boo’s final video. Could clips and other items surface that eventually make similar claims? I’m sure, especially with the ridiculous amounts of AI and tech we have now…but this was the last video she cut before she passed away in real life. Knowing that fact somehow changed the whole feel for me, and I will admit that it was difficult to “mute” that fact while trying to enjoy a new video. I am good at third party perspective as well as jumping out of my own uncomfortable skin to experience things “brand new”, but it’s still a thing. So, at this time I’d like to review the song and the video for the ROX-TV readers.

Artist: Danny Dollars

Song: High Maintenance

Released: June 30th, 2023

Run Time: 3 minutes, 37 seconds

( Gangsta Boo’s final video appearance)

So right off the bat, the viewer is presented with a somber reminder of what can happen when we fly to close too the sun. There is a dedication to Gangsta Boo, which is fitting and respectful, considering the facts surrounding this video. And then we are thrust inside the world of Danny Dollars and his D.W.O rather quickly. The opening sequence was rather nice, featuring a serious limo entrance…complete with a micro-luchador chauffer and tiny red carpet. I loved the opening. For me, coming from a far away time….it harkens back to my childhood. In these opening shots…I am transported back to Motely Crue’s 1989 video drop for “Kickstart my Heart”. When I see the luchador chauffer, I instantly think of Sam Kinison (RIP)…and as Danny Dollars limo (sporting a righteous Hatchet Man sticker in the rear tinted window) empties…we get a glimpse of a very motley looking crew.

Finally, the man of the moment steps off from the long Rollo and judging by the boots this cat is wearing…it’s going to be interesting no matter what happens. Some people are really good at talking with their style if you catch my drift. My first take away from Danny Dollars…based solely on his Snakeskin boots….is that this guy is a collision of different worlds. Am I a fan of that type of Alchemy? Indeed my friends. From the boots onward, he’s rocking what appears to be some Jim Morrison type leather pants, complete with a fat rock style buckle and a thrift shop fur jacket that would make any mid-level street pimp jealous.

As with any cutting-edge video with class, the fucking background always matters. If you don’t have time to throw in some thought-provoking visuals or make great use of a unique and natural environment…your video might not keep my attention. Thankfully, Danny Dollars decided to pass the everyday shit and turned his attention to the forever fresh and always magical arcade view. On top of that, there are a few ladies in the limo giving all the grateful guys out there (or lady) a great view to ponder as the track rolls bye.

“This bitch want a ring to make her finger glisten…but Danny D ain’t even got a pot to fuckin piss in”

Danny D is pretty quick to let the ladies know what time it is. As he updates the world on his state of affairs, I catch a Chuck E Cheese sign in the background (10 points). I must admit this guy’s style is right up there, but it works and comes off as pure as Peruvian Marching Powder before the dirty cut. With the Crippled Clique supporting Danny D to the fullest extent…the track flows on. I like the music here; it reminds me of a late 1990’s vibe that doesn’t get in the way or take away from the crazy lyrics. I’ve never seen anyone sporting “Hulk Hogan Hair” but again, why not? This is 2023 and I’d much rather see all the interesting people come out into the day light…then kick around the same ole thing. The people who champion their own styles are always infinitely more fun to interact with than the millions of sheep cruising around.

The lyrics in this track are funny on face value. That part is obvious, but what I find even more intriguing is that Danny D is flaunting the very shit, that others might attack. You know the deal, taking the low hanging fruit off the table also forces opposition to actually come up with something original. It’s an Art of War type of thing. Go read it. So anyway, the track keeps moving and so we follow. Ultimately Danny D is really saying to the world that he loves independent women who don’t look for or require that “free ride”…which from Danny’s account isn’t a lane that’s even available. I can appreciate this and I think there are men and women out there on both sides who could relate to or identify with this song.

Isn’t it just a MFER when normal people with limited means are exploited by the “buy me shit” entity…that’s true no matter what you identify with. No one struggling to make ends meet, should have to factor in an extra seat for a mindless body, whether it has a penis or a vagina. It’s still out there, the old remnants of yesterday’s life, where people just want to have shit they want…without action. Well, guess what…that day is fucking dead. If a person isn’t willing to work for their desires…in 2023…someone else will so don’t worry about it. Take it from Danny D, this guy is talking about some real shit.

Enter Gangsta Boo

Time: 2 minutes and 27 seconds

Gangsta Boo gets to work, letting the listener know that Danny D wanted to get roasted on his own track, so the Memphis Queen gets to work, systematically destroying the visual tornado…Danny D. The flow is tight and nice, and their is this fun energy alive in the frames. Gangsta Boo seemed to be enjoying the verbal take down, smiles and all. The track has a nice wrap up and then it’s over.

“I’m the Boss, the Queen of the whole South”

 

Final Thoughts

Right out of the gate, this is a cool video. The lyrics are funny and the angles are dope. Obviously having a Queen from Memphis on the track doesn’t hurt either. This video only takes on a dark cloud when you realize that this is her last video appearance in real life. And that my friends is a sad overcast, no matter how you step on it. Her contributions as a female rapper were forged when it mattered the most. Back in the 1990’s as more females struck out into the male dominated zone…Gangsta Boo was there, and most certainly helped pave the way for future female rappers. I like the song. I like the video. Rest in Peace Gangsta Boo.

 

Until next time,

T.R.I.K.O.L

Liminal Vagrant

Ghost Ship Three