There is a favourite story in the music industry: the story of the chosen one. The artist found himself in a small town, swept to a big town, and prepped to become a star. It is a fairy tale that should make people believe in a system that operates on gatekeeping. The song “NOTHA 1 DOWN (MINI), by Proklaim, is a middle finger to the whole story. Recorded with spontaneous, freestyled vibe, this track is the record of an artist who understands that he/she does not require permission. It is a defiant assertion concerning the strength of persistence in neglected areas.

This is not merely any song, this is a record of the grind. This is important because it was a fast, immediate recording in local studios. It demonstrates that the strongest creative force does not stem out of a million dollar studio budget. It is a byproduct of a raw and desperate desire to create, to tell your truth and to release it into the world. This is the essence of the independent hustle vs. major label restrictions- the fact that you are free to do what you want. Proklaim does not just talk, but he walks the walk by his mission to motivate the listeners to realise their potential. He is demonstrating to everyone that you do not need to be invited to build a table but you can make your own damn one.