by : Garfield
The description virtuoso shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s not a flash-in-the-pan viral sensation or mockery of the artform. It takes time and dedication to technique, trial and error, and the ability to step into realms that you had never before seen or heard. These artists raise new questions about the genre, breaking the mold of norms and in turn becoming the new normal. Driven by inspiration, Ranahj “Fly City Ray” Daniels and his troupe Original SSCO (Street Savvy Culture Operation) have released the soulful new project Black Nostalgia Vol. 1. With a collaboration of talented individuals, Daniels has masterminded a timely album with a message that highlights the triumph of unity and the casualties of chaos. Acting as owner and executive producer of Original SSCO, Daniels operates as a virtuoso in every aspect of the word and maximizes on the gifts that each one of his artists bring to the table with their impactful new release Black Nostalgia Vol. 1.
Before we get into discussing what Original SSCO has in store with the album, it’s important that you know who the organization is and what they represent. Before Original SSCO was Original SSCO, they were a collective known as Sleepy Stoner SSCO. True to that organization’s name at the time, Sleepy Stoner SSCO were a band of defiant hippies whose vision was more centered around modeling and weed culture.
In a one-on-one chat with Ranahj, he recounted when and why he decided to take a step in another direction. “Sleepy Stoner SSCO was the first brand I created. It was a really really fun time in the beginning and in 2018 we hit, I would say a firewall online with Facebook/Instagram as far as branding and marketing, faced with the decision to quit or evolve we chose to evolve our rebellious tone and invite everyone to the party (aka pivot). Sleepy Stoner is around for special occasions, but the mission remains the same in terms of the SSCO acronym Street Savvy Culture Organization, just instead of us being rebellious Sleepy Stoners who want to prove Stoners can do it / anything we’re now more mature and focused on just being Original.”
Ranahj’s latest venture has been coordinating Original SSCO’s recent album release Black Nostalgia Vol. 1. One of the more impressive facets of the project is the vast amount of creativity coming from a multitude of artists. Whether it be talented trumpet player Quin Jaye providing powerful horn sections or producer Grace and beats implementing gospel hip-hop sounds that most black kids are used to, growing up in churches. The singing roster boasts the lyrical expertise of David Vines, Sy Sylvers, Derek Butler, and Laryah-Monyeiã, all of whom already have their own solo singles in their repertoire. Guitarist Mark Pelli comes through elegantly on the record single “International Love” bestowing the track with an almost intangible hip-hop vibe. With Detroit MC Moe P delivering the majority of the rap to the project, Black Nostalgia Vol.1 incorporates aspects of Jazz and Hip-Hop fusion presented in 90’s storytelling fashion. Original SSCO even went additional lengths with creative director and A&R Ashley Johnson making sure that the female perspective was examined and well-represented for this project as well.
Original SSCO ventures in clothing, modeling, culture, and music. With agents in every avenue of the industry, their message isn’t to conquer; but unite. Ranahj “Fly City Ray” Daniels serves as a tried and tested fact that one of the most important aspects of a virtuoso is adaptation. He demonstrates that by devoting himself to each and every ring he steps into.