"GRM Daily Duppy, Amias Mars," the director announced for the slate. "Take one."
The first beat dropped—smooth, hypnotic, almost jazzy in its construction. Amias closed his eyes briefly, feeling the rhythm settle into his bones. When he opened them again, his gaze was focused, intense.
{Reference Track: Time Flies by MKAY}
I couldn't sleep all night but my mum comes into my room like 'Morning son'
I grunt back, she's wondering why I'm up with the birds
When truth is I never closed my eyes, been trapped in my words
See my vision is blury I'm still in my jersey I looked at the sun and there's more than one
His hands moved subtly with each line, emphasizing points without theatrics. This wasn't about flashy gestures—it was about presence. Amias stood rooted to the spot, the weight of his body settled evenly as he delivered each line with perfect clarity.
Vision blurry, jersey still on from yesterday
Looked at the sun, seeing double, but I'm pushing away
Phone buzzing with opportunities, can't complain
Boss hit me like "You ready?" I said "Consider it done"
Selling verses to these labels like drugs to numerous plugs
If you've been riding since the past days, I'll price you right
Streets been close to heart since I first learned to write
He adjusted his stance slightly, shoulders relaxing as he found the pocket of the beat. The silver locket glinted under the studio lights as he tapped his chest once, then extended his hand outward in a fluid motion.
So if I fix up then we're splitting apart
Actually, I've chosen a path
I wanna do music and most of them laughed
It's funny they're jealous of lyrical art
And here is my favourite part
Funny how pagans that curved me come crawling back
Since I started charting, suddenly they want to attach
Half my circle disappeared when I chose this path
Now they're double-tapping pics, acting like they had my back
Now my bro's out living it large, life in his grasp so he is in charge
But let's talk about my life
And not about how quickly the time flies
A subtle smile crossed his face, confidence radiating as he delivered the next section. Behind the camera, the director had stopped looking at his monitor, his attention fully caught by the performance unfolding before him.
I miss days with no deadlines and no responsibility
Time's flying quicker than private jets in the industry
Same friend I saw last week looking ten years older
Life's weight on his shoulders, while I'm getting bolder
Said, "North, you still scribblin'?" I said, "Nah, I'm buildin' clouds."
Told him life's a Pot Noodle, just add water, wait, pretend
He laughed, but his eyes screamed "Where's your brother? Where's your Benz?"
Isn't it funny how time flies?
One minute you're broke, next minute you rise
One minute you've time, next it's saying goodbye
One minute you breathe, next minute you die
Left the crib heading to the shops feeling alive
Bossman wouldn't sell me what I need, but I'll survive
Spliff burning like my ambition, uncontrollable fire
Used to be twenty deep on a strip with illegal desire
Let people play with heart true say that those scars still hurt me
North been to the road and back he's not here for clout he's here for the journey
Amias adjusted his cap, tilting it slightly as his flow intensified. The casual gesture somehow amplified the message of the lyrics—a visual punctuation to the words.
Slept in trap houses dirty, rise and grind early
Bad one with curves sweet like Hershey's
Not delivered like Hermes
Real recognize real in the midst of all the damages
Everybody got regrets they carry silently
And mine was being stuck up on the road with and old mind chasing my oldest debts
His eyes made direct contact with the camera now, unblinking, creating an intimacy that would translate through the screen to anyone watching. One hand rose, index finger pointing upward as he delivered the next lines with particular emphasis.
Too many R.I.P.s, too young to go deaths
Estates breeding ambition but stealing last breaths
Beef spreading quicker than rumors on socials
First it's words then it's knives then it's locals
The rhythm of his delivery changed subtly, matching the intensity building in the beat. His posture remained calm, but there was a tightly controlled energy in his movements now, like a predator conserving strength.
But scrap that I can't wait till my bros got fame
Like omg is that Zane and look over there it's Jordan
Would be a dream come true
No zoot but I gotta p's I'm belling the crew telling them come through
See conflict ain't do no karate let's party with the Kung fu crew
He tapped the locket once more, a quiet acknowledgment of something personal embedded in the verse. The gesture was so natural it seemed unconscious, yet it added layers to the performance.
No fist, just focus.
Time flies, but I'm pilotin'
Wings clipped, still I glide,
Pagans pray to the moon, I'm just noddin' at the tide.
Scars currency, regrets collateral bankroll my pride,
Rolex-less but I'm rich, got the sun on my side…
As he approached the beat switch, Amias's energy shifted. His eyes narrowed slightly, jaw setting with determination as he prepared for the transition.
By evening I'm done with the bullshit and lies
Still watching with both eyes like there's no disguise
Them pills hide your pain like a costume
Trust me that mask is just part-time illusion
Heading toward next chapter, mind racing faster
My bars next up, I'm patiently waiting for rapture
Queued up at destiny's door, playlist titled "The Truth",
Sunset's just God's lighter flick
Eternal flame in the sky,
Pagans chant, I'm just here, writin' hymns for the 9-to-5.
Time flies? Nah, I'm the pilot—landin' gear's in my eyes,
God bows—smoke clears, and the universe sighs…
The beat dropped, switching to the harder. The transformation was instant—Amias's entire demeanor changed, his shoulders squaring, stance widening slightly. His delivery accelerated, the Texas inflection in his accent suddenly more pronounced as he folded his arms confidently across his chest.
{Reference Track: Doja Freestyle by MGK and Cordae}
How can I be homosapian? I'm fly as an alien
Both of my lungs are in training
I'm burning pounds, but not inside a gymnasium
This off the cranium, this is a nuclear weapon, my bars are uranium
His hands came alive now, emphasizing each bar with sharp, controlled movements. Every gesture appeared spontaneous yet perfectly timed, creating a visual rhythm that matched his verbal dexterity.
I'm spittin' fire
This must be House of the Dragons, I'm a Targaryen
I don't deal with pussies, I'm not a veterinarian (Nah)
But I might educate and slap a pussy boy like a disciplinarian
Got skater homies hitting flips on life's ramps
Got street connections deeper than ocean trenches
I got syrup in my cereal, I blow an O like a Cheerio
I shook his hand, but didn't like his vibe so I used antibacterial
I'm too sick, no venereal, but I must be a disease
'Cause the way that my competition keep on trying but dying
I'm tellin' you this is a burial
Amias paced three steps forward, then back, the movement deliberate and powerful. His eyes never left the camera, creating the sensation that he was addressing each future viewer personally, challenging them.
I pour Hennessy in my Frosted Flakes
My thoughts deep like ocean waves
Double luxury while they stuck in basic fits
Smoke in my lungs like the cover of classics
Had to cut some day ones, that shit hurt like surgery
But sometimes you gotta trim the fat to see clearly
I'm off the grid, untraceable
My moves unpredictable, my flow unmatchable
And you hear this voice in my lower intestine?
That's my competition, I'm cannibalistic
The speed of his delivery increased again, showcasing technical skill that belied his supposed newcomer status. Each syllable was perfectly articulated despite the pace, his breath control impeccable.
Pour up, toast up, most don't understand the code
Countin' figures like I'm doin' mathematics
Pockets on Buddha, my wallet obese now
Everybody show love when you reach how
I don't shake hands no more, just fist bumps
Last time I touched palms, caught feelings I didn't want
Sanitized my circle like COVID taught us
Laughin' at these rappers with their rented jewels
Feel like Curry the way I shoot from a distance
Got your girl in my DM, she persistent
Ain't replyin' though, that's bad business
A slight smirk played at the corner of his mouth as he delivered these lines, the quiet confidence of someone who knows they're excelling. Not arrogance—certainty.
How can I be homosapian? I'm extraordinarily alien
How could you claim I'm not next up?
The stadium's waiting
Crazy I couldn't get dates when younger
Now look who's eager to join my hunger
London last week, New York tomorrow
He pointed deliberately toward the ground, then upward, the gesture emphasizing the geographical reference. Behind the camera, Jordan's eyes widened at the New York mention—the news of 50's offer clearly hadn't been shared with everyone yet.
Time zones changing but the grind stays thorough
Stepped out 'cause the mandem thought he was a big dog
So I had to son him
Test me and we spray like Jetski turn it to a danceoff
Make 'em start krumpin'
How could I hate what I love completely?
Mama taught lessons that shaped me neatly
His voice softened slightly on the mention of family, a brief emotional crack in the armor that made the performance all the more compelling. Then the intensity returned immediately, like a wave crashing back to shore.
That was before life taught me harder
I was just talkin' to legends about the game
They told me keep pushin', ignore the fame
You could be born in paradise islands
Still wouldn't touch my fiery defiance
Just talking to God for guidance
Don't worry about my path, it's compliance
Bad ting from East London tryna callin' me daddy
Face card valid, body snappin' like elastic
Had to curve shorty, too much drama attached
I need peace of mind more than I need company, that's facts
As he approached the finale, Amias's flow became even more intricate, showing off technical abilities that had the sound engineer shaking his head in disbelief. His gestures remained minimal but impactful—a pointed finger here, a hand slicing through air there.
I'm enjoyin' the ride while stacked with patience
You can be born in Beverly Hills with silver spoons
Still won't match my hunger comin' from nothin' to somethin'
They on the blogs while I'm on the charts
They compare while I create, fundamental parts
From endz where man'll make you pay proper
Suttin's always poppin' off like fireworks in summer
City taught me survival's not optional
Strapped with knowledge that's undeniable
Promise my Mom straight if I ever vanish
In my will like permanent plans established
Rolling through streets with heightened awareness
Can't function properly with clouded clearance
Pour syrup on pancakes, watch how it dissolve
Similar to how I handle problems, watch 'em resolve
My opps droppin' like flies, call it pest management
Finger on the pulse like a doctor checkin' vitals
My flow sick, terminal, call it hospital arrival
Competition lookin' pale, they need medical attention
Puff puff pass, thoughts gettin' hazier
But my vision for the future never been clearer
Pain was the teacher, now success the successor
How you talk so much but say so little?
The camera operators exchanged glances, equally impressed by the performance unfolding before them. Amias remained fully immersed, each line delivered with conviction.
It's simple science, this became passion plus talent
Mixed with hunger that keeps the belly ravenous
I buy future security when they chase temporary
My values jumping while they stay stationary
Real music might not collect the trophies
But you can't stop what the soul acknowledges
Step outside thinking you're untouchable
That assumption might prove regrettable
His energy built toward the climax, voice gaining power without shouting. The control was what made it impressive—volume and intensity perfectly modulated for maximum impact.
Far from claiming what I ain't living
Rest in peace to all we lost in this system
Run up thinking it's sweet, find disappointment
My reach longer than government employment
Tired of the games, I'm done with the jokes
Your whole facade is visibly smoke
For the final lines, Amias leaned slightly toward the camera, his eyes intense and unwavering. The studio had fallen completely silent except for his voice and the beat.
Disappointed but draped in achievement
Comin' soon with what I've been concealing…
As the beat faded, Amias maintained his stance for three perfect seconds—just long enough for the impact to settle—before relaxing his posture. The red lights on the cameras blinked twice, then went dark.
The director broke the silence first. "Holy shit," he breathed, genuine awe in his voice. "I don't think we need another take."
Behind him, the small audience that had gathered during the performance erupted in reactions—Zel shouting approval, Jordan and Tyler exchanging wide-eyed looks of disbelief, Zane struggling to his feet to applaud despite his still-healing wounds.
But it was Zara's reaction Amias sought. He found her behind the camera, still recording, her expression a complex mixture of pride, amazement, and something deeper.
"One take," he said, more to her than anyone else in the room.
She lowered her phone, a smile breaking across her face. "What did I tell you? Star."
The production assistant who had been timing the session approached, clipboard still in hand but now regarding Amias with newfound respect. "That was... unexpected," she admitted. "The viewing numbers on this are going to be insane."
As the studio bustled around him—technicians checking footage, the director already planning promotion strategy—Amias stood in the center of it all, strangely calm. His fingers found the locket again, warm now from the heat of his performance.
Upgrades would surely follow this achievement, but for this moment he allowed himself to simply exist in the accomplishment, untethered from what came next.
"So," Zane said, approaching with careful steps. "New York huh? When were you planning to tell us about that?"
Amias grinned, glancing at his friends' expectant faces. "About that... How do you all feel about seeing the Empire State Building?"
<>
A reminder that you can always read one chapter ahead on my discord for free. The link is in my profile
I also have a new short story. Basketball. You can also find it on my profile