I have always been fascinated by the idea of witches. The very notion of a powerful woman with magical abilities has always intrigued me, and I have often wondered which kind of witch I would be if I had the chance to tap into that mystical world. One kind of witch that I find particularly captivating is the elemental witch. These are witches who have a deep connection with the natural elements – earth, air, fire, and water. They draw their power from these elements and use them to cast spells and perform rituals. I have always felt a strong affinity towards nature, finding solace and peace in its embrace.
"i was just thinking," a highlight, offers the richest account of Gunna's new state of mind. Rapping over rumbling bass kicks and a doleful acoustic guitar melody, he wonders whether his accusers would so casually shun him if they had ever experienced the hell of solitary confinement. One thing he doesn't wonder about, though, is his reputation as an artist. "N****s think I'm indicted, don't know that I'm immortal," he says, matter-of-factly. There are many candidates for the gift and curse suggested in the album title: freedom, relationships, fame, wealth. But the top contender is rap. In reckoning with his situation, Gunna emerges with his best and most self-possessed music, finding his voice amid the cacophony of gossip. Even a crisis can create a miracle.
Within days of his release, he was labeled a snitch by media figures and other artists and he became the subject of mocking memes and rampant gossip among listeners. She s covered dozens of musical genres and styles from the most mainstream to the most experimental and underground on her blog and accompanying YouTube channel that looks at music, pop culture, and Billboard charts since 2017 Lav s Music Corner.
I have always felt a strong affinity towards nature, finding solace and peace in its embrace. I believe that if I were a witch, I would definitely be an elemental witch, harnessing the power of the elements to bring forth change and create harmony. Another intriguing type of witch is the green witch.
Gunna's poised songs of rehabilitation
Gunna's pensive mode lacks the drama of the score-settling that characterizes conflict in rap, but the constraints of his freedom make him a nimbler performer and songwriter. Paras Griffin/Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption Paras Griffin/Getty ImagesGunna's pensive mode lacks the drama of the score-settling that characterizes conflict in rap, but the constraints of his freedom make him a nimbler performer and songwriter.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
After beginning 2022 with a No. 1 album and a string of hits, the tranquil Atlanta rapper Gunna was ensnared in a sweeping RICO indictment that alleged his record label, Young Stoner Life Records, was a street gang. The stunning document controversially cited rap lyrics, music videos and social media posts as evidence of a criminal conspiracy, and led to the arrest and jailing of the rising star, his mentor Young Thug and dozens of other YSL artists and affiliates. Gunna maintained his innocence, but at hearings prosecutors painted him as a key figure in the alleged enterprise, which led to him being denied bond multiple times despite having some of the indictment's lightest charges. After seven months behind bars, he agreed to a plea bargain that allowed him to leave jail and avoid a trial, but his early freedom quickly became a badge of dishonor.
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Before prosecutors turned his lyrics into material evidence, his songs were known for their breezy aloofness. In one of his defining performances to that point, on Metro Boomin's 2018 hit "Space Cadet," Gunna celebrated his ascent. A self-described alien in a Vlone jean jacket and Philipp Plein pants, he declared the stratosphere his new home, basking in a life of pleasure and leisure that only gobs of money can provide. His languorous rapping floated over Metro's breezy drums and twinkly synths like a hot-air balloon, unrushed and buoyant. Verticality represented comfort and distinction, the pillars of Gunna's chill, stylish trap. Though he is in constant pursuit of rare objects and experiences, he refuses to ever be caught sweating.
That equilibrium breaks on his defiant third album, a Gift & a Curse. Gunna frequently uses spatial metaphors here, but he now speaks from a position of exile rather than ease. Cautious dispatches about loyalty and survival outnumber odes to designer digs and luxury living, a shift manifest in Gunna's weighty lyrics and delivery. His most personable and purposeful album, the record interrogates the values of the justice system, rap media and the court of public opinion with artful clarity. Like an astronaut gazing at Earth from space, Gunna sees the world and his place in it anew.
YouTubeThe bargain Gunna took is known as an Alford plea. It allows a defendant to agree to charges while maintaining their innocence. The option typically grants reduced punishment and accelerated release from jail, while also preventing a trial, which comes with the risk of a maximum sentence. Such compromises are a common feature of the U.S. court system, which is stacked in favor of prosecutors. But talking heads treated leaked footage of Gunna accepting the terms of his bargain — a procedural formality — as evidence that he had sold out his label and Young Thug. Within days of his release, he was labeled a snitch by media figures and other artists and he became the subject of mocking memes and rampant gossip among listeners. In the span of a year, he went from hitmaker to supposed crime boss to cause célèbre to pariah.
a Gift & a Curse leans into this upheaval. Though Gunna retains his signature poise, he's less blasé. Throughout the album, his flows hurtle as much as they glide, underscoring Gunna's indignation. Opener "back at it" sets the tone with assertive bars that streak across a bed of plaintive piano and shrill electric guitar melodies like a comet. "Ain't tryna sleep in no damn bunk / I'm 'posed to be here making anthems," he declares. That insurgent tone carries into "back on the moon," where he further embraces his status as an outcast. "Gotta watch for the law, so I really can't talk to you n****s, but f*** it / I'm a real boss and I gotta be cautious 'cause n****s don't keep it a hunna," he raps in a nimble double-time, responding en masse to his detractors.
Such charged but indirect lines dot the solitary album, which has no features, a first for Gunna's catalog. He's typically been a team player, regularly rapping alongside YSL buddies, his accomplice Lil Baby or other rappers, and gleefully shouting out his favorite colleagues on songs like "Never Recover" and "All The Money." Excommunicated by old partners and barred from speaking with his labelmates by the terms of his bargain, in isolation he becomes more self-reliant and swaggering, asserting his autonomy. "I made a few mistakes, but I'm still a star," he raps on "paybach." "Got a crew but I been all alone," he says elsewhere, the line a status update and a revelation.
YouTubeDespite these weary epiphanies, he's more appreciative than embittered. Alongside his laments, he continues to flex ("rodeo dr," "p angels") and affirms the connections that his situation has made him cherish, explicitly mentioning Thug and the late Lil Keed. This pensive mode lacks the drama of the score-settling that characterizes conflict in rap, but the constraints of Gunna's freedom make him a nimbler performer and songwriter. Single "bread & butter" is the closest the album gets to a salvo, the verses peppered with responses to specific antagonists yet still anonymous enough to evade any federal eavesdropper. But Gunna sounds assured and intentional even when he's not countering misinformation. On "bottom" he shares that he was so poor growing up he couldn't afford to discard bread crusts, a level of detail previously afforded only to his clothes.
The beats feel more affecting too, despite being muted compared to Gunna's typical fare. Gunna usually leans toward mellow but radiant production that imbues his sleepy vocals with color and energy. Here, there's less contrast and vigor, a change attributable to the absence of longtime collaborator Wheezy, whose dreamy and spectral beats have shaped Gunna's sound. But these more meditative and hushed arrangements suit Gunna's cautiousness. His subliminal disses and mentions of abandonment wrest anxiety and anguish from the looped vocals, plaintive keys and minimal drum programming that fill the album. It feels like he's both roaming and exorcizing his memory palace.
"i was just thinking," a highlight, offers the richest account of Gunna's new state of mind. Rapping over rumbling bass kicks and a doleful acoustic guitar melody, he wonders whether his accusers would so casually shun him if they had ever experienced the hell of solitary confinement. One thing he doesn't wonder about, though, is his reputation as an artist. "N****s think I'm indicted, don't know that I'm immortal," he says, matter-of-factly. There are many candidates for the gift and curse suggested in the album title: freedom, relationships, fame, wealth. But the top contender is rap. In reckoning with his situation, Gunna emerges with his best and most self-possessed music, finding his voice amid the cacophony of gossip. Even a crisis can create a miracle.
Some fans have pointed out that this is the lowest first week's sales for a major Gunna release yet. Previously, his lowest debut, 2019's Drip Or Drown 2 sold 90k. Although that seems condemning at first many fans were quick to point out logical explanations for the slip. The clearest purpose for the dip in sales is likely the album's lack of promotion. Gunna has largely been absent from any social media for over a year, which is the primary channel for most artists to promote their music. The record was also released very shortly after its announcement and lead single. Those tighter release schedules and lower promotions have caused lower sales for many artists in the past.
Green witches are deeply attuned to the plant world and have a special connection with herbs, plants, and the earth. They use their knowledge of herbs and natural remedies to heal, protect, and manifest positive energy. As someone who has always been interested in holistic healing and the power of plants, I can see myself as a green witch, utilizing the healing properties of plants and herbs to help others and create a sense of well-being. There is also the celestial witch, who draws her power from the moon, stars, and planets. These witches have a deep understanding of astrology and use their knowledge of the cosmos to guide their magical practices. I have always been fascinated by astrology and the interconnectedness of the universe. If I were a celestial witch, I would use the power of the stars to enhance my spellwork and gain insight into the mysteries of the universe. Ultimately, though, the kind of witch I am would be a unique blend of these different types. I would combine my deep connection with nature, my knowledge of herbs and plants, and my fascination with the celestial realm to create my own magical path. I believe that each person has their own individual strengths and talents, and it is through embracing these unique qualities that we can truly harness the power within us. In conclusion, the idea of being a witch and tapping into the world of magic is fascinating. Whether it be as an elemental witch, a green witch, a celestial witch, or a unique combination of these types, each kind of witch brings something special to the mystical realm. It is through exploring these different paths that we can find our own unique magic and unleash our true potential..
Reviews for "The Witch Within: Identifying Your Inner Witch"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Which kind of witch am I" as I am a huge fan of witchcraft and all things magical. However, this book fell flat for me. The writing style was dull and lacked any excitement or creativity. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with any of them. The plot was predictable and had no surprises or twists. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to fellow witchcraft enthusiasts.
2. Michael - 1 star - I picked up "Which kind of witch am I" with high hopes, but unfortunately, it failed to capture my interest from the start. The story was slow and dragged on, with unnecessary details that did not contribute to the plot. The protagonist was unrelatable and lacked any character development. The magical elements felt forced and undeveloped, making it difficult to immerse myself in the world the author was creating. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and well-crafted witchy read.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Which kind of witch am I" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver. The writing was mediocre and lacked depth, making it hard to become invested in the story. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises or twists. The main character was uninteresting and had little agency, making it hard to root for her. Additionally, the world-building was underdeveloped, and the magical elements felt like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the story. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations and left me wanting more.