Who’s the Best White Rapper?

Not that color really means anything but it would be foolish to NOT acknowledge someone’s color in certain circumstances, right? The rap music genre is generally dominated by black men and women and that’s because when they’re good at rapping, the can be VERY good at it. I’m thinking of Busta Rhymes, who is one of the best, in my opinion. The speed at which he delivers lines is breath-taking. There are different styles and all that so someone else’s favorite might be a more methodical rapper or one has better beats. All kinds. And then there are the white rappers. Some are good and some try real hard. Bless their hearts! The few that come to mind in modern culture… Eminem, Tom MacDonald, and NF. Three different styles, different subject matters generally, but all very talented. From those three, who would you say is the #1 rapper? For a long time, I’d say it’s Eminem. “Headlights” with Nate Ruess is one of the best I’ve ever heard.

When Tom MacDonald came on to the scene, I was blown away.

And NF. What is there to say about this young man? At first I thought he sounded like Eminem but the more I’ve listened, the more he separated himself and if I were to vote, I’d pick him as the best white rapper in 2025. His new song “Fear” had me in all sorts of fits with emotions and wide eyes. So honest and parts I can relate with in ways I don’t talk about out loud.

-Out of the Wilderness

The UPS Store Commercial – The Song and More Holiday Stuff

Did anyone have “Touching Commercial from the UPS Store” on their 2025 bingo card? Didn’t think so! But here we are. With Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman splitting, I guess anything is possible and I mean that in the worst way. But this ad *is* a sparkle of joy for the holiday season. A man is struggling to find the perfect gift for his mother, and I bet a lot of us struggle with that same thing– a gift for a parent or a loved one that is hard to buy for. Check out the ad then scroll down for more…

The Music. The soundtrack for the commercial is a song called “Iris” by Wim Mertens. Here’s the full 10-minute version…

A slap in the face of online retailers and I absolutely love that we never see what the son bought (in person) for his mother. It leaves it open ended and YOUR gift is what fills in that blank. The gift you get for your mom or loved one… preferably in an actual store. Good work UPS!

-Out of the Wilderness

Michelle Obama Publishes A Picture Book??

As I’m sure you know, former First Lady Michelle Obama has authored a book called, “The Look.” Evidently it’s gives the reader (or viewer?) an inside look at her fashion over the period of her time as the First Lady. Cool idea! People love fashion. And in today’s image driven culture (Instagram, TikTok, etc), a book of photography is probably a smart move. Well guess what Michelle?? Someone else in this conversation has two books under his belt and one is even a picture book for newborns and toddlers. Yes, it’s me. I’m talking about me. I’m a little shook that Michelle didn’t reach out for advice. What gives?

I’m not going to go as far as to say my books are better than hers or that the pictures in my books are better but…. OK, yes I WILL go there. Just wait till you see the adorable artwork in these two books. I worked with such talented artists to create both. I’m still in awe. I’m still enamored with the illustrations in “Big and Small, God Made Them All,” and the pups in “The Brave Bamboo” have me wrapped around their paws. Delightful stuff that a young person you know will love, I just feel sure of it. Check out the books below and order a copy or two. Let’s outsell Michelle, OK? 🙂

Big and Small, God Made Them All

Buy Now

The Brave Bamboo

Buy Now

-Out of the Wilderness

I wonder what my stalker is up to lately…

A few days ago I did something completely normal but then felt a tweak in my lower back. I wish I could say I was doing something super athletic but… nope. It sucks because any move I make I can feel the tightness in my back. Y’all, I can barely sit up to yell at people on Twitter.

Oh, who am I kidding? I can tweet snarky remarks in bed, no problem. That reminds me, I haven’t heard from my stalker in awhile. I wonder what they’re up to? I could use more insightful life advice so if you’re reading this, let’s get back together. We’re good together. I write posts about different topics and you respond with constructive criticism. I need you back!

-Out of the Wilderness

NF and “Fear” has me speechless

I was sooooo not ready for NF’s new song and video when I woke up this morning. And yet, it’s going to be something I remember about this week. Where were you when you first heard/watched this song of hurt, questions, and wonder? I can barely come up with words to write, honestly. It’s a song, a video, I’ll need to revisit over and over to be able to shape my thoughts about it and how it draws out my own hurt. My own questions. My own wonder.

Here’s “Fear.”

With every second ticking by, my heart sank lower. Yet, at the same time, the encouragement of someone writing how it feels to be deflated. To feel depressed, even if it’s not clinical. It’s not officially diagnosed. But it can show up like fog on a fall morning. It rolls in and there’s not much to do to keep from getting enveloped by it. Two steps forward, three steps back. Believing that God is for me, in the way that someone standing on the roadside rooting us on as we jog by in a marathon. But then wondering if they snicker when we trip and fall.

Life can be dark and NF has never, ever hidden that away. It’s in his lyrics in so many songs and “Fear” might very well be one of my favorites of his. I typed however many words for this post but I still am left watching this video…

speechless.

-Out of the Wilderness