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The Resonance of Tradition | Unveiling “Joy” and the Zhong Guo Feng Movement

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In an era saturated with a cacophony of sounds and visuals, the imminent release of the music video “Joy” from the “Song of the Drum” series offers a breath of fresh, culturally enriched air. The music video, set to debut on September 28th, “Joy” is not just another tune but an audio-visual odyssey, promising to take its audience on a mesmerizing journey through the stunning landscapes of Zhangjiajie, China. But how, one might wonder? The answer lies in its ingenious fusion of advanced 3D virtual reality technology and the soulful rhythms of traditional Chinese music.

The mind behind this brilliance is none other than Ms. Yun Fei, a prodigious talent in the realm of Chinese music. With a comprehensive background in Yang Qin, Chinese percussion, and an educational tenure from the prestigious Tianjin Conservatory of Music in China, Yun Fei’s expertise is unparalleled. Her career, dotted with notable collaborations such as “Dance with Horse Lantern” and establishments like the “East Glory Chinese Music Centre” of Canada, manifests her dedication to the elevation of traditional Chinese sounds.

Joy” is the embodiment of Fei’s musical philosophy: an intertwining of the classical and contemporary, tradition and modernity, East and West. This synthesis is evident in her choice of performers – a harmonious blend of Amely Zhou (Erhu), Ping Jiao (Zheng), Lipeng Wu (Dizi), with Fei herself on the drum. Together, they bring to life the essence of Zhong Guo Feng music style, an atmosphere laden with comfort, satisfaction, and auditory delight.

Ms. Yun Fei’s accomplishments don’t stop with “Joy”. Recently, on September 5th, two other music videos produced by W Films, of which she has been perfomer/planner/music producer, have gained international acclaim. “Tico Tico no Fuba” has been nominated for the Experimental Music Video category, and “Drum Zen” has received nominations for Music Video Editing & Original Song at the Rome Music Video Awards. This recognition on a global stage further underscores the reach and appeal of her musical endeavors.

Watch the music video for “Joy” here!

Lan Li – Producer/Director at W Films. The “Joy” music production incorporates advanced 3D virtual reality technology to recreate the iconic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, China, seamlessly blending them with a traditional Chinese musical style. Within the MV, the environment and ambiance are dynamic and transformative, continuously transitioning between scenes in response to the thematic elements.

Now, for the uninitiated, “Zhong Guo Feng” might sound like an arcane term, but its cultural implications are colossal. Translating directly to “Chinese Style,” Zhong Guo Feng is an artistic movement sweeping China’s entertainment industry. It seamlessly marries the revered traditions of the past with the innovations of the present. Picture the resonating strings of the guzheng or the soulful notes of the dizi merging with the pulse of modern synthesizers. Visualize artists swathed in Hanfu attire, reviving the aesthetics of an era gone by. From the evocative lyrics echoing ancient Chinese poetry to themes that revere nature and Chinese philosophy, Zhong Guo Feng is a tribute to China’s historical grandeur and its contemporary dynamism.

It’s not just music; it’s an experience. Icons like Jay Chou have championed this style, introducing global audiences to a blend that’s both nostalgic and contemporary, as seen in masterpieces like “Qing Hua Ci”. The appeal of Zhong Guo Feng goes beyond just melodies. Its influence permeates fashion, with the Hanfu making a resounding comeback, particularly amongst the youth, and the overall aesthetic becoming a mainstream cultural trend.

Coming back to “Joy”, its ambiance morphs dynamically in sync with the thematic shifts in the song, transcending mere visual appeal and resonating with the viewer’s soul. This transformative experience has been enhanced by the impeccable recording and synthesis done by the Osmanthus Music Studio in Canada.

In a world constantly seeking authenticity, “Joy” emerges as a testament to the universality of music. As Yun Fei herself opines, the ubiquity of music lies in the shared human emotions lurking behind the notes. Her creations are a poignant reminder of this shared humanity, breathing life into legendary heroes and celebrating the spirit of nations.

So, as September 28th approaches, the anticipation is palpable. “Joy” is more than just a music video; it’s a cultural movement, a celebration of history, and a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when tradition meets innovation.

This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.

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GMDCASH Talks Comebacks, Jail Time, and Why He’s Just Getting Started

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GMDCASH

Some artists talk about grinding. Others actually live it. Calvin Davenport, better known as GMDCASH, falls squarely into the second category. The Seattle-born rapper has navigated the kind of obstacles that would make most people quit, including incarceration, legal restrictions on his content, and the predatory side of an industry that loves to take advantage of independent artists. He’s still here, though, and with previous coverage in outlets like Earmilk and The Source already under his belt, his recent output suggests he’s figured out how to turn setbacks into fuel.

His latest single “Bump A Whore Pt. 2,” released January 16th, 2026, sees him team up with MikeJack3200 and Frostydasnowmann for a polished follow-up to the original. But it was his comeback track “I’m The Product,” dropped at the top of the year, that set the tone. That title isn’t just a song name. It’s a thesis statement. The track positions GMDCASH as someone who’s done waiting for opportunities to find him. Instead, he’s become the opportunity. With a new EP on the way, he’s building momentum on his own terms.

We caught up with GMDCASH to talk about what drives him, how he creates, and what’s next.

GMDCASH / January Cover

Take us back to a specific moment when you knew this was what you were going to do. What happened?

I think after getting out of jail I geared my focus towards my music career. I really needed a positive outlet, something that woke me up, drove me, and inspired me and the people around me. Music did that for me.

If someone’s never heard your music before, how would you describe what you do?

I would say my music is for everyone. I have a pretty big catalog and it’s forever expanding, so if you don’t hear something you like, check back every now and again. I’m sure something will catch your ear. And if not, it’s more than music. It’s my life story. I want people to be inspired by my music. I want people to hear it and know that anything is possible.

Who or what shaped your creative voice the most?

My family is a big part of my influence. Both my parents and some of my family members have been in the industry. Growing up in a musical household is number one. I have a unique style. I couldn’t say one thing shaped my creative voice, and I feel like my creativity is forever changing every time I’m in the studio.

Walk us through how you actually create.

Honestly, I book a session and spend four hours minimum in the studio. Sometimes I don’t even book. I’ll just feel something and call a studio and get to work. Most beats are made as soon as I pull up. The producer gives me the sample, I approve, he starts the loop. Most of my lyrics are life experience, so it’s not hard for me to make a song. I just rap how I’m feeling. Sometimes it’s a smooth process, others take time. Then they mix and master and I schedule the release.

What’s something you had to figure out the hard way?

I think going to jail at the end of the year was really a wake up call. I have to protect myself and keep people around me who want what’s really best for me, not just have anyone around me.

Is there anyone you’d love to work with down the line?

I really would like to collab with Hurricane Wisdom.

Where are you at in your music career right now?

This is just the beginning. I feel there’s so much more to come. Music is my passion. I don’t think I’m leaving the mic anytime soon.

What are you working on that you’re excited about?

I’m excited for my next EP coming out early this year. I focused on songs with uplifting, positive energy and the GMD, Get Money Daily, vibe. I’m hoping to do at least two shows before the middle of the year. I’m just excited about the possibility of the new year and all the good things it has to bring.

If there’s one thing you want readers to take away from this feature, what is it?

I’m an up and coming Seattle rapper. Check out my music, be inspired, follow my page, interact, share your thoughts.

GMDCASH

What stands out about GMDCASH isn’t the adversity itself. Plenty of artists have tough stories. It’s the clarity that came out of it. He’s not chasing validation or waiting for a label to cosign his vision. Beyond music, he has plans to move into artist management and eventually relocate abroad. For listeners who connect with authenticity over polish, that long-term thinking is the whole point.

Stream GMDCASH on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music, visit his official website, and follow him on Instagram.

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Meet Lil Deezull, the Cambridge Rapper Finding His Moment

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Lil Deezull

Some artists spend years waiting for their moment without realizing it already came and went. Lil Deezull knows what that feels like. He’s been rapping since 2015, freestyling with friends in Cambridge, Maryland long before he thought of it as a career. It took seven years and a viral track before he understood what he’d been sitting on.

The Cambridge rapper, born August 16, 2005, didn’t start out with a plan. His first actual track, “Big Booty,” got passed around locally and gave him his first taste of what connecting with an audience felt like. But it wasn’t until 2022 that everything clicked. A track called “Purple Rain” went viral, and suddenly the kid who’d been rapping for fun had people actually paying attention.

Lil Deezull

“Since then I started taking my music career seriously,” Lil Deezull says. That shift shows in his output. His 2024 album, For All The Snow Bunnies, marked his biggest project to date and helped establish him beyond his Eastern Shore hometown.

The numbers tell part of the story. His track “Suffering” has pulled over 106,000 plays with solid engagement, while newer releases like “NO KINGS” show he’s building consistent momentum rather than chasing one-off hits. He works primarily in hip-hop and rap, pulling from the melodic trap style popularized by artists like The Kid LAROI and Polo G, but he’s not interested in staying in one lane.

“I am a multi genre artist and I make music for everyone,” he explains. Recently, that’s meant studying country artists like Morgan Wallen, looking for ways to expand his reach beyond rap’s typical audience. It’s an unconventional move for a young rapper from Maryland, but it speaks to how he thinks about his career.

His lyrics draw from personal experience. Daily life, observations, things he sees and hears in Cambridge. He wants listeners to find something relatable.

“My hope is that people will relate to me and that my music can help them get through whatever they are going through in life,” Lil Deezull says.

‘Maryland Man’ by Lil Deezull

His next project, Maryland Man, drops May 16 and represents a return to collaboration after a solo-focused 2024. The album features fellow Cambridge rappers Lil Mop and Murda2x alongside international collaborator Brixton, who appeared on For All The Snow Bunnies. It’s a deliberate effort to spotlight his hometown’s scene while building on last year’s momentum.

At 19, Lil Deezull has already been making music for nearly a decade. He’s had time to figure out what he wants to say, and he’s also had time to accumulate regrets. “Don’t be like me and have a life full of missed opportunities,” he says. “Live your life and take any chance you get.”

It’s a surprising bit of self-awareness from someone still early in his career, but it tracks with why he finally got serious after “Purple Rain” took off. He’d spent seven years treating music like a hobby while the moment kept knocking. Now he’s answering the door.

Follow Lil Deezull on SoundCloud, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Dennis Dewall Reboards the Spy Genre with International Thriller ‘THE TRAIN’

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Dennis Dewall / THE TRAIN / Westside Studios (credit: Davide Marconcini)

Trains make for inherently cinematic settings: the claustrophobia, the momentum, the fact that you can’t just walk away when things go sideways. Dennis Dewall clearly knows this, and he’s using it to full effect in THE TRAIN, an espionage thriller that narrows his Spy Capital universe into the confined intensity of a luxury locomotive.

Dennis Dewall stars as Major Alex Stirling, a former SAS operative who finds himself in the middle of an intelligence turf war aboard the Majestic Imperator, a privately owned train carrying high-profile passengers through Central Europe. When rival intelligence services close in, what follows is a volatile mix of surveillance, manipulation, and direct confrontation. The train becomes a rolling battlefield where everyone’s watching everyone else, and nobody’s safe.

Boris Volodarsky / Westside Studios

What separates this from standard action fare is the man behind the camera. Boris Volodarsky isn’t just a filmmaker. He’s a legitimate espionage authority who’s written extensively on KGB operations, Stalin’s intelligence apparatus, and high-profile political assassinations. That real-world credibility shows up in the film’s approach, lending THE TRAIN grounded authenticity that distinguishes it from more stylized espionage entries.

Madalina Bellariu Ion / THE TRAIN / Westside Studios (credit: Davide Marconcini)

The cast pulls its weight. Madalina Bellariu Ion, who’s appeared in projects like THE YOUNG POPE and TAKE COVER, plays Natalie Krug, an operative who’s equal parts dangerous and magnetic. Anouk Auer holds her own as Stirling’s daughter Olivia, adding emotional weight to the high-stakes narrative. The ensemble rounds out with Peter Ormond, Alan Burgon, Martin Ploderer, Suzanne Grieger-Langer, Polina Kuleshova, and Nadine Grosinger, all contributing to the film’s international texture.

Peter Ormond & Cast / THE TRAIN / Westside Studios (credit: Davide Marconcini)

Dewall and his team shot across Vienna, London, Malta, Bangkok, Budapest, and Prague to capture authentic international locations. The action choreography, handled by martial arts expert Ali Kabalan, emphasizes physical realism. Dewall performs his own stunts, which adds weight to the physical confrontations and underscores the production’s commitment to authenticity.

Ali Kabalan & Dennis Dewall / THE TRAIN / Westside Studios (credit: Davide Marconcini)

THE TRAIN releases September 10, 2026 in Germany and Austria, with a London premiere and additional territories following a week later. Dewall’s emphasis on physical authenticity and real-world intelligence expertise positions THE TRAIN as a grounded entry in contemporary espionage cinema. Sometimes the best action happens when there’s nowhere left to run.

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