Former colleague and still-awesome dude Joe Matthews stopped in for a long-awaited conversation about Joe's personal journey from latch-key kid in Gary, IN, to Vice President at a massive, respected Tier-1 automotive supplier here in West Michigan. This is a personal discussion that does not reflect any opinions or positions of Joe's employer or other affiliated organizations. As always, Kirk's opinions 100% reflect that of ATTIC STUDIO GR. 

Topics include race, diversity / equity / inclusion, football, White Castle, continual learning, and so much more. Music by Living Colour, C+C Music Factory, and Joe's son Wes. 

LINKS TO JOE'S MANY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS TO FOLLOW SHORTLY. 

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in a collaborative follow-up to tuesday's show 'you rap at the end (yes, you!)', this bonus episode is the product of what happens when like-minded hustlers put their heads together for some impromptu magic. #atticfam

big ups to @chris_loves_rap for helping clean up the beat. and to @hiltonallcaps, @aokkushie, and @troublesome67333 for supporting what we're building here. 

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an impromptu production session yields a hip-hop beat suited for a...musk ox? today's fun episode is a dry-run for when real rappers swing through the studio and freestyle over impromptu beats. in this particular dry-run, you (yes, you!) rap at the end.

inspirations
- marc rebillet
- kenny beats 'the cave' (feat. marc)

atita links

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An original musical composition inspired by the sudden loss of our dear friend and dedicated forever to Alex. This piece captures the ups and downs of grieving that so many of us are experiencing as we cope with this sad and shocking news, but ends with an optimistic movement that reminds us that Alex's spirit will live on forever through each of us.

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the infectiously kind and always positive alex penny passed away unexpectedly this past friday, just a month shy of his 33rd birthday. he had such a bright future ahead of him.

his smile moved mountains. his laughter was contagious. his spirit will live on in all who knew him. his presence will always be felt and honored here in the attic. big love, big al.

my sincerest sympathies and love to alex's family, colleagues, and friends.

obituary for a.p.

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*watch on youtube* (video to post by 1:30pm edt on 4.21.21)

kirk celebrates 4/20 in style before diving into the global holiday that takes place on 4/19 of every year since 1943: bicycle day. in the first of a multi-part stoner education series, we explore bicycle day's origins in switzerland, where chemist albert hofmann discovered a unique compound derived from a fungus found in moldy rye bread that would go on to spark personal psychedelic journeys and cultural revolutions alike. even the terrible adolf hitler gets involved.

kirk produced three original songs in support of today's trippy installment.

citations:
1. “apparently uselesss...” by tom shroder of the atlantic
2. wikipedia entry on albert hofmann
3. a bunch of stoners over the years

atita links

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Kyd Kane (@kydsaidit) is the 34-year-old Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, and she is an inspiration on so many levels. First as an artist: her poetry is unique, soulful, and streams directly from her heart. Next as a black woman: she's the first to hold GR's laureate title. Then as an openly gay person: also the first to be named Poet Laureate. But beyond all else, Kyd is a an inspiration as a human-being. Alongside her friend and fellow poet Wayne Bowerman (@allthingswwb), Kyd sits down for an intimated discussion on poetry, finding your voice, and what it means to get closer to yourself. Primary themes today: authenticity, expression, friendship, love, poetry, and art. Today's episode features music by GR native HILTON.

Important Links:
KYDSAIDIT.com
Diatribe

ATTIC Links

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inspired by the upcoming roster of guests, kirk explores #poetry through musical and lyrical expression. the opener includes courtroom highlights on the debut 'courtcenter' segment and improvised hockey coaching. the body features (3) unique songs composed by kirk to match the energy and tone of (3) different poetry styles: #beatnik, #haiku, and #hiphop.

creative expression is what it's all about, people. much love!

attic links
**patreon**

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Today's bonus episode featuring a short documentary that follows two old friends - photographer Leandro Lara and hip-hop artist pulp Cruz - reconnecting over a photo shoot. Fellow artist Roo LeGarcon drops in and lends his music to this endearing short film. Thanks to LIONS AND RABBITS for letting us use their awesome art gallery as home base.

ATITA LINKS: https://linktr.ee/atalkintheattic

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hosted by the reverend kirk alan ross, today's episode features a surprise drop-in from one of the world's most recognizable names and faces: jesus christ. in an intimate and unflinching look at life as the son of god, jesus bares all in this exclusive interview with a truly incredible get for this small operation.

topics jesus dives into today:
 - easter traditions
 - growing up with an all-powerful father
 - christian rock (spoiler alert: christ isn't a fan of the genre)
 - sacrilege

atita links

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