Back when we weren’t as recognized as we are now, we crossed paths with SPEAK, who wasn’t known for co-writing Kreayshawn’s viral hit ‘Gucci Gucci’ yet because it didn’t exist. The Chicano songwriter and rapper didn’t have his Jesus-like tresses or a beard, then. He was pushing a brand called Apple Bird (?) if I remember correctly. It’s been more than a decade, so I can’t remember, nor does it seem to be attached to any online searches with his name, but SPEAK’s image was different. Contrarily, it was safe, clean (American Apparel-esque), and hipster. Think artisan everything like hand-lettered invitations and reupholstered furniture with rustic accents.

And that’s no slight to the Mexico City-based artist. I enjoy all versions and eras of artistry. Perhaps, I’m just pointing out how long I’ve been around, and how long ago it was that I’ve talked to SPEAK on the phone. Someone, please, tell Cam’ron that dinosaurs do exist. Stream his project ‘Singularity (Version 1)’ with Lao, and next, listen to his 2018 release ‘A Man + His Plants’. I’ve also generously included the other ten projects from this decade below.