What is a 'Golden Era' Anyway?

Hey SND/SYS Fam,

We’re back with this week’s dose of sounds, vibes, and takes! The holidays are creeping up fast, but the music scene isn’t slowing down one bit. With everyone buzzing about the Grammy Nominations and debates still swirling around Andre 3000’s flute album being nominated for Album of the Year, it’s clear 2024 has been anything but predictable.

Speaking of big news, we’ve got an exciting announcement from our very own Jay Glavany! He’ll be hitting the stage as part of K. Forest - Under the Firelight on December 22 at The Baby G in Toronto. This is another huge moment for Jay and the SND/SYS fam in 2024, and you won’t want to miss it. Grab your tickets now and come out to show your support! Get tickets here.

Our Hear Me Out topic this week dives into the obsession with “golden ages” in music. Why do so many old heads cling to the past while sleeping on the present? We’ve got thoughts (and we’re pretty sure you do, too).

As always, we’ve got music picks, and a spotlight on an EP that’s been on heavy rotation for us lately. Let’s get into it.

Hear Me Out

Every music era seems to have its “golden age”—that time when everything supposedly hit its peak. Whether it’s ‘90s hip-hop, early 2000s R&B, or classic rock, old heads love to cling to these moments, declaring them untouchable.

What Defines a Golden Age?

But what makes an era a "golden age"? Is it the groundbreaking artistry, the cultural shifts it represents, or just the nostalgia it evokes? Or is it just the fact that it’s new and fresh? Humans are fickle and often suffer from shiny new toy syndrome. 50 said Ja ‘sang for hoes and sounded like the Cookie Monster’ and ended up crooning just like Ja on 21 questions and we let him slide lol. I believe these periods often coincide with our most memorable years —the first time they heard an album that changed their life, the soundtrack to their best summers, the song that they thought was shit but saw what it did in the club and it changed their perspective.

The Golden Age is Subjective

Personally, I think ‘Golden Age’ is just used incorrectly. Each generation has one and they have to define it themselves. What feels timeless to one group might feel outdated to the next. Sure, the classics are untouchable for their time, but music never stops evolving. New artists are constantly building on what came before, pushing boundaries, and creating their moments.

Why Do OGs Stay Stuck in the Past?

So why is it that so many OGs stay stuck in the past? Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s comfort. But holding too tightly to what was stops you from appreciating the brilliance happening right now.

Here’s a thought: what if we’re living through another golden age, and some of us are just too caught up in the old to notice?

The Rise of World Music

The rise and global embrace of world music cannot be ignored. Kanye West called Wizkid’s Essence “the best song in the history of music to date,” and it’s hard to argue when it became an undeniable anthem across continents. Bad Bunny, meanwhile, is not only breaking records but reshaping the industry as arguably the biggest artist in the world—all while staying true to reggaeton roots. And Amapiano? A decade ago, Russell Peters was joking about “!xobile”, and now Mnike has us singing in unison, transcending language barriers and turning global stages into celebrations of South African house music.

Thoughts?

What do you think? Are the old heads right, or is it time to move on? We’d love to hear your take—join the conversation in our ‘Hear Me Out’ WhatsApp group! It’s where we break down topics like this, share music, and dive deeper into the culture we all love. Click here to join the chat. - Aaron 

Picks of the Week

• “You Don’t Even Need It” by Maverick Sabre

  Alternative R&B is King 👑 Maverick Sabre delivered an exceptional project with ‘Burn The Right Things Down’. This song in particular is an instant feel good track, something you’d want to blast while driving PCH with the top down. - Gaellan

• “Still Praying” by Westside Gunn ft. Benny, Stove God, Conway, Boldy

  The non-listeners wouldn’t appreciate this; all they hear is “doot doot doot” and skip… They don’t even realize this is pure ART! Westside’s intro, completed with his signature “bang bang” ad-lib at the end of his verse, sets the tone. It’s quickly followed by back-to-back rapping from Conway, and then you get Stove God’s verse coming in like a F1 Final Lap. Meanwhile, Boldy and Benny hold it down, maintaining the levels and playing defence — it sounds like the end of the world and winning at life at the same time. Everyone rapped like this was their last chance to land a record deal. Honestly, it feels like a privilege to hear this song — that’s how grateful I am. I’m going to cherish this forever. PLAY THIS AT HIGH VOLUME. - Jay

• “First Time in a Long Time ” edit by fullbodydurag 

  Found this digging through the virtual crates. Blaccmass really made me appreciate the edits this year. If you’re a DJ and you’re mixing R&B this is a great way to up the bpm while maintaining the same feeling… felt that way to me any way ✌🏽 - Aaron

Spotlight: Albums/EPs You Need to Hear: We’ve been vibing to some fire releases lately, and we couldn’t let you miss out. Here’s an EP that deserve your attention:

Gangsta Gibbs is one of the few artists who truly understands how to craft a body of work in the modern world. With his latest album, he once again takes us deep into his world—a place where raw street narratives, personal reflections, and unmatched lyricism collide. 

It’s a journey through the mind of a man at war with himself, yet determined to find peace amidst the chaos. If you haven’t already, press play and let Freddie’s world take you on a ride that’s as thought-provoking as it is raw.

Still Spinnin’ 💿

ICYMI our brother Stric dropped by the vibeHouse and spun some of his favourites. It’s Saturday and your house is a mess, throw this on the TV and enjoy a masterpiece.

Stay Tuned: We’re cooking up some fresh mixes that’ll be coming your way soon. Make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel or check us out on SoundCloud so you don’t miss a beat.

Catch you on the next drop,

JG & The SND/SYS Team

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