I’ve been going by Beef for many years and it’s not like I can just shake the nickname. It stuck and I like it but it has rubbed some people the wrong way too. They think my beef isn’t serious enough, or that I’m not beefed up as much as I should be. So I’m not shunning myself, or anyone who has known me as such, but I will now be going by Clifton on the mic.
This is also my first song since January of 2022. I’m ecstatic to be returning to music to get some of my flows and melodies out. I basically wrote a whole album in a week while I was in the process of moving to Milwaukee. Moving is busy work, but I was anxious and having the feels, couldn’t sleep or eat, so I turned to my favorite outlet to relieve stress.
The “Still Alive” project title and cover art style may remind some of a 70s vibe. The feel of the song is grungy too, which Madison is known for. I wanted to pay homage to where I’m from but also point out that the city puts on a facade to hide that it has fallen behind the times. My hometown is a place I love very much but it also almost killed me.
I’m enjoying my new city so far and I plan to return to Mentally Enabled episodes at some point. Really feeling like dropping some music now though, and that is taking up most of my creative energy at this juncture. Between that and getting settled in Milwaukee, I’m busy establishing myself as Milwaukee Clifton. Come say wussup. Just don’t confuse me with the overseas artist of the same name.
