In today's podcast, we start with a powerful moment as Isaiah Allen/NXTLVL4L shares a crisis song, delving into his inner emotions, faith, and journey from past struggles to future evolution, striving for the next level of growth. Following this, we delve into an enlightening interview with Zay, also known as NXTLVL4L, uncovering the significance behind his name. Lastly, we explore the fusion of music and spirituality and the profound connections to mental health and self-discovery.

Guest:

• Isaiah Allen/NXTLVL4L

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NXTLVL4L

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl4l/

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nxtlvl4l/1610481196

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:08 Trigger Warning
• 1:30 Introduction To NXTLVL4L’s Crisis Song
• 2:16 Crisis Song by NXTLVL4L (Narrated by himself)

• 3:50 Opening Dialogue: Nicole and Isaiah
• 4:24 Who is NXTLVL4L?
• 5:32 The Importance of Music
• 10:14 The Transition from Music Escapism to the Creation of Music
• 12:41 The Story behind NXTLVL4L
• 17:06 Art of Conversation
• 18:04 How do you Describe Your Music?

20:41 Intermission: A Listen Into “Isolation” by NXTLVL4L

• 23:13 Over Isolation, The Effects, and How to Overcome
• 28:42 How Did You Know You Had BPD?
• 33:09 The Benefits of The Roller Coaster (Up and Downs of BPD) and The Plan Building
• 36:43 The Healing Powers of Music
• 38:23 The Introduction of Spirituality

42:48 Intermission: “Hurry Back” by NXTLVL4L

• 45:38 After Thoughts: “Hurry Back” by NXTLVL4L
• 46:43 Mental Health and Hip-Hop
• 47:54 How do You Improve Your Mental Health?
• 49:42 How Have You Built Your Tribe and Support?

53:08 Intermission: “In My Sleep” by NXTLVL4L

• 55:59 After Thoughts: “In My Sleep” by NXTLVL4L
• 57:25 Zay’s Final Words: Self-Recovery, Healing, and Unpacking Real Shit
• 59:33 Lover Letter To BPD

• 1:02:41 Closing Statement from Nicole
• 1:02:56 BPD Daily Mantra
• 1:03:19 Outro
• 1:04:39 “Get Dressed” by NXTLVL4L

Episode Resources:

• MHA’s Article about “Mental Health and Hip-Hop”: https://mhanational.org/blog/mental-health-and-hip-hop-undeniable-super-team-healing-wellness
• APA‘s Article about “The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being”: https://tinyurl.com/Transformative-Power-of-Music
• https://www.showmegrace.org/, presspause4grace@gmail.com

• Crisis Hotline - Call or Text 988 or Chat At 988lifeline.org

Credits: Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi , Research Team: Nicole Darby & Tamar Brignolle