This year, the HIGHSTREET podcast crew celebrated their annual Thanksgiving feast with special guests, Producer Neezy and artist Marquise (formerly OG Swaggerdick). Although hosts Jariel and Alxne missed out due to illness, the rest of the team came together for a memorable evening filled with food, music, and lively conversation.
The evening kicked off with a delicious steak dinner paired with side dishes, while Jay treated the crew to Ube lattes and hot chocolate. Conversations about cooking techniques, seasoning, and favorite foods set a warm and casual tone, perfectly fitting the Thanksgiving spirit.
Neezy previewed an upcoming song with Naughtyy, exciting the room with a sneak peek into her new project. Meanwhile, Marquise caught up with the crew, sharing insights about his journey and reflecting on the challenges of building a music career. He recalled humble beginnings, early shows with Michael Christmas, and the support they received from artists like Mac Miller.
The conversation also touched on the pressures artists face in the streaming era. They discussed the industry’s use of bots and fake streams to manufacture popularity, likening it to steroids in sports. The consensus? To survive and thrive, artists need genuine fan engagement and creative authenticity.
The crew didn’t shy away from hot topics, diving into Drake’s lawsuit against UMG and Spotify and its potential impact on the industry. They also revisited a recent incident involving Lil Xan, who made headlines after kicking a fan at a Boston nightclub. Opinions were mixed on whether the fan provoked Xan or if it was an overreaction, but the discussion highlighted the importance of personal growth and support systems, especially in high-pressure industries.
Amid the laughter and debates, the evening reflected the true spirit of Thanksgiving—connection, gratitude, and shared experiences. From deep dives into the future of music, including AI’s potential impact, to playful banter about video games and pop culture, HIGHSTREET’s annual feast was more than just a podcast episode—it was a celebration of friendship, music, and life.
