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No Rhyme Or Reason - Just Cleveland 2025'

Written By Jewels Alexandria

(4 Minute Read)

“The days seem long, but the years are short.”

With each passing year, we grow — in our craft, in our emotions, and one step closer to our dreams. Up close, time can feel slow, but from a distance, you can see just how much everything has evolved. And so have we. Patience, after all, is part of the process.

This year, The Juke Joint proudly celebrates its sixth year of publication. As always, we’re taking a look back at some of our standout guests, events, and — of course — all things music. Cleveland edition, naturally.

Coach Buffy

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r2rfit.com

To kick off the year, The Juke Joint sat down with Coach Buffy to talk about how deeply connected music and fitness really are. He shared some of the tracks that keep him motivated, the rush of hitting that “runner’s high,” and how a fleeting moment can inspire an entire workout.

Coach also reflected on the flip side — how music can influence mood and energy, sometimes in unexpected ways. “Anytime Birdman hops on a track,” he jokes, “bruh, what is this?” Still, he believes music and fitness are sacred spaces everyone should explore as a form of therapy.

🎥 Watch the full interview: YouTube Link

The Juke Joint has always been about spotlighting artists who live and breathe music — and MC Tae is exactly that. His project Local Audio captures pure passion and discipline, earning an 8/10 from our team. Hard to believe we first picked it up just because the cover art caught our eye.

Local Audio dives into the grind of chasing dreams, while Tae’s summer single Paradise (featuring Knockabout) adds a bright, bouncy, and effortlessly fun vibe to his catalog.

📝 Read the full review: MC Tae — Local Audio Review

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Left: MC Tae 
Right: Jewels Alexandria

We first featured Sumrr back in 2020 with her track Smoke from her Sounds Like Sumrr EP. Now she returns to The Juke Jams of the Year with her latest single Choked Up — a raw, emotional dive into the pain of venomous relationships, a feeling all too familiar for many listeners.

Sumrr’s ability to captivate through heartfelt lyrics and an authentic R&B sound is refreshing, leaving us eager for a full-length project.

🎬 Watch the video: YouTube Link

Sumrr

Joey Aich & Dave Zup

A Juke Joint favorite, Joey Aich never misses our radar. This year, he teamed up with Dave Zup for Duo — “a vivid hip-hop album that explores the desires of stardom, respect, hard work, and the thin line between friendship and acquaintance.”

Joey’s dedication to his art continues to earn our admiration — and a permanent spot at the bar.

💿 PS: Don’t miss his latest solo project, Moments Like These.

Phyll Thomas

Open Mics

This year, The Juke Joint partnered with Pure Power Music to create an open mic experience like no other. With a live band, great food, and post-performance interviews hosted by The Juke Joint team, these nights have become a true Cleveland staple.

🎥 Watch the recap video: YouTube Link

Six years down, and we’re still just getting started.
From the heart of Cleveland — thank you for being part of The Juke Joint journey. Here’s to more stories, more sound, and more soul.

November 3, 2025

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