One of the most important elements of rap music is flow. Referring to the rhyming scheme of the MC and defining how he interacts with the beat, the flow encompasses his intonation, accent, speed, melody, rhythm and articulation. Some people consider that the flow is similar to the rhyme delivery. However, delivery involves mostly the voice pitch and tone and is primarily related to breathe control. In other words, delivery is concerned with how the MC can take poised breaths while rhyming over the beat, meaning while doing the flow.

The evolution of flow, as it is known today, has gone through several stages. The impact of Old School that was dominant from 1978 to 1986 on the New School that dominated from 1994 to 2002 is obvious on any MC. The period in between, from 1986 to 1994, is the period that Rakim, of Eric B. & Rakim rap duo, altered the course of flow in rap.

Melle Mel of the Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five is the most typical representative of the Old School. Using relatively basic rhythmic patterns and techniques, Mel’s flows are simple and based on plain rhyme schemes. He uses a downbeat, which is so typical of the funk groove music and was highly emphasized by James Brown. Kicking on 2/4 downbeat to keep cadence on a straightforward rhyming, Mel’s flows are the rhyme groundwork all MCs would later use from 1978 to 1986.

Rakim was the first MC to introduce the term ‘flow’ in what was before known as rhyming or cadence. Rakim popularized the term because he was able to rhyme like a waterfall; he leaped from one word to another over Eric B’s vibes so smoothly, like flowing. With his unmatched flows that actually shifted rap music from the simplistic Old School cadence to more complex rhyming, Rakim exploded in a new rhyme scheme altering the way every MC would rhyme forever, and practically setting the beginning of the New School.

Along with Rakim, Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie), Big Daddy Kane, Method Man, KRS-One and Eminem represent the New School. From all these extremely talented MCs, Biggie and Method Man added new elements in their flows. Their rhyming approach was innovative and their flows became a must-have for any MC in the years to follow. Particularly for Biggie, critics say that he had the best flow of all MCs in the history of rap considering the short period of time he performed before he got murdered. On the other side of the coin is Eminem for numerous reasons. He is the youngest in the game among all, but he has sold more albums that any MC in the history of hip-hop. His astonishing ability to flow like an instrument gave him the first Oscar in hip-hop history and his flow is definitely the most dominant right now.

The flows of MCs are what make rap music brilliant. The complexity of the flows gives rap a boost in record sales that is directly proportional to how complex and faster the flows become. This happens not only because people appreciate the efforts of Eminem or Big Daddy Kane, but mostly because they are fascinated by the new rhythmic styles, by how MCs stress their syllables, how they emphasize the metrical structure of their verses, how they organize their rhymes to surprise the crowd, and ultimately, how they flow.



By: Christina Pomoni

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For most people, it is much easier to categorize music in one genre or another. After all, it just makes things navigable and simple to classify. Several artists speak out against categorization, but it is often the best way to keep up with the trends. Neo Soul (aka nu soul) is a great way to describe one of the most recent musical sensations. Artists like Zhane, Groove Theory, and Tony Toni Tone were among the first to deliver a mixture of classical soul from the ’60s and ’70s with a healthy dose of ’90s experimentation and genre crossing. Just like the deep, moving hits performed by legends such as Marvin Gaye, neo soul artists have a passion for dealing with real issues – far more edgy than modern pop and more emotionally charged than gangsta rap.

Although listeners are increasingly feeling the vibe, neo soul isn’t entirely new. Whereas the ’90 s were a time that saw the emergence of hardcore rap artists such as 2Pac, Scarface and Master P, neo soul has helped to revitalize the R&B genre while unleashing a sound all its own. From D’Angelo’s “Brown Sugar” to Lauryn Hill’s “Sweetest Thing,” these artists have further revolutionized a unique music genre and established a new movement of listeners.

Conya Doss is one of several artists who have emerged on the neo soul/R&B scene. Possessing a strong global fan base, she created a stable foundation with her groundbreaking debut album, A Poem About Ms. Doss. Her second and third attempts, Just Because and Love Rain Down were respectively praised, proving that this Cleveland native could hold her own in the arena of soulful love ballads.

Goapele is another female sensation that has made a name in the neo soul genre. Her music has received praised from Billboard, Essence, Vibe, Rolling Stone and a wealth of other notable sources. She dropped an EP release in 2001 with Closer and followed it up with Even Closer a year later. Goapele’s second effort was considered to be way before its time, and it is still topping charts on radio playlists from Baton Rouge to Detroit four years later. Innovative lyrics and a naturally beautiful singing voice have propelled this sultry songstress into the ranks of rising talents in the new genre of soul.

Females aren’t the only artists mesmerizing listeners with new flavorful melodies. Also known as…“BlkMagic,” Prince Damons is one of the most versatile talents to grace the soul genre. As a producer, his sounds have been heard all over the world, complimenting the widely familiar rhythmic voices of Platinum recording hip hop artists such as Too Short and E-40. Multi-dimensional producers like Prince “BlkMagic” Damons provide a musical sounding board for artists to communicate their soul.

From N’dambi’s jazzy Little Lost Girls Blues to Julie Dexter’s intimate underground gem Dexterity, a myriad of new artists are paying homage to the roots of classic soul with tasteful modern flavor that promises to carry it into the future.



By: Prince Damons

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Prepare to enjoy, groove and get ready to move that body. Here comes the most hip and wackiest party. Not to loosen your belts but to give you extra fit with the body you always wanted. You would feel the intense and excitement with the Shaun Ts Dance Party Series.

We present you 4 ways on how to enjoy a party of cardio exercise. A rocking combination of the latest sound and latest workouts from the experts simply would give you the satisfaction you’ll need.

With Shaun Ts Dance Party Series the newest Hip Hop Abs Dance Party Series has finally come! We cut Shaun T loose and with his new dance workouts are out of this world! Experts have gone all-out just to create the most intense and innovative dance routines ever released in the world of cardio-exercise.

1. Groovealicious. With these very new Workouts! Rocking’ body get ready to say “I’ve got the six-packet abs.” Shaun shows you exciting new moves like Robotics, the combination of human movements. Given a different touch, The Hammer-Slide, which puts you into real intense, and this 360, and Drill Extreme, all guaranteed to burn fat while they’re flattening and toning your abs in just a whapping 30 minutes.

2. Hard Body Shaun combines cardio dance, total body sculpting for that dream physique, and abs all in one workout to shape and tone your body from head to toe. This new moves are so much fun, you’ll feel sorry for people at the gym. That they had chosen to stay in those kinds of places this is the work out that will loosen all your tiredness in the body. And this would only take for 35 minutes.

3. Cardio Groove transforms your body from head-to-toe with Shaun’s all-new cardio moves set to the hottest dance music. With the exotic style that was develop by the expert dance makers. And add the bonus Cardio Groove Challenge for even faster results! That you may not think it is good for only 40 minutes.

4. Booty Shaking’ Come Join the Party shakes your booty to the dance floor, and wave goodbye to those extra pounds, the excess fatty parts of the body. Once you start you won’t be able to stop, you would not even notice your at the peak of your performance.—no kidding! Plus, ramp up the intensity with Shaun’s Booty Shaking’ Challenge till you drop your body out. And this is just for 35 minutes

In addition to this exciting pack is a FREE 5-minute Abs Blaster. If you don’t think you can get the flat, toned abs of your dreams in just 5 short minutes, think again! Shaun’s abs-blasting routine delivers sexy, defined abs in just 5 minutes without a single sit-up or crunch and that’s for reality for yours eyes only. Give it for 5 minutes.

It’s always rewarding to be always conscious of what you’re body is getting into while feeling the fun and enjoyment it needs. This dance workout package assures you both satisfaction and fun.



By: Jesse Miller

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In the extensive quest for true prominence, hip-hop has unfurled some of its most influential forces. By combining the innovative mixing techniques of great DJs with the unparalleled rhyming skills of extremely talented MCs, legendary rap duos have transcended rap music to a new level, enhancing hip-hop’s truth and echoing its philosophy in the most thriving way.

The complexity of flow is what makes rap music luminous. The boost in record sales is directly proportional to how people are fascinated by how MCs stress their syllables, how they emphasize the metrical structure of their verses, how they organize their rhymes, and ultimately, how they flow. However, this brilliant talent has to follow a beat and flow with innovative vibes so as to make a sound great and really supreme.

Some of the greatest rap duos of all times are:

> Eric B. & Rakim

Eric B & Rakim is one of the first rap duos that captivated the rap scene. Being broadly considered one of the most ground-breaking rap combos in the history of hip hop, the New York pair introduced a revolutionary chemistry that reflected the extent of innovation in their respective roles.

Eric B’s ingenious scratching skills, anchored with jazzy vibes set the stage for the golden age of hip-hop of the mid-80s to the early 90s. Favoring James Brown’s “I know you got soul” groove, actually introduced the extensive use of soul and R&B hits as background music in hip-hop hits, which became known as godfather rap. Rakim’s avant-garde rhyming style and seemingly effortless delivery shifted hip-hop culture to new creative levels with the use of versatile rhyming lines, internal rhyme and sophisticated metaphors. Rakim never really relied on controversial lyrics to captivate the fans. His increasing influence on the masses was the result of his extraordinary MCing skills and his exceptional ability to leap from one phrase to the other like a waterfall, which made him largely considered as the greatest MC in the history of rap.

Their debut album “Paid In Full”, released in 1987, went Platinum reaching #58 in the US Charts and #8 in the Top R&B Hip Hop Charts. Their next three albums went Gold reaching also high ranking in the US Charts and the Top R&B Hip Hop Charts.

> UGK

Underground Kidgz, broadly known as UGK, emerged in the hip-hop scene in 1987. Being original representatives of southern rap, Pimp C and Bun B, the rap duo from Texas, enthralled the hip-hop industry with their country-funk instrumentals and melodic tones. Extreme, sexual, and appealing, UGK introduced the most comprehensive pattern of southern rap and won several Grammy awards.

Pimp C’s distinctive DJing that emits his dirty south, jazzy heritage combined with Bun B’s long on skill, internal rhyme have crafted a classic soul-funk approach to hip-hop, introducing technically sound rap flow and innovative vibes.

Their debut album, “Too Hard To Swallow”, released in 1992, reached #37 in the US R&B charts. Their following albums charted on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, including the “Underground Kidgz” released in 2007, which reached #1 on the Billboard 200. Besides, UGK has been featured by other rap artists such as Jay-Z in “Big Pimpin”, and Three 6 Mafia in “Sippin’ on Some Syrup”.

After Pimp C’s death, on December 4, 2007 in a Hollywood hotel, Bun B released their last album “UGK 4 life”, in 2009.

> OutKast

Originally known as The OKB (The OutKast Brothers), Andre 3000 and Big Boi came into hip-hop scene in 1994. Introducing a mixture of G-funk with deep bass, harmonious synths and artificially lowered tempos with southern rap, the Atlanta-based duo is one of the most prominent rap duos of all time.

The experimental originality of Big Boi’s DJing percussion riffs reeks off his Georgian roots. In each album release, Big Boi adds soul, pop, funk, jazz and rock elements in his inventive vibes making OutKast not only a huge commercial success, but also a highly versatile rap duo that is largely appreciated for its artistic content and innovation. The exceptional MC skills of Andre 3000 anchor Big Boi’s sounds in a continuous, flawless rhyming making him the greatest MC of the contemporary rap scene, following the great steps of Rakim.

OutKast have received six Grammy awards and have sold over 25 million copies for their eight album releases. OutKast’s double album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below”, released in 2003, went 11x Platinum, winning the Album of the Year Grammy in 2004.

> Mobb Deep

The New York duo, Prodigy and Havoc, triumphantly represent East Coast’s hardcore rap. Storming through the rap industry in the mid-90s, Mobb Deep actually introduced hardcore beats to the hip-hop scene. Their momentous, trendsetting album, “The Infamous”, released in 1995, followed the glorious releases of Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready To Die” and Nas’s “Illmatic”, establishing Prodigy and Havoc as epochal figureheads of East Coast hardcore rap.

From rapid-fire shooting to rough hood storytelling, Mobb Deep became largely known for the hellish portrayal of New York street life. Harsh rhymes anchored by spooky melodies and hard-hitting beats in a rather angry rhyming pattern became the duo’s trademark. However, despite Mobb Deep’s denial to compromise their harsh approach on depicting the cruel reality of street culture, the duo enjoyed success.



By: Christina Pomoni

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The main features of Hip Hop culture are emceeing or rapping, DJing, grafitti or urban inspired art, breakdancing also known as b-boying, beatboxing, slang and an eccentric bling bling fashion. This article speaks about the most important hip hop elements which are considered to be the social and political activism, hip hop lifestyle, slang and double dutching, which consist in an urban inspired form of rope skipping.

The hip hop culture is a nonconformist and spontaneous one. MC is short for Master of Ceremonies. An MC plays a very important role as he is the person who entertains the crowd by making jokes between songs or by returning acid rhymes to its opponents. There are some big names in the history of hip hop such as MC Rakim, KRS or Big Daddy Kane.

Fans agreed that these people have a great gift in using words and rhymes and an endless vocabulary spiced with spontaneity.

Doug E. Fresh is considered to be the wonder kid of hip hop as he managed to popularize Beatboxing. Beatboxing is an important hip hop element, which consists in vocal percussion, the art of creating rhythms and beats using only the vocal cords. The name of this hip hop technique derives from the beatboxes, the first generation of drum machines.

In the 1980’s beatboxing had an enormous success and hip hoppers such as Biz Markie or Darren Robinson were very popular. By the end of the ’80s, beatboxing was left behind and ten years later, in the late ’90s was informally launched all over again by Rahle of The Roots with his ‘Make the Music 2000′.

The TV program ‘Style Wars’ from mid ’80s and the 1984 ‘Subway Art’ book were the first ways through which the large public was familiarized with the graffiti art. This urban inspired form of art was very well received by people and it shortly became popular all over the world. Nowadays graffiti art is well spread all over the globe, especially in Japan, Europe, Australia or South Africa, although in the beginning most local authorities disagreed with this artistic phenomenon. Even now, there are many places where it is forbidden to create graffiti on public property and it is considered a criminal offense.

Breakdancing also known as B-boying or B-girling and it is a complex style of dance with dynamic and difficult elements. Well known breakdancers at DJ Kool Herc’s parties gave birth to the B-boy term. During these parties, dancers were keeping their best moves for the break part of the song. There are some well documented films about Breakdancing and reviewers and B-boy fans agree that ‘The Freshest Kids’ released in 2002 is by far the greatest one. Among these type of movies, ‘Beat Street’ and ‘Style Wars’ have also had some great reviews.

B-boying was born is South Bronx almost simultaneously with the other hip hop basic elements. During the ’80s, it was very common and popular to see groups of young people with a cassette player, performing a B-boying show on the streets. Usually, there were two or more teams in the informal competition, doing their best, trying to impress their audience and win the dance combat.



By: Craig Rad

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Belt buckles are a staple in the fashion industry. Their practical use, which is to clasp or hold your belt in the right position, is more often than not taken for granted. And why not? Belt buckles have been around for ages. It has been used by people of old civilizations and ancient warriors.

In modern times, it has become another article or accessory that could help one express his or her personality. Manufacturers are seeing this trend and are coming up with more creative designs. You will be amazed at hundreds and hundreds of belt buckle designs available these days. Even the Hip Hop industry is coming up with its own unique pieces true to the culture of the Hip Hop culture. Hip Hop belt buckles are used to accentuate any outfit and add “bling” to people living the Hip Hop lifestyle.

They are available in different materials, sizes, and shapes. Some are very cheap while others could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars such as those worn by your favorite rappers or celebrities. The right belt buckle will surely make an impressive addition to any Hip Hop outfit.

We scoured the Internet to look for the best choices of Hip Hop belt buckles available. Robdiamond.net tops our list of favorite online stores offering Hip Hop belt buckles. Take a look at our picks and you might find something you like. Even if you are not strictly a hip hop guy or girl, there are designs of every kind suitable for every personality and at affordable prices, too.

Hip Hop Cross Rhinestone Pendant Silver Rhodium – Consists of a rhodium cross pendant with embellished with Australian crystals. This is THE “bling,” weighing only an ounce and could be bought online for only USD35.

ATL and NY Rhinestone Cool Belt Buckles – Worth USD28 each, the ATL Atlanta and NY New York buckles allows you to represent your region in style. They are embedded with rhinestones and can fit a belt around 1.5 inches wide.

S Logo Cool Belt Buckle – Who says Superman is not hip hop? The chrome buckle has a neat and simple design bearing the Superman insignia in cold steel. It could be bought for only USD19.95.

Rock Rebel Heart Skull Cool Belt Buckle – Cast from pewter, this item’s skull design fits the tougher side of you. The metal skull is surrounded by an edgy leaf design reminiscent of the glamrock era. Also suitable for belts 1.5 inches wide, the buckle costs USD28.

5 Stars Silver Super Iced Out Large Belt Buckle – Being a celebrity on your own right could not be achieved better than having five stars accessorizing your belt. The original price was almost USD80 but it is now being offered for only USD 28.95, making it a worthwhile find.

More hip hop belt buckles could be found in the likes of “hiphopbling”, “icedoutgear”, and “2hipbuckles”, among others. Belt buckles have become a must-have item and a good find will surely able to make a fashion statement for you.





By: Robert

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Music forms as an amazing remedy to get of this stress in life. Music is the only language which is recognized an accepted through out the world despite of the languages. Music soothes the mind and soul. Early days people go learn music from the musician who is world fame. The trend has changed that now we have software’s designed to learn music at doorsteps with little effort and creativity.

Such music software like FlexiMusic, Audacity, Gold Wave, Cool Edit Pro has come forward with a helping hand to make music in an easy and merry learning way. This concern launches five software products viz., FlexiMusic Wave Editor, FlexiMusic Composer, FlexiMusic Kids Composer, FlexiMusic Generator and FlexiMusic Orchestra. Each of the five products has it own significant in their own way. This attracts all the people regardless of their age. To learn music with ease you all need is a PC, FlexiMusic software and a little creativity. FlexiMusic is very economic and we get it on shareware basis.



By: Heera

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Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced you can learn hip hop dance steps with Gif from Gino’s Urban Dance Choreography Videos. You can take advantage of this and try to improve your hip-hop dancing skills. You also have the opportunity to take a look at the free samples of hip-hop dancing they have from animated gif files, online dance lessons, dance music and videos.

You will have fun and look good doing it as well. The master hip hop choreographers, Gino Johnson and David Kellough will teach you and they will give you three hot videos that will provide you with fifteen different routines of great dancing and choreography and cool dance moves.

Why blow away $200 at a dance studio while only learning one routine when you can get these videos instead. Gino brings his studio right into your home with online video clips and DVD & VHS videos. With any of the dance videos that they have, you get 4 to 6 fully choreographed routines at a mere portion of the cost that you would have to pay at a dance studio getting dance lessons.

The great thing about it is that you can learn over 200 hip hop dancing moves from any of the videos that they have available for you in the comfort of your home at your own pace. You never have to worry about falling behind or being too far ahead of the class.

This is something that men women and children of all ages and skills can have fun doing. These videos are also perfect for cheerleaders or dance teams that want to either practice more routines or even get new ideas for their own. So why not take advantage of all the great things they are giving you by investing your time and money into these hip hop dance videos.



By: Munya Chinongoza

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Four (4) Things in Hip Hop Abs Gift Pack For HER

For men who aren’t sweet enough to take their girlfriends or wives out to dinner or surprise them with roses and chocolates occasionally, you might want to win in this gift-giving game by getting HER something that’s extraordinary.

What women want are not just perfumes, dresses, shoes, bags, accessories and jewelries, they want some immaterial perfection (read: shapely figure). Through these four things included in Hip Hop Abs Gift Pack for HER, it’s a sure ball that any man out there will be forgiven for not being romantic as his girl expects him to be.

1.Hip Hop Abs Complete Fitness Program

Any woman would want to achieve hot sexy abs. This kit gives HER five amazing workouts and bonus dance routines plus easy-to-follow diet guidelines, fast-food guide and a 6-day weight loss plan. She’ll be excited to get started to do this so that you (her man) will stick to her forever. The 113-minute program targets the upper abs, lower abs and saddle belly skin to the beat of the hottest hip hop music. Can you imagine HER losing 3 inches off her waist in just 7 days?

2.Hip Hop Abs Ultimate Results Workouts

This inclusion takes your woman to a higher level and more intense abs-aiming workout. Ultimately, she’ll end up having flat abs through some advanced routines and revolutionary abs-sculpting moves. The bonus part is that she gets to wear a bikini confidently when you plan on a beach outing. What do you say?

3.Weighted Gloves

Workout can get intense along the way, but these weighted gloves will protect HER and make the entire routine convenient to execute. This is best-selling resistance tools she’s always wanted to have, bet on that. These are easy to use and comfortable. Turbo Jam Program creator Chalene Johnson and the rest of the turbo jammers can vouch to that.

4.2-Day Fast Formula Shake

After every session at the gym, she can go thirsty certainly. This drink will quench such a feeling, and interestingly, drop up to 7 pounds in just 2 days. It also burns off that hard-to-lose fat. It’s a creamy and delicious shake to savor.

Fitness is a big deal to both men and women, especially for women of age. This gift pack inclusions for HER can make you a hero. Are you a brother, a father, a daddy, a boyfriend or a friend, or anything to HER? Start being concerned about your lady who craves for better figure. Give her a gift that will improve her outlooks and increase her optimism level. This one should be it.



By: Jesse Miller

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There are different techniques that had been introduced by different gym experts in order to build that sexy abs. But most of us find it hard to do the activities in building your abs. The most common exercise is what we call “sit – ups”. Now with Shaun T’s new dance program “Hip Hop Abs, you can groove your way to a flat and sexy stomach. Here are 4 Advanced Hip Hop Abs Workout Fitness with Shaun T:

1.Secrets to Flats Abs

You’ll target your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques while burning fat with Shaun’s advanced workout routines. Even Beachbody dancer and choreographer had gone all-out just to create the most intense and innovative dance routines ever release. The perfect moves that will surely give you that flat the abs that you have always wanted.

2.Fat-Burning Cardio

Lose pounds and burn those calories while dancing and grooving to some hip music. Advanced, high energy moves guaranteed to shed pounds and inches. Here; Shaun will show you the exciting new moves like Robo, Hammer-Slide, 360, and the Drill Extreme, all guaranteed to burn fat while they’re flattering and toning your abs.

3.Ab Sculpt

Additional moves to get you the abs you’ve always dreamed of with no crunches or sit-ups. Revolutionary abdomen-sculpting steps work your whole core to provide you that tight, sexy, toned abs without having to do the sit-ups. Hard body Shaun combines cardio dance, total body sculpting and abs all in one workout to shape and tone your body particularly the abs part.

4.Total Body Burn

This is a full body program that joins cardiovascular exercises and total body toning which employs the use of even more abs-sculpting routines. Its advanced cardio strength and abs-sculpting moves to transform your entire body. Cardio groove transforms your body from head-to-toe with Shaun’s all new cardio moves set to the hottest dance music and to add to that a bonus cardio groove challenge is included for even faster result.

With Shaun’s advanced absolute engagement routine you’ll surely “tilt”, “tuck” and tighten your way to washboard abs without doing such hard fitness activities like crunching and sitting- upping.

By simply dancing to the tune of Hip hop music, we can also create our own steps and moves that could make our muscles stronger and enhanced our abs, remember that any cardiovascular movements can help our body to be stronger and active.

Hip Hop dance are the coolest new moves that will flatten your abs. Your goal must not only to build resistance of abs but also to transform your entire body.

For your additional information, Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs Workout have the kids version to bring fitness and fun for the kids as well as to help kids of every age achieve a healthy lifestyle. It’s not only a healthful dance but can also be useful for the community.



By: Jesse Miller

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