The “My Life” series is a musical project showcasing the best in underground hip-hop. Created by two Lower East Side natives—the late Chris Manley (owner of the My Life Clothing store) and myself, DJ Silva Sir-Fa, “The Universal Crowd Rocker”—the title pays homage to Chris’s iconic store and our shared love for the culture.

Chris M. had an excellent ear for music and would handpick vinyl from local record stores such as Fat Beats, A-1, Bates, Rock N’ Soul, among others. He would then drop off bags full of vinyl to my lab, where I would sort and select the songs to be featured on the mixtapes. Our collaboration resulted in eight completed mixtapes,  with three left in production due to Chris M.’s untimely passing.

“PNB Nation vol.2” is a special highlight in the series—a collaboration between the iconic clothing brand PNB Nation and My Life. PNB Nation wasn’t just a brand; it was a visual manifesto for the hip-hop community. Born from the streets of Harlem and rooted in the graffiti culture, it helped define the “streetwear” aesthetic before that term became a corporate buzzword. Founded by Zulu, Brue, and West, PNB brought the raw energy of subway art to their clothing line.

This mixtape/cd  is a testament to the musical taste of Chris M. and his passion for underground hip hop. If you’re an avid listener of hidden gems from the underground hip hop scene of the golden era, then this series is a must-listen. You’ll be treated to a unique blend of sounds that are handpicked and mixed by Lower East Sides Finest – DJ Silva Sir-Fa. The “My Life” series is a true masterpiece that continues to inspire and entertain listeners to this day.