How well do you handle situations that have the potential to totally throw your life off track?  Some people fold under adversity, some survive and then there are those who soar! Elia S. Qasim AKA EQ steps center stage to bring you his first studio project “Emotional Intelligence” He is a part of the At Ease Poetry collective but this project allows him to stand in the forefront and tell his own story. For those of you who might question what Emotional Intelligence is have no fear the project opens with an explanation and it will give you some insight as you listen. First off I will say that this work will bless people’s lives and help them through rough patches. Elia seems to be following the trend of being a transparent man and openly shares his life with those who will listen. This is important for a number of reasons however the most important reason is that there are so many men suffering silently without anyone to talk to, feeling like there is no one who can empathize with them and that no one cares. I was automatically pulled in when EQ began sharing his story with “Head On.”  He’s performed this piece before but when you sit alone with it takes on a deeper meaning. How can you go on when you’re hit head on with an attack? EQ gives you an answer to that question.  EQ also shines on “Beauty” where he models how a man mentally should be thinking about a woman in addition.  We also get a look into Elia’s work life which seems to be another emotional load that needs to be carried and managed appropriately.  I came out of the project realizing that even though you don’t see people’s stories on the surface everyone has one and they are equally important.  This project is a testament to those who fight through their challenges and make it to the other side. It’s a light at the end of the tunnel for every man child that has had Pandora’s box ripped open by someone who had more experience. This album is hopeful and very necessary! Keep in tune with EQ by following him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elia.qasim?ref=br_rs  , his artist page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EQPoetry/ and on IG at @eliaqasim