Lateasha Lunceford Spills the Tea on Married 2 Medicine, New Business Ventures, and Age Gap Relationships
We sat down with Lateasha Lunceford to talk about her experience on Married 2 Medicine, New Business Ventures, and Age Gap Relationships. Check out the full interview here!
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE WITH ANDY COHEN -- Episode 22029 -- Pictured: Lateasha Lunceford -- (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images)
Lateasha “Sweet Tea” Lunceford, the fresh face-shaking things up on Married to Medicine, sat down with us, and she brought all the tea. This woman is busy. From navigating the sometimes-frosty reception of the veteran ladies (talk about a trial by fire!) to boldly owning her age-gap relationship, Lateasha is making her mark on the TV screens and in real life. We talked about her journey on the show, how she's building genuine connections with some of the women (Phaedra and Contessa, we see you!), and how she uses the support on her platform to remain motivated and inspired.
But that's not all, honey. Sweet Tea is also a serious entrepreneur! We got the exclusive on her new venture, Sweet Tea and Co., which is basically an empire in the making. From nonprofits to makeup lines to, yes, even her own tea brand (because duh!), this woman is doing it all. And because we're all about keeping it transparent, we talked about the real struggle of work-life balance, especially as a wife and with dreams of becoming a mother. Her honesty about leaning on her support system is something every Black woman can relate to. So, grab your cups and get ready to spill some tea with Sweet Tea herself!
Nuee Johnson: Thank you for taking the time to talk to the Black Excellence Society today. I'm excited to talk to you. I just finished the last episode and got a lot of questions, so I hope you can spill the tea. Our platform is about positive pop culture. There's a lot of negative stuff going around, and I feel like reality TV can be connotated with negativity. How has being on Married to Medicine influenced your decisions in your personal life or career in a positive way?
Lateasha Lunceford: I would say that whenever I get DMs from fans, it reminds me to keep going. Some people said they see themselves in me and can relate to me, so that keeps me motivated. Before, not that I was living my life off... I wasn't. But I feel like I have a lot more motivation. I think many newbies in this group have struggled, and I think I bring a lot to the table. Finally, to see a fresh face within this group, people see the progression that could possibly be within me being on the show. I think I bring a lot to the table, and my fans keep me motivated.
Nuee Johnson: I love that. Speaking of being a newbie, I remember when you first came in, they were saying you were the only one who didn't fit in. How do you feel that has grown since then, and who would you say has given you the most grace, or who have you built the best relationship with?
Lateasha Lunceford: What was the first question again?
Nuee Johnson: When you first came in, you were the youngest in the group. I remember when Heavenly said, "You're the only one that didn't fit in." How has the relationship with the women grown, and who have you become close to?
Lateasha Lunceford: Although they say I don't fit in, I'm still here. I may be the awkward puzzle piece, but I'm in there. They made me fit. Some of the OGs may try to say that to scare me away. But I don't run from conflict. I'm a Gemini, so I run toward conflict. I'm fitting in. I'm closest to Phaedra and Contessa. They make me feel comfortable and provide a safe space.
Nuee Johnson: Okay. So your speed dating event went really well. Congratulations. It's cool what you're doing, spreading awareness about dating and age gaps. Do you plan to continue doing more events like that? And what do you have to say to people who say when you're looking for older men, you're automatically looking for security and not love?
Lateasha Lunceford: Yes, I plan on doing more speed dating events here in Atlanta. I'm working on it and teaming up with people who have a huge network of older, established men. To the people who have something to say about me and age gap relationships and have preconceived notions, I say forget what they say. My relationship is real. We need to get back to the basics of what our mothers or grandmothers taught us. As Black women, we deserve to be taken care of. We deserve to be provided for. As Black women, I feel like they don't feel we deserve that type of treatment, and we do. I decided to date older because I want a man who is well established and ready to love. Young women are looking to get back to those places. They're looking for established men. Most women, I think that's what cultures teach you: go with the man who has things together, who's well established, ready to love, been through life, and can secure you. I don't feel bad about it. I'm here to encourage it.
Nuee Johnson: I agree. I think a lot of women are in denial that we really do want security, and it's kind of shunned for some reason. But it's like, no, please come with something to the table. Thank you. Tell me about Sweet Tea and Co. I'm excited to hear about it. How did it come about?
Lateasha Lunceford: I decided to start Sweet Tea and Co. last year when I was doing the show. I always liked the name Tiffany and Co., so I thought Sweet Tea and Co. because I want to do so many things. I started a nonprofit called No Mo: The National Outreach for Menstrual Optimism. Eventually, I want my own makeup line. I'm working on my teas right now because I'm the tea that's sweet, and everybody wants a sip! I also had the Sweet and Savory Collective, which is my age gap relationship group and the speed dating I'm doing. The name really fit me. It's the umbrella of things that will go under it.
Nuee Johnson: I love that. Do you have a special connection with tea, or is it just your name? What kind of tea is it going to be? Tell me something.
Lateasha Lunceford: The type of sweet tea I want to do... the name Sweet Tea came from my Instagram name back in college. My name is Leteasha, and a lot of people were spelling it wrong. I said, "It's Leteasha, tea that you drink." So I put "Sweet Tea" as my Instagram name. My husband sometimes called me Sweet Tea, and I slid into his DMs, so that's why he was calling me Sweet Tea. Everybody has always seen me as sweet. My sister moved to Taiwan, and when I visited her, I loved the tea culture there. Being from Texas, I've never actually liked sweet tea in Texas. When I went to Taiwan, I found out that you can make tea your own. You can have different fruit teas; it doesn't have to be all sugar. I thought this was a good avenue for me because I love tea.
Nuee Johnson: I hate the sweet tea that comes from churches in Miami. I love other types of teas. It looks like we have to wrap it up. My last question: you have so much going on. You said you have an umbrella of things you are about to launch. How do you plan to keep your work-life balance? You're working, you want to be a mother, a wife, a business owner. What is the tea with the work-life balance?
Lateasha Lunceford: I'm trying to figure it out. I'm running around trying to be Whitney Houston, "I'm every woman," and I'm trying to balance it all. I've delegated things to friends to help me. You have to lean on the people who support you and want to see you be successful. Then you give back, whether that's treating them to dinner or spending time with them. I'm trying to learn how to balance it all. I have a successful husband, so when we have that baby, I'll be calling on him. I might need a nanny. I've hired people to help me around the house, and it's amazing. I don't ever want to go back.
Nuee Johnson: That's good. It sounds like you have everything straight. Sometimes Black women find it hard to ask for and accept help, but it sounds like you're leaning on your support system and have a good group of people around you. Congratulations on everything. I can't wait to see what else you do. Thank you for stopping and chatting with me.
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Rechelle Dennis on Empowering Gen Z Women of Color Through Essence Girls United and the GU Summit
We sat down with Rechelle Dennis to talk about how GU is shaking up the scene, empowering the next generation, and what’s next for the platform as it continues to elevate young Black women across the globe. Check it out here!
Photo Credit: Essence GU
In 2019, Rechelle Dennis, alongside her sister Sophia, saw a major gap in the Essence brand—there wasn’t a platform speaking directly to the young, vibrant voices of Generation Z. Determined to create something that truly resonated with young people of color, they brought their vision to life by launching Essence Girls United (GU). What started as an idea within the Essence family has now grown into a dynamic community of 109,000 strong, where influencers, celebs, students, and trendsetters come together. I sat down with Rechelle to talk about how GU is shaking up the scene, empowering the next generation, and what’s next for the platform as it continues to elevate young Black women across the globe.
Nuee: Thank you so much for sitting down with us. Thank you for taking the time to tell your story and spill some positivity on 247 Live Culture Magazine. And that is one of the biggest things that we do. We amplify ourselves on being one of the upcoming and biggest platforms to highlight positive stories in pop culture. And your story is positive with everything that you're doing.
WE TALKED WITH RECHELLE DENNIS IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, CHECK IT OUT BELOW!
Rechelle: I love it. I love positivity.
Nuee: There's so much gossip and slander, but we need more outlets that can fill our cups up with positive stuff, make an impact on us, and inspire us to get out there and do what God has called us to do. So, thank you, Rachelle, for answering your call from God and for sitting down and talking to us. The first question that I wanted to ask was because we're going to be talking about the GU Summit, how big it has gotten, and how it has grown. What was the initial spark that led you and your sister to create Girls United within the Essence brand? And how would you say it has evolved over the past five years?
Rechelle: Yeah, I think to put it shortly, what has allowed us to evolve and why it was originally started was because of the lack of content catered and geared towards young women. You know as women we are trying and have all these aspirations. You know, I think a major conversation that has been happening, like you see on social media and everything, is the lack of spaces for young adults, you know, for girls that are just trying to figure out, you know, what their life path is. So, that's really what prompted it and understanding that we also, as a generation, deserve to have platforms like Essence speak to us. And so, that was what the, you know, what the main focus was and what the goal was. And it was all about a lot of the youth in the office coming together, a lot of people fresh out of college, a lot in the first year of their job, and just being like, okay, how do we speak to this audience? How do you cater to them? How do we make sure that Essence is speaking to them and meeting them where they're at? So, that's really how it came about and what was great. It was like a collaborative thing with a lot of youth in the office.
Nuee: I love that. I love that. It's inspiring to hear that a company like Essence, which has inspired and, you know, did so much for the Black community over so many years, that you guys are actually listening to what, you know, what your employees have to say and the people part of the company have to say and the gaps that they're going through to make sure that everything is being fulfilled on the content end, which is amazing. So, this year's summit is being described as bigger and bolder. What can attendees expect this year that's different from the previous years that they've attended?
Rechelle: Yeah, I mean, what's amazing about it is just seeing our audience grow. Like, our first summit in 2020 was virtual. 2021, you know, we were still kind of in COVID, trying to get out of COVID. It was that weird space. So, for a lot of it, you know, we were figuring out, like, where do we meet this audience? How do we bring them into what we're doing? Because in a lot of ways, this was new territory for Essence to go into. And so, you know, as we've been very focused on serving our audience as much as we can, as intensely as we can, you know, knowing what they like, what they don't like. Knowing who they're interested in, what are also some of the issues that they might be dealing with, especially being in the stage of life that they're in. And so, you know, with that, we've been able to use a lot of that insight to understand how to build a better Summit every year. And that has allowed us to get bigger and bigger and even bolder, you know, as we step into, you know, what our hashtag is for this year, our next era, our new era. So that's really what a lot of it has been, focusing on our audience as much as we can and just serving their needs as much as we can.
Nuee: I love that. That's amazing. And from what I've watched over the years, it's definitely doing that. So kudos to you. Earlier in our conversation, you mentioned that Girls United was born from the need to create a space for young people of color. How do you think that GU has impacted or shifted these conversations in spaces where they may have otherwise been overlooked?
Rechelle: Yeah, I think it's shifted the conversation. Also, we see where, you know, the state of journalism is right now. What we have been able to do is cater to this audience of even young writers, right? You know, having that and having, you know, these young writers come in right on our platforms and speak about the things that they're going through or the things that are happening on their college campuses or the things that are, you know, that are going on, you know, throughout. You know, I think that that has been very important for us, in making sure that they remain at that forefront. You know, making sure that we're catering to them. You know, also making sure that we're, even throughout the year, we're showing up for them. Like, we showed up at the festival and realized that a lot of this audience also wants to be creators and content creators. And they're so multifaceted that we wanted to make sure that we were speaking to them in, you know, at the biggest festival in the world, right, or in the country by per day attendance.
Right? A lot of those moms and aunts who are coming to Essence Festival are also bringing their daughters. So, you know, we were like, let's create something for them. Let's create a creator's house where they can create content, you know, listen to the music that they listen to, you know, be surrounded by the girls in the community that they need at this moment, at this pivotal moment. And, you know, again, it has just been focusing and seeing how we can serve them as they enter into their next era.
Nuee: I love that. I had the opportunity to cover Essence Fest this year, and I did stop by the creator’s house. Yeah, it was amazing. I enjoyed myself there and the conversations that we had on the panels and everything. Even though I'm a little older than, you know, the GU generation, it still resonates with me. Just coming from a family who just, you know, did entrepreneurship wasn't a big deal. It was more so go to school, get a job, you know what I mean? And we're doing something different.
Rechelle: Oh, I'm so happy. That's exactly, you know, what we want people to feel. And, you know, even with that, you know, what I think, you know, people forget about is that although there may be an age difference, there's a lot of things that we go through as Black women, as women, you know, that are no different, no matter what the age is.
Nuee: Yeah, I agree. I completely agree. One thing I can say about being at Essence Festival, I love the fact that there's something for every generation. Like there's something for everyone to do. The lineup for this year's kickbacks includes JT and Poor Minds. When you are curating this event, what do you look for when you're selecting the performers and the speakers?
Rechelle: Yeah, so I absolutely love that you asked that question. And the reason that I love that you asked that question is because any time we post our events, post Essence Festival, post-Girls United Summit, you're always seeing on Twitter or threads or whatever, the platform TikTok about people being upset that they weren't chosen as talent for our Summit or for, you know, whatever it is that we do. And, you know, I think what's very important is that we are a team and we try to do the best that we can. We're not always going to get it right. But we always try to do our best and we always try to make sure that whoever's on that stage is really a representative of what we want to convey. Or we feel like most importantly, brings value to our audience. And so, you know, with that, what we really look for is, first and foremost, there's so much talent that's out there.
There are so many speakers and so many content creators. And because of that saturation, sometimes it's really hard for us to sort through and get through to who's going to bring the most value to our audience. And so that being said, right, I think it's one thing that we look for is, one, are you going to bring value to our audience? Is our audience going to receive you? Is our audience going to show out for you? Are you going to also make sure that our audience leaves with something valuable once you get off that stage? Two is we are a platform that's running throughout the year.
People sometimes hit us up the day before, I kid you not, to see if they could get on a panel or if they could speak. And so it's also about engaging with us throughout the year, right? Like some, so many girls are in our comments that we build relationships with.
We have these little events, like we have our GU holiday party. And, you know, all the girls in the city come out and, you know, they were able to build those personal relationships with them, those in real life relationships with them. And then they keep up with us, whether it be through email or, you know, sometimes we'll have these girls also that we meet at Summit write for us on our site.
We also reach out to them or they reach out to us. So I think it's also about just engaging with us, you know, throughout the year and not just during these big moments. Because it's also like, you know, we're working these crazy hours trying to pull these things off and, you know, things also get missed, right? So one, it's value. Two, it's also engaging with us throughout the year. Three is also making sure that this is something that we both are, you know, that we're both at that value exchange. There's been a lot of times when people come to us like we'll put them on stages, you know, we'll do the whole nine for them.
And then we will never hear from them again. For us, the way that we like to look at it, it's like we like to build those relationships. We also like to make sure that our audience can build a relationship with all the people that we put on the stage. So those are definitely some of the things. And again, because of the saturation, it's like there's a lot of content creators. So what's your unique point of view? So I would say that's also the third thing is your unique point of view and your unique perspective.
What are you bringing to the table? What sets you apart from the rest of the talent that's out there? Are you having a major moment right now? Are you building on a moment? Is this for your rollout? Are you announcing something? Are you announcing something with us? Because, you know, we also like exclusives too. So, you know, that's really what it's all about, as well as, you know, that unique perspective, you know, and that point of view. And also it's like, please don't go online getting mad at us because we didn't answer an email. We're sorry. We have so many things that are going on. But, you know, we'll get to it.
Nuee: I think that's something that these Gen Z content creators struggle with is entitlement. There's entitlement. But at the end of the day, especially as a Black media outlet, why wouldn't we want to build a relationship?
Photo Credit: Essence GU
Rachelle: Exactly. Support us. It's like we do these articles, and we do all these roundups. And we'll include all these girls in it or include people in it and then it's like you don't repost the article. You're not tagging the writer. You're not tagging the brand. You know, so, again, it goes both ways. And we're happy to build the relationship and keep that going throughout the year.
Nuee: Speaking of that, what are some challenges that you have faced while building the Girls United platform? And how have you overcome them to keep pushing the brand forward?
Rechelle: I mean, challenges are challenges anytime you're building anything, anytime you're building anything of value. Challenges are expected, right? Challenges are always going to be there. Building the Girls United platform, you know, and speaking from the place of you have a legacy publication that has been catering to an audience, a specific audience for a very long time. You also have people who have worked on that for a very long time as well and are used to catering to just specific audiences. So, you know, just some of the challenges are, you know, as you're building something that has a different point of view, has a different frame of reference.
There's always going to be that challenge of, okay, what is our unique voice? How do we make sure that we're continuing to serve our audience in the way that she needs us to serve her, not the way that somebody else needs us to serve her? And then it's always about, right, making sure that the brand is always advocated for in every single meeting. You also have to train people's minds to understand and listen, Gen Z is an audience that we cannot ignore. We have to make sure that we're keeping them top of mind, and we have to make sure that we're speaking to them.
And what this is, this is the next generation of potential essence readers. You know, we need to speak to her now, and if we don't speak to her now, nobody's going to speak to her. So just making sure, you know, that we are addressing that, addressing the fact that this is an audience that we cannot ignore. So, in every meeting, right, and you have people that have been at companies for a very long time like I said, very used to a unique point of view or perspective. And sometimes it's being strong enough, especially when you're young in your career, and you're building something, to be able to challenge that in a very respectful way. You know, taking into account that their experiences are shaped by the experiences that they've had in life or the work that they've been doing.
And being very respectful of that, but also being able to challenge that, and being able to push the brand forward, and push it through, and making sure that it stays top of mind, almost to the point where you're annoying. But you just have to constantly do it, because you're also reframing a lot of people's minds as well. And some people won't always join you on that journey, and that's okay. But, you know, you have to keep pushing forward, because at the end of the day, you know what the goals are, and you know what your mission is, and vision is in serving your audience. And what I always do is just keep them top of mind as I'm going into these meetings and have to overcome those challenges.
Nuee: So you spoke about the legacy of Essence and it's always been deeply intergenerational. But how do you keep balance with the GU Innovative Initiative, and keep it fresh while also staying true to the legacy of Essence?
Rechelle: Yeah, I mean I think that's something that, you know, we fight every day. You know, and fight every day because this audience is so much different, right? We do things differently. We think differently. Even a lot of the challenges that we have are unique. The lens through which we see things is unique, whether it be on sexuality, whether it be on sex, whether it be on political views, climate change, you know, you name it. A conversation that happens a lot is, right, like what is the line between, you know, respectability, politics, you know, what and where do you draw the line? Especially because now everything seems so much more blurred. We have all these different platforms that are very fast-paced, very fast-moving. We have a generation of girls that also can be themselves, and are allowed to be themselves.
We have non-binary folks that are, you know, living their lives and living their truths. And that's something that, you know, I've always been a very big supporter of is letting people live life how they believe it or how they would want it to be or how they want it to be and being true to themselves. And so, you know, there's always that challenge and that's always going to be something that we always will struggle with. But I think what's great about it is that we have that tension, right? I think that's what also makes the best product. That's what makes Girls United the best that it can be: making sure that we are speaking to things that an Essence won't speak to. You know, catering to an audience that, you know, Essence is catering to now but maybe hasn't traditionally catered to in the past. I think that allows us to also just be very forward-thinking and allows us to also adapt to this world.
Photo Credit: Essence GU
Nuee: You spoke about just how everyone can be free in their sexuality. So I wanted to ask, how do you envision the next era of women, girls, and non-binary individuals that GU represents? What do you think sets them apart from the previous generations? Or do you think it's just like their freedom to be themselves overall?
Rechelle: Yeah, I think it's the freedom to be themselves overall. But I think most importantly, it's having the support to be themselves. And that's what Girls United is all about, right? It's giving you the tools, giving you the resources, giving you the community to be and live in your truth. And so that's what I see and what I envision, you know, in the next era. You know, the way that I like to think of it, the way that I live my life is not the way that somebody else lives their lives. They're shaped by their own set of experiences. And it's not for me to judge. It’s not for me to, you know, cast my thoughts or my opinions on it. And so that's kind of how, you know, I envision, I mean, everything in life.
Nuee: We would all be so much happier if everyone thought that way. I know, right? It's even over, you know, it's crazy. With over 3000 articles covering topics from politics to beauty. How do you prioritize which stories are most important for Girls United to amplify?
Rachelle: Yeah. So this is an interesting question. And the reason that I want to say that it's interesting is because this is something we always talk about in our meetings. You know, you see some of this conversation even on social media is right. At what point are people losing too much data or analytics to decide what to write or anything? The great thing about that, though, and the reason that I always encourage my team to use data and analytics is because, again, that's how you understand what your audience wants to see. And so, then there's a lot of surprises in that. There's a lot of times that I've been proven wrong and there's been a lot of times that the data has proven right.
That being as you look at what we're covering, right, like you said, 3000 articles, we can't cover everything that goes on in this world. And so, my focus is to cater to and write on and cover the topics that matter most to our audience based on what they're gravitating towards. And it's a combination of things, right? It's what they're looking at on social media, what they're looking at on our site. The data is usually an indicator of that. And from there, we're able to lean into that more and go even deeper to test what they like and understand, right? Like, what value are they taking away from this? Right. You know, again, everything that we do is to create value for our audience.
So it's been a focus of what they want to see? What are they getting the most value from? What are they walking away from? And that's really how we, you know, decide on the topics. Obviously, our audience is also very good at news and politics.
You know, understanding they want to understand the world around them or what's happening on their college campus. One of my favorite series is called Riot Pens and Riot Pens focuses on girls that are at these college campuses that are writing about whether it be, you know, protests, whether it be, you know, political movements, housing, you know, what's going on in their dorm. And from there, we're able to understand how they view life in a place such as a college campus where a lot of other young women are probably experiencing the same things. You know, it makes us be tapped into what's going on.
Nuee: That's amazing. You guys are doing such amazing work. And Essence, I have always been an avid, avid fan. Essence is one of the reasons why I became a journalist and aspiring host. So I thank you so much for your work. And like I said, answering your call, Rochelle, it is needed. It's making a positive impact, and we love to see it. I love it
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Kenneth Brown II Discusses His Musical Journey On The LA Jazz Scene
Kenneth Brown II discusses navigating the vibrant Los Angeles Jazz scene, his residency at the Miracle Theatre, debut album 'The Rise,' and scoring films in a exclusive interview! Check it out here!
Kenneth Brown II performing live.
“I really love Quincy Jones and Wynton Marsalis, I really dig the composition styles of Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard. I also really hold onto Duke Ellington and Count Basie; just to name a few and keep it concise on what my composition style and my music identify, it’s multifaceted from different genres of black American music as well as some hints of classical.”
By: Vince Wilson
We talk with Inglewood native Kenneth Brown II, an up-and-coming Jazz Musician on making his way through the Los Angeles Jazz Scene. We get into his residency at Miracle Theatre, his debut album The Rise, and what it’s like scoring a film.
Kenneth Brown III live creating music.
We talked with Kenneth Brown II in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Vince: Kenneth Brown II.
Kenneth: Yes sir.
Vince: So when did you first start playing the trumpet?
Kenneth: I believe around 8 years old. I read this book called Trumpet of the Swan, I was kind of inspired by the plot, where this swan uses a trumpet to speak and communicate with the other swans- so I was like, let me play the trumpet real fast.
Vince: When you first started playing music was it a hobby or was it something you took very seriously initially?
Kenneth: I took it seriously from the jump. I started playing in Church when I was 10. Shoutout to Second Montgomery Baptist Church for allowing me to play. Growing up music was sort of an escape from reality. I was often bullied in elementary going into middle school, so I always listened to music. I’ve always practiced. Really growing up I didn’t have a music program in schools until I went to Hamilton in High school. My talent was stacked, I wasn’t the best in the class, more in the middle of the pack type, but I just kept getting better and better. My father always said to ‘focus on being the best me,’ and that’s what I did.
Vince: So you weren’t like a prodigy by any means, you really put the work in?
Kenneth: Yeah I put in the fundamental work, and I have perfect pitch. That doesn’t really mean everything, but my work ethic and my ear are definitely my biggest strengths.
Vince: So You’re an Inglewood Native?
Kenneth: Born and Raised.
Vince: What part of Inglewood?
Kenneth: Crenshaw and Florence area.
Vince: What do you feel about the changes in Inglewood lately?
Kenneth Brown II practicing his craft.
Kenneth: You know it’s been good and bad. The gentrification is the bad part, and you know a lot of people are starting to come through, which is it’s just the traffic and the housing prices, you know, it’s abysmal.
Vince: Yeah traffic is crazy. And staying in Inglewood, that’s how I got to discover you, through your residency at Miracle Theatre in downtown Inglewood. How did that come about?
Kenneth: Well it started in 2020 when I began doing Frontyard concerts and I used to livestream it. So a colleague of mine got wind of it, he was the executive director of the Miracle Theatre and he was putting together a backyard concert there during peak COVID, a very interesting time. About two years later, the owner, Owen Smith, hits me up and asks if I can do a show there at a specific time and date. I said yes, went well, he asked if I could do it the next month, and here we are 9, 10 shows later.
Vince: So you started out basically doing backyard and front yards, building in the community?
Kenneth: Yeah first my house and another friend’s house, then View Park, a couple of people in La Dera. And it was just a great experience for me not just as a musician but also learning to be a leader and how to manage things.
Vince: So you came out with an album in 2022, The Rise album, how did that happen?
Kenneth: It actually started with my friend in college Joshua Childress, he was like Yo we should record something together. A few months passed and finally, I was like okay but let’s put our all into it. So we had a meeting and drafted up some songs, I had one I had written and a couple I had co-written with Joshua. Someone else we recorded with also contributed a song which was Lone Monk and everything turned into a 7 album EP. So it was like a collaboration thing. When it came out I was like Okay cool, now it’s back to getting this degree.
Vince: How did you and Joshua meet?
Kenneth: We met at this Jazz festival in 2016 while in high school. Then I met him again in 2018 for a scholarship competition, and then like a year or so later we found each other on socials.
Vince: Since he plays the saxophone, he’s like the Shadow Henderson to your Bleek Gilliam?
Kenneth: (Chuckling) Yeah pretty much.
Vince: My favorite tracks on the album, Lone Monk like you just mentioned, Blue Magic, Canters Blues Take 2. Do you have any favorite tracks from the album?
Kenneth: Honestly it’s Footsteps, Set the tone, and Life. I put so much influence onto those tunes, I like to play Footsteps a lot at my residency, but besides that, all the tunes are really great and fun.
Vince: So what’s your writing process like?
Kenneth: It starts with an idea, whether it’s a bass line, a melody, or a chord progression. I even asked some on scratch paper, like if I wanted to make a beat.
Jazz Thursdays @ The M Bar featuring Kenneth Brown II (Set I)
Vince: Where do you draw inspiration from?
Kenneth: It’s things in my life in particular but it’s also artists and people, so I really love Quincy Jones and Wynton Marsalis, I really dig the composition styles of Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard. I also really hold onto Duke Ellington and Count Basie, just to name a few, and keep it concise on what my composition style and my music identify, it’s multifaceted from different genres of Black American music as well as some hints of classical.
Vince: Speaking of Black American music, It’s the 50th year of Hip-Hop, what do you feel about Hip-Hop’s relationship with jazz?
Kenneth: It’s all connected, jazz is really the mother of all Black American music. For instance, with Kendrick Lamar and his relationship with Terrance Martin whos also a jazz musician as well as Thundercat or Kamasi Washington to Pimp a Butterfly, it’s connected with Nas sampling Ahmad Jamal and all that.
Vince: What do you feel about the Los Angeles jazz scene?
Kenneth: It’s thriving, but in my honest opinion there’s more emphasis on who knows who, and that’s great because you have to be out there, but there is a sense of complacency and mediocrity In terms of the whole music scene.
Vince: What city has the best jazz scene in your opinion?
Kenneth: New York hands down. New York or New Orleans. LA is more known for the studios, the big movies, and the big TV shows.
Vince: Speaking of TV and the movies, would you ever do film scoring?
Kenneth: Yeah I actually recently just did one that went well.
Vince: So do you watch the film and then you get inspiration to make the music?
Kenneth: Yeah I watch the film and I ask them, Hey is there a way for you to describe the scenes and give me any musical or personal adjectives off of that, They gave me that, I talked with my friend Derek Butler, and just got really into the process of writing it out. They loved the songs and everything, it’s set for a couple of film festivals so far.
Vince: So what are your musical plans for the future?
Kenneth: In terms of the artist side of things I do have a few more projects that I’m working on, and in terms of performing I’m just gonna keep expanding, doing this and that.
Right now I’m finishing my degree at UCLA for my masters. I just started an LLC, Kenneth Brown LLC, shot out to that, and continue to be the best musician I can be, and hopefully teach someday.
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Top Discusses Music, Growth, and LA's Rap Scene
Top discusses music, growth, and LA's rap scene, while shedding light on his unique approach and upcoming projects in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“96 the movement man, the homie Tru, the homie Money, we was all born in ‘96. We’re gonna show the world who we are, you feel what I’m saying. My brothers, we just trying to attack the world how we can.”
By: Vince Wilson
We talked with Los Angeles artist, Top, in an exclusive interview! Top dives into his musical journey and growth, offering insights into his distinctive approach to rap and his experiences in the vibrant Los Angeles music scene. From his beginnings in the industry to his therapeutic writing process, Top shares how he uses music to express himself. He discusses the motivation behind his album Don’t Love Me and his collaboration project Low Key Needed This. Additionally, Top reflects on the impact of his hometown, LA.
Top - ‘Don’t Love Me’ album
Top recently dropped his album ‘Don’t Love Me’ which he displays smooth and melodic vocal delivery, which he pairs with introspective lyrics that touch on personal experiences, relationships, and life's challenges. Some songs he showcased a laid-back yet impactful delivery, complemented by his ability to switch between melodic hooks and hard-hitting verses. His production is also topnotch where he created some soulful trap beats that enhance the emotional depth of his songs.
We talked with TOP in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Alright Top thank you for joining me.
TOP: Yes sir, thank you for having me.
You’ve been working a lot, put out a project at the top of the year, ‘Don’t Love Me, also a collab project with Tru last September, ‘Low Key Needed This.’ We’ll get to that one later, why did you call the latest album ‘Don’t Love Me?’
TOP: Basically, if you listen to the songs and dig deep and really listen to what I’m saying, I’m just a toxic dude I guess. I don't know I fall in love, I fall in love a lot, not love, I think I like a lot of people, so I don't want you to get too invested in me.
So its like a statement ‘Don’t Love me.’
TOP: Yeah ‘Don’t Love Me,’ I don't wanna hurt no feelings.
Ok nice, you’re born and raised in Los Angeles?
TOP: Born and raised dog!
How was it growing up in La?
TOP: Man, it was beneficial actually, feel like I learned a lot coming from where I come from, seeing what I seen. The culture, taking the bus to the beach, seeing palm trees, people visiting to see it, it's just regular to us. Just our culture, the way we talk the way we move. Then going to college in Alabama, seeing something different, once i branched off, I got to look at it from the outside, so that was a cool. I love the city, don't want to leave the city.
You said you went to school in Alabama, where did you go?
TOP: Tuskegee University, TU!
Nice, HBCU love.
TOP: Had to, had to.
So when did you first start rapping?
TOP: I first started rapping in 6th grade, I wasn't taking it seriously yet, I was just writing stuff down. Then there was a talent show we had, I made a little song, rapped it, and then after that I just left alone. Then during college time, I didn't talk that much you feel me, I was just in my head a lot, so I started writing stuff down and playing beats and it just became something I love. So now I just love to do it, something I just genuinely enjoy doing.
What do you feel about the rap scene in LA?
TOP: I feel like it's amazing, but we ain’t at our peak. Like worldly, we ain’t that poppin right now, but being from the city I love everything that's happening in LA, from Bino Rideaux to Blxst, like I love the music, but i feel like the world ain’t gravitating to it right now. There’s a lot more to do, a lot more we can accomplish.
What are some of your favorite LA rappers?
TOP: Nip, honesty, Nip is number 1 for me. I didn't really get into Nip until I was in college, I listened to him in high school, but his album ‘Victory Lap’ changed everything. I had to go back and listen to his old shit, he was really spittin’ gems, really talking that talk. Having that mindset and be able to teach people through your music and for them to really enjoy it, it's a certain type of skill only a few got, so you know I try to do that in my stuff, and that's because of Nip. So, honestly that's my favorite rapper from LA.
RIP NIP.
TOP: Yessir.
So this ‘Don’t Love Me’ project, man it's really good, you got a great flow you got great production, rare for an independent artist to put out a project with no skips. Who does your beats?
TOP: HowFly actually. That's my guy, he makes beats, he do engineering, he rap.
Did he produce the whole project?
TOP: He did yeah.
You guys definitely have a real good chemistry, I like how you stay in that lane throughout the project with vibes, beats and introspective rhymes, it's real different of what you would think of an LA MC.
TOP: Exactly.
Couple of my favorite tracks MWD, YSM, 96 flows. Do you have a favorite track or favorite tracks on the album?
TOP: I feel like the one that I really got deep with is Facts. I wasn't gonna put that on the tape at first, thinking it was too much, but I ended up putting on the tape, and that's my favorite. But I really like the whole album personally.
You said earlier you were in your head a lot, do you look at music as sort of a therapy type thing for you?
TOP: Most definitely, because I hold so much stuff in, its just a way to get it out, I don't know when I hear that beat, it just flows. It’s natural to. Me now, its therapeutic for me for sure.
What’s 96 the Movement?
TOP: 96 the movement man, the homie Tru, the homie Money, we was all born in ‘96. We’re gonna show the world who we are, you feel what I’m saying. My brothers, we just trying to attack the world how we can.
You mentioned Tru, you dropped a collab project with Tru last year, ‘Low Key Needed This,’ that has one of my favorite songs by you, ‘Too Much,’ how was making that project?
TOP: Man, me and my brother, to be honest, just in the crib, playing beats. We got in the stu, and basically freestyling, punching in, no writing, just feeling the vibes, that's how it came about, we just having fun and something good came out of it.
TOP X TRU - Diamonds (Official Music Video) Dir. by Malik Baker
Do you freestyle a lot of your songs, how does your writing process usually work?
TOP: Well if I’m not collabing, I’m usually writing, like i said its therapeutic, it feels good writing it down, that's how I really get deep into it. When I’m collabing that shit just all fun and vibes, I feed off the other person's energy and go off that.
Do you have a dream collab, anyone you want to work with?
TOP: That’s a good question man, but you know it has to be Drake, that man crazy dog. My favorite rapper for real, just like the things he do, he doing what I wanna do. I wanna be able to make trap, I wanna be able to make the slow shit, I wanna be able to make the cool shit hi, the shit you just vibe to at 2 o’clock in the morning. Yeah that would be my dream collab for real.
You got some new music coming?
TOP: Yeah I’m actually in the Stu right now, it's coming real soon. We working-me, Tru, and Money. So it's coming real soon, be on the look out by the end of the year around December.
Well we're gonna be looking forward to it, we appreciate taking time to talk to us and we're excited to be hearing more from you.
TOP: Thanks for having me.
Top x Tru
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Kallista Lux Talks Working on a New EP and New Single “Perfect Storm”
Houston singer, Kallista Lux, talks her latest single, “Perfect Storm,” helping others, and working on a new EP in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“What motivates me is love and bliss.. When we strip away everything, our core being and the essence of what we are is unconditional love. No matter how much we’ve been hurt or conditioned out of living as our core essence, we can always get back there.”
By: Adonis Armstrong
We talked with Houston artist, Kallista Lux, in an exclusive interview! She has been songwriting for 13 years and recently started recording her own music. With a passion for writing since childhood, she began writing songs at the age of 9 and even got her first book published at 8 years old. After freestyling with some friends and seeing the impact of music at 16, she started writing for various artists and discovered a whole new world of possibilities. Now, as an artist, Kallista finds releasing her own music to be a relieving experience, allowing her to share her personal stories and emotions with the world. Making music has become an unparalleled outlet for her, providing a sense of freedom and empowerment.
Kallista Lux single “Perfect Storm:"
Kallista Lux just dropped four new singles “Perfect Storm,” “Perfect Storm Remix,” “No Pressure,” and “Glimpses.” Her music is a interesting fusion of neo-soul, R&B, and alternative elements, characterized by her soothing vocals, introspective lyrics, and dreamy production. Her songs dives into themes of love, spirituality, and self-discovery, reflecting her personal experiences and emotions. With an authentic and vulnerable approach, Kallista's music offers an intimate and introspective journey.
Kallista Lux - “Perfect Storm”
We talked with Kallista Lux in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
KALLISTA LUX: In the indie music industry we’re all a collective collaborating with and inspiring each other. Rooting for and supporting each other along our journeys. That’s what I love about music. The massive power it has to bring people together and bring about healing is a beautiful thing. I can’t say I have a favorite musician because everyone brings a uniqueness to the table that makes it like comparing apples to oranges. Individuality and authenticity are the qualities that resonate with me the most on a soul level. I gravitate towards artists that speak their truth and just be themselves in the work they put out. Just be you, let my soul recognize your soul, and you’ll be one of my favorite musicians.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
KALLISTA LUX: I’d love to collaborate with Jhene Aiko, Iniko, and Tobe Nwigwe. I like the consciousness of their music and they embody everything I gravitate towards in music and artistry.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
KALLISTA LUX: I’m still growing and always learning, and I think that shows in each song I release. So I’d say the best song would be my most recent single, ‘Perfect Storm’. It shows my growth but was also a huge release for me emotionally and energetically. With love and gratitude I was able to let go of a relationship that was no longer serving me or the other person and it was a big turning point in my life. It has a lot of sentimental value and significance to me, and plays a role in the person I’m becoming. I was happy to be able to share that part of myself from a loving and healed place.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
KALLISTA LUX: I’m releasing something special that I collaborated with a really good friend and beautiful soul on very soon. I’m also working on an EP so I have a lot in the works that I hope is as healing to others as it is to me!
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
KALLISTA LUX: It’s really automatic. It’s more so a mental or brain wave state that I get in that allows creation to flow to and through me, completely uninhibited. I guess you could say I just get in my “zone”.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
KALLISTA LUX: What motivates me is love and bliss.. When we strip away everything, our core being and the essence of what we are is unconditional love. No matter how much we’ve been hurt or conditioned out of living as our core essence, we can always get back there. Unconditional love is the most powerful and unifying force in existence. It can heal the masses. Largely what motivates me is being that love and that light for others, making a difference in the lives of individuals and creating (if even a small one) a ripple effect in humanity by making us a more loving, conscious, symbiotic species. I mention bliss because I believe happiness is a fleeting feeling, and bliss is a state of being. If I’m serving my purpose here on earth and living in a state of bliss, success is just a byproduct of my alignment with my core essence. I always align first; as they say “As within so without”. It all starts from within.
Kallista Lux - “Glimpses”
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
KALLISTA LUX: I don’t really have a box that I fit in in particular. As a songwriter I’ve written everything from trap music in my younger days to meditation music more recently, and just about everything in between. As an artist I’ll be honest, I have an agenda when it comes to music. I want what I do to help people, and induce a healing effect on my audience. I’ve had a healing business for years and am a practitioner of several modalities that are backed by science. I’ve studied a lot and teached and worked with people from all backgrounds, and am now able to merge that with what I do in creating music. Yes, I go through dark times like everyone else and people will get that aspect of me in my music as well. I like to think of us humans as corks, because given the right tools and being loved properly- we may sink but we always float back up to the top. I want to see everyone float, that’s all.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
KALLISTA LUX: Just be you. Follow your bliss. Do what lights you up and always practice gratitude.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
KALLISTA LUX: My illusion of perfectionism, my stability at times, relationships with the closest people to me, etc. I’m not afraid to let it all go to serve what I believe is my purpose here.
Kallista Lux - “Perfect Storm Remix”
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
KALLISTA LUX: All The part that excites me the most is being in the studio recording. Just the creative energy that flows through me in what I call “my sanctuary” is unparalleled to anything else. I live my best life in there. The part that discourages me is probably the thing that runs through a lot of our minds often. Am I good enough? It doesn’t discourage me, as I recognize that it’s just past conditioning and fear creeping in. It’s a natural part of the human condition, and being able to see those thoughts for what they are really helps me transcend them. We’re all good enough.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
KALLISTA LUX: Everyone will have to see in 10 years! I will say I have a master plan, so anyone that follows my career will see things unfold.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
KALLISTA LUX: Just be you. You’re enough.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
KALLISTA LUX: This From the bottom of my heart I just appreciate everyone that’s listened to and supported me and my music. I’m grateful for my soul tribe, and every time that doubt creeps in- they’re there supporting and confirming that I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing. I love them.
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DEUCEWORLD Talks Family, Lifestyle, and First Project 'Welcome 2 Deuceworld'
Maryland rapper, DEUCEWORLD, talks his latest project, 'Welcome 2 Deuceworld,’ aspects of his life, and laying down the foundation for his future in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“My father and my family motivate me. Success to me is defined by being the person you wish was around to help you reach your goals. I want to be the teacher and motivator that I didn’t have when I wasn’t around my family. I want to be the person people think of when they think of a successful and equally helpful individual.”
By: Adonis Armstrong
Maryland artist, DEUCEWORLD, is carving his own lane in the music industry. His style is a captivating blend of Don Tolliver and hint of Travis Scott, captivating listeners with a unique and atmospheric portrayal of his lifestyle. With the release of his first project, I expect DEUCEWORLD to continue growing in his own lane and build a loyal fan base.
My name is Chancellor Le Grand, also known as DEUCEWORLD, and I am a 24 year old Maryland native currently living in Hollywood, California. I graduated from Catholic University where I played football and majored in Media and Communications with a focus in Film. Youngest of 4. I’m a homebody honestly. I like to hang out at the crib and play video games and write music when I’m not working. It’s hard because I like fashion too, so I’m the type to put clothes on just to go out and get my fits off and not socialize much if I’m not with friends.
DEUCEWORLD - Welcome 2 Deuceworld album cover
DEUCEWORLD just dropped a new project Welcome 2 Deuceworld perfectly timed for the summer. With his smooth delivery and melodic flows over trap and R&B infused music, DEUCEWORLD creates a captivating sonic experience. The project takes you on a journey into his personal lifestyle, relationships, and getting to the money. One standout track from the album is “2’s World” it's fire! I been vibing to that since I first heard it! Experience the sonic journey for yourself by giving it a listen below.
DEUCEWORLD - 2'S WORLD
We talked with DEUCEWORLD in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
DEUCEWORLD: My biggest influence in helping me along my journey are my siblings, 100%. My oldest brother, Clif, reminds me to take it seriously as an art form and work towards mastery. Not to mention that my eclectic music taste comes from him, I’ll admit. My older brother, Caleb, reminds me that this is my calling and to have fun, enjoy the process, and truly immerse myself in the craft. My sister, Clarke, is a tough music critic and has high standards, so I can always depend on her to tell me if something is good or not. In other words, one brother encourages me to write and stay consistent, and the other encourages me to continue freestyling and having fun, and my sister makes sure that I don’t embarrass myself or the family. so I’m pretty covered.
I usually have a very hard time picking my favorite musicians because I draw inspiration from everywhere, but my favorites right now are Don Toliver, Pharrell Williams, and probably SahBabii. I like how different they sound. I can’t say they sound like anyone but themselves.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
DEUCEWORLD: My friends, honestly. I firmly believe that some friends of mine are generational talents. Besides them, I would say Don Toliver and Sahbabii again. Kanye too. I also would love to do a song with an older, soulful talent. Like Charlie Wilson, or Kem.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
DEUCEWORLD: I honestly can’t pick a song, so I will say my entire project that just recently released on May 22nd. It’s called WELCOME 2 DEUCEWORD and I feel that from top to bottom, it’s a cohesive project that doubles as a strong introduction to who I am as a person and an artist. It also serves as a great set-up for my next project.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
DEUCEWORLD: I have visuals on the way for my songs “WAVY BABY” and “2FACE v2 +” coming in the next few months on my Youtube page. In the meantime, singles can be expected in the next coming weeks. I don’t want to be the artist that starves his supporters of their music, but I also don’t want to rush anything to the point that I’m overshadowing myself.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
DEUCEWORLD: I would say I get all of my ideas from my personal life experiences mixed with my imagination and strong sense of self belief. I try not to do too much as far as forcing music or lyrics, because I want everything to feel and sound organic. I don’t do anything that feels forced.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
DEUCEWORLD: My father and my family motivate me. Success to me is defined by being the person you wish was around to help you reach your goals. I want to be the teacher and motivator that I didn’t have when I wasn’t around my family. I want to be the person people think of when they think of a successful and equally helpful individual.
DEUCDWORLD - 2FACE v2 +
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
DEUCEWORLD: My music is a palate cleanser, to be frank.. I can truthfully say that I found my lane and am sticking to it. I don’t rap about guns or violence which is big for me because I understand the subconscious power that music has, so I use my platform to promote the things I would’ve wanted to hear which is getting money, having nice things, but also giving credit to God for everything and understanding that none of it comes easy. Luck is nothing but preparation meeting opportunity. I look at my music as a mantra for people who like to get money, flex, and thank God in the process.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
DEUCEWORLD: Being honest with yourself is a big part. I had a realization that making music is something I’m supposed to be doing. Personally, I view musical inclination as one of those things that you’re either born with, or you aren’t. I think that’s the thing that keeps a lot of artists stagnant or underperforming, because it isn’t their true calling. And that’s not to say they shouldn’t do music at all, but rather they could be in the wrong lane.. For example, I can’t produce, but that doesn’t mean music wasn’t meant for me, producing just wasn’t my vehicle. I was supposed to be in front of the mic.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
DEUCEWORLD: I’m still sacrificing. I have a job and find the time to do music. I love it, though. I use it as motivation because I know one day all the time and money that I’ve put into my craft now will pay off 10 fold in the future.
DEUCEWORLD - WAVY BABY
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
DEUCEWORLD: All aspects of it excites me, but I think the most exciting part for me is when I first discover a beat and think, ”This is the one.” I love having the instinctual connection to a beat, because then I know it will be a good song, to me at least. The only thing that can be discouraging is how anxious I get before showing someone any of my songs. Even though I have a project out that I am hearing good things about, I still get nervous about pressing play myself for someone else.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
DEUCEWORLD: I see myself still growing, elevating, and working towards my goals.Potentially having a brand/label of my own. Truthfully, I have a lot of ideas that I want to execute on, but right now I just want to make sure that I’m laying the right foundation so that I’m still around 10 years from now.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
DEUCEWORLD: Learn to separate the message from the messenger. A lot of the time as artists, we feel as if people can’t or shouldn’t be able to give their opinions on how something was made because they don’t understand the intent, time, or effort put behind the music. Regardless, though, they are still consumers, and your goal as an artist if you want to grow is to appeal to your crowd. That doesn’t mean do things in your songs that you don’t want to, but be receptive to the masses and learn to adapt and accept criticism when necessary.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
DEUCEWORLD: This music is something that I truly feel is my calling. I can’t stress how much I appreciate everyone who has pressed play on any of my projects. Even my first song, TIME, even though I don’t like it myself. I’m going to remaster it. But I just want to take the time to thank God for everything he has allowed, and everything he has kept from me! I also want to say, to my father, that I love and miss him and everything I’m doing is with him in mind. Rest in peace, Superman.
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Pookie Blow Talks Music, Inspirations, and Upcoming Project 'Free Smoke'
Los Angeles rapper, Pookie Blow, discuss her musical journey, influences, upcoming projects, and keys to success in the rap game in an exclusive interview. Check it out here!
“Find someone who will always tell you the truth. Go hard, don’t stop. Build a team but don’t “join” unless it’s beneficial to you. Don’t let these people play with you, none.”
By: Adonis Armstrong
Los Angeles artist, Pookie Blow, is raw talented emcee that is on a mission to be one of the best. Keep an eye out for her as she establishes herself as a force in the game.
I am Pookie Blow from Los Angeles California. I attended Fairfax Senior High in the heart of tinsel town aka La La Land. I watched the Hollywood sign from P.E class. We different. My hobbies including making music in every sense of the phrase.
Pookie has been writing raps since she was 15, starting out with high school talent shows. But she began taking it more seriously at the age of 16 when she started recording with her friends. Since then, she says, “I never really stopped, I just kept getting better.”
She is a blend of boom bap and G-Funk and has the potential to position herself as this era's Lady of Rage, with her unique style and raw talent. With a powerful delivery, lyrical ability, and commanding presence on the mic, she is destined to reach new heights in the rap game.
She also just released her new single “Get Thi$ Money” with one of her BOC running mates, Smoke Dawg, and it's a fire! The song features a smooth laid-back beat, blessed with both of their passionate storytelling about being on the grind and getting to the money. Take a listen below and experience it for yourself, and let the music motivate you to get to the money.
Pookie Blow - Get This Money ft. Smoke Dawg (OfficialMusicVideo)
We talked with Pookie Blow in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Pookie Blow: My older brother Mike. He was in the game and whatever info he had he fasho passed it to me. Favorite “musician” is really hard to say cuz some rappers aren’t at all musicians so if we mixing the 2 I would say DJ Quik. He’s a musician.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Pookie Blow: Alchemist, Snoop, Dre of course. Idk honestly they would have to want to work with me also. I don’t want no artist to work with me cuz the check or anything like that. It’s gotta be real chemistry it’s gotta be mutual love and respect for me or the MUSIC. Like I’ve never did a song I didn’t actually like. Maybe one but it was mad love and respect involved.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Pookie Blow: I got an EP dropping titled Free Smoke it’s a few songs I put together. Free Smoke it’s fire and it’s free and anybody can get it. All puns intended. We making rappers mean again.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Pookie Blow: I am currently working on a E.P. to be released 10/?/23
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Pookie Blow: Now y’all tryna get in my head lol. I mean just living honestly. Life is the best experience we are blessed to have. I love living and feelin. That’s all I can say.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Pookie Blow: My family, the game itself, Hip Hop, life all that. Making dope shit. The consistency gets addicting. Once I drop anything I’m wrapping up something else.
I define success as, being able to do what the fuck you want to do when you want to do it and it’s not compromising your livelihood. That’s success. No matter what you do, if you can do that you are successful my friend.
Pookie Blow - 5 Houses (Official Video)
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Pookie Blow: I hate this question lol. I’m just a raw bitch, that should answer both.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Pookie Blow: Authenticity. We can smell when you ain’t really being yourself. And make sure you know what your doing. That’s it.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Pookie Blow: My sanity. You gotta be crazy. We throwing darts in the dark with this music shit. It’s been working for me tho so I’m not complaining. I was born crazy lol. I spent a lot of my life on bullshit so being grounded in one thing is great I don’t feel much sacrifice.
Pookie Blow - Prima Donna (Official Video)
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Pookie Blow: I love the entire process start to finish the writing, recording, mixing, doing the video the cover the promo. I bleed this shit foreal.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Pookie Blow: Doing what the fuck I wanna do when the fuck I wanna do it. Success. Hopefully running a label or an A&R somewhere. I’m a lifer.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Pookie Blow: Nothing, don’t do it. Nah I’m kidding. I mean, make sure you are who you say you are and make sure your shit is good. Find someone who will always tell you the truth. Go hard, don’t stop. Build a team but don’t “join” unless it’s beneficial to you. Don’t let these people play with you, none.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Pookie Blow: I’m coming and I’m not stopping so get your shit together. Blow For Blow is out now, Free Smoke is coming sooner than soon!
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Director Deanna Chandler Talks the Upcoming Release of Her Movie "Reflections"
Director and actress Deanna Chandler is set to release her feature film, Reflections! We spoke with this multi-talented artist in an exclusive interview about her journey into filmmaking and her purpose to allow people to showcase their God given talents through her production company, German Girl Productions!
Deanna Chandler Walks the Red Carpet at the Premiere for Reflections
“I am truly motivated by being creative and by challenging myself to do something I’ve never done before. I think when I am allowed to be myself and as creative as I choose whether someone likes it or not this drives me to be a success story.”
By: Omar Cook
Director and actress Deanna Chandler is set to release here feature film, Reflections! Chandler wears multiple hats as an actress, writer, director, producer, and entrepreneur from Fort Worth, Texas. Chandler was born in Augsburg, Germany but grew up in Texas. She attended Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth, and graduated with a Speech Communication degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Chandler is a mother of two beautiful children, Madisyn (17) and Braylon (26) and she adores being the one they look up to. Deanna has been creating a name for herself in stage, film, music and recently the beauty industry as CEO of HAKD BEAUTY LLC. Her first short film Jaded Reflections derived from her first attempt at a feature script and was a complete success. Her purpose with her production company, German Girl Productions, is to allow people to showcase their God given talents in various ways through film, television, print, music and other forms of entertainment.
Her IMDB credits include He’s For The Streets as (writer), Secrets and Yards, Reflections, Lady Luck, Lady Luck Two, Carter High, Texas Voodoo Zombies, Jerico, In the Meantime, Battle Line, Deceitful Keystrokes, Signed Sealed n Delivered, A Child’s Cry, Love You Later, The Park, and many more. Deanna has a passion for acting and most of all enjoys acting, producing, writing, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams in entertainment. Her hobbies include, writing, shopping, interior design, and cooking.
Reflections Official Movie Trailer
WE TALKED WITH Deanna chandler IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, CHECK IT OUT BELOW!
How long have you been working in entertainment and how did you get started?
Deanna Chandler: I have been working in entertainment since 2003. That’s 20 years of experience in this industry. It all started when I was invited to audition for a gospel stage play while I was attending an acting class. After sharing my passions with one of my best friends, she told me about an upcoming stage play and the director invited me to audition in the living room of her home. I was immediately cast as the lead “Gina”, in my first acting debut. As far as my career in film, I landed an opportunity to become an extra in a film project in 2011. A friend of mine was the lead in a movie, and he invited me to be a background actor. I’ve been working in the film industry ever since.
Who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are some people that you look to for inspiration?
Deanna Chandler: I believe the biggest influence in helping me along the way has been my uncle, actor, playwright Eugene Lee. I remember watching him in “Women’s of Brewster’s Place and Menace to Society and admiring his talent. I’d always find myself asking his advice and he would always say, “Perfect your craft” with a sternness and assurance that that is the only way to achieve success in this industry. He has been an influence since I was 14 years old. I watched and followed his work and I hope to share the screen with him someday.
Secondly, I have to say my peers in the industry have also been an influential part of my career. You learn from others along your journey that plant those nuggets along the way. My influences have been people I learned from on stages and film sets, such as writer/producer Tricia Woodgett, Ted Ramasola, Kendrick Mays, LaShirl Smith, Fredrick Alanzo, Ronald Clemons, Nicole Carouthers, Rachel Brittenham, Eric Window, Genine Ware, Calvin Walker, Khadijah Karriem and many more.
I’ve also always been inspired by those greats such as Phylicia Rashaad, Diahann Carroll, Taraji P. Henson, Queen Latifah, Angela Bassett, Sanaa Lathan, Regina Hall, Tisha Campbell, Denzel Washington, Omari Hardwick, Martin Lawrence, and Jamie Foxx. I admire these ladies and gentlemen’s work ethics and talents, always have and always will.
How did you come up with the idea for your feature film “Reflections” and what are your plans for the movie? What messages were you trying to send with this film?
Deanna Chandler: I’m a huge believer that as a people we are always quick to judge one another and their sexual preferences, but if we would focus on our own issues, and reflect on the things to fix our own mess then life would be so much clearer for everyone. I have a cousin who presented this arranged marriage concept to me years ago, I started writing Jaded Reflections in 2012 as a feature. Didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but by researching and asking people in the industry that had already done it, I was able to figure things out.
Then I produced a short version of the film in 2015 just to test my skills in production. Now, I have added to the short with a new prospective, added new cast members and made it a book club meeting topic of discussion. The film is funny, it’s real, and it tells the story of an arranged marriage between an ex-model and a celebrity football player who is hiding his truth from the world, and the model is sacrificing her morals for financial gain.
In Reflections movie we see six girlfriends who are reflecting on what they would and wouldn’t do in relation to this situation. When we reflect, we see our own self. It’s simply awareness of one’s own knowledge, one’s own assumptions and past experiences in order to change or improve our own behaviors. Everyone can relate to that right?
Deanna Chandler Poses With the Cast of Reflections at the Red Carpet Premiere
What do you feel is your favorite role and why? Do you have a dream role?
Deanna Chandler: That’s a hard one, Let’s see, I want to say my favorite role so far out of my entire career was…drum roll please! Listen, can I share some of my top favorite roles. First up is Gina, because it was my first, it was where I had to pull deep and challenge myself as an actress. I’d never been on stage before, ever and I was lead, that was huge for me. She was real, she was a mother, she was a daughter with real issues.
Then next up, I’d have to give it to the role of “Tammy” in Lady Luck, my first feature film. I was cast as a supporting actress. Now this one was special because of how I got the role. During auditions I didn’t know any better, but I literally left the audition space and went up to the casting director and got in their face to deliver my lines because that’s how serious I was trying to bring the heat, lol... I probably was almost not cast for this reason, but they saw how passionate I was in bringing the character to life, so I guess I did something right. Tammy was a protector, and she loved her sister, and the character had a lot of issues as well that many could relate too, such as sexual abuse and sibling rivalry.
Finally, I give it up to my character “Brooke” in Reflections Movie. In my first lead role written by myself. Brook is one of my favorites because I felt I could say and do whatever I felt, she is human, and she has flaws, secrets, and confidence like no other. She is a psychologist who loves people, and loves hanging out with girls, but she has some issues that she deals with as well. I’d say that she’s one of my favorites because she genuinely plays the peacemaker, the friend that everyone loves and respects. That is a quality that I truly possess so I can relate to Brooke. Not every detail of Brooke’s life, but you’d have to watch the film to understand. Brooke is funny, with a touch of classy, sassy, she’s real and speaks her mind when asked her position or her thoughts? Now, that’s me.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Deanna Chandler: I am truly motivated by being creative and by challenging myself to do something I’ve never done before. I think when I am allowed to be myself and as creative as I choose whether someone likes it or not this drives me to be a success story. I define success as whenever the individual achieves their goals and even succeeds their goals that is a true success story. As long as they are happy and striving to achieve their goals that is all that matters.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Deanna Chandler: I have had to sacrifice time with family and friends at times, time away from a few of my children’s events, but not too many, and to be real a lot of money that I didn’t have, but somehow I always get it done. Did I mention sleep? Most of all I must say that hard work and sacrifice is the only way to make your dreams come true. You have to forget about what people say, or think, because they will never understand YOUR DREAMS, because they are for you!
What aspect of working in the industry excites you most?
Deanna Chandler: How a team comes together and creates a project, and the reward at the end is seeing the finished product come together. It starts with words on a page, but by the time it’s finished, it is a beautiful film, or song that you have put your energy and heart into to make it a reality. I believe the most exciting part is inspiring someone to want to follow their dreams. That makes me so happy!
What projects can we look forward to in the future?
Deanna Chandler: I’ve been working on “Sweet Tweet” writing it as a series. I have an amazing team of writers who have been working alongside me to get this project out there. I am an associate producer of a new T.V. Pilot called “Secrets and Yards” In which I play Carla Mathews. I am so excited for this one, the cast is amazing. I also have been cast in several film productions in the DFW area. So great things ahead. Also, I can’t forget my beauty line, I’m planning an advertising campaign like no other, so stay tuned for new HAKD BEAUTY products launching soon. So, yes I have a busy year ahead of me for sure.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the entertainment industry?
Deanna Chandler: Perfect your craft, take classes and workshops to be better because you are never too good to stop learning. Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. Most importantly handle the business side of things when it comes to this industry. Have your attorney read the contracts and learn from those who are willing to show you the ropes. I have people I can call right now and ask questions and they are willing to assist because I have never burned bridges. You never know when you may need someone in this industry.
Most of all stay true to yourself. Remember to remain humble, keep God first in all you do, pray and do the work and watch how you treat others. Why? Someone is always watching! Create to inspire and motivate someone else and watch how your life will be elevated because you selflessly gave a damn about someone other than yourself.
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Actress Queen Ajima is Making Waves Starring in Multiple Movies Set to Release in 2023
Actress Queen Ajima is taking the entertainment industry by storm with two new movies, Bora and LA Undercover set to release in 2023! We spoke with this multi-talented artist in an exclusive interview about her transition from dancing to acting and her motivations!
“I’m not in this industry to become famous. I just want to create art, have fun, and get lost in the characters I play in order to make the audience feel something.”
By: Omar Cook
Actress Queen Ajima is taking the entertainment industry by storm! Queen is a multi-talented artist most known for her roles in known HULU's All I Want for Christmas, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, and BET's Haus of Vicious". Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Queen is a first generation American whose parents migrated from Sierra Leone.
Queen has been involved in performing arts since she was 8 years old where she first starred in Shakespeare's "Henry IV: Part 1 & 2". From there, Ajima slowly moved on to dance, modeling, and writing over the years. Her modeling credits include LA, NY, Africa, and Swim Fashion Week just to name a few while she has also danced for multiple recording artists such as Jhene Aiko's "Lyin King" music video.
Aside from dancing and modeling, Queen has starred in multiple independent films and commercials. Her next two upcoming projects are two major independent movies, Bora and LA Undercover, which she stars in, that are set to hit the film festival circuit and streaming this year.
With so much on her plate already, Ajima is taking to her career to the next level as she is set to make her directorial debut in her comedic, short action film which she also wrote called Capture The Flag. Ajima received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, which has helped her in her career to better understand the characters she plays. Even with such a demanding schedule, Ajima finds time to pour into herself and her hobbies which include dancing, working out, cooking, karaoke, and more dancing!
It’s just a matter of time before you won’t get enough of hearing this upcoming star’s name!
Queen Ajima stars in the movie, LA Undercover
We talked with Queen ajima in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been acting and how did you get started?
Queen Ajima: I have been acting for the last 4 years. I honestly started off in the entertainment industry modeling. A friend convinced me to go to an open call for a fashion show our sophomore year of college and I ended up getting booked as a model. After that I continued in the model world for a few years and was able to do LAFW, NYFW, Swim Week, Africa Fashion Week and was even the face of Ankara Fest representing Sierra Leone, where my family is from. At the same time, I was heavily in the dance world as well.
Most people know that dance is my first love, as I’ve been dancing since I was maybe 8 years old. I was able to work with artists such as Jhene Aiko and Tank thanks to some amazing friends who choreographed for them. Slowly but surely, I ventured off in acting. I always wanted to act, but I was such an extremely shy person and was afraid of others’ opinions. Once I took an improv class and learned to laugh at myself after a truly hilarious experience, I felt confident about pursuing a career in acting and continued with commercial, on camera, and scene study classes.
Who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite entertainers?
Queen Ajima: I’d say Phaedra Harris has been my biggest influence in helping me along my journey. She was the first acting class I took where I was truly pushed, challenged, and felt made me a stronger actor and person. She has worked with me in class and privately, been very blunt with me which only strengthened me as a person and has been very motivating and supporting towards me in my career. I’m very thankful to have met, worked, and been booked by her as well!
My favorite entertainers would have to be Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Margot Robbie, Regina King, Chadwick Boseman (R.I.P.) and Michael B. Jordan.
What projects do you have coming up?
Queen Ajima: I have an action, comedic short film where I’m making my directorial debut on called Capture the Flag that I will be submitting into film festivals. I have a feature film called Bora that has been accepted into a few film festivals and will also be on two streaming services that will be announced later this month. I also have another feature film called LA Undercover that has also been accepted into film festivals that I’m very excited to have been a part of!
What do you feel is your favorite role and why? Do you have a dream role?
Queen Ajima: My favorite role would have to be my character Chantae I played on All I Want for Christmas that’s out on HULU now. I’ve always wanted to play a character that was the complete opposite of me in real life, so in this case it was a crazy, mean girl. I really had fun on that set playing her. My dream role is me being casted in a Marvel film! I love action as I have been training in fight choreography for nearly 5 years, so my goal is to be a lead in a Marvel film where I can do a majority of the fight scenes myself. Whether it’s in a Black Panther film or a new character that hasn’t been introduced yet, that is my dream!
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Queen Ajima: Seeing my friends achieving their goals and dreams motivates me like crazy! Seeing their wins lights a fire under me, because if they’re winning, I am too. It makes me feel like I’m that much closer to achieving mine as well. It makes me work even harder to stay focused.
Transparently speaking, I’m still trying to figure out how I define success. Lately I’ve been struggling with imposter syndrome, where I’m thinking what I’m doing and achieving isn’t enough or where it should be. Which is why strengthening my mind in reading, workouts, healthy eating, and meditation for myself has been a high priority for me lately versus when I was doing it for others. I’d say I’m taking the steps towards being successful, which I’d like to believe will be defined as happiness for me.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Queen Ajima: I think every creative sacrifices a lot in different ways, but I don’t want to use that word. If you’re sacrificing, you’re giving up one thing to gain another. They weren’t sacrifices to me, they were specific choices I made with the support of my loved ones to help elevate myself and my career. I chose not to get enough sleep because I would work at my part time job for 12hr shifts days in a row to maintain a steady income just to come home after and study lines just to be up the next morning for work again. I’ve chosen to not have a social life at times, where friends would tell me they can never reach me because my phone is on silent most of the day just so I can focus on classes and becoming a stronger actor. Thankfully my friends have always been supportive because they see the results. Every choice I make is always for a specific reason and the biggest choice I make is learning to put myself first and take care of me mentally, physically, and spiritually to make my dream a reality.
What aspect of working in the industry excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Queen Ajima: I’d say being able to create and become a different character on each set is what excites me the most about this industry. Seeing how women and people of color are treated in this industry compared to their white counter parts when it comes to roles, pay, and sometimes support in this industry is what discourages me. I’m grateful to have family and friends that continue to encourage me no matter what though.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 10 years?
Queen Ajima: I envision myself not only the lead in films and tv series, but also creating more projects and directing them myself! I want to also be so business savvy in this industry that I’m able to create opportunities for others to achieve their goals with my own production company, and my creative think tank sessions, and my database for creatives. I see myself being successful on screen and behind the scenes.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the entertainment industry?
Queen Ajima: Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for help. People want to help others that help themselves and do the work. You can’t come into this business asking someone how this works. If you truly want to be in this world, you must do the work, do the research, look up everything you can and get as many questions as you have answered on your own first. After that, don’t be afraid to ask even more questions, because at least then you’re already prepared and understand more than when you decided to make this jump into this industry. Breaking into the entertainment industry is difficult, and can sometimes be disheartening, but so long as you have a pure love for it, you’ll be rewarded in so many ways. Whether it’s finding a tribe that have the same drive as you, encountering other creatives that motivate you to create on your own, picking up new gems you can apply to your daily life, to eventually celebrating your wins (your bookings) no matter the size!
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your art?
Queen Ajima: What fills up my cup is being able to be in the world of art, creating, performing, imagining, etc. Make sure to fill up your cup with what makes you happy. Don’t think, just do.
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Exclusive | Artist JusFee is Using Rap and Acting to Inspire the Youth
Philadelphia artist, JusFee, is using rap and acting to inspire the youth to stay out of the streets! We spoke with this dual threat artist in an exclusive interview!
“I define success by happiness of self and those in close proximity to me. I want everyone around me happy and living life to their best abilities.”
By: Omar Cook
Philadelphia artist, JusFee, is a multi talented artist with the goal to inspire! JusFee is a poet, altruist, actress, writer, director, and rapper. She does it all!
JusFee was born in Philly and raised in Frankford but brought her talents to Los Angeles in 2021 to pursue her career endeavors. At 22, Fee was involved in the streets selling drugs but the opportunity to act was presented to her. “I've always had a thing for music and poetry but never pursued it due to my street mentality and lifestyle.”
Fee made her acting debut on the hit web series Da GAP and also starred in the web series’ Lesbireal and Connect4. She has several feature film credits under her name including The Bid and upcoming movies Phels High alongside Omari Hardwick and LA Undercover, directed by rising filmmakers Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong.
Aside from being a dope actress, JusFee is a top tier lyricist. She brings an authentic fire in her delivery, comparative to the likes of Young Ma. This is an artist that is on her way up and it’s just a matter of time before the world knows her name.
Though I've always had a heart for music I didn't fully focus until Early 2021 when I dropped my First hit single “Caught Up” on all digital platforms then “Vividly” a few months after depicting what happens when you choose yourself over the streets. With my new release “Young God'' I am promoting the same message of getting out of the streets and investing into you.
JusFee - Young God [Official Video]
We talked with JUsfee in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
JusFee: Kendrick Lamar, Nas, J Cole, Drake, Londrelle, Lil Wayne, Kevin Gates and Lil Baby. My all time favorites are Tems, Lil Baby, Mary J Blige, and so many more.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
JusFee: Lil Baby because he got the music in a chokehold, Kendrick for his ability to challenge the mind, and J Cole for his messaging. Together We can make some very powerful music.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
JusFee: “Young God”, because it expresses the nature in which I was raised and made it out of because I believed I could and invested into myself.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
JusFee: I am currently working on a E.P. to be released 10/?/23
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
JusFee: I have a few producers that I work with who so I’ll go off of how the beat makes me feel at the time I review them.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
JusFee: Family motivates me! I define success by happiness of self and those in close proximity to me. I want everyone around me happy and living life to their best abilities.
JusFee - “Caught Up” (Music Video)
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
JusFee: It's elevating and educational and I differ from others from the way I deliver my message to how passionate I am about changing the ways of and for generations to come.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
JusFee: Yes lol I am currently working on figuring out the formula.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
JusFee: Man it's been way too many up to date to name but some are giving up the street life, Losing family and friends, missing out on opportunities. Relocating from Philadelphia to Los Angeles was my biggest one to date.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Jusfee - “Vividly” (Music Video)
JusFee: Recording my music is the most exciting part and releasing it is my least favorite part of the process.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
JusFee: In 10 years I'll be retired from music and living happily with my family. Most of my hits will be at the Top of all music billboards.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
JusFee: Stay consistent cause there are going to be times when there will be no motion or little cause everyone doesn't like everything.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
JusFee: Keep your ears as well as your eyes open because soon enough everyone will know who and what I am and everything I stand for on my journey.
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Exclusive | Cookbook Talks His Latest Album 'PortLAngeles'
Los Angeles rapper, Cookbook, talks his latest album, 'PortLAngeles', chasing his dreams, and leaving a legacy behind in family and hip hop in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“Legacy is a big one for me at this point in my life. First a legacy for my kids to see, then the legacy I left behind in the culture. To be one stitch in this great hip hop tapestry means a lot to me.”
By: Adonis Armstrong
Los Angeles rapper, CookBook, is a rapper and producer who has been in the game for over a decade that goes back to his time with LA Symphony. From playing instruments at family functions to touring for years, Cookbook has but in major work in the underground hip hop scene. Today we will talk about the album PortLAngeles, which is a dope listen for fans of underground hip hip. Cookbook delivers tight rhymes and smooth flows over beats that seamlessly blend boom bap with a blend of modern production. The album’s title pays homage to the Portland and Los Angeles that blends very well throughout the album.
Cookbook - If Ya Say (remix)
We talked with Cookbook in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Cookbook: I been doing music my whole life literally. My family played instruments and sang at every single party, bar-b-que and get together. We never had a DJ, or any music playing… it was always my family making the music for the party! So I grew up singing Motown, oldies, and blues. At the same time, I growing up, hip hop was my music. I played the piano, sang & listened to rap simultaneously. When it came time for me to make my own music, rap was the natural avenue since it was the music of my youth.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Cookbook: Well, going along with question 1, I’ll say my dad was my first and #1 influence musically. My whole foundation was learned from and inspired by him. Then, I’ll say my hip hop influences from very young were all of native tongues; De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest especially. Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and Gang Staar. Later on it’s Nas, Dilla and many more…
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Cookbook: Living: Nas, Black Thought, CyHi the Prince.
Deceased: DILLA!
What inspired you to create your LP PortLAngeles?
Cookbook: Surebert, a producer from Portland sent me a batch of beats and said let’s make a song. I heard how dope the beats were and said let’s do a whole project! I wrote and recorded 2 songs immediately and sent them back to him and we were off and running! Since he’s from Portland and I’m from Los Angeles, we just blended the two names and PortLAngeles was born!
What is your favorite track on desert and why?
Cookbook: I love them all, but if I had to pick one, it’s “Blood Type”. It has my favorite flow/pattern on there at the beginning of verse 2, but more importantly the concept was dope and I got to really say some deep shit on it.
Cookbook - Blood Type
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Cookbook: I’m motivated by a lot of things. Personal achievements is high on the list. When a song/beat that I make sounds exactly like what it sounded like in my head, I get great satisfaction. I also thrive off the crowd… I love for people to react to my music positively. When they fuck wit me, it motivates me! Success has many definitions. Mine have changed over the years. Legacy is a big one for me at this point in my life. First a legacy for my kids to see, then the legacy I left behind in the culture. To be one stitch in this great hip hop tapestry means a lot to me.
Oh, and I like making money too!
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Cookbook: To people that aren’t big on rap I used to say I rap but sing a lot, so I’m kinda like Nas meets the Black Eye Peas. It’s not true, but it was an easy way to answer them when they asked. To those who know, I think it’s like how my man King describes it… True School progressive. I love lyrics and getting my bars off, but I also come from singing and playing music, so there’s always a melodic aspect to what I do too. There’s the old school esthetic to what I do, but it’s always modern sounding, attempting to push the genre forward as much as I can.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Cookbook: Yes and no. You can read a how to make it in the game book & do everything exactly right and still not make it. You can have all the natural talent in the world & not work hard enough and not make it. I’ve seen people who bump into success seemingly effortlessly and seen others work harder than anyone else and make it that way too. I think it’s a combination of doing all the steps to success, having talent and working hard that gets most of us there. If there is a formula that I believe in, it’s perseverance. One thing I know, you WILL win on some level if you don’t give up!
CookBook & Surebert- Magic (We Can Do)- Official Video
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Cookbook: My father for sure. Felipe Santiago Soto RIP
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Cookbook: NAS. For one, he made my all-time favorite rap album: Illmatic. He’s still around after a 30+ year career and he’s releasing some of his best work in his late 40’s! Not only that, he’s a great investor too and is soooo paid he can do whatever he wants in music with zero pressure. He chillin! THAT’S success!
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Cookbook: I’ve always been a very positive, upbeat person and that emotion lives in my music. Even when goin in on tougher subjects, I’m programmed to bring it back around to positivity! It’s hard for me to stay mad… virtually impossible! I probably can’t stay mad long enough to write an angry song!!!
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Cookbook: I sacrificed college, a “regular” career, relationships, gave up another dream in the art world. Lost a few girlfriends, lived broke AF, and put off doing a lot of things normal people do that aren’t pursuing music. I stayed on tour for YEARS missing family events galore… that’s just naming a few things!
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Cookbook: I love making the music. Every aspect of it. I love making beats, writing raps, writing songs, recording. I’m discouraged by the marketing/business side of the music. It’s the part that creatives have the most trouble with.
Lounge Music By CookBook & Surebert - OFFICIAL VIDEO
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Cookbook: I’ll probably be somewhere in some small town on tour singing the blues and playin the piano feeling old AF but loving it!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
Cookbook: Put a lot into your craft. Know as much if every aspect of music making as possible. Learn how to write great hooks. They sell your song way more than your bars do. Find like-minded people who feel it’s their vision to help you make your vision happen. You need them! Someone who can help you in the studio, but more importantly in the business! A manager type who’ll rude wit you. Jay-Z needed his Dame Dash… and so do you.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Cookbook: I just want them to FWM! Take a listen to Jason Soto Was Here. I released that in 2019. It says everything about me and I out every aspect of what I do into those songs. It’s the best representation of me and what I do. After you listen to that, listen to ALL my other music on repeat!!!
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Exclusive | Rapper Dre of the East Talks His Latest Project 'Desert'
North Carolina rapper, Dre of the East, talks his latest project, Deserts tapping into different genres, and chasing his passion in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I’m a very unique person that you really can’t box in. The only way to describe me is as myself.”
By: Adonis Armstrong
North Carolina rapper, Dre of the East, is a rapper and producer who wants to expand his art through music. Dre has been making music since he was fourteen and took it more serious once his football dreams didn’t fall through. Music gave him new life and a spark within himself that he pours into his music. He also brings his community together to network at his artist/producer mixer and seminar called Media Majorz. He dropped two projects in 2022 and both projects are dope listens called Desert and Free World.
Dre of the East - “DNA”
Desert is a vibe as it touches every genre but has a serious rap element. Versatility is the wave in today’s game to stay ahead of the curve and gain new fans. Dre taps into each of his personalities and gifts us with Deserts which can be a good ride to work or away from work.
Dre's Streets (feat. Mike Jones)
We talked with Dre of the East in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
DRE: I've been engineering music since I was 14. I didn't start making music seriously until I was completely done with football (2017) so roughly about 5 or 6 years. When I was done with football, I felt purposeless and felt there was no reason to be alive. I felt I was just taking up space and air. I’m not a pitty person. I didn't look to others to understand or help. I didn't like that feeling so I set out to change it because I was the only person who could. I looked at a few different things.
I had my degree in Criminal Justice but my job didn't make me happy. I had been with my girl at the time for 5 years and even though I loved her and she loved me, the relationship didn't make me happy (I would never place that responsibility on a sole person other than myself). I even looked into religion and it wasn't fulfilling to me. I still had my engineering equipment from highschool so I began to write and record song about the struggles I was having at the time and it sparked something inside of me. Music gave me a reason to keep going and to be somebody again and unlike football, I controlled my destiny.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
DRE: I have been influenced by many. Greatness has no form or structure so you can find greatness anywhere and be inspired by it. I have been influenced by artists from the bottom no names to the top well knowns and everything that I took became a vital part of who I am today. If I had to choose a favorite musician, it'd be Drake because of his longevity and versatility.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
DRE: Drake, Tim McGraw, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Paramore, Lil Baby, Bad Bunny, Morgan Wallen, Lil Durk, Doja Cat, Andre 3000, Sugarland, Post Malone etc. I want to work with every artist that has every influenced me. I’m a versatile artist because of these people and wish to become the best artist there has ever been. Touching every genre and actually good at them will require guidance from the greats.
What inspired you to create your EP “Desert”?
DRE: Most of my fans support me as a rapper. Right before I dropped Desert, I dropped a project called Free World. I was a country/rap fusion project. I knew it would throw off alot of my current fans. I didn't want to lose them or make them feel like I don’t want them as fans anymore so I figured I'd drop something for them right behind it I knew they'd like. So it was like Free World was dinner and Desert was what came after.
What is your favorite track on desert and why?
DRE: If I had to choose, I would say "Underdogs" because of the production and the overall message.
Dre of the East - Underdogs (feat. Kydd & Bobby Snow)
What motivates you and how do you define success?
DRE: Success motivates me. I define success as simply making a living (funding your life) doing what you love. The opposite of success is failure and I believe that people only fail if they quit.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
DRE: My music is me. If you listen to my music you'll learn who I am and if you already know me, then you'll understand and appreciate my music even more. I'm a very unique person that you really can't box in. The only way to describe me is as myself. Same is to be said about my music.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
DRE: I want to say no because we see people that are successful that all have diferent stories. BUT there has been something in common about all of them. They all had the "IT" factor and thats hard to describe. I'm not sure if theres a bluprint for "IT".
Dre of the East - LDT (feat. KWorld)
Who is your greatest inspiration?
DRE: I would say "Kanye West". I dont really agree with a lot of his antics but over the years I have realized we have alot in common. I’m a producer, engineer, singer and song writer just as he is. I also love his confidence and his refusal to give into what society wants you to be.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
DRE: The most influential is Lil wayne. He has inspired an entire generation of artist. Face tats, dreads, bar heavy even the "lil" before their names. All thats wayne. But most successfull is Drake. He has dominated the charts in multiple genres and its indeniable.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
DRE: I would say passion, sadness and joy. It depends on the mood I’m in and what im trying to invoke in the music. I try to create feels.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
DRE: I quit my job in 2018 to fully chase my passion. I went broke and went back to work. I quit my job again in 2021 and haven't had a "real" job since. There has been highs and lows and so many sacrifices to count. I've spent well over 100k over the past few years on bad investments and taking chances on myself. I dont regret anything. It’s a part of the process.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
DRE: When I'm writing and recording a lot of times I surprise myself. I get really exited. Hell sometimes i've cried cause in my head im like "How the hell do you do this." I have no background in music. Everything was self taught so seeing how good at this I have become is shocking at times even to me.
Dre of the East - Swervin (feat. Tae Brisko)
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
DRE: I just see myself successful. I mean Multi-millionare successful.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
DRE: I would tell them to make sure it’s something they truly love. Alot of people think its the same as having a hobby. Its not. Once you KNOW its what you truly want to do, JUST GO. figure it out along the way. There isnt a blueprint for it nor will it ever be the perfect time. JUST GO.
Dre of the East - BlackHeart Freestyle (feat. XBrodie)
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
DRE: Follow me on all platforms and socials @DreOfTheEast and follow me along the journey. Everything is documented and you will learn everything you need to know.
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Exclusive | Rapper Let The Dirt Say Amen Talks His Latest Album 'God Hates Gucci'
D.C. rapper, Let The Dirt Say Amen, talks family, sacrifices, and his latest album, God Hates Gucci in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
Let The Dirt Say Amen poses with Best Rap Album trophy received from the Wammie Awards in D.C.
“My love for people is my motivation, and the testimony of artists and legends who defied the rules and won using love to create something more powerful than bombs and bullets”
By: Adonis Armstrong
D.C. native rapper, Let The Dirt Say Amen, is a must listen to lyricist on the rise! LTDSA brings the organic Hip Hop sound back when you hear his production. He released an album called God Hates Gucci and it is a certified classic project. The storytelling and the metaphoric punch lines over soul flips has garnered the emcee three Wammie Awards such as Best Rap Album for Bullets , Best Hip Hop Album for God Hates Gucci, and Best Hip Hop Artist respectfully since 2020. Let The Dirt Say Amen is definitely a artist to add to your playlist as he sets to release more music in 2023.
Let The Dirt Say Amen - Busta Vs. Michael Myers
We talked with Let The Dirt Say Amen in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
LTDSA: Honestly I've been creating since I was a kid but I started getting serious around the age of 17. I attribute my beginnings to my parents who brought random instruments into the home when we were young and the music they played. My grandpops on my mom's side as well, who used to play strictly Jazz in his car on rides we took together. Those things got me moving.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
LTDSA: I could name a few but short and sweet, I got two words. Bob Marley. Out of everyone. As far as Hip Hop, some of my top cats are Andre 3000, Black Thought and Yasin Bey aka Mos Def. As far as producers, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, DIamond D, Dilla and Rza.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
LTDSA: In no order Little Simz, Alchemist, Black Star, Andre 3000, Madlib, Ladybug Mecca...and why, because their art inspires me.
What inspired you to create your LP “God Hates Gucci”?
LTDSA: Ultimately, I believe all my work comes from God first and I'm just the dude he told to create it. God Hates Gucci is my second album and came to me based on the current state of hip hop and the communities we all come from. I wanted to speak an alternative into existence from the "demon time" era of music.
What is your favorite track on God hates gucci and why?
LTDSA: Not sure if I have a favorite but right now I'd say “Lamonica”. It's just a groove and it swings in a different way than most rap songs these days that all kinda sound like the same damn song.
Let The Dirt Say Amen - Lamonica (feat. Nathaniel Star)
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
LTDSA: Living life. Everything I see, hear, read, and listen to somehow plays a role in what's next. Sometimes it's the moments of making no music at all that fuel the art when it becomes an idea.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
LTDSA: My loved ones are my motivation. My love for people is my motivation, and the testimony of artists and legends who defied the rules and won using love to create something more powerful than bombs and bullets. Success for me is working solely on music and art related things and being financially stable as a result. Taking care of my kids and my queen. Traveling to the places I touched in dreams and learning from different cultures and communities as a result of the art I do and having so much abundance that I have no choice but to give it to folks who are in need in the ways that God sees fit. Making folks feel like music ain't all fuckery. That's success to me. God's will for me. That's success.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
LTDSA: I describe my music as what rap is missing. What separates me from the rest is that you can hear God before you hear me once the music plays.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
LTDSA: Of course. Do I know what that formula is? Hell no! However I will say that success comes first from the belief that you can do it. Combine that with commitment and the pursuit of the goal and I believe success will meet you at the perfect moment. Bunny Wailer once said that if you keep lifting weights, you'll automatically get stronger. Hint.
Let The Dirt Say Amen - SHEED (Official Video)
Who is your greatest inspiration?
LTDSA: JAH, the most High!
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
LTDSA: Not sure I can answer that because there are a few who I see as being blessed to be in the top positions of the industry, ranging from just artistic to business shit. I would say the most influential is LET THE DIRT SAY AMEN. They'll catch it later.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
LTDSA: Dedication. Not sure if that's an emotion but I'm dedicated to my pursuit. I see nothing else for me because this is what I'm best at in my life.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
LTDSA: We might be here all day for the full answer but let's just say I never made any real money at rap. I've made money, but I walk a path that most folks aren't willing to walk in this era. My most recent sacrifice has been leaving my family on the east coast to pursue my personal legend in Los Angeles and I didn't come here with the bag. I don't sell dope or real estate so most times my pockets ain't rocking but I got a few devoted tribe members that support and believe in me maybe even more than I do so we get by and keep going knowing that my sacrifice now could lead to something beautiful for my youths and the people I love and even many more.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
LTDSA: Creation all around from the making of a dope beat to writing, to recording and making it a song is a beautiful thing. It's also painful because you don't always get the banger you're looking for. The most discouraging thing is the moments when I don't believe in how dope God made me.
LET THE DIRT SAY AMEN - Just Say Dope
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
LTDSA: Around the globe. Sustainable and thriving. JAH willing! .
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
LTDSA: This game is cold and not for the easily shaken. If you do art that's really worth something and doesn't fit the industry model, you're gonna have to be committed to the fight to get where you wanna be. Don't listen to those that don't encourage and don't waste your time on folks who don't support whether they be famous or everyday people. Don't wait on anyone. Do what you can and you'll attract the right energy and team. And oh yeah...find a great team to help with the things you ain't strong at. last which should be first....BELIEVE!
LET THE DIRT SAY AMEN - LL DOOM
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
LTDSA: I came to bring the pain, hardcore to the brain.
peace,
Let The Dirt Say Amen
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Exclusive | J Hawk Talks the Release of His Latest Project 'Mixed Emotions'
North Carolina rapper, J Hawk talks family, having music as his therapy, and his recent project Mixed Emotions in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“My family motivates me and success to me is when they are all good and not just me.”
By: Adonis Armstrong
North Carolina rapper, J Hawk brings that late night, riding in the car vibe and it’s hard to find a bad track from this rising artist. His most recent project, Mixed Emotions, features 10 must listen to tracks; all fire, no skips! He also recently collaborated with fellow NC artist, Worve, on a hot new single “Out the Window”. J Hawk is one to keep an eye on and is set to drop more new music in 2023.
J Hawk ft. Worve - Out The Window (Official Video)
We talked with J Hawk in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
J Hawk: I’ve been making music for about 10 years now and I got started back in high school rapping with friends.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
J Hawk: One of my favorite artist is Drake. I like his delivery, flow and what he talks about in his music.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
J Hawk: Drake, J. Cole, Tory Lanez, Bryson Tiller, The Weeknd, H.E.R., Big Sean, PartyNextDoor, Giveon, Beyoncé, Jhene Aiko, Bad Bunny, Lil Baby. The list goes on!
What inspired you to create your EP “Mixed Emotions”?
J Hawk: Just life. To help me vent. It’s my therapy.
What is your favorite track on the project and why?
J Hawk: Reasons, I like the way it all came together.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
J Hawk: Sometimes conversations with friends, family, and certain vibes help me make new music.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
J Hawk: My family motivates me and success to me is when they are all good and not just me.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
J Hawk: It’s more riding music, that certain people can relate to. I like to make my music meaningful.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
J Hawk: I couldn’t tell you the formula. I’m not sure there is one.
J Hawk - Reasons
Who is your greatest inspiration?
J Hawk: Mom and pops.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
J Hawk: Drake for sure. He has timeless music and the numbers speak for themselves.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
J Hawk: I would say “personally” I like to make every line I write down to be felt. Whoever has came in my life and has had a moment with me, I want them to be able to hear it and remember that moment we had.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
J Hawk: Going into the studio and laying it down and playing it back. Just hearing it all come together feels amazing.
J Hawk - Moving Forward
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
J Hawk: On top like I’ve seen for years.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
J Hawk: I’ve played in the NFL, I’ve acted on Hulu, in movie theaters and commercials. I’ve modeled for companies and been on billboards. I’ve made great music and now that I turn 30 this year I see that this will be my best year yet!
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Exclusive | Yannie Jones Talks The Release Of Her Debut EP "Fazes"
Inglewood singer, Yannie Jones talks the release of her debut EP, Fazes, and being influenced by her mother to pursue music in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I just want to make music that helps people heal through their hurt.”
By: Omar Cook
Inglewood singer, Yannie Jones, dropped her debut EP titled Fazes. The EP has 4 hot tracks with features from P1, and Steve G. Lover III. From the jump, Fazes opens up with a dope upbeat vibe with her track “P1” and finishes with a laid back banger, “Temporary”. The EP definitely will leave you wanting to hear more from this upcoming west coast artist. artist.
“I am Yannie Jones and I'm from Inglewood, CA. I have my Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a concentration on adolescent development. I finished school after having my son, in 2017. I am a full believer in doing what feels right at the right time. My journey has taken me through some different detours, or Fazes if you will, but I am proud of where it has landed me. Entering my 3rd decade of life, I have crossed so much off my list of goals and plan to keep setting and reaching them. With years of content and life experience, I am so excited for what the future holds. God has given me gifts I wasn't able to see until now and I plan on using them for the rest of my days.”
Yannie Jones - Show Me (feat. P1)
We talked with Yannie Jones in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Yannie Jones: Well, I come from a family of music lovers, singers and musicians. I've been singing since I could talk. But, I recorded my first song when I was 15 years old. A group of my friends wanted to start a management agency; it was called “The Circle”, and I was one of their proteges. They booked my first studio session.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Yannie Jones: My mom has always been my biggest influence. She was signed to Motown in the 80s and is the reason I love to sing. She would play Anita Baker, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Tamia, and Deborah Cox on our rides to and from school. She would drive an expedition full of girls who loved to sing and mainly because of how enjoyable she made it seem. It made us happy - still does.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Yannie Jones: I really like Vedo. Other than his voice being beautiful, I respect his hustle and how he came up from covers and just showcasing his talent proudly. I also have to thank him for his song “You got it” … I went through a faze where I was really unappreciated in a previous relationship and my best friend sent me that song. I cried and listened to it on repeat for dayssss. It helped me out the funk.
What inspired you to create your EP “Fazes”?
Yannie Jones: I was actually working on an album. (I still am.) In the midst of that, I created “Fazes” unintentionally. ¾ songs were created in one 4-hour session. The 4th song was made the next day. They seemed to tell a very clear story of different moments in life and love and the idea of making it an EP just came to me. It made sense that it would be my “hello” to the music scene officially.
What is your favorite track on the project and why?
Yannie Jones: Honestly, it changes every day. Right now, I'd say my favorite is “Never Thought” ft. Steve G. Lover. The song is full of feelings I’ve had multiple times in life. I love remembering the writing process and how naturally it came together. Then of course the vulnerability in the lyrics. We’re always hopeful in the beginning but most of the time, it ain't what we thought it would be, right?
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Yannie Jones: Typically I'll hear a melody on a beat or think a phrase would be a cool song concept and I go from there. I hate forcing things so I pray on them, let go and let God.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Yannie Jones: My son, Nieko, is the biggest motivation I could ever dream of. After having him, I realized I could do anything. As long as I don't waste my time here on earth, use all of my blessings and never stop trying, I’ll be successful.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Yannie Jones: I would describe my music as relatable. I think when listening to my music, you know I wrote it and went through it. I don't know if that separates me but I don't really want to know. I just want to make music that helps people heal through their hurt.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Yannie Jones: I guess it's proven that things have helped artists be successful - mainly money. But I always love to see it when talent is the reason behind someone’s big break! Not just a great marketing scheme. Like Bryson Tiller who borrowed $600 for a set up and changed his own life. No marketing scheme told him to buy that set up. That was meant to happen.
Yannie Jones - Temporary
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Yannie Jones: My family. In them, I have such a solid foundation. It's because of them I am not afraid to fail. I can make a million mistakes and fall down a trillion times and they will be there to pick me up and tell me to keep going. I need them. They will forever be my inspiration and reminder to focus on my own path.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Yannie Jones: I looooove me some Jhene! As a person, her genuineness is so beautiful. I've met Jhene a couple times just being from LA and being tied to a few of the same people but when I see her she is always so humble and greets me with love. Idk if she does that to everybody but I be feelin special. Lol. She sings her ass off. She's so relatable. She is movingly melodic. She's a mom. She’s a family person. She’s from LA! Yea, Jhene is my girl. Love her and all of her influence. Love to see her succeed and continue to rise.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Yannie Jones: Passion is a good one! My mood changes so much, one beat can make me feel sad and another can make me feel excited and proud. But I am passionate about it all.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Well, I work 2 jobs. Im raising a 5 year old black boy and still investing in myself and my dreams. I know I’m just getting started but it's all been out of pocket and I'm doing it because I have a little person watching me. I never want him to give up on what he loves doing. No matter how long it takes. So the answer is time. I think time is the biggest sacrifice I’ve made. My journey is full of speed bumps and stop signs and Ima keep going. But I be tired. Lol.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Hearing it back! Hearing what I wrote in the bathtub or the voice memo I made in the car on wax, that is the most exciting part to me. The discouraging part is when I hear counterproductive opinions. People can be so evil and not realize how sensitive artists can be. I’m working on not letting that affect me.
Yannie Jones - Never Thought (feat. Steve G. Lover III)
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Well for starters out of my email! I've been collecting the bounces of my studio sessions for 15 years and this is the first time I've dropped a project. I'm recording with intent and I want multiple No.1s! I also work in behavior therapy and as an outreach coordinator, so I want to expand that and have somewhat of a big brother big sister entity and curate events that will enrich the child experience to be more enjoyable and therapeutic. I think we all need therapy and should not wait until we're adults to get it.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Do what makes sense to you. And be honest with yourself. So when the going gets tough, you know why you're doing it and nothing can distract you or change what you already know is right for you.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Album comin soooooon!
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Exclusive | Aaronic Dorsey Talks the Release of His Latest EP 'What Summer Was Ext.'
Atlanta rapper, Aaronic Dorsey talks creating music from real raw emotions, impacting and inspiring people through his lyrics and his latest EP, 'What Summer Was Ext.' in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I feel as an artist your real success is defined by your ability to touch and impact the people.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Atlanta rapper, songwriter and producer, Aaron Dorsey! Known professionally as Aaronic Dorsey, he originally hails from Montgomery, Alabama, and moved to Atlanta as a child and has since immersed himself in various avenues to develop his musicality and artistry further. His earliest musical influences range from Kirk Franklin to Stevie Wonder.
Aaronic grew up in the church, and had limited exposure to rap music. It was not until the 5th grade when he was introduced to artists such as T.I. and 50 Cent. However, it was the likes of Kanye West, Outkast, and Pharrell Williams that ultimately laid the groundwork and inspiration for the sound Aaronic now delivers as an artist. During Dorsey’s junior year of high school, he began releasing freestyles that led to the release of his first mixtape. Since then, Aaronic has continued to evolve his creativity through songwriting, production, and curating visual companions to his musical releases.
Even though Aaronic started by rapping for classmates classmates, it was him getting involved in the teen ministry at his church that allowed him to develop and find his stage presence. Aaronic has performed in numerous open mics and showcases in the Atlanta area. Known for his high energy on stage and crafty lyrics, Aaronic captivates audiences by providing them with the pureness of who he is at all costs. He strongly believes in giving people raw art, well done. Aaronic Dorsey recently released an extended cut of his last EP titled What Summer Was Ext and it is available on all streaming platforms.
This artist is a true lyricist as he pours real thoughts and emotions into every song that listeners can relate. Aaronic is just what Hip Hop needs, a true creator.
Aaronic Dorsey - Snooze
We talked with Aaronic Dorsey in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Aaronic Dorsey: I’ve been making music for right around 10 years now. I recognized my love for music as early as 5th grade and would even tell people I was a rapper even though at the time I didn’t even have any raps written but it was in my junior year of high school where it became a real thing. I had a group of friends who all shared the same interest and we all began recording in a friends basement experimenting and finding each of our individual sounds.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Aaronic Dorsey: My biggest influences are Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, OutKast, Kirk Franklin, and Pharrell Williams.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Aaronic Dorsey: PJ Morton and Tobe Nwigwe are two artists I’d love to collaborate with because both are independent and I feel I could learn a lot from them how to better maneuver my independent artistry.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Aaronic Dorsey: My best project to me is my most recent, What Summer Was Ext. and I say that because it truly feels like a coming of age for me. I’m finally at this point where I know who I am and know how to make that translate in a way where the music can be felt. Finishing school was a big reset for me as an artist so a lot of stuff I put out when I first finished were more experimental than anything cause I was still trying to connect the dots with all that I had learned.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Aaronic Dorsey: I plan to put out some singles and videos and hopefully an album towards the end of the year. This summer I’m planning to relaunch this series I do called “Garage Sessions” where I literally set up in my garage and either perform my songs or rap over some of my favorite songs from other artist.
Aaronic Dorsey - Garage Sessions Ep. 29: WSW Mashup
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Aaronic Dorsey: I generate most ideas from my own life experiences and just what’s happening around me. I’m always looking for ways to broaden my horizons and expand my perspectives.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Aaronic Dorsey: I define success as being able to impact and inspire people to be more than what is presented to them. I feel as an artist your real success is defined by your ability to touch and impact the people. It sounds simple but it goes so much deeper than the music itself. It’s the ability to represent and stand for something bigger than you.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Aaronic Dorsey: I always approach creating my music from an approach of giving people raw art, well done. It’s raw cause it’s literally a piece of me but well done because I want to make sure that even though the content is raw I still make sure it’s presented in a way that is digestible for people to connect with.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Aaronic Dorsey: The only real formula is being yourself. I feel you can never go wrong being true to who you are but that doesn’t mean you know it all. Be yourself and always be willing to seek further direction and advice. As creators we have the goal in mind but we don’t always see the bigger picture due to us being so connected to the art so its important to keep good people around you. My other tip is to be willing to learn any and everything that contributes to your art. It’ll help you have a better idea of what quality work is and what it takes to achieve that. Do the work and let the team find you.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Aaronic Dorsey: My dad is definitely my greatest inspiration. He was the one that introduced me to so much music and gave me my initial love for it.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Aaronic Dorsey: It’s a toss up between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Both are artists are global icons and have created their own lanes that many artists have taken after in the current era of hip hop. There are a lot of different rappers but those are two that I feel everyone looks to in one way or another.
Aaronic Dorsey - Garage Sessions Ep. 28: Reciprocate ft. MAG The Artist
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc., and why?
Aaronic Dorsey: Passion is definitely a dominate emotion because it gives me the ability to embrace so many other emotions at once depending on the topic point of the song. I make my goal to not write about anything that I myself isn’t passionate about or haven’t experienced.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Aaronic Dorsey: One of my biggest sacrifices was taking a year off from music in 2014 to go back to school and learn the basics of how to record and produce. That one decision made me better not only in my artistry but allowed me to build skills that helped me find jobs that have further developed my skill set.
Aaronic Dorsey
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Aaronic Dorsey: Recording, Writing, and Beatmaking are by far my favorite parts of the process. I can somewhat enjoy mixing but the pressure of it along with the constant revisions are definitely something that can tend to drive me crazy especially when it’s crunch time.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Aaronic Dorsey: In 10 years I want to be in a place where my passion works for me. I want to be able to still do music but also be able to have other endeavors working for me also rather if it’s teaching, acting, or almost anything that will keep my creative juices flowing.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Aaronic Dorsey: Learn how to do as much as you can so that nothing can stop you from getting your music out there. The time you could spend waiting on help to come out the sky you could be learning the skill. This doesn’t mean you will do everything forever and nobody should want to but in the beginning all you really have is you so the least you can do is put yourself to use.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Aaronic Dorsey: I recently dropped a project called What Summer Was Ext. and it is available on all streaming platforms. I also have series on YouTube called Garage Sessions where Im performing some songs off that project along with me rapping over some of my favorite songs so definitely go check both of those out!
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Exclusive | Rapper Slim XxX Discusses Her Upcoming Debut EP & Her Single "Frontline"
Louisiana artist, Slim XxX talks creating music to inspire and encourage her fans, her motivation, musical influences, and her upcoming debut EP in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I’m passionate about making quality music that people can connect with.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Lousiana rapper, Slim XxX! I’m a Independent HipHop artist from Louisiana. In a day and age where female rappers are taking their throne, Slim XXX is emerging as a top tier talent. Slim XxX recently released her debut single just 7 months and is already making waves with some hot single releases leading up to her upcoming debut EP. This artist mixes a dope raw rap lyrics with smooth vocals on each track. Slim XxX has a sound that Hip Hop definitely needs to hear, an under the radar talent that won’t remain underground for too much longer!
Lemon Pepper Freestyle - Slim XxX
We talked with Slim XxX in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Slim XxX: I started writing poetry in my early years of middle school. That soon evolved into my passion for songwriting. I started professionally releasing music in 2019.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Slim XxX: That question is such a hard one because I simply don’t have favorites. I listened to a lot of R&B growing up. Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, The Temptations, an array of jazz musicians including Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. I later grew a fascination for raw hiphop like Tupac, Jadakiss, Wu-tang Clan and N.W.A. Growing up in the south, good music is always close by or just around the corner. I don’t think I’d be the same artist today if I didn’t have so many great influences early on.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Slim XxX: I feel like I’d enjoy collaborating with 6lack, lil Wayne or Buddy. They all are insanely talented lyricist. I think we would make great music.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Slim XxX: My debuted single “Frontline “ is one of my favorite releases. During the writing process I remember thinking “Am I really going to put this out?“ I overcame a lot of self doubt and fear. The feeling was amazing.
Slim XxX - Self Doubt [Official Music Video] [4k]
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Slim XxX: I am currently working on my Debut EP. I had a amazing time writing and recording this project and I’m beyond excited to share it with all my listeners.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Slim XxX: I start by playing the instrumental I’m working with and the song concept comes to me usually within seconds. If it doesn’t, I sit with it for a while, sometimes days and reflect on the memories that the music reminds me of.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Slim XxX: The motivation for me is when I finish a song I’m proud of . It’s like a artist painting a portrait of themselves and finally stepping back to see their reflection. I’m in constant competition with myself and try to do better each time. Success for me is doing what I love. It’s hard for me to define Success in any other manner. Surrounding myself with people I love, doing what I love just seems so absolute.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Slim XxX: I create music based on personal experiences and emotions. My style is very different from most female rap artists in the game right now.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Slim XxX: Yes, Consistency and passion. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a successful artist that didn’t have one of the two.
Slim XxX - Lite Rain [Official Music Video]
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Slim XxX: My faith in God has inspired me believe in myself and this makes way for any other inspiration in my life.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Slim XxX: Kanye - Although I wished his music never changed, all great things evolve. I also think Beyoncé has a great influence on the image of black women in entertainment and women themselves.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Slim XxX: My music embodies motivation more then anything. I aim to encourage my fans and shine a light in places too dark to see.
Slim XxX - Front Line [Official Audio]
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Slim XxX: A lot of my time goes into creating music. I talk a lot about the Sacrifices I’ve made In my Ep, Song titled “Too Strong”. Being dedicated sometimes means spending hours writing or in the studio creating and recording .
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Slim XxX: I love songwriting and creating melodies. Although Hearing them come to life in the studio is very comparable.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Slim XxX: I’d love to see my Albums reach around the world and influence female writers after me to be creative and passionate artist.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Slim XxX: Stay motivated and do the work. Remember Nothing comes easy and believing in yourself is like a superpower.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Slim XxX: Thank you for listening to my music, I appreciate all my supporters. Stay tuned for more music.
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Exclusive | Kyle Banks Talks the Release of His Project 'Green Light'
Los Angeles singer, Kyle Banks talks his journey into music, his motivation, musical influences, and the release of his project, Green Light, in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“What motivates me most is knowing where I wanna be in life and knowing I have to take care of my family.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the weekk is Los Angeles singer, Kyle Banks! Kyle brings a dope sound and it’s hard to find a bad track from this emerging artist. His most recent project Green Light features 6 must listen to tracks, including some features from Cozz, Bino Rideaux, and Teejay3k and more; all bangers, no skips! He also recently collaborated with fellow LA artist 1TakeOcho on a dope single “Best Life”. Kyle Banks is ready to be R&B’s next star, and is set to drop a new project in 2021.
Kyle Banks - My Way (Official Music Video)
We talked with Kyle Banks in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Kyle Banks: I’ve been making music for 5 years now. During this journey I’ve been blessed to be around supportive individuals that all want the best for me, from my friends family and team.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Kyle Banks: My favorite musicians are CB, MJ , TY DOLLA, lil Durk , Roddy, DRAKE. I would love to Collaborate with all of them because I try to incorporate there style in mine.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Kyle Banks: I feel like my best song is “Wind It Down” because it shows my range an diversity.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Kyle Banks: I’m dropping a new project top of the year with 7 songs, that I’m very comfortable about.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Kyle Banks: When I’m in the studio I come up with ideas by thinking of real life things or situations I feel people go through.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Kyle Banks: What motivates me most is knowing where I wanna be in life an knowing I have to take care of my family.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Kyle Banks: I feel my music is different because I make any kinda music. I try to incorporate singing with talk singing and real instruments to give a live feeling.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Kyle Banks: My greatest inspiration is my mom because she taught me what strength was an is.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Kyle Banks: I feel Drake is the most influential artist of my decade because he proved he can make any kind of music at a high level.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Kyle Banks: I put a lot of passion in my music because everything I talk about is real.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Kyle Banks: I lost a lot of friends on this journey because they simply didn’t get the road I was on an thats okay.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Kyle Banks: The whole creative process of music excites me. I hate the politics but there’s politics in everything.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Kyle Banks: In 10 years I see my self as a top five artist in the world.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Kyle Banks: Advice I would give to anyone on the journey is to keep going!
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Exclusive | Singer Zakiya Harmony Talks Creating Her Own Sound Through Neo-Soul
Atlanta singer, Zakiya Harmony talks making an impact on the world through her music, becoming a successful indie artist, and creating her own sound through neo-soul in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I just want to impact the world through positive music and music that has helped me get through so many obstacles in life. Everyone has a purpose in life and I believe my purpose is to inspire others through music.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Atlanta singer, songwriter, and musician, Zakiya Harmony! She began her music journey playing the saxophone in her elementary school band at the age of 9. Zakiya was a rapper for several years as an adolescent into adulthood, and it wasn’t until the birth of her son and losing her job as an educator in 2012 that she realized she needed to reevaluate her life.
She taught herself how to play guitar and wrote songs as as a way to express herself. Zakiya has performed at Sweet Auburn Festival, Yellow Daisy Festival, Callanwolde Arts Festival, Chastain Park Arts Festival, and The Piedmont Arts Festival, as well as many other venues around the Atlanta area. Zakiya’s unique style of music and her life story is what sets her apart from so many other artists as she brings a soulful and sultry style to her music.
Zakiya Harmony - Apology
We talked with Zakiya Harmony in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Zakiya Harmony: I’ve been making music for about 5 years now.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Zakiya Harmony: Tori Kelly, Brandy, Monica, TLC, H.E.R, and Ari Lennox.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Zakiya Harmony: I would love to collaborate with Babyface and Stevie Wonder. I feel like they are musical geniuses.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Zakiya Harmony: The best song I’ve ever released was the first song I wrote and composed called “Apology”. I feel like I was going through different emotions at the time and it’s so raw to me because I had just began to sing and play guitar 6 months prior.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Zakiya Harmony: The Diary part.2 (My third EP)
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Zakiya Harmony: I typically go off of things that I’ve gone through and life experiences that I can express through songs.
Zakiyah Harmony | Six | Session 9
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Zakiya Harmony: Seeing other artists who were indie artists become successful motivates me the most. I define success by making a living doing what you love.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Zakiya Harmony: I would say I’m a mix between neo-soul and R&B. What makes me different is my unique voice and sound.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Zakiya Harmony: Hard work + talent + faith
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Zakiya Harmony: My greatest inspiration is my son.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Zakiya Harmony: I would have to say H.E.R she’s super talented and I have a lot of respect for her because she is a musician that plays multiple instruments.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Zakiya Harmony: I’d have to say passion because when I write most of my songs 9/10 I’m going through that exact situation in that moment.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Zakiya Harmony: I’ve had to give up sleep. I’m a teacher and I have to sometimes go from a late night gig straight to work the next morning.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Zakiya Harmony: The aspect that excites me the most is being able to create my own sound from the beat/chords to the words in the song. What discourages me is what’s popular now in music. You really don’t have to have talent these days to become a successful artist.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Zakiya Harmony: I see myself writing for major artists and performing my music all over the world.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Zakiya Harmony: Don’t stop. Don’t stop. Don’t stop. I was boo’d off the stage during my first performance. I had only been singing for about 6 months and wanted to go perform just to get my feet wet. I kept working on my craft and booked several gigs at that same location 2 years later as a headliner.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Zakiya Harmony: I started singing when I was 28. I started playing guitar 6 months after that. I write all my music and I play 2 other instruments.
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Exclusive | Rapper Princeton Marcellis Talks His Upcoming Mixtape 'By Any Means'
Dallas rapper, Princeton Marcellis talks keeping God 1st, inspiring people through music, and his upcoming mixtape, By Any Means, in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“My goal is not to be celebrity, but a servant. Most celebrities want the limelight and try to hide their failures and shortcomings, but I think a servant wants the limelight only so they can point it back to the One who truly deserves it, and that’s God.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Dallas rapper, Princeton Marcellis! This artist has a goal to inspire his listeners and help them improve their lives by telling stories of his own struggles and success. Princeton Marcellis has a dope flow mixed with real messages in his songs and is definitely an artist that needs to be in your playlist. He began to pursue music seriously while attending the University of North Texas and attending open mic nights. His persistence and talent eventually landed him in opportunity to be a hype man for artists such as Lecrae and Tedashii.
Princeton Marcellis - Promise (Official Music Video)
We talked with Princeton Marcellis in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Princeton Marcellis: I’ve been rapping since I was about 5 or 6 years old. I remember my parents buying my older brother a Casio piano that had a couple of Beethoven presets on it such as the 5th Symphony. One day I took our karaoke machine which allowed me to record on a cassette tape, and I took the mic and put it to the piano speaker so it could record the music from the piano. I began freestyling haha. Grant it, I wasn’t good at all yet, but it also came to me naturally to do that. My parents, especially my dad, always had music playing throughout our home and in the car and I know it heavily influenced me to fall in love with hip hop.
From there, I continued to make music that I would pass out to some of the homies at school. At 16, I gave my life to Christ, which not only awakened my life purpose but also gave my music more purpose. However, at the time I was also really focused and passionate about basketball, and wanted to hoop at a Division I school to make it to the NBA. Needless to say, that didn’t work out. Because of that, I started taking music more seriously at the University of North Texas. Open mic shows eventually turned into free shows, and free shows eventually turned into paid shows. I dropped a mixtape on Datpiff and Noisetrade called Excuse The Explicitness which spread way more than I imagined it would when creating the project. Before I know it, I’m a hype man for Lecrae and Tedashii of Reach Records performing in front of thousands almost every show. This helped me to develop my stage presence more, and get used to being in front of so many people. Now I’m focused only on my own brand and finishing my project entitled, By Any Means.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Princeton Marcellis: My biggest influence has to first start with my family. My mom and dad. I have so much love and respect for them to be able to teach and provide for my brother and I, even with our financial circumstances. Now that I’m older, I truly appreciate the hard work and foundation they gave me, along with the musical influences they bestowed on me.
In regards to artists that are my biggest influence, I would have to say 2Pac, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Notorious BIG, Kanye West, Jay Z, and Eminem. They’ve helped me in my own life and personal troubles, as well as challenged my pen game and craft. These are rappers that I’ve studied the most over the years in order to develop my own voice.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Princeton Marcellis: There’s so many I would love to collaborate with! Any Dreamville or TDE artist would be dope. I would love to collaborate with Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye, Chance the Rapper, and many others. I like doing collaborations that would make sense message wise and brand wise, and I think I align most with these type of artists.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Princeton Marcellis: My best songs I have out right now are my latest singles “You Can Make It” and “Thank God Ballad”, as well as my song “Heart To Serve”. I think these songs really gave me a great direction with what I want to do with my music now, and they have given me the biggest buzz. The music video to “Heart To Serve” was predominantly shot in Guatemala and won 6 Telly Awards. This was a theme song for a Non-Profit Organization, and I was able to perform this song in Johannesburg, South Africa, Rome, and Hong Kong. Each one of these shows had more than 10,000 people in attendance!
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Princeton Marcellis: Right now I’m working on a mixtape called By Any Means, and soon after that I will begin working on my debut album. I’m very excited about that.
Princeton Marcellis - You Can Make It (Official Audio)
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Princeon Marcellis: First and foremost my story and my life experiences, as well as others’. God is my biggest inspiration, and just living life because my music is about real life, real pain, and real hope. Other than that, I’m always checking out new music to spur on creativity.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Princeton Marcellis: God, family, and friends. Things that truly matter is what motivates me. Most people think that chasing money, power, women, and things will make them successful. Most people die and realize that their success ladder was leaning on the wrong wall the whole time. Success is not what I do compared to what other people do, it's how much I do compared to what God created me to do.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Princeon Marcellis: I describe my music as being lyrical and about real life, yet inspirational and motivational. What separates me from other artists is my story and voice.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Princeton Marcellis: I don’t believe there is a formula for being a successful artist, because I don’t believe success is overnight. You have to be willing to do the things other people are not willing to do, and do it consistently. So there’t not an exact formula, but there are competencies that a successful artist possesses. A huge thing every successful artist has never done is quit.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Princeton Marcellis: God is my greatest inspiration. The fact that he would come and save His people from what we deserve is mind blowing, because of unfathomable amount of love it takes. This is what pushes me to love people so much, because of God’s love for me.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Princeton Marcellis: In opinion, I would say J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West. I think they possess everything a great rapper should have: storytelling, lyrics, punchlines, metaphors, similes, and imagery over solid production. I actually made a song called Make Cole Proud, in which I rapped over the same beat of Let Nas Down. Nas also has a version called Made Nas Proud. I put them all together on youtube as one video, you should peep it.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Princeton Marcellis: I think sadness and passion dominates my music right now, only because that’s the season of life I’m in. Don’t get me wrong, my energy is always joyous and positive, but when I think about a lot of the things I’ve been through these past couple of years, it would be hard to say that sadness doesn’t come over me. However, the sadness leads me to keep pushing, instead of throwing in the towel. In this game of life I gotta get around the board as many times as I can. Life is something that I look at and cry at sometimes, I laugh at sometimes, etc. You try to come up and get pulled back 5 steps and then you come back up and get pulled back 18 steps. But really there’s a good balance of emotions on this upcoming project.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Princeton Marcellis: So many. From working jobs that I really don’t want to work, to not being able to travel as much like some of my friends do, to not buying shoes or clothes that I want, etc. Because I need that money to create and for the craft. I’ve sacrificed so much time and money to keep growing in this, that I know most people wouldn’t do.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Princeton Marcellis: I think the whole thing excites me, from writing the lyrics to mixing and mastering and hearing the finished product. If there’s any aspect that discourages me, it’s all of the business side of music. Sometimes I wish that side didn’t exist haha.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Princeton Marcellis: I’ve always hated this question, because I don’t know if I’ll be here tomorrow. So if God allows me to live another 10 years, I see myself as one of the greats because of how many lives I’ve impacted and helped.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Princeton Marcellis: Find your voice, take the craft seriously, and don’t quit.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Princeton Marcellis: I’m always grateful for every listener and follower on social media, and always appreciative when someone shares my music with their network of people who hasn’t heard of me. My goal is not to be celebrity, but a servant. Most celebrities want the limelight and try to hide their failures and shortcomings, but I think a servant wants the limelight only so they can point it back to the One who truly deserves it, and that’s God. Therefore, I don’t mind exposing my own faults throughout my story, because I believe my story will hopefully help someone else.