Exclusive | J Hawk Talks the Release of His Latest Project 'Mixed Emotions'

“My family motivates me and success to me is when they are all good and not just me.”

— J Hawk

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 | Qweezy' Talks The Release of His New EP 'Q3'

“Life is a marathon and life is made up of Wins and losses. It’s just about cherishing the lessons learned and good times. I think once you are able to do that, it counts as a form of success.”

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Vegas rapper, Qweezy’! Qweezy’ is an athlete turned artist after playing football and going through the ROTC program at THE Southern University and A & M College. He has been on a roll this year dropping his first album titled Perspectives and his recent EP Q3! Qweezy’ brings real substance to his music with a dope delivery that gives you 90s hip hop vibes . This is an artist that is definitely on the rise and from the way that he has been pumping out music lately, expect to hear more from him soon!

Qweezy' - Get Me (Official Music Video)

We talked with Qweezy in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

Qweezy’: I’ve been making music since I was about 19 (I would make like one song a year, here and there), but I just started taking it seriously about a year ago (I Just turned 26 this year). I always had the potential even at the age of 18/19 but I never fully tapped in to it. I used sports, school, and just life itself as an excuse.

QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?

Qweezy:’ A guy by the name of Rickie B (a childhood friend and business partner), has been my right hand in helping me along this journey, and if it wasn’t for him, I probably would have never gone all the way through with the vision. He spoke words to me one day that influenced me to take it up a knotch. My favorite musicians are Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller, Common, Dom Kennedy, Nipsey Hussle, Drake, Meek Mill, Tupac, J. Cole, Miguel, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Big Sean, Jay-Z, and Childish Gambino.

QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?

Qweezy’: I would like to collaborate with the artists listed above (RIP Michael), plus Jaden  Smith, Ella Mai, Ari Lennox, Chance The Rapper, Dizzy Wright, Tobi Lou, all of the Dreamville Artists, BJ The Chicago Kid, Smino, The Internet, Tyler The Creator, Goldlink, Beyonce, Rihanna, and King Combs. I can go on for days, but I would like to collaborate with these artists because for the most part, they aren’t commercial. They are original in their approach, and they are unapologetic. I love authenticy, and these artists have created their own wave with their versatility and creativity for the most part. I feel like I fit right in that category.

QUESTION: What was the inspiration for your debut album and what was your favorite song off the project?

Qweezy’: My Inspiration came from within. I’ve always had a dream of releasing a legit project of my own. I always felt like I could be good enough if not better than some of the  music I’d come across over time and I just wanted to prove that to myself. I have a great ear for music, and regardless of numbers/exposure, I know if my music sounds good or not. Once I released my official first single I gained the confidence of going all the way through with everything and it just happened to work out. I definitely took my time and it was a journey leading up to finishing the project but I did it. 

Qweezy’ - Sky High (feat. Rickie B.)

QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future?

Qweezy’: I just recently released the Q3 (3 Piece) EP, but in the future I will be coming out with visuals from both projects (Perspectives, and Q3) as well as doing open mics, performances etc. My next studio project is TBD based on how life goes for me. I try to take everything one day at a time.

QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music? 

Qweezy’: I let it come to me, I never force it. It can be a good and bad thing because I can go days/weeks without an idea, and then one day I catch a spark and end up writing 3 to 4 songs back to back. Some are based on my current mood at the time, some are back dated from what I’ve been through in life, and most are just simply “Perspectives” to where the audience can see it from their point of view, and no one’s opinion on what the track is about can be wrong.

QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Qweezy’: I’m motivated most by the creation of  beauty in struggles. No matter the pain or struggle, the small victories add up to your big break. Neither (the big break or the struggle/pain) last forever, but its the motivation of life, to KEEP GOING. Life is a marathon and life is made up of Wins and losses. It’s just about cherishing the lessons learned and good times. I think once you are able to do that, it counts as a form of success. Just simply understanding how life goes can somewhat help your mental and that right there is also success. That idea can go into any topic of life when trying to internally define your success story.

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?

Qweezy’: I think my music is very rangy, depending on the track. I am very versatile, but for the most part i’d say my music is refreshing, soulful, and it’s an original sound that you just don’t hear too often these days.

Qweezy’ - Luv in the 90s

QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Qweezy: Not necessarily a formula, but I’d say just find your sound, and once you do, go with it. Build extreme confidence and believe in yourself. It sounds cliche but it really is a foundation builder.

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Qweezy: My greatest inspiration next to the Highest power is myself. I’ve been able to experience my everyday walk like no one else has, of course, and to be where I am right now at this stage in life while going and getting through what I have been through, I’m proud of myself. Everyday I wake up, it’s a new endeavor and a new opportunity to build on the inspiration.

QUESTION: In your opinion, who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Qweezy: I think Bryson Tiller, Drake, and Chris brown are the most influential because of the type of versatility they bring to the game. You can’t really put them in a box.

QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Qweezy: I’d say LOVE, because of the broadness comes with it. People will love my music, some of my music is about Love, and the different types of love (good and bad), also bringing the fun back to hip hop/r&b is just Love. It’s hard for me to explain thoroughly but I hope you get an idea. The word also isn’t just revolving around relationships either.

QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Qweezy: I’ve had to balance work, relationships, social life etc. and the music all in one. With that, came fall outs with some people not really because of beef but just because of the different paths and focus that is required to take care of one’s personal life. Long nights at work or very early mornings because I try to finish what I have to finish in order to set time aside for the spark of creativity when it comes to me. It can get deep but I think I scratched the surface for the most part.

QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Qweezy: What excites me the most is the spark of ideas I get that come out of nowhere right at the perfect time. What discourages me the most is when I can’t perfect what I want to perfect in the allotted time that I give myself, but it's also a good thing because I don’t think my finished product would be what it is if it wasn’t for the patience I have with myself.

QUESTION Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Qweezy: I see myself being part of or owning a dope record label, creating new ideas to give to the next wave of dope artists that come into this music world. I also think people will still be listening to the music I am releasing now because it’s timeless. 

QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Qweezy: I’d tell them to go for it all and have confidence in your work when you present it. Mostly, show deference and be yourself. There’s enough room for everyone to get love.

Instagram: @Qweezy__ 

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Exclusive | Rapper Joshua Sheeran Is Charlotte's Best Kept Secret

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is east coast artist Joshua Sheeran! This under the radar artist out of Charlotte, North Carolina recently graduated from North Carolina Central University in December 2017! Since his graduation, 22 year old Sheeran has been on the grind pushing his music out. Joshua is an artist of many arts and wants his career to eventually expand beyond just music. His aim is to spread vibes and positive messages throughout his music always and he also hopes to breakthrough and show people love is cool still! Although he is currently in the process of writing and creating his first complete project, Joshua has a lot of dope tracks already out! We can expect a early 2019 release of his first project but many creative visuals and singles to get us by in the meantime! Do no sleep on this artist!

We talked with Joshua Sheeran in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

 Joshua Sheeran: 2 years now! I actually grew up around music. Family + Friends. I didn’t take my craft as an artist seriously until 2017. I saw it was much bigger than just me once people started hitting me up saying how much my music helped them.

Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?

 Joshua Sheeran: Women, conflict/resolution, love and myself are my biggest influencers. My favorite artist right now are Sonder, Bryson Tiller, Drake, Noname, and Smino. All things R&B also!

Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?

 Joshua Sheeran: At this very second it has to be Bryson Tiller. Homie has the vibes and sound. I think our sound would mesh very well.

Joshua Sheeran - “I Love It, She Love It” (Music Video)

Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?

 Joshua Sheeran: Statistically and one of my favs, ‘I love it, She love it” definitely a vibe and has over 20,000 streams alone. I have some tracks like ‘Niyah’s Interlude’ and ‘Loving me ain't too perfect’ that really resonate with my soul. Just the content and emotional feel.

Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?

 Joshua Sheeran: I got motivated from traveling. I went to DC and was like “damn, I’ve been missing out on the world.. I want to get out and do this more.” And music has always been a passion/past time. So why not combine the both and do what I love. Success, to me is changing lives of the people around you and yourself. Digging deeper than financial and helping people on a spiritual and mental level.

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

 Joshua Sheeran: Funny! When I’m out the loop…. I go to Twitter for content. I sometimes rap vicariously through the lives of others.

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

 Joshua Sheeran: Different -- Calm, thought/emotion provoking. The type of music you take home to mom.

Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

 Joshua Sheeran: I don’t. You never know these days what will and won’t blow honestly. There are right steps to take but formula, no. I do believe we are in the visual era.

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

 Joshua Sheeran: Definitely has to be myself honestly. I’ve been through so much and conquered so many battles. I feel I owe it to myself to continue chasing music and doing what I love.

Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

 Joshua Sheeran: Drake, he literally has been carrying the torch for awhile now! Definitely has helped so many artist form their careers and breakthrough to the mainstream world. Shoes, NBA, OVO Brand, OVO label, and Apple Music deal to name a few. The guy is really great.

Joshua Sheeran - “fruits // sweet dream” (Music Video)

Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

 Joshua Sheeran: Passion -- to love, to feel happy, to overcome sadness/hurt and to be better. You can blend so many styles into passion.

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

 Joshua Sheeran: Time, money, friendships and occasionally love.

Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

 Joshua Sheeran: The ability to connect with people and getting the chance to see the world one day! It gets kinda disappointing some of the wild things that blow up but no knock to them. They connected with the people. Even in a unconventional manner.

Joshua Sheeran - “whatssssluvvvv” (Music Video)

Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

 Joshua Sheeran: Living comfortable and happy! At peace with my wife and helping others breakthrough!

Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

 Joshua Sheeran: Remain, you. Most importantly stay genuine at heart and lead people right.

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

 Joshua Sheeran: It’s AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE. YOU SHOULD STREAM AND SHARE WITH YOUR BOO, FAMILY OR WHOEVER! A SONG FOR EVERY VIBE! NO EXCUSE.

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Exclusive | Nayome Discusses Her Debut EP and Pursuing Her Music Career

Nayome is an up and coming singer out of Texas! The 21 year old sing artist was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, but spent her teenage years growing up in the Dallas Metroplex city of Irving, Tx in the Valley Ranch area where she graduated from Ranchview High School. Nayome currently attends Texas State University and is pursuing a degree in Marketing. She loves to sing and dance and owns her own dancing organization called Queen Empire Dance at Texas State where she teaches heel dancing!

Check out Nomi's first music video to her single See You ft Vonte!

Nayome - “Fair Warning” (Music Video)

We talked with Nayome in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

Nayome: Music has always been a part of my life and it’s in my DNA as I come from a family of aspiring musicians.  Growing up I always participated in school choirs from elementary to high school. It was in college where I discovered my love for writing song lyrics. Back in November 2017 I made a decision to step out of the shadows and write my first single “Missing You”. It was my first time going public with a song I wrote and I’m glad I made the move. I just wrote down how I felt in that moment in my notes on my phone and I didn’t actually record or finish up until 3 months later. Ever since I recorded that song, I’ve been so eager and motivated to write more and to share with the world!

Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?

Nayome: Honestly, there are too many to even list out as I have so many musical influences! For creative inspiration I listen to Erykah Badu or Bryson Tiller.  Beyoncé has been one of my favorite artists since Destiny’s Child. Her drive to keep outdoing what’s expected of her is truly amazing. At the moment, some of my favorite artists in my daily playlist consist of H.E.R, Alina Baraz, Xavier Omar, DVSN, Jhene Aiko, Ella Mai, SZA, Kehlani and so many more.  

Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?

Nayome: I’d love to collaborate with Alina Baraz one day!!!!!  I’ve been listening to her since 2015 and I love the way she writes her songs and the structure of her songs are simply amazing. She has that R&B/Electric Vibe that you can really feel while listening to her lyrically. Her most recent project “The Color of You” has been on a repeat since the day it came out. She’s truly a distinctive artist with a distinctive sound and I would love to see how our two styles mix together. 

Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?

Nayome: My best song so far in my opinion is my single “Fading.” This song is the second thing I’ve released and I pour a lot of emotion to the track. “Fading” is a relevant sequence of events that went on in my life that also played a part in my growth and it means a lot to me. I could say that it is the best yet most underrated song that I have released. I hold a lot of confidence in all my projects but when growth happens in my life it become a creative force to me and I think that’s a big motivator for me to keep going. 

Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Nayome: Knowing that I can do everything through Christ gives me a faith that constantly motivates me to keep pushing towards my passion. My mom is also someone who told me from the beginning to pursue my passion for singing.  I also want her to have everything she wants so if it takes me there that would be such a blessing to have the opportunity to bless her and others. Also, I still find it very surprising that people look up to me. I’ve had people tell me that I’m very inspiring by the way I go so aggressively towards my passions. If what I do with music motivates someone else to pursue their dreams then I think that’s all the success I need. Success is doing something that makes a person genuinely happy in life and everything that comes from that is just a benefit. 

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

Nayome: When it comes to my music I get inspired at the most random moments. One way of generating creativity is reflecting on my growth from life lessons and from there I will shut myself up in my room and focus on writing about my experiences. Another way is  I’ll be in my bed thinking about my day and I’ll turn on YouTube,  my TV and type in “R&B Type Beats” and just write down my feelings. I’ll generate new songs/ideas in the most random moments. It’s almost like my instincts tells me to stop what I’m doing and write about a feeling I have. 

Question: How do you describe your music to people?  

Nayome: I think my music is defined as “Vibey.” I would even go as far to say it will put you in the mood and make one feel like they have experienced the emotion I’m portraying in the song. 

Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Nayome: I don’t think there is a formula to success other than you HAVE to believe in yourself, stay consistent, and most of all to have FUN. 

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Nayome: I would most definitely have to say Beyonce. She’s a hard worker and she goes above and beyond in everything she does, and not to mention how incredibly talented she is!!! She literally masters singing and dancing like its nothing major to do! 

Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Nayome: Once again, I think Beyonce is the most influential artist in the game right now because of how she simply changes the game every time she does something musically. Her live performances are unmatched!!! I’ve had the pleasure of attending her Formation tour and the experience was unreal and being there actually pushed me a step closer to pursuing my passion because one day I would love to sell out arenas and bring happiness to every single person that comes out.  

Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Nayome: Currently, I am writing music that reflects happiness, but it always changes. It depends on what I’m feeling when I’m writing but every time I’m writing the goal is for my listeners to feel like they are in my shoes experiencing the emotion that is reflected in my songs. 

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Nayome: Sleepless nights taking a toll on my academic studies as well as taking a hit on my social life as I’ve lost some friends as I began to focus more on pursuing my music.

Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Nayome: I think the most exciting thing of making music is overcoming challenges. There are so many obstacles I face when writing my music/ recording my music. It’s the greatest feeling to overcome the obstacles that I face. I have become very quick to take on challenges as well such as making a song on a beat I’m not used to or just stepping out of my comfort zone in general, it’s a very fun process. Feeling discouraged is a type of mindset that I try to avoid having. I have to remind myself constantly that I can do anything I put my mind to. 

Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Nayome: In ten years, I see myself inspiring my generation and the generation behind me through my music. It’s a huge goal but with consistent growth in this industry I have no doubt that it can be achieved. 

Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Nayome: Don’t quit, stay consistent, and to stay true to themselves. The music industry is tough and it’s so easy to get discouraged and to remember to have fun with the process. Grow from the obstacles and keep pushing through.  

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

Nayome: I would like people to know that it’s very important to go for their passions. We only live once and it’s a better life when you are in control of your own life. I will try my absolute hardest to make sure my passion in singing/ writing is a part of my day to day life. I am working on my first EP. R E C O V E R Y+ that releases this Summer! I’m so excited to show the world what I’ve been working on and I hope that they catch the vibe!

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