Exclusive | Rapper Slim XxX Discusses Her Upcoming Debut EP & Her Single "Frontline"

“I’m passionate about making quality music that people can connect with.”

— Slim XXX

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 | Former Boxing Champ Lex Culture is Tackling Her Rap Career Head On

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Lex Culture, singer/songwriter/rapper from Oakland, California! This hot new artist has an ultimate goal to motivate the youth, and tell her story of what it’s like growing up in her shoes with aspirations of inspiring someone else to do the same. Lex Culture is a multitalented person being a former Basketball player & 3x National Amateur Boxing Champ. This artist has her own unique sound and has the talent to switch between rapping and singing successfully and brings a feel good vibe to her music.

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

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

Lex Culture: I’ve been making music officially for about a year now. I started singing in church choir at about age 4. Always loved it, just waited a while to make my own.

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

Lex Culture: My biggest Influence musically would have to be J.Cole. I love how he always has a message in his music and seems like such a caring person. My favorites would be Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Roddy Ricch, and Drake.

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

Lex Culture: Honestly I can only think of one person off the top of my head that I would love to collaborate with and that’s Roddy Ricch. I relate heavy to his music and it motivates me.

QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

Lex Culture: Would definitely be my new single “Feel Me”, because it’s the most I’ve opened up in my music so far and I feel like you can really feel the emotion in the song.

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

Lex Culture: I’m planning on releasing my first EP Titled “GRINDSZN” around June. It will definitely show my versatility as an artist.

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

Lex Culture: It usually comes randomly, or whenever I’m going thru something. I’ll just start typing in my notes on my phone or writing on paper so I’m feeling what I’m writing at that very moment.

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

Lex Culture: My struggle is what motivates me. I’ve dealt with a lot growing up and I’ve always been able to overcome whatever situation I was in. I personally feel like success is when you feel like you’ve accomplished what you know in your heart that you can do. Overcoming every obstacle thrown at you and saying “Yea, I did that.” Being comfortable and confident in your position.

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

Lex Culture: I describe my music as motivating, music for the soul. What separates me is that I’m not trying to fit in anyone’s category. One thing I’m big on is that I’m not selling sex in my music and I’m letting young women know that you don’t need to advertise sex in order to be seen or heard. I want to spread the importance of self-love and self-respect, not to say talking about sex in music is wrong, it’s just not my lane. I feel like that’s the main reason a lot of people can really respect & feel my music on another level.

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

Lex Culture: I feel like as long as you believe in your heart that being an artist is your destiny, that’s the key. Because if you want something bad enough you won’t stop until you have it.

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Lex Culture: Would definitely have to say my mom, she’s the strongest woman I know. She went through so much raising me and my brother on her own and everything that I do, I always have it in the back of my head that it’s for her. She deserves the world.

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

Lex Culture: I would definitely say J.Cole. I feel like he was one of the main people that brought meaningful music back. His music will actually make you think, and it captures the younger crowds as well.

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

Lex Culture: Passion, because I want to succeed so bad. Nothing in my life has been given to me and I want to prove to myself that I know I can do whatever I put my mind to.

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

Lex Culture: I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices, I’ve been homeless off and on since I was about 12. And as an adult I’ve had to bounce back and forth from couches, alongside working 3 jobs just to be able to cover my bills. I rarely socialize or see my family, because of how much I work. I often guilt trip myself whenever I do have fun because I feel like I shouldn’t be doing any resting until i’m at where I want to be at in life.

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

Lex Culture: Doing shows excites me the most. I always imagined myself when I was younger performing in front of large crowds and singing my heart out and making the crowd move. I’d have to say what discourages me the most would just be letting down people who I know look up to me.

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

Lex Culture: I see myself very well established and influential in the music industry. Hopefully producing tracks as well as having a music program for the youth.

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

Lex Culture: Stay focused, don’t trip off who’s listening and who’s not listening. Be yourself, remain humble and grateful for the good and the bad.

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

Lex Culture: Everything comes from the heart.

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Exclusive | Singer Jhamasa Talks Being an Advocate for Foster Youth and Music Influences

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is west coast R&B singer Jhamasa! Jhamasa Noel Lewis-Adams is originally from Orange, California but moved around as a youth, and spent most of her childhood in Los Angeles, California. She has a biological and adopted family, mentors, and friends who have become family. Jhamasa was a student of Black Eyed Pea's and Peace4Kids Peapod Music and Arts academy located at the Boys and Girls Club in Watts, CA. She graduated from Jackson State University in 2013, receiving her B.A. in Entrepreneurship with a minor in photography and mandarin. During college she also studied abroad and explored new art mediums.

She eventually moved back to California with a goal of financial and personal independence. She earned a certificate in fashion design at LA Trade Tech while building a career in the non-profit industry. During the past five years, Jhamasa has put focus into the community in health and nutrition, financial literacy, progressive education, and professional development post college.  

In 2014 she released a mixtape Retro Love Arcade with Corinthian Washington and in 2016, she put out an independent EP, titled 24K. On this project she talks about her experience in the foster care system. In April of 2018, Jhamasa hosted an independent art show focusing on sexual trauma foster youth face through art therapy. In addition, she released a single off of her debut project 11:11. In her free time she volunteers and advocates for educational and civil rights for foster youth.

This singer brings a soulful vibe to her music and is definitely someone you want to add to your playlist! Jhamasa has an authentic sound that makes you feel good about the future of R&B.

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

Jhamasa - “ESF (Every Single Flaw) Official Music Video

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

Jhamasa: I have been making music since 16. I was first inspired at 6.

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

Jhamasa: My biggest influences have been projects that are painfully authentic. To list a few: Lauryn Hill MTV Unplugged, Alicia Keys As I Am, Ambre Perkins Wanderlust, Gucci Mane Chicken Talk, Erykah Badu Baduizm, Bjork Human Behaviour, Sade Love Deluxe.

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

Jhamasa: I think the people I’m aligned to collaborate with aren’t known artists. I don’t even think I have met them yet or are aware of their physical presence.

QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

Jhamasa: The one I’m working on currently. Nothing is better than the present.

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

Jhamasa: Neon Soul produced by Aqeel The Nubian

Jhamasa - Beautiful Day (Official Music Video)

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

Jhamasa: I generate new ideas by continuously moving forward in my personal life. Creativity is directly associated with ability to leave your comfort zone.

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

Jhamasa: Life motivates me. The idea that we get to try again every day is inspiring. I define success by what you have to do to reach a goal and how one chooses to do so.

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?

Jhamasa: Spiritual, and raw.

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

Jhamasa: You have to be yourself. That is the job.

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Jhamasa: My ancestors.

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

Jhamasa: Chance The Rapper, because he is socially conscious and a forward thinker through his personal life and career.

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

Jhamasa: Love, because it always wins and is the source for all that I do.

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

Jhamasa: I’ve made many financial sacrifices as well as personal sacrifices to live my truth.

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

Jhamasa: What excites me most about making music is collaborating and relating emotionally to others. The most discouraging part is perfecting the recording process and trusting that it will come out as intended.

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

Jhamasa: In 10 years I see myself more independently built, perhaps with my own record label and a consistent workload that relates to the creation of music. I also want to start producing my own sound.

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

Jhamasa: Become self sufficient. Don’t be afraid to get burned. Creativity is not masculine, you can’t force it, its feminine, you have to endure, you have to let it flow.

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

Jhamasa: I am an advocate for foster youth, and if God willing I make it, I hope to help others reach their potential in music as well.

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Exclusive | Lylo Gold Talks the Release of Her Debut Album 'Heartbreak & Wray'

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is London based R&B songstress Lylo Gold! Lylo Gold recently released her debut album entitled ‘Heartache & Wray’, following a turbulent relationship which featured an array of melodic sounds that introduces you into her own world.  This artist is building an impressive resume with over 250,000 accrued plays on Spotify and has also been featured on The Fader, The MOBO's Ones to Watch and The AfroPunk Playlist, making her an artist to watch throughout the UK and beyond.  

Lylo Gold began singing at a young age of 11, and now at 25 years old, she has gone on to compose, write and co-produce an array of songs alongside a variety of artists. She is mostly known for some iconic releases including Starry Night & Over U, which were produced by frequent collaborator XVR BLCK. The UK has a number of talented artists, and Lylo Gold is another proven talent coming out of London. This artist has a voice that needs to be heard and don’t be surprised if you start hearing her name more in the near future!

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

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

A: I’ve been making music forever! I started writing poems and lyrics when I was around 7 and I started singing on stage at 11. I’ve always made music... I just lacked the confidence to front my own music. Until... (drum roll) NOW!! 

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

Lylo Gold: My biggest influence is Mariah Carey. I love her! Her voice is like water! It’s so incredible. I love male singers usually so I’m shocked really but I love so many artists! From Donell Jones, Usher, The Whispers, Earth Wind and Fire, Jasmine Sullivan, Whitney, Nai Palm, Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, Erykah, Xavier Omar!!! Boys II Men... I just love a beautiful vocal!  

Lylo Gold

Photo by: Gillian Murray

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

Lylo Gold: I really want to work with Anderson Paak - he has this freedom in his music and a personality with it that I think evokes ideas in me from listening... to imagine a session. With his creativity and mine.... ooh... I get really excited! I feel this way about Q Tip, Pharrell, Beyonce... the list is extensive!  

QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

Lylo Gold: Heartache and Wray... I actually love the project now - which is weird because we have a weird relationship. I loved the fact that I got expressive and experimental and allowed my vocals to really shine on this project... I’m not like one of those people who just care about my voice... I love the whole dynamic of a song, which I feel was expressed on this project. 

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

Lylo Gold: Amazing music, stunning videos and a reality tv show.... honestly!

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

Lylo Gold: Music comes to me, I don’t look for it. Songs are already there... it’s just not everyone can hear them. I think I just channel what’s already there. Its the magic... it’s like you hear a language that no one else can hear - like Parsel tongue in Harry Potter - it’s wizardry! 

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

Lylo Gold: Life is my motivation. Life is all about balance, progression, growth and love. I try to treat the world how I want to be treated. I try to be as loving as I can... I believe that we are all connected and all contribute to the state of the world. That makes me responsible. It means I know my place in the world and what I need to contribute to the world.

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?

Lylo Gold: I literally say. “You tell me”. My music to me sounds like different things dependent on my mood and where I am at emotionally when I listen. 

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

Lylo Gold: Yes, by committing yourself to your craft, respecting and believing in your craft. I think people have to invest in their talents... they have to see the value in it before anyone else does.  

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Lylo Gold: My mum. She’s a Queen. She had two sets of twins and bossed at being a phenomenal mother!

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

Lylo Gold: Beyonce…she works her arse off. There really isn’t anything more to say. Hard work pays off!

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

Lylo Gold: Love. Because I am love. 

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

Lylo Gold: lol.... how much space do I have? I sacrificed time with my family, time with my friends, sleep, relationships, I’ve worked jobs I’ve hated, endured people I don’t like... allowed people to do things that I dislike for the sake of peace... I’ve made so many sacrifices! Especially financially!

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

Lylo Gold: Writing the songs and adding the harmonies and ad libs! I love this stuff lol I like chords so I guess the creativity. I hate recording :(

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

Lylo Gold: Several awards. Several platinum plaques... I see myself happy with a family and a music school!

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

Lylo Gold: Work hard. Not just on your instrument, on yourself... work on your energy, your emotions, then your craft... your understanding of music.. learn as much as you can. Learn how people operate. Learn about the legalities...Learn to protect your talent.  

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

Lylo Gold: I’m going to be releasing some of my best work in 2019. Follow me!!!

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Exclusive | Malcolm Taylor Talks Regaining His Faith and Inspiring People Through Music

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Philly rapper, Malcolm Taylor! This rapper uses his talents to paint a vivid picture with his lyrics based on his life experiences and uses his voice to spread a conscious, positive message. Malcolm has a versatility in his flow that makes each song feel different and keeps you entranced with the story telling. He remains authentic to his own delivery and separates himself from mainstream artists with his own style. This is an artist you need in your playlist.

Malcolm Taylor - PRAY PRAY PRAY (Music Video)

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

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

Malcolm Taylor: I been making music for over six years now. I can’t really tell you when I started, it’s just always been around me. 

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

Malcolm Taylor: No one actually, I get inspiration from life, experiences, and what ever moves me. Some of my favorites are Biggie, 2pac, Jay-Z, Nas, DMX, OutKast, Kanye West, and Lauryn Hill just to name a few. I could really go on for days with naming my favorites.

Malcolm Taylor - Heart in it (Music Video)

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

Malcolm Taylor: At the moment I would say J. Cole and Ty Dolla. I pick Cole because we would compliment each other by giving our point of views on what ever we choose to rhyme about. Ty Dolla brings a different element and vibe. Simply picked him because I enjoy his music.

Question: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

Malcolm Taylor: I really couldn’t tell you that, I put my all into everything. The one I have more of a personal connection with is a song titled “Faith” on my 1st project titled Commemorate. When I talk about losing my faith when my mother was murdered to gaining it back when my son was born. 

Malcolm Taylor - PITY (Music Video)

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

Malcolm Taylor: I’m working on so much music that my fans just might get more than two projects from me in 2019.

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

Malcolm Taylor: A lot of times I let the the production talk to me. If it doesn’t touch my soul I don’t write or even want to put my energy towards it. The best is like a canvas and what ever it tells me to paint I just go for it.

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

Malcolm Taylor: What motivates me is my purpose. My purpose is to be that voice that inspires others, and motivate them in an artistic way.  

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

Malcolm Taylor: It’s a heartfelt experience!

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

Malcolm Taylor: Not at all. I feel like everybody has their own path to success. 

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration? 

Malcolm Taylor: So many things but life, my son, my parents, my fans, music and God. 

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

Malcolm Taylor: I would have to say Jay-Z. We have to sit back and see everything this guy has really accomplished with his team. It’s amazing to me on so many levels. He just continues to break barriers and open doors for artists to really be moguls and business owners.

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

Malcolm Taylor: Passion because without it how can you make people feel where you’re coming from

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

Malcolm Taylor: Go on a budget and really trim the fat on things I don’t really need.

Malcolm Taylor - Can I Live (Music Video)

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

Malcolm Taylor: Creating the music and performing the music gets me excited the most. At the moment nothing discourages me, I’m in love with process.

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

Malcolm Taylor: I see my music springing the next generation to do great things.

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

Malcolm Taylor: Stay true to yourself because it’s only one of you!

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

Malcolm Taylor: The New Ep is out now, “Protect your Energy” enjoy it until the next release!

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Exclusive | TyShawn Dion is One of the Best Lyricists in Massachusetts

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is a dope lyricist from the East Coast, TyShawn Dion! TyShawn hails from Worcester, Massachusetts which is not too far outside of Boston. This hot new artist spent the last 4 years at the University of Connecticut where he was also a student athlete playing football for his first two and a half years there but certain events forced him to walk away. TyShawn Dion brings a fierce delivery that is second to none in today’s hip hop landscape and is definitely an artist that you should keep your eye on for the future! Take it from us, he’s next up.

TyShawn Dion - Look Alive (Gawdly Mix)

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

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

TyShawn Dion: I’ve been doing music forever to be honest, since I was a youngin. But I remember writing my first rap when I was like 7 and I’m 22 now so 15 years. Felt like a old head saying that haha but I’ve been taking it dead serious for a few years now. I always say that seeing lil Bow Wow got me started because I wanted to be the youngest doing it, but I feel like it was just in my blood. My older cousins used to try to rap and I would always jump in the cyphers and wash them

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

TyShawn Dion: My uncle really influenced me a lot along the way early on and helped me understand that I had a gift but to be honest, it’s mostly been my bros and I trying to figure this whole thing out through trial and error. If you’re talking musical influences I’d have to say it was my favorites growing up like B.I.G, Hov of course, Ye even though he been off of it lately, Kendrick, Cole, Drake, Lauryn Hill and hella others but I feel like you can hear them in my work the most.

TyShawn Dion Freestyle

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

TyShawn Dion: Before I die I have to work with Jay, Kendrick, Cole, Drake, Adele, Trav, and Future. Like if I was to get on tomorrow those are the firsts on my list. Every single one of them make music that really pushes me to elevate my craft and showing that I could MORE than hang with them on a record would just really show that I really do this.

QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song ever released and why?

TyShawn Dion: As of now, I’d have to say “Humble Pie” just because it’s my most transparent song that’s been released as of now. It gives you lyrics, melodies, story-telling, a relatable story line, it’s catchy and has hella replay value. That’s my baby but I’m so passed that song. I wrote that like 3 years ago and held it in the vault for a while. NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION SOON

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

TyShawn Dion: All of my music comes from real experiences that I’ve dealt with, or something that an individual close to me has dealt with so I really rely on life itself to push me. Sometimes it’s annoying because if I’m not feeling it, I’m not really excited about it but luckily I’m a really creative writer so I can spin things that I see as boring into something enjoyable.  

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

TyShawn Dion: Just remembering all of the trash that my family and I dealt with growing up and never wanting to ever go back to that makes me want to grind. I’m trying to provide better opportunities for them, my friends, and my future family and I know I can really do that with music. I feel like success has a financial component for sure, but that doesn’t mean a damn thing if you’re the ONLY one of your people that are up. Gotta be sure to uplift those that you care about collectively and help develop them holistically

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?

TyShawn Dion: My music is a whole vibe. I’m real versatile so it’s hard to put me in a box but I focus on painting vivid pictures for people that are listening. I’d say that you definitely have to listen because I have a lot of lines that go over people's’ head, but you aren’t going to listen to my music and feel like you’re being talked at. I mix bops with words that mean something.

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

TyShawn Dion: I feel like in order to be successful as an artist today, you have to be a  have and be a damn personality as well. There are so many fire ass artists that don’t get real recognition because they’re basically an egg on social media. Supporters want to feel like they know you, like they can connect with you on a personal level in addition to being able to enjoy your music.

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

TyShawn Dion: My momma, my momma, my momma. I’m a momma’s boy for sure; not on some attached to the booby, “as mommy say, I do” type of time but I just have so much respect for her. She sacrificed so much for us, and raised 3 kids all by herself at 25 after my dad got killed. That’s my queen.

TyShawn Dion - Duppy Freestyle

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

TyShawn Dion: If anyone says anything other than Drake they’re lying. His reach is unprecedented at this point. Mans is doing 3 straight sold out shows in the same city, touching a billion streams regularly, and he really just has the Midas touch. If Drake hops on your song as an up and comer, it’s his song now and that’s okay because he just helped jump start your career and get you a plaque. I wouldn’t say “rapper” but I’d say he’s the greatest rap STAR of all-time.

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

TyShawn Dion: Lately, it’s definitely been a combination of passion, reminiscence, and hunger. I think that I’m just so focused right now that I can’t help but show it in my music and a lot of that focus is coming from me reflecting on what got me to this point.

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

TyShawn Dion: Aside from sleep? I’ve lost friends over this…  The dream played a big part in me walking away from football, and I’ve even had to sacrifice certain aspects of relationships for this. It’s been said so many times but this really is way deeper than music for me.

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

TyShawn Dion: Um. I think the most exciting part is getting to share it with my supporters at shows and concerts because as a performer, you get to really hone in on giving that experience that’s going to stick with them every time they hear a song again. A close 1b. has to be when I hear a beat and I really just start writing something, and when I run it back to myself I geek out before I keep writing.

The most discouraging used to be figuring out how to package it, deciding which way I want to deliver it etc. I’m a perfectionist which really annoys me sometimes but I’m really starting to learn to just love the whole process. I’m still learning how to record things and manipulate sounds etc because rapping acapella and putting something on wax are two completely different things; but I know everything comes in time.

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

TyShawn Dion: No gas, I see myself toward the forefront of this all. On the largest stage possible. I know that even doing this interview I’m only like 70% bought in because I’m still focusing on other things but there are weeks where I’m at a full blown 100%. It’s coming.

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

TyShawn Dion: Be a student of the game. Not just the trends or what wave is hot because all of that fades. When you’re a student of the game, and you know your history or can pull from different genres… if you’ve educated yourself on the BUSINESS side of things as well as focusing on the quality of your music, I think things will work themselves out. The idea of being an “overnight success” has to leave too. I have bros really in the industry, multi-million dollar deals, that got denied left and right for YEARS before it popped; so don’t be afraid to be rejected, invent, and reinvent yourself. I’m doing the same damn thing.

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

TyShawn Dion: I took some time to focus on rebranding for a while but I’m prepping to drop a few singles very VERY soon (like within the upcoming weeks). Also, I’m almost done drafting and outlining my debut project “Gawds Don’t Die” so stay glued for that. I really love interacting with my supporters so follow me on IG: @diongawdly and find me on twitter @TyShawnDion ! Music is just part of it. I act, I design, I model, hell I might start doing comedy who knows. Stay real to yourself, make sure you go check out “Humble Pie” and all of my other tracks currently out and stay tuned because a majority of those can’t scrape the boot bottoms of what I have coming to y’all next.

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