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 | Lyricist DFlowetry is Leaving "No Regrets" With His Rap Career

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is west coast rapper DFlowetry! DFlowetry who's real name is Damascus Fields, is a dope lyricist out of Las Vegas, Nevada and his flow is definitely something you need to be paying attention to! This is an artist that is on the rise in hip hop as he is a true artist that matches hot visuals to go with top notch lyrics! DFlowetry has an original flow that is being less and less seen in hip hop today. 

DFlowetry - “Nights Like This” (Music Video)

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

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

DFlowetry: Been doing music for 3 and half years now to be exact. It all started cause i had friends and a older brother that were doing music so i was like let me try it out. I was easily influence by them but never rap to anyone or to my friends, just kinda kept to myself until i was ready to tell them I want to do music. And once I told them, everyone was pretty much surprise but supportive at the same time though.

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

DFlowetry: Honestly Kobe Bryant was my biggest influence. Despite him not being a Music Artist, he was the one that gravitated towards me the most cause of his drive and determination to win no matter what. I try take that same approach in my daily life no matter how tough things might get, It builds character. As far as Musicians, Its a long list when it comes to my favorite ones. My top 5 favorites are Michael Jackson, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Ludacris, and Lil Wayne.

DFlowetry - "No Regrets" (Music Video)

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

DFlowetry: That list is long as well, but the two I’ll say is Logic and Wiz Khalifa. Logic because flow wise I think we’ll sound good together on a track, and we might have a little similarities in certain areas. Wiz Khalifa is one of the most versatile artist ever in my opinion so that alone is the reason i will love to work with him.

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

DFlowetry: Man Thats a tough one cause I like everything I put out. It can be my worse song I did and I’ll still love it like its my best work. And I think most Artist in general will feel the same way cause most will cherish everything they do for the simple fact they put a lot of time and effort to create a song. But those that support me seem to like “Nights Like this’’ from me out of all the songs I did recently cause they being going hard sharing the video all over twitter for me.

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

DFlowetry: You just got to live your life and experience, That can help a lot when coming up with new music. So I try to do that as much as possible.

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

DFlowetry: Seeing others doing well Motivates me. Thats why It doesn’t make sense to me when some people pray on other peoples down falls cause they not successful. Everyone should use someone else success for motivation on what they got going on for them cause I’m a firm believer thats its room for everyone to win if you are doing it right. Thats my way on looking at things, we got to uplift each other. And What defines success to me is when you are able to help family and your close ones financially. Thats real success in my opinion.

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

DFlowetry: I say its Honest, Real, Turnt up, a vibe, and motivational.

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

DFlowetry: Not at all! Its no rules to this music game. Everybody that made a name for themselves didn’t do exactly what the next artist did to get recognize. They did what worked for them and sticked with it. But you can follow a successful Artist footsteps and apply it to you and still be yourself.

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

DFlowetry: Kobe Bryant and Michael Jackson.

DFlowetry - "The Vent" (Music Video)

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

DFlowetry: Easily Drake! Thats a fact. No explanation needed honestly.

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

DFlowetry: Passion and joy. The effort I put into a song reflects on how my supporters hears the music. I don’t half ass on a song, I put my all in one song to bring out whatever emotion there is. When you give it a 100 percent, the rest will take care of itself.

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

DFlowetry: Till this day Im making sacrifices cause I don’t work a 9 to 5 anymore. I don’t hang out with friends as much as I use to cause I’m pretty much working on me during my spare time.  Those are the two main things I sacrificed and I don’t regret it at all.

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

DFlowetry: Finding the beats is the best part of the process to me. Its always a great feeling when you are listening to new beats cause it gets you excited to actually write to it before you even record it. I just like to vibe first before anything. When it comes to sound quality, that can be the most discouraging part in the process of making music honestly. I say that cause most times you get a song back thats done mixing and mastered, Your not going to like it 9 times out of ten. So therefore, your constantly going back and forth with engineers just to get one song or project right on the quality. That right there can be frustrating.

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

DFlowetry: Thats to far ahead to look into but I’m going with the flow in the meantime. Hopefully great things is going on for me 10 years from now.

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

DFlowetry: I’ll know when I get there, Im still in that process as a upcoming Artist.

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

DFlowetry: Yes of course. Im a Artist from Las Vegas, NV and been living out here for 15 years now. Prior than living in Las Vegas, I lived in San diego, California and also lived in Okinawa, Japan. I grew up in a Military family and that explains why I was moving around a lot at such a young age. I was born In North Carolina, Fayetteville but only lived there until I was 6 months old. North. Las Vegas is where I’m currently living now and is what I call home now. If you are reading this follow me on all my social media. Everything is @DFlowetry. Stay updated and New Music coming soon.

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Exclusive | Sonta Me'Shay is Chicago's Next Great R&B Singer

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is rising R&B artist, Sonta Me'Shay! Sonta has a voice that this generation needs to hear! The Chicago singer is signed to Machine Group Entertainment which features G Herbo, Tink and more! Sonta has had major success with her songs You Ain't Shit, Final Goodbye, Friends, And Word To My Ex, all gathering millions of views on youtube! 

Sonta - Crushing (Official Music Video)

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

Question: How long have you been making music and how did you break into the music industry?

Sonta:  I have been making music since I was old enough to understand that I could sing forreal, but I have been releasing music for 3 years. What broke me into the industry was putting music out while also uploading videos singing, rapping and saying poems that I had written.

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

Sonta: My biggest influences are Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill & Beyonce. My favorite musicians is this girl named Sonta lol, no but I like mostly Chicago artists, some mainstream and mostly old school RnB. Mary J, Destiny's Child, Cherish, 112, Jagged Edge etc.

Question: You're signed to Chicago’s Machine Group Entertainment which features some other major artists in G-Herbo, Tink, and Queen Key! What musicians would you most like to collaborate with for the future and why?

Sonta: Yes, I am. I would like to collaborate with all of the Upcoming Chicago Artists because it's good for the city. I would also like to collab with mainstream artists like SZA, Jhene Aiko, Tank etc.

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

Sonta: I love all of my music equally, but You Aint Shit is my baby.

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

Sonta: What motivates me is God, my Mom, my Family, My Team, those who believe in me & those who don't. I define success as true peace, inside and out.

Question: What projects can people look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Sonta: In the near future people can look forward to me dropping PART 2 to the video series for my project InMyFeelings. In the Future I will be dropping a surprise Trailer introducing my next project.

Question: How do you generate new ideas

Sonta - “Crazy Over U” (Music Video)

Sonta: They usually just come to me because I use everything as inspiration.

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

Sonta: I describe my music as RnD; Rhythm&Drill. Its like a sweet sound but I'm speaking real sh*t.

Question: What do you believe is the formula to being a successful artist in today’s hip hop culture?

Sonta: I mean just be yourself and if people feel you they feel you.

Question: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Sonta: My Mother, and Sister! Also the people who saw greatness in me in my younger years.

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

Sonta: Beyonce because now that I'm pursuing the same career, I know how hard she works. Have to give credit where it’s due.

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

Sonta: I would say Passion and just emotion period because I go off of how im feeling at the moment.

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

Sonta: The sacrifices I have had to make are mainly with time with loved ones and working long hours in the studio.

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

Sonta: Just coming up with new sounds and networking. Nothing discourages me.

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

Sonta: I just take it day by day like SZA said.

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

Sonta: The advice I would give is to stay focused and stay true to yourself.

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

Sonta: I don't consider myself a Singer or Rapper. I am a Writer. So what you hear are my Thoughts.

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Exclusive | R&B Newcomer Damar Jackson is Putting on for Louisiana

R&B newcomer Damar Jackson is a star. The talented singer out of DeRidder, Louisiana has an  impressive confidence that makes it clear he knows exactly where he belongs. As a young prodigy who began playing the drums and keys at his church at the age of 9, Jackson stood in awe of great vocal performances as far back as he can remember, watching greats like Prince and Michael Jackson. His mother, also a singer in the church, fully nurtured his talent, enrolling him in music lessons as soon as she discovered her son’s innate talent.

By the time he was in high school, Damar knew exactly where he was headed; the only question was how. “When I was in high school, if you wanted to get money you were either selling candy, selling drugs or selling mixtapes,” he recalls. “So I had this song I wrote with my boy. And I figured out how to record it on my keyboard and put that one song on blank CDs.” 

A band scholarship would lead him to the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and while there, Damar continued to create opportunities to promote his music all while honing his craft. “The whole time I was in school, I was creating my sound,” he says. “So I turned my room into a recording studio.”  He booked and promoted his own shows, which would lead to opportunities to open for artists like Bobby V, Day 26, and Ludacris. 

As he prepared for graduation as a Mass Communications major, a chance Twitter encounter lead him to an internship with Def Jam Record’s Atlanta office. His intern days were not without their share of challenges as Damar recalls sleeping in his car after events to make sure he made it to work on time. Damar continued to perfect his craft as a songwriter and producer, contributing to K-Camp’s success with songs like the hit single “Comfortable.” 

His debut single “ Crazy, ” in which he revisits the last days of the relationship that sustained him during his early years in Atlanta, is an emotional rollercoaster both musically and lyrically. “We got to a point where she saw the success coming,” he explains, “but even though I thought we had been preparing for the late nights and work trips, it started driving her crazy.” As he puts the finishing touches on his debut project, from which the single is drawn, Damar promises more of the same “I be trying to tell both sides of everything. There’s a lot that comes with the decision to choose to take it there with a woman that you don’t plan on marrying. But a lot of guys aren’t honest about the consequences, not just what you’re doing to her, but how it affects you too.” 

With his debut project nearly ready to hit the public, Damar Jackson is set to make his mark on the music industry as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

Damar Jackson - No Protection ft. Kash Doll (Music Video)

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

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

Jackson: For 8 years and I got started playing the drums. I discovered my gifts early and kept sharpening my tools. 

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

Jackson: R Kelly, Ryan Leslie, Static Major, T Pain, Usher and more and every artist that made an impact in the game I studied and have been influenced by. 

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

Jackson: Kanye West and I think he might inspire me to create something different if we get in the lab. 

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

Jackson: I don’t have best song yet, I’m still growing with the music but my best project so far is Unfaithful. 

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

Jackson: My gifts motivate me, and everyone that’s depending on me. Success is defined by your goals. Being happy with your life and decisions. 

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

Jackson: Always brainstorming and being a forward thinker. 

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

Jackson: ratchet, passionate, raw, soulful 

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

Jackson: there’s no formula but there are some basic principles you should know and practice 

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Jackson: God

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

Jackson: Chris Brown, he’s still out here cutting up. Making hits, clothing line, movies etc. salute CB

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

Jackson: passion, it’s a real story.   

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

Jackson: Too many to name, going broke, missing moments with family, losing sleep, working desperately but now working out of confidence. 

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

Jackson: Nothing discounting me because I love the whole process. I’m a real artist so I make the best, mix it, pull up pro tools, record and mix it and upload it to iTunes. 

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

Jackson: One of the biggest icons in the world. 

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

Jackson: Don’t stop grinding and connect the dots. Stay prayed up. Make the right sacrifices and believe in yourself no matter who doesn’t support you.

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