Exclusive | T. Mason Talks the Release of His Sophomore Project 'Got Home Late'

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Georgia rapper, T. Mason! Tyler Anthony Mason, known professionally as T. Mason, is a rapper and songwriter out of Decatur, Georgia. T. Mason began making music as a teenager and since then, Mason has opened up for acts B.o.B, Future, EarthGang and J.I.D. In 2016, Mason gathered a following behind two of his hit singles “Faded” and “Money Come n’ Go”.  After signing with independent record label, All Black Congress, Mason dropped his debut project, The T. Mason EP in 2017.  

Not long after his EP release, Mason’s notoriety continued to grow securing over 100,000 streams online.  Mason has been noted as an MC with a “prominent voice” by Creative Loafing Magazine and a “progressive artists with a not-so-hidden agenda”. With only one project in Mason’s discography, fans grow in anticipation for the release of his Sophomore LP, Got Home Late releasing summer 2019. Check this artist out as he is definitely up and coming!

T. Mason - Money Come N' Go

We talked with T. Mason in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

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

T. Mason: I’ve been making music since about 16. I got started by freestyling at the lunch table back in 10th grade with my label mate, Phonic. After a while, people all knew we did music. That is how I ended up meeting my engineers. They were in a grade higher than I was but still gave me a place to record and hone my craft. 

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

T. Mason: To be real R&B is one of my biggest influences. My Dad is from Detroit, so every time we took a road trip up there he would keep about 8 big cases of CD’s. Before then, the only rap I listened to was Biggie, Kanye, Common and Jay Z. Other than that, I just knew the mainstream songs that everyone else knew on the radio. I was a kid though so I didn’t understand all the lyrics. I didn’t become a fan of rap until I reached the end of middle school and early high school. That is when I got deep into Outkast, Good Mob and 90’s rap. I got more serious with music after hearing some of the underground artist that were out at the time like Wiz , Asap Rocky, Drake, Kendrick, J. Cole, Big Krit, Dom Kennedy, etc. 

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

T. Mason: If I could collaborate with an artist it would be Cee-lo . Cee-lo is just crazy to me. Especially to see how  much his artsy evolved throughout his career. I would also go for artists like The Internet, Jorga Smith, Daniel Caesar, SiR, etc. Really anyone who would complement my style of hip-hop. I wouldn’t mind collaborating with some rappers, but I am a big fan of our generations’ singers. If I could choose one overall though, I would have done a song with Marvin Gaye or someone like that.  

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

T. Mason: I believe Money come N’ Go is my best-released song. I love how it incorporates two different vibes in one. The idea was to mesh two different beats together but deliver one cohesive message. The song itself hones in on the reality that we all face. There is more than enough times when money leaves our pockets in an instant. Most of the times from things we can’t control like bills and other setbacks. People always feel like they don’t have many options in life. That’s why I ended the last line of the first verse with “There ain’t no real reason why we shoot and steal. We all rob gotta pay the bills”   

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

T. Mason: It usually involves me getting out to enjoy life once in a while. Many times, I grab lyrics from actual events or emotions that were important at one point in my life. Whether that’s a past relationship or a current event. I’m always thinking of ideas so when one pops up I just write it down in my phone. 

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

T. Mason: My family is my biggest motivation and forever will be. They encourage and support the music so much that it’s truly a blessing. Many people don’t have the full support from their parents. This journey is not practical, and it doesn’t support you consistently. For that reason, many look down on it. I define success as waking up every day doing what I love without having to struggle for my needs. Sure there’s plenty I want in life, but more than anything I want peace of mind.  

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?     

T. Mason: Smooth and conscious or consciously smooth idk lol. I describe it as a vibe. An experience. It’s like riding a wave. There is depth to it. 

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

T. Mason: Now there are many different ways to become a successful artist. Whether that’s being authentic or trolling.  I don’t believe that there is a set formula but if there was it would be Faith, consistency and confidence.  

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration? 

T. Mason: My greatest inspiration are the people who came before me. Not just artists, but African Americans who fought and paved the way for everything I can do today. Too many to name, but everyone who has contributed to pushing hip-hop or our culture is a major inspiration to me. People back then made the impossible happen. It all helped shift and evolve change. I want to use my voice to be a part of something like that.  

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

T. Mason: I would put Kendrick, Drake, and J. Cole up there. What is different about them from many other artist is that these three individuals became the most successful artist off being conscious and personal. That’s not something anyone can do. Especially in an era where music is more watered down then its ever been.  

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

T. Mason: My music is very vibey. It’s also nostalgic in the sense that it can remind you of experiences that are heart-warming, or the exact opposite. I speak about my actual experiences so just like anyone’s life it’s a mixture between highs and lows. However, I would like to think my music is predominately driven by passion.  

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

T. Mason: I have lost relationships with friends and significant others. I have gotten into disagreements with family and other people’s disapproval of my path. I have cut a lot of things off to protect my energy and remain undistracted. However, I feel that comes with chasing any “dream.”

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

T. Mason: I’ll start with the bad haha. What’s discouraging is finding out that this journey will take longer than I initially intended..  As an independent artist, we all meet similar obstacles. Finances can become a problem because it’s essential when funding everything you need for a release. With financial issues comes less time because you need to find work.  Not being paid well for my art is also something that can be disappointing. However.. It is the random listeners who reach out to me after listening to my music that motivates me. Or the times when someone stops me after a performance to give me words of encouragement. There’s nothing better than fighting for something you believe in. The tears and disappointment just make the good times and accomplishments that much better. 

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

T. Mason: I see myself as a successful entrepreneur more than just an artist. I believe that I am here to make dope sounds, but to also help people through music.  I’m real passionate about other things like fashion, film, and philanthropy. My idea of success is simply taking care of my family while having the resources to help others in needs. 

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

T. Mason: NEVER give up. Those who do music start doing it because they think its easy and lucrative. However, things start to look different when rapping as a hobby doesn’t pay the bills every month. Keeping the balance between your dreams and reality is the hardest thing about this. Not everybody makes it in the industry. Chasing a dream can become very dark in these times so if you do not have a passion or purpose you will quit 9 times out of 10. Stay persistent but do it all for the right reasons and you’ll be ok.

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

T. Mason: I’m grateful for those who resonated with my last body of work. This time around, my music has grown in many ways. The sophomore project dropping this summer will give listeners a much closer look inside T. Mason and the layers of his music. Can’t wait to share it with you guys.

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Exclusive | Maui Max Talks His Motivation To Change Lives Through Music

“Everything I say in my music are real emotions and things that I go through whether it’s a hype song or something you can just ride to. You never have to worry about me fabricating anything or being something i’m not; I give you the good and the bad.”

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is East Coast rapper, Maui Max! This 25 year old artist was born in Newark, New Jersey but now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. We’ve interviewed a lot of talented artists on this platform, and this is easily one of the most under the radar rappers out right now. Maui Max brings a dope flow with raw lyrics and just about every song is a banger in it’s own right. He does a good job of making music you can vibe to, and music you can turn up to while still holding true to his own originality. Slept on is an understatement, and if you’re looking for new music for your playlist, this artist has to be added.

Maui Max - Want It All (Prod. by LaCoMusic)

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

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

Maui Max: Been making music seriously for about 6 years. I moved from Jersey to Georgia in 2011, got a job at a clothing store and one of the managers told me I looked like somebody who would hang out with his little brother lol. So one day he introduced me then me and bro been rocking ever since, come to find out he does music not only rap, but produces and engineers as well. I always wanted to rap but at the time I didn’t think it was realistic and in Jersey there weren’t many platforms or studios that I knew of. Being a fly on the wall and watching the homies work, doing features here and there and being pushed to take it seriously, I said why not? I’m going to make my own mixtape and it was on from there.

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

Maui Max: My biggest influence can’t just be one person, it’s a whole plethora of artists I look up to but if I had to name any off top it would be Pac, Jay Z, Nas, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, Schoolboy Q, Cole, Wiz, Cudi, and the late great Nipsey Hussle not just because he’s gone now. People that know me knows what he meant to me alive. It’s hard because i’m a rap music guy and so many artist have a big influence on who I am as a person and style as an artist. 9/10 if they from LA they probably had an impact on me at some point, I love the culture and authenticity of the westcoast.

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

Maui Max: Most people I would like to collab with are people I would like to just sit down and chop it up with, get game, ask questions, build far beyond music, people who I identified with and said “We be thinking the same shit.” So I guess it would be my idols and influencers I named previously. I don’t really have anybody in particular i’m just dying to work with, I let stuff like that happen naturally. Matter fact, Pharrell, when he collabs with artists he brings this classic feeling.

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

Maui Max: TO ME my favorite song that I released will probably be “Work” produced by the homie Waitmattno. The bars and flow are effortless and when people want to hear me for the first time that is my go to track. It gets people moving. Song is so old but timeless, I had a lot to get off my chest and I was angry because somebody told me that my music was alright so I said i’ll show them how alright I am and boom, everyone’s favorite song by me was made lol. It’s been so hard to recreate something like that.

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

Maui Max: I have my first full length project dropping summer time 2019 executively produced by the dude I said I met and got me into music LaCo. It’s so dope so far I can’t wait for people to hear it and also see the visuals, it’s a reintroduced me. Don’t have a name for it yet as I like things to come naturally, we just building the product til it’s ready 100%. 

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

Maui Max: Live. I just speak about what i’m feeling. I feel like you can never run out of ideas if you just being you. 

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

Maui Max: My kids motivate me, I got 2 boys, the world motivates me, cause I love it so much but hate it at times. I always wanted to go out in a blaze of glory fighting for what I believe in and that’s the betterment of my people. When it’s my time to go I want my boys to be able to say I was a real G. I want the world to remember and carry my name, I want to set a blueprint for them. That’s success to me, forget about the money give me a platform to say what I feel needs to be said and done to change lives. I’m also motivated by working for other people because I hate it.

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

Maui Max: I just say I don’t rap like anybody you’ve heard and that’s because I really believe that. Nobody sounds like me and I don’t sound like anybody. Especially people my age and coming up like I am. I rap how I think a dope rapper should approach a beat not what I think everybody wants to hear.

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

Maui Max: Music is powerful. There’s definitely blueprints to follow but I think you can pick and choose what you think would work for you, there’s no right or wrong way to do this and that’s the beauty of it, I think people who want to make money come up with all these analytics and cheat codes but if you genuinely want to reach people you just got to be you, be relatable. Say something, help raise these kids through your music. 

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

Maui Max: Hands down Hov, could have been Nipsey if given more time (RIP) but look at where Hov came from and where he’s at. The fact that he’s basically 50 and selling out american tours and can drop a album and it’s a big event alone proves that. When that man talks, we listen.

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

Maui Max: It’s a mix of everything because I’ve been through so much these past couple of years, it really just depends on how i’m feeling in that moment. I’m human and I display that in the music.

Maui Max - #Work (Prod. by WMN)

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

Maui Max: Giving up drugs, I have my fun, but I started realizing that partying hard and doing things to tear up my body was taking a toll on what I was making when I really thought it was helping. Having to record in a hot ass garage sweating non stop just to get things done that I might not even like. Taking time away from my kids wishing I can be with them more. Spending my last to make sure I get good quality product so y’all can take me seriously. A whole lot more. 

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

Maui Max: I don’t get excited until the song is done. Most times I already have a pre thought on how I think it will sound and if it doesn’t come out how I thought or want, i’m hurt. So once the main parts of a song is done that’s when I REALLY start to get creative that’s the part that excites me. The writing process can be discouraging sometimes because I can’t always think of something dope to say and I start to overthink. I put a lot of thought into what I put out. Im starting to break out of that though and just free myself and have fun again while still keeping the integrity of the music alive.

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

Maui Max: Lord willing doing big things, things I always knew I would do, things I never thought I could do. Owning businesses, opening schools, being a real boss. 

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

Maui Max: If you need to, it’s okay to take a break, don’t kill yourself. I went crazy about this thing a million times, it really messes with your head and that’s why you always see these depressed artists. You got hella time, take it to make the best product possible and not the quickest. Also, know what you doing it for if you want to last long, have a purpose, a goal that music can open the doors for. You think big you’ll be big, we different, don’t let small minded people talk you into thinking you tripping I promise you’re not.

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

Maui Max: Everything I say in my music are real emotions and things that I go through whether it’s a hype song or something you can just ride to. You never have to worry about me fabricating anything or being something i’m not; I give you the good and the bad. Some songs may be a cry for help, some may be me just saying i’m good now and I was bugging but you’ll always know its coming from me.

IG: @Mauimax

Twitter: @Mauimaxx

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Exclusive | TJ Upshaw Talks His New EP 'One 4 Her' and Giving Back to Detroit

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Detroit’s very own TJ Upshaw! TJ is an R&B artist and songwriter who is bringing back the true sound and soul of R&B music. He recently dropped his new single “ONE 4 HER”, where his vocals capture the audience’s attention with a genuine feeling of passion and emotion. TJ developed his gifted talent for music growing up singing in multiple choirs and male quartet groups. He has recorded two mixtapes and just recently released his sophomore EP, "One 4 Her". This rising singer has had the opportunity to perform at many live venues between Detroit and LA at universities and clubs, opening for mainstream artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Eric Bellinger, Sammie, Dwele and J Drew Sheard and Day26. This an artist that you should definitely add to your playlist if you like real R&B, don’t sleep!

TJ Upshaw - Options (Music Video)

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

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

TJ Upshaw: I’ve been making music since 05/06... I was in my senior year of high school and it all started by just doing hooks for rappers that went to school with me.

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

TJ Upshaw: I don’t know if I can say who had the biggest influence because I studied so many R&B greats. From Motown, 80ʼs & 90ʼs R&B, to a lot of artists from my generation. If I had to pick though, it’ll have to be Tank. Bro a hell of a artist, performer, singer and songwriter! At the end of the day that’s what I’m working towards.

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

TJ Upshaw: I would love to work with Chris Brown, Usher, Trey Songz, Sammie, Tank, Eric Bellinger... just to name a few dope R&B dudes!

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

TJ Upshaw: I think my best project is One 4 Her II - it’s all me. Its flavors to it. All kinds of vibes. It really shows my range as an artist and songwriter.

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

TJ Upshaw: I will Be releasing my first album 3rd quarter of 2019.

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

TJ Upshaw: Most of my music is just life situations. Lifeʼs feelings. I have ppl that come to me for advice at times... itʼs just so much that gives me inspiration musically. I really just try to make music that people can relate and vibe to.

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

TJ Upshaw: Success in my eyes is defined as happiness. If youʼve reached that level of where youʼre completely happy, then congrats. Youʼve made it! My motivation is my family. Being their provider and seeing them smile is all the motivation I need to keep going.

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

TJ Upshaw: I call it #theVIBEofRnB - itʼs a feel. It creates a memory. Therefore whenever you hear it for the rest of your life itʼll create a vibe. Iʼm not too much worried about other artists in my genre. Iʼm in my own lane.

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

TJ Upshaw: Naw no formula. What God has written is written. Just gotta put in yo work.

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

TJ Upshaw: One of my inspirations is Big Sean. Coming from where Iʼm from and becoming one of the biggest artist in the world says a lot within itself. Not to mention all he gives back to the city. Thatʼs what itʼs about. Sharing your gift.

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

TJ Upshaw: I would have to say Chris Brown. Heʼs the modern day MJ! Fasho Fasho!

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

TJ Upshaw: Passion. I write and record with passion so thatʼs what you hear over the track.

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

TJ Upshaw: when dream-chasing you gotta isolate yourself from everybody, sometimes including yourself. Just to really map out how we goin make this thing pop. Once you figure that out you start to build your circle of individuals thatʼs on the same thing you on. So i sacrificed a lot of friendships to pursue this. We still good.. just not to the same extent as before. Iʼm on a mission!

QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most?

TJ Upshaw: I think the process of creating melodies & writing is lit. Thereʼs sooooo many different ways to say things and get your point across.

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

TJ Upshaw: in 10 years? A couple Grammys.. multi-platinum albums. Those are just a few goals.

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

TJ Upshaw: In a world full of fugazziness, BE YOU! Every dream can become reality. You just gotta take the initiative to make it happen.

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Exclusive | Alabama Rapper Sullivan Talks His New Album "A Pimp Named Sullivan"

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is a dope Southern lyricist, Sullivan! This up and coming rapper hails from Huntsville, Alabama and attended Tuskegee University. Sullivan has a laid back flow that is shown throughout his music and is definitely an artist to watch out for!

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

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

Sullivan: I have been making music passionately for about 4 years. I was always a huge music fan but I started when I went to Tuskegee University and met Scuzzo. If it wasn’t for him telling me I had talent I would have never worked up the courage to release my first song.

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

Sullivan: Personally, my biggest influences come from me growing up in the church, old school RnB, and smooth rap. Bootsy Collins, The Isley Brothers, Snoop, Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa, and many more.

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

Sullivan: There's plenty of artist that are talented but I would really love to collab with Curren$y and create a classic for the smokers. And I’d also like to collab with The Weeknd. I know our voices on the same track would be crazy.

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

Sullivan: This question isn't up to me lol. Its up to the listeners! Personally I really enjoy my new album called “A Pimp Named Sullivan”. This album is a product of great timing. My mind was right, my creativity was heightened, and I was really in tune with everything in the universe.

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

Sullivan: “Evil Scientist” is my upcoming project and it's something for the true smoker and true players. Be careful when you listen cuz it's gone make you like the coolest mf on the world. The album releases on Nov 30th, 2018

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

Sullivan: Before I write or record I always meditate. And smoke a little gas. But if we’re being real, artistic preparation takes place 24/7. I study science, history, philosophy in my free time. I also surround myself with as much positivity and creativity as possible. I explore myself more than I do anything else. All of these things determine what mindset I'm in when I make my art.

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

Sullivan: I motivate me and as long as I am still working towards something I will always be successful. Success is a direction, not a destination.

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?

Sullivan:: It’s just dope man. I don’t do much describing, I just let the tunes speak for themselves. Anybody who enjoys good music regardless of their preferred genre, can find something to appreciate about my music. Just know that only the smoothest and most playerest mfs listen to my music

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

Sullivan: I believe that the formula to manifest anything good is the same. You just gotta believe in yourself. That's easier said than done but once it's achieved you realize that boundaries only exist in your own mind.

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Sullivan: This rapper from Huntsville, Alabama named Sullivan

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

Sullivan: In my particular sub genre of hip hop Snoop, Curren$y, and Wiz Khalifa are the most successful. Snoop made it cool to be a smoker in the 90s and then Wiz and Curren$y pushed that even further. Now it's my time to take the torch.

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

Sullivan: I would say my music is dominated by the joy of being high on some top shelf gas

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

Sullivan: I had to sacrifice the negativity. Straight like that. It was very hard because that shit can be addicting. Basically, I had to sacrifice my old life to get this new one.

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

Sullivan: I love recording and writing but having to deal with people to get it mixed, promoted, etc can be discouraging but when it’s all said and done it is worth it.

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

Sullivan: In 10 years I am the most popular musician in the world. Watch

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

Sullivan: Stop asking for advice and trust yourself! Nobody knows more about your path than you do!

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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 | 2 Milly Talks His Hit Song "Milly Rock" and the Release of His Debut Mixtape

New York rapper 2 Milly hit instant success when his hit song "Milly Rock" blew up the airwaves. It all started during a block party in Brooklyn three years ago when Spike Lee was celebrating the 25th anniversary for Spike Lee film Do the Right Thing. 2 Milly felt the energy of the crowd, became possessed by the music and jumped on top of a car, and began performing his “Milly Rock” dance.

Fans in the crowd began to film his performance and uploaded it to social media and youtube and instantly he became an overnight sensation. The videos went viral which sparked a craze of people uploading videos of their versions of the milly rock dance. The craze had gotten so popular that even Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa and Rihanna joined in, uploading their own rendition of the “Milly Rock.” 

2 Milly - “Milly Rock” Music Video

“The dance has always been around. It was just a turn up with me and my friends. It was just a good vibe,” 2 Milly explains. “I’m drinking Bombay and orange juice so I get on top of a car and start milly rocking for like two or three minutes. The next day, they’re hitting me up like ‘you’re famous. I was like I only did that in front of 90 people. Imagine if I could do that in front of 90,000 people. So let me make a song to it.” And that’s exactly what he did.

 A year later, 2 Milly released the anthem for the dance, titled "Milly Rock." By the end of the summer, the video reached over a million views on YouTube. He had garnered so much attention that platinum rapper Travis $cott brought Milly and his Sturdy Gang/Stack Paper crew on-stage during his performance at the influential New York City festival Hot 97 Summer Jam. He is now traveling the country on his Sturdy Way Tour and awaiting the release of debut mixtape Only the Sturdy Survive.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood, 2 Milly came up hard like every other kid in the hood. Crammed in a two-bedroom apartment with his mother, father and three brothers, growing up was “really rough,” he recalls. So to ease the stomach rumblings, he jumped into the streets at age 13, engaging in illegal activities for survival.“We did what we had to do,” he clarifies.  And while many of his friends and members of his Sturdy Gang/Stack Paper crew were catching cases left and right, Milly managed to keep his nose clean, which helped him earn his nickname. 

We talked with 2Milly in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

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

2 Milly: I’ve been making music since I was 13 when I lived across the street from the studio but I took it serious when I made Milly Rock, the dance is what really got me started.

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

2 Milly: My biggest influences are Fabulous, Lil Wayne & Biggie. My all time favorite musician is Camron but right now Migos, Jay Critch, and Meek Mill are on my daily playlist.

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

2 Milly: I would most likely collaborate with someone of my character such as Migos, Jay Critch, Rich The Kid, Rihanna, Travis Scott and Desiigner.

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

2 Milly: Best song ever released hmmmm personally I think it's “Sleepin” Ft PNB Rock, but I would definitely say Milly Rock because of the amount of success.

2Milliy - “Sleepin” featuring PNB Rock (Music Video)

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

2 Milly: My family and friends motivate me but mostly my daughter just knowing I came from a struggle I never would want her to go through.

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

2 Milly: I travel, go to different places, I read and just get high. I go somewhere by myself and smoke and think.

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

2 Milly: My music is pretty much my life so I’d say it’s a description of me.

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

2 Milly: Nowadays I can say no, pretty much anything is acceptable. It’s color ya hair, tat ya face, and repeat the same words or auto tune.

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

2 Milly: Greatest inspiration is Migos, they my brothers probably the realest ni***s I met in the industry.

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

2 Milly: I’ll say P. Diddy, his numbers don’t lie lol.

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

2 Milly: Passion I actually speak my story, I actually tell my stories in the form of music. 

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

2 Milly: I stayed away from home on Christmas thanksgiving, yea I missed a few events lol.

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

2 Milly: Success and failure, pretty much explains itself.

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

2 Milly: Soundtrack for multimillion dollar selling movies through the nation, platinum records and just a billion dollar brand.

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

2 Milly: Hard work beats talent.

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

2 Milly: Listen and don’t just skim through it. 

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