Artist Archives - Page 2 of 25 - Straight Official Magazine

Kendrick Lamar Pops Out With Friends LIVE In Concert

on June 20, 2024 Artist Entertainment Events TenthLetterMedia add comment

KENDRICK LAMAR was outside last night, and it was one for the ages!

The Compton MC and Drake destroyer performed a one-off concert that took place in Inglewood, CA at the Kia Forum. In celebration of Juneteenth, as well as his first performance post the highly publicized beef between him and the 69 God, he would double down live with a collection of hits stemmed from the feud.

The Pop Out: Ken & Friends show was also streamed live on Amazon Music as well as Twitch. Kendrick didn’t skimp out on the friends part as a plethora of artists joined him on stage. The performance was the greatest show in Hip-Hop this year and had several memorable moments.

THE POP OUT: KEN & FRIENDS

Lamar was donned in apparel similar to what 2 Pac wore for a concert in 1994. He would channel his inner Pac to performs songs like “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA” for the first time live. The energy was high as Kendrick would reunite with TDE mates Jay Rock & ScHoolboy Q to perform hits like “Money Trees” & “That Part.”

Then Kendrick would stop being humble. After that he would go right back on business! He then performed ” Like That” which was the track that began the best week in Hip-Hop musically. Once the buzz fell a bit, Kenny surprised everyone by bringing out Dr. Dre to perform his classics. He would then whisper something in Kendrick’s ear that everyone in attendance could hear… “Psst, I See Dead People”

Saving the best for last, Kendrick performed “Not Like Us” which is the final installment of the series of disses between him and Drake. He would then go on to perform the song again, and again and again! The crowd came alive as Kenny performed the song six times total!

Here is a scorecard for those who didn’t get to see it live. Kendrick performed the song once with Dr. Dre, twice by himself, once with the cultivator of the track (DJ Mustard) and two more times with everyone from Big Boi, Black Hippy and many more!!

Kendrick put on for his city and for Hip-Hop yesterday. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out down below if you weren’t able to yesterday. Let us know down in the comments what you think of the performance.

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle & culture!

Straight Official Sit Downs: Money Thirsty Jay

on June 9, 2024 Artist Interviews TenthLetterMedia add comment

MONEY THIRSTY JAY is up next for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs where we spotlight emerging artists. @TenthLetterMedia served up the questions and the vibe was dope! Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH MONEY THIRSTY JAY

Introduce yourself. Tell us where you are from and what first interested you in the entertainment industry?

I am Money Thirsty Jay and I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. My overall love of music is what interested me in becoming an artist.

Who or what inspires you to create?

I’m inspired to create by a combination of my life and everything that is happening in the world right now.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is a blend of smooth, melodic bars with a dose of savagery.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Tell us about your creative process. What are your go-to’s for a session?

No matter if I’m freestyling or writing, I always follow how I’m feeling that particular day. The track can hit my ears and I will speak on what my heart tells me.

What artists would you like to collaborate with?

Lil’ Wayne & Curren$y are a few of the artists that I would love to work with.

Being challenged in life is inevitable. Being defeated is optional. Ignite your hustle & make it happen.
Money Thirsty Jay

LET’S SHIFT GEARS

What’s a skill/talent that you possess that no one knows about?

A lot of people wouldn’t know it, but I’m cold when it comes to basketball!

If not for music, where would you be in life right now?

More than likely if not for music I’d definitely be a blogger right now.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Success is measured not by the position one has reached in life, but by the obstacles which you had to overcome while trying to succeed.

WRAPPING IT UP

So what’s next for you? Where will we see you in the next five years?

I will continue to grow as an artist and further my brand. In five years I want my fanbase to expand not just through the south, but nationwide.

If there was one thing that you would change about the industry, what would that be?

All bad music deals should be illegal!

How can we stay tapped in? Let us know where we can follow you on social media?

You can follow me on all social media platforms at Money Thirsty Jay.

Check out the single “WYA” From Money Thirsty Jay down below and let us know in the comments what you think.

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle & culture!

[MIXTAPE] BIGUNKSAIDIT PRESENTS NASTTY 500

on June 8, 2024 Artist Mixtapes TenthLetterMedia add comment

BIGUNKSAIDIT, a staple in the Indianapolis Hip-Hop scene released a new mixtape that features Naptown’s most renowned artists. Unk blessed the masses with “Nastty 500” this week. In continuance with cementing the fact that talent has always been here, Big Unk played Nick Fury to assemble this dope project.

BIGUNKSAIDIT PRESENTS NASTTY 500

The 38 track demonstration highlights the sound and vibe that is beginning to make the industry take notice. Big Unk features Naptown legends in Trajik, Maxie, Tony Cleveland, Jim E Mac and Kittii Red to name a few. In addition, he also introduces listeners to emerging artists like T.G.I. Free, Skypp, Parris LaDame and many more.

EDITOR’S PICK

The hits from Naptown just keep on coming!

BigUnkSaidIt so you know it’s truth, is more than just a rapper or producer. He’s also a talent consultant and motivator to the Circle City. Nastty 500 is a road map for Hip-Hop for Indiana. We’ve had the pleasure of taking part in conference calls surrounding artists that are running rampant around here.

My pick from this project goes to T.G.I. Free as his “Set You Free” track is an example of what’s coming out the nineteenth state. Check out BigUnkSaidIt Presents Nastty 500 down below and let us know in the comments what you think.

https://mymixtapez.com/album/269258

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to discover more emerging artists.

T.M. Is Grinding For A Lil Turn Up

on June 2, 2024 Artist Interviews add comment

Vegas recording artist T.M. chops it up with Straight Official’s DJ Spins to get the latest insight on what’s been going on with the Sin City MC’s latest single. We also got to know T.M. a little better with this exclusive one-on-one interview.

Q&A WITH T.M.

How did you come up with your stage name?
My original music mentor DJ Drumajpr from Atlanta GA gave me my artist name.

Tell us where you’re from & what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?
I was born in Meridian MS, but grew up in Atlanta, GA. I’ve lived in Las Vegas for the last 20 years. I grew up in a radio family. My parents owned both FM & AM radio stations. While most kids go to day care, I went to the radio station every day. They had multiple stations and multiple formats I was exposed to a plethora of genres and style of music.

Who and or what inspires you to create?
I find inspiration to create all around me every day in my day to day life. Conversations can inspire a lyric or melody. I find a lot of melodies just come to me while I’m doing daily chores or cooking. I’m inspired by a lot of artist. Originally it was The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Nirvana. There was just something about the harmonies, the melodies. The catchy, repetitive, simplistic hooks.

How would you describe your sound?
I guess I’d describe my sound as a blend of pop, hip-hop, & dance music, with a tiny punk edge to it. I like to tell people I make Feel Good Music. It’s different yet warmly familiar.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?
My creative process really has to be seen to be believed. I go to the studio and my producer/engineer BG3nius has a collection of tracks ready for me. I preview the tracks for about 30-45 seconds. If a hook doesn’t come to my head within that time we skip to the next track. If I’m collaborating with other artist we let the song loop so they can write there verses.

Meanwhile I drop my first verse 1 take off top. Then I’ll play that back, If there’s anything I don’t like or something that comes to mind that I feel fits better I’ll do a 2nd pass at the verse implementing those changes. I’ll hit my double of the verse to get it some depth and warmth. Then I hit my adlibs. If collaborating I then let my feature artist do their verse. Double it up, and hit their allies. Then I’ll hit my 2nd verse in the exact same fashion. Sometimes taking a little inspiration from the verse feature artist just hit.

What artist would you like to collaborate with?
There are so many to be honest. Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Rhianna, Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Drake, Ye, Marshmallow, Kayne Brown, Ed Sheeran, Rivers Cumo, Dave Grohl. Mike Hererra, Sauce Walkah, Swizz Beats, Scott Storch, Fat Joe & T.I.

Never quit chasing your dreams Even if others don’t understand them. If it brings you any kind of joy you can never give up or in.
T.M.’s message to his fans

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most useless talent you have?
I think all talent has a use. You just gotta find the right use at the right time.

What would you be doing right now if you weren’t doing music?
Music is just one piece of the puzzle so I’d probably still be fling all my other stuff. Real estate investing, Crypto Investing and the FM radio game (I’m a co-owner of an FM star 94.3FM in Lihue HI)

Who are some artist you admire and why?
I kind of admire any artist that’s willing to take the risk of putting themselves and their art out there on public display to be critiqued, judged and interpreted or misinterpreted by others.

If you could change anything about the music industry what would it be?
I think the industry is rapidly changing for the first time in a long time. Artist have so many tools and resources at our disposal that it’s not necessary to have to depend on taking the traditional route of trying to get noticed to get signed by a label. We can get our music to the ears of people all over the world if we can learn how to utilize all these new tools for marketing purposes.

T.M. — “T,M” Latest Single Cover Lil Turn Up

IN CONCLUSION

Tell us about your newest release?
My newest release is titled “Lil Turn Up” It’s a collaboration of myself, Bg3nius, & Yung Salvo. It’s a feel good vibes pop/R&B Dance song. Very upbeat and uplifting. It’s get you in the perfect vibe and mindset for an evening out on the town or a day out in the water. It’s really just an all-around pop banger. The kind of song you’d expect to see on Billboard Top 100.

What’s next for yourself ? Where would you like to see yourself next year?
#16. What’s next is I’ll continue to push this track with the team for a few months hopefully realizing our goal of landing on the Billboard charts. Then I plan in dropping my next single “Woooah” featuring my dude Zel later in the year on DJ Jay Spins Wild Dogs Entertainment imprint. In a year, I’d like to be collaborating with all the big artists. Any and everyone off my previous list. Hopefully touring doing some bigger shows. With a few Billboard plaques on the wall with some platinum and gold records.

STAY CONNECTED WITH T.M.

Socials Media Links

Facebook: – https://www.facebook.com/share/enx9CPHNfMN8N7zn/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Instagram: @T.M.Live – https://www.instagram.com/t.m.live?igsh=YThndGUyY3R5eTd6

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tmloosecannon?si=Uc4TrInPiNq6jJen

X/Twitter: @LooseCannonPro – https://twitter.com/LooseCannonPro?t=9Rqltgr7dQuoD69AUkhs4Q&s=09

Tiktok: T.M.Live

#GetSOM via @djspins & click here to discover more emerging artists.

[MUSIC VIDEO] Dead Silence-Vanilla Bean

on May 28, 2024 Artist Music Videos TenthLetterMedia add comment

Dead Silence Vanilla Bean — Photo Cred: Renee Shelton

DEAD SILENCE, just a week removed from his latest release Thru The Fire blessed the masses with the music video for his hit single “Vanilla Bean.” The Indianapolis MC’s vibe and smooth delivery has captivated fans both here and abroad.

TTF has been making noise as singles from the album have appeared on shows like Rebuilding Black Wall Street on BET+ and Impact X Nightline featuring Michael Strahan. The single “Vanilla Bean” made it’s way across the pond, which increased his streams on Spotify by over 250,000.

“Vanilla Bean” was produced by ZeroYouAFooBoy (@zeroyouafooboy) and mixed and mastered by Eddie J (@play_eddiej) & Shordeli (fiver).

DEAD SILENCE VANILLA BEAN SHOOT

The visual for “Vanilla Bean” includes Silence’s spot on CBS affiliate WISH-TV 8 to promote the album. Filming would conclude at GORDONS MILKSHAKE BAR. Captured by PMFGOAT Films, the vibe was infectious as people walking by couldn’t help but to groove with the set.

Silence is an amazing talent you need to hear! Thru The Fire is available now on all streaming platforms. Check out the official music video for “Vanilla Bean” which features yours truly on the thumbnail down below. Let us know in the comments down below what you think!

STAY CONNECTED

Follow Dead Silence on social media on Instagram @deadsilence9

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to discover more emerging artists.

Journalist Bae | See Black Girls Rock!

on May 26, 2024 Artist Events Journalist Bae add comment

Happy Juneteenth! Can I say that yet? It’s about that time for the Annual Black Girls Rock celebration! You may have forgotten because this is the first one after a 5-year hiatus. It will tape May 27th, 2024 at 6pm EST from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. You can buy tickets HERE. Will I see you there? Doors open at 5pm. Don’t meet me there, beat me there!

Danielle Brooks via People (Host of Black Girls Rock)

As I said before, we haven’t seen this celebration since 2019. This year it will be hosted by Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black, The Color Purple). According to the event’s twitter page, they will be honoring black girls such as Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more. If you aren’t in attendance, then you can experience the award show August 1st on Lifetime.

If you happen to be unfamiliar with the show. Here’s a clip from previous year 2013 hosted by Black-ish star, Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King. It features a fantastic performance from Kelly Rowland, EVE, and Sevyn Streeter. You never know who will pop out for the culture.

#GetSOM via @mochathemack and get more from Journalist bae HERE!

#SaturdaySpotlight Featuring Trajik | @big_trajik

on May 25, 2024 Artist Music TenthLetterMedia add comment

MEET TRAJIK

TRAJIK is an Indianapolis artist who’s a household name in the Hip-Hop landscape. The Traptown MC has a career that spans over a decade and includes milestones that most artists dream about. Always standing on business, Trajik delivers with gritty, impactful lyrics that highlight his well-documented rise to fame.

From gracing the cover of The Indianapolis Star as the face of Hip-Hop to appearing in hit FOX TV shows like Empire & Proven Innocent, Big Trajik has what it takes to break the glass ceiling.

TRAJIK-TO KILL A GOAT

Trajik’s latest release To Kill A Goat is ten tracks of his raw and uncut delivery. He links up with Naptown’s own Skypp for the single “My Truth” and Parris Ladame on “Me and My Bitch” that further cement the notion of talent in Indy.

The first single on the album “Goated” is where Trajik turns his thoughts into poetry. He spits, “cuz I was devoted/wise words been quoted/I took my pain an turned it into poetry/ready for the world ain’t no hoe in me/they act nonchalant but they notice me”

Check out the official video for “Goated” down below. To Kill A Goat is available now on all music streaming platforms.

EDITOR’S TAKE

Trajik is not only a veteran in the game, but also a dope friend. We’re both native to the east side of Nap and I have covered his career since the beginning of mine. I remember our first sit-down interview years ago while writing for Scoop The Entertainment Source magazine. He would then go on to grace our pages years later.

I reflect back to what I asked him in that interview about his future. No joke, he spoke on doing more than just rap. He had aspirations to become an actor, brand ambassador, etc… and it’s dope to see all of that come full circle!

Stay locked in with Trajik via social media on Instagram @big_trajik and give a listed to “To Kill A Goat” TODAY!!

Journalist Bae | Lil Nas X Shades Beyonce

on May 24, 2024 Artist Entertainment Journalist Bae add comment

“I’m gonna take my horse to the old town road. I’m gonna riiiide ’til I can’t no more!” These are words we could not get out of our heads in 2019. Fast forward 5 years and enters Beyonce on the country music scene. Reportedly, Lil Nas X is “happy” for her success. However, he wishes he could’ve been a part of it. Sounds like a hater to me, on the low. He said this publicly so it’s not really that low anymore.

I love playing Devil’s advocate (no pun intended), but this time – I can’t go for that. What’s interesting about this story is that the boy has not made another country song since “Old Town Road”. Which, might I add, was removed from the Country charts for not being “country enough”. That may be a sentiment Beyonce can relate to given the backlash from the CMA amongst others. The difference is, she still stood 10 toes down for her art.

Standing On Business

Let me make it make sense. Though this is the first country album that Bey has released, this is not her first time being associated with the genre. During the ‘Lemonade’ era, she did perform her song “Daddy Lessons” with the Dixie Chicks and it wasn’t necessarily well received by the country community. They frivolously accused her of appropriating their culture. She let it rest with Renaissance. Then comes Cowboy Carter where the Texan doubles down on her country attempt. I guess you can say she’s 20 toes down at this point.

Lil Nas X Started Country Music For Black People

Lil Nas X had ONE single that was country-like, but transitions to collaborating with Doja Cat, Jack Harlow, and Megan Thee Stallion for his first studio album. I don’t know but the lineup isn’t screaming country music. As far as I’m concerned, “Old Town Road” was a one-off. At this time, when we mention his name, do you really think about his music or do his internet antics come to mind?

This makes me think of when JT scolded Suki. “You go viral for shock value content, but it’s never shocking or of any value.” That’s really what it’s giving, chile. It will be interesting to see if Lil Nas makes a return to the country scene. Baes, what are your thoughts? Is he reaching or does he deserve a little credit for “opening the doors” of hip-hip/R&B/Country fusion?

#GetSOM via @Mochathemack & click here for more from Journalist Bae!

Journalist Bae | New Music Friday

on May 24, 2024 Artist Journalist Bae add comment

Hey Baes! Monday is my favorite day of the week, but Friday follows right behind! Obviously, because TGIF, but also because we get a ton of new music weekly. Here are new songs and/or albums released the week of May 24th, 2024.

#1 Coi Leray x Lemon Cars

The young star releases a 6 track EP in the wee hours of May 24th. This project features Mike WILL Made-It and Skilla Baby. Personally, not my vibe but the 5th track stands out for me. Let me know your favorite!

#2 Shenseea x Never Gets Late Here

Jamaican star, Shenseea releases a 14 track album featuring Wizkid, Anitta, Coi Leray, etc. According to her in an interview with Apple Music, this album is giving timeless music. “Die For You” seems to be a crowd favorite, but I’m a little partial to “Work Me Out”. Just in time for Summer!

#3 Sexyy Red x In Sexxy We Trust

Controversial rapper, Sexyy Red has released a 14 track mixtape with features from the likes of Drake (U My Everything) and Lil Baby (Lick Me). The project is only about 30 minutes long which may be a blessing (or a curse) for some. The internet is already going crazy over the Drake feature. As for my personal recommendation, most of them were skips for me, but if I had to choose one – it would “Outside”.

#4 Payroll Giovanni x Have Money Have Heart

Another EP from the Detroit rapper. Detroit music has a certain sound and Gio nailed it. This project is only 6 tracks long, but if you’re a part of the hustle hard, grind time culture this will be perfect for you. In my opinion, vibes only get better with each track ending with crowd favorite “Cashout”. I’m not sure who produced this body of work but go ahead and give the man his flowers because the production is what makes it what it is for me.

#5 Please Don’t Cry x Rapsody

This album was released last week, but it’s soooo good I feel as if it is worth mentioning. It’s real rap, real vibes, from a real female rapper. Everybody from Lil’ Wayne to Erykah Badu to Alex Isley and more appear on this project. I won’t even be bias to any particular track. All I will say, LISTEN TO THE WHOLE THING! It’s 22 tracks, but all 65 minutes of it are worth it!

What did I miss? Let’s talk about it! I can’t wait for next week!

#GetSOM via @Mochathemack & click here for more from Journalist Bae!

Journalist Bae | JT Is Not The One

on May 23, 2024 Artist Entertainment Journalist Bae add comment

With the resurgence of diss tracks in 2024, the women are not excluding themselves. We’ve seen some drama pop off between JT, her former bandmate Yung Miami, and the ratchet woman’s favorite ratchet woman, Sukihana. First of all, I want to say I told you all last fall that the City Girl Era was coming to an end. Y’all didn’t believe me, maybe next time you’ll listen. Any who, JT, the self-proclaimed “City Cinderella”, has been doing her big one with these singles “Sideways”, “OKAY”, and “No Bars”. She became a cultural phenomenon practically independently and overnight. I mean how many individuals have you seen say or post “*muah* no bars”? That’s JT!

City Girls Go Head to Head

So boom, the girl is just as, if not more, successful than when she was a part of a group. For some reason, Yung Miami has been expressing that she basically feels as if JT’s been shady her whole career. We get to see them go back and forth for a while on twitter until the women agree it’s best settled off the internet, especially since they had spoken on the phone amidst the animosity and the energy was not same as it was “for the fans”. Now, I’m not one to choose between sides when I personally know ZERO parties involved. However, my girl JaTavia ate this up.

I have no doubt that Caresha is going through a rocky period, but what I experienced myself is that people will tell you to have empathy before you speak while not maintaining the same standard. We might not be going through the same thing but talk to me nice or I will come to you crazy. That’s not playing victim. That’s an equal energy exchange as far as I’m concerned. But I digress…

Is It Clout Chasing?

It’s either me or Cardi B, because she chipped her tooth too…”
@sukihanagoat

Moving on to the feud with Coochie Girl, Sukihana. She alleges that JT is dissing her in her song “OKAY”. According to Suki, the fans were tagging her and Cardi under one of JT’s posts where she mentions a woman chipping her tooth while eating crab legs. I guess JT took too long to respond and clear things up because Suki hits back with diss track “COCAINE”. JT says, there would be no reason to get in the booth and even think about her. I don’t know but Jatavia been eating the girls up lowkey.

Who’s side are you on?

#GetSOM via @Mochathemack & click here for more from Journalist Bae!