Straight Official Sit Downs Archives - Straight Official Magazine

Straight Official Sit Downs: Tona

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TONA sat down with our own DJ Pynk Dyamond of Straight Official Magazine affiliated with The World Wide Fleet DJs Coalition to discuss his new track he is pushing “OWTS” On With The Show which is now on all platforms and released his video for the track.

Tona, also known as Big Tona, is a prominent Canadian Hip-Hop artist from Toronto. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his thoughtful lyricism and distinct sound. Known for his ability to blend diverse styles while staying true to the roots, his recent projects showcase his versatility. For example, his 2024 album H.O.T.C. (Henny On The Congregation), which features the single “Fame,” produced by Y-Not. He also released “Sun Is Out” earlier in 2024 in collaboration with Sayzee.

PUTTING IN THE WORK

Tona, the JUNO Award-winning Canadian recording artist has been active with a series of releases and projects over recent years. In 2023, he introduced a new single called “L.E.S. (Lower East Side),” produced by Burd & Keyz, which followed his 2022 18-track album GE20. That album featured collaborations with notable artists like Kardinal Offishall, Shad, and others, focusing on themes of resilience and optimism amidst challenging circumstances.

In addition to his solo work, Tona has collaborated with various artists, including Kardinal Offishall and Shad. His 2022 album GE20 was well-received and includes collaborations with Jimmy Yitty and Rochester, among others. This album dealt with optimistic thoughts amid difficult circumstances, reflecting Tona’s introspective approach to music.

TAP IN WITH TONA

For his upcoming projects into 2025, while specific details are still emerging, Tona has continued to make strides in the Canadian Hip-Hop scene with his work often reflecting powerful narratives and high-profile partnerships. You can find more of his work on platforms like Bandcamp and Spotify.

Check out the full one-on-one with Tona & Pynk Dyamond down below!

#GetSOM via @djpynkdyamond & click here for more emerging artists!

Straight Official Sit Downs: The Rebirth of Hip-Hop Vol.2 | Lyrics @iamlyrics

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LYRICS is an aspiring Hip-Hop artist that stopped by our headquarters for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. This episode spotlights Lyrics and the other artists who are part of The Rebirth of Hip-Hop Vol.2 mixtape . Check out the one-on-one down below and click here for more editions of Straight Official Sit Downs!

Q&A WITH LYRICS

Introduce yourself to our readers. Let us know where you’re from and what interested you in the entertainment industry?

My name is Lyrics. I’m a rapper from NJ. I have had a love for rap music since I was a young kid. I have wanted to be in the industry since I was a shorty. When I saw my sister make it, I knew that’s why I definitely wanted to do with my life.

Who and or what inspires you to create?

Honestly, I get inspiration anytime I listen to good music. Whenever I listen to a dope song or project I automatically get inspiration and start working on music immediately.

How would you describe your sound/style?

I’m an old soul. So I would describe my sound as soulful. I’m the king of the double & triple entendres. So I’m going to always try to give you some thought provoking music with clever metaphors and wordplay.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Tell us about your creative process. What are some things you need in order to create?

My process is simple. I don’t like a lot of people around when I’m creating. All I need is a fire track & a bottle of Titos & I’m good (laughs).

Who are some artists that you’d love to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with J. Cole, Rapsody, Black Thought, Styles P, Scarface, LiL Brother, Ransom and my all time favorite rapper Big Daddy Kane.

SHIFTING GEARS

Tell us about a skill or ability you have that no one knows about.

I’m an amazing cook. I could really be a chef in somebody’s restaurant.

The best advice I received was to stay true to me, be myself and be confident in myself always.

If it wasn’t for music, what would you be doing right now?

I would probably be working on starting my own takeout restaurant, which I’m planning to do in the near future anyway.

Who inspires you? Is there anyone you admire, be it an artist or a person?

My mother. She passed away in 2016 but before she passed, she told me that I was just as talented as any rapper alive and to keep going. So that’s my inspiration right there.

If given the opportunity to change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why?

I would stop these major labels from trying to dictate to us what’s dope and what’s not. They have no idea what a dope artist is for the most part.

You’re a featured artist on The Rebirth of Hip-Hop Vol.2 Mixtape hosted by DJ P-Money. Tell us about this project and how this came together.

Well I remember getting an invite to hop on a Zoom call. I had no idea what it was about but I knew I’d be on that call. When I hopped on, P-Money explained he was working on a mixtape and needed the illest spitters to be a part of the project.

The project is fully produced by P so we spent a few hours listening to tracks & picking which one we wanted to rock over. So me and a bunch of rappers picked out what we liked and the rest is history.

Check out “KINGS LAIR” from Lyrics off The Rebirth of Hip-Hop Vol.2 down below!

We’re tapped in to you as an artist and look forward to the project! How can our readers stay tapped in? Let us know where we can follow on social media?

Hey just follow me on Twitter, IG or TikTok. My name is _IamLyrics & on Youtube it’s IamLyrics

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

Straight Official Sit Downs: DJ Willybangz

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GET TO KNOW DJ WILLYBANGZ

DJ WillyBangz is a well-known DJ from New York City who’s active in both the mixtape scene and radio broadcasting. He is a member of the Worldwide Fleet DJs Coalition and has been active since 2021. In addition, Willy is also part of the Blackout Kings DJ Crew.

Along with his work as a DJ, he co-owns Vibing 102.3 MMR, an internet radio station where he’s the Program Director and Social Media Manager. He hosts several radio shows throughout his DJ journey. He is also on a new NY Station called ProSoundz weekly.

In addition to DJing, WillyBangz he also has a mixtape series titled Hip-Hop Havoc, with volumes available on platforms like MyMixtapes and LiveMixtapes.

PUTTING IN THE WORK

DjWillyBangz is renowned for his mixtape scene work. This is evident with his Hip-Hop Havoc mixtape series. Volumes 1 and Volume 2 are on MyMixtapes.com and MixtapeFactory.com. Volume 3 is also available on LiveMixtapes.com. His mixtapes feature a mix of old-school and new-school tracks, showcasing both independent and mainstream artists, reflecting the diverse style of Fleet DJs as a collective.

WillyBangz is passionate about his craft, drawing inspiration like DJ Funkmaster Flexx and other celebrity DJs. He encourages aspiring DJs to visualize their future and patiently build up their brand as a career. Helping indie artists put together a different flavor to their tracks can help them with their brand too. He strives to make sure his skills are heard through different avenues.

October 6 2024, DJ WillyBangz sat down with DJ Pynk Dyamond, also of The Worldwide Fleet DJs in a one-on-one to discuss his new project and his new brand since he is coming out with an album. The interview was well absorbed as DJ Pynk Dyamond learned more about how Willybangz puts his heart and soul into his DJ’ing skills and what’s in store for the public.

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