Interviews Archives - Page 3 of 11 - Straight Official Magazine

Straight Official Sit Downs: John Alex Gatsby

on October 3, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

JOHN ALEX GATSBY is an emerging artist that sat down with our own @klassikceo for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. The official online site of The Worldwide Fleet DJs, we get you up to speed with new talent from across the land. Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more issues of Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A With John Alex Gatsby

Where are you from?

Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Greensboro, NC

What first interested you in the entertainment industry?

I would go to the radio station with my dad who was a DJ on 97.1WQMG in Greensboro, NC and answer the phones across the hall at 102JAMZ with DJ Tapmoney and seeing all the action. Growing up music was always played in my house. My dad taught me how to DJ, how to mix and exposed me to so many different genres of music.

Who/what inspires you to create?

I’m inspired by multiple artists including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Usher, Chris Brown and so many other legends

The Creative Process

How would you describe your sound?

Unique. I like to offer genre bending music. I like to promote positivity in my sound, challenging harmonies and a wide vocal range to top it all off.

What is your creative process like?

I “cook up” with my producers, I don’t accept beat packs. I am influenced by the moment and create from scratch on the spot in the studio. That’s best musical magic making.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

So many! Stevie Wonder is at the top of the list. I like Jazmine Sullivan a lot, Jay-Z would be a dream come true.

This is a marathon not a sprint, and you must not follow your dreams but instead, chase them.
John Alex Gatsby

Shifting Gears

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Firstly, thank you because without you there would be no me. Secondly, I would encourage everyone to not only follow their dreams, but chase them.

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

I am a multi-engine certified pilot. I have been flying airplanes longer than I have been driving cars!

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I admire anyone who is willing to go through the process. Those who put forward the dedication and put in the work necessary to be heard by the masses, all while dealing with the internal scrutiny and asking “Am I good enough?” I can relate to every artist struggle and admire anyone who is willing to go through it just because we love making music so much.

In Conclusion

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

The industry is gonna be the industry, if I were to change one thing, another thing would simply become more problematic. Because it is what it is, what must be willing to change is my ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

My primary focus is to keep making good, relatable music, continue to work with various platforms to get my word to the masses and enjoy the journey along the way. In a year, I will be enjoying the ride, enjoying the fruits of my hard work and working even harder to level up yet again.

Follow John Alex Gatsby on Social Media

@JohnAlexGatsby on everything. check out my site and get some merch at www.johnalexgatsby.com DM me on the gram, I would love to hear from you!

#GetSOM via @klassikceo

Straight Official Sit Downs: Leo W3ST

on October 3, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

LEO W3ST is the next contestant to take the hot set for another edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. The official one-on-one with The Worldwide Fleet DJs. @klassikceo served up the questions and their vibe was indeed dope. Check it out down below and click here for more of the Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH LEO W3ST

What is your Name? Where are you from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

Leo w3ST, I’m from the west side of Chicago and what got me interested is just simply the love of music and the joy of performing.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

These days I’m inspired by my kids and life situations when it comes to creating.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as authentic, unique and original.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

It varies but for the most part some Mary J. is definitely in rotation. I might play some classic songs or songs from my favorite artist to get me going.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I got a few but Joey Badass , Saba, Smino, Dave B, Tink, Dreezy and Sonta

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

I appreciate y’all for supporting everything I do and sticking with me through this journey.

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

I’m real good at taking apart electronics and figuring them out, fixing them and putting them back together.

What would you be doing right now if you weren’t doing music?

It’s crazy cause I been doing it so long I never thought about it (laughs), but I would say maybe still in entertainment but not trying to be the focus like an A&R or something.

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

J Cole is one. He showed me it doesn’t matter what you wear, people are still going to rock with you as long as you are a solid person. My big brother is another. He taught me a lot and is still giving me game today.

IN CONCLUSION

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Be yourself and give 100 percent to something if you really love it.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would make it more accessible for artist to find booking agents and have an unknown artist stage at festivals for the local artist in that city.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

What’s next is me continuing to grow as an artist and a person. I would like to see myself in a bigger light with more opportunities like modeling , acting, voice overs, etc.

FOLLOW LEO W3ST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Find Leo W3ST on IG: w3st_92, Twitter: w3ST_92

#GetSOM via @KlasikCEO

Let’s Meet M Dot Taylor | @MDOTTAYLOR

on August 31, 2023 Artist Interviews Journalist Bae add comment

INTRODUCING M DOT TAYLOR

You might be asking, “Who is M Dot Taylor?” However, after today, you will never ask that question again – you’ll only refer to him as my new favorite “Hip-Hop & B” artist. You don’t believe me? Trust me when I say, I have the facts to back it up. I got the opportunity to have a conversation with the “Ain’t Going Broke No Mo” rapper on the latest episode of After the Music Stops. It was easily one of the most down to earth interactions.

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Mario Taylor has a story that consists of grief, persistence, and ultimately success. He lost both of his parents before the age of 25 which left him no choice but to “get it out the mud”. Like many of us, he grew up in church and was always around music. However, he was very adamant about how the artistry is not just a part of his life, but truly his lifestyle! All of that was essentially put on hold while he was in the Navy, so let’s fast forward to the 2020’s when he began studying video and audio production. This is where we really get to see him work.

GETTING TO THE BANDS

M Dot Taylor cites inspiration from Tupac, Jay Z, Rick Ross, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and R. Kelly among others. He explained that Ice T is also on that list. Which is pretty dope considering he co-executive produced the song you just heard. These days he’s living out in Hollywood and performing with some living legends like Ice Cube, Bone Thugz-N-Harmony, and Jim Jones who appears on his latest song “Biggest Fan” (prod. by Zaytoven). No cap, it’s the song that made me a fan. The artistry on this song is arguably impeccable. I was happy to learn that he is involved in nearly every part of making this record come to life. Check it out below and let me know what you think! It’s the musical growth for me…

#GetSOM via @mochathemack

Straight Official Sit Downs: Demi Lowrell

on August 3, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

DEMI LOWRELL stopped by our headquarters this week for this installment of Straight Official Sit Downs where we chop it up with emerging talent nationwide. Our own @klassikceo served up the questions and the vibe was dope. Check out their one-on-one down below and click here to discover new and upcoming artists.

Q&A WITH DEMI LOWRELL

What is your Name? Where are you from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

I’m Demi Lowrell, a singer-songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. What first got me interested in the music industry was my family. I come from a very musical background and they’ve supported my dreams of becoming an artist since I was young.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

What inspires me to create is knowing that people could listen to my music and relate to it and it makes them feel good.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as pop mixed with R&B.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

As far as my creative process, I would listen to a beat and find a flow that I really think would go along with it and then I would input lyrics.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Summer Walker, Jhene Aiko and SZA.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

One message I would give to my supporters would be to have faith in GOD and he will get you through anything!

Most people do not know that I can actually act and I have been in several plays around Memphis.
Demi Lowrell

SHIFTING GEARS

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

Definitely acting or directing movies!

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I admire artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna and Michael Jackson because they are such huge and phenomenal performers as well as artists. I would love have performances like theirs, they really know how to intrigue a big crowd.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I’ve ever been give is: Do not fear anything that can’t kill you. I love this advice because it makes me more confident and ready to take on anything!

IN CONCLUSION

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

If I could change one thing in the industry, it would be the messages that most artists today send out to the world. There’s so much violence and hate already and I think people should make more positive and uplifting music.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself next year?

I just released my album “Doin’ Me” on all platforms so, I will continue promoting my album! In the next year, I will like to see myself on big stages and meeting/collaborating with major artists.

STAY CONNECTED WITH DEMI LOWRELL

You can find me on all social media platforms as “Demi Lowrell” and you can reach me by https://www.instagram.com/demilowrell https://www.tiktok.com/@demilowrell https://www.facebook.com/isha.jones.140

A Couple’s Effort To Change The Paradigm

on July 16, 2023 Interviews Politics add comment

Getting To Know “The Crislers”

Meet Eva and Marshand Crisler. Eva Crisler is running for “Hinds County Supervisor” and Marshand Crisler is running for “Hinds County Sheriff”. The Crislers are current residents of Jackson, MS, and are fighting for the community through education, being community activists, and leading by example.

This power couple shares 10 children together and are members of New Jerusalem Church in Jackson, MS. This beautiful couple are also newlyweds, recently getting married on July 2, 2021. Along with the love that they share for each other, they also share a love for their community.

With Eva working as the manager of the Family and Youth Division and Marshand as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Jackson, they began this journey of being the “Obama’s” of Jackson, Mississippi. Behind every great man lies an amazing woman.

Eva Crisler Running for Hinds County Supervisor District 1

Eva Crisler is from Goodman, MS. She was born and raised in Holmes County and is the second oldest of two, her mother’s name is Eva Lee Howard and her father is Robert Howard. At an early age, Eva moved to Chicago, IL, and stayed there for 20yrs roughly.

Later she made a decision to relocate to Jackson, MS. Living in Jackson wasn’t at the top of her list as a place to settle down but things quickly changed as she began to become more involved with the community. The things she witnessed as a child sparked her interest in social work.

Eva had a heart for broken families or abused and neglected children in her community at a young age and wanted to become a part of the solution to keep the families together. She went to school and majored in Social Work. Eva has a passion for connecting with others.

She enjoys reaching out and understanding the need of others by being active through mind mapping and brainstorming ideas to create solutions with her peers. Eva gets joy out of helping others reach their goals. Her personal experience involved her mother Eva Lee Howard, who showed her firsthand the importance of family by taking care of not only her kids but her sister’s kids.

Eva has always carried a trait of leadership that seeks change for her community.

https://www.wlbt.com/2023/02/03/hinds-co-district-1-supervisor-questioning-candidacy-challenger/

Eva’s Experience and Educational Background

Eva was the first in her family to earn a Bachelor’s in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies from Jackson State University. She has also received a Master’s in Educational Technology. Eva is currently in the dissertation phase of finishing up a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at JSU. She has over 20 yrs in Social Services.

In 2000, Eva joined Friends of Children INC helping over 250 families in the Central Mississippi area with nutritional needs. In 2014, Eva carried on the position of Manager of the Family and Youth division for the city of Jackson. Eva has helped over 300 youths with summer youth programs and employment opportunities.

In 2015, she started her own realty company. “REL Affordable Houses” was established here in Jackson and provides a second chance for renters to have a place to stay. Eva is pushing to replace businesses that have relocated and working to increase wages for employees.

She wants to create an organization that will come together and address the issues of the citizens by also providing education and resources to small business owners to improve growth. Behind her stands a man of power, Mr. Marshand Crisler.

Meet Marshand Crisler, Candidate for Hinds County Sherriff

Marshand Crisler a native of Greenville, MS born to Johnny and Rosia Crisler. He is the middle child of 4 siblings. Marshand states that “it is very important the city of Jackson understands the duties of a sheriff”. Most citizens think the duties are “law enforcement” but it’s actually “corrections”. His experience started at 18 years old, after 1 year at Hinds Community College where he also played football. Marshand took a break from school called a “stop out” not a “drop out” because he then enlisted in the Marine Corps. He later took on the position of a military police officer for the Marine Corps. His experience on a tour in Iraq lead to his transfer to the United States Army National Guard.

Marshand’s first assignment was where his family is located in Crystal Springs, MS, Marshand was ecstatic to show family and friends his hard work and accomplishments. “Operations of Iraqi Freedom” was his first mission as City Councilman in Jackson, MS . This assignment in 2004, led to his placement in Iraq for 366 days. Assigned Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW Operations), his unit from Canton, MS which was responsible for housing and guarding Saddam Hussein because of the history of service from the 112 unit. Marshand retired as a “Major” from U.S Air Force and has always been a man of achievement through leadership. Wrapping up his skills with 20yrs as a veteran of the Hinds County Sheriffs Department, I would say he is well over qualified to take Jackson, MS in a new direction.

For more info visit www.feliciasmadcappodcast.com

Jackson Do Your Research and Vote For the Crislers on August 8, 2023

Artists You Should Know | Jet Santiago

on June 24, 2023 Artist Interviews TenthLetterMedia add comment

MEET JET SANTIAGO

JET SANTIAGO is an quickly emerging artist holding down the culture of Hip-Hop from the nineteenth state. His approach is one that is built upon solid production and prominent lyrics. As a cultivator of the movement, Jetty realizes his position and what the genre means to him. “Hip-Hop is expression and perspective. It’s a way to tell stories from your point of view and let people into your view of life.”

There is always a driving force that makes a person commit to being an artist. For Jet, all it took was for him to attend a J. Cole concert in 2014. Speaking on the experience he recalls “It was his Forest Hills Drive Tour and I somehow snuck into the section right in front of the stage. Being able to hear and see one of my favorite artists up close gave me a different level of inspiration.”

Moments like that have inspired him to derive his own lane in his artistry. Jetty’s unique sound and delivery are not necessarily like your “run-of-the-mill” rappers. When asked about it, he replied “I had to develop my own flavor. I love all styles of music but I never compromise my sound to fit in with what’s hot at the moment.”

Music comes in waves. You can’t ride the wave. You have to be the wave.
Jet Santiago

BODY OF WORK

Since 2019 Jet has staked his claim in Hip-Hop. Releasing dope singles like New Age, Mood! and City of Dreams, he prepared us for his EP Le Jour de Anniversair. When asked about his creative process he replied, “I need to be inspired in order to create. I get inspiration from traveling, meeting new people and having new experiences. Once it’s there I lock in and won’t leave the studio until 5am.”

In 2020 Jet released his first album titled “Santiago Summers” to rave reviews. The 12 track project is full of gems but one in particular caught my attention. The track “Andy Bought A Basquiat” was not only #7 (my favorite number) but also my introduction to him as an artist. From the samples to the lyricism, Jetty flew high on this track!

The Hip-Hop scene in Indianapolis is growing. When I asked Jetty how he stands out amongst his peers, his response was brilliant. “I’m authentic, and original. I’m not promoting the destruction of our people, nor am I promoting killing each other in the streets or overly glorifying drugs. I have a message but I’m not preaching to you. With me you get a perfectionist who cares about music and the culture. You can party, laugh, cry, feel motivated and inspired when listening to my music.”

Jet Santiago (Video Cred: DJ Slikk’s Booth Action)

NEW MUSIC FROM JET

Jet’s upcoming release You Could’ve Been Here promises to be another impression of his craft and artistry. “It’s a culmination of my experiences over the previous 3 years since my last solo project. 10 songs with the vibe of the album being mostly upbeat. Not only my best project to date but the best rap album of the year.”

We shifted gears and spoke about the journey to get here. Jet spoke on the peaks and valleys to arrive here. “Being able to monetize what I create is a blessing. People actually invested in your art and waiting for you to drop music is the dopest thing in the world. I’ve gained people but also lost people. Overall it has shaped me and helped me grow as an artist and person. It’s all a part of the journey.”

I asked Jet what he would change about the industry from an artist’s standpoint. He spoke on an overhaul, “I would change the structure of deals. I’d make contracts easier to understand and fair to both sides. The wording in contracts however can trap an artist into more than they originally thought they signed up for.”

EDITOR’S PICK

I was fortunate to meet Jet way back when I was a blogger for this publication. Through another dope individual and friend, I listened to Jet and from jump knew this was something special. He alongside countless others from Indy would dominate my #SaturdaySpotlight & #NewMusicMondays features with great music.

YCBH is set to release on January 11th. I was able to hear a few tracks exclusively. No spoilers obviously, but my pick from what I heard was “Law of Attraction” which you can check out down below!

Read and be as knowledgeable as possible. The more you know, the more you will be able to talk about.
Jet Santiago

FOLLOW JET SANTIAGO ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Stay connected with Jet Santiago on Instagram (@jetsstayhigh)

“You Could’ve Been Here” to release soon on all music streaming platforms (Apple, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube)

**#GetSOM via** @TenthLetterMedia & click here to discover more Artists You Should Know

Straight Official Sit Downs: Deadrick

on June 13, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

DEADRICK is an emerging artist that linked up with our own @djspins for this new installment of Straight Official Sit Downs. The official online site of The Worldwide Fleet DJs, we get you up to speed with new talent from across the land. Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more issues of Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH DEADRICK

How Did You Come Up With Your Stage Name? Tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

My stage name is my first name. It’s a part of my branding as a songwriter/performing artist being my authentic self. Some people say Dead-Rick which has a ring to it but it’s pronounced (Deedrick) I go by either or it’s not too many people you can think of that have that name anyway so it make sense for me

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino are who inspire me to create initially but through the things that I’ve experienced in this lifetime as a man is what inspire me to create so much more on deep levels that I can’t even fathom completely

How would you describe your sound?

Exciting yet chill, extremely catchy, sexy, soothing maybe euphoric. Those are the basics when I listen to my music but when I go into creating it’s all about the vibe of what I’m feeling what I’m going for based on the record and what I wanna put out.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

I listen to the beat or I create my chords and drums. And literally just freestyle or I just mumble words to catch a rhythm then once I got it I fill it the mumbles with words to tell a story or paint a picture.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I’d love to collaborate with Tyler the Creator, Doja Cat, Childish Gambino, Teezo Touchdown, Russ, Fuego Base he’s dope and starting to come up) & LIL WAYNE!! I wanna work with almost every one who makes music but those guys I definitely want to have a record with.

If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?

I’d open for Doja Cat, Tyler the Creator, Brent Faiyaz & maybe Yachty if he went on tour. It’ll make sense due to the sound I have.

Be your best authentic self. Don’t quit on your goals and keep going. Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
Deadrick’s message to his supporters

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most useless talent you have?

In my opinion, I don’t think any talent is useless. I’d say I’m good at fighting, taekwondo boxing etc…

What would you be doing right now if you weren’t doing music?

Still serving in the United States Army and becoming a personal trainer on the side. I would teach courses and provide a nutrition guide based on human anatomy and body types.

Who are some artists you admire and why?

I admire the Wayne’s and the Donald Glovers and the Tyler the Creators and Brent Faiyaz’s. They’re their most authentic selves when it comes to the branding and engaging with their audience. That’s how I wanna be because it shows they actually care for their audience like I do mine. I try my best to engage with every single last one of them ESPECIALLY when it comes to live performances.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Be Relentless. Sometimes you have to have an unbelievably delusional amount of confidence to get where you are trying to go. After hearing those words those, besides my kids that’s been the only thing that’s keeping me going and wanting to conquer more. Because I deserve it. So I’m going to go after what I desire.

IN CONCLUSION

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Honestly I love the game. It ain’t fair but that’s what makes it so much more sweeter. It keeps me on my toes. What I would change is knowledge that’s gatekept so artists can be more successful and get their business together. Let’s stop the capitalistic system we have. Other than that, it’s not that bad. Especially when you know how to navigate through.

Deadrick- Move

You dropped your latest release earlier this year. Tell us about it.

“Move” although it’s a song it’s actually apart of a playlist I put together. It tells a story about this incident when I hooked up with this super bad Georgia Peach. It didn’t work out like I thought it would and I feel like it didn’t work out well because I was so pushy and moving things to fast and not letting it be smooth and taking it slow.

I mean, yeah the sex was good but as a man you gotta bring more than just good sex to the table establish those high qualities. As a man if you trying to keep a woman that wants to be kept. But the whole story is just going through the motion of meeting somebody. Y’all have a really good time and the situation dies out like majority of relationships you see today. “Hook-Up” culture don’t get me wrong some stuff can last for years but in the end everything dies out even if y’all are still in contact with another And “Move” is the second chapter of it. 1st song is “Smoov Feelin” the beginning stage of meeting a women

2nd song “Move” the middle stage where you’re in the honey phase

3rd song “Should’ve Took it Slow” the end where everything dies off and you experience your perspective of grief.

What’s next for you? Where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

Build so much leverage that many wanna work with me on terms that equally benefit us both as businesses. I have the resources now I just gotta keep pressing this button and grow.

FOLLOW DEADRICK ON SOCIAL MEDIA

All social media handles such as IG, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube @DeadrickMusic

Search for Deadrick on all streaming platforms

Straight Official Sit Downs: T Barz

on June 6, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

T BARZ stopped by the Straight Official Headquarters for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. The official one-on-one with The Worldwide Fleet DJs. @klassikceo served up the questions and their vibe was indeed dope. Check it out down below and click here for more of the Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH T BARZ

What is your Name? Where are you from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

T Barz from Mobile, AL. I got started around 2013. I was writing poems & spoken word pieces but that quickly become half pleasing & me growing up watching/listening to Hip-Hop/R&B artists like Biggie, Missy, Common and MC Lyte. It was easy for me to determine I wanted to put my words to instrumentals & it started from there, not long after that I would get in contact with a local engineer & record in the studio.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

Life inspires me to write, the experiences of myself & others around me. As long as I’m breathing I think I’ll have something to say even if I’m only saying “turn up” on a track I always got something to write or a story I can come up with & tell.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is early 90s Hip-Hop mixed with the now. Balanced. I like to think that wasn’t by mistake. I’m in between 2 generations to where I understand the older crowd but I also understand the young crowd in ways so that made me very versatile, I can create whatever sound I want. My beats can range from slow to fast to piano to guitars.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

It differs, but mostly I let the instrumentals create the tracks for me. If you’re an artist or even have a strong love for music then you know music have moods/emotions attached to them if you listen. So for me it’s when I listen to a track it’s easy to tell if it’s going to be a conscious track or a party track or some “raw raw” (laughs).

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

To be honest, too many to name. J Cole, Common, Missy, Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, School Boy Q, The Game, Dave East, Lil Baby and Remy Ma.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Always hold me accountable for the things I say. If I rap about pushing drugs in the hoods then I come on social media & talk a completely opposite game call it out. I don’t like when fans are so stuck on an artist they look over their wrongs & even make the wrong be right in their eyes knowing it’s not because it’s “their idol.”

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

Dancing. Some people know but that was my first love. Self taught growing up watching MJ & Usher back in the day. Any artist that would choreograph dance back then in a music video I would be a little girl standing right in front of the TV learning every move doing exactly what I saw.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

I would probably be an actress or in the criminal justice field.

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I admire artists like Queen Latifah & MC Lyte because they didn’t stop at music. They were able to cultivate every other talent they had & that’s what I want. I’m not just talented in one area so I want to be able to scratch on everything I can actually do.

IN CONCLUSION

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I’ve been giving such good wisdom in my life I don’t think I can narrow it down to the best because I needed ALL the wisdom I’ve ever gotten equally. I always say this quote sits with me always “A smart man learns from his mistakes but a wise man learns from the mistake of others” & in that he avoids more pains than the smart man.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would change the over-saturation. Needing talent isn’t the main thing or even needed anymore as an artist as long as you got popularity. I believe we’re missing out on great talented artists because for whatever reason they might not have the popularity or motion as one who is not as talented as them.

What’s next for you? Where would you like to see yourself next year?

On TV screens & radio stations all over the country. That’s my goal. To saturate every market me & my team possibly can with “T Barz”. The talent is there we just have to put the work in.

FOLLOW T BARZ ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram/Twitter/YouTube- @Tbarzzzz Facebook – Facebook.com/OfficialTbarz

Straight Official Sit Downs: Twin Wun

on May 27, 2023 Artist Interviews Music Videos add comment

TWIN YUN are a collective duo in Hip-Hop that finds themselves in the hot seat for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. Our main man @klassikceo served up the questions and it was a dope convo. Check it out down below and click here for more of the Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH TWIN YUN

What is your Name? Where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

December DeyDey: The feeling of nostalgia, recollection, joy and introspection that we all feel in December, I want that feeling Dey to Dey. Also it Dey Day is a childhood nickname. At I think it was 3 years old I knew the words, (the most my toddler self could pronounce), to “All about the Benjamins”. Besides that my family was always very religious and the choir played a big role in my developmental years.

Uptown JR: Twin Wun is an acronym for T’was Written Is Now What U Need. We’re from Uptown Bronx, last stop on the 2,5, & 6 trains.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

December DeyDey: All forms of art inspired my creative curiosity. I listen to anything that resonates with me and even the obscure. Life though, life is one of my main sources of motivation to add my value in musical form, for now. If I had to name people, Jay Electronica, Nas, Jay Z, Tribe, Snoop and the Dogg Pound, Kendrick, Cole, Meek. The list can go on!

Uptown JR: Other artist inspire me to create, besides my own personal ambition drivers. I love being around another creative person in general just to feed off each others ideas.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

How would you describe your sound?

December DeyDey: Relatable, intentful, emotion based music.

Uptown JR: Chaotoic

What is your creative process like?

December DeyDey: Really varies, sometimes a whole song will flood my mind right before bed, no beat or anything. Other times it’ll be the connection to the beat that I feel or just the vibes nam sayin.

Uptown JR: Getting a 6 pack of Guinness & some Mary Jane. Linking with DeyDey & digging up emotions that took me years to bury.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

December DeyDey: I like to get in where I fit in, so I’m open to anything if the vibe is right. Would love to work with the greats though, you deem whoever you seem fit. But ultimately I do want a TDE and Dreamville team-wide collab.

Uptown JR: Outkast, The Lox, Tems, Solange

SHIFTING GEARS

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

December DeyDey: Thank you! It means more than you know!

Uptown JR: Your either going to love me or hate me, but to find out all you gotta do is play me.

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

Uptown JR: I played football in high school and won a championship my junior year.

December DeyDey: I can sing a lil bit, I just don’t display it much. Soon start!

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

Uptown JR: Internally dying at a 9 to 5.

December DeyDey: I don’t think ill ever stop writing, but if I had to choose something to do I would most likely be an A&R and a DJ.

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

Uptown JR: Will Smith, Ludacris, & Drake because of their transition from music to acting and vise versa because that’s a goal of mine.

December DeyDey: Ive always admired Jay Electronica’s flow and delivery. His religious dedication and diction is stupid as well so I’ve always been a big fan. But ultimately anyone in the “conscious” sector has always appealed to me more. I feel like its a real approach to a genre that most people use for a release or vicarious living.

IN CONCLUSION

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Uptown JR: Be patient but aggressive every chance you get.

December DeyDey: KEEP GOING!

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Uptown JR: The pace of music. I feel we don’t have time to fully enjoy an artist like back in the days of Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston because artist come out now at a rapid rate.

December DeyDey: Most recognition and acknowledgment for mood music and radio play for independent artist.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

Uptown JR: Acting & as a household name.

December DeyDey: ROLLING LOUD AND SUMMER JAM!!!!!

FOLLOW TWIN YUN ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Uptown JR: Instagram @Uptownjr718 @Twinwunbx718

December DeyDey: @DecemberDeyDey @TwinWunBX718

The Princess of Southern Soul Talks with DJ Pressure

on May 24, 2023 Artist Interviews Podcasts add comment

Who is WEST LOVE?

Kelsie Davis-West is known as the “Party Starter”. A natural-born Sagittarius on December 1, 1987, in Valdosta, Georgia. Considering herself adventurous with her personal life, West states she is very down-to-earth and very expressive about her wants and needs. It is safe to say that in food West is not as adventurous. West has accomplished building her own family with Mr.West and her two beautiful boys Jabarri who is 15 and Kingston is 3 years old. West is the baby of her two other siblings who are sisters, Keandra and Kourtney.

Charles and Vivian Davis, West’s father and mother, raised her in a Christian home with a military background. Her father was a deacon and her mother was a deaconess in their family church. Her mother was an RN and her father was a very successful entrepreneur helping his community with disability claims. West grew up with a strong work ethic background.

Early Rising Star

Discovered talent at 3 by her daycare provider Mrs. Mary Moye, she had begun to train West with her vocals by practicing the song “People Get Ready’. West started touching people all over with her vocals. It really didn’t hit her until she was 18 that she wanted to lead a career in singing. Her support system has always been a strong factor in her choice to sing as a career.

West began singing at an early age in the choir, local churches, community events, talent shows, schools, and other events that brought the people together. Through her performance, West loves to spread love through her positivity and uplifting spirit. She loves to use her voice to uplift the community. West reached #1 on the Blues Music Billboard charts with her song “Work It” in May of 2023.

Released in 2018, West’s first single “Keep Pushing”. This song inspired her through her own personal experience with depression which lead to the need to want to help others fight through their trials and tribulations. Releasing other music like “Stop Looking”, “You Betta Go”, “It’s the Weekend”, “Reach”, “Work It”, “Shake It Baby”, “The Mac”, “This Feeling”, “Meet Me at the Trailride”, and “Cowgirl Ride”, West continues to blow our minds.

WEST LOVE and The 478 Band

West Love started performing with “The 478 Band” which started in nightclubs, many weddings, and several festivals. She had two experiences that really stood out with the band and they were performances in Dalton in Tri-State and in Detroit at the Aretha Franklin Theater. The Tri-State was her first largest performance which opened the door for future performances. Gaining a taste for Detroit, West had only done a singing contest in Detroit, which now her a regular.

West Love and THE 478 Band have performed with many other well-known artists. Artists like Nelson Curry, Tucka, Pokey Bear, Bar Kay’s, Slave, Theories Ealey, Pat Cooley, and Bobby Rush. West performs with the band at many festivals like Blues in the Park in Alexander City Alabama, The Macon Soul Jam Festival in Macon, Georgia, and Toomsboro Georgia First Annual Blues Festival. West has hosted events in various areas like Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

For booking info please email Deewilliams891@gmail.com or call 478-233-4283.

#GetSOM via @madcappodcast & click here to see more of Felicia’s Madcap Podcast.