Music Archives - Page 10 of 27 - Straight Official Magazine

Harry Belafonte, Singer, Activist & Icon Dies at 96

on April 27, 2023 News TenthLetterMedia add comment

HARRY BELAFONTE, the beloved Caribbean singer that topped the charts and helped change the world has died. On Tuesday at his home in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, he passed alongside his wife. Forbes reports that according to his publicist Ken Sunshine, Belafonte succumbed to congestive heart failure. He was 96.

Harry Belafonte was more than just a performing artist. The Harlem native began his career singing in clubs. He would go on to become a champion for civil rights. His deep Jamaican roots enabled him to become the ambassador of Jamaica and it’s culture.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

Harry Belafonte was successful in all that he pursued in life. Well renowned for his iconic chant of “Day-O!” from The Banana Boat song, he took calypso music to unbelievable heights. In 1956 he released an album Calypso that would become the first LP from a solo artist to sell a million records.

Upon realizing he had a platform, he would follow in the footsteps of those who came before him. Belafonte became an activist for the Civil Rights Movement. “Out of Many, One People.” This Jamaican motto would become his mantra as up until his death, he was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Harry Belafonte with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott-King (Photo Cred: Getty Images)

Straight Official Magazine offers our prayers and condolences to his family, fans and friends. In his memory, check out this touching tribute to the icon, activist and legend down below.

USA for Africa- Harry Belafonte Tribute

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Burnt Ships – Don’t Go Away (MUSIC VIDEO)

on April 24, 2023 Video add comment

BURNT SHIPS- Don't Go Away BURNT SHIPS recently released a new single titled "Don't Go Away. It is a catchy Pop/Hip-Hop song. The song talks

Swizz Beatz Releases ‘Hip-Hop 50: Vol 2’ EP

on April 24, 2023 Artist Music add comment

Photo Cred: HipHop24x7 NEW MUSIC ALERT: SWIZZ BEATZ SWIZZ BEATZ is the next man up for the culture. The legendary producer released 'Hip-Hop 50: Vol

[New Single] Meeco & DJ Access ft. Dyce Payne “Honestly”

on April 24, 2023 Music add comment

Meeco & DJ Access Team Up MEECO & DJ ACCESS are back with a new album "We Run Shit". The project is a follow-up to

Grandaddy Souf Celebrates 4/20 with New Single

on April 21, 2023 Artist Music Videos add comment

GRANDADDY SOUF is a well vested artist in Hip-Hop. For over two decades, he's has blazed a path in the music industry that is the

Straight Official Sit Downs: Willy Beegle aka The Poet Emcee

on April 16, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

WILLY BEEGLE (aka The Poet Emcee) stopped by our headquarters this week for the latest edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. @klassikceo served up the questions for the aspiring artist. Check out their one-on-one below and click here for more editions of emerging artists on Straight Official Sit Downs!

Q&A WITH THE POET EMCEE

Introduce yourself. Tell us who you are and where you are from?

My name is Willy Beegle aka The Poet Emcee and I am from New Haven, Connecticut.

Was there any artist that interested you in joining the entertainment industry?

Not really. I’ve been acting, a musician, intellectual and scholar since elementary school for the pure love of Hip-Hop and Art in general. I can say I’ve inspired other people to get into the industry.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

My inner G (energy) sees the world around me in a different way. Allah inspires a picture to my minds eye and i bring them to life.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

How would you describe your sound?

In its origin, my poetic and lyrical style is called “Boom Wry-tin”. After being mentored by Universal “uvee” Beegle it has evolved to what is now, “E.S.C.O Cold Flow” (Enlightened, Sophisticated & Creative).

What is your creative process like?

Jay-Z said it best and in the shortest words. “Put on the right beat, leave the door cracked and let God in.” The story to my song, 10 Crackz is my favorite to tell.

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

I have no picks to who I’d like to collaborate with. Anybody would be a blessing to work with.

SHIFTING GEARS

Never let the naysayers convince you different on what God-given gifts you have. If you hear the drums, follow the beat.
Willy Beegle

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

Most people think I’m mixed. They’re surprised that I’m 100% Puerto Rican. I know multiple languages and hold all elements of Hip-Hop to the core. I have an ear for music that can hear through the universe and eyes that can see past the tangible.

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

I wouldn’t be alive. The choice was a stick. A pencil or a gun, which is called a Stick. Music is immersed into my DNA. I couldn’t imagine what type of person I’d be if my parents weren’t who they were.

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I admire myself for never giving up and taking a chance to see what I am made of. Both lyrically and spiritually. This journey has been the worst and the greatest. My yin and yang to my purpose for life.

IN CLOSING

What is the best advice you’ve received?

All money ain’t good money.- Ron Murrdah

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

The artist would own their masters and have more control over their image.

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

Still performing and hitting new markets where no one knows who I am.

FOLLOW WILLY BEEGLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram:

@regaleaglebeegle

@beeglemoment

Facebook:

@WillyBeegle

Twitter:

@WillyEscoBeegle

Tiktok:

@willy_beegle

YouTube/Spotify/Apple Music:

@willybeegle

Walking Billboard/Radio Host
@nationalundaground – IG
@Nundaground – Twitter

Poet Emcee – @flavor_king_promo @lottamoneygang

Actor – @thewizardtwenty20

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