Let’s get to Know G-Que

By: Ariyana Griffin 


IMG_3D65ED82C553-1Today we introduce Los Angeles native specifically View Park, Dylan Kemp, also known as G- Que. He is in the music field but he is not only a rapper but is a producer as well. He has been in music for a few years now, and his sound has definitely improved and evolved. To learn more about G-Que and his talents keep reading, every link to contact him will be linked below!

Of course, we want to know where everything started so I asked, “when did you start rapping?”

I started rapping and producing my junior year of high school. I’ve always been creative and felt as if there was a void of how I could express myself creatively. So, I started rapping and making beats and people liked it. Then around my senior year, I wanted to focus more on making my production better. Since then, I’ve produced more than I rap.

IMG_D0DF0F114F68-1The music industry can be a complicated space to get in if you do not know how to networking. I asked G-Que “how have you put yourself out there so far?”

I rap less now and produce more so to get my name out I mainly just network and connect with artists that I want to work and create with. I perform occasionally when I feel like it.

Going to school in the Atlanta University Center has its pros and cons. but one thing is guaranteed and that is connections. So I asked, “do you think being in the AUC has helped with your career so far or not?

I think the AUC has helped me in certain ways, and also hindered me in certain ways. I’m from LA so a lot of my music embodies that LA sound. And, there aren’t a lot of rappers/producers in the AUC from LA who want those real west coast beats, so I’ve had to adjust my sound a little bit. That’s made me a very versatile producer and has helped me with my career. But, the AUC is full of talent and people in the music industry, and getting to know those people and make those connections has helped me a lot! I remember my sophomore year of college I took a producing and mixing course at Morehouse, and I can definitely say that course impacted my sound a lot. It taught me how to mix my own vocals and just overall made me a better producer so that I could put out better quality music.

The AUC has also helped me expand into different musical fields. In my sophomore year, a beat of mine was featured in a short film created by my homie Daniel Bailey. Originally we recorded a whole song but in the final cut, we only used the beat. And right now I’m doing the sound design for Spelman’s fall play.

IMG_41F7EC127200-1Everyone has a holy grail that they want to create with so I asked, “if you had a chance to feature one artist who would it be and why?”

Probably someone from the Westcoast, Yg or Kendrick Lamar. I have hella Westcoast beats that I feel  YG could go krazy on. I also make beats for skilled lyricists and Kendrick is my favorite rapper right now, I feel like he could kill on one of my beats.

What was the first CD you remember owning, and how did it influence you?

The first CD I remember owning was Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Till this day I think that’s the greatest album I’ve listened to, and the only two rap albums that are even that amazing since it came out are Good Kid Maad City and To Pimp A Butterfly. Both Kendrick albums. The production and quality on that album are damn near perfect. All the beats are different but they all still flow with the overall sound of the album. The level of quality of that album is something that very few artists in general, especially in rap, try to achieve. I think that album defined my trajectory as an artist. It made me more concerned with wanting to create a full body of work instead of a project with a couple hits and a bunch of throwaways. Overall I think that’s just a masterpiece of an album and it tells a story, something I want to do with my music.

IMG_31A854F676E4-1What is your favorite and least favorite thing about creating music?

My favorite thing about creating music is actually seeing a song come into fruition. Some beats I make I don’t see myself using them so I’ll send them to other artists. Sometimes multiple artists like the beat and I’m like well damn let’s do something with the beat. Then we get together and create a whole song and it ends up being really dope. My least favorite thing about creating music is when I create without a sound in mind or a purpose. Honestly, my best work comes when I have an idea in mind or when I hear a sample and get inspired to make a beat. But sometimes I’ll just sit at my computer for a couple hours trying to push out a beat and it ends up being garbage.

 

Links/ Social Media

https://lnkfi.re/realone

Twitter- @Thagque

 

The Classic Man – Noel Jackson

IMG_1BE4433C5B2D-1By:Ariyana Griffin 

Today I’d like to introduce Noel Jackson who is a business owner from Los Angeles, California at the young age of twenty years old. He is already making a name for himself in the city of Angels, with his clothing brand and this is only the beginning. All social media will be below so you can keep up with the brand!

The name of Noel’s brand  ” is Classic Apparel” and “it was inspired by originality and staying true to yourself.”  

I wanted to know where he got the name Classic from so I asked, “what is the background behind the name of your brand?” 

A lot of old friends I run into tell me I did not really change and I take pride in that. My childhood nickname was actually “Classic”

IMG_4314CAF46DCF-1What are some brands that inspired you and why? 

Nipsey’s The Marathon Continues (TMC) brand inspires me a lot. Giving that he came up dealing with a lot of the challenges I’m facing now, and his blueprint has gotten me this far today. Also, my brand is colorful because of my interest in a lot of colors. Any brand that explores with designs that have multiple colors inspire me as well. 

The legacy that Nipsey left behind has definitely touched and motivated thousands all over. I am so happy to see that The Marathon Continues!

Customers are everything when you are a growing business, they literally can make or break you. I asked Noel, “what do you want your customers to take away from you?”

I want my customers to walk away knowing they paid for a quality piece of merchandise, and that their support in me and my brand means the world to me. 

IMG_2358E9824DBF-1I wanted to know what advice Noel has gotten while being in the industry so I asked, “who gave you your best piece of business advice ?”

I don’t really take advice on business. I was taught that the best business advice are experiences, and even considering someone’s advice based on their own experience can tamper with my own. 

Why do you think first impressions are important? 

First impressions are everything to me because you only get one. I feel like whatever is limited is important. 

Now that 2020 is here I wanted to know what he has in store for the new year!

My plans for 2020 is to expand my brand further into the world and hopefully get a store my December

 

Social Media

Instagram – @classicxapparel

The Intangeble Angelo Burrell

FullSizeRender 2Angelo Burrell is a creative individual from South Central, Los Angeles specifically the Crenshaw District. While many innovators come out of this area, not all are Intangeble.

What is your brand and what does the name mean?

My brand is Intangeble Inc. and it means, “nobody can touch you in anything you do, you are a champion.”

 

FullSizeRender 3I was interested to know the backstory behind his brand so I asked, “How long have you had it and what inspired you?”

I started the brand Spring of 2018 and the track team at West La College. The team inspired me because I was only making stuff for myself at first. Big shout out to y’all, I’ll never forget that year. Go Wildcats!

Plenty of people have brands, and clothing lines but the true winners are the owners who know how to market themselves. I wanted to know “how do you let people know about your brand?”

I’m very big with face to face interactions with people but I also promote my brand on Instagram and Twitter. Hopefully, soon I can get a billboard in the District.

I think face to face is an amazing way to market yourself, due to technology we can forget how to engage with actual people. Seeing a picture of an owner and shaking their hand are two completely different experiences. 

IMG-4892.JPGAlthough he has created a vast variety of pieces I asked, “what’s your favorite thing you’ve created?”

My favorite thing I’ve created so far would have to be my “Intangeble Space Crewneck.” I say that because this is the first piece I put loads of creativity and detail into also, every time I wear it gets compliments. It also gets compared to brands like Billionaire Boys Club, which is a brand that is very popular in the city.

What’s the hardest part about owning a brand?

Honestly, the hardest part is that’s I’m a sole owner, no partner, no private investors, none of that. So I’m really taking a journey with Intangeble it’s like my baby. But like Nip said, “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Have you ever felt like you wanted to quit if so why?IMG-5454

All the time, but I remember all that I’ve accomplished already, then I know I can do it. I had my first pop up in Leimert this past summer, and I went through every emotion from making sure I had all of the money to gathering tables, racks, and a Dj. Then, my Dj didn’t have speakers or a mic so I struggled running around town while dealing with performers who were canceling the last minute. But, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything because I got through it, and actually made something happen.

Being the only person to run a business can get challenging so I wanted to know “is it difficult to manage Intanagble?

Not yet, I believe when I start growing there will be more things I will have to worry about but now I’m able to keep track of everything. Difficult to me means things are going good. That means everything is running smooth from sales, to shipping, to taxes, and that gives you a sense of I’m doing things right.

IMG-5453What are some of your plans for 2020?

In 2020 l plan to have a collaboration with a big brand, have another pop-up shop, and invite artists to perform local or non-local. I also plan to design my first runway piece meaning, something that I can enter in a fashion competition. I’m a streetwear brand first but I don’t want there to be any limits on what I can do with Intangeble Inc.

Even tho being a business owner can come with obstacles I asked, ” what was something good that came out of being a business owner?”

Yes, being a business owner gives me a reason to converse with anyone. It also allows me the opportunity to create generational wealth for my kids to either continue Intangeble Inc or, one of my other future business plans through the family company Burrell Enterprises. Lastly, being a business owner is dope because I can recognize big companies marketing strategies. I have learned how easy it is to just do something with my life ever since I became a business owner. I recommend everyone to own a business and/or a property.

 

LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA 

Intangebleinc.com

Brand Instagram- Intangebleinc

Personal Instagram- Intangebleangelo

Twitter- Opm_Angelo

 

The New NFL!

56C26505-DF11-465C-B607-57518B9DCC1DToday I introduce the exceptional Mr. Xavier White. He is a Sophomore Psychology major with a minor in Sign Language at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.  He is also the chief executive officer of his astounding clothing brand by the name of NFLluence. This NFL does not stand for the National Football League, to find out more about the brand keep reading! All links and social media handles will be at the bottom make sure to check those out!

 

I was curious to know how the name NFLuence came about, it is so unique and the play on the words is highly clever! So I asked, “What was the motivation and story behind starting your brand ?” 

D9F3F8A5-E293-476B-BED4-B8B9973A066DHe stated, “I started a group back in middle school, around 2013, called NFL. The NFL stood for Never Forget Loyalty. I have been standing firm on this acronym ever since! Then I’ll say, about three months ago, I got this urge to want to make clothes and be a fashion designer, but I could not think of a name for the love of my life. Then I thought deeply about my morals and beliefs, and I realized that influencing people is one of my strong suits. So why not influence people on Never Forgetting Loyalty? So I just put what I already stood firmly on with what I’m already good at. That is how I got NFLuence.”

He also said that if he could describe his brand in one word it would be “unique.” I would have to completely agree with this! 

Starting a new small business can come with a lot of struggles and obstacles. Although no block in the road is enough to stop Mr. White, I still wanted to know “what has been one of your hardest obstacles you have had to overcome while building NFLuence?”

He said, “I would not say the hardest thing I had to deal with, but one of the toughest things I have had to deal with is my critics. By critics, I am talking about myself, I am my biggest critic. I am an upcoming entrepreneur and I knew that it would not be easy. So every day I just pray over my brand and keep faith.”

I love this answer, it is so positive and it is the attitude you must have to survive in the business world!

D8BA9AA8-3984-4B7F-B35E-191F92E1E318.jpegBeing on a college campus while owning a business can either make or break you depending on what you make it. You may not be able to found on it or you can use the campus as your market ground. I wanted to know how he was getting his brand out there.

White answered, “three weeks ago I came out with wristbands with NFLuence on them and been selling them around campus. I am also apart of organizations on GSU campus such as Black Sophomore Society & Black Student Alliance, and I also promote parties for Kvshtalk. I have been putting the word out through text and posting a lot on my Instagram as well as on my Twitter. Really it just comes down to promoting your self and investing in yourself.”

8625B7A3-D532-4C96-82F2-A76B4A9E22B2.jpegHe also said that the best piece of business advice he has received so far has been to, “be consistent and to trust his gut.”

With 2020 literally around the corner, it is important to think and plan for the future. I wanted to knowwhat are some of the goals for 2020?” 

He answered, “I have more designs coming out on my birthday January 12, 2020 and I also have a big Spring Collection that I’m putting out before Spring Break!”

 

LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA 

Website- https://www.etsy.com/shop/NFLuence

Personal Instagram : @zayysmoove

Clothing instagram : @nfluencee 

Twitter : @NFLuencee

 

 

 

 

 

 

N8 Carter is Up Next!

By: Ariyana Griffin 

XYMu5lqT.jpg-largeWhen we talk about the new era of the LA rap game it is so important not to forget the Eastside, because right now that’s where the vibes are. Today we have a Long Beach rapper by the name of N8 Carter, all the links to his social media and music streaming platforms will be below so make sure you check those out before you leave!

 

Every artist has a different way that they discovered, and started getting into their craft so I asked, When did you start rapping?

I started rapping when I was young maybe about 11-12 I was writing my own rhymes. Trying to write songs.

There are different writing process, one may not write, write after they have the beat, or even before, but I was curious onwhat N8’s writing process is?”

My writing process was really write lyrics to beats that I like. Random beats I always came across, I’d write freestyles every once in awhile as well. My writing styles has changed a lot since then, now I usually just get behind the mic and just spit. Whatever comes out I stick with or start over. My lyrics became more fresh and more passionate because it was the first thing off of my head.

 Joint albums in my opinion are dope, and its a few people that need to get on that wave ASAP so I asked,If you could have a joint album with one rapper dead or alive who would it be?”

If I could have a joint album with anybody right now dead or alive it would probably be Drake. I think we’d bring out a whole new energy between each other.

GREAT ANSWER!!

AA61A9A3-8084-4513-90D2-F9A6F07BA47B_4_5005_cA person’s first CD that they owned tells a lot about a person so I asked  “what was the first CD you remember owning, and how did it influence you?”

I think the first CD I owned was like Country Grammar I believe. That’s the album I do remember having when I was kid. It influenced me so much to this day because as an artist one thing Nelly taught me was how to make a hit. It’s not always about who can rap the best but he gave us music that would last a lifetime.

Whats your favorite and least favorite thing about creating music? 

My most favorite thing about creating music is the head space I get put in when I’m in the zone. I feel like I can’t do no wrong. I feel free I feel like I can be myself and anybody else I want to be. My least favorite thing is actually the tediousness off it. Not going to lie trying to mix certain sounds together can be quite frustrating at times.

Gawdly is the name of his EP, but he explained the inspiration behind it and what the name means. 

My inspiration behind Gawdly was everything really. Gawdly is an acronym for God Always Will Deliver, Love Yours. So from the first to the last song it was all inspired by events and feelings in our every day lives. I’m very concept based so every song has a setting, a meaning, and a lot of truth to them. I also wanted to bring a sound that resonated, I wanted people to really feel everything I said on every song.

Screen Shot 2019-12-16 at 7.59.42 PM

I love how hard Los Angeles artist It’s really a great year for LA artist, I wanted to know how N8 Carter felt about that.

It has been a great year for LA hip hop, so many dope artists coming out with some heat. Especially out of Long Beach. Long Beach has a sound right that’s just so different. From especially from all of our more stand out artists nobody really sounds the same and I think that’s what truly makes us unique. I don’t ever feel like my music sounds like anybody else at the moment and I love that.

N8 Carter stays busy, this is what he has coming up.

I have a clothing line releasing very soon for the ladies. I just wrapped my last shoot for the GAWDLY movie I will be releasing it early 2020. And I have finished my next music project so we starting off 2020 with a bang for sure.

 

Links

Music Videos

https://t.co/9r0nSSgSRF?ssr=true

https://t.co/i5fFYp11JJ?ssr=true

Apple Music

Spotify

Twitter

Instagram- @n8cartermusic

 

 

 

Get Beat By Nxe

By: Ariyana Griffin 

B5XzS6Hf.jpg-smallThe Atlanta University Center ( Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College) is full of talented individuals! Today I will be introducing an astounding make-up artist by the name of Naomi. We will be getting an inside look of what it takes to work in this industry. Pictures of her work will be through out the article and all of her links will be below. So, make sure you get your next Beat by Nxe!!

What is your name and where are you from?

Naomi Akinpelu or “Omi”and I’m originally from Washington D.C.

How did you get into make up and who inspired you?

I can’t even remember when I first got into makeup since it was such a long time ago. I used to ALWAYS watch makeup tutorials when I was young, before I even had my own makeup, just because it was so intriguing. I would say all the beauty gurus on YouTube really sparked that initial inspiration.

It was no surprise that Youtube played a part in her love for makeup, I feel that is the goto place for makeup, hair, nails, literally everything. We love a good tutorial!!

What was the most difficult thing you’ve experienced while being a make up artist?

The most difficult thing I’ve experienced is probably embracing patience in the realest way possible. I believe I have a lot of talent, but it took me a while to realize that despite that, a steady flow of clients is not always a 100% guaranteed. Initially, that was so unbelievably frustrating. Now, rather than getting upset when I don’t have as many bookings as I would like to have, I constantly prepare myself with practice and building my brand so that when the next client books me, I’m more than ready. Simply waiting for business to come will get you no where, no matter how much talent you might have. I learned that I have to be consistently marketing and enhancing my craft on those off days. The off days were some of the most crucial and impactful moments of my career in doing makeup.

hejBrR2v.jpg-smallHave you ever had an overly difficult client?

Thankfully, no I haven’t had a super difficult client yet. Yes, there have been some that have gotten on my nerves, but I really try to be an understanding and compassionate person, especially when running a business. Customer service is super important to me so I try not to let other’s projections affect what I’m there to do, which is to slay someone’s face as best I can.

When did you start your brand?

officially I started my brand during my first semester of college, which was fall 2018.

Has the AUC helped in anyway with you growing?

Oh my goodness, yes! The AUC can be such supportive community and network when running a business—especially with the power of social media. Most people won’t hesitate to retweet your business, especially when they see the talent and determination you possess. Social media has been such a massive help in building my clientele and platform. Also, people are always recommending me to their friends, which I appreciate SO much. Every single recommendation, follow, or retweet helps me so much and I’m beyond thankful for each and everyone of them.

The AUC is truly one big family we support each other in any way possible. Even if it is a retweet, reposting a flyer, or showing up to an event! We love to see each other win. 

0UhRngmm.jpg-smallWhile doing other people’s makeup are you ever nervous? 

I struggle a lot with anxiety, so yes. In the beginning, I would always be extremely nervous while doing a client’s face, but at the end when they loved my work it all faded away. People’s reactions at the end always calmed my nerves. Now, I don’t get as nervous as I used to. It’s more of an excitement that builds up in anticipation of seeing their reactions.

 

How does doing makeup make you feel in one word?

Inspired.

cE6YDjPm.jpg-smallA lot of people, especially on social media, feel as if wearing make-up is a way of catfishing, or pretending to be some one else. I have always wanted to ask a MUA “what do you say to people who feel makeup is a way to “catfish.”

I don’t think wearing makeup is a way to catfish—of course someone is going to look different without a full face of makeup and lashes! I truly believe makeup enhances one’s own beauty that they already possess.

What is your goal for 2020? 

My main goal is to really build my clientele so it extends beyond the AUC. Eventually I also want to move into a studio off campus. For now though, building my brand, promoting it, and gaining exposure is my main focus.

 

Connect with Beat by NXE 

@beatbynxe – makeup IG

@nxe.xmi – personal IG

@nxeeee – Twitter

Meet BR2CRAZE

LQ-YTqCR.jpg-small.jpeg

BR2CRAZE is an upcoming rapper from Los Angeles, California. As you all already know it is truly the year for West-Coast music and artist. BR2CRAZE just released a dope new single by the name of “I Do” Feat. Tayf3rd so make sure you check it out along with his other music outlet links and socials below!

Previously stated BR2CRAZE is from LA, but I still wanted to know more so I asked, “what is your name and where are you from?”

My name is Bris, like Chris but with a B. I was named after my uncle “Bristol” (everyone called him Bris) & that’s how I got my name. I am from West LA. I grew up mostly in LA but I always went to school in Long Beach my dad didn’t let me go to an LA school.

Every artist’s story is different when it comes to the start of their craft, so I asked him, “when did you start rapping?”

I had always rapped for fun, in middle school we used to battle rap. In 2016 I was at a junior college and my roommates set up a mic and we made songs on a laptop, but it was all for fun. It wasn’t until 2018 that I actually decided to make a “real” song and that was “Make it Happen”.

Link to make it happen music.apple.com/us/album/make-

kMmre08_.jpg-smallMost rappers, singers, and artist can recall the first CD or moment that they fell in love with music.

What was the first CD you remember owning, and how did it influence you?

I was a lime wire kid I didn’t really buy any music. I know that sounds fucked up, but the first album I ever owned was The Carter 3 by Lil Wayne. I was going into the sixth grade at the time, and my mom wasn’t going to buy it for me and I knew not to ask my dad. So, I stole a CD out of a Best Buy. I wasn’t allowed to listen to curse words or nasty music so I had to hide my CD. It was kind of like my first “rebellion” stage. I knew I wasn’t supposed to be doing it and getting caught would mean getting my ass whooped ,but it was worth it. Once I realized it was no real way they could catch me I started listening to all kinds of shit.

LA artist are popping out left and right and they actually sound bomb! They are changing the wave of music and creating a sound that really can’t be impersonated by anyone else. It’s the perfect mix of the West-Coast beats with a fire flow and lyrics that’s making artist from the LAnd really make their break through. I was curious on his opinion so I asked “It’s really a great year for LA artist, how do you feel about that?”

I can’t really say too much, my mind is already on next year. Not to be condescending or anything, but I can’t really focus too much on anyone other than myself. But I see Rucci is having a good year, I see Azjah doing a lot of big things. RJ put out a fire album , Roddy is on his way to stardom. LA is pretty lit right now. Still the craziest shit that happened this year was losing the great Nip. The only word I can think of is tragic. Everything about it was just tragic but I feel like LA bounced back 100 times harder. It was real gloomy and grim at first, but looking back on the year I’d say we bounced back stronger than before.

What was your process writing “Decided” ?

So, I knew Decided was going to be the intro when I first heard the beat. It gave me almost a nostalgic feeling, and from there I began to brainstorm on the video. I ended up creating the video in my head before even finishing the song. I knew where I wanted to shoot I had a whole concept for the video already, before I even put the pen to the paper. So writing the song came easy because I thought out the entire video in my head already.

Link to “Decided” video: youtu.be/WA7Stp4DXD0

TBQ6Rqun.jpg-smallHow does being from LA influence your style and your sound?

I think being from LA just makes me cocky, if that makes sense. I like getting on a song and talking my shit. Whether it be a West-Coast beat or not, I will say something ratchet and disrespectful. I can almost guarantee it. Sound wise I’m not really too sure. I’m always just being me in my songs,I’ve never tried to mimic a sound or clone a particular rapper. I spent my whole life on the West so, I naturally just fell in love with the Bay Area sound and G funk.

With literally a few months left in 2019 I asked “What are some of your 2020 goals and who do you want to work with?”

My only real goal in 2020 is to put out my first official full album release. All tracks will be produced by K Wrigs and I’m currently working to get features lined up and locked in. It will be at least 12-20 tracks so at least an hour long. I’m already excited to start actually writing and creating the songs. As far as people I want to work with, there’s a few that I feel we would mesh perfectly like EPICMUSTDIE, Dirty Dell, I would really like to get Azjah on this K Wrigs project. I can already picture how fire she’d be on one of these beats. Some other names I can think of off the top of my head would be Hey Deon , Lambo4oe , and Jayo Cortez.

How did your family and friends react when you told them you were serious about your rap career?

I’m not gonna lie I’m not the most open person. I don’t think my parents knew I was rapping until I showed them my first video. And even after that, I don’t think they saw I was serious until I started doing shows and spending every weekend in the studio. My aunt loves that I’m rapping, she always tells me she will be our cook when I go on tour. My friends reacted how I thought they would. Most took it as a joke, but the ones that really knew me understood that I wasn’t joking. It was hurtful to see people I befriended react the way that they did. There’s like a stigma attached to you when you first start rapping. Unless you’re already famous, everyone takes you as a joke. They don’t see your passion or hunger they just assume it’s a phase. All that did was add more fuel to the fire.

Pick the best artist Drake DMX Or Nas?

Drake by a landslide. Not even close.

Do you have anything new coming out?

I have an EP dropping before the end of this year. And I have a few more visuals dropping before the year is over as well. These new songs that I’m releasing aren’t the same West-Coast sounds I put out with my first project. I’ll get back to that in 2020, but for the end of 2019 I wanted to show my range and do more than one sound. I’m excited for everyone to hear! My first project “Off the Porch” is available on all streaming platforms!

Keep up with BR2CRAZE!

New Single “I DO” – https://songwhip.com/song/br2craze/i-do

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/br2craze/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/br2craze

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ynEnF8h8gZWBDmyycvOgS

Apple Music- https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/br2craze/1431854641

 

Meet R&B Singer Teenear

By Ariyana Griffin

IMG_1822

Teenear is an amazing artist that I met at the “Ladies first” event at the A3C Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a singer and songwriter from Miami, Florida and she has worked with some amazing people in the industry such as Lil Baby, Fetty Wap, and Sage the Gemini. She is in the Pop/ R&B category even though her sound is unique. All of the links to her social media and music outlets are down below so make sure to check her out, you won’t regret it!

A3C (All 3 Countries) is a big music festival that is hosted in Atlanta, Georgia and some pretty big names come out such as YG, Wu Tang, and 2 Chainz, just to name a few. However, it rare that you attended a concert that specifically highlights upcoming female artist so I asked, “how did it feel to be in the A3C “Ladies First” concert?” 

It was amazing, I was so happy to be a part of the show and a part of that amazing lineup. I got to meet all of the artists and it was definitely a great experience.

She has already worked with some big names in the music industry so I wanted to know “how was working with artists such as Lil Baby and Sage the Gemini, and who are some artists you look forward to working with in the future?”

I had an awesome experience working with both artists. They were both huge blessings in my career and I can’t thank them enough! In the future, I definitely want to work with a lot of these empowering females in the industry right now! Definitely Ella Mai, Summer Walker, H.E.R , Saweetie… I can keep going down the list. There are a lot of women really doing their thing right now.

Where is the lie!!! Women are dominating the music industry right now and I am here for it!

Do you have any upcoming projects?

After releasing my latest single “Dollar Signs”, you should definitely be on the lookout for the music video and more music coming out pretty soon!

What’s some advice you could give to someone if they were looking to take the same career path?

Honestly, I would just say believe in yourself 100%. That’s the best thing you can do when you’re taking on any type of career because, if you don’t believe in yourself it’ll definitely show!

What’s one thing your fans don’t know about you, but they should?

One thing my fans do not know is that even though I sing R&B and about love, my guilty pleasure is listening and twerking to Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, etc. for fun.

I love the song “Dolla Signs” so I couldn’t help but ask, “what was the inspiration behind your latest single “Dolla Signs”?”

Dolla Signs shows my growth on my journey. I’m finding myself, taking more opportunities while balancing personal life. Usually, the typical story is that the man is handling business and being the boss while their girl is at home, and now I’m the one being more control of my business and it’s empowering.

What is the hardest part of being a performer?

I would say the hardest part is really just putting yourself 100% out there. Being in this industry is definitely one you have to be transparent in and that’s not always easy

IMG_1827There are a few months left in 2019, so we have to start having 2020 vision already, so I asked: “what are some of your 2020 goals?”

My biggest goals of 2020 are to put out my very own project and get on a tour

Which city had the best energy while you were on stage?

Miami for Rolling Loud!

 

Connect with Teenear 

Official Website- https://teenear.com

Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/teenear/988194705

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/artist/05F7ymnYcv8JdwxtDnmFO0

CAU’s Mr. Junior Darius Roddy-Moore

IMG_2461.PNGHere at Clark Atlanta University Darius Roddy- Moore serves as the 2019-2020 Mr. Junior. He is a Business Administration Major with a dual concentration in Marketing & Management from Los Angeles, California.

It takes a lot to be a leader on campus so I asked, “what motivated you to become Mr. Junior?”

 Man, what didn’t motivate me to be Mr. Junior honestly. As a sophomore I was Mr. Breaking The Cycle and I did a lot with that platform alongside my Queen at the time, current Miss CAU, Aretha Bernard. Her and I both knew that we wanted to elevate and serve CAU on a more broad scale. I told her one day that I wanted to possibly run for Mr. Junior and she told me she wanted to run for Miss CAU at that same time. From there we just made sure we pushed one another to be great to make sure we were worthy enough of these respective titles. My closest friends played a huge part in the decision to do this as well and of course my #1 supporters, my parents. I love them so much.

Lessons come in all shapes and forms and they can pop up at any time so I asked Darius, “what is one lesson you learned from being Mr. Junior?

One word. Selfless. The definition of selfless is when you are concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than your own; unselfish. This comes with sacrifice and so much more. Most of all I would selfless because it’s bigger than me or how I’m feeling. I don’t have good days everyday as it may seem, but I know that I can influence someone else’s day with my words or mood alone, so even if I am having a bad day I pull it together real quick when we are talking with the freshman from 10 P.M. to 3 A.M. or when I have someone text me at 1 A.M. and say,”Hey, I have a lot going on are you able to talk right now?” If I am awake, which I am, what am I going to say no? I reply quick,”Hey you want to talk on the phone or in person. Let me know!” People can vouch and say I’ve done that and many other things. Like sleep? What is that? It’s all about getting the work done and being the greatest leaders we can be. Accomplishing the goals we said we wanted aloud.

I love his answer because being a leader takes a lot, you are constantly in the spot light. However, it takes a real leader to actually lead by example and be there when people need you! 

What initiatives do you plan to implement for CAU Class of 2021 for the rest of your time as Mr. Junior?

The semester is moving so fast! So for the Fall semester I plan to have a Food, Clothing, and Toy drive as well as volunteer work in certain shelters in the Atlanta Metro area. Football season is over next semester, so I have some bigger plans to get us together that involve I would say beautifying our campus to leave our mark as a class as well as more things that bring us together to interact. Miss Junior and I have some big things planned for the future.

Although the year is moving swiftly I asked,do you look forward to anything coming up this year?”

 

I am definitely looking forward to making history alongside my brothers in TeJordan, Josh, Taylon, and Jave’l as we are the Inaugural Mister Clark Atlanta University’s Royal Court. Our goal as a unit is to show the men on this campus that there is a standard that must be met and that we are here for them. We have had a Miss CAU for so long with great representation for the women here, but nothing for the men. I’m glad to just be apart of this because we are establishing tradition, breaking down barriers, and creating new norms here at CAU.

What is your platform and how would you describe it. 

IMG_2462 2So my platform is,”What’s Next?” inspired by a few things. What’s Next? is ultimately a question I’ve asked myself everyday since the end of my freshman year. It’s something that drives me everyday and has opened up so many opportunities for me. It’s something that has influenced others to just be greater as well. First thing I do when I wake up is say,”Thank You” to the most high for blessing me with another day and then I ask myself,”What’s Next?” Even with the highest accomplishments there is always more that can be done. It’s so when you reach your goals you don’t become relaxed and satisfied. You ask yourself,”What’s after this? How can I level up from here?” You know what I’m saying. Like I’m never satisfied. I’m always working and always willing to add more to my plate, blessings. My goals is to always build a longer table so more people can eat with me and in general rather than a higher fence to block others from being blessed.

 

Mr. Junior’s Instagram is