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.

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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

 

 

 

Meet R&B Singer Teenear

By Ariyana Griffin

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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

No Pressure when it comes to ChrystalChyna

By: Ariyana Griffin 

3A46C426-9400-4EC9-81F4-C2B0EA3FB3B1Crystal Chyna is a R&B group out of the Crenshaw District in Los Angeles, California. One thing, out of many, that makes them unique is that they are identical twins!! Their music reminds you of the 90’s – good times and  good memories. Definitely check them out on social media and on music platforms using the links down below!

You might think that being in a group with your siblings can be a little tricky or even frustrating, so we asked, “How is it being in a group with your sister?”

Their response was the complete opposite they stated, “Being in a group as sisters is the absolute best! We guess it’s because of the “twin thing,” but we’re always able to sense when one of us may need help during a live performance or just have each other’s backs in general. We’re literally inseparable!”

When did you all decide that you all wanted to be a group?

Any talent competition growing up, we did our routines together. We didn’t pair up with friends, it was all us. When we were 14, I (Chrystal) woke up Chyna and decided that we needed to get a vocal coach. I knew that it was time to pursue it professionally and begin with extensive training.

Being an identical twin can be a little tricky to outsiders on the regular, but there are very few in the music industry especially as a duo. So I asked, “do you guys ever get mixed up in the industry?”

If you’re referring to mixed up as far as who is who, oh, absolutely! It’s funny actually because we have to remember that people aren’t used to seeing twins regularly, so it throws them off guard. It’s completely understandable.

“No Pressure” is a great song  down to the relatable lyrics, the melody, and I even love the music video. The early 2000s theme was definitely executed  but I was curious as to “What was the inspiration behind “No Pressure?”

Chrystal and Chyna said ,”The inspiration behind “No Pressure” was simply drawn from us dating and being young women. With us still being young and trying to establish ourselves, we find that when dating, you may like someone but you don’t want to add pressure of there being a title so quickly. The gist of it is having feelings that are mutual with a person, but understanding that there’s no pressure for anything more.”

Has being from Los Angeles shaped your sound at all?

Definitely. We’re from the Crenshaw District and we’re extremely influenced by the old school music that was heavily played in our neighborhood or by our family members.

58B94B78-73B0-4CF4-B725-5631A03849DDWith 2019 being over in a few short months I wanted to know “What are some 2020 goals?”

An EP, visuals for every record on the EP, and a healthier body and mind.

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

We can throw down in the kitchen! And we’re the best hosts, so if you ever come over, you’re in for treats.

Do you have any upcoming projects? 

Our debut EP and a few performances to be announced!

What is your favorite part of being an artist? 

We love being able to express ourselves the way we want to. Having the opportunity to create through our own lyrics and experimenting with different vocal techniques is like no other.

Growing up who did you all look up to?

Brandy! She was and still is everything to us. We saw ourselves, as little chocolate girls in her. Beyoncé as well. We try to model our work ethic after hers. Of course, we had first hand role models such as our Godmommy (Natalie Cole) and our Auntie (Chaka Khan).

 

C7C15D11-053F-4948-80A2-9BB5E997565F“NO PRESSURE” is available on all streaming platforms!

No Pressure Visual: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zoVJKbGl590

Social Handles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrystalchyna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrystalchyna?lan…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrystalChyna/

 

 

WHO IS AIRPLANE JAMES???

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By: Ariyana Griffin

You may have seen the question floating around, “Who is Airplane James?” Well, today I am going to finally get the answer! I do know that he is more than just a rapper from the Eastside, he is truly an artist who puts his all into his craft. Airplane James is changing and embracing the Eastside sound, so if you haven’t listened already, you have to tap in! In today’s music industry it’s rare for an artist to have a great beat, lyrics with meaning, and visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have meaning. You definitely need his latest project, Eastside Project, in your rotation. Another dope new project is on the way and you want to tap in, it’ll be worth it I promise you! Make sure you check the links below for social media and music links.

I wanted to finally get the answer to the question “Who is Airplane James”  and his answer was: 

“I feel like I should have more intricate story on how I got the name, but I don’t. My middle name is James, and airplane is something my Grandma would really use as a playful insult to me being hard-headed and wanting to do things my way as a kid. She’d say “boy, your head is just as wide as fuckin’ airplane, you don’t listen to anybody” I just ran with it as an ode to her.

But as far as who I am… I’m just a regular nigga off the Eastside that just so happens to be good at music. When you listen to me…you’ll find out. I’m a father, a family man, a son, a brother. I go through the same shit everybody else do”.

As many Los Angeles natives know, the Eastside is very different, like any other part of LA. They have their own everything, style, lingo, you name it, so I asked, “How did growing up on the east side affect your upbringing and your style?”

Man, I had a cool upbringing. I didn’t have it “super hard”. Every rapper says that shit, those niggas be lying. I was raised by my granny, who taught me a lot. I wasn’t allowed to go outside my gate until I was around twelve years old, I had to ride my bike and shit in the backyard so when I finally was able to go outside that gate, it was like a kid in a candy store.

I got into everything you could imagine, except doing drugs or selling them. But everything in the streets was enticing to me. It wasn’t until my friend got locked up and they gave him a decade that I woke up and was like…. Wait, this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing. I feel everyone weighs their options and I knew then I wasn’t a nigga that was supposed to be sitting in someone’s prison.

So from there I started mapping out what I wanted to do. The Eastside instilled in me a sense of pride though, I’ll tell you that. Any Los Angeles native knows we are like the bastards. People call us easy, dirty, and all that shit, but a lot of history started on the Eastside. So when I started doing this shit seriously, I made it my mission to put us on the map, the Eastside as a whole. Like YALL GOT US FUCKED UP, was really my mentality and still is. Anybody from the Eastside know it’s a vibe. We got our own lingo and everything. Every other sentence we start it with “boy”, so you hear that a lot in my music.

Since 2019 will be over in the blink of an eye, I asked, “what are some of your goals for the rest of the year?”

Man, I’m already in 2020 with it. Just keep perfecting the craft. It’s a couple things in the works that I can’t speak on at the moment, but we’ll revisit this… say October or so. 

91e263a9-f9ef-409c-a707-663279a040ebWho is your inspiration and what artist do you look up to

My inspirations are my kids, my woman, my homies, they all drive me. All these pictures I paint, they inspired it in some way. As of late, I don’t really look up to any artist. But back then, nigga USHER was the shit to me, I ain’t gon lie. I grew up on Hot Boyz, Bow Wow, and just whatever was out. It wasn’t until I was older that I went back and listen to all the classics. People will probably crucify me but, I just listened to Jay Z blueprint.

Who are some people you want to work with in the future ?

Snoop Dogg, Arin Ray, Kehlani, Missy Elliot, John Mayer, Frank Ocean, Kee Riches, 22Icecoldbishop, Rucci, and the rest of the niggas that got it going crazy right now.

What is some advice you would give your younger self ?

Everything you going through serves a purpose and I’d tell myself to finish school.

What’s something you want people to know about you that they probably wouldn’t expect

They probably wouldn’t expect me to be as hands on as I am with every single aspect when it comes to my career. I co-direct, co-produce, and I design my own merchandise.

download (1)Who is the GOAT??! Lil Wayne, Drake, or Kanye 

DRAKE!

 

 Airplane James’ Social Medias: 

Instagram-@Airplanejames354

Twitter-@airplane354

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/artist/1JhNLx2aikUAHfnzuwVw4q

Apple Music-https://music.apple.com/us/artist/airplane-james/580368988

Soundcloud- https://soundcloud.com/airplane-james

JAyP the Artist

By: Ariyana Griffin

CC1EA9E1-23B8-4F0D-9477-4832F0590B24Sunny Los Angeles, California is known for its rich culture and heritage, especially when it comes to art. Creative hubs such as Leimert Park, Compton, Venice, ect. are where artist can thrive to their best ability and express themselves in a way the see fit! There isn’t a place  you can go within the city that isn’t full of murals, art, or music. You may find anything from statues, structures, murals, and even urban art just on a normal day walking down the street. Artists such as JAyP help to keep the city of Los Angeles vibrant and full of creativity. We appreciate the art and originality that he brings to the table! Make sure to check out his social media below for some dope pieces. 

What’s your name and where are you from ?

Jared, JAyP for short and I’m from Los Angeles, CA.

What made you start creating art and when did you know that you were good at it ?

F8486222-E498-4AD7-9CB6-29213CB52416I first visualized art from my Uncle and Grandfather, also television. Those three were my main inspiration to start drawing. I knew I was good at it from the compliments at a young age. I only did art for my pleasure so it was a more self pleasing thing. I would only be pleased if I drew something that looked identical to what I was seeing. I always drew out of magazines, so I tried to mimic it as much as I could.

C70F2241-30A2-4A4F-870C-4651E84BFF34What type of art do you create ?

I create art that represents cultural impact, that defines who and what we are and how powerful it is! The different mediums I use reflects on the importance of a piece. If I’m using acrylic, it’s more of a fun, down to earth, creative piece. If I use oils, it’s a more serious, emotional piece.

Who would you consider your inspiration when creating a piece ?

Inner city communities, activists, pioneers, elders, OG’s, anybody that’s reflective of what’s represented in cultural impact plays a big part and that’s what I love about the art that I make because I can go anyway there’s so much impact to spark and expand my creativity.

What’s the most important tool that you use ?

Most important tool is the paintbrush! If I have that, I can make anything happen on any material! A paintbrush has got me through some good and tough times. 

What’s your favorite creation that you’ve made so far ?

I’ve had some favorites, but my all time fav is the Sade/ Lioness face I made.  I am still in love with how it came out. I sold it but a part of me wishes I kept it! It was a lesson for me to keep all my favorite pieces.

What’s one of your biggest goals with your art ?

0060B3C6-AD6F-42AA-A46F-CFA37B3F4CC1My biggest goal is not only having solo exhibits, but hopefully expanding my shows into films, books, comics, and merchandise. Whatever it is I want it to be everlasting and iconic. And with that success I want to sacrifice a lot of it to inner city youth to help them create an income for them to build their own income.

 

JAyP’s social media’s:

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Website- https://www.jaypgallery.com

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jaypgallery/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/JaypGallery