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

 

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

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

Hollyhood BMD

By: Ariyana Griffin

IMG_EF9BCDC9C8B4-1
I had the pleasure to interview and get to know more about Hollyhood BMD from Inglewood,California. He is truly a jack of all trades! Not only is he a student at the one and only Tuskegee University and dubbed Mr. West Coast of their California Club, Hollyhood BMD is a rapper, designer and model.  The list of his talents and titles goes on to include much more.  He is featured on the song titled “Stop Playing” . Click the link at the end of the article and check it out ASAP! (Leave some comments). He has some projects coming up so make sure you look out for Inglewood native, Hollyhood BMD.

What’s your stage name and where did you get it from ?

Hollyhood for real. It explains me, I’m Hollyhood. I’m the Boujie street nigga

How is being an artist on a HBCU campus, is it easier to get opportunities or no?

It’s a lot of support fasho but I wouldn’t say it’s easier to get opportunities. It all depends on the person for real. If you want something you gotta make the opportunities.

Who would you say influenced to start rapping ?

If we are being honest, Uzi really influenced me. Not musically, but how the nigga was living caught my attention. Standing out and separating his self from everybody. You can tell bro was the richest in the room. That got me wanting to start rapping like fuck it I’m trying to live like that. Then, Drakeo and Shoreline’s vibe sold me for sure. I was like yeah a nigga needs to be up fasho fasho. 

What was your first time in the studio like ?

It was lit lmaoo I was cross faded and some more shit. I had the homies slide with me and recorded my first lil song foo I was gettin gassed up and all I was like yeah I can do this rap shit fasho!

Where do you see yourself in a year from now ?

Just further than I am now. I’m starting back up my clothing line, planning on releasing more of my music, and gettin back into modeling. CityBoi should be up up by then ! I’ve been doing that for about 3 years now

Do you write your lyrics or do you just go in and say what you feel ? What’s your process?

It depends on the song. Sometimes I’ll freestyle, punch it, or write out the whole song

Who is the goat Wayne , Nas , or DMX?

Wayne!

Are you working on any new music ?

hdgzrfcg.jpg-small.jpgActually I’m not right now, I need to be !

Check out Hollywood BMD on

Soundcloud- Stop Playin Featuring HollyHood BMD Produced by ZoranKYLE SPLASHSoundCloud

Instagram- Hollyhoodbmd

Twitter- @hollyhoodbmd

 

 

Neosoul the Neosoulnurd Way

By: Ariyana Griffin

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I had the honor of interviewing Ms. Neosoulnurd, she’s an amazing Neosoul/ RnB artist straight out of Los Angeles specifically Leimert Park. I promise you her music is just as dope as her personality! I love her singles L.O.V.E and Manifesto, if you have not heard them yet, check out the bottom of this article for her social medias and music links.She also has new music on the way so make sure you tap in!


What is your stage name and where did you get it from?

My stage name is Neosoulnurd and the name Nurd was my high school nickname and the Neosoul part means “new soul.”

Where are you from and how did that shape you, and your music style?

I’m from Los Angeles specifically Leimert Park so, that shaped me to appreciate all walks of life. Every Sunday in the plaza they would play the African drums so from birth music was around me. Leimert Park is a cultural hub for art, music, culture, jazz , blues, traditional African music was my norm.

Do you feel like your city is local artist friendly and why?

Yes I do but, it’s all in how you meet people. Be friendly to people and they’ll be friendly to you. I know artists in the Leimert Park / Crenshaw / Slauson district we all support each other.

What genre of music do you produce and who is your target audience?

The genre of music I make is Neosoul / RnB even though I’m open now to expanding that box and, my target audience is late teens to about 45 year old particularly black women.

Who are some artist you look up to?

Nina Simone, Erykah Badu, Sza, Ari Lennox ,Ledisi, Baby Rose , some artist from the Crenshaw District are Six.Sev, Yung Kazi ,Danielle Davis

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Ethereal!

What advice do you have for artist coming up, and what’s something you wish someone would’ve told you about the industry?

I would tell them to create what they want to create. Don’t worry about who’s gonna listen or be a fan. The universe will make space for you. I wish someone would’ve told me to be consistent it’s been a year since I created music. I thank God people are still listening but it’s time to elevate and create something new from this space I’m in.

What makes you different from other artist?

I’m thorough. Everything I put out has purpose and a placement in life. Also, I’m the Soulful Savage so it’s like I bring softness and edge at the same time I don’t put myself in one box.

As a black women do you think it’s harder to be in the music industry with all the stereotypes and that come with female artist?

Yes. Especially in today’s climate it’s like if I’m not shaking ass or rapping about other things I won’t get looked at. No disrespect to any woman that’s does because, it’s part of our narrative but it’s not the whole narrative. So many times I have had people come up to me and say “I had no idea you could sing like that”,  “I thought you were a rapper like the City Girls or Cardi B.” If you’re not being over sexualized it’s like harder for you to get noticed but like I said it’s okay for some but it’s not my thing.

 

Once again big thanks to NeosoulNurd and make sure to check her out on

Twitter- @neosoulnurd

Instagram- @Neosoulnurd

Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/neosoulnurd

Apple Music – Neosoulnurd

 

Gentrification in the City of Champions

inglewood-ca-1200I’m from California, the sunshine state, specifically from Inglewood, the City of Champions. Some may know my city for the new Rams Stadium, The Forum (former home of the Los Angeles Lakers), Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, Randy’s Donuts, and even the Hollywood Park Casino. Warm sunshine lights up the sky, palm trees line the streets and their fan-shaped leaves sway from the ocean breeze. As an Inglewood native, I know the city is so much more than what it appears to be. Slowly, I have been forced to witness gentrification demolish Inglewood in front of my own eyes,  killing our culture and community bit by bit. It is not only painful but it is heartbreaking as well. 

According to the Webster’s dictionary, the definition of gentrification is “the process of repairing and rebuilding homes and businesses in deteriorating areas (such as an urban neighborhood) accompanied by an influx of middle class or affluent people and that often results in the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents.” It is no secret that in most cases the “poorer residents” in these urban neighborhoods tend to be African Americans and Hispanics. 

The dictionary’s definition raises several questions for me because who decides that our communities need outside help when it comes to repairs? Instead of pouring resources in the community where residents can participate in their own revitalization efforts, who determined that repairing means to break down instead of building and helping the structure that has already been in place? To repair means to fix. How can are you fixing something in a community when gentrification makes everything completely new, almost unrecognizable? The new structures, businesses, homes are now out of financial reach for many of the original residents. Why can’t the millions of dollars that are being poured into the community to kick us out be used to build, and educate the community that is already there? Enough with the questions because I could go on all day, but Inglewood is rich in culture yet it is being overlooked and torn down day by day. The community is being erased by people who flew here instead of thriving because of the people who grew up here. 

I feel gentrification hits even harder in Inglewood because for years we did not have rent control. Rent control is an essential component to renters because it stops landlords from spiking up rent essentially whenever they feel like it. In Inglewood, “64% of households rent rather than own.” In June of 2019, Inglewood’s City Council did approve a rent that would put a 5% cap on the increase of rent and in some cases 8%. Most of the time landlords even raise the rent without repairing anything for months leaving residents with the bare necessities that they need for a healthy living environment. According to Rentcafe.com the average price for rent in Inglewood is $1,856 and the average apartment size is 745 square feet. This is 200 dollars more than the average rent was last year, we are literally being choked out of our community because it’s becoming unaffordable. So now my question is where do the people from the City of Champions go now?

Supporting Links

https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/ca/inglewood/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentrification

https://la.curbed.com/2019/6/12/18661454/inglewood-rent-control-approved