love

The New NFL!

| Equal Justice for SOME

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 know “what 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Beat By Nxe

| Equal Justice for SOME

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 R&B Singer Teenear

| Equal Justice for SOME

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

No Pressure when it comes to ChrystalChyna

| Equal Justice for SOME

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???

| Equal Justice for SOME

7B1E771A-3AD1-45FA-83B6-471C411C421C

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

Quote | | Equal Justice for SOME

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:

E5F05559-1067-48D7-8659-1F1205088D26

 

 

 

 

Website- https://www.jaypgallery.com

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

Twitter- https://twitter.com/JaypGallery

 

 

 

Neosoul the Neosoulnurd Way

| Equal Justice for SOME

By: Ariyana Griffin

IMG_1265

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