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.

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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/

 

 

WHY KANYE WHY!


kanye-west-howard-ss-2Howard University is currently ranked number 2 out of the 100+ Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. It was founded on
May 1, 1867, in Washington, DC. “Built on three acres, Howard University would see to the education of 150,000 freed slaves by 1872.” The campus is rich in black history and it is known for producing greatness, with some examples including, Thurgood Marshall, Taraji P Henson, and the one and only Toni Morrison. If you have been anywhere on social media or even if you’re an alum, then you know the 2019 Howard University Homecoming celebration was lit. But even if you didn’t know, thanks to some controversy you may have seen it on the news. 

Howard University had one of the most contentious artists, to say the least, walk the grounds of their campus, thee one and only, Kanye West. We have watched Kayne go through many phases such as Yeezus, the unapologetic President Trump supporter, and even now the gospel worshiper/performer at his Sunday Service pop-ups. He has been traveling from state to state putting on Sunday Service shows as a way to connect with his fans and  promote his highly anticipated album, “Jesus is King.” There is no denying the fact that the man is a musical genius, however, some of his ideologies can be hard to follow. Such as the infamous “ slavery was a choice” view that he continues to push on the Black Community. He stated at the historically Black institution “if they throwing slave nets again how about we don’t all stand in the exact same place.” Umm, sir?? Do you think that Africans were all standing in the same place when they stole people from an entire continent, not a city or town? And let’s get this straight before we go any further slavery definitely was not a choice!

HOWARDIt is difficult and almost impossible to understand why Kanye would bring this up at an HBCU. Knowing that such institutions were built to educate and lift up generations that were still impacted by the trauma and degradation of slavery caused. The campus is supposed to be a safe ground where blacks can grow and become educated on their history beyond slavery. In my opinion, this was a big slap in the face to our community, and it backtracked all the cleaning up he has been trying to do to his image. In my opinion, musical genius or not, all he was missing was his red “Make America Great Again” hat. 

Although Kanye’s controversial comments caused some to officially cancel him, others believe that Kanye has really found Jesus and is praising in the best way that he knows how – musically. For some, he is using Gospel music, something that is close to African Americans, to get back in their good graces before his album drops. His intentions good or bad will always be a mystery in my opinion. People will always have their own take on what’s going on. However, I think it’s amazing that legend is making himself accessible, but I hope and pray he is in it for the right reasons.

 

Little Known Black History Fact: Howard University

 

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

Compton’s Very Own Kee Riche$

By: Ariyana Griffin

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I chopped it up with Kee Riche$ of Compton, California. He not only makes music but he owns a dope clothing brand by the name of “Get Rich.” Kee Riche$ is also a pillar in the Compton community. He’s definitely tapped and is using his platform to do everything from  giving back to children, to giving back to the less fortunate. As he comes up, he’s definitely taking Compton with him, and that’s what we love to see! His last project “From Broke to Rich” is definitely an album you can listen to with no skips! The link will be down below so make sure you check that out if you haven’t already.

 

 

 

What is your stage name and where did it come from?

Kee Riche$ is my stage name and the Kee part came from like just growing up in life. My nicknames have always been K, Kee Kee, Kee, or whatever so when it came to finding a rap name I wanted it to be hella original. I also wanted it to be something people would like so, I put the Riche$ at the end because that something that people like, money.

When and what made you start rapping?

I was like 15 or 16, I quit playing basketball and I just picked up rapping. I found a love for it, I kept it a secret for a while but I just went all in with it.

How did your friends and family react when you said you wanted to be a rapper?

 

How did growing up in Compton or the West Coast in general affect your sound and style?

I feel like it gave me a general sound to base my style off of. I’m from Compton, and there has been a gang of great rappers and artist to come out, even recently. And the West Coast as a whole has produced and influenced most of the music industry, so growing up here kind of gave me a platform of where to start at.

If you could describe what being on stage feels like in one word what would it be?

Exciting.

A lot of rappers make it and don’t give back to their city / come back to their city however you’re bringing Compton up as you come up what made you do that?

That’s just how I’m wired honestly , I learned a lot from Nip’s career and followed a lot of his steps as a man as well as an artist.  I feel like the moves he made for his community and where he came from was noble and respectable. That’s how I want to represented and be viewed.

What would you say to the younger generation from LA and what advice do you have for them?

Shit I’ll just tell them do what we did and bet on their self , don’t be afraid to listen to people older then you and actually take advice and criticism. Just believe in yourself and run your own program, before you trust in somebody and run for their program.

I know you just had a photo shoot with Pro club how was that ? That’s a pretty big deal!

Yeah it was real motivation and inspiration for me to keep going and go to the next level , Pro Club is big where I come from so to work with them was a blessing.

What are some of your goals for the rest of the year?

Just to keep succeeding, nothing set too high I just don’t want to  step backwards, everything positive and moving forward.

What was the hardest thing you’ve dealt with in your career?

Keeping my faith in this shit.

 

Keep up with Kee Riche$

Twitter- @Keeriches

Instagram- @Keeriches

Apple Music- https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kee-riche%24/1106997876

Soundcloud- https://soundcloud.com/urlyee

 

 

Hollyhood BMD

By: Ariyana Griffin

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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

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