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???

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

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

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