WIB (Where It Begins) Magazine by Where It Begins

WIB

NAPPY&ROOTS BREWING

APRIL

CONTENTS

Michael Majesty

Dj Kurrupt

Yokane 09 DJ Valasoul

Chanel B

Mark Pain

Reese odum

DBV

T.R.U.B Chef

James Worthy

Tommy in the city

Phase V1

Kiara Craft

Mekaiel 31 International Nova

Nappy Roots

Julian Lark

CHANEL B

09 YOKANE

DJ KURUPT

CHANEL B

NAPPY ROOTS

W.I.B (Where It Begins) is an Independent agency with the aim to always be innovate in each approach taken to projects and making sure excellence is given in a projects execution when it comes to media marketing, branding, networking and management. Founded by the well experienced and ever growing force; D.C native Cece Hymes, the most important and integral aspect of W.I.B is that branding for both Creatives and Businesses is taken to the next level with each and every project undertaken. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve continued to represent a very diverse and well acclaimed roster of emerging talents in the entertainment, and businesses! With a determined persistence for continued excellence, our Founder Cece Hymes, with a college Degree in Business Management, has also worked within radio and with many companies such as: RDE Entertainment, H.I.G.H Entertainment and Caribbean Gospel Records Ltd.,

MICHAEL MAJESTY

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I live in the nonprofit world, and I try to find charity in everything. I do this whether its my events or supporting other events in the industry. My new project is a charity event, and I call it ‘A Call of Action’ because it’s a story that, when heard, will change some lives.

I have actors, actresses, and directors whom I wish to work with. Make your dreams your reality. That’s what I am doing.

Where are you from and what brought you to Atlanta? I am originally from New Orleans, Lousiana. I relocated to Atlanta, Ga to attend Morehouse College. Throughout my matriculation, I immediately realized Atlanta was on the fast track to becoming the New Hollywood. I definitely desired to be involved in that transition. Therefore, I learned the ins and outs of the entertainment business. What have you been working on these days? Today I run a full service in house media and production company that takes care of our client’s needs from conception to reality. We also produce educational workshops, panels, and networking events. If anyone is in search of speaking engagements, our platforms Secure the Job, Marketing Masters-or Beauty and the Boss may be a perfect fit. The who’s who of entertainment have graced Our platforms. My latest endeavor is creating my own content. Clench

Magazine launches this Fall. In additon to this, I have written several films and stage plays. My first Union film, “Brother’s Grim” is currently in post-production. Are you booed up these days? I am most definitely single but others may say otherwise. All work no play these days. Do you have a goal list of the people of whom you would like to work with? Yes, absolutely. I have actors, actresses, and directors whom I wish to work with. How did being a student in the area prepare you for what you are doing now? I am fortunate to have attended an HBCU. The brotherhood and camaraderie is unparalleled. I’ve learned so much about myself and how to effectively work with others. The connections you make as a student are the ones you hold on to as a professional. My friends I use to eat lunch with are now doctors, lawyers, accountants and more. Having these connections make my job easier.

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DJ KURUPT What are your two all-time favorite girl groups? I would have to say En Vogue and SWV.

“A keyword for me is “Determination”Everything that we want and need is right before us. You just have to be determined and reach for it”.

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Please share with the world who you are, what you are, and why you do what you do so well? Before DJ Kurupt, I was known as DJ Cool Cal. I would dj on my block in Springfield, Massachusetts at our friend’s house whenever we had parties. I was chosen to be the dj because I was the one who had a lot of music. I didn’t have a turntable at the time, so we would sneak my mom’s entertainment center across the street and use that. I went to an event one day where they had a real dj with turntables, and it was then that I started learning what being a dj was about. I started making mixtapes

because it was something that I enjoyed doing, and not because I was looking for anything. My first mix tape started being passed around, and everyone loved it and wanted to know who I was. That’s pretty much how my career got started. It got to the point where my mixtapes started traveling. It was over once they got to New York and everyone wanted to know who that guy is. I began connecting with other artists. Def Jam along with Irv Gotti and others, got a hold of my mixtapes and they wanted to know who I was. Everyone was calling me and wanted to meet. How did being on 106 and Park open your career? Being on 106 and Park wasn’t

the first time for me to touch that type of platform. I’d been on Rap City, the Basement with Big Tigger and other music shows on BET. However, I am thankful to have gone back to bless the stage with my presence, and seeing all the wonderful souls that continued to help me get to this point and beyond. A little birdie told me that you’re writing a book? Yes this is true, I’ve actually written several books, the first one is based on a true story from past experiences. I titled this book “The day I died” its about a situation that happened back in 2015, and the story reflects on the power of God. I was struck in the back of my head by a bullet after piercing straight through my finger. This incident left me in the trauma

unit for some time, and i’ve been fighting with the after effect since. You can keep up with the book on www. ThedayIDiedbook.com What are your thoughts on the laptop dj’s? Before I had my first turntable, I made it work with a double decker cassette deck. So, I think it’s ok for someone to use a controller. What advice would you give to someone trying to get on being a DJ. There are always new opportunties for DJ outlets. A key word for me is “Determination. Everything that we want and need is right before us. You just have to be determined and reach for it.

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We limit ourselves when you in the box it comes with rules and regulations. You want to go outside of boundaries from failure or being judged....

YO KA NE 8

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What is the story behind street dreams? My story is we got together with some talented people we just vibe we were on the same frequency at the time. We try to base it on honesty and feeling at the time. Just genuine music it changes from time to time I am not in the box. In the future, you are going to see me doing other things.

ow do you feel about the artist being in the Box? I think we limit ourselves when you in the box it comes with rules and regulations. You want to go outside of boundaries from failure or being judged. When you in a job you are limiting in your thinking, limiting sonically, limited creativeness, I have been in a box where I was limited I really wasn’t expressing myself on the fear of critique.

Where are you from? I am from Africa (Lol) but from Griffin Ga. What motivated you to be an Artist? It was in me so just purpose. I tell people whatever you like to do that is your purpose; that’s what you supposed to do. I think I was born an artist. When I was young listening to hip hop records, the expression we all like music but everyone cannot express themselves. If you have written poetry it can be music. Free expression gets into circumstances at the time. Who was you listening to coming up? 2 Pac, OutKast, 8Ball & MJG new stuff kind of control. If you think outside the box sometimes liberation cost, you can’t sometimes experiment unless you can finan-

cially back it up. When it’s on someone else dollar you are going make whatever they tell you to make. You have a YouTube show called “Fux News Cast and how did you come up with that name? It’s like a play on the news. It’s like a play on fox when you in the environment someone might have thrown it in the air. It’s a play on fox that have character names that’s crazy like Monie Coughman, Mona Lott, Anita Cox, Richard “dick” Holder, Silky Watkins, Craven Morehead its meteorologist, sports, anchors, Latinos, very sensual urban cartoons. We got features on there silly, mature, and make you feel good. How long have you had the show? We started two years ago, and we were offseason for a while. I got a kid show outlet called green tube kids tv. I also do other animations; highliyfe animations look that up you can see other things more inspiration, encouraging material we are putting out content we are changing atmosphere we want more self-empowerment to want more creative control.

Where do you think your show will be in the next three years?

he company will be more of projections also the company will have a lot more material collaboration cost freedom. We are trying to get dollars up so we will not be in no debt and keep creating and it’s going to grow. We are trying to build and connect with other talented people who are trying to come up you have to get validated. If we learn how to connect we can change the structure, they got to come to us because of business. You stated earlier you are creating superhero cartoon for kids tell us more? Just trying to do more in the atmosphere so they can see themselves a little bit more and build their sublimina. How did you feel about the movie Black panther? I loved black panther it pushed us to create a little more.

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DJ VALA SOUL Everyone is a rapper. When I realized that you can change rappers, you can do away with one rapper and not have the other rapper, ...

What have you been doing these days? I just graduated from school. I just dropped a clothing line called Cued Up. I wanted the clothing line to be DJ base. I had the inspiration to design. I started putting it on shirts, hats, and Bookbags. It’s an online store.The website is Cuedupapperal.com. I am also a DJ. How did you get into DJing? I started as a rapper like everyone else. Everyone is a rapper. When I realized that you can change rappers, you can do away with one rapper and not have the other rapper, I didn’t want to dive deep into the craft. My homeboy DJ Rell onpoint let us play with turntables and no computers. I got two BS turntables and a BS mixer. I educated myself on YouTube. I taught myself, and I went to Scratch Academy in Atlanta also. I was in the military. I am a grinder. My extra money goes to equipment, and I have a very creative mind. How do you feel about this statement? The military is not a place for a Black man? I feel that it can be a pedestal. It can definitely hurt you if you don’t do the things you’re suppose to do in there. A lot of doors can open when you get out

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because it’s honorable. The military is following one person and his goals. Tell us about the artists you’re working with? A. I record a lot of artists, but YoYo she’s an amazing artist. We were learning how to engineer, and we helped build. She is like the queen of spin life. I picked up another artist, J Loco, trying to keep him off of the streets. I heard his sound and loved it. I also just dropped a mixtape called “Self Made” and also make sure you look out for Yoyo’s video. How do you feel about female DJs. Is there a platform for them? A. I am the type of person where I don’t see gender or race. I just hear skills. When I listen to women, I listen to what you know how to do and what you dare to do. Yes, I do think there is a platform, and you can do better than a male DJ. There are a lot more women you can work with and also who brings out a good party? If you are a women DJ, then you already know its harder because of your gender. Men can do justice. It takes more for women.

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CHANEL B My main thing is music. I just wanted to sing and travel and let people hear my voice.

Who is Chanel B? I am a singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, actress, and CEO of my own record label and entertainment company here in Atlanta, Ga. I also have some other things in the works right now and lately i’ve been on the road with Meka Nicole-For colored girls only. Tell us about London Records? London Records is my baby, of course I’m the first artist on my label and eventually I will be adding artists, and anyone in the entertainment industry that I feel fits London Records. I cant wait to bring all of what we have to offer now and futuristically to the world. What got you into singing? My family said my great grandmother Ruby who

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passed in December of 89 was an amazing singer, My Pops Lorenzo would sing in his Soprano voice around Christmas time “Silent Night” by Temptations, My Aunt Stace sings even my dad is and others, so I guess you can say I come from a some what singing family. Who is your mentor how did you get your foot in door to get this far? I don’t have a select mentor I try to listen to family members and those in places where i am trying to excel to and beyond. What made you come up with the song “Knowing”? We find ourselves in relationships where we have hurt one another a lot of times we know the truth, some stay, some leave & some just know.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been singing since I was three in the church.

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MARK PAIN Give us the history about the song “All Alone”? In the music Industry, I noticed social media played a part in how you can feel alone when doing things. Everyone wants to be followed on social media, but you don’t feel like people are following and sharing your music. You get emotions and feelings like you’re doing it all by yourself and like you’re all alone. I dealt with individuals in my life who said they were going be there with me, and then they never stuck around. So, are you a producer and artist? What would you call yourself? I started out as an artist. I love rapping. I am from the Bronx, and I would watch rappers and DJs. When starting off as a rapper, you’re always going to need a producer. Back in that time, you could not find as many people who could make music, so that’s how production came about. The first artist I worked with was

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Rob Base. How did you get up with Michael Bivins? Michael Bivins was looking for an artist. Michael liked my writing. I was like his road buddy and his mentor. I saw his capability to do great things. He is a genius and a great business man. He started up Boys II Men and Another Bad Creation (ABC). Michael was great, and he knew how to capture the culture and the industry. They went Platinum 14 times. Do you Keep in touch with everyone still? Yes, I just did a track with Rickey Bell and his wife. They had a song called “Goal.” I remixed it, and we released it for the tornado they went through. We were going donate all the money to Puerto Rico.

I started out as an artist. I love rapping. I am from the Bronx, and I would watch rappers and DJs. When starting off as a rapper, you’re always going to need a producer.

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...Think of your craft as if it is a muscle, the more you work it the STRONGER you become. (Photo Credit Ryan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal)

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REECE ODUM What else do you do other than acting and producing? In 2017, I started my own production company GPS Productions, LLC. 2018 we facilitated several acting workshops under the series name “Connecting the Dots to becoming an Actor”. I look forward to creating films that help to educate, entertain and empower my audiences. Why did you want to become an Actress? I love being a storyteller. From a very young age I always had a passion for the arts. I feel most alive in front of an audience and a camera, it is truly my happy place. Breathing life into a character is one of the most fulfilling things I do as an actor, and even at times becoming a voice for the voiceless. What are some of the projects you worked in Atlanta? Well I have completed several television and film projects here in Atlanta. Some of the television shows

“I feel most alive in front of an audience and a camera, it is truly my happy place.” (Photo Credit Quadir Photography)

include: The Vampire Dairies (CW), Saints and Sinners (Bounce TV), and most recently filmed Ambitions (OWN). Some of the films include: Mr. Right (BET), The Secret She Kept (TV One), The Last Time (Aspire TV) and so many more. My hometown, Atlanta has been very good to me and my acting career. Who or what inspires you? My parents inspire me daily, they are true examples of how hard work produces success, and they instilled that in myself and my siblings from a very young age. They also encouraged us that we could do whatever we set our minds to do, and to always go after our dreams. For these reasons and more I love them dearly. What is your favorite album or song right now? It’s an oldie but a goodie: DIVA by Beyonce, lol. This song actually made it back on my play list recently. I was really

inspired by Beyonce’s Homegoing concert film on Netflix, so I have her live album from that concert on repeat right now. Love her old and new songs and her work ethic is amazingly motivating. What advice would you give someone that is interested in pursuing an acting career? As an actor, you should think of your craft as if is is a muscle, the more you work it the STRONGER you become. All actors continuosly get training, in classes or acting coaches, investing in your dream will help to keep you prepared for your big moments. And of course, Never give up! What is your favorite role(s)? My favorite roles so far were on The Vampire Diaries and Saints and Sinners. Each for very different reasons, but my favorites nonetheless. You can check my episodes out on Netflix and Hulu, and maybe figure out why I chose these two roles. MAGAZINE

DOPE BOY VON (DBV) When you wrote this song we in the trap where was your mindset at.? A. I was in the trap meaning the studio that’s my trap. Playing some pool and I started writing. Is there any inspiration or anything you include besides dropping everything? Do you have a point to your process and what got you involved with music? I had a best friend before I was doing music; she was a great singer. One day we had a block party in our projects in Brownsubs, and she took a stray bullet to the head and 2 hrs later she passed away. She inspired me so much on how hard she was going with her music that i wrote my first song about her. You went to Florida Memorial University? Yes, I have my degree but was pushed/forced in a major I didn’t want to do which was Surgical Technology. What kind of things can you try to remember or implement to keep you from

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burning out or letting your passion drive you oppose to pushing you backward? Sometimes you want to reach a goal so fast but wonder why you’re not getting it, it’s because you can’t force it ,you have to let it happen. I dont force songs out timing is everything. What projects are you working on? It’s a project I am working on called Ramz mixed it. Dedicated to my engineer. Can’t forget your enigineer. Have you seen any real negative forcefully in the indie competition or is it enough Pie for everyone to eat? It’s enough space for everyone to eat. Florida is the next biggest place for music thats coming out. Kodak Black, Triple X, Ferrari Fred free Ynw Melly by the way. We got next Florida Boys. Who is one of your favorite inspired artists that got you out here? Rick Ross and Flo Rida.

Sometimes you want to reach a goal so fast you start wondering why you not reaching it, you cant force it, you have to let it happen.

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T.R.U.B.CHEF

My grandmother brought me a karaoke machine, and I would use it to record at the end of cassette tapes where the beat would usually play for a minute or two after the song was done.

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I am on all social media sites as “trubchef”. My website is up as well as trubchef.com, and my single is out on all platforms as well.

What was the inspiration behind your song “She Fell in Love?” I wanted to make this song creative, so I looked at it as if she fell in love with me. So, I flipped the concept of it so that it can be looked at from a hustler’s point of view that she’s a gold digger, or the fact that she’s just digging me. Where are you from? I was born in Alexandria, Virginia but raised in Memphis, Tennessee What does the name T.R.U.B. Chef mean? T.R.U.B. stands for “Truth Real Unique Blessed”. The Chef part comes in because I treat my music personal and perfect just like a chef treats his food. I am working on the cooking part though, lol. What does it really look like to start rapping at the age of 11? Honestly, it looks like you’re just playing around. It looks as if you’re just trying to figure things out and you don’t know what it

is yet. My grandmother brought me a karaoke machine, and I would use it to record at the end of cassette tapes where the beat would usually play for a minute or two after the song was done. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was so hype about it and I just loved it. What do you think the difference in your career path would have been if you would have gotten in sooner than now? I think my path would have been different in terms of whom I would have met and worked with. I think that if I would have gotten in earlier, then I wouldn’t have become who I am now. God has a plan for us and I feel this was the right way and time for me.

simple ones that you can do yourself like YouTube, which is especially helpful if you don’t have the money right now. Just invest in yourself the best way that you can at that moment. Work your way up from there by letting people take your brand seriously. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of people of importance. Where can the people find your social media? I am on all social media sites as “trubchef”. My website is up as well as trubchef.com, and my single is out on all platforms as well. What is the music scene like in Memphis right now? It’s coming up better, but there’s still not enough unity within the rap community.

With you being in the industry from 11 years old until now, what avenues would you give to artists now to put themselves on a platform? The platform that you need to get on right now in this time is social media. Start with the

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JAMES WORTHY What was the inspiration behind “Blue Sunset” and its title? As you know the song talks about feeling good about who you’re with and giving off positive energy. You might have a messed up day, and at that moment everything goes out the window, but you can still continue to have positive vibes. As for the title, blue is my favorite color. Sunset is like the essence of feeling good. What projects are you working on? My biggest focus right now is an album. It is called Blue Leisure. I also dropped a new song with Whodini. I’m doing television and movies, and I also have my own company.

time I think I had a chip on my shoulder. There was a time when I was doing so much for other people, and I wasn’t getting much love back. Now, the industry is embracing me a lot more. Fan bases are bigger. It shifted, and now I am a full artist. Out of all your projects, what is the best one you worked on in terms of production? Hmmmm…that’s hard. It’s hard to say because I take pride in all my work. One is the Fetty and Johnnie record. Some others are records I did with Frank Ocean. I am also proud of the work I did with Whitney Houston god rest her soul.

Exclusive: I will be appearing on Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta. You will see me in and out

Do you think being a music producer that you get the credit you deserve for working with so many people? I do now, but at one MAGAZINE

TOMMY IN THE CITY 24

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Who is Tommy in the city? I can never be able to describe that because it is not made up. I am from New York, so you know we have an aggressive attitude, but at the same time I have Atlanta roots they say I am a southern gentleman, so I combine both together. What made you come to Atlanta? This is my family home but growing up we used to come down here all the time we used to own property out here so growing up it was New York to AtL that transform from $70 to $200 the commute came to much, so I stayed. How did you start Tommy in the city? I have always been a giving person I been giving back since day one so tommy in the city came along. I was

searching for names one day in the studio someone said tommy in the city, and that was it. What do Tommy in the city do? I am more like a connector when people need something they will ask me before they will find out on their own at the time you could not google anything, so I did the work for them. I took this and built a website. It was set up like Instagram before Instagram was out. The game was called find tommy in the city. I would go around town and be places and post on Facebook. If you found where I was we were giving out gift cards, sneakers, hair, gas cards people started playing, so I tried to get an app, but things didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out I am still here and going. Tell us about your artist Jah Jah? She was a dancer at the Blue Flame in Atlanta. Her single super women is out, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moving up on the charts. She on Spotify, Apple Music, also on tour she knows how to perform and Rap. Tell us about one of your biggest projects? One of my projects I do every year is Grandmothers raising Grandkids. I do yearly the grandmothers are stuck raising the grandkids, some parents are incarcerated, some decease, some of their kids are out on the streets, so they

give rights to the grandparents. So, we try to give back to them and help because the funds not there for this program I team up with DFCAS. I started out with a friend asking to help with 17 people now we at 500 soon we will be able to go to state to state. Every year we get more and more and then we are going branch out.

Tommy in the city is where the heart is. Giving is what I love to do....

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PHASE VI You have this company called Phase VI tell us about it? Phase VI is a platform where we educate up and coming artist, executives, producers, songwriters and pretty much everyone that want to be in the music business on all the ins and outs of the music business. They can (A.) Protect themselves (B) Promote themselves the correct way. Everything you need from A to Z is out in front of you. Concise, easy understanding way. That’s what phase VI is all about also making sure people that there are other support services connected to those things, so they can get the assistance they need to win, We here for the future of music that’s what we all about. What made you want to start Phase VI? It’s been a long journey I spent a lot of time working in the entertainment business. I was blessed to get in at a high-level

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young in the mist of that I did a project with a nonprofit here in Atlanta called Chris Kids we partner with Neo foundation (Neo Compound Foundation), and we did a music therapy program. In this program, we are working with a lot of youth in various misguided situations. A piece of that was teaching the music business I did that two in a half years when I shut down I saw it was a huge need to continue business portion cause all the students kept reaching out to me. What is Phase VI? Phase VI is built of 6 phases of change. I am very into energy, spiritual, motivation and different things of that nature every level of your life it takes 6 phases to move to the next level. Six Phases represent the journey everyone must take within the music business as well as their personal life breaking it down Phase 1: A point of bliss and a point of uncertain-

“A final phase which is the challenge. I name the company after the challenge. If you did all the stuff, you suppose to do btw 1-5 you are now at the point where you have all the skills” .

of going to, but they decided to do this or don’t read it. Phase 3: A person says I am tired of lying to myself; I am tired of running from my dream. I am tired of whatever holding me back tired of the excuses. I decided today to move forward. Research. Phase 4: Is just the Action take charge and just do it. Phase 5: Persistent that’s when you start taking losses you start getting beat upside the head a couple of times, you don’t know how long this journey is going to go. You don’t see the end of the tunnel anymore. It’s not as clear to your head as phase 4.

Phase VI

ty. A point of being lost all at the same time you must be lost to be blissful its normally a place of happiness but slowly converts into feeling lost. Phase 2: When an individual no more knows what they are trying to figure out in life. You start going I don’t need to go to the next level it’s another level they capable

Phase 6: A final phase which is the challenge. I name the company after the challenge. If you did all the stuff, you suppose to do btw 1-5 you are now at the point where you have all the skills required to beat this challenge, but it’s not going to be easy. Tell us about your books? My books I try to take complicated information and make it sound simple read.

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KIARA CRAFT Diana Ross, she is everything to do with performing artist, studio, the music she invited all of that to be the prototype the diva that we are today. Let’s get the background of the song sophisticated freak? A lot of times people tend to put their cards right out on the table. You see exactly who they are, or who you think they are. So, i’m saying that just because a woman is not marketing her sexuality right of the bat-- doesn’t mean that she’s not a problem in the bedroom. Looks can be deceiving. Tell us about yourself who is Kiara Craft? I am originally from Las Vegas, Nevada raised in Houston Texas. My family has a background in music--everyone sings. My mother sang lead for a group called “The Platters” . She introduced me and my siblings to music. I met my husband because of music. We married young and didn’t really get to explore our musical paths. But now that we’ve raised our kids, we’re revisiting music and creating a

platform for our message on love, relationships, and marriage. How did you get into the production side? Are you also a cowriter/co-producer? My husband. He produces my music and after 20 years of being around him, you start to pick things up. I helped vocal produce and write all of the songs on my latest album, “Breaking Character”. And I also write and vocal produce for other artists. Who is the artist that influence your whole career? Diana Ross, She is the personification of a Pop Star. From being a recording artist to a performing artist. She is the prototype and total package. Even my modern-day influences, like Brandy,Beyonce, Mariah Carey have pulled from her blueprint. Is there a certain formula you stick to

whether it’s singing or writing? I start with a concept, work with my husband to create a track that embodies the feelings and emotion of the song. Then my main writer, Senze , works with me to create and produce the song. A lot of it is in the moment and based on my energy and feelings at that time. I feel that’s the only way to createwith real emotions and feelings. How do you feel about women in the music industry and how men do not take them seriously enough unless they are making passive. What is your observation on it? I’ve had to deal with some push-back, but not a lot. I come to the table to do business, and I refuse to let my gender be treated as a negative or a limitation. Also, I have the right people on my team. Who would you like to Collab with? Definitely, Cardi B. MAGAZINE

MEKAIEL

Things such as Keep going! Keep growing! Continue to educate yourself within the field. Never give up if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re serious about making this all that you do. 30

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When did you start singing? I actually started singing at around age 3 and a half, but officially at age 4. I sang on stage with my sister and dad at one of his concerts. How did you get into the Industry? For the most part, I took an in depth look at the industry by reading books on it, watching artists that inspired me, and attending workshops. I applied the knowledge I received so that at some point I would make the necessary global impact. Who inspired you? It’s a long list, but I’d say firstly, my dad – Tony Gonzales. Also, Kirk Franklin, Ron Kenolly, John Legend, Ray Charles, Deitrick Haddon, Johnny Cash, and Maxwell inspired me as well. Who are some people you worked for? I’ve worked with more Trinidad-based acts such as Rizon, Russell Leonce, Nisa, Koen Duncan, Antus Keith, Shiselon John Yarde (out of Barbados), and a whole lot more. Tell me about your single? In wanting to have no limitation placed on my sound, and being known for my Contemporary releases; the first release for 2019 showcases the worshiper in me that many have seen and experinced in my life

performances over the years. The single is entitled “I choose to live” and it speaks to the heart of every person that wants greater in all aspects of life and is a reminder that through it all they must speak “life” into their own lives even when the odds look stacked against them. The new offering was written/produced/ arranged by Lesroy ‘AP’ Byers and co arranged by Sade Sealey of Audio Predators (out of Antigua), with mixing/ vocal production done by Sherwin Gardner of Flow Masters Records and mastered by La Masseria Estudio. What advice can you give others in this Industry? To answer that question, I’d say this: I watched the Netflix Quincy Jones documentary the other day, and in watching his story, I was reminded of some things that some people might say are cliché. Things such as “Keep going! Keep growing! Continue to educate yourself within the field. Never give up if you’re serious about making this all that you do. Even when you start to collect the nice checks and gain more power, never lose the drive necessary to continue to cause change and be great!” Where do you see yourself in five years?

“Inspiration: It’s a long list, but I’d say firstly, my dad – Tony Gonzales. Also, Kirk Franklin, Ron Kenolly, John Legend, Ray Charles”.

I see myself being a better husband, father, son, and brother. my music going further, and my record label doing things that many may think are impossible for record labels to do. In doing so, I see myself being successful, and seeing more growth and expansion. What projects have you been doing in the community? Annually I try to host at least two outreach events in different communities, as well as a lot of food drives and free outdoor music events. What are your hobbies? I’ve never been one to like the word “hobby”, and never even applied it to my life. But really, the closest thing I can say in answer to your question is that I love reading.

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INTERNATIONAL NOVA Tell me about the song “Freak in Me”? For me, its about the ladies putting good music out there with positive vibes and positive energy.

a big help and push. He said, “Don’t change you. Don’t be in Atlanta artist. Be you, be different, and you’ll stand out.”

What brought you to Atlanta? As an artist and a man, I think I’ve done all I can do in New York City. I had to come where the music was popping, and Atlanta fit my vibe (that laid-back vibe).

Do you feel any pressure trying to sound like everyone in Atlanta? Yes and no. You get caught up in if you want to be doing what is ‘in’ right now. That’s my hesitation. I am in for the long haul. I love to make quality music.

Who were some of the people that really made you say, “I can do this. I got a team backing me up?” It took me awhile to get comfortable, but I started hanging around people that were really doing it. Tony Sunshine pushed me. I always been in a one-man band. I have my own studio, do my own mixes, and own masters and videos. The first person I met here was Bone Crusher. He been

You were in the movies All Eyes on Me and Love and Hip Hop, what other projects are you working on? I love acting. Acting is what I always wanted to do but did not think about doing. I had enough talent to do it, and I want to get into more of it. Tupac was my idol. It was a blessing to be on the project Love and Hip Hop. I did a record, everyone went crazy, and producers walked up to me. They wanted me being in more

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scenes. Tell me more about this new single? The new single “Freak” has 30,000 spins on Spotify in less than 30 days. Also 60,000 spins on SoundCloud. Do you model? Yes, I have a lot of pictures in magazines. Triple O G did a contract with me also, and I did a sneaker deal with a sneaker project. I can see you being a motivational speaker. Thoughts? When I was a kid, they always had me doing things in the community. I fell right into it and been doing it for a long time now.

Its all about the ladies putting good music out there with positive vibes and positive energy. MAGAZINE

NAPPY ROOTS Our last album we did called Another 40 Akers is full of new talent from Atlanta like Scotty Atl, Earth Gang, Forte’ Bowie, Jarron Benton, and we accept our role.

Being Nappy Roots and doing beer is different. They need more diversity in Atlanta.

How do you feel about where music is right now? I like it. It’s always growing as we get older music mean something different to us. Music means to me differently than the kids, I think. It’s time for hip hop to give some harmony to the older generations. Even on Netflix, you got shows like The Evolution really breaking down what hip hop is. If you like something different, you can go to SoundCloud, I think this is a good time. The time is good with hip hop. I like to look at how it used to be called the golden era. When I was appreciative of what was going on, and now it’s the new era. Some people complain how things change. It evolves,

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and the evolution of hip hop is a dope thing to see and experience while I am living within it. I am excited where we are going with it. Who would you’ll collaborate with? I like to bridge the gap between the youth and where we came from. We’re collaborating with a new group called Earth Gang. They’re from Atlanta, and they’re part of J. Cole’s Label called Dreamville. They are blowing up right now. Earth Gang and JID are going to be the next big thing in Atlanta. We knew them way back when they first started rapping and to see where they are going is cool. It’s about understanding that hip hop is a young man game. It’s really about the youth.

We found another revenue stream. Beer is something that will be around forever, even if we stop rapping, beer will still be around. If we can make that, we can still be creative as an artist. I saw it as a business opportunity and a passion project. Beer is sold everywhere. The beer industry is booming -- a $40 billion industry a year. Lot of people are bringing the urban side to it. Nappy Roots are more than just a name on a can. We know how to make it.

Our last album we did called Another 40 Akerz is full of new talent from Atlanta like Scotty Atl, Earth Gang, Forte Bowie, Jarron Benton, and we accept our role. We started in 1998, and we went to Atlanta. Our first album went nationwide in 2002. What have you all been up to these days? Working on life, and we still make music. We been making beer and getting into the craft beer industry. Trying to bring hip hop and craft beer to a place we all get. We can appreciate it and the diversity. The industry and different beers are changing the world. How did you all get started with beer? It started with liking beer and trying different flavors that turned into

a business opportunity. We drink it, tried different brewers, went to different places, and it was all about us trying different beer that led to starting Atlantucky. That is our beer brewing company. We had two beers that we did with Monday Night Brewing. We tour a 100 to 150 days out the year. It started as going around the country. Before shows we would go find brewery. We visited about a hundred or more breweries over 5 or more years. You learn more trying new flavors and brewing in the country. We went to cool places people would never go to. We got an opportunity with Monday Night Brewing to do our first beer called “Front Porch Parallel.” It sold out everywhere.

Watermelon chicken & grits in about 4 states. Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, and New York state. The goal is to do collaborations as we travel, so we can do more meet and greets. We also doing a TV show about it called 40 Akerz and a Brew. Craft beer is about creativity, and there’s a science to it. What Is “Nappy Roots” doing differently? Being “Nappy Roots” and doing beer is different. They need more diversity in Atlanta.

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Make sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something they really want to do. What you see on Social Media and what we do is two different things. 36

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JULIAN LARK What have you been doing these days? Working, Grinding, Working on Real Housewives of Atlanta. You styled Anita Baker for the B.E.T. Awards how was it working with her? It was amazing they found me on Instagram, and they wanted me to design a custom look for her. Do you have your own clothing Line? I don’t have my own clothing line, but I do have my own cosmetic line and boutique here in Atlanta. What made you get into Fashion? Its always been in me. I been doing fashion since 4th grade. I came to Atlanta after High School and went to AIU got my B.A. in Marketing. I own Kontrol Magazine, and it’s a national fashion beauty lifestyle publication based out of Atlanta and sold nationally through Barnes and Nobles. I am also creating a show called blended love which it basically talked about different people that come to love; rather they black or white showing the different love couples. It show-

cases love in a different light; it shows love in a different matter. What made you launch Kontrol Magazine? I wanted to showcase my work as a Designer and showcase my friends work who have a hard time getting put on. I decided to create the magazine for a platform for us. Who was your biggest Influence far as designing fashion. The person that made you say I want to do this? The people that inspired me would be Kimora Simmons and Tyra Banks. Kimora has always been fabulous and fashionable. That really spark home with me what she gave wasn’t a typical fashion she gave me everything I wanted and to see in fashion. Do you think fashion in New York is more advanced than here in the South? Yes, fashion everywhere is more advanced than here. We don’t have fashion here in Atlanta. Fashion here is like a clone everyone wants to do the same thing everyone wants to look alike. No one wants to be different.

“Its always been in me. I been doing fashion since 4th grade.”

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WATERMELON CHIQUEN GRITZ