DA INSIDER MAGAZINE 19

BEST INDEPENDENT ARTISTS, MODELS, FASHION, & MORE

Da Industry Hotspot for New Talent-Music Publication

Da Insider

19

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Travis SCOTT

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Covid& the music industry Who to look for in

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CONTENTS EXCLUSIVE

FEATURE STORY

Travis

Scott

EVERYTHING HE TOUCES TURNS TO GOLD

FEATURED ARTISTS Marcus Alland Kid Guap J2 Starter Ysl John

EXCLUSIVE

Inside LOOK!!!

Coronavirus

and the disruption of a billion dollar industry

MODEL MATERIAL

FASHION Forward Inside Look

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MARCUS

A L L A N D

50 Cent, Nas, LL Cool J, and Nicki Minaj are just a few of rap music's icons to come out of this next artist's hometown, Queens, New York. Now, hip-hop artist Marcus Alland is working to add his name to this list of superstars. Cultivating his craft since the age of 16, Marcus wishes to use his gift of music to spread love, positivity and good vibes in a world that is so desperately in need of it. Considering the current difficulties we are experiencing globally, now would be a perfect time for an artist like Marcus Alland to come to the forefront of the music scene.

Like many aspiring musicians, Marcus discovered his love for music in the church. His musical journey began behind a set of drums as he played for every Sunday service. His drum playing evolved into making beats when he learned how to do it from his older brother at the age of 14. By the time he turned 16, he began to

write and record music, which opened up a whole new world and identity for Marcus. It was music that helped him realize who he was in this world and how he stood out from the rest. Now armed with this knowledge, Marcus Alland continues to sharpen his skills, creating hip-hop music that is at times soulful, and at other times rough and rugged.

Though the feel of his music may vary, the overall message of positivity remains the same. Inspired by artists with a similar dynamic such as J.Cole, Michael Jackson, 2pac, and Kendrick Lamar (from whom he got the idea to use his first and middle names), Marcus Alland's intentions are to balance the negativity being spewed from other rappers with his own positive vibes, with music that is full of love for the people to consume and digest.

In addition to spreading the love, Marcus' goals for the future include running his own record label and giving artists the creative freedom and independence they want and deserve.

As far as his own music goes, Marcus Alland's most recent project, his EP titled, "The Calm Before the Storm" is a must hear for all true hip-hop fans. This project, as well as his latest single "Silent Moves", can be found on all music streaming platforms. With a new album currently in the works, Marcus Alland is keeping his foot on the gas, and to keep up with the moves he's making, follow him on Instagram @marcusallandmusic. We look forward to seeing more from this dope artist and hearing his musical contribution to the change this world needs.

"Silent Moves" on Spotify

Instagram: @marcusallandmusic Twitter: @marcusalland

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He Writes, he records, he produces and he performs like a music overlord, and you'd be hard pressed to find a rapper comparable. As Commander and Chief of Astroworld, he has seemingly not missed a beat and the pun was fully intended. They say the work ethic of a music legend requires very little sleep and tireless studio sessions (just to name a few) and Travis Scott embodies the key components of an elite top tier artist in today's music industry.

Jacques Webster was born in Houston, Texas also known as "H Town, which is home to celebrities like Beyonce and athletes like the Charlo Brothers.

From ages one through six, Travis stayed with his grandmother in South Park, Houston. This was in south-central Houston and at the time it was a crime infested neighborhood. This sort of upbringing is what motivated Scott to dream big and want more for his future. His next move would be straight to his mom and dad's middle class suburban home bordering southwest Houston. His mom worked for Apple and his father was an entrepreneur who ran his own business, but was also a soul musician.

Travis attended Elkins High School, graduated at seventeen and began making music as a teenager.

He started a duo called The Graduates with Chris Holloway, and they released an EP in 2009. The following year he formed a second duo called the Classmates, with OG Chess. Scott produced their two full-length projects, "Buddy Rich" and "Cruis'n USA", but later broke up at the end of 2011. After dropping out of college, Travis relocated to Los Angeles and began recording music on his own. It wasn't long before he met T.I. and eventually Kanye West. Travis was put on as an in-house producer for GOOD Music, and appeared on the label's Cruel Summer compilation in 2012. Scott's debut, Owl Pharaoh, was originally scheduled to drop as a free mixtape in 2012, but as his popularity grew, plus his placement in XXL Magazine's Freshman Class of 2013, and sample clearance issues, the album wasn't released until May of 2013. It featured serious guest appearances

by T.I. and 2 Chainz (on the single "Upper Echelon") and eventually garnered a nomination in 2013 from the BET Hip Hop Awards for Best Mixtape.

TRAVIS

The buildup to Travis' first proper studio album involved the "Days Before Rodeo" mixtape, promoted with the singles " Mamacita" and "Don't Play," and the March 2015 U.S. Rodeo Tour, which was headlined by Scott and supported by the big slime Young Thug and Metro Boomin. Several of the dates were sold out. The same month, Rihanna's hit single "Bitch Better Have My Money" produced by Travis was released. "3500" and "Antidote" were released ahead of Rodeo, Travis's second full-length project, which followed in September on Grand Hustle/Epic and debuted at number three on the Billboard top 200. Near the end of the year, "Antidote" peaked at number 16 on the Hot 100 and went on to become Scott's first platinum single.

The buzz regarding a follow-up project, along with numerous delays, continued throughout much of 2016. In the meantime, Scott was extending his commercial presence with featured spots on Wiz Khalifa's "Bake Sale," Rihanna's "Woo," and Kanye West's "FML," as well as collaborations with Young Thug and Quavo, "Pick Up the Phone," a mid-year hit issued as the lead single of Young Thug's project "JEFFERY". Three months later, "Bitch Better Have My Money" had recieved platinum certification and Scott's second album arrived. It was titled "Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight" after one of Quavo's lines in "Pick Up the Phone". The drowsy, heavily midtempoed album featured contributions from the likes of AndrĂŠ 3000, Kid Cudi, and Kendrick Lamar, and it went straight to the top of the Billboard 200.

SCOTT

Leading up to his third LP, Travis was featured on an array of tracks, that include platinum singles headlined by Drake ("Portland"), SZA ("Love Galore"), Miguel ("Sky Walker"), 2 Chainz ("4 AM)," and Trippie Redd ("Dark Knight Dummo"). Scott's own "Butterfly Effect" arrived during this onslaught of hits in May 2017 and quickly went platinum as well. Seven months later, Quavo and Travis released a collaborative full-length album titled "Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho", which entered the Billboard 200 at number three. The following May, Scott dropped "Watch," featuring Kanye West and Lil Uzi Vert, and within three months he released "Astroworld", which he considered the true follow-up to "Rodeo". Featuring the smash "Butterfly Effect," the album was named after a demolished Houston amusement park and debuted at number one, supported by his second single, "Sicko Mode." Scott closed out the year 2018 by appearing on multiple tracks of Metro Boomin's "Not All Heroes Wear Capes album". After collaborating with Young Thug and J. Cole on 2019 smash "The London" and being featured on Ed Sheeran's hit "Antisocial," he popped out with his own solo single, "Highest In the Room." JackBoys, a small compilation spotlighting artists from Travis' Cactus Jack Records label, dropped at the end of the year. The release subsequently became the first number one album of the 2020s, and that's no surprise given Scott's musical Midas touch.

You can't mention the most relevant artists in music today without saying the name Travis Scott. He has earned that respect and is now viewed as one of music's biggest trendsetters.

Even with all of his music success, international notoriety, a billionaire baby mom, Kylie Jenner, and the world at his fingertips, Travis Scott still shows up everyday hungrier than the day before.

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Check out this "Insider Exclusive" with Brooklyn rapper J2 Starter!

J2

STARTER

What name do you go by and why did you decide to run with it?

My stage name is J2-Starter. This was actually created when I was, I'd say ten or eleven years old. My mother bought us clothes from "Starter", which was a popular brand at the time and I always took interest in their clothes and logo....I'd wear it all the time with a confident attitude, and with some Jordans and look fly (laughs). So the word "starter" stuck with me. But the "J2" part in my name comes from my first name which is Josh, and the "2" symbolizes the day I was born in August. A unique name nobody else on the planet has. Something real different yet memorable. Almost sounds robotic, doesn't it? I think it's dope (laughs).

Where are you from?

I'm from where everybody wants to be from. (laughs) I'm from Brooklyn, New York, specifically from East New York. it's crazy because everybody wants to be from Brooklyn and New York in general, but they forget that it can get crazy out here too at any moment. East New York is a whole different world.

How does being from East New York play a part in your music?

What type of music do you create, and how would you

Like I said previously, East New York is a whole different world. (laughs) I seen a lot, which I'm sure we all have, but living where I was...is very dangerous.

Where I'm from influenced me because I work even harder to change things and "make it out". My sense of urgency is high, and I want to be a face of change over here, provide a different way to look at things and go about business, and even with all that danger, this is what I'm familiar with. I love it here, because it's practically all I know. There's more places to see and I'm not gonna miss out on that staying stuck here...hell no.

describe your musical vibe?

I create rap / hip hop music. My musical vibe is what I would call 'reality rap'. I only speak about things I went through personally, and things I've seen. I'm almost like a reporter in a sense. So, just like any person walking on this Earth, my music consists of every emotion we face on a day to day basis. My art can't really be boxed into just one vibe. I touch on a various amount of topics. It literally ranges from, different styles of production, from trap type beats to rhythms over guitar notes. I kind of create off of how I'm feeling in that particular moment in life.

How long have you been writing and recording music?

I wrote my first song, well it was like a freestyle, when I was ten years old. It was off an instrumental from the game "NBA Street Vol.2". I called the freestyle "J Man". (laughs) I took this craft serious around nineteen years old, and started recording in my friend's house around twenty-two years old.

What made you want to start making music ? When did you realize you were good at it?

My family is probably the reason for all of this. (laughs) It's probably in my blood stream.

My father was a performer in the early 90's and I grew up watching my older brother rap everyday with the same passion I have now. I grew up in a house where music was apart of our everyday living. My mother played R.Kelly all day, and my brother played Cam'ron to the point where I basically knew every damn lyric (laughs). Raised in a house of music, only makes you naturally want to try it yourself. I realized I was getting good at it when I started impressing everyone around me.Then when I saw the overwhelming positive response when I dropped my mixtapes, my confidence grew, and I realized I was on to something.

What part of the music-making process do you get the most enjoyment out of?

I honestly get the most enjoyment during my writing process. My writing process is basically a therapy session with myself. It's a time to reflect over everything that's been happening and being able to comfortably articulate the situation. There's no judge, no critic, no outside opinion, just me, freely speaking on how I feel.

It's nothing more beautiful than that.

How do you stand out or separate yourself from other artists in the game today?

I think I separate myself, pretty clearly, lyrically. (laughs) Nah, but I think I have a unique, distinct sounding rap voice, and I believe my energy is unmatched. I think I speak on more tangible topics, and I think my music can connect to anyone on this planet. I speak about the positives and the negatives, so in essence I think that gives me more range and a step ahead of many of the artists out today.

Who inspires you musically?

I'm inspired by everything literally.(laughs) But the person who inspires me the most everyday musically is 2Pac. His raw aggression and desire to tell the truth every time in his raps, is what inspires me when I make my own. R.I.P. To the Greatest.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry?

I think the music industry is at it's most creative and transitional period its ever been. Artists are able to make a living now, more independently because of the outlets available. New companies are providing more opportunities and the old business model is slowly evaporating.

Also at the same time, the streaming services are making more money than ever before, it's beautiful to see this evolution.

What do you hope listeners will take away from your music?

I genuinely hope that listeners take away the trait of "desire" the most. I want my music to inspire action for others to better themselves and situations.The same way I was influenced by guys like Nipsey Hussle or Young Jeezy, is the same effect I wish to have on my generation and generations to come. That "never quit" attitude to me is more important than making generic songs for a quick listen. I want people to absorb the concepts of "ambition" the most, even if its through the character of J2-Starter.

What recent songs, videos, or mixtape releases are currently available to your fans?

Listen to J2 Starter on SoundCloud

I dropped my debut album last November, available on all streaming platforms, entitled "The One That Got Away". So, if you haven't checked that out yet, please do, it's my most recent work. My most recent video is available on YouTube.

The song is called "Suicide" featuring my brother Toonz, so check that out as well when you get the chance. I have four mixtapes all available on Datpiff.com and Mymixtapez, so you guys can check that as well. My current album, "The One That Got Away", is my most complete project up to date and has recieved nothing but positive feedback.

Thank you so much J2 for taking the time to chat with us. Is there anything else you would like to mention?

First and foremost s/o to TrendCityRadio out in California, as I made the Hall of Fame. Next thing is I'm featured on a song with the legendary Raekwon and Poetic Killa, that should be coming soon. I participated in Coast2Coast mixtapes video contest and won 2nd place. I've also had my song play on iHeartRadio. Needless to say, I've been grinding for years. Thank you guys, appreciate the time, and follow me on all social platforms.

MARCUS ALLAND

"SILENT MOVES" ON SPOTIFY

By Aasha Simone

EyeOwnStyle.com

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Out

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The

cast

King

CHECK OUT TOK ON SPOTIFY NOW!

Meet YSL John, a talented hip-hop artist from Moreno Valley, California. Being from a city that's not highly-populated could prove to be an obstacle for some aspiring musicians, but this rap lyricist is determined to make a name for himself.

YSL Born in El Monte, California, YSL moved to Moreno Valley when he was just four years old. Growing up in that area didn't provide an outwardly strong influence for his music, but nevertheless, YSL has been writing and recording music for about four years now. It wasn't until last year that he began to release his music, apprehensive of announcing his newly chosen career path.

His fear of not being accepted was unfounded, and his talented wordplay garnered a huge amount of acceptance.

John It all began one night while listening to music, when YSL was hit with what could only be described as a message from the universe calling him to do music. So he stopped what he was listening to, threw on a beat, and just began writing, releasing and expressing emotions that he was unable to verbalize to others. The release felt wonderful, and he's

been writing music and sharpening his skills ever since. His skills were confirmed when he and his friends were chilling and smoking after a wild night out and decided to have what they called "freestyle nights". When it was YSL's turn to freestyle, he shocked his friends with his level of expertise with the wordplay.

YSL John's first album release titled "Dilemma" was his true introduction to music. The content of his album focused on overcoming his demons and using music to turn his life around and make it unforgettable.

Always considered to be different growing up, YSL John now strives to maintain that difference, from his style of dressing, to his choice of beats and even how he chooses to flow over those beats.

YSL's theory is the more he can stand out, the more recognizable he will be. Inspired by rappers Russ and Big Sean, YSL also strives to write lyrics that hit deep and create socially conscious music that is relatable.

Russ' status as an independent rapper also inspires YSL and proves that you can be independent and still be successful if your drive is strong enough.

"THE TAPE" on Spotify "DILEMMA" on Spotify

YSL John on Instagram

"The Tape" is the title of YSL's most recent project. It's a threetrack project that he decided to drop just for the fun of it, but it's a project that highlights his versatility. Listeners get to experience the mellow side of YSL, and they also get to experience his more aggressive alter-ego on the mic. With a full repertoire of music ready to be released, YSL is locked and loaded and ready to take over the music world. Fans have a lot to look forward to from this lyrical wordsmith, from future albums, to music videos and live performances. His goals include working with bigger artists and expanding his fan base by spreading the reach of his music to other states and countries. Notice to all true hiphop fans: be on the look out for California rapper YSL John.

YSL John on Twitter

:

It's Effects on a Billion-Dollar Industry

Currently we are all living through and experiencing an unprecedented time, a period that is sure to be thoroughly discussed in future history books. It is a time that is life-altering and utterly unpredictable. It's as if we went to sleep in the world we've always known, and woke up in a brand new, rather strange one. A world that socially distanced us, yet managed to unite us at the same time.

The culprit of all this uncertainty? It goes by a name that we have become all too familiar with - Covid -19 a.k.a. Coronavirus.

In December of last year, reports started to emerge about a coronavirus that specialists had never seen before in humans. The virus originated and had begun to spread in Wuhan, a large, highlypopulated city in China. Since then the virus has spread to many other countries worldwide, infecting millions of people and causing hundreds of thousands of deaths. This global pandemic has affected every aspect of life, socially, mentally, financially, economically, physically, emotionally, even educationally. But what kind of effect has it had on the music industry specifically? Let's take a closer look.

In March, when the knowledge of the spreading virus came to the forefront, all upcoming events, including all concerts and festivals were wiped off the calendar. By mid-March, the Covid-19 pandemic had put the multi-billion dollar concert industry on pause indefinitely. North America's largest concert promoters, Live Nation and AEG, has currently suspended all of their upcoming shows. Bon Jovi, BTS, Justin Beiber, Post Malone, Alicia Keys, Pearl Jam, and Billie Eilish are just a few among the many names that have canceled or postponed tour dates

or performances. Huge music events, such as Coachella and SXSW (South by Southwest) have been postponed until further notice. Stagecoach Music Festival in California, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Lollapalooza Argentina, and Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho, have all been either postponed or canceled. Needless to say, the music and entertainment world has been severely impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic.

But it's not just live entertainment that

For hugely successful artists, surviving

has been affected. Many artists who

this economically difficult time should

were hoping to put out albums in the

be a breeze. Unfortunately for other

spring and summer are now

working musicians, the shutdown has

reevaluating their plans. Artists like Lady

basically dried up their primary source

Gaga and Alicia Keys have since delayed

of income. Because the music industry

their album releases, despite their ability

is so intrinsically linked to large

to still release music digitally. So why

audiences and live experiences, the

are they keeping the new music under

outbreak forced abrupt closures and

wraps? For most artists with a career in

cancellations. Major clubs and arenas

entertainment, releasing the music is

had no choice but to shut their doors,

just a small part of a bigger marketing

and will logically probably remain

movement, one that would include

closed the longest. Industry experts

performing, tours, press releases, album

and analysts project that the live

release parties, etc.- all of which are

concert business could possibly lose

events that the viral pandemic has made

billions of dollars from the financial

impossible.

fallout.

According to Music Business Worldwide, Covid-19 is disrupting the world of music streaming as well. Global streams of all major providers (Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) have reportedly dropped by about 11 percent. Rapper Cardi B is among the major artists who have seen a large decline in music streams, however Kidz Bop and other children's music, on the other hand, has seen a rise in streams of about 10 percent. Why the drop in streaming numbers? Well one reason can be attributed to the decline in the number of people commuting to and from work, which accounts for a chunk of music streaming. Also contributing to the drop in numbers is the lack of open restaurants, stores, and coffee shops that would normally stream music. Video streaming, however, saw a spike of about 14.5 percent in the same week.

Like with any disaster, there is usually some good to be found within the misfortune, a silver lining amongst the clouds. Since social distancing policies have been put into place, musicians have begun to flock to online distribution platforms that cater to unsigned acts, which have been seeing huge surges in activity since the beginning of the shutdown. Even major artists have been taking advantage of the virtual reach of the internet in the name of entertainment. Artists like Swae Lee, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry have hosted their own concerts or performances from the comfort of their own homes to the comfort of yours. Instagram Live has become a platform for hosting battles between two artists who go back and forth sharing their biggest hits. BabyFace vs. Teddy Riley, Timbaland vs. Swizz Beats, and Ne-Yo vs. The Dream are just a few of the timeless rivalries that took place as a result of the nationwide shutdown.

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis,

public for Covid relief charities for up to

many charitable opportunities were born,

ten million dollars. Apple Music recently

and the music industry was not exempt

launched a movement called "Come

from the spirit of giving back. The

Together", which will host a number of

Recording Academy and its charitable

playlists and music videos to aid listeners

wing, MusiCares, announced the launch of

in getting through these difficult times.

the Covid-19 Relief Fund with an initial

Apple is also giving customers 90 days of

fund of two million dollars. Streaming

free access to Final Cut and Logic Pro to

services SiriusXM, Pandora, YouTube

encourage those interested in harnessing

Music, Amazon Music, Tidal and Spotify

their creative powers during this

announced a joint contribution to the fund

pandemic. This will allow artists to

as well. Spotify also pledges to match,

produce and edit audio and visual content

dollar for dollar, the money raised by the

at no cost. Music industry giant Sony announced a $100 million fund to help those affected by Covid-19, including front-line medical staff, children, and those in the entertainment industry.

Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, and Ciara are among the many celebrities who have donated money or hosted benefit concerts for Coronavirus relief.

The devastation of the Coronavirus has turned our world upside down in more ways than one. And unfortunately we have yet to see all of the devastating effects that may come as a result. It's a scary and unsettling time for the nation and for the world as a whole. Getting the virus under control is a tremendous task within itself. Recovering from the fallout will be even more monumental, a slow and steady climb back to normalcy. However, most will concede that there is no going back, the only option is to move forward into what will be known as "the new normal" and whatever that may consist of.

But for now, as we continue to social distance and work to fight the spread of this monstrous virus, it's important that we continue to stay positive and hopeful, and continue to support each other, especially those who are putting their lives on the line for our safety and wellbeing. Every negativity we encounter should leave behind a grain of knowledge.

Hopefully when this is all said and done, the lesson learned will be as long as we remember to always put humanity first, everything else will fall into place.

Click here to listen to "THE TAPE"

by YSL John

K I

G U A P

Reppin' the 508, a.k.a.

Massachusetts, is a skillful and extremely saavy artist who goes by the name of Kid Guap. Highly versatile by nature, this aspiring artist is striving to make all types of music, or in his words, "something everybody can vibe to". Growing up listening to classic rock and heavy metal, and now creating hip-hop and rap music, Kid Guap has a little bit of everything in his arsenal and is ready to blow up on the music scene.

But let's go back three years to the beginning, when writing started out as a coping mechanism for KG. The poetry that he would write became the vehicle that carried him through a dark time in his life, allowing him to express his emotions in a way that made it easier for him to cope. The poetry writing evolved into music writing when one day KG started to rap one of his poems to the instrumental at the end of

His inspiration stems from a variety of artists, including Travis Scott, Lil Skies, Saint Jhn, Mac Miller, Juice Wrld, Lil Uzi, $uicideboy$ and 88Glam.

Performing as much as possible is a high priority to KG, and he recently performed at the Worcester Palladium, an experience that he describes as being "unreal". Continuing to make music that resonates with his fans is another important goal of his. His latest release, "Trust Issues", featuring his boy and fellow rapper, Shiloh, is a definite bop, and a true representation of his vibe as an artist.

With plans to release a project in the near future, plus two to three songs currently in the works, Kid Guap shows no signs of slowing down on his journey to the top.

a song, and fell in love with the way it sounded.

He realized he was on the right track when he let a close friend hear one of his raps, and the friend kept googling the lyrics because he couldn't believe KG had written them. Now, with his vision laser-focused on his talent and the goals he wants to achieve, Kid Guap is molding himself into the musical icon he hopes to be.

——-LINKS——— SOUNDCLOUD

Instagram: @official_kidguap

Latest release: "Trust Issues" ft.

Shiloh

KID GUAP on YouTube

Listen to J2 Starter on SoundCloud

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