Da insider magazine 8

BEST NEW ARTISTS, A&R's, NEW FASHION MODELS & MORE

Da Industry Hotspot for New Talent-Music Swagazine

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?

8

Magazine

Vic Mensa

How to Maximize Your

Fan base

On The Grind

Playboi Jimmy Javaughn Nawleans Urbano Pete Myers XP Musiccudibeats

-LEXIIn the flesh

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CONTENTS

#8

Y R O T S E R U T FEA

Vic Mensa

FEATURED ARTISTS

Get Da Inside exclusive on why you should know the name.

DA SNEAKER EXHIBIT

@DavidCustomkicks

7

Playboi Jimmy Javaughn Nawleans Pete Myers Urbano Musiccudibeats XP TBZ Prezzi

MODEL MATERIAL Essential things to cover when creating your FAN BASE

LEXi &

H e grew up in

one of the most

J A V A U G H NAWLEANS

notorious hoods in New Orleans.

He was forced to deal with one of

the worst natural disasters in recent history.

He even dealt with and overcame a battle with depression, yet through it all Javaughn Nawleans has never given up, and has fought his way through the tough times to find his niche

in hip-hop music.

Born, Javaughn Williams, this young artist grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Known for its spring break locations and Bourbon Street festivities, New

Orleans is a popular tourist attraction. However, Javaughn grew up in one of New Orleans' most notorious hoods, where at one time it was not safe to be outside after a certain hour. His fellow peers were drug dealers, some of whom were in prison. Because of these affiliations and relationships with people of this lifestyle, he often found himself getting caught up in shady situations.

However, regardless of the neighborhood he grew up in and the people he hung around, Javaughn still had a

dream for his future, but that dream was not to become a rapper. He dreamed of being a professional football player. However, his love for playing diminished once the disaster of Hurricane Katrina hit his beloved city. His love for the game was replaced by an experience with depression, one that he battled for years. Using music as his outlet, he began writing lyrics to express himself.

After being told that he was actually a talented writer, he began to realize how good he was and started writing more and more.

A lthough he grew up in Louisiana, Javaughn had a love for East Coast hip-hop. Some of his favorite

rappers include Jay-Z, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Styles P, Nas, The Game and T.I. When Javaughn was finally able to return to his hometown New Orleans, he searched for a studio where he could begin to record his music, but unfortunately was unable to find one. So he used the downtime to get his G.E.D. and enroll in a community college. Not long after, Javaughn ran into an old homie of his who was able to help him book his first studio time. He met a local producer named Cas Major and released his first mixtape. He later signed to a local label, but because the label wanted to place him in a group, Javaughn was unable to release a solo project. After being forced to get out of that deal, Javaughn Nawleans decided that he was going to make the music that he wanted and he was gonna do it his way, and he hasn't looked back since. In an industry where all of the rappers are beginning to sound the same, Javaughn feels like his dynamic style is much needed.

Javaughn Nawleans Facebook Link https://www.reverbnation.com/javaughnnawleans http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/javaughnnawleans3

X P Born on the East Coast and raised in the South, this versatile artist has absorbed the culture of both regions and combined the two to create a sound unlike any other. Self-proclaimed to be "the dopest rapper you never heard till now", XP is everything the hiphop industry is looking for and then some.

On September 10th of 1983 in

Stamford, Connecticut, an artist was born - one whose sole purpose is to live out his dream as one of the best in the rap game. Raised in the streets on the Southwest side of Houston, Texas, otherwise known as H-Town, XP was always a hip-hop fanatic. Rapping on and off since the age of sixteen, XP has been involved with hip-hop culture for years. But it was the passing of the late great MC Wickett Crickett that inspired XP to take his love of music more seriously and take his talent to the next level.

Today, as a recording artist, XP is at the top of his game. His sound is, according to him, "a combination of every rapper you've ever heard". His east coast influence, in combination with his southwest swag, makes him a force to be reckoned with. XP's phenomenal lyrical wordplay over catchy southern beats is the perfect recipe for a hit song. in addition to being an artist, XP is also the Co-CEO of BlowMusick Entertainment, a corporation of talented musicians coming together to make history. The entertainment corporation consists of rappers, singers, writers as well as producers.

XP's new single "Oh U Ain't Know" has been

released on SoundCloud, and his new mixtape, "Let Me Be Great", is due to be released at the beginning of the new year. In the pursuit of his goal to be the best in the industry, XP plans to continue grinding and working his way to the top.

And with true determination, we know that he has what it takes to make his mark in hip-hop history.

Want to know more?

Ig: @Xpblowmusick Twitter: @Xpblowmusick Booking: @Xpblowmusick

hypekillsnyc.com

o n a b r U MUSIC GROUP Straight from the suburbs of Philadelphia comes a duo whose unbreakable bond has tied them together with a purpose. This brother and sister urban pop music group has a passion for the arts, and their love of music, along with their extraordinary talent, has illuminated their purpose quite brightly.

The talented twosome known as Urbano Music Group, grew up in a household that encouraged them to follow their dreams and live up to their full potential. The seeds were sown early, and for siblings John and Ris, the roots firmly planted themselves in music. John, finding his niche in the rap genre, began recording his raps in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania's Studio 4. At the early age of 16, he began working with stellar producer and engineer, Will Yip. Ris, following in her younger brother's footsteps, also began working with Will and recording at Studio 4. However, unlike John's budding rap career, Ris discovered her talent in singing instead.

During their learning process, they networked with many different producers, engineers, and other artists such as Huey Mack, Reed Dollaz, Danimal Lector and Jitta On The Track. Their imagination and creativity grew, and their passion stimulated their personal progress.

They not only recorded music, but also honed their craft as songwriters - creating melodies, harmonies and lyrics for all their original songs. The two branched out in many different areas.

However, although they both pursued individual solo careers, the two still wanted to collaborate and create something unique. So staying true to the ideals they grew up with, they worked hard to make that dream come true, releasing a number of collaborative singles.

John continued to pursue a solo career in the rap industry, and released his smash online mixtape entitled "Sleeping Giant". Ris, who found her calling in the House genre of EDM music, has collaborated with numerous DJs, including Markus Cole, DJ CHANGE, and DJ Marley Waters, who recently co-produced the smash hit "2 On" for Tinashe. Ris was also featured in Tilt Magazine online for her debut EP "Good Karma".

o n a b r U

After completing and releasing their solo projects, the duo was approached by two local Philadelphia clothing brands, Great Society and Milli Wear.

The two brands expressed interest in sponsoring the music group, and still continue to sponsor them to this day.

John and Ris have also recently completed their amazing debut album, "Royal Family" a collaborative project almost three years in the making.

Urbano Music Group offers a fresh and unique perspective to the music industry. This dynamic duo's catchy and contemporary vibe threatens to take the music world by storm. Blood is thicker than water, and family values have created a strong foundation for this brother and sister. Positive reinforcement has always been a staple in their household and those values have paid off tremendously. These two have never been afraid to reach for the stars, and have discovered their gifts in the process. Individually and collaboratively, Urbano Music Group is the one to look out for.

Want to know more about URBANO? Music Video for Happy Hour SoundCloud Account Royal Family Album Urbano Music Group Twitter instagram.com/urbanomusicgroup http://urbanomusicgroup.com/

hypekillsnyc.com

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VIC MENSA

For those of you who are not familiar with Vic Mensa, today is your lucky day. We take pride in promoting what's hot and so it gives great pleasure to highlight this Roc Nation Phenom.

V

ictor Kwesi Mensah, best known by his stage name Vic Mensa, is a rapper from the mid-west, Chicago, Illinois to be exact or Chi-raq as some would like to call it. It's difficult to label this talented wordsmith as just a rapper, considering he's done records far outside of what would be labeled rap and has done it with great success.

Vic is currently an artist on the Roc Nation roster and is making some serious noise in and around the music industry. Vic released some solo material while still a member of the hip-hop group "Kids These Days", which included the Straight Up EP in 2010. It wasn't until their separation in 2013 that he decided to make a career out of being a solo artist. Wasting no time, Vic went on to become the cofounder of the SAVEMONEY sqaud in 2013 and featured on fellow group member Chance the Rapper's Acid Rap mixtape that very same year. Vic followed that with dropping his own mixtape, entitled "Innanetape", a combination of the words "Internet" and "mixtape". Mensa's mixtape went on to be a critically acclaimed download success that had such an impact that it landed the independent artist a spot on the "What Dreams May Come" tour alongside major artists such as J. Cole and Wale in 2014.

Vic Mensa in that same year managed to land the top spot in the XXL Magazine's Freshman Class list and released the mega single "Down on My Luck" on Virgin Records. Vic has since featured on Kanye Type to enter text West's 2015 single "Wolves", featuring Sia, and Kanye didn't hesitate to return the favor with a smoking feature on "U Mad," which was Mensa's first single for his new label, Roc Nation.

Vic Mensa has established his place in Hip-Hop as well as in his hometown of Chicago. With a gripping stage presence, Vic has performed live on stages at locations such as Wireless Festival, The Governors Ball Festival, the Emmy Award-winning Saturday Night Live and the 2015 Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival.

Now part of the Roc Nation Records family, Vic has reached a level most artists can only imagine.

It has been documented that even with his music success Vic came very close to losing it all when he nearly died trying to sneak into Lollapalooza.

Mensa, having had snuck in the day before with great success, made another attempt to gain free entry but this time he would not be so lucky.

Who knew that this time his efforts to sneak in would result in a horrific, near-death experience. Because there was more security at the event this time, the "No Chill" rapper daringly climbed down the train structure that went over a bridge and accidentally touched an electrical transformer that sent a mind blowing 15,000 volts through Vic's arm and elbow, jolting him off the bridge he had just climbed, falling some 30 feet. Needless to say Mensa survived to tell the story and now has nothing but stars to shoot for as he continues to blaze a major trail through the music industry.

Vic released a video to his song "Feel That", which topped the Billboard's Trending 140 chart.

With big things underway Mensa's creative juices are constantly flowing so it's safe to say he's going to continue cooking up hot new food for thought for anyone with an appetite.

MENSA

www.uamusicgroup.com

The Lovely Lexi

SOME SAY A SMILE IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CURVE ON A WOMANS BODY, WHILE OTHERS WOULD BEG TO DIFFER.

@le3xilov3e

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G

et to know the Mt. Vernon born and raised rap curator best known as

Prezzi. Prezzi has had Hip-Hop coursing through his veines from an early age

and now it's just in his blood. With a 90's inuence ranging from big artists like Jay Z, DMX Young Jeezy it's no surprise his focus is dedicated to creating his own great music.

Check out his new single "YNGP" o his debut album "Truth Be Told". His personal favorite o the album is a track called "10550" because it best

describes the only place he's ever called home. Prezzi is on a relentless pursuit to be the best, and to be an inspiration to the place that has motivated him

through the years. Prezzi appreciates his supporters and wants the world to be on the look out!

Playboi Jimmy y B m Jim

y m m Ji

B

Jim m

y B

Jim m

y B

Representing Marvell, Arkansas is a dope rapper whose music has a classic southern vibe with a sound that is cutting-edge. Jimmy

B, also known as Playboi Jimmy, is one upcoming artist that rap enthusiasts should definitely be on the lookout for.

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Writing his own lyrics since the age of 13, Jimmy B, born under the name James Caldwell, was inspired by one of the greatest rap groups of all time, Bone Thugsn-Harmony. In a backyard shed was where he recorded his first song with another local rapper when he was just 16.

What started out as a fun thing to do because of his love of writing, became a much more serious endeavor at the age of 21, when Jimmy B formed a four-man group called F.A.O. (From All Over). However, because of lack of a cohesive vision among the group, the union only lasted a year. But Jimmy B refused to let the collapse of the group stop him from pursuing his love of music.

From that point on, he learned how to create his own music and began his solo career. He built a small studio in his apartment, in which he taught himself how to record, mix and master the music himself. He then began performing throughout major cities including Sacramento, Oakland, and San Francisco, California. He now resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is working with a management company called Red Diamonds Management. Jimmy B released his first official mixtape project on Datpiff entitled, "BackNAction" and he's just getting started. Jimmy B has the talent and potential to make his mark in hip-hop history and put Marvell, Arkansas on the map.

Twitter: @Playboijimmy IG: @iamplayboijimmy Facebook: facebook.com/ JimmyB-playboijimmy Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/ iamplayboijimmy Email: reddiamondsmanagement@gmail.com

Start Creating Your

Fan Base

From Scratch

here are many factors that play a part in the success of T an artist, one of the most important factors being the ability to make good music. But how much is the music worth if no one is hearing it? Many unsigned artists are making great music, but don't have the slightest idea about how to reach wider audiences and have their music heard on a bigger scale. Knowing how to create and grow your fan base can mean the difference between a successful venture and one that just falls flat. Whether you're creating a fan base or looking to expand an already existing one, these tips will have you well on your way to obtaining the following your music deserves.

7

Steps to starting a healthy fan base.

#MUSTREAD

Step By Step First things first: Make sure your product (in this case, your music) is worth promoting.

Whether it's a single, album, or mixtape, be sure that the quality of your work is marketable. That goes for the quality of your content as well as the quality of your sound. Invest in a studio that can produce a recording that sounds marketable rather than using amateur equipment that sounds sketchy. The more value you put into your work, the more value your fans will put into you as an artist.

Begin creating an email list.

One of the most important things you can do is to build a list of people who are interested in hearing from you. One way to start is by having a sign up sheet at any shows you perform. It would even help to offer an incentive, such as a free cd raffle giveaway for those that sign up to your mail list. Also include a sign up option on your website, one that is visible and easily accessible to those that visit. Once you've established a mail list, use it! Be sure to keep your fans informed about new things that you're doing, upcoming shows, newly released songs or albums, interviews, or anything else that may be happening. Engage and communicate with them. Make them feel like you are accessible as well. The more connected they feel, the better.

Build up your online presence.

If you don't already have a website, building one is one of the most important things you can do. Having your own website establishes a hub specifically for you as an artist. It's a place where everything that you're doing musically can be accessed by the public. Music, photos, videos, biographies, upcoming events, press releases, reviews, contact info, and more, is what a formidable site should consist of. In addition to your website, building your social media presence is also necessary. Set up an account with all of the major social networking sites - facebook, twitter, instagram, snap chat, and so on. However, it would be in your best interest not to post identical content on every networking site across the board. Different channels should prioritize different content. It will keep your fans from getting bored and encourage them to follow you on more than one media outlet.

Build up your YouTube video content.

Having good quality videos on YouTube is another great way to build your fan base. People love watching music videos and having a visual to go along with the music. If your video is interesting enough, it'll generate enough attention to acquire a significant number of views, which goes a long way in attracting new listeners. The idea is to be creative when producing your YouTube videos and to keep in mind the importance of the quality.

Use your current fans to generate new fans.

In an ideal situation, each one of the fans you currently have should introduce a least one other person to your music. Of course every artist's situation is not ideal but this is a goal that one should strive for. Oering incentives, such as a free mp3 download, to people who share your music is a great tactic to gain new fans or followers.

Use merchandise to market your brand.

Most artists see merchandise as a quick way of making extra money after a performance. But more importantly, the value of marketing with merchandise greatly outweighs the dollar value. Having fans wear t-shirts representing your brand is a good way to passively market your music. So instead of charging an arm and a leg for your merchandise after a show and having only a couple of people purchase it, the smart artist will charge very little for their merchandise and even have opportunities for giveaways so that more fans leave with marketing material.

Take advantage of every opportunity for exposure.

Whether it's performances, interviews, radio play, etc, exposure is key in building a fan base. Put yourself out there as much as possible, don't wait for people to find you! Perform in as many shows as you can. A good place to start is Da Industry Insider exclusive event calendar (daindustryinsider.com), which provides a host of dierent performance opportunities for artists. Internet radio play is another easy way to have your music heard and gain fans. One of the most popular sites for Internet radio is radioplay.com, where sign up is fast and free. Online magazines are also a great way to gain exposure, such as Da Insider Magazine, the hottest online music magazine for new talent. Being featured in online magazines greatly increases your opportunity to be seen and heard by listeners who are interested in new talent.

Of course there are a plethora of other ways to gain listeners and build your fan base, but following the few tips provided is a really good start. Investing in your music career is the best way to grow as an artist. And spending the time and effort it takes to grow your fanbase, as well as making sure your fans are happy, is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself and your career.

PETE MYERS Tap Here to Listen

MUSIC CUDI BEATS In the world of music and beat production, there's not a lot of producers that stand out from the rest. However this Lowell, Massachusetts producer has found a way to separate himself from the pack.

He produces under the name Musiccudibeats. This 20 year old, who first began making beats under the name Musiccudi, has been making beats since he was a senior in high school at age 17. Although physically disabled, he doesn't let his disability stop him from doing what he's good at. After graduating from high school, he attended college where he studied music production, and has been exploring his talent ever since.

Musiccudibeats released an intro EP, a free instrumental project on SoundCloud. Although he received a lot of positive feedback from the project, his fans shouldn't expect to hear a sequel. "I don’t think it is appropriate to write a sequel to the EP...I call it a safe move." So instead, he has decided to take another route. Currently, he's working on a project which he calls "Scenes of Madness EP", a series of beats that have a classic retro feel, but with a twist. "I am not claiming that I’m going to revive hip-hop by myself. No, instead I want to bring in different, more evil sounding beats."

Musiccudibeats has also started an online band camp to promote and sell his beats - instrumentals such as "Master Crimes" and "Master Crimes 2". Along with his current works of art, he also has a host of unheard tracks that he's considering adding to the band camp.

His goal is to build up traffic to the site and increase his exposure.

More of this young producer's goals include creating a TuneCore account, as well as landing some TV placements and to start selling some of his singles.

With his extraordinary beat - making talent, there's no doubt that he has a successful career in the making, and we're looking forward to joining him for the ride.

https://musiccudibeats.bandcamp.com https://soundcloud.com/musiccudi-beats https://www.instagram.com/musiccudibeats

Doll Domination By: Aya Takano

STRAIGHT STITCH & CO

PETE

MYERS

Meet Pete Myers, rap artist and

producer extraordinaire. With his focus on progressing and expanding to musical greatness, he has overcome numerous obstacles on the road to achieving success. And although he feels blessed to have come as far as he has, his relentless grind is far from over.

Born in the City of New York, and raised in "God's Country" Bluefield, West Virginia, Myers began his love affair with rap music by remixing popular rap songs in 2009. As his love for creating music became more serious, Myers went from using industry beats to finding original beats from various producers on Soundclick, as well as using beats from his childhood friend, engineer and producer, Juano.

In 2011 Myers dropped his first mixtape entitled, "Progress is the Process", a project that seems more like an album, with its 21 tracks ranging from hip-hop to love songs and showing Myer versatility as an artist. But creating lyrics wasn't enough for this budding talent. He needed to be even more hands on in the creative process, so he got his producer friend Juano to teach him the ins and outs of music production using the famed production program "Fruity Loops" (FL Studios).

Myers then began creating his own beats, adding the title of producer to the list.

Wanting to be great at what he does, Myers spent countless sleepless nights in the studio perfecting his craft, all while working a full-time job. Although the lack of free time caused him to be at odds with his girlfriend, Myers was dedicated to making it work. Even though he felt like all of his focus on producing was taking away from his title as an artist, he began making money selling tracks to local independent artists, and felt great that people actually wanted a Pete Myers track.

Myers was happy with the progress he had made so far, however he was not nearly satisfied. So taking a huge leap of faith, he packed his bags, laptops and keyboards, and relocated to the place some consider to be the hip-hop capital of the world, Atlanta, Georgia. There he met Darius Ferguson, CEO of upcoming record label Sudden Peak Records, who heard his mixtape and wanted to expose it to a broader audience.

Ferguson soon partnered with DeVonne Boler, whom he shared other business ventures with, who became the COO of Sudden Peak Records.

Together the three of them became one unified, unstoppable team.

Pete Myers' latest project "Progress is the Process" features twelve tracks exclusively produced by him with the exception of one. This work of art focuses on the simplicity of where he's from versus today's struggle of survival. His sound is described as "heavy laced 808 beats with soft synthesises and old school samples... lyrics are extremely relatable to listeners and most importantly, honest." This is an album that entails heartbreak and triumph through a young man who continues to prevail despite all odds.

In a hip-hop industry that can be extremely generic at times, Pete Myers displays cutting edge creativity and lives by the title of his mixtape, stating "I incorporate the phrase 'Progress is the Process' in my everyday life.

Whether I'm at the gym or speaking to a group of people, it's all a 'process'. As long as I'm progressing I feel like nothing can nor will stop me. I am truly blessed to be where I am today but I am nowhere near content. Progress is truly my process." -Pete Myers Pete Myers Mixtape Instagram: @petemyers_ Pete Myers Facebook

TBZ n o i t c u d Pro T

errence "TBZ" Bell is the CEO and founder of the rising empire-in-themaking, TBZ Production along with his oldest brother Dee Block. Not only are they the heads of the corporation, but they are artists as well. In fact, it was their artistry that started the production in the ďŹ rst place. They began by recording themselves, then branched out to include other up-andcoming artists wanting to have their voices heard through music. TBZ Production served as the ultimate platform to release a plethora of new music.

In 2008 TBZ production put out a host of street hits for promotional use through online sites such as Reverbnation, Soundclick, MySpace music and more. These songs included TBZ's and Dee Block's banger, "Only For My Real Ni**az", as well as another hit from TBZ and another of his brothers,T.G., titled "Put Ya Rags High". Also among the songs released were street hits from artists Lor Bully & J. Rellz called "All I Know" and "This is CA Area".

The years 2010 through 2012 proved to be breakthrough years for the label as they turned up the heat, releasing

numerous solo mixtapes including TBZ's "Big Boss Major", Dee Block's "From My Block 2 Ya Block", and Lor Bully's "Hardest Youngin", just to name a few. The label also released a compilation mixtape titled "Welcome 2 the Basement" Vol. 1. In addition to working on their next big projects, the label members hosted and performed in a number of shows, gaining much deserved exposure.

Soon after, TBZ released part 2 to his mixtape "Big Boss Major 2", as well as Dee Block who released his part 2, "From My Block 2 Ya Block 2".

Unfortunately 2013 proved to be a less productive year than expected, and a number of projects were put on hold by the label. Therefore more focus was placed on TBZ's project releasing a number of his singles including "Countdown to Greatness" , "Crazy World", and "King Kong". However because of the unfortunate year the production was having, it caused a break-up of the label with a few of the artists leaving. However, TBZ, Dee Block and Lor Bully still remain faithful to the label and are ready to begin the rebuilding process.

Now in 2016, TBZ PRODUCTION / Basement Ent.Thugs Records is setting up for the takeover with the release of new tracks " Crew Love " & " Trap Nigga " from TBZ. He and his team are setting up for success, undeterred by the setbacks they've experienced. And any future obstacles that may try to block their road to the top don't stand a chance against their level of determination and drive, and that makes them winners already.

TBZ REVERBNATION LINK

XP THE DOPEST

@Xpblowmusick

Custom Sneakers @Davidcustomkicks It's not just an art, it's a business...

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