Da insider magazine 6

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

Da Industry Hotspot for New Talent-Music Swagazine

Da Insider

Magazine Deal

Anarke

Or No

Deal

Jeans Co.

New Music Corvaa Entaraj Jase Da Issue Black Mueller

Mr. Class Act TK Bands Rakeem Foul Play

Insider Pin-Up

Lucy Simental

FanAddict

TATS

Doll domination

AYA TAKANO

"The Real Kings Speech"

Al-Nyce Al-Nyce Al-Nyce Al-Nyce Al-Nyce

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hypekillsnyc.com

CONTENTS FEATURE STORY

Stan Fraser

A

FEATURED ARTISTS

Narke Jeans Co.

MaL'X Corvaa Neno Breezy Rakeem Keepz Jewelz Black Mueller MJJase Bop Da Issue

Mr. Class Act Entaraj FoulPlay TK Bands

Da Insider Pin-Up

RY O T S E D I INS

Lucy Simental .

Deal or No Deal To sign or not to sign... that is the question

Insider Topic

FanAddict TATS

B

lack

M

ueller

From the gritty streets of the Big Apple comes a rapper whose persona is straight from the core. His hustler's mentality and no-nonsense attitude embodies the very spirit of New York City. Known by a myriad of names given to him by those with a fondness towards him, he's now officially known as Black Mueller.

G

rowing up in the Dyckman / Washington Heights section of NYC has played a huge part in molding this young man's character. Being raised in what's considered to be a rough area, Black Mueller thrived as a kid. He stayed in the freshest gear from head to toe, but was known as the quiet type. Although he didn't talk too much, he was smart enough to listen, and learned a lot about the streets by taking advice from the O.G.s on the block.

Not only did Black become street smart, but he also absorbed the hustler mentality. At the age of fourteen he dabbled in the art of music, recording his first track in 1997 with "King Internal" (r.i.p.).

However at this point he still didn't see himself as an artist, so he continued to express his love for music through producing, managing, and engineering.

While exploring the art of music he continued to learn the art of grinding, how to make and invest money, and how to stay motivated.

However, not everything he learned from the hood was positive. Some of the street knowledge he obtained led to altercations with

the law. In 2006 he was arrested and charged with possession of a handgun and several pounds of marijuana. After spending a year on lock down, Black Mueller returned with a vengeance. Since 2013, his music grind has been stronger than ever, recording songs on top of songs and blowing up the social media scene. His songs are consistently on point, with sick lyrics and seriously head-bopping tracks. And just when you think he's reached his peak, he finds a way to step up his game even more.

Black Mueller's story is one that many dudes from the hood can relate to. He's an O.G. at heart who does what he has to do to survive in the streets. But one of the things that separates him from the rest is his "millionaire dream" and his determination to achieve it. "Think and Grow Rich" is the motto he lives by, and he will never stop grinding until success is attained. One of his immediate goals is finding the right label to be a part of, one that sees that he has what it takes to make it to the top. With his level of talent and drive, it's clear that it is only a matter of time.

https://www.reverbnation.com/blackmueller http://www.soundcloud.com/blackmueller http://www.instagram.com/black_mueller http://www.facebook.com/blackmuellerdmg

BeyondAware Shop Now

oming to us straight out of Long Island, New York is a dance music Csensation that has been taking the music scene by storm. With over

10,000 Instagram followers, over 5,000 likes on Facebook, and more than 50,000 plays on Soundcloud, this featured artist has definitely grabbed the attention of many music lovers. And this is only the beginning of her journey to the top. Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to introduce you to a superstar in the making, CORVAA.

O

riginally born across the globe in Piraeus, Greece, Corvaa was adopted and raised right here in Long Island.

But it was in February of 2013 that she made the decision to re-start her musical journey. Listening to her music now, it's hard to believe that the woman known as the "chameleon vocalist" started her early recordings on her cell phone, rough and raw. However, Corvaa believed that the quality of her talent would overshadow the lack-luster quality of the recordings. So she took a leap of faith each time she recorded a song from home, and uploaded it directly to Soundcloud. Clearly it was a risk that paid off because those early recordings spawned a social media snowball effect, one that grew to be the substantial size that it is today.

A A A V R O C

s Corvaa's following continued to grow on her quest to stardom, she decided that she wanted to set her sights much higher than simply being a star. "I want an empire", she states. However, she realized that it would take much more than just talent to get her to that level, which is where her all-star team, Team Corvaa, comes in. Team Corvaa is composed of talented artists that reside throughout the tri-state area and who act as an extended family. At the head of the team is Mark Johnston, who also acts as her business partner as well. Loyalty is important to Corvaa, and she knows how important it is to have the right people around her to help her achieve the goals she has set. And judging by her success so far, Team Corvaa is strong, focused and on the right track.

A

fter the release of her debut EP, this is what Corvaa had to say: “Knowing I have my own disc of music in under a year puts me at a loss for words. I want to take a moment to personally thank each and every fan out there who continues to support & spread the good word. A quote I live by and have taken so literally it’s tattooed on me: Believe, for anything is possible.” Corvaa's debut EP can be heard on Itunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, CD Baby, etc. Since its release, Corvaa has been performing and interviewing all over the country. Her music has been supported by Party 105.3 FM, WKRB 90.3, Z88.9, Party 103, Harrah’s Pool After Dark, Sizzahandz of Crooklyn Clan and more. Her hit single "In and Out of Love" has been heard around the country at Highland Ballroom in New York, Stage 48 in New York, Tokya in New York, Heat Ultra Lounge in California, LOVE in New York, Down Ultra Lounge in Boston, LIT in Pennsylvania, Naughty Goose in Maryland, Hudson Terrace in New York, Touch Lounge in Rhode Island, Headliner in New Jersey, Waves in Pennsylvania, Gem in Boston, Vain Night Club in Florida, Pacha in NY, Legends Live in Florida, and Slate in New York.

W

ith the release of her latest single, "Tragedy", she will continue making noise across the country and pursuing her biggest passion: entertaining.

Corvaa is a unique and driven individual, who at the age of 28, is already a full-time entrepreneur. She is dedicated to her music and will stop at nothing to achieve her empire.

http://www.cor vaamusic.com/ http://www.mt v.com/artists/cor vaa http://www.soundcloud.com/cor vaa http://www.facebook.com/cor vaamusic http://www.t witter.com/cor vaaofficial http://www.reverbnation.com/corvaa http://www.youtube.com/cor vaamusic http://www.instagram.com/cor vaa

ENTARAJ Bell Biv Devoe, Jodeci, Shai, H-Town and R. Kelly have all inspired this talented group of young men you're about to meet.

Their beautiful melodic sound gives off that classic R&B feel that music lovers desire. Hailing from no than the city of New York, these three have joined forces vocally to follow their dreams and take over the world in the process. Ladies and gents, it gives great pleasure to introduce dynamic new group known as Entaraj.

Although the three of them did not grow up together, they share fairly similar backgrounds. Each of them started out as a solo artist, but before music became their passion, they all had their individual experiences with the street life. Robert "Entaraj Reeze" Robinson, who was raised in Queens, NY, attended church as a youth growing up. But outside of church he often hung with the wrong crowds and was surrounded by negativity including crime and drug use. Kwabena "Entaraj Kwa" Awuku, known as the funny, cool kid, also grew up in Queens under a good family structure. But he too, often found himself hanging with the wrong crowds and putting himself into sketchy situations. Tyan "Entaraj Ty" McDowell, who's from Brooklyn, NY, was the athletic type, and he competed in basketball games all over the city. But that didn't stop him from getting caught up in risky situations as well.

Now they have made the transition from boys to men, and are taking advantage of their God-given talents, their voices. Giving up their solo status, they decided to join forces to take the

music industry by storm.

Then in 2006, the group was discovered by super producer Red Spyda and from that point have done nothing but buried themselves in the studio writing, producing and recording to create the quality of music that R&B lovers crave. They have collaborated with many talented artists including Dyme a Duzin and Uncle Murda, and have even performed as an opening act for Fabolous.

Currently Entaraj is promoting their newly released record "Go Green", a phenomenally sexy melody that wets your appetite for more They will be booking performances to showcase for fans and new listeners all over.

They've been through a lot of obstacles, but they are ready for the challenge. Entaraj is taking their brand to the next level, and with the hunger, talent and ambition they possess, failure is not an option for this superstar group.

WWW.ENTARAJNOW.COM SOUNDCLOUD #ENTARAJ ENTARAJ on FACEBOOK

hypekillsnyc.com

Not Enough Bands

Top Knotch You can't out hu$tle a hu$tler...

Some say that money is the root of all

evil, but for Brooklyn rapper TK Bands, it's more than just a saying. For him it's the life he lives, and it hits so close to home that he's had the words inked on him as part of a quote. His story is intriguing to say the least, and it's one that he tells through his music for all of those who can listen and relate.

The stage for his story was set at the age of four when his father was locked up for selling coke, a lifestyle that TK would later pick up. Being left alone to struggle with the finances, TK's mom was forced to work crazy hours just to get the bills paid. But eventually their financial situation became too overwhelming, and they had no choice but to relocate to 50th st. It was this situation that gave birth to TK's hustle and stack mentality to erase the struggles from their lives.

His story got deeper at the age of ten, when he met his right hand man, Drew Bands. Drew Bands is not only the other half of their two-man rap group, but he was also his partner-in-crime during those early years.

And at age 11 they gathered up enough courage to commit their first offense, an offense that ended up being one of many.

After moving to Staten Island at the age of 15, TK got a proper introduction to the drug game. He dropped out of high school, got his G.E.D. and took up a trade in street pharmaceuticals. Since then the game has been, and in some ways still is, good to him.

It's brought him lots of things and lots of places, although through unconventional methods. Living the life that he has has exposed him to negative things as well. He's seen it all, and puts it all into his music. His life experiences are the reason he got into music in the first place - to tell his story. TK feels that his story is the definition of hip-hop, and that his hustle will expand his horizons. Now that he's combining his hustling skills with his talent for music, he's a force to be reckoned with, and rap lovers should be on the lookout. So "holla if you need that work" and TK Bands and his rap partner Drew Bands are sure to deliver.

IG: @TopKnotchNEB Top Knotch YouTube Top Knotch Soundcloud

TK B ANDS

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They say that many are called but few are chosen, and it seems evident that we are amongst one of the chosen ones. Da Insider Magazine prides itself on featuring new fashion, but it gives us great pleasure to present to you a fashion icon in the making, Stan Fraser, founder / designer of Anarke Jeans Co.. Stan Fraser is spearheading this fashion-forward custom jean line, utilizing an array of denims from around the world.

From NYC, one of the fashion capitals where everyday is like fashion week, came a young man with a vision to create a clothing brand that would one day become a clothing company synonymous with fine denim. Growing up in Brooklyn, it's easy to get caught up in the wrong things, but Stan never had to look far to find his inspiration because it was his mother who inspired him. The constant work she did on her sewing machine unknowingly left an impression on her son that would reveal itself one day as his true passion.

Meet the denim expert in bespoke Men's jeans...

His mother at the time made samples for some of the biggest names in fashion such as Ralph Lauren (Polo). With three other siblings Stan always found himself in the company of his mother as she used her sewing machine with precise craftsmanship. While accompanying her to the fashion studios he got to see first hand how she worked with designers as she would drop off her finished product.

His passion and real interest for raw denim was born when he received his very first pair of Levi's sometime around elementary school as a gift from his older brother. By the time Stan was in high school he was working at a store that sold fabrics and he was always creating new designs in his sketch book. He would then present these sketches to his mother who would be all too happy to sew his creations into existence.

10 years later and after a lot of back and forth between Virginia and NY, Stan worked a regular job to maintain, while making sure he made time for his craft and sharpening his sewing ability.

The decision to relocate to Charlotte, NC between he and his wife became official in 2005.

This transition would not come without hard work so when Stan wasn't running his commercial cleaning business or truck driving he was faithfully at his machine, sewing his latest creation.

Three years later Stan Fraser started Anarke Jeans Co.. Stan feels Anarke is a derivative of "anarchy" because he's felt like he has had to fight against rules set forth by the very industry he's worked so hard to help cultivate.

Stan decided he would give Anarke its first shot by purchasing Japanese denim from a distributor in the NYC area.

Then he designed and sewed about eight pairs of jeans and a few denim bags to be sold in one of Brooklyn's hot spots for new fashion in the Bed-Stuy area. In four days it was sold out.

It's that kind of confirmation, along with knowing what he wanted deep down, that helped him switch into second gear.

Stan then managed to get Anarke Jeans placed in another hot spot, "Silverfly Men's Boutique from the local Charlotte NC area with great reception.

The guy from New York, bred in a fastpaced environment now residing in NC, in January of 2014 leased his very own 760 sq ft of space to bring his vision of Anarke Jeans Co. to an even higher level.

Located on Cedar St. near the Bank Of America Stadium is now where you can find the best in bespoke men's jeans. The denim hub that he has created doubles as the official "Anarke Jeans Co." clothing outlet on one side and his "Straight Stitch & Co." sewing outlet on the other.

Often times when shopping for jeans you're lucky to even find your size, but Stan Fraser's "Straight Stitch & Co." Studio not only has your size, but allows you a custom jean fitting experience along with the power to choose between fabrics, colors, buttons, labels, zippers, rivets and pockets. The Anarke side is where everything ready-to-wear can be located from eye catching shirts and jeans to jackets, vests and stylish bags.

Stan's jeans come in two fits. You have the "Live Free" fit which you will find to be looser and more relaxed and you have the "Rock Hard" fit that you may find to be a more straight slim design.

Customers will find that nothing is outsourced when visiting the store and we suggest that anyone in the vicinity visit to ensure that you have great quality jeans.

With the store's popularity growing everyday, it wasn't long before pro-athletes like Glen Davis began to make appearances to not only get a great pair of denim but to also support all of the hard work and dedication.

Building his brand one jean at a time, Stan Fraser has found a limitless pattern in his life that he has been perfectly cut out for.

Www.anarkejeans.com

#ReadyToWear

ejeans.com

www.anark

FOR

HER

Www.anarkejeans.com

www.uamusicgroup.com

Battle Cry

Can't Ball With You

R.I.P Lil J

H

is name is Mr. Class Act and although he is from a small town in Alabama known as Hobson City, he has been dishing out his music in a big way. It was about ten years ago when Mr. Class Act decided to explore his lyrical gift of gab, and it was approximately four years ago upon his release from prison when he ascertained what it would take for him to take his music to another level. With his desire to win and ability to go into verbal overdrive its evident that Mr. Class Act is blazing his own trails and he has no plans on letting up.

Coming from one of the smallest black communities in America, Mr. Class Act is no stranger to the streets and because of that he is able to connect with the streets musically.

MR.Class Act has the ability to not only impress you with solid line-for-line verses full of clever wordplay, but his ear for creating a song as a whole will take him places. Often times when an artist has the support of their whole community it becomes clear that you're witnessing history in the making. And Mr. Class Act is one rapper that gets so much support that he's definitely off to a great start. He also pays very close attention to detail, putting him in position to spit with passion you hear on every song. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, it comes as no surprise that he and a partner share their very own indie label called Hood Class Recordz.

With a burning desire for music as long as he could remember, it was clear what he wanted to ultimately do. However, it was important for him to understand how to go about bringing it to fruition. Mr.Class Act decided to join forces with his older brother, and from there they would do local live shows and pay to attend music conferences to educate themselves on just HC Records how the music business operates. Learning that the independent route was the right direction for his business, he also realized just how costly that decision is. Mr. Class Act has now put the responsibility of breathing life into his town on his back, and now the only real time something is going on in town is because he and his crew are involved in the events taking place.

It's evident in his music videos that Mr. Class Act has a support system that will not fail him and has his back all the way. Because he represents where he comes from, his music tends to feel like an anthem for everyone to be able to sing along with.

Songs like "I Can't Ball WIth You" make you want to really bounce, but then Mr. Class Act can turn around and do a song like "RIP Lil J" off of his new mixtape "Class In Session", and rap his heart out.

Taking a different approach can only bring about different results, and with the odds stacked against him it still won't be enough to impede his ultimate objective, which is to put himself in position to be there for his community.

RAKEEM

Not every rapper from the South has

the contrary, this talented, up-and-

the sound of the typical southern

coming rapper from North Carolina

rapper.... that sound that's best

seems to be cut from a different cloth.

described as the dirty south crunk

His music is the welcome breath of

that seems to be taking over the

fresh air that hip-hop needs, and he

southern rap game these days. On

goes by the name of Rakeem.

B

orn in Greensboro under the name Rakeem Lamar Overby, this young man began rapping at the tender age of eleven. Honing his craft through the years as he grew and matured, he drew inspiration from some of the major players in the rap game - Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West, J. Cole, and Lupe Fiasco.

Then at the age of 19 he recorded and released his first project called "UNPOPULAR", which then spawned the release of his next project, "Little Man Big Dreams" - a project that took his music to the next level.

Rakeem's lyrical flow is one that reflects the real-life situations he has either witnessed or experienced growing up in the south. His main objective is to create heartfelt music that will relate to anyone who takes the time to listen.

Now Rakeem's mission is to make the city of Greensboro, NC proud, and to become one of the best rappers this world has ever seen. So after contemplating how to separate himself from the masses of aspiring artists, Rakeem created his most recent mixtape, "Fanbase Vol. 1", hosted by another North Carolina relative, DJ OďŹƒcial. This mixtape is a collection of songs that paints a perfect picture of how versatile Rakeem is as an artist. From hardhitting tracks with charismatic flows to classic samples and lyrics of sheer honesty, Rakeem hits the mark every

His newly released single, "5 Nights in the Boro" is another must-hear record that does not disappoint.

It just goes to show that Rakeem has got what it takes to be one of the greats in the rap game.

His music is real and relatable, reflecting everything he's surrounded by during his comeup in the music industry. His cool confidence and charisma grabs the listener's attention, but it's his heart-felt storytelling that keeps them wanting more. Rakeem is definitely one artist that true hop-hop lovers should be on the lookout for.

http://www.rakeemmusic.com

Exclusive designs for unique cu"omers...

Da Insider

"Lucy Simental" @lucysimental

The goal of almost every aspiring artist used to be getting signed to a major label. But as enticing as it may seem, a record deal may not be the best goal for every musician.

Deal Or No Deal

As the recording industry continues to struggle against the constant decline of physical album sales, as well as a current decline in digital sales, lots of artists are having second thoughts about pursuing the majors. It's becoming more and more evident that instead of being the solution to many artist's problems, a major record deal can open the door to a host of new and unexpected problems. And with social media providing artists with a platform to promote their music without the assistance of a major label, artists are finding that there is less of a necessity to be signed to one. In fact, there seems to have been a formation of three different avenues to venture upon on the road to success in the music industry: 1) The classic major label route , 2) The trending indie label route, and 3) The ambitious D.I.Y. route. Of course there are pros and cons to each method, but most aspiring artists find themselves following one of these three options.

There is no guarantee that any signing will be successful. In fact, less acts are being signed to major record labels these days and of those that are signed, only 1-3 percent will make it beyond a record or two before being dumped. If you are one of the lucky ones that beat the odds and sign a record deal, you're essentially picking up a boss that loans you money and wants a profit from it, one that will have constant input on the music you create, and one that can force you to create music that does not reflect the type of artist you wish to be. The majors have developed a notorious reputation for being strict on artists, the degree of which depends on your bargaining position, negotiating skills, and

your relationship with the label. Of course there are positive elements to signing with a major label, one undeniably being the enormous amount of funding they can provide. It is a huge plus to have a company pumping money into all of the different areas of your music career, including promotion, distribution, studio sessions, videos, etc. - not to mention the benefit of the connections such a huge corporation has in the industry. However, keep in mind that every dime spent on you must be recouped before you ever see a profit from the work you put in.

The major labels, such as Sony, Universal, and Warner Music Group for example, make up only a part of the world's music label population. The indie (or independent) label has become a more reachable, more realistic goal for many artists.

Indie labels have created a niche for themselves, one that is booming in the industry. In fact, many major labels have begun to embrace some of the indie methods as a way to combat their own declining systems. An indie label is a smaller label that operates without the funding of a major label. Therefore, budgeting can be an issue for indie labels when it comes to recording, production, distribution, touring, etc. However, on the positive side, when signed to an indie label, artists get to keep the rights to their music, meaning they can do as they please with the song once it's recorded, as opposed to the terms in most major label contracts. Also, when you're signed by an indie label, it's because they believe in your music and in your brand's ability to sell.

Therefore you don't have to worry about having a cookie-cutter image forced upon you by the label for the sole purpose of selling records. sell, promote and perform, etc. Everything is in your hands, as well as in your budget, which can deter many artists from choosing this option.

"You have to treat your career as a business and have expectations and goals that are realistic."

The good thing is that when you do make a profit, 100 percent of it belongs to you and is yours to do with as you please. Yes, you may have to pay certain people for the services they have provided for you (just because it's D.I.Y. doesn't mean that you will always be doing everything yourself). The point is that you are your own boss, and how the money is spent is completely up to you. When going the D.I.Y route an artist has to wear many hats in the beginning, something that not all artists are built for. You have to learn the ins and outs of the music business for starters. You have to be smart and creative enough to think outside the box. You have to treat your career as a business and have expectations and goals that are realistic.

The D.I.Y. route is not for everyone, but those that have worked it successfully are happy with the results.

Once again no label or method can guarantee success. It takes more than a major corporation, connections, financial backing, or industry knowledge to make it in this business. You basically have to have the total package, which is a rarity. But only you know what you possess. And if you believe you have what it takes, then you make it work regardless of which route you decide is best. Because when it comes to your music career, you gotta go for the gold, deal or no deal.

FOUL PLAY

FP

Your new favorite rap duo

Their journey began in a small town called Amityville, NY and transcends across the globe. Their mission - to bring excitement and originality back to the entertainment business. Hailing straight out of Long Island, this dynamic duo consists of two brothers with a unique flow and serious lyrical wordplay. Individually, they are "L.I.V.E." and "A-La Da Analist", but collectively they make up the group known as Foul Play.

The group's self-proclaimed sound is referred to as "pain music". It is a reflection of life as a whole - the good, the bad and the ugly as well as the strength, sacrifice and motivation it takes to survive and overcome obstacles. L.I.V.E. has mastered the art of blending topics of everyday reality's social ills, while still exuding the charming sexiness of a ladies man. He maintains a level of creativity that assures he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His partner in rhyme A-La Da Analist has a very distinguished vocal tone combined with a high energy presence. Those attributes combined with the skill of making music that's relatable to the listeners is definitely an undeniable combination.

Together Foul Play has released several projects in recent years through their own company, NuthinButDaBestEnt. Their highly regarded MixtapeMadnessSeries has garnered the group moderate success as well as a solid fan base, which is sure to expand with their upcoming releases. One of the songs they're promoting right now, "F**k The Police" really hits home for many people, as it reflects and was inspired by the on going police brutality the African-American community has been facing. Their goal is to re-introduce the listeners to that Long Island sound that was initially brought to us by Rakim, Public Enemy, EPMD, De la Soul, Leaders Of The New School and various others. With the chemistry, work ethic and creativity that these two possess together, it's clear that they are definitely on their way to solidifying their spot in hip-hop.

Your new favorite rap duo has arrived and they go by the name Foul Play.

Jase Da Issue Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, brings us an artist who prides himself on his dynamic flows and mesmerizing hooks - an artist that's versatile enough to go solo or to be down with a group - a prodigy that wears many hats when it comes to making music. He is the leader of hip-hop music group Straight Kannonz. He is the C.E.O. of the writing company Royalty Writers LLC. He is the assistant chief engineer at Yadibox Studios.

Allow us to introduce you to the all-encompassing artist known as Jase the Issue.

Although Jase is an artist from Philly, he was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he spent fourteen years cultivating his love of music.

He was a soloist in school and in church choirs across the city. He learned how to play a variety of different instruments including the guitar and piano, but it was the drums that were his true instrument of choice.

Then right before entering high school, Jase made a move that would alter his entire music career. He relocated to Philadelphia, the place where he was introduced to the art of hip-hop.

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It was a childhood friend who laid the foundation of rap for Jase, a hip-hop music group leader known as "Gage". Unfortunately not long after showing Jase the ropes of the rap game, "Gage" was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison, leaving his group Straight Kannonz (otherwise known as S.K.) without a leader. This provided Jase with the perfect opportunity to step up and show what he's made of by being exactly what the group needed.

Under Jase's leadership, the group S.K. is now new and improved and consists of seven members: 2NICE, Prime Da Conscious, Tetchy Tunes, Jmizz Da Mastermind, Jose Da Kid, B. Mills, and Jase Da Issue.

Together they have made exponential progression and are grinding to increase their level of recognition, not only in Philly but across the country.

Jase Da issue Soundcloud Jase Da Issue on YouTube @jasedaissue on IG

"Gage" was not the only musical inspiration for Jase. Biggie, Nas Tupac, J. Cole, T. Pain, Usher, and Drake have all played a part in shaping the artist that Jase is today. As for his sharp mind, he gives sole credit to his mother, whom he knows he would be nowhere without, and whom he wants to provide for as well as the rest of his family.

His recently released mixtape titled "Weren't You Listening?" is the sequel to his previous mixtape "Listen 2 Me". This work of art features 17 hits and paints a perfect picture of Jase's versitility within the genre of hip-hop, full of jaw - dropping verses and compelling hooks. (Both mixtapes can be found on Audiomack.com) His goal is to make a living doing what he loves most. He believes his purpose is to make music that the world can enjoy and he takes it very seriously. He has been working his whole life to make his dreams come true and his grind is one that demands respect and induces admiration.

It's no secret that there are two types of fans in music - the fans that just like their favorite artist enough to purchase their music, and then you have the die-hard fans that go to some serious extremes to show their affinity for their favorite artists.

Die-hard fans are those that sneak into their favorite artist's hotel room underneath the room service cart, or line up for hours for an autograph. Some burst into tears at the mere thought of a one-on-one encounter, and then you have those willing to go as far as getting a tattoo to exhibit their loyalty.

It's hard to say why some people become so fanatical, maybe it was a song that they felt may have saved their lives, or perhaps comforted them through a rough period. But no matter the reason, it's clear that there is no limit to how far some fans will go to pay homage to their "favorite artist". Sometimes it's the artist's lyrics they choose to have inked, other times they go even more extreme and get full portraits done.

Obviously its not up to anyone to judge the loyalty and devotion of a fan, but the general consensus is that branding yourself with your favorite artist is not the way to go. But to each it's own.... Love it or hate it.

s u o i r o Not

Arm tattoo

PAC

Immortal

Back tattoo

HOV

Arm tattoo

Tunechi Arm tattoo