Volume I, Issue 3
Note from the Editor Music.
It’s one of those things that everyone can relate to and we all love it. Everyone has different tastes in music, but nowadays the barriers are constantly being broken. One song can have two or three different genres, artists from different backgrounds collaborating to give fans more. And the more creative the artistry, the better the music sounds. Songs have been around for thousands of years. They tell stories of Love, Pain, Sacrifice, Joy, Peace, Happiness, Loss, Struggles, and Triumphs... Aaaah, music. It touches the soul. The artists in this issue come from different backgrounds. Some are right in our own backyards, and others are a few states away, but they all have something in common: the love and gift for creating Music. I don’t want to take up too much of your time, so please, flip the pages and dive into the articles that we present to you about a craft that is ever evolving... Music. P.S. If you create music too, send us some of your work!
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TEAM ICONIC Founder & Editor In Chief Lana Moore Executive Editor Liz Mitchell Creative Director Denishia Macon Fashion Editor Ashley Andrus Luxury & Lifestyle Editor Joshua Vaughn Music & Ent. Editor Christou Music & Ent. Editor Kelly Desrochers www.iconicmagazine.com
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Bring in an Iconic Spring with this refreshing and sophisticated Mimosa from Moskato Life.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Music & Entertainment
Dominant
6 Dominant 8 Halestorm 10 Jonathan J. Blye 12 Heart of Carolina Jazz Society 14 Ricco Barrino
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18 Rickey Godfrey, “Nasty Man“ 20 Mantiz 22 Bishop
Ricco Barrino
Iconic Drinks 4
Drink of the Month: Moskato Life
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Time for Wine Wednesdays
14 Rickey Godfrey
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Dominant By Kelly Desrochers
G
eorgetown, South Carolina is a small country town with a lot of talent. A lot of the industry talent from here has been unnoticed, so these artists, producers, and musicians have to go outside of their town to let themselves be heard. There is one determined artist I had the chance of catching up with who explained his music to be versatile for all. He goes by the name Dominant. His music is laid back with real life stories that he is telling about through his lyrics.
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IM: So tell us, Dominant, where did your career start in the music industry? Dominant: I started rapping around the age of tenÂŹ. My house was the hang out spot where we would do rap battles with all the kids from the neighborhood. Everyone was rapping. It was the one thing I loved doing. I started getting serious with my craft at the age of 15. Then I was writing and took more steps to build myself. I had to venture into the Myrtle Beach area eventually
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due to the fact there are not enough outlets in Georgetown, and there is more of a foundation in the Myrtle Beach music platform. IM: What has driven you to keep striving for the next level in music? Dominant: I would have to say my biggest strength to keep me striving would be the people. I have people hit me up in the streets asking me about my music and when is another song coming out. On all
of my media sites I have followers that like my music. So even if I never make it mainstream I know there are real fans of mine that will continue to listen to my music. Knowing my music has touched people in some way in their life, I am happy with that. IM: What is Dominant bringing to 2013? Dominant: I just released my current single “My Mistress” which I will be pushing for everyone to hear. I also am working on a project called “Dom Season” which I hope to be releasing in the top of the summer. I also have a lot of visuals coming and I’m working on some videos to be released this year. IM: Who has been your number one supporter in your music career? Dominant: This is a tough one. I have to think for a minute. I would have to say my producer Big Kev. There have been times I was ready to leave the rap scene. He would tell me, “You can’t give up now.” Then he would find a great beat he knew I would not resist to rap on. There I go adding my lyrics to that beat. He also gives me the support through texting me and keeping me on time for projects and deadlines. IM: Name one song in your catalog of music that is the song you would want everyone to hear?
Dominant: This one song “Get Away,” one of my first songs that was heard featuring Rich Black and Dominique of 3D Entertainment. This song was heard by a program director at 98.5 radio station who asked if it could be played on the air. It made it on the radio and was getting plays. This track I believe was a major jump off in my career. IM: What are some of the uplifting times in your music career and some of the downfalls that you can remember? Dominant: I can say some of the good moments in my career were winning two awards in 2011 at the South Carolina Underground Music Awards in Myrtle Beach. I won one for Best Single and Best Mix Tape artist of the year. I also had the chance to be an opening act during the Atlantic Beach Bike Fest weekend. I opened for Ruff Ryders and Big Daddy Cane. This is a show I will always have a great memory of. Some of the downfalls in my career have been not receiving the support from people that I felt I deserved. If people know you on a personal level they do not give you the support like others even though daily I am putting in the work towards the next level of my career. You have to get respect among your peers. IM: Where is one place that if you had the chance to perform anywhere in the United States that you would pick?
IM: Who are some of the independent artists that influenced you that you respect in the industry? Dominant: I would have to say Bettie Grind. I speak with him on a regular basis and listen to a lot of his pointers. I respect what he has done. He took a project on his own and had it distributed into chain wide stores. I also look up to Lil Ru he made a big break coming from the Carolinas and taking his movement nationwide. Then I have to say Dirty Dave. IM: What are some inspirational words of wisdom that you have learned over the years that you can offer other independent artists beginning their craft? Dominant: I would express presentation, marketing and quality as three of the main things as a growing artist you should be aware of. You have to fit and look like an image to get people to notice you. I would also have to advise that they enter open mic showcases to start their career in the industry. Also, be consistent with your music and have patience. In closing our interview I also wanted to share some links that you can listen and learn more of this upcoming artist from Georgetown, South Carolina. Check out the links below. www.myspace.com/Homebase07 www.twitter.com/Dominant843
Dominant: I would have to say Miami -- just the whole hype and vibe.
www.reverbnation.com/Dominant www.Foreverdominant.com
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Hope is not lost.
You just misplaced it. By Joshua Vaughn
O
n February 10th the band Halestorm won a Grammy for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. They beat out Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Megadeath, and Marilyn Manson to receive this honor. I say all this because eight years earlier I stood in a room with them and auditioned to be part of the group. My playing that day had the musicality of a cat in heat. So let me say this again. On February 10th Halestorm won a Grammy. I was not in attendance. How do we deal with failure? How do we live our lives and not dwell on what could have been? “People get stuck on past failures when there was a lot at stake, when an unfair twist of fate intervened and stole the win from them, or when they know they could’ve done better but their fear of failure psyched them out and made them sabotage their success,” said Dr. Carol Lieberman, UCLA Neuroscience Institute faculty member.
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The greatest problem with this kind of perceived failure is its ability to permeate the entirety of existence. The failure becomes its own self-perpetuating vortex of self-doubt and loathing. Every failure loses context and begins to form a grand view of worthlessness. Our entire schema begins to shift. We begin to dwell on the what ifs. What if I had only tried harder? What if I had been a little better? And worst of all: If only I had done this or that, my life would be so much better. The tides begin to rise and we start to drown. When the feeling of being underwater becomes so great, a sense of hopelessness starts to set in. It’s like climbing a mountain. From the foot in looks so daunting that there is no way we could ever make it to the top, but if you focus on little bits at a time soon you will find yourself on the top of Everest with a world of opportunity below you. “How we respond to failure has a powerful impact on what happens next,” explained Harvard
psychologist Dr. Holly Parker. “If we treat failure as a learning opportunity, whether in the context of our professional or personal lives, or both, then we can use it to our advantage. If we stop trying to do what means a lot to us, or we get so caught up in the past that we miss the present (and other opportunities), then failure could be cyclical.” So, what do you do next? How do you stop the vortex? How do you take that first step back to happiness? Dr. Tamar Chansky, author of Freeing Yourself from Anxiety: Four Simple Steps to Overcome Worry and Create the Life You Want, offers these tips:
1)
Be Proactive: Expect the Fall: We lose time with surprises, especially unhappy ones, so rather than going in expecting perfection, expect to get information-- this way, you can grab it efficiently as it comes to you rather than having to allot time to emotional recovery
mode. We won’t have to waste time constructing elaborate narratives about why we are incompetent.
2) See Criticism as a Gift: Yes, it won’t feel that way at first, but with constructive criticism, someone has essentially done you the favor of showing you exactly where you need to get to work. We might never have such good perspective on ourselves.
3) Find Your Place on the Learning Curve: Oh, and by the way, remember that there is a learning curve. Chart the course of this experience. Think about the steps you need to take to get to mastery.
4) To Innovate: Get Curious, Not Furious: Yes, we get upset when things don’t go as planned, but rather than taking aim at the closest thing (ourselves, our confidence, our egos), ask questions, consider different possibilities, maybe you didn’t end up where you were headed-- but what
can you learn from where you arrived? 5) Join the Champions):
Club
(of
Whether it’s famous failures like Michael Jordan who was cut from his high school basket ball team and then went on to become one of the greatest players of all time, or Steve Jobs fired from Apple for bringing it to near bankruptcy and then revolutionizing it-- when we blow it, we are in good company. Successful people fail: period, end of sentence. And when they do, they work harder. Reconnect with the hero in you who will help you persevere or move on. 6) Run it by Your Board:
Notice how perspective enters the picture and clears your mind. 7) Get Specific: See the Failure as a Free Standing or Isolated Event: We go from-- this (in truth, tiny part) failed-- to I am a failure. Contain the spill. Identify exactly what failed and what didn’t. Usually in any venture there’s some of each. I am not Steve Jobs. I barely posses the athletic ability of Michael Jordan’s gym socks. But had I “succeeded” when I had the chance, I would not have my son, my wife, or any of the other wonderful things I have in my life right now. My life is good. I’m not a rock star, but that’s ok. I will take singing “Beautiful Boy” to my son over selling out Madison Square Gardens any day.
You’re ready to throw in the towel-- wait, not so fast. Put together your dream team of advisors-- trusted successful people you want to consult Photos are courtesy of the talented and get their two cents on your photographer Sarah Bokone (www. situation: Bill Gates? Oprah? Or facebook.com/BOKOPhotography/). even the Dalai Lama? You don’t They represent a small portion of Ms. have to know them or call them- Bokone’s $25 secret portrait series. - just use your imagination and get their words of wisdom. www.iconicmagazine.com 9
Roc the Beach By Kelly Desrochers
J
onathan J. Blye is a name well known across the South Carolina Grand Strand. This entrepreneur known as Dj Roc, aka Mr. Myrtle Beach, has been involved in the music entertainment industry since the age of 14. He was born and raised in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, where he still resides. He was born to become the successful entrepreneur that he has created. He was spinning records at house parties, as well his father’s club known as Club 17, back at the beginning of his career. His father also left his own legacy making his name known in the industry. Jerome Ford, The Godfather, had set
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his own record as a DJ in the Grand Strand area. Dj Roc had earned his reputation as a disc jockey traveling up and down the east coast spinning records getting the crowd going, even making live appearances on the television network BET. He also earned the name Mr. Myrtle Beach for being one of the disc jockeys in the Grand Strand that had played in every single club from large to small. He led a primetime show rated number one from 2005 to 2007 at one of the radio stations, 98.5 located in Murrells Inlet. Jonathan J. Blye is a man of many different roles in the music
entertainment industry, and he’s always looking for a way to expand. Being very business minded he wanted to resemble some of the icons in music that had branded their name in every way possible. An example he explained is the rap artist Master P who used every outlet to brand his future from movies to a cellphone and more to put his name everywhere. Another person would be P. Diddy with Ciroc and many others who were branding off products that kept their name connected in many areas. This is how the idea was formed for the new energy drink called ROC.
“I wanted to take the ROC name a step further,” he said, “with the help of two of my business partners.“ Jackie assisted and came up with the concept of the new drink that is being talked about all over Myrtle Beach. It has the kick you need to make it through a night of work. I also wanted an official look for the brand that kept it classy and noticeably different from other energy drinks. My other partner Vladimir then proceeded to design the look that is now featured on every can of ROC energy drink. It is a sleek, plain, simple unique design that is very eye catching to the consumer.” The drink born in January 2013 has hit the market with a reputation of refreshing taste that gives you just enough energy. Consumers have been flooding feedback of this new identity that can be purchased at the HEAT nightclub in Myrtle Beach. The drink is becoming a club name. This can be purchased cold at the bar for $4 per can or $30 for a case. So you can take a can with you to the local gym or keep one in the fridge when you need a little lift. Consumers agree that it has the perfect mix of flavor and energy, that it does not turn you up and drop you down. It is just enough energy to smoothly keep you going throughout the evening.
Coming this summer, if you are around the Myrtle Beach area do not be surprised if you see the ROC energy drink coming to you. Dj Roc explained that he has a big campaign getting ready to take off with
“I want the ROC energy drink to do everything that the Red Bull energy drink is doing on a marketing level from sporting events, club events to every rapper having ROC energy drink in his hand,” he said. Jonathan J. Blye is also the owner of club HEAT and Dj Roc Entertainment where he promotes his own events. The home of the ROC energy drink is club HEAT were it was born and made its name with a lot of the consumers hitting the night life scene. Club HEAT is located one block from the beach and is the only urban night club in Myrtle Beach. The club has become one of the primary college spots and the home of many tourists. This club has housed many special performances and guests from the industry from French Montana, Gucci Man, Beenie Man to many other well-known artists. The club is open from Thursday to Saturday from 10 pm to 4 am. The club also represents Blye’s favorite basketball team, Heat, and the club’s VIP section showcases memoirs of the HEAT basketball team.
branding of the ROC energy drink. From t-shirts to sample tasting in various locations and events with the ROC energy drink as the highlight, the drink will catch the public’s eye. Eventually, Blye wants to have the drink being sold in many places and marketed in many different events.
If anyone is interested in marketing this new energy drink that has taken the city of Myrtle Beach night life and club crowds of the HEAT to another level, Dj Roc will be delighted to hear from you @ 843325-3731.
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Jazz In The Heart of Carolina By Joshua Vaughn
“Overall, I think the main thing a musician would like to do is give a picture to the listener of the many wonderful things that he knows of the senses in the universe.� - John Coltrane Founded in 1990 by accomplished jazz saxophonist, Gregg Gelb, The Heart of Carolina Jazz Society seeks to share the love of jazz with the
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Carolina Community. At its essence the Heart of Carolina Jazz Society is an orchestra reminiscent of Benny Goodman and Count Basie. In the 20 years since the group’s inception, they have entertained thousands of jazz enthusiasts with their toe-tapping arrangements of great standards and their ballads that will tug at even the most frosted heart strings.
Beyond performing big band jazz that would make Duke Ellington proud, The Heart of Carolina Jazz Society provides outreach to the community to develop budding young musicians. The jazz apprenticeship program offers young musicians a paid opportunity to perform with the orchestra. This program is offered with
assistance from the Lee County Arts Council. Through concerts at the Temple Theater in Sandford, NC, the group has been fortunate to share the stage with a plethora of critically acclaimed and renowned jazz performers. These performers are brought in by the group as part of their guest artist initiative. Previous guest artists have included: Stanley Jordan, Byron Stripling, Sonny Fortune, Bud Shank, Paul Jeffrey, Valery Ponamarev, Harry Watters, Joe
“
Chambers, and many more From young to old an masters of their craft. evening with The Heart of Carolina Jazz society is The society is funded by sure to entertain all jazz a variety of private and enthusiasts. public funds, including being recipients of grants “Music is your own experience, from The Lee County Arts your own thoughts, your Council, Herman Goldman wisdom. If you don’t live it, it Foundation and North won’t come out of your horn. Carolina Arts Council. To They teach you there’s a support the society and boundary line to music. But, to find out where to see man, there’s no boundary the group, visit www. line to art.” - Charlie Parker carolinajazz.com. For more information about Gregg Gelb, visit www.gregggelb. com.
Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom.
If you don’t live it,
it won’t come out of your horn. They teach you there’s
a boundary line to music.
But, man, there’s
no
boundary line to
”
art.
-Charlie Parker www.iconicmagazine.com
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the
Musical Evolution:
Ricco
Barinno By Lana Moore
Iconic Magazine’s Editorin-Chief, Lana Moore, was fortunate to interview one of North Carolina’s most prominent music artists, Ricco Barrino. Also known as “Puerto Ricc,” Ricco has blessed his fans with singles such as “Go Head,” “Fool on You,” and the electrifying single that is currently pounding the airwaves, “Bar Hop.” Currently signed to record label, Grand Hustle, Ricco is the voice behind many tracks for artists such as T.I., B.o.B., and his sister, American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino. His current album, Musical Evolution - hosted by DJ Chuck T, was released on March 19, 2013, and can be reviewed and purchased on Amazon.
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Lana: So, what is Ricco Barrino up to these days? Ricco: Right now, Ricco Barrino is trying to set new boundaries and build his own empire, based around the people who have been an influence in his life: Fantasia, Clifford Harris (T.I.), and Grand Hustle. Ham B Moore and I came together to start a movement outside of the Rock Soul movement, outside of Grand Hustle, by putting out records that are very big and will paint a picture for the listener. Lana: I understand that, because I’m in love with “Fool on You.” It paints a very vivid picture! Lana: I was reading your bio and saw that you do back up. Do you write too? Ricco: Yes, I do a major portion of writing. I just recently have taken the time out to really take care of me, and that’s basically where I started. Lana: That leads me to my next question. How do you balance doing backup, writing, and working on your own projects to put yourself at the forefront? Ricco:
It’s
very hard. You have different opinions from different people: like the Fantasias who have a tendency to get clingy to the Big Brother factor and want you to stay, but you have to go and grow as an artist; you have the Grand Hustles that are used to you writing countless numbers for them and being able to win. And they want to see you do it all of the time, but you have to grow some sort of selfishness in order to think of yourself and grow, and be able to spread your wings to fly. It is definitely a difficult process, because I not only write, and arrange, and produce, and sing, I also put bands together. So, being able to put multiple hats on can be very difficult. You have to be very trained at what you are doing and being dedicated as an artist. Lana: How long have you been with Grand Hustle? Ricco: On and off the relationship has lasted for a little over five years. I’ve shown them a lot of love and they’ve shown love back, but right now I’m basically looking to pull that Kanye West approach to do a lot of things on my own. You have to do something different, do your own thing, set your own bar, and become your www.iconicmagazine.com
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Hangover, not taking life so serious and having fun.
own trendsetter. At what point do you grow your own wings and leave home to do something else that will take your career somewhere else you’ve never imagined? Lana: So, are you looking at other labels, or are other labels looking at you? Ricco: Of course there are labels looking at me. I’ve had many offers, but right now I’m not looking at any labels. What I’m doing is just creating music for the listeners. I think when you get wrapped up in labels, they can stagnate you. Sometimes you’ll find yourself disappointed because you’re talking about a bunch of personalities who feel like you
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want them to pull the plug whenever you want to. I feel like you are born with a destiny, so you need to take control of your own destiny along with the people who believe in you. If you feel like they fit your team, then take them with you on your ride. So, right now, I’m thinking about what is really best for me and that’s being able to be heard independently. I don’t want to set the bar for any disappointment on another label and putting my life in another label’s hands. Lana: With that said, what is the latest project and single you are putting out? Ricco: I want people to pay attention to what I’m doing and that’s why I named the album Musical Evolution. It’s kind of like having movie night at your house; you have your Love Jones, your wild out funny movies, and the next movie and this is what I’m calling them - is my first single, “Bar Hop,” which is basically like [the movie]
Lana: And to close, what can we expect from Ricco for the rest of 2013? Ricco: For me to work my tail off, whether it’s in music, acting, or whatever I have my hands into, so my friends, fans, and family can get the best possible from me. You know, 2013 is like the setup move like a game of chess. I’m not taking life too seriously and I’m enjoying my work. Lana: Any last comments? Ricco: I’d like to give some shout outs of course: Ham D. Moore, the rest of my team, my boys the Sound Beat Nymphos, my big brother Marcus the Jeweler, and I can’t forget my family, my kids, my sister, Grand Hustle and T.I. To find out more information and how to book Ricco Barrino, visit his website at www.riccobarriono.com and you can also follow him on Twitter.com/RICCOBARRINO.
Time for Wine Wednesdays ...or any day
By Liz Mitchell La Belle Amie always has something happening in celebration of the grape! Saturday afternoon festivals with food and music are twice each month year-round such as a Remember When Oldies Fest sometimes featuring The Holiday Band and Ed Torres or the upcoming Key West Music and Wine Fest scheduled for May 4.
V
icki Weigle moved from Houston, TX, to her family farm in Little River, SC to care for her mother, and in what she called “a moment of insanity” in the mid-1990s had the idea to start a vineyard. Her uncle Gifford had learned the family winemaking business from French ancestors, and he was known for his wooden barrel and a few old vines. A true entrepreneur, Vicki persevered through the destruction and difficulties of several hurricanes and began making wine. Today the success she attributes to the help of others is largely in the Twisted Sisters selections in the wine shop such as “Sweet Carolina Girl,” “Bikini Blush” and “Bitchin’ Babes.” The labels and the flavors reflect the Southern theme and the characteristics of the muscadine grape which is typically grown in warm climates such as the Carolinas and other southern states.
Festival admission is usually $8 or discounted by $3 with donation of canned or dry items for area food banks. Barbecue and other foods and beverages are available during festivals, and outside food or beverage is prohibited. Inclement weather sometimes dampens the outdoor spring festivals in the vineyard, but gatherings on the porch stay lively.
Mondays and Fridays offer free tastings and logo wine glass with purchase of two bottles of wine. Bring a lawn chair, a good friend or two, visit La Belle Amie and enjoy the company, the music, the wine, and the beauty of the vineyard. It’s at 1120 Saint Joseph Road, somewhat hidden but easily accessible from Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach. For more info: 843/399-WINE (9463) www.LaBelleAmie.com
Tastings are offered in the wine room Monday through Saturday for $5 per person which includes six samples and a souvenir glass, and Wednesdays are Wine Wednesdays with sampling specials and music. The tasting experience includes the explanation of the five basic steps of tastings. So Happy It’s Thursday often features afternoon live music and free morning vineyard tours.
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Get You Some Nasty! By Dariel Bendin
T
he blues recording from Nashville artist Rickey Godfrey is nasty, so get down with it and have some fun! Nasty Man is a powerhouse of a record – solidly blues-driven with jazz and funk influences that give it an edge and a sound unique to the uber-talented musician.
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The 12-track recording, Godfrey’s fourth solo release, showcases his skills on both Telecaster and keys. According to the artist, who also produced the album, he intentionally kept the instrumentation sparse. “I didn’t want an over-produced, over-polished result,” Godfrey said.
“This is a blues album, and I wanted a raw sound.” It’s obvious that the lyrics were just as important to this singer/ songwriter. Godfrey wrote or cowrote ten of the album tracks. “I Want Me a Nasty Woman,” the opening tune, is an unabashed appeal to women everywhere to
embrace their inner nasty selves. With its cleverly written lyrics, guitar work and vocals that come from the gut, “Nasty Woman” sets the tone for Nasty Man. Co-written with Richard Fleming, it’s one of the album’s most popular during live performances.
Other notable tunes include “Don’t Argue In the Kitchen,” a humorous tale that proves jealousy and kitchen utensils are a recipe for disaster and “Don’t Get Your Money Where You Get Your Honey,” sharply crafted advice sure to be ignored, despite the drone keyboard warning listeners to beware and behave. Slowing down the pace and the mood is “Johnny Jones,” Godfrey’s tribute to his friend and Jimi Hendrix’ mentor who died in 2009. The only songs not written or co-written by Godfrey are “Allergic To Mink” by Gary Erwin, aka Shrimp City Slim, and “When You’re Cool (the Sun Shines All the Time),” penned by Gary Nicholson, Hank DeVito and Kevin Welch. Whether you’re talking vocals or instrumentals, guitarist Rickey Godfrey brings an excitement to the stage. His music is known for its gritty soul sound, and his electrifying blend of hot blues and hip-shakin’ soul defines every show. Godfrey is considered to be one of Nashville’s premier blues guitarists. Blind since birth, he started studying classical piano and voice at age seven, while attending the SC School for the Blind, and at 13, began playing guitar. At 17, he formed Garfeel Ruff with his brother Ronnie who is also blind. The southern rock band was signed by Capitol Records and before disbanding five years later, tore through the South Carolina Upstate to become a legendary musical force in the area.
Since moving to Nashville in 1993, Godfrey has worked with Rufus Thomas, Sam Moore, Billy Preston, the Box Tops, Clifford Curry, Marion James, Bobby Hebb, Johnny Jones, E. G. Kight, and Cash McCall, to name a few, and has performed throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. He has been nominated by the Music City Blues Society as both Guitarist and Keyboard Player of the Year. He earned a 2008 Marion James Musician’s Aid Society award and, in 2009, Nashville’s Best Blues Keyboardist. Godfrey performed at the 2009 Montreal Jazz Festival with Chocolate Thunder. In late 2010, the NC Cape Fear Blues Society chose Nasty Man as its nomination for Best Self Produced CD at the Blues Foundation awards. In November 2012, the Rickey Godfrey Blues Band won the Nashville blues challenge and went on to represent Nashville Blues Society at the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis where they advanced to the semi-finals. Find Rickey Godfrey on Facebook for upcoming dates announced as he appears in many Nashville venues as well as small familiar venues throughout South Carolina.
CD cover design and photography by Demian Riley.
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antiz By Christou
November 6, 2012, and is causing a nice stir in the underground circa. “Count it Up” and “Good Vs Bad” are the two leading singles from The Preface II: Autocracy, with fans being able to listen and purchase the album on iTunes. I’ve recently had a chance to sit down with the openly honest artist and go over his progress, views, likes and dislikes with music in an exclusive interview: Tell Iconic Magazine about yourself and where you come from.
Jay “Mantiz” McCorkle is an Elgin, SC born, current Atlanta, GA resident whose music talents are the epitome of the word versatile. As a producer, certified audio engineer, singer, and rapper, his mastered artistries stretch beyond the average music and entertainment professional in the Hip-Hop genre. Jay’s musical crafts stem from him being an accomplished trombonist, pianist, drummer, and trumpeter. Mantiz’s current project, The Preface II: Autocracy, was released
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Despite what they say I sound like, I’m from Elgin, South Carolina. I’m just a regular, blue collar type fella that loves music, and I try to keep it as authentic as possible. I feel blessed from having the ability to do everything in music from singing to rapping to engineering to songwriting. I can play many instruments and run an entire studio by myself. I just wanted to take all that and do something good with it. Definitely, I feel like I am music. Who were your influences growing up?
musical
It’s crazy that, as a kid, I would listen to them nonstop and not realize they would later have an influence on me, but now I can think back and see how I’m a perfect blend of the Notorious B.I.G. and D’Angelo. I notice it even from my hairstyle to my body weight. My delivery and style with rapping and singing rubbed off a little from their influence. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve picked up other styles and influences along the way, but those two are the main influences that come to mind. What are the heights of your success so far? The heights of my success so far… I guess being able to tell my story. Coming from SC, your back is already against the wall. As a black man in SC, it seems you’re either faced with being in the streets or forced into a certain type of education. There’s also a lack of and a need for support among the millions of men and women in the state. So to be able to still receive love, having moved from unsupportive surroundings, is a height for me as well so far. I have much to accomplish, but living through what I’ve lived through and being able to tell my story is a blessing to me.
Where do you see yourself in two years? Short term? Ok. Well, not everybody knows what’s going on with me right now. A lot of people still think I’m in SC, and some people know I’m in Atlanta, but are still wondering about what I have going on. Basically put, If everything goes to plan based on the people I have supporting me right now, I will be the epitome of “that guy.” I’m not tooting my own horn, but like I said prior to starting the interview, God brought me here to Atlanta. My intentions were to move farther out west to California, but certain circumstances led me to stop in ATL. Now I’m greatly thankful for being located here, despite my previous choice of not wanting to move here. Everything I needed has come to me, instead of me having to search for all the right resources. My whole mentality has changed about being here, so definitely if I’m not “that guy” in two years, hard work hasn’t paid off. I feel I will successfully accomplish everything I’ve been working so hard for. What sets you apart from other artist? I am by no means perfect, but I would like to examine myself as though I am a gospel rapper with a parental advisory sticker. Meaning that, I’m going to bring the truth to your front door and talk in your language so
that you can understand it. This is so that there will be no confusion whatso-ever. I feel that I’m one of the few people that would get on stage when receiving an award and thank God for real. I wouldn’t do it because I’m supposed to, for everyone else’s sake, or with an ulterior motive. It’s not even my sound or look, but that the fact that I stay truthful sets me apart itself. The life I portray in my music mirrors or parallels my actual life. What is a studio session with Mantiz like? You’re going to get the real me and you might chop it up and get something to eat or something first. We’ll then sit down and discuss your project and from there I plan to treat it as if it were my own project. When you work with me, I’d like you to know I’m into it. If you give me the freedom, I’ll make the right changes to the song so it will be felt more. Even with the late SC r&b legend Mike Smith, we had chemistry in the studio like no other. A lot of people didn’t know how close we were, but it was something about what we produced when we were in the studio together. I try to bring that energy like no other when being in the studio so that the best sound can come out of it.
production team, and that opened me up to a world of new things. From there I realized that I am the arts. Even now, videographers and directors like Big Pa and 5 Deezy tell me all the time that I’m photogenic, and I know how to work the camera, so that takes me back to high school when I did acting, morning announcements and other activities. I’m trying to branch out to all areas of art. My bro, Jah Jah (Jah Bless), is starting his clothing line called Band Geekz, and I support him with that. Business wise, for the most part, I’m mainly just branding. I’m giving you a little bit of me in everything. I’m really hoping to launch a teddy bear line. All these rappers have liquor endorsements, but kids can’t drink that. I do what I do for future generations, so hopefully you’ll see that coming from me as well. We end the interview on that note viewing the ambition and positive message Mantiz plans to share with the world. From here I say “Love and Live Iconic.”
Do you have any areas outside of music that you’re pursuing? In high school we had a media
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B.I.S.H.O.P. Taken from the upcoming ‘Aliens’ EP, ‘Two Teas, Please’ is the stunning single from Lagos born hip-hop artist BishopRadio.
‘Two Teas, Please’ showcases the best aspects of BishopRadio. The beats are strong throughout and fit perfectly with the melodic synth bass. The vocals are highly After receiving flattering catchy and Bishop’s flow is reviews for his debut mixtape natural, showing real talent. The Live From A Park Bench, production and songwriting BishopRadio marks his first skills are impeccable in this track. iTunes EP with this track. His first video release, ‘Two Teas, Formerly US based, since Please’ (Roger That) is a highly moving to the UK BishopRadio unique and hilarious visual has played a string of experience. Set in a quiet cafe, successful live shows across the video features two elderly the country. Gaining a ladies lip-syncing the lyrics dedicated underground whilst Bishop and band mate following, BishopRadio is set Babz look on with somewhat to breach a wider audience astonished expressions. with this debut video.
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The Aliens EP is set to be released on May 6th. www.bishopradio.com www.Facebook.com/BishopRadio www.twitter.com/BishopRadio www.soundcloud.com/bishopradio For more information contact Vicky Berry by email at vicky@ quitegreat.co.uk or by phone 01223 844440.
“Two Teas, please (Roger That)” Video
Watch the video for ‘Two Teas, click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEhVzNJa2ng
Upcoming Album, Aliens
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