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There’s no better feeling than seeing the hard work that we’ve put in for years start to finally pay off.
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pictured: devin miles Issue 57 Content 04 In demand 06 senor Sisig 08 gianni Lee 10 Kehlani 12 bill 14 earthgang 16 emilio rojas 20 Speakerfoxxx 22 jesse boykins III 24 Devin Miles
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JENESIS Magazine 5139 Penn Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15224 info@jenesismagazine.com Managing Editor J. Thomas Agnew jtagnew@jenesismagazine.com Senior Editor Jamar Thrasher jdthrasher@jenesismagazine.com Business Development Joi Price joi@jenesismagazine.com Strategy Gregory Keith Jones gjones@jenesismagazine.com Digital Operations Devin Thomas devin.thomas@jenesismagazine.com Marketing Kaitlin Balmert kaitlin@jenesismagazine.com Staff Writers Charne Graham, Trevor Leard, Jesus Araujo, Persiah Alcorn, Dom Ellis, Christopher McManus Staff Photographers Jordan Beckham, Andy Menarchek
INDEMAND HIGH
FREE MIXTAPES TO D/L TAYLOR BENNETT P-LO MAINSTREAM MUSIC
Of course the Chance comparisons will come but when you get past them, you’ll thoroughly enjoy Taylor’s project. The different sound combinations (New Chevy, Miss Me, Fire) work well and displays that a later more focused project will bring inevitable success. twitter.com/_taylorbennett
WIZ KHALIFA “28 GRAMS” twitter.com/wizkhalifa
EMILIO ROJAS “ZERO FUCKS GIVEN” twitter.com/emiliorojas
*all mixtapes available on JENESISMagazine.com
JENESIS
PAVY ”R.O.M.E” twitter.com/pavyworld
L E T ’ SG E TI T
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CRUISIN FOR
SOME FUSION Article by Dom Ellis
We wanted to bring Filipino food to a bigger audience and do something creative with it. The staple of fast food – the drive thru- started as a fad in the food industry but immediately became its bread and butter once folks realized its value and convenience. We are in a new age, one where everyone is on-the-go and searching for ways to cut corners and save time. Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo envisioned Senor Sisig, a phenomenal Filipino fusion food truck that combines affordable fast food on-the-go with a family original recipe, in 2009. A year later the duo’s truck came to fruition and has been serving starving hipsters and businessmen in San Francisco’s financial district ever since. The high school buddies devised a way to deliver a fresh take on Filipino food by tossing an old family recipe into gum smashing delicious tacos, burritos and nachos, all the while eliminating the stigma of the rust bucket food trucks of yester-year. Find their location for the day through their twitter or website (senorsisig.com) and order a Sisig taco; take a
gargantuous bite and let its juicy succulence smack your taste buds into next week. Kidera and Payumo have taken their visions of quick fusion and got them rolling (literally) and in the process - facilitated growth for a new wave of fast food and the frolicking community around it. Talk about your heritage and food background. Are you full Filipino? No, I’m not even Filipino. Background of the business is that it’s owned by me and my business partner (spells out) Gil Payumo, who is full Filipino. I’m Japanese and white, half and half, I’ve known him since high school, real close, and after high school I wanted to go to school to learn business. Got my MBA in business and he went to Culinary school, learned how to cook, but he’s full Filipino, his whole family was cooking Filipino food.
I keep hearing about the Sisig tacos, they’re all over Facebook, Yelp, Urbanspoon, everywhere! How did you guys think of that? Did you guys collectively come up with the idea of fusing foods? Yea, we basically came together collectively on everything. I came to him with the idea that I wanted to do a food truck. I told him starting a food truck would be opportunistic at the time. We opened in 2010 but I approached him on ’09, I was like ‘look we should open a food truck’. My original idea was more Asian fusion; he (Gil) said we should do the Sisig tacos. We tested them out, and once I had those I said let’s just do Filipino. The Sisig is his family’s recipe and we threw them into tacos, nachos and burritos. Now we have a full menu of what we do. With you guys being mobile, how vital has social media been in getting the word out, helping people find you and making the food accessible? I think in the beginning it was crucial. You want to get the word about your business going so you want people to start talking. I think we utilize a lot of that today. I think we use it a lot more than in the beginning. Now that we are more established we try to push people to our social media and to our website to find out where we are. I mean we also use social media
to communicate, there’s a lot of info that we could gather both good and bad. You can talk back to them too, I think it’s a big part of it; making them feel a part of your business. For people in metro areas this idea of mobile food is sort of replacing the drive thru in a way that’s making the food direct to the consumer. Do you guys think you’re changing the needs of the consumer? If we can get restaurant quality ‘fast food’ on wheels then why go out? I think the industry in general could lead to that thought- 5 years ago there weren’t that many food trucks in San Francisco so it was foreign. Some people are only used to seeing a taquerías coming out of a truck but now there are trucks all over the city. It’s making food more accessible at a more realistic price point and it’s a good thing for everyone. And we come to you, if you don’t feel like driving through. It’s pretty affordable, in that $7-10 range, so with that you have a hip, up-to-date, travelling food truck that serves quality Filipino fusion food. Was that the vision setting out? We had two things that were new. A new food (fusion) coming from a new vessel; a truck. We wanted to bring Filipino food to a bigger audience and do something creative with it. It was definitely the vision, it’s kind of taken off farther than we could imagine.
To simply just call him a Fashion Designer, DJ or Producer would be a discredit to the work he's put in. Gianni Lee is an innovative business owner. He is a fearless entrepreneur with ideas he's not afraid to put action behind. His concepts and creations continue to be acknowledged by his peers and individuals whose curiosities are peeked by the distinguished product he delivers. Although, it is more than just delivering a great idea from paper to physical existence- Gianni is meticulous with his branding and precise with the details presented. This is a subject many should be more attentive towards. JENESIS asked Gianni to give his expert advice about the 3 beginning ways to approach branding your business. 1. Originality I can't stress the importance of having originality. Nothing strikes me more than seeing something in its entirety that has never been done before. I believe that branding at its core is far easier when your product is original. This makes it more fun and interesting because you can get super creative since you are dealing with something that has no blueprint. 2. A Story You have to have a great story. People connect with stories on so many levels because it gives them something to truly believe in. It can be the popular Adi Dassler's role in the development of Adidas and track shoes. Or even Nike's early beginnings as Blue Ribbon Sports and pioneering the rubber waffle sole. These are stories that help shape a brand and give us something to relate to and be inspired by. 3. Demand You have to have a brand that people want. However when you make that happen you have to make sure that people want what you are selling. Think to yourself: “is this appealing?” or “can it compete against other brands?” This helps you understand your customers better because they are actively engaging you.
Out of those three, which one should be a first that deserves the most care? I believe a story deserves the most care (arguably). Once you have a story, your originality should become easier because a story builds identity. As one who is precise with details when it comes to branding, how has it helped you stand out when building your own brand development? I am only precise with details because I have made mistakes. These mistakes arise from my attempt to be fearless and to even try something that had the potential to fail. That being said, my "being precise with details" has helped me market my brand in more creative ways. I pay attention to every aspect of development all the way through to sales. It helps me spot things that I may have overlooked in the past. Having a brand that you understand and pay attention to is just like being in a relationship. The more you pay attention to fine details the easier it is to anticipate problems before they even take place. What companies did you look up to as far as how they used branding to build a successful base in their respective industry? Not too many companies consistently catch my eye because I don't want them to have too much influence in my work. I have two entities that I look up to. That is Nike, as well as Jean Michel Basquiat. Nike doesn't fall too far from Basquiat in the terms of branding similarities. They produced a product that people believed in and built an identity out of it. We can identify their work through images, patterns, silhouettes and colors before we even recognize the name. Lastly, what 3 questions should entrepreneurs ask themselves before they go full steam ahead into making business moves? Am I looking to make a profit long term or short term? Can I dedicate my life to this? Can I handle let downs and still continue on my journey?
Today’s music industry is highly saturated with artist fighting to prove to the world that they can make the best, up-to-date, relevant music. For Bay Area native, Kehlani, the skating tattooed songstress and trained dancer, is rolling the dice and going out to show the world her vision through soulful singles and spicy visuals. She isn’t afraid to be the only girl in the crew like Sammie from the 90’s Nickelodeon show Rocket Power and she’s learned to keep it down to earth through jamming out to Lauryn Hill. She’s ready to climb the ladder of success and battle her way through the mass market of music makers, and seeks to prove it through her single ‘FWU’ and forthcoming EP.
You’re originally from the Bay what are you doing in L.A.? I’m just here to be here. You know when you’re from the Bay and you’re ready to take it to that next level, you’ve got to move to L.A. That’s me right now. What is the business aspect you're looking for while you're in LA that you necessarily couldn't get in The Bay? I think in the industry there are established places that are something like capitals for music for their coast. Like on the west coast, if you have to handle big business you go to LA. That’s where the all the big labels are. For the east coast, you have New York. The south, you go to Atlanta and/or Miami. Of course, everyone circulates everywhere but you usually head there first. I had to come to LA to lock things down. It’s been a blessing. So you’re a model. How’d you get into the fashion industry? I wouldn’t say I’m a model; I’m more of a clothing promoter. People just started giving me clothes to wear and I would do some shoots. It’s easy and fun. You have some interesting tats. Two in particular: the Lauryn Hill and the Sam from Rocket Power. Has Lauryn Hill or Sam inspired you or contributed to who you are? Yes, my Ms. Lauryn Hill tattoo just reminds me to keep going and to no matter what always keep my head up. I grew up listening to her and she inspires a lot of what I do as a singer. I connect with Sam (from Rocket Power) because
she was the only girl in the crew. She was a rugged tough girl that could skate just as good if not better than the rest of the squat. Your music is soft and delicate yet you have tattoos and you skate, how do those things define you? That’s the beauty of it, it doesn’t. I have tattoos and I skate but how I feel on the outside is totally different from how I express myself and feel on the inside. I don’t think that my appearance and how I feel on the inside have to match. So you skate and you sing. So who do you think would win in a celebrity death match, Chris Brown or Tyler the Creator? Ooh, have you seen Tyler under his shirt? He is ripped! But at the same time I feel like Chris has a deep crazy side that’s waiting to be unleashed. They’re just two totally different levels of crazy. I don’t even know, maybe Chris, I just can’t say. Who can we see you teaming up with in the future? You’ll just have to wait and see!
COMING INTO FOCUS “Well look who the fuck it is, you’re probably rocking my gear right now,” Bill raps on the introduction to his first official project “Vagrant.” Over the past five years you may have seen Mac Miller rocking Daily Bread gear, but now the designer is flipping the script and testing his skills out on the mic. Featured on Deluisional Thomas’ track, alongside Earl Sweatshirt, Bill steps up his game even more than ever with a 10-track tape featuring Ab-soul and production from DJ Clockwork. The mix tape also features REMember Music artists Vinny Radio, Primavera Vills, and the Most Dope general, Mac Miller. Interview by Trevor Leard
Photo by Andy Menarcheck
The literal meaning of vagrant is “a homeless person.” Why did you name your tape that, and what does it mean to you? When I was coming up I was in low-income housing, and my dad was a teacher and going to school, and then we moved to Pittsburgh in 2002 that was the only lifestyle I knew. I used to hang out with squatters when I was only like 14 or 15. It stems from my past to now, “Vagrant” was a lot about adolescence. It was a lot of real ignorant and obnoxious lyrics, and it was an expression of everything I always wanted to say as a rapper. “Vagrant” says a lot about the inner-city culture that I try to portray through my artwork. Who did the cover art for the mix tape? My mom drew that. She used to take me to the art classes where they had the naked person in the middle and they’re all drawing. It was one of the classes we went to together, and she looked a little vagrant and heavy set. So, I thought that would be dope to put on the cover because it’s always been in my house. And the back cover is a self-portrait of my mom that she sketched herself. When were they done? Front cover was drawn in the 80’s and the back cover was done about eight years ago. Last year, on the down low, you told me about the recording you had been doing with Mac and Earl, which ended up on Delusional Thomas. Where did you record your project? Most of it was done at ID Labs, and then I sent the vocals over to Tuff Sound where I recorded the rest. Then two of the songs were recorded at Mac’s house in his home studio. That was “Campfire”, whenever me, Mac and Ab-Soul did that, also, “Raw Product”, because Mac produced it. You have the line “Never went to college, so this isn’t Asher Roth”. If you had to compare yourself to one artist, who would it be? Jadakiss, but let me say that in terms of like it’s not about like our background it’s about our outlooks on life, no matter what he’s been through or what I’ve been through.
Vagrant had a good first push with over 5,000 downloads, how do you feel about that? I feel great. I don’t like to compare myself to other artists, but I looked at a lot of local artists, and I did a lot better than them. It makes me want to push to the next level and show some appreciation to the fans and everything. That’s one thing that stopped me from rapping. I hate how conceded and fake the game is. It’s great not to be like that, I can be me and still rap. Rapping takes a lot of time from beat selection to recording and writing. How are you balancing that and your Daily Bread clothing line? It’s really hard to balance it, that’s why three or four years of rapping you’ve only seen one small project. Now that I’m taking everything serious, it’s like today I’m going to work on designing hats, and tomorrow I’m going to work on writing. I’ve always been an artist though, I write every night no matter what. How did you come up with the idea to do a limited distribution of “Vagrant” on cassette? When I first started to listen top hip-hop, I would buy blank tapes and listen to the radio and mix different things. I would go to a rap station and grab a verse then go to a religion station and get some guys saying “and Jesus will save you” and cut to some static. Cassettes were always part of my childhood, and I’m big vintage person. Everything I wear is old. I wanted to make a collectable to kind of promote “Vagrant.” What’s next music wise? I don’t mind saying this to JENESIS Magazine, but I’m going to drop a surprise mix tape. I’ll leak the fact that I’m probably going to drop in in the next two months, and then really just getting the momentum going after that.
Interview by Christopher McManus
There’s always a particular buzz that sweeps the landscape when speaking on the Atlanta rap scene. From the eccentric appeal of Young Thug, the chilled out wave of Rome Fortune, and soulful trap of Two-9, the newer generation oozes the spirit of a Dungeon Family’s ethos and bring something different to the table. When it comes to the rising rap duo of EarthGang (one word, not two), it takes the blueprint laid out by their forefathers and flips it on its head. Better known by their names Johnny Venus and Doctor “Diego” Dot, I remember the two performing four years ago on the campus of Hampton University where they attended at the time. I too was a student there watching them on homecoming shows and open mics and now I’m witnessing them performing at SXSW and making an appearance on the latest Boondocks mixtape. I catch up with them regarding their recent success, the all-too-often comparisons with OutKast, and how college life affected their connection with the audiences.
From Open Mics in Hampton University to opening for Killer Mike. How are you guys taking it in with the recent progression and newfound success? Johnny Venus: Yo, nice play on words (laughs). Things for us have been going at a rapid pace since January. Like, instantly everything started to pop off with placement and working business with management getting our stuff together. It’s been a crazy time for us, but we’re looking to maintain what is true to us. Doctor Dot: Hell yeah, we’re out here looking to put the world on notice. Getting back to our time at Hampton University. For years I’ve seen you guys perform to respectable reactions and support from the campus. How did the experience there mold your stage presence for audiences today? JV: I found our time at Hampton to be a dope one. Before then we only did a few shows in Atlanta, so it helped us get our name across in a better light. It’s funny at first because back then folks didn’t want to mess with us back then but now they’re jumping up for joy seeing our names on XXL. It is what it is, though, so I can’t trip over it. You guys receive many comparisons to the Dungeon Family, specifically OutKast. What do you two think of the possible similarities and do you have a record that defines you two? Dot: I never really bought into those comparisons at all. It’s just the media’s way of catching on to something lazily. JV: Comparisons are the comfort zone of intelligence. Folks have this tendency for nostalgia-based love, as it makes them latch on to something easily. We appreciate that we can be put in the same light as OutKast, but they are their own entity. They have been doing this for over 20 years now and I find it unfairr for younger cats like us or in general to be ranked in that esteem without having a chance to establish their own name. You two speak on the younger generation a lot. All who have been raised by the sounds of Dungeon Family and other Atlanta stalwarts like Jeezy, Gucci, T.I., etc. What about your music sets you guys apart from your peers?
JV: Simply put, what sets us apart is the story that we tell. All of us have something that separates ourselves from one another, but we all show each other love. I fuck with the music our city has to offer and we collabed with who we wanted to as well, but right now we’re looking to expand. Who else are you looking to work with in the meantime? Doc: We would love to work with TOKIMonsta as she’s dope and a bunch of other artists branching out of the rap sphere. JV: Kid Cudi most definitely and Toro y Moi, just to name a few. There’s a lot of music that affected us greatly and we would love to give back in the best way possible. Have you guys ever thought about performing at Hampton University once again if the opportunity presented itself? JV: If they cut the check, of course (laughs). Doc: It would be sweet as fuck if I got to perform at Hampton again, despite the fact that I got kicked out senior year (chuckles). Whoa (laughs), I didn’t even know you guys left in that fashion. Doc: Yeah, just say we didn’t have an agreement at one point. Well what else can we expect from EarthGang in 2014? Doc: EP, Video, Tour. All in that order. JV: And hella merch too. We have a lot coming in soon this summer, so be on the lookout for that.
Stereotypes unfortunately are something that still happens in our society and breaking these barriers is something the younger generations are trying to do. But this Rochester, New York born artist knows that they won’t stop him, even if the label executives try. Born to a Venezuelan father and American Caucasian mother, Emilio Rojas said he learned Spanish as his first language. From a young age Emilio said his background was something that affected him and made him stand out among peers. “I grew up not knowing where to fit in. I was too white for the Hispanics and too Hispanic for the whites,” Emilio said. If you listen to Emilio’s music you know one thing’s for sure, family has shaped his influence on songs. “Family shapes your perspective on life; I talk about what I know. I come from a fucked up household, my father was abusive and then he left so I talk about that a lot,” he said. “There is also the whole biracial element that plays a role in it,” Emilio said on what also influences his rhymes. “I think it makes me unique, I don’t think a lot of people talk about that in their music. Especially in America everybody (having sex with) everybody, so people can relate to it,” he said speaking on the diversity of the country. Emilio spent time attending college at the University of Rochester, where he would later drop out and chase his dream. “I just left. I weighed the options. I wasn’t paying anything I had an academic scholarship,” Emilio said about his decision to drop out of college. “It was just a waste of time; I wasn’t showing up at class, I wasn’t really learning anything valuable toward like what I wanted to do with my life.” After leaving college Emilio set out on his goal of making it in the music industry and left to accomplish his dream. He finally moved to New York City. “New York was the best shit I ever did. My man Angelo hit me up and within two days, no joke, with no job, no savings I just left,” Emilio said. “I sold everything I owned, took the whip down and sold that shit.”
There Emilio said he linked with management and more producers to work with. But even being in the city that’s well known for hip-hop, he said he felt like more could be done. “Just recently the movement has started that’s been accepted, you got like the Action Bronson and French Montana, but New York has been quiet for a minute,” Emilio said. “I feel like with New York, a lot of old heads don’t want to let go. No disrespect to the legends but you see every other region reaching down to the youth and putting their arms around them and shit.” But even with the demographics of New York City being that Hispanics are one of the largest populations, Emilio said he still got flack for his roots. “I’ve had DJs say they fuck with my records but they say they feel funny saying my name on radio because they feel like they’re introducing a Salsero or Reggaetone singer,” he said. “It’s like this shit happens to me in New York where 60 percent of the listeners are Hispanic.”
I’ve been working a long time and not even on no ego shit. I’m better than a lot of people who have popped before me
and hand out flyers, you have to get that word of mouth promotion going,” Emilio said. “Even an unknown artist will have a good 150-200 people if the promoter is worth half his dick.”
This theme doesn’t stray when signing deals Emilio said, with label executives coming into meetings dropping Enrique Iglesias’ name during contract negotiations.
“We finally have a real backing, I been working a long time and not even on no ego shit, I’m better than a lot of people who have popped before me,” Emilio said.
Reflecting on a meeting that took place years ago, Emilio said he has experienced issues with his heritage on multiple occasions. One in particular he said was the president of Loud Records. “This was years ago before we even had any buzz, he was like “Who is this Big Pun’s nephew?” like without even hearing a record or seeing a photograph. He just heard my name,” Emilio said. Through all the controversy Emilio still seems to keep going. “No Shame No Regrets” was the most recent project dropped and the struggles of his life can be heard on multiple tracks. “She ride with me, I’m driven,” Emilio raps on “Shameless” not only describing his work ethic but how he feels about his heritage. “They want me to be Reggaetone, Marc Anthony, but that’s not me, you know?” Emilio said. “You know in America theirs a lot of fucking Hispanics and Hispanics are loyal so you’re not going to keep me out! We’re going to find another way and you’re going to miss out on this money.” In the game almost 10 years, but even he knows that the level he’s at is not the peak. One of the problems he encountered outside of his music is tour life. Promotion is one of the biggest parts of an artists’ career, and putting it in others hands can be hard. “You got promoters that only rely on social media, and that’s not really an effective tool. People forget that you have to get in the streets
Not all is bad in the industry for Emilio, with his new project “Zero Fucks Given” featuring names such as Joe Budden, Harry Fraud, and Bodega Bamz. The tape is hosted by DJ Camillo and features a lot of production from Miami producer Audio Jones, Emilio said. Also signing a record deal Emilio is setting himself up for a good year.
SPEa kerf oxxx
howuluvthat Article by Jesus Araujo | Photo by Zach Wolfe
The DJ’ing world is a world of creativity. The DJ will carry with them, a computer, headphones, a theme, and most important respect to all music. It’s creativity and power given to the ultimate listener. They have been to enough parties and events to know how you should feel when the beat hits the speaker.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Christen Nilan, 31, otherwise known as Speakerfoxxx. As a DJ, she has spent the time to figure out what makes partygoer’s tick. She has spun records at the A3C festival, Tomorrowland festival, the High Beam Tour with Gangster Boo and New York City’s most prolific week to all fashionistas, New York City’s fashion week. Speakerfoxxx’s road has been bright with lights and a hot comb. Forgetting the 90-hour workweeks and three jobs to pay through hair school will is not possible. While on house arrest it gave her time and a chance to fully engulf herself in the truest origin of hip-hop. The words of encouragement gave her belief and faith to venture into the world with the name Speakerfoxxx. The ATL brought its own flavor to the hip-hop world in the 90’s. Atlanta came along and gave car and headphone speakers a new vibe, a new type of music that gave insight on what the trap really was. It was a trap. Rap gods Outkast and Goodie Mob birthed a style for Atlanta and southern rappers. During the late 90’s and 2000’s. A string of hits from Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane, and The Ying-Yang twins gave the south more notoriety than ever before. “I’m so, so, so proud of my city,” said Nilan. “I love my hometown and love the people that have help put on for the city. We did it!” you can feel the excitement in her voice not just as a proud citizen, but also as a hip-hop enthusiastic. A mentality of doing things for herself gave Nilan the confidence to do anything. “It was me,” said Nilan. “Ever since I can remember I have worked, my mom raised me by herself and anything I ever wanted I got it and I earned it myself.” The keys of the piano could look intimating yet Nilan taught herself how to play. Nilan played in her high school band and her thirst of music continued to grow. Going to punk shows was her first introduction to the nightlife and her love for music grew. Nilan knew that records and equipment were not going to be given, earning the records her own would be the way to go.
I needed a job, I wanted to do something creative,” said Nilan. “I’m going to do hair so I can buy records.” Nilan joined the hair dressing school of Aveda Institute of Atlanta. During that time she worked three jobs to get her through her duration at school. Nilan’s mindset was on consistency and focus, so much so that even when she got in trouble with the law and was placed on what she called “basically house arrest.” She took that as a moment to truly study the craft of being a DJ. After putting in the hours of practice Nilan was ready to hit the stage. Nilan got a gig to open for DJ and super producer Don Cannon. During her set her computer crashed, a DJ’s worst nightmare. Cannon helped her out and didn’t make a big fuss out of it. “We need to get you a mac,” Cannon had joked. From that moment on Cannon took Nilan under her wing and offered his guidance. “Cannon is like a big brother/mentor to me,” said Nilan. “Sometimes you need people to believe in you so that way you can believe in yourself,” said Nilan. Nilan to this day continues her tenure as a hairdresser for fashion week in NYC, 10 years and counting. During her time in New York, Nilan does not only do hair for the models that walk the stage, she is also spinning records..She has spun at New York’s famous Santos Party House. During fashion week she has spun for A$AP Rocky and SpaceGhostPurrp, as well as the BEEN TRILL Festivites at West Way. Nilan’s hard work earned her the name Speakerfoxxx. “First off, you can’t give yourself your DJ name,” said Nilan. Her great work ethic has led her to DJ for Gangter Boo of Three 6 Mafia and Rittz, spin for Baller Eve on New York’s East Village Radio,and be part of “The Academy” which is headed by DJ Drama, DJ Sense, and Don Cannon. “Anybody can go on stage and play what is popping right now,” said Nilan. “It really about how you put it together and how you translate your favorite songs.” Nilan adds with a pride in her voice, “I have made people love Cash Money!!!”
Genres tend to define a lane that an artist will take, and only when they exit this lane does the world truly get to see their real sides. Jesse Boykins III may be listed under the R&B section of iTunes, but with his newest album “The Love Apparatus”, it is easily heard that he is much more extraordinary than that. “A true artist can do what he wants,” said Jesse while describing his music. “I don’t call it R&B, I call it soul,” Similar to a variety of other artists, Jesse talks about how his family was what really influenced his music taste growing up. “I was like five or six,” said Boykins, reminiscing on the first time he performed, “I tried to sing ‘Silent Night’ and I closed my eyes.” Years later, closing his eyes could potentially lead to being tackled on stage. “A lot of crazy women randomly get on stage with no invitation,” said Jesse. “They really mess with my focus.” Outrageous, isn’t it? Despite crazy women intruding the stage, getting up close and personal with fans is not a problem when it comes to Jesse. He has even recently tried out stage diving for the first time. “Not that I was scared, I just hadn’t done it before… It’s so sweet!” Gallivanting through and exploring new genres was ideal throughout Jesse’s childhood. Every genre is not something that is new to him, as he said: “while growing up I listened to an abundance of different music. I got involved in R&B, but I often replayed and listened to everything,” Jesse said. “I went from genre to genre.” Jesse’s newest album, “The Love Apparatus”, shows off his diversity in music so much that you have to really listen to it more than once to get the full effect. “I wanted to evoke something you listen to, similar to many other songs. The more you play it the more you like it,” said Boykins. On this album, Jesse has a song titled “I Wish”, but if given one wish, Jesse said that he “would wish for people to be more fearless,” and being fearless to him is all about freedom. “Try and challenge yourself, not having people,” he said. “It’s like instead, not be a
part of the clique.” Segments of the upcoming album were written as far back as 2009. According to Jesse, he doesn’t really have a favorite standout track off the album, but admits that he likes particular tracks on some days as opposed to others. Music videos of the genre usually show girls dancing around and presenting the artist, but Jesse goes beyond that with bringing listeners and viewers more art. “I try my best to capture a reaction displaying what each song is uniquely about,” said Boykins. “I just want them to watch and be like ‘damn I need to be there’.” Being stuck in one lane is not in Jesse’s vocabulary, which explains why he would cover a very controversial artist like Drake. “He’s doing well, he’s always truthful especially in the music industry, where you get trapped in a box,” said Jesse. “A lot of artists don’t create material that is outside of the box because they get stuck in a creative knot.” Jesse recognizes that he has been pretty fortunate and grateful so far on his journey in the music industry, but he isn’t stopping. As far as future success goes, Boykins said: “a Grammy would be cool.” People of wisdom have said that your early twenties are your wonder years. Although Jesse believes his wonder years may have been the last six or so years of his life, he trusts that every year can be unique and wonderful. “It is about how people worry about being nostalgic,” said Boykins. “Every year is a wonder year no matter how much you figure.” You can purchase and download Jesse’s newest album, “The Love Apparatus” on iTunes, available now, along with previous albums and EP’s such as “Zulu Guru” (2012) and “The Beauty Created” (2008).
CROWN ME interview by thomas agnew photography by gregory neiser [gregoryneiser.com]
With the persistence, poise, and growth Devin Miles has displayed over the past two years, one has to know that his encounters with success are inevitable.
MTV, Fuse TV, Shade 45 are just a few outlets that have requested to get a closer look at the rising star. Experiencing being on sponsored SXSW & NXNE stages, being asked to join G-Eazy on part of his tour run, and now given the chance to tour on his own joint mini tour with West Coast artist D.U.B.B., we caught up with Devin to talk the growth of his profile and how he’s handled the new attention. How does it feel that you can see momentum grow and kind of build on its own after years of promoting yourself so hard? To me, that feeling, it doesn’t get any better than that. There’s no better feeling than seeing the hard work that we’ve put in for years start to finally pay off. We’re starting to pick up the snowball effect which is what we’ve been working so hard for. We’ve been pushing that snow up that hill forever, it seems. We’re finally getting to where we can push the snowball down the hill and now everything can start to fall into play as it comes. For it to finally grow on its own, almost organically, people are helping us make it grow on their own for us. Everything starting to grow, everything is starting to get better. Whether it’s my fan base, blog presence, or whether it’s my music. You’ve taken a lot of calculated chances up to this point. Which paid of the most thus far?
Probably doing SXSW for three years were major calculated chances we have taken. We did it all on our dime. It’s a very expensive trip. Me and my team don’t necessarily have steady jobs so we do what we have to do to get by to do these things. We made the best of it and we come back from SXSW with more fans, further
along in the game, and more recognition.
Also we had the opportunity to go with G-Eazy on his tour. His manager hit us up about going on the small leg of his tour which was about 7 or 8 dates. The catch was they didn’t have any more money from their budget. It was completely exhausted. He told us we would be taken cared of when we got to the venue but everything else was on our own dime. We went and did all of those shows and got the most amazing responses. It was mind blowing to us. Fans asked us if we were going to be in the next city, next tour, on his album, and taking that chance showed his fans who we were which helped us gain more recognition. Which areas in your career have you seen noticeable growth? The most obvious one would be musically. If you were to listen to me back when I put my first tape out, “Finding My Own,” up to my last EP, “In Due Time,” and then this new music I’m working on for “Pixburgh,” you can see the growth from me just being a rapper and taking beats to just kill them to making the transformation to making songs that actually have standing power.
If I’m going to be the center of attention I’d rather it be when I’m on the stage. That’s when I know for a fact when I have everyone’s attention. That’s the only time I really like attention. I truthfully think my character and image has grown a lot. I used to be very shy; I’m a shy person in general. It’s kind of opposite with me chasing the spotlight. Plus, learning the business. All I knew before was writing 16’s and verses and stuff. Putting rap out and then just dropping it with no thought, plans, a schedule, having a calendar. But then I learned about timing and targeting markets with certain things to maximize the result and feedback. You keep a low profile when you’re not active on tours or concerts. Do you prefer solitude over attention? Definitely. I definitely prefer solitude over the attention. It’s not even so much that I don’t like the attention. I like to be around people. There’s nothing wrong with attention but I don’t seek attention, it doesn’t fuel my persona or me as a person. I’d rather be in solitude and do my own self-growth so I can observe everything from an outsider’s perspective. My being a shy person, I don’t like to talk to people but I do like people. I got my select few people that I really ride with that are my down home people. That’s all I need and it’s either them or I and I consider them my solitude as well. If I’m going to be the center of attention I’d rather it be when I’m on the stage. That’s when I know for a fact when I have everyone’s attention. That’s the only time I really like attention. Also you and Christo are known to go into your modes of creation. How does he consistently help you to better yourself? Christo being my best friend for 10 years now is a major aspect in our chemistry. With him being around he knows like other people don’t.
There’s people like my manager Zeke who knows me to an extent but Christo really knows what I’m thinking and he knows how to produce something that would really convey how I’m feeling. We have this balance in music or on life stuff; whether it’s girls, family, shoes, whatever. Christo has a lot of faith in me, my potential, and my capacity in music is limitless. In him saying that to me he knows he can push me to the limits and he can help me bring out the best on his beats. He provides the canvas and I just let it all out musically in the most genuine way possible. If you could choose an ideal next move, with no failure involved, what would it be? Tour. I’d honestly want to go on a headlining tour. Like 30-40 shows across the country. I’d like to take what we got, which I feel is very strong material and take it across the country and across the world. Show everybody that I’m here and that this is the music that I’m making that you can relate to so this is going to be me putting it out to y’all and I hope you come to the show and enjoy it.
I had to understand that some people are going to like it and that some people aren’t, but you’re not going to be able to please everybody, but like my brother said, “Some people going to love it, and some people going to hate it.” Has fear or a thought of failure kept you from doing anything? Truthfully, there was a point in time that I was second guessing myself and damn near a time that I gave up. I felt like I didn’t have what it takes to make it. Like, I didn’t have material good enough to things that I had heard. You know I would hear records that were really popular and I’m like, ‘Man, I wish I could do this but he already did that,’ and I put all this pressure in my head whenever I’m working on these songs. I would think maybe I’m not going to drop this record or maybe I’m not going to drop this project now cause I don’t think it’s ready. It’s always a toss-up with my next releases or my next move like what do the people and the crowds and the fans and supporters want to see. You can either hit or you can miss and sometimes when you miss, you can miss badly. Sometimes when you hit, you can hit it right out the park. I do fear missing badly. But working with the people that I have, Zeke and Christo, they’ve taught me that I’m doing this for myself. I had to understand that some people are going to like it and that some people aren’t, but you’re not going to be able to please everybody, but like my brother said, “Some people going to love it, and some people going to hate it.” So that whole fear and doubt is out the window and really we do what we feel is right. We just put it out and hope for the best. What can we expect from Pixburgh and do you think it will put you in the arena to be competitive? You can expect “Pixburgh” to teach listeners
who Devin Simmons is. It’s a lot of me and it’s a lot of not just making records in a certain way to play in the club or this or that; it’s all organic. It’s all me wanting to just take my story from being born and raised in Pittsburgh to how I grew as a man. Everything that’s helped me and everything that’s hurt me. Every girl that I’ve loved. Every girl that’s broke my heart. Every friendship I’ve had and lost. All of my problems I’ve had with my father and my mother being my backbone a lot. It’s going to be very relatable to everyone. On top of that even though it has that content, they’re still great records and there are still solid songs that sound damn near like they’re from an album. If I’m not exactly a contender, I will be on everyone’s radar and they’ll be patiently waiting for what will come after “Pixburgh.“
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