MAR/APR 2022 $10.00
MONDAII MAKING MAJOR MOVES IN THE INDUSTRY!
CHAD BAILEY
SHOWS WHAT HE GOT & GETS AS NASTY AS HE WANNA BE!
THE LGBTQ’S NEW SOURCE FOR UNDERGROUND ARTIST!
CELLO/PHN THE ARTIST THAT TAKES ALTERNATIVE TO THE BEST LEVEL!
PLUS: DREBAE, ELI LIBERTY, BIG DIPPER & MORE!
GÁBOR
Hot New Singles:
THESE LGBTQ ARTIST ARE DROPPING HEAT!
SevnDeep
Is showing you how to do it & put your hips into it! This single is setting the streets on fire in the scenes. It gave us that salsa type of feel mixed with hip-hop which actually sounds good as fuck! This is indeed something that everyone should cop!
Lambo
is back with the “Jump Off” & ready for the takeover! The rapper has been blazing the city of Cleveland like no other pumping out his best work back to back so with a single like this that’s Lil Kim inspired proves he can’t go wrong! We definitely fucking with it.
The Trap Twinz Ain’t cutting no corners on their new single “Fasho” ft. Titty City! This single gives off a trap love type of vibe to us. They’re definitely coming with that ghetto shit that everybody loves and the rapping is just right. We can’t wait to hear what’s coming next!
JayLing
is going out tonight with XXXAVI & ain’t giving not one fuck! We know that’s motherfucking right Jay! This single is great for setting the mood over some fuck boy shit. The hook will most likely get you singing along for the most part & everything else falls into place.
jett Jeff
Is back on his bullshit with his new single “Soulmates” ft. Joey Sxng! This song definitely gave off that pop/rap feel cause Joey’s vocals will melt you away. Jett Jeff came back strong after his hiatus from the game. A single that’s billboard worthy & that’s facts. Y’all must check it out!
Gorgious Montana Cutting up in this bitch on the single “Paramount” with BB AUJA! This one right here was hard as fuck & the beat is banging like no other. That smooth bass trap shit will do you right! A single that’s worthy of streams is this one without a doubt! 2 •GÁBOR
Eli Liberty
Is trying to see what are the “Odds” in his new single! The song is tremendously done well with his vocals being so angelic. We really enjoyed listening to this due to the message and point behind it. Many people will be able to relate to it for sure. It’s a great song and has hit potential all the way.
Estevan, The God Want all that “MEAT” & he got a lot as well! The nigga going hard as fuck on this track. The beat is popping which is always gonna 50% determine if a song is a banger or not. He delivered the whole factory of meat all over the track. This a great single to vibe to & get punchlines out of. Support this shit!
Tyrus Turner Marc Margiela
Got that good ass r&b on lock & we ain’t motherfucking lying! This song will have you ready to make love to whoever the fuck you with on sight! Turn off all the lights and take yo damn time cause it’s going all night long. This song right here Is the fucking truth! 3•GÁBOR
Gives off a confident, bad bitch mood in “You Wanna Be Like Me”! This song is like a House music meets Hip-Hop meets Pop feel which we love. It’s a anthem for bitches who know they the shit & won’t let nothing get in the way of them thinking it. Too FREEDOM!
2AM Ricky
Really set off a vibe with this new single of his called “Hues”. It’s very mellow to a point it gives that real chill vibe. It’s definitely a mood setter so we can picture people actually smoking to this in a crazy way. We love this song for real! Y’all better support this shit as well!
Realxman
Knows how to get people’s attention with his wildly creative sound that’s definitely showcased on his single “Mesmerized”.Now listening to this one gave us life cause we love to listen to creative artist who try all kinds of techniques, sounds & out of the blue shit when dropping new music.
Marci Mar
Is making sure everyone knows that all “Twenty Two“ he’s gonna talk his shit! We fucks with this one heavy for the vibes. The beat is complimenting the whole song & he’s spitting that crack! Definitely one to check out & support!
Devante Marques Just needs some “Time Alone” if you can understand that. This single serves as a great anthem for those who need they space from a person at times. Devante’s vocals are so crisp and clear on this track that you play it back. He wants you to not take it personal and give him his time to think about everything that’s going on. We all can relate to this shit!
bammie
Laid the vocals down, got extra sexy & sung softly to us on “Body”! The song samples “Body Party” by Ciara & was done very well! We are feeling the R&B wave from him even though we love the rap as well. This was a great shock & deserves to be purchased.
Kalontae Anderson
Ain’t letting up on them niggas at all on his new single “TikTok” where he letting it be known that motherfuckers time is up and it’s time for them to get the fuck! We fucks with the song & the message 100%. It’s one of those shit talking ass songs where you feel you wanna also pop yo shit too! The air waves would have a field day with this one right here. A banger!
Mondaii
Went the fuck in on this shit! This track right here is the motherfucking business. “Don’t Play With My Name” is a true masterpiece in itself. Once we heard “You couldn’t get up in yo bag if ya zipper was open!” We lost it after that! Cop this shit!
xakwon The jawn Came with his skills getting better & better on the latest effort “Put You On”! The newcomer has his sight on a lotta things so the wordplay he gave throughout the song was ear catching. We love a great bop that could get the party going. Cop this shit & run it up. 4•GÁBOR
Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton
DREBAE
Photography By: Drebae
He’s an underground sensation that’s made a lot moves independently which has garnered views and heavy attention from major outlets! The aesthetic, bars,aura, image and personality has earned him spots on BET to features with Megan Thee Stallion! So we sat down to ask him how does he maintain his underground success!
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How did you get noticed and what methods did you use?
I never took any extreme measures to get noticed. I just posted my music on my platforms and reposted the love and the fans gravitated towards me & I grew organically over time.
What would you say was the turning point to your underground success? The turning point for me was when I dropped my first song ”Elegant” and got noticed by Kehlani. She ended up bringing me out for pride & I performed in front of 60,000 people and gained so many new supporters.
You have a feature with Megan Thee Stallion! How did that come about? I made a song called “No Pressure” and had an open verse. I DM’d Megan on Twitter cause we had been following each other for a while. She told me she loved the song and let’s do it! I sent her the open verse & we ran it. She’s a kind soul and will always fuck with real people off the strength of you being talented & genuine.
How did you react the first time BET contacted you and what would you say was the reason you earned it?
I was super excited when they reached out to me because hello I grew up watching BET so it was a full circle moment. I had been dropping songs visuals & freestyles going viral. I definitely earned my spot on their platform and I appreciate the whole team dearly for having the doll.
You’ve been featured on Billboard! Did you expect that? I didn’t expect it but I was blessed and honored when it happened. I know down the line I will receive more accolades and accomplishments and this is only the beginning but it felt amazing being recognized for the work I put out.
Do you plan to stay independent? For now I will remain independent. I have gotten offers from labels but it’s important that they understand my vision and fit what I want artistically. Until that happens I will gladly decline and make shit pop on my own. Period
What advice would you give any LGBTQ artist out there that’s trying to reach a broader audience? Be YOU! Do not try to sound like anyone else or be like anyone else cause we already have those people. Be yourself so you stand out and set goals for what you want. Also stay consistent and invest in yourself. What you put in is what you get out. 6•GÁBOR
DREBAE: KEYS TO UNDERGROUND SUCCESS
1. Building a following. When you build a stable following who genuinely loves you they will support your ventures!
2. Being True To Myself When you are real people can feel it. Never water yourself down to be safe or accepted.
3. Consistency When I first started I was dropping songs, freestyles, staying on concepts and it helped me continue to grow! 4. Believe In Yourself Days I didn’t feel like doing it or feel as confident I still pushed through. If you don’t believe in yourself nobody else will! You have to always see the vision and the light at the end of the tunnel.
5. Grow Don’t be afraid to grow in front of the public eye. We all have to start somewhere. Comparison is the thief of joy. Your journey is different than the next persons. Work with what you got and you’ll be surprised how far it takes you!
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5 Ways 2 Get Money: LAMBO Edition #1. Money To get money Is having a hustle , as long as you got hustle about yourself you can make bread! #2. Niggas No fucking with a broke boy , always keep a nigga around who willing to go in his pockets , cause if a nigga can’t at least do for you what you do for you why he around? #3. Work Take yo ass to work , no matter how much you don’t like it , at least working a 9-5 you’ll have a steady income! #4. Investments Investments are always a good way to make money regardless if you making 1 or 1000 profit you make more than what you had. #5. Selling Pussy When all else fails sell pussy!
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Giovanni V Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Kollin Benson
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So where are you from and how was your upbringing? I’m from Sacramento California but I would often go to Oakland California to visit a lot of cousins, friends and family during the weekend. My great grandmother raised me, she is a staple in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately it was a time that my mother was incarcerated in prison for a few years leaving me under her care. I grew up at a Christian God-fearing home, but that home was also filled with so much love and joy from my great grandmother. When my mom was released from prison when I was seven years old it was a major adjustment and at that point that’s when I began to really play with my creativity even more remembering back due to the fact that I did not know who this person was as a entire seven year old. Ok, we definitely feel you on that. What made you want to start doing music? What made me want to start doing music was since I was a little boy the cliché typical story. I always saw myself as a star. It’s kind of like I saw my life almost before it even happened. There are things that have happened in my life that I have remembered seeing as a child that is now playing out in my reality as an adult. Any time that I would play music I would always see myself as that artist but as my own self if that makes sense. When I was 13 years old I decided to write my first song called “Who Is He Where Is He”. It was a song about my father whom I do not know and have not met yet to this day. As time progressed I just began to write and write and write poetry and song. Songs and poetry about everything! I would sing it, I would rap it, and when I realized that it was something that came so naturally that I was good at then I knew at that point I wanted the world to see and hear me.
So not to make it a main focus because you are more than this but what would you say turned you to pornography? It was a time where I was living in Las Vegas when I relocated from California in 2016. I was always known in California and Arizona then, becoming and now Las Vegas. This was before a lot of the social media stuff in California and Arizona. Las Vegas was slowly becoming a thing via social media with me. I was stripping at a well-known nightclub there called “Crush” night club which is now closed and it ended up getting shut down. I had just relocated from California I was not there but a few months so I tried auditioning for other places and really had no luck. I have always been one to work for myself so this was really a little scary and I had to think quickly because everything was literally about to come up before my eyes so I saw an ad requesting for models and I just applied for it. My intention was to get the money that it was that I needed to do what I needed to do with that time and just put it away. I never was in it for stardom merely and only survival. Ok that’s understandable so do you see yourself quitting anytime soon? I actually have. December 31st was my last video going into my 30s. That’s something that when I look back at now, I had this epiphany looking up in my home one day and I said “Wow, all of the things you had to do you no longer have to do”. When I say what I did was merely for survival it was merely for survival. Just like when I was dancing except I knew this was going to be seen! I did not know it was going to be to the caliber that it is now truly I did not know this and I put that on my grandmother rest in peace. I was just doing what I had to do but I said why not let me capitalize off of this the best way that I can and monetize it to where I can establish myself with where I want to be in life. That is what I did so I now have my own business which is what I saved and did all of that for as well as establishing money for myself so I don’t go without. When I realize that, I said my time is up, this is no longer what I want to do and I don’t need to do it anymore. I am going into my 30s and that is something that I just do not want to do with where I want to be in my career via acting and music. However the concert is still available for purchase that will not change! I would never cheat my fans and supporters who pay their hard earned money of that. Not to mention I have the largest catalog when it pertains to that of things people have never even seen before so my only fans site will continue rotating but as far as anything explicit of me on the Internet coming from myself personally the answer now is no! That chapter and book is closed. I’m now on a new book and it’s first chapter and I am loving it so far. That’s great to hear! So doing music we know these days is a bit of a hassle cause everyone can do it now. Do you feel people won’t take you serious due to your past? Truthfully no I don’t feel that way cause I know who I am and what I bring to the table also presentation. Presentation is everything. I am not wanting to get involved with a lot of the antics or present myself in ways that are less than via social media or in a public setting. That is very critical when it comes to this and if someone would have an issue with it then that is really a loss for them on a great artist and as well as an individual because the music plus the art speaks for itself. I actually like the fact that I stand out from a lot of people now, at first I didn’t understand it but now I have grown to embrace it. That’s why I am huge on what it is that comes out of my mouth! I want to make everything makes sense and not like it’s a gimmick or someone just doing it because everyone else is doing it, or the typical social media boy that wants to do a little teeny bopper song. I actually wanted to use the gifts and talents that God truly blessed me with which is music. It just so happens that that is a part of my past but this is something on a much better scale because it is a gift.
Ok so last year it was announced that you signed with the company Pink Gorilla Entertainment? What brought you to do that and how would you say it’s going for you?
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They had approached me, said they had been eyeing me for a little bit and I felt that they will be able to help me with tools and things that I may have not had or did not know, so I decided to take them up on their offer. It’s almost been a year now coming up coming in May and it’s going great for me I don’t have any complaints. You put out a self titled project in 2020 and you dropped multiple singles & two music videos in 2021! How would you say this ride has been ? It has been a blessing oh my God, I can’t even say that enough! It is expanding my creativity on so many levels to now step out the box, learning more when it comes to music and myself with music and just seeing the feedback of all of that has beren really more than what I thought it would be but nonetheless of what I expected it to be. So as time is going on I’m beginning to see an even bigger shift and yearning for the music and when it comes to that now. That makes me feel so happy to know now they’re listening for real for real ! So who would you say inspire you musically? Music wise the inspiration I have comes from so many great artists but I will have to say who inspires me musically is definitely Lil Kim , 2Pac, Biggie, Nas, Nicki Minaj, DreamDoll, Jay Z, Eminem, Remy Ma , Drake, Rick Ross and Pop Smoke! Now when we’re talking about back home that’s a different story. The Game, Snoop, E40, Keak da Sneak, Mistah Fab and Mac Dre! Man my inspiration comes from so much but those are really the staples that are inside of my head always. I know it may seem like a lot but I get so much influence just from all of those people. I’m from Cali and those are my roots let alone big time goats back home and in the industry so I’m always going to give them their flowers!
Ok so this next part of the interview, I’m gonna give you two options and you just say which one you think you prefer the most. OK, let’s go! Writing or recording ? Definitely recording cause I love to record. I’m actually currently writing a song for my album well more so finishing it and I wish there was just a magic button I could press in my brain that I could eject what I want to say and I could just pop it in a machine and the lyrics will come out haha, I know that’s not possible but recording that’s when I have the most fun. I think it’s because it kind of reminds me of school and I was always excelling in reading and writing so it’s a process. Photoshoots or Music Videos? Oh most definitely music videos! Without a doubt music videos! I love photo shoots, they are cool but when I did those music videos and was able to see my art come to life it was a feeling I don’t think I can explain. The photo shoots you are just kind of standing there and posing so that gets boring after a while, no matter how good you look or how dope the photographer is. It’s like damn I want to move around and jump! Ha Ha Ha, Definitely music videos 100% I want to see the art in motion. Lil Kim’s “Hardcore” or Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday” ? That is not even a question, HARDCORE! HARDCORE! HARDCORE! I love Nicki yeah, but KIM!?! KIM?! We’re not going to sit up here and act as if she did not pave the way for a “Pink Friday” or any other female rap album to exist! Hell male rappers too! 90s Hip-Hop & R&B or The new era? You can definitely give me 90s hip-hop era! Put me in coach! Put me in now! BEAM ME UP SCOTTY RIGHT NOW! Haha Late 90s and Early 00s Video Vixens or IG Models & rapper baby mamas ? Definitely late 90s and early 2000s video vixens! It was something about those girls back then that still had substance of class to them. Even though it was a lot compared to now it really wasn’t that much going on when you think about it. They were naturally beautiful and the surgery was very minimal if any they were bad as fuck! All these girls now look the same to me in my opinion and I don’t feel like they have anything going for them other than being tied to a famous rapper and no one really knows them. Only really by default no harm in that but go head. A lot of the IG models be a bit rude and nasty those girls wasn’t like that back then.
What hot shit you got planned for the rest of 2022? The rest of 2022 I plan on dropping some more music for you guys later in the year. I really want my album to be a heavy focal point this year because it’s going to say so much. I have really opened my mind 100% to being 100% myself in my music now true authenticity no cut. The lyrics, the beats, everything. Definitely some visuals for you guys as well as other projects that I have planned with my underwear line Poseidon Underwear which you can get at PoseidonUnderwear.com and some acting stuff in the works as well but expect to see a lot of me this year this time it’s game time and it’s personal! We definitely salute you with everything you’re doing and wish you nothing but the best with your endeavors! Thank you so much! This was a true honor! You’re welcome and we know you got this! You’re great, you’re a beautiful person and nothing from your past will ever define you. Strive for the best and walk into the person you were destined to be. God bless you thank you so much
“I actually like the fact that I stand out from a lot of people now, at first I didn’t understand it but now I have grown to embrace it”. 11•GÁBOR
Troy Lux Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Malohri Amos
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Plus I really love visuals and aesthetics, so for me I always try to give 110%. I want people to feel like they’re entering my world when they listen to my music. Your project was rated in our first issue of GÁBOR with 4 out of 5 rainbows! What was your reaction? I was so happy! I was literally saying to my friends “look I got 4 rainbows!” I was just happy that you guys enjoyed the music because that’s what really matters to me. I also like that you guys were honest with saying there were a few tracks you couldn’t really get into. I love feedback and I’m just happy you guys gave me chance! You’re very welcome! You are a very talented songwriter also so do you ghostwrite? Thank you! I don’t ghostwrite, but the thought has crossed my minds before.
When did you start getting into music? I started playing around with it in 2012, but in 2016 was when my first official project came out. Do you feel you’ve grown a lot since 2016? Absolutely! There’s so much I’ve learned since then. New techniques, new sounds, new ways to write, and just my overall self. I honestly feel like I grow with every project I release. I’m super grateful for that time because it has shaped me into the artist I am today. What’s your take on the LGBTQ rap scene right now? Anyone you liking? Honestly I’m not too engulfed in the scene. There a few people that I think are cool, JayLing, Godismikey, just off the top of my head, but I’m always open to hearing new artists.
If you had the chance to collab with any artist in the world who would it be and why? Nicki Minaj, she’s just so talented and can do literally anything. The possibilities would be endless. And if not her Janet Jackson or Kanye West. Who’s ya Top 5 favorite rappers? Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Azealia Banks and Busta Rhymes!
Do you feel you get the support you deserve? No, not always. But in due time things will change.
You recently put out your project “Synthetic Reality” how did it come about and did it do what you felt it could have? “Synthetic Reality” was an about a year in the making. The original idea came about because I was inspired by the internet and cyber futuristic aesthetics. I wanted to make something that kind of felt like if I was able to create my own reality which is something we do online all the time. I feel it could’ve done a little better, but that’s just the perfectionist in me. Sometimes I have to know when to stop. But as far as performing stream wise I definitely think it’s been a little bit overlooked, but this year I plan to change that. We are huge fans of your artistry! Who are artist that you’ve been inspired by? Thank you so much. I have a huge variety of influences. Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Azealia Banks, Childish Gambino, Foxy Brown, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes Michael & Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and even some newer ones like Amine and Doja Cat. These are the main ones. It’s constantly changing. You put a lot into your look and concepts! Do you feel image and music go hand to hand or one is more important than the other? Well when it comes to that, I definitely think the music is most important. But I feel like we live in an age where everyone has short attention spans so it’s super important to do things that catch and hold people’s attention. If something looks interesting you’re more prone to listen to it.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into rapping? Just have fun, don’t overthink it, and be you. Don’t let anyone take you out of your element.
”Nicki Minaj, she’s just so talented and can do literally anything.” 13•GÁBOR
GÁBOR Magazine The LGBTQ’s destination to be!
Contents 2 Hot New Singles 5 Drebae 8 five ways 2 get money 9 Giovanni V 12 Troy lux 15 Badt Boyz 18 Master 20 Tezzy Jayy 22 Jett Jeff 24 Eli Liberty 27 Eye Candy 34 Music Videos 37 Bammie 39 Wewereborn 43 2am ricky 46 Mondaii \ Cover Star 51 Artist To Watch 56 Big Dipper 59 $leazy ez 61 The Hoochie Papa 61 Triiuz 76 Bobby The Barbie 78 Kaleel joy 82 Telid 84 Shawne meniaq 86 realxman 88 Chris Henderson 91 An’darrio Abrams 93 Karon Wilson 95 KL ALLEN 97 Brandon Victrum 99 #TTB NETWORK 100 Project Ratings
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Badt Boyz
Gay Raps New Couple Speaks! Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Badt Boyz
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GAY RAPS RAW NEW COUPLE: BADT BOYZ IS HERE BITCH! Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Badt Boyz
What made you guys get into the rap game? TerrisSiah: What made me get into the rap game? I’ve always been really into music and singing in church! The when I got older my momma was dating a rapper. So it made me know it was possible. When I came out I stopped rapping because I didn’t want to be known as a gay rapper. Now more than ever I’m comfortable with myself so I’m all in! Deno: What made me get into the rap game? As a kid I’d always write raps and freestyle punchlines. Female rap is really what excites me about the rap game! I love to hear a female spit. Remy Ma & Nicki Minaj is who really made me feel rap and of course just my love for music in general. So you guys recently dropped a single “Make It Clap” how did that cone about & is it doing what you want it to do? TerrisSiah: We actually had been working on that song since right before Covid shut down. We wanted our first single to be something fun but very uplifting at the same time. It’s definitely doing good. Folks see us and start reciting the hook. The LGBTQ rap game can be pretty catty and cause unnecessary beef! Have you guys been experiencing anything of the sort? TerrisSiah: Although we haven’t been known for doing music we have been in the industry for a while and we had our fair share of unnecessary BS! Deno: What’s A BBQ Without Beef? Yah Know? It’s pretty rare that we see a gay couple rapping together! How do you guys deal with it? Do any jealousy happen? TerrisSiah: This is my Bestfriend so before the relationship, we still all we got! Deno: People always trying to pin us against each other but we’re secure in what we have and who we are!
You two have been seen in music videos! Can you tell us about that experience? TerrisSiah: The experience was definitely a moment! I think it made us realize how much influence we possess! Can we expect an EP or full length project later in the year? Deno: Yeah were working on our EP now and getting features. TerrisSiah: When we drop it’s gonna be a movie! So we noticed how fly you guys are! You guys dress alike often and do you only wear Terrissiah’s designs? TerrisSiah: Thank you! We both combined our brands together! Zakar x TENFIGURES! We both design and come up with the looks! Deno: We wear other brands but when it’s time to step out then we are our own billboards! TerrisSiah: Every time it’s a fashion show and the world is our runway! You guys are from New Orleans! How is the gay rap scene there?
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Deno: Yes, we are from New Orleans! As far as a gay rap scene goes It’s actually called “Bounce”! Here In New Orleans that’s the style of rap that’s popular here as far as gay rap go. Do you guys get support in your hometown? TerrisSiah: We get showed a lot of love in the city but I don’t think they take us serious as artist yet! Do you think it’s due to the popularity contest? Deno: I honestly feel like it’s to early too tell. Once we have a few songs out and have done a few other things then we know we gone have the city on lock! Will you guys tap into bounce? Deno: Yeah, definitely! We’re working on a bounce sound now! Still debating on wether we’ll do a full bounce song. Are there any LGBTQ rappers that y’all would like to work with? Deno: Definitely! Sissy Nobby, Saucy Santana, Young KSB and Chazz Da Doll just to name a few!
Those are great artist! So how do y’all feel about Lil Nas X? TerrisSiah: Love Lil Nas and what he have done for the community! I love how he trolls the trolls! Overall as an artist he is extremely talented and super creative! What can we expect from you guys first music video? TerrisSiah: The first music video might be so explicit we gotta drop it on OnlyFans! Just gotta wait and see! Deno: Something fresh, something new, something never seen before! TerrisSiah: Just know we kicking down the door! Sex sells! It definitely do!
”The first music video might be so explicit we gotta drop it on OnlyFans!” 17•GÁBOR
Master! Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Jordan Carroll
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How long have you been rapping? I’ve been rapping since the summer of 2019. What were you doing before you started and what was the reason you began? I was working in retail as a visual manager wasting time away. I’ve always written little raps but never recorded them, the first time I recorded something for people to listen to was when I did the Megatron (Remix) and the people led me to my true passion. Music. How has the industry been treating you so far? I think they’re receptive! I think the industry is more so curious by who Master is and I can’t wait to really show out and show em. Do you like underground scene or would you rather be signed to a major label ? If I had it my way I would love the freedom of the underground with the budget and the backing from the label side. I have a lot of big ideas I just don’t wanna be held back. Do you feel like you get love from the LGBTQ rappers cause your style is very different and you’re not on the ratchet wave? Yes actually! When I first started to rap I immediately gravitated to the strip club sound but soon found out everyone else did too. I’ve always been multifaceted i’m just getting better at expressing more sides. What artist do you look up to ? Missy Elliott, Kendrick Lamar, Busta Rhymes and of course Nicki Minaj! Your project “The Meltdown” was reviewed and rated in the 1st issue of GÁBOR with 3.5 rainbow rating! What was your reaction? I was on the phone with my best friend and then I got the notification, we were spazzing out! I still can’t believe i’m in print WHAT?!?!!!!
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Yeah, when we listened to it definitely was a fresh sound! What’s your hopes for your next project? I’ve started to get a few things together for M4 but this year I will be dropping a deluxe in April for” The Meltdown” and i’m super excited about that. New Sounds, New Life, A whole new experience. Where are you from and can we expect other gay rappers on the deluxe version? I’m From Boston and I’m actually working on that! The songs are dope! Who are some gay rappers that you rock with right now? Medino Green, Kweeng Doll, Estevan Tha God, JayLing and SevnDeep! Those are great artist. How would you describe your style of dressing cause image is very important now a days? I would say my style is always changing I get bored very quickly. What’s your take on the “gay rapper” title? I don’t really use that title, I like for people not to have a preconceive notion about the music. Lil Nas X is currently at the top right now! Are you fan of his? I am! I’m happy for what he’s doing for the culture What do you think you would do if you were to be dissed by another rapper ?
We’ll cross that road if we get to it.
What everything currently going on in the industry how do you feel about less talented people just getting on while the talented ones are just left waiting if not ever make it? It’s really a shame because the talented ones are putting in the real work but we shouldn’t get discouraged. Society has to stop thinking the patriarchy of beauty is not going to work in hip hop, If your not good the people know.
Tezzy Jayy Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Pikachu
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Well I can’t say names but they definitely big in the city fasho! Are you happy with how the LGBTQ rap game is going? Honestly I don’t even pay the LGBTQ rap game no attention. Now, far as that label the artists who are “Gay“ I’m happy to see it’s more of us cause we as a whole normally get overlooked or put below but we definitely on top fasho. You are a great with wordplay! Do you write all your rhymes and how do you feel about artist who don’t write? Yes! I write all my music , if someone don’t then it’s fine cause it’s how you gone deliver it and make people feel you! Music is a form of art and everyone express themselves in many ways. You are definitely one of our favorites! How’s the career going? It’s going smooth, it’s the timing for me like each year it’s progressing. What you got cooking up for us? Dropping a new project this month in March, more visuals & creating more content for my YouTube. You recently dropped the single & video “ Shake Da Junt “ tell us about that? Yeah, the video was dope and fun! I had “Shake Da Junt” for two years before releasing it but it’s just a confident song for myself! You just have to listen to the lyrics! It’s a new me, I’m owning myself and knowing I’m the shit! I’m the “it” guy! So you’re from Memphis! How would you say the music scene is there right now? Yes I’m from Memphis and the music is lit here! We basically got the music industry as of now on lock for real! So many talented people here. What’s the deal with the LGBTQ rap out there? It’s not one really here. I mean it’s a couple openly gay artists but not like ATL. I’m the only one that really built a name here in the city for real. I was the first openly gay male rapper played on the radio here on hot 107.1 in Memphis! May of 2021 I had two tracks that was spinning. That’s great! So we listened to a lot of your music! You remind us of La Chat! Do you get that a lot? No, I don’t get that. I mostly hear people saying I give them Three Six Mafia vibes at times but I love La Chat! So we take that as your biggest Memphis influences are Three 6 Mafia? Yeah I love them so I try to give off great energy like they do and also coming in the industry. I’m earning my respect!
You put out your last project “YungBigPoppa” in 2020! Were you happy with how it did? Yes! I love that project! It really brought out another side of me that’s why the new project will be lit! Do you have any big features?
How would you say your growth has been from when you first started and now? My growth has been dope! That’s the beauty of it cause I always go listen to myself from 2014 to now and my sound is everything! My flow mane…I’m the one for real that you want to hear on ya speakers. You released the other single “Big Mac” that one had a trap feel to it! How did that come about? OMG! “Big Mac” was like introducing my alter ego! That cocky, “I’m the shit” dude and the energy is up for real! We definitely enjoyed it. Knowing that rap is very competitive, have you endured any beef yet? Beef? Oh no I don’t get into that. I’m a boss and my own competition! I made room for myself cause I’ma big dude so no need for others if I’m building my own lane. So we see you have a business outside of music! How did that start? During the pandemic I was over my job so in 2020 I got my bartender license and started making mixed drinks. I love being around people and making people laugh! I started doing parties, events, etc and now in 2022 it’s me, myself & I! I’m a brand so everything I do I receive a coin for. I received my business license at the end of 2021 and now this year will be the start up for my website & merch since I been going viral since late 2019. That’s good. So you were recently in the hospital. What happned to you? I was diagnosed with CHF (Congested Heart Failure) my heart was only beating I know at that moment 15 to 20% and after being hospitalized for 9 days I just did a whole 360 on my life now and started living even more not taking life for granted cause I’m only 24. We’re happy everything turned out ok! What’s next for you? I’m collaborating with YouTubers and doing more visuals for my music.
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Jett Jeff Back on his bullshit! Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: A4Films & Turqukriz
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Ok. So you’ve been on what we would think is a hiatus! Would you say it’s true? Haha, yes! I have. Sometimes it’s good to take a break and recollect of why I started to push myself as hard as I do to make music and perfect my craft. New ideas, new things to rap about, and build hype for my next release and allow my supporters miss Jett Jeff! What can we expect from this new music you’ve been working on? Would you say it’s some of your best work cause we would believe you’ve been experiencing a lot of shit especially in these times we’re in now? You can expect a me experimenting with different sounds, expressing what I’ve been dealing with in my love life, and of course letting these bitches know who I am ‘cuz I been silent for too long! Definitely my best work, unlike other artists I’ve been hearing lately, my music only elevates and gets better. Speaking of other artist! What do you think of the LGBTQ rappers that’s out right now? Who you fucking with ? I feel like there’s so many that it’s kind of losing the real value of what rap is. I get it, we all want money and want a check and become “famous.” I grew up actually wanting to write and perform and have people recognize me for my music. So I’m not really impressed but a couple of rappers. Just to name a few, JayLinq, Zaul, BabiBoi, Armani, Mikey, T$, Bam, and KSB. Who can we expect to be featured on the next project ? Now if I spill that then that’s one less surprise y’all gon get haha. But I will say I will be bringing people out of their shells and showcasing brand new talent. Some people deserve to be heard and they don’t know because they don’t have the right people in their lives! Can’t wait for y’all to hear!
Ok! So you’re Latin and we wonder who are your main influences in music ? Of course, Nicki Minaj. She my main influence and a little bit of Drake, TakeOff from Migos and Lil Baby! No Latin influences? Oh! Yes. Haha I thought you meant rap in general but I grew up being obsessed with Shakira. She broke a lot of boundaries. I’m also loving J Balvin & J Quilies. Stay tuned for a Reggaeton track on the album. One of the different sounds I’ve been working with! Uh oh! Alright so the state of music is in shambles right now! A lot of motherfuckers ain’t got no talent but they skipping the line so how you feeling about that? It’s a slap in the face! Literally. All the hard work not only myself but I see others put in and the money, and dedication we put into our craft just to see someone easily rise is upsetting. Especially someone with no type of talent. That’s all that’s currently happening it’s like talent is not needed and it hurts us to see a lot of artist so passionate and they’re giving up because it’s like ya never know at this point. Do you see yourself creating music for a long time? You know what’s crazy? During my hiatus I’ve had thoughts similar to that. Like “how long am I going to continue to just spend my own hard earned money for the right person to notice my talent?” I said to myself that some of the most talented artist that ever done it took a minute for them to get noticed. You can’t just give up because it’s not happening on your time that you’d like it to. I really am passionate about this to become my career and I will do no matter what to make it. I hope anyone reading this feels the same to never give up because you’re not alone with those type of thoughts. But again only the ones with that strong mindset will make it. Remember that. So one thing we really love about you is your visuals! Do you like to do music videos. Thank you! I really appreciate that being that I put in a lot of money into them. I love to do videos so I can put a image in peoples head on what I thought when creating a record. I’m sure by time this is out you all will have heard and seen my brand new single, “Soulmates” and you can just look at my growth. Shoutout to Adrian, A4 Films, for always shooting my visuals and supporting in any decision I make visually. Do you think image is just as important as the music? We’ve seen artist who won’t do videos or photoshoots cause all they care about is dropping music. I will say it plays a big part in your craft. Like it or not. Nowadays everybody wants to put a face on an artist. Like who made this song? So if they like your image, best believe you gained a fan! I think that if you care about dropping visuals, just be ready to work twice as hard. No shade, but I feel bad for people who want to drop visuals but can’t because of their financial status. Just keep working! So it’s been a lot of capping going on these days! Some people are buying streams, views & making multiple ITunes accounts to purchase their own songs! What’s your take? Chileeeeeeeee, not them waisting their own money just to run in place. It’s a joke! Instead of buying fake streams, invest in yourself with photoshoots, QUALITY studio time, hell some of them should even invest in a ghost writer! How do you feel about social media and the music industry? Social media has became a huge platform for musical artist if it wasn’t before. Tik-Tok especially! People don’t only wanna love your music, but they wanna love your personality and see what your thoughts are on what’s trending at the time. So there’s been a lot of talking about that and you know there’s people that’s real artist and rappers who feel like the shit is bogus due to it constantly supporting the non talented. Would you agree or you don’t see it that way? I’m half and half on that one. On one end, I didn’t sign up to become a social media influencer, but now it comes with it. So I’m slowly becoming invested into becoming better at it. The way I look at it is another way to promote, but then it becomes easier for the knock offs which is the downside! Would you rather be independent or signed to a major?
Preferably independent, but I’m not to opposed to signing major with the right contract! Haha. I want all my coins.
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Eli Liberty Words by: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @matthew.j.roachford
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Where are you from & what inspired you to become a artist ? I'm from Chicago, IL. I just moved back to ATL, my second home. I got inspired to be an artist by growing up watching Michael, Janet, Usher... and thinking "I wanna do that", "I can do that!" and the rest is history. I started training myself mad young, I was like 5 putting on concerts for my family on Holidays. Hopefully my Mom still has the tapes but I'm also terrified to see them again! Of course when I got older, I got into actual vocal lessons, dance classes, acting lessons but it started from me watching these amazing artists and realizing that that was my dream too, performing. From there, my "I wanna" and "I can" turned into "I'm gonna" and "I AM". Now, we're here. You recently dropped your hot new single “Odds” how did the song come about? "ODDS." came from me in the middle of like, a self realization that I kept running into the same types of people over and over again and being over situations and finally saying "What are the odds of this happening again...like seriously?" and then wondering if things are just my own fault and then wanting to do something about it. "ODDS." itself isn't about Romance in the slightest, but it can be related to relationships in the way of dating the same types of people over and over. For me, it was more about people who had a lack of belief in me, treated me poorly, ignored and ridiculed me for things, overall bullies. I had to take different things that I've felt like the lyrics "Running a Race at a stagnant pace, energy pulls to you". It's literally me trying to escape the negative that seemed to be pulling at me. Then in the "ODDS." trailer it shows the action after the realization, when I'm finally just tired of it all.
Now you are a very talented artist! Do you feel you get the recognition that you deserve? I'm grateful for the recognition that I receive now...of course I would love to receive more, but I'm always grateful and humble because it literally could be no one looking, no one streaming, no one purchasing...I believe we all have stages. I'm thankful to be here in this stage now. Things like this interview make me feel even better about what I'm doing and where we as the Eli Liberty team could potentially go. So, Thank you so much for recognizing me as well as other artists!
Now, its a lot more raw, rugged and real because I've changed so much...not only as an artist but as a person. The same person that released "Just Fine" isn't me fully anymore...parts may be there but I've grown up and I feel that the "ENIGMA" Era addresses that. It's been like therapy recording everything and I'm working with some dope people to complete it like Jordan Kale & REVN again who were a part of the process for "ODDS." I feel like I needed this project in order to grow, and gives a deep dive into my mind and who I am, so I'm ready to share it!
We like to ask a lot of artist this question to see how they feel. Do you think social media hurt the music industry? I love that social media connects us to our fans and those who love and support us. I don't like that Social Media is oversaturated and often skewed in algorithm. It upsets me and my homegirl because I want me and my homies to be seen. We all deserve! How do you feel about the level that LGBTQ artist are reaching these days? I'm so happy that LGBTQ artists are getting so much more recognition now. It's been a long time coming and it's way past due. The LGBTQ community has always been trailblazers in entertainment, fashion, performance and really the back bone to so many dope things that get overlooked but often re-used and we all know that story. I'm grateful to be a part of the movement for all of us and I want even more for us because I know that we can go even further. You have amazing style! We notice you have merch out as well so will you be incorporating more of that in the future? Thank you so much ! Yes! I will be incorporating Merch more and more now. With each of my singles, there will be special merch for it so definitely keep looking out for it on my IG and on my website. Also, I've started an Anti-Bullying Campaign that will be featuring it's own merch Independent is the route to go these days but if a major label came to you would you sign?
Tell us about the team you have! How is working with them? My team is so amazing and helpful! I have my Manager Shaunte who picked me out of a boy group that I was a part of way back in the day and has been my manager ever since. We have T who is my Dance Captain, Barber, Chef, Stylist, he literally does everything so he's the Executive Specialist. Marc who is my Creative Director, Ceejai who is my PR, DJ RICCO SAVAGE who is my personal DJ as of 2022 and the glue that holds everyone together is my Mom. The whole team is awesome, they're always working hard to get things done and keep things moving. Everyone is very dedicated, when people say it takes a village, it does not only refer to babies. My team is everything and I love them! We’ve seen you acting, is that something we can expect more of this year? Currently, I'm filming a few Web Network Series with ACTV, HD PRODUCTIONS & KEVON BURNS . "Online Dating For Men" is going to be the first project that I'm working on with ACTV that will be releasing this Spring. We are still filming for HD PRODUCTIONS and in PreProduction for KEVON BURNS Project, so I don't want to say too much, but I'm excited each one. I would love to dive back into acting seriously. I want to audition for Major TV/Film roles and Voice Acting roles...so I'm hoping to get an acting agent as well soon. If anyone is looking for someone who looks like me, hit up my manager! When do you think a new full length project will be coming from you? My next project is going to be titled "ENIGMA." and will be released some time next year. We're still ironing out all of the details and finalizing the track list, but I'm extremely excited about it because it's something very new for me. It feels really good to get away from the storytelling of the "He Cried Pink" Era of Eli for a little while and just get things that I've felt for years off my chest. With the "He Cried Pink" Era, I was getting things off of my chest but there was a huge storyline with the Planets that was created around the music that was then polished into some pretty pink packaging.
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If it was the right label with the right type of deal, with the right numbers and the right energy at the right time, yuhs I would sign. But I would take my time with it. You have to be careful when you sign anything, especially to a label. The creative process is important to me... so that's another factor that I would be considering, control over the art. But overall, I'm open to a major label.
What’s your take on talent not really being a requirement in the game anymore? I believe like that's always been a thing. I don't think entertainment has ever really been about the talent solely, looking back. It's no denying that people are talented, but there will always be someone who the rest of the world may not consider talented that turns into a star. There are people that I love that people have talked about before as not being talented. I think that it really comes down to, can you entertain and can people see any part in you that they relate to that makes them feel strong, positive or seen in some way. I believe that's been the requirement of entertainment. Will we see you on any web reality series? I'm not sure. I'm open to it. I definitely have a lot to me that I would like to show that I feel people would find entertaining but just don't know about and there's always something happening... My life has lowkey always been a movie so, why not? If someone wanted me, I would be open to discussing it. Any last words? Thank you so much for having me! I'm looking forward to the next one! Everyone can follow me at instagram.com/eliliberty_ and download all of my music from Spotify, Apple Music or any other Music Platform by searching for "Eli Liberty"!
“I'm so happy that LGBTQ artists are getting so much more recognition now. It's been a long time coming and it's way past due.”
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As Nasty As He Wanna Be! Introducing Chad, Mr. Bailey if ya nasty! Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @Mr.ceo_official
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Eye Candy Of The Month WORDS BY: KEVEA S. BLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY: @MR.CEO_OFFICIAL
C had
y e l i a B
YOU’VE SEEN HIM WORK RUNWAYS! Name one bitch that can see him on or off the catwalk? We’ll wait!
YOU’VE SEEN HIM WALK MANY BALLS! The body of a god! A chocolate deluxe king that will have you dropping to your knees for more than you can ever bargain for! He’s 10s across the whole damn board!
YOU’VE SEEN MAKE MULTIPLE MUSIC VIDEOS HOT! He ain’t gotta be in the video to get that shit popping! Just check the credits before & after that bitch go off!
YOU’VE SEEN HIM GRACE YA SCREENS! A personality of a real one & the attitude of a boss! He definitely bout his business & the way he living ain’t flaw!
“I BET THAT BITCH CAN’T MANAGE ARTIST!” Too - late hoe! He already own the company! PYNK Gorilla Entertainment that is!
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“I love fisting because I have great hands for it and I do it very well! Watersports is always a turn on. I’m just not into bondage.”
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How does it feel to be Eye Candy Of The Month? It feels good because I’m in the best place I have been as it pertains to my self esteem and my health. I know I’m fine as fuck, it’s just for the world to realize it. I represent all the chocolate guys who usually gets chosen second to a light skin guy. It’s our time.
Where are you from and how was your upbringing? I was born and raised in Jamaica and moved to NYC at 19 years old. Growing up I struggled with a lot of self esteem issues due to the fact that I was gay and most of my friends and family were bleaching their skin. It was hard living in a place where people treated you like shit and looked at you like you’re a sin. Now I’m in love with all that god gave me and no one can change that.
What’s your current profession?
I am one of the Owners of Pynk Gorilla Entertainment the #1 LGBT record label, CEO of 4NI Visuals , photographer, Director & Creative Director.
How would you say the modeling world was when you were in it professionally full time? The modeling world changed which is why I decided to stop and focus on my own art . Now it’s very watered down and Instagram models somehow trump actual models who have respect for the true game of it all. Now everyone relays on apps to look cute and somehow they popping. It’s unfair plus people treat us models like we are empty vessels by telling us we are too short , too ugly, too fat , and more and that’s not real people standard. The game needs a lot of fixing so I rather create opportunities that are genuine for models and change the game in my own little way.
Do you find it hard running your own management company Pynk Gorilla Entertainment?
It’s very hard trust me , but I love every moment. In the future I’m hoping to get a bigger team to help with the production of it all and also creatively so I can have less on my plate. For now I’m trusting the process and bringing my vision to life .
You are married to one of the greatest underground LGBTQ artist Bugz Gutta! How did you guys meet?
Bugz and I met on jack’d , fucked the same night , and I never left. We became connected spiritually instantly. I’m not the type to tell a guy what I like, I give them the opportunity to show their real self and I liked what was presented. He is amazing and the best person a dude could ask for. On a creative level it works perfectly and our partnership is undeniable.
How would you describe your sex appeal?
Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate. I take pride in my skin care. My skin is my greatest attribute physically and I work that at all times. I have been focused on taking my body to the next level and it’s coming along quite well.
What would you say is your freak number on a scale from 1-10? 8 because I’m into the shit people don’t even think to try. I love fisting because I have great hands for it and I do it very well. Watersports is always a turn on. I’m just not into bondage.
What’s the biggest sexual turn on for you? I’m obsessed with ass and legs but sex appeal is everything.
Riding from the front or back?
Well my husband hates getting rode so I haven’t in years but when I did I enjoyed from the front.
Back shots or missionary? Back shots all day! The fuck!
Are you big fan of oral sex?
Oral is a must at all times. If you ain’t sucking you should definitely be alone and deserve to be.
Spit or swallow?
Eww I can’t swallow to save my life. Spit always.
Lights on or off?
Lights off. It Feels more sexy.
Public sex or home?
Public sex baby! It’s the risk of it all. Catch us and the question gonna be “you wanna join?”.
Professional porn or Freak twitter?
I rather watch freak twitter. Professional ones seem to staged. I wanna see all the DL thug porn!
”I represent all the chocolate guys who usually gets chosen second to a light skin guy. It’s our time.”
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The LGBTQ artist have been on a roll dropping hot music videos back to back so this time around we decided to do a countdown to figure out who had the best video to drop!
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”I know I’ve been keeping my babies waiting and waiting but the wait is finally over!” Above: Bammie is seen on set of his debut music video for his single “Body” that charted on the ITunes R&B/Soul charts!
Getting in tune W/ Bammie: W O R D S B Y : K E ’ V E A S . B L A Y T O N P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y : K A L O N T A E A M D E R S O N
You’ve been dropping consistently for the last year and a half! Why did you choose music? I chose music simple because of how it makes me feel. Music is such an amazing outlet, music is my diary.
What’s been the hold up with your debut project? There’s a few samples that are on the project that I’ve been fighting to have cleared, but i am so happy to say they’ve all cleared so everything album wise is back in action. Also I don’t want to half ass anything, so I believe in QUALITY! But I can definitely saying the album is done. What samples did you have to get cleared? All Imma say is… for those who watch my stories, statuses and stuff, y’all know who I always post. Ok so speaking of who you always post! We notice you’re a huge Selena fan so how did that happen? I’ve always been so mesmerized by her beauty, when I actually learned her full story and got into everything, she just captivated me. Her voice is so angelic and her music even the songs in Spanish are amazing!
You must’ve watched the movie a lot we would guess?
I literally watch it at least once a week.
Do you feel the industry is missing substance now a days? It 100% is missing substance. It’s a sad thing to be honest.
Do you feel your music gives what’s missing in the industry?
In all fairness, with your art, you’re always improving and growing. I will say my old music did not give that missing link. But I’m 100% sure the new side of me can definitely provide that missing link.
Do you feel you’re being more of yourself with your new music?
I 100% can say that is a yes. I feel more free, more comfortable and simply me on the new music. “Body” is great example of the musical direction I’ll be going in from here on out.
We personally feel like “Body” is definitely more you! Listening to “Pro” then hearing “Body” it’s like a new artist! The new sound fit you more so when is the project dropping? The project is dropping this month actually on the 31st. I know I’ve been keeping my babies waiting and waiting but the wait is finally over! That’s great news to hear! How do you feel about the LGBTQ scene of gay rappers?
They’re some really good artist out there who you can tell have a strong passion for the music game, and then there are some who are not as motivated and are just using music as their next clout venture.
Who’s some LGBTQ artist that you would say have the passion and who would say is not motivated?
There is a lot of LGBTQ artist that I love and that definitely have the passion. I don’t think it’s my place to say the ones who don’t because in the end, talent will always stand strong in the end.
Well said! Are there any features on the project?
Yes, there a few features. Not a lot. I didn’t want to have a debut project that has so many other artist on it.
We’re absolutely sure we can see Noel Niks on the project! No questions asked!
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Yes, of course the icon is on the project. I wouldn’t drop a project without including my partner in crime.
Let’s talk about style cause we noticed the cowboy hats and catsuits! Would you say that’s your niche?
Crazy thing is, At first, I would say it was. But as I’m growing in my artistry, the image is definitely evolving. I was never comfortable in those outfits when performing and doing photoshoots, so i decided to upgrade the image during my mini break.
Would you say you were trying to do what you thought would get you attention in the beginning?
I would say that is a part of it, but also I live in Nashville, and cowboy harts are a big trend here, and i wear them when I’m out in Nashville at times, so I wanted to incorporate that in my music but it so did not work out in my opinion.
So you released your very first music video this year! How exciting was that?
It was so much fun putting together my very first video. Of course I was nervous because you know… it’s my first. It was such a fun experience and also a good learning experience as to what to do and not to do the next go round.
It was definitely a cute video. Do you feel you’re one of the underrated artist? I do see myself as an underrated artist. However I did have to perform a reality check on myself because those thoughts of being underrated and not doing enough or not getting the support only appears on social media, which I’m glad I’ve realized is a fictional place. When the love in the streets/reality is present, that’s all I care about. Do you feel being a gay rapper you have to sell sex?
That’s a really great question. Me personally, I would say “no”, you don’t have to sell sex, your talent would speak for itself either way. But also in the society we are living in… sex does sell.
Do you think you’re an artist that can sell sex? We’re curious cause it don’t work for everyone.
In my head, hell no. I’ve always been the type to cover up and wear baggy bulky clothes, it’s only been as of recent where I’ve gained a new level of confidence to love and accept my body the way god made it.
How do you feel about beef in LGBTQ Hip-Hop ?
Like actual beef is so not needed, because when that happens it becomes on a personal level. However I strongly support healthy & fun competition in hip-hop, because rapping is a boastful sport. I think a lot of beef happens due to a lot of sensitivity and people taking bars personal. It’s rap, it’s a fun sport.
What’s your take on being in a relationship while being gay rapper? 38•GÁBOR
That is something I’m currently sorting through as we speak. However, I do feel as tho as an creative person in general, you have to find someone who can love, trust and support you artistry and also understand that at times you may be at your lows dealing with the stress that comes along in the game. So if you have someone who gets all of that, hold on to them tight
Any last words?
To my babies who always show up and show out for me. I love you to the moon and back!
WEWEREBORN WORDS BY: KEVEA S. BLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY:@MELBELDERJR
BERLIN
JÉTWAHN
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When did you guys actually decide to be a singing group? Berlin: We had been co writing together for 5 or 6 years for other indie artist and shopping our songs to record labels. And one day Je’Twahn called me and told me he had a dream he was on 106 & Park and he was in a group and that he was starting one. I was like ok I would be in group with you. And he said ok and from there on we started working on our music together as a group. LGBTQ artist are slowly being accepted but do you guys think you’ll have it hard due it being a homosexual man and transgender woman that’s a duo? JéTwahn: I believe that words are powerful And the words that we say to ourselves can eventually manifest to our reality. So I wholeheartedly believe that WeWereBorn will be successful, I literally can feel it. Do I think it’ll be hard?… Nothing in life is easy. Marriages, friendships, businesses etc. all can be hard but Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean we plan on giving up on ourselves. We’ve had to learn it’s not always about the endgame sometimes it’s about the journey and we are just enjoying our journey.
One of our favorite songs by you guys is “Throw Shade”! That’s our shit over here now so how did that come about? Berlin: Initially, Je’Twahn was working on a solo project way before we decided to form Wewereborn like, 12 years ago. I was only helping him co write on his project. On that project Je’Twahn had a solo rap version of “Throwshade”. He got the idea after seeing Lil Kim preform “crush on you” live in a NYC club. He loved the “Imma Throw shad if I can’t get paid” and though it would be a dope sample. So he created a song around that line. Long story short The project was never released in it’s entirety but there was something special about “Throwshade.” We just loved it so we recycled it, made it more current with a new production, made some cool melody changes, and kept the lil Kim’s “Crush on You “ sample just like in the original version and now it’s the song you know today.
How did you guys meet? JéTwahn: Berlin and I met about 15 years ago in the village in New York City we were both new to the city and ironically homeless. I saw her with a group of friends chilling on the piers and while eavesdropping on their conversation I heard her say she would love to write a song for Beyoncé. I knew in that moment that I had a meet her because that was also my dream as well. We introduced ourselves and we clicked instantly, the rest is history. JéTwahn, how would you say your upbringing was? JéTwahn: I would say my childhood was actually very good. I was the oldest of six kids from a single parent home. I was born in a small country town in North Carolina. Right out side of the city of Asheville. I knew that we where not rich but my mom worked hard to make sure that we never went without anything. At times I felt like my mom was hard on me because I was having to pick up a lot of responsibility around the house because I was the oldest. To be totally honest I did resent it sometimes but I’m thankful looking back because her being hard on me kept me out of the streets and to be made me the person I am today. She thought us how to be survive & how to be fly with little to no Resources. She showed How to be a leader, but to lead with love and patience. So I’d say I had very well rounded upbringing. Berlin, what was life like growing up for you as a transgender woman? Berlin: Growing up while being trans definitely had its hard ships. I do feel lucky to have stepped fully in my truth while living in New York City though. At the time it was one of the few places in the USA where I could safely exercise my human rights as a trans person and feel safe. But even still it was challenging. There were limited opportunities & resources for openly trans folk. I remember it being difficult to find jobs and when I did get jobs; when co workers, customers, or employers would discover I was trans. They would just do shit that would make me feel uncomfortable & unsafe. Like catty gossip around my transness, inappropriate questions about my sex life, being misgendered. It was just to much for me at times. There was just very little understanding. People were way less educated about trans issues or just trans people in general. It’s good to see things are changing.
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Y’all put out an amazing project called “Ultrasound” a couple years ago! The album was platinum worthy! How is it behind the scenes for you guys when recording these projects and songs? Are y’all writing everything? What studios are y’all recording at? JéTwahn: Behind the scenes with WeWereBorn is an Artistic safe Haven. We like to create safe Spaces where we allow ourselves and other creatives to be authentic with no judgment or pressure of trying to be perfect. It’s a “Let’s just have fun doing what we love and see what happens” kind of attitude. Berlin: Yes we write everything but don’t get it twisted we do love to collaborate. It’s why we work so well together. We record in our home studio in Riverdale, GA. 20 minutes south of ATL. Riverdale Is where some of our musical influences started they’re early grind. Like Ciara, TLC, and Monica Its actually quite inspiring to know some of those acts derived from Riverdale. We always joke about loving to feel like we’re in “Hustle and Flow” while we cook in the studio. Lol. We have so much fun creating together. We seen you guys on Chasing: Atlanta season 3 & it was very so so we’d say! How was that experience and would you go back? Berlin: In hindsight it’s an experience we are very grateful for. No it wasn’t all peaches and cream but we live with no regrets. We learned so much about ourselves through that experience And we are now in a good space with the CEO of The franchise so who knows what’s In store for the future. However, right now we are just focused solely on WeWereBorn and our 2nd project . We’ve had more opportunities to do reality TV but they have either fell through or have not been the best fit for us. So We’re just grateful to be doing what we love. Are you guys ever pressured to go solo by outside peers? JéTwahn: I wouldn’t say we feel pressured because it’s natural that people would want to use us separately. I mean we are two totally different people with two different voices and Aesthetics. However, we stayed away from doing solo projects in the past because we wanted to focus solely on building the brand of WeWereBorn. I will say that we will be having a few separate Endeavors here and there in the near future.
What are your thoughts on the LGBTQ artist out now these days? JéTwahn: We love all the LGBT artist. When we were coming up it was only a few of them such as Bryn’t, Foxy Jazel & Freaky Boys. Now it’s a lot of different Black lgbt+ acts that we love such as Lil nas X, Kidd Kenn, Young KSB, & SevnDeep to name a few. I feel like the wide scope of diversity is needed because representation matters. I do wish artist focused more on their talents and less on being popular but hey… the entertainment industry is just a big popularity contents now. But that’s a different conversation for a different day. So the single “Shut Up” was featured in our Jan/Feb issue! You guys dropped the video! How was it shooting that? You have beautiful videos by the way! Berlin: Thank you so much we really appreciate it. We put so much time and energy into our visuals. Shooting “Shut Up” was very challenging. It almost felt like a test to see if we actually had what it takes to be in this industry. We were so prepared, but any and everything you could think of went wrong on set. From one of our dancers injuring themselves, to the set having a million hot lights with no working A/C and no fan which resulted in sweaty make up and My lace frontal lifting. We also ran out of time before we could get every scene we planned to shoot and had no extra money in our budget or extra time in our schedule to shoot it another day. All of this made the editing process even more tedious than ever before but we pushed through and got the the job done. If we didn’t think we could achieve the impossible we definitely knew at the end of that shoot we could. We are so thrilled it’s being well received.
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What can we expect from WeWereborn in 2022? JéTwahn: For starters You can except WeWereBorn to be a lot more consistent then we’ve been in the past 2 years. We plan on being way more active on social media platforms such as TikTok. We have already recorded 2 albums worth of material. One will be released soon so you know we plan on having some dope visuals. Also, we look forward to us coming back to reality tv and doing some scripted projects as well. We would love to do some touring at the last leg of the year. The world is getting back to normal and we would love to meet our supporters and give them a great show.
“I MEAN WE ARE TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT PEOPLE WITH TWO DIFFERENT WE STAYED AWAY FROM DOING SOLO PROJECTS IN THE PAST BECAUSE WE WANTED TO FOCUS SOLELY ON BUILDING THE BRAND OF WEWEREBORN”.
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2AM Ricky Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @adose.of.artes
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You recently dropped your single “Hues” how did the track come about ? The lyrics originally were a poem that I wrote for someone, and later translated into Hues. I wanted something that felt nostalgic and intimate, that reminded my listeners of what we think as “the 90s type of love.” Are you big fans of the 90s in general? I am! I’ve always been inspired by the music, fashion, and films. I think the 90s was an era where black artistry was able to grow and be expressed in a different light.
How do you feel about this era and generation now? I love the boldness and diversity that our generation brings. I think we’re in a period of music where people are allowed to be themselves, in whatever capacity that may be. How you feel about this wave of LGBTQ Hip-Hop? This wave of LGBTQ Hip-Hop is breaking barriers and I am honored to be a part of such a pivotal point in Hip-Hop culture for us. There’s a growing amount of representation for us, especially from the Black LGBTQ community, and I think it’s something that the Hip-Hop culture needed. Who’s some artist that you have collaborated with of the LGBTQ community in hip-hop? I’ve connected with a number of people from the community from producers, to background vocalists, to graphic designers. In fact, 98% of my team are LGBTQ.
So you’ve worked with legendary House music artist and one of our favorite girls whom is no other than CeCe Peniston! How did you land that? Funny story, I wrote the record “Whatchu On” after experiencing discrimination based on my gender identity from a well known producer in the industry. I recorded the track in a one take, and he was so shocked, he called CeCe right away, and she loved the song and fully supported me. We ended up doing the track together and the rest was history! From there, we’ve built a close relationship and are currently working on a few projects so Look out for some new music from us coming soon! We know there’s a stigma on LGBTQ artist being catty! What’s your take on beef? I don’t really get involved in it. Im very to myself, I don’t believe in giving people the energy they don’t deserve. I think when artists misuse their platform with cattiness, it’s really just them not dealing with their own insecurities. It’s hurting their fan base. Who are you inspired by? What made you wanna rap? 3 Stacks for sure! I’ve always loved OutKast, but Andre 3000s lyricism and style always stood out to me. I admired him when I was younger, and how multitalented he was. Any female rappers inspired you?
Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill are my favorite female rappers of all time. Missy inspired me to push my creativity outside the box and embrace what doesn’t seem as “the norm”. Lauryn taught me how to embrace vulnerability in music. Do you feel Lauryn Hill’s impact resonates on this generation or no? I think that Lauren Hill’s impact still resonates and always will in the drive of the female artists now. She was the first female hip hop artist to win album of the year at the Grammys, that was historical for women in hip hop. Now we have Cardi B who won best rap album.
What do you like the most about being a artist? The best thing about being an artist is being able to connect with people through my music. Every song is just a part of a story, and as an artist, I’m able to see my story impact and maybe even help someone every time there’s a new listener. Would you sign to a major label or remain independent? I see myself remaining independent, however, if a label came along that business made sense I wouldn’t be against it. My freedom of creativity and being able to be true to self is what matters the most to me as an artist. Are you planning to drop a EP or full project this year? We live in an era where anyone can go viral. Just as much as you have people wanting to make it for talent, you have some people wanting to make it just for the clout. That’s the down side to how social media effects our generation.
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How you feel about talent not being important in the game anymore? We live in an era where anyone can go viral. Just as much as you have people wanting to make it for talent, you have some people wanting to make it just for the clout. That’s the down side to how social media effects our generation. If you had to choose an era to be a artist/celebrity in would you pick early 00s or now? I would choose now. As an artist of trans experience, I don’t think there’s any better time than now for the type of wave that’s happening both musically and culturally.
Do you feel trans artist have it harder than the normal gay artist? Yes, I think trans artists have it harder than gay artists because society lacks more education when it comes to us than the gay community. You see more representation from the gay community than the trans community. People are in a space where they’re learning to at least try to accept the LGB community, but still struggle with the T.
“As an artist of trans experience, I don’t think there’s any better time than now for the type of wave that’s happening both musically and culturally”.
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AN ARTIST THAT’S ON TOP OF HIS GAME! WORDS BY: KEVEA S. BLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY: @MR.CEO_OFFICIAL Mondaii is one of those highly favored individuals that’s nothing but pure authentic talent. A special type of artist that we at GÁBOR got to get to know just in time for this issue to drop. A songwriter, rapper, singer & an all around behind the scenes type of guy making major moves within the entertainment industry working at Tyler Perry studios as well! We’ve chatted with Mondaii on various topics to pick his brain on certain things. A smart guy whose opinions and thought process make great conversation. We touched many different things talking to him about the industry, LGBTQ Hip-Hop, himself & other interesting pieces of his life. Come along with us too see for yourself just how good this interview went and if you agree with our cover star and have similar point of views.
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he very cool wind is blowing heavy at 7am and it’s freezing “What’s really going through my mind is that outside but luckily the staff at GÁBOR is helping the I just want to be a good representation for my photographer Paris Steward also known as @mr.ceo_official community wether it’s actors, rappers, singers, set up just in time for Mondaii’s cover and spread shoot. I just want to be a good representation for my community.” The energy in the building is on point and we’re all awaiting He begins to take his pictures, posing in all kinds of ways, his arrival ready to have fun. Choosing Mondaii for the cover his look is magnificent and the hair compliments him so well! was really easy considering everything he’s doing at this We’re all just watching, giving direction with the photographer time in his life plus he’s accomplishing a lot so it’s deserved! as well as making sure Mondaii is encouraged while working. The photographer is making sure the lighting is good due to The way he moves is electrifying! We can clearly see that he’s Mondaii wanting spot lights for his shoot. He told us that he’s a natural in front of the camera which is very important at a big fan of those and knew it would be good for what he would times when working with artist in general. It makes the prowear to the shoot. That’s one thing we really like about him is cess easier for everyone. The outfit is very much so very 70s his unique style. He’s very different when it comes to his image. as he said. You can definitely tell that he works out cause his There’s water out for everyone and finger food incase anyone abs are on point! The time passes by and he’s just about done gets hungry while shooting these soon to be amazing photos. taking photos in the first look. We all clap and compliment him Everyone is in awe just talking about Mondaii and his work ethic! on how great of a job he did. He gives off amazing vibes. If Songwriting for artist like K. Michelle, Latto and many other anyone out there never been around him and think that he’s a highly accomplished artist! The fact that he’s working at the great ”diva” you are so wrong about that! He’s a all around vibe! Tyler Perry Studios as well as being an Mondaii then heads back to the dressing audio engineer recording other artist room to change into his second look for and helping them with their music the other half of his magazine spread. careers. So he’s not a hater at all by a While changing he explains to us that he longshot! We see lights outside of the feels like his style is like a chameleon studio and we notice it’s Mondaii arriving with that being said he can adapt and on time at 7:30am sharp! He pulls up the blend into any setting. “I’m constantly rebuilding in a Black GMC which he told us inventing myself so I feel like when people prior that he loves black because he feels see me they’re seeing somebody who can it looks really sleek! He told us “I Like reinvent himself in any setting. You know SUV’s because I like to sit up high and see when people see my look they’re shocked shit.” with the cutest laugh afterwards. He but not shocked. I feel like they anticipate also told us that he keeps a truck due to what they’re gonna see next so they’re nealways having to haul a lot of shit such as ver really surprised when I’m doing someprops or clothes for sets, recording equipthing different.” Mondaii is the type of ment and many other things so it gives him artist who likes to change his look and room. He walks into the building full of wear what he feels makes him feel good. great energy, hair bouncing and ready to ”Sometimes I feel real 3008 or 3007, you begin this journey taking photos as he’s know in the future shit. I feel like people guided to the dressing room to change. view me many different ways and some While changing into his first look he tells probably think I’m hyper sexual because us that he’s very infatuated with the 70s I do a lot of stuff to where I’m drawing emera. He’s wearing a brown midriff 70s inphasis to my body.” He also shortly expl“I just want to be spired top which he says is great because ained to us that he when people see him he works on his body and like to show it he would like for them to see a person who a good off. He’s also wearing a special type of flare representation really loves music and pop culture so he pants that he’s really digging. He told the likes to elude to different things in pop culfor my editor “I typically like to wear what makes ture wanting to put his best foot forward community me feel good and I feel like this outfit and be groundbreaking. He was fully makes me look like a 70s papi.” He lets us changed into his last look which was very wether it’s know that he really wants to do a good job smiliar to the first but with a surprising actors, rappers, contributing to the pictures depicting his twist that came with it. “So with the green singers, I just mood and vibe since lately he’s been on look I really wanted to be playful. I wanted this really cool 70s vibe that he wants to to give something that was retro 90s want to be a convey through his photos. “I’m not really think “Clueless” or modern day “ Euphoria“. good serious, I like to have fun, I like to dance, I I wanted to do something that was really just like to vibe & groove‘ I’m grown as fuck representation cool but corky because I feel like my perso.” He also let’s us know that he’s excited sonality is kind of corky. I’m funny, I’m sarfor my and thankful for this due to fact that it castic, I’m really like all of those things. So community.” would be the first time he’s featured in a I feel like I want my outfit to be corky as magazine needles to say the cover as well! well so I chose to get this really cool green
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sweater vest and it’s a midriff! I really like midriff’s actually because in the gym I work on my abs a lot and I like to show them so fuck it I like to put on midriffs. I feel like it’s a corky look also I really like these pair of scissors in my look because in my single “X2c” in my second rap verse I say “I’m a barber, finna hit these bitches with a blunt cut” so you know in representation of me lyrically about to hit these bitches with a blunt cut I chose to bring a pair of scissors for my photos.” Mondaii has true star power about himself which is very much so visible as he then starts his next shoot. He even get shirtless for many of the photos and the chest is on point along with the hair that we love so much. The hair on his head is a great attribute to his image especially with it being all his at that. The second half of the surprisingly goes by quicker than we would’ve imagined. He knocked it out the park, got the homerun and won in our eyes. We all took glances at what was captured definitely noticing his corky ways come out in a lot of them. The shoot wraps up but we got to ask some candid questions to pick his brain before he left the set to go on about his day! Excited as ever he was definitely down and super ready to see what we would ask him so then we began. How does it feel to grace the cover of GÁBOR’s March/April issue? It’s truly an honor to grace the cover of GABOR’s March/April issue. I’m so thankful for such a wonderful opportunity, and I commend YoungKSB and the GÁBOR family for providing such an amazing platform for independent LGBTQ artist to let our voices be heard. So you have been making your mark in this industry behind & in front of the camera! What made you want to be in the industry? I feel like I was seeing a lot of the same things,which led me to want see more of a variety. I wanted to see more people of the LGBTQ in hip-hop and my motto is “What good is complaining, when you’re not going to do anything”? With that being said, I know that it is up to me to always put my best foot forward and to deliver, because the picture is much bigger than just me, which is why I strive to defy gender norms & deconstruct all barriers of toxic masculinity in hip hop. What artist influenced you with your artistry? Growing up I was a big fan of TLC, and I would say Left Eye has had major influence on me. It was something about her powerful deliveries, which just unapologetically commanded attention. She was always so creative and innovative. I was as if she was lightyears ahead.
You’ve been writing for many talented artist. How did that come about? So I’ve always enjoyed writing music, and I discovered very early on that writing was one of my gifts from God. During the time, I felt that I had so much subject matter to talk about so I started making freestyle rap videos, while working as a server at K. Michelle’s “Puff & Petal”s Lounge”. It was later on through word of mouth in which the R&B songstress would discover me and invite me to work with her on her album. From there, the rest was history. She introduced me to multiple of her industry connects and when they heard how good my writing was, I had artist and producers hitting me up left and right. I later went on to co-write “Saucy Satana’s” smash hit “UP & DOWN” featuring rapper “Latto”. From there the work on increased, so I really just have to say thank you to my friend K’Michelle for taking a chance on me. You have a very well put together awesome aesthetic! Where do the style come from? Well thank you!!! I really appreciate that. I typically dress how feel, which is often inspired by the music that I am creating at the moment. If I’m creating 70s like music, then that’s how I’m going to dress. I often have ideas of what vibe I would like to embody. From there I put together a mood board to share with my team and it gets done. Now when listening to your music nobody can help but to notice your voice! You have a very distinctive voice which we believe is a great thing! How do you feel about it? For the longest I used to be ashamed of my voice. Growing up, I would often get teased about how sounded. I can recall people telling me to “put some base in my voice” or “speak like a man”. Needless to say, those bitches can eat a dick. Respectfully!!! I’ve come to love my voice now, and I realize that it is something that makes me unique. What’s your take on the current status of the LGBTQ artist in this game so far? I love that there is a renaissance of LGBTQ artistwithin the industry. People of our community have been influencing Pop Culture” for years. It’s time for our stories to be told, and who can tell it better than us? I’ll wait. You have a very good alternative sound that your music have great messages! Do you like to broadcast real issues in your music? Thank you. There is a great quote by Hans Christian Anderson that states, “When words fail, music speaks”. I have always modeled my life off of this. I feel that music is more expressive, and when I can’t seem to find the words to express my feelings, I know that I can
“I strive to defy gender norms & deconstruct all barriers of toxic masculinity in hip hop.”
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always turn to music or put it in a song. I have a confession. When people upset or bother me I always encrypt secret messages in songs just for them. Think about that the next time you listen to a Mondaii song. Would you ever consider doing reality tv or a web reality series ? I really just want to focus on perfecting my craft as artist, but who knows, I’m not opposed. Hey, that rhymed!!! I must be a natural. How do you feel about social media these days? Do you think it hurt or made the industry better? I think social media has its pros and cons just like anything else. Everything must be done in moderation. Too much of anything can be a bad thing. I think people should understand that social media is a tool, not real life. Take what you see with a grain, and maximize on the opportunities you can. Talent isn’t really appreciated these days at all! How you feel about that? You know when it comes to recognition, I think its more about self-awareness. Regardless of what anyone thinks, It is ultimately up to me to know that I’m great because God has blessed me to be so. I know that what I do , no one can replicate. I have artistic integrity and I am authentically me. You have been working at Tyler Perry studios! What’s the experience like? It is honestly a blessing, and ties into my line of work as a musician as well. Last year I told God that I did not want to work a job that did not align with my purpose, and he said “Say less, I got you”. Now we’re here, and we’re just getting started. You put out the single “PTSD” which made our Hot New Singles section in the first issue! Do you like the way it’s performing? I was actually quite surprised that people would receive my alternative sound so well. I usually try all of these different sounds in my bedroom and most don’t even see the light of day, but this time I decided to be more experimental. Before, I was in my head a lot, and I’m now finding my way out. I encourage everyone to chase their dreams and get up out their heads. The last project you put out was 2021’s “Dialtone” when can we expect another? So for the past two years I’ve been working on my sophomore project, which is gonna be bigger and better. I feel that I played it fairly safe with “Dial Tone”. With this next project, I completely jumped out the window. As of now, we are on the trajectory to release in June, Pride Month! Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
Within the next five years, I plan to elevate hip-hop to a level it has never seen. Again, I plan to deconstruct toxic masculinity in hip-hop, exemplifying that hip-hop comes in all shapes, sizes, genders, colors, sexual orientations etc. I see myself on Billboard. I also see me as another LGBTQ artist to win a Grammy. I see a plethora of brand collaborations. Of course the first thing I plan to do is retire my parents. They have worked so hard to support and my dreams all these years. I also plan on partnering with different foundations to normalize mental illness and spread mental health awareness amongst the youth. What can we expect from you the rest of 2022? In 2022, you can expect to see a lot of the name Tony Matthews (Mondaii). Just check the credits. All I can say is, “Hold on tight”, I’m definitely about to take all of my “Daiidreamers” on a trip that they’ll never forget. Love yall
“You know when it comes to recognition, I think its more about selfawareness. Regardless of what anyone thinks, It is ultimately up to me to know that I’m great because God has blessed me to be so.” - Mondaii
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CELLO/ PHN ARTIST TO WATCH Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @mr.ceo_official
Cello/Phn is hands down one of the dopest artist to touch a mic in a long time. A artist that is highly underrated and overlooked but that stops right fucking now bitch! An Alternative artist that we like to a call a “hidden gem”! You guys will find out exactly why when you listen to his music and vibe out!
Fuck the popularity contest of today’s world cause he doesn’t need it. A true authentic musician who loves and respects his artistry on various levels. A force that’s soon to be reckoned with and will wreak havoc over the industry because he will kick the whole damn door down so please believe it!
The New Orleans native is on his way to success without a doubt. The skills he possess are second to none and the angelic voice on him that resonates over the out of this world beats he puts it on is insane! There isn’t one damn thing we can say he’s missing and that’s a motherfucking fact!
He moves to the beat of his own drum and does things in his own fashion the best way he knows how. He respresents everything an “Artist To Watch” stands for and puts on. Someone who star will rise quicker than ever with or without the masses in the eyes of many! He’s loved and respected.
Talking about being a total package! His style and imagine reminds of greats such as Lenny Kravitz, Prince & many more! We would like to say that’s a bonafid sex symbol in our book!
There’s no other way but up and up he will be so it’s best to hop off the Cello/Phn train now because once you hear “All Aboard” it’s all on you if you didn’t believe 51•GÁBOR how far he would go!
“THERE’S BEEN MANY TIMES I’VE REACHED OUT TO QUEER BLOGS BUT WAS TURNED DOWN BECAUSE MY MUSIC WASN’T QUEER ENOUGH.”
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THE ARTIST THAT TAKES ALTERNATIVE TO THE BEST LEVEL! WORDS BY: KE’VEA S. BLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY: @MR.CEO_OFFICIAL
How does it feel to be GÁBOR’s “Artist To Watch” in the March/April issue? It’s exciting, I’ve never been on print so this a big first for me. Honestly the whole experience has been super professional. We know that you are from New Orleans and Bounce music is pretty popular there! What made you take more of an alternative route? Even though growing up in New Orleans, I never was a big fan of bounce till I left home, it’s like I appreciate it more. But my friends from home introduced to the genre so it was something that became the soundtrack to my life. What made you want to become a artist?
I would like to say it came to me naturally, but it didn’t ha, I would write a lot of music and my friend was like “you make music for phone??” and it made really question what was I doing? After that it all started coming to me more naturally. Do you feel like it’s hard to get a fan base in your hometown? This is such a great question, one of my classmates asked me why haven’t I performed at home and it’s truly because my hometown only represents hip hop and sometimes R&B. I feel like I would have to live there to truly dig into its music scene but it doesn’t seem promising. Who’s some artist that you look up to that influence you? Prince, . Frank Ocean, Steve Lacey, Toro Y Moi, Lenny Kravitz and Lana Del Ray! How would you describe your style & image? Androgynous, I love blending female clothing with men, more so because male clothing is boring. Women clothing are actually reflecting pop culture right now, while men clothing just meet basic needs. Whats your take on the current status of the LGBTQ artist in the game? Do you like the way everything is going? I think the only way you get supported in the LGBTQ community when it comes to music you gotta fit yourself into one box. There’s been many times I’ve reached out to queer blogs but was turned down because my music wasn’t queer enough. I would like for everyone to be able to express their queerness regardless of what color of the rainbow it is.
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“I love blending female clothing with men, more so because male clothing is boring.“ Would you consider yourself to be a sex symbol? Ha, not yet but I’m trying to be, I’ve recently lost 104 Pounds in a half of year so fitness has now become my new gig outside of music. I’ve gather a lot of attention since the weight lost. Who’s your dream collaboration right now if you could work with anyone? I’ve notice a lot of alternative artist don’t do many collabs, and if they do it’s with a rapper. But I think I would want to collab with FKA Twigs or Toro Y moi, would love to be in the writing room with Taylor swift as odd as that sounds. Web Reality Series are hot now! Would you consider doing any of them? Now, I don’t think I’m messy but I do believe those shows would show how sharp my mouth would be if I had a camera on me. I’ve recently opened myself up to fitness and reality tv shows, I’m about to star auditioning soon. When can we expect the debut full length project? March of this year is when the project is expected to drop! You have such a dope aesthetic so we would hope to see some visuals come about! Are you preparing for any? I’m preparing a visual for See Me, and actually I just was hit up by a student that they pitched my song “Do it” for a School Project, so I’m expecting a visual for that as well. Where do you plan to see yourself in the next 2 years in the industry? In two years I’ll be finished with school and possibly moving to cali, that’s when it would be time for me to put on my big boy shoes and live in a city where I don’t know no one. It’s a big scary move but somethings been calling there for a long time. I think my music and my creative consulting will blossom there
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Big Dipper Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Gabriel Gastelum
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So where are you from and how did you get your start in music? I’m originally from Chicago and that’s where I got my start. After that I spent a few years in Brooklyn dipping my toes into nightlife, but I live in LA now. I started making music in 2011 when I was involved in the queer underground performance scene in Chicago where I was performing as a dancer, working with DJs and drag queens, and was surrounded by so much creativity and queer expression. Initially writing music and performing as Big Dipper felt like a one time thing, just another performance project; but I got so much joy from it and people really responded well to my videos and songs, I guess it just stuck. You have a very overly fun aesthetic! How did you develop your look? Honestly there was never really a strategy to any of it. When I first started making videos I just wanted to do what I thought was fun, and I have always been attracted to bright colors and campy ideas, so we just followed that path. And all the artists I was inspired by were mostly women in pop music who were owning their sexuality, so I would follow that lead and wear skimpy outfits and show off my body in my videos. The over the top silliness and body confident ‘sex siren’ vibes came together to create the Big Dipper aesthetic. And now it seems I can’t do a project without basically getting naked lol. We notice when you spit you really have bars that’ll fly over people head! Who inspired your style of rap? I grew up listening to rap music and I always LOVED layered lyrics that make you think. When someone can really blow your mind with every line in a verse, I’m all in. I grew up listening to Lauryn Hill, Jurassic Five, Del the Funky Homosapien, and then I became a huge Nicki fan (pull up in the Sri Lanka). Nicki really opened up my mind to mixing styles, being silly and smart at the same time, and messing with cadence mid-verse. I’m also a huge Missy Elliott fan, her confidence makes any combination of words sound musical. Do you ever feel in confidence about your size? I’ve always wanted to own exactly who I am, so putting my body and my sexuality at the forefront of my music was a no brainer. I struggle with confidence from time to time, as we all do, but I’m a big believer in the ‘fake it ‘till you make it’ mentality. If I’m not feeling confident, I still force myself to get on stage and perform because you can’t live in fear. So even though my adolescence and early 20’s were filled with feeling embarrassed about being chubby and having body hair, I was able to grow into myself and embrace who I am. This is the body I have and I love it, but it took showing it off and putting myself out there to see just how amazing it is. We shouldn’t base all of our opinions of ourselves and the world on what other people say of course, but sometimes what you see in the mirror is completely different than what others see in you. How did you get noticed? I honestly don’t know that I really am noticed, even now. At least not in a big way. I started my career by just releasing videos on my YouTube and starting an IG account. I remember I was included in a spread of artists for DETAILS magazine when they did a feature on queer Hip-Hop, and that felt like a huge deal. Honestly, I’m really lucky to have connected with a niche audience that my content resonates with because it has allowed me to travel and perform so much. I mean I have toured Australia! I’ve played shows in Iceland, Paris, Amsterdam, Canada, and all over the US. It is so affirming to know that the ideas in my head are good enough and have connected with people all over the world.
You have many hot music videos! Which one would you say is your favorite? My videos are all like my little babies, but I love the most recent ones because they feel the most authentic to who I am right now; a decade into making music. Like, my older videos for “Meat Quotient” or “Summertime Realness,” I’m definitely proud of them, but that was me 10 years ago. I like who I have grown into as an artist, so I would say right now “Back Up Off Me” is my favorite video. What’s your take on the current status of LGBTQ in Hip-Hop? The Gen Z kids are making it happen! When I first started, there were articles in the press saying things like “queer rappers are a new idea,” but that wasn’t true. There have been queer artists since the beginning of Hip-Hop, but they just weren’t recognized on a large scale or in most cases weren’t able to be themselves in order to have a career.
But if you look around the industry today, there are mainstream artists who are openly queer and doing actual gay shit in their videos and at award shows. That’s incredible! Not to mention so many independent artists who probably never thought they would have a chance to make music and be themselves, and now they have people to look up to and aspire to, that’s fantastic. Are you looking to sign a major deal or remain independent? At this point I’m grown and I’ve been doing this for a decade. If the right deal came along I would probably sign sure, but the deal has to be right. I know myself too much to have to compromise creatively or hide a part of myself in order to appeal in a mainstream way. So if a major label wanted to sign a chubby bear faggot in his mid thirties who likes to rap about tongue fucking a juicy ass and swallowing cum for breakfast…well sure, sign me up. How did your podcast Sloppy Seconds come about? I met my co-host Meatball shortly after I moved to LA and I asked her if she wanted to make a show together. Having a podcast is a very LA thing, but it was also one of my goals when I moved out here. We have done over 200 episodes at this point and interviewed so many amazing queer artists and creative people. It’s one of my favorite things that I do creatively. These days many people have been able to get into the industry who don’t really possess talent. How do you feel about that? I feel like it shows. You can be cute on the gram, or even have a hit song on Tik Tok, but when you get on stage and perform, we can all see right thru the backing tracks and pyrotechnics, and the dancers doing all the work. Honestly, it’s the nature of the business, but at the end of the day talent is what shines through , and talent is what gives you longevity. I’m not on TV or have a major deal right now, but I’ve been making money and people have been knowing my name for a decade, and that’s not just because I’m pretty…it’s because I deliver.
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Have you ever experienced anyone calling you a culture vulture or anything of the sort cause you rap? Yes of course. People call me all types of names because I put content out into the world and everyone is a critic; you can’t escape that. In the beginning of my career, I was definitely ‘playing a character’ as a rapper and performer. When I was writing music and conceptualizing videos it all felt authentic to me internally, but when I was doing interviews or working on my stage presence, there was definitely some performative behavior going on. About a year after I started making music, I made a commitment to be authentically myself at all costs, even if it felt nerve wracking to mix my private self with a public persona. Ever since then I have put authenticity at the forefront of everything I do, and I think it shows in the work. As far as being a culture vulture, I grew up listening to rap music. The first CD I ever bought was a Skee-Lo single What’s next for you? These past two years have been wild for me because I didn’t really have a plan…I’ve basically just been at the house working and keeping my head down. But I do have some fun things coming up this year! My podcast comes out twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays and it’s called “Sloppy Seconds with Big Dipper and Meatball.” I also produce a Drag Race recap podcast called “Race Chaser with Alaska and Willam” and I’m also the Executive Producer of a podcast network called Moguls of Media (MOM), so I spend a ton of my time running that company and making podcasts. As an artist, I have two music videos planned to be released this Spring and Summer for my songs “Ham And Cheese” and “Club Go Up” plus a remix EP of new remixes of “Club Go Up” planned to come out with the video. And then I’ve already got new music slated for the fall as well. And of course as many slutty photoshoots as I can put together to fulfill my thirst on social media. It’s always busy over here!
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“I mean I have toured Australia! I’ve played shows in Iceland, Paris, Amsterdam, Canada, and all over the US”.
$leazy Ez
Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: LikeSushi
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You are from New Orleans, we know many great artist have came from there so who would you say made you wanna rap?
Sleazy Ez performing in a photo captured by Khaelyn Jackson.
What lead me into rapping was a combination of my abilities to write complex stories & sing. I was always a singer & a writer (as well as playing piano). So, as I grew up I met more musicians & eventually they convinced me to try to rap & I ended up being really good at it. I dropped songs for my immediate peers on soundcloud & it turned into the community it is today.
So even though Lil Nas X is at the top of his game and also gay there has always been a very hard wall to breakdown for gay male rappers but do you feel it’s easier for females thats gay to get into game?
I personally think it’s hard in general. There is still a sort of cultural separation between cishet people & LGBTQ. So it is hard for them to resonate with us or receive us the way they receive cishet artists. While more fem presenting women may be able to navigate,I still see this barrier of “we can know ur gay but we dont care to see it or talk about it. However, if LGBTQ artists target our people directly when looking for support, these artists can stand alone & succeed because our community is large enough to support them world wide.
You’ve been performing some amazing shows from New Orleans to LA! How was your experience in LA?
So I originally went to LA to be with friends during hurricane IDA. I was only supposed to stay a couple weeks & that turned into a 3 month thing. It’s hard to describe in words but I was in all the right places, doing all the right things, with all the right people. I can’t go into detail about most things but I was in the studio with My GLBLWRMNG fam & platinum artists/producers who loved what we do. Whole lotta music coming from that haha. It changed me in a positive way & turned me into a whole new monster I can’t even cap. I definitely recommend navigating LA once you’re ready to expands your opportunities!
One of our favorite songs and videos by you is “Dummy” how did that fire ass song come about?
My long term goals align with me remaining as independent as possible. Indie as a definition is more broad than most people who consume music understand. There are ways to gain leverage and put yourself in position. However as I grow, my needs & mindset will also grow. So I may have to be opening to partnering up with larger entities in the future.
“I’m not heavily influenced by any female rappers in NOLA. However there are emcees I do respect such as 3DNatee & Mia X”.
So “Dummy” was me trying to improve & expand my sound. I was always a lil eccentric and as I became more comfy w/ expressing myself, my beat selection & vocal dynamics began to change. I love rap but didn’t want to just be known for my raps & it was a soft way of No limit because they had introducing people to the idea of me Snoop & that’s an instant W! singing more often. Shout to Morg & Mia X or Ghetto Twiinz ? Dominic scott for making it happen & Ghetto Twiinz! UNLV or PNC ? KC da Producer for mixing the record! UNLV for sure s/o to then We love that shit so keep it up! Do any female rappers from Nola influence you? they actually cool af I’m not heavily influenced by any female rappers in NOLA. However there are emcees I do respect such as 3DNatee & Mia X.
We love those two! So independent is the way for many these days! Do you like the independent stance of being a artist or would you rather a major label?
Juvenile or Mystikal ? Juvie tha gr8 fasho Melyssa Ford or Buffie ? Melyssa Ford of course!
Lil Kim or Foxy Brown ? Lil Kim if we talking impact Foxy Brown if we talking appreciation
We could definitely see you on TV! You are pretty interesting! Would you ever do reality tv?
I don’t see myself being on a reality series but I def would love to get into acting or maybe guest starring on some shows/movies for sure.
Ok so now we’re gonna give you choices of things and you just answer Nas or Jay-Z ? For sure Nas cuz he still has which would you choose! an appeal that Jay just Are you ready? doesn’t give me.
Last one, Biggie or Pac ? BIGGIE all the way!
Yes!
Cash Money or No Limit? 60•GÁBOR
TheHoochiePapa by The Gábors The new high quality underwear line by The Gábors that caters to the LGBTQ demographic. Garter & Thong sets that comes in blue & black with the gold plated HP label attached to both the garter & the thong replacing the regular fonts.
The collection titled RETRO PHREAK was modeled by professional model Rechard Applewhite (2nd), Social media influencer Thurzday (4th to the right), and Urban model Blackwood (pictured in the black 5th going right). All pictured with the owners of the brand Bubba & Doodie Gábor. 61•GÁBOR
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PAGE 13 POPSTARMAG.COM | 2021
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TRIIUZ Front and Back String up sweatpants retailed at $70. Worn by models @mr.mcmillian_ and @ibeenaproblem_ available at www.TRIIUZ.com Photography By @sikatheart Assistant Styling: @handsomemonsta
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TRIIUZ Original Print Silk Sets retailed at $125. Worn by models @japanesefaces , @ibeenaproblem_ and @mr.mcmillian_ available at www.TRIIUZ.com Photography by @Sikatheart Makeup by @Japanesefaces Hair provided by @Styledbyphee Wig Construction: @Alleanvogue Install, Styling & Style: @Zuristresses Assistant Styling: @handsomemonsta
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TRIIUZ Original Print Silk Sets retailed at $125. Worn by models @japanesefaces , @ibeenaproblem_ and @mr.mcmillian_ available at www.TRIIUZ.com Photography by @Sikatheart Makeup by @Japanesefaces Hair provided by @Styledbyphee Wig Construction: @Alleanvogue Install, Styling & Style: @Zuristresses Assistant Styling: @handsomemonsta
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TRIIUZ Sweatsuits retailed at $100. Worn by models @mr.mcmillian_ & @ibeenaproblem_ available at www.TRIIUZ.com Photography By @sikatheart Assistant Styling: @handsomemonsta
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TRIIUZ Overalls retailed at $100. Worn by models @mr.mcmillian_ & @skibop___ available at www.TRIIUZ.com Photography By @sikatheart Assistant Styling: @handsomemonsta
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TRIIUZ String up back Dress retailed at $85. Worn by model @Japanesefaces available at www.TRIIUZ.com Photography by @Sikatheart Makeup by @Japanesefaces Hair provided by @Styledbyphee Wig Construction: @Alleanvogue Install, Styling & Style: @Zuristresses Assistant Styling: @handsomemonsta
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TRIIUZ String up back Dress retailed at $85. Worn by model @Japanesefaces available at www.TRIIUZ.com Photography by @Sikatheart Makeup by @Japanesefaces Hair provided by @Styledbyphee Wig Construction: @Alleanvogue Install, Styling & Style: @Zuristresses Assistant Styling: @handsomemonsta
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Model : BobbyTheBarbie Make-up & hair : BobbyTheBarbie Digital Images : BobbyTheBarbie 77•GÁBOR
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Client Name: @iamlacorazon, @alexandrareviere, @_ilikelexx Photographer: @the_nikon_icon Hairstyle & Cost: Pronto Bob Wigs $120 Hairstylist: Kaleel Joy @laceprofessor
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Telid
Words by: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography by: @ scoobylx
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We’ve seen the beef play out with artist like Isaiah C but we also hear you don’t like a lot of others as well! Care to share names? Oh hell naw! I’m not name dropping them dusty ass hoes. I’m working too hard to build work around my name to include bitches that do not fuck with me. More importantly, any bitch I do not fuck with ain’t bringing shit to the table. Irrelevant ass hoes. What do you think is different about you now versus you a year or two ago? What’s different now is definitely the confidence and the strategy. It’s like every year I look back and see where I could’ve done more. I try to improve each time even if it’s only by a little bit. I definitely see improvement which is the biggest motivation to keep going. My goal is to be my best self.
Do you feel like you get a lot of support in Atlanta more than your hometown of Chicago? Yes, only because I did not start rapping in Chicago. I do receive a large amount of support from people that know my work in Chicago because I danced, cheered, marched in the band and coached. I’m known for fucking it up. I think the more visuals I produce the bigger the audience will grow in Chicago, but ATL is pretty good on support. From repost to appearing at my shows, the girls definitely come out for Telid.
Do you see yourself doing reality tv? I could see myself doing reality tv for sure. I am a walking tv show. I am opinionated, vocal, independent, and more importantly and individual. I’ve never followed a bitch except for social media. I think the realest bitches of the planet would relate.
Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @mr_ceo.official You recently dropped your project “Hawk Season Vol 1: Fire Spitta” are you loving the response you’re getting? Yes! I definitely am loving all of that shit! The girls are enjoying a real rap bitch.
We noticed we haven’t seen many solo visuals from you! Are we getting them from the project? Most Definitely! I will be more visual in this year 2022. I feel more motivated than ever, money good, the pussy good, only thing bad is the attitude. I’m definitely applying a dangerous amount of pressure. My last video Pluto did not come together the way I had visioned, but it was still a success in my opinion. It did what it needed to do for me and still is.
What is your recording process like when you’re in the studio? I walk in and TURN THE FUCK UP! I come ready and prepared like a power bottom. Lyrics written and mostly memorized, adlib idea all ready, and Jerry just gets me. Being so prepared with such an experienced engineer always make magic. I never really have to “redo” any verses because I ride beats like no other. Vocals always seem to catch me up, but y’all will get more of that as well.
So you’re very outspoken when it comes to gay rap! Why do you think people call you hater? People are very sensitive. Anything you say other than yes can make you a hater. People say things about my art all the time. I never take it personal, I use it as fuel to improve. How can you get better if no one gives you the good and the bad of your performance? One thing bitches, niggas, and in-betweens should take from a real bitch is the ability to elevate.
Gay rapper friendships don’t really last these days at all. What’s your take on that? They are the real haters! They befriend people they are intimidated by, envy, or feel they can use. They lie to each other buying streams and views, bragging about fake support. Reading each other behind closed doors. It’s a mess. They really all hate each other because they all lack luster. It’s a lot of “gay rappers” today that’s doing it for the trend. They won’t last, and that’s why the relationships don’t. Too much fake shit. We’ve seen the photoshoots coming out from you back to back! How was it doing those? Honestly it was hard. I had a terrible accident on May 1st of 2021 where my front tooth curved up and punched a whole through the top of my lip. Though I’ve healed I feel like I still look a bit weird. I was successful and LOVE the shoot, but it was difficult to get pics I like.
We see that your nominated for a Boss Babe Award for best rapper! Thank You! It honestly feels great to finally be recognized for the talent I possess. I’m excited to see who wins. I definitely think everyone are fierce competitors but one. Nevertheless I wish them all good luck. What more can we expect from Telid? Just expect growth. I will continue to elevate. More photo shoots, videos, content, and definitely more music! These bitches know that Telid’s a brand! It’s the year of money, blessings & rewards!
“The girls are enjoying a real rap bitch!” 83•GÁBOR
Shawne meniaq Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: J Leak.
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How did you get your start in music?
Of course I got my start in music as a child singing in my family church choir which at first was just more so a hobby until I grew older and it progressed into school talent shows, and eventually auditioning for tv talent shows which was unsuccessful at the time, but opened my eyes to just how unprepared I was at the time yet reaffirmed how serious I wanted to be about my career in the future it was a gateway that began to ignite my passion for music outside of my favorite artists I grew up listening to.
That’s great! What TV shows were you auditioning for? Was it American Idol?
I auditioned for America’s Got Talent as a child because they didn’t have an age range. I never got to do American idol because at the time I had to be a certain age and I was too young.
Oh ok. How long would you say you’ve been doing music professionally for those who don’t know? Professionally I would say the last 5 years
Do you think this industry has been hard for you to break into?
I do and then I don’t honestly it has it areas of difficulty, but it also has its moments where things flow very smoothly. I feel now more then ever is the perfect time for an artist like myself and many others to finally be heard and appreciated. The toughest thing for me recently has been building my following, but slowly but surely more and more people are becoming familiar with my music..
Do you think social media is a great way to help or hinder you?
It’s a great help compared to the times before where you had to have a label to excel or even be heard ! Social media has changed the game entirely.
So you have yet to drop a full length project of EP. What’s the wait for?
I haven’t just yet I honestly want it to be perfect when I do release it! I’m currently working on a project the wait is more so perfecting the smaller elements. I also had some issues in the beginning of the project finding a solid team to work with which forced me to take everything into my own hands as far as engineering is concerned. So I’m hoping to release in the late summer going into fall season.
Who are some artist you haven’t worked with yet that you would like to collaborate on a song with?
Hmmm I’m all about the perfect energy when it comes to collaborating, but I love “SevnDeep” I think me and him on a track would be crazy dope also JackieTsunami that would go crazy too.
Those are great choices! Do you feel image is just as important as music or music is more important than image? I feel the music should be the most important, but with the rise of social media image is now just as important. It’s kinda 50/50 I love a great look image wise, but I want my music to also receive the same effort as a photoshoot if not more honestly.
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Do you believe in sleeping your way to the top? Not at all. I feel like If you’re truly talented it will get you where your supposed to be even though it may take you longer, but the pay off in the end is greater.
Do you believe that your family and close friends should support your music even if they don’t like it? That’s a hard one I would like for them to, but realistically if it’s not your cup of tea I get it. As far as listening you don’t have to, but a little share and interaction won’t hurt it may not be for you, but it could be for someone else to love and enjoy. You can definitely support without being a mega fan of the sound.
Who’s some artist that has inspired you? Definitely Missy Elliott, Left Eye of TLC, Busta Rhymes, and Nicki Minaj absolutely all their ability to push outside of the box as it relates to creativity and over the top ways of delivering their bars and music as a whole I fell in love with. I’ve always been an animated person since a kid and seeing them dominate like they have in music inspired me in so many different ways.
What’s expected from you in 2022? 2022 you can expect consistent music, along with visuals, plenty of looks, and my long awaited EP finally coming to streaming platforms! I honestly can’t wait to share the ideas and experiences I’ve been working on for so long now! It’s going to be a complete rebirth moment for me and I’m really excited to give my supporters something they can put on repeat for years to come!
RealXman Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Eric stevens of Under Developed Photography
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What made you begin doing music? Music and performing honestly has always been a dream of mine. I Remember being younger watching videos of Usher. I would sing along and imitate his moves and mannerisms to a T. I really had myself convinced that I was Usher. The more I grew the more farfetched that dream began to feel. Being young and naïve I believed you had to have the right look and label to reach any kind of success. So at that point and time I wasn’t completely wrong. I also believed that this moment of opportunity would just present itself. Once I realize that moment wasn’t coming I decided to create it myself and here we are today. Do you think it’s hard for you to breakthrough mainstream? I do not believe that it will be hard to break into main stream I feel like it’s happening as we speak. What’s your current take on the state of the LGBTQ in the eyes of the masses? It’s nice to finally be seen. We have arrived upon a day where LGBTQ artists are not only seen but we are appreciated. It’s been many years lgbtq culture has had a heavy influence on the music industry. We have been the stylists, make up artists, choreographers, writers producers and so much more but rarely if at all were we the headliner. Our role was to create stars and now we get to be them if we choose. You have a very different style for your artistry! Where do it come from and who inspires it? I would say my style is the best of many worlds. It’s bold, edgy, eclectic and unpredictable. In my life, music and artistry I like my work to represent the world I live in. That world is full of people, creatures and colors from many walks of life. How long have you been dancing? Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was my first true love. Many of my songs are upbeat to invoke movement and get people on the dance floor. So I would say dance is a heavy influence on my sound and it will forever be apart of my artistry and happiness. So a lot of artist hate being labeled as a “Gay Rapper” how you feel about it?
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There are honestly very few things in this world that I hate. However I will say the phrase doesn’t offend or apply to me, I’m a Popstar. Who’s the artist that you can say music have been a huge influence over your life? When it comes to inspiration there isn’t a single artist that comes to mind, as there are so many greats out there. I have a vault of artists that have inspired different components of my artistry. To name a few Missy Elliott, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Lady Gaga all have characteristics that resonate with me and where I’m headed. So what’s something that you can say you’re most known for doing? One of the things I’m most known for is blending genres together in a unique way. I enjoy taking things classified as “traditional” and breaking the mold by adding a fresh spin on it, putting each song in a lane of its own. With that being said I wanted to try a genre that I had yet explore as an artist but had always enjoyed as a listener. That genre was Bollywood. The thought of taking my heavy hitting sound and Bollywood’s rhythmic chants and beautiful instrumentation seemed like a match made in heaven. And after multiple trips to Houston, Tx working with T-Wayne’s multi platinum production team we knew we landed on a song that would provoke a profound response. From the catchy melody to the energetic delivery this track is a vibe that will absolutely get the party going. Who’s some LGBTQ artist that you’re feeling right now and would like to work with?
There are many queer artist that I would like to work with. To name a few that I believe would be a great collab would include names like Willow Smith, Big Freedia, Jordy and Lil Nas X. What’s some things you’ve accomplished that you think lights should be shined on? My biggest accomplishment is my next one. How do you feel about talent no longer having to be accepted? If you have the guts to reveal yourself to the world as an artist I believe you deserve the respect to be received as one. There are many forms of artistry and not everybody wants to be a Popstar or mainstream some people just enjoy creating music and that is also ok. Where do you see your career by next year? A year from now I am claiming tremendous growth for my career. I see iconic performances, powerful collaborations, abundance of opportunities, touring, hitting the charts heavily and really becoming a staple in the music industry.
Chris Henderson Chicago’s Own Soul/Blues Singer!
Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton
How long have you been singing?
I started singing at age 5 but in front of an audience age 15.
Did you grow up singing in the church?
Yes and no, I didn't really start singing in the Church choir until about 19 years old but I was brought up on Gospel music so I guess that was an influence for me in a way.
What gospel artist inspired you?
I have alot of influences Kirk Franklin, Walter Hawkins, Clark sisters and alot of Southern Choirs with those big voices the kind that give you goosebumps.
So what has been some huge turning points in your career so far being a singer from Chicago?
I've got alot great opportunities! I started young but the more I put in the more I got out of it. I've met all kinds of singers blues, Jazz and Gospel singers I've performed with great artist as well as made a name for myself. The biggest highlight was winning The Artist Cultural Legacy Award last May that was a great honor for me.
We were gonna ask about that award! How did that come about ?
I was in a off Broadway production here in Chicago. Claudine The Musical as well as some other things in and around surrounding areas. Musicals and concerts both singing and acting. My talent was recognize in a big way after the release of my first EP in 2018! A lot of doors opened for me as a performer.
You currently have a new project out now “That’s The Way Of The World” how do you feel it’s doing?
It’s doing amazing so far so good! I wanted to do something a little different this time around with this project so it's more so the Blues meets R&B. it's a mixture that’s very Soulful and Bluesy but yet urban to reach a wider audience. I believe it's music for everyone universal.
Are you a fan of Buddy Guy?
Yes I am a big fan! He’s a legend, one of the best guitar players ever! Buddy Guy’s blues club is the hottest spot in Chicago for the blues!
Have you ever listened to his daughter Shawnna?
Yes absolutely, I'm a fan of hers as well! Grew up on her too so don't get me wrong I love Hip-Hop and R&B as well! I like it all if it make sense and I'm a person of all generations that can mix with any crowd!
So how do your song writing sessions usually go? 88•GÁBOR
I'm a Pisces so I'm always in deep thought and I pull from there! I'm usually in a good mood most times so I can pick from that energy. I'm a good free style writer similar to a rapper that free style. I always try to put truth in a song that maybe somebody going through, something that I know or just something I feel somebody need or want to hear. That’s where the connection come in at! I like to write to make the connection wether it's about relationships, love, being hurt, the world and how it's changed a lot! Something to relate too I guess. I look at it as speaking for the audience so I first start my writing sessions with some Aretha Franklin, Al Green or some like that. I try to put the Soul back into music so whatever I feel I sing.
What do you have planned for 2022 for your career? 2022 there’s a lot to expect from me! I have concerts coming up for Chicago and surrounding areas as well as a mini tour coming up! “ That’s The Way Of The World” tour this summer! I'm a inde artist so I have had a few labels reach out but not sure about that yet because I like being in charge of my name. I manage and do all my own business so far so good no middle man! I'm also currently in production filming a documentary surrounding my life it’s titled “Keep Me Humbled” it's about my artistry here in Chicago and my up bringing in music in Chicago so it's a bit up close and personal to be out in the fall of this year. So that's something to look forward to! I'm excited about that also I'll be releasing a Christmas project for holiday season 2022 now that's something different for me.
So you would choose independent over the major? Umm I’m still trying to figure that out. My thing about that is Major lables change you, make you out to who they want you to be, tell you how to sing, what to sing, in charge of everything, want to own everything, I'm so humble and happy as I am! Now I mean the publicity will be good I've always and still want to be a international artist. I believe I can do that with or without a lable but most important I want to remain me and have the freedom to say what I want to do and at this point I can so as of now it depends on the offer and what I'm being offered and what control I would have.
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BOSSES of
WEB REALITY TV Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton According to the LGBTQ, the world of Web Reality Tv is taking over the market! YouTube has become a stepping stone for these bosses to show exactly what they can do without a major network! So we decided to interview the faces behind the productions that has become many people’s dirty pleasure! 90•GÁBOR
The current Executives on my team are Quentin T. Harris (LA), Markel Logan (Dallas), and Lauryn England (LA).
Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @chrisxvalid
You are the current GOAT of the Web Reality world of entrepreneurs! What made you start Chasing Reality?
Chasing: Reality, LLC originally started with just one now-popular show known as ‘Chasing: Atlanta’, which captures the hidden individual and collective struggles of incredibly diverse LGBTQ+ personalities. This show started with Co-Creator Terry Kevon Burns and myself as we worked hard to get it to where it is today. With the success of Atlanta, many people were reaching out wanting to bring a ‘Chasing’ into their city. Therefore, after two seasons later, the platform transformed into Chasing: Reality where we have showcased the community in Dallas and Los Angeles.
We remember before it dropped the previews were all over social on many big pages so do you think your marketing tactics worked?
Absolutely! Since the start of the brand we’ve been promoting, promoting and promoting which got us to where we are at today14+ million views and seen worldwide. Consistency is also a factor that keeps our fans! The brand is still expanding as we are bringing on new shows to widen our audience.
Take us through behind the scenes of everything! What all do you do when starting production and how big is your team?
Compared to major reality shows that has 30+ production members, Our current Atlanta Production Team consists of only 7. Kurie Williams (Lead Producer), Devonte McCoy, Rashad Walker (Co-Producers), Brandon Victrum (Pop-Up Productions), Jerrika Bolen (Camera Operator), Jamar Washington and myself (EP, Showrunner and Editor). We may not have a BIG team but we definitely bring it like WE do! Chasing Reality has been deemed a favorite by many well known celebrities and TV personalities! Have you been reached out to by any of them as well as tv networks?
Absolutely! I, along with the Executive Producers over the brand have received many praises from many reality stars and television producers. They’ve all have told us the same thing and that is to “Keep going!” So there must be something coming real soon.
Chasing ATL was the first of your installments for the franchise! How did you go about picking your cast? 91•GÁBOR
Picking our first season cast was pretty difficult to say the least (lol). We’ve had an on-site casting call where we’ve only chosen one person and that was (now) Lauryn England. Majority of our candidates came from other popular web-series and we wanted something different. We eventually did a scout and video submission where we picked up Cameron Sweatt and Devon. If you’ve noticed in our “Kickback Party” scene in Season 1 Episode 1, there were faces that were originally casted however they decided to leave the show after that scene. From there, we’ve scouted Lyrik London and Akeem, and eventually picked up Skye Valentine. As seasons go on for the Atlanta installment, we’ve switched up cast members that were showing more of a “chase” in their careers and new faces to produce a more dynamic storyline.
What do you look for in new cast members when you go through auditions because we’ve heard it’s pretty hard to get on your show unless you know someone?
Chasing: Reality is designed to showcase the LGBTQ+ individuals in their careers while providing quality entertainment for our audience. Our casting process is pretty tough as we generally look for people that are constantly working, different from others and have some relationship with our returning cast members. You don’t have to be catty or dramatic to get on one of our shows however you have to come with a extensive story you would want to share with the world.
Chasing: Dallas was cancelled! What made you pull the plug on that specific city?
Chasing: Dallas is not cancelled… yet! However, it is time for this city to go into a different direction. This series will return with some new faces and new producers capturing the lives of fan favorites and more. As time moves on, so does Chasing: Reality. We have a lot more to cover in the Dallas scene for it to be cancelled too soon.
The editing of your shows are very top tier! Do a team of editors perfect it that way because it gives Love & Hip-Hop?
There’s only one editor throughout the entire Chasing: Reality Franchise, and that is ME (lol)! I’ve been editing since I was young, starting off editing on my own personal YouTube Channel. Back in the day, I was a reality TV fanatic, watching season-after-season of Love & Hip Hop and Housewives. I’ve watched and study how their productions edit the series to keep people interested and tuned in. I use the feedback we receive from our shows to improve our seasons overtime.
How much money did it take for you to start this business?
In honesty it didn’t take much to start! We’ve already had the resources we need to give a web-reality series. However, knowing that once we expand and years go on, more money was placed into the brand to deliver the quality content you see today. Who would you say are your favorites from each city?
I personally do not have any favorites, I think everybody is great in their own way which is why we invite them back every season.
What can we expect for the future of Chasing Reality? Expect nothing but greatness coming from Chasing: Reality! We have new shows, new teams and a lot more secrets we can’t wait to share Late 2022 and 2023.
“I personally do not have any favorites, I think everybody is great in their own way which is why we invite them back every season”.
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Karon Wilson: GEMINI FILMZ Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @rebel.god
How did Gemini Filmz come about?
Gemini Filmz came about when I was young in high school starting out. I am super into movies and films and would love to fantasize about “ what if they did this? , or this would be a cool idea “ so I begin trying to do it myself and I decided I’m going to inspire the world and create things I wanna see in the world.
We all first got wind of you with “Bad Boyz Club”! What made you choose that as a way to break into the world of Web Reality Tv?
Bad boyz club was something I knew everyone wanted to see but it never was made so I figured it would be popular if it was done , I tried to do it to the best I could and had lots of fun doing it aswell , we were high schoolers having fun not knowing what to do just putting ourselves out there!
So although “Bad Boyz Club” was a huge success you then came out with “The Come Up” franchise! How has that been for you so far?
The come up is something I’ve always wanted to see which was LGBTQ representation. We don’t have popular shows that are housewives for gays so that was another thing I wanted to see and decided to make. I was super scared leaving bad boys club because I didn’t know if people would like it but I can see they do a lot! There has been multiple personalities from TV commend you on what you’re doing! Who would you say shocked you the most? Omg it’s hard to pick! I guess I’m really surprised by MoNique! There are so many celebrities to watch The Come Up that I’m blown away by it. It me happy so it’s hard to pick just one! Do you have a team of people that help you with other cities of your shows? Yes I have a team and am looking to always expand it and grow it because the company is growing and lots of people are into doing production. It cost a lot to get shows off the ground for them to start running! Many wants to start a production so how much would you say has been invested into your company? I just spent a lot of money on something for my company but it’s hard and it can be super tough but save up money from working a job and put it into your quality ! That’s very important! The more your quality steps up the better and more opportunities you’ll receive
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What is your audition process like when you choose cast members? We post flyers and then look through emails and see who stands out to us and has a great story to tell. It’s a long process but that’s what makes a great cast is picking the perfect people!
There has been many alleged scandals and public outburst about you and your company. How do you deal with the negativity and is any of it true? Many have come / came for me then apologized and privately tried to speak to me again which shows it’s not me (whatever picture people tried to paint of me) regardless the bigger I get the more it’s gonna happen I’m sure.
What is your favorite thing about filming and what all goes into it behind the scenes? I love filming and watching fun things happen like parties and seeing people turn up on camera. It make scenes juicy or emotional, my favorite part is announcing projects and airing them! I love to see and read peoples reactions , comments , reviews etc.
What can we expect from Gemini Filmz in 2022? I have so many new things coming out! New shows, some big collabs, photoshoots it’s gonna be a big busy year for Gemini Filmz!
“Many have come / came for me then apologized and privately tried to speak to me again which shows it’s not me”.
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KL Allen: P3K PRODUCTIONS Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @Paynemediaco How did your production company and G Status: ATL Hustle come about? P3K Productions came about when I started creating scripted webseries for YouTube such as T.R.A.D.E The Series and Handsome Enigma (Feature Film) which were LGBTQIA projects. I wanted to expand and partner with another upcoming producer in the community so I partnered with Jah Jah Kitaii who was working on a reality series called ATL Hustle and I had just finished shooting a pilot for G-Status with Akeem as the center character and thus we joined forces to create G-Status: ATL Hustle. This all came about in 2017. What was that process like joining forces to create that first season? It was a huge success! Thank You. Being that Jah and I had worked together as him being an actor for my webseries T.R.A.D.E, he had always been professional so what we did was meet weekly to flesh out the show and how we wanted to present it to the world. I had cast-members who I wanted to bring to the show and he did as well so we kinda combined our top picks thus creating the Season 1 Cast for the show. Meeting each week and laying out the foundation helped the process run very smooth.
So we noticed it’s only been Atlanta as the main focus! Do you plan to expand to other cities ? Yes. Once we perfect the Atlanta Franchise we definitely plan on expanded to other cities. We are in the process of looking for producers in different cities to partner with. With our new Roku Channel launching, we want to create new content for our subscribers. So there’s been a lot of talk about the current status of the show. What’s been the holdup with the rest of last season not airing? Will it ever come out ?
Yes. Our Former EP who had been running the 2nd Season had stepped away to deal with some personal matters and to get his mental health together. As you know Season 2 was very chaotic and with so much pressure it ended up being put on pause due to a lot of different things with cast, the pandemic and so much other factors beyond our control. I decided to revive the series so I have been putting the pieces together and unfortunately due to a string of not being happy with the editors I hired, it has caused several delays. I finally found an editor who understands the brand and our aesthetic and happy to report that the finale is 95% complete so it will aire very soon. I don’t want to announce dates until I have a perfectly edited finale. Do you feel this has hurt the brand? I feel that it didn’t hurt the brand but it has caused people to feel let down and not trust a word we say in terms of the consistency of the series. When it comes to people wanting to work with us, so many people are rallying behind us and support us. They believe in the brand. The fans are diehard and they just want the episodes. The show has developed an occult following but I do plan on delivering stellar work to our fans from this point on.
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Photography By: @balliebphotography So many Reality TV stars and celebs has been known to watch Web Reality Tv on YouTube! Who would you say you were surprised by that watches the show? I’ve never really knew who watched it because I just gained access to the social media pages last year sometime but I was shocked to know that the Bravo Married 2 Medicine Instagram page is the fan of the show and they post us. I thought that was pretty cool. There are more names I’m sure though.
Did jumpstarting this production and show cost a lot of money to make happen ? Yes. As you know we use some of the best cameras in the industry and sound equipment so just to give you an estimate an season can run us around 12k-15k. So what’s the audition process like for the show? What is it that you like to see in the cast members? There are two audition process. We reach out to potential prospects who we fill are a good fit for the brand and then we hold open castings. Since Covid everything was done via zoom and video submissions. We receive submissions. We look at the talents social media, resume and see if they are a fit for our brand. If they are we advance them to a second round of casting which involves having the talent send a video submission based on a questionnaire we email them. If selected, we bring them in for a final round of casting which consist of a screen test. If we feel they are a good fit, we send them an offer agreement. Who would you say has been some of your favorite cast members on the show? I don’t particular have favorites but I would say some of the most entertaining castmembers of the series are Akeem, Sherrod, Milan Jadda, Truefine, Tramel, Charlie Xile, Roman, Ike, Roman and Cordae.
What advice would you give anyone who wants to create their own show? If you want to create your own show, reach out to some of the top web producers and pick their brains. Ask them advice. Try to also go on set and learn the production skill set and then watch popular shows on tv and study the formula and format. Then invest in a good production crew and build a strong solid team that can help you achieve success. Don’t rush the process and make sure your show is to a standard before releasing it. It’s hard work but also never give up on the process. Cast authentic and genuine people as well.
“I finally found an editor who understands the brand and our aesthetic and happy to report that the finale is 95% complete so it will aire very soon”. 96•GÁBOR
Brandon Victrum: Pop-Up Productions Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: @pp_productions01
What made you get into the world of Web Reality Tv? I’ve honestly had the vision of doing a reality show following the lives of gay individuals since I was a child in Chester, GA. I used to edit videos on a VCR and make radio shows on cassette tapes for people in my neighborhood. Years ago I watched shows like “Bad Boyz Club” on Gemini FILMZ and “Tha Life Atlanta” of GHS Entertainment. Seeing these types of shows motivated me into wanting to step into this industry myself. So we’ve heard that your show “Set It Off: Atl” took three years to come out! Why is that? Honestly it was a HUGE learning lesson for me. We had obstacles like people quitting, some being let go, the content not fitting the vision up to while this past season was airing the external hard drive crashed will all 3 years of footage being lost. It motivated me and I learned TONS of what to do and not to do in the future. I’ve worked with “Chasing: Atlanta” and “On The Way Up Atlanta” and have implemented some of the things that those individuals have done to better structure my business. Ok so the first season is over! How are you looking to go about things in your second season? Will we see returning faces?
Yes. The pilot season is done. We’ve actually already been recording the new season, which should air in the Fall. We plan on implementing more friends of the cast as well showcasing more of the work that they do. You will see some returning faces as well as some fresh faces that you’ve never seen on any other platforms. What is your audition process like? The audition process is very straight forward. Those that are interested submit some brief details the show up for the auditions or virtually. When auditioning it’s mainly their time to showcase their businesses or brands as in typically bringing in something that we can actually see and hold.The producers may ask a few specific questions but for the most part they are detailing what they would like shown. How is it behind the scenes of Popup Productions? Is it a huge team of people dealing with the cast and making sure the show run right? It's actually a small team. We're actually looking for more assistance with production.
How do you plan to stand out aside from the shows that’s already out? Honestly it’s not my intention to “stand out”. Our audience is our audience. There is enough space for EVERYONE. It’s my goal to tell these stories and hopefully someone out there can relate to them. We’re not looking to be “better than” others, just allowed to be respected and authentically showcase our stories. Have you had any former cast try to come back now that the show had officially been out? Absolutely! In some instances I welcome. Others we are adults about it. We understand that there are creative differences and we move on.
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How much money would you say goes into these type of shows? Honestly it depends. There are several different factors. It takes thousands upon thousands of dollars to make these projects happen. What had been your favorite thing so far concerning “Set It Off:ATL”? Seeing it all happen has been my favorite. That little Black Country Gay boy from Chester couldn’t be any happier with the outcome. What can we expect from season 1 and the rest of your production in 2022? From Season 1you can expect the cast to be having tons of fun, taking trips, and working together, tons of cameos and of course there will be shade and some messy moments. From Pop-Up Productions expect to see the same and a far more supportive platform for the community. We currently have The MANual airing Wednesday’s at 9PM and another show coming out in March. Season 1 of Set It Off:ATL should air in the Fall (October).
“There is enough space for EVERYONE. It’s my goal to tell these stories and hopefully someone out there can relate to them.” 98•GÁBOR
THE HOTTEST LGBTQ BLOG! THE#TTB AIN’T GOING ANYWHERE! Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton You guys blasted onto the scene outta nowhere! What made you want to become a blog about LGBTQ entertainment? Well we've actually been around for awhile & have entertained 30 million people worldwide since 2016! However we were predominantly in the Adult industry side of things at first. We have had the please of not only selling Adult content & being in the top 10 on AVN Media's AVNSTARS for three years in a row but we have had the pleasure of interviewing Icons such as Armond Rizzo, Ben Masters, Levy Foxx .. The list goes on & we have also been a safe place for adult entertainers to share their experience in the Adult industry. Now as for our venture into the LGBTQ Web Reality world that started in late 2018 with GeminiFilmz. However The following year.. We fired a lead writer/ Creative member of our team who had access to everything & he deleted all of our online accounts. Everything was gone & we literally had to start all over again from scratch! Which in retrospect was the best thing that could have happened because while we were away it allowed other platforms such as Chasing Reality to grow into the huge platform they are today & we were able to jump right in & cover them among others & we just changed our main focus from covering the Adult world to web reality & it's been a whirlwind ever since. #TTB was started to cover hot guys to be honest & over time it just evolved into a safe & entertaining space for the LGBTQIA community & we love it. We have a lot of fun. What’s your take on the Web Reality Series that’s out now? We love all the web reality shows that are out currently. It's been amazing to see the landscape change in just a few short years! When we started covering the web reality world GeminiFilmz was on top & everyone else was just getting started or didn't arrive yet & now it's a completely different ball game - There's so many options out right now which is great for the viewers. We do need more representation from other cities tho we love ATL but gays live all over the world so we need more Producers from other Cities to step up.
Do you feel people think that you guys are super messy & only support mess? Hmmm do we feel that people think we are messy? I don’t know & quite honestly I don’t care. We don't advocate mess but it happens & we allow people to be themselves. If they sit down with us & throw shade at someone that's on them. Our Job isn't to silence folks & when we report on a story we never give our opinion. The mess usually comes via an interview & it's not from us that's for sure. We recently discovered Ressie G partnering up with Gemini Filmz after the situation with Chasing Reality! What’s your take on that? We knew about the deal between Ressie & GeminiFilmz for quite some time before we broke the story to the public so it wasn't a shock to us & it makes sense that he would go that route & good for Ressie. People don't give Ressie enough credit for being extremely creative he is someone not afraid of venturing out into different aspects of reality TV. Ressie has a lot of ideas & It's exciting to know that him & GeminiFilmz are about to shake things up. Do you feel these shows cast people who aren’t really doing shit? Omg that's such a messy ass question CHILEEEEE. No comment but seriously umm it all comes down to format really. It's not that folks aren't doing things it's just sometimes things get cut from the show! The format is an hour & in some cases less so it's hard to cover every single thing but there definitely should be more of a balance in some shows for sure when it comes to showcasing people's work. We like to think of you guys as the Wendy Williams of the gay entertainment blog world! Would you call it a good comparison? We take that as a compliment but there's only one Wendy & we don't give our opinions on anything like she does. We literally just cover a story & keep it moving. People in the Entertainment field are very sensitive so we do our best just to stick to the story. It's better that way we want no beef with anyone. How do you feel about people that sneak diss and never mention names? You call it unbothered or scary? As Jay-Z famously said "If it ain't directed then it ain't respected" Period.
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