GÁBOR
1 Year Anniversary Winter Issue 2022/2023
SEVNDEEP
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THE
HARD SPITTA RaShawn’s mic skills are are nothing to be played with!
OK!
We gonna come out the gate with it! Rashawn you doing ya thing out here in these streets! Why you shitting on niggas with these bars? Because it’s needed! Niggas literally don’t rap anymore, they don’t have bars that you have to replay and think about and I grew up on Lil Wayne so that’s really my level of lyricism and consistency that I aspire. We definitely see the shit! We see you booked & busy always performing every damn where so what’s that feeling like? It’s become my favorite part of the job, as the venues get bigger so do the crowds and so does the energy, it’s unexplainable. But I love the hustle, cause I know I got it so by the end of my set I’ll have new fans, plus I love to do my homework and watch my playbacks to see how I can get better.
So we first got wind of you on that “Dope Boy” collab you did with Hemmingw8y and Bri! How that shit came about? MOVING THRU THE CITY LIKE ZAZA! Hemmi’s turn around is crazy, he called me on a Thursday and that Saturday we were in Alabama recording, it’s actually the second record we’ve done, we have a song called Shooting Shots on his first album…and many more to come! That video was crazy as hell! For that to be our first introduction to you please know that it was a fire ass first impression! So how you feel about other gays that’s out here? Who you fucking with when it come to the rap shit for real?
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“I love to see our community out here killing it and to be honest it’s inspired me to live in my truth thru my music.” —
I appreciate that, foreal. I love to see our community out here killing it and to be honest it’s inspired me to live in my truth thru my music. Jackie Tsunami will always be it for me, Sevndeep is everything! My sis Knubian, my brother Hemmingw8y, Destin Conrad, Doechii, Santana! Like we really outside with it, with all different stories and voices and I’m proud to be able to make my imprint for the ones in the community like me. So you dropped the single “Sunflower Seeds” a few months back! When are we getting a EP or full length project from you? Let us in on what’s going on with all the right here? TOP OF THE YEAR! I’m gonna drop a little some’n some’n….actually a big some’n some’n.
AyoRaShaw n
Who can we expect on this shit? Now why would I tell y’all that, stay tuned and you’ll find out.
We see niggas keep secrets these days! It’s all good in the hood. Will Hemmingw8y be on the project? Of course!! We already got our next one lined up! Haha! We got that ass! You tried to keep it on the low talking about “stay tuned” and you revealed a collab for the project! It’s been nice talking to you so any last words for the people? So pressed (laughs) it’s been great as well I see you guys doing your thing and I appreciate y’all sharing your platform with me. To my folks that’s been supporting me, I love y’all with all my heart and I promise to do the big one for us like no one else ever has!
IMAGES: @itsdez_duh
WORDS: KE’VEA S. BLAYTON
MOVIN’ MOVIN’ MOVIN’ ON ON ON UP! UP! UP! Making Making timeless music, Acting on hit tv series Making timeless timeless music, music, Acting Acting on on hit hit tv tv series series and and fashion sense to die for! The artist known and fashion fashion sense sense to to die die for! for! The The artist artist known known Peachez Peachez is as is gearing up to take it all and win as isgearing gearingup upto totake takeit itall alland andwin win asPeachez in in a hard knock life city we call New York! ina ahard hardknock knocklife lifecity citywe wecall callNew NewYork! York!
The Gay rap world is becoming the next big thing on the market! The takeover has been in the works for years and now the light is shining on everyone who’s taking the chance to step up & go after what they want in the Entertainment industry! Peachez is one of those people who’s letting it be known he’s here to stay and don’t plan on going anywhere no time soon! The talented rapper has literally put his best foot forward when it comes to music and of course the fashion!
Dropping heat and igniting flames all across the rap game it make big sense how this bad bitch gonna win shit! Recently dropping an explosive EP titled “Short N Sweet” has been a bonus for Peachez just for the fact that the project is being well received from the best peers! Music is a must but acting can be a niche that fit right in and another outlet so if you seen the hit scripted show Pose on FX then you might’ve seen Peachez in the background throughout the season getting his hustle on.
Photographs By: @alexwebsterphoto 03 | GÁBOR
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So where are you from?
I’m Originally from Rochester, New York But I Relocated to New York City 4 years ago to pursuit my acting and rapping career.
So give us your take on NYC! What is it like for Peachez?
Creatively it’s been great . I have ran into so many opportunities and have met so many great people. I’ve worked on Pose , Law and Order , The Equalizer and many other TV Shows and I’ve been fortunate enough to perform and book shows so it’s been wonderful for my career. This city is tough though so I’m a full time artist and actor and we all know at the early stages of this type of career money isn’t just pouring in . You are investing more money than you make so my hustle mentality has completely changed. Rent in NYC is crazy and walking down the street cost money (laughs) so you have to be a real hustler to live here. It’s not one of those cities you move to unless you have a plan, and Then two more plans for when that one fails . It can chew you up and spit you out if you let it . It’s a beautiful city to live in but it’s definitely not for the weak .
We feel you on that. So how was it being on the set in for Pose? That was a huge show for our community.
It was an experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. Witnessing so many black queer people come together and make magic was just amazing. I met great friends and Learned a lot while being on that set. I was booked for the whole season so it was very long hours and very draining but it was all well worth it . Out of all the shows I have worked on this was the one that meant the most to me.
So let’s switch gears! You dropped the banging ass project “Short N Sweet”! What all went into that? Well Thank you. Short N Sweet was fun to produce but it was a lot of work. I Worked with a Vocal Producer , new engineers and new photographers who I felt would provide a more fresh look and sound for me . And they did. I wanted to keep the project (No pun intended) Short N Sweet So that the listeners would be able to connect with and digest every track .
That’s great! So the gay MC’s are definitely on their way to the top and we would like to know what do you think of all this that’s happening right now?
I Love It. I’m so ready for Queer Artist to have a rightful place in Hip Hop and I feel like we are on our way there. Talent is talent if someone is talented on the mic, with a pen or on a stage then it shouldn’t matter what sexual preference they choose.
You got that right! So let’s get into fashion! You’ve been pulling off some amazing looks! Who’s on your mood board these days?
Well My Fashion Sense Comes from both of my parents . They are and always have been extremely stylish and over the top. Peachez Style aesthetic I would describe as Classic and Glamorous. I love Old Hollywood Glamour blended with a modern day twist. Feathers , Stones, bright colors , dramatic cuts mixed With Modern day fashion trends Are all what makes up my esthetic. I draw a lot of inspiration from Black Drag Queens And Fashion Icons Such as SHEA Coulee , Simone , Andre Leon Talley,Elsa Schiaparelli and Thierry Mugler .
Any last words for the people? Well thank you for this interview and the continued support. I appreciate y’all . If I had to leave the people with one last word it would be to support your local and upcoming artist. Show love and give people their flowers when they deserve them. Stream Short N Sweet and all of my other music on all streaming platforms.
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”I’m so ready for Queer Artist to have a rightful place in Hip Hop and I feel like we are on our way there.”
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Bitch I Came To Fuck!!!
ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM THE ANTICIPATED DEBUT ALBUM FROM SIMPLY SABIR
FEATURING THE SMASHES: “MR. BUCK”, “LOVE SPELL” & “MANIFEST” AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS!!!
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BENJI
Got the bitches going WHAMM! Getting that fucking MONEY! Ass shaking music 4 Da HOES! The Good boy has gone BAD! Photography By: @Alliwithacanon What the fuck can be NEXT?
BADASS
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THE INTERVIEW
Behind The WHAMM! Benji Badass is a blazing new artist that’s making waves! We see you been getting ya shit out & what not! Tell us about that “Good Boy” EP you dropped earlier this year.
Good Boy The EP was my first real body of work. I was working on the project for almost a year. A lot of changes and shit happened throughout the making of it , I ain’t even know it took all of that to make a project honestly. But the whole project was school themed as you can tell and I’m the “good boy” which was just a play on my stage name since I’m Benji BadAss.
Yeah a lot goes into them projects but you did a good job so it’s definitely all good! We see you repping Florida! Thank you I appreciate that and yeah you know real Florida bitch (laughs).
You’re welcome! So coming outta Florida what rappers inspired you?
I had a lot of musical inspirations growing up. My daddy was a old head so he listened to a lot of Tupac , Too $hort, Nwa shit like that so that’s what I heard. Then my momma listened to a lot more Trina , Trick Daddy, Plies , T.I, Webbie and stuff like that. So that was what I came up on. 10 | GÁBOR
So we recently seen you with Mz. Diamond Duval for the WHAMM video! Yes you did! I love me some Diamond and she gone cut up every time. The WHAMM video is out now!
You had the bitches throwing ass! How was it on set? It was hectic but I had a ball. I’ve been on sets before but never for my own video. This was my first video shoot so it was work to me but I enjoyed myself fasho I had the gang out there so it made it a lot easier.
So do you feel like you’re content with your flow of things or could you get more lyrical if it came down to it? I can be more lyrical if I want to and when the time comes I will be. Right now I’m just getting my feet wet.
So you know we got many gay rappers out here! Who you fucking with? Who you not fucking with ?
I’m fucking with everybody , I genuinely love to see all of us doing our shit , coming up and making names for ourselves.
Keep it all good! We see you out here so any last words for the people? Man keep god 1st , be yourself , pop your shit ! Shout out to Doodie and the whole Gabor team I love what y’all doing for us creating this platform and shining light on us that’s icon shit fr and be on the lookout never know what’a next.
WORDS: KE’VEA S. BLAYTON
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SIMPLY SABIR Y
Ou may know Simply Sabir from cutting hair in the A or other crazy things but we know em as well for his beautiful rap skills. Sabir right now is one of the most cutthroat artists when it comes to his lyrics! Everything about him is a “All in yo face” with his truth and the best part about is the fact that he don’t hold back and not ashamed of a motherfucking thing he’s done or had to do in his life. The 32 year old ATLien born Sabir Grant grew up in the early 2000s where everybody was rocking Tall Tees, Girbaud Jeans and Dickie fits were a must have in the East Atlanta streets says Sabir! “You couldn’t tell who was gay or not so to come out at 13 I grew up fighting and running away.” The rapper had a troubled upbringing as well which he stated to us “I was running away from my childhood because my dad used to beat my mom so I stayed trying to find a place to belong where I could express myself due to being left alone a lot since I was an only child.” The realness from this Image: Nathan Pearcy
WORDS: Ke’Vea S. Blayton
Rap Report
speaks volumes strictly because of how candid he is with everything that he states. It’s rare to come across an open person who bares it all in a way informative way. He remained hopeful as a child. “I chose to use my imagination to create my own reality as a kid until I could financially create it as an adult that’s why I’m a good writer and use stories and writing as an escape.” He definitely knows how to bring stories to his songs for sure! We fuck with his music heavy so to know he’s out here doing what he gotta do and striving to be heard is trill! Repping for the masculine guys which is said to be rare these days cause Gay rap is ran by the feminine guys who rap. The masculine men have to literally jump through hoops to get attention to catch the eye of the consumers since they spit heat! Sabir has no worries cause his debut album “Elephant In The Room” will shake tables! 12 | GÁBOR
GÁBOR
Skills: simply sabir
THE TRUTH
You read the Rap Report now Sabir gets even more candid! And we’re here for it.
So it’s been a long time coming for this interview but we here so let’s the game begin! How you feeling? I’m feeling blessed man. I've been writing for a long time then battling with myself on if I wanted to share my art with the world but I believe it's time. It’s definitely time! You just dropped the project “Elephant In The Room”! It’s slapping on some real shit so we fucking it. How long it took to make this happen?
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Don't gas me up (laughs) I started writing “Elephant in The Room” last year. I’ve always been a poet at heart so I stay writing. I wanted my first project to reflect a masculine point of few for masculine gay men since it's so many artist that talk from one perspective I feel like it's a lot of men like me that move and feel like me. I've always been too straight for the gays and too gay for the straights. Hence the Elephant in the room. You definitely put on for the masculine guys well. So let’s dive into these tracks! So the first one is “Love Spell” and what’s the backstory for this?
IMAGES: NATHAN PEARCY
WORDS: KE’VEA S. BLAYTON
I’ve always been a fan of magic and shows like Bewitched and Charmed growing up and I've always been a bit of a nasty nigga so I wanted to write a track that felt like a spell to a seduce someone I wanted it to sound like a melodic story. We would’ve never thought someone like you would be watching Bewitched & Charmed! Ok now! Track #2 is “Mr. Buck”! This one kinda had us laughing not gonna lie. How did this track come about? What y’all was laughing at ? The vibe of the song had us laughing. “I came to fuck” it’s a catchy song. Mr.Buck is my favorite off of the project because it was meant to be a interlude but I couldn't stop playing the beat. I got the hook from the old school Deborah Cox ghetto remix "How Did You Get Here?”. “Bitch I caught the bud, Nobody's pose to be here, Bitch I came to to fuck.“ If you from the south and was born in 89 and up you got to know that I just put my lil spin on it and everybody love a nigga with "Grey Sweat Pants..Slides On... Du Rag with a Print on dumb. Oh is that so? Well how nasty can you get? There’s the red pill and then there's the blue pill pick your poison! What if both are picked? Be prepared for a overdose! Whew! You too nasty! We gone double back to this! Now let’s get back to this project! The title track “Elephant In The Room” let us in! How you feel about that track? “Elephant In The Room” came from a stint of me escorting in my younger days when I was around 18, 19 I hadn't grasp the concept of work yet but I knew how to fuck so that started my money mission. I used what I had to get what I wanted and it was all about the Benjamin's. Women do it all the time so why can't I? Like the song says I just came to here to dance. Do you still escort or it’s something you grew out of? Naw that was some gay starter kit shit back in the day. I do specialize in the art of finesse though. Ok what’s your love life looking like? You gotta be a good guy we assume if you have it in you. Single like a dollar bill I’ma busy man and I don't say that in a superficial way I mean I'm cutting hair in the day, I'm recording and performing at night, I'm grabbing like 6 hours and I'm back at again and my main discussion is music so if we can't elevate on my main goal right now I can't really connect. I’m not saying that I’m not open but I do come with more blessings than burdens and I'm definitely not trying to give to just share that with just anyone.
”I used what I had to get what I wanted and it was all about the Benjamin's. Women do it all the time so why can't I?” See these days a open book motherfucker is rare as the fuck! Everybody wanna pretend to be something they not and scared of their own truth. — Doodie Gábor A Sex Symbol becomes a thing. I just hate to be a thing. But if I’m going to be a symbol of something I’d rather have it be sex than some other things they’ve got symbols of. — Marilyn Monroe
You know what! We sick of you! So when are we getting more photoshoots and music videos? I got that in the works now. I dropped a lil surprise for Thanksgiving and now visuals will come this month in December. The hard part is done now so the fun starts.
We feel you. You’re very interesting to talk to! So any gay rappers you’ve smashed? Naw I'm a connoisseur of rare Beuatiful items and thank you.
We know that’s right! So any last words for the people? Shout-out to all the people rooting for the kid! I won’t let you down and shout-out to Gábor Magazine for this unbelievable opportunity and I'm so grateful. Oh and Big PURRRRRR!!!
Oh come on Sabir don’t get secretive with us now! Any gay rappers you would like to smash? I’d take Lil Nas X mouth for a spin!
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GÁBOR Magazine The LGBTQ’s New Source for Underground Artists
CONTENTS Dec-Feb 22/23
INTERVIEWS 2 AyoRashawn -
FEATURES 24 Oliver Twixt -
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THE HARD SPITTA
Peachez MOVIN’ ON UP
10
Benji Badass BEHIND THE WHAMM! Simply Sabir RAP REPORT
13
21 Khareem Lovejoy -
KL Apparels X Music
31
Eric Roberts SUPERSTAR SHINING
44
Rinah Maria BAD BITCH 101
88 Aaron Thomas -
GAME CHANGER! KHAM Eye Candy Of The Year
46
SEVNDEEP UNDERGROUND ICON
Antoine Blvck 52 Artist To Watch GMG 60Gabor Music Group Gábor Gotta Grab 73 Hot New Releases
74 Chad X Leggoh OTA!
Return To Gospel
HEM 90A NEW ERA
92 Zay Rari -
The Jump Off!
Marc Margiela 94Figuring Him Out! KWEENG DOLL 96WHO’S THAT GURL?
98
BSD Get Into Some Thangs! 18 | GÁBOR
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KHAREEM LOVEJOY KL APPARELS X MUSIC He been gone for a minute now he back with The Jump Off! So get ready for it! Khareem Lovejoy is expanding from music and headed into the fashion world with his new niche “KL Apparels”! The musician is also gearing up for a comeback with music and we caught up with him to see what’s going down in his world!
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You have a clothing line out right now that’s very eye catching with the words! Tell us about how this came about? The message and inspiration for my clothing line is sexual liberation. Loving and owning everything about your sexuality. When I came out as bisexual people around me , especially those who were close kept telling me that I was gay because "nobody is actually bisexual " so my first shirt I dropped was the "bi af", and regardless of how you identify I want people to be themselves "AF". You know that’s a interesting take! Why do you think people believe nobody can be bisexual? Most people don't see things beyond their own perspective, and don't understand the versatility of human nature. So when it comes to your clothing line will see it expand to more than just the shirts? What’s coming next? Absolutely, I'm currently under rebranding. I love the symbolism behind my graphic tees & hoodies, but I want to transition into high fashion. I've been working on some pieces that are both feminine and masculine. I can't wait to finish. High fashion you say! What will you call it? We know it’s KL Apparels but will the name change and any particular brand it may remind of us? More than likely it will remain KL Apparels, but I'm not sure if the name will evolve with the brand. But I get a lot of inspiration from @desertedinurban & @jacqflock ,I love their style. So we notice Stahr Milan was a face of the brand for the launch! Will he remain a face of the rebrand or will we see more well known faces? I would love to continue to work with Stahr Milan, he has showed support to me over the years social media. I'm tapping in with a few of the influencer on social media. I have some things in the works with the beautiful @iamjarijones so stay tuned. Let’s get into the prices! Will they remain or go up cause your shirts already are pretty affordable! I'll be keeping my prices the same for the graphics tees and hoodies, but the new collection I'm dropping the prices will definitely be up. Sounds good! Whatever happened to you doing music? I did put a break on my music, my I'm currently working on two projects " After the Break Up " and an untitled EP. I got a good response with the previous music I've released , and this time around I want to produce an all around better quality of work with visuals and a more professional sound. Being an artist I'm my biggest critic and set the bar very high for myself. The music I'm working on now is very personal and I know the listeners will feel and relate to what I have to say. ”After The Break Up” sounds personal! What’s your love life looking like these days? It's very personal, after ending an almost 5 year relationship, I went through a range of emotions both high and low. Being in a public relationship was very challenging because so many people had opinions on what they thought was going on. As far as my love life... I'm dating and exploring my options, but the streets are not for me. It's an adjustment for me for sure. We’re sure the boys are dying for a piece of you! What’s the best way for them to get your attention? The best way to get my Attention would be consistency, do what you say as in don’t make empty promises, make plans and execute. I'm pretty chill so vibes will definitely catch my eye. Would you say you’re a very sexual person? Based on the shirts we’d guess so. I am honestly, but that's only in a relationship because there's a lot that comes with the power of sex. The idea of sexual freedom is something I live for. Sex is one of the most intimate ways to communicate and express yourself. We know that’s right! So any last words for the folks out there that’s rooting for you? For those who've been following the past few years and the new supporters that are to come thank you for being apart of my journey. I hope you guys enjoy the rebranding of my art.
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Khareem Lovejoy photoed along with Stahr Milan for a promotional with photographer Jomar @mrshamoozoo for KL APPARELS
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E M GA R E G N A H C WHO’S GONNA RUN THE SHOW?
THESE DAYS A TRUE HUSTLER IS GONNA MAKE IT HAPPEN NO MATTER WHAT IS IN THEIR WAY SO YOUR BEST BET IS TO WATCH OUT FOR OLIVER TWIXT! HE’S CHANGING THE GAME! Words By Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By Paris Steward
Oliver Twixt made his oh so authentic debut to the world on Chasing: Atlanta Season 3! The funny, charismatic, ambitious and goal oriented self proclaimed Nerd quickly won over fans everywhere in the world. Seeing him on the show made us proud of someone like him who would go on rather quickly to achieve many things during his tenure on the show literally taking advantage!
The talented rapper has brought lyricism to a genre when it was quickly fading away and his graphic skills are not to be played with! Headlining shows, putting other artists on, providing platforms and showing genuine support to those of the community when it truly matters. A leader amongst other many things. All of his moves has advanced him to a string of big deals and situations others would die for!
Oliver has worked with many celebrities and public figures such as Funky Dineva, Dr. Heavenly, Monique and many others. You’ve seen him on WETV with the lovely TS Madison whom is adored by the LGBTQ community and who Oliver does tremendous work with. Now, soon to make his Netflix debut on the hit show “The Circle” we expect nothing less than who we’ve seen for the past couple of years. 24 | GÁBOR
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GÁBOR: Now we had to get the Nerd for a cover sooner or later! How are you feeling about yourself right now? You’ve come a long way!
OT: I am so happy with myself and everything I’ve been able to accomplish. It‘s an honor for my community to recognize me such as you guys and it’s important that I try to always stay connected to my people, my community, my folks, my tribe as I venture along this journey. GÁBOR: It’s been a couple years since your Chasing Atlanta debut and we gotta admit you’ve hit the ground running ever since! What instilled that ambition in you? OT: I’ve always just wanted to be great & win in life. I’ve always been a goal oriented person. I’ve always found happiness achieving things and elevating and I get bored doing the same thing. It’s really just my excitement I get excited about reaching new things, achieving new things, being in new arenas and it’s just exciting for me.
GÁBOR: We’ve seen you creating digital content for multiple stars in Atlanta and the industry as a whole so some want to know what does it feel like being around these people? OT: It’s a rewarding experience to have the caliber of people I’ve worked with seek me out to work with me. There’s only one person in life that I’ve ever reached out to too work for and that’s Funky Dineva! Every other person in life that I’ve worked for reached out to me because they saw what I’ve created in the past for others and wanting it done for themselves. So it’s an honor to have crossed paths with some of the greatest that’s doing it and have ever done it. That they wanted to share their space, time, journey and careers with me as a creator. It’s an honor overall. It’s a huge honor. GÁBOR: You dropped some freestyles and remixes here there over the last year but can we expect a full return to music because it seems as if you abandoned it a little bit? OT: I won’t say I abandoned it, it’s just during certain times in my life I gotta do a certain thing but honestly now that I can talk freely about it I was always waiting for The Circle to come out for me to launch my music. I was actually just using the other times just to relax and take a break because when I do my own art I’m really invested in every aspect of it. I don’t like lazy, meaningless uninspired art. I like everything to have a purpose behind it. So I think while everybody thought I was taking a break I actually was gearing up. So now that The Circle is about to come out on Netflix you guys will be hearing new music from me in like two weeks! (Laughs) GÁBOR: You are making your Netflix debut on the hit show “The Circle”! Congratulations on that gig! What can your fans expect seeing you on there cause we’re sure it’s a different ballgame from Chasing Atlanta. OT: I would say for those who have followed me throughout my different facets of my career wether you watched me on Chasing: Atlanta or you seen me in a blog space with one of your faves maybe TS Madison or maybe you’ve watched my own interviews! it’s gonna be Oliver like I can only be myself so ya know I’m not a fake ass bitch, I’m not someone who puts on and I’m not someone who hits a button and I’m like “Oh! I’m gonna say this, I’m gonna do this!” The Circle is probably I would say the most comfortable and the most confident I’ve ever been in life. I haven’t seen any of it so I’ll be watching as you guys are watching it but I’m pretty sure that this is probably gonna be the best experience for the people who enjoy Oliver Twixt. It’s gonna be dope cause I really didnt give a fuck! I didn’t really care like I didn’t second guess myself, I was very confident in everything I mean to be quite honest this is the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my career! This is the biggest thing ever and I can confidently say I got there by my own name, my own talent, my own credit and nothing was a favor. I barley mentioned Ive worked with celebrities or had done stuff because I really wanted this to be a testament to who I am and what I do and offer. So the fact that I made it that far to be actually on the show as a cast member I was like “Oh my god! I am enough!” on The Circle ya’ll are gonna see me in rare form.
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GÁBOR: We have to say seeing you on WeTV was huge for the LGBTQ! The underdogs always come out on top so how is it working with TS Madison whom we love and live for! OT: It was really dope to work on the first ever reality tv show starring and executive produced by a trans woman of color. Umm, not only historical in that regard the fact that we got reality tv icon Tiffany “New York” Pollard to be on our show was also a plus so again it was another moment where I was like “Oh my god!” Everything that I am and represent in this world has brought me to this moment to be one of the more featured characters on the show that the network decided to go with and so to not only get the job but to impress the higher ups who I never met personally enough to where they’re like “Ok! We’re gonna treat him as ya know like a main featured person on the show.” I thought that was freaking dope! It was freaking amazing! I appreciated it so much and I’mbery gratefu to (TS) Madison for being who she is and allowing me to go on this journey with her on that project. GÁBOR: There’s been a great resurgence to America’s Next Top Model as well since you’ve been interviewing a lot of the girls from different seasons! What made you wanna do that? OT: I honestly started interviewing people because Jay Manuel had invited me to go live with him as he was concluding his Top Model Expose series. Once I did it I got such great feedback from the viewing audience that I was like ”Oooh! I can continue to do this.” It was during the pandemic. I had time on my hands and it was something that kind of felt natural to me to talk about something that I really loved. So that’s honestly what it was it was really timing and my energy kind of converged together at one time and it kinda put a spark in me to do it. And again I had only talked about something that I only watched like a million times and was very passionate about. GÁBOR: How do you balance your personal life and work life cause you’re extremely busy 24/7 and always on the go so we would definitely like to know how you hold it down! OT: I actually have a great work life balance. I try to prioritize what’s more important for me to get done which cuts down on anxiety. I do schedule start & stop times for myself. I have an calendar that I stick to like a bible and I stick to it so much to the fact that I ain’t gonna say the person name but a Real Housewife Of Atlanta star who I’ma be working with in 2023, she called me and was like “Can you come over today?” It was real last minute and I was like “No, I can come over another day cause I’m already booked out for the day.” That’s how serious my calendar and my schedule is today. I told that rich, rich, rich woman “No, I can’t come over there today.” When in the past I would’ve been like “Yeah! Sure!” I’m just tryna stick to a schedule and a pace where I minimize being frantic or feeling frantic and just priortizing and rewarding myself like on the weekends I don’t work, I don’t answer the phone if I don’t feel like it, I don’t check my email, I give myself designated schedule times to stop working and go workout or eat or talk or do something and that’s been very helpful. I actually feel like I’m getting more done now than I’ve ever done before. GÁBOR: What can the world expect from The Head Nerd In Charge in 2023? OT: You gonna see a whole lot more high profile collaborations with bigger brands that I’m very excited about to be announcing in the next couple of weeks. The Circle will be out from the end of December all the way till January so that’s going on. I have a vacation that I’m taking my friends, family and followers on in February to Mexico that I’m going to be filming a special project while on that trip and I’m so excited for you guys to see. And then releasing music, New visuals I’ve been able to become more educated in the newer waves of technology, design and video editing so I’m exitedro reassert my musical identity in 2023 for everybody to see that all this time that y’all think I just been forgetting about music it’s like no nigga I ain’t forget about music. I’ve just been waiting for the right time to put my all into it. Now is the time and I’m excited about it
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ERIC ROBERTS IMAGES: CAMERON PERRY HAIR: ERIC ROBERTS MAKEUP: ERIC ROBERTS STYLIST: ERIC ROBERTS TOP: ELECTRIC BOUTIQUE PANTS: THRIFT SHOP SHOES: DEMONIA
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SU
R PERSTA
N I I H N S G A FIRE WARDOBE, HOT VOICE AND HOT SINGLE! CAN ERIC ROBERTS DO IT ALL? YES HE CAN! A CERTIFIED TRIPLE THREAT ON THE SCENE AND HE’S JUST GETTING STARTED! BY: Ke’Vea S. Blayton
E
ric Roberts has blasted onto the music scene in the community with a blazing ass single titled “Dance With Me” and the Disco inspired dance track is one to light up the da-
nce floor in the club! The Dallas, TX born thoroughbred has everything it takes to get far in this game especially as a new comer in the industry. The style he possess is definitely through the damn roof! An artist who has impeccable style can go a long way these days cause some times we can admit image alone will take you through doors talent can’t. Eric got it on lock from the photoshoots that‘ll put a mainstream artist to shame to the look that look like it’s worth millions! The single itself sparked out interest once we heard it cause it sounded so damn good and once we seen the video there was no denying the talent that he has. He can dance and sing! The shit is so crazy that even the backup dancers are on point so you can’t spark a flaw in nobody or nothing that’s surrounded with Eric Roberts. We need artists to really step out the box and our Pop artists gives it all they got and the best foot is always placed forward. We’re in the presence of a cultural reset! A superstar that’s shining! A future Pop music icon in the making! Ya can’t deny it and we never will! We got to interview Eric about something’s and get in his head about the single. He’s definitely got the personality and realness to go with a brand that’s gonna shake up everything sooner than later.
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Let’s hop into this shit! You got the fire ass single out right now called “Dance With Me” how did it happen? Let’s get into it! I started this project last August. I wanted my first song to be disco inspired and I knew it had to say dance with me in the lyrics , I hunted for months trying to find the beat that could give me the energy I need for this song. Around February of this year I showed a demo of it to a lot of my friends and everyone was super impressed with the quality and the vibe of it so I decided to take it seriously and by that I mean like promo video, photo shoots and etc. And it eventually just did it’s thing I’ve created a very important first moment for myself. You definitely did! Disco is damn sure coming back so are we gonna get more disco from you? You should take this on as a full sound for yourself! I definitely don’t mind making disco tracks, I have so many genres that I could cater to and I can’t wait to share it. So what artist would you say inspired you to hop into music? I love Mariah Carey! Her sound, her writing and she’s very hands on with a lot of the production for her songs. She’s also multiracial and so am I and the way she talks about her background I can really relate to it. Plus my mom played her non stop growing up but also that voice, come on it’s iconic. That’s great to hear! We love Mariah as well so let’s shift to your photoshoots which we love! Where’s the creativity coming from?
Honestly I wish I could say where but I feel like they mostly start from a piece. I’ll build from that piece and also I love y2k and futuristic fashion so I try to really push the box on what I show people and really try to collaborate as well with so many different photographers. Nowadays you can do so much with technology it makes the photo shoots creativity endless! The shoots are fucking incredible! You are a complete package! We take that as you must feel that music and fashion go hand to hand? Thank you! Absolutely fashion, art , music and technology are a packaged deal for me. So any other gay artist you see yourself collaborating with? At the moment I have a few here in Dallas I’m working with , but I’m also open to anything and everything . This is how we get further as artist is collaborating and building each other up. Say it again for the ones in the back! Now you’re very attractive! They say ya gotta be single to be in the queer entertainment world! Has anyone tried hitting on you yet? The boys are definitely there and trying haha but I am seeing someone right now and it’s going pretty well but we shall see I try not to have to many expectations cause people naturally are gonna disappoint you but must remain optimistic. You make a great point! Any last words for the people? Stay focused on your dreams whatever that may be , never let anyone take that from you. Give love and kindness and the world will take care of you from there!
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Eric Roberts photoed by Devon Colman with CGI Aesthetics by Jelly Coke; Chest Piece by Evie Wolfe; Silk Satin Pieces custom by Eric Roberts and Boots from Demonia
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KHAM EYE CANDY OF THE YEAR
Nasty Boy! Mr. Twerk Sum himself ain’t got nothing left to prove cause those ASSets of his is the reason he’s Eye Candy Of The Year! WORDS KE’VEA S. BLAYTON
IMAGES PARIS STEWARD
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“ I like a man to be freaky as fuck, ready to snowball this cum and suck it out my ass like a Caprisun! “
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K
ham has given us everything we’ve looked for when deciding on who would wear the crown as GÁBOR’s Eye Candy Of The Year! We didn’t really have to look far since his one of a kind pictures and amazing twerk skills keeps dicks lifted and asses wet!
Tell us what it feel like to be Eye Candy Of The Year? I’m Grateful and honored to have such great people reach out and want to work with me. I feel like I’m going in the right direction.
Ok, we see you on social media and the guys go crazy for you so tell us what it take for a guy to get with Kham? I like both men and woman, communication is key though. And consistency. They would have to show me their really team kham.
Would you say you like topping or bottoming more? Topping more. Every blue moon I may get the urge to bottom but really not a big deal for me.
How big of a freak are you? I can get freaky. I know how to please. I’m a pleaser in the bedroom.
What’s the biggest sexual turn on for you? I love body contact. I like to hug and nice skin is a turn on. Being close turns me on.
Describe how good yo oral sex is? My oral sex will have a nigga busting in 2 seconds!
Tell us, how nasty do you like a man a to be? I like a man to be freaky as fuck, ready to snowball this cum and suck it out my ass like a Caprisun!
You been dropping music as well so how’s that going? My music is going great, finishing up the final touches to my first project. I’m excited because I know how hard I’ve worked on it. It’s me. I travel a lot, so it’s easy for me to have an experience and then rap about it. I also like making people dance. Stripper music is my favorite genre.
Sources tell us that being a sex symbol while also rapping is a huge plus in the LGBTQ community! Do you agree? I agree, but also it all depends on what you want your end goals to be. But who knows.. times are changing. Soon we all will be accepted.
Give us something a person can do during sex that will turn you the fuck off? I don’t like gassy back-shots. If I’m hitting you from the back it shouldn’t sound like you taking a shit.
If you could choose anyone in the world to have one good night with who would it be? Umm maybe Drake. I like Drake a lot..
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101
BITCH
BAD
STRAIGHT PRESSURE
RINAH MARIA IS SHOWING BITCHES HOW IT GO AND MAKING MONEY! Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Brian Reyes
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GÁBOR: Mmm, You are one bad bitch! We know you don’t strip anymore but how did you get into the game? Rinah Maria: I got into the game strictly for survival, I was 18 still in foster care and needed money to live! I never knew I would be popular. I just knew I needed it to eat! GÁBOR: We hear that life can be cutthroat! Ever had to beat up a bitch? Rinah Maria: Haha what Stripper don’t fight, hell yeah I had to get busy a couple times but it was more so out of respect you feel me! GÁBOR: What’s the most money you ever made in a night? Rinah Maria: The most money I made in a night no cap was 15k. I was in Houston, Texas at Area 29! GÁBOR: Now some people are insecure and some aren’t so do you find it hard to maintain a relationship being in the public eye handling all your business? Rinah Maria: I’m actually in a relationship now. To be even more honest I’m married to a woman and don’t get me wrong I’ve had my share of insecure bitches but I’m lucky to have a very supportive soul mate on my hip at this moment! GÁBOR: Tell us about Stripper Camp! What’s it hitting for? Rinah Maria: Well the first two seasons we’re trial runs I’ll like to say, I’m getting ready for seas on 3 now. It’s a show in which I mold regular women to become Exotic entertainers in 7 days! Teaching them the do’s & the dont’s inside this game! GÁBOR: What’s it like working with Stevie J? That gotta be a fun rollercoaster ride! Rinah Maria: Steve J inspired me for real no cap! He was literally that moment in my life that reminded me I am that bitch! GÁBOR: Now let’s settle this once & for all! You won’t be on Joseline Cabaret right? Who started these rumors? Rinah Maria: Umm don’t know who started them & I don’t know if it’s true! Do you think I deserve to be on Joseline Cabaret ? GÁBOR: Hell yes!
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UNDERGROUND ICON
SEVNDEEP HAS BLASTED ONTO THE MUSIC SCENE AND HAS NOT LET HIS FOOT OFF OF ANYBODIES NECK! LITERALLY NO ONE HAS BEEN SAFE AND THE WAY HE’S GOING THIS UNDERGROUND ICON IS IN FOR MORE GIFTS THAN THE ONES HE ALREADY POSSES.
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Maneater that’s gonna devour everything in his way! Sevn is the epitome of a artist personified. The driven force of a very marketable brand, this is the amazing artistry we’ve been waiting a long time for when it comes to the independent game known as the underground since it’s clearly where the talent resides! Sevn arrived at the Photoshoot for our 1 year anniversary double cover with nothing but precious energy and a look to die for from his incredible stylist Fro. A natural in front of the camera so it was no worries about what he could do because at this point what the hell can’t he do? He’s a genius nonetheless. It‘s a huge vibe being up close and personal with a artist like him. You see the passion, the glow and all natural flow that isn’t forced. The qualities money can’t buy for sure. GÁBOR has been on a streak with every cover since the beginning so to close the year out and open the next one with a bang we came to the right artist that’s definitely gonna bring it and show exactly why he’s who he is…….Our Underground Icon.
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GÁBOR: We been having our eye on you for a while but knew we had to get you for a cover when the timing was right! How are you? SEVN: Thank you guys so much. You know it’s always love . To be honest, I’m blessed ! I can honestly say I’m happy and excited for the future. GÁBOR: So you’ve came onto the scene in a huge way that a lot of people seem to admire! What do you think it is about you that get everyone going? SEVN: I think it’s my boldness and authenticity. Well, that’s what I’ve been told. I’m really not afraid to be me and that’s my power. People can sense power, even if they don’t understand it.
GÁBOR: So you’ve been dropping some crazy visuals like “Man Eater”, “Sex With My Ex”, “Break My Back” and “Hips”! We have to say for an independent artist that your videos eat! Tell us why you believe a good visual is important. SEVN: A great visual can make or break a song . I grew up on great artist who took making videos very seriously . I could watch making the video on MTV all day so naturally I wanted to show that when I started making music. GÁBOR: We’ve noticed that you drop singles and we actually think it’s a smarter way to build and secure a fanbase instead of just dropping projects when nobody knows you so we have to ask was securing a strong fanbase the reason you drop the hot singles after each other?
“ I’m really not afraid to be me and that’s my power. People can sense power, even if they don’t understand it. “ SEVN: That was exactly the goal. I’m not really too big on a full project right now. There are so many different sides to me so I wanted to experiment without the pressure of trying to have a solid body ep / album. I have two out but those aren’t me anymore. I wanted to focus on who I am now as an artist. GÁBOR: We saw you dip into reality tv on the show “ Hot Haus” what was that like for you? SEVN: It was amazing . I grew up watching New York Tiffany Pollard so it was actually a full circle moment for me. I loved the process and all the amazing people behind the scenes that work hard to make sure you’re good as the “talent” but I wouldn’t do reality tv again. I don’t need it.
SEVN: This is going to sound cliche but I mind my business. I’m only in competition with myself. There is no one, independent or mainstream, that can do what I do like I do it . Knowing that keeps me out of any drama. GÁBOR: Where do your amazing dance skills come from? You kill it every time you start dancing wether it’s performing, the videos etc. The body is incredible by the way! SEVN: Honestly , Missy, Janet , Britney & Usher. I’ve been dancing for so long but watching them sparked something in me . I love dancing . It’s another for of expressing yourself and I love that.
GÁBOR: Let’s talk about the ballroom scene! How long have you been involved and also congrats on joining the Haus Of Basquiat!
GÁBOR: Before we go we have one last question, how does it feel being the independent icon?
SEVN: Ballroom. I love so much. I used to avoid it and now I’m in love. My haus is truly my family and they’re stuck with me forever . Thank you so much. BASKKKKKIIIIIIIIII
SEVN: It feels powerful . The things I tried to hide about myself or weed ashamed of growing up are the things that are making me ICONIC. I love being me whole heartedly.
GÁBOR: How do you keep away from the negative antics of the Gay rap world? We know it can get real catty with the artists these days so it’s a good thing we never see you involved in any of the nonsense.
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Artist To Watch
Antoine Blvck is the one we’re banking on! After releasing great music, dropping amazing music videos and keeping the hunger alive there’s no other person we would’ve picked to rep this title to end the year!
AB Words By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Cameron Perry
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When it’s time to choose who will rep Artist To Watch we always dig deep to see who’s really out here moving and shaking and remaining hungry! Antoine Blvck is who we decided to go with to end the year with a big bang! He’s been overly consistent with his career and keeping everything fresh like his life depend on it! We acknowledge a artist who’s photoshoots always look top notch on the level of a mainstream artist and videos are becoming a staple in the underground world especially the way he dropped “So Paid” that visual had is at Gábor in a chokehold nonetheless. Seeing him destroy features like Estevan, The God’s “ Meat“ remix and Tommie LeFloré‘s “ Cuff“ remix really showed what he’d do when it comes to hopping on a track and bringing that heat. The right moves are being made along with the plan that’s set in motion and we salute this special artist no cap. This industry isn’t for the weak due to the every man for himself mentality its a dog eat dog world and the strongest survive when their in it to win it with no bullshit holding them back or stunting their growth as seen what it could do to the most talented. We‘d hood it never happen to Antoine! The way he’s going about things is leading anyone deciding to come in the game right up under him is in the right hands. We’re banking on Antoine Blvck for 2023 most def! We want to see what’s in store from his debut project to the fucking rollout that’s gonna be bananas! We’ve gotten fire ass singles and seen the collabs all 2022 so that can only tell us that’s it’s a big preview for what’s ahead. Antoine definitely shouldn’t be nervous at all considering that he’s already moving like a superstar and giving the best of the best quality he can throw out like no other. Big people should be on the look out cause the underground world got a lot of shit to say!
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“I’ve never personally been one for beef, I don’t have beef with anyone that raps so it’s personally not hard for me to work with other gay rappers.” Gábor: This is our first time chatting with you! How are you feeling? AB: I feel great, I was just at the studio last night and now I’m doing this. I’m so grateful to be apart of this fly ass magazine. Thank you for asking me to be apart for this, I appreciate it so much. Feels amazing. Gábor: So you were selected as this issues “Artist To Watch”! What did you think when you were first notified? AB: I was actually shocked! I never even knew I was on garbor’s radar. To be recognized as an independent artist who is putting in work feels amazing and it’s honestly humbling because as an artist, I put so much energy, time and coins into my releases so it’s nice to know people are watching and actually want more. You spend hours writing, recording and shooting and sometimes you don’t know if your art will land or grab attention, so it’s nice to know that people see me and think that I’m worth watching. Gábor: We recently seen you drop a hot ass single “So Paid”. Tell us about that track. AB: Yes, of course.. My latest single ‘So Paid’ is my baby right now. I recorded it early 2022 along with another song I had plans on releasing. Both of the songs were very strong and I was conflicted between which one I was going to actually make my single. After listening to them over and over again, I decided to go with ‘So Paid’. I chose it because the energy is epic, it’s a dope, feel good track that anyone can listen to regardless of gender or sexuality, which was important to me because I never want to put my self in a box. The song also kind of felt like it could be an anthem, like who doesn’t feel good when they get a haircut or pay they rent! I know I do! It doesn’t hurt that the beat go hard as fuck either. That’s what really made me want to put it out, its a banger. Gábor: The video to the track was crazy. We loved the aesthetic and it definitely gave so what’s yo secret to these videos cause all of yours are dope? AB: Thank you! I appreciate it. I love doing music videos, I feel like a lot of times the visual is just as important as the actual track, especially in todays TikTok, YouTube, Instagram era. But honestly there’s no secret, I just always think to myself “this has to be different than the others” and I pretty much start from there. In the ‘So Paid’ video in particular I just wanted something clean and I wanted it to be cinematic in terms of the quality it was shot in. I will say that it takes a very skilled videographer to pull some of these videos off. Fortunately all of the guys I’ve worked with have done great jobs at bringing my music to life so shout out to them! All of the concepts, venues, models and fashions are my ideas but no matter how good all of that is, if it’s shot wrong, it’s gonna suck. The videographer is definitely what matters the most in that situation, It’s like the icing on top of the cake. If your videographer ass then 9 times out of 10 the video gone be ass. Gábor: Who’s some of your musical influences? AB: I really have versatile taste in music but my all time favorite number one artist is Onika Tanya. Yes, im a barb but I just feel like anytime she’s on a track she does her big one. I remember the first time I saw her she was rapping in some shiny leggings and on a yellow lambo and I told my uncle JR that she was gonna be a star. Next thing I know she on songs with Gucci Mane, Mariah Carey and Eminem. So I’ve been a fan of hers for a really long time, I’m also a huge fans of Kid Cudi, Frank Ocean, Rihanna, Bey, Drake.. you know the legends but someone you would be surprised to know That I’m a big fan of is Olivia Rodrigo, she can write the hell out of some music. I had her song ‘Traitor’ on repeat for like a whole month, literally.
Gábor: Tell us about your future debut project! What can we expect on that? AB: I’m so excited for it. It’ll be coming the first quarter of 2023. I’m actually planning to do the cover art photoshoot in a few weeks. it’s the next shoot on my calendar and it’s gonna be my best photoshoot to date. The EP will be a blend of braggadocios rap bars with lots of melodic flare. I think it’s a really good collection songs to introduce myself to the world with, the songs were write by me so they embody my personality and aura. It’s gonna be a dope listen, trust me. I can officially let you know the name of the EP is “The New Supreme” I will be announcing an official release date sometime in mid January 2023 if all goes well so be on the look out for that. Gábor: You collaborated earlier this year with Estevan The, God on his remix to “Meat”. How did that come together? AB: Yes I did. Shout out to him, I’ve never met him in person but when talk he’s always been super nice. The collab came about through instagram messges honestly. I reached out let him know I was a fan of his, I think that he’s top tier talent in Houston and from there we just kept in contact. One day I hit him and told him we need to start working on a collab and he told me to send him a track and I ain’t have shit to send back. The following day he hit me and was like you just should jump on ‘Meat’ so I did, he coordinated the collab with Jackie Tsunami and his verse was fire too. It was a cute song I liked it so I did it. I think I want to work with him again on more stuff if he’s up for it, I would love to do a video with him so we will see. Gábor: Do you feel like it’s hard for gay artists to work together considering most of ‘em beef? AB: Do they? I didn’t know the girls was out here beefing like that. They need to settle down and let the work speak for itself. No but honestly, I feel like with anything you do in life your not going to be friends with everyone. I don’t feel like everybody need to be friends. Rap has never really been like a ‘friendly sport’, there’s always been cliques with beef within rap. I think as long as they keep it on wax they’re good but once you start getting physical then it’s like okay, what are we doing here? It’s just music. I’ve never personally been one for beef, I don’t have beef with anyone that raps so it’s personally not hard for me to work with other gay rappers. I’m pretty easy to get along with, I have songs with several gay rappers like TheRealLifeKen, Tommie LeFlore & others. Gábor: Tell us how would you describe your whole aesthetic? AB: That’s a great question because I ask myself that daily. I don’t think I’ve figured it out yet. That’s honestly something I feel like I’m struggling to identify with. I know what I like and I ride with that. I know some people have like a whole aesthetic genre they fit into and I just dont. One day I may feel like being super hood and the next day I might feel like being super emo or super like happy. You bringing this up just further proves my point of me needing to take my fashion and styling more seriously. Right now fashion is an area I personally feel my brand could use improvement in so hopefully the next time we speak I have a better answer. Gábor: How’s your love life? Any gay artists you crushing on? AB: My love life is nonexistent, I’m not dating and I don’t plan on dating seriously until I accomplish personal and professional goals within my life. I feel like it wouldn’t be fair to the person because they wouldn’t have my full attention, I’m so obsessed with music right now. I will literally flake on a date to go write a song or to go to the studio instead. I want to make it so bad that anything else would just get in the way. But just because I’m focused doesn’t mean I don’t have needs and don’t have eyes,
I’m just not trying to be committed at the moment. A lot of the gay rappers are very attractive some are fine af but as far as me wanting them and having a crush, hell no. I got a crush on these bars. Although I don’t have a crush on these two I do think that Palo and Keelan are cuties and they have nice, down to earth personalities which makes them even more adorable honestly. We are in a actually a part of a Christmas project that dropped. Make sure y’all go check it out.
Gábor: Any last words for the people? AB: Of course, I just want to thank Gabor magazine for shining a light on the LGBT hip hop community, I think what you are doing is dope and needed for the community. I want to thank everyone who has ever supported me in the past and anyone supporting me in the future, I appreciate every purchase, stream, like, view and comment. I’m gone really be turning up the heat in 2023. I can’t say too much but just know the EP ‘The New Supreme’ will be out soon and the cover art is gonna be a site to see! Make sure download and stream that when it drops! Thank you!
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GEMINI FILMZ IS BACK!
The most anticipated show that everyone loves is here for another go round! Returning cast members, new cast members, love, beef and a whole lot of drama!
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GMG Gabor Music Group EST. 2022 The new camp is here and ready for the crown! Led by Doodie Gabor is a force to soon be reckoned with. The golden era of Hip-Hop may soon see a comeback of real music and star quality cause GMG is here to bring it to you live!
WORDS By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton IMAGES By: Canon Carter
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Doodie Gábor From:
New Orleans, La
Lyrical Ability:
Agressive, Nasty & Insane!
Musical Inspirations:
Lil Kim, Juvenile, Jacki-O, Biggie, Ghetto Twiinz, Mia X, Jay-Z, Foxy Brown & Remy Ma.
Goals with GMG:
To win everything & create a feel that takes you back to the golden era.
Final Message:
Get ready cause it’s bound to keep you coming back for more!
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Paxsir From:
Spartanburg, SC
Lyrical Ability:
Playful, Cocky & Toned.
Musical Inspirations:
Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Biggie, Wayne, & I love Tyler, The Creator.
Goals with GMG:
I would love for us to be around for a long ass time. I want us to be successful as fuck, come in and make a impact.
Final Message:
GMG is about to take the fuck over! Time is up!
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TY MITCH From:
New Jersey
Lyrical Ability:
Witty, Sharp & Intelligent.
Musical Inspirations:
Jay Z, Lil Wayne and Mariah Carey.
Goals with GMG:
Elevation through Family and Resources.
Final Message:
“GMG, we the feature now. You at pep rally go and hit the bleachers now. Mitchycon is teacher now!”
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REMEDEE RAPS From:
New York City
Lyrical Ability:
A lyrical beast!
Musical Inspirations:
Jay-Z, Jadakiss, Nicki Minaj Drake & Tory Lanez.
Goals with GMG:
To takeover everything!
Final Message:
BEWARE
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DEVANTE MARQUES From:
Farrell, Pennsylvania
Vocal Ability:
Soulful, Edgy, Hip-Hop Soul
Musical Inspirations:
Usher, Lyfe Jennings, Tank, Chris Brown, Jodeci and Bobby Brown to name a few.
Goals with GMG:
To connect with various different artist, build bonds and mainly have fun.
Final Message:
DeVante Marques will make every person who meet him, or come across him never forget him.
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GABOR MUSIC GROUP T he new profound entity formed by Doodie Gábor is here to garner something we call a cultural reset! A crazily insane roster consisting of Paxsir, Ty Mitch, Remedee Raps and Devante Marques is bound to make heads turn and tension flare because they’re here to blow up the spot immediately. The undreground Gay rap world hasn’t had a camp come to the forefront of this magnitude in a while and with a hard hitting debut single that reminds us of an old 2000 classic “4 Da Fam” is heating up the streets of the community in a heavy way! The music video which was directed & shot by Lamont Baldwin instantly gave the vibes of the Roc in a major way of paying homage like no other! ”Image is everything to me and I’m gonna make sure that every time we step for a Photoshoot or Music Video that we step in a major way!” Says Doodie Gábor. The image of the Photoshoot most def gave us that early 2000s Hip-Hop feel when niggas had street teams, the entourage was all real ass motherfuckers and you know who was apart of what because everything was a statement. Pictures which was shot by Celebrity photographer Canon Carter of Atlanta, Ga! “He has those pictures that make you wanna shoot with him! I mean look at the material like come on, Lil Yachty,Christian Combs, Flo Milli I mean the list goes on and all the photos are fire as fuck.” Says Doodie Gábor. We do know that GMG got a lot in store especially the compilation album that’s gonna drop in February of 2023 and set to feature music from all of the artists present. We gotta heavy feeling that the music is about to light fire under everyone ass once that shit drop because we already know if Doodie Gábor attach his name to something then fire is what’s coming from it!
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Doodie Gábor photoed by Canon Carter @younginwithacanon; Shirt & Bandana by Alexander Joseph of GLDBRIICK; Shoes by Nike; Pants by ASOS; Hair By; Rique Renard of @laceonlock
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Paxsir photoed by Canon Carter @younginwithacanon; Shirt & Bandana by Alexander Joseph of GLDBRIICK; Shoes by Nike; Pants by ASOS; Hair By; Chickcora of @coraslayss
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Ty-Mitch photoed by Canon Carter @younginwithacanon; Shirt & Bandana by Alexander Joseph of GLDBRIICK; Boots by Forever 21; Skirt by MAKEMECHIC; Hair by Ty-Mitch Hair LLC
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Remedee Raps photoed by Canon Carter @younginwithacanon; Shirt & Bandana by Alexander Joseph of GLDBRIICK; Shoes by Nike; Pants by ASOS
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DeVante Marques photoed by Canon Carter @younginwithacanon; Shirt & Bandana by Alexander Joseph of GLDBRIICK; Shoes by Valentino; Pants by @retrohuman_; Glasses by Versace
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GÁBOR GOTTA GRAB THE PLACE TO BE FOR THE HOTTEST NEW DROPS! MUSIC AVAILBLE ON STREAMING PLATFORMS!
DA ALBUMS
NEW SINGLES
GET YA EARS READY TO LISTEN TO THE HOT NEW ALBUMS THAT’S OUT BY THESE ARTISTS
THESE SINGLES ARE THE ONES YOU GOTTA LISTEN TO AND KEEP ON REPEAT!
Simply Sabir
Elephant In The Room LP
GMG
4 Da Fam
Remedee Raps
Nicki Remix
PEACHEZ
Short N Sweet EP
JAYLING
kennedy dior
Wrist
Swervin
Aaron thomas
God Doors LP
lambo Array
Mr. Hoodrat
My Sign TONIO BARE EP
Cakes da killa
SVENGALI LP
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HEM
busclown
Hem
Vogue
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OTA OPEN TO ALL
The Ballroom entity that’s killing everything in it’s way! We love to see leaders of the LGBTQ community making a stance and celebrating the positivity of the lifestyle. OTA is the next best thing to carry the legacy of many and doing a damn good job! We give praise to Leggoh and Chad as we shine light on a beautiful Situation!
WORDS: Ke’Vea S. Blayton IMAGES: @ianosphotography CREATIVE DIR: @Iamchadbailey DESIGNER/STYLIST: Claude Russell ASSISTANT: @sirrrjourdan
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Chad Bailey (left) and Leggoh (right) photographed by Photographer Ian Tyrone Stephens in New York City.
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GÁBOR: How did you become involved with OTA? CHAD: Leggoh saw the work I was doing in the community and also the industry and decided to provide me with an opportunity to give serious LGBTQIA artists the spot light. He trusted that I was going to give the artists and audience a continuous show every week that will be entertaining and professionally executed and he was right. GÁBOR: What is like planning the pre show? CHAD: Preparing for a show is easy if the artist is professional. When artists come to OTA to perform I provide them with all the knowledge I have on on how to be the best artist they can be. I’m very honest and I also pay attention to their strengths and show them how to work on their weaknesses. GÁBOR: One thing that’s noticeable is the crowds for the pre show! They show mad love to the artist wether they know them or not so is it something you discuss with the crowd or is it their own doing? CHAD: This crowd is as authentic as they can be. There have been times when they don’t love someone and they show it. It’s almost like the Apollo as Mother Jasmin would say. We would never tell they crowd what to do because we promote authenticity and for people to act how they feel in all aspects of life. It’s a welcoming crowd and they want everyone to feel welcomed to perform too.
“It’s our time to eat and be at the top and I believe in everything that OTA stands for.“ GÁBOR: Do you feel the pre show has become a huge deal before the main show? CHAD: Yes it has. The pre show is getting bigger and bigger. Sometimes there isn’t any room to even walk. When I took over OTA Preshow I made a vow to myself that I’m going to show people what I’m capable of and I did just that. Now people make it their duty to see who’s performing on Mondays and show up extra early so they don’t miss it. I have turned the Preshow into the start of a revolution, a revolution that supports their own and taking the music LGBTQIA artists make seriously. It’s not a joke at this point. OUT HIP HOP IS HERE! GÁBOR: Do you think you guys will ever give trophies out for the pre show for the best performances? CHAD: I don’t know about trophies but we are working on giving artists the opportunity to have a full concert for the pre and get paid for it. These artists would have to be artists who can give a full show with dancers, full concepts and more. We on some next level shit. Trophies are just something small to have, but a concert is something you can benefit from in so many ways. GÁBOR: Do you see yourself with OTA for the long haul? CHAD: Of course, I’m gonna be apart of the OTA team till the end. I have dedicated helping my brother Leggoh to take his brand and platform to the top. OTA is gonna get bigger and there is so much money out here to be made that LGBTQIA people of color barely get the opportunity to touch. It’s our time to eat and be at the top and I believe in everything that OTA stands for.
GÁBOR: How & what made you start OTA? LEGGOH: Long story short I will say, “Thank you Frankie Sharp and 3 Dollar Bill for offering me to do a weekly ball and giving me space to grow as an event producer.“ GÁBOR: Did you ever think this entity would become as legendary as it is? LEGGOH: OTA is a stern Star in the game making epic and legendary moments. I knew with the right team working together we were going to give an experience that would highlight the talent that comes to OTA and thank God that’s happening. GÁBOR: We’re still new to figuring out the Ball process! So can you tell us what all goes down when planning every show? LEGGOH: (Laughs) I will not, but I can tell you that when you have a team like mine the weekly routines eventually become autopilot making it easier on everyone to do their job. GÁBOR: We notice how positive OTA is and there’s never any drama that’s showcased so how do you keep it that way? LEGGOH: We put rules in place that forces more than just an individual accountable for their actions.
“OTA is a stern Star in the game making epic and legendary moments.” GÁBOR: What house are you apart of if you are apart of any? LEGGOH: I am the sole member in the House of JohVera. GÁBOR: We seen Lil Nas dip through a couple months ago! How did that feel to see a global superstar such as him who’s apart of the LGBTQ community come support and celebrate you guys? LEGGOH: It’s always nice to see a dark skin man living his truth and being successful at the same time while carrying in the charts. It was a lovely moment. GÁBOR: What’s your next plans for OTA? Will it continue to get even bigger because we see this going on for years and becoming a global household name for the world and gays all around. LEGGOH: I’m going to say STAY TUNED!
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Return to gospel!
Aaron Thomas has embarked on a amazing return to Gospel music with a #1 album and a lot to offer! GÁBOR: Can you tell us why you decided to go back to Gospel music?
GÁBOR: Would you say you’d return to R&B again after going back Gospel or no?
AT: I feel like it’s time with all that’s going on in the world. After breaking so many barriers and having achieved so many monumental accomplishments in my career I feel like now is the perfect time to go back to my roots. Also my fans, blogs, journalists and in several interviews people have been demanding a new Gospel album from me. Though I wasn’t spiritually 100% ready I was willing to take on the challenge.
AT: A big YES! I have several projects I’m excited about underway. New RnB projects and many other genres in the works. At this point of my career no one can box me in.
GÁBOR: Do you think it’ll be an easy journey because we know the church usually looks down on folks who does secular music. AT: Having experience in both gospel and other genres I learned that peoples opinions shouldn’t determine what you believe in. No matter what you do somebody will always have something to say. The journey is never easy but the keys to overcome judgement is to be confident, be true to self and always have pure motives with everything you do. For me I can never be in a box. My gifts and talents are universal. What the church doesn’t preach is that in order to discover your purpose in life you must first embrace everything about yourself to grow and live out your destiny. GÁBOR: The album “God Doors” reached #1 and that was a major accomplishment to do independently! How did it make you feel? AT: The feeling is indescribable. For this music to start off as prayers and conversations with God; then debut #1 Gospel Album on iTunes in less than 1 hour is insane to me! It made me feel unstoppable and secured my belief in knowing that can accomplish anything. GÁBOR: Do you feel the single “God Will Come Through” performed the way you wanted it to? AT: God Will Come Through has always been a special song from the day it was created. This song opened up so many doors for me to make my return back to Gospel at The Stellar Awards, get industry notoriety from Gospel greats, Performances at major Gospel conferences, conventions and more. This song was a reminder of how God hasn’t forgotten about me and reestablished my impact in the Gospel Music industry. GÁBOR: What would you say your thought process was while recording and writing the album? AT: I honestly didn’t know what was in store for this album. This was the most organic project I ever recorded. It didn’t feel forced neither did I feel like I had to channel another energy other than myself. My mindset was to bring a different scope to what people think Gospel music is. It’s not about being a perfect person but it’s about sharing your life experience to free somebody else. I genuinely wanted to encourage, inspire and help change peoples perspective on how they view themselves. To enlighten the world that God is accessible to everyone. I feel like the project did just that.
GÁBOR: How did you feel about people saying you “cheated” your way to success? AT: I’m industry. I don’t feed into sources with false narratives. Press will always be press whether good or bad; however I never had to cheat my way to success. Throughout my career I’ve sold over 500,000 records worldwide independently. My latest album “God Doors” went #1 with a strategic plan. The project had no marketing budget, no bots, no visuals, no radio and no support from the church. How did I do it ? I allocated pure sales by starting an ITunes pre-order campaign 4 weeks in advance from my album release date. I organically interacted with old, current and new supporters of my music through my phone contacts, email and social media. Those people then became invested into the history of me becoming the first openly LGBTQ black male artist to have a #1 Gospel Album. This wasn’t an easy process being as though many didn’t believe I could even go #1. That right there is not something that can be cheated or made up. Sad to say our community and culture doesn’t want to see someone else win, succeed, thrive or go higher than them. But I made history doing what most wouldn’t do. I take a chance and bet on myself. GÁBOR: What advice would you give any young artist out there struggling with their career? AT: Never count yourself out. Believe in yourself when no one else does. Create opportunities for yourself. Don’t wait on someone else to show up and save you. If you can dream it, you can do it. There’s only one you. Find your purpose and initiate the mission and calling of your life. Respect timing and be willing to be processed during the process. Focus on longevity than temporary moments. Be passionate about your career and everything else will align.
“ Throughout my career I’ve sold over 500,000 records worldwide independently. “
Photography By: Aaron Thomas
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A New Era Andre better to now be known as HEM is embarking down a new road in the music industry with a hot new self titled single “HEM” featuring FlyKingi, we get to see how this came along! WORDS Ke’Vea S. Blayton IMAGES @g.visionn
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GÁBOR: Ok so introduce us to the artist known as HEM! What made you dive into this music game? Andre: I chose to go by the name “HEM” because he’s kind of like my alternate personality. When I host live events and fashion shows it’s a kind of a persona I use to help navigate the crowd. He’s confident, strong and says what’s on his mind which is essentially the direction I want to go with my music. My career as a fashion stylist along with my fashion brand Shop HEM are both extensions of the brand that I have built for myself and I wanted my music journey to mirror that image. As I like to say, I put the HE in HEM! GÁBOR: So you teamed up with FlyKingI for the debut single! There’s many artist on Chasing LA so what made you go with Fly? Andre: Teaming up with the Flyking for my debut was such a no brainer! I love his artistry and approach to music! He’s a lyricist! Aside from his esteemed career he’s actually someone who has become a close friend! Throughout our time on Chasing: LA he and I have collaborated on photoshoots for respective businesses and share similar work ethics! He was super hands on during the entire process and truly helped me feel comfortable on this new journey! Long story short, Fly King is my bitch! GÁBOR: The roll out for the single was bomb! Where did you guys get the looks from? Andre: When playing the rollout for the single we both knew that we had to do a photoshoot that embodied each of our individual styles but also that merged us artists collaborating on a record together. The major inspiration for the looks and the feel of the shoot was our genuine friendship and we wanted the shoot to have an element of “besties” to it so we created a mood board with an assortment of photos including one of “Thelma and Louise” which is someone joke about regarding our friendship. For the final looks we decided one strong bold colors that’s we both had in our archives.
GÁBOR: Are you guys planning to shoot a video? Andre: We are definitely planning to release a music video and other visual components to the record! As the single continues to build moment we intent to give it as much of a push as possible to continue to reach new audiences! GÁBOR: So we are definitely about to see you dropping music consistently we assume? Andre: More music is in the works, I’m experimenting and finding my sound. The response to the HEM record has honestly been so much more than I imagined. With that in mind I really want to take my time and make sure that my follow up record meets the expectations set by my debut release HEM. I’m honored that people are enjoying listening to it! GÁBOR: So with that being said! We’re just gonna speak it into existence and say the debut EP coming next year! Andre: And that’s all! Thank you so much! Can you send us at least 2 of your Photoshoot pics to gabormagazine@gmail.com and the cover art for the single 90 | GÁBOR
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ZAY RARI THE JUMP OFF!
GÁBOR: So last year you put out a project titled “Jack Frost”! Tell us a lil bit about how that went for you? ZR: Okay so with my project “Jack Frost” the concept came about because for a while leading up to the project I was calling myself the “coldest” so the actual character Jack Frost was somewhat of a villain if not completely. So I made him into one of my alter egos because I feel as though some people try to paint me out to be out villain when I’m actually not. And if I’m going to be out here calling myself the coldest why not live by it. So that’s how the title came about , plus I felt like it was very creative. The process itself as far as recording the songs, was semi stressful. Only because I put a lot of pressure on myself to give a great body of work & I had already picked the title so the songs had to match the vibe I was going for. GÁBOR: That’s great to hear how it came about. So when did you start taking rap serious?
ZR: So a lot of people don’t know this but I’ve been rapping since like 7th grade. I believe that’s when I wrote my first rap. I didn’t start taking it serious until I got in the actual studio. For a while I was just recording songs myself and mixing them on the computer, but it wasn’t the best quality. When I got in a professional studio is when I came to the realization about the talent I had. Also, the love I was receiving after I released my first studio single “Never Again”, felt so good. So from there It was up! The year had to be about 2019 but i was writing way before that. GÁBOR: Ok. So you recently dropped “Jump Off” and a visual to go with it! So we take that as you’re bout to take off on a lot of people?
ZR: I’m glad you caught that, cause it means just that! First off shout out to Kim for that iconic song. But yes! Jump off was my comeback song for the recent break I took from releasing music. I took a break to focus on my mental health & just overall life. So that I could be in a better space to write. I don’t like to put out half ass songs I like to give my all. I knew something was wrong because I had writers block for way to long. I got that together & now I’m back in the studio cooking. I feel like I’ve been way to nice & humble with my music, so now it’s time to really pop it & show them how I’m really coming. I’m not fucking around anymore. It’s about that time. I’m not go say to much but the work is and will speak for itself!
GÁBOR: A lot of artist are suffering from mental health really bad in this era especially underground! Some may hide it very well while others have public breakdowns! What caused it for you? ZR: For me it wasn’t anything involving my music career, it was more so personal things in life that I feel everyone deals with it. It just got to a point where it started affecting my work ethic with writing, my mood, & my energy as whole just wasn’t right. I use my music as my escape , my safe place where I could vent and let out how I’m just feeling, but I couldn’t do that. So I had to step back & just heal from certain situations/ experiences in life. Healing & letting go would better your mental state so much because we can be consumed with things we don’t even know bothers us, until something triggers that unhealed wound.
GÁBOR: We feel you. So most artist are crazily slept on! Do you feel that way for you?
ZR: I most definitely believe I’m slept on 100% , but the good thing about me is that I don’t let that bother me or determine my success. I know sooner or later they go be wake up , you can’t sleep for long. GÁBOR: Any artist we gonna see you working with soon? ZR: As of now I’m working on something with my good friend Pyro, shout out to him! Besides him I haven’t been working with anyone else as of yet. Hopefully I get to work again with Tezzy Jayy. Honestly I’m open to working with any other underground artist , I feel like we should start collaborating with each other more . Let’s help push each each other. It’s enough success for everybody. GÁBOR: We feel you on that! Any last worked to wrap up for the people? ZR: First , thank you guys for this interview & for the opportunity, I enjoyed this interview. I think people will get to know me a little more after this interview. More music on the way, a lot more videos. It’s time I pop it fr , I’m on go right now & my vision so clear. Can’t nobody tell me none right now , I’m feeling like the biggest fasho. To all the others that support me & been showing so much love ,Thank you. I appreciate it a lot. Stay tuned, & just watch me work. RARI!!
Interview By: Ke’Vea S. Blayton Photography By: Makhai Black
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Marc Margiela FIGURING HIM OUT! WORDS BY: Ke’Vea S. Blayton IMAGES BY Marc Margiela
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GÁBOR: Where did your start in music come from? We’ve been waiting to figure you out!
GÁBOR: We wouldn’t say you’re poor. We do know visuals are costing a grip these days! Do you some times feel discouraged?
MM: My start in music was a long time coming. I’ve always been a musical theater nerd, and I’ve always been interested in music whether it be rapping or singing. I just never really had the confidence to start until about three years ago. And I appreciate the figure me out comment! These days it seems like a new gay rapper is born on instagram every day (laughs).
MM: I do feel discouraged every now and again, naturally. But my spark is always there. My drive is endless.
GÁBOR: You’re welcome! Being apart of the Spanish community! Who would you say you grew up listening to or have influenced you into doing music? MM: Growing up Afro-Latino in the middle of the Bronx in the late 90’s I was constantly doused in everything from R&B to early Aventura. My earliest memories of my musical taste emerging come from people like Missy Elliot or Britney Spears. My mother although Latina was born and raised in the Bronx as well, so hip hop, pop, freestyle and r&b were always affluent throughout our household. Missy Elliot’s “Under Construction” was one of the first albums I ever stole, from my sister that is and it gave birth to my affinity for that type of hip house sound. I adored the way she rapped, was still feminine and sensual, yet lyrically tenacious. Just like the men. Lately though my Dominican heritage does come through because i’m quite inspired by Dembow. I grew up on people like El Alfa, and again I’ve always loved an up tempo, up beat, party type of sound. People like Tokischa really inspire me these days because I know little me would have been in awe by people like her.
GÁBOR: You had your first live performance this year! Can you tell us a lil bit about what you was feeling leading up to it? MM: Very anxious. Performing is something I never thought I’d be able to do well being that I’m not a dancer. GÁBOR: We’re sure the people staring can make it even harder. What can we expect from you in 2023? MM: Music videos, stage shows, a deluxe edition of my album featuring queer talent. I also would love to visit each major city and give them the Marc Margiela Experience.
GÁBOR: You recently dropped your project “Doll Edition”! What was that process like? MM: Doll Edition is my second record ever. Being an independent artist, I’ve really learned that it takes a village to raise an artist. Unfortunately, I don’t have a village, so I had to do everything on my own. I have an amazing sound engineer who has taught me everything I know. For this album, I really wanted to delve into a new soundscape. I wanted to make records that not only sounded charismatic, animated, and fun, but that sounded quintessentially like Marc. I used to be so concerned with how I sounded on a record because I didn’t want people to perceive me as someone who could only make really flamboyant records. As a rapper, I felt a responsibility to my community to rise to the occasion of being a great lyricist so the process for this album was a mix between showing off my lyrical ability with also my vocal versatility. GÁBOR: Do you think project is performing how you would like it too? MM: It’s doing better than my last but no, I want mainstream success. I wanna take over the world. GÁBOR: Why haven’t we gotten any visuals from you yet? MM: I’m poor (laughs) I’m self funded and I’ve yet to meet a videographer here in Orlando, Florida. Visuals are coming though! I recently met a great choreographer.
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KWEENG DOLL/ WHO’S THAT GURL? Photography By: @crazysillycool GÁBOR: How did you get into music? KD: I’ve always been surrounded by music. my family is full of musicians. I was always into performing arts are used to be in musicals, marching bands, dance troops etc. I studied vocals in high school majoring in classical and jazz music. I went to our performing arts high school called Boston Arts Academy. I am a proud alumni. My family and my great studies in music has shaped who I am today. I remember I would walk around the house as a young kid rapping. I knew I wanted to do music. I just didn’t know what genre or was that vocal or rhyming. Here we are today and I am a rapper. I’m very happy that I chose this. GÁBOR: Do you think non-binary/trans artist have a harder than the normal gay artist? KD: I do believe that we have it harder than gay artists. I remember when I first started, I had a lot of difficulties with finding a producer and being able to perform at certain venues. Being considered for different shows. I think it’s harder for them to believe in us in hip-hop music. I really overcame a lot of the struggles because I never gave up and I was willing to fight the fight for myself for my people, and to make change in the rap industry. A lot of other trans or non-binary. Artists have not had the same glow up as myself. So, my journey has been very different. I’m very grateful ! Being consistent, authentic real, and demanding has made me become the superstar that I am. I hope to continue to open doors and inspire others like myself to keep pushing and creating art. Gender identity, sexual orientation or gender expression does not determine your place in this world, or in your career or in your family. GÁBOR: We know big Freedia is one of if not your biggest musical inspirations. Why is that? KD: Big Freedia, the Queen diva, my mentor, my mother has been very inspirational to me before I even known her. There were not many people that looked sound, or even have the confidence that she had. Funny thing everywhere I would go as a teenager to this day people still think I’m her. I met Big Freedia 10 years ago at urban outfitters. I was actually walking past the store because I was working doing hair for fashion week in nyc. Martin told me to stop and because they knew how much I loved her. I did end up missing the free concert, but I got to do the meet and greet. I waited in line and that could’ve been the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. She spoke to me. We hugged. We even laughed at so we look like each other. She asked me what I did for work, and I told her I was a celebrity hairstylist at the time she later than booked me as her New England hairstylist from that time to this day I have become her daughter, she is a great mentor to me a great mother figure and I am forever. Grateful to have her guidance & love. Many people may not know but she’s a tough lover and she means very well for the people she love and will go the extra mile to make sure everything is OK. She even spoke an interview about my tiny desk win as the first rapper and queer artist to win that in 2020. I could’ve cried when I heard the interview because she did not have to. As her daughter I never expect her to do anything extra for me besides, just love me wholeheartedly. She even hosted my first project EP party. We had a blast ! GÁBOR: We seen you at San Francisco pride what’s your favorite thing about performing? KD: San Francisco pride was one of my favorite shows last year! My favorite thing about performing was being able be back on a main stage after Covid and playing a Pride show! I was able to reunite my band dancers, publicist managers. It was just amazing experience. I also love to see people enjoying my music. I definitely love to make feel good music, so when I’m performing, I want to make sure that the crowd is interactive and feel good and always dancing! Performing is also an escape for me I’m able to just let everything go and just be free!
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GÁBOR: Have you ever felt like your artistry is slept on or you don’t get what you deserve? KD: In the past, I have felt like that, but I had to teach myself that everyone’s journey is different. My story is written different, but I’m very proud of where I have become in my career. I have nominations, awards, groundbreaking titles. Recognition from places that I would never thought of in 1 million years. Sponsorships, collaborators and honestly a ton a ton of support from my fans. Never measure your success to anyone else’s. Being independent is hard, but stay consistent and focus on your craft and watch it grow. To this day I am still learning and growing. I can be hard on myself at times because I am an overachiever. GÁBOR: We’ve seen that you work with one of New Orleans most popular producers Alright Slash. How was that? KD: Slash is one of my favorite producers to work with. He is very fun, understanding and works very fast. He can literally take nothing and turn it into an amazing track. He is not judge mental very open and super supportive. I recommend Slash to any artist who would love to make a bounce track. Shout out to Slash for always working with me whenever I need him! GÁBOR: What can we expect from you going forward? KD: Moving forward, you guys can expect a lot of visual content, more music and hopefully some TV. My team and I have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to bring you guys something new and give you guys the BIG BODY KWEENG EXPERIENCE!
Photos courtesy of San Francisco Pride
“ I really overcame a lot of the struggles because I never gave up and I was willing to fight the fight for myself, for my people and to make change in the rap industry.“ 96 | GÁBOR
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BSD! Talks W/ GÁBOR & get into some things! WORDS: Ke’Vea S. Blayton IMAGES: Tony Snaps Photography GÁBOR: What’s up! What’s been going on with you? BSD: What’s going on I’ve been blessed keeping God 1st living working hard for everything I want and deserve in life. GÁBOR: Ok! You dropped two singles this year “Beef” and “Saints & Sinners”! Let us in about why you chose those. BSD: I chose those two songs because they really represent who I am personally and as a Artist. I consider my sound Street but sweet when it comes to BEEF. I’m born and raised in Atlanta I’m from the WESTSIDE of Atlanta I was raised in the hood so I had to be tough but I was still also me which is sweet. I have a really Deep South accent so when I tap it’s real hood. Saints and sinners was more of my versatile side of my artistry Pop.
GÁBOR: Ok! Westside Westside till I die! Haha remind us of Ms. B’havin “Bottle Action”. So why did you want to get into music originally and take it serious? BSD: Well here’s the thing I’ve always been in music and writing raps and songs I come from a music family that love music my mama used to play music a lot as a child. But as far as being a rapper. Growing up in my hood we use to have raps battles all the time on the block and in high school my best friend at the time he had a studio in his closet we use to record songs alot. But I say all that to say I feel like I’m at a time where I really want to push myself to this industry. I have people that believe in me and I also believe in myself. I feel like I have a unique sound and what I rap about some can relate or some just like a good BOP !! I just want to share my art with the world no competition with anybody. Why not get paid for what you love to do and that’s MUSIC! GÁBOR: When do you plan on releasing visuals for the singles?
BSD: They are in the works pushing for very end of the year or first thing in top of the year 2023. These to songs are my babies making sure the budget is right don’t want to rush anything. I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to content. GÁBOR: We get it! Any gay rappers you looking to work with? BSD: At the moment no but I’m always down to work with other rappers if the vibe make sense. If I had to choose anyone it would SEVN DEEP. GÁBOR: Everyone loves Sevn! So we seen you on a show called “The Shit We Do For Love” what made you join? BSD: At the time I joined that show I was looking for love. And plus it was something fun to do. And I felt like I had a personality for tv. So I went to casting call and the rest is history GÁBOR: Another strong artist we love was on the show as well! Vigoruz! Are you cool with him?
BSD: Yess Vigoruz!! Is my boy one of my very goood friends we actually met on the show. Since then we been good buddy’s. Always fun times. Speaking of working with artist we’ve talk about working together for his future project as well. GÁBOR: That’s great! We love him! So any last words for the people and what can we expect from you next year besides the visuals ?
BSD: Yes !!! Prepare for THE BSD ERA!!! New music dropping more music visuals and content leading up to my EP. My goal is never to impress but inspire. I’m excited for what’s next in my music career I’m definitely one to watch now, not only when I make it! And I’m saying that as humble as possible. SZN 3 of TSWDFL comes out this month as well. BEEF / Saints & Sinners are streaming now on all streaming platforms, pull up! Thank you guys at GABOR for this interview! Means a lot to me.
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” Growing up in my hood we use to have raps battles all the time on the block and in high school. My best friend at the time had a studio in his closet, we use to record songs alot. “
GÁBOR
1 Year Anniversary Winter Issue 2022/2023
Oliver Twixt