Makin' It Magazine - Issue #31

Makin’ It

THE INDUSTRY’S #1 MUSIC CONFERENCE... IN PRINT!

Ray Daniels

Senior VP of A&R for Interscope Gives Game.

NOT

@RayDaniels_

INDIE

CHANCE’S BIG SECRET EXPOSED!

Ra Ra

HustleGang’s Latest Recruit Delivers!

@DopeBoyRa

Follow Atlanta’s #1 Music Industry Magazine online at @MakinItMag

ISSUE 31 SXSW 2017

@Re_iLL

ALSO INSIDE: NEW RELEASE LISTING + INDIE MEDIA DIRECTORY + LANNY + FROST + EXPOSURE OPEN MIC PLUS MORE

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Re iLL

Success Often Lies Behind the Path of Most Resistence.

$9.95USD

MAKIN’ IT MAGAZINE Publisher Kelby Cannick

IN THIS ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS

Operations Manager Kimberly Cannick Contributing Writers D. Banks B. Walker C. Mathews Y. Jaramillo

11

MEDIA DIRECTORY

13

MEMBERS MAKIN’MOVES

7

NEW MEMBER DIRCTORY

10

NEW RELEASES

5-7

ON LOCATION Exposure Open Mic

12

UPGRADE YOUR TIMELINE

9

FEATURES

Frost

9

Lanny Boii

9

For Feature Consideration Submit at www.MakinItMag.com/submit

Contributing Designer Kouture Designs #TeamMakinItMag Melissa Costley Josh Evans Jay Harris Shivon Keith Michael Miller Tavaris Roberts Devene Snow

THE COSIGN

Join #TeamMakinItMag

CHANCE THE RAPPER 8

Apply at MakinItMag.com/Team Opportunities for Writers, Sales Reps, Junior A&Rs, Promoters Videographers & PR Assistants.

NOTE:

Published by Cannick, LLC 3939 Lavista Rd. E-249 Tucker, GA 30084

RA RA 11

Office: 678.528.6925 Fax: 888.812.9710 www.MakinItMag.com FaceBook.com/MakinItMag Twitter.com/MakinItMag Instagram.com/MakinItMag MakinItMag.Tumblr.com Periscope.tv/MakinItMag

We do not offer paid articles. NONE of the artists featured in the magazine or projects featured in the New Releases section paid to be promoted in this magazine.

If you are an independent looking to get featured in Makin’ It Magazine.

Just become a member on the site and start submitting great content.

RAY DANIELS 9 Twitter & Instagram: @MakinItMag

RE ILL 8

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#NewReleases “Work In Progress”

by Lopez Booking: 720.515.4160

“Anywhere But Here”

by Amir Booking: 404.721.9162

“Industry Ready 2”

by The C.O.O.L Crew IG: @TheCoolCrewCEO

“17”

by Kilo Booking: 404.640.1999

“They Sleeping On Me”

by Tonio Armani Booking: 410.725.3996

“Project Black” by 931BlackBoy Booking: 615.961.6022

“Food 4 The Soul 101”

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“KSOMO”

by Cue IV Booking: 901.238.7212

“Trap Chordz”

by Exotictonez Booking: 678.306.6871

“Fans First Vol.5”

by JordanL Booking: 313.999.0299

“GOOD”

by Almighty Booking: 313.333.5546

“Devo’s World”

by Young Devo IG: @YoungDevo

“The Freaknik Project”

by Billy Ray Booking: 678.427.7353

“Evolution Of A Poet”

by Dude Booking: 404.565.6482

“Bet Sum”

by Rasta B Booking: 601.573.3172

“You’re The Last To Know”

by Lenny Pants Booking: 440.251.0925

“ Baby Momma Missing ”

by Nexgod Booking: 770.765.0409

“BLO5K Muzik 2”

by Blo5k Booking: 678.939.0154

“Nun Sweet”

by Shaun T Booking: 404.985.9448

“WSHH Mixtape Vol.2”

by DJ Suga Booking: 215.528.0283

“Kick Rocks”

by Alorii Yen Booking: 757.773.8853

“Born With A Silver Tongue”

by Ray Tha Rebel Booking: 281.302.8052

“Best Rapper Alive Under 29”

by Kevon Pagis Booking: 832.236.9394

“Too Hot To Be Local”

by Majik City Booking: 419.973.9970

“Make Way (Street Ballin)”

by Jay Ovara IG: @JayOvara

Twitter & Instagram: @MakinItMag

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#NewReleases “Gah Damn”

by Sterling Booking: 817.676.8557

“Cash Counting”

by Dame Booking: 678.758.6075

“Be With You”

by Draft Booking: 504.255.2265

“The Love Movement”

by Dre Future and Queen Faith Booking: 513.257.7819

“Whole Damn Life”

by B8gie Foo’ ft.MightyLee Booking: 773.590.0476

“Walking Hashtag”

by Franc Dolla Booking: 404.862.4236

“I Will Not Say”

by Purp Booking: 505.730.6069

“Real Love”

by IAM Action Booking: 954.805.2944

“All My B!@#%$”

by Sucka Free $kooly Booking: 478.718.6683

“Room 102”

by Ishmael Booking: 240.460.1911

“The Comeback Kid”

by Morgan Booking: 404.668.2157

“Scrimmages”

by DeoN Booking: 302.331.5766

“Who Is Blow 305?”

by Blow 305 Booking: 843.229.0851

“Melanin Dreams”

by Ron Saforo Booking: 678.927.5164

“Do It Like Me”

by Moriel Sparks Booking: 202.794.5503

“Haters”

by Gruuve Gang Booking: 205.233.0211

“ Oh My ”

by L.O. Booking: 856.956.8017

“FAME”

by Steezy Booking: 480.495.7709

“High Today”

by WES Booking: 205.242.7630

“Your Highness”

by Ar’tisry Booking: 504.320.6836

“I’m That” by 1B Chris Booking: 404.207.9692

“Freak”

by Kittii Red ft.Playbwoi Booking: 404.437.5039

“Playin’ Victim”

by Dru Yates Booking: 808.782.3097

“Hi-Tech”

by King Burr ft, KashKlock Booking: 904.729.9795

“Amazing”

by LV Booking: 312.566.3857

Twitter & Instagram: @MakinItMag

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Not Independent: Chance the Rapper’s Big Secret Exposed

by K. Cannick

Sitting down with the family to watch the Grammys, my wife and I were both ecstatic to see Chicago emcee, Chance the Rapper, take home the first award of the night. It was extremely refreshing to see a rapper win the Best New Artist category after a nearly 20-year drought, but doubly so because Chance breaks the mold of what people are conditioned to think a rapper must be to succeed. Going into the evening with seven nominations, I think few expected to see him walk away with ONE, let alone three, of the industry’s highest honors.

But as happy as I was for Chance’s achievement, it soon began to feel like a double-edged sword.

Virtually every headline touching on the victory amounted to, “Independent Rapper Wins Gram-

my”. A sexy story, if not necessarily the whole one, those headlines only further cemented the notion that artists don’t need a major label because THEY CAN DO EVERYTHING THEMSELVES!

Is Chance unsigned? YES. Is he independent? Hell TF NO! Greatness will always be a team sport. So, before you base your career on the “INDIE WINS GRAMMY” meme, look at the full breadth of Chance’s story.

Look at the role that Pete Cocoran has played in his career. Look at the unique circumstances that lead to Pete becoming his manager. Chance’s current version of “Independent” is far different from yours. His team consists of people handling Visuals, Accounting, Booking, Social Media, Branding, etc. Chance isn’t signed to a label, because he is the label.’

I’m a huge advocate for independence, but I feel too many new artists are “learning” the music business through social media.

Digesting only headlines instead of the actual stories, these artists set themselves up for failure with half-truths. Overnight, Chance’s Independent Grammy win became the #LifeGoal of every rapper on my timeline. But for all the championing of independence and proclamations of doing it all Read the full story and comment themselves, most made the glar- at MakinItMag.com/2c/chance ing oversight of not acknowledging that Chance didn’t take the stage alone.

Re-ill: To Be or NOT!

by D. Banks

To be or Not to be? This simple question has impeded the careers of many aspiring artists; whether it is smarter to pursue your dreams against the slings and arrows of criticism and self-doubt or to put those dreams to rest.

While rapper Re iLL has earned our respect as both a songwriter and performer, it is his perseverance in the face of adversity that we have come to admire most.

Relocating to Atlanta from North Carolina, he has decidedly chosen “To be”. Though his road has been bumpy, every hardship has left him a little stronger. Now, with his latest single “Shakespeare” gaining notoriety, he has begun receiving a steady stream of work as a writer with management interest from multiple parties. Be sure to check out his music on Spotify and catch him on his upcoming 5 city tour.

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Ray Daniels: Life Meeets Music.

by C. Mathews

25 year industry veteran, Wendy Day, recently sat down to interview Ray Daniels, Founder or RAYDAR Management and the Senior VP of A&R for Interscope Records. In a very candid conversation, Ray discussed the importance of business relationships and staying grounded and realistic as an artist. Detailing his start in the music industry and dispensing invaluable advice for placing songs as a writer, we highly recommend giving this interview a watch.

Words: Y. Jaramillo

Words: D Banks

MakinItMag.com/QR/RayDaniels

FROST is a Greenville, NC native with a quick witted tongue and southern boy twang that is uniquely his own. A lyrical maven with concepts that are genuine to his current reality, A Cold Winter, is a breath of fresh country air. No gimmicks, all bars with simple beats that keep you focused on the message while still carrying the vibes.

Check out Frost’s A Cold Winter on Soundcloud now.

MakinItMag.com/user/ 11947 San Jose emcee, LANNY BOII, is the embodiment of a true independent. Working a full time job, over the course of 5 months he was able to invest into recording and releasing his debut album, “No F-cks Since 1990”. Well received by his small but growing fan base, Lanny is back in the studio recording between show dates.

Look for the video to his latest single “Skip to My Lou”.

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Upgrade Your Timeline!

Get familliar with a few of our readers making moves.

Don’t just follow... ENGAGE! #DoubleTap #MakinItMag #Networking

@IamJayHarris

@DJSilverKnight

@ItsRenaMarie

@ItsChubbieBaby

@WhoIsSnoop

@TJsDJs

@TheMayorOfTheStreets

@ResiaMusic

Twitter & Instagram: @MakinItMag

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NEW MEMBERS DIRECTORY Network with a few of our Newest Members and Get your membership today at www.MakinItMag.com/join to get featured in the next issue of Makin’ It Magazine.

The Gore Boyz (TBG) Gastonia, NC Singers

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Scoolascoola Supply, NC

Conceptz Orange County, NY

DJ Digga Brooklyn/Queens

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Robert Reives South Beach Miami, FL

Pdweestraw Chicago, IL

Nec16 Chicago, IL

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Natalac Jacksonville, FL

Tra Mac aka Lil Kong Compton, CA

DAO Delight, AR

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Ceno 700 Los Angeles, CA

Elzintheflesh Destin, FL

Jaye Valentine Houston, TX

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GTK Enterprizes Bowie, MD

Dutch Masters Cumberland, MD

Jay Ax New York, NY

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MEMBERS MAKIN’ MOVES

We set up real opportunities for our members to build their brand, get major exposure and connect with industry tastemakers. Here are a few of those stories. Find more at www.MakinItMag.com/Success Member, Persia Grai, flown to Atlanta from Detroit for a sit down with Industry Vet Nick Love (Coalition DJs, Young Jeezy, TheBiteLife, etc) • Members, Idris, Celina Lina, Bamn, Big Mike Mic, MLEG, Voreheez, Re-ill & Phresh Ali, booked for Members Only VIP Concert. • Ohio Rapper, J-Guttz Booked to open up for Lil Yachty during Spring Break in South Padre Island, TX with paid Flight & Hotel.

• Makin’ It Magazine covers the cost to press up 500 Promotional CDs for Member, J Irja. • Member, Re-ill Booked to open for Rae Sremmurd during Spring Break in South Padre Island, TX with Paid flight & Hotel.

• Member, MorganTheCEO, chosen to interview with Lalaa Shep on Highly Unique Radio’s “The Progress Report” • Makin’ It Magazine covers traveling expenses for Indie Label,

GTK to fly their artists to the DMV for performance on major music festival. • Member, Rich Lowe, Flown to Atlanta from San Antonio for Lunch Meeting with BangVillage / Universal A&R. • Members, Tori Bleu & EazieDaGod, selected to perform at Peters Street block party during A3C Weekend. • Member, Carson Lee Diega, Chosen for to perform for Atlantic Records A&R on Musik Matters Tour in ATL • Member, Spontaneous, selected for $250 Radio Promo campaign courtesy of Dirty South Radio Online • Members, Reezy Slim & Drettious, Selected to Audition to open for Kodak Black. • Member, Stoppa Booked to open for Wale in Virginia w/ Paid Flight & Hotel.

Not a Member? Join today at MakinItMag.com/Join

Ra Ra: I Am What I Am

by D. Banks

The latest recruit to the HustleGang family, Ra Ra has been on Makin’ It Magazine’s radar for quite some time. Finding early success as a rapper, he took a noticable absence from the industry but never from the music.

Popping back up on our radar with the release of his “Highend Lowlife” mixtape, we brought RaRa out for one of our Music Monday listening sessions, where he impressed every Blogger, DJ, and Industry Exec in attendance.

His latest EP and first full Grand Hustle release, “I Am WhatI Am”, does not disappoint. Seven tracks of coarse emotionally charged trap anthems, the project is well balanced and worth a good listen.

Check it out online at: MakinItMag.com/QR/RaRa

Twitter & Instagram: @MakinItMag

THE COSIGN Acknowledging Real DJs that do Real DJ $%#t, like playing records because they like them! Connect with these DJs and check out the records they’re cosigning.

DJ Blauwave Oakland, CA Radio & Club Twitter/IG: @DjBlauwave blauwave@djblauwave.com Cosigning “Pressure” by Jamar Major feat.

Lil One The Champ. - “I love finding dope R&B tracks to spin, keeps my playlist balanced. Break this in the club or the radio.”

DJ Turn Up Atlanta, GA Mixtape, Club & Radio Instagram: @tuurnuup tuurnuupmusic@gmail.com / 770.401.8173 Cosigning “Money Falling” by Buckeye - “I always feel like I have an ear for a single, so when I heard this song I knew it could be pushed straight to the top. I also DJ a strip club & I play this song all the time & haven’t got a negative response yet. This song will make the ladies want to dance.

This song will be on his next EP”

Dynamite J Richmond, VA Mixtape & Radio www.facebook.com/804live dynamitejay@yahoo.com | 804.980.9442 Cosigning “Leave It In” by Donny Rajuan feat.

Loso DaVinci - “I like this record because it’s smooth, mellow, and a mood setter. It will do well with the ladies, because it has the ‘now’ R&B sound. ‘Leave It In’ will be a trend setting hit record, and it will help Donny Rajaun become a successful R&B star.”

DJ IMNIT Chicago, IL Mixtape, Club & Radio Instagram: @DJIMNIT djimnitbookings@gmail.com | 773.968.2979 Cosigning “Late Night Creepin” by Day1 Feat. VonMar - “Its Definitely A Hot Record.

I Honestly think its the record of the summer.

It definitely has the potential to be one of the hottest summer records in Chicago 2017”

Dj Nothin Nice Orlando, FL Mixtape, Club & Radio Twitter: @djnothinnice nothinnicelive@gmail.com | 704.448.3914 Cosigning “Chedda Dance” by Mr. Pillz - “This song is for all the people who want to party, native of the ATL Mr. Pillz live performance brings the house down where ever he goes. Make sure to get connected with this #TeamNothinNice representative.”

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ONLOCATION:Exposure Open Mic

Exposure Open Mic has definitely earned the title of Atlanta’s most consistent open mic. For more than 5 years, it has provided a platform where independent artists from across the country can come to showcase their talent for industry professionals and executives.

Founded by HustleGang’s B-Rich (Manager of BoB) and Streetz 94.5s DJ Holiday,

many deals have been made and careers have been shaped based on the performances that have taken place on this stage. Whether you’re an artist looking to rock or a producer looking to network, the Apache Cafe is where you want to be the second Thursday of every month. For more information or to preregister for the next event, visit www.ExposureOpenMic.com

The 3rd Annual

Music Business Empowerment Conference

where we “edu-tain” you to the business of music SEPTEMBER 15th, 16th, and 17th in Atlanta GA At the Beautiful Renaissance Concourse - Atlanta Airport Hotel

For more info: 678.888.1623 www.mbeconference.com 12 | Makin’ It Magazine

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RESOURCEDIRECTORY:indie media Network and connect with some of these independent media outlets. Be sure to take out time to review their platforms and support them before submitting any content for coverage. Share, Refer, Advertise!

The Hype Magazine achieved national print distribution in 2013. As of November 26, 2013, The Hype Magazine is available in select Walgreens, Barnes and Noble’s, Book’s A Million, Target, K-Mart, 7-11 and other physical retailers and digital outlets.

Submissions: justjay@thehypemagazine.com Advertising/Business: (301) 579-4973 ext. 1

Web: TheHypeMagazine.com IG: @TheHypeMagazine Twitter: @TheHypeMagazineNetwork

Web: MidwestLeak.com IG: @MidwestLeak Twitter: @MidwestLeak

Web: WillHustleTV.com IG: @WillHustleTV Twitter: @WillHustleTV

Midwest Leak Magazine is a monthly print and online publication targeted at highlighting excellence in urban entertainment and lifestyle with special attention being paid to the Midwest region.

The award winning DVD series Will Hustle TV now can be watched on www.willhustletv.com Log on now to watch exclusive footage from all of your underground and major artist from the Migos to Trae The Truth.

Submissions: midwestleak@gmail.com Advertising/Business: (317) 454-2656

Submissions: anytownusanetworktv@gmail.com Advertising/Business: (404) 246-9181

DJ Iceberg is a profound Dj that works with Atlanta’s HOT 107.9 and Shade 45 with DJ Drama and Dj Don Cannon on Friday nights. He started a website to help promote upcoming artist from the United States to International.

Twitter & Instagram: @MakinItMag

Submissions: djicebergsubmissions@gmail.com Advertising/Business:

Makin’ It Magazine | 13

(404) 432-4478 Web: DjIceberg.com IG: @DjIcebergcom Twitter: @DjIcebergcom

WESTHIPHOPMAGAZINE we are dedicated to enhancing exposure for serious independent artists and brands on the grind.

Submissions: info@hoodillustrated.com Advertising/Business: (517) 410-0500

Web: Hoodillustrated.com We are a monthly publication that IG: @Hoodillustrated is in print & digital form. We print Twitter: @Hoodillustrated monthly and distribute in 9 different cities from the Midwest to the South.

Submissions: Twenty4sevenMagazine@gmail.com Advertising/Business: (317) 538-4411 Web: Twenty4sevenmagazine.com IG: @Twenty4sevenmagazine Twitter: @Twenty4sevenmagazine

Hood Illustrated is the #1MID-

IG: @TheTenaiShow

My outlet centers around celebrity news and interviews...

Submissions: TheTenaiShow@gmail.com Advertising/Business: (704) 575-2850

K-100 Radio is a live 24/7 streaming online broadcast. We play major & indie music. We have over 20 DJ mixshows, cover live events, air live interviews and much more. We are a BDS MONITORED broadcast.

Submissions: K100Radio@gmail.com Advertising/Business: (678) 951-0033 Web: k100radio.com IG: @K100_radio Twitter: @K100_radio

Web: TheTenaiShow.com

HipHopAllAround is a top news source in the hip-hop community.

We cater to many dope artist who’s on the rise as well as major acts.

Our goal is to help striving artist reach their goals while using our site. We are bringing the fun back in hip-hop!

Submissions: press@hiphopallaround.com Advertising/Business: (512) 502-4128 Web: HipHopAllAround.com IG: @HipHopAllAround Twitter: @HipHopAllAround

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