All articles in this issue written by: Carisha The Diva
‘ATLANTA’S QUEEN OF JELLY’ BIG HOMIE TYNI CHECKS
I N W I T H T H E V I B ES ! MIATL: Tell us what being an artist means to you? TYNI: To me, being an artist means that I can be free. I can travel the world & have fun with the people who meet me and show people how I express myself without actually having a conversation with them. If that makes sense lol. MIATL: How did you first fall in love with Hip - Hop? TYNI: I have been in love with hip hop since I was in the womb. lol My whole family listened to it; I listen to more old school R&B than anything though. MIATL: Who is your biggest inspiration? TYNI: My biggest inspiration is myself, to be honest, I have come a long long long way from where/who I used to be & I’m just getting started. MIATL: What has been your best single to date and did you think it would be successful in the beginning? TYNI: My biggest single now is “Jelly.” I did not think that it was going to be successful, but it went #2 on TikTok and #1 on Triller so that was successful to me starting off my career. MIATL: Who is Big Homie TyNi under the lights at home when no one is around? TYNI: Big Homie Tyni at home is regular, chill Tyni. She watches SpongeBob, Family Guy, Supernatural, & Scary Movies. She eats a lot, plays basketball with the guys, & has fun some kind of way.
MIATL: How do you like the Atlanta music scene? TYNI: I love my city & rep my city till the death of me. I like the music scene, but the city supports out-of-towners more than the ones born & raised here. But it is iight, Ima opens their eyes up. MIATL: What is your favorite ATL Hotspot? TYNI: My favorite spot would have to be Pin and Proper. It is lowkey and not too much going on & they got hookaahhhhh. MIATL: Are you dating? TYNI: I meannnnn …. I’m single but I’m taken lol I’m just having fun. MIATL: How challenging is it being a female artist today? TYNI: It is very challenging being a female artist because we literally have to do the most & keep up with our image. Then you must put on a real show when you perform, you can’t just walk back & forth on the stage & expect a good reaction. Then you have to deal with industry people that want to use you & your body as a “trade for trade”. Y’all get the gist of what I am saying. MIATL: How often are you in the studio? TYNI: I am in the studio every single week. Even at the studio at my house if I cannot make it to my main studio. Sometimes we be in that mf from sundown to sunup. MIATL: Describe a typical work week as a music artist? TYNI: I am not sure about other artists, but my work week consists of meetings all the time between managers, lawyers, the label, etc., conference calls, recording, meet & greets with other artists, shaking hands with the DJs in the club, & lots of Chinese buffets. Yum! Follow Tyni on Instagram @bighomietyni and stream her hit single #Jelly on all platforms!
Ulysses “Money Mu” Garror has always had a hustler’s mindset. Raised at the intersection of adversity and crime on Atlanta’s Eastside, the ambitious rapper is a rare breed in this new era of Hip-hop. His steadyskillful grind and stick-to-thescript philosophy has allowed himto move from the streets to the charts. His hit single “Hittin,” featuring Moneybagg Yo and Foogiano, went viral in 2020 with 70+ million streams on YouTube alone crowning him an internet king. The massive streaming success kept the record spinning and Mu booked and busy. His hit single “Hittin” was played in the locker room after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory in 2021, and Mu was invited to perform the record at a Floyd Mayweather event prior to the Logan Paul fight in Miami. Without a doubt Money Mu has earned his place on the line -up of contributors to The Atlanta Hip-Hop industry. No matter what section of the city you are from when his song drops in the club everyone knows the lyrics! Mu has since graduated to a level of proficiency that has attracted the attention of major labels, although he prefers the blueprint of building brand equity first as an independent artist. He has curated his own unique sound that sets him apart from his peers and continues to outpace the competition on his own terms. In 2018 and 2019, he dropped a pair of mixtapes Believe and Still Believe, respectively, setting the stage for the album Still Paid in 2022. He delivered on what his growing fanbase asked for - hood anthems and hard-hitting radio songs. Across the 20 songs, Mu teamed up with Moneybagg Yo, Pooh Shiesty, Lil Durk, BRS Kash and Derez Deshaun delivering indisputable classics. On “Schizo” featuring Money Man, the duo spazz out over a bold 808 bass line going bar for bar amplifying raw lyricism and cinematic storytelling. Mu continues to prove that he is in full command of his craft and is direct in guiding the direction of his career. As a founding member of the record imprint Still Paid, the astute entrepreneur launched a collection of tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and sweatpants emblazoned with the word “Believe” to further emphasize the power of having confidence in one’s own potential. The young visionary carefully etches his artistic identity and style into every creative idea he executes, MIATL:Tell us what being an artist means to you? MU: Being an artist means I have a voice to speak to the people and give more game to those who need it. MIATL: How did you first fall in love with Hip - Hop? MU: I have been in love with hip hop since I could remember. MIATL: Who is your inspiration? MU: My family and friends. MIATL: Are you dating? MU: Yea, I am locked in! Instagram @stillpaidmu
MIATL: What has been your best single to date and did you think it would be successful in the beginning? MU: Hittin ft Moneybag Yo and Foogiano and yes, I knew for sure it would be big. The original was already ‘hittin’ MIATL: How do you like the Atlanta music scene? MU: I love it it thinks it is a lot of opportunity for artist to make something happen. MIATL: What is your favorite Atl Hotspot? MU: Booty Clubs MIATL: Where is the best studio to record? MU: At home! I record myself! MIATL: Lastly describe a typical work week as an artist. MU: Pray daily, work out, record as much as possible, hit a couple clubs and networking events through the week, and do shows on the weekend! Sleep never lol
MIATL: Describe the ground work with getting a clothing brand off the ground? Luv4cru: The groundwork was laid thru having a solid reputation throughout entire life, I have always had a hustler’s mentality and my social network always knew that, so when it was time for me to put my name on anything of substance and quality. I always knew the support would be there, based off my relationships and how I overall treat people. So, getting the culture behind it was not difficult based on the ground work I laid as an everyday person within my community, the support has been amazing… Overwhelming in fact. MIATL: Is your collection sold in stores?
Luv4cru: Yes, it is sold in a particular store. We have a great relationship with The House of Fresh, and we were blessed with the opportunity to highlight some of the collection there. Outside of that we mainly drive a lot of sales through our website. MIATL: What type of pieces do you make? Luv4cru: Our brand specializes in street couture. MIATL:What has been your signature piece? Luv4cru: Our signature piece is Our lifestyle Tracksuits. Our tracksuits have even reached the big stars like 50 Cent who was spotted rocking our brand in a current promotion video. That felt amazing! MIATL:Which famous celebrities would you like to see in your
collection? Luv4cru: Most recently 50 Cent, Drumma Boy, Rap artist 1playy, pro boxer Roddricus "Hot Rod" Livsey and a host of up-and-coming talents. But most importantly the streets. We connected to the Street fashion culture., the street always dictates the motion, youpenetrate that market everything will fall in place. MIATL:What is on the calendar coming up? Luv4cru: More Collections to come for men and women. We plan on being a household name within the fashion culture. We also envision having a flagship store here in Atlanta.
Q&A WITH KING GOTIT ‘THE CREATIVE INNOVATOR’ Rapper, content creator, actor King Gotit formally known as Euro Gotit is one of the most versatile artists living in Atlanta today. A trend setter in his own right, he is the breath of fresh air throughout the city’s music / entertainment scene. A very out-spoken lyricists, bar for bar he has held his own on collab tracks with Future, Lil Baby, Foogiano and more. King Gotit has been the artist everyone loves to watch in the city for quite some time. With a large social media following behind him he has also had success as a content creator racking up thousands of views highlighting his personality online. A walking brand, his presence is never overlooked in any room he is in. Follow him on Instagram to see what is next from the King @eurogotit MIATL: Tell us what being an artist means to you? KING: Being an artist is a gift of sharing expression and emotions whether it be music, art, fashion, poetry, food, and other forms of communication that transfer an intended energy. That is what I value most about being an artist... understanding the science of art. MIATL: What other business ventures are you doing besides music? KING: Since learning the transition of music, I have opened my mind to other sources of income to leverage what I would have expected from a label. A tedious journey, having to step away from the spotlight at times to regroup and recoup, I have realized business is what carries the “push” necessary to expand your brand because a foundation has been set in place. That foundation is built on capital. Mines of which is created by a solid network of likeminded individuals who have the common goal of success. So, to answer the question, I have multiple business ventures I am currently involved in. No fluff, pure work, and God based.
MIATL: Who is your biggest inspiration? KING: I am my biggest inspiration. The fact that I can pull from all the icons that taught me something and piece it together is like my favorite mural in the mirror. I have been thru a lot in my life much like the ones I look up too. And like them, I push thru whatever, persevere, and maintain a heavy God based faith. MIATL: What has been your best single to date and did you think it would be successful in the beginning? KING: Every single gets bigger for me. I cannot analyze what people out of me see. It is my chapter, my expression and once it is out, I move on. You cannot get stuck on making music for the money. It hurts every time you do not get what you expect. Work with your head down and watch what you want manifest in time.
MIATL: How do you like the Atlanta music scene? KING: I am proud of how Atlanta’s carried the evolution of music and transition to the current music Mecca. I enjoy watching the growth while listening to other global sounds to find my feeling and sound. MIATL: What is your favorite Atlanta hotspot? KING: My favorite ATL Hotspot might be The Boiler Room. MIATL: Are you currently signed or independent? What has been your foot work on that? KING: I am currently independent and operating as my own label with the help of my managers Tony (Miller Entertainment Group) and Spank (Premier 4 World Ent.). Developing rollouts and rebranding to show quality individualism. MIATL: Describe a typical work week as a music artist? KING: A typical work week is hours taking meetings, merging bridges, studios, and being a fulltime dad with a part time schedule.
MIATL: Who is your biggest inspiration? TL: Tupac, Lil Wayne, Keyshia Cole, Monica, Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj MIATL: What has been your best single to date and did you think it would be successful in the beginning? TL: My single Looking for Trill ft. Foogiano. It is successful I think due to the aggression and repetitiveness almost like a chant. It is something that gives off a certain vibe that people can really feel. It was a lot of controversy about making the track which is ironic. MIATL: Tell us what being an artist means to you? TL: What it means to be an artist is to have your own unique craft and utilizing that to entertain and give off an experience or specific feeling. MIATL:What other business ventures are you doing besides music? TL: I am hoping to explore more acting rolls, I was also casted in the H.O.P. Series by Absolute DNA. I am currently a brand ambassador for Hello Doll boutique.
“I SEEK TO MAKE MUSIC WHICH
LISTENERS CONNECT THROUGH FEELING,
EMOTION AND IMPORTANTLY
SOUL. ITS TRILL, THE AUTHENTIC WITH AN AGGRESSIVE
REAL FEEL. TOP SHELF”
MIATL: What is the best advice you received from someone in the music business? TL: Keep your legs closed and pocket book open. You create your own image of how you want others to view you. MIATL: How did you first fall in love with Hip - Hop? TL: It began with a fascination with beats and rhythms then it quickly became music and lyrics, flows, octaves, etc. I had rap songs memorized as a kid my dad would have me recite full songs for the guys.
MIATL: In your words how hard or easy is it being a female rapper in a male dominated field? Are you ever on the fence about the choices you make? TL: Nothing is easy, but the number one thing that could be difficult or controversial are the expectations kind of placed on female rappers. MIATL: Describe a typical work week as a music artist? TL: Well to begin, I write music or add to my craft almost every day of the week. I do shows all throughout the week also, pretty much whenever I am booked. I have meetings with my stylist typically a few days before each show. Interviews, studio, whatever we are on for that week there is not really a limit. Sometimes we may even pop out to support another artist or group. MIATL: Who is Trill Layyy under the lights at home when no one is around? When are you nervous, how do you deal with stress, do you work out, are you into cooking? TL: I am a caring, perfectionist type person. Nothing ever makes me nervous I attack stress however by creating music or just meditating. I love to work out, I am currently looking to gain a little muscle. I also love to cook diverse types of food, I cook at least 4x a week.
Q&A with James Worthy MIATL: How long have you lived in Atlanta and what’s the best part about the city. JAMES: I have lived in Atlanta for about 8 years. I love the diversity and entertainment opportunities the city offers for creatives. MIATL: Walk us through the 1st song you ever recorded and how did it come out? JAMES: The first song I ever recorded professionally was called “Blu Sunsets” which was the first single I ever released. Basically, it talks about confessing a love interest to someone who didn’t believe I had one for them. I was surprised how good it came out after 3 takes lol. MIATL: What are all of your expertise in the music business, and which is your biggest passion? JAMES: From being a songwriter, music producer and recording artist they all go hand and hand. All of them are a passion of mines because they made me into a visionary. If I had to choose though, music production would be at the top. MIATL: Tell us the hardest challenge you ever had to go through? JAMES: Proving to people that I was good enough. There is also competition around, so finding your lane can be challenging. Also losing those that I loved. In this game there aren’t many people to trust so when you find them you must cherish them. MIATL: What is some good advice someone told u about the industry? JAMES: Believe and trust in yourself always. Also, to learn from those who are better than you. MIATL: Who would you like to work with? JAMES: There are many people on the list but really anyone who likes to open the envelope musically and creatively. I’m big fans of Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Miguel, and Chris Brown to name a few.
ASIANAE
PRINCESS OF ATLANTA & MERMAID AMBASSADOR ASIANAE CREEPIN UP THE CHARTS! Rapper / entrepreneur / model Asianae has been having a phenomenally successful 2022. Before we go into the good let us give a brief introduction into who Queen Nae is. Stepping into the rap game just afew years ago, her reign has been growing ever since then. She signed withBreak’em Off Music Group and the rest is history. When Asianae was just getting her bars tight, she started with catchy singles like Dumb,’ ‘No Hook’ and ‘Crab legs,’ but it was her follow up single after that which started to get everyone’s heads turning. With the successful release of her hit single ‘Period Pooh’ Asianae gained allthe attention in the city and was an instant favorite amongst the DJs. Not to mention she gave Pop Culture one of the biggest phrases in this century… ‘period pooh’! Not slowing down, she followed up that success by collabing with Texas flow Queen Erica Banks on her single ‘Jump.’ Staying extremelyfocused she began growing her fan base and her social media following which prepared Asianae for the release of 1 of her biggest albums so far ‘Chosen One’. Chosen One was an excellent body of work that all the radio stations tapped into. Her consistent approach with her artistry even opened the doors for bigger blessings like touring with rapper Latto for the 777 Tour.
MIATL: Tell us what being an artist means to you? To me an artist is using your talents and creativeness to make unique work in your own way. ASIANAE: Being an artist also means practicing patience, being persistent, being disciplined, and preserving even when it is not easy, as well as being resilient even when things are not going in your favor, but most importantly having faith in your talent and what God put into YOU. to share with the world. MIATL: How did you first fall in love with Hip - Hop? ASIANAE: I first fell in love with Hip Hop seeing my dad work with countless other artists doing their videos, and coming home playing Outkast, Lupe Fiasco. Then hearing my mother with her amazing voice singing NeoSoul. MIATL: Who is your biggest inspiration? ASIANAE: My biggest inspira-
tion is proving things first to myself. Knowing I have a purpose in this world to fulfill. Next my family and my team! I want my kids to grow up knowing anything is possible with hard work and dedication. MIATL: What has been your best single to date and did you think it would be successful in the beginning? ASIANAE: My biggest single thus far is ‘Period Pooh’ and honestly, I never thought it would gain almost a million streams on Spotify. It is still mind blowing. But the saying “Period Pooh” now lives rent free in thousands of heads. MIATL: How do you like the Atlanta music scene? ASIANA: Atlanta is the Mecca for Hip Hop. I am proud to say I’m from here and really grew up in this culture. It is so live. Vibrant. and full of talent!
MIATL: What’s your favorite ATL Hotspot? ASIANAE: My favorite Atlanta Hotspot is Copper Clove. MIATL: Where is the best studio to record at? ASIANAE: The best studio to record at is our private studio in Douglasville. I love being ducked off and being in my creative space for my juices to flow. MIATL: What’s your thoughts on the female rap game? ASIANAE: My thoughts are that it’s our time. It’s as simple as that. It’s a lot of different women setting trends and claiming their femininity unapologetically and I love that for us. MIATL: What’s the worst thing that happened during a show? ASIANAE: The worst thing that happened during a show? I had an outfit malfunction while on tour with Latto. Thankfully, my fans could not see but I couldn’t move how I normally do.
MIATL: Who is your biggest inspiration? A: My biggest inspiration is Aaliyah. Her voice, her style, and her dance moves were so smooth and sexy without doing too much. A true Avant Garde diva. I wanted to be just like her and still find that she influences my sound and style a lot. MIATL: Describe your sound? A: My sound is what I like to describe as 90’s/80’s nostalgic R&B. I tend to have an incredibly old school approach to how I write songs and lyrics in general. I like my songs to give you that feeling you got back in the day when you heard your favorite song. Like replaying a favorite memory. MIATL: What is your favorite thing about Atlanta? A: It’s hard to say what my favorite thing is about Atlanta. I love this city so much. The culture, the weather, the food. My favorite thing would be the view of Downtown Atlanta. Something about the way the city skyline looks at sunrise and at night is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen. MIATL: Tell us the 1st song you heard that made you fall in love with music? A: The first song I heard that made me fall in love with music was the Isley Brother’s “At Your best” by Aaliyah. It is such an amazing rendition of a classic song; her voice was so angelic, and I remember thinking to myself. I want to make music that makes people feel like this song made me feel. MIATL: What was the worst show you ever did? A: One of the worst shows I ever did; the sound system was horrible, and I could barely hear myself and the DJ played the wrong song. Worst of all it was at a strip club so while people wanted to dance a love ballad came on instead, I was the last act that night too. The dancers were not happy with me lol, it was most certainly a lesson in humility. MIATL: Who is on your wish list? A: Artists that are on my wish list to collab with are Brandy, Sy Ari Da Kid, Drake, Erykah Badu, Kehlani, Jhene Aiko, Lucky Daye, VanJess, K Shiday, and plenty more.
INNOVATIVELY ADVANCING IN THE
ATLANTA MUSIC INDUSTRY!
PRODUCER HIGHLIGHT CHA LO Cha Lo is an American music composer who was born in Chicago. He moved to Atlanta at an early age to pursue a career in music and the journey has been paved with every obstacle known to independent creatives. From battling with alcohol, to his most successful composed beat of all time, the ‘A Milli’ beat famously used by rapper Lil Wayne being taken up from under him due to poor business practices, and on top if all going through a rough divorce. Follow him on Instagram and stay tuned for his exclusive 1 on 1 interview with famed Journalist Carisha the Diva coming soon. @chalovoice808 MIATL: Where are you from? CHA: I am from Chicago. MIATL: How long have you been in Atlanta? CHA: I have been in Atlanta a total of 8 years. MIATL: Explain your experience in the music business? CHA: I’ve had a lot of experiences. I had some hit songs. MIATL: Are you self-taught or did you have schooling? CHA: I’m Self-taught. MIATL: We understand you’re a producer? Who have you worked with? CHA: A number of other artists have rapped on my music production such as Lil Wayne, Earl Sweatshirt, Childish Gambino, Kid Cutti, Rich Boy, Polo Da Don and Teddy Riley, MIATL: What’s been the biggest learning experience in the music industry? CHA: Make sure you take care of your Business. Do not leave anything up to chance. Be very discerning. Be very direct. MIATL: Who has motivated you the most?
CHA: My son Harrison MIATL: Do you think the Atlanta music scene is progressing? Why or why not? CHA: It is progressing because the scene changes all the time. Atlanta is still a Mecca of music and will continue to be. MIATL: As a vet in the game how do you like today’s rising producers? CHA: They are great! I love what they are creating!!! ATL Jacob, Wheezy out a here, and others are all exceptionally talented. MIATL: What is your favorite genre of music? CHA: My favorite genre of music is Trap. I love the sound. MIATL: How has the sound changed over the years? CHA: The sound has evolved. Hits come out of Atlanta. It is driven off Hits. I think the sound has changed in using a lot more chord progressions. It is. more musical. MIATL: Describe the transition Atlanta went through over the years in the entertainment business? CHA:The Atlanta entertainment business scene is amazing. However, it has become a lot more violent. That is because of the music that is being pushed. The people did not change, the mind set did. Years ago, gangsters were dancing in the club. They were partying! Lil Jon was not talking about killing. He was talking about having a good time. Now it is hugely different. The reason is because of what is being pushed. The amazing talent did not change. I love Atlanta. It is magical. And the true royal mind set will come back around. This will happen when those amazing artist and producers see how valuable they truly are. MIATL: What do you enjoy most about being a producer? CHA: What I enjoy most about being a producer is having someone feel the same way I felt when I created the composition. Being able to be your most authentic self while doing your God given gift is priceless.
WRITTEN BY: CARISHA THE DIVA & EMMANO D.
The business industry took a turn for a new change during the most shocking event to hit the world in recent years, the pandemic! While the world was left behind without jobs, income, or a way to make ends meet the movers and shakers were producing innovative ideas and ways to create income. In Atlanta alone, several people took employment into their own hands by launching catering companies, mobile businesses, tax repair services, children’s entertainment avenues, and more. The beauty of living in America is the fact that you can literally live the American dream however you decide too. You CAN wake up tomorrow and say, ‘I am going to start my own company’ and that is exactly what our business highlight Montice has been doing for over 37 years. Not only is she super fun to be around with a bubbly personality and heart of gold, but she also has no problem giving advice, direction, and resources so that the next man or woman can level up. She is a firm believer in the importance of supporting Black businesses and is an excellent positive look of representation for women of color. Montice is the owner of Montice & Co., LLC. At the age of 6 she started her first business of selling candy from her lunch box and the rest is history in the making. Montice holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Redlands and an MBA from Regis University. Montice has worked more than 22 years for several successful businesses including AAA, Bank of America, Hertz, Liberty Mutual, Waffle House and American Family Insurance. Montice is a big believer in supporting small businesses. #Shopsmall Born in California, but bred in Atlanta, Montice is every bit of a female hustler. Not working on anyone’s clock but her own is all your going to see from this serial entrepreneur who owns 4 up and running businesses with a new one on the way. The CEO of Still Image Photography, United Travel Advisors, Time Out Vending, and Glam Gloss, this boss is doing everything but sleeping! She is also set to launch a HUGE new milestone in her career later this year, so make sure you follow her online and tap in with 1 of her brands so you can catch this wave! Check out her website below with information regarding all of her ventures.
Drama workshops for wellbeing and mental health. Learn to channel MIATL: What is the best thing about being an entrepreneur? your emotions MONTICE : It is in me, I kind of was born like this. It is in and my blood and meet the best thing to me is getting results! MIATL:other What is the worst thing about being an entrepreneur? drama MONTICE : There is nothing worst about being an enthusiasts! entrepreneur! It is either you want to do it or not. The long hours are part of the grind and its ok, I work for hours on end to keep my businesses going. I do not have to answer to anyone. Being a boss comes with the territory. It must be in you. You must be made for this! MIATL: Describe a typical work week for you? MONTICE : Every week differs. I have multiple businesses. At any given time, I might have 3 laptops running at the same time. I am always working. Working on my insurance business, my photography company, my vending machines, and my travel business. It is a lot! In between dropping off my kids and taking them to practice you will more than likely catch me at the game logged on to my laptop or tablet. I try to work out, but I am always busy so most times I just cannot, so I always try to eat healthy.
MIATL: Who is the most inspirational person you met in the business world? MONTICE : Lol I ‘am going to tell you a story! This was well over 20 years ago. I was in California, and I went to a live taping of the Steve Harvey Show. So, they put me on the spot, and they asked me who are you and what do you do. I had my boyfriend with me at the time. I was telling them about my vending machines, and they were sort of downplaying it. They asked what do you do, do you cut out quarters? I told them I have 23 machines in a prison. I do not know why but they were saying something like your ‘little business’ and since then I have been pushing and pushing. Since that day it has just been pushing me like adrenaline. Whenever people say what you got a ‘little business’ I push harder! MIATL: How many employees do you have right now? MONTICE : I have 6 employees. 2 for my insurance company and 4 for my photography business. I do event photography, photo booths, and we have a 360 booth. MIATL: What other businesses are you looking to jump into? MONTICE : I am pleased to say that I am opening my own Allstate Insurance office on September 1st, 2022!
www.montice.com
MIATL: What is the hardest challenge with being a Black entrepreneur? MONTICE : All right, so I am going to be honest. The hardest challenge is dealing with my own kind. My own kind always ask for a discount or questions is this the best you can do. They do not question the white man or have a problem spending money on bottles at the club. To avoid that raise your prices and then you weed out the small talk. My work is quality, so it is not the price it is the results and I deliver. MIATL: What would you like to see more of in Atlanta? MONTICE : I would love to see more of our celebrities here educating the folks on financial literacy. The celebrities here have a major influence on our young people, but our young people need more direction. They need guidance. These celebrities need to put more money into the community, and I am not just talking about turkey giveaways or sneaker drives! Let’s do some educational training, teach the youth about the importance of finance and obtaining wealth. MIATL: What advice can you give to upcoming entrepreneurs? MONTICE : Ask questions do your research, do not stop at no, tear the paper off your notebook always write your thoughts. I keep everything on a google drive when your busy you cannot write down everything keep your goals in front of you, you cannot work towards anything if you do not have any goals.
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R & B WAVES with
MIATL: How long have you been doing music PRINCE B: I have been doing music for about 2 years now. MIATL: Describe your sound? PRINE B :I would describe it as Alternative with an orchestral flare. I very much enjoy strings like the cello and guitar but like having a touch of House Music.
MIATL: Who is on your wish list to work with? PRINCE B: I would love to work with H.E.R., that woman is amazing! Also, Disclosure and KAYTRANADA.
MIATL: How do you feel about the current state of R&B music? PRINCE B: I feel that women have been making a lot of noise and have really been holding the genre up. That is great, but I want to see men turn it back to its raw roots of soul & passion. MIATL: What makes an artist? PRINCE B: To be me it is the flavor you bring. Just like with animation or painting, each person has their own “touch” they bring to the table. It is being able to show who you are through your music.
tying, and / or drugs bring out your artistry or negatively impact it? PRINCE B: I write sober for the most part, most of the times if I write under the influence my mind just tends to wander. MIATL: What is coming up for you?PRINCE B: I have another single coming out soon as well as an EP called “Set Your Heart Ablaze.” Be on the lookout!
MIATL: When are you un able to write? PRINCE B: If I am juggling a lot mentally, it can sometimes be a challenge. Follow Prince B on Instagram @princebearden MIATL: Does drinking alcohol, par-
DAZE DONTRELLE ON MAKING ATLANTA HIS HOME FOR THE SUCCESS OF HIS MUSIC Every single day artists are traveling to Atlanta to pursue a career in the music industry. With dozens of successful record labels and recording studios in the city, there is an endless amount of opportunity for any consistent and hardworking artist. Daze Dontrelle, a R&B sensation from Louisiana has turned the peach state into his second home and is for sure a vocal commodity you want to tap in with. With his own signature look and sound, the singer / songwriter is ready to make his next year his BEST year with several goals and projects on the way for his fans! Totally re-branding his image and putting more effort into his social media presence, the budding artist is utilizing all platforms to market his artistry! Currently he is recording a new project that will feature about 6 or 7 songs. His plans are to create the project and then come up with the name after it is all put together. Daze is a strategic artist who records a lot of his music at his home. Right now, his team is pushing his latest single ‘Time’ off his current EP ‘Overdue.’ MIATL: Where were you born and how did you end up in Atlanta? DAZE: I was born in Louisiana. I still live there currently. I have connections in Atlanta, so I pop in and out quite often… Atlanta is like home! MIATL: Do you find there is more opportunity here for independent artists? DAZE: Definitely is. Atlanta is considered the “Hollywood of the South.” It flourishes with opportunities for whatever endeavors you have. MIATL: Tell us about your music genre what type of sounds do you like to record? DAZE: I am in a R&B / Hip-Hop lane. I do not like to do the artists’ comparisons because that does not expose originality. I have my own sound. MIATL: Tell us a time when you were at your lowest? What happened? How did you turn things around? DAZE: 8 months ago, from date, a hurricane hit my city and destroyed my home completely. I lost everything. I was in the home as the hurricane was happening. A lot of us did not leave because hurricanes were common, and we adapted to weathering them. A wind pushed my home while me and my family was in it. Knocked it down completely. We managed to get out and flee to the church up the street. Broke in and
waited it out. I turned to my family and my music for mental and emotional therapy. I am still here. MIATL: How do you deal with stress? DAZE: The moments I spend with my son are my stress relievers. When I am away those moments just play randomly in my head. Reminds me of why i get up out of my bed every morning and strive. MIATL: Which artist would be a feature you would do anything to get? DAZE: I NEED the Lil’ Wayne features no doubt! Being from Louisiana, it is only right. He is a major part of my childhood so that one is most def for the culture! MIATL: What is your next 12-month plan for your career? What do you plan to accomplish? DAZE: Next 12 months I plan to have multiple successful businesses. As well as bring a music program to my city. Something for the singers, rappers, producers, DJ’s, instrumentalists, you know just anybody with a musical itch. My city is small we do not have much going. A lot of talent literally ages and goes to waste. I want to change that for sure.
ATLANTA MUSIC SCENE WITH HAITIAN DJ: DJ MASSIVE of income, and looking to get about 5 more #BossLife
DJ Massive has been one of the hardest working DJs in the Atlanta entertainment industry for years now. Spinning at local fashion shows, the hottest clubs, festivals, and events in the city he is always booked and busy. The most challenging aspect of the entertainment industry is remaining relevant, and appreciated by your fans. You always have to put the work in to stay consistent with anything you’re doing and DJ Massive has been on of those grinders in the city who is outside! In the club he is always going to keep the crowd hype with the best vibes. MIATL: How long have you been a DJ? MASSIVE: About 23 years. MIATL: How do you like the Atlanta scene? MASSIVE: I love it here, I moved here from New York City about 12 years ago and never looked back. MIATL: What kind of vibes do you bring to the city? MASSIVE:Lol, I am a diverse DJ so, I can honestly say if you are a music lover you can appreciate my craft. But I am best known for being Atlanta’s top Haitian DJ, I am the big Zoe!!! MIATL: Where are some of the clubs you worked at in the city? MASSIVE: I’ve DJ ’ed at so many hot spots in the city but lately I find myself catering a lot more to the private sector. MIATL: What is the craziest thing you ever seen in the club? MASSIVE: Man, I have seen it all, best question would be what I haven’t seen lol. MIATL: If you were not doing music, what would you be doing? MASSIVE: I could never not be in the music industry, music is life, and it caters to my energy, but I am an entrepreneur and currently have about 4 streams
MIATL: Last question is an open-ended question. Tell us about the real you? Often, we are so wrapped up in our brand it gets hard to just be your regular self and not the artist. How do you deal with stress? Is your career going the way you desire? What are your fears? What has been the milestone that will most remain a major memory for you? Have you ever dropped the ball on yourself? Who are you at home off the stage?? MASSIVE:Well, I am a family man, proud father and husband first. I have been married for 5 years now and have 3 beautiful children Malachi, Harmony & Amir. I am really a home body and big on family, I also serve at my church as a sound engineer. The best way to be on how I deal with stress is Pray, meditate, and listen to music. There is a song somewhere that can cater to any mood. I would say my career is for sure heading in the right direction because I put in the work and trust in God. That is what I stand on always. My only fear is having fear to be honest. I am a firm believer that God got me, why pray for something, and still worry about it. To me this right here is a milestone, every year I make new strides and become greater at what I do. Have I ever dropped the ball? Ummm I definitely made mistakes, but for the most part I like to stay ready always, so even if it is a mistake, I’ve already learned from it and on to the next. At home I am either playing with my kids, blasting some good tunes, and just putting in the work and time with my family.