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Issue
December 2017
Hendo ReaLife MONROE Frank Bank Brian Burks Eden Young Eli Gardiner Mance Makall Xavier Truesdell Introduce Yourself to ThaWilsonBlock Network!
Damiano Unique
Join ThaWilsonBlock Network! Formal Artist Introduction Introduce yourself to ThaWilsonBlock Network and your local music scene by submitting an artist profile here. Filling out this form gives us everything we need to make a quality post on our website and is absolutely free!
Exclusive Interviews After submitting a formal artist introduction, you have tha option to Book an Exclusive Interview with a modest donation depending upon tha amount of questions you want in your interview. To book
an exclusive interview, see the “last� question in the Formal Artist Introduction form here or see below. If you are already recognized as an artist in ThaWilsonBlock Network and would like to Book an Exclusive Interview, please
choose one of tha following:
10 Question Exclusive Interview
20 Question Exclusive Interview
1. 210West 2. 2-Hye 3. A-Clasik 4. AJ tha DJ 5. Alivya 6. Andre Hardin 7. Andrew (TLH) 8. Antherius 9. Anthony Stone 10. Armen 11. Aron Fletcher 12. Art from El Sereno 13. (Asun) Suntonio Bandanaz 14. Asya 15. Azo 16. Bando Kev 17. BIG MOE 18. Big Montana 19. Bill Bogaard 20. Billy Coats 21. Bing Bing 22. Blak Axx 23. Brandin Bruce 24. CallumJP 25. Calvin Banks & The Tellers 26. C. Carter 27. Chris Jaiden 28. Chuck Dollaz 29. Cracka Smile 30. Crooked Noize 31. CrystalTears 32. Deblin 33. D. Haile 34. Disco Ministries 35. DJ Chuck Daggers 36. DOMINANCE 37. DPone 38. Eddie G 39. Eden Allegra Young 40. Eli Gardiner 41. Emani 42. Epidemic 43. Eric Williams (EDuB) 44. Ernest Musik 45. Frank Bank 46. Gabriel Teodros 47. Gabrielle Ayers 48. Gangsta Ric 49. GL Moody 50. Hax 51. Heartless 52. Hendo 53. IMAGINE (SGV) 54. Imani Akil 55. iMu
56. Infant Head 57. IWIL ONE 58. J. Byrd 59. J. Real 60. J. Rell 61. Jangles (Jay Blue) 62. Jason Hardin 63. Jay Mays 64. Jazzzone Network 65. Jennifer Thompson 66. JERUSALEM SCARFELLA 67. Joey Tripp 68. John Eklof 69. Jon2 70. J. Reese 71. Justin Miller 72. Kev King Cold 73. Key Lewis 74. Khriz-Z 75. King Duey 76. KStone 77. K-Syran 78. Langston Doobs 79. Larry McZeal 80. Latoya Rhodes 81. L3 Gamble 82. L Boogie 83. LEJ (LeMatiq) 84. Loretta Glickman 85. Lovey Elise 86. Luke Friday 87. Lyndrum 88. MACA 89. Magic Mike Z 90. Mak Boss 91. Matt Lewis 92. Matt & Megan (Bagpipes) 93. Maya Huyana 94. McSteezy 95. M Da Great 96. Meddie Lanes 97. Michael Jones 98. Mina Wildcard 99. Minal Zaman 100.M.K. Gray 101.Moe Grams 102.MONROE 103.Moses 104.Mr. Frantastic 105.Mr. McStrange 106.Ms. Jeanine 107.Mya Vat 108.Mystah GT 109.Neffy 110.Nicky BeacHouses 111.Nino Rose
112.NON-DUO 113.Noy 114.Ockley 115.Ol Sol 116.Otto Evans 117.Paco Swartz 118.Phil Phree 119.PokeyLo 120.Qaadir Naqib 121.Ramon Barajas 122.RD Peace 123.Reina Mora 124.Relly 2euce 125.Rey Avalon 126.Riya A. Piper 127.Rockton Road 128.Rollie Robles 129.Ron & Greg 130.Roscoe Lee Owens 131.Rose Robinson 132.Rough City 133.Royal Mitchell 134.Ryan Aderréy 135.Samantha Church 136.SB (Kevin Duncan) 137.Sea One 138.Scribes One 139.Shamir 140.$krrt Cobain 141.Sparkydog & Friends 142.Sobukwe Toure 143.Starchild 144.Stephen Baldry 145.Sweet Tee 146.Taffey Champion 147.Tammy Goolsbey 148.Tee Ran 149.The Goldmine 150.The Letters Home 151.Tone Grizzard 152.Tyk ThaMob 153.Usolosopher 154.Victor Gordo 155.Wadada 156.Warrior Richardson 157.Watchyatone 158.West Coast Collaborators 159.Xavier Lamar Truesdell 160.XL Middleton 161.YG Chief 162.YG Lil Ive 163.Young PAYSO 164.Zarkhi Palmer 165.Zoneiak McGee 166.Zyto Crowns
Pasadena, CA rapper Bing Bing #BringingItTogether with Tacoma, WA rapper Watchyatone
Pasadena, CA rapper Bing Bing #BringingItTogether with Tacoma, WA rapper HENDO
Meet Gospel/Contemporar y Christian Singer "Ernest Musik" from Cleburne, TX
Ernest Musik A very Gifted Singer/Songwriter from Cleburne, TX. Now resides in Fort Worth. Found his calling in music his freshman year of high school while performing in front of a crowd. Every since then, Ernest has been working hard on crafting his vocal skills into perfection and refuses to be known as a computer singer because he sounds the same way as he does when he sings in a studio. Ernest had been in numerous groups but as of 2013 he is a full fledged solo artists and has rededicated his life over to Christ. Ernest
is a proud founder of an Outreach ministry "GPUAO" which stands for Gods People United As One which is dedicated to saving lives for Christ. Ernest is working very hard to release his Debut solo mixtape "From The Heart" at the moment and he guarantees you it will be very Inspirational when it is released. I thank you for taking the time to listen to my Music and I Pray that my messages will help inspire you to find your personal Relationship with Jesus Christ.
Learn More about Ernest Musik‌
Meet Music Producer "Rockton Road" from Altadena, CA
Rockton Road “Nic is one of a kind, or at least one in literally a million.
Rockton Road prides itself on
Every song, production, lyric
amazing drum recordings, as
and performance is
well as capturing a unique
immaculately crafted,
sound as a whole, all to its
extraordinarily creative and
own. Engineer Nic Capelle has
from the heart. ”— Jim Webber,
built a classy, amazing
HITLIST MUSIC
sounding setting where bands,
songwriters and solo artists Rockton Road boasts a soul
can come create in a
and character that is often
comfortable and private
hard to recreate in a
environment. Full of warmth
mainstream studio
and character, this high-end
environment. This boutique,
studio boasts top end gear with
comfy, open plan studio is
a gifted engineer at the helm.
situated in one of LA's most
A hybrid of analogue and
beautiful areas, Altadena.
digital, Universal Audio is the
Looking out to the spectacular
center piece of Rockton Roads
San Gabriel mountains, but
lighting fast workflow.
with in minutes from the 210 and 110. Drum sounds are one of the most important elements in creating an amazing record.
Meet Music Producer/Songwriter "West Coast Collaborators" from Portland, Oregon T&T is a newly formed hip hop group emerging out of the Pacific nor thwest. The M.C.'S of the group consist of Tripolar and Taylor Nor thwest. Both ar tist are able to combine two ver y different styles to form a wide variety of music, focusing on emotions and topics that can relate to ever yday life. Behind the scenes at West Coast
Collaborators Taylor and Jacob "YP" Buswell produce all the instrumentals, mixing and mastering and visual creations that go into the projects. Ever ything from star t to finish is done in house and completely original.
Meet Punk Rock Painter "Brian Burks" from Pleasant Grove, Alabama
Brian Burks is a Birmingham area artist who inspired by comic books, the desert, punk rock, the Oneness of the universe, and tacos. Brian has been working as an artist for the last Last 5 years. He's very involved with the underground art scene in the Birmingham area and sets up and organizes art and music shows at least once a month.
Meet Trill/Phonk/Rap Musician "$krrt Cobain" from Waco, TX $krrt Cobain is an upcoming underground artist from Texas. With his unique style, flow, and lyrics, he definitely stands out from the normal mainstream/underground music scene.
Meet Hip Hop Producer Duo "The Goldmine" from Brooklyn, NY
Dynamic duo from Brooklyn, NYC, that combines real instruments with midi controllers to bring you the freshest vibes in hip hop music. This group draw its influences from a wide variety of genres and uses this background to supply its audience with a consistent stream of something they've never heard before.
Meet Rapper "CallumJP" from Pasadena, CA
Born and raised in Pasadena, Citywide. Music influences comes from all over so I don't think I'd ever be able to point a specific. My start wasn't as rough as your traditional artist, however I'm not unfamiliar to the bottom of the barrel.
I'm Big Moe from Frank Bank ENT. Born in Mexico raised in Pasadena. I'm a marketing specialist, promoter, hype man, always keeping the energy going. Always trying to keep things going smoothly and positively. Always looking for new talent. Everybody deserves a chance.
Meet Artist Promoter "BIG MOE" from Pasadena, CA
Meet Hip Hop Songwriter "M da Great" from Greenville, SC M da Great was born and raised in Greenville SC. Started recording around the age of 13, making beats, and passing out CDs my 9th grade year at Southside High School. Music been a passion before 13, a lot more with that tho. I been doing this for awhile I'm my own Artist. I've worked with good couple
people from around my area even outside my area. Started networking after high school got introduce to Facebook and then IG later Twitter, etc. Now I'm doing things like this to get my music out more. More networking, building my story to let my listeners, viewers, fans know me.
Just recently launched my first web series that I
Co-Star & Co-Produced "All About Manos". My acting talents range from Comedy to DEEP Drama & everything in
between. Like many artists, I am highly
influenced by music & great visual art. Viva La Street Art Let’s Do This! Let’s Make this World a Better Place via our Art.
Ô & I Practice Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism to
bring some Happiness & World Peace to this Lifetime❣️
Meet Comedian "Eden Young" from Los Angeles, CA
Meet Singer/Songwriter/Producer "Xavier Lamar Truesdell" aka XL from Chicago, IL
Xavier Lamar Truesdell Xavier Lamar Truesdell also known as XL was born on Oct. 30th in Chicago, Illinois. He's a professional model, actor, music director, on-air personality, singer, songwriter, and music producer. Truesdell has been in many campaigns such as Nike, Toyota, VW, KFC , Cheez-It, Pepsi, Converse, Adidas, Lady Gaga's "Fame" fragrance campaign, and Dave & Buster. He was featured on classic MTV series like, "Parental Control, "Punk’d", and hit TV shows such as "Nip/Tuck", "Rizzoli & Isles", and "NCIS: Los Angeles". XL's list of music video features include Big Sean, Jason Derulo, The Neighbourhood, Christian Rich, Florence + The Machine, Jordin Sparks, Usher, Michael Jackson, etc . He's also been featured in movies like "Star Trek: Into Darkness", "Miss Congenitally: 2", and "Three Days to Vegas". XL wrote and co-produced his debut EP “Dance All Night”, under his
alias created using his first and middle name initials. The "Dance All Night" EP consisted of pop, dance, R&B music and was also produced by Grammy nominated producer Dem Jointz. His most recent appearances include HBO’s “Insecure”, a “Gibbs” hair campaign, and 1800 Tequila “Refined Lesson No. 1 – Tight” ad campaign. XL is a renaissance man of many talents and enjoys creating art in different mediums to share with the world. XL recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from The Los Angeles Film School and is a new member of the National Honors Society of the Entertainment Arts. Stay tuned for more appearances and features, including new music by XL.
Meet Hip Hop Musician FRANK BANK from Pasadena, CA I'm Frank Bank music producer and artist born in Pasadena raised in the ATL. Founder of FBE which is a independent label with artists from all walks of life.
Meet Musical Entrepreneur "Tyke ThaMob" from Tacoma, WA
23 yr old Tacoma native with Seattle ties. Tyke ThaMob grew up on the east side of Tacoma, between 56 & Portland Ave and 72nd & Pacific Ave. Definitely a product of his environment, gang activity has been a part of
his life since as early as 8 yrs old. Music was his only way to escape the realities of his situation growing up. He tells his story thru his music.
I'm born and raised in Tacoma, WA grew up on the East side of Tacoma until
I was 10. Moved to the South end area went to Foss High School graduated from there. Now I'm
located in University Place, WA doing this music trying to get my family out the hood.
Meet Hip Hop Musician "HENDO" from Tacoma, WA
Meet R&B Musician "MONROE" from Atlanta, GA
MONROE got his start in the music business recording demos and performing at local nightclubs in Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia, He parlayed his success with the release of his single, “Let’s Make a Movie.” The song garnered favorable reviews from local media and set the tone for several followup songs, including “Wish I Never Fell In Love” “Private Party, ”Proud To Be With You”. MONROE recently released a new single “REST STOP" which has already begun to create a buzz in both Atlanta and Virginia!
Meet Americana Songwriter "Eli Gardiner" from Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Eli Gardiner For Eli Gardiner, it's all about the connection, writing from the heart with honesty and conviction. With influences like Jason Isbell, John Moreland, and Bob Dylan, he values the purity of expression through his songs. Some of Eli's earliest music memories are listening to "Saturday Night Gold" on the radio and singing along the to Del Shannons song, "Runaway." He has always loved music and listening to his Dad's collection of records, specifically Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA." ​ "The songs on the new
album "Virginia Rose" are from two chapters in my life. The first is when I was living in a old farm house in Des Moines Iowa, watching the thunder storms roll in across the corn and flatlands. I would come home from work and open the windows to let the house cool down and play these songs to the night sky. The second chapter comes with the move to Virginia, the heartache of addiction and losing a brother. Facing mortality is never an easy thing but these songs helped me to work through the loss and come out the other side.
Meet Hip Hop Recording Artist "JERUSALEM / SCARFELLA MUSIC" from Schenectady, NY
Jerusalem SCARFELLA MUSIC recording artist JERUSALEM is a 13 yr old emcee but when it comes to lyrics he's a veteran having recorded and released his first single and EP when he was only 7 years old both entitled "It's Raining". With a lot of performing and radio interviews the artist was developed by SCARFELLA MUSIC. Watching his growth, he dropped the mix EP "NO DAYS OFF" and then a year later dropping the mix EP entitled "MUSIC IS MY BEST FRIEND" showcasing more of his lyrical growth. Fast forward to 2017, the label released his
newest single entitled "CHAMPION", a hard hitting beat laced with the classic theme from ROCKY was just the right formula to get the social media site buzzing! As of now, JERUSALEM is working on his follow up mix EP entitled "IT'S STILL RAINING", a six song gem showcasing the young artist lyrical ability along with first class production with some of the labels up and coming. Preparing for the 2018 year, this young artist is one to watch..
"I’ve been told I was a Bboy since I was able to walk." -Kev Tacoma, WA Artist Kev King Cold talks King Local Music, Influences, and How He Got Started as an Artist… Cold
Isle y Brothers , Prince, Nas , Cube, Parliament and a lot more. I was already rh yming when I moved here and a group of friends and I formed a ra p group in jr high through high school, we made a lot of noise, did a few shows and got pla y on KEXP but it didn’t last long. Now I’m using the knowledge I soaked up to flourish as a solo act.
Mistah Wilson: W ho were some ke y music
Mistah Wilson: Yo Kev King Cold, what's good wit it! Glad to have you here with us for this exclusive inter view w/ ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. How ya been? Kev King Cold: Man I’ve been busy and blessed! Doing shows making amazing music and raising a beautiful daughter. I just gotta sa y I a ppreciate you having me it’s an honor and a privilege to be par t of the movement your building up brother for real.
Mistah Wilson: Can you give us a quick background on yourself ? Kev King Cold: Yea I was bor n and raised in Nor th Omaha Nebraska and in 03 m y famil y moved to University Place, WA. where I was exposed to the Pacific Nor thwest and all of the people and food and vibes. Went to Cur tis Jr high and high school and lived in dif ferent par ts of Tacoma after that for some y ears. Now I have a famil y of m y own and set up shop in West Seattle working on connecting the two ter ritories.
Mistah Wilson: How did you get star ted as an ar tist?
Kev King Cold: It’s kind of funn y actuall y I’ve been told I was a B-bo y since I was able to walk and alwa ys gravitated toward music , m y environment was full of hip hop and R&B. I star ted writing poetr y in about 5th grade and that tur ned into ra pping when I discovered m y Dads CD/cassette collection, which was a musical goldmine full of The Roots , Leaders of The New School, KRS 1, Flipmode Squad, The
influences you looked up to coming up? Kev King Cold: Oh man I was and still am a huge fan of Black Thought from The Legendar y Roots Crew! I used to put on little concer ts in m y bedroom reciting Roots albums like the y were m y joints hahaha. Nas , of course, It Was Written literally charged up m y writing and fascination with stor ytelling. Lupe Fiasco is a big one Food and Liquor changed m y life and The Cool cracked m y head open. Mos Def. I would like to one da y get into acting as well as the rh yme and really get m y Mos on. Kan y e West also ever y time he drops an album it seems to relate to that wave I’m on in my life at that time its crazy. Plus the production and engineering on his projects are alwa ys ver y solid and creative.
Mistah Wilson: W ho some ar tists you've worked with and would like to work with? Kev King Cold: I’ve worked with Kevin Johnson also known as AKA(A King Also) on his album Infamously Unpopular on this joint called Jackson Polluck go check that out its dope. I’ve got some music coming with up and comer D -Hustle and also Caleb Jermain out in Tacoma. Im developing m yself and a collective called Tr uentsea out in Seattle its 5 of probably the dopest new ar tist in the Seattle region so kee p an e y e out for that we’re making a strong come up the collective is m yself , Langston Doobs , Niq Venus , Chez Tha Challenger, and Clutch Reflex. I’d like to work with guys like Dave B and Hue y P I like the y’re style I feel like we would make some fire tracks.
Mistah Wilson: W here do you draw inspiration from when creating anew? Kev King Cold: I used to focus mainl y on killing the shit out of the beat when I was younger and that was pretty much it but now I focus on just making good songs , good production and engineering that will last longer than one season, especiall y these da ys where people have the attention span of a pigeon. I ta p into m y inner self and just focus on making ever ything timeless so m y daughter can pick up some of m y old stuf f one da y and sa y “your shit was dope pops”. I believe that I will influence generations after me so I tr y to make works that will withstand time and trends.
Mistah Wilson: From your perspective, what major dif ferences are there between tha local music scene in Tacoma and Seattle? Kev King Cold: From m y experience I have to beat people in the head to get them to take me seriousl y not ph ysicall y but re petitive ef for ts to show and prove that I have value and I’m not joking around in both cities. In Tacoma you could have a great sound but not be taken seriousl y if your not in the fold with such and such person or persons that ever yone r uns to for the look. This forces the lone wolf mentality on new ar tist down there. Seattle is ver y similar but the scene is more developed like if you come with your shit straight you can b ypass some of the new kid in school stuf f because there are others willing to work and grind with you and build from scratch if need be because of the resources there. But that is just m y experience and opinion.
Mistah Wilson: How impor tant is giving back to tha community for you? Kev King Cold: I think that giving back is the end game to this jour ne y. W hen I am at the point that I can look back on y ears of work and music I would like to also see that I made a dif ference in peoples lives weather it be charity shows or inspiration to do good for and to others. I recentl y did a charity show and raised some mone y for Puer to Rico and I am now looking at aiming that same ef for t to other causes locall y and in dif ferent regions of the US.
Mistah Wilson: W here can people kee p up with you online? Kev King Cold: Yes sir you can find me @kevkingcold on instagram and twitter @kevkingcold253 on sna pchat, Kev King Cold on Spotify, iTunes , and Bandcamp I have an ar tist page where you can kee p up with shows news and music that links all the social media together at http://ar tistecard.com/KevKingCold
Mistah Wilson: Yo, Kev King Cold thanks for coming thr u for this exclusive inter view with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. I know you got some shout outs , man go ahead and drop em .. Kev King Cold: Thank you thank you m y friend. Its been a pleasure! Shout out to Shane’a and Marlie I love you guys. Shout out to m y producer/engineer Rob Nollan Music , the Tr uentsea collective, the Tacoma Music Collective, the Tacoma Ar tist Collective, Caleb Jermain, Derek Huske y, Pa yton Spencer, Haiku, Devonte Hentle y, m y whole fam back home in the O, and all my listeners and followers worldwide. Peace and love.•••
"Do what makes you happy in the music
never ever listen to the negative learn
how to use it to self motivate yourself." @Mance Makall
Alabama Rapper Mance Makall talks Life in Hayneville, Collabs, & Motivation for Making Music in an Exclusive Interview with Mistah Wilson‌
Mistah W ilson: Yo, Mance Makall! We're honored to have
Mistah W ilson: Ok, we gotta
you here with us for this
talk music! We peeped tha
exclusive inter view with
music video for "Better Way"
ThaW ilsonBlock Magazine!
Ft. Versianna Bur ks and
W hat's been going on wit cha?
James Biggs Walker. W hat
Mance Makall: Been wor king
message were you tr ying to
and grinding. Ever ything is
send with this project?
great!
Mance Makall: The message was to show the other side of
Mistah W ilson: Alabama in tha
the streets far as the glamour
house, man we gotta show
and Holl ywood act it's a
some hospitality. Can you give
str uggle dail y people die dail y
us a quick background on
for tr ying to make a better
yourself ?
way but we don't want to its
Mance Makall: Ok cool. I'm
like we got to so showing that
from a town small town in
no matter what our intentions
Lowndes County called
are bad things happen to good
Hayneville. Love music since
people and sometimes we do
a kid until it tur ned into a
bad for good wrong for right.
habit. Mistah W ilson: W hat other
Mistah W ilson: W hat was it
cur rent and upcoming
like growing up in Hayneville
projects do you have?
and how has it impacted tha
Mance Makall: I'm cur rentl y
ar tist you've grown to be?
wor king on Diamond in the
Mance Makall: It wasn't easy
mud my mixtape with the
coming from a place where
Better Way par t 2 visual/movie
there are little who dare to
also a project coming with
dream and dare to believe but
beat champ I can't tell you
it made me strong as an
much more just wait till after
ar tists I always felt like I had
D.I.T.M.
to go harder and harder I elevated cause people hated.
Mistah W ilson: W ho are some
recommend?
ar tists you've wor ked with
Mance Makall: Awe man most
and would like to wor k with?
definitel y "Better Way", "Get
Mance Makall: I've wor ked
Away", and one I'm putting
with Slimkuta, Rack House
out on my Diamond in the mud
Gator, Ying King James, Lady
called wake up its more
K, Jook Mr 45, Versianna
definitel y for the hippies lol.
Bur ks man many ar tists I would love to do a track with
Mistah W ilson: W here can
Star lito or Kevin gates yea
people keep up with you
those guys are nice.
online? Mance Makall:
Mistah W ilson: W hat venues
Facebook at Mance Makall /
have you perfor med at?
Twitter Mance Makall
Mance Makall: 112 in Atlanta,
Instagram / Mance Makall
Skybar that's in Montgomer y,
also subscribe to my G+ and
B3 bar and grill in Austell GA.,
YouTube Mance Makall.
the legion in Greenville al. awe man I'll be naming forever but ever ywhere I can go I'm there. Mistah W ilson: W hat motivates you to write songs? Mance Makall: My kids, my niece's my nephew's god kids my cuzzns in them cell blocks and potnaz that are no longer here I do it for those who doubt me for those who don't believe yeah. Mistah W ilson: W hat 3 songs of yours would you highl y
Mistah W ilson: W hat positive, encouraging words do you have for aspiring musicians? Mance Makall: Oh yea never give up and grind like you gone die tomor row. Wor k wor k
wor k! Do what makes you happy in the music never ever listen to the negative lear n how to use it to self motivate
yourself. Mistah W ilson: Yo, Mance Makall! It's been an honor
having you here with us for this exclusive inter view with ThaW ilsonBlock Magazine. It's been real. If you got any shout outs, let's hear it .. Mance Makall: Rack House, Scrilla Divenchy, Tony Kane, my engineer J Kills, and Bao Pham, Andre Stunts, DG Bravo, my big cuzzn Shoe, Big Homie Elmore, Chris bell for puttn me in business mind state and my best friend for tune Smith without her I wouldn't have made it to a lotta shows she's a real one loyal many more man awe so many I'll be naming for life.
View Mance Makall’s Formal Artist Introduction to ThaWilsonBlock Network
1200 East Orange Grove Boulevard & Chester Avenue, Pasadena, California by Mistah Wilson Photography
1300 East Orange Grove Boulevard & 700 Holliston Avenue, Pasadena, California by Mistah Wilson Photography
"I wanna start a big brother program for the youth. A lot of kids have talents and big dreams
just don't have the right guidance to prevent them from falling victim to the streets." - Hendo Tacoma, WA Hip Hop Musician "HENDO" talks Shows, Mixtapes, & Life growing up in Tacoma, WA in an Exclusive Interview w/ Mistah Wilson‌
Mistah Wilson: Yo, Hendo! What's good wit it. Glad to have you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. How you been? Hendo: I've been good bro just grinding knocking out these shows and mixtapes. Appreciate you for having me on here bro foreal it's a blessing i'm rocking with the movement. Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, could you give us a quick background on yourself? Hendo: I was born and raised in Tacoma, WA youngest outta 3 siblings. I've lived all over Tacoma tried playing football in high school that didn't work out. I always wanted to do stand up comedy since I'm always cracking jokes once I get my feet in the music business I definitely gonna try that out one of my first dreams. Mistah Wilson: How was it growing up in Tacoma, WA? Hendo: It was rough pops wasn't around Mom's had to raise all 4 of us on her own. She was working graveyard at the time she wasn't really around my siblings help raised me while mom's was providing. They had they own life to live so I kinda fell victim to the streets looking for a male role model since pops was in and out of jail. Mistah Wilson: What led you to start rapping? Hendo: When I was a kid my sis would have me rap E-40, Luni Coleone for her and her friends from there I just grew up freestyling to beats nothing serious. During high school my bro Nicko aka John dough was rapping doing his thang. Then my bro Judah started rapping they
started doing songs and mixtapes together creating a buzz I was running the streets at the time wasn't really on rapping and making music. I ended up getting shot 5 times a year after high school and all the shit I been threw and seen I decided I had a story to tell a lot of people don't live after being shot that many times so I got in the booth with Judah and rest is history. Mistah Wilson : What current and upcoming projects do you have in tha works? Hendo: I'm working on both sides of the flag part 2 right now with Judah and 400Dt. Shout out my bros TT and Murda they 400Dreamteam. Me and Judah We L.O.L loyaltyoverloot we got a mixtape of our own on the way should be ready by Christmas so stay tuned for that. We just dropped a video on YouTube "Bout a Bag" Mac Judah ft Hendo go check that video out its doing numbers.
Mistah Wilson : What do you plan on accomplishing thru your music? Hendo: My goal is to be able to take care of my family and give my mom the world she deserves it all. I wanna give back to the communities. I wanna start a big brother program for the youth a lot of kids have talents and big dreams just don't have the right guidance to prevent them from falling victim to the streets. Mistah Wilson : Where can people check your music out online? Mistah Wilson: Who are some artists you 've worked with and wou ld like to work with? Hendo: I've working with Judah, Tt400, Murda400 ,Menace4DaGuap, Young Stunt, Meecho, Ferrari French those is all Tacoma rapper's. I've worked with Ysic from Seattle shout out bro he's popping out that way. Also got a song with Lil Trev from Sacramento finna drop real soon be on the lookout for that. I'm willing to work with anybody from my section Tacoma has a lot of talent. Mistah Wilson: You been rocking any shows lately? If so, where? If not, where wou ld you like to perform? Hendo: Yah I just for back from ATL in October had a show out there I fuck with ATL crazy culture shock. I got a show on the 30th at lady lucks in parkland. Also Got a show opening up for Lebowski on December 8th at the Le Voyeur in Olympia, WA. Just doing as many shows as I can need all the exposure and it's helping me perfect my craft and how I perform on stage. Everybody come out to the shows support your local artist when I make it we all make it.
Hendo: YouTube page is Mac L.O.L go subscribe and check us out we got hella videos and music. We on SoundCloud also Judah253 finna be on iTunes and all the other major platforms but for now check us out on YouTube and SoundCloud. Mistah Wilson : Yo, Hendo! Thanks for coming thru for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! It's been great. Got any shout outs? Drop em .. Hendo: Thanks for having me again bro y'all go check out ThaWilsonBlock Magazine they putting on. Shout my sis/manger Yvonne for getting my head in the game shout out my bro Judah he also mix and masters our music he does it all he's more then just a rapper. Shout out my team L.O.L my bros 400Dt, Shout out Patt FYETHEMOBB, My guy Brain I.N.K productions, BeatsxBeers Im rocking with the movement shout out the whole Tacoma keep working the spot light is coming shout out all my fans and supports the fan base is starting to do numbers I appreciate all the love and support.
Songwriter M.K. Gray talks Creativity, Music Publishing, & How He Deals with Writer's Block in an Exclusive Interview w/ Mistah Wilson‌
"My rewards are
that I get to complete
something that people might enjoy but will ultimately be a unique body of work. Money is part of that, but
the joy truly is in the creative process to me." -
Mistah Wilson: Greetings, M.K. Gray! We are honored to have you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. How ya' been? M.K. Gray: Fantastic, thanks for asking! Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, would you mind giving us a quick background on yourself? M.K. Gray: Grew up in Santa Cruz & Watsonville, CA. My creativity started as everyone's does at an early age... I cartooned and came up with little stories. As I grew older I also drew to songs as we always had music in my parents' house. I was not good at instruments, but I nurtured my language skills and then started writing poetry, acting & performing in a music show in High School. That turned into writing songs with friends and we co -wrote and started in a musical at Watsonville High. My contribution was primarily lyric writing but I was allowed to create my character in the show. Mistah Wilson: So, what led you to becoming a songwriter? M.K. Gray: It is a combination of how I grew up, what my life was like and observations & experiences of family not to mention various relationships I've had with others over the years. I got side tracked with tennis in high school & college but I knew quite quickly my abilities in lyric writing would take me further. Early years of collaboration with close friends was key but I also studied relentlessly about what songs are and applied that to my writing. I went to Trebas Institute of Recording Arts in Hollywood, CA in 1992 to study Music Business, worked as an Intern for Epic Records and also worked for the Grammy's Host Committee that same year, however I was really not prepared
for that kind of grind, so I moved back home and worked my way through various jobs. Since my good friend Phillip Harrington came back to Watsonville from studying Songwriting & Performance at Berklee School of Music, we decided to form a musical partnership calling ourselves funfolk. We did an open mic, but the main thing was we wrote a lot and took it quite seriously. We started posting stuff online. We got in the door with BMI as writers in 1994. During the same time, I worked with a Jazz composer & performer named Barbara Lopez briefly and she will occasionally perform the songs to this day. I also had met back then a now Nashville -based songwriter and music publisher/genius early in life named Lisa Aschmann who ditched being a professor at UCSC to do it full time and that impacted me greatly. She was still early in her career when I met her and I keep that as inspiration to follow this dream. Phil is doing his thing with a new partner named Purcella and I am putting in effort to work on my craft and find new collaborators but it took me quite a few years to totally commit my energy into writing lyrics. I sometimes think I should have other aspirations and goals, but you know, deep goals within the heart cannot be silenced as you age. That's why I write today. It just won't dislodge from me - it tugs at me to say I have too much at stake to not do it. Mistah Wilson: What are some things you do to draw inspiration when writing new songs? M.K. Gray: I usually come up with titles regularly so I'll list them, sometimes even work on them right away. My titles come from phrases or borrow from other title phrasings but I always make a conscious effort to not try to copy other titles or recycle them. The idea is if it is an interesting title for me that is half the battle and I just go to work. Old timers got assignments for songs but I don't work like that, it is self driven and I write solely what I think is interesting.
Mistah Wilson: This question can't go unasked! How do you deal with writer's block? M.K. Gray: I went through very frustrating times where I didn't believe I should work on new stuff anymore. Self doubt has a lot to do with it. As I read a book by Steven Pressfield called Going Pro, I realized what my hitch was. It had to do with not trusting my instinct and know I'll figure out what to create as I go along. That you should imagine what you are going to work on as opening a box that will always have something inside. That's important in creativity, to meet with the ideas to work with and accept them no matter what they are, because those open up other avenues to explore. Be willing to explore new ways of writing! Mistah Wilson: What have been some challenges AND rewards along your journey as a songwriter? M.K. Gray: Challenges for me include working with others that are focused on other things. Even I've been guilty of it. You get caught up in life so much that you don't honor your creative self or the commitments you make with other creative people to complete projects. My rewards are that I get to complete something that people might enjoy but will ultimately be a unique body of work. Money is part of that, but the joy truly is in the creative process to me.
Mistah Wilson: Have you written any songs for artists we should know about? M.K. Gray: Barbara Lopez, Matt and Phil's Band. Hell, I even wrote a parody of a Weezer song, and it's co-published with Rivers Cuomo. I know that I WANT to write songs that artists will perform but it still needs to happen. My goal is to work as a staff writer I think. We'll see. Mistah Wilson: What do you plan on accomplishing through your songwriting? What is your ultimate goal? M.K. Gray: Really it's about supporting my family (I am married and have two daughters) so that is a major motivator for me. Writing songs, I love to do, so that is an ideal - to view is as my play and get paid for my efforts. And I just want to write great songs, but please others as I know how hard people work for their money to afford buying music. Mistah Wilson: What positive, encouraging words do you have for
songwriting? M.K. Gray: I think that you really know if you're meant for it or not by instinct, internal drive and your overall passion. Focus on that, not what the end game is. I think it's the coolest thing in the world to create something new and participate in the music industry because you have the ability to spark ideas through your work. As a writer, if you are inspired so much that you cannot see yourself doing other work, then by all means, write. And give yourself the space to create what you are creating without needing to follow trends. Write what you like to write. Offer it up. Take that shot. Join organizations. Learn and create. Have fun! Mistah Wilson: Where can people keep up with you online? M.K. Gray: GrandmasMantelMusic.com is where my lyrics are, check em out and see if they inspire you. I am on Twitter as @mkgraymusic ... As I say on my website, I am looking for co -writers who want to work with me on the songs to get them completed or even create new songs. So I encourage people interested in becoming creative partners with me to write me at mkgray69@gmail.com. Mistah Wilson: Hey, M.K. Gray! It's been great having you here for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. If there's any one you want to shout out, now's tha time .. M.K. Gray: Shout out to all my friends back in Santa Cruz & Watsonville including old co -writers who are scattered around: Chris & Phillip Harrington, Anthony Fesmire , Jonathan Fesmire , Barbara Lopez & Lisa Aschmann. I feel I also have to do a special shout out to Diane Warren and Music Industry mentor Julie Farman who are both big inspirations to me creatively. A big shout out to my Mom, Barbara Gray and my brothers Russ and Jeff for believing in me. Finally, to my wife Melanie and our two daughters Grace and Annie. Let's all make it happen!
Atlanta R&B Musician MONROE talks Indie Label, His Dream Team, & Motivation for Making Music in an Exclusive Interview w/ Mistah Wilson "I'm trying to finish my Mom’s legacy. She use to be in a group when I was 4, and I use to watch her practice, so I'm enjoying finishing
her legacy, and I love the creation of the hooks in a song and
the beat!" - MONROE
Mistah Wilson : Yo, Monroe! We are glad to have you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! Real quick, can you give us a quick background on yourself? Monroe: I'm a R&B and POP from Virginia, but live in Atlanta. I'm independent with my record label, Seven Tyme Entertainment! I sold 40,000 CD's on the streets, and my breakout single went number 4 on National DRT Chart! Mistah Wilson : What's your motivation for making music? Monroe: I'm trying to finish my Mom legacy, She use to be in a group when I was 4, and I use to watch her practice, so I'm enjoying finishing her legacy, and I love the creation of the hooks in a song and the beat!
Mistah Wilson : What current & upcoming projects do you have in tha works? Monroe: I'm always doing different features with other up and coming artist, and I have a project I'm
dropping called "SHUT IT DOWN" Feat: F DIRTY! Mistah Wilson : What are 3 songs of yours that you would recommend to new fans? Monroe: 1. LET'S MAKE A MOVIE 2. PRIVATE PARTY 3. I GOT IT And the newest release I'm dropping 4. SHUT IT DOWN Mistah Wilson : Are you independent or do you have management? Monroe: I'm independent, and I have a Dream Team! Mistah Wilson : What have been some challenges and rewards you've experienced on your journey pursuing a career in music? Monroe: Dealing with fake industry people, that say they can do this for you and take your money, and do nothing. Please let God guide your foot steps, because everybody says they can help your Brand, and 85â„… can't do nothing, so find the other 15â„… that want to help you,
Mistah Wilson : What positive, encouraging words do you have for aspiring musicians coming up? Monroe: Number one, put your trust in God, not man, because they will try to sell you a dream, be your own boss, and teach yourself and learn the business. Then practice practice practice practice practice practice practice! Mistah Wilson : Where can people check for your music online? Monroe: Breakout Video PRIVATE PARTY I GOT IT Mistah Wilson : Yo, Monroe! It's been great having you here for this exclusive interview with thawilsonMAG! If you have any shout outs, let's hear it... Monroe: Shout out to you, and those supporting me, and my Dream Team!
Seattle rapper Langston Doobs talks Passion for the Arts, Inspiration to Music, & How he got his Alias
"Everything around me inspires me in some shape or form from what I go thru day to day, nature, love. Life I'd say is my main inspiration because its organic, its a feel." -Langston Doobs
all over from Ohio to even D.C.
Mistah Wilson: When did you first know you wanted to be a rapper? Langston Doobs: I knew I definitely wanted to pursue music once I started college. I just hated it. I'd be up all night studying to doing something I didn't like when I'd much rather be working on music.
Mistah Wilson: Yo, Langston Doobs thanks for coming thru for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock! You submitted your artist profile and now here we are. How ya been? Langston Doobs: Man I've been living blessed lately man smoking good, living good, and eating good haha
Mistah Wilson: Ok, how did you get tha name Langston Doobs? Langston Doobs: I'm a big fan of Langston Hughes and what he was about and Doobs because its short for doobies and I'm an avid weed smoker. Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, could you give us a quick background on yourself? Langston Doobs: Yes of course well I grew up most of my life with just my mom. I've always had a passion for the arts my moms an artist herself and she's also a professor at Seattle Central. So just with her in my household I always grew up creating stuff. I played multiple instruments such as the trumpet and violin and I always had a passion for poetry and art. Mistah Wilson: How was life growing up in tha 206? Langston Doobs: Well to be honest I didn't grow up in Seattle all my life but I feel at home in Seattle. I moved to Seattle in 2014 and I was born in Trenton, NJ and in between there I lived
Mistah Wilson: What are some songs of yours people should check out? Let me get some titles... Langston Doobs: Hiii-er, If You Love Yourself and No Time are my favorites out right now but I got plenty more on the way.
Mistah Wilson: What inspires your creativity? Langston Doobs: Everything around me inspires me in some shape or form from what I go thru day to day, nature, love. Life I'd say is my main inspiration because its organic, its a feel. Some people search their whole lives for the feel. But it can't be recreated or copied like Bob Marley says. You gotta be true to yourself in order to find it. Mistah Wilson: Who were some artists you listened to growing up? Langston Doobs: Man I grew up to the good stuff Sade, Earth, Wind, and Fire, The temptations, Kenny G, B.B. King all the good stuff. Mistah Wilson: What do you plan to accomplish through your music? Langston Doobs: What I plan to accomplish thru music is to show people life, my life, their life, just life thru music, art and whatever I do. I feel like people sometimes get lost and too caught up in things that don't matter instead of appreciating the people around you and even the smallest moments because those are the ones you look back on and cherish.
Mistah Wilson: Where can people follow you online and hear your music? Langston Doobs: You call follow me on all social media at Langston Doobs and then for my music you can check me out on any music Service from iTunes, to Spotify, and even Soundcloud and Youtube all at Langston Doobs
Mistah Wilson: Yo, Langston Doobs! It's been awesome having you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock.
Got any shout outs? Let's hear it .. Langston Doobs: I'd Like to shoutout you guys for having me, my collective TruEntSea and all my fans!•••