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Introduce yourself to the people? DJ DIAMOND “The Artist” (Celebrity DJ to the Super Stars). Member of the X-Men /X-Ecutioner DJ Crew, Championship Battle DJ holding Multiple Titles, Original Tour DJ for MTV / P.Diddy’s Making TheBand, Gravediggaz, Craig Mack, TCF Crew, Beyonce & Prince (RIP). Original & Current Tour DJ for EPMD. Official DJ forCentric Comedy All Stars, Mixtape Comedy, Anthony Anderson & Friends, Kevin Hart’s Super Bowl Halftime Live Special,.Recently Featured on Hot 97’s (NYC) 5 Minutes of Funk with FunkMaster Flex. What do you as a DJ find the most satisfying, playing small clubs or stadiums? It’s All Satisfying as long as I get to perform my craft for the people. Could be 50 or 50,000 doesn’t matter I always give my all in my shows! You are a skilled DJ from the turntable days. What is your take on computers doing most of the work nowadays and the fact that anyone can now be a DJ? It’s sad because technology is our best friend and worst enemy at the same time. DJing now has become a novelty, a fad, a cool thing to say in a conversation but not many are putting in the hard work to become truly worthy of the title DJ! Computers are capable of doing a lot however if u let them do the majority of the work then your not a DJ, your just a Fraud. Did technology disrespect the DJ? Not at all. I feel technology really advanced the DJ. Everything I imagined back in the 90’s I can now execute live with today’s technology. With today’s technology If u were a wack DJ now your decent, If u were decent now your good, if u were good now your great, if u were great now your phenomenal. It’s more of the corporate powers that be that have Disrespected the DJ Culture by brainwashing the masses into believing that this Fake DJ (Jumping up and down, Jesus posing, Hand heart making) B.S. is the new bench mark of greatness! It’s an on going trend that has happened since Chubby Checker pioneered Rock n Roll, however never gets the credit deserved. #StayWoke 8 | @thewaveX
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Which brings me to my next question…Tell us about your new single Respect the DJ? Respect The DJ is just that, Respect the real hard working DJs who put in the time and sweat equity to perfect their skill set to give the best to the people who enjoy what we do! Not pressing play and doing 2 hours of Milli Vanilli Fakeness. Before corporate got involved the DJ was the epicenter of it all. It was GrandMaster Flash and the Furious 5, Cash Money & Marvelous, Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Pete Rock & CL. Smooth, Kool G Rap & Polo and the list goes on. Nowadays there are almost no MC’s and DJ’s signed to recording contracts as a group or duo and good luck finding today’s rappers on stage with their own DJ. They’ll use any DJ that’s around and say play number so and so next and that’s their show. There is a real disconnect between Hip Hop, Rap Music and the DJ and that was not how this was meant to be. Respect the DJ as a song is a reminder, a wake up call if you will as to what’s missing from 2day’s rap music formula!!! What inspired you to drop a rap project… as the rap artist? Most of the world does not know it but I’ve had 3 past record deals as a rapper on 3 different Major Labels. Due
to industry Blah Blah Blah none of my projects ever came out but I got that advance money every time Lol. Are there any features on the project or is it all DJ Diamond? The Project is called “Don’t Label Me”, meaning don’t put me in a box musically. I make songs how I get out of bed, if I’m feeling spiritual I’ll make a song praising the creator, if I’m feeling horny I’ll make a song about smashing chicks and it will all be on this project. As consumers please allow me to be the creative genius that I am and stay with me as I think completely outside the box! “Don’t Label Me“ has a few features but no one you would know. I purposely didn’t call upon my celebrity friends because I wanted the masses to get to know the artist side of me. Maybe next project I’ll throw a few surprises in there, but this one is just me being me! Who is your favorite DJ? That’s like asking me who is my favorite MC lol …. Waaaaayyyyyy too many to list. I’m a fan of “dope”, plain and simple, so if you’re “dope”… I’m showing love all day! 10 | @wavemag
Do you attend any music / or DJ conventions? I usually miss them however I do intend to be at the next Heavy Hitter, Core, Fleet & Nerve DJ conferences if schedule permits. I love my DJ family and love being around all of their greatness!!! Any advice for aspiring DJs? Yeah, master your craft 1st. The gigs will come…. Where can we see more of you? Twitter, FB, IG, SC, YouTube, Vevo, Google + All social media is DJ DIAMOND THE ARTIST and of course you can register on my website DJDIAMONDTHEARTIST.COM
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Which of your tattoos has the most meaning? I don’t usually get tattoos for their 'meaning,' per say, usually I choose my pieces for their artistic properties. However, I guess if I had to pick one tattoo that has 'the most meaning' to me, it would be the vampire chick on the inside of left forearm that I got at a tattoo convention. What was your first tattoo? I got my first tattoo at a shop that my hair stylist at the time recommended to me when I was 18. It's a black Chi Rho with Alpha and Omega signs inside of it. I designed the tattoo myself. How many tattoos do you have? Honestly, I have no idea, haha. Do you count every piece in a full sleeve? God, I wouldn’t even know where to begin! 14 | @wavemag
Which tattoo hurt the most? The tattoo that hurt the most is by far my tattoo on the outer side of my right calf sleeve. I almost went into shock, the medics kept asking if I needed their help, haha. It hurt like hell!!! What is your favorite tattoo? I don't think I have a single favorite piece. My whole left arm sleeve is my favorite, but with all of the pieces combined. What inspired you to turn your body into a canvas of beautiful art? I've loved tattoos ever since I was a teenager. A friend of mine introduced me to the Chi Rho and I think that's when I first started fantasizing about getting inked. My accessories are my tattoos. It's almost as if they show how I view the world. @thewaveX | 15
Who is your favorite tattoo artist? By far, hands down, my favorite artist is Armando Flores (@kamuyart). He's working out of Starlight Tattoo in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas right now and still regularly works conventions all over the country Do you attend any tattoo conventions? I used to go to conventions all the time when I lived in Las Vegas- conventions all throughout Arizona, California, Vegas, Chicago, etc. I don't travel to them regularly anymore since having my daughter, but every once in awhile I'll go to a convention with Armando and my husband and daughter in tow. Any advice for aspiring alternative / tattoo models? Just go for it. If you want to become an alternative model, or simply a model who happens to have tattoos, don’t worry about stretch marks, your weight or imperfections. We’re all beautiful in our own unique ways and our flaws make us memorable. Start searching for good, professional photographers in your area and create a strong profile. If you’re short on money and just starting out, try and find photographers who are willing to do ‘TFP,’ which is ‘time for prints’ and will give you photos in exchange for your time. Make multiple social media accounts and market yourself as much as possible. Take time to post at least one photo on Instagram a day and use your Facebook page like it’s a business. Connect with other models in your area. Hell, I’m sure there’s a lot more to it- I just started this journey a few months ago, so I’m definitely no expert, but these techniques have given me 2,300 Instagram followers, multiple TFP photography offers and even brand modeling opportunities in just three short weeks.
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Where can we see more of you? Right now I have Instagram: @siren_vale Facebook:www.facebook.com/the.siren.vale/ Aaaaand.... Snapchat (I'm JUST NOW starting to use this, so be patient with me!): siren_vale I'll end up making a website eventually, and it will be accesible through my Facebook page, so stay tuned everyone! @wavemag | 17
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How long have you been a tattoo artist? I have been tattooing for about 30 years. Do you remember the first tattoo that you ever done? Wow… that was so long ago. I would have to say a tiger with a heart on my cousins chest. How would you describe your tattooing style? As an artist you need to be able to draw and tattoo any style of images you are going to tattoo. I do enjoy doing Japanese style tattoos. That’s one of my favorites. Where is the most difficult place for you to tattoo someone? I would have to say your arm pits are one of those difficult spots. Do your friends let you tatt them up for practice? Yes. When I started out a lot of my friends let me tattoo them. That’s how I was able to get better. What is your craziest story? The craziest I would have to say was when I was tattooing BTK, a Chinese gang from Chinatown. They would get these big tattoos on their backs and sit for crazy hours without moving. Should drunk people get inked? Definitely not. I won’t tattoo you if you’re drunk What is the most bizarre tattoo you have ever put on someone? This happy chick wanted stars and a moon on her private part. 20 | @thewaveX
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What tattoo artists, if any, do you draw inspiration from? Horioshi III, Filip Lue, Chris Garner, Mr. Cartoon, but there are so many great artist out there that have great styles that I enjoy looking at their work, and with IG out it makes it so much easier nowadays. You have tattooed some of the greats in hip hop. Can you tell us who some of them are and some of the tattoos that we might recognize? I have tattoed Cypress Hill, Tupac, Fat Joe, Lord Jamal of Brand Nubian, Dead Prez, Tech from Smiff & Wesson and so many more. I would say Tupac, that quote, “Only God can Judge Me”. How did you get involved with doing tattoos for hip hop artists? That came about from me being the hip hop club scene. I went to alot of clubs back in the days like Roxy, Danceteria, Red Zone, The Tunnel, Payday, etc. I was already tattooing so I was able to tap into that scene. From the 80’s and 90’s. The Golden Era of Hip Hop. For a first timer, where should they get a tattoo if they do not like a lot of pain? I would tell them the bicep is the least painful. Words of advice for anyone that wants to become a tattoo artist? First become an apprentice. Learn the ins and outs about tattoo. Building machines, always study drawing. Tattooing is a craft. Learn what you are doing and the rest will come. Where can we get inked by you and see more of your work? You can check me out at Skintrade Tattoos, NY, 367 W. 35th St., New York, NY 10001. Ph: 917.532.7751 or 646.848.0144 skintrade68@gmail. com IG: @skintradenyc 22 | @wavemag
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Which of your tattoos has the most meaning? The tattoo of mine that has the most meaning has to be my Elvis portrait, as I am his biggest admirer!!! I spent a lot of my childhood visiting Memphis.. His home Graceland and the house he grew up in... I have so many amazing memories there!! I also have the full song "love me tender" on my right theigh What was your first tattoo? My first tattoo was definitely a mistake. I was only 15 and thought I'd be cool if I had a tattoo before anyone else lol. It was a dragon on my upper arm. The same as Angelina Jolie's as I always had a massive crush on her!!! I later had this removed and covered. How many tattoos do you have? I have over 20 tattoos but most of them are massive peices and cover a lot of skin. Over 50% of my body is covered with a lot more planned Which tattoo hurt the most? My most painful tattoo has to be the rose on my hand as it was a cover up and took a lot of shading and the skin is so thin there the needle kept hitting my nerves and making my fingers twitch!!! But as they say.. No pain no gain!!!
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What is your favorite tattoo? My favorite tattoo is my portrait of Marilyn Monroe on the back of my arm as she's always been one of my idols and she's gorgeous!!! What inspired you to turn your body into a canvas of beautiful art? I have loved tattoos from a very young age, I love the way they look, the stories they tell... Just everything about them looks sexy!!! How much fun is it being a Playboy TV presenter? It is soooo much fun being a presenter for playboy TV!! I've never had fun like it!! The callers always make me smile and the girls I work with are so much fun!! At work and outside of work!! We’re always getting into mischief. Have you had the chance to visit the Playboy mansion? Never had a chance to visit the playboy mansion but I'd love to go in the near future!! What has been your best moment to date as a tattoo model? Best moment of being a tattoo model is when I get feedback from fans saying how much they like my tatts and getting to tell the stories of them to them.. They are all so supportive!! Plus I love my photo being taken!!
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Do you attend any tattoo conventions? I have been to a few tattoo conventions... My favorite one is London.. I'm thinking of selling a calendar there once my tatts are finished!! Any advice for aspiring alternative / tattoo models? My advice for any aspiring tattoo models is to just always be confident and just go for it!! Take every opportunity you get! Life's too short, so live it just the way you want too!! Never give up x Where can we see more of you? You can always see more of me on playboy TV chat and give me a call Make sure you follow me on twitter and Instagram @nevaehheaven69
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Please introduce yourself to our readers? Hello my name is Dollar Bill. I live in the hamlet of Bay Shore. Centrally located on Long Island. I guess you can call me a Long island native son. Tell us a little bit about Rap Star the Series, and your roll in the bringing it to life? Rap star is an original series developed by Kraze. My part in this series is that of the head writer. We have six writers. Kraze spearheads the plots and everyone else submits their part to me. That’s how I organize the information and make it fit into the project. How long have you been into writing for film/scripts? I've been writing ever since I took a couple of courses at NYU. That was over 10 years ago. What inspires you to come up with a great script? People with situations that I encounter during daily activity. If I see something happy, funny, or sad, it evokes heavy emotion in me to write. I think
writers should write every day. It sharpens your craft. Is it difficult to come up with conversations and dialogue between multiple actors? No. Actually I like it when I'm writing dialogue. I'm living in the character. You are that person, you're writing for them. Sort of like a ghost writer. You may write for many different people but each one of them will have their own style of conversation. So you have to contort your dialogue to their language. As a script writer, where would you like to see yourself in 2 years? I would like to see some of my other collaborations and personal projects come to fruition. Aside from writing scripts, what else do you have in the works? Right now I'm finishing up my musical follow-up project to “The Bridge”. Which I did with Nathaniel X. It was his project. From which I generated enough interest to get my own movement going. The song, “The Bridge”, we mingle house, hip-hop and Jazz. The soulful blend created what is known as “Gangsta House”. Do you feel that technology is responsible for some of the artist that we have today? Yes, and that is a good thing. Now people have a shot at doing what they desire. That they have the mode and the means to complete a project. All they need is a little talent. What direction do you see rap music going in the next 2-5 years? That's a good question. If I knew the answer, I would tap into that right now. I don't want to say it, but people may just die doing adlib tracks. No verses… just adlibs.
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In your opinion, what was the cause of mumble rap and will it be around in the future? Well, I think mumble wrap is an evolution of rap. Meaning throughout the years rap is going through different phases. Different examples of this are the lyrical phase, the conscious phase, the gangster phase, and theJay Z phase. So over time things are going to change. R&B went through its phases as well. In fact both musical genres are constantly going through evolutionary changes. Eventually one day mumble rap will be a thing of the past. What is the next thing on the table for Dollar Bill? The next thing I want to work on is The Nate B Project. It’s a soulful rhythm and blues project that has melodies that leave your imagination yearning for more. If you could work with any artist in their prime, just 1, dead or alive who would it be? Lord Finesse. From where do you draw your inspiration to create music? I get ideas from walking or working. What even something someone says. Music and writing is instilled in me. The slightest notion can entice me. Sometimes I make music for something I have written, or sometimes I write because I’ve been making music. It's like a Yin and Yang type of situation. Where can we see and hear more work by Dollar Bill? Catch me on IG: @dollartwitterfingers
Rap Star: The Series @rapstartheseries industrymuscle.com/tag/rapstar-the-series/ RapStar The Series New Hiphop series that explores the inner workings of the music business and the relationships that fuel them. Executive producer James Kraze Billings www.rapstartheseries.com @wavemag @thewaveX | 33|
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Tell the readers who you are and where you’re from? I go by the name Alexx Stone. I was born and raised in New York. I currently reside in East TN. Musically how would you describe your style? I would say I have a versatile style. Being from NY (BX & LI) and now living in TN. I tend to merge the different sounds that I’ve caught from both places. I’m always working on music and trying to find new ways to piece songs together. I try to work outside my comfort zone as much as I can. I see you rep S.W.I.M. Entertainment. What does S.W.I.M. stand for? S.W.I.M. stands for Someone Who Is Motivated. Who are some of your musical influences? Some of my musical influences are Jay-Z, Nas, DMX, Andre 3000 and 50 Cent. What does Alexx Stone want to accomplish in this industry? I would like to stamp the game with my music. I want to be remembered in hip hop for making motivational raw hip hop. I’m trying to be a Diddy or Russell when it’s all said and done. All I wanna do is build my legacy. If you had a wish list of MC’s to work with, who would be your top 5… in order? 5. Lloyd Banks, 4.Kanye West, 3. J. Cole, 4. Lauryn Hill, 1. Jay -Z You just released your mixtape ‘Illregular’, and it’s doing well. Is there a follow up to it and if so when is it dropping? Yes, there is a follow up to the ’Illregular’ EP. ‘Stoner Mentality’ will be dropping mid July.
What is your favorite song on the mixtape? Dirty Dancin’. What direction do you see rap music going in the next 2-5 years? Hip hop is the most listened to genre of music in the world. I see it growing bigger and bigger in the future. In your opinion, what was the cause of mumble rap and will it be around in the future? Honestly, I don’t get caught up in the mumble rap thing. It’s not me. Never has been, never will be. There’s some I like, some I don’t… just like any other music. If it works for you, by all means go for it, lol. What is the next thing on the table for AleXx Stone? The next thing on the table for me is more shows, more music, videos and clothing. If you could work with any artist in their prime, just 1… dead or alive, who would it be? If I could work with one artist dead or alive it would definitely have to be Biggie. Sorry Pac. From where do you draw your inspiration to create music? I draw my inspirations for music from just living life and past experiences. I find it a lot easier to write about things that I’ve personally encountered or witnessed. Who are you listening to right now? I’m currently listening to ‘Damn’ by Kendrick Lamar. Where can we see and hear more of Alexx Stone? You can follow me on IG: @alexxstonerlyfe, Twitter: @AlexxStoner, FB: AleXx Stone, SOUNDCLOUD: AleXx Stone.
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Which of your tattoos has the most meaning? I would have to save the "give" on my fingers has the most meaning because I got them done by my bf when he just started to tattoo so they mean a lot to me. What was your first tattoo? My first tattoo was my baby brothers name on my back. How many tattoos do you have? I have no idea how many tattoos I have they started to become one huge piece. Which tattoo hurt the most? I would have to say the tummy and sternum area are one of the most intense areas! What is your favorite tattoo? I love all of my tattoos but as of rite now my favorite is my black throat. What inspired you to turn your body into a canvas of beautiful art? At a young age I always enjoyed drawing on myself and I have loved expressing myself in unique ways andtattoos just became one that I fell deeply I love with. Who is your favorite tattoo artist? I have two that are my go to artist and that's Rene Chavira and Joshua Aaron Kassner Do you attend any tattoo conventions? I have attended one in Lubbock and one in El Paso. If you could leave your mark on the world, what would it be? To be yourself and never let other people's opinions destroy your own. And to be kind. Any advice for aspiring alternative / tattoo models? Don't ever give up on what you love. Where can we see more of you? My username on instagram is Sarahsabbath and my Facebook is Sarah Castillo @wavemag | 43
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How long have you been a tattoo artist? 28 years Do you remember the first tattoo that you ever done? No honestly How would you describe your tattooing style? Black and grey realism Where is the most difficult place for you to tattoo someone? Back of the upper arm by the armpit Do you have any tats? If so, how many? A ton, lost count years ago Did you do any of them yourself? Yes, any I could reach! Do your friends let you tatt them up for practice? Yeah if I wanna try something new! What is your craziest story? My best horror story is probably a lady that left a LOT of info off the consent form in the “things your artist should be aware of ” section. A little bit into the tattoo she is flopping and climbing out of my chair, it was a 46 | @thewaveX
lower back piece and I know its a sensitive area but it was to the point of being ridiculous! At this point nothing was accomplished and most of the time had been spent correcting where she was moving so much! I’m really really patient with my clients, and try to accommodate them in any way I can. But this entire session was a nightmare, on top of moving she was yelling at me, threats, etc. Well a few minutes later her boyfriend asks me if I smell popcorn?! I replied “yeah a little?! Why?” And he tells me that popcorn makes his girlfriend go into seizures!! I look at my client and she was in a full blown one!! I stop, get her situated and stop the session. I tattoo people with medical issues everyday, but if I don’t know the issues are there I can’t prepare!! Afterwards I found out her ex husband broke her back and damaged her hip and spine from abuse!! She was getting all sorts of shots that made the area really hyper sensitive!!! And the seizures were caused by a tumor in her spine/neck area. If I had known any of that I would have opted for a different placement or not get one!!! But I thought it was a regular session! That was a long time ago do the numbing stuff that’s out now wasn’t available. But since then I make sure there’s not underlying issues with any clients! :) Should drunk people get inked? Oh hell no.
What is the most bizzare tattoo you have ever put on someone? Spiderweb on the tongue from tip in
For a first timer, where should they not get a tattoo if they do not like a lot of pain? Inner wrist, ribs, sternum, or inner elbow
What tattoo artists, if any, do you draw inspiration from? A lot of guys in socal, I love the high contrast stuff
Words of advice for anyone that wants to become a tattoo artist? Same as number 12, be patient! Find an artist you like and talk to them. Don't jump the gun and start ordering equipment without knowing how to use it!
What’s the secret to being a great tattoo artist? Stay humble, never stop learning and trying new things What is your favorite tattoo artist? I'd probably say Brian Gonzalez with inkslingers in LA
Where can we get inked by you and see more of your work? Instagram @chrismcphersontattoo Facebook @Chris McPherson Tattoo Or Gypsy Soul Tattoo
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Tell the readers who you are and where you’re from? My Name is Leona Cuffy, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire in the UK. Leona is my music name.... Lee Lou is my modeling name. So now I've become known as Leona Lee Lou. Musically how would you describe your style? I would say my musical style is silky, soulful and easy listening I balance big vibes with soft vocals. You are a very diverse artist. You cover multiple genres such as hip hop, DnB to Soul / RnB. How are you able balance all of those different styles? I grew up belting ballads with my family my Caribbean roots obviously influenced my love for music. Over the years really singing loud everyday would bug my mum and the neighbors so I began learning how to float with a silky vocal instead so that I wouldn't be heard. Who are some of your musical influences? Musical influences...to name a few: Leanne Le Havas, Dusty Springfield, David Bowie, Billie Holiday, Andrew Sisters. All different, but all bringing something
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unique to the plate. What does Leona want to accomplish in this industry? This industry is tough. It can chew you up and spit you out. So being part of it you need thick skin. All I want is to wake up and know that I left a legacy musically. I have so many lyrics and melody lines in my head that I dream about it I even started an impromptu jam session with people that have never met to see if strangers skills but with no project outline could create musical fusion together and it worked so so well. Revolver and I called them the Subliminal Jam Sessions. So I just want to keep making music. It feeds my soul and clears my mind....It’s what I do. If you had to pick one genre of music to work in for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? I love many genres and so never stuck to just one type of genre to listen to. If I had to pick one genre? That’s easy Drum and Bass. It’s influenced by so many genres. So yeah, easy choice.
f you had a wish list of artists to work with, who would be your top 4… in order? Top 4 artists… hmmn. 1) Leanne Le Havas her jazzy guitar lines and soulful vocals sooth my ears. 2) Chris Martin. ColdPlay. Their first Album blew me away. 3) Sia. I have followed Sia since I heard the track Breath Me. She isn't vocally the best artist out there but her unique sound and weird quirks make me love her. 4) BLUMARTEN. These guys are like Drum and Bass God's to me. I'd love to be a vocalist for them just one time. I'd die happy You are also an actress. Any projects coming up that you would like to share? I am acting for movie shorts that are being submitted for various film festivals. If you had to make a choice would it be acting or music? I’m naturally creative and so the opportunity to be part of creative projects inspires me in a different way than music does.I however could never choose between the two. Music is my love and my passion. Acting is me flexing my creative “extra” personality. What is the next thing on the table for Leona Lee Lou? On the table for me are a few mini projects with IN:DEEP a sick Drum and Bass label based in Austria. Music with the Soulful Muwamba, from Texas, and more recently some music with BossCode out in Ohio. The really juicy projects however, are the ones that Revolver and Leona create. We have been creating our sound for the last 5 years and after a little break we will be back with some super dope beats...trust me it’s going to be a real treat and that’s what y’all need to be holding out for. If you could work with any artist in their prime, just 1, dead or alive who would it be? If I could work with anyone dead or alive taking stock of some of the amazing talent this world had to offer it would be too hard to choose. I think I’d have to say… a tune with Burt Bacharach would be awesome. Who knows what would happen! Who are you listening to right now? Right now I’m listening to Calibres new album. It’s too sick you should all grab a download. Where can we see and hear more of Leona Lee Lou? Catch me here: www.facebook.com/leonaUK www.soundcloud.com/leonauk www.soundcloud.com/revolver_and_leona Instagram @leonaleelou @revolverandleona
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Tell the readers who you are and where you’re from? I’m the industry insomniac, The Official Whistle, Cool V (Vibez), Mr Official Whistle. I’m a dj, producer, marketing guru, music curator, blogger, public speaker, writer and humanitarian, yeah that about sums it up. I’m from NY (Bronx) and I also resided in Buffalo NY and lived in many other places including Toronto, DC and currently VA. Being a monster on the marketing side of all things music, what is the first thing an artist needs to do to start pushing their brand the right way? First I humbly say “Thank You” for the compliment (Humbled) second to answer your question an artist must first make sure no one already has his or her name trademarked already because nothing’s worse than putting in a ton of work only to find out someone already legally possesses that name because that will bring on a ton of issues. Also they should cover themselves legally by trademarking their name/phrase for future branding purposes. The Next thing is I would make sure I would do is I would make sure my social media outlets was on deck ( Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Google+, Soundcloud, Blogsite/ Website. The also need a bio, E.P.K, one sheet and other promotional material to be taken seriously. I would also suggest they hire a music attorney and marketing executive to save some some money it’s more cost efficient because doing it yourself you may end up spending a ton of unnecessary cash. For more tips just follow me on Instagram/Twitter or check my blog www.coolvsratednext.blogspot.com for much more info. Is college radio as effective as it once was? I would say yes or no and here’s why. Yes, depending on the college station if they have a popular app or website because those sites still generate alot of traffic but NO, if it’s a college that doesn’t have a website nor a good listening audience but here’s the catch twenty two it might be a yes if it’s a large college that has a college station on site and they are your core audience. There are now internet radio stations popping’ up by the shit load. Just about everybody I know has a radio show now. How can an artist know what stations are good to go get on and weed out the bad ones? First you want to find out if their station is a reporting station. Find out if they are registered to soundscan and if they chart new music. Also find out if their au-
dience and staff is receptive not just to new music but new artists as well. Because not every deejay gives new artists a platform that’s all contingent on the deejay and the program director. Let’s talk hip hop real quick. Where do you see the rap game, musically, in 2 years? Wow that’s a good question (Pauses) hmmm… Ok I see Hip Hop moving in a more international direction because it’s constantly evolving and it’s also merging with other genre’s so It’s changing there’s so many sub-genre’s now it’s hard to say which ones will stay and which ones will be a fad it’s too early in the game to make assumptions. However my prediction is it’s going to not only go back to it’s roots but it will evolve to something greater. I also see it merging with dance, country and more island influenced. I see big label contracts becoming a thing of the past more digital distribution outlets emerging. I also see the concert and promoting venues changing and it more intimate and you being able to interact with your favorite artist like never before. In your opinion, what was the cause of mumble rap and will it be around in the future? I say the cause of mumble rap was society! I think things was designed this was by the majors to dumb down the consumer also because times are too real some people don’t want to think they just want to party and zone out to the music and as they say, “Just ride the wave bro” , but as times get more serious and reality settles in and the more emerging rappers like Kendrick Lemar, J Cole and Dave East etc arrives and the mure popular and mainstream they become the more the demand for it. I see a revolution in music remember Hip Hop’s been here before back when it first merged with Pop music example C+C Music Factory and Hammer. I see more female, gospel and gay rappers emerging. I also predict the merging of dance music being more prominent and a new evolution of mixtapes. Do you think hip hop as a culture and rap, as a genre of music, are being made a mockery of by the labels and the new crop of artist that the machine is pushing out now? I feel it’s an agenda because the people who are in control of the labels and distribution know very little about the music or the artists they represent most the time ( Not ALL label executives fit this description), @wavemag | 53
also, I feel that the people controlling Hip Hop have a preconceived notion of what it should be. Now because of this it’s being made fun of when you highlight certain artists that fit the stereotypical mode. You know the ones that glorify sex, voilence and materialism. So yeah there’s most def an agenda. Do you think it’s time for music to shift again? Yeah, but like life everything will come back around because it’s swung so far left where else can it go but right! Hence the success of Kendrick Lamar and J Cole because people want more relatable music again and after the 2Pac movie that I’m sure will inspire a new wave of political activism and gang unity I’m some people will want to profit and exploit this as much as possible. Because no one cares unless money can be made ( Bottom Line #SadButTrue ) But to answer your question... mos def! You are very diverse musically. You cover multiple genres such as hip hop, House to Soul / RnB. How are you able balance all of those different styles? “Again, I humbly…..” Thank You” ( Bows). I grew up from a different generation of DJ’s that valued not only the art of deejaying but knowing music. Hell, you wasn’t even considered a DJ unless you could rock ANY club because most clubs in NYC had a different vibe and style of music for different nights. For example, most big city clubs had a HipHop/R&B/House/Dancehall Night, then nights for Alternative, Latin, Strictly House, Strictly Dancehall, Country Western and Pop/ International Music Night. So in my case you had to know how to rock various styles to be considered great. I also deejayed at Jazz clubs, cultural events, etc., so the more diverse the more respected you where. I also grew up in an era where music was music and on college radio they played everything so I was exposed to everything plus some styles crossed over. Being from big city and being a city boy I lived next door to many 54 | @wavemag
different cultures so I was exposed to more diversity than people in less diverse areas. Plus radio used to reflect this with specialty shows, for example, I knew to listen to Bobby Konners to hear all the dopest in Dancehall/Reggae then Mr. Magic or Red Alert for Hip Hop, then Deadly Headly, Frankie Knuckles or Larry Levan for House then, the Twins or Tony Touch for the latest in new Latin Music and MTV or Pirate Radio for the newest in Alternative Music. So I made sure my ears was open plus you had shows like Dance Fever, Sha Na Na, Solid Gold and He Haw which each exposed you to a different genre and made it easier to be diverse. Plus back in the days being a deejay was all about who could be the most creative while breaking new music. If you had a wish list of artists to work with, who would be your top 5… in order? Omg is this dead or Alive? *Exhales* Ok... here’s my RIP list: Tupac, Prince, Micheal Jackson, J. Dilla and Curtis Mayfield. Alive list is: Carl Mckintosh (Loose Ends), Chaka Khan, Omar, Robert Owens and Mary J. Blidge. If you had to pick one genre of music to work in for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? That’s too hard of a question. I would say “Vibez”. A genre I created that’s comprised of various artists across the globe. Artists that just have a soulful yet jazzy vibe. ^ _What is the next thing on the plate for Mr. Official Whistle? The next thing is my return to radio this year and producing new music also more interactive platforms online and the return of Cool V TV and “Vibrations” radio show. If you could work with any artist in their prime, just 1, dead or alive who would it be? That’s easy J. Dilla again. Where can we see and hear more of what Cool V has to offer? 1st, thanks for the amazing interview and shoutout to my supporters and your wonderful readers #Respect. You can catch my vibe on FB/google+ /MrOfficialWhistle also check /djplasticvibez on that platform also @ mrofficialwhistle on instagram @coolvsratednext on twitter also www.mrofficialwhistle.com (coming soon) Stay Tuned!
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