April v 4 issue 2

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www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 1

Meet the team at YCN.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor-In-Chief

Editor’s Note

Lisa Wilson

3 Big Chi Chi

Editor

4-6

Rene Fisher

And There Was Light 7

Editorial Manager Shahrukh Zamir

Ozie

Creative Director

One Six

8-9

10-12

Willie Holmes Jr.

Jeff Russell 14-15

Talent Host

So iLL

Kristina Gatus

16-17 W.H.Y. N.O.T

Media/Sales

18-20

Director

Athntc Pple

Tony Wilson

21-23 Coy Clary

Editoral:ycnmusic@ youngcelebritynews. com

24-25 Is Janet Jackson Known As The One That Got Away 27

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

WHO IS IN YOUR CIRCLE?

by LISA WILSON

W

ho are the people you associate with?

Who is in your circle? What type of crowd do you hang around? You may not want to answer this, you may even think it’s lame. Yet, the people you associate with have a lot to do with your success. Now am I saying get rid of all your friends, no. However, there will be cases where you won’t be able to keep hanging around the same people you did at one time for your own personal growth. With success, there is a lot of sacrifice and sometimes those you keep close to you are not helping you achieve the dreams you are striving to accomplish.

In fact, they are doing quite the opposite. They are a hinderance, an extra weight that you continue dragging along or even distracting you from your vision and calling.

I used to “turn up,” so much in college and I seemed to have friends all the time that wanted to party with me as well. Yet when I started to realize I needed to do more in life than just party with friends, I started to see who my real friends were. See there are going to be days where you just need to lock yourself in your room

to finish your music or whatever task you have set for yourself. There are days it seems I only go out to check the mail when there’s something important I need to finish. Not everyone is going to understand your work ethic and you don’t need to explain it everyone. There are times we choose not completing a task because we don’t want to be that person who never goes out or have fun. But you have to remember the path you’re on, and what you’re trying to accomplish. Sadly, if your friends don’t understand your vision now, they probably never will.

Millionaires hang out with other millionaires for a reason, athletes tend to hang around other athletes.

Innovators and dreamers hang around those who are also on the same path as they are. It’s important to have the right people in your life, especially in your tight knit circle. You don’t want to look back and wonder, “what if.” I could have been (fill in the blanks) but I decided to (fill in the blanks). Take time now to reflect those around you and ask yourself if your friendship or relationship with that person is hurting or helping your dreams.

www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 3

ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

by YCN

H

ip hop artist Big Chi Chi has been rapping for years, yet it was only a year and a half ago when he started to take his talents seriously. After a stranger told him how amazed they were to hear such talent from an artist that had

never recorded professionally, Big Chi Chi decided at that moment, it was time to take his music to the next level.

Although this up and coming artist has faced many obstacles including close friends not being supportive or preconceived notions of his talents because of his apperance, Big Chi Chi is an artist that doesn’t allow people to define his talent or success. Check out his interview below to learn more from this up and coming artist.

How did you get the name Big Chi Chi?

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I’m not really going to give too much detail in this

answer but it’s based off the henchmen from Scarface “ChiChi.”

When did you first start taking your craft seriously?

Although I have been rapping for years, free styling

with friends and making songs off voice notes on my

phone, I only started to take it seriously about a year and a

half ago. Someone who I didn’t know heard me rap and said,

“You’ve never been in the studio before?” I said no. Needless

to say after that, I reached out to one of the more established

independent artists in my area (That Kid Era). He kind of opened the

door of opportunity for me by connecting me with the people I needed to know to get myself started and gave me advice along the way.

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Since the moment you signed up mentally to be an artist, what are some of the highs and lows you’ve experienced?

Since this all started I’ve had lots of great moments and some not so great. I would say the highest moment I’ve had so far was at my first live performance. Opening up

for Kid Ink in Rhode Island for a crowd of 500 plus. I had no idea what to expect until that first track dropped and I saw 500 hands in the air rocking to the beat. That was the moment I decided I’m never gonna give

up this dream. That feeling was too insane for words. Some of the

low moments are when you don’t get the support you expected from people close to you, or judgment casted on me cause

I’m white. But those are things I’ve learned to live with while pursuing this career.

You have a lot of dope production on your tracks. How

you go about picking the right production for your songs?

Let me tell you man it takes a lot of listening and

patience to go through all the beats/producers out there to find the right sound. I’m lucky and happened

to find a producer who fits my sound/style perfect

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(Shepard) and is willing to work with me. He now has

produced almost all of my music.

Why are you going into an industry that so many have

failed at?

If everyone gave up on their dreams because the per-

son before them failed, there would be no success sto-

ries. Just because others have failed doesn’t mean I will.

Who are some of your influences today in the music industry?

The artists that influence me the most have to be Eminem, Jada-

kiss, Styles P, Action Bronson, Camron, Rich Homie Quan, Future

and Young Thug.

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want to give the people a chance to like what’s out now before I put out more.

When will you know you made it?

When I become the hero of my hometown. When people come up to me and say that I’ve moved

them with my music or they can relate. Just being on stage knowing that everyone has come to see me and party with me will be the final sign that I have

made it. Oh yeah and a nice big check would be great (haha).

Twitter/Instagram: Big_ChiChi Soundcloud: BIG CHI CHI

Why do you believe you have what it takes to take your music to the next level?

I feel I have what it takes because in such a short time

I’ve made some great progress. Opening up for art-

ists I grew up listening to, meeting some big names in the hip-hop community as well as working with them

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is amazing. I’ve gone from recording off my phone to recording in a lounge studio with amazing quality. But,

I am very careful not to get to ahead of myself, stay humble and continue to work hard. But I know I have the ambition and drive to do great things.

You got a lot of tracks online do you have a favorite you’ve released so far?

I have to say out of all my songs out right now my fa-

vorite has to be TO THE FACE. It’s a really fun track to

perform. It describes me the most accurately I would say. Go check that out on my Soundcloud.

What new releases can we look forward to this year?

I’m going to have a bunch of new projects coming out.

Since my debut mixtape ChiChilla dropped, I’ve been working on a follow up mixtape. I haven’t decided on a

name yet but make sure to keep an eye out for that. I have a lot of content ready to be put out I just 6 | YCN - www.youngcelebritynews.com

Features/inquiries:Bigchichimanagement@gmail. com

And There Was Light

by YCN

L

ocated in Paramount, California, Emmanuel Reformed Church put on a hip hop and spoken word event, March 14, to help raise funds to plant churches throughout Los Angeles. They had many talented Christian performers come out that night to use their gifts for God. Some of the talent present were, actor Noel G (Fast and Furious, Bruce Almighty), who happened to host the entire show, KIDD, Hilary Jane, Braille and more. Check out some of the pictures of the event. If you would like to donate, or visit Emmanuel Reformed Church, check out how below.

Emmanuel Reformed Church location: 15941 Virginia Ave, Paramount, Ca 90723 http://www.erc.la/

#ATWL www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 7

CREATION HAS NO LIMITS

by YCN

H

ip hop artist Ozie started writing music at a young age. “Around the end of middle school and entering high school is when I wrote my first verse,” he told YCN. After being invited to help write a song for a friend’s birthday, Ozie wrote his first verse and has been writing lyrics ever since.

Initially writing for fun, this up and coming Reno artist found himself using music as an outlet to express his anger, as well as being a voice for the injustices going on in the world. With plans on becoming an iconic artist, Ozie doesn’t want to be the only one achieving his dreams but encourage others to do the same. Check out what he had to say about his music.

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When did you start creating music and why?

Around the end of middle school and entering high school is when I wrote my first verse. My boy Autobot’s birthday was coming up and the homies thought it would be cool to put a track together to go with this dance he used to always do. At the time, I had never spit a verse of my own but my dude Treazy was like “yo, you should hop on the track with us.” So I put a 16 together and ever since then, I’ve been flowing. We called that track “The Juan” and I don’t think it was ever released. Track was dope though. I wrote that first verse for fun but not much time later it became an outlet for me to release a lot of anger toward my pops who left when I was real young and my mom whenever we bumped heads and all the less than ideal things myself and the homies did for fun. It’s also been a way for me to combat the injustices I see going on. Everybody has a voice and I choose to be heard.

What type of artist are you striving to be?

I’ve always wanted to be iconic. I love my luxuries like the next man but I really try to encourage folks to shoot for more than mediocrity you know? To do more with themselves. We’re all walking brands. Just like the biggest companies, we all have an image to portray and maintain. Just like these major companies, I believe we all have it in us to expand that image to any level we see fit for ourselves. You’re not looking at a one hit wonder type of fella. My team and myself are looking to be a part of the scene for some time.

With the new year here what can we expect this year from your music?

Last year I was really in my feelings. So far this year, not so much. Expect something different.

What do you believe separates your music from other artists out today?

Other artists today aren’t me. I bring my own sound to the game.

Only problem is that I get down on myself more often than not and impede on my progress.

Who are some of your musical influences today?

I listen to a lot of Ab-Soul and Joey Bada$$. TDE and Pro Era in general. Lupe Fiasco, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Audio Push, Travi$ Scott to name a few.

I’ve listened to a lot of artists so it wouldn’t be fair to leave any of them out because my influence comes from all of them. Especially the hip hoppers around me. My team influences me the most. Tone, Khase, Treazy…I grew up with these folks you know? Reno is where my story takes place same as theirs. My team is untouchable.

Loved your Power Up project, what was the inspiration behind it? Did you have a central theme behind the tracks?

At the time, I was really into my feelings. I’d been diving real deep into esotericism trying to fill the void religion couldn’t. In the midst of all my studies I found LSD. If you’ve ever tried LSD, you know that my mind blew up like an A-Bomb. Mixed with the knowledge I had already been obtaining through books and meditative practices, the acid stripped away my personality. The result was a project that basically highlighted my vulnerabilities. Feelings get deep yo.

Fav Five: Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Nas, Joey Bada$$, Lupe Fiasco.

Favorite song: i - Kendrick Lamar Favorite song you’ve made: Illadelphia Favorite compliment someone has given you on your music: “That’s not you.”

Favorite person to call when you’re down: LOL Favorite thing about being an artist: Life has no limits. Creation has no limits. Therefore I am limitless.

When will you know you made it?

What do you think the biggest challenge is in getting your voice heard as an artist in this generation?

When my mom and dad decide to come back into my life.

Accepting progress as progress comes and not as I see it. Too many people around here are rooting for me, they really believe in me.

https://soundcloud.com/ozie-ogbebor

Twitter: @OzieOgbeborLLC

www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 9

The Chosen One

by YCN

E

ver since One Six was a child, he was inspired by music from watching the first artist that taught him about the art, his father. Soon later, he found out that he was born into a musical family. “Learning facts like that made me believe that I am the chosen one,” he

told YCN. Now with his brand BlaQ Kennedy, which is a movement to promote timeless music, One Six is creating a powerful weapon that will impact people around the world. Check out his interview below to learn more from this up and coming artist.

Tell us about what sparked your interest in music and wanting to be an artist?

Ever since I was 3 years old, I was inspired by watching my dad record his own music. Watching my dad make music was my enlightenment. As I got older I soon learned more about my family roots making me more convinced that I belong in this playing

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field. My grandmother from my dad’s side was a singer with a very strong voice who then inspired my father and aunt to make music as well. My grandfather on my mother’s side played the sax, performing on military ships for the soldiers while serving in the air force. Learning facts like that made me believe that I am the chosen one.

How did you get the name One Six? One Six originated from my first rap group called Weaponz Fam with a few rappers in high school. I was only 15 years old when I got the name. At that time I was going by Hot 16. I was called Hot 16 because they would say that I always had a hot 16 when I would record. As I got older, Hot 16 started sounding younger than what I really was, so I switched my name to One Six. You’ve been doing this for quite some time. What have you learned about about this career? And yourself?

Music isn’t just music. Music is a business and in the music business, you always need a plan. Taking initiative will take you far.

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Know when to get paid. Nobody becomes great from believing what others say, the greats became great from over-believing themselves. Always be humble, be grateful and don’t be satisfied with being mediocre.

How have you progressed as an artist since you first started?

The older I got, the more I learned. I used to sit in my room with my basic studio and train myself to work at a quality level even if I didn’t like the beat I was using. It’s like conditioning for an artist to push your limits and build an ultimate style.

Hip hop has changed dramatically since it first started. Do you feel today’s new generation is helping to progress the movement of hip hop?

I believe that hip hop has opened up some new avenues that can create biased opinions towards hip hop. Hip hop isn’t what it used to be, but our generation has the same goal as the other generations, and that is to be different. I can’t say that hip hop has progressed nor can I say it has digressed, but our generation did achieve our goal by making multiple variety of styles so that

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the next generation can open up the next door. Like I say in one of my songs, “The plan is not to be the same but to be the difference.” That’s from a song called The Blueprint from my previous project Southern Cali Bullsh*t (SCBS).

How is it being an artist in Cali where so many people today want to be artists?

Out here actions speak louder than words. Yeah everyone raps, but being in Cali you have to make your way to separate yourself from the “hobby rappers.” Everyone out here tends to go Hollywood after a few Youtube views and subscribers, but I don’t pay attention to those kinds of things. I’m not much interested in getting Youtube views and trending, I’m more into finding a way to get paid. There’s about 30,000 artists in Inland Empire itself, it’s my job as an artist to stand out and do what it takes to get noticed.

Tell us about your movement and what you’re trying accomplish in this industry?

BlaQKennedy is my movement. BlaQKennedy is a collective of Young Leaders with plans to promote Quality Timeless Music. BlaQ is the symbol for power inspired by the Black Panthers. The word Kennedy represents Youth. The Q replaces the CK and turns black into Black with Quality. BlaQ in this term is not a race. Your race does not determine whether you can lead our youth. Our plan is to put it in the next

www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 11

generation’s minds to lead rather than to follow. That’s our way of keeping hip hop alive by attempting to make quality music through several genres.

Who are some key influences in your corner that continue to motivate you?

First and foremost my daughter is my motor. As long as she’s alive I’m gonna keep on going, hoping to influence her to be the best she can be even if you have a bad hand handed to you. My homie Still Will, someone who believed in me is one of my top influences. In the past he has worked so hard for me to achieve my goals and till this day he still won’t take credit for it. But I told him I got him. So when I achieve my goals the first thing I’m gonna say is “Still Will I got you!”

My influence is to influence others. That’s why my partners and I built BlaQKennedy. When we recruit people we look for them to be formidable in their craft. Whether it’s being a video editor or a painter, we want to help others become great.

ONE SIX

What new projects are you getting ready to launch this year?

Me and my fellow Kennedy, Young Ceno are working on a collab mixtape, we have a few new music videos so that you get a visual on what kind of project we will be cooking up for you. Be on the lookout for us we are coming in strong! For all new One Six and BlaqKennedy information, everything will be updated on www.Blaqkennedy. com , and that’s BlaQ with a Q. Because if it ain’t with a Q… then it ain’t ours!

Lastly, how will you stand out in this industry?

I’m more of an actions speak louder than words type of person. I am a beast. My plan is to make sure the world sees it. If my plan pans out, I find myself as one of the dominant artists in the game. If I ever collab with any artist with high notoriety it’s going billboard, I can almost guarantee that. There’s so much more for me to learn and my mind is open.

Follow One Six: http://www.blaqkennedy.com/ https://twitter.com/BlaQKennedy_

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2015

is looking good for these artists.

Check out their first week sales numbers and let us know which album has been your favorite so far this year. Who do you think will when a Grammy? #FavAlbumThisYear

Non - Fiction (Ne-Yo) 59,000 units sold.

Full Speed - Kid Ink

To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar 363,000 units in its first week

Sold 30,086 the first week.

Wale TheAlbum About Nothing 100K units

Sremm Life - Rae Sremmurd 33,005,copies sold in the first week.

B4.Da.$$ - Joey Bada$$ 58,000 copies sold in the first week.

Ludacris – Ludaversal – 73K units

Dark Sky Paradise - Big Sean

The Print Pink Nicki Minaj

173,000 units in its first week

1st week sold 244,000 units.

If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late - Drake Sold 495,000 copies in its first chart week

www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 13

JEFF RUSSELL Motivation Music

by YCN

J

eff Russel is an artist that isn’t concerned with the money or popping bottles in the club.

“I’m about that motivation music. I want to give you something to inspire you to do something great with your life.” Although this up and coming artist has been writing songs since a young age, it wasn’t until he enrolled in the Los Angeles Recording School when he started to take his talents seriously. With the success of his first two projects, “Young Talented Incredible Genius and “I Don’t Sleep At Night,” Jeff is on his way on becoming a household name for years to come.

Tell us about what sparked your interest in music and when you started your journey as an artist?

I started writing songs in 4th grade. As a kid, I was always going around singing songs. From Aretha Franklin to Rakim. LL Cool J’s “I’m Bad,” was the first song I memorized. I knew the basic structure but as I got older, I started reading different things like what a bridge was, how many bars are in a verse, how to count bars, etc. I didn’t start taking being an artist seriously until about a year ago. I went to the Los Angeles Recording School, I began engineering for other local artists and songwriting.

Around October 2013, I just decided to work on my own music to sound different. I released “YTIG: Young Talented Incredible Genius” on New Year’s day of 2015. I also released my current project, “I Don’t Sleep At Night.”

How would you describe your sound to the outside world and what does your music generally talk about?

I talk about things I’ve done and that I’m going through. Sometimes I may have had a bad day and I’ll write about what upset me. I might be in party mode and give you a club track. It all depends on what I’m feeling or what I get from the music. I never try to step out of who I am. I’m not one to talk about popping bottles in the club or spending a bunch of money. I call it “stunt rap,” I don’t do that. I’m about that motivation music. I want to give you something to inspire you to do something great with your life.

When did you start taking your music seriously?

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Around the end of 2013 is when I really started to buckle down and write. I was writing around 4 songs a day.

Recording, mixing and mastering EVERYTHING from home. Became a one man studio team pretty much.

What type of goals are you hoping to achieve in your music career?

I want to make music that can stand the test of time not be a one hit wonder. I want to give people great bodies of work and be mentioned in the conversation with the greats. Songwriting is a big goal of mine. I love the process.

Just being able to tap into another artist emotions and write something amazing for them. I plan on selling out arenas, world tours, etc.

With the new year here what can we expect this year from your music?

The plan for this year is to release a project for every month. 12 projects. I know that may sound like a tall order, but I’m focused on making a big splash this year. Most people will try to say I’m flooding the market. All I’m doing is building a catalog in a one year span.

How are you different from other artists that are out today?

I’m not focused on making it on the radio. I’m focused on making music true to ME first and foremost. The content of my music is relatable to everyone. I’m not trying to be a “Studio Gangsta,” I’m not a former dope dealer. I’m Jeff Russell from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. I’m here to give you music that doesn’t influence you to try something because I mentioned it in a song. I’m here to bring good vibes and motivation to do great things.

Who are some of your musical influences today? And who would you want to collab with in the future?

I listen to Outkast, Logic, Slaughterhouse, Rakim, J Dilla, Wu Tang, Redman, Lupe, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Fabolous, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and SchoolBoy Q. There’s a lot of music I listen to that inspires me really. Collabs, I would say Logic, Childish Gambino, Nas, J. Cole, LL Cool J and Lauren Hill to name a few.

What do you think the biggest challenge is in getting your voice heard as an artist in this generation?

Over saturation by a bunch of people who don’t have anything to talk about or just think making a song is easy as 1,2,3. Not everyone can do this. Not everyone can make a real song. Anyone can hear a beat, spit a freestyle and post it and think “Yo, I’m nice.” NO! There is a lot of trash rap to be honest, a lot of copy cats out here and it’s ruining GREAT music.

Tell us about your creative process. How do you get in the mood to create music?

It’s just me, my laptop and Netflix with no sound on the T.V. I listen to various instrumentals and come up with hooks to all of them first. I’ll freestyle some verses and whatever lines I come up with that stand out, I throw them in the verses where they fit perfectly. I’m a perfectionist too so if I record myself and I hear one word mumbled, I’ll re-record the whole verse again. I prefer to do my verses in one take, no punch ins.

When will you know made it?

I’ll let you know when I get there.

FOLLOW JEFF ONLINE: https://twitter.com/LegendawesomeJ https://instagram.com/legendawesome763/

www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 15

My Own Lane

by YCN

S

o iLL is a young hip hop artist creating a

because it’s unique, different. And because I’m a ill a**

loud buzz in his area, Las Vegas. Origi-

rapper.

nally named Young Flame, this 18 year old rapper started marketing himself in high

school to create momentum. “I did a lot of my promoting in my high school. I would rap for everybody I

On twitter it seems like you’ve been getting your name out by performing at a lot of shows. Have you seen your fan base grow from doing performances?

knew, any chance I got.” With his new mixtape in the

Yeah I have actually. My network has been expanding

works, So iLL is striving hard to create “a style no one

and I’m reaching out to more people who never knew

has ever seen or heard.” Check out what he had to

about my music. I feel like people will become fans by

say about his music below.

seeing me live, rather than listening to my Soundcloud.

Tell us about how you got your stage name So iLL What are ways you’ve pushed your music and what and the meaning behind it? success have you had so far since you started?

Well So iLL isn’t my original name. It was Young Flame

I’m young, only 18 years old. So I did a lot of my promot-

at first but one day I was writing a verse and in that

ing through my high school. I would rap for everybody I

verse I said, “Man I’m so ill, I don’t even got a deal, but

knew, any chance I got. I also played a lot of my music at

I kill any track and I still make a mill.” Ever since then,

house parties. Pretty soon more and more high schools

I’ve been calling myself that

in Las Vegas started listening and figuring out

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who I am.

Who are some of your musical influences today?

Loving your sound a lot, when did you start doing

Man I listen to a wide variety of rappers. But honestly

music? And why?

my biggest influence and inspiration is Wiz Khalifa.

I’ve been rapping since the 3rd grade. Just a little kid doing freestyles for the other kids at recess. People kept telling me I was good so I took it a bit further. In 6th grade, I started putting my thoughts down on paper and went on from there. I LOVE music. It’s my passion. I grew up listening to rap. My dad would always play anything from 2pac, to Twista. Music is just something that’s always been in my heart. I do it because I love it and to get my family out of the struggle.

That guy is a serious artist. I also like how he represents himself, his image. It’s new and different, I respect that a lot.

How do you feel about today’s hip hop?

Everybody always says hip hop is dead, so and so ruined hip hop and blah, blah, blah. But honestly hip hop needs a change. Times change and so do the things around it. Our music is based off our generation, so yeah it’s gonna be a little different. I respect

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced trying

all the artists coming out and changing the game. It’s

to get your music out?

about that time.

The biggest obstacle I faced is not getting studio time.

What new projects are you working on for the

People will always lag on me and push it another day so

new year?

I never got any work done, therefore I couldn’t push it out to the public.

What are you looking to accomplish in your career?

Everyone has the same goal to accomplish. To be the next Jay Z or Lil Wayne. But me, I don’t want to be the next Jay Z or Lil Wayne, I want to make my OWN name.

A style no one has ever seen or heard before. I want to flip the game upside down. That’s how you become a legend.

I plan on releasing my first mixtape. I still haven’t figured out a name for it but I’m about 60% done with it. I want to branch out to a bigger fan base with my music and I’m going to make it happen in 2015.

When will you know you made it?

I’ll know I made it when my mom does not have to work a single day in her life. I’ll know I’ve made it when my mom has her dream house and the most beautiful car. That’s when I know I’ve made it.

Follow So iLL online: Soundcloud.com/so-ill https://twitter.com/xSoiLLx Instagram: illestniggalivin

www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 17

Our Turn

by YCN .

W

. H. Y. N.O.T music is more than a hip hop group, but a brand. What started as a clothing line known as Y.K.N.O.T, Silas Thompson the founder, decided it would be a good idea to use their music to market their clothing. Now, with their new LP on the way, much is to be expected from this rising group.

Check out their interview below.

Tell us about how you came up with your group name W.H.Y. N.O.T and what’s the meaning behind it?

Before I started rapping I was pushing my clothing line Y.K.N.O.T. This eventually led me to be approached by one of the members from the (TOPSZN) crew. Then we sent our clothes to Canada with copies of my EP “Jesus Is B_ack.” We were really hoping that would be the exposure our brand needed to take it to a mainstream level. In our mind we felt like Drake and the crew would be our celebrity endorsement. As time went by, it didn’t quite unfold like that. I guess we thought it was going to be that easy. That’s when I decided I would become my own celebrity endorsement. Which is how I initially transitioned into the music. I figured the more I grow as an artist the more exposure our brand would receive. I figured since I got a clothing line called Y.K.N.O.T, why not stick with the same concept. That’s when I came up with the name of the group/label W.H.Y. N.O.T Music.

Which stands for We Heard Y’all, Now Our Turn. My music became the voice of my brand. Which now allows them to feed off each other. People who support the clothes naturally support the music or vise versa.

How would you describe your sound to a new fan?

I would best describe my sound as being dynamic. It is definitely inspired from all forms of music. With hip hop as its core. It has a unique energy that’s able to move listeners physically, emotionally and some cases even spiritually. I truly believe I’m on the verge of creating and developing an entirely new sound.

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What separates you from other artists out today?

My music has a lot more substance to it than most artists out today. I take my level of creativity to places most artists wouldn’t. I have taken the time to find myself as an artist. I don’t think artists today take enough time to really develop themselves. It’s more about their relevancy than their artistry.

Seems like they’re more focused on keeping up with the sound of today, while I’m more focused on creating the sound of tomorrow.

Tell us about your musical journey in Houston and the success you’ve experienced so far?

I’ve only been rapping a little under a year now, so for me to have covered as much ground as I have on my own, I’m definitely excited about what the future holds for me as an artist and a designer. The success we have gained in Houston has put us in a good position that will allow our brands to blossom as we move forward. We have been interviewed on The Core 94, one of Houston’s premier radio stations for young artists on the come up, which ultimately landed us a feature in the Houston Trend Magazine.

Definitely a big exposure for us, I also got a distribution deal with DGM entertainment. My single “It’s Nothing” is now for sale on iTunes, so go buy that (lol). I also have been in a film called “Red All Over,” starring Slim Thug. So we are slowly but surely making our presence known in the city.

Tell us about your creative process and how you come up with creating songs?

I like to create everything organically. My creative process usually starts with production. I like every song to come completely from me, so most of the time I write and produce my own tracks. Once I’ve made the beat, the hook usually comes to me after listening to an instrumental a few times.

Since my sound is so different, I have to remind myself that it’s not supposed to sound like what I’m used to hearing. So over time, I have learned to trust my ear, which has allowed me to create more naturally.

With 2015 here, what do you plan on doing different than you did in 2014?

It’s really the same objective as last year. Continue to develop more and more as a rapper and producer, as well as a designer. I want to keep catching them off guard. I always like to give people more than what they expect. I’m always trying to out do myself on every new project or design.

So this year I’m going to keep evolving; I definitely will continue building my fan base. This year, I want to incorporate a lot of visuals with my music.

To better show my full creativity.

What new projects can you share with your fans?

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I’m currently working on my first LP titled “All Hits No Mrs.” This project will be a little more easier for people to digest than “Jesus is B_ACK.” You can look forward to the release of my first single off the project called “Right Now,” which I will be releasing soon.

Ultimately, what are striving to accomplish with your music?

Ultimately, I’m striving to be able to create music that will translate universally. I want to be able to perform live in front of the masses and see my music affect people all over the world in a way that will inspire them to embrace their gifts and dreams. I want to show them how to use them as tools. To leave their own individual mark on the world.

When it’s all said and done, I want to be known and remembered as an artist whose music actually stood for something.

Follow Why Not: http://www.nowourturn.com/ https://soundcloud.com/whynot_music https://twitter.com/yknot_eli https://twitter.com/yknot_silas

Quotes To Help Get You Through The Month “Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

Norman Vincent Peale “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Maya Angelou “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

Muhammad Ali “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Milton Berle “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”

Joseph Campbell “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Above: Willie Holmes Jr. (Founder of Athntc Pple) Below: Kyle (Founder of Athntc Pple) Photography by YCN

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Modern Day Messengers

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by Lisa Wilson

thntc Pple (Authentic People) is an alternative band that blends in the sounds of hip hop, pop, rock and gospel into their music. The members in the group include, Shaun, Chloe, Garrett, David, Shadrach, AJ, Nick and lead vocalists Kyle and Willie who are the founders of the group.

Although the majority of the members got their foundation in music by playing or singing in church, Athntc Pple doesn’t quite fit the mold of being a Christian group but you will definitely hear messages of God in some of their songs. We talked to Willie, one of the founders of the band to learn more about who their group is and what they represent. Check it out below.

How did you get the name Athntc Pple?

Me and my brother were in the gym across the way from our church. First we came up with Athntc Pple Supplying Originality but when we became a band, we became just Athntc Pple because we wanted to reach everybody. And frankly it’s too long of a name.

What inspires your music?

Our life, you know, things that are around us, quotes, art pieces, scriptures, conversations. Pretty much anything that stops our train of thought, we kind of just go with it.

Growing up in a church environment all your life, how has that played a role as an artist now, considering you don’t classify your band as a “Christian,” band but you talk about God in your music?

I think what we’ve always tried to do is represent God to the best of our ability in a modern society. We’re modern day messengers, giving people pieces of a larger story that I feel like God inspires. Every lyric might not have God or Jesus in it, but it’s being inspired by Him. At the end of the day we just want it to reach people, that’s why we use the hashtag, “who are you reaching?” You can be as deep as King Solomon but not reach anybody.

When you try to save the world, you go for what works.

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Everyone has their WHY and why they want to be successful, what is your why?

Our why is honestly to show people real art, bring back real music, bring back real talent, bring back real messages and movements. Back in the day artists had movements it wasn’t just about how good you dress, or sing, they actually had a message and something that people could believe in and be inspired by. I think artists like Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole have shown people that those types of songs and messages can work.

Besides music what are some of your dreams and visions you hope to accomplish?

We hope to succeed in the acting field, fashion and even the technology market. We want to be a brand that’s in every product. We wanna be the first “zillionaires.” We want to give people the highest quality of product that they could ever have at a very minimal cost.

What are you working on right now?

We’re working on a mixtape that’s coming out pretty soon that’s geared towards the college market. We’re really excited about our hit songs, Fleek, College Life and My City, which showcases the city of Orange County. We are trying to urbanize as much as possible, building and solidifying relationships with people in the industry.

When will you know you made it?

When around else in my circle has made it.

Follow Athntc Pple online: https://twitter.com/apso77 https://tatemusicgroup.com/epk/artist/34018 https://soundcloud.com/user9024477 www.youngcelebritynews.com -YCN | 23

Walking On The Path To Success

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by YCN

oung hip hop artist Coy Clary started getting into the hip hop culture at the age of twelve years old. Yet when he heard other people from his hometown rapping, he knew he would become an artist. Being solely independent with no help from anyone else, Coy Clary is understanding the path to success is a journey and he’s more than willing to walk the extra miles. Check out his interview below to see what he had to say about his music.

When did you fall in love with Hip Hop? And what made you pursue a career in it?

I fell into the hip hop culture when I was about 12. I never really had an interest in making music at first, until I heard people from my city rapping.

I thought, “that’s what I want to do!” I was about 14 when I starting writing music. A couple months later I got my own recording equipment and started recording.

Why do you believe you have what it takes to make it?

I believe I have what it takes to make it because I know how much hard work and dedication it takes and I’m willing to put in that work.

Tell us about your grind and how the independent movement has been going for you?

I have been writing and recording music for about 3 and a half years with really no help at all. It takes a lot to do this by yourself and people probably don’t understand that. I try to write and record everyday. I really just want to be the best I can possibly be.

What valuable lessons have you learned while pursuing a career in music?

Patience is a virtue.

In what ways have you grown as an artist since you’ve started?

Being patient and not expecting things to fall into my lap. You have to go get what you want because no one is going to give you anything.

Who are some important people in your corner that you feel have had your back since you started music that are still supporters today?

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My girlfriend, Molly, my mom, my uncle Jared, and friends have been huge supporters since day one! Without them I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have.

What are some success stories you can share with us?

Young Celebrity News hit me up for this interview!

What new projects are you working towards for the new year that you can update your fans on?

I am in the process of making my first mixtape. I don’t have a title yet but all I have to say is “BE READY!” What do you feel will help you get to the next level?

Working hard everyday! Like I said no one is going to give you anything, you have to take what you want!

When will you know you’ve made it?

When I start making a living doing what I love!

Follow Coy Clary online: https://twitter.com/ClaryCoy soundcloud.com/koiklari5

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Taylor Swift Releases Heart Felt Letter

by YCN

T

aylor Swift released a heart felt letter in regards to finding out about her mom having cancer just yesterday on her Tumblr page. We hope things get better quick for the Swift family. Check out the letter here:

Hey guys, I’m writing to you with an update I wish I wasn’t giving you, but it’s important and I’m used to sharing important events in my life with you. Usually when things happen to me, I process them and then write music about how I feel, and you hear it much later. This is something my family and I thought you should know about now.

For Christmas this year, I asked my mom that one of her gifts to me be her going to the doctor to get screened for any health issues, just to ease some worries of mine. She agreed, and went in to get checked. There were no red flags and she felt perfectly fine, but she did it just to get me and my brother off her case about it.

The results came in, and I’m saddened to tell you that my mom has been diagnosed with cancer. I’d like to keep the details of her condition and treatment plans private, but she wanted you to know.

She wanted you to know because your parents may be too busy juggling everything they’ve got going on to go to the doctor, and maybe you reminding them to go get checked for cancer could possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle… Or peace of mind in knowing that they’re healthy and there’s nothing to worry about. She wanted you to know why she may not be at as many shows this tour. She’s got an important battle to fight.

Thank you for caring about my family so much that she would want me to share this information with you.

I hope and pray that you never get news like this.

Love you.

Taylor

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01

Is Janet Jackson Known As The “One” That Got Away?

by Rene Fisher Janet & Todd Bridges He was her first kiss and Todd said she used to be his girl on and off the set.

Janet & Bobby Brown Before I met Janet I would never drink hard liquor, I only drank beer. But after our break up, I started drinking hard liquor abundantly. I took the way our relationship ended very hard. Not to say we were head over heels in love, but she was someone I had a lot of feelings for. Besides, we were young and naive. I was only about 19 or 20 years old. Young love is no joke!

Janet & Rene Elizondo Jr Janet Jackson and Rene Elizondo, Jr. were married in 1991 and kept the marriage a secret until he filed for divorce in 2000. They share songwriting credits on songs produced in those years.

Janet & Tupac Tupac on doing the film Poetic Justice with Janet. “I practiced how I was going to kiss her. I would practice kissing with gum. I really thought I had made a friend for life with her. Soon as the movie was over, I mean the next day, she changed her phone number.”

Jermaine DupreeJermaine will never be truly able to cut Janet out of his life completely. If you remember, he has a huge tattoo of Janet’s face on his rib cage, so she is with him wherever he goes. Jermaine has said that the Janet tattoo was just one of many that he has, and he got it on a whim. However, he does agree that Janet will always be a part of his life, whether he likes it or not.

Janet & Wissam Al Mana Janet is currently married to billionaire Wissam Al Mana.

She started dating businessman Wissam Al Mana sometime during the summer of 2010, but no one knew until September when paparazzi photographed the couple together. This could be the relationship that lasts.

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