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TABLE OF CONTENTS Note From The Editor Page 5 Exclusive Interview with DiE$EL-E Page 10-11 MANN’S Story Page 12-15 The Silhouette Fashion Show Page 16-17 Cover Artist Extindo Merlo Page 18-19 The Actors Room Page 20-21 KJ Da Youngstar Page 24-25 Old Soul Page 26-27 L. Soul Page 28-29 Ledge Seven Page 30-31 Frank Palangi Page 34-35
ON THE COVER: EXTINDO MERLO
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Young Celebrity News Editor And Publisher Editor-In-Chief Lisa Wilson Photo Department Davien Graham Contributing Writers Sheila Rene Media Director Tony Wilson For More information contact: Young Celebrity News ycnmusic@youngcelebritynews.com PO Box 881124, Los Angeles, Ca 90009 www.youngcelebritynews.com
Change. Growth. Progression. A Note From The Editor
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don’t know about you but I’ve never been happy when it came to changes in my life. Growing up as a child, I would always get sad whenever there were new changes. Whether it was my basketball season ending at the YMCA or moving up to the next grade, change was never easy for me. Strangely, even at a young age I over analyzed everything. “What about my friends that I made on the team? What about my teacher that I’ve grown to love? I don’t want to start over.” Those were my thoughts...However, as I transitioned to the next phase, whether it was a new grade or a new team, I was always happy. I was happy until of course it was time to say goodbye again. But you can’t stay in the same grade forever. You have to move on so you can grow. And as a young adult, you can’t stay in the same place forever either. You have to continue to allow yourself to grow. Sometimes you have to force yourself to grow. Sometimes we are in toxic relationships that need to change or end. But because we can’t see how damaging toxic relationships are, we stay longer than we should until we see the bigger picture. Yet in order for us to reach our highest potential, we need to constantly do three things; change, grow and progress. A rapper can’t progress in his/her career if he or she doesn’t grow and they won’t grow if they don’t change. Change are necessary steps for him/her to get to the next level. There is always something holding us back from reaching the finish line. Yet I believe our lives are very significant. That everyone is put here for a reason. We have a purpose to fulfill, something bigger and far greater than we can ever imagine. In order for us to get there, we have to be open to change, to grow and progress. I don’t know what that looks like for you. For me, I had to reevaluate my entire circle of friends. There were people in my life who were really holding me back. People who said they believed in me and my dreams. Yet their actions and attitudes towards me for striving to achieve my goals was the opposite. What was difficult about the situation was that these people had been my friends for years. Yet how can you grow in a positive direction when you’re surrounded by negativity? You can’t. So I had to end certain relationships with others. The pain still hurts at times. However, in return, the change has helped me meet some of the most amazing friends I’ve ever met. Had I not ended certain ties with people, I honestly don’t think I would have met these new friends. Change isn’t always fun when you’re in the moment, but it’s necessary for us to grow and progress in our lives. So the question is, what will it take for you to progress in your life, what changes do you have to make in order to grow?
“I don’t know about you but I’ve never been happy when it came to changes in my life.-”Young Celebrity News | 5 www.youngcelebritynews.com
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Inspirational
“Follow your dreams. Just make sure to have fun too.” -Chris Brown
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Inspirational
“Courage is not the absense of fear, but the triumph over it.� -Nelson Mandela
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DiE$el-E Indie All The Way by Lisa Wilson
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“ ndie all the way,” is the motto that East Coast hip hop artist DiE$el-E carries with him on his musical journey. With his main influences coming from the West Coast, this up and coming artist has a sound that can’t be boxed or labeled. “I’m all underground. You can’t label me in any subgenre of hip hop.” DiE$el-E was fourteen when he started writing poetry and lyrics. Looking for an escape from his home life, this artist used music as a way to express his truest and rawest feelings. “I took the negative energy and used that as a reinforcement for positivity. I used [my] experiences to tell their own story,” DiE$el-E adds. Growing up, DiE$el-E, whose real name is Emile, was known for having a bigger built amongst friends and family. “I was always a stocky kind of dude. That’s how I got the name DiE$el-E because I’m heavy handed. It suited me in my appearance.” With so many artists today striving to get signed, DiE$el-E plans on staying independent and not looking for any label to save his career. “Labels don’t have a big effect, just the name itself. Financially when you break down the criteria, you’re not going to receive the profits like you deserve. A lot of artists feel they are saved once signed to a label,” DiE$el-E stated. Since being independent, DiE$el-E has accomplished many accolades including opening up for many big artists today. Those that he’s been able to
Music share the stage with include, Talib Kweli, Memphis Bleek, Fashawn, Curren$y, DJ Quik, Locksmith and tons more. With his newest album “S.O.U.L.” in the works, DiE$el-E is looking to create timeless music for years to come and be remembered as an artist that was respected by the world. CHECK OUT DIE$EL-E ONLINE AND FOLLOW HIS JOURNEY: HTTPS://SOUNDCLOUD.COM/DIESELE718 FACEBOOK: DIE$EL E FOR CONTACT INFORMATION: ERICKETTS718@ YAHOO.COM
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The Young Celebrity News Exclusive
MANN’S STORY
What he wasn’t willing to pay for fame. By Lisa Wilson
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ormer Def Jam artist, Mann, was sixteen when he first heard his single “Buzzin” on the radio. “I was on my way to a show in Hollywood with my friends, everybody was turning up. We felt like we really made it,” Mann recalls. Yet the price that came with his success wasn’t something he was willing to pay much longer. “Once I realized how the music industry was, I wanted to create my own universe, my own lane and my own artists,” Mann expressed. Which he has done through the startup of his independent label called, “Peace Life Quality Recordings.” Known as a hippie artist to some, while older fans still hope to hear that West Coast sound they first fell in love with, Yump, the name he goes by currently, describes himself as spiritual, conscious and rebellious. “You’ll get all of those things in my music. We want people to understand we’re trying to kick down the door and create a whole new lane in hip hop. We want a peaceful revolution, pushing that movement about love and the highest level of art.” Yump has accumulated over 26 million views from his hit song, “Buzzin” that was first released over four
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years ago. Yet if you were to YouTube some of his latest music videos, you will see the numbers aren’t as high as they once were. When asked if he was phased by the change of his career and low numbers, Yump responded, “For me, I know that real things take time and I see what happens when things come overnight, they don’t last long. So I don’t let numbers mess with me at all, I believe in the movement,” he told YCN. Creating a movement that the former Def Jam artist could call his own has been most important to Yump. When first signed to a major label, this hip hop artist felt his true self trapped inside. “When I got signed to the label, it was solely off my performance and potential. They wanted to give me a character. But it didn’t make sense. It was never me. I’ve been this person that I am today since I was sixteen. People could see it wasn’t who I really was.” With his new style and sound, Yump believes he can finally give his fans the real him, although the transition of being signed to a major label while becoming independent, is still an ongoing process. “It’s been an uphill battle. Blogs know me for a certain type of music. They think they’re about to hear old stuff and so they’re confused,” Yump told YCN. But when it all comes down to it, Yump is writing his own story, with his own pen. He is creating his own movement in order to give the best music he can to his fans. “Every artist should be themselves coming into your art, and to connect with your fan base.” Stay up to date with Yump here: https://twitter.com/MANN https://instagram.com/yump_daniels/ https://www.facebook.com/Yumpdaniels
COMING SOON! Barbershop 3, a sequel to the film Barbershop I and II, is in the works for the big screen. Barbershop was a comedy starring Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainment, Anthony Anderson, Eve and Michael Ealy. It revolved around a barbershop in Chicago and was originally directed by Tim Story. Celebrities that may appear in the 3rd film are Queen Latifah, Lisa Maffia and Nicki Minaj. Tweet us your thoughts about a new Barbershop in the works at @ycnmagazine.
Looking to be featured in the next issue of YCN send us an email at: ycnmusic@youngcelebritynews.com 14 |Young Celebrity News -www.youngcelebritynews.com
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PICTURES OF THE YCN FASHION SHOW EVENT THAT TOOK THIS SUMMER, IN BELLFLOWER, CALIFORNIA. PICTURE ABOVE: DARLA BEAUX
ABOVE: SHAQUILLE HEMMANS
ABOVE: BLAK
ABOVE: PARADYM [MG]
BELOW: MARY ANN DREAMS OF DEATH
BELOW: THE LION HEART
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RIGHT: Kristina Gatus, representing 3EV a clothing brand from Los Angeles, California. http://www.3evclothing.com/ LEFT: Elgin Bailey sporting an EMINENCE hoodie at the YCN Silhouette fashion show. You can check more styles from their brand at: http://eminencesocietyapparel. bigcartel.com/.
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Exclusive Interview with Extindo Merlo
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ip hop artist Bounc3 from the Rej3ctz, who is best known for introducing us to the Cat Daddy, has now introduced us to, “Extindo Gang.” These four MCs are representing various locations in California, including Orange County and the Los Angeles area. We caught up with hip hop artist Extindo Merlo, who grew up in Orange County to give us a closer look on the group and his career. Check it out below.
Who is Extindo Gang? Extindo Gang started from my boy Bounc3 from the Rej3ctz, Mr. Cat Daddy, he found the four of us, it’s himself, me, my boy Extindo Ness from Long Beach and the infamous Dmack Swagger from South Central. We’re the next Cypress Hill of our generation. What was the first song you remember rapping? The first song I remember rapping was with my brother, Nelly, Country Grammar. Who are your top Five Favorite artists today? My top five today are myself, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J.Cole and my brother Wes Period. Tell us about your grind you’ve been on in Orange County? The grind I’ve been on has been different. I low key started off by myself and just kept grinding. I do it everyday, I don’t sleep, I don’t eat, I just go. How did you get connected with Too $hort? I got connected with Too $hort through Extindo Gang, (My boy Bounc3 had previous connections and songs with him). When he created the group he brought me on board. He brought us up to Magic Gate which is our home studio now. Too $hort just loved the music, he loved Extindo Gang, what we were about and what we represented. We’ve been riding strong with Too $hort for about a year and a half now. What’s next for hip hop in Orange County? I think there’s a lot next for Orange County, I feel like when I catch my wave people will really know what Orange County is about and what it really is. People don’t really understand, I grew up in a place with no graffiti and no homeless people. Orange County is a clean place that gets overlooked a lot. I feel like I’m a good Orange County
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Music candidate to come out and emerge and put us on the map for the first time, hip hop history. What’s next for Merlo? My project called NextKWest, “Next Kanye West,” dropped this summer, also look out for that Extindo Gang “Up In Smoke V. 2,” hosted by DJ Carisma and Young California. I also have four EPs I’m dropping soon. For More Information on Extindo Gang and Extindo Merlo visit: https://twitter.com/extindomerlo
http://extindomerlo.bandcamp.com/ https://instagram.com/extindomerlo/ http://www.extindogang.com/ https://twitter.com/extindoGANG Rej3ct Bounc3 Instagram: @exg_bounc3 Twitter: @rej3ctzorbounc3 Rej3ctz.com Finess Instagram: @lifes_ah_beach Twitter: @itsthabeach Merlo Instagram: @extindomerlo Twitter: @extindomerlo ExtindoMerlo.com Dmack: Instagram: @dmack_swagger Twitter: @dmackswagger
Looking to get featured in the next issue of Young Celebrity News magazine? Send us an email at ycnmusic@youngcelebritynews.com
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FILM The Actors Room Opens In Fullerton by Lisa Wilson
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“ et’s Bring Hollywood to Fullerton,” was the theme of The Actors Room’s ribbon cutting ceremony announcing its new studio in Fullerton, California this summer. The Actors Room, founded by acting coach and talent manager Steven Lowe, is an acting school equipping actors and actresses with the right skills and tools to succeed in the entertainment industry. Attendees of this summer’s special ceremony included Greg Sebourn, the Mayor of Fullerton, members of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, as well as representatives of congressman Ed Davis. The new location offers more space for production, acting classes, meetings and houses a green screen. The Actors Room prides itself on being a place where students can utilize their talents and comfortably express themselves. For more information on The Actors Room visit: http://theactorsroom.com
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TH ACTORS
HE S ROOM
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KJ Da Younstar ing my brothers. What did you learn about the industry since you first started? Since I first started, let’s see that was back in 2007-2008, man that’s almost 10 years in (haha). What I’ve learned most is the ways of the game. Trends come and go and I see a lot of rappers who used to do music fall off due to being a “trend rapper.” I learned to always be original with all the material you can provide listeners with because they’re going to love your originality.
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Who were some key people in your corner that helped motivate you to keep going? My brothers Mayne Cuddy, “22,” Eche & Mike, “Deuce,” Wade, Mike “Tuccy,” Richard, my family, my genuine extended family as well because without them I wouldn’t be nothing. I don’t like to call my listeners “fans” because the people who listen to my music understand and know this is really my life I make these songs about.
ip hop artist KJ Da Youngstar got his start in music in 2007-2008 and has a learned a lot about the industry since he first began. “Trends come and go and I see a lot of rappers who used to do music fall off due to being a trend rapper. “I learned to always be original with all the material you can provide listeners with because they’re going to love your originality.” With his latest project finished titled, “Still Progressin,” KJ Da Youngstar won’t settle for anything less than great in his career. Check out his interview below to learn more from this up and coming artist.
What are some highs and lows you experienced this year? 2015 really been a year for me, I lost 3 of my aunts in 2 months that was a time where I was kind of lost for a second because 2 of them were really influential when it came to my music. They believed in the beginning when I doubted myself. I almost violated probation which would of sent me up to the State Jail for 8 months. 2015 been crazy and it’s still not over (haha).
Tell us about what you’ve been working on since we last talked? Wow it’s amazing that I’m right back here with you guys again, first I would like to thank God for that, but I recently finished my first studio EP STILL PROGRESSIN which landed me some global distribution to all online media outlets. So please go get that. I have also been working with my promotional company Finessin Promotions and helping branch out to other artists and bring their knowledge of this entertainment industry up. I’ve really been unit
What keeps you grinding the way you do, what inspires your movement as an artist? Not going back to how it was, that’s my main thing I can say. Like going back to heating water on the stove just to bathe, or them days when everybody was pulling out the new J’s and you just had some hand me down starters. Hell that’s my motivation, knowing that I’m
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the vessel for a whole group of people looking for a way out motivates me. Knowing that I AM KING motivates me but as an artist, the money motivates me. I love putting people on and we all getting this money together, real life C.R.E.A.M sh*t. What new projects are you working on currently that you can update us on? Working on some projects with my Ice Gang/Polar Nation Family so make sure y’all get ready for that. I also own “LionHeart Clothing” cop you some. I also have a few artists I’m breaking out, one of my extended family members who is also a member of Finessin Promotions, Young Vic. H’es gonna take HTown by the throat so get ready for him. I’ve been collaborating with a lot of artists lately aint nothing like that collab check so I’ve been running that as well as recording new material for these #Tri-Phecta mixtapes which are coming soon this fall. So everybody stay in tune for that as well. What new goals are you hoping to accomplish with your music? I see myself going Gold no doubt before 2016, I want to continue to touch the people who
understand my music and the life of the struggle and be able to reach out to someone with my stories I share. Maybe change some lives and the way of thinking for some of my people. That’s me. What do you feel is the biggest barrier you face in getting your name out there as an artist? Getting all of your material in the right hands at the right time, sometimes you can have that hit single and be ready to push it but it lands in the wrong hands and you could end up with the short end of a deal so my opinion would be timing and getting it to the right hands. What do you want people to know about you when they listen to your music? It’s real. Everything I speak about and talk about is real, I couldn’t make this up if I tried. What’s next for Kj Da Youngstar? I will be coming out to LA to hit ES Studios, I look forward to dropping in while I’m in LA to see you guys again, BET, MTV, a worldwide tour. Yeah that’s what’s next for Kj Da Youngstar. Peace, love, and abundance. Follow KJ: @kj_dayoungstar - Twitter @kjdayoungstar - IG @kjdayoungstar- SC @kjdayoungstar- YouTube Kj Da Youngstar- FB
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OLD SOUL
ld Soul is a spoken word artist that won’t be silenced. With his latest project, “Non AmeriKKKan Me,” this artist hopes to convey a powerful message that awakens his people. Check out his latest interview below to learn what message he is sending out to his fans.
It’s been awhile since we last talked! What have you been up to since we last spoke? Indeed it has been minute. Just been diligently working on my latest opus Non AmeriKKKan Me. What have you learned about the music industry now that you’ve been doing it for quite some time? With the direction of the music industry I think it is best to invest in yourself and remain independent. Are you still hungry to succeed in this industry since you first started? Yes indeed even more so now. My passion, vision and writing has evolved tremendously. What are some achievements and accomplishments that you’ve been able to have since we last heard from you? Since our last interaction I’ve definitely gained momentum in my field of poetry. I was nominated for Best Male Poet in the 2015 Roc Awards held here in my hometown of Rochester, NY. I also had my first feature presentation at Gallery One Fine Arts held in my hometown as well, thanks to the great Lu Highsmith. I also performed at 6th annual Roc the Peace Fest at Jones Square Park in Rochester, NY. Tell us about your your new project? How did this project come about? And how did you come about choosing the name, “Non AmeriKKKan Me?” Non AmeriKKKan Me was created by the today’s society, the current events which hinder the living conditions of the Afrikan nation. As a student of my culture and having knowledge of self, I felt the need to address America and the atrocities we as a people are plagued with. Non AmeriKKKan Me I consider visual audio my open letter to the USA. The name Non AmeriKKKan Me stems from the ugly truth of America, which I do not agree with nor do I represent!
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Your new project is very revolutionary. What are you hoping to accomplish with your new sound? Revolutionary indeed! My focus with this project, Non AmeriKKKan Me is to uplift and unify black consciousness for the fight against white supremacy. Without Black Unity there is no beneficial power! Why did you feel the need to talk about these topics in your music? I chose this direction because we need to wake up! We the Afrikan people need understand the methods of this new caste system, white supremacy, media mass distraction and the new Jim Crow. We demand the end of the social, political and economic exploitation of the Afrikan communities. Recently, students were shown singing the song by Kendrick Lamar, “Alright,” during their protest against the police. Do you feel music can have a negative impact as well as positive when it comes to bringing about changes in America? Very powerful record, a personal favorite of mine indeed! We have continuously witnessed the negative impact of music with today’s society. The brainwashing, propaganda and media mass distraction is what is glorified in music. Positive change will come once we awaken! Artists like myself, Killer Mike, Talib Kweli, Tef Poe, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar speak of that positive change through truth. Like the great Minister Farrakhan says, “speaking truth to power!” What makes this new project you released different from your previous projects? I consider this project the soundtrack to the world today. Non AmeriKKKan Me is the 2015 version of the late great Marvin Gaye’s 1971 “What’s Going On.” Do you have a favorite track on this project? What was the hardest to write? My favorite track from NAM would have to be Jim Crow Must Die. The hardest to write was Black Elite. What’s next for Old Soul? I am currently working on the Black Elite first project. I have assembled a strong core unit, the group consists of GrayDay(producer), DRealthanMos(emcee), Shod the Problem(emcee) and myself.
Follow Old Soul:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToROYDFtZlKTGai9-94iyw Twitter handle : @SoulofNY IG: soulofny Facebook artist page: https://www.facebook.com/battlequartersempire www.youngcelebritynews.com - Young Celebrity News | 27
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
L. SOUL
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ip hop artist L. Soul got his start in music at nine years old. Yet it was in High School when he realized he wanted to have a career in music. Growing up, music played a huge impact in his life in which he hopes to impact the younger generation with his own. “I came from growing up around music, the influence music had on my life made me want to give back to other young people.” His goal is to make it to Madison Square Garden and he won’t stop until he gets there. Tell us about when your journey began as an artist? I started writing music at the age of 9. While in high school I started to think about what I wanted to do with my life. So my senior year in high school I was not only writing music, I started performing and started my journey as an artist. What inspired you to want to become an artist? I came from growing up around music, the influence music had on my life made me want to give it back to other young people. How did music have an impact in your life and who were some artists that inspired your sound growing up? Music has had an huge impact on my life. My dad is a hip hop connoisseur so all of my life I have listened to music. I feel that my dad played so much of what we call conscious music that it stimulated my mind and allowed me to think about decisions I make in life. In a lot of ways music is equaled to a secondary education for me socially and artistically. Some of the artists that have inspired my sound has been J Dilla, MF Doom, Wiz Khalifa, Common, Mos Def, Nas, Kanye West, Talib Kweli and Little Brother.
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When was the moment you knew you wanted to become an artist and give it 100 percent? While attending the Wiz Khalifa Wake N Bake concert at Eastern Michigan University. While I was there, the feeling was so overwhelming it was like God showed me that I was not supposed to be in the crowd but belonged on the stage. At that time my journey as an artist had not started. I had never performed anywhere nor thought that I would be an artist. How did you come up with the name L. Soul and what is the meaning behind it? I was online searching the urban dictionary and typing in random stuff and I came across the word Lost Soul and the definition described me in many ways. L. Soul is an abbreviation for Lost Soul, growing up I often felt misunderstood by those around me. I know that I am not the only one out here that may feel that way so this name is for all of the Lost Souls. What motivates you to grind the way you do as an artist? Life, everything around me wanting to see everyone around you in a better situation, watching my nephew grow up and not wanting him to have the same story as I did as a child. Not that my childhood was bad but just wanting better for him. Knowing I want a family one day and want to be able to provide for them. How do you feel about the hip hop movement today and who are some of your favorite artists today? I don’t feel like we have a big hip hop movement today it’s more of a rap movement where the game is around being flashy, and looking a certain way. Some of my favorite artists today are Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, J Cole and Future. Love that your music has that conscious feel but also diversed, how would you describe your sound? I would describe my sound as real alive, mellow, honest, my music is like my life, diverse. What new projects are you working on currently? My official EP dropped the 28th!
Follow L. Soul: https://twitter.com/LSoulHipHop https://www.facebook.com/pages/LSoulhiphop/420374217999065?ref=hl https://instagram.com/l_soulthegreat https://soundcloud.com/l-soul-2 www.youngcelebritynews.com - Young Celebrity News | 29
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LEDGE
ip hop artist Ledge Seven is no rookie when it comes to music. Since we last spoken with this talented artist, Ledge was able to give us his take on what he’s learned from the industry so far. When asked what he learned about himself through the process he responded, “I learned to be more patient and think first before I react,” Ledge told YCN. With his new transition of going solo, Ledge is on his way to making a huge impact in the hip hop industry. Check out his interview below to learn more. It’s been awhile since we last talked, what have you been up to? Man just working and steady trying to perfect my crafts. What have you learned about yourself through this process of striving to be an artist? I’ve learned so much, for starters I learned to be more patient and think first before I react. Rome wasn’t built in one day. Yeah I bumped my head a few times but I kept going, I haven’t quit yet and steady growing. What have you learned about the industry? (Lol) That you have mainstream and then you have underground. People please show us love because we work just as hard as mainstream except our presence isn’t being shown enough and most of the times we’re spitting that real stuff. You most definitely have to network, it’s not what you know most of the times but who you know. Tell us about the transition of going solo? I don’t like it yet as much as I liked the group because I’m still growing into being a solo artist. I haven’t gotten comfortable with it yet but I’m working on it. So we know you have a Mixtape dropping this fall, tell us about the “Mothership.” How did you come up with the title? What are you hoping your fans get from this project? (Lol) The Mothership baby…A coin-phrase adopted by the parliament, the funk...You know George Clinton and the gang, 70s music. They inspired me but the true meaning of the Mothership is on a whole other level. I and what the parliament is trying to convey is that once that mothership touch down the new world order would have just begun but in order to destroy it, the Rapture takes place and the most high and his extraterrestrials (The true guardians of the galaxy which are black people) blow their trumpet letting planet earth know that (Ancient Kemet) Egypt and atlantis will rise again. You feel where I’m going with this? You will when you hear the consciousness in my music.
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SEVEN Do you have a favorite track on this project? Not yet. What was the most difficult song to write on the mixtape? I have to say the intro because it’s so long (lol). I was straight spitting which equals more bars of course and more bars equals more writing. We know you also have a clothing brand? Tell us about how the brand has impacted your music? The clothing plays hand and hand because I’m able to promote through two lines which equals more supporters. It gives me a lot more exposure and a great marketing plan to sell my products. What are you hoping to accomplish as an artist? And what other ways are you hoping to venture out besides just settling on music? I hope to accomplish change through my art. Good change not bad change. I plan to put my hands on other things in order to expand my thought process and learn more because knowledge is infinite. What makes you grind the way you do today, what is your “why?” The Universe. What’s next for Ledge Seven? I don’t know, prosperity.
Follow LEDGE SEVEN @ledgeseven www.spazegenome.bigcartel.com
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FRANK PALANGI
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rank Palangi is a triple threat when it comes to music. He sings, plays guitar and writes his own songs. His newest single, “Break These Chains, is creating an online buzz and getting rave reviews. Frank was able to collobrate with the talented Brian Craddock from the award winning band “Daughtry” at the Cat Room Studio in VA with his latest single. Now, Frank plans to push forward with his music by expanding his sound while continuing to work hard daily on his craft for his fans. Check out his interview below to learn more from Frank! It’s been awhile since we last talked what have you been working on since we last spoke? Things have been going really well. I’m still playing out steady and gotten to open for various national artists and branch out more. Always working hard to get myself out there. You’ve been doing this for quite some time, what keeps you striving towards your goal when obstacles come your way? Mostly it’s my passion for what I love to do. I’ve been blessed to make this my career and it’s been something I’ve really enjoyed as well. I just love music from playing live, to writing, to the science of recording a song. Fans have been super supportive as I’ve grown as an artist. They are my fuel tank to keep making new music to release. What are your plans for this upcoming year what are new goals you hope to achieve and accomplish? With this new single out, and a few awards it’s won all ready, I hope to really grab the attention of people and show them my next direction in my career. I’d like to try and land a tour with a national artist and hit the road a bit. I’m pleased with playing out every week and making a living that way but I’m looking for more exposure with the opportunity opening for artists brings. I’ve gotten to open for 3 Doors Down, Aaron Lewis, Trapt, Buckcherry, Powerman 5000 and more pushing on my own, but maybe someone to help with booking for the future would be cool too. I have
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a few more songs I’m writing for future releases as well. What have you learned about yourself since on this journey as an artist? I’ve learned to be patient and work hard and good things come in all good time. You really have to push yourself and push your material to get any sort of buzz going with people to notice the music. I’ve learned to interact better with fans and even the drunk ones at the shows that you can’t understand (haha). Deals happened that maybe could of been worked out differently with certain projects and shows but that’s all about growing and learning. I stay humble and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished but not shy to fight for what I believe in. What have you learned about the music industry since you’ve started and what advice would you give to someone just starting out? Most things I’ve found out and learned to deal with is the business side. I believe that it can be tough for artists and that’s why they have other people deal with that side of the business. I was dealing with things on my own and learning to sink or swim, which makes you stronger in the end I felt. I would say be very, very careful of who you surround yourself with. Have friends, band members, girlfriends etc all believe in what your are doing. Be aware of scams of the people who say they have contacts and really don’t. Sad thing is sometimes there’s never really a certain way to know but even like me, I learned with trial and error in some cases. Ask many many questions, (haha) scammers don’t like questions. Learn and research everything, don’t be lazy because it seems something may be easy. How do you continue to improve on your craft after being in it for so long? What are some ways that you improve your sound? Writing wise I push myself to move into a more developed sound and sonically learn how to get there in the studio. Use to your advantage the way the instruments line up sonically with the mix of vocals and melodies. I still play constantly, write and learn cover songs as well. What really makes me strive for more and helps my knowledge, experience and understanding of the industry and is working with different producers along with going into studios, working with people that are out there playing on major records and tours. It pushes me to work harder and mature. I’ve been blessed that these signed musicians and artists want to work with me. I always say that’s the first battle, grabbing their attention. Tell us about your newest track, “Break These Chains?” What inspired you to write this particular song? It was produced by Brian Craddock from the award winning band “Daughtry” at the Cat Room Studio in VA. He was a blast to work with! Real knowledgeable guy and down to earth. Scotty Derrico is on the drums for this track who’s worked with other various signed artists. It’s energetic, gritty, and more mainstream. It’s brought me into a new sound and direction. Vocally it’s upfront, deep and the lyrics wrap the song with the sound. What inspired me was to write a song about breaking free from your troubles, your past and have the strength to move on. Something that really felt uplifting but hard rock same time.
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“Frank is an amazing young artist with a very clear and focused direction... Frank knows who he is! A killer singer and guitar player, the “Break These Chains” recording session came together very quickly and easily here at The Cat Room (Virginia recording studio). Frank Palangi is an artist to watch out for in 2015!” - Brian Craddock How long did it take you to write this song? 30 mins! On Thanksgiving, I picked up the guitar 30 mins before I had to leave for lunch and the melody and chords just started coming out. It came together very fast with the 1st half of song. Then I always do a full instruments demo with raw vocals and then work on lyrics and things more before going into the studio for the final version. Did you have any difficulties when recording it? What type of help did you get from others in creating this song if any? Not really, I’m deep in recording my own stuff for several years now, so I’m not stranger to how things are mixed and put together. Working with Brian brought it up a notch because we went through and picked it apart. It helps a lot in the long run. The way I view recording songs sonically and writing wise are different now than before this experience. It was a nice trip to VA from NY too going to this studio. What other new projects are you working on that you can update us on? I have a few new songs I’m writing and plan on getting another EP together for down the road. A newer version of HOPE and FALLING TOO you might hear on it as well since it wasn’t on a record yet. LIVE IT UP is also another song on the EP and a new song I’m writing called RED, WHITE AND BLUE. In the early process right now, but it’s coming along. Maybe a bonus acoustic version of BREAK THESE CHAINS too. In the fall I get back into my live internet shows where people can tune into performances via the internet. I finish up my weekly gigs by Nov or so and start to write and record a lot for the winter. Radio interviews, magazine coverage are always being updated and released to fans with updates. Also working on my social media as well. Anything you want to add? I’d like to thank all of my fans for supporting my career and people I’ve worked with for giving me a chance to bring to life my creations. I love what I do and can’t picture doing anything else. “I have no plan B in backing down in my dreams.” Hope you keep in touch via social media! Follow Frank Online: www.frankpalangi.com www.facebook.com/frankpalangisoloartist www.twitter.com/frankpalangi 34 |Young Celebrity News -www.youngcelebritynews.com
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