THEMOSTCRITICAL Talks Doing #OneTakeTwosday For 30 Consecutive Weeks
West Coast rapper THEMOSTCRITICAL created a weekly visual freestyle campaign that has been going strong for over 30 consecutive weeks! Check out what he had to say about how this idea was put into motion!
By: Omar Cook
West Coast rapper THEMOSTCRITICAL created a weekly visual freestyle campaign that has been going strong for over 30 consecutive weeks! This rising artist uses his creativity and an authentic approach to putting together lyrics to create a weekly challenge that people can look forward to. Check out what he had to say below about how this idea was put into motion!
“One Take Twosday (#onetaketwosday on IG) was an idea that came from me desiring to execute a more effective and sustainable marketing strategy/campaign than I had at the time, and to that point overall. In a word - I needed to get my name out there way more. That's every independent artist's dilemma to get to the next phase of their career to me. The compounded issue with that, you learn, is that sh--t is expensive af. In money or manpower. And the higher you aim to rise the more that it becomes an "and," not a question of "or."
To start though, most of us don't have either. I realized this demise time and time again: You pour your heart and resources, and money into a project - album, mixtape, or full-length single accompanied by the most industry-standard music video your budget can possibly afford (or more), release it to the world with the highest hopes that this is the one that's going to take you from this level to that level, or at least make you the hometown hero, then...6 months later...you still can't even get enough views to fill your small high school gym. Devastating. It's absolutely crushing. On top of that, since you gave everything you had materially, it's going to be another 6+ months before you can follow up with an equally satisfying effort.
The cycle repeats itself until you get too exhausted from trying to no avail, or too much time passes you by and you cannot gain or maintain relevance. So, you go live in the "real-world" because it's just not working. I've seen it firsthand and been on the edge of falling victim to the aforementioned outcome. All of this is the "industry" side of the music industry that we as true independent artists fail to grasp. There is a whole entire marketing department and engine propelling our favorite artist's given-project forward to our ears around the world. Still to this day even in the DIY internet age.
With that being said, if you want to have a chance in the industry on any level, you have to think like the industry, not just the musician. Unless you're fortunate enough to have an entity, or a team thinking like that for you. Again, most of us do not at first. That was the spark of the campaign. That level of understanding, finally. After countless unsatisfying results. The next inspiration was observing the current landscape of the ways music is consumed, marketed by my peers and contemporaries, and my place within it all, to determine what might work best for me in my world.
I came to a few conclusions based on my personal experience: 1) Instagram is the hottest social media platform out, currently, for consumers and brands alike (the brands follow the consumers, and the consumers love Instagram right now. If I wanted my brand to grow in trend with the times it had to have an active presence on Instagram. 2) The power of video is stronger than it has ever been in history, especially for musicians. 3) Content...rather CONSISTENT content is King in order for any brand to prosper on IG. 4) As an emerging artist or brand on Instagram, you must utilize it as a media outlet in the same way as (and in place of) TV...no one is watching television anymore, everyone is watching Instagram...and television broadcasts shows.
Therefore, an emerging brand such as myself must put on a show in some way, shape, or form to stand out in it's infinite sea of content. In so many words, you have to give people something to look forward to watching consistently. 5) Music videos are obviously the key remote marketing tool for a musician aside from the inherent music itself...but that shit can get EXPENSIVE as we've been over. And without outside investors or funding...it can get ugly when you're talking about trying to replicate the process in a consistent marketing campaign.
After witnessing the great success of a completed 30-day freestyle challenge on Instagram by LA-rapper Quincy White, along with the success of an attempted 365-day song release challenge embarked on by Black OC with a local artist, I was convinced that some sort of elongated weekly-release challenge, ideally, year-long, powered by IG's 1-minute video attribute was the most prominent, cost-effectively sustainable, and realistically achievable campaign that I could execute and replicate to market my brand best as I gathered the necessary resources for full-length releases.
Now, over 30 consecutive weeks-in, I can confidently say this one of the best and most effective ideas of mine brought to fruition. The quality and quantity of growth I've seen is amazing and often hard to believe. The reception has been more gratifying than I could've imagined. It's something that my fans will remember and smile on years from now, and talk about as something they got to see from-the-ground-up, no gimmicks or clout-schemes.
My Day Ones will always know that this was real and they witnessed it start from nothing. Because of its authenticity it's gained me some true, loyal believers. I've inspired many people in the effort, and inspired myself to go for the seemingly impossible like never-before. It's been affirmation, and reaffirmation, of my, and more importantly, our, power and potential to achieve whatever we desire. And that's the biggest reward of the whole idea made-manifest.”
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T. Mason Drops New Visual For "Hard To Find"
Rapper T. Mason dropped a dope new visual for his song “Hard To Find” which is a single off his latest project Got Home Late! Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Rapper T. Mason dropped a dope new visual for his song “Hard To Find” which is a single off his latest project Got Home Late! The song has a laid back vibe with the perfect visuals to go with it! T. Mason has been rolling this year with great releases and this video is no exception! Check it out below!
T. Mason - Hard To Find (Directed by B.Rxb)
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Who's Hot? 7 New Artists You Need To Know Vol. 5
We're giving you our 5th edition of 7 of the hottest new artists that may be flying under your radar! These are artists who are ready to change the landscape of hip hop and let their talents fly! Check them out here!
By: Omar Cook
We're giving you our 5th edition of 7 of the hottest new artists that may be flying under your radar! These are artists who are ready to change the landscape of hip hop and let their talents fly! Check them out here!
1. Lamar Jay
“I describe my music as pain medicine. I’ve found my musical purpose and that is to help others as much as I can. That is my job. What separates me from other artists is, I’m just me and that’s all I can be.”
West Coast singer Lamar Jay has been making for a while with some of his most popular songs being “Bad Habits”, “The Masses”, and “Joy”. This artist is extremely talented and has a vibe that just about anyone can get into. His mixtape released of A Better Tomorrow and Heaven Only Knows are full of vibes all the way through that are perfect for those long car rides. Lamar Jay has a dope catalogue of music, check him out below!
Lamar Jay - Why Lie (Official Video)
2. Maui Max
“I just say I don’t rap like anybody you’ve heard and that’s because I really believe that. Nobody sounds like me and I don’t sound like anybody. Especially people my age and coming up like I am. I rap how I think a dope rapper should approach a beat not what I think everybody wants to hear.”
East Coast rapper, Maui Max hails from Newark, New Jersey but now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Maui Max just released a new album titled Everything Works Out Fine and it is fire! We’ve interviewed a lot of talented artists on this platform, and this is easily one of the most under the radar rappers out right now. Maui Max brings a dope flow with raw lyrics and just about every song is a banger in it’s own right. He does a good job of making music you can vibe to, and music you can turn up to while still holding true to his own originality. Maui Max embodies what a true lyricist is by giving you raw lyrics mixed with authentic passion for his craft.
Maui Max - EWOF (Prod. LaCoMusic) (Everything Works Out Fine The Tape OUT NOW)
3. Lex Culture
“I describe my music as motivating, music for the soul. What separates me is that I’m not trying to fit in anyone’s category. One thing I’m big on is that I’m not selling sex in my music and I’m letting young women know that you don’t need to advertise sex in order to be seen or heard.”
Lex Culture is a singer/songwriter/rapper from Oakland, California! This hot new artist has an ultimate goal to motivate the youth, and tell her story of what it’s like growing up in her shoes with aspirations of inspiring someone else to do the same. Lex Culture is a multitalented person being a former Basketball player & 3x National Amateur Boxing Champ. She recently released a couple new tracks called “Solitude” and “2am in Oakland”. This artist has her own unique sound and has the talent to switch between rapping and singing successfully and brings a feel good vibe to her music.
4. Shamba
“If I had to describe my music, I’d just say it’s real. Real stories, real emotions. I feel the emotion behind it is what separates me from other artists. I spill so much of myself into every word and note, that I think it is close to impossible to not feel it when you hear it.”
Shamba is a rising singer from Georgia! Shamba was born in New Jersey and raised in Georgia and comes from a family of musical creatives. She is the daughter of former So So Def recording artist Fundisha and the prominent DJ Shakim, (Bow wow, Da Brat, BBD, New Edition, Blackstreet), so Shamba was born prepared to take on the role of super stardom. Shamba has evolved into a multi-faceted entertainer who is beginning to create her own lane. She recently released a new EP title Reset which is definitely a project you need to check out! If you enjoy good vibes and originality, this is an artist for you.
Shamba The Artist - Red Lights (Official Video)
5. Rashè Supreme
“What motivates me is everything I ever thought and dreamed of and wanting it to come into existence. Also making the world a better place with all I have to offer. Success to me is just being yourself and being happy.”
Rashè Supreme is a rising lyricist hails from Landover, Maryland. Listening to his music, you can hear the realness in his lyrics, coming from a place of authenticity. Rashè Supreme is using his voice and platform to tell his own story and struggles through his music. This artist speaks on real issues and is looking to empower people through his music.
6. Marian Richards
“My music is a mix of pop and rnb. You will always find that chill, retro vibes in my songs with sometimes caribbean sonorities. I just have my own vibes.”
Noemie Marian Richards is a singer/songwriter/composer from Paris, France! Marian grew up in a musical family and before getting into the music industry, she furthered her education in international trade, but music has always been what she wanted to do for a living. She recently dropped her debut EP titled Mood as well as a new music video titled “Roots”. This up and coming artist has a talented voice mixed with her own style and accent. Be on the lookout for new music coming from this artist as she looks to make international headlines!
Marian - Flamingos
7. Kindal Tate
“Just having the gift to heal people with music how music has healed me is what motivates me. It’s our responsibility as artists to create real art that can help people or change the world.”
Singer/Songwriter/Producer Kindal Tate hails from Northridge, California and uses her jazzy vibes to fuse with a variety of different genres. Kindal is an extremely talented vocalist who produces music that is soulful with good vibes! She dropped a dope EP earlier this year titled Self Care as well as a new song titled “Lessons”. Kindal Tate is a rare talent and a must see live!
Kindal Tate - Finesse
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Jhamasa Drops New Visual For "Bad Mamma Jhamma"
Los Angeles singer Jhamasa dropped a new visual for her song “Bad Mamma Jhamma”! Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Los Angeles singer Jhamasa dropped a new visual for her song “Bad Mamma Jhamma”! This song is more upbeat from the music that Jhamasa typically makes and it definitely shows her ability to make different types of music, a banger for sure. Jhamasa has been rolling lately after dropping a visual in August for her song “Cold Blue”. Both tracks are featured on her new EP Eleven:11. Jhamasa will be performing in the 1st 247 Live Culture Fall Music Showcase in Los Angeles on October 5 so be on the lookout for more of this artist! Check out the video below!
Bad Mamma Jhamma (Official Music Video)
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Maui Max Talks His New Album “Everything Works Out Fine”
Georgia rapper Maui Max recently dropped his new album titled Everything Works Out Fine!
“I just want y'all to know that Everything works out fine. I want to bring the energy up with this one and spread the message.”
Check out what he had to say and listen to it here!
“Listen to this tape by yourself, with your homeboys/homegirls, in the whip, with your significant other, it’s for everybody and all occasions. I just want y’all to know that Everything works out fine. I want to bring the energy up with this one and spread the message. ”
By: Omar Cook
Georgia rapper Maui Max recently dropped his new album titled Everything Works Out Fine! The album features 8 tracks, that you can play all the way through no skips. Maui Max is one of the most underrated lyricists out right now and this album really showcased his talent!
Why did you decide on the title “Everything Works Out Fine”?
We didn’t think so much on this. The homie LaCo who produced and engineered the whole project hit me one day randomly and told me he was ready to work. People say that all the time but this time it sounded different, we had both just bounced back from a dark time in our lives, learning and growth all it was, I had stepped away for a while to get things personally straight and solely focus on ME, we just both agreed that we were going to stay quiet and lowkey like we been doing and just enjoy life and work on this music and let everything else work itself out.
We was having fun with it again, not thinking about what people going to think about it or what people want to hear we was just making whatever we felt and staying inspired. Next thing you know we looked up and low key had a whole project that BANGED. So I decided to name it that because its kinda like a metaphor to how life has been for me, letting everything go and just having faith, not stressing myself out over things I can’t control, living life like its my last day, staying pure, counting blessings and things just started lining up perfectly because the energy was right. Things started generating. Even if you don’t listen to the music, maybe the title itself is something somebody needed to see at that exact moment. Im good with that.
What message were you trying to project and what can people expect from this project?
Just wanted to tell everybody to chill, I understand you, I get you, if you want to do better lets change the energy first, it worked for me, it can work for you too. I want everybody currently going through mental health issues to experience what im experiencing. I want to make those people feel cool again. It’s too much negative being pushed in the world. And thats what this project embodies, I got everything from that raw hip hop flow you can feel, something speaking to the ladies they can vibe to, straight bangers, some cool riding round the city music, all different vibes while telling a story.
What was your favorite track on this project and why?
It’s hard because they would all be my favorite if they were on separate projects. I kept it 8 songs because I wanted people to focus on each one. They all have different vibes so I love em all for different reasons.
What separates this project from your previous releases?
EVERYTHING. A full body of work. I felt comfortable in the booth, like I been doing it for years. The production is all original and all done by one of my closest homies. The recording process, it’s a different sound, I switched the flow up a little bit. Everything just clicked perfectly and I feel like this is my arrival project.
Check it out below!
Maui Max - Everything Works Out Fine (prod. by LaCoMusic)
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Malcolm Taylor Drops Visual For "Ambition"
Philly rapper Malcolm Taylor dropped a dope visual for his song “Ambition”! Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Philly rapper Malcolm Taylor dropped a dope visual for his song “Ambition”! Just as the title says, the song is about having ambition, and serves as a great motivation song to keep pushing towards your goals. Malcolm Taylor continues to drop heat and is making a name for himself as an up and coming artist. Check it out below!
Malcolm Taylor - Ambition
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Jae Breeze Discusses His Latest Album "Crxwn"
East Coast artist Jae Breeze dropped his third album called Crxwn! Check out the project and what he had to say about it here!
“This album is a statement to say that I’m here to stay in this music game. I’m more comfortable with trying new things vocally and opening up more to the listeners. This is my best work yet.”
“I just want to thank everyone who has listened to the album, and shared the album with others. Y’all are the real goats and I’m here to be Carolinas Finest. This is my best piece of work to date and I hope you enjoy. Thank you!”
By: Omar Cook
East Coast artist Jae Breeze dropped his new album called Crxwn! The album features 10 tracks and host of features from other rising artists including William Prize and Joshua Sheeran.
“I decided to name the album “Crxwn” because I wanted to tell a story about myself and a status where I feel like I am at right now. I feel like I’m at a peak where I can’t be touched.”
If we had to compare this artist’s sound to anyone, it would be similar to Casey Veggies. Jae Breeze brings a dope flow and a positive overall message to his lyrics.
“The message Is basically to tell upcoming artists that sometimes this music game can be tricky, especially in your everyday life. Sometimes you reached a certain point in your career where you’ll have to cut ties, recover relationships because your significant other isn’t used to this type of lifestyle, etc. People can expect to hear a background story about how far I’ve come as an artist to where I’m talking about life, what I’ve been through & how I’ve overcame those obstacles, to dealing with complications in my relationship, etc.”
There are several dope tracks on this album, but two of them really stood out. “Look At You” and “Carolina’s Finest” are our personal picks for favorites but the project is solid all the way through.
My favorite track would be “Crxwn with a X” because I touch on how things has changed prior to my release of this album. From the love I’ve been receiving from different fans, to having to cut ties with people I thought were close.
Jae Breeze definitely made a statement for himself as an up and coming artist and you should definitely be on the lookout for his future projects! You can find it on all platforms.
“This album is a statement to say that I’m here to stay in this music game. I’m more comfortable with trying new things vocally and opening up more to the listeners. This is my best work yet.”
Check out the project below!
Jae Breeze - Crxwn With a X
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Poem5th Drops New Video For His Single "Up"
Los Angeles rapper Poem 5th dropped a new video for his single “Up”, which is the intro to his latest EP Before The Battle! Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Los Angeles rapper Poem 5th dropped a new video for his single “Up”, which is the intro to his latest EP Before The Battle! Poem5th is also working on the soundtrack for an upcoming short film called Hood Boyz, directed by Daniel Ray. Check out his new visual below!
Poem5th - Up (Intro) prod. by Curt Green
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Jhamasa Drops New Visual For "Cold Blue"
Los Angeles singer Jhamasa dropped a dope visual to her song “Code Blue”! Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Los Angeles singer Jhamasa dropped a dope visual to her song “Code Blue”! Jhamasa recently just dropped her first EP Eleven: 11 which features 4 tracks; “Bad Mamma Jhamma”, “Every Single Flaw”, “Code Blue”, and “Beautiful Day”. The video was shot by Los Angeles videographer Candice Manier! Check it out below!
Code Blue (Official Music Video) - Jhamasa
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T. Mason Drops New LP "Got Home Late"
“Its overall message comes from me battling with infidelity and faithfulness in my relationship. The temptation from wanting success, as well as the things that tend to come with it.”
Rapper T. Mason dropped his highly anticipated LP Got Home Late! Check it out here!
“This project is not one to just skim through. You can appreciate and grow with over time. Especially if you have been in any relationship that was meaningful to you at one point in time. That could be a bad memory or a good one. The important thing is that it will spark conversation between both men and women. ”
By: Omar Cook
Rapper T. Mason dropped his highly anticipated LP Got Home Late! This is only his 2nd project release and it’s been a minute since dropping his debut project The T. Mason EP.
This release is somewhat similar in regards to sound, but different in terms of growth. It is a more polished sound with an actual narrative. This is only my second project to date so I wanted to solidify my lane and sound. I also wanted to give a product that listeners could grow with throughout my career. A controversial project that could rebuild or destroy your relationship. So kids use it wisely .
Got Home Late features 10 tracks and this is a can’t miss project as this is one of those projects you need to play all the way through. T. Mason brings a smooth vibe over mellow beats throughout the whole LP with lyrics that just about anyone can relate too.
Its overall message comes from me battling with infidelity and faithfulness in my relationship. The temptation from wanting success, as well as the things that tend to come with it. Like women smh. I’ve always battled with giving a relationship my all. There is always something I end up doing to F@!% it all up. This project is me telling that story.
T. Mason is definitely an artist that everyone should be on the look out for and this project is solidifying him as one of the most under the radar artists out right now.
The title in itself means so many things. It’s a phrase I’ve said many times to my significant others. Whether if I was out late actually working in the studio, or if I was out late with other women. It’s about the many arguments and fights I had. If I couldn’t speak to my girl or call her that night, I would just say it was because “I got home late. “
Every track on this project is dope, but a couple that stood out were “Act Right”, “Main Focus”, and “Bri’s Interlude”.
My personal favorite track is “Bri’s Interlude”. It came from a vulnerable place. It’s a song exposing my desires for love, as well as other women. But in the same breath, I am telling the love of my life that those are my old ways. I’m letting her know I’m a better man and she has nothing to worry about even though I’ve cheated before. That is why I say, “Temptation keep calling me, I don’t know if Ima call her right back. So many women who part of my past.” That track was a real conversation, just like the other 9 tracks on the project.
Check out the LP below and be sure to add it to your playlist!
T. Mason - Cruise Control
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Lylo Gold Dropped A New Song Called "Secrets"
U.K. artist, Lylo Gold, dropped her new single called “Secrets”! Check it out here!
Lylo Gold - Secrets
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Maui Max Drops New Video For His Single "Ball"
East Coast rapper, Maui Max dropped a new video for his single, “Ball”! The song’s overall message is to boss up, and BALL, of course.
By: Omar Cook
East Coast rapper, Maui Max dropped a new video for his single, “Ball”! Maui Max brings a dope delivery to this track which will be featured on his upcoming project Everything Works Out Fine. The song’s overall message is to boss up, and BALL, of course. Definitely a song that needs to be added to your playlist!
Maui Max - BALL (Prod. LaCoMusic)
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Malcolm Taylor Drops New Song "Ambition"
Philly rapper, Malcolm Taylor released a dope new track called “Ambition”! The track talks about his hunger to succeed and ambition to keep pushing due to his circumstances.
By: Omar Cook
Philly rapper, Malcolm Taylor released a dope new track called “Ambition”! The track talks about his hunger to succeed and ambition to keep pushing due to his circumstances. The track is a good motivation song to get you going, check it out below!
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Some Guy Named Lee Drops New Project "My Happy Place"
New York rapper “Some Guy Named Lee” dropped his 1st full length project called My Happy Place, check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
New York rapper “Some Guy Named Lee” dropped his 1st full length project called My Happy Place. The project features 11 tracks and is a good mix between rap and R&B vibes. The project features one of his most popular songs called “Grind” which samples Usher’s “Nice and Slow”. The title is self explanatory; Lee talks about things that bring him into a happy space, which is good for anyone needing something positive or motivating. This is a great project for an artist putting out there first full project. Lee is a multitalented artist that can mix vocals and lyricism together and his talent is shown through all 11 tracks. Check out the project below!
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Jeh $inatra Drops New Ep "For The Family"
New York artist Jeh $inatra dropped his new EP For The Family, check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
New York artist Jeh $inatra dropped his new EP For The Family. The EP features four tracks “Lord Willin”, “Top Floor”, “Sacrifices”, and “Man Of The Year”, with each track featuring its own vibe. Jeh $inatra tells his own story through his music and offers motivation through talking about overcoming his obstacles. Jeh $inatra separates himself from most of today’s lyricists by putting out relatable real life lyrics with his own authentic flow. This is a dope project all the way through, check it out below!
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Lex Culture Drops New Song "2AM In Oakland"
Oakland artist Lex Culture dropped a new song called “2AM In Oakland”. Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Oakland artist Lex Culture dropped a new song called “2AM In Oakland” and it is the perfect late night vibe. Lex Culture is an under the radar talent who continues to drop heat. Check out the song below!
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TJ Upshaw Drops Video For "Put You On"
R&B singer TJ Upshaw dropped a dope visual for his single “Put You On”
By: Omar Cook
R&B singer TJ Upshaw dropped a dope visual for his single “Put You On”. The song is the perfect summertime track to vibe to and the video itself definitely brings out that summertime feeling as well. TJ was recently featured on BET’s The Next Big Thing. He continues to put out great music, so be on the lookout for his next releases!
TJ Upshaw - Put You On
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Jhamasa Performs Live At Late Sunday Afternoon
Singer Jhamasa put on a soulful performance live at Late Sunday Afternoon in Los Angeles. We caught up with Jhamasa after her performance to talk new music, inspiration and more!
By: Omar Cook
Singer Jhamasa performed live at Late Sunday Afternoon in Los Angeles. Jhamasa put on a dope soulful performance showcasing some of her hottest songs. We caught up with Jhamasa after her performance to talk new music, inspiration and more! Check it out below!
Jhamasa Performs Live @ Late Sunday Afternoon + Interview!
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Shawn Tuck Talks The Release Of His Mixtape "Product Of My Environment"
West Coast rapper Shawn Tuck dropped his first project Product Of My Environment, and it certainly did not disappoint. We talked with Shawn in an exclusive interview about the making of this mixtape!
By: Omar Cook
West Coast rapper Shawn Tuck dropped his first project Product Of My Environment, and it certainly did not disappoint. Shawn hails from Orange County, California, born and raised and is a former collegiate football player who turned to music. This project features 10 songs that you can run through with no skips. It features a dope blend of vocals and real life lyrics that keeps you nodding your head all the way through. This artist has an original flow and sound that is unique and will definitely have you looking forward to the next project. If you’re needing something to vibe to, this is for you.
We talked with Shawn Tuck in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: What was your inspiration for the title of this project?
Shawn Tuck: I went through a number of title options actually. But, when I started getting closer and closer to setting a release date, I started thinking to myself that I wanted people to know me for me and what I am really about. When it comes to my stage name it’s just Shawn Tuck, there is no persona to hide behind, so all the way down to my name, i’m the Product Of My Environment.
QUESTION: What do you want people to know about your music and this project?
Shawn Tuck: What I want people to get from my music, is that it really is music that you can vibe to, something you can ride to, but at the same time turn up too. Being that this is my first project, I tried my best to give it an “album” feel as best as I could.
QUESTION: What do you feel is a song that people MUST listen to on this project?
Shawn Tuck: I got a few that I think honestly, but I’ve been getting the best response from ‘On The Low’. That’s definitely a rider right there.
QUESTION: How did you generate ideas for the songs on this mixtape?
Shawn Tuck: To be honest it kind of all just fell into place. I would just find beats and then write/freestyle to them and I just started to see a pattern of how the songs laid out and it just perfectly reflected my life to where I’m at right now.
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Shawn Tuck: Shoot, I’ve been making music for about 9 years now. It all started when I was out at The University Of Idaho on a football scholarship. We would be parties and I would find myself tucked off in the corner free styling to beats. I wasn’t necessarily great but I could kind of tell it came with ease and sometimes would have people ask me if I had written what I just rapped.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Shawn Tuck: My family, meaning my wife and my daughter. I just want to be able to provide the best way that I can. For me, success is seeing my daughter grow into this great human being with still being able to see qualities of myself in her. It’s a constant reminder to let me know I’m doing a good job. Especially when others vouch for me.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Shawn Tuck: I would say passion! Just because I want this so bad and I feel like you can hear it in my music.
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Shawn Tuck: Man! A LOT!! From working 3 jobs, working at chipotle, currently working preload for UPS just to be able to have hours through the day to spend with my daughter AND to be able to get stuff done musically!
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Shawn Tuck: Just keep going, stay true to you, and stay genuine!
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Who's Hot: 3 East Coast Artists On The Rise
Highlighting a few hard working artists who are truly dope in their own right, here are 3 East Coast artists that are on the rise that you should know about!
By: Tasha Hough
We celebrated Black Music Appreciation Month during the month of June, but let’s keep it going by briefly highlighting a few hard working artists who are truly dope in their own right, and deserve all the shine that’s coming their way. It’s important to continue to support and give people their flowers while they can still receive them. Here are 3 East Coast artists that are on the rise that you should know about!
1. Terry Mak
Starting this off with Jersey originated Terry Mak; a soulful, eclectic, rapper/singer & curator of vibes. The latest release from him is, “Chanel No.5 (Stuck On You)" with Kai Young. Instantly this song brings a nice summer, warm and wanting love kind of feel. Makes me want to pull up on my boo honestly lol. On his project “I Mean Well”, I feel compelled to go on a long drive and let the music take me to my destination.
What grabs my attention the most by Terry is that he is doing his own thing, and doing it freely! He keeps creating his own mold which always ensures originality with his own sound on everything he releases. His aura, fashion, music, and presence are all in sync and I love that he does it all with confidence. His uniqueness is very rare in this day and age. His vibes are just as genuine in person. I can tell he has a great sense of self which provides an assuredness that you're sure to see in his work.
Already receiving love from all over the nation, I know for sure Terry will gain all sorts of momentum worldwide just from simply doing what he’s doing. Keep up with him for upcoming shows and new releases on his heat on social media @flyterrymak and of course find his music everywhere you stream music. https://fanlink.to/ChanNo5. Go check him out immediately!
2. Dom O Briggs
Next, we move on to Brooklyn based artist Dom O Briggs. Limitless is one of the most accurate descriptions of him. Though he’s been making music for years, I got put on to him recently with his song “King of RnB”. Heard that song once and became a fan right away. Listening to it instantly makes you feel… Sexy. I can’t really pinpoint it but the beat and flow of if it all just feels too good.
From listening to that, I definitely quickly went back to his music as late as “Litrell Sprewell” from 2017 where you can hear more of him rapping which made me more intrigued because it shows off his versatility. I love when artists aren’t boxed in for years with a repetitive or mundane sound. Wearing many hats (go cop one of his “Squadly” caps), Dom O Briggs is also hilarious & being a comedian is something he makes sure to highlight in his music as well. Some of his bars will literally make you laugh while making you think and I find that keeps me extremely interested in hearing the next line.
He’s consistent with his releases, so whether it’s a fun remix to a theme show on ig, music, or him performing his hilarious sets during stand up, he is someone to keep on your radar. Go listen to him wherever you stream music https://linktr.ee/chancletapapi_ & follow him now on Instagram and Twitter @Chancletapapi_ make sure you show him love!
3. NickyClvlnd
Last but certainly not least, we move on to Ohio native, NickyClvlnd. He is definitely an artist to keep a close eye on. Delivering an array of sounds, tapping into his creativity further, you really never know what’s coming next from him; except that it will for sure be heat. He doesn’t offer fluff or hype with his music, which I appreciate because that just allows the talent to speak clearly for itself. No gimmicks. Just straight, raw talent whenever he drops.
NickyClvlnd isn’t the kind of artist where it will be the same sound, or the same song repeatedly, while saying absolutely nothing continuously for minutes.No. If you like actual rapping, with actual bars, actual flow with constant entendres, he is who you should be listening to RIGHT NOW. You honestly won’t know if the next song will be him singing, rapping or if you’ll be turnt. On his latest release, “Jokes On You”, available on SoundCloud, he switched up his flow quite a bit. Definitely more on the turnt side which as a fan I was impressed with.
Not too many artist can switch up their sound completely and still make it dope without sounding forced yet he succeeds. Though it’s hard for me to choose my favorite song on this project , it might be “STFU” because he’s literally calmly telling certain people to stfu lmao. I guess that’s what happens when you bother someone as chill & collected as NickyClvlnd. On “Memory Lane”, available wherever you stream music, it’s just 1000 dope bars over different dope beats.
He shows a more open, and vulnerable side to him through the lyrics. He’s not really an “in your face” kind of artist, the mystique approach he has allows you to realize that It’s not just music, it’s an experience if you just listen closely. Despite his social media handles being @LeaveNickyAlone make sure you follow him on ig & twitter as well as click https://linktr.ee/NickyClvlnd to stay up to date with everything he's working on.
Thanks for reading, checking out these artist & be sure to stream upcoming, new, indie artist music daily.
"Support is free" - @lekurokami
-Tasha H @tashatalks_alot
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