Loud&Clear Magazine - No. 15

No. 15 // 2024

DOING IT FOR THE LOVE OF HIP HOP

geechie dan PLANET OF THE TAPES + HIP HOP HALL OF FAME THE NATIONAL HIP HOP MUSEUM INTERVIEW BY JAY M@DH@TTER

INDULGE AFTER HOURS

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SPOTLIGHT ARTIST

ELVEEKTOR Elveektor, a Nigerian rap artiste of Igbo heritage, known for his thought provoking indigenous Igbo lyrics. Elveektor gained more recognition in 2020 with his album, Nsibidi 2. The album which was created to address and reiterate the history, philosophical growth and well-being of being an Igbo man in the divided (post war) Nigeria and how to come right back up. Songs like "Isee" and "Igbo Landing " with Bosalin immediately took off and gained the most popularity off the album. This led to a cosign from notable Nigerian musicians like Don Jazzy and Illbliss. Elveektor (born Ogbu Valentine Tochukwu) began his music career in 2018 with an album titled "Sonrise". Shortly he merged with his long time mentor and producer CHx to start the Nsibidi series. In September 2019 he dropped B4Dsonsine. https://audiomack.com/elveektor

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fred padilla

Actor

SAG-AFTRA Known for: BETTER CALL SAUL FLAMIN' HOT DEPUTY SHOT CALLER BLOOD FATHER WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT LONGMIRE THE MESSENGERS SICARIO OUTLAW PROFIT: WARREN JEFFS THE COURIER KILLER WOMEN follow: fred padilla @actorfredpadilla MANAGER/AGENT: AMI MANNING - VOLITION ENTERTAINMENT @AMIMANNING @VOLITIONENT WWW.VOLITIONUSA.COM Press inquiries: dave.designprint@gmail.com @_designprint PHOTOGRAPHY: alejandro marentes @marentesalejandro LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 3

LOUD & CLEAR LOUD & CLEAR MAGAZINE IS RELEASED AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. IT IS A DIGITAL MAGAZINE. PRINT COPIES ARE PRINTED ON DEMAND AND CAN BE ORDERED AT REQUEST. DIGITAL LINKS WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS. WE DO NOT PROVIDE FREE PRINT COPIES OF THE ISSUE. FOUNDER & PUBLISHER DAVE NAVARRO // @_designprint @loudandclearmagazine CREATIVE design&print CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AUTHOR RUSS RAY // @eat.travel.type.colorado JAY MADHATTER // @city_built_music PHOTOGRAPHERS (REGULARS) ANDREW ORTEGA // aperture.ortega DOUG MUNGAVIN // @dougmungavinphotography JUSTIN JACKRABBIT // @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc JANNETTE OROZCO // djannetteo ADVERTISING & PROMOTION dave.designprint@gmail.com COPYRIGHTS LOUD & CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE is owned

by DAVE NAVARRO. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith.

All rights reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission.

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MODEL // SHANE FRANKLIN aka SF1 @sf1music THREE OF A KIND PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION // UNION STATION, DENVER

CONTENTS SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT 3 FRED PADILLA // ACTOR

4 SHANE FRANKLIN aka SF1 // PERFORMING ARTIST + MODEL 7 DENNECA ASHLEY // ATHLETE + MODEL 20 NAYELY SOTO // MODEL 21 Elysé // ARTIST + MODEL SINGER-SONGWRITER 39 MONIE JONEZY // ACTOR + COMEDIAN

INDULGE SPOTLIGHT 2

ELVEEKTOR // Nigerian Rapper

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST 8-9

SLAPP TURNER // ARTIST + MUSIC PRODUCER

L&C ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 10

PHOLAPREYE // BAILEY ELORA // SANTOSH AND BHAVNEET SLAPP TURNER + SCOTTIE CLINTON

5 FACTS 11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19

HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL CHRONICLES by Melissa Velasco JASON CAVE // Music Producer + Sound Engineer MELISSA VELASCO // Author + Multi-Talented Creative Artist BARBER BARBIE // Barber + Entrepreneur CHRIS VALDEZ // Author + Entrepreneur + Real Estate Agent

LOUD&CLEAR SPOTLIGHT

23-29 MELISSA VELASCO + MADDIE DAWN CORDERO Photography by JUSTIN JACKRABBIT

10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW 30-31 THIS IS HIP HOP by Geechie Dan

LOVE U BETTER // LL Cool J @llcoolj I GAVE YOU POWER // Nas @nas FIGHT THE POWER // Public Enemy @publicenemy MY ADIDAS // RUN DMC @rundmc STILL DRE // Dr. Dre @drdre FAKIN JAX // INI ft. Pete Rock @realpeterock NOBODY BEATZ THE BIZ // Biz Markie @officialbizmarkie THE BOOMIN' SYSTEM // LL Cool J @llcoolj MAHOGANY // Eric B & Rakim @thegodrakim JEEPS, LEX COUPS, BIMAZ & BENZ // Lost Boyz

COVER FEATURE

32-37 GEECHIE DAN: DOING FOR THE LOVE OF HIP HOP Planet of the Tapes + Hip Hop Hall of Fame + The National Hip Hop Museum Interview by Jay M@dH@tter @city_built_music

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GEECHIE DAN PAGE 32-37

INDIE SPOTLIGHT

40-41 SANTOSH + BHAVNEET // Singer-Songwriters Photos by @love_love_photography

MODEL FEATURES 42-43 44-45 46-47 48-49

JOVANNA SAUCEDO KATARINA MONET // @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc JOVANNA SAUCEDO // @dougmungavinphotography ANGELICA // @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc

@EAT.TRAVEL.TYPE.COLORADO 50-51 THE EXQUISITE NATURE OF PAIN

by Author Russ Ray 6 // LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE

ATHLETE + MODEL

Denneca AshLe y @necaash0605

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LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE | 2024 | No. 15

Distinguished Artist SLAPP TURNER artist + MUSIC PRODUCER Booking

@SLAPPTURNER @MADSLAPP

Born in San Francisco, CA. Slapp Turner lived throughout southern and northern California from the Bay to LA, but in his older teenage years, it was primarily San Francisco / Bay Area. Slapp Turner has also lived in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Washington State. At 9 years old, Slapp Turner created his own album out of paper and tape. Slapp drew the cover, the album, the lines in the record, the sleeve, the back, and all of the imaginary songs with lyrics.

After that, he recorded himself singing and beating on a pillow, so Slapp has always been preparing for a life in music.

Slapp Turner has produced for underground groups and artists such as "SCOTTIE CLINTON", "UNITY LEWIS", "M@H@TTER", "SANDPAYPA", "NANI BAE", "RAYE COLE", "HONEY B", "TARIUS KNIGHT", "REAL MONEY", "SICK YG", "LYNCH LOCALLE", "NON-CENTZ", "EMARCO A.K.A E-MAC", "THE BLOCKWILDAS", "YOUNG GENERAL", "RICO NEVOTION", "SWISH & LIL’ SEL", AND "CAMBINO".

He has even produced a hot song featuring rap superstar, "DA BRAT." (see Journal of a Blockwilda by Sandavol aka Sandpaypa, “Cutthroats”).

Slapp has also met such influencers as Marvin Gaye, 2Pac, Chuck D, Phife Dawg, Shock G, Messy Marv, JT the Bigga Figga, Ray Luv, and YZ. Currently, Slapp Turner has been working and combining forces with rapper M@dh@tter on many projects (F.O.S Futuristic Old School, M@dh@tter Solo Album, City Built Music and currently MAD-PAYPASLAPP) over the last 8 years.

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SLAPP TURNER with SCOTTIE CLINTON and UNITY LEWIS at the filming of Slapp Turner's "Drippin' Sauce" music video.

NEW RELEASE: drippin' sauce ft. Slapp Turner, Scottie Clinton https://youtu.be/EeNEWVR1q8Q?si=SWq7xJKn58JwmbCP

Slapp Turner’s “We My Ethos” can be played on virtually all streaming devices and platforms.

SLAPP TURNER'S "Drippin’ Sauce" music video is off the album “We My Ethos.” This is the second music video off Slapp Turner’s album featuring a circle of extraordinarily gifted known and unknown rising artists from all over the United States. The album features the fabulous Scottie Clinton, the Funkadelic Princess of the Legendary father of Parliament Funk, George Clinton.

The album also features one of the Bay Area’s own legendary rap artists, San Quinn and a host of California’s finest! From the seasoned dope emcees like Sandpaypa, M@DH@TTER, and Unity Lewis, to the flourishing lyrical skills of Nani Bae, and the Rootsy Reggae vibes of Honey B. The album also features the sultry R&B sounds of Tarius Knight, the soulful queen Raye Cole, and the electrifying alternative style of A. Slade.

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LOUD&CLEAR

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T I N D U S T RY N E W S MAKE IT LOUD RADIO | 5280 STREET BEAT | LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE

AFRICAN ARTIST PHOLAPREYE NEW SINGLE SWEET TABOO STREAMING WORLDWIDE

Nigeria, Africa - Feel the scentual voice of PholaPreye in this banger with hip hop artist, Rukus. This song marks her 8th release since her hit debut single, "Magic Carpet". If you have not heard of PholaPreye, now is your chance to get to know her. Instagram: @pholapreye https://open.spotify.com/track/6aNHAaSeD6OIW2aNRMwXNx?si=45eeb3f99c08496e

ARTIST & MUSIC PRODUCER, SLAPP TURNER DROPS NEWEST VIDEO DRIPPIN' SAUCE FT. SCOTTIE CLINTON

Bay Area, CA - Slapp Turner, known for his work with artists such as M@dH@tter, Sandpaypa, Tarius Knight, and DaBrat, has dropped his newest single/music video off his album, "We My Ethos". The single features Scottie Clinton, talented artist and daughter of George Clinton (of Funkadelic and Parlament).

Stream DRIPPIN' SAUCE on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/EeNEWVR1q8Q?si=SWq7xJKn58JwmbCP

SINGER-SONGWRITER BAILEY ELORA COLLABORATES WITH LATIN ROCK BAND IZCALLI

Denver, CO - Bailey Elora, Colorado singer-songwriter collaborates with Latin rock band iZCALLi with single releases, "One Last Time" and fan favorite, "Pasa el Tiempo". Listen to both these songs via online streaming platforms. Learn more about Bailey Elora at: https://linktr.ee/baileyelora

Pasa el Tiempo: https://open.spotify.com/track/2A7cGCQmmq3prXyfLfxRKm?si=30cdffdf7f024a29

One Last Time: https://open.spotify.com/track/4oSrke4uUmfHFfHQYQFnJn?si=eaaf98cc0fc449ee

Photo (L to R): Dev (Videographer), Slapp Turner, Unity Lewis, Sunny The Artist, and Scottie Clinton.

DYNAMIC DUO SANTOSH AND BHAVNEET RELEASE SCAR CITY

iZCALLi is a genre-bending rock band pushing the sonic envelope of conventional Latin sounds. Miguel Aviña (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Brenda Aviña (Bass) and Luiggy Ramírez (Drums) combine to create music for the relentless, the determined…the immigrant song.

Inherently authentic and undeniably refreshing.

Instagram: @izcallirock

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Bengalore, India - Santosh and Bhavneet, a Bengaluru based dynamic duo release new single "Scar City", a heartfelt tribute, a melodic ode dedicated to a friend bidding farewell to Bengaluru, embarking on a new chapter alongside the love of their life.

Amid the anticipation of the exciting journey ahead, emotions https://open.spotify.com/track/0wKswirl in a bittersweet dance.

GaotQONmnoGhIM0P4H6?si=ce4ae121173140c3 Follow @santoshandbhavneet https://music.apple.com/us/album/scarcity/1687816335?i=1687816697

5 FACTS

HOLLYWOOD HIGH CHRONICLES by MELISSA VELASCO @hollywoodhighchronicles PHOTOGRAPHER TINO DUVICK // MODELS TREY PICKETT . BELLE HERNANDEZ . JORDYN NICOLE ORTEGA . JULIAN GOPAL MADDIE DAWN CORDERO . ZANE BARBER . JOE NAVA . LILLIAN CORDERO

JASON CAVE MELISSA VELASCO BARBER BARBIE CHRISTOPHER VALDEZ LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 11

JASON CAVE // BEAT HOGS @beathogsmusic

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JASON CAVE

MUSIC PRODUCER // SOUND ENGINEER 1. My real dad was a frontman for a band. He played guitar and used to sing to me when I was a kid.

be walking home from school I'd hear people playing it while they were driving their cars!

2. When I was 9 or 10 years old I started playing the piano with my aunt. Then I got a drumset when I was 12. I played on that thing as loud as I could for like 2 years.

4. Got locked up at 18 and spent quite a bit of time behind bars writing lyrics and thinking I could do something with my music.

3. Made a mixtape when I was 15 years old. I started rapping and linked up with a little DJ in my neighborhood. We made a song about the neighborhood. It got a lot of attention, so much that when I'd

5. Several years later I started taking my music seriously at about 34 years old. I wrote 30-50 songs at a studio in Colorado while in a halfway house on Saturdays. You can listen to my music under Beat Hogs Pros on Reverbnation about my addiction.

Connect with Jason Cave at: Instagram: @beathogsmusic Facebook: @jason.cave.790 www.hollywoodhighchronicles.com Bonus Fact: Got Fruity Loops and Acid Pro and started making music. Learned to make beats and produce music. Got so heavy involved that I decided to go to college for it. I got my degree in 3 years and 4 months through an online from Full Sail University. I received my Bachelor's in Music Business.

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MELISSA VELASCO @Melissa.Velasco.31508 // TINO DUVICK @brokenchainportraits

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Tino Duvick @brokenchainportraits

Tino Duvick @brokenchainportraits

Justin Jackrabbit @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc

Pat Barrett @patbarrett

MELISSA VELASCO AUTHOR // MULTI-TALENTED CREATIVE ARTIST 1. I’m a Stage Manager, choreographer, dance teacher, and author. In the performing arts, you must have a wide range of skills to pay the bills.

3. I’m far more introverted than people realize. Before events, this Aries can be found taking a deep breath in the parking lot, muttering, “You can do this!”

2. As the author of the Hollywood High Chronicles, people don’t realize that I actually went to Hollywood High School for the Performing Arts, but the book series is purely fiction. Growing up in Hollywood taught me to appreciate dystopian beauty. I love the grunge and glamour of it all.

4. My sarcastic laced sense of humor is a personality staple. I describe myself as a cannon blast of thumbtacks and black glitter confetti.

Connect with Melissa Velasco at: Instagram: @melissa.velasco.31508 Facebook: @hollywoodhighchronicles www.hollywoodhighchronicles.com Bonus Fact: 90s Hip Hop and R&B are hugely influential in the Hollywood High Chronicles book series, where music sets the tone.

You can find all the characters personal mixed tape playlists on the Hollywood High Chronicles Spotify playlists.

5. Most authors suffer writer’s block.

I suffer from the opposite. Material comes to me so fast that my typing speed has doubled after becoming a series author.

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HIZEL ENRIQUES // BARBER BARBIE @hizelenriquez

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BARBER BARBIE BARBER // ENTREPRENEUR 1. My family is from Chihuahua, Mexico.

My mother is from Namiquipa Chihuahua and my father is from Chihuahua.

2. I am the oldest of 10 siblings, 4 sisters and 5 brothers.

3. I am a Barber, I have been cutting hair and doing braids for 3 years.

4. My favorite color is pink and anything sparkly. And I love getting my nails done and going shopping!

Connect with Hizel aka Barber Barbie at: @hizelenriquez Book a hair appointment: barberbarbie143.booksy.com

5. My most favorite things to do when I'm not cutting hair is going to the mountains at night to smoke, color, and watch the view.

Bonus Fact: Hip Hop had a big impact on my life because most Hip Hop rap talk about the “struggled life” and the life I grew up in and then I compare it to what life is today.

I feel blessed & motivated.

Connect with Hizel aka Barber Barbie at: @hizelenriquez

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CHRIS VALDEZ

AUTHOR // ENTREPRENEUR // REAL ESTATE AGENT 1. Despite becoming a father at 16, I've seen my daughters achieve remarkable success. One is a proud Duke law school graduate, while the other is poised to make her mark on the world, exceeding my proudest expectations even just as a junior in high school.

2. I harbor an intense fear of frogs.

Growing up in the south valley Abq, my brother and I used to catch tadpoles in the ditch behind our house, until one monsoon season transformed them all into frogs, leaving me with a crazy phobia.

3. For nearly 18 years, I've been the proud owner of an elite hair salon, Inspire salon where I've cultivated a space for creativity, style, and community. We have won a bunch of awards gratefully.

4. I also now am real estate agent,( after Covid hit our biz) I am excelling in the industry, thankfully, leveraging my expertise to connect clients with their dream properties and investments.

5. Traveling is my ultimate passion, fueling my desire to explore new destinations around the globe whenever the opportunity arises, allowing me to ex-

Connect with Chris Valdez at: @christophervaldez Buy his book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3mqGaON perience diverse cultures and broaden my worldview. Our world is small. I want to know every one’s perspective.

Bonus Fact: In my book "Love Yourself, and Inspire Others," I share my journey from being a teenage father to becoming a successful salon owner with three thriving locations. More significantly, the book delves into the transformative power of inspiring others to pursue their dreams, showcasing the remarkable growth and success of individuals who realized their own salon ambitions while uplifting and motivating those around them.

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MODEL | NAYELY SOTO PHOTOGRAPHER | JUSTIN JACKRABBBIT @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc

velvet, lace, miles of fringe

Elysé Elysé is an artist + model + singer-songwriter known for her low, sultry vocals, her soulful guitar licks, and her desire for great fashion. @elysemusic // elyse-music.com @miri.boheme http://www.miriboheme.etsy.com/ @desertgoddessjewelry

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Photo by Pat Barrett @patbarrett

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RISE & GRIND!

• Music Production / Beat Maker • Audio Engineering • Vocal Recording • Mixing and Mastering • Sound Design for Video Games • Music Production and Film LOCAL? NATIONAL? INTERNATIONAL? LETS TALK. @beathogsmusic | Loveland, Colorado

MELISSA + MADDIE

LOUD& CLEAR SPOTLIGHT

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Photography by JUSTIN JACKRABBIT @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 23

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MODEL: MELISSA VELASCO

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MODEL: MADDIE DAWN CORDERO

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MODEL: MELISSA VELASCO

MODEL: MELISSA VELASCO

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MODEL: MELISSA VELASCO

MODEL: MADDIE DAWN CORDERO

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10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS IS HIP HOP

by Geechie Dan

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LOVE U BETTER // LL Cool J @llcoolj I GAVE YOU POWER // Nas @nas FIGHT THE POWER // Public Enemy @publicenemy MY ADIDAS // RUN DMC @rundmc STILL DRE // Dr. Dre @drdre FAKIN JAX // INI ft. Pete Rock @realpeterock NOBODY BEATZ THE BIZ // Biz Markie @officialbizmarkie THE BOOMIN' SYSTEM // LL Cool J @llcoolj MAHOGANY // Eric B & Rakim @thegodrakim JEEPS, LEX COUPS, BIMAZ & BENZ // Lost Boyz LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 31

geechie dan DOING IT FOR THE LOVE OF HIP HOP Interview by Jay M@dH@tter for Loud&Clear Magazine @city_built_music // @loudandclearmagazine

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Geechie Dan is the Co-Host of Planet of the Tapes on Rock the Bells Radio,

Executive Director of The National Hip Hop Museum, and the Co-Chairman of Artists Archives, Tapes & Flyers at the Hip Hop Hall of Fame. He is also an Author, Brand Ambassador, Music Consultant, and Member of many organizations.

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Life is truly an interesting journey of ups and downs and all around, but as soon as I think I’ve reached a level or maxed out, life has a way of showing me there is more coming my way. Case in point, just when I thought I was doing the most, I got to interview Geechie Dan! Host of “Planet of the Tapes” show on his childhood friend, LL COOL J’s channel on SiriusXM Radio. Geechie Dan is also the director of The National Hip Hop Museum in Washington, DC. He is a rapper, writer, collector, businessman, Hip Hop historian, husband, father, and all-around cool ass dude. We talked about everything from his days on Farmers Blvd, kicking it with a young LL COOL J, our shared passion for Hip Hop history, hundreds and hundreds of old school Hip Hop tapes, to dope ass business ideas (that I will not share.. LOL!) So, before I get into it, I want to say, Thank you, Geechie Dan, we are mos def going to work on that idea!! Now, Let's get it!!

50 years, man, it’s a trip that Hip-hop has gotten to this point. Being from the West Coast I have this passion and this love for Hip-hop culture and music that started young, but my dad used to say it was just a fad. I hadn’t gotten into Hip-hop music yet, I hadn’t started trying to rap and write.

But I remember telling him that this is something else. As someone who was there in Hip-hop’s beginning, I respect and also envy the fact that you were there and most have seen people, graffiti, breakdance, DJ, and rap all at the same time in the same place and no one knew what was happening.

Man, Its Déjà Flu (Geechie was sick during this interview). LOL, It's crazy because of how I was living back then you know, we talking 1980-81-82. I’m standing next to LL, you know this is a 16-year-old teenager, I mean we are both the same age. We rhyming in the neighborhood on Farmers Blvd, and you know we would have never imagined. You know, we laugh today but we would have never imagined where it is today. Like, I’m telling stories of me collecting tapes from all these jams up in the Bronx, because I was the neighborhood dude that had the tapes. I was collecting tapes from different dudes outside of Queens. Taping the off Zulu beats, and world-famous Supreme Team show, and Mr. Magic. These were shows that played Hip Hop at night, they only played hip-hop at night. It wasn’t even on mainstream radio yet. So, to see where hip-hop is today, I’m like wow!! To see LL COOL J on New Year's Eve on Channel 5 and remember 1984 where he played me “ I Need a Beat” right down the street from his grandmother's house. He’s playing the cassette tape of his demo, and he keeps hitting the rewind button, and I’m like, “Yo, I heard the song, its dope” LOL. LL was like, “yo, I mentioned Farmers Blvd, let me rewind it”. All of that is iconic now, it's crazy!

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Geechie Dan with the late legend, Biz Markie.

Future of hip hop “It can be iconic, it can be classic if you just be yourself and express how you feel and your voice, and do more music that can move people on a global level.” –Geechie Dan This may sound funny, but LL is my Idol, if anyone argues with me about who’s the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) I say LL because he is still and has always been relevant, always transcended, always did different shit. I just saw him at Sandia Casino here in Albuquerque NM, it was the Rock the Bells Tour. But, getting back to the tapes you were collecting when you recording them, did you know that what you were recording is going to be some true historical stuff?

NO! I don’t even think 10 years ago, I knew. I had no idea I would take the tape game to another level, like I did. I love these tapes so much, that I wanted a show that showcased the tapes and that led to today. I just had an idea to convert all my tapes CD and MP3. I was like, “damn, I love these tapes” and when I would play these tapes when I was in my car, back in Atlanta GA, I would play my tapes with my window down and, you know” people would be bumpin’. People would pull up beside me and yell, “yo, you from New York” and I’d be like, “Yeah” they’d be like, “yo, yo, I gotta get your phone number, can I get a copy of that”. There’s history with all my tapes, there are certain tapes that got history with me cause I was going through such a dark time and dark period

of my life. These tapes would help me, I would listen and bump my head and forget all that happened. So, I felt like these tapes are the essence of Hip Hop and they don’t get revered, they don’t get the accolades or talked about. I just felt like I just need to do something with these tapes! I felt these tapes was gonna be something iconic, something to get the spirit back in Hip-hop. Get Hip-hop back with these tapes. LL, being that he knows me for having a show where I was playing these tapes. So, then I said, fuck it, let me take it a step further. Let me interview these pioneers, iconic, the legends on these tapes. So I took it a step further and created a live stream show, a TV-based around these tapes.

So, that’s where you created “Planet of the Tapes” on LL Cool J’s Channel on SirusXM? Yeah, I had a show that I did for years called, “Geechie Dan’s Hip Hop Tape Show”. So, I called up Chuck D, from Public Enemy, SHOUT OUT TO CHUCK D. Chuck D was like, “Yo, why don’t you do a show on my platform” and I was like, “Yo, that would be dope” He Said, “Yo, you can rename your show, instead of “Planet of the Apes, you can call your show Planet of the Tapes”... Chuck D then said, “I’ll even go further, I’ll help you create a logo”. So I said, “alright bet”, so Chuck helped me create a logo. I had to let him know that, LL had come at me about doing my show on Rock the Bells (SirusXM) So, Chuck said, “go ahead, god bless you, go head and make it happen”.

So, LL reached out to me and asked me how many tapes I have, and at that time I had like 800. I told him, “I can do this shit for like a couple of years”. So, LL said, “Alright Bet, I’ll give you a one hour slot, put something together and let's make something happen”. The rest is history.

Man, that’s dope, I appreciate and respect your passion for Hip Hop, its rare that I meet someone with the same or more passion for this culture then I have. I’ve been blessed to still record with my fam from back in the day. I have a podcast and I’m now interviewing you, so life is moving in the right direction for me. I’m also going to finish my degree and begin teaching Hip Hop history.

That’s so dope man, we need more people like you, who wants to educate and bridge the gap between what was to what is, man. This generation doesn’t understand us cause there is a gap.

for me that someone who sacrificed and did all this work for you (today's Rappers) to make all this money and you gonna laugh at them and be disrespectful. We are the only genre of music and artist that shit’s on their elders and pioneers.

What are your thoughts?

Exactly, Country Music don’t do that, Rock Music don’t do that.

Unfortunately, some of our pioneers are not doing well, but you have to understand that some of these dudes is in their 60’s. I see some of these pioneers, that are like 62, 63 years old and they still gotta go to work. That’s sad man. So, instead of me talking and running my mouth, I’m trying to make something happen for them. These brothers and sisters are suffering, and it bothers me, so that makes me go harder for our generation because it's not fair. And everybody ain’t dusty. I’m 57, I don’t look dusty, I look better than that n—ga that was talking that shit. I look better than him and he's probably in his 30’s.

LOL! That’s real!! He look more dusty than the OG’s do!

I mean whos he talking about being dusty, LL aint dusty, Chief Rocka Busy Bee ain’t dusty, Rakim ain’t dusty. Fat Joe ain’t dusty, so who’s he talking about?

Chuck D and Geechie Dan at the Universal Hip Hop Museum ground breaking in the Bronx, NY.

Thank you, man, Ok, I gotta ask this question to someone like you, a Hip Hop Head from back in the day. What do you think of all these rappers and social media personalities shitting on the pioneers, laughing at them, and calling them, “dusty” because they don’t have as much money as the new generation of Hip Hop artists have? It’s a huge disrespect LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 35

That’s what's up, Facts!! I wanted to touch on something real quick. How did you get involved with the Hip Hop Museum, was that something that you created or were you approach to be the Director?

I was approached to do the job, so yeah, I was approached.

Word, I also read that you were going to be taking the museum on the road to different states and countries around the world.

Yeah, I wanted to take it more global. I didn’t want it to be just a pop-up. I want it to be an institution that preserves our items, our culture, our toys, our clothing, our flyers, our gold and platinum plaques, our instruments and our tapes. That all belongs in an institution that is going to carry our legacy. To preserve what we did, not to collect the items and brag about them, but to do nothing with them, not display them or do anything with it.

DJ Diamond the Artist, LL Cool J, and Geechie Dan.

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Hip Hop is 50 years old now, wow! I’m 50 and hip-hop heads like me and you want to hear Hip Hop. I ain’t bumping these new people. I mean I feel it cause there’s a vibe but I ain’t playing it in my car. What do you see from Hip Hop going forward?

I think there’s more subject matter to talk about. A lot of time we so stuck on our pride or we arrogant and stuck on our ego that won’t allow us to make more iconic music or classic music. It can be iconic, it can be classic if you just be yourself and express how you feel and your voice, and do more music that can move people on a global level.

I’m working on a new project with my family that I first started rapping with when I was 14 years old. This interview ain’t about me it's about you, but I do want to mention that we had to go back to the drawing board because we felt we wasn’t saying anything new. The ideas are there, the songs are good, but we want to talk about shit that we experience now as grown men, not try and compete with the youngsta’s.

But, have our own lane for Hip Hop Heads our age. So, I appreciate that you said that, I’m going to go back to the homies and tell them, GEECHIE WAS SPITTIN THAT SAME SHIT, LOL! He was saying exactly what we was thinkin, we gotta get deeper with the subject matter… Since we was just talking about the future of Hip Hop, I want to transition to what’s the future for Geechie Dan? I want to take “Planet of the Tapes” Radio show from one hour to two hours, then create a “Planet of the Tapes” TV show. Then, I want to get a deal with NASA, and experiment with taking the music/tapes to outer space. Since the show is called, “Planet of the Tapes” I want to get my tapes to different planets. Then, I want to do a "Hall of Tapes". Instead of a "Hall of Fame", I want to do a "Hall of Tapes". Hip Hop needs to make an impact, how many bottles do we need to pop, how much celebration and partying do you need to do. I’ve popped enough bottles. Hip Hop needs to make an impact.

Geechie dan and ll cool j “We rhyming in the neighborhood on Farmers Blvd, and you know we would have never imagined. You know, we laugh today, but we would have never imagined where it is today.” –Geechie Dan Yo, I want to thank you for this amazing interview and getting real with me about your passions for these Hip Hop tapes and just Hip Hop in general. Thank you. Now Yo, you got any shout outs, comments, or things you want to share before we wrap this up?

Big Shout Out to Hip Hop TV, World Cup of Hip Hop, my man Joseph Clark. Shout out to LL Cool J and the entire Rock the Bells team, DJ Diamond the Artist, and the entire Hip Hop Community, I appreciate the love. All the Hip Hop pioneers and all the folks that be checkin up on me and making sure that I’m staying on track. A lot of the pioneers approached me and said thank you for what you are doing with these tapes.

That’s our history and you’ve made it your business to make sure that we stay relevant.

So, that’s it man, thank you again.

Thank you for the interview as well.

Follow and Connect with Geechie Dan at: https://www.facebook.com/geechie.dan.14 https://www.instagram.com/geechiedanofficial/ Follow and Connect with Artist and Writer, Jay M@dH@tter at: https://citybuiltmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/city_built_music/

Geechie Dan and LL Cool J.

DJ Kool Herc and Geechie Dan.

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 37

Donate at: gofund.me/0c1ec064 Independent Records has always been much more then just a record store to me - I started going when I was about 13 yrs old and they also sold skateboard stuff back then and I was a Skater but at the same time I was really starting to get into music - I have always had love for all genres of music and that’s where I would dig, sample and experience new music - which started me on my journey as Dj - it is also where I bought my first Bong when I was old enough - But a crazy story about Independent Records is right before I had moved to Las Vegas I had got a 7 inch white label of Daft Punk “One More Time” promo 9 months before it was ever released and that used to make a crowd go crazy and no one could get it or had any idea who it was - it was my banger and that was thanks to Independent Records. I probably owe them rent for the amount of time I was in that place throughout my life.

Dj Chris Diablo https://www.beindependent.com | https://www.instagram.com/indyrecords/ 38 // LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE

starring actor & comedian monie jonezy

SOLE: The Movie #1 Movie on Tubi!

WATCH NOW! https://link.tubi.tv/gxYM9szivGb It's Sole's opening day and Eddie is trying to keep his family, friends, and the cops in line while trying to figure out if and where his Dad stashed the cash.

Directed by Steven 'Philly Fly Boy' Philip, Produced by Richie Rich, and Written by LonAnthony Phillip Parker.

Starring Trae Tha Truth, Montis "Monty" Harrison, Darius 'Raambo2funny' Wilkenson, Monie 'Irman Jones' Jonezy (as Officer Justice), and Ashley Patterson (as Officer Freeman).

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 39

INDIE SPOTLIGHT SANTOSH + BHAVNEET “Santosh and Bhavneet”, founders of Himalayen Sky (formerly Motor Wade), they are a Bengaluru based dynamic duo, in the heart of Southern India on a musical journey fueled by their shared passion for rock and blues. Together, these two are weaving a tapestry of sound that goes beyond the ordinary, delving into the depths of their emotions and experiences to tell stories that have long remained unheard.

In a world where the power of music lies in its ability to transcend boundaries, Santosh and Bhavneet are not just creating songs; they are crafting a visceral experience for their audience. With their guitars as the brushes and their voices as the paint, they paint vivid sonic landscapes that resonate with the soul.

As they chase their love for the raw, unbridled energy of rock and the soulful nuances of blues, Santosh and Bhavneet embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of life through their music. Each note played and every lyric sung is a testament to the authenticity and sincerity that define their artistic expression.

Together they are like a combination of fire and water. Where Santosh brings the sound and the flow of the song and melodies, Bhavneet adds the head turning catchy parts to it.

Santosh: Sound expert of the duo, wielding his Strat with finesse. His deep passion for blues adds the soulful dimension to their music along with his melodic voice.

Bhavneet: Powerhouse of the guitar driven sound. Man on a mission with his Les Paul.

Loves to experiment, infusing fresh creativity into every performance

FOLLOW SANTOSH + BHAVNEET @santoshandbhavneet

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new single

“Scar City” is a heartfelt tribute,

a melodic ode dedicated to a friend bidding farewell to Bengaluru, embarking on a new chapter alongside the love of their life.

Amid the anticipation of the exciting journey ahead, emotions swirl in a bittersweet dance.

The friend is excited about the future but also has mixed feelings because Bengaluru has given them a lot and made it difficult to be with their love.

The song captures the mix of happiness and sadness as the friend leaves a city that means a lot to them and faces the challenges of being with their loved one in the next chapter of life. It’s about acknowledging the marks left by the goodbye but also finding beauty in the memories created.

Photo Credits: LUBA PHOTOGRAPHER BANGALORE https://www.instagram.com/love_ love_photography/

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 41

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Model

FEATURES JOVANNA SAUCEDO @jovannasaucedo // DOUG MUNGAVIN @dougmungavinphotography LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 43

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Katarina MONET

KATARINA MONET @katarinamonet // RAMON ROMERO @ramon.xxv

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 45

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Jovanna SAUCEDO

JOVANNA SAUCEDO @jovannasaucedo // DOUG MUNGAVIN @dougmungavinphotography LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 47

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Angelica APODACA

ANGELICA @angeliicaagz // JUSTIN JACKRABBIT @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 49

Follow Author Russ Ray

@eat.travel.type.colorado

The Exquisite Nature of Pain

by Author Russ Ray

These past few days have tested my mettle, tested my strength, and tested my faith in modern medicine. It began with a 7:00 am phone call on Friday from my VA doctor.

“I'm looking at your latest blood work. You need to get to the emergency room now.”

“What's wrong?”

Her explanation was short and ominous. Everything was out of kilter. I understood the urgency, but I couldn't go immediately. I had work to do. I promised to get in early that afternoon. She wasn't happy about my decision.

At 2:00 pm, I was sitting in my car in the parking garage of the VA hospital finishing up my last hearing over WEBEX. How bad can this be? I felt fine.

The VA hospital is majestic. The sprawling first floor is a mall of shops and museum-like tributes to each branch of service and the sacrifices of soldiers in wars gone by.

I hurried past them preoccupied with concerns about what had gone wrong with my body.

After checking in and getting a wrist band, I was greeted by the on-call doctor. She described the tests and procedures I would soon be subjected to. One in particular sounded unpleasant.

After a nursing assistant checked my vital signs, a young registered nurse strode into my curtain-partitioned ER stall pushing a stainless steel podium topped with several medieval-looking medical instruments. He cheerfully explained what he was going to do to me.

“You make this sound so friendly.”

“I am your friend,” he said with a smile.

“I get the impression that in a few moments we aren't going to friends anymore.”

“No, we are not going to friends.” He chuckled. “We are definitely not going to be friends. When this starts you are going to feel pressure.”

I had been around enough doctors, nurses, and dentists to know when they said “pressure” they meant “pain”.

The procedure began. The pain was instant, sharp, and enveloping. “I need you to slowly take a deep breath.”

The pain was intense. “Now slowly breath out.” Again, more pain.

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The nurse paused to give me a brief break. “Okay, another deep breath.” We were back at it. The pain had no boundaries. There was no stopping. I felt helpless.

After the procedure was completed and the nurse left, the ER doctor returned to check his work. As she examined the instruments, I asked her how long I'd be like this. Her answer was the worst possible.

“We won't know until tomorrow morning. We'll take more tests and see what happens. In the meantime, you are going to be admitted over night for observations and testing. We'll get you transferred to a room soon.”

“Do you mean I can't go home tonight?”

“No. You're not going home tonight.”

That night, atop my hospital bed, I lay sprawled out like a starfish washed ashore and stranded in the searing heat of the sun. I couldn't get comfortable. Fighting with the pain only exacerbated it. I had to make peace with it.

We had to come to an understanding. My will was not powerful enough to overcome it, and the pain was not powerful enough to overcome me - although it certainly had the upper hand.

and permanent nerve damage. I thought of my stepfather and how he fought pain his entire adult life after his lower lumbars were shattered (then fused back together) when his ship was blown up by mines in 1944.

And I thought of how my mother bravely battled metastatic bone cancer for the last eight years of her life.

Their journeys with pain made mine seem insignificant in comparison.

As time passed, I learned to enjoy the moments when pain ignored me. I also learned to understand the exquisite nature of pain as it gathered and washed over me wave after wave. Pain's presence taught me how to breath, how to meditate, and how to accept it.

My journey with pain is not over. There is more to come.

I have a great medical team and pain has taught me to keep a good attitude. For the time being, I'm caught up in the nether world of testing and diagnosis.

Thank you to my friends who check up on me.

That night, atop my hospital bed, I lay sprawled out like a starfish washed ashore and stranded in the searing heat of the sun. I couldn't get comfortable. Fighting with the pain only exacerbated it. I had to make peace with it.

We had to come to an understanding. My will was not powerful enough to overcome it, and the pain was not powerful enough to overcome me - although it certainly had the upper hand.

I made fast friends with the night nurse. After all, she was in charge of bringing me pain medication. She was sympathetic. The doctor on the floor was my enemy. He dictated the dosage and strict distribution time frames.

Together, the nurse and I conspired to bend his rules. I'll never forget her kindness.

Not knowing how long I had to live like this, I had to put my situation into perspective. There were veterans in this building being treated for severe burns. Some were amputees. Others had bullet fragments and shrapnel embedded in precarious places in their bodies that made extraction too dangerous. Some had paralysis

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baiLey eLora https://linktr.ee/baileyelora Andrew Ortega | @aperture.ortega Next Concert: Broadway Roxy on Saturday, March 9th @9:30pm