HIP-HOP HERALD - JULY 2022

No02

July 2022

Magazine

Hip-Hop’s RISING TALENT James Stokes

El Da Sensei, ARTIFACTS

a/k/a Big7

Hip-Hop Legend

Time2Grind Radio Radio Personality

DAE ONE, CEO – SUPER PRODUCER Courtney B’s

picks for Hip-Hop’s rising stars in Cities and States

Mr. Rashyn “@Mufee6” Washington CEO/President of Muforigno Films, LLC.

Solid Bridge Productions

KASIB SMITH, the man behind the camera

Tricho Shidaki

Colorado’s Finest Cannabis “There are levels to this shyt.”

Shawn J.

TABLE OF CONTENTS In this edition of the Hip-Hop Herald we are featuring not only up-and-coming Rappers in Hip-Hop, but also rising talent from other facets of the Hip-Hop Culture.

Radio, A&R, Film, Business, Management, and Producing.

The business of Hip-Hop.

“My goal is to do my part

In keeping the Hip-Hop Culture alive”

DAE ONE, Music Producer Pg. 6

EL DA SENSEI “I’m just the dude down the block that does music.

I’m as regular as they come.”

Pg. 19

BIG 7 “God gives us talents we just have to unwrap them.

Figure out what they are and utilize them. Stay thankful and prayed up and diligent and he damn sure gonna bless you. He will make a way.“ Pg. 38

Solid Bridge Productions “I didn't have any security when I jumped out the window to take on this camera journey, but I didn't care. It was either I go for it, or I just don't live the way I want. I want to make sure that I live every day, for the rest of my life, not doing anything that I don’t want to do.”

Pg. .59

@Mufee6

Mr. Rashyn “@Mufee6” Washington, the CEO/President of Muforigno Films, LLC is an African American film director, screenwriter, producer, author, and actor Page 76

 Trichomes high-quality Cannabis “there are levels to this shyt.”

By: Shawn J. Pg 13

 Courtney B’s picks for Hip-Hop’s rising stars in Cities and States Pgs. 6 - 88

Dae One

Interview by Dawn Monique Edmond

C E O X C V I R E C O R D I N G S

Dameon “Dae One” Garrett is a hip-hop producer/engineer/artist who has worked with Hip-Hop Legends, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar, and many others.

Dae One has established himself as the next up-and-coming super-producer who can be counted on for delivering any style of Hip-Hop beats, whether it’s classic hip-hop, gangster funk, club, radio, and even R & B. What is it that you do?

I'm a music producer, but on top of me being a producer, I’m also an engineer and artist.

Do you rap?

As an artist, I rap and sing.

Do you have any projects coming out, or any that are out that you wanna talk about?

I have a few projects that are out now. I don't have anything out with me singing on it - yet. Nothing that's my own. I’ve just been singing on other people’s projects. I have some of my own that are in the pipeline, they will be out very soon.

What artist have you worked with?

I've been honored to work with really fabulous, great, phenomenal artists like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Sza, Chance the Rapper, Busta Rhymes, Ice cube, and many others.

You've done a lot.

I have done a lot, and it's only the beginning.

How long have you been in the business? I know it takes a minute to get yourself established in this business.

I've been doing it consecutively for about 10 years now. I got my first major placement in 2010 - 2011.

Was it a known artist?

Yes, my first major placement was on Snoop Dogg’s album. I had a placement on Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube’s projects the same year.

2010 was a great year for you.

Ever since 2010, it's been kicking in high gear.

What is it that you want people to know about you?

I'm all about music - creating good music and keeping music alive. I feel like there's a lot of music out today that doesn't really satisfy the listeners and I feel it’s my job to create something that satisfies the listeners and fulfills that void of the music that I like, the music that influenced my childhood, something that's officially authentic and quality. I want to represent that, I want my brand to represent that to the fullest, like every time they hear my name, they know it's quality and it's gonna be something with substance to it.

Do you have a particular genre that you like? What's your style?

People know me a lot for my West Coast work but I'm more of a soul-type producer. I dabble a lot in soul and funk because my personal feeling is that soul music will never die. We need something that touches our spirit and music, music is one of those tools that is used to reach many people at one time.

Regardless of creed, color, religion, or anything. It can alternate your mood and it can also transition to different life spans and different cultures. It can influence people. I think it's important for us to remember that and keep that version alive.

I thrive on hip-hop. All of it, that's my niche, that's where I excel.

Do you put a piece of yourself into every piece of work that you do?

Yes, definitely.

I’m a ghostwriter and one of the most challenging things - at the beginning of my career - was separating my voice from the Authors. I have learned to do it, but some nuances that are me still come through in my writing. Do you have your own signature style that people would say, “that's Dae One?” Yes, I have a signature style, so people would hear it and know it, but I'm not the kind of producer that put tags on my beats. It's more enjoyable for me as a producer to have people not know that I did something and have them enjoy it and then find out that I've done it. That's way more satisfying to me because my job is not to always sound the same. My job is to cater to the artist that I'm working with, to pull out of an artist whatever best magnifies their talent and art.

I have to take myself out of it because it's not about me. I have to stand in the back and make sure that they are represented the best way that they can be because their message is gonna come across in the music. But there's still a touch of me in there, once you learn and study my style, you'll hear it.

M U S I C P R O D U C E R

E N G I N E E R S O N G W R I T E R

I struggled with doing great work and having another person's name attached to it and not receiving any credit or acknowledgment, I felt a little slighted. How do you feel when other artists are blowing up off of your work?

I mean getting into the industry, you're gonna end up paying your dues. There may be some ghost producing and ghostwriting that you don't get credit for, and the song might end up on the radio every day, and no one knows that you did it. That contribution sometimes goes underhandedly discredited, but at the same time, the opportunity, the chance for that exposure, even that network, to be like I work with this person or that person and have that on your resume could mean a lot more in the long run as opposed to just getting the credit.

Has anyone ever taken one of your beats?

People have taken credit for my beats before, definitely. At that time it was just something that I had to deal with and swallow, it was something I knew I couldn't do forever. But that opportunity presented another situation where we both could get credited or I'll get the credit. It's a step in the right direction, but at the same time, as long as I'm able to benefit, make a connection, maybe not be with the artist, it may just be with the A&R, or the record label that’s over that project or someone else who might double back and come back to me and say, hey Dae One I wanna pull you over here for this. I have this other idea I'm working on, I would love to have you work on a part of this. Now I'm a part of another situation that spawned from me not getting my credit, and that's definitely happened. It's happened several times, but I look at it as an opportunity.

Is there an artist out now that you want to work with? I know there are a lot of artists, but is there someone that you really want to make a record with because you think their style meshes with yours?

Yes, I wanna work with OutKast. They're at the top of my list. I don't know if they're still doing music as a group, I hope that they are, I would love to do something with them. I would also love to do something with Yolanda Adams, something I could break the mold of what I normally do, that would be a different style, a different approach that would elevate and change that whole dynamic.

What I really like is working with people that want to work with me, honestly, but I love challenges. I love challenging myself and having new experiences. That's what inspires me to keep going, the anticipation of new experiences. I've done Country music, it's not your normal cup of tea, it's different but you learn. I think that aspect of music gets lost because people aren't challenging themselves.

Your name, Dae One? How did you get your name?

It's kind of crazy. I went through a couple of name phases. As an artist,

I was trying to find my way. I was trying to find my path. My first artist rap name was Confucius, but I changed that because I didn't like it. I feel like your name speaks life into you, so I wanted to make sure I had a name that meant something. That was like, dear to me. My birth name is Dameon. Dae One is just an acronym for my name, Dameon. Dameon means one of a kind and that's what Dae One means. I just took the name my mom gave me and made it into something that we say all the time. I need a name that’s unique and I was just sitting at my kitchen table and came up with it one day, I was like “that's it, that's the name.” No one uses it, and it fits, it works.

Is the music industry your sole source of income?

Yes, it's what I do. It took years to get to this point where it's financially sustaining me, I can live off of it. It wasn’t an overnight thing. Once you start setting yourself up with the clientele and knowing how to make money, you realize it's a business and you have to treat it like a business.

Do you represent yourself or do you have an agent?

I have an agent/ manager I would say, Edward Sanchez. He's a pretty good guy. I've been knowing him for over 10 years. We've been running through the system. He's my suit, but my day-to-day stuff, I pretty much handle on my own because I'm pretty proactive for myself. He just comes in and closes a lot of my deals. I let him do all the money talk, I let him know what I want he handles it. You have to know what you're good at, I'm such a nice person people would try to take advantage of that, so I have to protect myself. I put people in front of me that could speak for me, I don't have to say anything.

That's very good. That's very smart.

That way I don't have to say anything. Just like, yeah, you and Egor, yall go and work that out. Just let me know what happens?.

Do you work with any East Coast rappers?

I've tapped into the East Coast market. I haven't worked with a lot of East Coast cats, only a few, only a couple, but I would like to. I've done it, but it's so far and in between. I love East Coast hip-hop. I'm gonna have to get my feet wet. I really do need to tap in, if I tap in over there it's over. I got some stuff in the works With a few East Coast cats, me and Dave East linked up to try to do some stuff. We did a couple of records, I did some records that he rapped on. But we haven't fully locked in yet. It'll happen. I have faith it'll happen.

When are you going to put out your project, your next project?

Right now I'm working on an all-female music compilation where I have all-

A R T I S T

M I X I N G / M A S T E R I N G

female artists rapping and singing. It sounds amazing. I'm pushing for it to drop by this Summer. I wanted to do Valentine's Day, but that came and went and I'm not feeling like it's finished yet. I still feel like there's a song missing that needs to be worked on. But I'm already about 14 songs in and so I'm pretty close.

Is it up-and-coming new female artists?

Yes, it's a lot of up-and-coming females and some known females in the industry.

You live in California.

Yes, I'm in Los Angeles. LA is where it’s at, New York and LA., we’re the meccas of everything.

Tell me about some projects you're working on and that you’ve worked on?

I just dropped the album called Collaborations where I’m collaborating with different artists. Then I have two more compilations that are coming called West Era, it’s unreleased music that I have just sitting in my vault on my hard drive. It's amazing music. I'm going to drop volume one and volume 2 in the next month.

Are there feature artists on it?

There are featured artists on every song. I have David Banner, Jay Rock, and a few others. It's gonna be crazy. I also have a project coming out with Paul Wall dropping in August. It's untitled as of right now. He’ll be out here next weekend, and we're gonna tighten up everything. It should be very interesting.

Where can the readers go to listen to your music?

I have a couple out right now, you can listen to them on Spotify, Apple Music, and Title.

Face Book DaeOne Beats Intagram dae_one Twitter @DAEONE

Sound Cloud Dae One Spotify Dae One YouTube Dae One www.sincedaeone.com

When the Hip-Hop Herald Magazine asked me to write an article concerning the topic of Cannabis, the 1st thing that came to mind is whether you smoke to get high or medicated, one common denominator all Cannabis smokers understand, there are levels to this shyt. The difference between growing really good Cannabis and growing Cannabis that’s a game-changer is to understand that adopting methods of plant science and analytical chemistry will ensure a consistent high-quality Cannabis every harvest. Sight, Touch, Aroma, Taste, and Sensation are the difference between a “connoisseur brand” and a “top-shelf brand.” All Cannabis is NOT the same, and with that being said, this month’s feature is Tricho Shidaki, 2020’s Connoisseur Cup Best Full Melt Extracts (RazzNanna Kush) and the CEO/ Founder of HumiCure LLC, who knows this all too well. Based in Aurora, Colorado, adjacent to Denver, Colorado - the Official Weed Capitol of the United States - Tricho has become one of the top connoisseur growers in the Box State, and the Continental United States, sponsoring events at Studio 420, challenges such as the Canna-lympics, and one of Colorado’s longest-running competitions, The Invitational Bong-a-Thon, that has brought numerous of Cannabis connoisseurs from all over the globe to the Box State for 30+ years.

I met Tricho at the Canna-lympics in the fall of 2014, when MSNBC was doing a feature on the legalization of Marijuana in Denver, Colorado. I must say the memory of how we met still resonates to this day. Now, imagine an individual you never met or seen before, walk up to you, place a 2.5-gram bud in your hand, and then say roll up, S.O.S. (Smoke One Son) a term coined by Colorado’s own D.B. Kush of One Blunt Radio. At first, I was like WTF, but then I looked at the bud, only to realize this was one of the best-looking buds I have ever seen in my life, outside of looking at pictures in High Times Magazine.

Curiosity began to overwhelm my senses as I began to study this fine specimen of flower, and as I look up once again Tricho is standing before me, asking if I was now ready for a dab. Hell, I hadn’t even rolled up and smoked what he had given me earlier, not to mention, I don’t dab. That was definitively not an option as far as Tricho Shidaki was concerned. Little did I know that meeting Tricho at this time would change the way I see Marijuana in many different aspects for life.

Tricho Shidaki has meaning, the name holds weight for many reasons, and we are not just talking about being a grower, since there is a science to growing marijuana and being

one of the best connoisseur brands available. However, one of the most important attributes bringing this brand into existence is due to the fact that Tricho being a military veteran, who suffers from the Gulf War Syndrome, decided on a different approach, other than prescription drugs. One thing Military veterans are subject to is the fact that the V.A. Hospital will push prescription drugs and narcotics as the #1 medication to heal or use as coping mechanisms for all veterans registered to the V.A. Hospital. Especially as long as marijuana is against federal laws. This approach has allowed Tricho Shidaki to file for several patents concerning his brand.

A major reason why Tricho is a force to reckon with in the relm of connoisseur brands is the simple fact that this man is a true scientist, a bonafide green thumb, using meticulous methods, creative ideas, and analytical chemistry, right down to the curing process. This is a process I feel that commercial Aroma & Taste: Each one of Tricho’s flower strains has a unique scent and entities have no concern about, even though the curing process has a lot to do with the quality of the flower. Tricho’s curing process begins with washing the flower after it’s cut down, for several reasons. It flushes the flower and allows the trichomes to stay intact during the trimming process. It also protects the flower from amber out. Unlike the dispensaries that start their flushing process up to ten days before the plant is cut down, the trichomes continues to amber throughout the process, now you know why the flower color is brown, NOT green in so many dispensaries. This has so much importance that Tricho Shidaki created HumiCure LLC and filed for the patents concerning his custom-made curing cabinets, which is definitely an industry changer. There are also many other reasons and attributes that I am going to point out concerning the Tricho Shidaki brand name.

Sight: Identifying this remarkable flower, it always has an abundance of Trichomes on the flower, which is an indication of high-quality Cannabis, hence the 1st part of the brand name “Tricho”. Plus, there are always vibrant shades of color whether green, purple, or orange with pistils present on the flower that can range from light yellow to a deep reddish hue. The shape and size of Tricho’s buds are so ridiculous, that the owner of Denver’s basketball team should allow Tricho’s buds to represent the Denver Nuggets during this green rush era. The flower is well-trimmed to reveal the structure and integrity of each strain. I would like to make a factual statement, that I can’t say about commercial entities, I have never seen any mold, mildew, or mites concerning Tricho’s flower, which is a tribute and a testament to his growing methods which is also proprietary information.

Touch: This can help you to evaluate the cure. The cure is the controlled drying process used to achieve proper moisture content. As mentioned before Tricho’s buds are ridiculous in size, they give when squeezed, but bounce back to their original shape when released.

Let us not forget a properly cured Cannabis will have a sticky or resinous feel. Tricho felt that properly cured Cannabis will have a sticky or resinous feel. Tricho felt that the curing process is so important, that he created his own patent-pending curing cabinet for the curing process of flowers and many other uses besides the curing of marijuana. Tricho continued to tweak the specifics, until satisfied with the results and started HumiCure LLC. This company is one of a kind and an industry game-changer for the greater good.

Aroma & Taste: Each one of Tricho’s flower strains has a unique scent and taste, his flowers reveal their fragrance and unique flavor profiles that create an exceptional experience for connoisseur smokers to enjoy on an unprecedented level. Many of the flavors line up with the strain’s aroma, ex. RazzNana Kush has that raspberry fruity taste.

The taste of his flower has never been harsh, but always pleasant and enjoyable, debunking the myth that the more you choke or cough the higher you get.

Sensation: Marijuana has a different effect(sensation) on people and the question that needs to be asked is what is your preference, whether you indulge to get medicated or high. Tricho Shidaki is a caregiver for a reason. Medicinal use plays a crucial part in many people's lives whether humans or animals for health reasons. Caregivers need to know and understand what it takes to be effective for the patients they provide for. This is why plant science and analytical chemistry are a necessity for caregivers to provide the correct combinations of cannabinoids and terpenoids that complement each other to provide a well-rounded sensation for medicinal reasons and the sensation of lift or of being high.

Finally, the most experienced marijuana cultivators will agree, that curing is a process that raises the level of quality and consistency. It also raises the percentage levels of THC and CBD in the Cannabis being cured.

Potency is key, especially with those who love high-octane Cannabis, that we all call fyia.

However, let us not forget about how consistency also plays a key role with Cannabis. In many circles of connoisseurs, this discussion is NOT up for debate. Who enjoys crumblin’ herb into dust or dirt, and then tries to roll that shyt up in a blunt, wrap, or papers while the majority of the flower ends up back on the weed tray. The marijuana industry has yet to deal with this void. Why I’m not sure, but I do know that Tricho has addressed this issue being a catalyst in this area of expertise with the creation of HumiCure LLC back in 2012. HumiCure is committed to helping its customers achieve the perfect cure with custom furniture made for curing. Tricho Shidaki and HumiCure LLC is a household name for many connoisseurs throughout Colorado and CONUS, because of his expertise, his love for marijuana, and most of all his passion in wanting Cannabis users to smoke the best... In his words “STOP PLAYIN”

BY: SHAWN J

HumiCure LLC // HumiCure.com Tricho Shidaki // Facebook

Big Daddy’s Texas BBQ Food Truck is NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH on Mondays, Wednesday’s and Fridays from 11AM till 2PM unless sold out before 2PM. We will be located on the corner of Folsom and Pearl St, in Boulder, Co. We can’t wait to see you.

http://www.bigdaddystxbbq.com/ @bigdaddystexas @meatsmokerstees @smokesomethingmerch

Congratulations “Doitall” Dupré Kelly of the Legendary Hip-Hop Group Lords Of The Underground on your new role as West Ward Councilman of the City of Newark, NJ

EL DA SENSEI

Interview by Dawn Monique Edmond Rapper, entrepreneur, podcaster, graffiti artist, and the soon-to-be CEO of his own Artist Development Company, El is also one-half of The Artifacts, a hip-hop group from my hometown, Newark, New Jersey. Although I am familiar with The Artifacts, being a child of the 80’s, I wasn’t familiar with the man. So, I did some research before speaking with him, which made for a great interview because my questions were ripe. El, I feel like I can call him that after our interview - El had just finished conducting an interview of his own right before our meeting. He told me that he guest-hosts on a friend’s podcast, Sands on Sports, where he and his friend, J. Sands interview their guests in quarter sessions, asking a rampage of questions about sports. Sands on Sports can be viewed on you-tube. The interviewer became the interviewee. Since I had just researched (googled) him, I saw that he had just released another album. So that was 1 part of my st 1 question.

I was doing my research and saw that you just released another album? How do you manage to keep yourself so relevant?

Pretty much staying consistent and active in doing music and working with producers and artists that people may know today. Really, keeping an ear to the street. I remember when I was on a major record label and a guy told me “You’re only as good as your last record,” since 1999 I have consistently put out records or were featured on other people’s records from - 1999 to current. My latest album was done with my friend, Jake Palumbo, we put it out in September 2021. I also do a lot of feature work, so I have a lot of singles that are floating around, I did an EP with this guy in Chicago named Nord1Kone, it’s called Escape the Yard. It’s a graffiti-driven album and all the songs are dedicated to graffiti and the act of doing it, the cover is even done in graffiti.

That is a nice little stretch.

I’ve done different albums with people in Europe, and producers out there and all over the world. I’ve always kept that motto in my head that as long as I still make records, I’ll have people follow me and still go out on tour. and it’s just keeping the sound fresh too.

I was reading that you were a graffiti artist.

I still am, just not on walls and stuff like that because I can’t get locked up. Lol Do you make your sole living off your music? I see you have merchandise as well, but is music your sole career?

Yup! I used to work in a hospital in Newark, St. Michaels Hospital before I was doing this rap stuff and I used to tell myself If I don’t want to come back here or have to get another job, I have to do this full-time.

My friend would always say, and still says, “man you know what’s crazy, you’ve been doing this for almost 30 years, and you haven’t had a real job since you started.” I said man this is a real job.

You stay on your grind. I saw your merch online, tell me about it.

It’s the artifacts logo, it’s a really good brand to push over the years. I started with teeshirts, but I have opened up over the last 6 to 7 years, invested a little money so I could expand, and I now have hoodies and hats. It’s about what you put into it and getting as many people as you can to wear your brand. This merchandise, it’s an investment.

I had a dream that we did a show and everyone in the crowd had on an artifacts hat, shirt, or something on their chest. The whole crowd.

It could happen.

I do pop-up events where I call the record stores, and I use the record stores mostly because that’s what’s attached to what I’m doing as far as the music, so I get them to let me use their facility for the pop-up, and people come through they dig for records and at the same time buy merch from me. If I have a show in the city, I’d schedule an in-store pop-up event to happen in the afternoon because a lot of people might not make the show, or they might not be old enough to get into the show, I’ve had this happen. The pop-up event or merch table allows these people to get a chance to meet us. A lot of people work and can’t go to shows on the weekdays, but if it’s early they can get to the record store. I’ve done this in a few cities; Chicago, LA, San Diego, Memphis Tennessee - I’ve been a little of everywhere. So far so good. I try to keep the prices reasonable for people who want to purchase it. I feel like everyone should have this on their back.

That’s a good way to get everyone in the audience in your merch.

It’s the old way of doing things. Young cats don’t know that part of it, when you had the street team, you go out there stand in lines, and hand out flyers or free CDs, whatever the case may be. There has to be some physical contact, instead of everything being online, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

You do all this by yourself, you don’t have a partner?

I have a partner in my group, but I do this part of it on my own. I feel like, there are a lot of things people could do on their own, they don’t have to get a 3rd party to do it. I make sure everything is of good quality grade. I mail all the orders on my own, no 3rd party person is doing this. I autograph everything and sign the boxes, and packages, it’s all personalized. The people interact with me when buying my merchandise.

You said you dream of having a concert and looking out at the crowd and seeing everyone with the Artifact’s brand, who’s performing with you at this concert?

I still perform with my partner, Tame One, a member of the Artifacts, we have a new album coming out soon with the producer Buckwild, he’s from D.I.T.C., from the Bronx, the Diggin In The Crates Crew, Sadat X from Grand Nubian, we have a group together called X-El, take the X from Sadat X and the El Da Sensei, you get X-El. Tell me your best lyrics? Something you said on a record and was like, damn! That was dope.

“When the pen hits the pad, then things start happening,” that’s the first line in “Crowd Pleasa.” That song for me, solo-wise, is my hit song. It was also the one song that I ever did where I was challenged by the beat, I was scared of it to a point that when I was making the album at my boy’s crib and he would play it, I would bypass the beat and go do a different song. Then one day he said, “look, I want to ask you a question,” then he said, “as a matter of fact, I’ll be right back,” – this was my man P. Original, may he rest in peace, he was one of my producers - he went in the room and turned the beat off and came back in the dining room and threw 3 bags of weed and 3 blunts on the table. He went back in the room, turned the beat to Crowd Pleasa back on, came back to the table, and said, “Listen, this is what we are going to do today, I’m going to sit here and roll these 3 blunts, and your gonna start writing.” He said, “because you keep bypassing this beat, and I keep asking you to do it.

What’s wrong? Why aren’t you doing it?”

I said, “Yo, honestly, it’s kinda intimidating.”

He asked me why. I said because I can’t just say anything on this beat, I have to really put my mind to it.

He said “Well today is the day. Put your mind to it.”

I can perform Crowd Pleasa everywhere. I tell the crowd, “I can do a lot of songs tonight, but this one song, I know your gonna like.” I do this song everywhere I go, if they don’t know it, or if they do know it, it works every time, but to me, the first line in the song pretty much sets off the whole scenery and feel of the song.

Check out Crowd Pleasa on you-tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guO5lwCPTwI It sounds like it was challenging, the fact that you tackled it and got through it is great.

You know, being in a group you have a person right there to do it with you, to support you.

That was one of the songs where I felt like I was just getting used to being a solo artist, it was my second album, and I know that without those kinds of songs, those challenges, I wouldn’t be talking to you today.

Do you manage or produce?

Well, it’s funny you asked that, people always ask me do I want a label, and I say “No.” I have friends that I help out, I won’t say manage because me managing someone is

impossible, I manage myself, and I know what goes into doing that. I have a few friends in Europe who are booking agents who help me book shows there, and most of the other stuff I do myself.

So, at the end of all of this, your ultimate goal is what?

I want to be a counselor to people in the business who don’t know what direction to go in or what they will need along the journey. There are a lot of people that want to do the same things I do. I’d like to start a company where I would assist them, without having them be reliant on me to get their career going or get them to a place they want to be.

I like the concept you have for your company, and I believe you can do a phenomenal job at it. I’m not going to write in detail what you just told me, because I don’t want anyone to capitalize on your ideas. I think if implemented as you described, you’ll be very successful. I know there are a lot of Artist Development Companies, but there aren’t a lot of CEOs like El Da Sensei. William E. Williams, Artists Development. I’m speaking it into existence.

Thank you!

So, my final question is, what is it about yourself that you want people to know? I know in your career you’ve done a ton of interviews, and I’m sure most of them are always geared towards your music, but what is it about you that you want people to know about who you are outside of your music?

I’m a regular dude. I’m into sports and Japanese animating, and I still do graffiti and regular artwork, whether it be comic book art or graffiti art mixed with it at the same time.

I’m an artist. I want people to know there’s more to me than just music. This is a whole lifestyle. I want them to know I’m just like them, I’m just the dude down the block that does music. I’m as regular as they come.

Thank you for speaking with me.

You’re welcome.

Follow El Da Sensie https://www.facebook.com/ElDaSenseiArtifacts https://www.instagram.com/senseifromnj/ http://chillowproductions.com/eldasensei eldasenseibiz@gmail.com

How can I run out of bars?

I've been writing in a deep space each flows in suitcase they love me like Michael Buble feet on the beat what can I say I am the wave I am not Giggs I am not Chip I am not Dave I am a king all of us kings we're not a slave can u behave shouts out killer he bigs me up cause that's my mate back to the bars I hit them hard if rap dont work give em one more chance why can't we all get along cry me a rivers a song I'm tryna get me some plays Donny's sitting in a wraith fuck sitting in the rave I've got millions to make getting busy’s in my veins had two sons gave em a biblical name now we sitting in the train rolling up the game money money hafi make got a flow for everyday.

RikFlow 4/5 2SHANKZ-UPGATELOCK'D FOREST GATE LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM Contact: (youtube) Gatelocked since 2002

BURGESS CONNECTION MANAGEMENT Najla C. Burgess, CEO Newark, NJ/Baltimore

Koldkilla Columbus, Ohio

All that rap cappin shit let’s state facts I’m that bitch I been that and I’m still that Ima stand 10 toes on my own All you bitches copy-cats yall know clone I know a lot of grown bitches out here leaching with no goals.

Stay down move the bag stack the pros Bitches started off as I friends now they foes Bitches losing weight playing with they nose Koldkilla I ain’t ever been a bitch I'm on go.

2RAREE

@rareclothin 2rareebusiness@gmail.com "BACK IT UP” OUT NOW! Go Rush Thattt�💨💨 streamlink.to/2Rare

Cupid Remix I'm not the nigga you want Ohh, I'm just being honest Keep it a buck, like Giannis She treat me like a goddess Tryna put it in you're gu-uu-u uut Bitch I'm really tryna fu-uu-ck They a kill'em if they running up Like a DJ, need diamonds with my kutz Uhh uhhh Ohhh Ohh Dick from the back all in her spine Uhh uhhh ohhh ohhh You ain't seeing know money what the fuck, is you blind Like Patrick Maholmes she chiefin’ I ain’t Abraham when is we Lincoln We hit his hoe, Sharkiesha Put a bag on his head if he thinkin’ bout touchin me I got the Glock that back you up off of me she wanna fuck get off of me, sike Nawl Come come on on me, uh, you horny see all in your throat come gargle me if im lying im flying I ain't got no wings And I'm not departing Bitch I can't call it, split y'all both, like a nice apartment I ain't clockin out because my Glock be working No, not a 9-5 We swinging women like Barry Bonds I like booty calls I'm not Jamie Foxx Fuck computer love I'm not Best Buy, like Move bitch, get out the way, alphabet guns G-locks and them K's Move bitch, we dont not play wit clippers, I'm tellin you, we catching fades Oh, no no, we dont fight This shit a go left, better move right She wanna see me, its on sight Tell her, we fucking all night

BLACKSPEARE Birmingham, Al

"I'm a conscious artist, That thinks the farthest, deep as the darkest forest, I search for starters, in the clouds, cross the street, over mountains I road a shark to Noah's Ark" ~ Blackspeare was here~

Road a shark To Noah's ark, Capture these thoughts In a world of squarrels, I wanna go where Peaceful minds are To discuss nostalgia, I been confused Every since she used me Back where I found her, I hate I ever let time Lust around her. mma curious artist That thinks the farthest, Deep as the darkest forest I searched for starters, In the clouds across the street peeking over mountains ~Blackspeare was here~

Blackspeare - a soulful artist/producer ( Singer, Poet, Songwriter, Musician, Composer,).

Born Jacquarius Cade & raised in Birmingham, AL. Blackspeare grew up studying the styles of Marvin Gaye, Al Greene, The Motown Sound Blueprint, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Outkast, Most Def, Common & Shakespeare to master his artistry.

Website. https://blackspeare.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/iamblackspeare https://vimeo.com/33205589 Email: melowannablues@gmail.com melowannablues@blackspeare.com

STARTERKIT DUKE The creator of Trap Blues Hillside, New Jersey www.songcastmusic.com/profiles/StarterKitDuke

Not my speed

Im everything you want I’m everything you need Baby!!!

Sorry I’m not yo speed !!

Everything you want Everything you need Baby !!!

Sorry you not my speed She want to be with an award winner Or a top ten baller on sports center So I give her liking Shawty keep poppin dat pussy like Vicodins Off purple runtz like a viking yeahhh !!

Stuntin like kenevil Angels and crosses to fend off the evil Still pack that heavy metal like Metallica Trust me you don’t want no static bra Put that on my patek No matter what Ima stay blessed Apply alil pressure keep my foot on their neck !!

Yeahhh Never chase a chick Only thing I chase is a check Way too gifted to be stressed Trynna Get all my family out the jets That’s what I call a big flex 140 boy hold it down indeed Got my city on my back gang tatted on my sleeve So your girl miss me

gang tatted on my sleeve So your girl miss me Throw me the kitty beat it up like creed I see you trynna block like Embid Sorry you can have her back my g She wish that I was her BD Sorry babygirl you for the streets!!!

Known to flood it OD Be careful where you water yo seeds People die everyday over greed Small fry you not my speed Do it for the ones who school’ed Me Hometown hero Headed for the bigs league yea!!

Im everything you want I’m everything you need Baby!!!

Sorry I’m not yo speed !!

Everything you want Everything you need Baby !!!

Sorry you not my speed !!

-

CAVEMANBONES PORTLAND, OREGON

This is the way, stay killin these beats every day!

All the homies askin when we gettin paid.

Keep the head down work hard pave the way!

Don’t go astray

So when it’s ace We be high flyin’ vibing Creating space So the next generation can taste what it is to be real and feel

and be safe Through the maze Be the change Heavy up shrug and shoulder the weight While we wait And the nay sayers hate Don’t ever give up Break the cycles And be your best mate In this mind state Floating in space Till the sun sneeze and we all erased Trail blaze Path phase Exhale drop the veil and see it face to face.

Young brains is a shame to waste So we press on. Lift em up up so they can lift too Flip the monopoly board dude Stay resolute Split seconds to execute Decide live or die it’s all up to And In Truth Sleeping in the gutter with stars as the roof And no food Some how still find a good mood Baseline gratitude As the attitude Barefoot walkin the avenues Ain’t nothin we ain’t accustomed to Been to hell and back and still preaching love dude

CRYSS2TURNT Austin, Texas

Spinnin’ !

Been through a lot, most been through a little Stressed out filled my backwood full of skittles Robbin niggas and it won’t accidental Mamma think I’m fucked up in the mental Shit , I might be Trynna get Icey Hop out the coup wit da Glock it’s my wifey Niggas wann fight me , shoot like I’m spike lee Can’t trust me lil nigga im dicey Yea Came from flippin them pills , came from stealing them cars My nigga in Texas got locked wit an AR , tried ta take a fuck nigga off da radar 13 when I first started popping them beans, I was having scary dreams, Robbing niggas out They bling, I just wanted finer things What’s wrong with a young nigga trynna come up?

I was down bad nigga I was fucked up Hit my first lick nigga I had lucked up Me & dae dae was out till the sun up Dare a fuck nigga try to run up Ima shoot this shit till it run out Bitch I’m outside till the sun out Try some shit you gone get gunned down Yea And I stay in the trap house Come make a purchase like right now I’m the same nigga when the mic down Serve the beef like how you want it Just right or over cooked Can’t be on instagram or facebook I’ve lived my whole life as a crook.

BIG7 TIME2GRIND Interview by Dawn Monique Edmond

Entrepreneur · Artist · Public & Government Service

I had the pleasure of meeting you a few years back when you brought your daughter to the law firm where I worked to meet with my boss, Judge Booker (Entertainment Attorney). I've been following you since then.

That was in West Orange, right? I remember that. Small world.

Yes, that's when your daughter was a young girl. I’ve been following you since, I‘ve seen your work, and watched your hustle.

Thank you. A lot of people don't know that I’ve been at this for a while, they think I just started with the radio show, I'm honored that you know. It’s a major history. Before the Internet, radio, and the other things I’ve done, I have 20-plus years in the game.

It's the staying power and consistency I see. Everyone doesn’t have that. You have a new artist, Trece7ev, congratulations on his song, “Stop Playing with Me.” How did you start working with him?

Thank you so much, I heard about his music through friends and family members, and I hit him up. I figured it would be a good look, especially with him being from Newark. There's no shortage of talent out here with this new wave of music, pretty much anybody can do it, the fact that he was from Newark and has an exceptional talent made me choose him.

I sing the hook all the time, “bitch stop playing with me”, it's gonna be around forever.

Right! It’s a forever anthem. There's been a lot of hooks that have come and gone, that “bitch stop playing with me” ain't never going nowhere. I told him it's gonna be around forever, it ain't never gonna die.

Is he planning on putting out more music, or has he?

Yes. we've been on cruise control for two years with “Stop playing with me,” I didn’t want to blow it all the way up in the midst of the pandemic and be stuck in the house not being able to tour. But now that the world is opening up, we just dropped a mixtape called “Just for now.” But the focus is still on the single because realistically it's only 30% there, we still have another 70% to go, and we're about to shoot the music video.

How did you come up with the concept for “Time to Grind” and reviewing raps/songs?

Well, my daughter., and again. I'm so honored that you know about my daughter and her music, she went to school and took a break from music, and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life since I had been working

with her for 12 years straight. When she went to school, I literally had nothing to do with my life. I got an office, which is now my radio station, and I sat there for six months trying to figure out what I'm going to do. I started a printing company because I had been printing paraphernalia and promo stuff for her for 10 years, and I had all the resources to print. So, I said I'm going to do some printing and offer my marketing service to help other artists. The printing company was very lucrative. But it wasn't something that I wasn’t happy with, it's not my passion. So, I decided I was going to take a few artists and put them on a mixed tape and promote them and I was gonna name it “Time2Grind.”

Then I realized I couldn't do mixed tapes every day, I could do them weekly or monthly, or even annually, but I couldn’t do them every day, it would be too much. So, I started doing showcases, “Time2Grind Showcase” where I had artists showcase their music on stage. I soon realized that I couldn’t do that every week or month either, it would get boring, so I did it annually. I had the mixed tapes and the showcase, and in the midst of me doing the two, I was trying to figure out what I was going to do next because again, I can't do them every day.

DJ Antoine Qua (WBLS Radio Station) had some space in my office and he started the radio station, Streets 96, which was a popular station in the Jersey area. He came to me about five times in three months and said, “Yo, you should do a radio show. You got the Time2Grind mix tapes, and the showcase, it would be a great addition to your brand.” I was like, yeah, whatever, I ain't thinking about a radio station. He asked me about five times in three months, the sixth time I said I'm gonna give it a try. I started on his station as 1 of 20 shows, there was a show every hour. I tried it, and with me already having a social media following from Twitter, people were tuning in. I was letting them call in and do an Apollo hour, we would boo people, it was dope. But six months in Qua closed down his station and I was stuck again. I went to Plainfield to a station called WKTS with my guy Norm and I did my show there for two years, at that moment I realized I had something. People were loving my personality and my following was getting bigger, so I told him I wanted to start my own station. I still had the printing office space, so I got rid of all the printing equipment, built my radio station inside of my office, and the rest is history.

When did you start reviewing artists’ music?

The first two years we were just playing unsigned artists, I didn't make a dollar, we didn't have the review show yet. Then I came up with the idea of Redman hosting mixtapes. I was getting thousands of submissions, my intern would narrow down 1000 to 50 and I would listen to the 50, but she got pregnant and sick, and I couldn't listen to thousands of submissions, it's too tedious, I would have lost my mind. I decided that I would go on the radio and ask the people what songs I should put on my mixtape with Redman, and that was the start of

my show reviewing artists. When I was reviewing the songs I would ask my listeners, “what yall think? yall think they should go on a mixtape? No? yes? or that’s corny?” I let the audience choose while I was live on air. One day this guy asked me, “Sev, can you get my song on the air.” I was doing like 50 people per show, so I said I got like 30 more people ahead of you and he said, “well I'll donate $10.” He sent the $10 and then 10 more people said they would donate to get their songs moved up on the waiting list, and that catapulted the review show with people donating. I created a grading system where you can go VIP, that was the genius side of me knowing how to tap into a well put together experience. My show is crazy, it's not just reviewing music, we also do a little comedy, and we make the people laugh. I’m informative and transparent about how I'm blowing up my artists, it’s a cluster of things that make it successful. There are a billion people in their living rooms right now on iPads reviewing shows, it's not a shortage of that, but my show is definitely in the upper echelon, I'd say the top five review shows that are online. Famous or un-famous.

Have you been able to find a lot of talent?

Yes, a substantial number of artists. If I didn’t know any better, I would have like 20 artists signed that I think could make it. But I know better, and I don't want to take the focus away from getting my one artist in the door first. I’ve discovered several talented people that I can't do anything with at this time. I'm not selfish, just because someone has talent, you don't pick them up and just sit on them and have them waiting around. I’m not doing that. I tell them that once Trece7ev blows up, then I'll grab you and give you some dedicated time because by then my star will be bigger and I'll be in a better situation and able to dedicate the time to other artists.

Just because we have a song as good as “Stop playing with me” I'm still gonna need another year minimum to work it, granted that the Omarion (Covid)Variant doesn't come back because then we'll be back to square one - on cruise control because we're stuck in the house. I have a few that say they will sign and wait but I say no. I don't want any of them to sign, then three months later, they see I'm not doing a lot for them, they'll be complaining and mad. I was an artist, I was there before. They say “I'll wait, I'll be patient,” but no. I'm gonna control this, I'm not gonna let you force me to sign you and have you sitting around and then talk behind my back and be upset with me because you see me doing all this other stuff with Trece7ev. No, it's not gonna happen.

Well, that's a really smart move. A lot of people try to just jump in because they think that quantity is good. But if you're not doing anything with it like you're saying, it makes no sense to have it sitting idle. In this rap game, there are some hooks that grab you like, “Stop playing with me.” The hook just grabs you and people like me become fake rappers and we’re singing it all the time. These things come and go, so some artists may not be relevant by the time you get to them.

Right, you're absolutely right. We've had two years in with this record. Hot97’s Funk flex has been playing it for several months. The record is still a baby. That's the scary part and the dope part, it’s still In its infancy. The video is going to do it. I've been getting a lot of inquiries about when we're going to shoot the video. I tell them, as soon as y'all take all them booster shots - Pfizer and Moderna and get all that out the way and the world opens back up. I've been eagerly waiting myself because I know that this is going to change the whole thing because we are in a visual-driven economy in music.

Is your soul income from just being an entrepreneur? Do you have a regular 9 to 5?

The last time I worked a 9 to 5 was because I invested $30,000 with a friend and brought three yellow buses. I went to work for the company just to learn the business, other than that, I can't even remember the last time I had a 9 to 5. Before being on the radio I had the printing business, and I was making a lot of money from that. I also used my marketing skills to generate an income, people would pay me between $1500 and $2000 a month to help market them. I stopped doing that because I don't have the time, I have to focus everything on my artist. I'm only on the radio three days a week, if I did five days a week the six figures I make would probably be doubled. My fans love me, they donate because I make them laugh. If I stopped doing reviews, I could probably make 50grand a year just talking to them, laughing, and having fun. My platform is set. I didn't just sign an artist and start a radio station to help blow him up, the radio station was already going before I signed him so it's like, look at God. When I first got my office seven years ago, I was in a momentary depression. Nana fell back from her music to go to school, and I was asking God to please help me connect with something that would keep me in my passion. I was an entrepreneur, I could have started a business, but I wanted to be in a business that had something to do with the music industry. Every artist needs some printed material, so my printing company was a segway into being into something I love, but the radio was like “walla.” I didn’t know it was a hidden gift, not to toot my horn but on the radio, with my personality, I'm probably better than any of your most famous celebrities that do it and it’s not even my lane, it fell in my lap. Most radio personalities probably went to school for communication and interned at radio stations, I've done none of that. I just took $25,000 brought all this equipment, got on the air, and started playing around.

Any advice for the readers?

God gives us talents we just have to unwrap them. Figure out what they are and utilize them. Stay thankful and prayed up and diligent and he damn sure gonna bless you. He will make a way. http://time2grind.com/ big7@missnana.com @iambig7

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BigLoe These niggas been shakey as F**k, they scared to

POP OUT, just like a loose tooth !

FLORENCE SC

https://youtu.be/RkuizRk1eo0 https://youtu.be/GcE9cbC7JQY https://youtu.be/Dy7yicRTVqc https://audiomack.com/borne-1/song/breakdown-1

GORHAM,

Beverly, New Jersey

This money ancient and my heart is vacant This world can’t be cheated by someone who living in desperation My mind is evaporating In bed patiently waiting For chance to become greatness Rolling paper smoking facials I just wanna be me And not some poor adaptation Of a broken soul With a heart thats lost and just as cold No heroes here as this story told My life unfolds I’ve been feeling like i might explode But its the life we chose Cant help but wonder why mine an’ not the pride that you stole fuck it imma get it cuz you know i get the gold like a leprechaun at end of the rainbow

Swift Shango,

Newark, New Jersey

"Whatever" Pistol packing, money stacking , on go for whatever , chalk lines and hard grinds, we do it all for the cheddar, for the life of you I'm better 50 cal black sweaters bang bang you know the game we wild boys forever I've been scraping my Tims my knuckles and letting that thing off so don't be the next f*** boy to get your brain sauce slow grind while you ballers throw bread to see shorty get her salad tost real boss in the streets the house and the neighbors yard I'm cold-blooded I'm real right I stay fly in My own Lane the more I grind is more pain no more shine is no way hit the streets for more pay stay loyal to my dying day, no faking that's that blaze away if you got it I got it if you popin I'm popping kock it back no stopping bullets start singing and body start dropping I'm still in the streets spitting that heat every time that beat start rocking I'm up in the yard me and my dogs drinking and twisting cigars we rocking I'm so from the soil pop tops like a boil I stay on my time if you ain't my kind then homie this for you I'm so from the soil Pop tops like a boil I stay on my time if you ain't my kind then homie this for you.....

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Sunny Perez Willingboro, NJ Fb @ sunny Perez Ig @Therealsunnyperez Snapchat @realsunnyperez TikTok @ realsunnyperez

“ Blaccenese “ It’s 6 am in New Jersey ….

Just made a pot of some coffee..

The blunt I got is pre roll…

From last night at the party ..

And where tf is my iPhone ….

Cant seem to my phone …

If a rapper found it guess they need my shyt just like I do …

I do this with my eyes closed …

Cigarettes and a blind fold …

Shoot your shot if you bout it boi …

Cuz Ima keep on killing shyt ……

Swear 2 God ima pop just like a kellog ..

I won’t stop till I’m well off You not …

These other niggas capping they scabs they off…

Ugh..

I’m goin like I’m bout to write a tell all …

If I I ain’t write it they ain’t like it what I tell y’all Yea… Jump on a boat and sail out yea….

The ppl that I left are calling me a sell out yea….

I’m thanking god for every show my team sell out here ….

I’m bout bars Fucc the bail out here …

These niggas scared out here…

Look , Da baby I stroll em With out no stroller ..

Boi I’m winning …

And I’m trending …

I’ll pin ‘em with out no bowling listen …

A N D E R S O N,

When I catch em I’m gon take his weight, take his cake with this Drake.

When I up it we gone take his face we up the murder rate Police tryna investigate, Pullin‘ up at my mama place.

We ain't never say a name, so you know they have no case.

Home invasion?

Yeah, that's a fatality.

Wipe his nose all casualties.

Running in like the SWAT, we strapped up like the cops.

I'm thuggin too hard, can't stop.

BIG3TYMES

I N D I A N A

Damn near lost my life, but I’m alive in this shit! ooh, swear so astonish!

Just so crazy how my mind just be reminding nis shit!

It’s so astonish!

They hit my phone and asked me did I learn a lesson Yes, I’m blessed blessed!

They kept my 40 asked me did I learn my lesson?

Yes, Get right back to the check!

You ready?

Dreams copping that lambo Ona yacht with that banjo.

Telescope on na angle sip pineapple and mango.

Me losing impossible.

Give up your hope cause it ain’t so.

Out of town for that bank roll (row).

Going places you can’t go.

Maneuver round what chue can’t do.

Iceberg and it’s paint blue Black gators, white suit, Sad to say that I ain’t you.

Really sorry of your issues it’s like yams to me.

Sweet as candy, lick my fingers bans on me.

Got my own problems and issues to bare.

It’s a long journey far away.

Where? Up there.

It’s so crazy how my mind just reminded me here.

Maybe worse is yet to come was crazy last year.

Ooh..

Damn near lost my life, but I’m alive in this shit! ooh, swear so astonish!

Just so crazy how my mind just be reminding nis shit!

It’s so astonished!

They hit my phone and asked me did I learn a lesson Yes I’m blessed blessed! They kept my 40 asked me did I learn a lesson?

Yes, Get right back to the check!

Ring around the Rosie.

Pocket full of Dow cheese .

I was down and out in 03, now it’s time to cop a rolly.

Cuz in ATL. Big Homie out of Philly.

P E O P L E S B A L T I M O R E M A R Y L A N D

I M N O T L I K E Y O U

When you come to MD don’t forget, halla at your broski.

No chains on meh.

Spotlight no drip own meh.

Changed on meh.

Now you actin like the police.

Seen enough.

Talk is cheap.

You gon have to show me.

Monkey see and y’all monkeys do.

I’m independent.

Good standards.

Yellow shoes like bananas.

Couple steps to the mansion.

Open up to many folds, matchen clothes I’m haansom.

On nat great day I’ma pass one Inheritance for my grandson.

No need to ask.

Yea I’m moven fast.

Need to catch up, I done pass done.

Damn near lost my life, but I’m alive in this shit! Ooh ooh, swear so astonish!

Just so crazy how my mind just be reminding nis shit!

It’s so astonish!

They hit my phone and asked me did I learn a lesson Yes, I’m blessed blessed!

They kept my 40 asked me did I learn a lesson?

Yes, Get right back to the check!

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H S A H M E Z a L A k L a O S M H A O R C K

This how we getting this change, we riding round this rotten town but now I'm spitting these flames, I'm pulling up just like a knock I'm trying to get me a sting, and a couple bad bitches I'm trying to get me some brains, and I ain't trying to get violent but I can get with you fam, so have my money up front cause I ain't with the game playing, my temperature be surely rising like the end of May, I'd rather keep my rage inside and make a song that will pay, and make a couple extra dollars I can put to the brakes, dumping the rest into the studio I'm trying to get me a break, I'm trying to distinguish this Muthafuckhaz real from the fake, cause some of these cowards aint even got a dollar to pay, but they got their hand out looking all faggish and gay, but I guess it's just a part of this rotten game that we play, and I'm going to finish this verse off because I'm winning today, I made a song about hacking it's time for me to get paid..

B A L T I M O R E

Vs the Most High

New Jersey

They smile in your face an they kicking your back in, they cappin, avoid those interactions, don't be surprised who ain't loyal in your absence, that's my experience from present and the past tense.

Battlefield, how they feel, now the truths revealed, God's will, prophecies are now fulfilled, common sense, every action got a consequence, confidence, never conceit, from my accomplishments. Substance, cause what they yelling is irrelevant, I paradigm shift, they lurking in the comments, silence nonsense, with organic content, all things, are subject to change and that's the constant.

Power, perception, couldn't follow directions, words become weapons, blocking they own blessings, code of conduct, must adjust, to my line up, so get your grind up, before your times up.

S O L I D B R I D G E P R O D U C T I O N S

KAS SMITH, CEO

Interview by Dawn Monique Edmond

I have been following Kas on his social media pages and I am very impressed with what he has been able to accomplish with his new camera in just 2-years. From filming music videos, concerts, and skate parties for various celebrities in the entertainment industry, to photographing and filming local people like myself, Kas has mastered his newfound craft and is so deserving of being recognized by the Hip-Hop Herald. Here’s our interview.

Did you always have an interest in photography and video videographer? When I started following you on social media, you didn't have a camera in your hand, you were rapping and driving trucks, when did you pick up the camera?

I was in a dance group called Illmatic Force, I used to edit our show music. A friend of the groups, a Producer named D-Aki, gave me a program called “Final Cut.” He said he wasn't gonna use it and asked if I wanted it. I said sure, I’ll take it. I was editing things before I even thought of having a camera.

I drove trucks for five years, and as time went on, I started getting miserable, it was irking me, I started not wanting to go to work before I even got up to go to work. Everything about it annoyed me. That's how I knew I was going to quit. I got my mother’s blessing first, I asked her what she thought about me leaving a job and taking on my camera stuff full time - when I get the camera - I didn't have the camera when I spoke with her. She told me, “if that's how you feel go for it.” She didn’t give me any negative comments, no telling me about what might go wrong. She said, “if that's what you wanna do, then do it.

Everything else you’ve wanted to do, you did.” That's all I needed to hear. I got my mother’s confirmation and my daughter’s confirmation. So once I did that, and they both were like “Ok”, I did it, and I went into it without any fear at all.

I didn't have any security when I jumped out the window to take on this camera journey, but I didn't care. It was either I go for it or I just don't live the way I want. Other people might want to get into it to make money, but I just want to make sure that I live every day, for the rest of my life, not doing anything that I didn’t want to do. Driving trucks was the last thing I did that I didn't want to do.

After speaking with my mother, I put in my 2 weeks' notice, the last day of my 2 weeks was August 27th, it’s also the last day I saw my mother alive.

Your mom passed away?

She had cancer, and she got covid. She was in the hospital for a good three months. We couldn't go see her, she was in there without us, and we could only facetime her. She was going through everything she was going through and had to be by herself. That really messed me up. The last few months of her being alive she was in and out of the hospital, she had so many challenges and stipulations due to her illness, that she didn’t get to live. She was never able to get out of the house to come to my shows and see me

perform so I used to bring her recordings of my performances, and I would tell her about them. I would bring her good news about my accomplishments. I wasn't into the camera yet, so she didn’t get to see any of that. She eventually got worse and went into hospice.

On August 27th, my last day as a truck driver, I went to the job to say goodbye to my coworkers, then went to hospice to see my mom. She wasn't responding so I prayed over her, then left her to catch a flight to Denver. My cousin had gotten us a seven-day gig with a company to do a shoot. On August 30th I got “the call” from my sister. I jumped on a plane the next day to go home and make the funeral arrangements for my mother. After the services, I jump back on a plane back to Denver to finish what I had started.

On the 27th I also got an email saying that my business, Solid Bridge Productions LLC, was official, It was an ending, with my mom passing, but it started me living the life I wanted to live.

You look like you enjoy being behind that camera, you're always having a good time.

You have a great, upbeat personality, and the videos you do are very creative. It looks like you're having fun.

My work lets me enter other people's lives, their worlds. I get to see how they live - photo shoots, video shoots, commercials, business - I’ve done weddings - just recently I did a wedding in Mexico. It's all the different types of activities and events, and just seeing people smile at the end of the day. Seeing and hearing their approval of the photos or videos that I took, “Oh my God! It's so good, so clear, so nice.” I feel like that's my purpose now, to put smiles on people's faces.

How did you start working with artists? I see you recording shows, you don’t just do videos.

This woman by the name of Alicia Carter, a Coordinator of Concerts at the Prudential Center reached out to me after seeing my work and asked if I thought I could take pictures and videos for celebrities. I said yes, why not? And I'm like, yeah, why not, you know? So she bought me in and you know me being me, I'm just gonna do a little more than what’s asked because if I'm dealing with celebrities and dealing with big opportunities, I have to come correct. I was taking pictures at the events, and I had my camera on wifi so I was sending the pictures to her from my phone while the person was still onstage. They were pleased with my work and made me permanent. The first show I recorded was for Chakakhan then it went from there, Baby Face, Stephanie Mills, The Whispers, comedians; Earthquake, Capone, Tony Rock, and artists from this generation. It’s definitely a blessing.

Solid Bridge Productions is the perfect service to bring your ideas and visions to reality!! We have all the tools to help you build the visions your mind creates!

Wow! You’ve worked with a lot of celebrities. it’s work, I’m just building my resume. I'm not starstruck 'cause I feel like I am a star, you know? But it’s definitely cool to meet some of these celebrities just to say I did. My mother loves Shaka Khan and Stephanie Mills so it was beautiful to meet them.

I can’t imagine how exciting these experiences must be. Is this what you imagined for yourself?

I knew I would be here. I have a bar set for myself - like, super, super high, and I I don't expect anything less from myself.. You have some great local people that get the job done, however, my biggest floss in this business is how I do things. It's not even that I can do it 'cause I know anything you keep at for a while, you’ll get good at it no matter what, it’s the little things that separate me from other people - printing pictures right away, quickly, and making sure the people have them, the discipline to go straight home after a music video or shoot and get it knocked out within an hour or two. It could take weeks to complete a project, some people take long because they want to feel important, they say, “I have other jobs I gotta finish out first,” and that's cool, but me on the other hand, I just want to deliver.

That's it. I want to deliver. I want to show you that I have discipline and that I can get the job done quicker than normal. Everything I do is just different, it's not average, it's way above average. It doesn't have to have money tied to it, the reward is in the joy and excitement I feel. The end goal is to just get the job done.

You're also a rapper?

Yes, I’ve been rapping for a while, since high school, but I didn't take it seriously. I knew I could do it, but I was never the one that showcased it. I'm good with words, I’m a good writer, I knew I was gonna to be a writer. I like using my mind, I like putting words together and telling stories. I felt like that was my lane. I also love music, I love all types of music you know, I love it 'cause It's just different. I love different. I get tired of the same things. I get bored fast.

Which one would you prefer? Do you want to be a famous rapper, or do you want to be a photographer or videographer? Or do you want to do it all?

I really don't know what the future holds for me. When I was driving trucks, I didn't know I was gonna be a truck driver. I capitalize off opportunity when the opportunity comes, I go where it takes me, and when it ends it ends. I don't have an urge to make it as a rapper because of the business side of things. When you sign those contracts, you have to live up to what they want from you, and that's against what I want to do. I don't wanna be owned. I don’t want to be told what I gotta do, where I gotta be, or when I gotta be there. I like the freedom of not being signed, but still being heard. The reason I retired from driving trucks is so that I could do what I want and move how I want to move.

I can't wait to see you in a couple of years from now. I'm not gonna say five or ten because you don't need five or ten years, you’re moving fast, accurate, and precise.

You figured it out quickly, it shows in your dedication, determination, and your intelligence.

A lot of people think I've been doing this for years, and it hasn't even been two years yet. This is my first summer since the world has opened back up. I'm learning and being creative. This year is gonna tell it.

I’ve been through a lot in the past 2 years, my mom's passing, a failed relationship, and a house fire. These things happened back-to-back, and I had to recover while still grieving. It was a lot. I'm not big on complaining, and I don't like fear. I can’t be free to do something I love and be afraid to do it. I don’t worry about what the outcome will be, before trying something, I don’t worry about what might or might not happen. I learned to will myself to do things before even giving any thought about the outcome, the cautiousness of it will show itself right away if it's something that seems dangerous, of course I’m going to think about whether I should do it or not but worrying just slows you down. If someone were to call me at 2:00 a.m., and it's an opportunity I’m going, I'm not going to think about it first, even if I gotta get up and drive somewhere, I will drive two hours away, which is a skill I have now from driving trucks, you learn how to drive long distances. Now I get to flex those things and clients say, “Oh my God! He came out, he drove far. He’s professional” That’s the reason I let the job go, the job had me scheduled. Now I'm a freelancer, I do what I want when I want, how I want. Whatever has to be done. I could go sleep in the daytime and be up at night. I can eat breakfast for dinner, or lunch for breakfast, I will do whatever works for me. I do it and I make it look good while I do it. I don’t complain, I just do it, knock it out, and get my reward. That's what I do with my business, and I apply it to my whole life.

I'm at the point where I'm at in business because I take action immediately. I don't wait. I don't debate the should I or shouldn’t I? If I'm not immediately getting a reason why not. I'm doing it. If I never did it, I’m doing it. There were times when my friends get to a spot before me and call to tell me not to come because It was corny, and nothing was going on. I'm still gonna go 'cause I feel that when my energy enters a room, everything changes. It might be like that to you there, you may not be who they want to see and hear. So I don't take people’s word on things because it's just something about when I step into a room. I feel like I have the ability to see things before they’re created or actually exist. I can see the potential of what can be and start to build on it. The battle is being there, so show up. That's my number one thing, staying consistent and showing up. You never know what you could do if you just show up, you never know what you can will yourself into by being consistent. Even if you're not good at something yet, if you don't know anything about it, just try, try, and try again. At some point, your common sense is like, listen, you're not gonna do this wrong once, twice, and then three times, your minds is gonna tell you like, listen, do it another way 'cause that's insanity. And I'm not insane. Give me a good one to three

times, trust me, it's done, on the worst days two times. A lot of times I just give the things to God. I don't try to figure them out. I’ve had so many things happen to me in my life that I have no explanation for them. I don’t have an urge to figure out why or how. I just thank God, and when things happen for me, I say, “about time.”

You should be a motivational speaker.

I used to be. I was apart of a nonprofit organization called Young and successful Men where we dressed up in suits to show the young boys that you don't have to be old to wear a suit, and we would go to the schools and talk to the kids. Show them how to tie ties, and other things.

What do you see yourself doing?

One of my top goals is to do movies and documentaries. The reason I went with Solid Bridge, and I hashtag #everythingsolid is because I stand by that. It's not too many things that affect me, good or bad – that’s staying solid. So, when it comes to shooting, I don't do a lot of music videos 'cause a lot of people, like a lot of choppiness, and edits and stuff, to me, that's not solid. I’m getting prepared to shoot movies, when you watch movies, you don't see all that choppiness, you see straight, clean shots - good angles, and dialogue. Solid. Just solid shots. I'm preparing myself for tv and movies - a bigger journey that has nothing to do with all this internet craziness. I love it, I get it, and I like when other people do it, but it’s not for me. When people request it from me, I just let them know that it's not my style of shooting.

What motivates you?

My motivation, what keeps me going, is my mom,. Her not being here, but being where she is and being able to see everything that I do now. It's like, why would I stop now? I’m gonna turn it up just because she could see me, that and me never having to working a job again. I want to do well so I’m able to take care of my beautiful 14-years old daughter, I want to show her the world. She's into photography, so I'm definitely gonna have to see what’s in her mind, so she can continue on this business legacy. https://www.facebook.com/Solid-Bridge-Productions-100376298696750 solidbridgeproductions@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/solidbridgeproductions/

Back on my bully I'm back to winning/ making better decisions I cut off a few friends and I see the difference/ I watched them smile in my face envy, they not in my place really they only around cause of what I'm getting / gotta keep my windows tinted/ 5% you can’t see in it/ never know who hating watching cause they know that I’m winning / fuck your opinion / I feel like I am from another dimension / see my music just a lyrical vision of what I'm feeling/ how can you paint a picture of me when I don’t fit the description/ and I don’t need to rock designer to be the most fire in the building/ set fire to whoever betray me and I won’t even spit in it/ see them diamonds dancing on me yeah them shits glistening/ they told me “slow down JadaJrugz” but no I ain’t listening / bitch don’t want me but I'm bait, its a bigger lake to go fishing in

JadaJrugz

Newark, New Jersey

IZZ Newark, New Jersey

It’s Izz I dropped the Az, I’m having a ball poppin tags, try to jack me that’s yo ass I got the Glock in the dash I cock it and blast.

I live for my kids you live for the moment.

I know what happens to kids when parents disown them.

They become the black sheep get treated as omen.

If I could get better n get more cheese than chopped up cheddar. I could chop up a fella throw him on top of the cella make it rain on a nigga as if he dropped an umbrella.

I’m the best these other rappers is jealous, I get more spins than helicopter propellers fuck what u tell us.

The chit you kick is bullchit ask Penn and Teller.

I’m in Venezuela with ya chick lips on my genitalia.

I’ll leave yo chit mangled rip ya range flip ya Durango hit it up perfect from an acute angle.

The murderous madman ain’t too far from badlands Stash my mfering coke n weed in a trash can catch you in my stash cut ya head off like afghans garb Barrette’s and mad grams necklace and mad grands hopping out of a caravan get up ya damn hands give it up mfer or this is yo last dance four nigga with one stick.

I guess that’s a grand slam I’m faster than trans am flyer than Pam Am, come off the chains or you gone die Fam Fam you having a good day I’m bout to fuck up ya damn plans gat in my tims one in my waist one in my bad hand you wish you woulda coulda just give up the cash van.

http://jukejoint.com/ 9 1ST. AVE. Bloomfield, NJ 07003

THUG

Newark, New Jersey

“Let’s get straight to the point, don’t act like Meeko ain’t been a joint, like whatever she want he gon’ get it for her, he use to nick name her auquaphora” us

MEKKO TAYLOR SOUTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELOS

Only Sandor

Brooklyn, New York

ALL FOR YOU She picks me up, when I'm feeling low That's my baby, ya she drives me crazy I hold her tight and squeeze her so she knows She drives me crazy, crazy bout my baby She holds me down, makes sure that I'll never drown Got me focused baby, feet planted firmly on the ground Don't turn around, ass so fat I'm heaven bound Think I've found my ride or die - my queen to crown Ain't gotta worry bout shit, cause Ima make sure we both get lit We gonna sip let me taste those lips muah I'm toasting to my baby Ain't gotta worry bout shit cause Ima make sure we both get lit We gonna sip let me grip dem hips I'm smoking to my baby ALL FOR YOU Nothing I won't do, baby just for you It's ALL FOR YOU, you Baby just for you, nothing I won't do It's ALL FOR YOU Nothing I won't do, baby just for you It's ALL FOR YOU, you Baby just for you, nothing I won't do

Bridging

The

Gap

a collection of short stories that explore the wounds borne by intergenerational conflict between a parent and child. The journey from pain to understanding is explored, while reconciling the void birthed by misunderstandings and fragmented relationships.

Available on amazon

is

Sage Far Rockaway, New York "NOTTA" Never again Step out of pocket over some dick Never again All those rose peddles and shit You know my bop now watch me Weave Never again I’m a two job Weaving thru da traffic Beat ya baby momma up like a savage Know you thruster Really wish you had Cuzz the pussy dropping It’s always tapping Nigga I’m me You know it Sage all on ya brain Nigga me Ain’t got no time for playing these lanes Would of been good

But nigga you lied Typical fool Typical guy Could of been right here by my side You and me Or you, her, and I Plus I just cleared up for Dubai Lady layla on my side You know sifu that’s the guy A hundred or nothing in my eyes Watch me Move Uses a fool Had me all in my bag Shit was so sad Fuck it Deuce Jokes is up Nigga you fucked Fuck it Ooh Had you all in my space Fucking disgrace Lucky Woo

SUNNY PEREZ, Willingboro, NJ ‘BLACCENESE”

It’s 6 am in New Jersey ….

Just made a pot of some coffee..

The blunt I got is pre roll…

From last night at the party ..

And where tf is my iPhone ….

Cant seem to my phone …

If a rapper found it guess they need my shyt just like I do …

I do this with my eyes closed …

Cigarettes and a blind fold …

Shoot your shot if you bout it boi …

Cuz Ima keep on killing shyt …

Swear 2 God ima pop just like a kellog ..

I won’t stop till I’m well off You not …

These other niggas capping they scabs they off…

Ugh..

I’m goin like I’m bout to write a tell all…

If I I ain’t write it they ain’t like it what I tell y’all Yea… Jump on a boat and sail out yea….

The ppl that I left are calling me a sell out yea….

I’m thanking god for every show my team sell out here ….

I’m bout bars Fucc the bail out here …

These niggas scared out here…

Look , Da baby I stroll em With out no stroller .. Boi I’m winning …

And I’m trending … I Fb @ sunny Perez ’ll pin ‘em with out no bowling listen … Ig @Therealsunnyperez

Snapchat @realsunnyperez

A young woman is thrust into an underground ring of the sex trade when she is found alone and without resources in the cold hard streets. She is then befriended by women who are caught up in the industry trying to put together a plan to escape once and for all to live a piece of the American dream. https://www.amazon.com/LostTurnt-OutShawty/dp/B07B3ZBMLG/ref=sr_ 1_1?crid=3SFPPFSH9Y28Z&key words=lost+and+turnt+out&qid=1 655586878&sprefix=%2Caps%2 C162&sr=8-1

Mr. Rashyn “@Mufee6” Washington, the CEO/President of Muforigno Films, LLC is an African American film director, screenwriter, producer, author, and actor from New Jersey who studied Film Production at The Art Institute of Atlanta. As part of the New Atlwood wave of filmmaking, he is widely regarded as one of the most creative new indie filmmakers in cinema today.

Rashyn has experience in preproduction, production, and postproduction on various indie films such as Finesse 2, Prosperous, and many others. As an experienced producer and film/music director, Rashyn a.k.a. “@Mufee6” had a vision and desire to express his artistry through film. He wrote, directed, and produced his feature film "Lost & Turnt Out,” which u can find on most smart tv streams.

From 2000-2022, the Plainfield, New Jersey native earned many opportunities as First Asst.

Director and roles as a background actor in several tv-series and movies such as Law and Order, Special Units, HBO series Oz, Marci X, and The Guru. His acting experience developed into a special interest to create a production company, Muforigno Films, LLC, where he creates movies, music videos, and reality tv series.

Rashyn has worked with musical artists Future, Zatoven, Al Nuke, Pee Wee Longway, Dallas Austin, T.I., Ying Yang Twins, Gorilla Zoe, Shop Boyz, Bobby V., Travis Porter, Keke Palmer, and many more. With cinematic qualities,and street-like fantasy Rashyn’s music videos are innovatively indulging. Rashyn is also an Author, having written a novel called “Lost” based on his feature film “Lost & Turnt Out.” Lost can be found on Amazon Kindle.

Rashyn Washington currently resides in Atlanta, GA. Pursuing his goals and dreams, as he helps bring his clients' visions to life!

“Loyalty is dope when you loyal to the dope Loyalty is dope long as everybody broke When it’s time to grow then you know you got to go They ain’t feeling that, they like ‘nah homie, no’ Think you jumped ship, all you did was jump rope Like it’s double Dutch so it’s room for us both…”

AOP

GEORGIA

Martar Ray New York, New York

"KILLA SRANDS“

Want me to be a fake Want me to be the snake These niggas really hate No more Harlem shake My grams Annie may So I bake the cake Watch these doggy eat it up Spit roast her face Some say we missing the action When We started the fashion 45 universal dam call it classic I’m original Never follow the fuckery Kane said get’em you gone That’s the air we breathe All in the land of the grimie Charge a fucking fee

Real men is behind Fucking up ya dreams Double up matter fact Better triple that…

Sitting low in the hub Need another pack I don’t need a pitcher Give all of that Better hide ya mother She heard daddy back I ain’t proving shit One of the reason you live this Loose ya life with the here say they second job is to get away I ain’t hear play Love I’m hear to stay You know it’s Martar Ray A 💯💯 every day

Cel Escobar

Trenton, New Jersey

CEL ESCOBAR

CLSOUNDS New Jersey

I'm a brilliant man, I am the Sun the way that I shine you can feel it man, I'm hot through the night by the time I lie down I'ma need like a billion fans, who wait for my rise, every time they open their eyes, and move as they feed on my energy, from all these joules I make in my sleep, they say that I'm gonna be the death of me, growing exponentially, but look at my masterpiece, must be why they're after me, most will try to replicate others just want to bask in me, Stand tall Sounds

but I digress cuz I'm sounds smooth like butter, when my beat drop then your feet stop and my voice will make you stutter, you'll go wait wait wait wait wait who was that I'm just saying my team's greater, so get with it and enjoy or get lost in it be a hater, cuz we always believed this is who we are, so please, do not impede, on inevitability, and just concede, the life we 'bout to live is the life we want to keep,

Eni Willingboro NJ

Shout out to my brothers that's watching anime And shorty with the cake knew she was toxic they way she treated my face like Anna may Drunk off of some tanqueray Liquor muscles orangutan nana clip for a gang of gangs barber nice with a fade or fade Huh Don't question me with these gimmicks Wen I had to go and fight three men for three minutes Believe me it aint what it seems that's G BUISNESS They all bold but cheap mobile phones I peep crickets - (Silence) I can point and points proven I'm the boss I'll fire boul (ball) haduken Oh you ready now Then it's time to go In the field with a bunch of demons, guess Im tanjiro No cuts you'll get jumped just like Geronimo Round 1 I'm Shao khan guess who what the smoke One move he Gon loose hit akuma's pose A ninja on the roof I'm always on my toes

Pretty-In-Pink Collection Walking Art By: Duane Ross https://www.artbyduaneross.com/

Duane is a Visual Artist ,Actor, Singer & Vegan who discovered his gift of abstract art in 2020 during the pandemic while spending time with his eldest daughter.

Since then, he has created at least 80 paintings through emotion, and decided to let God use him to create & just become.

With his newfound gift of abstract art, Duane has become an advocate for veganism and exploring where it takes him.

DUANE ROSS Orange, NJ

M U S L I M B I L A L

My life is based on sacrifices controlled by devices that activate all my vices.

It's crazy how life is like we doing a bid .

We all might as well live off the grid.

Many people really living how they want to live.

Yeah I better wake up and see what time it is.

We got to follow the ways of the prophets put money in pockets.

Praise God and never stop it stay away from nonsense.

I got Angels fighting demons at war with spirits.

I say it loud if you want to hear it.

Please God bear with me as I'm leaving.

I'm human so I'm sinning I got to get right before the ending.

Lyrically I bust off like nuts and bullets.

Different strokes what you talking about Willis.

I Go hard cuz I would want to do it.

Come at me and lose all your fluids.

I’m bout my business like if I was Jewish.

Brenner street warrior so many to win it.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ellssweetdecadents ellssweetdecadents@gmail.com

N E W A R K N J

CONTRIBUTORS Dawn Monique Edmond is the Editor and a contributing writer of the Hip-Hop Herald. She is the CEO of Enid-Books Corp., a Publishing Company, and the author of Till The Break of Dawn, Bridging the Gap, and the Co-Author of When A Father Fails, and What Have I Gotten Myself Into, which are all available on www.enidbookscorp.com and Amazon.

Dawn is a native of Newark, New Jersey.

Follow Dawn on all social media platforms, links below: https://www.facebook.com/Enidbooks https://www.instagram.com/enidbook scorp/ https://twitter.com/EnidBooksCorp

Courtney Burgess a Newark NJ Native, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Hip Hop Herald Magazine. He is also a Music Producer, Entrepreneur, Author/ Publisher, who has managed music industry acts, such as The Artifacts, Fatal Hussein, and Kasinova Tha Don, and he was a super producer for Tupac Shakur.

ISSUE