4NRhythm is carving a modern popsoul lane that lives where hip-hop, R&B, and pop converge. Rooted in Hot Springs, Arkansas, he turns Spa City stories into sleek, melodic records built on conversational hooks and clean presentation. Singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer, he treats genre like a palette and builds songs that feel current without chasing trends. It sounds polished, personal, and tailor-made for bigger rooms and stages.
That focus shows up across recent releases and visuals. “Rumor Is” introduced many listeners to his hybrid sound and rags-to-riches storytelling, anchored by a chorus that sticks after one spin. In 2025, he kept the pace with “Gimme a Break,” pairing performance-driven clips with simple, effective rollouts and support from collaborators like SpacityTrawww. Spotlight moments such as a Gold Mic feature helped new fans put a face to the
voice, while consistent posting turned casual views into repeat listeners.
The stages are growing with the catalog. This summer he opened a Fourth of July weekend show headlined by Finesse 2Tymes, a look that signaled his records travel beyond Arkansas. Atlanta and New York audiences have responded to the crossover appeal in his writing, which balances sing-along hooks with plain-spoken verses. Live, he treats the show like a product, dialing in vocals, pacing, and crowd control rather than relying on hype alone.
The receipts match the momentum. A checklist of recent wins includes paid bookings, playlist placements, and features that expand his reach. On streaming platforms, steady growth rewards the cadence of releases and the clarity of his brand. Instagram and TikTok clips double as mini trailers for new songs, while behind-the-scenes
looks keep the narrative human. Everything points back to the music.
What makes 4NRhythm stand out is intent. The records are concept-forward. The visuals serve the songs. Collaborations feel like expansion, not compromise. He knows how to share space and still sound centered, which is why duets and features land without blurring his identity. Start with “Rumor Is” for storytelling, then spin “Gimme a Break” to hear how he flips perspective into something you can sing along to.
For Arkansas, his rise is another reason to look south. For listeners, it is an easy entry into a lane that is catchy, approachable, and built to last. 4NRhythm is not just building a catalog. He is building a brand that moves at the speed of today while keeping the soul in the frame.
Cali Inspirational Artist, MrBigFaith, Drops Official Video for "All
Day"
Featuring OGK Joshua
Experience MrBigFaith’s official video for “All Day” featuring OGK Joshua, shot in the California desert. OGK Joshua’s laid-back delivery perfectly complements MrBigFaith’s aggressive flow, balancing the track and providing something for everybody. This gritty, high-quality visual backs an authentic Cali bop with a catchy, infectious hook and club-ready vibe. MrBigFaith’s uplifting message—repping for the Lord and walking the path every day, all day—shines through every beat. Watch it here!
Top 32 Out of Thousands: Just The Empress Grabs T-Pain’s Attention with Hypnotized
This moment was different. Out of thousands of artists, Just The Empress made the Top 32 in T-Pain’s March Music Madness. When Hypnotized played, he was skipping through it—then said, “Let’s just hear it.” Moments later: “I like this person.” Live. Unfiltered. In front of hundreds. He passed on so many records in seconds, but something about this one made him double back. Watch the moment here—the energy shift is real and undeniable. Then head to her YouTube channel to see her interview for round 2!
Persia Grai Celebrates MTV Tres Rotation for His First-Ever Bachata Single, "No Me Amas"
Persia Grai’s first Bachata single, “No Me Amas,” written entirely in Spanish, was in rotation on MTV Tres for a full month. The heartfelt track showcases a new side of the rising artist, blending emotional lyrics with classic Bachata rhythms. “This song is deeply personal—it’s my first time writing fully in Spanish and exploring Bachata,” says Persia Grai. The music video, which aired on MTV Tres, captures the passion and vulnerability of the song. Stream “No Me Amas” on all platforms.
Hip-Hop Artist Lo $teve lands performance on Atlanta's Cadillac Chronicles Live From The Caddy!
Hip-Hop artist Lo $teve hit a major milestone with a performance on Cadillac Chronicles: Live From The Caddy in Atlanta! On July 19, 2025, he traveled to the city to showcase his single “Canal Street Motion” on the world-renowned music platform. The record has already racked up more than 228 radio spins this year and earned him a spot on Makin’ It Magazine’s Top 50 Artists of 2025. This track continues to open doors and set new benchmarks for Lo $teve, stay tuned for even more wins ahead!
JordanLivinGood Reflects on 6 Years of Growth and a New Artistic Direction
New video from JordanLivinGood: He reflects on over 6 years in the music industry—touring, hitting major streaming milestones, landing sync deals, and going viral. He opens up about the challenges of turning 30 as a hip-hop artist and shares why he’s shifting his focus to EDM-infused rap. This honest career recap highlights key moments, lessons learned, and the next chapter in his evolution as an artist.
Rich Pesos Latest single Amaya For President shines a light on his amazing daughter
Acclaimed New Jersey artist Rich Pesos has released a heartwarming and inspirational new single dedicated to his daughter, Amaya. The song, a deeply personal and uplifting narrative, celebrates Amaya’s achievements, character, and aspirations, particularly her dream of becoming the President of the United States. With this heartfelt release, Rich Pesos provides a musical testament to the power of dreams and the unconditional love of a proud father.
Reik Talks PROJECT R, West Coast Influence & Growth on Underdawg Podcast Interview
Fresh off the release of PROJECT R, Reik sat down with the Underdawg Podcast to talk about his evolution as an artist, how West Coast hip hop helped shape his sound, and his journey growing up in Georgia. He also shared how he's been stepping outside his comfort zone—hitting Piedmont Park, pop-ups, and networking events to move merch and build connections. With a new project on the way, check out the full interview to hear what Reik has coming next.
JSapp MadStak’s “Nowhere To Hide” Added To 90.3 FM WESS FunkNATION Radio Rotation
Pensacola hip hop artist JSapp MadStak continues to make major moves this year with his music now starting to receive FM radio play. The rapper’s latest single “Nowhere To Hide (Eye For An Eye)” was recently added to multiple mix shows by DJ DirtyFingers on 90.3 FM WESS FunkNATION Radio out of Stroudsburg, PA. The NY Bangers produced record caught the attention of DirtyFingers during Makin’ It Magazine’s weekly music review, which is specifically designed to help artists get this exact type of exposure.
From SEAs to Screens JANIRO HAWKINS’ Next Act
Long before cue sheets and spotting sessions, Janiro Hawkins II was handing out roses to the people who move the culture. As co-founder of the Southern Entertainment Awards (SEAs), he helped turn a one-night ceremony into a multi-day institution that centered the South's engine: DJs, independent artists, and the media that champions them.
That platform did not just hand out trophies; it built community. From the inaugural show in Nashville in 2004 to stops across the region and now Atlanta, the SEAs evolved into a weekend of panels, performances, and a fashion show, part celebration and part working marketplace. At every turn, the focus stayed on the people who make the scene run. In doing so, Hawkins effectively built a table and invited others to pull up
chairs, creating lanes for newcomers and veterans to connect.
Hawkins's impact reaches well beyond any single stage. Over the years, the SEAs recognized future heavyweights, often before broader industry consensus, and legitimized a blueprint many regional award platforms would later follow: honor the full ecosystem (DJs, media, small businesses, promoters), not just the headliners. The ripple effect is real. Countless city and state level awards across the South and Midwest drew inspiration from the community-first model he championed.
Today, Hawkins is channeling that same taste and advocacy into sync. As a music supervisor, he curates sound for screen, connecting stories with the Southern textures he has
“We’ve always been about acknowledging the people who keep the culture moving. Film and TV just give those stories a new stage.”
championed for years. Recent credits include independent features such as "South Side Hero" and "Fatal Lust". This is a natural pivot for a lifelong DJ and scene builder who knows where to find the records and the artists people should be hearing. The work is different, but the mission is the same. Give the culture its proper shine and create opportunities that travel far beyond a single night.
If the SEAs were about giving flowers, music supervision is about planting seeds, placing independent voices in projects that reach global audiences. That through line matters. Hawkins's career arc proves that taste, trust, and community are transferable skills. From stage to screen, he is still amplifying Southern voices and inviting others to sit at the table he set.
IS CARDI B THIS GENERATION’S LAURYN HILL?
When Lauryn Hill released The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998, she set a bar so high it became both a triumph and a trap. The album's brilliance earned her five Grammys and cemented her as one of the greatest to ever touch a mic. But it also created an impossible expectation for a follow-up. The weight of living up to that debut ultimately left fans waiting decades for another solo project.
Fast-forward twenty years, and Cardi B's story reads like a modern parallel. Her 2018 debut Invasion of Privacy was a cultural earthquake, ”Grammy-winning, chart-dominating, and stacked with records that still ring off years later. Like Lauryn, Cardi's first album was not just successful, it was defining. It proved she was not a fluke; she was a force.
A Different Era, Different Options
This is where the comparison takes a turn. Lauryn came up in an industry where albums were the currency of credibility. Cardi operates in a digital ecosystem where singles, features, and viral moments carry just as much weight, sometimes more.
Instead of needing a second album to validate her artistry, Cardi has thrived by dropping culture-shifting singles like "WAP" with Megan Thee Stallion and "Hot Sh*t" with Kanye West and Lil Durk. She can stay relevant, dominate conversations, and expand her brand without ever releasing another full-length project. That freedom is something Lauryn never had.
What Would a Second Album Give Cardi?
For Cardi, the benefit of another album is not survival, it is strategy. Dropping a sophomore project could:
• Cement her legacy. Albums live differently than singles. A new body of work would solidify Cardi as more than a moment; it would frame her as a career artist with multiple eras under her belt.
• Expand her artistry. Singles are
built to hit fast and hard. Albums allow space for experimentation, deeper storytelling, and creative risks. Cardi could reveal layers of herself that one-off tracks cannot.
• Spark a global moment. An album rollout is an event. Awards, late-night TV, magazine covers, and press tours put an artist at the center of culture in a way singles rarely do.
• Power up her touring. Albums create demand for full tours. For someone with Cardi's charisma, a world tour behind a fresh project could elevate her from superstar to icon.
But There Is Risk Too
Every album comes with the pressure of comparison. Would it live up to Invasion of Privacy? Would critics call it a flop if it does not? In some ways, Cardi has more to lose than to gain by chasing that expectation. By focusing on singles and features, she avoids the sophomore slump while still collecting wins.
The New Model of Success
If Lauryn Hill's legacy warns us about the risks of perfectionism, Cardi B embodies the freedom of flexibility.
She can thrive without ever dropping another album, and that may be the most revolutionary part of her career. So is Cardi B this generation's Lauryn Hill? In a way, yes. Both women redefined what success looks like for a female MC. But while Lauryn set the standard with one timeless album, Cardi is rewriting the playbook, showing that in today's industry, you do not need to follow old rules to stay on top.
What Independent Artists Can Learn
Cardi's career is more than celebrity drama and viral moments, it is a case study in adapting to the times. For independent artists, the lesson is clear:
• You do not need an album to start winning. In today's streaming culture, one strong single can travel farther than a project that nobody hears.
• Consistency matters more than perfection. Cardi stays relevant because she feeds her audience with singles, features, and social presence without waiting for the "perfect" rollout.
• Play to your strengths. Just as Cardi leans into her personality, charisma, and timing, indie artists should double down on what makes them unique instead of chasing an outdated formula.
The industry no longer rewards artists who sit back waiting for a flawless album. It rewards those who stay active, adapt, and create moments. Cardi proves that even at the highest level, you can thrive on your own terms.
SEAN GARRETT
The Blueprint for the Modern Hitmaker
In an industry where songwriters often remain invisible, Sean Garrett has become a household name. Known as “The Pen”, Garrett is the force behind an astonishing 18 Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits and over 400 million records sold worldwide. Those numbers alone put him in rare company, but what makes Garrett remarkable is how he transformed what it means to be a songwriter.
Traditionally, writers and producers worked quietly behind the curtain while artists took the spotlight. Garrett broke that mold. With an unmistakable presence and a creative energy that matches the artists he collaborates with, he elevated the songwriter’s role from hidden contributor to cultural figure. His work with Beyoncé on “Check On It,” Usher on “Yeah!,” and Ciara on “Goodies” didn’t just top
charts, they defined eras and became global touchpoints for R&B and pop.
What separates Garrett is his versatility. He moves seamlessly between R&B, hip-hop, and pop, always staying ahead of the curve.
In the 2000s, he was instrumental in shaping the sound of the clubs, radio, and even award shows. His ability to not just write hits but anticipate what the world wanted to hear positioned him as more than a behind-the-scenes hitmaker — he became a tastemaker in his own right.
Equally important, Garrett didn’t just lend his pen to others. He stepped into the booth himself, carving out a lane as an artist while continuing to dominate as a writer and producer. That dual presence helped redefine the very image of the modern
songwriter: someone who can both create the hits and perform them.
Garrett’s story is more than a résumé of plaques and sales figures. It’s about shifting perception. By proving that songwriters could be brands, influencers, and entrepreneurs, he inspired a generation of creatives to step forward and own their impact.
In today’s era of social media and streaming, where fans want to know the names behind the music, Sean Garrett set the blueprint.
With 18 number-one hits and over 400 million records sold, Garrett’s pen has written itself into music history. But his true legacy lies in how he redefined the game, showing that the writer’s seat can be just as powerful as center stage.
18 Years of The Urban Suite:
D Major & Sherril Metal Keep the Culture Moving TASTEMAKER
For 18 years, San Antonio’s The Urban Suite has been a trusted platform for independent music. Every Monday night from 11 PM to 2 AM CT, hosts D Major and Sherril Metal serve up underground Hip-Hop, R&B, and surprises on KSYM 90.1 FM—mixing new records with interviews that spotlight stories the mainstream often overlooks.
The show began in 2007 when D Major, then a student DJ at San Antonio College, was offered a late-night slot. The Urban Suite debuted that May, and in 2012, Sherril Metal joined as co-host, bringing her sharp eye as a journalist and her passion as President of TruEvzone Records. Together, they’ve built a show that’s equal parts music discovery and cultural archive.
“Photographer / Journalist of the Year” winner, also picking up “Group / Label of the Year” in 2020. Locally, The Urban Suite has landed in the Top 3 for Best Local Radio Show in the San Antonio Current’s “Best of San Antonio” Readers’ Poll three years running.
Their reach extends beyond Texas. D Major and Sherril regularly tune into our Makin’ It Music Reviews, giving Mimbers like @itzShlz, @klazik, and @LoSteveOSPV FM radio play that move careers forward.
DirtyFINGERS: Championing Independent Voices on the Airwaves TASTEMAKER
Roberto Gooden, better known as DirtyFINGERS, has built a respected reputation as a tastemaker and broadcaster in northeast Pennsylvania. Since starting his career in 2012 at 90.3 WESS FM, he has consistently used his platform to highlight new talent and fresh sounds. Within 18 months, he rose from On-Air Personality to Promotions Director, helping guide the station to win the coveted mtvU Woodie Award. The flaming speaker logo he designed during that time remains part of the station’s identity today.
midnight. His dedication to authenticity and culture has earned him a loyal audience that values his ability to bring together diverse sounds.
Beyond the mic, DirtyFINGERS has also worked as a Production Assistant and Remote Tech for iHeartMedia stations including B104, WZZO, WAEB, and ESPN Deportes. This background adds technical expertise and industry knowledge that strengthens his work as a presenter.
Recognition has followed. D Major earned “Slept-On Personality of the Year” at the 2022 Southern Entertainment Awards, while Sherril is a three-time
We salute The Urban Suite for nearly two decades of consistency, advocacy, and love for the culture—and we can’t wait to see who they spotlight next.
Currently, DirtyFINGERS is the Host and Producer of FUNKnation Radio, a weekend mix show that broadcasts across FM stations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and streams worldwide. His programming blends Hip-Hop, R&B, African, Caribbean, House, and Disco into carefully curated sets that keep listeners tuned in well past
Through his ongoing passion for discovery, DirtyFINGERS has featured independent artists from across the country, including Mimbers of the Makin’ It Platform, giving them valuable FM airplay and exposure to new audiences. His mission remains clear: amplify authentic voices, connect communities through music, and ensure independent talent receives the platform it deserves.
Opening Doors & Passing the Torch: YOUTH AUDIO COLLECTIVE
In 2022, Makin’ It Magazine leased a studio in downtown Atlanta with a simple mission: create neutral ground for artists to collaborate, connect, and build. From the start, it was an uphill battle—trying to bring people together in a city where the culture often feels fragmented and competition overshadows collaboration.
Despite the challenges, the vision slowly began to take root. The studio drew steady support from local Mimbers and attracted creatives from outside Atlanta who resonated with the idea of unity and shared growth. Over time, a small but dedicated community formed, powered more by those supporters than by the city itself.
That experience became a turning point. It made clear that the vision of building common ground was bigger than one city. Instead of pouring resources into maintaining a local space, the wiser move was to close the studio in 2024 and focus broadly on Mimbers and supporters across the country, where the energy for collaboration was strongest.
Even with the closing date set, founder Kelby Cannick knew the studio’s final chapter needed to matter. That opportunity came through an unexpected encounter at the 2024 ATL Hip Hop Day Media Day, where he met Soteria Shepperson and Sophie Suberman of Grow Your World. The two shared their vision for using music to shape culture and strengthen mental health. They spoke about their work in North Carolina and their dream of bringing that impact to Atlanta.
Moved by the conversation, Kelby decided to open the doors of Makin’ It Studios one last time—this time not for artists looking to get rich, but for youth looking to create
The Pilot Program
For three months in late 2024, Makin’ It Studios hosted the pilot of the Youth Audio Collective (YAC). The program brought together nine students twice a week to learn songwriting, engineering, and performance.
Kelby connected Grow Your World with respected engineers, photographers, and promoters from his network. Among them, Major 88 Keys introduced students to the technical side of production, while Gnarly Cyn, founder of Push the Peace, coached them on artistry and self-expression.
What unfolded was more than just music. Over shared meals provided at every session, parents, mentors, and students sat down together to talk about life, growth, and possibility. The group produced six original pieces, including Scribble Scrabble, a collaborative track that culminated in a music video featuring every student.
For Kelby, a father of four, the experience was deeply personal. He had always pushed back against pressure to allow smoking in the studio, insisting on maintaining a space he’d be comfortable bringing his own kids into. Watching young people create music not for fame or money, but out of sheer excitement, felt like a full-circle moment: “It was refreshing and inspiring,” he reflected.
Growing Beyond the Studio
Though the studio closed at the end of 2024, the Youth Audio Collective did not. The program’s spirit carried forward.
Rallying community support Grow Your World was able to
secure a $25,000 grant through Fulton County’s Community Services Program. Meanwhile, students from SCAD and Morehouse College joined as mentors, expanding the curriculum to cover not just production but also the business side of music.
The biggest milestone came when Patchwerk Recording Studios, the legendary home of Beyoncé, Outkast, and Ludacris, opened its doors to YAC. Welcomed by co-founder Curtis Daniel III, the program found a new cultural home aligned perfectly with its mission.
And in summer 2025, the Youth Audio Collective stepped onto a larger stage at the Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival, where the program sponsored the Youth Hour and gave young festival-goers a first-hand look at how music can be more than entertainment—it can be a pathway to opportunity.
A Ripple Effect & Call to Action
What began as a pilot inside Makin’ It Studios has grown into a movement. From Kelby’s personal decision to give the program space, to the guidance of community mentors, to the embrace of Patchwerk and Atlanta Hip Hop Day, the Youth Audio Collective proves what can happen when people come together for young people.
For Makin’ It Magazine, the closing of the studio wasn’t an ending, but a handoff. The Youth Audio Collective became the perfect final note, proof that when artists, organizations, and communities unite, they don’t just create music.
They create futures.
Now, it’s time for others to get involved. You can Donate, Volunteer, or simply spread the word to help keep the Youth Audio Collective growing. Start by scanning or tapping the QR codes below.
THE DRAW
Success on stage starts with the strength to bring people in the door. Each issue, The Draw spotlights the independent artists proving their pull by moving tickets and packing out shows. These numbers don’t just represent sales, they represent influence, community, and momentum.
This month’s numbers come from the We The Culture Concert held in Atlanta on July 26th
Learn more about the Youth Audio Collective
Go behind the scenes of the Scribble Scrabble music video
Watch the final student Music Video Visit GrowYourWorld.org to learn more and support
From the headliner to the last slot, these artists have draw... Reach out to book them TODAY!
Artists: Need More Paid Shows? Submit Music at makinitmag.com/paid
ATL HIP HOP DAY 2025
Atlanta once again celebrated the culture with a full weekend of music, art, and community at ATL Hip Hop Day. This year’s festival featured electric performances from Makin’ It Mimbers Joint Dexter, Just the Empress, and Klazik, who each brought their unique sound and energy to the stage. The photos below capture some of the best moments from the event and the spirit of independent artists making their mark.
Photos by Tre Cooks Photography (Follow @Photos.by.Tre)
Worth It JaySun the Prodigal King
Clouds Boomwah
I'm That Guy Solar Facts
Eledumare Dey For Me Kwate
HIP-HOP ARTIST BRAND OWNER
@losteveospv
@losteveospv
@losteveospv
@losteveospv
TOP RADIO SPINS 2025
Song Title
Thriller Bag / 281
Song Title
Canal Street Motion / 262
Song Title
Player’s Pain / 170
ABOUT
Lo $teve is a Hip-Hop artist from New Orleans, Louisiana known for his witty wordplay and smooth delivery over instrumentals reminiscent of 70's and 80's soul. Frequently heard is his trademark stamp “Old School Player Vibes”.
2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Performance on Cadillac Chronicles “Live From The Caddy” in Atlanta, GA
