ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue57

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Magazine

60 DENA Artists…

Local Arts & Culture

Ockley Antherius M.K. Gray Betty Shabazz Maya Huyana Langston Doobs West Serenghetti & so much more…

Fo r Th a R e v i v a l & P r e s e r v a t i o n o f

I s s u e

01. K. Stone - Tunnel Vision (2:54)

04. K. Stone - Been Thru It (2:56)

02. K. Stone - Homies (Feat. Jay Mulah) (2:42)

05. K. Stone - Luxury (Feat. Kali Slim) (3:07) 06. K. Stone - Meet Again (2:40)

03. K. Stone - I'm Comin' (Feat. Kali Slim) (3:23)

07. K. Stone - I'm A Gangsta (2:49)

08. K. Stone - Not Afraid (Feat. King 16 & Kali Slim) (3:13) 09. K. Stone - Sleep Walkin' (Remix) (Feat.

Mozzy) (3:06)

ThaWilsonBlock Magazine is now accepting music submissions from local independent artists who want to gain exposure and make a little $$ while they're at it.

WilsonBlock100 Charts automatically displays the hottest content on the block with content ranging from Articles, Videos, Photography, and more...

If you want to make money from your music by simply sharing it around, you've come to the right place!

You can make money from exposure by simply submitting your music to WilsonBlock100 Charts. If your song(s) are Top 3 by the 10th of tha month, YOU WILL GET PAID!

Payout Levels: #1 on the Block by 10th of month = $100 #2 on the Block by 10th of month = $50 #3 on the Block by 10th of month = $25

Make $100/month off your songs!

"Life's A Gamble" music video by KStone featuring Major James

Watch Now! ALMOST FAMOUS LNK LIFE'S A GAMBLE FT MAJOR JAMES OFF THE MIXTAPE ALMOST FAMOUS PRODUCED BY JAY P BANGZ MIXED BY KALI SLIM PRODUCTIONS

Bing Bing explains how Foster Care & Heart Break has Affected him as an Artist

"Growing up in foster care for majority of my life, I have slowly learned as an adult that there were and still are a lot of what feels like "secrets" being kept from me about my own life. Meaning there are people out there that know more about tha particulars of my childhood than I do ," Bing Bing shares with us. "Considering all that in addition to recent relationships ending in heartbreak, I carry a lot of 'open wounds'. A lot of things have happened to me that I just never got any closure for. After awhile, those pains build and I am tested. And so, I've come to tha conclusion that music is how I'll be able to tell my truths. Music will allow me to share my testimony in hopes of reaching someone and sparking that inspiration in them. Music is tha tool that will enable me to turn these negative situations into positive outcomes .“ Read More‌

NEW ARTISTS

Langston Doobs

M.K. Gray

Ockley

Langston Doobs brings a smooth melodic sound in the vein of Goldlink or Anderson Paak. His music crosses the lines of several genres while still staying in the lines just enough to be classified as Hip Hop. His colorful abstract sound makes a beautiful composition on every song. Langston Doobs is definitely a new Northwest artist worth checking out.

I've consistently written songs either by myself or with others for over 30 years, mainly with Phillip Harrington of Killer Phil Sound. Currently a Writer Member of Broadcast Music, Inc and I specialize in lyric writing. I am currently looking for experienced co-writers who compose.

Ockley is an musician born and bred in Zambia.

Ockley is a multi talented singer with abilities to do various genres of music.

He is a songwriter, entrepreneur, and a student. Officially, he begun his music career in 2016. He has worked with Zambian local artists and written music for some of the uprising stars in his country. He has two debut singles called Main One and Tikaonana (mean ing-when we meet).

Ockley is ready to take the music industry by storm.

Learn More about M.K. Gray…

Learn More about Langston Doobs…

Submit Your Artist Profile Today! It’s FREE!!!

Learn More about Ockley…

Mistah Wilson: Yo KStone, what's good wit it! Thanks for coming thru for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! Before we get further into it, what was it like growing up in Pasadena, CA and what does it mean to be from tha City of Roses?

KStone: I'm a 80's baby so around that time it was turnt meaning the gang life. You seen the rising of the crack era. Pops a gang member so I remember hearing gunshots. 46 E. Montana St yea is where it all began. Mama got us in the kitchen clutching down I remember all of that. My childhood was nasty. To be from here City of the Rose it's a wonderful feeling blessed it's no other city like it.

Mistah Wilson: When did you know you wanted to pursue music?

KStone: I wanted to purse music at a young age. I remember pops got his beats playing on his stereo he had back n the day telling me to catch the beat read in his rhyme book at like 9. Since then it waz a go. But I didn't really start taking it serious til' like I hit the county jail at 18 shit got real for ya' boy. Just took my life and put it on paper.

Mistah Wilson: What current and upcoming projects do you have in tha works?

KStone: Right now I got my mixtape Tha Ghettos Preacher droppin' in November. Got some Features wit some real dope artist, too. So, early next year I'll have my first official Album out.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some artists you've worked with and which artists from DENA stand out tha most to you?

KStone: The artist I worked with have been Major James on that Life's A Gamble track off my last mixtape Almost Famous still out on nerveDjs or Datpiff.. Artists that stand out to me.. I like Greezy, Kali Slim, Kali B, Munee Waterz, Jay Mulah A lot he come off with that street gospel like me. I like V8 and what he doing over there. We all do it's a lot and we all got our own lane.

Mistah Wilson: From your standpoint, what has been tha state and condition of Pasadena's local music scene?

KStone: Superb. When it comes down to music my city is great we excel in this part because of the struggle because of where we live we bottle all that up and put it down. Due to that I think we get over looked a lot. I think we should all come together and put Dena where it's suppose to be. But right now we all in our own pocket making noise not as a unit. It's critical right now we need unity. Branching outside the box then I think people would take more notice and interest in us.

Mistah Wilson: In your songs you mention you've done prison time. What have been some challenges you've faced on your journey?

KStone: I did 4 in prison due to a terrible childhood growing up but the streets changed me. Got caught wit possession of sales of crack cocaine at 18 shortly after I caught my first gun case..multiple 211's it's been rough for me u could see it hear it cuz I talk about it. Seen the passing of my Brody Kendrick Mcneil late 2015 really struck a nerve wit me still do always will. The struggle from homelessness has really humbled me to the person I am to today.

Mistah Wilson: What have been some more of tha rewarding things you've experienced thus far?

KStone: First off the Birth of my son Bralynn Kendrick-Lawrence McNeil a real blessing for me. I got to work with Major James that was a goal of mine since I heard Roll On with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, really nothin too major right now but my future is lookin' bright.

Mistah Wilson: What message are you trying to send through your music?

KStone: The message I'm trying to send is a positive one through all the struggles + the court cases What ever u have on ya' lap u can get through it.

And my music gives you that side of life where we're not as fortunate as others. We take losses and go through things that's terrifying and I'm that voice to tell people what we go through. Me, Tha Ghetto's Preacher..

Mistah Wilson: Where can people connect and follow you online?

KStone: All man, they can tap in wit me through my Email My facebook at Kendall kstone McNeil My ig at topdafoodchainent Mistah Wilson: Yo, KStone! This is only tha beginning, fam! Thanks for coming thru for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine.

Got any shout outs?

KStone: Got a couple on'em shot out Kali Slim my producer beat maker everything in one right there. Shot out the squad Topdafoodchain Kmack Phatz, StoneMack, Stone. N. Peace, RuffBabys, Kali B, Much Love Jay Mulah, Munee Waterz, G-Raff, my support Tha Squad.

“I have a very raw approach, and I'm learning every day from more experienced songwriters on how to use actual technique. For my process I start with random rhymes or cadences, (or derive them from a beat) then I build on that .�

Mistah Wilson: Before being an artist, I'm a fan first. And I must say, you got bars! Would you consider yourself more of a singer or rapper?

Maya Huyana: Thank you so much =D I consider myself a rapper! lol But it seems to be split consensus on what my supporters enjoy (lol) 50/50 rap sing... I love writing the most of everything and then rapping. Singing is probably third.

Mistah Wilson: Tell us about your performance history. Where have you performed and where would you like to perform?

Maya Huyana: I've opened for Audio Push in OC and Bodega Bamz. I've done many Brick 2 Ya Face gigs, shows in LA, OC, and the IE. I would love to perform in San Diego, ATL, and Japan.

Mistah Wilson: What artists have you worked with and would like to work with some time in tha future?

Maya Huyana: In the past I've worked with Cashis from Shady Records, Noa James, Wanya Morris, EOTR Network, and Jahlil Beats. In the future I would love to work with Isaiah Rashad, Stevie Wonder, Alchemist, Iman Omari, and Kid Cudi.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some musical figures that influenced tha artist you are today?

Maya Huyana: Bob Marley, Teena Marie, Ralfi Pagan, Tupac, Santana, & Lauryn Hill.

Mistah Wilson: What have been some challenges you've faced on your journey as an artist?

Maya Huyana: Learning to be a recording artist was a challenge, like learning the art of recording and producing, how to use my mechanism. Moving to LA was also a HUGE adjustment lol. But I think I'm getting used to it [: Mistah Wilson: What have been some more of the rewarding things you've experienced?

Maya Huyana: Dropping Rebirth was extremely gratifying. It felt wonderful to see my scattered thoughts turn into songs, then those songs evolve over time, then continue to record and design the music... lastly decide the final 7 that made the album.

From beginning to end, creating a body of audible art (and my first passive income stream! lol) has been the most rewarding.

Mistah Wilson: On ThaWilsonBlock, we like to help artists share their story. What do you plan to accomplish thru your music?

Maya Huyana: I would like to accomplish giving the world good music that they feel empowered upon listening to.

Mistah Wilson: How important is giving back to tha community for you?

Maya Huyana: Giving back is extremely important.

My great grandparents instilled it in us early. I think we were put here for a bigger purpose other than our own exploits and

desires.

Mistah Wilson: What positive, encouraging words do you have for aspiring artists and musicians who may be reading this?

Maya Huyana: Take the time to develop your own unique sound.

In the words of a wise prophet named Dory "just keep swimming" lol in the words of my granny "if you're going thru hell, keep goin" Mistah Wilson: Where can people follow your music online?

Maya Huyana: Soundcloud @mayahuyana iTunes + Spotify + Tidal @MayaHuyana Youtube & Instagram Mistah Wilson: Thank you so much, Maya Huyana for coming thru for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock! It's always great when we get to interview artists that we are a fan of. If you have any shout outs, lets hear it!

Maya Huyana: shoutout to Tyrus Parks shoutout to Elise shoutout to Moms shoutout to EOTR Network shoutout to PakkMusic shoutout to the homegirl Monie shoutout to GOD shoutout to ThaWilsonBlock !!!!!!!

#WhatBlockYouOn #TweetYoStreet @thawilsonMAG

Mistah Wilson: Greetings, Maya Huyana! Honored to have you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock. How ya' been?

Maya Huyana: I'm extremely blessed! Thank you for reaching out.

Mistah Wilson: First and foremost, we discovered you via 210West, an artist we have much admiration for. How did you guys connect?

Maya Huyana: 210 invited me to perform at one of his events called Indie Music Night. He and the entire team have such great energy so I came back to Indie Music Night for a 2nd time last month.

He's amazing!

Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, could you give us a quick background on yourself ?

Maya Huyana: My name is Mayah I was born and raised in the Inland Empire CA (with a short detour in Las Vegas) I'm a songwriter, singer, rapper, and visual artist. I just dropped my debut LP called Rebirth, and I'm just super grateful to be making music. I'm also working on a film called Lethal Envy, the story of black wall street.

Mistah Wilson: What led you to becoming an artist?

Maya Huyana: I don't think anything led me, but I always naturally created. I used to draw picture books and illustrations. Then once I learned words I wrote stories and poems... started writing music at 13. Seriously, when it

comes to music, I began recording 3 years ago.

Mistah Wilson: Tell us about your album "Rebirth". What was the concept behind this work?

Maya Huyana: Rebirth is an audible representation of my personal evolution, and an LP that's dedicated to oppressed people everywhere. The world is going through a huge change and many of us are in a metamorphosis period. Politically, culturally, everything is just changing. My frustrations and hopes are reflected in Rebirth, as well as underlying themes and stories.

Mistah Wilson: We enjoyed tha music video for "U Should Be Here". Where'd you find inspiration for that project?

Maya Huyana: Thank you [: My inspiration for "U Should Be Here" music video was to just film a music video in the place I lived (Riverside, CA at the time) because I enjoy being CA, and I draw so much inspiration from here. The colors, outfits, and locations were all in influenced by my surroundings. So I wrote the treatment, my friend Konami and I came together to have fun and execute.. it was my first music video ever lol .

Mistah Wilson: When I watch "Mayah's Jam" music video, I don't know what I love more: your look or your voice. What techniques do you use to develop new song concepts and visual treatments?

Maya Huyana: You're

literally making me blush! lol .. As far as song concepts, I have a very raw approach, and I'm learning every day from more experienced songwriters on how to use actual technique. For my process I start with random rhymes or cadences, (or derive them from a beat) then I build on that. After I have some solid rhymes or ideas, I then try to format scattered lyrics into structured music; a chorus, a verse, etc.

For visual treatments, I play the song (that I want to do the visual for) a lot, then I wait to be inspired.

Sometimes it's hard to have patience (lol) but it always comes to me.

Something... a movie, a picture, a place that I visit, will provoke an idea.

Then, I build on that first little spark. Lastly I try to think of locations.

Mistah Wilson: What are 3 of your personal favorite songs of yours?

Maya Huyana: Westcoast Euphoria, Rebirth, and Soul Food Mistah Wilson: What's your process when scouting or producing new beats?

Maya Huyana: I enjoy writing so I will literally write to any beat, it doesn't matter whether it's trap or boom -bap or a random commercial lol. I like to challenge myself.

But It's kind of weird, when it comes to selecting beats for my own personal use, I know almost within seconds (of hearing a beat) whether it's for me or not.

In order to achieve a unified local music scene, it is imperative that local artists and musicians do their part. And tha hope is that most will be honored to do so.

In 2013, ThaWilsonBlock started it's magazine and tha launch of tha everso-formal 'Pasadena Music Scene' in a sincere effort to help recognize local, native, independent artists. The reason a formal music scene has been created in Pasadena, CA is because tha prime news outlets and sources rarely scout for local native talent. So, while tha whole World watches Pasadena on New Years Day or when high profile acts like Jay Z and Eminem hit tha Rose Bowl, it is tha local native artists and musicians who kinda have to bite tha bullet.

This call for unity is to help foster a sense of purpose in tha greater community. Mistah Wilson is acting as tha cornerstone having taken a very special interest in Pasadena music. Today, ThaWilsonBlock has created one of tha essential sources for DENA artists and their respective content. We want our local artists to be formally recognized and acknowledged for who they are and encourage them to be proactive members of tha arts community and society abroad.

The following is a list of: •Pasadena/Altadena artists in our network 1.210West 2.2-Hye 3.AJ tha DJ 4.Andre Hardin 5.Armen 6.Aron Fletcher 7.Asya 8.Azo 9.Bill Bogaard 10.Bing Bing 11.Blak Axx 12.Brandin Bruce 13.Chuck Dollaz 14.Crooked Noize 15.D. Haile 16.Disco Ministries 17.DJ Chuck Daggers 18.DOMINANCE 19.DPone 20.Emani 21.Eric Williams (EDuB) 22.Gangsta Ric 23.GL Moody 24.Hax 25.Imani Akil 26.iMu 27.Infant Head 28.IWIL ONE 29.J. Byrd 30.J. Real 31.J. Rell 32.Jason Hardin 33.Jay Mays 34.Jazzzone Network 35.Joey Tripp 36.Jon2 37.J. Reese 38.Justin Miller 39.KStone 40.Larr y McZeal 41.Latoya Rhodes

42.L3 Gamble 43.L Boogie 44.LEJ (LeMatiq) 45.Loretta Glickman 46.Lovey Elise 47.Lyndrum 48.MAC A 49.Magic Mike Z 50.Mak Boss 51.Matt & Megan (Bagpipes) 52.McSteezy 53.Meddie Lanes 54.Michael Jones 55.Moe Grams 56.Mr. Frantastic 57.Mr. McStrange 58.Ms. Jeanine 59.Mystah GT 60.Nicky BeacHouses 61.Nino Rose 62.Noy 63.Ol Sol 64.Otto Evans 65.Paco Swar tz 66.Phil Phree 67.PokeyLo 68.Qaadir Naqib 69.Ramon Barajas 70.RD Peace 71.Relly 2euce 72.Rollie Robles 73.Ron & Greg 74.Roscoe Lee Owens 75.Rose Robinson 76.Rough City 77.SB (Kevin Duncan) 78.Shamir 79.Sobukwe Toure 80.Stephen Baldr y 81.Tee Ran 82.Tone Grizzard

83.Victor Gordo 84.Warrior Richardson 85.XL Middleton 86.YG Chief 87.YG Lil Ive 88.Zarkhi Palmer 89.Zoneiak McGee 90.Zyto Crowns

Betty Shabazz (May 28, 1934 – June 23, 1997), born Betty Dean Sanders and also known as Betty X, was an American educator and civil rights advocate. She was the wife of Malcolm X.

Shabazz grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where her foster parents largely sheltered her from racism. She attended the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where she had her first encounters with racism. Unhappy with the situation in Alabama, she moved to New York City, where she became a nurse. It was there that she met Malcolm X and, in 1956, joined the Nation of Islam. The couple married in 1958.

Along with her husband, Shabazz left the Nation of Islam in 1964. She witnessed his assassination the following year. Left with the responsibility of raising six daughters as a single mother, Shabazz pursued a higher education, and went to work at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York.

Following the arrest of her daughter Qubilah for allegedly conspiring to murder Louis Farrakhan, Shabazz took in her young grandson Malcolm. He set a fire in her apartment that caused severe burns to Shabazz.

Shabazz died three weeks later as a result of her injuries.

Learn More about Betty Shabazz Los Angeles Rapper 2Mex explains what Underground Hip Hop means to him

The following is a list of: •Pasadena/Altadena artists NOT in our network 1. V8 2. Young Fidge 3. rESidue Riggins 4. Moniquea 5. Noy 6. Nico Coli 7. Major James 8. Phit Cat 9. Denaboy Juce 10. G Laf 11. Dre Har v 12. Ryane Mooves 13. REBORN 14. Michael Towns 15. Mar vin Towns 16. Kali Slim 17. Harold Blu 18. James Broadway 19. K-Rahn 20. Craig Gillespie 21. Hit Boy 22. PokeyLo 23. Joey Brown 24. Gr ynch 25. Reality Jonez 26. Allisonne Crawford 27. Doc Mob 28. S CLAZ 29. Ethan Aver y 30. Evri 31. Michael Mullins 32. Rough City 33. Spacepimpin 34. Blax O'neil 35. Ew Speak 36. Philthy Phactor 37. FatherMaeEye 38. C .O.N.S the Villain 39. YB 40. DJ Highlight 41. Westorious

42. D. Molly 43. Yancy Deron 44. Tommy Bunnz 45. Zook 46. Ewil 47. Azo 48. JDM 49. Marcus Cash 50. Mz. Kizzy 51. Lil' S 52. Ethan Aver y 53. Jon B. 54. Scipio 55. Marlo Henderson 56. DJ Beez 57. Train of Thought 58. Bigg Bump 59. Flawcee B 60. Blak Axx

This list is meant to show and prove what it takes to truly move as a united local music scene . This is an effor t to put a little more pressure back on our local ar tists as we move towards a formal united music scene . For years , and in countless inter views with native DEN A ar tists , most have said the same things in their own words regarding Pasadena, C A's Hip Hop heritage; where it's been, where it is now, and where it's going. It is now time to take action. If your name is listed below under the Pasadena/Altadena ar tists who are NOT in our network, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us so that we may formally recognize you as the ar tist you are . Because we cannot truly have a unified scene unless we are all acknowledged by each other.

For tha record, tha ar tists from Pasadena/Altadena listed here only reflects a significant por tion. There are tons more ar tists from tha region that we are yet to meet and greet. If you are an ar tist or musician from Pasadena / Altadena and would like to be recognized by your local music scene , reach out to us via Email or Call (626)817-6978.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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