Photographer: Cecy Young
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Are you inspired by any artists from the past, present or future? As far as inspiration goes, I just admired Kris Kross because they were young kids, and I was a little kid. I can?t really say they inspired me musically. But on a creative level they did. They were young, black, cool, and innovative for wearing their clothes backwards. As far as music was concerned, I was heavily influenced by Tupac, Goodie Mobb, Outcast, Bob Marley, and Lauryn Hill. I would say the more socially aware, conscious people who reflected it in their music. Your sound is unique, dark, with a rough gritty type of sound. But your single "Going Down? was fun and more light hearted. Did you have fun with that and what influenced that song? Being signed to a major record label, and me trying to appease the major label machine. Don?t get me wrong; I created ?Going Down? from an organic place. But I felt the pressure of being on a major label to create a type of song that people would identify with, and gravitate toward, that is in the realm of a hit record. But that was never my aim. And I like ?Going Down? but it is not a song, aside from the lyrics, that I am extremely passionate about. I am not really head over heels with it. But I created it to appease major record label executives, and create a hit record. I enjoyed making the video more so than the actual record. People are more comfortable and accepting of mix-tapes now a days. Do you feel more comfortable with making mix-tapes, giving its ?underground?, more creative freedom, non-mainstream feel? I think mix-tapes give you this freedom, but I think record labels represent something differently than they did initially. The purpose was for the label to give an artist an outlet, now it?s pressured, capitalistic, and is less about the artistry. It also ran by white Jewish people who are dictating what is good and what is not. But we created the culture. I feel pressure when someone tells me my music is not a masterpiece. I created it that way. We have people who don?t know anything about the culture ?green lighting? the music that?s put out, I don?t vibe with that. I can do whatever I want when I am not under the pressure of the
record label. I just want to create from my heart. It used to be where you just used their platform to reach a larger audience, but it isn?t like that anymore. I would prefer a major label because I could reach more people. But I have to go the independent route because I could have more freedom of expression then I would do that. Does your music inspire your fashion? Do you have a favorite designer? Not really. I am not into fashion like I used to be, everything had to be name brand. Now, I just like to feel and look comfortable, and present myself well. I get my clothing from the thrift store and I landed a sponsorship with Nike, so they give me free shoes. Other than that, fashion is no longer part of my value system. That sh* t does not mean anything to me anymore. Multi-billionaires don?t care about the things we care about. We black people are so materialistic because we never had sh* t. So the stuff we value is monetary, like clothes, jewelry, and shoes. So, when we get a little bit of money that is the stuff we run to get. I didn?t want to value those things, so I could invest my money in things that would yield a return on my investment, not suck my money dry. What does being the leader of Cult rap mean? The leader of organic and authentic movement, that is what being the leader of a cult means. That is why I decided to name my brand ?cult rap?. I researched Jim Jones, Charles Manson and other occultists. There is one thing that I understood about these cult leaders: they were genius, whether people liked them or not, that is subjective. But who they were and their mentality made them geniuses. And they never forced their ideology on anyone, they never forced anyone to join. People just wanted to follow their cause for whatever reason. That is the music I want to make. I am never going to force my music down people?s throats, like these major music labels, with radio, they just make you accept people?s music. Whether people realize it or not, many things are forced upon us. I wanted my movement to be organic, for people to genuinely accept my music, and pass it along by word of mouth, or on the internet. I decided that I would be the
leader of this sh* t, of organic and grassroots following. So that is what cult music is. Do you gravitate toward any particular subject matter when creating music? Not really. People like to call it ?struggle rap? but sh* t, there is so much struggle in the world. I just think with me shedding light on how f* * ked up the world is, it can come off as a bit repetitive. But I guess with me liberating the mind of the people, it touches on the same subject matter that you need to beat in their f* * king heads, because some people don?t seem to understand. I am always touching on GMO?s, us being oppressed people, laws, the hood and the struggle. Life is a struggle whether you have money or not. I just like to discuss reality and sometimes people cannot accept that. Too much bullsh* t distracting people anyway. So why would I fall down that path to keep people distracted from what is really going on? I want people to understand what is going on, and if I have to talk about it in every song, then so be it. On your Instagram you show a lot of positive images of you and your children. Why it is uncommon to see a rapper show his children as the main focus on social media instead of money, women, and cars? Some artists want to keep their children from the public, I understand that. I see Instagram as a means to showcase what you value. For others, children may not be a part of their value system. If I see a woman on Instagram with pictures of mostly her showing her body. You are branding yourself on Instagram. You see pictures of people smoking weed and drinking lean, and they may have about ten children. But we may not see them because that is not what they value the most. I am not against it, I can?t dictate what a person?s values should be, and you can?t say that means because someone?s kids are not displayed on social media they do not take care of them. For me, I want to encourage people who are not taking care of their kids like they should. I want to show people that they can follow their dreams and still go all out for their kids. What do you have coming up music wise? Any upcoming projects? I just released Mind of A Gemini, Part II. which is on the one-year anniversary of Part I on June 18th which is my birthday. I also dropped Guilty Until Proven Innocent on May 21st which is my little brother ?s birthday. So make sure you all go download them, they're available right now. I am also working on another project, as well as a huge deal that is still under negotiations. If you could perform with any other artist, past or present, who would it be and why? I would like to perform with Tupac and DMX, back when his ?Flesh of My Flesh? album came out. I would like to perform with Busta Rhymes in his earlier years. I feel we shared an energy that I channel when I perform.
m ag azine
How does it feel to be one of the leaders in the Hip Hop scene for Charlotte and where do you see the City musically in the future?
I don't know where I see Charlotte musically in the future. Charlotte does not have an identity. We would have to establish an identity first and foremost. We then have to come up with a distinct sound. We have to develop something so tangible that when someone hears it, they say ?yo, this is dope?. North Carolina is still on the rise. I don't give a damn how Southern some of these rappers from other regions try to sound, they will never be from the South. It was never my intention to be one of the leaders of Charlotte Hip Hop. I want the whole world. I don't want just the hometown association because that is how far some artists go is their hometown. I am also building with people whether they are major artists or not. At one point, no one knew me. So I respect people on the rise, people who have solid positions in Charlotte. But as for me, I don?t carry myself as if people have to kiss my a* * . I am not really on the scene like that, and I plan to keep it that way. What has been the biggest Challenge in your music career? How did you overcome? Maintaining work-life balance with my children. Being on the road has been my challenge. I still haven't figured it out yet. That is the only challenge I face. What advice would you give to artists striving to be as
successful as you have been musically? Just be who you are. Because this is the world I live in, I tend to hear what is on the airways ? 99% of the music is bullsh* t. That is why I don?t follow anyone on Instagram. I don't want to see this sh* t. Nobody is doing anything to make me want to follow them. There is some cool sh* t going on here and there, but I stay in my own world. Even the ads and marketing try to entice you to follow them. But I just want to do my own thing and find my own inspiration organically. Find your inspiration, whether it is music, or some elements in your life. Read more, people don?t read. It shows in some rhymes, too. People are running out of things to talk about. And then they have said every damn thing about a trap that they could ever say. Read more, expand the mind and your music will expand. Be healthy, drink lots of water. Daniro?s sobering music can be both shocking yet enlightening. With most music promoting dissociation from reality, even with the aid of drugs and alcohol, it is important that we have conscious artists like him to give the public a much needed wake up call. While we all are exposed to the same news feeds, latest gossip and trends nearly force-fed to us from a digital spoon, we still have a responsibility to face life?s challenges head on. Thankfully, artists like Daniro are dedicated to encourage us to wake up and be the change we envision.
The Gif t That Opens A Way By:Marage Blakeney
Br ennan Vil l ines There is a passage in Proverbs 18:16 of the Bible that states, ?A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.? Brennan Villines is a testament of this sacred text. His musical gifts have truly paved his path from seemingly humble beginnings to collaboration with many great accomplished artists. Brennan is determined to share his musical gifts with the world and letting others know that 'Where man puts a period, God will always add a comma? because the story is not finished. Brennan Villines is a prolific singer, song-writer, and classically trained pianist. Villines grew up in the small rural town of Dixon, Kentucky with a city population of 700 residents. At the age of three, Brennan found a love for the piano. As a child prodigy and musical genius, his talent did not go unnoticed in his small town. In 2006, Villines moved to Tennessee to attend the University of Memphis on a full
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scholarship afforded to him on his musical laurels. While in college, Brennan received a double major. He became heavily involved within the Memphis community. He plays for many local theatrical events, musical ensembles, and worship services, just to name a few of the
doors that have been opened for Brennan. Although he has a technical background in classical musical, Brennan?s sound is a refreshing fusion of jazz, soul, and pop. Brennan?s music is an unique mixture of blending elements of both old and new melodies to create beautiful masterpieces. His crisp, crony voice tonality is reminiscent of great jazz legends such as Miles Davis and Duke Ellington. However, he did not develop his infectious vocal chops until he went to college. ?Back where I grew up, there was no jazz jam thing,? Brennan says. ?There was no place I could just go and play ? there was nobody to teach me, except for classical or maybe pop piano. It was all musical theater or church music. You try to find some soul out of that, at a Baptist church. So in college, this opportunity comes up at the Mollie Fontaine Lounge and I just loved it. That?s when I really started coming into my voice. I?ve always loved jazz and soul, and that was where I started developing the tonality and chops I have today.? Unfortunately, life has not been a crystal stair for Brennan. He almost lost the love of himself and his beautiful musical talents as a result of a ?toxic relationship?. The pain of the relationship left Brennan struggling with a drug addiction and discovering that he was HIV positive. Thankfully, God carried him during those dark days. He became clean from the inside and out. ?It?s really just a relief to be out of that relationship and to know my status and to know myself on the other side of it. It made me grow up in every sense of the word. I know what I want now.? He channeled that of all of those emotions back into music, as a form of therapy. Brennan?s last album featured entire tracks recorded in a ?live? studio setting with rhythm sections taped all in one take. However, for Brennan?s upcoming musical project, he will present two new albums simultaneously for his fans. One album will be an Extended Play (EP) and another musical project of single collection with the collaboration of various producers. This next project will unveil a sound transformation that includes more electronic/digital
Ser et ha
Lichez w By:Davita Collins
hen fulfilling ones dreams, there will be many obstacles in the way. While some may view adversity as a hindrance, others see them as an opportunity to show up and become the people they are meant to be. While it can be unnerving to step into the unknown, but with faith and perseverance, all mysteries will be revealed crystal clear. Seretha Lichez knew at a very young age that she was destined to sing, and has broken down many barriers to achieve personal and career success. I was able to have a heart to heart with the American Idol Alum to discuss glimpses of her past, present and future.
Tell u s a bit abou t you r back gr ou n d an d h ow you got in t o t h e m u sic bu sin ess. Wh o or w h at in spir ed you ? I grew up singing and I have been singing as long as I can remember, probably ever since I started talking. I wrote my first song when I was five. I probably spelled all of the words wrong, but it was in my head so I knew early on that I had an ability to write and create, not only sing. I led my own song when I was in my head so I knew early on that I had an ability to write and create, not only sing. I led my own song when I was six. It was then that I realized that I enjoyed being in front of people, and it seemed as if they received me well. With the applause and the cheering, from there I developed an interest and I knew that is what I wanted to do. I wanted to sing, and I was meant to be a singer. After that, my parents started to put me in talent shows among other showcases just to develop my singing abilities. Also, I was in the youth choir at church so I definitely grew up in the church. That is where my foundation is. In school, I joined choruses while continuing to develop. I really started taking my career seriously in high school. I had a few groups I had formed, with other girls who were interested in music I like and they started doing talent shows with me as well. Eventually I decided to pursue my solo career in about the eleventh grade. From there I started to record professionally. At twenty and twenty one years old I started to really get heavily involved with making mixed tapes. Back then, mixed tapes weren?t really that popular amongst R&B singers. It was considered a Hip Hop ?thing?, and no one in the R&B world really had caught onto building their career from the ground up using mix tapes yet. I was one of the first people to put out an R&B mixtape and it was posted up by a DJ. We developed it and it did really well, especially overseas. And then, I got pregnant! From there, I took a break from music for awhile to focus on being the best mother I could be to my daughter, and I sung gospel. I did a lot of background singing for a lot of gospel
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Stylist : Ebone Johnson @eyebreathefashion Photographer:Garrett Kerr @onegshot
?Basically, take it however you want to take it. Sometimes people get bored and they look for any little thing and they ride it because it?s entertainment. The people put me on this jet, so let?s just roll with it. Why not?? Why not, indeed. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Moss?s music career began at the early age of six. Although he didn?t meet long-time record producer Jermaine Dupri until 1998, Moss was working with Snoop Dogg (who, fun fact, dubbed Moss with the name Lil?Bow Wow) and Dr. Dre before he hit double digits. It was Dupri who helped him shape his career, however, and even with fame due to a quickly budding, promising music career, Moss credits Like Mike as the major turning point in his career. The film, which was released in 2002 and featured a teenage Moss ?runnin?up and down the court?in a pair of magical sneakers, ?took it so big,? he says. ?On ce I did Like Mike, I h ad w h it e k ids in Am er ica an d all over t h e w or ld w h o n ever even got a w h if f of t h e m u sic, bu t t h e m ovie w as so gr eat t h at k ids w er e ju st like n obody cou ld play t h at r ole ot h er t h an h im . Som e k ids pr obably cau gh t on lat er t h at ?oh , h e?s an act or , bu t h e r aps, t oo. He r apped in h is m ovie, bu t h e?s alw ays been a r apper .?Like Mike w as a t u r n in g poin t f or m e.? With an expanded fan base and doors opening to more opportunities came a name change. Technically, Moss?s decision to drop the ?Lil?from his stage name came a few months before Like Mike?s debut, but it?s a change that?s becoming symbolic in Moss?s growth from boy to man. Once again, the rapper changed his name in
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2014, dropping his moniker completely in favor of his given name to start yet another new chapter, and it?s one defined by a desire to give back.
From Lil?Bow Wow, to Bow Wow, to Shad Moss, one thing has remained consistent, if only
Take it ho w ev er yo u want t o take it .
unapparent at a first glance thanks to the media?s insistence the rapper makes his life seem grander than it really is, and that?s something Moss has a unique perspective on. ?It?s a waste of time,? he says, when asked about social media and fighting the battles to change that perception. ?Every week, a celebrity will do some dumb sh* t. Just when you?re the talk of the media, and if you can take it for
Jacket: Good Times (Vintage Shop-Charlotte NC) Shirt-Watch-Pants-Shoes: Score -(Charlotte NC) Photographer: Antoinne Duan Jones Creative Director: Michael Lopez MUA/Set Assistant- Jasmine Byrd Stylist: Candis Gibbs & Jerry Thompson Location: Weldon Bond Studios Set Props- The T.Z Studio- Laurence Logan