IZOVA THE KHEMIST Izova is a striving artist one who is also growing as a father. He stands for what he believes in when it comes to culture and music. He was born and raised in Watts, CA (Nickerson Gardens), where he started writing poetry at a very young age. In conversations with his mother, she once asked him if he ever wanted to DJ, of course he said “Yes, I can do that!” In receiving all the support from his mother his inspirations quickly grew through the struggle and fight of being an independent artist. He knows what has to be done in order for him to overcome that struggle. Izova will be releasing his next mixtape this winter titled G.I.D which stands for, “Growth In Division.” In his words, “In order for me to succeed I have to grow a part from things I need to divide, like fear, negativity, doubt and negative energy.” His main goal as a independent artist is to tell his story and touch as many people as possible with it, that will inspire his community and open doors for himself and his family.
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SPORTS
Rashan Bellinger is a 6’4 combo guard, out of
North Philadelphia (The Jungle) 26th and Lehigh. He Grew up playing basketball at the neighborhood recreation centers. A basketball was put in his hand by his older brother Eric which made him and his brother go to war with each other over basketball, in a good way. Rashan was six years old when his brother handed him that basketball, from then on he fell in love with the game. Whenever the courts were filled he would hang milk crates on abandoned homes or poles. Those were the good old days. Rashan played college basketball at Burlington County College, were he eventually played overseas in Boliva for the La Salle Olympic. While playing in Boliva, Rashan did very well with the team, taking the team to the playoffs. A little later in Rashan Bellinger’s career he was told by a coach that he was not good enough and that he wouldn’t go far with basketball. But Rashan never gave up, throughout the years he had it in his mind that he would work hard everyday. He put his hard work in effect in every workout he did, which started at 6 a.m. with a prayer and breakfast. If he was in the Philadelphia area he would meet up with John & Franklin and do plyometric & crossfire training. If in Williamsport he worked out with Josh Aarons and they worked on explosiveness, coordination and core just to name a few routines. As well as open runs, and working on game situations. “You get what you put out, you can’t cheat the pro-
cess, dedicate yourself to where you want to be, it will happen when God sees you’re ready.” - Rashan Bellinger
Since college Rashan’s game has improved all around. Which lead him to play in the classic “Danny Rumph” games in Philadelphia. He played against some of the most dynamic NBA stars and overseas players, such as the Morris Twins, James Harden, a couple of Philly legends Vinny Simpson who is also playing overseas, Malik Alvin & Malik Wayns. I asked him how was the feeling of playing in the Rumph classic, and he stated “It was fun. It most definitely is on a different level, you have to be very efficient and remember to just have fun. It was tough playing against some NBA players, former NBA players, and some tough overseas players”. Rashan Bellinger is about hard work and dedication. He is very dedicated to the game of basketball. Rashan will be going overseas very soon to continue this journey. by Lamona Smalley
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FASHION
Throttle gear apparel was founded by myself, Todd Briggs a 10 year US Navy Seabee Vet, in 2012 on the basis of my passion for motorcycles and the release of stress when riding. What started as a simple design created by staring at a motorcycle for hours while working on it has since evolved into a new lifestyle brand and a movement. It has always been my intention to build something greater than myself. Whether through scholastic achievement, organizational notoriety, or personal development. I have always yearned to create something that could really speak to people on a primal and personal nature. I believe that through fashion and the building of a lifestyle brand, I can really reach people on a soulful level and make them feel good about themselves in some way. I have talked to countless people regarding my business endeavor and all conversations and interactions have been positive, even the critical evaluations of my actions. To start a business is to put oneself out in the open for failure and success. I believe that my time in the US Navy, my experience as a graphic designer, my relationships with family and friends, and other difficult/rewarding life situations have prepared me to take this brand to a successful place. I believe I have the tangible business, social, and leadership skills to bring this business to a place where it can really make a difference. Throughout my life, it has often been easier for my personality and soul to shine through my actions rather than my voice or anything like that. As those that know me will attest that I have a unique communication style that is what I would call “one of a kind” though I have had difficulty coping with it. I want people to speak with more than just their words, with this brand. Whenever you walk out the door in the morning you should be ready to speak to the world and tell it you’re ready to handle all the challenges that are thrown your way. You should be comfortable in the way you look and the way that you carry yourself. This is a battle I fight every day and I wanted to create something that helped others in their fight that is our collective mission. That is what Throttle Gear Apparel is all about. We are a clothing brand, a community and a movement that firmly believes in the power of pursuing your dreams and passions, every second of every day; that anyone and everyone is capable of reaching their biggest goals in life if they push themselves hard enough. We believe there are no shortcuts in reaching those goals and we are not afraid of putting in the necessary work to reach them. Life after the military challenged me to take my unique experiences (the successes and failures) my tenacity and positive approach to life and create something inspiring. This culminated into a clothing brand that serves as that constant reminder of what you dream of in life and also what challenges you to reach for it. THROTTLE GEAR’s popular slogan “Feel It, Embrace It, Live It” has a very powerful meaning: “Feel It”… Like the raw power from siting on a motorcycle, feel the power of life that has been given to you. Use it all to your highest ability, use each sense to failure. “Embrace It”… Embrace your life, never settle for anything less. Always perform every task above and beyond your best. Never quit, never think you are ever a failure. To embrace your life is to complete and live your life. “Live It”… Live your life to the fullest. That statement speaks for itself. Meaning take your time but live each and every day to the fullest. Live it like the open road. www.upnextmagazine.com 8 UP NEXT
FASHION
Up Next:Why did you decide to become a fashion designer? TG: Becoming a fashion designer has actually been a life long dream since i was about 9 years old. My mother was a fashion model. She modeled clothes for Lord & Taylor, Gimbels and Strawbridge & Clothier. Seeing her in all these different apparel gave me a desire to want to create clothes that look good. I furthered that dream by becoming a graphics designer. And now the dream has become a great reality. Up Next: Who inspired you? TG: My mother, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, my wife who has been my greatest supporter. She has 3 types of cancer that she is battling and watching her fight everyday made me stronger and made me grind harder with Throttle. Up Next:What does fashion mean to you? TG:“EVERYTHING” The reason i say that is because it should mean everything to you. When you step out whether it be to go to work, the gym, shopping or for a night out, you want to look good. And fashion does just that. People want to be seen, be noticed and wearing the latest and hottest trends. And THROTTLE GEAR APPAREL is definitely bringing you some heat these upcoming seasons. Up Next: How would you describe your personal style? TG: Unusual and unorthodox. When I come up with a design it almost makes me feel like each one is a masterpiece. Like i go into a graphic design metamorphism. One of my greatest inspirations is “DEEP HOUSE MUSIC”....This has to be playing in the background each and every time i design something. Yeah i know it sounds weird but trust me it works for me. Up Next: What was the first step you took when launching Throttle? TG: RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.....I did a lot of it. For almost 2 years I searched the internet, blogs, groups, youtube, instagram, talked to so many people worldwide before i even made my first design. It is really important because the biggest thing you has to realize is there is a lot of competition out here and you want to stand out and get people wanting to purchase your line. Up Next: What advice would you give emerging designers? TG: One word “IDENTITY”.....Make your line, your designs stand out. You don’t want your clothing line to look just like everyone elses. You want to stand out. Also make sure you are selling quality. The last thing you want is bad reviews on the quality of your product. Don’t just get stuff printed without knowing if it will stand up to wearing and washing. Nothing worse than selling a $60 t-shirt and they wash it once and it falls apart or the design is fading or peeling off. Do your homework. Up Next: What are your plans for the future? TG: Right now we have in the works a major RE-LAUNCH PARTY 2017, 2017 FASHION SHOW & our Grand Opening of our PHILADELPHIA FLAGSHIP STORE, our MIAMI STORE & our ATLANTA STORE. Also traveling oversees in the military I made a few INTERNATIONAL Connections in fashion, so we just might go GLOBAL..... Just be on the look out for THROTTLE GEAR APPAREL CO. make sure you follow them on FACEBOOK: Throttle Gear Apparel / INSTAGRAM: @throttlegearapparel / TWITTER: @THROTTLEGEAR / ONLINE STORE: www.throttlegearapparel.com
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NFL PREVIEW Every July across the nation we wait with baited breath as the NFL returns to work. The opening of training camp signifies the new season and a reason to stay home on Sundays. Thousands of fantasy drafts are held and predictions by every major sports publication are made for the upcoming season. Well here at Up Next Magazine we are no different, we are just as obsessed with our football as anyone else. After one week of NFL football I give you my synopsis make sure you take notes. Heading into the rest of the season these 7 things are clear The NFL is the ultimate league of parity you can finish last the year before and become a playoff team the following season There are still only a handful of elite QB’s (Rodgers, Brady, Brees and Rothelisberger) with Cam Newton being extremely close he just needs that Super Bowl win to cement his legacy. The Rams are still light years away from the team most think they will be seeing them get shut out on Monday Night Football was like watching a child of about 7 years old take on the CPU in a game of Madden 2017 but the child is clearly overmatched playing on All Madden level As good as Jimmy Garappolo looked sunday night in Arizona the Patriots still need their leader to be considered a threat even though they are the only team in their division with a win after week 1 The AFC North is probably the most competitive division in the NFL only the Browns are a long shot for the playoffs The Vikings bet way too big on Sam Bradford after losing Teddy Bridgewater for the season to injury the Vikings sent a first and third round pick to the Eagles for a guy who probably wasn’t going to be on the team next season it’s basically robbery without a gun. Colin Kaepernick’s choice to sit instead of standing for the national anthem has everyone talking and with more players following his lead expect the NFL to do something about it.
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NFL PREVIEW
Getting down to the actual competition itself I expect things to be nearly identical to last year with a few exceptions. If you are a Cleveland Browns fan and are expecting big things from your team this year stop now . These teams will pick at the top of the draft again these are in no particular order and anything can happen. However for the Browns fans bet on having a top 5 draft pick at least. Cleveland Browns Jacksonville Jaguars Los Angeles Rams Detroit Lions Chicago Bears Washington Redskins San Diego Chargers Tennessee Titans For the other teams it will be a very tight year thanks to injuries and suspensions. Here is how I have the divisions and playoffs shaping up AFC East - Patriots AFC North - Steelers (1st round bye and home field advantage) AFC South - Colts (1st round bye) AFC West - Chiefs Wild Cards - Broncos, Bengals Wild Card Round Broncos vs Patriots (w) Colts (w) vs Chiefs Divisional Round Patriots vs Steelers (w) Bengals (w) vs Colts
AFC Championship Game - Bengals vs Steelers (w) NFC East - Giants NFC North - Packers (1st round bye and home field advantage) NFC South - Panthers (1st round bye) NFC West - Seahawks Wild Cards - Buccaneers, Cardinals Wild Card Round Cardinals (w) vs Giants Buccaneers vs Seahawks (w) Divisional Round Cardinals vs Panthers (w) Seahawks vs Packers (w) NFC Championship Game - Panthers vs Packers (w) Green Bay in January is like Antarctica too much for Cam and the Panthers to overcome The Steelers have always been the thorn in the paw of the Bengals it will be no different in January Super Bowl 51 rematch of Super Bowl 45 only this time I have the Steelers coming out on top.
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HOT PRODUCER
CYFFA LEYANDA “Music does not lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music”. - Jimi Hendrix
F
or Cyffa Leyenda music isn’t just something he creates or listens to it, it’s what he lives daily. Born Cyffa Israel Isa Rey Leyenda in the fall of 1995 in Lynchburg VA it has been somewhat of a saving grace and a calling. Cyffa was adopted at an early age and then raised in Virginia Beach home of famed producers The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams,Chad Hugo) Tim “Timbaland” Mosley, Melissa “Missy Misdemeanor” Elliott and Teddy Riley to name a few. Cyffa vividly remembers growing up with his dad playing the likes of Nelly, 50 Cent and Usher around the house. It was high school and his VA surroundings that influenced his style. 21 years later he has secured sponsorship with RGS Investments and 3 Kilos Vodka for his upcoming birthday show on October 7th. Needless to say the future looks very bright for Cyffa. Derrick : So what inspired you to start producing? And how long have you been doing it? Cyffa : What inspired me initially was listening to Pharrell Williams productions and early Neptunes stuff. Derrick : And your start? Cyffa : Well in high school I would beat box at lunch as other classmates were rapping and a few people suggested I make beats that were similar to my style of beatboxing. Derrick : What equipment or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) do you use to craft your productions? Cyffa : I use fruity loops 8 currently, I got it for free from Google and I’ve been using it ever since. www.upnextmagazine.com 12 UP NEXT
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Derrick : Do you remember the first beat you made? Cyffa : Yea it was a dubstep type of production, after about a year I was able to sell one of my beats that sampled “If I should die tonight” by Marvin Gaye. Derrick : Would you ever consider using traditional equipment like an MPC and a sampler Cyffa : Nah I would rather stick with my laptop it allows me to be mobile Derrick : Sign of the times and the way technology has grown so fast the laptop does give you the advantage of being mobile and just pulling it out and working when you feel inspired Cyffa : Exactly! Derrick : Now when you produce for artists do you mix the records or leave that for the artist and their own engineer? Cyffa : I typically mix them as well. Cyffa : Sometimes I do use a sample but the majority of the time I prefer to just start from scratch. Derrick : Ok so let’s talk about this sponsorship deal you’ve acquired with 3 Kilos Vodka, how’d that come about? Cyffa : They actually found me on instagram (@therealcyffaleyenda) and reached out to me Derrick : looks like a really fancy brand the packaging looks like a gold brick Cyffa : It’s Ultra Premium Vodka they’re a great company to be in business with Derrick : Now besides producing you’re an artist as well right? Cyffa : Yes I’m a rapper and a dancer Derrick : I saw that you performed at SOB’s in New York which is such an important venue a lot of big names have touched that stage, can you talk about that experience? Cyffa : Yea the show was great the crowd was super lit people were jumping up and down the whole time and after the show ended a lot of the models asked for pictures Derrick : Dope, did you make any new contacts after the show or hook up with anyone who needed beats? Cyffa : Well I was connected with the CEO before I went down there so I was good already Derrick : now besides Pharrell and that classic Neptunes sound who are some other producers you enjoy? Cyffa : Lex Luger, Jhalil Beats, Kanye West, Metro Boomin, TM88, DJ Esco, DJ Mustard, Southside 808, Souja Boi, Timbaland, Sonny Digital and a few others. Derrick : Ok now this is something I ask of any artist or producer, if you could work with any producer or artists on a project who would they be? Cyffa : Definitely Metro Boomin and the artists would be Drake & Future. www.upnextmagazine.com 14 UP NEXT
Derrick : Ok if you had to make a list of your top 5 songs right now and in no particular order what would they be? Cyffa : Chris Brown - Liquor , Future - Blower, Drake - Grammy, Michael Jackson feat. Justin Timberlake - Love Never Felt So Good and Janet Jackson feat. J Cole -No Sleep Derrick : All great choices, if you were stuck on a desert island and could only listen to 5 albums what would they be? Cyffa : Drake - Thank Me Later, Bow Wow - Wanted, 50 Cent - Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, Fergie - The Dutchess and Usher - Confessions Derrick : Ok just a few more questions and we will wrap this up I know you’re a very busy man, if you weren’t an artist/producer what else could you see yourself doing? Cyffa : playing basketball Derrick : Ok, what position were you? Cyffa : Point Guard Derrick : Ok - Kobe/MJ/A.I./ LeBron who’s your guy? Cyffa : LeBron Derrick : You have your show coming up on October 7th at the TAKU Bar right? Cyffa : Yes and that’s sponsored by 3 Kilos Vodka and RGS Investments Derrick : Where can people find your music? Cyffa : My instagram (@therealcyffaleyenda) and my YouTube channel Cyffa Leyenda. Derrick : Are you currently working on a project of your own right now? Or do you have music out at the moment and if so where can it be downloaded or streamed? Cyffa : Just working on singles at the moment “Ride or Die/ Nobody’s Perfect” it’s available on iTunes as well as Amazon Derrick : How would you measure success for your career? Cyffa : I will feel successful when I won’t have to pay for anything or where I feel my money is unlimited and I see my numbers and views are surpassing millions Derrick : Last question I always ask are there any quotes or mantras you live by? Cyffa : “Failure isn’t an option” and “Make moves, save money”
You can find Cyffa’s music on iTunes and Amazon for sale, if you are interested in productions he has snippets on his instagram profile and YouTube channel. I urge everyone to take a listen the proof is in the pudding. By Derrick Jackson www.upnextmagazine.com 15 UP NEXT
FASHION
LRevere By Lady Remedy
Lady Remedy: So, what is the name of your Company and how long have you been in business? LRevere: My company is named Lrevere Clothing. Lady Remedy: At what age did you discover that fashion was your passion?
LRevere: I discovered fashion was my passion at a very young age. When I stumbled across my mothers Vogue Magazine. I was blown away by the clothing and the photos. Lady Remedy: Do you remember your first design? LRevere: My very first design was a button up shirt. I made it in my first semester of college in design school. Lady Remedy: Who/what inspired you to start your brand? LRevere: Before I enrolled into the College for Fashion Design I attended Cosmetology School. It was there at the big hair show before graduation, I witnessed another student making the clothing for her models. In that moment I decided I wanted to be the person making the clothing people wear . Lady Remedy: What type of audience does your brand cater to? LRevere: My brand has two divisions. One is Urban Wear and the other is Formal Wear. I cater to consumers wearing every day ready to wear, as well as customers who need custom garments for special or formal occasions. Lady Remedy: What are your latest fall fashion style? LRevere: My latest fall styles consist of men and women sweat suits, flight jackets, hoodies, and www.upnextmagazine.com 18 UP NEXT
FASHION Lady Remedy: What type of audience does your brand cater to? LRevere: My brand has two divisions. One is Urban Wear and the other is Formal Wear. I cater to consumers wearing every day ready to wear, as well as customers who need custom garments for special or formal occasions. Lady Remedy: What are your latest fall fashion style? LRevere: My latest fall styles consist of men and women sweat suits, flight jackets, hoodies, and graphic tees. Lady Remedy: How many fashion shows have you attended since your brand started? LRevere: I have been in a ton of fashion shows since my brand started, including Philly fashion week. I will be in that show on the 23 for the 4th time. Lady Remedy: Do you have any people that you would like to thank or shout out?
LRevere: There are so many great friends and family members that helped me to make my brand run smoothly. I am thankful for them all. I also would like to thank the man above for blessing me, my parents and my boyfriend who believes in me without a doubt when I had no clue of how to start my business. Lady Remedy: How can people get in contact with you? LRevere: I can be contacted by: Email at gloviesbaskets@gmail.com, at my website www.Lrevere.com, on Instagram at Lrevere1 and iamlrevere or on facebook at Lovie. revere. www.upnextmagazine.com 19 UP NEXT
STREET KNOWLEDGE ENTERTainment Q the Question shawn archer
petter jones trel mack
Q the Question A&R of S.K.E. Records
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Q the Question Up Next: How did you get started with SKE? How did you get started in the music business? QtheQuestion: Technically, my first start was when I interned for Royalty Productions and helped with the shows, shout out to Covington Frazier. Then from that I started as a journalist. I love to write and just as a fan stay informed and up to date on music culture so that was a given. I have written for major sites such as HIPHOPDX, NobodySmiling, HHNLive, Yo Raps! and Tte list goes on. I built so many relationships in the business doing that, and some sites I’ve even written for them for free to get my ties up. It was fun and I loved interviewing my favorite artist. Up Next: How did you find the artist on your label, Trel Mack, Shawn Archer & Petter Jones? QtheQuestion: I told this story a million times lol. I met Trel Mack at Rita’s Waterice. It’s a long story. He says the library, but they both are connected. I use to check out his music and go to the studio and it just built from there. Petter Jones is Trel Mack’s cousin. I always liked his style. He has got better musically and more creative. He is quite a character (LOL). Shawn Archer has high energy and was always around. I realized how nice he was, he got a nice style and flashy with it. Up Next: Tell me about the model you signed to your label? QtheQuestion: She is not signed to SKE Records, but she is a client of mine. Her name is Neny Barbie. She is from the Dominican Republic. I met her in El Vacilon, a popular Latin Club in Philly and we just connected and had so many ideas for business. I have her moving right now, she has book on the way and check her out on Youtube. Also check out Vagina Triste. Up Next: What do you look for in a new artist? QtheQuestion: Well, first I look at talent and that “IT FACTOR.” There are special artists that have a THING about them, it just cant be explained but many just give you that gut feeling. I have an ear for talent and at SKE Records we doing it all, Rap stars, R&B stars, Latin Stars, Pop Stars, Rock Stars, as you see I’m a music fanatic. We signing all genres. Shout to Leesandro now on SKE Latin. Up Next: You wrote a couple of books, your most recent one “How to make it in the Music Industry” how did you come about writing that? QtheQuestion: Well, I figured since SKE Records is on the rise to being one of the newest movements in music that I needed to break down what it was that it took to get this far, now that we have a strong indie movement. The groundwork, the nonstop interviews, hiring a publicist and everything. The importance of investing and more. UpNext: What’s your input on the music industry today? QtheQuestion:Well it’s getting better, labels are getting back to signing off talent. Look at the success of J. Cole, Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. and now Q The Question will introduce some stars too. Quality music will always last, and will never be denied. www.upnextmagazine.com 21 UP NEXT
Shawn Archer
Up Next: What part of Philly you from? Shawn Archer: I’m from the best part of Philly; North Philly where you think all this Swag comes from? (Laughs) Up Next: Growing up in Philly, who was your musical influences? Shawn Archer: Well for me growing up and even til this day I’m a student of the game so I listen to a little bit of everybody, but to name a few Jay Z, Nas, Biggie and Mase were a huge influence of mine growing up. Up Next: Talk to me about the making of your latest project Swag & 808s. What was the inspiration behind it? Shawn Archer: Swag & 808’s which is out now on itunes and everywhere you can purchase music online. The inspiration and how it came about was simple. See for me music is a reflection of my life and who I am as a person. So at that time a lot of the music I was writing and a lot of the beats I was picking had a lot of 808’s. I was giving them a lot of swag and high energy on it. So, I just decided to take those songs and put them together more like a concept and that’s how Swag & 808’s was born. Up Next: What was the process behind making the project? Shawn Archer: Like I said, for me music is a reflection of who I am as a person. So once I hear a beat that I like whatever I’m feeling at the time is exactly what I’m going to put in the song, everything is from Up Next: What was the process behind making the project? Shawn Archer: Like I said, for me music is a reflection of who I am as a person. So once I hear a beat that I like whatever I’m feeling at the time is exactly what I’m going to put in the song, everything is from my perspective it’s all my thoughts and how I view things. I feel that is what makes the music more original and authentic. Up Next: When its all said and done, what do you want to accomplish in all of this? Shawn Archer: The main goal is to take it to that next level, when you hear the name Shawn Archer you gonna know exactly who that is! And not just me but my whole team S.K.E. records. We will be the biggest label to ever come out of Philly and we will be mentioned with some of the other legendary labels such as Rocafella, Bad boy, No Limit and Cash Money just to name a few. So, sit back get your popcorn and watch this movie because it’s just the beginning. Up Next: What’s your favorite song off your album? Shawn Archer: I really don’t have a favorite song off the album I love them all. But, since music for me is a feeling I’m going to go with how I feel right now so it would be “Dope” because that’s the mood I’m in, I’m feeling like Mark Zurkerburg bank account! (Laughs) Up Next: I see that you guys are into fitness, how do you balance out the both? Shawn Archer: It’s just about making things a lifestyle. The same way you wake up in the morning and brush your teeth it has to be the same thing with everything else; whether it’s working out or whatever you’re trying to accomplish in life, it just has become a part of your daily routine. Up Next: What is it like being a independent hip hop artist in 2016? Shawn Archer: I think it’s great especially with the internet. It has opened a lot of doors that normally would be closed, now you can be your own boss, do your own marketing and build your own fans. But, most importantly you can learn the business without sitting countless hours in the library, you can just pick up your smartphone, so to me this is the best time to be independent.
Up Next: As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artist out there? Shawn Archer: Well for me the main thing is self-awareness, understanding exactly who I am and giving them exactly that just in an artistic form. At the end of the day we are all different, we might have the same perspective on some things but nobody can be you, so once you know exactly who you are it is easy to brand yourself and stand out from the rest. Up Next: Who is your top five artist? (dead or alive) Shawn Archer: This is in no order but these are my Top 5: Jay Z, Biggie, Nas, Tupac and Fabwww.upnextmagazine.com 23 UP NEXT
Petter Jones
Up Next: What’s new with Peter Jones? Petter Jones: Everything, only because there is something going on new in our everyday lives. (Lol) But to keep it more brief just had my second child (another girl) and once again ready to get back in the studio and finish up this Super Saiyan album that’s taking forever. I’m sorry but life itself keeps derailing me. Up Next: When did you start making music and taking it serious? Petter Jones: I started making music like in 1999. No studio then. Just looping beats on a tape player to get a full instrumental and then re-record ingredients myself for vocals. (Lol) It was a creative task back then. But I offically started going to the studio in 2006 and I didn’t take music serious until I met Q The Question and he made me look at it in a business way. Up Next: When is the album dropping? Petter Jones: Hopefully this year. The difficulty is on being picky with beat sections and being hard on myself sometimes it is really slowing the process. We are our own critics but I’m ready to just go in and release it. Up Next: How do you envision yourself earning a living as an independent hip-hop artist? Petter Jones: Well since I’m a cheap person I don’t need nothing too major as long as I’m comfortable. (Lol) As long as it’s enough to pay the bills, feed me and I don’t have to struggle that’s good enough for me. Up Next: If you had the power to change one thing about the hip-hop industry to help independent artist, what would it be? Petter Jones: To be more themselves and stop jumping on every hot instrumental that comes out. That pretty much will be the one thing. Up Next: How is the competition amongst each other? Petter Jones: If we are talking SKE we all favor one another and we all have our strong points that the others don’t have. We balance all of us to be pretty close to even. Up Next: What inspired you to be apart of the music industry? Petter Jones: Honestly nothing. It’s a habit that I picked up on that I actually found out to be a talent so what I have to say and songs that I create have to be heard so I can have my place in the industry. Up Next: How do you separate yourself from other artists? Petter Jones: The best way to separate myself is being myself even though at times I challenge myself to do other things. Up Next: Do you feel that the industry needs an artist like yourself? Petter Jones: Yes indeed. Hip hop has been around for almost 30 years and I believe I can create music that can belong in any era past present and future. Up Next: What is it like to be signed independently with SKE records? Petter Jones: Besides Q The Question always on my back, its a wonderful thing. (Lol) How my music career is doing I can’t see it doing any better independently without SKE.
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Trel Mack Up Next: Where are you from? TM: I’m from Philadelphia, Pa. Up Next: How did you start off in rap? TM: I grew up as a fan of Tupac and also Mase. Those are two of my favorite all time rappers. I just loved watching them growing up. First, Tupac was very creative and could touch your emotions and Mase was just so fly and flashy. He had the girls and was cool with it. Up Next: Your latest project Night Before the Dawn has been making some major noise (it’s on my playlist lol), there is a song with Mel Alston Jr called Caravan of Contrary, how did you guys come up with the song? TM: Yeah it was just one of those songs, where I was trying to find the right singer for the song and Q The Question with his ear for music, soul and unique sound figured he would be the right man. The video actually just dropped and getting great feedback. The people love the entire EP especially the song “All I Need” and “Luv is Life”. The song “All I Need” was actually submitted to some major TV networks such as Revolt, BET, MTV, so its’ been a great feeling with all that happening. Up Next: What was it like creating your latest project- Night Before Dawn? TM: It was a great feeling, the last project was Inspired by Greatness and I felt with this one, it was time to take it to a new level and show more of my personal life and more. Also, shout out to all the radio stations and internet stations, and all the magazine coverage that supported it. It was a great example of how great music can spread. Up Next: What are your plans in the next few years with your music? TM: Well you know SKE Records will be an empire. Q and I will make sure of that because Q has a great vision for us. We will do what it takes, as the foundation now is being built. Up Next: What are your thoughts on staying independent or getting signed to a major label? TM: Well let’s just say this, we’ve been getting a few calls (lol). They see SKE Records is moving but we haven’t rushed into anything. But there are pros and cons to every situation. It just has to make sense on what’s best for you. As an indie artist it’s more hands on yet the majors have a machine but it comes with a price. At the end of the day though SKE Records, we are doing us, the phones have been ringing it just comes down to timing. Up Next: I see that you guys are very creative, hardly ever use a outside source for your videos, What made you guys cut out the middle man and start doing it on your own? TM: It just got to a point where we realized using other people was slowing up our grind. In order for us to pop like we wanted we had to simply take matters in our own hands and honestly it’s been so much better that way. Up Next: The music industry is changing, we know that. Do you keep up with the latest trend or do you stay in your lane with your kind of music and flow? TM: Well Q pretty much keeps me informed on what’s new out here. I still do my part but when I like to know what’s hot and it doesn’t come across my attention, Q will present it. Q is a music addict for real and misses nothing, pop, rap, R&B, Country, Q is on it!!!! Up Next: Apart from the business side of things — the hustling, the gigs, the albums — how has the process of making the music itself affected or changed you over the years? TM: Well, of course it’s different with technology when looking for beats and much more. The internet has changed the game and can speed things up, but you still have to make it quality. Up Next: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? TM: I see myself with family, loving life and looking back seeing how SKE Records killed it.
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I
“ am currently in the process of putting together a new project, which you will hopefully be hearing soon. I am also a part of an amazing band called “Top 5”. It’s a group of some of the best musicians and singers that love the art of live music and arrangements. We put on a hell of a show.”
Je’juan antonio
MUSIC MAKE ME HAPPY
Up Next: Tell me who you are? And where you are from? JA: IMy name is Je’Juan Antonio and I am from Washington, DC. I am a Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, and Actor from the DMV area. I have been a lover of music for all my life. My mom, who passed away in 2014, introduced me to the nuances of singing and harmonies when I was a young child. I took to music so much that I started singing at the age of one and continued on from there. I started acting in plays in the beginning of elementary school. Then later in life I attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts where I really honed my craft. It was at Duke Ellington where I learned the technicalities of making music and song writing Up Next: What’s the best advice somebody ever gave you? JA: I think the best advice that I received came from my mother. She said “you have to crawl before you can walk.” Being a young kid with huge dreams, I didn’t understand the steps it took to be a professional singer. I think from there I had a focusing moment to begin shaping my craft. Up Next: What got you into writing songs and making music, who inspired you? JA: Besides my pure love for music, my mother was and is a huge influence for my pursuit of a career in music. She always told me that she had dreams of me singing in front of huge crowds. I began having the same dreams…over and over again. My mom was also a lover of great music and instilled values in me, that helped shape me. In addition to my mom, I also chalk it up to fate and God.
Up Next: Who did you play the early songs for? JA: Of course, I played my early songs for my mother and family. Additionally, my close friends, classmates and teachers were also privy to my early recordings. I received great feedback.
Up Next: Which song you have written is your favorite and why? Je’Juan Antonio: My favorite song that I have written would be “Hurricane.” This is mainly because I have a part in the production of this song and video. I was involved through each step along the way. It came out to be a piece of work that I can be proud of. Up Next: Are you more of a singer or a song writer? JA: I see myself as a singing song writer . My first love is singing and performing but there’s a passion that comes from writing and telling a story that no one else can tell. Up Next: Who gave you the support to keep writing in the beginning? JA: My family and team have been my support system my whole life. They have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams, so I owe a lot of my structure to them. Up Next: What is better about a song Up Next: What was the inspisung by the writer? ration behind your single “HurJA: It really depends on the situation. ricane”? Some song writers will give a song to JA: Hurricane is the story of someone else because they don’t feel a previous relationship I was that they have what it takes to deliver in. It talks about me being the message of the song. Other song interested in a young lady but writers know exactly how they want the she’s having some doubts and song to be showcased, so they save it delays. “Let it rain, let it wash for themselves. away the pain” is my way of Up Next: What do you feel like when trying to soothe her mind and you play one of your songs and peoget her to let loose. ple applaud? Is it an affirmation or an irritation? JA: An audience’s applause is definitely an affirmation. Your fans are what make you, so their approval is important and rewarding.
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