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Contributors EDITOR BEE PAPINO PUBLISHER
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DANIEL BANKS BEE PAPINO WRITERS Sadé Sanchez Amy Lothian Thomas Kubrak PHOTOGRAPHER LACQUAN SCOTT DAVID ALEXANDER BRANDON WHITE(DAYNE CARTER) MODELS FIND OUR MODELS ON INSTAGRAM WEAREJERSEYDIAMONDZ FEATURED CUTTY MVNTANA TYLER-MARIE T HAWK CRISSXROSS CALLMEREY XAVIER KEYZ DAYNE CARTER
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PUBLISHERS W e Are Jersey Magazine is a subsidiary company birthed out of the parent business entitled Jersey Turn’t Up Entertainment. Having achieved rising success within only two years of business, the owners wanted to create something that would expand their networking repertoire while promoting positive talent both locally and abroad. The idea of creating We Are Jersey Magazine began when co- CEOs, Daniel Banks & Bridget Papino, were featured in the NOVEMBER 2014 issue of another magazine company. After discussion with the owner of that magazine, as well as experiencing the positive responses that exposure generated towards their entertainment business, they decided to begin a magazine company of their own that would target a new type of entertainment promoting style. We Are Jersey Magazine’s goal is designed to provide exposure, references and resources that will influence all those aspiring to do something positive with the talents they possess. Through the lives of the individuals that are highlighted in the magazine, it is the desire of We Are Jersey Magazine to encourage, uplift and inspire anyone to continue to soar to greater heights and deeper depths with their abilities. While We Are Jersey Magazine primarily focuses on talent within the state of New Jersey, it is open to talent presented from abroad. The single focus is the promotion of positive talent so others can read and possibly experience for themselves the benefits that these talents offer. “We Are Jersey” is a positive platform with great opportunities. are highlighted in the magazine, it is the desire of We Are Jersey Magazine to encourage, uplift and inspire anyone to continue to soar to greater heights and deeper depths with their abilities. While We Are Jersey Magazine
COVER SHOT BY BRANDON WHITE
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WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
primarily focuses on talent within the state of New Jersey, it is open to talent presented from abroad. The single focus is the promotion of positive talent so others can read and possibly experience for themselves the benefits that these talents offer. “We Are Jersey� is a positive platform with great opportunities.
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D AY N E CARTER
From getting benched on the high school team to now being featured on the most recent NBA 2k20, this song is a testament to the work he’s had to put in to get to this point and the sacrifices he’s had to make; while also preparing for the road blocks he has yet to face.
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TA B L E
MVNTANA
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After a slew of freestyles and loosies, Mvntana finally releases his debut project Free Tana.
TYLER-MARIE
Upcoming artist Tyler-Marie has several talents under her belt. Spending most of her life in the performing arts, the New Jersey native can also be credited as a singer, songwriter, and producer.
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ISSUE 29
CUTTY
Repping both North & South Jersey, Cutty is a vlogger and social media influencer putting Jersey on the map one video at time.
T HAWK
Tiffany Accor, aka T Hawk is the embodiment of an original Indie artist.
a standout among so many gimmickridden acts currently pervading the airwaves..
CALLMEREY
Hailing from Jersey City, upcoming recording artist CRISSXROSS CallMeRey is quickly From basketball star to emerging making him self known artist, CrissXross’s talent is across the Garden undeniable. State with his R&B XAVIER KEYZ sound.
It is his passion for classic soul that continues to make the artist
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Cutty is taking a stand for New Jersey by showcasing the talents all around the state! Follow us if your from NJ and represent, You could be next on the show!
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CUTTY
CUTTY
INFLUENCER/VLOGGER
INSTAGRAM: @THEOFFICIALCUTTY
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WRITTEN BY AMY LOTHIAN e p p i n g b o t h N o r t h & on CuttyTV. Always a go-getter, Cutty also South Jersey, Cutty is a uses his influence to promote not only his vlogger and social media own projects, but fellow aspiring artists, influencer putting Jersey especially if they’re from Jersey. You might on the map one video catch some familiar faces or discover some
at time. Make no mistake, Cutty is just as new sounds on his other platform, We On influential behind the scenes as he is as the CuttyTV where he interviews up and coming main star. On his platform CuttyTV, you can artists, entrepreneurs and more from all over find weekly, if not daily videos on pop culture the tri-state area. Catch regular updates from and music. Most popular is the segment Cutty on Instagram and YouTube and check ‘82 seconds with Cutty’ where you can see out some more interviews on Instagram the latest on celebrity news, music news, what’s happening around the world and
You’ll definitely be entertained.
more; you can find something for everyone
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S TAY T U N E D F O R O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R A R T I S T S D I R E C T LY O N I N S TA G R A M D I R E C T LY @ T H E O F F I C I A L C U T T Y
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CUTTY
S H O T B Y D AV I D A L E X A N D E R M E D I A
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M V N TA N A
free TANA out now
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MVNTANA
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After a slew of freestyles and loosies, Mvntana finally releases his debut Following his lead single, The Coat project - Free Tana. Empire artist has already put out two visuals for “High Five” and Equipped with 11 tracks, including “Move.” lead single “Peace of Mind," the project features Fem, Sakeller J, In his interview with We Are Jersey, Loon, JvstNice, and Wiz. Mvntana reveals that he and his camp are consistently working on At just under a half hour, Tana offers music, and his sophomore effort is up a range of music that proves he already on the works. As he hinted, can do more than just freestyle on keep an eye out for the next project the block. to be out sometime this year. Among the vibes, heavy-hitting beats, and melodies, Tana flexes on his debut effort. From overcoming adversities to building with his team, Tana warns others he’s out for blood and has no plans on stopping. WRITTEN BY
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Sanchez
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M V N TA N A
INSTAGRAM: @MVN.TANA
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Tyler-Marie fell in love with making music, and the rest is history.
TYLER-MARIE
POP RECORDING ARTIST, SONGWRITER, ACTRESS
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Academy until one day she was A R T I S T convinced to go into the studio. Said T YL E R - M A R I E h a s studio night is where it all began, Tyler-Marie fell in love with making several talents under music and the rest is history. her belt. Spending The songwriter spent her time most of her life in the making song after song then took performing arts, the New Jersey native that leap in 2018. Having written can also be credited as a singer, song- from experience, she revisited her personal catalogue and chose her writer, and producer. debut single based on what she resonated with the most at the time While being born into the - “Nightmares.” music industry, she got her start acting at the age of five. While she Since then, Tyler-Marie went on continued acting in high school, to drop a trail of loosies: “Winning,” Tyler-Marie also played around with “Looked Up 2 U,” “Temple,” and making beats. Music stayed on the “That’s Why.” A fusion of Pop and Hip sidelines during her college years at Hop, this artist was rising quickly. The American Musical and Dramatic PCOMING
WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
TYLER-MARIE
INSTAGRAM: @TYLERMARIE
TYLER-MARIE'S LATEST SINGLE "SOCIAL DISTANCING" IS OUT NOW, AVAILABLE ON ALL PLATFORMS 23
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F E AT U R E D A R T I S T
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TYLER-MARIE Fast forward to 2020, where the songstress opens up the year with “HAV,” or “HoustonAtlantaVegas.” The single dives into her travels, and how she’s been able to acclimate within the different cultures. It also reveals the temptations she’s come across, and she went further in interviews where she had to bypass those temptations in order to strive to stay focus within the madness. Despite having a foot in the industry, Tyler-Marie has been able to stay focus and humble throughout
this process. Staying motivated by her own passion for music, the multitalented artist wishes to build her own legacy and further on with her career. The singer-songwriter-producer is still growing and has no plans for stopping any time soon. You can catch her latest single, “#SocialDistancing,” along the rest of her catalogue on all streaming platforms.
Make sure to check out her latest singles “HAV” and “#SocialDistancing" out now!
INTERVIEW OUT NOW 25
COVER STORY
DAYNE CARTER
The story behind this Hillsborough New Jersey musicians latest single and why he’s been grinding for 14 years in the industry.
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“Gassed Up” By Tom Kubrak
f t e r things in this single that motions. “I think for the video m o n t h s just rub him the wrong way really it was like poking fun of work, about the music-industry. at a lot of things you see in G a s s e d “ I t ’ s m a k i n g music as an independent artist.” U p h a s fun in light of the, ‘oh From the “S****y f i n a l l y you’re not going to do contracts” to the “disengaged” radio hosts arrived. This is Dayne anything.’ It’s an answer, Dayne addresses this all Carter’s first song he’s but it’s also a response to the media during the video which a lot of his released since his debut to people who say that.” close friends took a part in album Roadtrip. This is his He does this in and made the project come first Music Video in two years a “playful” way centering alive. The set was all built from scratch too and came too. Get ready because on a radio interview where from Dayne’s vision for the this song packs a punch. sometimes the radio hosts project. 26
Dayne address’ many are just going through the WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
D AY N E C A R T E R
With his style of music, personally coined “Grind” music he delves into what it takes to keep pushing past these scenarios showing people that he has what it takes and letting them know he’s not stopping. From getting benched on the high school team to now being featured on the most recent NBA 2k20, this song is a testament to the work he’s had to put in to get to this point and the sacrifices he’s had to make; while also
preparing for the road blocks he has yet to face. So he’s Gassed Up for the rest of the journey, because he’s not anywhere near finished. Until then he’s charged up and staying on “The Pursuit.” But why...why is Dayne Carter on this mission?
friends. He’s in 6th grade. They end up deciding on doing it and choosing a song by Murphy Lee called Wat Da Hook Gon Be. In order to officially get selected though, you have to audition the idea. His teacher suggested something to them after they presented their idea to her, “I like it, but June 2006 just rapping over someone's song is The school talent show is coming like karaoke, why don’t you create up and Dayne is something original thinking about doing it with a couple of his over the beat?” 27
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That suggestion sparked something in Dayne. The group performed and did exactly what the teacher suggested. The show went well and the crowd loved it so much that Dayne and his friends ended up winning the show. Unfortunately, we’ll just have to imagine what happened at that show, because the tape from this event has yet to be uncovered. A career in music wasn’t solidified yet though. It wasn’t until someone came up to him after the show and said, “Yo this is dope you should continue.” That person was onto something and soon Dayne Carter was too. Thus, a long journey began,
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which originated in the basement with his best friend Denzel and a cheap mic. The two started a group, Next Generation which started doing covers of popular songs and then uploading them to youtube. Maybe you’ll be able to find some of those old videos on youtube. This was all in Hillsborough, New Jersey too. Dayne Carter's hometown.
Hillsborough Music Festival Being a part of a community can be an overlooked thing when you’re an artist and play in front of a different city every other night. Every city, in some ways, becomes a small part of you. For
Dayne he recognizes his community, of Hillsborough, was a great part in his growth; and without it, this journey just wouldn’t be the same. Growing up in Hillsborough, a suburban community a little over an hour drive away from New York City, the light scent of New York, it’s intimidating steel skyscrapers, and it’s many mysteries were never too far away. Dayne went to the city quite a bit. You can see in one of his first music videos I Want It All those early dreams and goals from a kid from Hillsborough, New Jersey; an old farming town-turned suburban community. It’s his hometown though and when he left to go to school
WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
D AY N E C A R T E R Dayne Carter's "Gassed Up" is out now on all platforms.
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in the Bronx at Fordham University, Hillsborough was never far from his mind. He’s performed at the Hillsborough Music Festival; an annual festival created in memory of his close childhood friend, Jonah Johnson that promotes mental health resiliency, removing stigmas about mental illness, and preventing youth suicide Shot by Abdou Camara by funding youth outreach programs across the it allowed him to build had a big vision community. a strong bond with for the event; she “Knowing Jonah his friends mom and partnered up with well it’s something family. the Hillsborough that I feel super The first few Fireworks Show, connected to.” years were maybe which is a big event Without thinking 50 or 100 people. “It in the community. twice, he has was great.” Dayne People from always said yes said, mentioning how Hillsborough, and to performing at it. everyone there was the surrounding Which he has done friends and family communities, come for the last 4 years which made a really from all over to now. This opportunity intimate environment see the fireworks. not only allowed to perform his craft. Now that it was him to perform his Last year was partnered up with the music, in front of the a little different. His Hillsborough Music people he loves, but friend's mom just Festival, it made for a
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EXCLUSIVE STORY
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unique opportunity to raise awareness for what the organization was fighting for. Dayne, this time, was chosen to headline the event right before the fireworks went off. It was the biggest crowd he’s played in front of.
the year before. From performing in front of a hundred people to a few thousand within a year. It was really cool to see that elevation.” What made it better was that it was in front of his community; a lot of people he didn’t know “It was dope to see and many people he the growth of that did know. Also, it was festival and to see special to see people the level it came from from all different age groups listen to his music have fun and get involved with the
D AY N E C A R T E R
performance. “Without a community you're just rapping to yourself.” Obviously there has to be a part that is doing it for yourself too, but the thing that drives it is your community. Having a community that believes in you, that you can constantly go back to, and that has your back is huge. It’s that community that you can give back to and one day take a part in building it.
Going Door to Door at Fordham FORDHAM -- Day KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. A person goes to answer their dorm room door. It’s Dayne Carter.
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EXCLUSIVE STORY
“Yo I’m Dayne, if you have Facebook, can you open this? I’m a rapper and I was wondering if you could vote for me on Facebook for a music festival contest?” “Oh hi..yea sorry I’m not a fan of rap.” the stranger at Fordham replies back to him. www.jerseyturntupent.com
The door SLAMS. -- That was a scene from Dayne’s Junior year at Fordham University, where he went door to door in the FreshmanSophmore Dorms in hopes of winning a contest. Some people, naturally, turned him away and others said yes. It’s the art of selling. He went to Fordham and graduated on the Dean's list with a degree in Communications. Although he was focused on his degree, his mind was still on his music. So, when Wiz Khalifa, the headliner for a popular film-fest in Ohio, was offering musicians an opportunity to get noticed he jumped on it.
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The opportunity was: If he got the most likes on his song on Facebook he would get to open up for Wiz. So, like a vacuum-cleaner-salesman, he started knocking on doors. He didn’t get selected, but it led to 1,500 individual people liking his song. He didn’t win, but he gained a lot more fans of his unique style of music and learned some hard lessons in what you have to do in order to win in this game. He’s not the typical artist. He decided to go the “traditionalpath” of going to college, after graduating Immaculata High School in 2011. He doesn’t have anyone in his family pursuing music so he’s had to create his own path (Check out his song “My Own”). During this time in college: staying up all night and playing Fifa on his Xbox, music never strayed too far. It was here, at Fordham, in his Junior year, after going in and out of music since he was 12, that Dayne finally committed to his craft, after attending a career fair. “It was a reality check. Like
WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
if I don’t take this seriously this isn’t going to happen and I’m going to do something that I don’t necessarily want to do.” Henceforth, it was going to be music. If he had to stay in a 9-5 for awhile he was willing to do it because in the end he was going to do whatever it took to make a career in music.
are off payroll.”
D AY N E C A R T E R
Family
I asked Dayne about why he got this far in his music and who he has to thank for getting him to this point in his career: “My parents have always empowered me. They got me the mic stand. They got me the set Working With up also, so I can figure out how to make music.” Producers and His parents aren’t in the Videographers music industry, but they have always supported his passion by “I don’t want things to be providing him with the tools. transactional.” “Even them sending articles Many times in the industry like, Top Five Ways Artists Are people are just looking for a Getting looks.” check, but for Dayne, he wants It’s ways like that that put more from the people he works his family at the top of his list, with. He understands that for people who got him to where they need to put food on the he is now in his career in music. table and make a living, but he He hasn’t had anyone from wants people that want to build the industry mentor him either; something and take the time to so it’s been a hard journey to do something great. say the least, but it wouldn’t be possible without them. They may “I love working with people who not understand what he’s going want to create the best possible through as an artist, but they're outcome. I don’t like working with there to support it and believe in people who just go through the him every step of the way. 33 motions and clock out when they
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and had momentum. Bedroom Bars Dayne was one of the featured artists on the 2k video There’s no rules in game- NBA 2k20, this game. So you filmed a music video, have to be creative. hosted showcases in Sure there’s ways the city and met his that might help idol J-Cole at NBA you out more than All Star Weekend. others, but there’s no proven formula in With everything shut how to make it in this down, how do you industry. So you have keep it going? to do things yourself That was when an a lot of times. idea came. Bedroom Bars was born: a During this year of video series he 2020, we’re going did on Instagram through one of the strangest times in our creating freestyle over popular beats world's history; with what is being coined created and then posting them on his “The Pandemic.” Instagram. This has caused a lot of uncertainty for people. For artists and musicians, one of those questions is, “How am I going to keep going?”
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“Honestly, it came from the pandemic. Knowing that the studio is closed, there were no other options. It brought Some musicians, like back nostalgia and Dayne, were on a roll reminded me of how
I fell in love with music. Recording in the crib.” It brought back a lot of memories, and he kept his followers engaged in this unique series to hold himself accountable. His followers responded very well to it all.
More Purposeful In the early days of Dayne Carter's music career it was a different story. The songs he made were for “the girls” or because “it would be cool to play at a party.” Now, he’s got a different thought process about his work. “Getting older it’s
WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
D AY N E C A R T E R
becoming more purposeful.”
Soho
To get that mindset he had to go through a lot, but now that he has it it’s all about keeping it. He understands he doesn’t have a ton of time and that every move could make or break him.
“Those early mornings are some of the toughest times, but in this industry it’s something of a blessing because It's a “nocturnal industry” and there’s rarely a studio session at 7am.”
Why Keep Going
Working a 9-5 job, or in Dayne’s case a 10-6, there’s not much time in the day after work. So you have to use your time wisely. Especially with common distractions like happy-hour or a friends event. You want to be able to support your friends as much as possible, so sometimes that takes up your night. The morning is the best option for him.
For one: “It’s what I love to do.” But, what about those rough days and what you do when you don’t know where to go in a song? “The process is so fulfilling. Being able to carve that time out and be like okay I have no clue where to even begin. A few hours, days or months later, you have a full product and that journey feels so rewarding.” What’s next though… after Gassed-Up? “Just continue working on my writing and coming up with creative ways to release new music.”
7am Studio Sessions-
“That’s been the most consistent thing going in the morning where there's no distractions.” He would wake up at 6 and then go to the studio at seven for two or three hours before going to work. Sometimes he didn’t get what he wanted to get done but he was there; in the studio and in the zone. “You have to manage your time35
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efficiently. Ok, I’m off of work and now I have 4 or 5 hours until it’s midnight.”
sparked the beginnings of a long journey 14 years ago. Until then, we’ll just sit back and enjoy whatever he puts Then it’s time to get some rest out to the world. to get ready for another day's work...at both of the jobs. If you like the “Gassed Up” song and video, don’t be completely satisfied just yet, Moving Forward because Dayne isn’t finished creating more songs and “I think it’s just staying videos. consistent” Tons of things happen in people's lives. Good things and bad. It’s easy to get derailed if you’re not ‘headstrong.’ So it’s about flexibility and sticking with it.
“I’m my biggest critic and I always find things I would’ve changed if I could redo them. However, it’s all a part of the process and I love finding ways to improve.”
Having looked back a little bit on Dayne’s path, maybe one day we’ll find a tape of that legendary talent show that
We’ll be enjoying this song Dayne, but we’ll be ready for the next one, because we know you are.
“Gassed up ain’t got time to hit the break when I’m in my stride can not make mistakes.” 36
WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
D AY N E C A R T E R
Shot by Lourenzo Smith
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GOSPEL ARTIST
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t hawk WRITTEN BY AMY LOTHIAN
WESARE JERSEY HOT B Y LMAGAZINE| A C Q U A NMAY S C2020 OTT
T H AW K
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GOSPEL ARTIST
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T
iffany Accor, aka T Hawk i s th e embodiment of an original Indie artist. Hailing from Newark, NJ, T Hawk is a true musician who’s lyricism and storytelling combine classical elements of hip-hop and R&B into a unique form of artistry that captures the attention and invites listeners in for more. T Hawk’s music stands out thanks to her unique voice,
strong sometimes controversial lyr ics and stor ies that are relatable and intriguing. Every track from T Hawk is composed with vibes of cool R&B and true hip-hop, melodic flows mixed with hard-hitting truths, a timeless combination. As a self-proclaimed ‘True Heir to hip-hop’ T Hawk pays homage to the contributions of the greats by incorporating WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
T H AW K
t hawk classic hip-hop flows with newschool production. T Hawk’s latest single titled Lord’s Prayer is the perfect example of how the two can blend into a masterpiece. Lord’s Prayer is an anecdote of T Hawk’s struggles, triumphs, and graciousness; it is a reflection of experiences through the lens of one’s own introspection. The song’s production is a treat as well. The artist comes in with a structured, anecdotal intro and transitions into a melodic, rhythmic pattern with the tasteful addition of a choir in the background. The transition from raw to real is evident and well-delivered. Listen to more of T Hawk for sounds that truly embrace the culture and can be a blessing and guidance to those who hear it.
out for in the indie scene, with a blend of strong lyrics and catchy melodies listeners will want to hear more. T Hawk plans to continue releasing new songs and a project in the near future, in the meantime, you can catch T Hawk’s weekly freestyle videos on Instargram TV and listen to Lord's Prayer and more on all streaming platforms.
T Hawk is definitely one to watch
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WRITTEN BY
r o m basketball star to emerging a r t i s t , CrissXross’s talent is undeniable. Once playing ball lost its magic, Criss spun his way off of the court and jumped into a new career. Beginning with a string of freestyles, Criss started getting
SadE Sanchez
attention and that feedback drove him to keep working on his new passion. Falling for the creative process, making music and performing live replaced the love he had for basketball. From writing to exploring new sounds, the rapper is always pushing his boundaries. His first visual offering, “Broken Promises,” shows that Criss has no problem pushing
"BROKEN PROMISES" OUT NOW
WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
CRISSXROSS
himself to share his own story about heartbreak. Expressing himself in the lyrics, cover art and the visual itself, the single itself
INSTAGRAM: @CRISSXROSS_
resonated with a lot of his followers. Being determined to stay true to himself, CrissXross will prove he can stand amongst his peers in no time. Currently taking the time to focus on his craft, it has been confirmed that a debut project is in the works.
SHOT BY LACQUAN SCOTT
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O U T O F S TAT E
“I’m the perfect example of someone that knows that if you believe in yourself and never allow your vision to be diminished by circumstances or the negativity of others, success will find you. I know I have what it takes to shine in a crowded field. It takes perseverance, of course, but this is where I belong.
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WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
X AV I E R K E Y Z
xavier keyz
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I N T E R V I E W W I T H B E E PA P I N O
urgeoning singer, songwriter and music producer Xavier Keyz has no intention of redefining R&B. On the contrary... It is his passion for classic soul that continues to make the artist a standout among so many gimmick-ridden acts currently pervading the airwaves.
Born and raised in Chicago, Xavier Keyz (a.k.a. Cameron Frazier) began singing at age 2(!). He recalls, “It was Faith Evans’ hit ‘Soon As I Get
Home.’ I sang it out loud to my parents and friends and they all gave me this look of surprise. I was just learning to speak and yet I was delivering verses and choruses… and they were in tune!” From that point on, there was little doubt that music was destined to become the major force field in his life. He took to the piano as if he had played it all of his life —playing any song by ear. And thus was born his lifetime moniker: Xavier Keyz. Ever working to increase his talent, Xavier Keyz was in the right place at the right time, joining Chicago’s Children’s Choir, and then a cappella sextet the Harmony Brothers at Kenwood Academy during high school. They sang at basketball games and other local functions around Chicagoland area, hoping to make a name for themselves. After downsizing to four members and then to two (as J2), Xavier Keyz and his partner released a
full-length album, “Another Level” in 2012. It was three months later when Xavier realized that his best shot at notoriety was as a solo artist. Music always remained Priority No. 1: Xavier Keyz’ first official step into the solo music realm was single “Trip To Mars” in the fall of 2013, which was followed in February 2014, by love song “Nobody Else But You,” a collaboration with songstress B.Lin. That became the game-changer for Xavier Keyz, creating massive buzz in the Midwest—and then beyond —including positive press on USAToday.com, thisisrnb.com, Youknowyougotsoul.com & many others. Xavier Keyz released his debut project Monday Thru Sunday in December of 2015. Xavier project has sold over 5000+ albums direct to his loyal femalebased supporter base. His project is about bringing love back to R&B and is a modern Odé
to letting his listeners know that love based R&B isn't dead. Xavier began to expand his global supporter base in the fall of 2017 traveling to Mumbai India to perform at the “Totempole Music Fest. In the summer of 2018 he embarked on his first mini tour overseas spending one month in Europe. As one of the headlining acts for his first indie D.I.Y. Euro tour entitled “Its More Than An Algorithm Tour” his tour stops included the following : Rotterdam, & Groningen Netherlands, Luxembourg, Valencia, Spain, & Cannes, France. “I’m the perfect example of someone that knows that if you believe in yourself and never allow your vision to be diminished by circumstances or the negativity of others, success will find you. I know I have what it takes to shine in a crowded field. It takes perseverance, of course, but this is where I belong. Xavier is currently set to
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release his sophomore album entitled Red Wine; May 1, 2020 which is accompanied by a trilogy of music videos & his own movie explaining the backstory of
What moment in your life made you realize that you want to be an artist? It was back when I was about 4 years old I saw Usher dancing on TV and performing & I loved the way he just did everything as a overall artist. After watching him & studying him I began to get in the mirror and singing to myself “My Way” and doing his dance moves. That 50
his album. The first single entitled “Things Change” is currently available on all digital platforms.
was the start of it all. What really did it was when I got expelled for fighting at school being pressured to fit in & discovered it was a music school in Chicago & I had to audition & it was a lottery to get in the school. I got accepted in that school and its main focus was the gifted in arts and music; from that moment on, I knew this was why I was created! WE ARE JERSEY MAGAZINE| MAY 2020
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X AV I E R K E Y Z
What were your top 5 artists growing up that influenced your sound today? Tank, Tyrese, Usher, Ginuwine, Joe. Believing that R&B isn't dead, what do you think others can do to bring the true essence of R&B back to the forefront of the genre? Get back to the roots of R&B music – which is about love & making your woman feel sexy, elegant, & wanted. Back in the day R&B was the sound track to peoples relationships. It gave relationships a significant meaning. I tell my fans and anyone who’s here now when you hear the name “Xavier Keyz & see my brand XKEYZ that’s the bat
signal of love haha. My name and brand will always & forever represent love. What can listeners expect from you next in 2020 after Red Wine? More realness and relatable records. Im aiming to make sure people don’t feel like they’re alone in the battle field of love. Sometimes we win and sometimes we
lose and I want to create records that resonate with each occasion & become your soundtrack to your life. If you were not an artist, what do you imagine you'd be doing at this time in your life. Truthfully I cant even answer that 100% honestly because my mind is programmed for
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music only & I wouldn’t even want to be here if I couldn’t that’s how deep this runs in me. But I will say I enjoy investing and trading forex from time to time so I guess you can say trading assets and currency. haha
them info over about it.
As you've traveled not only the US, but overseas as well for your music, what is your favorite location to perform at thus far? My favorite location is Cannes, France. Its small but its What is some advice you so relaxing there even though im would give those in the R&B there for music business I make scene attempting to follow your time to vacation there and have footsteps? a great time. It’s always such Care about your fans and amazing food and energy there. If supporters. My mentor Ryan I’m allowed to have two choices; Leslie tattooed that in the back of Mumbai India was amazing as my mind, in order for you to have well. My team & i had incredible a great career you have to care hospitality there while hosting about your fans & reach them us for our performances in the where they are. It changed my life. country. Also I am offering a masterclass “Hack The Music Game” it’s a 5 If there's one message the week course to help indie artist listeners can get from you after to avoid the mistakes I made and listening to your music, what do jump start their career & learn you want it to be? everything & how to be successful Xavier Keyz has his own lane early on. They can find out more and isn’t afraid to express his info by just entering their number heart & do things outside the box. at textxavierkeyz.com & ill send
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CallMeRey's exclusive interview available on our Youtube channel ailing from Jersey City, upcoming recording artist CallMeRey is quickly making him self known across the Garden State. With dreams originally of becoming a successful basketball star, CallMeRey took a step away to focus on his music career after completing a successful championship season at Middlesex County College. Currently while balancing being a student at
Kean University, CallMeRey is focused on creating new music, building his network and fanbase.
While giving a twist to his own experiences, CallMeRey tells a story that listeners can appreciate with it's authentic sound in his latest EP "Dangerous". The seven tracks on "Dangerous" gives us only a snippet of what is to come from CallMeRey.
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