HIP HOP

Based out of Chicago, United States, NOBLE is an emerging artist making waves in the music scene with their original single, "Rapunzel In A Band Tee" featuring Cloudwalker. Blending the enchanting tale of Rapunzel with the contemporary electronic vibes of underground pluggnb, NOBLE's music delves into themes of deep romance and love, offering a fresh perspective rarely found in today's musical landscape. The track transcends genres, aiming to transport listeners to a realm where storybook princes serenade their beloved maidens from the heights of a castle.

Danny Heights is a Brantford-native who got his start on YouTube as a free-styling rapper in 2014. This up-and-coming independent artist is constantly writing and creating new music as a form of expression from his daily struggles and successes and aims to create relatable music for all of his fans and first-time listeners.

"With "Old Flavor," Live Musicis delivers not only an encouraging anthem but also a reflection of personal experiences and growth. The smooth recording process allowed Live Musicis to seamlessly intertwine lyrics with the music, creating a captivating vibe that sets this single apart. The recording process took place in Brooklyn, New York, adding a touch of significance as the Mecca of hip hop influenced the creation of this standout release."

"Recorded at Pen Pushaz Studios and expertly mixed and mastered at Audio Art Namibia by Wojtek Majewski, "Bitter Sweet" is a testament to Proklaim's dedication to their craft. The captivating sample on the beat inspired Proklaim to delve into the theme of love from a fresh perspective, resulting in a track that seamlessly combines heartfelt vocals with introspective rap verses."

"With "LSD," Proklaim draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including the captivating baseline that caught their attention while browsing beats online. Incorporating audio samples with a strong message, Proklaim has crafted a track that not only showcases their musical prowess but also delivers a powerful narrative. Recorded at Pen Pushaz Studios and mixed and mastered at Audio Art Namibia, the single stands out for its distinctive sound and meaningful content. Proklaim's passion for hip-hop and their belief in the genre's potential to drive change shines through in this release, making it a must-listen for music enthusiasts worldwide."

INTERVIEW WITH DANN TAYE

(•)> Cru cru Dann Taye! What first got you into music?

I used to study at the Institute of Music in London! Learning all aspects of music-making!

(•)> Was the institute of music like Hogwarts for musicians? What did you enjoy the most about studying in London?

Yes, it's like a Hogwarts for musicians haha! It was great there! Learning everything in musical production. It was also the same place for 90s UK R&b singer! Gabrielle went too!

(•)> Are you a fan of Britpop? What are some of your favorite english records of all time?

Of course, I'm a fan of Britpop! I'm British! And favourite records of all time! I'd have to say:

Queen! We will rock you!

The Police! Englishman in New York!

Phil Collins! In the air tonight

Oasis! Robbie Williams.

The list is endless

(•)> I'm Portuguese and I'm also a huge fan of Britpop!!! I don't believe every British is a fan of that volatile and iconic 90's movement aha Would you pick Oasis over Blur, Pulp, The Verve, or Suede?

I'd pick Oasis over the rest! But again! That's a personal choice! Everyone's taste will be different and all of them are equal! I prefer the songs from Oasis!

(•)> What's Oasis magnum opus? What's your favorite song by Oasis? Are you going to see the brothers on tour?

"Don't Look Back in Anger" & "Wonderwall"! These are my all-time favourites. Timeless classics. I'd like to see them perform! But I think there is a ticket shortage!!! They are selling fast haha

(•)> Fair enough, fair enough! Then, is it safe to assume that your favourite album from the brothers is "What's The Story Morning Glory?"

It is indeed! The good old days haha

(•)> What Britpop record /artist doesn't get the recognition it deserves? What other britpop groups should I check out besides the ones mentioned?

Other Britpop artists you should check out are Gorillaz! Moloko! Jamiroquai! The Happy Mondays! All great bands and artists.

(•)> I'm a huge fan of Gorillaz - Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett are genius for coming up with that! What records from Jamiroquai and Moloko mean the most to you? I've been wanting to listen to Happy Mondays' "Pills N' Thrills" for a while but never got to it...

They are! It was very unique for its time! I love Jamiroquai's "Space Cowboy"! You should listen to the remix version it's timeless! And Molokos' "The Time is Now". That's another classic.

(•)> What about Moloko's Statues? That seems to be the most famous online, am I wrong?

"Statues" the album, yes! But singles! Sing it back & The time is now! Always a great choice to listen to

(•)> Alright! I'll add them both to my list! What's your favorite candy? Do you believe in the Candyman?

My favourite candy? Hmmm, you're not from the UK, right? You should try a Cadbury Creme Egg! You can thank me later for that recommendation lol Well considering my new SINGLE is called candy... maybe I am the candy man haha

(•)> I'm from Portugal. Candyman. Candyman. Candyman. I summoned you in front of a mirror. Why aren't you performing "Candy" on my house right now? Where can we see you perform your latest single?

Haha! Because this Candyman is busy streaming my new SINGLE worldwide right now! On all major streaming platforms ; ) I'm actually in talks to maybe performing in the States for a few at some point In the future! So when I have more finalized dates! I'll let you know

(•)> Thanks! When visit Lisbon, you should give "Pastel de Belém" a chance! It is on Yorgos Lathimos' "Poor Things"! She ate it all up!!!

Ooh sounds great! I'll have to give this place a try! 🤗

(•)> What's your favorite album from Queen? Did you see Bohemian Rhapsody? Do you have any thoughts on it?

Queen II - deluxe edition and Hot Space. It wasn't bad at all! Remi looked very convincing! He did well in that role! The Wembley Arena scene was almost identical to the real thing! It was great but not Queen! That actual performance was something special! That was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

(•)> Do you sing in the shower?

No problem :) Of course, I sing in the shower! Who doesn't haha! I'll bust out some Bon Jovi or Aerosmith at times for sure!

(•)> What's the setlist when you're performing in the shower?

The set list would be:

Aerosmith - Dream on

Bon Jovi- Living on a Prayer

Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Danny Califonia

(•)> Will you tell us something embarrassing about you?

Something embarrassing about me? Hmmm !! I'm way too honest and sometimes this gets me into trouble! I have no filter lol

(•)> Do you agree with the Pigeon?

Of course!

"This soulful track is a powerful anthem designed to uplift believers in Christ and inspire all listeners to maintain their faith through life's challenges. With a unique blend of cultural influences and heartfelt lyrics, Darren's music resonates with audiences around the world."

"With MALCOLM, Kenny Aries delves into a deeply personal narrative, offering listeners a glimpse into his own experiences as a young individual navigating life in the UK."

"With this song, Dikundu takes us on a musical journey where we navigate through his emotions, his sadness, and his life while blending organic sounds with the modern trap of Atlanta."

INTERVIEW WITH 416DEDE

1. Hey 416DEDE, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?

I’ve been into music ever since I was a kid. I would always think that I could make it in the music industry if I tried. I’ve had some ups and downs but I haven’t stopped going cuz i want to keep chasing my dreams.

2. Who inspired you to make music?

Honestly I just started doing it from straight motivation myself. I never been the type of person that needed someone else to push me. I just do what I need to do to get myself in the right positions.

3. What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I would say don’t set yourself on fire trying to keep others warm. Its tough where i’m free cuz you want everyone to make it but not everybody thinking like me. I got my own ways of doing things. Its difficult to leave people just cuz they ain't in the right mindset.

4. How do you structure your day?

I basically go to work, pick my kid up from school, come home and work on music. Im always trying to minimize my list of things to do so that i can get more done with music.

5. Are you a music fan?

Yeah i listen to all kinds of music. I really like the temptations even though I don’t make music like that.

6. What’s your favorite discography?

Probably everything Kevin Gates. He has some of the best catalogs in the game.

7. What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I’ve worked fast food, tire shops, delivery jobs, all kinds of things. I just grind hard and make it work.

8. How do you spend your time?

I love hanging with my woman and my little girl. We like going out to eat and doing fun stuff with my daughter. Other than that I'm in my music.

9. What makes you sad?

All the stuff that America be tripping over. It don’t bother me but its sad that we can’t just be happy with everyone.

INTERVIEW WITH RYLAI

1. Hey Rylai, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?

It was like the late 2000s. I was in elementary school. I came across a K-pop hit, "Last Farewell" by Big Bang, I was hooked on that song, and I started digging for more.

2. Your latest song is “Testimony” . Can you tell us more about the making of it and if any unusual things were happening during the process?

I'ma tell you when I came across the Testimony beat for the first time. It was last year when I met Enoch, the producer behind the Testimony beat. I was at a small lockout studio of a rapper I had just met on the Internet. We were playing beats and vibing, and the Testimony beat came out.

Soon as I heard the beat, the groove, and how the instruments were orchestrated, I felt this beat was really special. I freestyled at that instant, It was gibberish, but the flow sounded perfect.

Later that day, I came back to my own lockout and started to write down kind of my own stories on that flow and that's how Testimony came out.

3. When did you fall in love with hip hop?

Hip Hop is life. Lots of great MCs have let out their stories, life lessons, and style through their bars. I love Hip Hop's competitive nature. We try to rhyme more and come up with the best stories. I'm a Kendrick Lamar fan. His bars inspire me to push the lyrical boundaries further.

4. What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

That there is a lot of room for me to do anything what I want. I started making melodies since I was young, and I got lots of great melodies and ideas I haven't let out yet.I would love to make those into real sounds and bring them into reality.

5. What is the best advice you’ve been given?

My grandma said after she read Testimony lyrics, She told me, "Believe in yourself that you're special. Keep pushing. You will reach the point one day." That really touched me, and it means a lot to me.

6. What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I'm a college student. Other than that, I've done math tutoring for high schoolers. I've cooked at a local restaurant and worked at construction sites.

7. How do you spend your time?

These days, I love watching YouTube,I also like riding my bike and running through my city. I also love digging for more music.I would love to get inspired by new sounds!

8. I'm also a huge Kendrick Lamar fan! Would you rank his albums from your least fav to your all time fav? (including the new realese from 2022: Mr. Morale & The Bigsteppers)

Oh, each of his albums is all great for different reasons.

I think Mr. Morale & Big steppers is great with building up the narrative, good kid, m.A.A.d city has a great K-Dot origin story. And TPAB is on the whole other level!

But if I have to pick my personal favorite, It's good kid, m.A.A.d city, the way he conveys the story and how he's using the skits inspired me a lot. I go back to the songs on good kid, m.A.A.d city the most. And my second favorite is DAMN, it has so many great songs, and I love its song productions.The next is TPAB, and lastly, Mr. Morale & Big steppers.

9. Is To Pimp A Butterfly the best album of the 2010's?

Before I talk about the TPAB, I gotta say that I don't listen to lots of albums. I don't think I can compare many great albums to say which one is better than the other.

But listening to TPAB was a whole other experience. You know, he recites a poem between tracks and adds a sentence each time, and it works perfectly with the songs and context, how they're all cohesively running to the theme; it's something else. 2Pac interview at the end is also genius.

From the writer's point of view, cause I'm a writer, I think TPAB is unparalleled and inimitable.

I don't think anybody could come up with a hip-hop album as great as TPAB, at least not in this century.

10. What's your favorite youtube channel?

I don't have a particular favorite channel. Most of the time, I just click on what's popping on recommend section. It could be travel videos, music-related, memes, or sometimes gameplay streaming.

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