Interviews Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Straight Official Magazine

C Doll Is Out To Prove She Meant That

on January 4, 2024 Artist Interviews add comment

C DOLL stopped by our headquarters this week to chop it up with @djspins. The vibe was indeed dope! Check out their one-on-one down below and click here to discover more emerging artists.

Q&A WITH C DOLL

How Did You Come Up With your Stage Name? Tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

I really wanted the letter “C” to start my stage name off because my real name starts with a “C”. At the same time, i wanted “Doll” or “Bratz” with my name as well. It literally took me 2 seconds to say “I’m going with C Doll because CBratz sounds horrible”. I’m from Arkansas & I’ve been interested in the entertainment industry since I was small. I love music. It’s a way to cope with a lot and help express yourself as well.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

Knowing I have the potential and it’s what I love to do.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as catchy and aggressive.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

I’ll write an entire song before I even find a beat. I can literally write 3 songs at a time. For example, I can be writing to one song and be like “nah this verse sounds good for the song” and be back and forth song to song.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

Females: Latto & Lakeyah. Males: Big Homiie G & Luh Tyler.

If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?

Glorilla & Lil Baby

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Thank you for being a source of inspiration and motivation.

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most useless talent you have?

Most people wouldn’t know it, but I am pretty good at singing.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

If I wasn’t pursuing a music career, I would be working in a field that matches my college degree.

Who are some artists you admire and why?

I admire Keyshia Cole. I admire her because she started off humble and confident with everything she did. Every song and video, you could literally feel everything she felt.

IN CONCLUSION

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would change the “want to be competition”. I feel like everyone in the industry is up, no matter if they have 500,000 compared to your 1M, they still making progress and out there making it happen.

You Dropped Your Latest Release Earlier this Year, Tell’s Us About It.

My latest release is called “Meant Dat”. It’s really about me expressing how i feel about certain situations and coming right after saying I meant dat in certain parts of the song. Meant dat in other words means i’m saying I mean it/I’m standing on business.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

Few more singles to drop, then album mode! In the next year, I would like to see myself listed number 1, 1M + more views/listeners on all platforms, doing features with artists i’ll like to collaborate with, and living it up!

What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?

IG: @Itsreallycdoll , YT: Therealcdoll , Spotify: Cdoll , Twitter: @Itsreallycdoll , TikTok: @_therealcdoll

#GetSOM via @djspins

Da Foundation Talk Live, Suffer & Celebrate

on December 23, 2023 Interviews Straight Official Magazine add comment

Da Foundation are laying it down on how they live, suffer and celebrate. On the heels of their latest release, they sat down with Straight Official’s own @djspins to give us the lowdown on how this thing all came together.

Q&A WITH DA FOUNDATION

How did you come up with your stage name?

The name Da Foundation came to us just in a casual conversation in the mist of us discussing just self discipline, morals and the foundation of what we stand on and where we come from while embracing where we going.

Please tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

We were born in East Orange, NJ but we are base in North Carolina and this is where the movement started. How it started was just freestyling and the thought of “what if” we got serious with this. From there it went from a thought and an action.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

The inspiration comes from life. We get inspired from each other. We are actually brothers, we have always encouraged each other. The memories of our childhood and past experiences that shaped and mood us for good. To be great, is inspiring.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

How would you describe your sound?

Thought and imagination coupled with real life endeavors, set with future goals to move forward. Our unique sound of Hip-Hop can be edgy and push the limits. At the same time encouraging our listeners to think and also inspire the grind, accept the gritty struggle with the will to make it out.

What is your creative process like?

The creative process is a bit unorthodox. You would think we write together but, thats typically not the case. We write separately and go with the best concept to the music. A lot of the times we are on the same frequency which helps the process. We know what type of music and message to want to present to our audience.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

Artist like J.Cole, Griselda whom seem to be on the same wave as us in a Hip-Hop space are artist we can see ourselves working with. Not to limit ourselves and what we can do artist like Kodak Black and such whom may have a very unique sound, is a space we can put ourselves in as well. We’re always looking to put the pen to the test.

SHIFTING GEARS

If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?

It’s not so much about the artist but the audience. People who appreciate lyrics and Hip-Hop. Sometimes we just want you to listen to what we’re saying. We understand people want to be entertained at the same time so, we incorporate that in our performances.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Just to have an open mind about things. The world is vast. We don’t all believe in the same thing. Thats what makes our music edgy. We just hope to make our perspective clear.

What is the most useless talent you have?

You never understand your value until you appreciate your creatively. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses, move forward off what you believe your strengths are. No talent is useless when it is used accordingly.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

One passion we both share is sports. So giving back to the youth and building character through sports is a space we can see ourselves in. We’ve coached a special group of kids just recently in 2022 to a youth championship and won. That process and journey was something we enjoyed.

NEW MUSIC ALERT!

Tell us about your latest release.

Live…Suffer…Celebrate… is a unique body of work. We put a lot of thought and time into it. It is edgy and fun to listen to. We fill its for all ages, we don’t focus on a specific age group when creating music. We all have the same access to it. So we stay in a space we love with no limitations.

What’s next for you? Where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

Touring and bigger platforms. As this point, we’re only trying to go big. Whatever space that put us in we’ll decide where we want to go from there. But take a look at the group category and take a look at Da Foundation. We like our chances.

What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?

Facebook: Da Foundation IG: @alleyway2broadway are the two main social media
platforms to see what we’re doing. Official Website alleyway2broadway.com as well.
Contact: BroadwayEntertainmentNews@gmail.com
http://www.alleyway2broadway.com

#GetSOM via @djspins

Straight Official Sit Downs: Andre Pitre

on December 12, 2023 Artist Interviews Straight Official Magazine add comment

ANDRE PITRE is the next contestant on this week’s edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. Our own @klassikceo served up the questions and you can check out their one-on-one down below. For more emerging artists across the land, click here for more issues of Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH ANDRE PITRE

What is your Name? where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

My name is Andre Pitre and I am from Beaumont, TX. My dad would play music in the house all of the time. So, we listened to Gospel before church on Sundays, and R&B the rest of the time. God put this in my heart and I just always knew I wanted to perform.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

LIFE! Life inspires me to create. I was born to do this! I love how music touches, motivates, and moves us.

How would you describe your sound?

I would say my sound is a little bit of old school combined with new school. It is soulful, passionate, and inspires hope.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

My creative process is definitely spontaneous. It is a reflection of things I have gone through. I have experienced alot in my life. I write as a creative outlet. My music tells a story. The words transform into images. I can see, feel, and visualize things so clearly.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Beyoncé, Jay Z, Drake, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, Missy Elliott, and Jazmine Sullivan, to name a few.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Never give up on your Dreams.

Know your worth don’t take any BS from anyone!
Andre Pitre on the best advice he’s received

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

Most people don’t know how witty I am, and how much I enjoy laughing. I definitely can be a comedian at times. Several of my friends are in comedy and I have so much respect for them.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

I am a triple threat – Singer, Actor, Director. Music is my first love and that’s why I created Tri-Wen Music Group. If I wasn’t doing music, I would be directing and acting. Charnele Brown, (aka Kimberly Reese from A Different World), is a phenomenal Actor, Writer, Producer. She is my Co-Founder and business partner in Tri-Wen Productions.

Together we created and wrote THE BLACK MAN, a powerful play about mental health awareness in Black and brown communities, highlighting the Black man’s experience and normalizing conversations around therapy.

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I like old-school artist, like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass. They had their own style and performed with so much passion.

IN CONCLUSION

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Allow Artists to have more creative freedom. The industry needs to have more transparency, honesty, and integrity.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

I see myself performing all around the world and allowing people to be inspired by my music. I want to be a change agent and have tremendous impact internationally.

What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?

IG : @andrepitre13

FB: Andre Pitre

Email: BookingAndrePitre@gmail.com

#GetSOM via @klassikceo

Jarvis Thompson speaks with DJ Pressure

on October 17, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

Introducing JL Thompson

Jarvis (JL) Thompson grew up in Laurel, MS. He considers Laurel his city roots and Bassfield, MS his country influence since it’s his father’s birth town. The artist is the oldest of two sisters and has no brothers a part of his bloodline but surrounds himself with several bonds that are just as strong as if they were. He is a lovely father to his son and a supportive husband to his pregnant wife, USM alumnae, Brandy Thompson.

Church Roots

JL started singing at church where his father is pastor. The congregation has always been supportive of the artist and his music, but his first major appearance was actually at his preschool gradation. Jarvis’ mother and father are his number one supporters. While being known for his outgoing personality, he takes his place in the community as an artist and truck driver. He graduated from Laurel High School, attended Jones Community College, and is currently a senior at Williams Care pursuing healthcare. Along the way he gained an electrical certification since being an artist was not originally a thought. It just began to grow on him and his family. Thompson is also known for his piano and organ skills.

Kamron is JL’s five year old son and is very vocal about the sound of his father’s music. This is held in high regard by Jarvis due to difference in finances after the birth of his son. From struggling to provide a “Happy Meal” for his toddler to becoming a truck driver or “Mr. Big Truck Driva”. Jarvis ultimately put God first and trusted his plan for his life. The artist went through a faze of consecration with God. The intent – finding out who he was and his purpose in life. Once it became clear, Jarvis continued to pursue his calling as an artist.

JL Thompson As An Artist

Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, and Little Milton are all major influences because of his father’s choice of music. JL Thompson would appear on Facebook singing to gain viewers from time to time. What once came across as a joke about being a blues singer, is now his reality. He continued to move forward in the Southern Soul community. Writing his first song “Gold Digger”, which was based off a conversation with his brother who had concerns about dating a woman who always wanted him to pay for her things. A woman who had expensive taste but also a cheater.

While attending the “Jackson Music Awards” for the first time, I had the opportunity to meet several artist like Castro Colman, Stan Dixon, JWonn, Jeter Jones, and many others.

JL Thompson believes praying daily with his team provides a level of strength which open doors no man can close in personal life and career. It’s important to do this because of his involvement with different people and spirits. His second song was “Hey, Mr. Truck Driva”. This song was based off a lady at the truck stop offering service to please the truck driver and wasn’t too aesthetically pleasing. This song was based off a true story. The lady charges 40.00 to provide a service but once done she’s on to the next truck driver. JL Thompson’s third song “Big Truck Driva”, encourages others to date a truck driver. This song was created to give appreciation to male and female truck drivers. He sings about having a supportive wife who takes rides on the road with him and don’t mind pleasing her husband on the road.

JL Thompson’s “Greenwood Whiskey”

JL Thompson is not only an artist but a smart businessman. His next song “Take A Shot” is based off of his new whiskey. The song speaks about working all week and finally being able to relax at his favorite spot. Once there, he would ask the bartender to pour him up a shot of his favorite whiskey. Greenwood Whiskey was created from a tasting in Colombia with his cofounder. He is the first Southern Soul artist with a major liquor brand behind his name. He promotes his partners’ whiskey at all his shows.

Thompson also has a trucking company “T3 Express” which is managed by his wife. JL Thompson is hoping for nomination in 2024 at the JMA’s. He’s performed at the “Denim and Diamonds” event in Columbia, MS. He has performed next to artist like Lamarus Williams, Chris Ivy, Big Yayo, LJ Echols, Jeter Jones, Willie Cayton, Ken Wolf, Dru Evens, Bobby Rush and so many more. He even sang background with Stacy Adams and had a chance to perform at Calvin Richardson showcase. which was a spontaneous decision by Calvin. His goal is to be able to work with King George and LJ Echols one day. Jarvis L Thompson is just looking to grow and continue to support his family while putting God first.

Straight Official Sit Downs: John Alex Gatsby

on October 3, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

JOHN ALEX GATSBY is an emerging artist that sat down with our own @klassikceo for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. The official online site of The Worldwide Fleet DJs, we get you up to speed with new talent from across the land. Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more issues of Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A With John Alex Gatsby

Where are you from?

Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Greensboro, NC

What first interested you in the entertainment industry?

I would go to the radio station with my dad who was a DJ on 97.1WQMG in Greensboro, NC and answer the phones across the hall at 102JAMZ with DJ Tapmoney and seeing all the action. Growing up music was always played in my house. My dad taught me how to DJ, how to mix and exposed me to so many different genres of music.

Who/what inspires you to create?

I’m inspired by multiple artists including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Usher, Chris Brown and so many other legends

The Creative Process

How would you describe your sound?

Unique. I like to offer genre bending music. I like to promote positivity in my sound, challenging harmonies and a wide vocal range to top it all off.

What is your creative process like?

I “cook up” with my producers, I don’t accept beat packs. I am influenced by the moment and create from scratch on the spot in the studio. That’s best musical magic making.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

So many! Stevie Wonder is at the top of the list. I like Jazmine Sullivan a lot, Jay-Z would be a dream come true.

This is a marathon not a sprint, and you must not follow your dreams but instead, chase them.
John Alex Gatsby

Shifting Gears

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Firstly, thank you because without you there would be no me. Secondly, I would encourage everyone to not only follow their dreams, but chase them.

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

I am a multi-engine certified pilot. I have been flying airplanes longer than I have been driving cars!

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I admire anyone who is willing to go through the process. Those who put forward the dedication and put in the work necessary to be heard by the masses, all while dealing with the internal scrutiny and asking “Am I good enough?” I can relate to every artist struggle and admire anyone who is willing to go through it just because we love making music so much.

In Conclusion

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

The industry is gonna be the industry, if I were to change one thing, another thing would simply become more problematic. Because it is what it is, what must be willing to change is my ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

My primary focus is to keep making good, relatable music, continue to work with various platforms to get my word to the masses and enjoy the journey along the way. In a year, I will be enjoying the ride, enjoying the fruits of my hard work and working even harder to level up yet again.

Follow John Alex Gatsby on Social Media

@JohnAlexGatsby on everything. check out my site and get some merch at www.johnalexgatsby.com DM me on the gram, I would love to hear from you!

#GetSOM via @klassikceo

Straight Official Sit Downs: Leo W3ST

on October 3, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

LEO W3ST is the next contestant to take the hot set for another edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. The official one-on-one with The Worldwide Fleet DJs. @klassikceo served up the questions and their vibe was indeed dope. Check it out down below and click here for more of the Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH LEO W3ST

What is your Name? Where are you from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

Leo w3ST, I’m from the west side of Chicago and what got me interested is just simply the love of music and the joy of performing.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

These days I’m inspired by my kids and life situations when it comes to creating.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as authentic, unique and original.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

It varies but for the most part some Mary J. is definitely in rotation. I might play some classic songs or songs from my favorite artist to get me going.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I got a few but Joey Badass , Saba, Smino, Dave B, Tink, Dreezy and Sonta

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

I appreciate y’all for supporting everything I do and sticking with me through this journey.

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

I’m real good at taking apart electronics and figuring them out, fixing them and putting them back together.

What would you be doing right now if you weren’t doing music?

It’s crazy cause I been doing it so long I never thought about it (laughs), but I would say maybe still in entertainment but not trying to be the focus like an A&R or something.

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

J Cole is one. He showed me it doesn’t matter what you wear, people are still going to rock with you as long as you are a solid person. My big brother is another. He taught me a lot and is still giving me game today.

IN CONCLUSION

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Be yourself and give 100 percent to something if you really love it.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would make it more accessible for artist to find booking agents and have an unknown artist stage at festivals for the local artist in that city.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

What’s next is me continuing to grow as an artist and a person. I would like to see myself in a bigger light with more opportunities like modeling , acting, voice overs, etc.

FOLLOW LEO W3ST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Find Leo W3ST on IG: w3st_92, Twitter: w3ST_92

#GetSOM via @KlasikCEO

Let’s Meet M Dot Taylor | @MDOTTAYLOR

on August 31, 2023 Artist Interviews Journalist Bae add comment

INTRODUCING M DOT TAYLOR

You might be asking, “Who is M Dot Taylor?” However, after today, you will never ask that question again – you’ll only refer to him as my new favorite “Hip-Hop & B” artist. You don’t believe me? Trust me when I say, I have the facts to back it up. I got the opportunity to have a conversation with the “Ain’t Going Broke No Mo” rapper on the latest episode of After the Music Stops. It was easily one of the most down to earth interactions.

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Mario Taylor has a story that consists of grief, persistence, and ultimately success. He lost both of his parents before the age of 25 which left him no choice but to “get it out the mud”. Like many of us, he grew up in church and was always around music. However, he was very adamant about how the artistry is not just a part of his life, but truly his lifestyle! All of that was essentially put on hold while he was in the Navy, so let’s fast forward to the 2020’s when he began studying video and audio production. This is where we really get to see him work.

GETTING TO THE BANDS

M Dot Taylor cites inspiration from Tupac, Jay Z, Rick Ross, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and R. Kelly among others. He explained that Ice T is also on that list. Which is pretty dope considering he co-executive produced the song you just heard. These days he’s living out in Hollywood and performing with some living legends like Ice Cube, Bone Thugz-N-Harmony, and Jim Jones who appears on his latest song “Biggest Fan” (prod. by Zaytoven). No cap, it’s the song that made me a fan. The artistry on this song is arguably impeccable. I was happy to learn that he is involved in nearly every part of making this record come to life. Check it out below and let me know what you think! It’s the musical growth for me…

#GetSOM via @mochathemack

Straight Official Sit Downs: Demi Lowrell

on August 3, 2023 Artist Interviews add comment

DEMI LOWRELL stopped by our headquarters this week for this installment of Straight Official Sit Downs where we chop it up with emerging talent nationwide. Our own @klassikceo served up the questions and the vibe was dope. Check out their one-on-one down below and click here to discover new and upcoming artists.

Q&A WITH DEMI LOWRELL

What is your Name? Where are you from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

I’m Demi Lowrell, a singer-songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. What first got me interested in the music industry was my family. I come from a very musical background and they’ve supported my dreams of becoming an artist since I was young.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

What inspires me to create is knowing that people could listen to my music and relate to it and it makes them feel good.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as pop mixed with R&B.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

As far as my creative process, I would listen to a beat and find a flow that I really think would go along with it and then I would input lyrics.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Summer Walker, Jhene Aiko and SZA.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

One message I would give to my supporters would be to have faith in GOD and he will get you through anything!

Most people do not know that I can actually act and I have been in several plays around Memphis.
Demi Lowrell

SHIFTING GEARS

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

Definitely acting or directing movies!

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I admire artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna and Michael Jackson because they are such huge and phenomenal performers as well as artists. I would love have performances like theirs, they really know how to intrigue a big crowd.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I’ve ever been give is: Do not fear anything that can’t kill you. I love this advice because it makes me more confident and ready to take on anything!

IN CONCLUSION

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

If I could change one thing in the industry, it would be the messages that most artists today send out to the world. There’s so much violence and hate already and I think people should make more positive and uplifting music.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself next year?

I just released my album “Doin’ Me” on all platforms so, I will continue promoting my album! In the next year, I will like to see myself on big stages and meeting/collaborating with major artists.

STAY CONNECTED WITH DEMI LOWRELL

You can find me on all social media platforms as “Demi Lowrell” and you can reach me by https://www.instagram.com/demilowrell https://www.tiktok.com/@demilowrell https://www.facebook.com/isha.jones.140

A Couple’s Effort To Change The Paradigm

on July 16, 2023 Interviews Politics add comment

Getting To Know “The Crislers”

Meet Eva and Marshand Crisler. Eva Crisler is running for “Hinds County Supervisor” and Marshand Crisler is running for “Hinds County Sheriff”. The Crislers are current residents of Jackson, MS, and are fighting for the community through education, being community activists, and leading by example.

This power couple shares 10 children together and are members of New Jerusalem Church in Jackson, MS. This beautiful couple are also newlyweds, recently getting married on July 2, 2021. Along with the love that they share for each other, they also share a love for their community.

With Eva working as the manager of the Family and Youth Division and Marshand as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Jackson, they began this journey of being the “Obama’s” of Jackson, Mississippi. Behind every great man lies an amazing woman.

Eva Crisler Running for Hinds County Supervisor District 1

Eva Crisler is from Goodman, MS. She was born and raised in Holmes County and is the second oldest of two, her mother’s name is Eva Lee Howard and her father is Robert Howard. At an early age, Eva moved to Chicago, IL, and stayed there for 20yrs roughly.

Later she made a decision to relocate to Jackson, MS. Living in Jackson wasn’t at the top of her list as a place to settle down but things quickly changed as she began to become more involved with the community. The things she witnessed as a child sparked her interest in social work.

Eva had a heart for broken families or abused and neglected children in her community at a young age and wanted to become a part of the solution to keep the families together. She went to school and majored in Social Work. Eva has a passion for connecting with others.

She enjoys reaching out and understanding the need of others by being active through mind mapping and brainstorming ideas to create solutions with her peers. Eva gets joy out of helping others reach their goals. Her personal experience involved her mother Eva Lee Howard, who showed her firsthand the importance of family by taking care of not only her kids but her sister’s kids.

Eva has always carried a trait of leadership that seeks change for her community.

https://www.wlbt.com/2023/02/03/hinds-co-district-1-supervisor-questioning-candidacy-challenger/

Eva’s Experience and Educational Background

Eva was the first in her family to earn a Bachelor’s in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies from Jackson State University. She has also received a Master’s in Educational Technology. Eva is currently in the dissertation phase of finishing up a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at JSU. She has over 20 yrs in Social Services.

In 2000, Eva joined Friends of Children INC helping over 250 families in the Central Mississippi area with nutritional needs. In 2014, Eva carried on the position of Manager of the Family and Youth division for the city of Jackson. Eva has helped over 300 youths with summer youth programs and employment opportunities.

In 2015, she started her own realty company. “REL Affordable Houses” was established here in Jackson and provides a second chance for renters to have a place to stay. Eva is pushing to replace businesses that have relocated and working to increase wages for employees.

She wants to create an organization that will come together and address the issues of the citizens by also providing education and resources to small business owners to improve growth. Behind her stands a man of power, Mr. Marshand Crisler.

Meet Marshand Crisler, Candidate for Hinds County Sherriff

Marshand Crisler a native of Greenville, MS born to Johnny and Rosia Crisler. He is the middle child of 4 siblings. Marshand states that “it is very important the city of Jackson understands the duties of a sheriff”. Most citizens think the duties are “law enforcement” but it’s actually “corrections”. His experience started at 18 years old, after 1 year at Hinds Community College where he also played football. Marshand took a break from school called a “stop out” not a “drop out” because he then enlisted in the Marine Corps. He later took on the position of a military police officer for the Marine Corps. His experience on a tour in Iraq lead to his transfer to the United States Army National Guard.

Marshand’s first assignment was where his family is located in Crystal Springs, MS, Marshand was ecstatic to show family and friends his hard work and accomplishments. “Operations of Iraqi Freedom” was his first mission as City Councilman in Jackson, MS . This assignment in 2004, led to his placement in Iraq for 366 days. Assigned Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW Operations), his unit from Canton, MS which was responsible for housing and guarding Saddam Hussein because of the history of service from the 112 unit. Marshand retired as a “Major” from U.S Air Force and has always been a man of achievement through leadership. Wrapping up his skills with 20yrs as a veteran of the Hinds County Sheriffs Department, I would say he is well over qualified to take Jackson, MS in a new direction.

For more info visit www.feliciasmadcappodcast.com

Jackson Do Your Research and Vote For the Crislers on August 8, 2023

Artists You Should Know | Jet Santiago

on June 24, 2023 Artist Interviews TenthLetterMedia add comment

MEET JET SANTIAGO

JET SANTIAGO is an quickly emerging artist holding down the culture of Hip-Hop from the nineteenth state. His approach is one that is built upon solid production and prominent lyrics. As a cultivator of the movement, Jetty realizes his position and what the genre means to him. “Hip-Hop is expression and perspective. It’s a way to tell stories from your point of view and let people into your view of life.”

There is always a driving force that makes a person commit to being an artist. For Jet, all it took was for him to attend a J. Cole concert in 2014. Speaking on the experience he recalls “It was his Forest Hills Drive Tour and I somehow snuck into the section right in front of the stage. Being able to hear and see one of my favorite artists up close gave me a different level of inspiration.”

Moments like that have inspired him to derive his own lane in his artistry. Jetty’s unique sound and delivery are not necessarily like your “run-of-the-mill” rappers. When asked about it, he replied “I had to develop my own flavor. I love all styles of music but I never compromise my sound to fit in with what’s hot at the moment.”

Music comes in waves. You can’t ride the wave. You have to be the wave.
Jet Santiago

BODY OF WORK

Since 2019 Jet has staked his claim in Hip-Hop. Releasing dope singles like New Age, Mood! and City of Dreams, he prepared us for his EP Le Jour de Anniversair. When asked about his creative process he replied, “I need to be inspired in order to create. I get inspiration from traveling, meeting new people and having new experiences. Once it’s there I lock in and won’t leave the studio until 5am.”

In 2020 Jet released his first album titled “Santiago Summers” to rave reviews. The 12 track project is full of gems but one in particular caught my attention. The track “Andy Bought A Basquiat” was not only #7 (favorite number) but also my introduction to him as an artist. From the samples to the lyricism, Jetty flew high on this track!

The Hip-Hop scene in Indianapolis is growing. When I asked Jetty how he stands out amongst his peers, his response was brilliant. “I’m authentic, and original. I’m not promoting the destruction of our people, nor am I promoting killing each other in the streets or overly glorifying drugs. I have a message but I’m not preaching to you. With me you get a perfectionist who cares about music and the culture. You can party, laugh, cry, feel motivated and inspired when listening to my music.”

Jet Santiago (Video Cred: DJ Slikk’s Booth Action)

NEW MUSIC FROM JET

Jet’s upcoming release You Could’ve Been Here promises to be another impression of his craft and artistry. “It’s a culmination of my experiences over the previous 3 years since my last solo project. 10 songs with the vibe of the album being mostly upbeat. Not only my best project to date but the best rap album of the year.”

We shifted gears and spoke about the journey to get here. Jet spoke on the peaks and valleys to arrive here. “Being able to monetize what I create is a blessing. People actually invested in your art and waiting for you to drop music is the dopest thing in the world. I’ve gained people but also lost people. Overall it has shaped me and helped me grow as an artist and person. It’s all a part of the journey.”

I asked Jet what he would change about the industry from an artist’s standpoint. He spoke on an overhaul, “I would change the structure of deals. I’d make contracts easier to understand and fair to both sides. The wording in contracts however can trap an artist into more than they originally thought they signed up for.”

EDITOR’S PICK

I was fortunate to meet Jet way back when I was a blogger for this publication. Through another dope individual and friend, I listened to Jet and from jump knew this was something special. He alongside countless others from Indy would dominate my #SaturdaySpotlight & #NewMusicMondays features with great music.

YCBH is set to release on January 11th. I was able to hear a few tracks exclusively. No spoilers obviously, but my pick from what I heard was “Law of Attraction” which you can check out down below!

Read and be as knowledgeable as possible. The more you know, the more you will be able to talk about.
Jet Santiago

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Stay connected with Jet Santiago on Instagram (@jetsstayhigh)

“You Coulda Been Here” to release soon on all music streaming platforms (Apple, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube)