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[La Bodega]Quarantine Talk: Javier Luis

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WELCOME TO La Bodega QUARANTINE TALK, WHERE WE’VE HELD VARIOUS CONVERSATIONS WITH ARTIST’S & GROUPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD VIA ZOOM, EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA EVEN PLAIN OLD PHONE CONVERSATIONS.

WELCOME TO THE 25th EDITION OF La Bodega QUARANTINE TALK.
THE ARTIST WE HAVE TODAY IS JAVIER LUIS
YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR CONVERSATION DOWN BELOW

SO. What is your Name?
JL. My name is Javier Luis.  where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry? 
I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in New York City’s Upper West Side. 
Music has always been a part of my family growing up. As a baby, I started singing before speaking. 
One of the first songs that my mother said i use to sing as a child was “Que Viva Chango” lol Makes perfect sense today, I am the son of Chango. 
My first taste of singing was when I auditioned and got picked to performed at my 8th grade talent show, I was so scared but when I got through my song and saw the audiences reaction (and it was a FULL house), the feedback and the adrenalin that I felt, I knew this was something I wanted to continue doing for LIFE. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDQ3C876n20


SO. Who and/or what inspires you to create?
JL. My muse and my mother Carmen Martinez inspires me to create. 
I grew up singing and performing in English and was a lead singer in a 40 member Gospel choir for many years. 
My mother was always on top of me telling me that I should really consider singing in Spanish. 
I kind of ignored that suggestion for many years until she approached me with a song she wrote titled “Alma Chapada A La Antigua”.  She read it to me and helped me understand the lyrics. 
I decided to take the song and research a Salsa producer. 
I found one and went into the studio and invited 12 musicians including coro singers to create what would be my first Salsa song ever.  By the way, I am proud to say that my mother who is also a member of ASCAP music as a songwriter has written a few of the songs on my first and second CD productions. 
My muse is what also inspires me.  When he or she kicks in i swear I do not have normal brain cells or think like the average person. My minds creative mode becomes deep and daring. 
For example…the story board for all of my music videos were created by me, some times I find that i am directing the director of the music video, all of the melodic arrangements from lead vocal to background vocals on many of my Salsa and ballad songs and my English songs were created by me, I’ve written my own English songs in which I’ve won awards for and have co-written soneos in many of my salsa songs.  When my muse is sleeping, I kinda find myself lost.  It’s all about my muse. 

SO. How would you describe your sound? 
JL. I’d like to describe my sound as a combination of some classic Salsa swing with modern romantic twist.  Many have criticized romantic Salsa, but I always made sure I worked with producers and arrangers who can add that funky classic Salsa element  to today Romantic sound. As a second tenor, my vocals have been described to be rich in tone and my delivery very passionate.   I am very picky with songs.  I don’t want to come across as a bougie Puerto Rican but it’s all about the lyrics for me.  

SO. What is your creative process like? 
JL. My mood dictates my songs.  I like to spend time by myself when writing songs.  I’ve been asked by people in the past to co-write a song together and I tell you….That doesn’t work for me.  I can’t be in the same room with others when writing.  Also part of my creative process is mental. Lyrics are also very important to me.  I am a fan of musica intellectual.  When i sing the lyrics to a song, i need to know all of its meanings.   Once i know what each word means i can connect deeply with the song on a spiritual level and when I get to that level, my audience can really feel me. Going to the gym to work on my body and do my vocal exercises at home also sets my mind on that creative process.  In a world full of Salsa singers, i like to think outside the box, push envelopes and perhaps either make some feel uncomfortable or make some people aspire to follow my lead with a non traditional approach. 

SO. What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with? 
JL. I’ve always wanted to collaborate with La India.

SO. What is one message you would give to your supporters? 
JL. My message to my supporters is “THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING SO FAITHFUL AND SUPPORTIVE OF ME AND MY MUSIC.  There have been moments where I’d run into a dry spell in my career and when I have returned to the stage, my fans have always pulled through and filled the house up with their presence.  I am truly blessed.

SO. What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about? 
JL. Cooking.  My mother and my grand-father taught me to cook and fend for myself.  My family have encouraged me to open up a restaurant.  I love to cook my traditional Puerto Rican foods, plus I love to cook Italian, Asian, I love to bake cakes from scratch.  The best part of cooking and creating in the kitchen is getting my dinner guests expression when they get their first bite of my food.  Who knows, maybe one day I’ll open up a restaurant or a food truck.  I’ll be known as the singing chef.  LOL 

SO. What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music? 
JL. Probably cooking full time. 

SO. Who are some artists/people you admire and why? 
JL. I admire and gravitate towards vocalists.  I love powerful singers and would pay money to go to concerts for artists such as Celia Cruz, Luis Miguel, Marc Anthony, La India, Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo. 


SO. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? 
JL. Stop making the music industry into a modeling industry.  Real talented vocalist are being by passed and the the monies are being invested in good looking boys and girls who’s vocals are fixed in the studio.  I think vocal talent shows on tv have ruined the industry.  Because of this show,  EVERYBODY AND THEIR MOTHERS want to be singers.  I think real talented people are being left behind.  Singing is a sacred art and its not given the respect it deserves.  

SO. What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year? 
JL. Right now my single “Yo no soy un delincuente” will be re-released in March under Chu-Bano Entertainment in which i am very excited about.  I say re-release because I originally released “Yo no soy un delincuente” back in June of 2019 and so many obstacles have presented itself including the pandemic which put a damper on my songs potential.   I also have a couple of other projects that i have been working on since 2021 that i hope to realize this year.  I don’t want to say much about my other projects at the moment.  I come from the old school way of thinking, don’t share any pre-productions until you know 99% of it is completed.  When it is ready to be released, then you can start on heavy promotions a month or two before it’s release with a little snippet of the song or music video.   Now I see many people in the recording doing facebook live letting the world hear what they are creating.  I think that’s a big mistake and you’re kinda jinxing yourself. I come from a very spiritual family and I have always been told that ‘You should never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing and you should never your right hand know what your left hand is doing. (sounds better in Spanish LOL).  In other words, during your creative process and pre-production and during production, keep everything under wraps.  Not everyone wants to see you succeed and a person(s) jealous and negative thoughts can be the worst witch craft casted on a person….if you believe in that.  

SO. What is your social media?
JL. You can follow me on
http://facebook.com/Javierluismusica
http://instagram.com/javierluisvoz
and you can also find information on my website Singer | Javier Luis
Also via email ChubanoEntertainment@gmail.com or Miramarentertainment@yahoo.com

One advice that I’ve been given was “find your own voice”.  When I started singing and performing around New York City, I was always told that I look or sound like this artist and that artist.  That advice helped me get out of that imitation mode that I was in and helped me find “Javier Luis”

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

#GetSOM Via @DJGojabean @JavierLuisVoz @StraightOfficialMag #QuarantineTalk #LaBodega #StraightOfficialMagazine

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[La Bodega]Quarantine Talk: Katre

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WELCOME TO La Bodega QUARANTINE TALK, WHERE WE’VE HELD VARIOUS CONVERSATIONS WITH ARTIST’S & GROUPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD VIA ZOOM, EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA EVEN PLAIN OLD PHONE CONVERSATIONS.

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WELCOME TO THE 24th EDITION OF La Bodega QUARANTINE TALK.
THE ARTIST WE HAVE TODAY IS KATRE
YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR CONVERSATION DOWN BELOW


SO. What are your Names? where you’re from and what first got you interested in the
entertainment industry?
K. Hello and thanks for having us.
My name is Hasan, I am the guitar player of the instrumental rock band Katre.
Together with Şah Cihan (Synth),
Okaner (Drums), and
Özgür (Bass),
Katre has been around for seven years now.
The band is based in Berlin. Half of the band members live in Turkey and the other half in
Germany.

SO. Who and/or what inspires you to create?
K. Hasan: There are certain things I cannot understand. Do you know the song “Learning to
Live” by Dream Theater? There it says “I look at the world and see no understanding”. That
is, I guess, my motivation to create and how I protest against it.

SO. How would you describe your sound?
K. Hasan: Layered, heavy, sometimes optimistic, and sometimes pessimistic.

SO. What is your creative process like?
K. Hasan: Usually, I write the songs and the stories, play the guitars, and maybe add some midi
arrangements. Each band member extends and enriches the material by recording their
parts and giving constant feedback to the others. Besides being talented musicians, we are
talking about very good music listeners in Katre, so it is hard to convince them. We iterate
until everybody feels good with the result. Hence, when we are happy with the final
product, I know we did a good job 🙂

SO. What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?
K. Hasan: My choice would be Daniel Gildenlöw of Pain of Salvation.

SO. What is one message you would give to your supporters?
K. Hasan: First of all, thanks for supporting us, we appreciate it. If I may, I would like to add the
following: When listening to our songs, read the stories we created for each of them.
Empathize and feel with the protagonists. This will most probably give you a different
listening experience.

SO. What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?
K. Hasan: Cool question 🙂 I do not know. I have some scientific publications. Haha, not quite
sure, does that count as a skill?

SO. What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?
K. Hasan: Probably reading a book or watching a movie

SO. Who are some artists/people you admire and why?
K. Hasan: Artist-wise Erkan Oğur, a great musician and personality from Turkey, is a huge
influence. He values silence in music. This inspired me a lot. By the way, he contributed to
the opening track of Encounters with his magical guitar solo. Also Daniel Gildenlöw. He is a
modern-day philosopher, a great musician, and has a sincere personality.
Apart from this, I admire Selahattin Demirtaş, because apart from his contributions to
democracy in Turkey, he has written incredible stories. Another important personality for
me is Ömer Madra, the editor-in-chief of an award-winning independent radio from Turkey,
Açık Radyo. I admire his perseverance and value his contributions towards creating
awareness on global warming and climate change, long before it came to the attention of
the mainstream media.

“You do not have to love one, but respect one”.

Hasan: when asked “What is the best advice you’ve been given”?

SO. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
K. Hasan: The way how Spotify allocates the royalties (and treated artists). I would change it
such that only the artists I listen to receive the royalties – not any other popular band which
already has 3 million followers.

SO. What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?
K. Hasan: We are working on some visual materials and at the same time contacting promoters
for playing live. Due to the pandemic, it is hard to find appropriate slots. So I will not be
disappointed if we are not booked. But concerning the visual materials, I think we will have
one or two video clips in the next few months.

SO. What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you? 
K. Hasan: I guess checking our web page www.katremusic.com is the best way to get in touch
as you can find social media information there as well. Thanks a lot for having us. We enjoyed
the questions. Wish you all the best!

#GetSOM Via @DJGojabean @KatreMusic @StraightOfficialMag #QuarantineTalk #LaBodega #StraightOfficialMagazine




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[La Bodega]Quarantine Talk: Exorcizphobia

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WELCOME TO La Bodega QUARANTINE TALK, WHERE WE’VE HELD VARIOUS CONVERSATIONS WITH ARTIST’S & GROUPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD VIA ZOOM, EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA EVEN PLAIN OLD PHONE CONVERSATIONS.

WELCOME TO THE 23rd EDITION OF La Bodega QUARANTINE TALK.
THE ARTIST WE HAVE TODAY IS EXORCIZPHOBIA
YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR CONVERSATION DOWN BELOW.

SO. What are your Names? where you’re from and what first got you interested in the
entertainment industry?
EX. Hello! We are thrash metal band from Trutnov, Czech Republic
Tomas Skorepa – guitar, vocals
Ondra Sima – guitar
Ales Kostka – bassguitar
Tomas Kejkrt – drums
We are not interested in entertainment industry, we are interested in music 🙂


SO. Who and/or what inspires you to create?
EX. Sex, Drugs and Rock’nRoll 🙂 …

SO. How would you describe your sound?
EX. We trying to sound different than every other thrash metal band out there. But are we successful in
it? That’s on dear listener’s judgement.

SO. What is your creative process like?
EX. Tomas Skorepa is the mastermind of our band and the other members participate.
He sends his ideas recorded as demos and the rest of us works on our parts (solos, bass links,
details)

SO. What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?
EX. We have already collaborated with Lahar, Kaar, Catastrofy on split albums and now we are
preparing split with Costa Rican band Heresy. No particular wishes about future collaboration
yet.

SO. What is one message you would give to your supporters?
EX. Huge thanks to all our fans and all people supporting metal scene. Keep on thrashin’!

SO. What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?
EX. We all are pretty skilled in cooking. You can check our FB 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/EXORCIZPHOBIA

SO. What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?
EX. There would be no reason to live

SO. Who are some artists/people you admire and why?
EX. We admire all the promoters, underground publishers and all the people around metal
scene for their power to go on even in these hard times and our partners and friends for
their patience and support

SO. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
EX. Play, doesn’t matter where, just play. – Tom Morello

SO. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
EX. We would eliminate parasites participating in music industry – especially regarding the ones
hiding behind copyright law

SO. What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?
EX. We will be working on new LP. Also would be great to perform on some bigger festivals
abroad

SO. What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you? 
EX. https://www.facebook.com/EXORCIZPHOBIA
https://exorcizphobia.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCimYGsw8Awtm4B7gYo66qpA
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PfnHGwDHavpK4N6xLEghE



#GetSOM Via @DJGOJABEAN @EXORCIZPHOBIA @STRAIGHTOFFICIALMAG
#QuarantineTalk #StraightOfficialMagazine #DigitalMagazine

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[La Bodega] Quarantine Talk: Boriqua Posse

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WELCOME TO La Bodega QUARANTINE TALK, WHERE WE’VE HELD VARIOUS CONVERSATIONS WITH ARTIST’S & GROUPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD VIA ZOOM, EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA EVEN PLAIN OLD PHONE CONVERSATIONS.

WELCOME TO THE 22nd EDITION OF La Bodega QUARANTINE TALK.
THE ARTIST WE HAVE TODAY IS BORIQUA POSSE
YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR CONVERSATION DOWN BELOW.


SO: What is your Name? Where are you from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?
BP: Anthony Quinones aka Boriqua Posse,I’m from the Bronx NY
I started out as a dancer and found that being on stage was something I really enjoyed and when my opportunity knocked I opened the door.

SO: Who and/or what inspires you to create?
BP: What inspires me is the look on the faces and there reaction to my music and performance and my desire to want to make more music

SO: How would you describe your sound?
BP: I’d say very high energy and catchy

SO: What is your creative process like?
BP: I sit in darkness and focus on the music and have to have my coffee

SO: What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?
BP: Id love to collaborate with Dua Lipa Or 50 cent

SO: What is one message you would give to your supporters?
BP: I will never let you down musically I’m fresh and have a great feel for music and my journey into sound is far from gone join me on my journey

SO: What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?
BP: Cutting hair cooking interior decorating stand up comedy

SO: What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?
BP: I’d be a 5star chef Or master barber

I admire my dear friend freestyle legend Edee for her perseverance and her willing to smile while fighting cancer

Boriqua Posse when asked, Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

SO: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
BP: To never give up to fight hard

SO: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
BP: I would definitely change the promoters they have favorites And don’t give a chance to new artists to shine

SO: What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?
BP: I’d love to get a Latin music award and be respected by my peers in the industry

SO: What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?
BP: Anthony “Boriqua Posse” Quinones on Facebook
Boriqua Posse on Instagram & Tik Tok

#GetSOM Via @StraightOfficialMag @djgojabean
#StraightOfficialMag #DJGojabean #LaBodega #QuarantineTalk #BoriquaPosse #FreestyleMusic #LatinHouse #Latino #Bronx #NewYork

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STRAIGHT OFFICIAL SITS DOWN WITH Steven Russell Harts

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1. What is your Name? where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry? 1a. My name is Steven Russell professionally known as Steven Russell Harts. I’m from Pasadena California and The Jackson’s Five and my Uncle Paul Lawrence Russell got me interested in the entertainment industry.

2. Who and/or what inspires you to create? My connection to Source which is the a creative source is my inspirational plug in.

3. How would you describe your sound? My sound is soulful and reflective of mymusical influences.

4. What is your creative process like? Well the process is different each time butBasically, when I’m creating a song I usually start with the music idea then I play
with different melodies until I find one or two that I like then I start coming up with
conceptual ideas until I get the download.

5. What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with? Too many to name, HitBoy,H.E.R Bruno Mars, Neyo, Snoop, So many….

6. What is one message you would give to your supporters? I would want to remind them all that You are a piece of Source(God)having a physical experience able to manifest anything from thought to physical manifestation. You came here to manipulate matter and create experiences of you choosing (whether you know it or not) so be on purpose with how and what you think and be careful to feel very good On Purpose . The universe responds to how you feel Not what you
say.

7. What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about? I’m A Artist I draw and sell my artwork and I also breed and compete with Birmingham Roller Pigeons as a sport and hobby.

8. What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music? I would be shooting independent films for my company BlaqBox Original Films.

9. Who are some artists/people you admire and why? I admire all the artist who have the audacity to follow their guts and pursue happiness by trusting Source. Its easy to get a job and work for someone else, it takes real trust and
appreciation for just your own talents.

10.What is the best advice you’ve been given? Expectation is a lie, if you want a helping hand look at the end of your arm

11. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? I would change that the Music industry pays the songwriters what we deserve and not use our
music to make non talented non music creators billions.
12.What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year? Well i’m shooting Independent films now, I have two films out this quarter, ” Day Ones” and “Tales Of A BoyBand” which you can find on Amazon or Tubi ..so in a year from now i’d like to be Making lots of money and working my ass off.

13.What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you? you can follow me on IG: @stevenrussellhartss @steveherich @Steven_Speaks
@dayonesthemovie FaceBook: Steven Harts and Steven Russell Harts

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STRAIGHT OFFICIAL SITS DOWN WITH Mashich

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1. What is your Name? where you’re from and 

what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

My name is Mashich I’m an up incoming RNB singer originally from Aiken SC but I live in Philadelphia, Pa. 

I noticed I had a voice at like 7 and have always wanted to sing so when I moved to Philly with my dad who just so happened to be apart of TBC a 13 man rap group it was destiny. I got to grow up in that studio environment being able to experiment and fine my sound until I was really ready to chase my dream and for that I’m forever grateful 

2. Who and/or what inspires you to create?

I’m inspired to create by the passion that was placed along side the talent within me I have had a hunger to create to sing and to share since I was younger and  I feel like I am most myself when I am singing and pursing music 

3. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as current lol I mean I guess I’m definitely inspired by early 2000’s and late 90’s RNB but in my own way so I’d say it’s very Mashich 

4. What is your creative process like?

I like to write a lot late at night/ early morning like after midnight I’m usually racing with ideas I like to vibe out with the instrumental and freestyle til a melody or words stick and then I try to establish a point of view or theme, 

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

Lol I’d prefer to Collaborate with like producers or maybe have an artist produce or curate my project 

But I’d say T Pain, Raphael Saadiq, Baby Face,  Brian McKnight, Smokey Robinson 

6. What is one message you would give to your supporters?

It’s starts with you first you have to love yourself enough to be who you need to be for yourself 

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

 I mean I run pretty fast and read well I believe that’s it lol 

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

I would probably be writing and into acting I wrote and directed a screen play once I enjoyed it lol I’d love to be able to find success in music then cross over to acting / directing 

9. Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I admire Usher just based off of his discography and star power alone 

I would also say Brian McKnight I’ve really been doing a deep dive into his work and he’s crazy talented I would say the same for Avant 

And of course Ne Yo and Mario, Bruno Mars all people who have just inspired me and I’ve looked up to as a standard  

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

The best advice I’ve been giving is you have to know yourself and be firm in it 

Often times outside influences will try to tell you who to be but it takes courage to stand firm in yourself 

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

Lol that’s a good question I would say record deals I’m only interested in distribution I’d rather stay Indie 

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

I would like to see myself continuously elevating bigger gigs and venues more opportunities more paid

Gigs and opportunities I also would like to become a better performer and tour 

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

Fmoi @Mashich Music 

Click the link in my bio check me out

On YouTube @MashichMusic 

Facebook : MashichMusic Twitter MashichMusic  

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SOMag Presents “The Fleet Files” With Fleet DJ’s: DJ XXL | @dejayxxl

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For over two decades, the fleet dj’s has grown from a small crew to a proficient coalition with over 500 members and counting. since 2001, THE WORLDWIDE FLEET DJ’s has changed the lives of both its members and the entertainment industry they have thrived in.

These are the members. These are Their Stories. THESE ARE “THE FLEET FILES”

Name: DJ XXL

FLeet DJ Since: 2012

Location: Los Angeles, California

Region: WEst region/California Fleet DJ’s

WHO IS DJ XXL?

DJ XXL has a tenure in both Hip-Hop and the entertainment industry spanning over a decade. I asked XXL what made him get into the genre. “I got into Hip-Hop as a backup dancer with Ice-T & The Syndicate. The crew (2 Much Bass) was one of the biggest dance crews in LA. Taking names and battling was the mindset. We KILLED crews on the dance floor!” He recollected on a moment that was big. “My biggest battle was with Brand X, held in Huntington Park, California in East L.A. Ice-T and The Syndicate were judges of the event, which is how we got our way into being linked with the Syndicate. We were featured in the Original Gangsta video with black hoodies and Rottweilers.”

Joseph Rudd is a assertive and driven individual. He has touched a number of the essential building blocks of Hip-Hop in his journey to becoming a Fleet DJ. “I also am a member of 4 of LA’s largest graph crews (FBI, Far Beyond Imagination, OSB One Step Beyond, & SNM, So No Mercy). It was during the graph crews time when I first became an MC. My rap name is Juggala Vein.”

DJ XXL said his decision to become a DJ was inevitable. “I am already a B-Boy, rapper and graffiti artist. I already embodied the other elements of Hip-Hop so DJ was the last one I needed to capitalize on.” As a member of Fleet, he is the main moderator for Fleet DJ Conference Calls, designing the national protocol for conference calls. He has been on the move for Fleet in ten years. “I was originally on WCF (West Coast Fleet) DJ’s Team for 1 year before moving to the Midwest Fleet DJ’s. There I represented and built the Iowa division. I also built the Chicago team to expedite the success of Iowa. Then I became the State Manager for the Chicago Fleet DJ’s. Built it up to 10 DJ’s before I gave the team to new management and migrated back west to become manager of the WCF.”

Be different. Don’t follow trends because originality is your number one commitment.

DJ XXL’s advice to upcoming artists

MORE THAN A DJ

Our conversation shifted to moves outside of being a DJ. XXL is also a core actor with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). “I’ve been in 10 motion pictures. I was in The Fan as a cop in the final scene with Wesley as one of the cops that shot DeNiro’s character.” Another film that XXL was in was a skateboard movie called Grind in which you can see him clear as day down below.

XXL is an A&R as well as a manager for independent artists. I asked him what can we expect from him this year. “I’m currently the road manager for West Coast artist Marc Handsome. Be on the lookout for a new music video with Mark featuring Jim Jones called “If I Like It” dropping soon!” XXL wears several hats as he is a producer, radio personality and media correspondent for Straight Official Magazine.

With every DJ having a story behind how they got their name, I had to know how he came up with his. “Basically I used to try to figure out what my name would be. My personality is larger than life. I put it together as XL initially, but added the extra L to personify that, to be larger than life.” I asked him what would his biggest takeaway would be in being a member of Fleet. “After 30 years I’m still a DJ. It’s my ability to break new music & network with the industries past legends as well as upcoming artists that has remained the constant.”

DJ XXL with Jim Jones

Quincy Jones didn’t have his first hit until he was 50. Don’t give up.

XXL’s advice to upcoming artists

IN CLOSING

As a member of Fleet, I didn’t officially meet XXL until we crossed paths at the 10th annual Fleet DJ Music Conference last year. Once we met it was all gas and no brakes! He is a vital member of the coalition as well as an official brother from another. I look forward to seeing what will do next as a member of Straight Official Magazine!

I gave XXL the floor to close out our interview and he had nothing but admiration for the Fleet DJ’s. “Thanks to The Worldwide Fleet DJ’s for embracing my energy and inner talents and giving me the opportunities and platforms to elevate in the entertainment industry. Shouts to Ice-T, Cypress Hill, Mellow Man Ace, My DJ, DJ Earl-E, and the whole Transparent Crew. First but not last, to my mom and dad for genetically giving me the tools to do what I do best.”

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Q&A with MakaSound Producer Aye YB

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Q&A with MakaSound Producer Aye YB

By Micah ‘MØW’ Wormley

 

From sleeping on his friends couch, to becoming one of the most sought after up coming producers in the industry, Malachi Haden, known to most as AyeYB, is proving that hard work and dedication can take you places talent alone will not. Born in Atlanta, Ga and raised in Richmond, Va, AyeYB’s love and passion for producing has manifested through his youth into a thriving career in his young adulthood. In this interview, we got to know a little more about AyeYB as he chronicled his journey, as well as dropping gems for the next generation of producers. 

Where did your passion for music flourish? And at what age did you first aspire to be a music producer?

Aye YB: My passion for music flourished from being in the church, growing up around the piano players and the drummers. My mom used to always tell me how she would put headphones over her stomach and play music like Mozart and jazz. I honestly think that’s why music has such a strong hold on me as well. I first aspired to become a music producer at age 13 watching videos of Southside and Lex Luger making beats on Youtube. This was right before I got to high school. I wanted to make music a long term thing. I just did not want to become a band teacher.

Who and or what were some of your inspirations while learning to produce? What did you take from them and how did you apply it to your sound?

Aye YB: My main inspirations as a producer are Metro & Wheezy. At age 14, I watched Vlogs of Metro Boomin after school everyday. His melodic melodies were my biggest takeaway and the way he layered sounds blew my mind away. Then when It comes to Wheezy the bounce of his drums and the way he put them together is crazy. I studied it all through high school. It really helped grow my sound and taught me the right pockets to insert my drums. I took away so much knowledge.

 

The Making Of 2 Chainz & Big Sean “Wreck” W/ Aye YB (Co Prod. Hitmaka & Duce)

How did the pandemic affect your journey as a producer and content creator?

Aye YB: The pandemic affected my journey for the best. I was stuck in the house so much I couldn’t do anything but make beats. Being locked in really helped me get into the position I’m in now as far as getting signed. I woke up, made beats until about 3, took a break then got back to making beats until about 11pm in the evening. It allowed me to get so much stuff done and it set me ahead of the curb. I was living with TB digital at the time so as far as content creating he helped guide and show me everything I needed to do.

How did you join team ProducerGrind? And how did their platform help to make you a better producer?

Aye YB: I joined Team Producergrind through TB Digital. I was with him all the time watching him make kits, livestream, and create content. I was always the guy behind the camera and helped set things up. It came to a point where he asked me if I wanted to join and so I took the opportunity and never looked back. The platform helped me understand the viewpoints of the producers from the ones who just started to the ones who have placements. It helped me grow my patience a lot more than anything.

You seem like a naturally quiet person. How hard was it for you to come out of your shell while creating content? Any tips you could recommend?

Aye YB: It was hard for me to break my shell at first being in front of the camera. But I honestly think that is what I am known for just being a chill laid back person. I still am currently working on communicating and talking more. You honestly just have to be yourself and just talk.

 

 
Can you give some insight on how you joined MakaSound?

Aye YB: I joined makasound simply by just sending beats to the songwriter and President of Makasound Chirshan for a little over a year. We had so many demo’s together where it got to a point and he asked me if I wanted to join the team. Once I joined, he flew me out to Florida and got me in the room with Turbo, Jetson, Vory, Tay Keith, Murda Beatz, and some other producers and songwriters.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from Hitmaka & Chrishan?

Aye YB: The most valuable lesson I learned from Chrishan and Hitmaka is that you can not take anything personal. You have to keep it strictly business in this industry and grow some tough skin because things do not happen when you want it to. 

How do you define success and what does success look like for you?

Aye YB: To me success is being able to take care of your family and yourself and also putting your people in the position to win and take care of their families. It’s all about paying it forward. It’s not about money, money is only a tool to help you reach financial freedom.

It definitely shows that you put in a lot of hours to reach this level of success. What do you enjoy doing outside of music?

Aye YB: The only thing I do outside of music is play the game and hang out with my brother and cousins. I hate being in the mix. I just like to stay out the way.

If you could give one valuable piece of advice to an aspiring producer following your path what would it be?

Aye YB: The biggest valuable piece of advice I would say is to build relationships. That’s all you need is to have strong relationships with people it goes farther than anything

Follow Aye YB on Instagram @1AyeYB

https://mmcmxv.com/qa-with-makasound-producer-ayeyb/

 

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SOMag Presents “The Fleet Files” With Fleet DJ’s: DJ Laz Vagez | @lazvagez416

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FOR OVER TWO DECADES, THE FLEET DJ’S HAS GROWN FROM A SMALL CREW TO A PROFICIENT COALITION WITH OVER 500 MEMBERS AND COUNTING. SINCE 2001, THE WORLDWIDE FLEET DJ’S HAS CHANGED THE LIVES OF BOTH ITS MEMBERS AND THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY THEY HAVE THRIVED IN.
THESE ARE THE MEMBERS. HERE ARE THEIR STORIES. WELCOME TO “THE FLEET FILES”!

They don’t call it the WORLDWIDE Fleet DJ’s for no reason. In this file, we head across the U.S. border to Ontario, Canada where we meet none other than artist, producer, engineer, DJ Laz Vagez. It’s safe to say that he is a jack of all trades, and we can’t be mad at that because most of the illustrious Fleet members are. Vagez became a member in 2009 and returned in 2021. So, who is DJ Laz Vagez and how dare he be from Canada with a name like Laz Vagez? Let’s jump right into it!

WHY LAZ VAGEZ STANDS OUT

He came up with his name years ago when he was a radio host for Champ Radio at a local university when he was alongside Hollywood and M Dot (RIP). It was only fitting, but he started his career long before that. At the age 12, he started rapping under the moniker D’Sinatra. By 14 years old, he dedicated his life’s work of engineering to help the hood come up. I guess that’s why you can rarely go to state where he doesn’t know anyone. Fun fact: did you know that Laz Vagez was a credited engineer on a Smiley/Drake collab? He’s really making a name for himself out here.

STRAIGHT OFFICIAL, FORREAL

Vagez is a real asset to us here in Fleet and on the Straight Official staff being that he is one of the program directors on Straight Official Radio. Since he’s so involved in the radio scene, I asked him what the top 3 songs are that he listens to all the time. His playlist right now includes $500 ounces x Westside Gunn, ‘97 Hov x Benny the Butcher, CTG x D’Sinatra & Rock Nitty. He says that becoming a DJ allowed him to learn to read crowds and recognize what music meshes well with other music and to love and respect other genres. He has a lot of people looking up to him so even we think he’s going hard; he’s already thinking of ways to go harder.

Artists, stay consistent. Find a producer and continue to work with that person, that’s how you create saucy hits. Producers, be willing to create new sounds and network. Put out your work anywhere and everywhere. Make beat kits and drum kits and COLLAB! We can collab with anyone all over the world

Laz Vagez’s advice to upcoming industry members

FUTURE FOR VAGEZ

What’s next for the multi-talented DJ? He’s currently in the process of perfecting his production craft in order to build a project like the Metro Boomin‘ x 21 Savage collab. I hear he’s coming out with an online course for engineers as well. I’m so grateful to connect with such a powerhouse. He’s not a person you can be around and remain stagnant. I’m excited to see what he achieves in the next decade.

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SOMag Presents “The Fleet Files” With Fleet DJ’s: Mocha The Mack | @mochathemack

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For over two decades, the fleet dj’s has grown from a small crew to a proficient coalition with over 500 members and counting. since 2001, THE WORLDWIDE FLEET DJ’s has changed the lives of both its members and the entertainment industry they have thrived in.

These are the members. These are Their Stories. THESE ARE “THE FLEET FILES”

Name: MOcha the Mack

FLeet DJ Since: 2021

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Region: south region/Florida Fleet DJ’s

WHO IS MOCHA THE MACK?

MOCHA THE MACK is the newest member of The Worldwide Fleet DJ’s for a reason. Although she’s rarely behind the ones and twos, it’s her one-two combination of being a journalist and media personality that’s enough to move the crowd. As a writer for Straight Official Magazine, Mocha is a part of the home publication of Fleet DJ’s. She does it all from content creation and promotions to music reviews and interviews.

Her whatever-it-takes persona has helped the magazine in it’s growth. “I’m winning by helping y’all win, so if you ever need an assistant or PR rep on your team, I’m ya girl! If you need something and don’t know where to find it, I’m ya girl, I’ll help connect you.”

Justice B.K. has always had a desire to become a writer. Even before she became Mocha, she knew way back in Kindergarten that this was her path. “I used to make student and staff gossip mags out of loose leaf paper. After that I focused on music training and passed up the opportunity to establish myself as a writer in high school and college.”

You have to be willing to always be a student to excel at anything, not just journalism.

Mocha The Mack

When I asked where she draws inspiration from to create, she relied on a personal creed. “My motto has always been “Aspire to Inspire” and that’s just been applicable to everything for me. I really didn’t know how many people would actually pay attention to me, without me going out of my way to be extraordinary.”

In her journey into journalism, Mocha has found her way to approach interviewing that makes the reader feel as if they were there during the sit down. “When I transcribe interviews, I always tell the subject’s story as colorful as possible because I want you to see the picture they painted for me.” Mocha also controls her own narrative by being cautious with her words. “But when I talk about myself, I’m just as strategic with words because you only know what I allow you to know. That’s how I control my story.”

WHAT DRIVES MOCHA

Mocha has always had big dreams. Besides wanting to be a teacher, she’s been preparing herself for a career in music. “I’ve been training musically my ENTIRE life so I sing, dance/choreograph, act, and even DJ a little! (laughs) We talked about peaks and valleys in our respective paths. Mocha talked about overcoming herself to achieve her goals.

“My best experience would have to be my early days of interviewing and being a mistress of ceremonies. I knew it was what I wanted to do but I was so scared of rejection. Those programs went extremely well and I got so much praise for just being courageous! I learned to believe in myself and keep pushing through with this thing no matter what!”

There was a point in time that Mocha could have walked away from her pursuit of her journalism. She told me that two words she kept hearing most of her life almost changed everything if not for an invitation to join Fleet. “I never would have taken my journalism career seriously if I hadn’t joined. Too many times in life I heard that I “should have”. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity again.”

Follow your heart and do what you love because that will make it easier for you to stick to it and win. You may have to do a million different activities until you find what you love, but just do it!

Mocha’s advice to aspiring artists

I had to ask Mocha how she came up with her name. Her story behind it was hilarious! “So not that many people know my real name anymore and I just refuse to tell most people because they try to act like they really know me (laughs). On the other hand, I needed a rebrand for people to take me seriously. I had a friend back in the day whose hair color was the same as her skin. I’m an earth sign so I guess it makes sense that I like brown anyway but I had to come up with a cuter name than brown, so I chose Mocha.”

She continued, “Everyone began calling me Mocha, despite a few haters but I digress (laughs) then Megan Thee Stallion said in a verse “I get in my act on that yak/ He call me “Megan Thee Mack” and that just stuck with me! Anyone who knows me knows how Mocha can get of the yak so I replaced Megan with Mocha. Now I can’t sing it any other way!”(laughs)

IN CLOSING

My sit down with Mocha was indeed inspirational. As a writer myself it was easy to connect with her on several viewpoints. When I asked her if we could look forward to any future projects, she was a bit reluctant. “The problem is I tell y’all stuff a little too early sometimes (laughs) but, I can tell y’all that my book is still under construction and y’all can look forward to writers’ workshops happening very soon. Y’all go follow @MackbookMedia on Instagram because it’s coming!”

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