Photo Credit: Michael Dantzer Photography
In the very first Conversations & Quotables of its kind, I recently had the chance to catch up with visual & graphic artist Cedric Umoja. I became familiar with his artistry after observing his work for independent label Intimate Venues. In this brief Q&A he discusses the passion behind his art.
Achickwitbeatz: Who is Cedric Umoja?
Cedric Umoja: A Visual Alchemist.. A Creative, who explores using various mediums in order to convey the Oneness and the All.
Achickwitbeatz: When did you first discover you needed art to be a part of your life?
Cedric Umoja: Art has been a part of my life since my childhood and ever since then I knew it was my purpose to create on any level I possibly could!
Achickwitbeatz: Where do you tend to draw your inspiration from?
Cedric Umoja: Our connection to everything and everything that is, from the Stardust we are composed of to the frequency I operate out of, which is Love.
Achickwitbeatz: What's the most valuable thing you've learned since you became an artist?
Cedric Umoja: To true to yourself..value good people who support your endeavors..be consistent and stay elevating myself in your craft!
Achickwitbeatz: Where can people keep up with your work and check out your artistry?
Cedric Umoja: I'm on Facebook and Instagram. I will also have a couple of online stores up and running soon as well.
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From Nylon Trax: Achickwitbeatz returns with “Joke’s On You” — a deep and compelling release that blends raw honesty with hypnotic grooves. Inspired by the idea of denial and pride masking true desire, the track delivers both a message and a mood: you can’t hide from the truth when the rhythm exposes it.
The release features the pulsing Original Mix, a bold statement of Achickwitbeatz’s sonic identity, and a masterfully layered Jaymz Nylon Afro Tech ReShape, which lifts the track into a transcendent dancefloor experience. Together, these cuts remind us that music, like honesty, has the power to cut through façades and reveal what’s real.
Pressed on 12” vinyl and available digitally, “Joke’s On You” is a modern underground essential that refuses to pull its punches. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
AuditoryYum. A collection of sonically delicious instrumentals to feed your ears. Available on (most) major platforms. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
A story of love and frustration, and the sometimes humorous reality of wanting to turn love into something easier to handle—like anger—but not quite being able to. It's an anthem for anyone who’s ever found themselves in a complicated relationship that’s cyclically infuriating and irresistible.
Produced, written, and performed by Achickwitbeatz, available on all major platforms. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
From Nylon Trax: “The talented singer, writer, and producer Achickwitbeatz delights us with another epic house music release, 'Right Now.' Featuring cleverly written and uplifting vocals, 'Right Now' is an infectious track inspired by the challenges of everyday life. It serves as a powerful reminder to persevere, believe in ourselves, and trust our intuition, knowing that we have the tools to manifest a brighter future.
Adding to the magic, Jaymz Nylon lends his dynamic touch with a mesmerizing Afrotech ReShape remix, enhancing the brilliance of the original.
Achickwitbeatz's 'Right Now' is a masterful release, endlessly playable and imbued with heartfelt emotion, destined to leave a lasting impression.”
Written, Produced and Vocals by Achickwitbeatz
Additional Remix Production by Jaymz Nylon
Mastered by James Thomas @ The Cottage
Executive producer: Jaymz Nylon
Published by Man Made Nylon Music / BMG Chrysalis
(p) & (c) 2024 Nylon Recordings/Nylon Trax
Genre: Vocal House, Soulful House, Deep House, Afrotech | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
Another chapter in the Dopamine & Serotonin saga has arrived. Produced, written, and performed by Achickwitbeatz, “See Me” is a song that invites you to dive into a sensual escape, transcending the superficiality of a selfish and cold world to uncover a depth of intimacy and genuine connection. Available on all major platforms. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
Music Marvels with Achickwitbeatz & Breezy Gipson Radio Show aired from May 2016 through April 2024 on multiple platforms including KBC Network, Grander Radio, and KSPX Sparks Radio Network. For new podcast episodes featuring instrumentals, artist insights, interviews & conversations, and music industry news & tips, listen to The Instrumental Intel Podcast with Achickwitbeatz on Saturdays at 7:00 pm ET. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
A collection of gritty, yet soulful instrumentals produced by Achickwitbeatz, available on all major platforms. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
A collection of gritty, yet soulful instrumentals produced by Achickwitbeatz, available on all major platforms. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
Catch Music Industry News With Achickwitbeatz on Music Marvels Radio Show Saturdays at 7pm ET on Grander Radio & Achickwitbeatz.com and on A Show With ABrothaNamedSherm Tuesdays at 2pm ET & 8pm ET on Dream Access TV.
Hip Hop instrumental produced by Achickwitbeatz. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
Hip Hop instrumental produced by Achickwitbeatz. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
Hip Hop instrumental produced by Achickwitbeatz. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
A collection of Futuristic Hip Hop Soul instrumentals produced by Achickwitbeatz, available on all major platforms. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
Networking is undoubtedly crucial for music artists to build a thriving career. With so many music events being postponed, it will take some maneuvering to compensate for what would normally occur face to face. Here are four easy ways to strengthen connections and expand your network from a safe space. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.
Would you like to be a guest on Instrumental Intel with Achickwitbeatz? Complete the form or send a DM to @InstrumentalIntel. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs and let's craft future classics here in the present.
If you're an artist who would like to be interviewed by Achickwitbeatz or would like an album review for your recent project on Achickwitbeatz.com, submit your music for consideration.
Guest post by Emma Grace Brown. The hardest part of building a creative career is living in the tension between making meaningful work and making it pay. Explore tips for blending creativity and strategy to keep your art alive and help it earn.
Guest post by Emma Grace Brown. Give your creative entrepreneurship room to breathe. Learn how to make money without turning your art into a joyless grind using a growth system built from foundational business tools.
Guest post by Emma Grace Brown. A musician’s aesthetic serves as a non-verbal manifesto, communicating values, genre, and personality before a single note is played. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
Guest post by Emma Grace Brown: Home recording studios have become a practical reality for musicians who want control over their sound, schedule, and budget. Whether you are tracking demos, producing full releases, or collaborating remotely, an at-home setup lets you work at your own pace without sacrificing quality.
Explore creative planning and music marketing strategies artists can use to make their work seen, heard, and supported while protecting their energy and focus. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
Discover how independent artists can align their 2026 marketing goals with their creative vision. Learn practical, beginner-friendly ways to plan your releases, set intentional goals, and build systems that support both your artistry and your marketing. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
Learn how independent artists can streamline their music marketing systems for the new year with simple workflows, organized content, and repeatable processes that support consistent growth. |
Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
Learn how independent artists can accurately assess their music marketing ROI by evaluating time, money, and momentum. This research-backed guide shows how to track resources, measure audience growth, and make smarter marketing decisions that support long-term career progress. |
Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
Prepare your music career for 2026 with SMART marketing goals designed for independent artists. Learn how to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that grow your audience, increase engagement, and maximize your reach. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
Take control of your music marketing with a year-end review. Learn how to evaluate your strategy, uncover growth opportunities, and plan actionable steps to expand your audience in the year ahead. |Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
Guest post by Emma Grace Brown. Whether it’s painting, running, reading, or gardening, hobbies shape how we live, connect, and grow. From creative expression to physical endurance and mental challenge, they offer one of the most overlooked forms of self-education — joy with purpose.
Learn how independent artists can monetize their music with micro-licensing platforms, turning small placements into income, exposure, and career growth. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
Discover how to market your music for sync placements in film, TV, and commercials. Learn what music supervisors look for and how to position your tracks for licensing success. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs, resources for artists & dope stuff for music lovers.
A homage to the golden era of 1990s instrumental beat vinyl. Crafted as the perfect partner for freestyling MCs, dancers, and DJ culture. | Visit Achickwitbeatz.com for your instrumental needs & dope stuff for music lovers.