Peep the new lyric video for "Brings Me Back" featuring VH aka Kevin Lavender Jr. of Truth Tone Records.
Viewing entries tagged
Kalamazoo
I had the chance to catch up with the incredibly talented members of independent music label Truth Tone Records and have a detailed conversation about artistry, working together as a collective to achieve success and building a long lasting legacy.
![Hear Here: Yolonda Lavender - Kalamazoo [Written by DC & Prod by Achickwitbeatz]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52b0b90ae4b0293bfed0d692/1452204499456-XE3PBVV7YIQG2SIRNQMF/image-asset.jpeg)
A headnodic ode to the wonderful city located in Southwest Michigan. Performed by Yolonda Lavender, written by DC (Kandace Lavender) & produced by Achickwitbeatz.
Peep shows & events in Kalamazoo & surrounding areas.
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![Hear Here: Achickwitbeatz - Dopamine & Serotonin [Single]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52b0b90ae4b0293bfed0d692/1710852808557-EZYGFDIBHLBSIRFOVS1Q/Dopamine+%26+Serotonin.JPG)
I've had the pleasure of working with the prolific emcee known as Jon GodLee. His incredibly crafted lyricism and ability to quickly expand on any concept thrown in his direction commands and captures the attention of his audience. Though busy with a host of projects and personal endeavors, he took the time out for a brief chat with me regarding the independent music scene and musical philosophies that contribute to his talent and drive to succeed.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Kevin Lavender Jr. aka VH, President and CEO of independent label Truth Tone Records. In addition to being a label executive and artist, his philanthropic work has positively impacted the community and reinforced the importance of artistic responsibility while exemplifying the true essence of hip hop culture. In this Q&A session, he shares his wisdom and experiences as well as gems that independent artist can use in the process of building their careers.
In this Q&A, I had the opportunity to connect with 5-Star, Nivek & O'nill collectively known as Dezert Eez. The rap veterans proceeded to share their knowledge & insight regarding the industry and openly discuss their experiences and advice that aspiring artists can use to their benefit. Take a moment to listen/download the audio and/or peep/share the transcript.
You've probably seen The #16 Bar Challenge sweeping your Facebook newsfeed as your friends have been tagged in and/or created video footage of them sharing their skills. I had a brief conversation with the person who helped it catch fire in the Southwest Michigan/Midwest region, Scoot Nitty. Peep what he had to say about the movement and check out some of the videos. Know of a video that should be included? Drop the link in comments section below!
In a climate where some feel pressured to replicate mainstream music moguls, Kalamazoo rapper H shares his philosophy on being unique, authentic and delivering music true to yourself.
Achickwitbeatz: Who is H?
H: A breath of fresh air to the music scene...unorthodox maybe even, but diverse with subject matters and life events. Harmless Fun, Energetic Vibes equal I!!
Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover you needed music to be a part of your life?
H: When I was four or five coming home from an event at my church were our choir was just rocking, so much that I remember getting home and jumping onto my parents bed singing "I wanna be born again, I wanna be born again" and "Joy" shouting "joy joy joy joy" like the choir. I knew at that age I truly loved music, and the love has only grown throughout my life.
Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the best thing about being an independent artist?
H: You rely on yourself so you hold yourself accountable for all the things you are doing, and all the things you are not. You can be tough on yourself and motivating at the same time. You're your biggest critic and while being independent you should be able to keep it real with yourself and admit to your strengths and weaknesses.
Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist on your top 10 list?
H: Energy
Message
Style
Production
...that's it.
Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?
H: Too Much Swagg
Low Vocabulary
So So Beats
Common Theme Songs
...that's it.
Achickwitbeatz: What can listeners expect from H?
H: A different sound mainly. I'm true to myself so what may be huge in the world nowadays probably isn't to me and won't be talked about. I talk about how I've done in my life up to this point pretty much.
Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you to stay current with what you have in the works?
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Featured
In this brief Q&A with Michigan artist Fusion he shares his experiences, inspiration and drops some gems regarding independent artistry.
Achickwitbeatz: Who is Fusion?
Fusion: Hey, what up world....my name is Fusion. The name derived from the way I'm able to bring people and music together (Fusion). The music scene today is as diverse as its ever been. It's a lot of talent out here but I feel that there is lack of knowledge that leaves such a grey area, everyone's trying to do it! I'll just say this…work hard cause it's not what you got...it's about progression!
Achickwitbeatz: When did you decide you wanted music to be a part of your life?
Fusion: Music has always been apart of my life. From eight tracks to cd's i was all in!, but I really started honing in on my skills as a teenager. Started off with my childhood buddies "The Raven and Nevermore". From there I went on to do several solo projects..."Crunch Time", "Long Time Comin'", and "The UnderDawg". Moving forward I joined the Top Flyte Ent label, ran by Top Flyte Tay Thompson, a label that I am the proud president of. I've also worked with a wide variety of artists that I want to show some love to, Knights of Mayhem, Drama, OGz ,Chyna D, David Gutter, EsDott, NoLo, Zay, T-WolfeMeek, and Joe Papi269, just to name a few....
Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would put an artist in your top 10 list?
Fusion: Delivery, lyrics, style, creativity, tone....in no particular order
Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would put an artist at the very bottom of your list?
Fusion: Lack of knowledge on music, stubbornness, consistently talking about the same subject on every song, low self esteem, poor work ethic....in no particular order
Achickwitbeatz: What can listeners expect from Fusion?
Fusion: What the listeners can expect to hear from Fusion is real hip hop mixed with all reality. I call it the Hip Reality effect. No, I'm not turning up, getting crunk, or trap rapping. That's not what I do...I keep it 100 at all times, those who know me know it's true statement.
Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the best thing about being an independent artist?
Fusion: The best thing about being an independent artist is the creative freedom you get on all of your work. You can say what you want, and work with who you want..it's all up to you.
Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Fusion?
Fusion: Well we got a few things goin on...shows of course. We have a mini-series in the works called "Wifey", more mixtapes and videos...I also look forward to working with more talent to get this thing off of the ground...Kzoo stand up!
Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?
Fusion:
http://www.reverbnation.com/fusion269
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ikE3XGT-mMYY9zCk1-IJQ
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=top%20flyte%20ent&sm=1
https://www.facebook.com/Fusion.gilmore
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- Think Piece Thursday
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