NAIRA - Spunky Soul

If you’re trying to break into the entertainment industry right now, your best bet is to have all talents on decks. If you can juggle, you may want to toss that into your resume. Naira is an original quadruple threat that labels and executives have long looked into and are still not ready for the phenomenon. Her ability to record good music, produce an awesome track, pretend to be someone unlike herself, and work a camera puts her in good standing with Hollywood.

Does Naira sound familiar? It’s the currency for Nigeria. As corrupt as the country is she’s made a greater, more positive meaning to the word. “It took me awhile to find a name. I wanted something that had a ring to it and was some way, shape, or form connected to my heritage. I took it a step further so it can truly represent who I am and what I’m trying to do with my music. It means Nigerian American I Represent Africa.”

With no comparisons just yet, her inspirations are reminiscent of legendary African greats and their rich musical sound. “Fela Kuti is a voice that extended to all of Nigeria, to the human struggle. Angelique Kidjo is so prolific to me. Huge Sade fan as many will find out!”

The first of three preludes to her new album Fearless: The Art of Letting Go is The Colour of Love. In this collaborative project, production from herself and Atlanta’s soul minded J. Haze helped Naira express what many can not over a fused Sade instrumental and original composition. Not just anyone can do Sade. “I have so much respect for her and I had to tap into the depth that Sade represents. I made a point to be in sync with how classic and classy Sade is. With everything I did, I made sure it touched me and touched someone else.” Motivating cuts like “Pathway” and “Ode to Isabelle” reach out to those in different struggles, vocally encouraging listeners to keep pushing.

Her sound unifies afropop, blues, hip hop, and soul. Her upbringing is the base for her musical creations but she’s found muse in artists like Boog Brown, Jean Gray, and J Davey that are doing what she does just as well. “I was raised traditionally like a Yoruba girl. All the cultural upbringing I exude. It’s not how I sound, it’s who I am. Mash them up.”

In the past, Naira’s performed onstage. Quite the thespian, she’s done a couple scripts here and there since her high school years. In “Pathways,” an upcoming indie film with guest appearances from the entire Atlanta music scene, Naira plays the disliked other half of the main character. “In the movie I play his girlfriend, she’s a troublemaker and no one likes her. They said they knew I was perfect for the part even though I’m the complete opposite.”

Getting the buzz up is the most important thing for Naira right now. She’s into videography, doing visuals for her fan base and tacking on some new tasks that will get her music out to the people. “Under Vantage Point Pictures I’m really getting into videography. I’ve directed a couple videos and I look to do some short films before the end of the year. Visuals are 100% of a marketing tool right now. People don’t watch TV anymore, they are watching their computer screens and the streets I’m hitting the streets and giving people something they can hold.”

Something like a differenter, staying relevant is all about recreating yourself as an artist consistently while being spunky and silly of course. The remaining preludes to the album are two concept based collections and through the numerous projects she’s been cramming for the last year and a half, she’s still thrusts her elbows on the table with fists in her cheeks and a big smile. “Following TCOL is my freestyle CD, See Me See Trouble. The Force of Gravity mixtape deals with that same storyline. We all are fighting against it so we can spread our wings and fly.”

See Me, See Trouble


Download The Colour of Love here.
Check out Naira's official website or tweet her @iamnaira

Barry Brandon - I Love the 80's

Photo by Aleya Malacane

It’s not easy being a pop wonder because at the end of the day everyone wants to know your story. What makes you different in 2010. A 29-year-old Italian-American from Miami, Fl tells his triumphs and trials over experimental rock cuts and hoppy pop tracks. “People are always interested in my health issues so as I try to keep my music and that part of my life separate they always seem to blend.”

Barry Brandon Squillace started writing music with his best friend, Jose Luis Rodriguez, ten years ago and it was in spring of 2008 that he received doctoral confirmation to continue his singing career.

The release of his first EP Scar to Star takes a listener through love, dance, his fight with his heart melodically. It also prepared him for what's to come musically. "Although it wasn't perfect, it sparked interest from people. It’s definitely allowed me to do what I'm doing now."

“I'm an 80’s baby born and raised,” Brandon starts, “It’s something about that time that it was happy and lyrically driven. Songs had meaning and were still pop music, light and fun, which is important.” His belief that the present pop scene is reinvented 80’s music, gives him the creative spin that he wants in his sound. Electroglampop is Brandon's mix of a classical pop genre with an insert of rock and a twist of electro.

Brandon’s inspiration to pursue music lies solely with a Swedish pop star from the 90’s. Her transformation throughout the pop scene have really made a difference to his take on how to present music to the public and set himself apart, which he’s been able to without any comparisons.

“My main inspiration is Robyn. Her music is perfect to me. I listen to her records and it’s all inclusive of a couple of different genres. She’ll do ballads with a piano or just an element of violin and then she has mixes and produced pop tracks. I haven’t been compared to anyone, is that weird?!” he exclaims. Not being compared to another artist isn’t necessarily a bad thing but Brandon gives the fans what they want in so many ways.

His one man show “In My Own Words” musically tells his life story stripped down and acoustically performed. “The cabaret talks about my life growing up, a comedy and drama. It’s the musical outlet for the Heart Foundation and “The Tin Man Project”." The Heart Foundation is an charity organization started by Brandon that benefits the families of children with failing hearts. The foundation does what it can to handle all expenses involved in bettering the child's health. "The Tin Man Project" is a documentary filming Brandon in the times of his final open heart surgery.

Coming soon, Brandon will be performing live on Monday night with a live band for the first time. Following that, he will be overseas with firepower women, Fuel Girls and recording his full-length album. His goal to be everywhere no matter who makes it happen. "Making sure the music is right and hopefully I get picked up cause in a perfect world I would be signed. But we’ve come this far doing stuff on our own so we’ll just keep doing things that way until otherwise," he says.

Don't let his heart get you down, Brandon is quite the party starter! Many say the nightlife in Miami's South Beach is something everyone should experience so the 80’s miracle brings that same lively, dynamic style to Atlanta. When he’s not singing away, he's throwing or hosting a party somewhere in the city. “I’m focused on the music but we’ll continue to do parties in Atlanta every week.” You can catch him shaking ass and charming crowds at Midtown's Aurum Lounge or East Atlanta Village's My Sister’s Room and I-Lounge.

Download Barry Brandon's "I.D.N.U." here!

Jay West - From West with Love

Inspired by the likes of Jay-Z and Kanye West, his stage name is anything but that. “My name is Justin and I’m from Cali. My name has been Jay West for awhile. I’m from the west coast and my name is Justin, that’s not gonna change.”

For the west coast affiliate, being a momma’s boy got him to Atlanta, Ga. but being immersed in the city and seeing the opportunities kept him here. “I’m from San Bernadino and things are a lot slower out there. The opportunities I have out here I didn’t have out there. Now I’m here dropping the mixtape. I don’t know if I’d be in that same position if I was still in southern Cali.”

Describing his sound as progressive and emotional rap, the other Mr. West released Drugs and Candy, a mixtape that discusses the combination of good and bad while living the fast life. “There’s a marriage between the title, the concept, and the artwork. Drugs and Candy are the things that are characteristically in this world deemed to be good for you but can be used to hurt you and when abused are bad for you.”

Crowd pleaser cut “Plus Minus” starts the mixtape off with the overarching theme: Vices and what we as people decide to indulge in. Other tracks like “Summer Nights”, “White Lies, Black Dress”, and Hold Me Down present a softer tone lyrically and a beat selection with heavy percussion, guitar riffs, and live instruments.

As West looks to work with Savannah, Ga.’s Jake Troth and Iceland’s Patty Crash, he knows his responsibilities to the west coast. “I have no qualms saying I represent the A and I know I got dues to pay on the West Coast but I feel very responsible to put a good face on no matter what I do. Everyone has an expectation for the west coast to be gangster rap and those aren’t the ideals I represent. I want to be able to show more diversity and growth for Cali.”

Food, alcohol, drama, drugs or candy, whatever your vice you can OD on it all Friday night.

Download Drugs + Candy here.

Jay West will be performing at the next stop in SMKA's Atlanta Stargazing Tour on Friday night on the Glenn Hotel. For more info, see here.

Big K.R.I.T. - What's Become of the Country Boy?

"I wish.” That is what the ‘king remembered in time’ says when asked would he have signed to Def Jam Records 3 years ago. “Signing with Def Jam now is like a dream come true. Growing up, seeing Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin give the thumbs up was everything. Being a Mississippi artist on Def Jam label means a lot to me and people in my circle.”

The music industry continues to 360 with major labels signing artists that are more established and have a base. These artists have a following, a brand, and do everything themselves. That's exactly what Mississippian Big K.R.I.T. is all about. He's created everything for himself. “They let me do me. I’m country and I’m always gonna be country. They [Def Jam] is behind what we’ve already branded and they believe in the movement. They are providing a platform for people to hear it.”

He’s taken advantage of that platform fusing 19th century soul and ghetto lyricism on his critically acclaimed compilation of true southern hip hop K.R.I.T. Wuz Here. The mixtape and his NY performance was praised by a publication that tends to shy away from anything below D.C. “Being from where I’m from and to be recognized for music in New York is a blessing. For people to write about my music, whether it’s negative or positive, it’s still a blessing,” K.R.I.T. exclaims.

His comparisons lead many to believe he will be the next to takeover the southern hip hop-sphere, putting intellectual back into what the south started more than a decade ago. Since he considers himself a student of hip hop, there may be some truth to that. “I listen to the dynamics, storytelling, hook patterning. Really being a student has to do with the type of artist I am now. From UGK and Outkast to Tupac and Biggie, all of these artists influence me. They molded who I am as an emcee.”

The producer and emcee expressed being a southern artist is not everything society thinks it is. There is a lot more to country folk than non existent dirt roads and an accent. “We’re educated, down to earth, soulful people. I wanna break down the stereotypes. It ain’t no dirt roads and we ain’t on horseback. We go through the same thing the rest of the country goes through. We’re more open-minded musically and academically. I really want to express that in my music.” His country cousins do the same. “Wiz Khalifa, J Cole, Freddie Gibbs, Yelawolf. All these artists put out music that reflects them as an individual and where their from. Be yourself and rap about what you know about and people will respect it.”

Interestingly enough, early in the game K.R.I.T. is already familiar with the hustle that goes on with making music that does not reflect that individual. He hopes that artists remain true to themselves but to those that are on hard times he's been there and done that. “Artists that compromise their creative mind frame, I can understand when you’re trying to get the label’s attention and you sacrifice, but it’s a new day and age. Def Jam invested in who I am as a human being. A major label will still invest in you being yourself. Make sure it’s quality and go all out when investing in yourself so when the labels do call you can call the shots.”

This is good advice coming from a major label rookie and as things become overwhelming for new artists he stays focus by remembering his ultimate goals. When newly signed artists are thinking about their first car or piece of flashy jewelry, K.R.I.T. has more important things to care for. Making music is not just for him. “My ultimate goal is to make quality music and become financially free. I want to be able to help my loved ones, give inspiration and hope to those who listen to my music.”

Motivated by his colleagues and his competition, he moved to Georgia for a better sense of the industry. “I moved from Mississippi in 2006 to come to Atlanta because it is the southern hip hop Mecca. My main goals are branding now. Also working with other artists and going platinum. Producing the best music I can. I like all genres and I’m indulging myself in all of it.” He made it out here like many do and now he’s ready to celebrate with us. We should expect similar hospitality because it goes across the board. “It’s going down on the 10th of July. It’s a celebration of everything!

He signed the dotted line but things don’t change for the worse, they only get better. K.R.I.T. favorites majority of the current release and keeping around those who have been with him since the beginning. “Hometown Hero” is one of my favorites. “Return of Foreva” and “Country Shit” I really like. “I Gotta Stay” which is dedicated to my grandmother is on there because I wanted it on there. It’s just one of those things. Everything isn’t so much about shock value.” Make her proud.

I Gotta Stay

Viktorius

As Small As A Giant

Hollyweerd - Love Us

(L to R: Stago Lee, Dreamer, Tuki Carter, the LoveCrusader)

This is Atlanta, Ga. and there are not too many men you can find that are fly at all times, educated in many fields, versatile from every aspect, and driven to get what’s theirs. It’s hard to believe that the crazy and imaginative foursome has all these traits covered but lost love on a two way street, according to their recent release Edible Phat 2.0. It may be the grocery cart....

Stago Lee, Tuki Carter, Dreamer, and the LoveCrusader form Hollyweerd. As they are transitioning out of a progression period that has changed their sound and management, fortunately their music and other talents in arts have continued to keep them standing out all over.

Tuki is part owner in a nationally known tattoo shop, City of Ink. “Tuki tattoos and makes music all day,” the LoveCrusader says of him. “We both design and stuff. That’s the artist lifestyle,” his continued. Stago Lee helps keep music in the schools by teaching at a local charter school while Dreamer is in partnership with Brian Stone as apart of Operation ADD. Separately they get it in throughout the state but together they take over the country.

Since the past three releases, including last year’s Edible Phat, they have matured continuing to learn more about each other and grow in their sound. It's been positive reception their newest mixtape and its' proved to increase their set of supporters. “The first three projects were concept driven. Edible Phat 2.0 was mixed and more in tune with our music,” Dreamer starts. “Our sound is more mature. We’re still in the progression stages of our career. The sound pinpoints where we are now in our career.”

The change in management contributed to Hollyweerd’s growth. They acknowledge it’s time to get down to business, do what’s good for everyone involved, and get focused. “Everything happens for a reason. We made a business decision for the greater good of the group. It’s all about progression and we felt like the move we was for that and better opportunities. Right now ya’ll need to be focused on Edible Phat 2.0.,” the LoveCrusader explains.

At this time in the music industry, going independent is the move for anyone trying to get on. These cats love the idea and it sounds good but they are just trying to give everyone an experience when it comes to their music, hence the repetitive “pumping this music to get you into it” of “SupaEazy”.

“There’s gonna be jaws droppin’! It’s a lot of fun and we try to bring something new and different,” The Love Crusader describes. In these upcoming shows with new Def jam signee Big K.R.I.T. and the 2010 Atlanta Indie Fest, Hollyweerd will continue to bring newness to the stage. They’ve learned from the best. “We’ve done shows with entertainers that have really put on a show. We’ve learned from the Constellations to Falcon Lords. We take what we’ve been around and apply it,” Dreamer says.

“Shows. Shows. Shows. All I wanna do is shows,” Dreamer reiterates. One-half of the group may have magical Scorpio powers with the ladies, but when it comes down to what they really want for the group, only performing can really satisfy their steez. Those same powers won’t get them where every other artist thinks they should be: signed to a major label.

Getting signed isn’t their main goal and the LoveCrusader believes that it’s not as important. “If we get signed, it’d be by doing shows.” Tuki somewhat agrees. “If we get signed, it’d be by doing shows.”

Excited about everything that’s to come: a new EP, music videos, and shows on all coasts, the LoveCrusader expresses how they stay positive and moving forward. “The album is coming. It’s gonna come when it comes cause we working, but it’s a family situation. We’re blessed.”

Love Me


Download Edible Phat 2.0

Young Lyxx - Self Made

Have you ever met the artist that became a rapper because they were forced to do it. “My girl cousin used to rap and we stayed at her house all the time. She used to make us rap. Eventually, it sparked my interest,” 20-year-old Young Lyxx begins. The partner in entertainment company Top Heavy and upcoming emcee in his own right is making moves before turning legal.

One of the younger performers, Lyxx doesn’t have to prove himself to anyone. He was introduced to Fadia Kader on various occasions at Broke and Boujee parties and through other acquaintances. While keeping her in the loop about his music, she selected him for this month’s emcee showcase.

His EP, Label Me, was a jumpstart to putting himself out there and really gaining new fans. He stresses that to get real support from the streets, you gotta stay visible and in touch with what’s going on. “People always wanna feel like they know you and what’s going on with you,” Lyxx adds.

Being apart of the younger generation, his main inspirations are more current include Jay-Z, Wayne, Kanye West, Fabolous, and T.I. but he’s been compared to Kanye West because his delivery can be slow but slick at times. Other than the shrugging rapper himself, Lyxx finds himself in his very own lane. Working with former Perfect Attendance performer Khaos Da Rapper only adds to his individuality. The No Place Like Home mixtape is a collaboration displaying their great chemistry.

Recently, he’s been up on XXL Magazine Freshman Class edition. In order to get where they are, he’s studying their artistry and what makes them successful. “I’m really on the XXL freshman class right now; like Wale[2009], Wiz Khalifa, J Cole, and Big Sean. I respect all of them and what they do. I would love to work with all of them,” Lyxx says.

His upcoming projects include Rosaries on a Dresser, Kill Radio, and a mixtape compilation of Top Heavy artists. On April 3rd, he’s more focused on showing the crowd his growth.

“I’ve know Lyxx since his freshman year in college. He has definitely grown. He could rap then but now I really respect what he’s doing and I can see he’s taking it to the next level,” Mums FP commends. He’s been doing this for a minute, so it’s time we get to see where he is going.

Mach 5 - I Love Women and Music

(L to R: A.Ware and Corey Davis) “Yo, this is for the ladies. My name’s Corey Davis,” Corey smooth talks into a computer mic. As the only female around, I didn’t know exactly how to respond but he wants you to know that he is very considerate, not heartless, and is looking... A.ware and Corey of Mach 5 get around. They keep their hands in everything. The gifted guys are into the development, visual, and of course, musical side of things involving the industry. It doesn’t take a 13-year-old boy studying three degrees at Morehouse College to realize that these guys are an automatic pick for the “Return of the Duos” theme at Perfect Attendance these weekend. But they are not too proud, they respect her for what she does and are excited about Saturday night. “Fadia is an innovator. Her name holds a lot of clout. So if she wants us to be down we know she’s legit, we’ll fuck with her,” Corey shows love. They fail to truly acknowledge how much clout their names hold. Mach 5 have one of the most viewed lifestyle and entertainment blog sites in the state. Greedmont Park is not just a blog anymore, according to the duo, it’s that second lifestyle you live once you get home. Our Greedmont Playground, a musical compilation is a project that keeps them in touch with music. Artists like Big Sean, Mums FP, Young Lyxx, and fellow Perfect Attendance performers FatKidsBrotha have tracks on the mixtape. With over twenty bloggers, the site may turn into something that will allow others to social network but for now, they are mainly looking to financially expand the brand and site very soon. “Top secret, classified, and confidential. But you’ll be the first to know,” Corey explains. Their blog may be a favorite of many, but they have their personal blog list. “Oh Snap Kid, Art Nouveau, Femme Fetale, and The Girls I Love are all blogs we check out,” states Corey. Taking it back to the music, the duo will not be placed in any type of box, category, or group. They refuse to participate in genre-fication, if you will. “We consider ourselves very versatile. Our music is universal so if anything we would be pop. But more like a powerpop,” Corey says. “Yeah…powerpop,” A.ware slowly agrees. They have cuts that mimic their diversity. The 2009 album Sex on a Sunday has upbeat, bouncy instrumentals and others with that slow grind and hi-hat in the beat. They work so hard that they don’t have time to keep up with everyone in the underground hip hop scene, but they do enjoy Niko Villamor, Pill, and Donnis. “If you fucking with Niko, you’re listening to good music,” A.ware confirms. They admit though, that the underground scene in Atlanta can be redundant and they have to reaffirm what why they do this where they do it. I’m passionate about my shit. We are all like crabs in a barrel sometimes, all this climbing over each other. We really need to make a ladder, climb to the top, and knock all these other wack niggas down,” he continues. As they attempt to upgrade pop music, March 6th they are just trying to perform and have fun. “We want you to leave with some kind of feeling,” A. ware expresses what he wants. And it’s a competition, so the show doesn’t change just because there is an exceptional wager. “I want to get on stage and do my thing. Music is us. We do that,” A.ware ends. Point. Blank. Period. Mach 5: www.myspace.com/mach5soundtrack www.greedmontpark.com

FatKidsBrotha - It's the God In Me

(L to R: Dav.E and Johnny) Barely-legal, well lucky Dav.E will be 21-years-old next month, these kids live the lifestyle. They claim to be the little brothers of people who are living an even better life. “FatKidsBrotha is like we are the little brothers of hip-hop. We are trying to be like the Jay-Zs and the Jeezys. They got fat pockets. We are trying to eat and be like them. That’s an –a at the end of brother by the way, NOT AN –ER,” Dav.E exclaims. He’s very avid about the spelling and what’s in his sandwich. “Turkey breast, lettuce, mayo, salt and pepper, and cheddar cheese. And if we talking Subway, gotta have that Italian Herb and Cheese bread toasted,” he describes. Their recent mixtape What’s In Your Sandwich is a metaphor. It’s definitive to what makes them the artists they are and what makes their music what it is. The young brothers have opposite content lyrically, but they seem to make it work. “I rap about girls, money, my shoes, me,” younger sibling Johnny says. Being a little older, Dav.E tends to stick to the more relative subjects like his part-time job or his Nissan. It’s being that age that still gets him talking about the ladies and his nightlife. Baby face Dav.E and bearded Johnny have been making their way onto the stage of some of the hotness performers out of 2009 since the beginning of this year, including North Carolina emcee J. Cole and New Orleans lyricist Curren$y. It’s no wonder they were recommended to Fadia Kader by the folk at Governed by Loyalty to be apart of the duo showcase. Musically, they have the lyrical talent and presence of any superstar running the game right now. Quite humorous individuals, their playful attitude and conceptual thinking makes for quite a record. Interestingly enough, the duo has been sticking it out since 2008. Back then there were four members, fabulous group names, and no loyalty. “Changes make changes makes changes and they happen. But we had some trashy names though,” Johnny started. Dav.E continued with their un-appealing group names. “FAB was fabulous and balling and FAB was fabulous and fresh,” he finishes. Their fabulous-ness can be a lot to take in, but they wear it well. Homegrown but nationally known fashion designers Fli Pelican has collaborated with the group many times in styling situations and now we may see their own personalized t-shirt on Saturday night. Groupies wait in line, they’re not sure if it’ll be ready just yet. But their performance will be ready, full of energy and a presentation of some young cats making it about more than rap. “No stiff boring show. We really wanna win this because there’s a lot at stake. It’s says a lot to go to South by Southwest. We want to make sure the whole south knows about FatKidsBrotha before anything else comes out,” Dav.E adds. As for projects following the showcase, no more mixtapes. Johnny is waiting on the mail. “I was on Ebay today. I got those OG 99 5’s[Jordan] and ain’t nobody else gonna have them. Rare!” So everyone, what is it you think you see? FatKidsBrotha: www.myspace.com/fatkidsbrotha www.twitter.com/daveoffkb www.twitter.com/johnnyoffkb

The Canz - She's Your Queen

(L to R: Prominent and Foster) Coming to America was one of the funniest movies made in the 80’s. There appears to be a real-life Prince Hakeem and Semmi in Atlanta, Ga. Brothers Prominent and Freddie Foster are the West-African raised, Georgia-bred duo slowly rising to the top, but quickly scheming how to stay there. Their departure from Ghana to Athens in the 90’s sent them on the hunt for a queen in the form of good instrumentation, skilled lyricism, and amazing performance. She was Atlanta hip hop. When they found her, they rocked with the local competition. “We’re always grinding, grinding, grinding. Doing shows, putting shows together, doing mixtapes, working with other artists,” Foster says. What they started over a decade ago hasn’t stopped and the hard-working attitude helped their network and net worth. Local heavy hitters like Fadia Kader and Stadium Music saw what they were doing in town and built relationships immediately. The brothers aren’t about ego shit but will not act as if they are not always looking good. Every next step can be considered a pose. They’re always on, always working, always grinding. Their sound is so smooth on one cut and aggressive in the other that The Canz flow can cross barriers as it has already in their most recent mixtape. Their fall 2009 release, The Slow Rise, national recognition through online sites, and creating an experience earlier this year with SMKA and The 808 Experiment, Volume 2 really made up for all those things upcoming artists go through. The mixtape is a trip through the lives of the average artist that is trying to break into the industry. The skits on the mixtape are loosely based off of The Canz life as an up and comer but showcases predicaments new artists come across when trying to make it big, or even small. “We used to send our stuff to the popular music blogs and it would never get picked up. After this mixtape, it started getting picked and we started getting exposure,” Prominent described a mixtape skit that was mainly true. The Canz have been a bit of everywhere lately, getting together other artists to collaborate and work with them on their upcoming videos and sequel to their last mixtape. Properly named The Slow Rise 2, P and Freddie agree that it will take them over the top. Since they’re around people that know good music, like Mike and Blake from SMKA and Mick Boogie, they won’t go unnoticed anymore. “Mike recognizes music. Mike sees your talent, your grind, your hustle and he’ll fuck with you. And Mick is a good dude. He is selective with the artists he works with but he’s not caught up in his status, he’s caught up in good music,” Prominent explains. All this talk about good people and good music, Saturday night should be no surprise. Six duos will be hitting the stage in east Atlanta village and they should expect a show. The Canz are all about performance. They look at local indie and major artists like Yelawolf, Janelle Monae, and Ludacris to express examples. “Performance is very important. If you just go on stage and you not giving the fans anything extra, than their not getting their monies worth,” Freddie begins. “But that night, those dudes should expect to be embarrassed. We gonna embarrass ya’ll!” The Canz www.myspace.com/thecanzmusic Download Slow Rise mixtape

Clan Destined - We Make Waves, We Don't Ride 'Em

(L to R: Dt and Yamin) They’ve seen Atlanta hip-hop come and go, diminish and grow. As Yamin and DT prepare their fans for a destined rebirth, they are getting Atlanta ready too cause it’s time. “Since Outkast, people have been waiting for somebody to takeover from Atlanta from a grassroots aspect. It’s been a minute but as far as the underground scene, things are looking up,” Yamin begins. The duo has known each other for a decade. Yamin is DJ Amdex once the turntables are in front of him and DT is top chef in the kitchen, with a couple spinning skills as well. Individually they make things happen and together nothing less can be expected from artists and fans alike. They’ve been compared to Farsyde, Outkast, and other native tongue reps. The music they make is very reminiscent of that era. “We’ve got a good foundation. No one is carrying the torch and we on that dirty south soul type shit,” DT expressed. CD gains supporters instantly with their easing yet skillful flow. It just so happens being at the right place in the right hour gave these best friends a chance to make a relationship with Perfect Attendance promoter Fadia Kader. “Peace to Fadia and SMKA for opening doors to artists like us and letting us perform,” Yamin shows respect. They have such an appreciative attitude for those showing love to them in a time when Atlanta music is being propelled to the top and the its’ surface is not what’s real. “From the top layer, what everybody sees from Atlanta is bullshit. There is nobody in particular but I don’t like 80% of the stuff coming out from Atlanta,” DT jumps in. They respect what these cats are doing but they know what they have to offer is what the game’s been missing. Believing in it is not good enough; they need to buy into it as well. “We love everybody and everybody rapping in Atlanta is family, but you can’t diss shit in one hand and purchase it in the other.” The twosome expects more from a city that is all about supporting the region and the home team. However, growing in a place that is meant to shape you musically and not place you musically can be hindering. CD is fighting their way to the top and they have the VJC family backing them up. “Vinyl Junkies Click is our entourage. It could be up to twenty people at a time!” DT says jokingly. “Okay seriously, it’s our core group of people. It started out as a DJ thing. Now we’re surrounding ourselves with people that want what we want and believe in us. Everybody can’t be the artist,” he becomes serious. Their history with Rawkus Records tells the story of everyone trying to get on and out at once, but they’ve since moved forward with VJC and Domination. And For Their Next Trick, well that’s their new album. It has several unreleased originals and remixes from recent work and their 2007 album Abbracadamn that are sure to grip those just hearing and hold those over who’ve been waiting. Increasing anticipation, the Fuck A Mixtape release will drop later this month with a performance at Masquerade on March 26th. Clan Destined is real simple. Just expect the good music you’re used to from these guys and a classic set. “We’re seasoned, but we’re not in our prime,” DT ends. Get ready. Clan Destined: www.myspace.com/clandvjc

The Fresh - Patience and Persistance

(L to R: Mic Masters & Shot J) “Say it with some feeling boy!” Mic Masters of the Fresh encourages enthusiasm in his partner, Shot J. “I’m just ready!” he continues. Originally a bigger entertainment group called the Genuine Fresh Style, the pair of an eager one and laid back other grew into their name the Fresh when they realized their sound was getting fresher and fresher since their start in 2005. Both halves of the duo grew up with music in their households. Shot J was introduced because of the his genetic musical ties and Mic Masters fell in love with a Del La Soul album cover at grandpa’s house. The rest was unexpected history. Shot J, a DJ at heart with digital files as far as the eye can see, remains the technical side of their partnership and produces The Fresh’s main instrumentals and Mike takes care of the track lyrical substance. When they were really getting into the industry over four years ago, Masters and J were coming in at a time when they feel Atlanta was at its’ peak. Fans and listeners would look to the song for its’ content and not the immediate catch of the chorus. With the change we’ve all seen in the past years with Atlanta music commercially, they are here to make sure content becomes the focus again. “It was very grimy, lots of samples with a New York style, intelligent rap. It wasn’t about the hooks, like it is today. It was about what you said in the verse. People held that with a lot of esteem,” Shot J says. And they love Atlanta, from the Raheem the Dream days to going from Golden Glide all the way to Lenox. They respect and are pleased with what’s coming out of their town. “I’m proud to be from Atlanta. I never left. My home’s the best,” Mic exclaims with a big smile. The Atlanta market is one of those things that is unpredictable and against the grain. “It’s one of those unique markets that have all the levels, very diverse. It’s a beautiful thing and we're glad to be apart of it,” adds Shot J. And the camaraderie they experience in this Atlanta underground scene is priceless. The Fresh are fans and friends alike to the many that are trying to break through worldwide. Some of their favorite local artists are NiceGuise, Adult Porn Stars, Homebodies, Jaws of Life, and Perfect Attendance duo performers Clan Destined. The releases throughout their underground career (7th Letter, The Chronicles of Mic Masters, and Tear Zero) are reminiscent of keeping everything in a ziploc bag. And like so, their time at Perfect Attendance on Saturday night will be a tight set of good music with some flavor at the end. They are releasing some new stuff that night that is sure to put the crowd on their side. Their upcoming performance and summertime release, We Make Contact, is guaranteed to make noise across the nation and really put them in the place they want to be this year. "We made a pact years ago that every year we gotta be ahead of where we were the last year. So far, we've been doing it." The Fresh www.gfsnoise.com www.twitter.com/thefreshstyle www.myspace.com/thefreshstyle

MSD Profiles Perfect Attendance is Back!!!

The first-ever MSD Profile was with Fadia Kader and SMKA for the Perfect Attendance al-female edition. This March, we going in with the duos. Stay tuned next week for MSD Profiles of the performing artists at Perfect Attendance: Return of the Duo. =)Check dolow for more information and who to expect. Its the RETURN OF THE DUO : All equally talented artist , coming out of the A : but who really has NEXT? Catch them LIVE @ 529 ( East Atlanta Village) March 6 | Saturday || About PERFECT ATTENDANCE music showcase|| A ARTIST DEVELOPMENT based showcase, that helps brand/develop unsigned/buzzing artist. The crowd favorite along with our judges input, receives a artist development package that gives back from Press-Photoshoots-Videos -and much more. || The Package || * Photoshoot by LEE STARNES | www.leestarnesphoto.com * EPK/Lifestyle reel by THE SP AGENCY | www.thespagency.com * Press Coverage by our Official Media Partner: CREATIVE LOAFING and a ton of press pre/post the event by other sites/blogs. * 8hr Studio Session @ Mindzai Creative Lab | www.mindzai.net * Come Up Kids DVLPMT Artist Consulting Session * Follow-Up Show @529: with winner as 1 of the headliners * Invite to participate in the 6 month show with all the previous winners for a chance to win THE ULTIMATE PACKAGE that includes a variety of elements to assist in Branding a full project to be released by COMEUPKIDS.COM / C.U.K Dvlpmt || Performing || Mach5 | www.myspace.com/mach5soundtrack FatKidsBrotha | myspace.com/afatkidsbrotha The Fresh | myspace.com/thefreshstyle Retro Su$hi | twitter.com/retro_sushi Clan Destined | www.myspace.com/clandvjc The Canz | www.myspace.com/thecanzmusic and past winners : FKi | www.myspace.com/fkimusic Mixtape || www.PERFECTATTENDANCE.bandcamp.com Resident DJ || MISTER MIND Resident Host || DRES THA BEATNIK Special Thanks to || Governedbyloyalty.com Mindzai The SP Agency Lee Starnes Mister Mind /Audubon Society Tight Bros

MSD Profiles - Creating Beauty from Dope Experiences

Two years ago on Valentine’s Day, a 22-year-old in love, released an album that took off into something he did not expect. This Valentine’s Day weekend, he is performing in Atlanta, and he is not taking those requests. “I do not want to talk about Dopamine. And if it’s off Dopamine, I am not gonna sing it,” he laughs but there is serious intent behind that. Now in 2010, 24-year-old Jesse Boykins III will talk about anything but his ex-girlfriend. The Miami native’s first album, Dopamine: My Life on My Back, was recorded in the spur of the moment and every track was about his ex. He’s since moved on to creating beauty through words and true instrumentation without her. Months later, The Beauty Created is his second album; a real piece that brings live music to the forefront of R&B. That’s exactly where Boykins wants to take it. “I feel like soul and R&B is in transition and live music is coming back. Things change rapidly and as far as R&B, there’s always gonna be good and bad. I feel like good R&B, instrumentation, and live music is coming back. You see it now. Rappers have bands and R&B singers who’ve never had bands, have bands. It’s inevitable.” Growing up in Miami, Chicago, and Jamaica, the young crooner could not play instruments like his cousins, so he made his way into the loop by singing. Here in the states, he attended music school in New York and soaked up everything he could that involved musicianship. From gospel hymns to singing to girls in Subway, his talent is very genuine and charming. His former voice coach has helped him keep it that way. “I met Bilal when I was 18 in college. The biggest thing he taught me was to always stay true to your art and always acknowledge what you experience through your music,” the newcomer says. This is his 4th show with the Grammy award winner and he is still learning what he can from the headliner. “I learned from him that it’s okay to be different.” He considers himself a soul singer, but knows his skill can take him through any genre. Being versatile is important because refuses to be put in a box. “When I say soul, I mean anything from the heart. As far as genres go, I’m pretty diverse. A true artist can portray themselves through any song, through any genre. With The Beauty Created: Remixed, he’s did just that. Boykins sent out his favorite songs off the sophomore album to his favorite producers. The result was a mini-remixed beauty. “I figured I could give my favorite songs to producers and see what happens. It was a good look. It’s crazy when you hear your songs with just your voice and no instrumentation. When you get it back, you’re like ‘Whoa,’” he exclaimed. He gets that same response when many hear his voice. He’s been compared to Eric Roberson, D’Angelo, even as a collaboration of Raheem Devaughn and John Legend. Comparisons only go so far in his mind though. “Everyone that you’re compared to, ya’ll listen to the same people. You have the same inspirations. So when you take pieces from those artists, it’s transcribed in the music. That’s how we all get compared.” Phonte Coleman from Foreign Exchange told him that The Beauty Created was ‘hotter than fish grease,’ which birthed the partnership between the Foreign Exchange Music family and Jesse. His collaboration for their Keys player and Detroit solo artist, Zo!, new album Sunstorm, is the title track, performed with Phonte and Yahzarah. The passion in this track will be amplified Friday at Centerstage. “Expect it to be a memorable night. You will never forget my name after you see me perform. I do whatever it takes to put on a good show.” And since he doesn’t have a Valentine, like many in the crowd will not, he is going to make the night extremely special for them and himself. Unfortunately, all the ‘Twitterheads’ are going to have to shut off their Twitter Friday night. It’s all about being there mentally and physically. “I like to experience and I like to always be in the moment. I like to know what going on but you lose sense of treasuring things, when you’re always talking about it and not actually experiencing it. You can get caught up and instead of experiencing it, you want to see what everybody else doing and thinking,” Jesse ends. He admits that it can be distracting to his performance but for the crowd, he can only create the experience. You must plan on enjoying it. Get at Jesse on his Official Website, MySpace, and Twitter! He's still trying to figure his Twittergame out so don't judge him just yet. =)

MSD Profiles "Getting Connected While Leaving It All Behind"

No one can categorize the tunes that Phonte Coleman and Nicolay put out to the public. Their scene is them and no one else. They’ve created their own lane and that is why when they make music, you know it’s real. “We really just make music for one reason and that is because we really do love making music,” Nicolay begins. The story of the duo is this simple. From humble beginnings, there were online exchanges through a hip hop message board from the U.S. and Europe. Several opportunities that showed and proved on both sides of the ocean and finally many tracks that really set it off between the two birthed a duo that were connected from the start. In the past, Foreign Exchange has discussed several subjects dealing with industry that show they’re knowledge of self and environment. As the state of music changes, especially hip hop, they recognize that even though their independent pool may get bigger than ever, music is still the best its’ ever been. “Television has stopped playing videos all together so independent artists have opportunity to reach fans a different way via internet, Facebook, and Twitter. Right now is the best time ever for music because people that do it from their heart more than ever have a chance to break through,” Nicolay says. They are an example of good music getting to the masses and they are taking more with them this year. In 2010, the whole Foreign Exchange Music are going to the Grammys as a family. The duo believes so heavily in their team’s talents. “Phonte and I have started our imprint. Foreign Exchange Music is specific to be able to release people we tour with, affiliated artists. The first project that will be out in spring is Yahzahrah’s new album. She sings in our live band and we both have collaborated with her for many years. Also, Zo! plays in our live band. We’re releasing his new record, Sunstorm, this summer,” Nicolay informs. He goes on to express how it takes more than a friendship to believe and release an album. “They’ve been apart of the FE experience for over a year now. We feel that it’s only right to return some of that and after our success pursue success for them as well. We feel that their talents are so considerable and their material is so worthwhile we wanna make sure that we put ourselves behind that and that we try to promote it and market it as best as we can.” Nicolay’s work with the Foreign Exchange is quite special to him, and as he is quite the production king, his masterpieces outside of Phonte are extremely diverse and admirable. “I just did the Vikter Duplaix[Electric Love] remix. I really liked how that came out. Really like working with him. I really always like working with Sy Smith. She’s an incredible talent. I recently did a remix for Roy Ayers[Funk In The Hole], which was a big opportunity.” Nicolay’s musical versatility stretches across the sea, where he understands the differences and similarities in European take on music versus the U.S. “What big over here is more than likely big over there as well. In Europe, there’s more room for stuff that’s against the norm. In general the music appreciation is different. In terms of good music, there’s always great music coming from both sides of the sea,” and Nicolay’s work is included, in that it is mainly created with live instruments without samples. On Friday, Nicolay is ready to perform in one of his favorite cities and 3rd FE’s biggest market. Atlantans are set to experience his work in a setting that is so deep and powerful, yet loving at the same time. It’s a very intense experience. People that know our albums know that our music is very passionate. When we’re live, we amplify that with the band: Yahzarah, DBrock, Zo!, and Phonte. Especially in Atlanta.” Reach out to Nicolay and his team at their official website and Twitter.

MSD Profiles "Mr. Musical Architect Himself"

Valentine’s Day weekend and Zo is excited about coming to Atlanta. “First off, I’m exciting about performing in Atlanta again period. Ya’ll give off a lot of good energy.” And even though he is taken care of in the Valentine category, on Friday night, Zo promises to take care of those in the crowd who need assistance in the love area with his architectural skills. Architect (är’kĭ-tĕkt’) n. 1. One who designs and oversees the construction of large structures, as buildings, bridges, ships. 2. A planner or deviser. Claiming the identity of a musical architect says a lot about his character. “I take music very seriously. It’s something that I look to keep practicing and get better at. You’ll never hear me say that I am the best at anything,” Zo starts off. The Detroit born and east coast bred musician does not play when it comes to anything involving music and his talent. His sound is something quite profound that many have and have not experienced. “My sound is more emotional than anything. I wouldn’t compare it to anything. My passion is good music.” After seeing his fellow Foreign Exchange Music family, Phonte Coleman and Nicolay[the Foreign Exchange], receive a Grammy nomination for their independent venture, he is ready for everyone to understand where he’s coming from. “That’s the ultimate nod. The simple fact that they got the nod on their own time, doing their own thing, makes cats like me, that do that, proud. Our eyes get bigger and see how it is attainable,” Zo exclaims. The former superstar baseball player didn’t have much of a musical presence in his school settings, but his excitement was quickly transferred once he graduated from rap group Nappy Roots alma mater, Western Kentucky University. Those piano lessons that he used to hate with a passion became his focus and stronghold for where he is now musically. His knowledge of the bass guitar and some drums take him a step further in the game. He is truly ahead of those already in it and his past works definitely show that. His resume, which includes work with the likes of Asylum 7, Little Brother, Yahzarah, and Slum Village, represents what many wish they could obtain in their time. And consistency is important to him as the Foreign Exchange Music family will be apart of his upcoming 2010 release Sunstorm. His relationship with everyone in the imprint begins with as a message board and a Little Brother show in Michigan. “I saw on a message board the Phonte[Coleman] had heard a Little Brother remix from my Re-Definition album. So my purpose was to go as a fan and introduce myself. The show was dope and after it was over, I went to introduce myself. He already knew who I was and he had some of my music in his Ipod,” Zo! enlightens me about their first in-person encounter. From that night, they exchanged info and kept in touch. The alliance was formed after their partnership through the Love the 80’s collaboration with Tigallo and the …just visiting album. Since then, Phonte kept his word about taking Zo on tour with him and the rest is history. He loves him to death. “There’s only two cats in this [industry] that I know and I love to death that kept their word. Phonte and Waajeed[Pied Pipers]. Everything they said has materialized.” And Zo! has been one to materialize futures for others. As a music teacher for special education in Washington, D.C., he encourages his students to play instruments freely, which pushes for creativity. It’s apparent that he uses music to saves lives and show students there is something more than what the streets offer and what the media advertises to them. “Music can be influential in many ways. My students come from broken homes, their parents in the streets, foster homes, and group homes. So they are already going in the wrong direction; societal problems at their worst. Using music positively is what I’m trying to do. I wish more light would be placed on that rather than what they say they think a 2Pac record made somebody do. These kids are coming off the streets and being saved by music,” he avidly expresses. As Zo continues to bring hope to his students, he hopes for his name is be respected among listeners everywhere. Every forthcoming release should be purchased solely off of his name, which has the talent to back it. “My goal is to put out consistent, quality, good music so they can just fall back on my name being good work.” February 12th we get to hear some of that good music when he reaches Atlanta with a lineup of outstanding artists that are real talents. “Bilal, I’m definitely a fan of his work and vocally, he can sing! I’ve met Jesse and he is gonna be on my new album so I’m really happy about that. He’s a real talent. Good music exists ya’ll, and he is proof.” Zo is proof too. Get up with Zo! over here and here.

MSD Profiles "You Can Call Me DBrock"

Many artists grace the stage with artists they’ve been compared to. At Centerstage on February 12th, Darien Brockington will have his chance. “I used to get compared to Bilal a lot, especially when we both had dreadlocks. I guess I can see that,” Darien laughs. His followers see so much more. Raised in North Carolina, Darien Brockington, also known as DBrock, started his R&B trip back in college with fellow Foreign Exchange Music family, Phonte Coleman [of Foreign Exchange]. From there, his zeal and enthusiasm for music created a soundtrack for his life. In 2005, the other half of Foreign Exchange, Nicolay, produced a creation that introduced Darien Brockington worldwide. The Feeling EP was just part of his transformation into musical superstar. His collaborations before and after the EP with the Foreign Exchange, Little Brother, Pete Rock, amongst several others are pretty commendable. One of his notable group efforts is 2005’s “Night Like This” with Symbolic One and Illmind. “I linked up with Symbolic One and Illmind through Little Brother. Phonte thought I’d be perfect for the R&B joint on their project The Art of OneMind. Phonte wrote the song and hours later, we had it,” Brockington explained. It was this talent that took him to the next level in years following, but there was a time when he exited music with an unsure intent to return. “It was really rough out there for a while. I hadn’t really figured out who I was as an artist. I think that I really started to figure things out when I began recording Somebody to Love. I worked really hard on that project but it seemed I was going backwards,” DBrock explains. With minor success of the 2006 release, financial problems, and family stress, Brockington was on his way out and not looking back. Interestingly enough, many say ‘when you love something you have to let it go, and if it comes back it’s meant to be. “I started to realize I can’t do anything but sing. I can never stop writing songs and making music. Music is my air. I can’t breathe without it,” he expresses. And now that nothing can stop him, going from nothing to the most known unknown in less than a year has given him the experience he has been living and singing for. His work with the Foreign Exchange has been the most treasured in his time in the industry. “I’ve been working with the Foreign Exchange since 2004. I’ve toured with them for both albums. Phonte and I go way back and Nicolay and I have been cool since day one. I’ve enjoyed my work with the Foreign Exchange. That experience has opened a lot of doors for me.” This relationship, amid other events, has prepped him for the story that he is telling today. “Cold Case Files tells the story of my struggle musically and personally in the past years. But it also tells the story of my growth.” Cold case is a term for criminal investigations that have not been solved and its’ investigation has since been suspended. Brockington’s disappearance following his first album release was an incredible setup for this late-2009 mixtape . “Most people didn’t really know what I was up to during that time. So with this mixtape, I’m basically trying to provide some answers to all the questions that my fans had about where I was all that time. I needed to release this mixtape to complete the healing process that I started when I decided to come back to music,” Brockington adds. Since the mixtape was more curing than anything, he takes the feedback about it lightly. His musical liberation is more important. As the healing process continues and comes to an end, DBrock is always growing. On Friday night, expect to see that growth and his admiration for his former look-a-like. “We give the people their money’s worth. Trust me! It’s going to be a dope ass show. And Bilal, I have so much respect for that dude, I can’t even tell you. Dude sings his face off. I’m very excited.” And he should be. Atlanta finally gets to see the regular, chicken-wing-loving, God-fearing, family-first crooner’s soul. You can reach Mr. DBrock at here and here. Get to know him!

Team Foreign Exchange - "2010 Grammy Family"

Check out the profiles coming up that showcase the Foreign Exchange Music family at their best as they get ready to come to Atlanta. (Left to Right: Yahzarah, Phonte, Zo, Nicolay)

The Low Playlist - Special Edition

This is the HEY LOVE special edition of The Low Playlist. Valentine's is this weekend and there are live shows all Friday night. But we are focusing on the exceptional lineup of the Shameless Plug HEY LOVE show ---> Bilal, Foreign Exchange, Jesse Boykins III, Zo!, Darien Brockington, and Yahzarah. This playlist cannot just hold ten tracks of the greatest music from these artists, so there will be 15 songs and 5 videos!!!! Instrumentals are on deck. So realize, appreciate, and support what these artists are giving ya'll. Interviews will follow all this week. Get your tickets to the show from Ticketmaster or Centerstage. No excuses. Check playlist dolow. 1. Foreign Exchange - All That You Are 2. Darien Brockington - Can We Fall In Love Again 3. Jesse Boykins - Come To My Room 4. Zo! feat. Phonte - My Flame 5. Bilal - Home 6. Darien Brockington - I Need You 7. Foreign Exchange feat. Yahzarah - If This Is Love 8. Bilal - Soul Sista 9. Zo! - Holding You, Loving You 10. Foreign Exchange - Brave New World 11. Jesse Boykins - I Wish 12. Zo! feat. Sy Smith - Crazy 13. Nicolay feat. Carlitta Durand - Lose Your Way 14. Solange feat. Bilal - Cosmic Journey 15. Jesse Boykins - Pantyhose Bonus Videos Foreign Exchange - I Wanna Know Bilal - Love It (Serious Throwback!!!) Foreign Exchange feat. Darien Brockington - Take Off the Blues Yahzarah - Tickler (Love this joint!!!) Jesse Boykins - The Itis

Shameless Plug Promotions present Hey Love

I'm going in on MSD Profiles starting February 5th for this show! Stay tuned. Lineup includes Bilal, Foreign Exchange, and Jesse Boykins. Zo! And Darien Brockington are also on the opening lineup for the show! It's gonna be a great Valentine's day exclusive for all you lovers out there!

MSD Profile - iYana

Historically black colleges and universities continue to produce talented African American students every decade. While many hip hop artists are not college educated and do not promote any type of education in their performance, Iyana tells it like it is with her Spelman college degree in the frame. “I recently graduated from Spelman College with an English degree,” she mentions. Her degree from a top women’s college gives her an outlet to do freelance editorials and playwright work, but still remain true to her passion and gift of words. And having that loner, stoner, rolling stone identity is what defines her musical expression. “That phrase is just a play on words. It is representative of my introverted nature that allows me space to create and express myself. Rolling stone is a representation of how I feel about my music. As I grow older I evolve, so does my music,” she begins. YaNi. Yana. Yan-Star. Blues babi. Brown eyed bandit. Rebel with applause. The wicked word wizard has many nicknames from her supporters and those in her circle, but gaining those Atlanta individuals to have her back entailed hard work through her live performances and networking. “I gained fans andsupporters in Atlanta by performing at Apache Cafe, Sugarhill, the 40 Watt, in the AUC, at Georgia State, Agnes Scott College, UGA, and coffee shops throughout the city. At Spelman I gained a name for myself as a hip hop/spoken word artist. The AUC had been a firm base of support in past years,” Iyana says. At the Perfect Attendance showcase this weekend, some audience members only expect to hear some good music and have some drinks; however, Iyana’s performance may be significant to the Jerry Springer show circa the late 90s. “On January 2nd, you can expect objects to fly in the air!” she exclaims. It is her initial involvement with Fadia Kader that came from her name being thrown in the air from several projects. “I’ve been in Atlanta for a while, from Spelman, I worked with Jaspects on their second album as well as their most recent album. In addition, a rapper named Small Eyez put me on his project “Vipassana.” The rest is sort of history.” And this history consists of many of the other Perfect Attendance performers. She’s freestyled with Corinne Stevie on a regular, Eva Kennedy has commended her on past performances, and Khaos Da Rapper cooked for her. “I’m very cool with Corinne Stevie, we've free styled a couple times at my house. Eva has seen me perform with Jaspects at Sugarhill in 2008. Khaos makes a mean turkey burger!” Iyana adds. Iyana’s activism through her music is admirable. Her work with The Promiscuity Project in Michigan was a presentation of safe sex and protecting one’s body through films and live performances. The project allowed for the performance of a track that has a deeper meaning than its name. “I loved being a part of this project because I was able to share my song "Rushin Roulette" as a form of activism. The song centers around using protection, men on the down low, and having children out of wedlock. In this song I speak to my listeners on several levels about the importance of knowing your status and forming healthy relationships,” she informs us. Things we can expect from Iyana in 2010 are an international tour and some filming. “I’m doing it on a whole other level. I will be in Holland and Czech Republic on my European tour entitled "The Peace Chronicles". I leave the states on January 19th. I am in the beginning stages of a mini-documentary that will be entitled "Love Lost:Stories of Unrequited Love and Loss". But what she can expect in 2010 is more recognition of her industry twin. “At least twice a day I am told I look like Erykah Badu,” she laughs but loves. Iyana believes Erykah Badu said it best, “Change is inevitable and the music I make is ever-changing.” Rushin' Roulette Iyana is on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. So get to know her and check her out!