Day: June 8, 2020

In times of uncertainty, music has been a force that has been able to heal, unite, and spread powerful messages. Remixd Magazine spoke with eight different artists who have used their music platform to speak out against injustice, to build community, and/or encourage healing and togetherness. Each artist that we spoke with shared a unique story and explained the powerful inspirations behind their music.
Keep reading to learn more about each artist and the song of their choice that amplifies the message they want to share.

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AHNTY – “America”

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AHNTY (formerly known as Tyesha Chaunté) is a 25-year-old singer/songwriter from Fort Worth, TX, and currently resides in Los Angeles. Her music carries a message of healing and freedom for every listener, no matter their differences in life.
Her song “America,” can be defined as a song that instills a message of hope. “‘America’ is a song that was written in 2017, at a time where I was overall sick of seeing everyone post about their political agendas and heartless responses on the topic of racial injustice,” AHNTY told Remixd Magazine. “I wasn’t seeing anyone create much change outside of their Facebook posts. So, I sat in my room ’till around 2 a.m. and this song came out of me. It was like God downloaded it to me Himself. Summer of 2019, I got the opportunity to record it with my amazing friend Daniel Dalexis and release it to the world. I knew that it was now or never to allow the world to hear this message of change. This is a song of hope for a broken nation. It tackles the media, freedom of speech, religion and inner city realities. I pray that ‘America’ hears this call-to-action song.”

You can follow AHNTY on social media, and listen to “America” below.
instagram.com/ahnty.music
soundcloud.com/ahntymusic

Jozondi – “Joker”

Jaren Wright is a 20-year-old artist who goes by the name Jozondi. His name represents a combination of two people’s names in his family who have passed away. “The reason that I chose this as my rap name is that I believe it will always serve to remind me not to lose the reason that I make my music, and to be a positive influence,” Jozondi told Remixd Magazine. “The town I was raised in was called Corona, California but I currently attend LMU as a screenwriting major in Los Angeles. Ultimately it is my goal that through my music and writing, I can make my family proud but also live out my dream of helping others find their purpose in life.”
His song “Joker” is in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and the current rend of righting the wrongs that “have been ignored throughout the past and present.” “Within this song, I address some of my problems with America in terms of being black,” Jozondi says. “For example, something I mention in this song that still haunts me to this day is what happened to Trayvon Martin. Him dying for just buying skittles in a hoodie and then his murderer getting off scot-free is something that will NEVER sit right with me. Trayvon could have as easily been me and its that day I learned America wouldn’t care if I died. Knowing that in this track, I let America know where I stand especially after seeing the blatant murder of George Floyd. I warn America what will happen if it doesn’t fix these issues and finally start living up to what it has been preaching for decades — “liberty and justice for all.”

You can follow Jozondi on social media, and listen to “Joker” below.
https://www.instagram.com/jozondi/
https://twitter.com/Jozondi
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOkimfjG2YVOSs-KajZQkKA

“I’m hungry, humble and talented, I’m living in my purpose, and I AM here to stay,”Cwill told Remixd Magazine.

Houston-based artist Cwilltooill, also known as “Cwill” released his first debut album on April 20, called CBD: Calm But Dangerous. The debut release showcases Cwill’s talents and allows him to hit the ground running.

After one listen through, it becomes easy to see how the talented artist is soaring above the competition. His debut project proves that Cwill is innovative and passionate about what he does. Cwill makes music from the heart and ultimately shares that to the world in a way where fans can learn about him as an artist.

The down South rapper has performed with artists such as Meg The Stallion, Trippie Redd, and Da Baby — ultimately paving his own way in the music world. He encompasses the lyrical uniqueness of a smooth country twang that’s blended together by clever storytelling and rhythmic flow.

Keep reading to learn more about Cwill and what inspires his music.

What city are you based in now? I’m from Wetumpka, Alabama but I’m currently living in San Antonio, Tx.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? While I was in college, I fell in love with expressing myself. I had always rapped and I came from a musical background because of my brother and my father. So around the age of 20, I knew I wanted more from music than just to put a few hours a week in.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how? Very much so! I’m from the country! You can hear it my lingo and you can feel it when I touch a mic. I come from beating on a table in a lunchroom, remembering songs, and performing at talent shows. My mom used to wake me up to Rafael Sadiqq and my pops was in a blues band and loved Jodeci. Then just being from the South in general has influenced me to always strive for substance in my music.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?I’m a mixture of soulful rap, southern hip-hop and a hint of R&B. I don’t like to stay in a box and my vocal range is growing everyday so in my head the ceiling is limitless. I don’t mind talking my sh-t but I also don’t go full cap season in my music either. I keep it real and relevant. I talk about my relationships, my family, and really whatever is on my mind. I have my own studio so I’m able to record at-will really.
What inspires you to continue to create music, especially in a time like this?I love creating new sounds and I fell in love with performing. Music pays my bills and I’m about to break generational curses with my craft. I wake up inspired. Not everyday, some days are harder than others as a black man in America, but the hustle stays in tact. The faith I have in myself is what keeps me going. God reminds me constantly that this is where I should be spending my time and energy. Who are some of your main musical influences? J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Deante Hitchcock, Big K.R.I.T. , Smino, Lauryn Hill, Andre 3000. What are some goals that you hope to accomplish in the future?Win a Grammy. Chart a single and album (multiple)! I also see an international tour in my future. I’m already setting it up as we speak. I also want to make music with all of my influences. Another huge goal is to own my own label. And owning all of my masters for life. Tell us about the latest project that you’ve released Calm But Dangerous? What is it about? It’s about growth. Becoming and understanding what it means to be a BLACK MAN in this world and fighting off all of the earthly desires the world comes with. Love is always a hot topic for me as well. I’m a lover. A hopeful romantic really. I have a girl now and she influences my music a lot. I wanted people to get to know me with the project. I’ve been through a lot , and I’m just now really learning how to articulate those things. Tapping into my past and trying to figure out how to move forward. What has the response been like to that project so far? It’s been great! People are loving the album but now I know the follow up has to be crazy! I have yet to release any visuals for the album because I want it to be right. The only way I can release anything for this album is if it’s exactly how I want it. My plays haven’t been where I want them but I expected that because of my lack of promotion. But this summer will be one to remember for me. I can feel it. What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?Music videos directed by me and my people @ KEEP MOVING FORWARD Productions. I may drop a new single or some just to keep the fan hot too. What message do you hope fans take away from your music? I’m hungry, humble and talented, I’m living in my purpose, and I AM here to stay.

Follow Cwill on Instagram @cwilltooill and stream CBD: Calm But Dangerous below.