Day: June 9, 2020

“Just be you most importantly, and never let anyone take that away,” ZACKTAYLOR said.

Meet independent, upcoming artist ZACKTAYLOR from Riverside, California — an artist with a mission to “preserve the art of hip hop.”
ZACKTAYLOR is a newcomer to the scene, but he already has a few projects under his belt and is eager to make his voice heard. With a creative lyrical flow and the ability to rap over a smooth beat, the artist has a promising future that is destined to position him as the true force that he is.

He uses his witty lyrics in every track, and truly makes the audience ponder about the meaning behind a song.

In a recent interview with Remixd Magazine, the artist discussed some of his main influences, his inspirations, and talked about his newest single titled “Bad Mamacita.” He revealed that the new song is an “ode to beautiful women,” and showcases ZACKTAYLOR’s skills as an artist.

Keep reading to learn more about ZACKTAYLOR.

What city are you based in?I was born in San Bernardino but moved around quite a lot in my childhood but have resided in Riverside county for 10 years. More specifically I stay in Mead Valley.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? I created my own music from ground up since I was 16 but but did not take it as serious as I do now until I released my BLKRNGR (name inspired by the black power ranger) mixtape in late 2017. I did my own production, engineering, marketing and performed shows at various venues. I wanted people to see true skill and talent with lyricism as well as banging beats.
Describe what it was like growing up in your town? How have your experiences shaped your sound today? I didn’t really come from a family of money, so I always had the need to hustle a little more than your average kid to get the things we needed. I was really big on making a sound that is heard in every setting as well as being suitable for the kids since they pick up things quickly. I haven’t completely let go of that sound, but some of my new work can be explicit.
For those who are not familiar with you or your sound, how would you describe it?I am an advocate on hard-hitting delivery with punchlines, word play, and actual story telling. At the same time, my sound is not corny or boring, and it contains a great deal of hard-hitting beats. So I would say that my music can be similar to that of Big Sean, Belly, and CyHi the Prynce.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in music?It may sound a little “tooting my own horn-ish,” but I believe I bring some of the best lyricism people can look for. I don’t use bland word play and nursery rhyme styles when I write. I like my listeners and fellow artists to have to think a bit. I just imagine the looks on people’s faces when they understand my lines.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?I have always been on a mission of preservation when it comes to rap and hip hop. I think we have unfortunately have become heavily saturated with tunes that do not contribute to our art, nor does it compliment our style. We are not taken seriously in the world of music, and I want to get the respect our genre and culture deserves.
Who are some of your main musical influences?My main influences consist of Big Sean, CyHi, Larry June, Nipsey, and Hit-Boy
What are some of your music career goals for the future? My goals are to stay independent to further support the idea of being your own boss and owning your art. I want to flush out the harmful looks and actions in our culture and help get hip hop back to its pure state. Of course, like many, I look forward to getting a great fortune for my family and generations after me. More importantly I want to show the entire world that our genre and culture has a lot of greatness inside.
Tell us about your latest single, “Bad Mamacita.” What is it about?I just released a single called “Bad Mamacita” featuring one of my bros Wavy Carl. Its an ode to the beautiful woman you had your eye on as soon as you step on the scene. The single is for my upcoming album Rugged Bandit that will be releasing soon. The concept around the album is that a wild-western tone with a protagonist that vows to take the culture back from the poachers and give it back to our people. There is so much more to say, I even had a script for each chapter lol.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?I am currently working on my Rugged Bandit album and would love to get videos going for several tracks. I’ve been investing in equipment to make that happen, but we shall see. I originally wanted to drop Rugged Bandit on June 18 for Nat Love’s birthday, but honestly no exact date just yet.
What message do you hope fans ultimately take away from your music?I just want fans to see that lyricism is still very much alive and will definitely add more to your listening experience. Just be you most importantly, and never let anyone take that away.

You can follow ZACKTAYLOR on social media @__ZackTaylor, and listen to his latest song “Bad Mamacita,” below.

Cam Avery, from Los Angeles-known band “Bassictheband,” has now broken off as a solo, independent, alternative artist! He describes his sound as, “Alternative Funky-Beach Rock, with hints of pop and R&B.” His grungy, yet simple style and sound derive from his Los Angeles roots.
Cam Avery was destined to be an entertainer and wants to use his past experiences to help inspire others in a positive light. The artist strives to become someone as powerful as Bob Marley, Madonna, or Prince, who advocated for music and love. He is an artist who, “would rather have 50 hardcore, sentimental fans, compared to 500 normal day-to day- listeners.”
Keep reading to find out how Cam Avery stands out from other dream-chasers:
Where do you accredit your passion of music coming from?My passion for music was always something inside me. As a toddler, my dad would play heavy metal rock while I was strapped in the car seat, and I would beg for him to make it louder. I can feel melodies in my head being produced every millisecond. It’s a blessing. I feel like I have a lot to share with the world.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue music professionally?I have been an entertainer since day one. From making bands with my preschool friends to being the star of every play/musical in elementary school, I was born to entertain in some sort of way. I have acted in many recent music videos for my old band, but eventually I do see myself taking acting more seriously, and taking it to higher and greater levels.
Which artists currently inspire you, musically?My top 3 artists I look up to the most, currently, would have to be Dominic Fike, The Strokes, and Tame Impala. Those three artists have had a massive influence on my creation of the sound I’ve been honing onto recently.
What or who are your biggest inspirations?My experiences I’ve had throughout my life are the biggest inspirations to me. My sound comes from a place that only I can feel. I make a song about a feeling or an event that has happened to me, and someone else can relate to that feeling or event in a completely different way. That’s what life is all about- sharing your experiences and stories with one another and seeing how they interpret it for themselves.
Have there been any life-changing experiences that have impacted your music?My dad had walked out on my family when I was 12. He suffered with Bipolar disorder and alcoholism. I do as well, actually. It was heartbreaking and mentally exhausting. My mom lost all her credit and we were forced to move in with my aunt and uncle- 11 people in a somewhat big house, but we always made it work. I turned to poetry, music, and unfortunately I turned to vices. I would take any sort of way out of reality. Those years as a teenager for me were cloudy at times, but I feel like I expanded my mind more than I ever could’ve without the push of my father leaving me. My dad is my motivation for striving to be better always. My mom is my motivation for striving to be as humble and great as she is.
What goals have you made for yourself, career-wise?I want to have an impact on everyone. Anyone that feels stuck or feels lost can always come to my music for support. I want to make a difference with my art. As soon as my music career takes off, I want to start a foundation to help spread awareness for music and all art through the youth around the world. Art is the gateway to pure enlightenment. Oh, and I want to buy my mom and dad a house when I’m successful, duh!
What makes you different from other up and coming artists?What makes me stand out from the other million dream chasers out there is that I know where I stand. I, unlike most people in my generation, am not distracted by the superficial things in life. I care about things in a different way than others. I don’t want to be rich and famous because thats the easy lifestyle everyone dreams of. I want everything that comes with success, but in my own manner- never to gloat or to prove to my superiors that I’m more successful, but to show the world that I’m humble for my gifts I’ve been given.
Cam Avery just released his latest single TODAY! “Trouble” can be found on all streaming platforms. He plans to release the visual for this single on June 12th! Although no album is in the works yet, he says he has so much more music that he is ready for the world to grasp onto.

Get ready for more from Cam Avery!

Instagram: @camavry
Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCao-GJAvlOhhArN6eQPuLDA

Josh Hawkins who is famously known as a NFL cornerback, is not only talented on the field… He is also extremely talented musically and is ready to take over the music industry. He has played in the NFL since 2016 and was recently signed to the Atlanta Falcons this past April, and is now balancing careers as a professional athlete and a music artist. In the music game, he goes by the name J Hawk and recently released his single “Beautiful Mess.” J Hawk does not consider himself a rapper, but instead, someone who tells stories with his music and he describes his sound as “riding music.”
Get to know more about J Hawk:
What inspired your artist name? And where did you get the name from? Nothing Special, its just the letter of my first name and half of my last name.
Where are you from (born and raised)? And where did you grow up? I’M from North Carolina Winston Salem born and raised.
Why did you move to where you currently live? It was just the direction God took me in.
What is YOUR genre? Riding music
How would you describe your sound/style? Very laid back. I like riding music. I don’t rap, I tell stories.
Do you also write, produce, and/or engineer your own music? I write all my music and i have friends who are really good at engineering.
Do you have any other special talents, such as acting, etc.? God blessed me with a talent to play football and I can cook.
When did you start doing music? And when did you start taking it seriously? I started back when I was probably 14 and I just kept writing from time to time and getting better. It’s my escape.
When did you record your first record? Back in middle school, just fooling around with the boys.
Why music? Describe your passion. Music helps me clear my mind, its my escape. i enjoy where it takes me.
Who/what inspires your sound/music? It’s a lot of different sound i like out right now like future, bryson tiller, partynextdoor, tory lanez, drake, kehlani, HER, the list can go on.
Who is your motivation and why? (for example, parents, siblings, etc). I believe my mom introduced me to music because she was a great singer for the church we used to go to. I still sing around the house with her from time to time.
Who are the top 3 artists that you currently look up to?Drake, Tory Lanez, Future
What are your goals when it comes to your music career?I want people to listen to my music and enjoy every bit of it. I want them to feel attached to the lyrics, like ‘Wow, I’m going through (or I’ve been through) the same thing.
Do you have a new project that is out now or coming out soon that you are currently promoting? I have a single called “Issa Vibe” cooking up right now. Although the independent artist has not released an album yet, take a listen to his singles, “Not Like Us,” “Ball Baby,” and his latest release, “Beautiful Mess.” J Hawk is a natural talent. His lyrics, that he also writes himself, flow with ease. The visual for “Beautiful Mess” is definitely a vibe, and with a voice like his, you’ll want to keep this track on replay.

Find J Hawk on:

Instagram: @28degreess
Facebook: Josh Hawkins
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Ptw7PMTSeXKBUqiyq7Ccg
TikTok: @28degreess

Hip-hop artist DAX is using his platform to convey a powerful message. His latest video, “Black Lives Matter,” was just released yesterday and tells the narrative of the movement that’s speaking volumes and fighting for equality.

The video opens with the message “Remember when we were kids and didn’t see color?” followed by a woman that sings “I can’t breathe,” and a still video of DAX kneeling on the ground.

The important video commands the audiences attention while DAX relays the message that Black Lives Matter.

This is not the first time that the Canadian/Nigerian rapper has eloquently and respectfully covered topics that are not conventional in music. Other songs that he’s done include “Dear God,” which discusses the topic of religion, and another track called “Joker” which addresses the problem with cyberbullying.

The video is currently trending at No. 7 in the US, with over half a million views in under 17 hours.

Watch”Black Lives Matter” below, and stay tuned for more on the socials @thatsdax.