Day: June 15, 2020

Classic’s hot new project, The Loner (EP) speaks for itself while showcasing the artist’s talents.

Joel Montae, who goes by the artist name Classic, is someone you’ll want to keep on your radar.
The rising hip hop star just released a new EP titled The Loner which takes a deep dive into the topics of depression and anxiety. Based on his personal experiences with dealing with both, Classic hopes to raise awareness on the subject and address that there are many who also deal with it on a daily basis.
“Each song brings out key emotions of that depression,” Classic told Remixd Magazine. “While the entire body of work tells a story of triumph, conquering, and moving on to better things.”
Classic is from Muskegon, Michigan, and is ready to show the world his talent. Continue reading to learn more.
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?I’m from Muskegon, Michigan and am currently based in Radcliff, Kentucky.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?I decided to pursue a career in music in 2010. After putting out a number of mixtapes and features with known artists such as Willie Kid who is from close to my hometown in Grand Rapids, Michigan to working with Richie Evans out in Phoenix, Arizona. I knew I had what it takes to put out music that could be heard.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?It has everything to do with who I am as a person as well as an artist. I’ve lived in a lot of places, as well as living outside the country when my father was still in the military. How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?My sound is visual. It’s clear imagery, and most definitely hip hop. Like my new moniker Pengameclassic, I assault with an array of styles, flows, and versatility because I can write just about any topic I choose that relates to an experience I’ve had in my life. What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?I used my music a lot as self-therapy. I can go to a place where I see myself in a clear light and the world with all that we’re faced with. The inspiration comes from those that have used the art form before me, that made me want to rhyme myself. Being from Michigan I’m a huge Motown fan and that alone has inspired me to continue.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?I love it! There is nothing I’d rather be doing than making music. The reactions from the people who listen to my music inspire me to continue to elevate as an artist. I also love how lately I’ve been seeing how the listeners relate and share stories about their lives, and express how much my music relates to them. Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?I have many other hobbies including basketball, coaching, and fitness. Although right now, my hobbies are whatever my daughter is into. Being an active father is something that means the world to me, and since I’m so involved in music, I only have time to really engage in her needs.
Who are some of your main musical influences? Michael Jackson as a kid. Doo-wop music and a lot of the soul sound from the Motown machine. In rap, I would say Public Enemy, Wu tang, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, KRS One, Biggie, Nas and Jay-Z to name a few. What are some of your music career goals for the future?To remain consistent and the continue to put out great music. Control all the things I can control and building my brand.
Tell us about the latest project that you’ve released? What is it about? The Loner (EP) was released in May 2020. It’s available on all streaming platforms now! The project offers a deep look inside the mind of depression and an anxiety in a person. I’ve had many personal experiences and am aiming to create awareness on the topic. The climate in our world today, we’re not only facing a pandemic but also facing continued oppression and police brutality. Living with that weight on your back creates an unstable mind frame. No matter what problems we face in the world, I wanted to focus on self improvement, but also while admitting failures, stressors, worries and doubts. Each song brings out key emotions of that depression, while the entire body of work tells a story of triumph and conquering. The project was produced entirely by Casso Beats out of Buffalo, New York. What has the response been like to that project?The response has been great due to the timing and current events of our world. I’ve heard a lot from listeners who have related to the entire project. Some listeners have shared that they have lost a loved, one so they identified with the “Be Grateful,” track. Or how waking up everyday facing the same thing relates to a song on the project called “So Lonely.” Just about every song is someone’s favorite, and that’s what you want as an artist — to touch and reach many people through these songs in different ways.
What are some projects you’ve done that you are most proud of and why?The Black Side project (released in 2018) addresses police brutality. Bringing awareness on that topic was huge for me because I feel like it’s a timeless project.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.My next two project have been recorded already with features from Jah Monte, Koncept Jackson, Murakulous, and Skyzoo. But for now, I will continue to let The Loner shine with some visuals and then right after I’ll drop the next project.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?To be yourself and to be truthful in your approach. Music is an escape but sometimes the issues around us can’t be ignored and need to be brought to the light. Consume my work and take something from me that can help you enjoy your life. Wh

ere can we find you on social media? www.instagram.com/pengameclassic
www.twitter.com/IMClassic
www.facebook.com/classicotha
www.otha.bandcamp.comhttps://open.spotify.com/album/1nPKdlYDS1irBxoUU4Iz9q?si=LNnN4NUsRZGOgkbFR5tVHw

You can listen to his EP The Loner below.

“My main message is hope that others learn that they are their biggest enemy and that you can only fail when you stop,” Jay Hollywood said in an interview with Remixd Magazine.

If there’s one thing to know about upcoming artist Jay Hollywood, it’s that he gives his audience a creative and fresh delivery every time. With his unique sound and dope melodies, the rising star has the ability to switch it up when needed, while also staying true to his versatility as an artist.

The hip hop artist doesn’t fit into a specific category of rap, which ultimately proves as a testament to his talents that showcase how he is able to master various sounds. Jay Hollywood is a force to be reckoned with and it’s no doubt that his talents will take him far.

His latest mixtape project “I Just Need A Light,” is a perfect example of how he combines his creative expressions with a versatile delivery. Some of the tracks, such as “Last Orison” even feature a hint of his Jazz influences.

In a recent interview with Remixd Magazine, the Maryland native says that he wants his music to serve as an inspiration for others.
His sound can be described as timeless, as Jay Hollywood’s unique rhythm definitely brings something new to the game and makes him an instant stand-out.

“All in all, I hope my stories can provide comfort or set a vibe,” Jay Hollywood said. “Whether they think, dance, or laugh, I hope that moment is timeless and I’m thankful for being heard.”

The talented artist has extreme potential and has a sound that most people will be able to vibe to in any occasion. Keep reading to learn more about Jay Hollywood’s musical journey and background.

What city are you from and where are you based now?
I am from PG County, Maryland and I am currently based in New York.

How did you get your artist name Jay Hollywood?
My artist name is Jay Hollywood. My real name is George but even my mom has never called me that. Majority of my life I’ve gone by Jay or JR (like Jay-R). My artist name came from best friend. We were discussing my old rap name and she brought up the fact many people started calling me “Hollywood” when I moved to New York. I liked it and I think it’s perfect because it’s all about perspective — which is a major theme in my music.

Did you always know that you wanted to be an artist? At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
When I was younger I always knew I would be an artist, but I would say November 2015 is when I decided to actually go all in and pursue my dreams.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
Absolutely! I was raised by a single parent (my mom) and she taught me very young that nothing is handed to you and you have to be your own boss. She is also very religious and had me in church since I could walk. She worked for herself and I always admired that and I believe her work ethic inspired my everyday drive. I want it to be known that my father was sort of present but ultimately, you know how that goes sometimes. Besides that, the music they played while I was growing up was very much old jazz (Al Jarreau, Curtis Mayfield) or classic R&B/Soul (Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Michael Jackson). I think they always tried to play songs with meaning, my mom would never really play hip hop unless it was like Will Smith. I think it made me look at my music with intent and understand that music with purpose can be timeless.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you? What genre does it fit into best?
I would say I am a new age hip hop artist. I would define my sound as extremely versatile as I try out many different sounds so it is hard to describe. I am trying to master all the sounds I enjoy but mainly with a core of hip hop. You may hear Jazz influences on many of my tracks because that’s probably the music I enjoy the most.

What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
I’ve been making music my whole life and it’s the only thing my brain revolves around. There was no escaping it and I could not live with myself not going 100% towards the goal. My brothers and I decided we would chase this full heartedly. I don’t plan on letting them down and I don’t plan on being anything besides great.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you to make it?
Music gives anyone a platform to express whatever. The power of music is endless and that in itself makes me passionate. There will always be new something new with music and we have the ability to create raw energy. What inspires me to “make it” is my brothers. We believe in ourselves and I have seen the power of having faith. I can’t see us not making it.

Who would you say are some of your main musical influences?
This is a hard question because I feel like my musical influences changed throughout years of my life. So this is probably like a timeline while growing up: 50 Cent, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, and T.I. Then from like last decade: Drake, SZA, Wale, Isaiah Rashad, XXXTentacion, and Lil Peep.

What are some of your music career goals for the future?
Once the world calms down, I wouldn’t mind doing a small tour. I really want to see other parts of the world and meet some of the people who support me. Long term music goals, I could see myself writing for others and potentially bringing more rap music to Broadway.

Tell us about your most recent project. What is it about and when did it drop?
I just dropped my last mixtape I Just Need a Light at the end of February. This project is mainly about the trials and tribulations of a troubled young artist mind looking for answers within and all around.

What was the inspiration behind I Just Need A Light? And what has the response been like so far?
The inspiration behind that project was actually trying to make more songs with some young DMV legends I know. I also felt inspired by some of my unreleased tracks and decided to express some of my more current experiences. The response to this tape so far has been amazing. A standout song from the tape is “Block Function” with A$HY BLACK THUG and everyone is requesting a video for it so stay tuned!
What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?I am most proud of my first project World Full of Colors. It took me so many years to finish it and I couldn’t be more thankful for everyone involved in that project. It was the first step in so many areas of my life. I performed it so many times before it came out that when it did, people already knew some of the songs. It was humbling and made me excited to start working on more music.

What do you have coming next? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
Right now my main focus is visuals and a new project that I recorded during the quarantine. I think I let many of my raw emotions out while trying to have the most fun as possible. That’s the best way I can describe this new tape without just simply calling it wavy. I plan on releasing The Quarantine Pack sometime in June as well.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
I hope my fans know I appreciate them and genuinely care about them. My main message is hope that others learn that they are their biggest enemy and that you can only fail when you stop. People will all have an opinion but believe in yourself and build a solid foundation. All in all, I hope my stories can provide comfort or set a vibe. Whether they think, dance, or laugh, I hope that moment is timeless and I’m thankful for being heard.

You can follow Jay Hollywood on social media @luvjayhollywood. In the meantime, check out his latest release below, and be on the lookout for his upcoming project The Quarantine Pack, coming out on June 19th.