Nicole Ivy is an independent R&B artist that has been writing music since the third grade when her mother bought her a journal and a piano. Her journey in music started at a young age, and her passion for music was realized when she found out that she had an ability to sing. After getting her start in the industry by performing on cruise lines, Ivy developed a true artistry for creating and writing music. Since then, she’s been pursuing her passions whole-heartedly and is not letting anyone or anything get in her way.
She recently dropped a new single called “Go,” which is a sultry R&B tune that shows off Ivy’s vocals. The R&B singer wrote “Go” during a time where she was madly in love and was convinced she had found her forever love. In the song, she explains how people do anything for true love, and that her and her significant other can “go” anywhere together no matter the place or how far.
As an authentic and talented artist, Ivy stands out among her peers in that she is motivated to succeed. “Go” serves as a testament to her talents and positions herself as someone who is capable of creating her own lane in the industry.
You can stay up to date with Nicole Ivy on Instagram @nicoleivymusic, and be sure to stream her single “Go” below.
Meet independent artist Tmcxj based in Long Beach, California. The artist, who is from Compton, CA and proudly independent, first entered the scene with his single “All Night” that dropped in June 2020. Since then, he has garnered recognition for his unique style of music and his ability to weave a melody together.
Tmcxj is back and ready to show the world what he’s capable of. He just dropped his debut EP called VYBZ, which is out now on all streaming platforms. The project showcases Tmcxj’s talents as an artist and creates a space for him within the R&B/trap realm. He describes his sound as different than the “typical LA artist” in that his tracks are slightly slower and melodic. He self-describes the album as something that you can “smoke to” and “turn up to.”
Each song on the EP offers a different take on Tmcxj’s style. There are standout tracks such as “Moonlight,” “Vybz,” and “All Night,” featuring Glena and Chris Catlin that serve as a testament to the artist’s talents and versatility.
Keep reading to learn more about the inspiration behind the project below. What city are you from and where are you based now? Compton, CA but I am currently based in Long Beach.
When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in music? When I was 18 I started writing poetry. I always wanted to do music but took time to develop myself as a dynamic artist. It wasn’t until 2019 that I took it very seriously and started working on my first project!
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how? Coming from a family of female writers I grew up with a lot of R&B and soul in my household. When I was little I remember finding out about 50 Cent, Ludacris and The Game and being in awe. Since then, I’ve grown up with all kinds of music — finding a love for all genres.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you? Stoner-Rap/R&B. Giving you Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y and Bryson Tiller type of vibes.
What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career? In December 2016 my friend Corey Turner (who passed away), heard a verse I did and instilled in me that I had a gift. Starting off as a poet I felt awkward, but he made me confident I could take my art to the next level, unfortunately he passed away in June 2019 and I’ve been working overtime to always shoot for the stars. You only got one life – it’s do or die.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you? I’ve always been a big hip hop/R&B head growing up. I’m really big on how music makes you feel — the positive vibes, amazing views and people I’ve met on my journey. My stories from Compton/East side Long Beach are just the few things that inspire me.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative? I love video games, bomb weed and amazing views to watch/relax at. I stay creative by surrounding myself with creatives or watching interviews of my favorite artists.
Who are some of your main musical influences? Isaiah Rashad, Ye Ali, Kendrick Lamar, Jcole, DCMBR & Jahkoy.
What are some of your music career goals for the future? When the time is right I want to switch my sound and try new things, work with more producers in LA & get my music on tv shows and movies.
Tell us about your latest EP VYBZ. What is it about and how would you describe the overall vibe? My debut EP titled VYBZ (pronounced vibes) is a stoner/R&B selection of sounds to relax, smoke and turn up to. It gives you a different taste of sound from a typical LA based artist.
What has the response been like to that project? The response had been amazing! To see everyone around the world listening and telling me their favorite songs gives me the positive reassurance to keep pushing.
What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why? I am also a self-published author of my poetry book titled New Aura exclusively on amazon! I’m most proud of that book because it was my first one that showcased my poetry from 2016-2019
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?Me and my team have already started the process of VYBZ II. I have singles dropping for the rest of the year we about to heat up!
What message do you hope fans take away from your music? I hope people hear the passion and patience I dedicate to my music, and I know I’ll inspire the next brain to change the world one day with the music I’m making.
