Another great spotlight to start the week! If you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for a feature on the site!

Today, we have pop artist Nick Deutsch! He was introduced to music at a young age through his family. His mother, who was a teaching pianist, always played on their grand piano at home, which Nick and his other siblings would dance to. “Music was really always a present art form in my life,” he stated. With that upbringing, Nick began piano lessons himself, learning classical and jazz music, but admitted that he didn’t practice much until he was a teenager. However, piano soon became his primary instrument to compose music.

His high school years, he noted, were rough, but soon found another outlet to help him through. “I withdrew into the world of songwriting as a means of self expression and have kept it as a valuable tool,” Nick said, even recording demos on cassette tapes. Nick went on to study at NYU, which allowed him to connect with various songwriters in New York, opening him up to different opportunities to expand his music career.

As a ‘90s kid, Nick was inspired by artists like NSYNC, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, No Doubt and Nirvana. “While often cheesy, there’s a huge sense of chorus and melody in that music that’s undeniable,” he said. He also likes country artists like Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert, as well as different British pop artists. The singer has always had a passion for music, and honestly couldn’t see himself doing anything else. “I have such a wild horse mind and music is the one thing that centers and calms down my thoughts,” Nick admitted. “At this point, I'd be miserable doing anything else. When you can't walk away from something, it's a good sign it's meant to be.”

His latest track, “Under Your Ocean,” from his upcoming EP Heartsaver, was inspired by an unhealthy relationship where the singer admitted he felt like he was drowning. “We both naively thought "love alone" would be enough to make things work but I quickly realized it wouldn't,” Nick said, stating that the song, written and recorded with his longtime producer Joey Auch, is probably the heaviest track on the project. “I think the lyrics do a great job of revealing the confusion of being in that space,” the artist added. Check out the track below!


Heartsaver, which is expected to be released in late summer, is mostly upbeat pop, other than “Under Your Ocean.” “Every song looks at love from different angles be it friendship, infatuation, heartbreak etc.,” Nick said of the project. “Listeners can definitely expect to hear a story in every song!”

Currently, the artist is working on a few new tracks, but is primarily focused on performing and “getting Heartsaver out to the world.” As far as what makes him stand out from other artists, Nick believes it’s the fact that listeners really get his experiences from his music. “There's a lot of great songs on the radio but I often feel like the personal narrative has been left behind. The writing is often so vague and generalized that anyone can sing the song,” he stated. “Sometimes that's definitely the point, but I always want to feel like the fingerprint of the story is in the vocal. I think that people can relate to my songs but also feel like they understand me as a person without having to research.”

In the future, Nick’s biggest goal is to be able to sustain himself fully as an artist, committed to working hard towards making his career the best it can be. He would also love to write for other artists, as well as eventually grow into a position to be able to mentor others and work in music education. “There's so much misinformation out there and I'd love to be in a place where I can help people work on their craft without losing their mind,” Nick said.

You can check out more from Nick on his official website, as well as SoundCloud and YouTube. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

6:25:00 AM

Another new spotlight to start the week, and more are on the way!

Today we have Atlanta-based neo-soul artist Nisan Joseph! Raised in Houston, TX, the artist revealed that he was brought up by traditional parents, who raised him on timeless gospel and old-school R&B, which eventually influenced his own sound and lyrics. Nisan actually didn’t start singing until he was a senior in high school after he was forced into choir as an elective. “It was pretty much fate, or in God’s plan, that I got into music,” he said. Currently, the singer is finishing up a chemistry degree at Clark Atlanta University, and is signed with Loud N Klear Entertainment, balancing school and music. Though Nisan admits that he has a love of science, he plans to focus completely on music after graduation.

In discussing classic R&B music, Nisan also opened up about the state of R&B music today. “It’s in an interesting place where I think we’re slowing finding a balance,” he said, stating that just a few years ago, we were hearing a lot of the same sounds. Now, Nisan believes that we’re getting back to real music with substance. He cited artists like Bryson Tiller, who is not traditional R&B but, with his “trap soul,” develops honest and vulnerable music that others can relate to. Other artists that Nisan is inspired by include D’Angelo, John Legend, Musiq Soulchild, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Jazmine Sullivan.

With his debut single, “All Night,” Nisan showcases his own soulful R&B sound, giving listeners a classic track to enjoy. At the time, Nisan was doing a lot of writing about heartbreak and relationship issues. “My manager put a little bug in my ear, saying that I needed to switch it up. I didn’t have a love song [yet],” he admitted. Inspired by one of his favorite R&B albums of all time, Usher’s Confessions, the singer wrote the love song that was current but “true to lyricism and metaphors,” working with producer Tedy P. Check out the music video for the track below!


Currently, Nisan is working on his full debut project, putting in serious work in the studio with his production team. “We’re really creating a great sound and putting together solid records that are real, that are relatable, that are fun, and that are musically and sonically solid,” he said. Nisan revealed that the project will give a modern R&B feel and should be released around late summer or fall, with the singer focusing on putting out a quality project that listeners will gravitate to. In addition to this project, Nisan is writing songs for other artists as well. He is also creating a mixtape of remixes to continue to build up his fanbase.

In terms of what makes him stand apart from other artists, Nisan credits his amazing team that works alongside him. “I’ve been very blessed to be surrounded by amazing people that work just as hard as I do in really making sure that I become a success,” he stated. “At the end of the day, it’s not so much the skill that separates you from everybody else. It’s really about the work ethic and the people that you have supporting you.” In the future, Nisan hopes continue singing and performing, and hopes to earn awards for his work. However, he plans to retire as a songwriter creating classic music, which means more to him than being an artist or celebrity. “As long as I can live comfortably using the gifts God gave me, I think that’s considered success for me,” Nisan said.

You can check out more from Nisan on his SoundCloud and YouTube. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!  

9:33:00 AM

Truly love being able to share these great upcoming stars with you all, and it's awesome to hear from those of you guys that are becoming fans of their work!

Today, we have UK-based singer/songwriter Yoji! The R&B/pop singer was raised in London with a family of artists. With the support of her family, Yoji began learning how to play piano at the age of 8, but was trying her hand at song writing even before that. “I used to write songs in the playground with my friend and then perform them to everyone in a big showcase,” she said. “They didn’t really make any sense looking back but it was the best part of my day making music in the breaks.”


After moving to the area of Suffolk at 11, Yoji continued piano lessons under teacher Phil Graves, learning classical music as well as jazz. She was inspired so much by the talent and artistry of Alicia Keys as well. “The way she combined piano and voice was sensational and was an example for me and opened up my creativity to start writing songs using the piano as a tool.,” the singer stated. Throughout her time in school, she has continued to write and perform, putting her full focus on music after her graduation.

Yoji is inspired by other artists such as Amy Winehouse, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. "Artists that play the piano and sing are a great demonstration on how to combine the two in performance," she said. "They all invoke emotions within me and they create powerful music." Her debut EP, OceanGovern SunshineRule, was released in 2015 and shows her influences, with Yoji creating a collection of powerful songs relating to love. The title actually reflects the meaning of her name, which is Japanese for "ocean, govern," and "sunshine, rule." Yoji explained, "My mum studied fashion and loved Yohji Yamamoto’s name. My parents took out the letter ‘h’ as they thought that made the name look more feminine." The singer went on to add, "I think the title works well with the meanings and messages in my music as it’s about discovering self-worth, being empowered, using emotions to create something positive and taking control of your own destiny."

One of Yoji's favorite tracks on the project, "I Need More," is an empowering track for women, encouraging them to never settle in love. "I wrote [it] after being let down in a relationship and vowing not to let it happen again," she explained. "My friends have also shared similar experiences and I wanted to write a song to remind us that we don’t need to rely on anyone as we are powerful enough on our own. That’s why in the song I say, ‘I’ll be a fearless knight, fighting for what’s right, I won’t lose sight of my worth.'" The singer added, "In the song the women becomes her own savior and is not the stereo typical damsel in destress waiting for the man to fight for her."



Currently, Yoji is recording songs for her next EP, as well as working on new collaborations with other artists. She also plans to have another tour in the UK this summer to promote OceanGovern SunshineRule!

The artist believes that what sets her apart from the rest of the pack is creating music that will evoke emotions and actually have meaning in other people's lives. "I feel like my music is honest, [and] at times vulnerable because of that," Yoji said. "I aspire to write songs that people can relate to."
In the future, she wants to continue to grow with her music, and hopes that more people will hear it. She also wants to create a full album with great musicians contributing to it. "I’d then love to showcase it in a world tour as I love to travel, explore new places and most of all perform on stage!" Yoji added.

You can check out more from Yoji on SoundCloud and YouTube. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

1:45:00 PM

Another spotlight to start the week, and more on the way!

Today we have upcoming hip hop artist, King Tay! Hailing from Philadelphia, the artist stated that he always had a passion for music and writing. “I've been writing poetry and doing amateur writing since elementary school,” Tay said. “Not to say that I was good at it, but I started playing around with writing and rhyming around then.” Though he at first preferred to stick to ghost writing, he was pushed by different producers and music figures to pursue rapping. “I decided that I was going to take my career seriously [and] started going to the studio, recording tracks, Tay said. “In 2014 I performed for the first time, [and] haven't looked [back] since.”

Being from Philly, he admitted that his city plays a huge role in his story and music. “We are labeled as the City of Brotherly Love yet there isn't much love shown here,” King Tay admitted. “The things talked about in my lyrics have been inspired by the things I have seen, heard, currently going through, and feel.” Also inspired by artists like Tupac, DMX, 50 Cent, Eminem, Nas, Beanie Sigel, James Brown, and Michael Jackson, he listens to a variety of genres which sparks great inspiration in his own music.

One of King Tay’s most recent tracks, “Coolin,’” is an example. The track, which was recorded, mixed and mastered at Marsten House Recording Studios, was also written and produced by Tay himself. “[It’s] a representation of myself and my laid back attitude,” he stated. Check out the video for the track below!



Currently, the artist is putting the finishing touches on his EP, More Than Dreams, which is set to be released this summer. “I'm aiming for June but it could be a little later,” Tay said. “I do not want to rush this project.”

In terms of what sets him apart from other artists out now, King Tay believes it’s his creativity and versatility that separates him from the pack. “My train of thought, my way of thinking ,is just different,” he said. In the future, the artist has hopes of being well off financially, but also in a position where he is able to assist other artists and entrepreneurs on the come up. He plans to develop a few business ideas, create his own record label, and give back to his community!

You can check out more from King Tay on YouTube and SoundCloud, as well as follow him on Twitter and Instagram!

10:05:00 AM

Another spotlight to end the work week! If you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, writer, etc., and would like a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info!

Today, we have UK pop punk/alternative rock band White Eskimo! Comprised of members Will Sweeny (vocals), Alex Lewis (drums), Ryan Smith (guitar) and Marcus Crestwood (bass), the band all went to college together, each studying music. They eventually formed a group, and were glad to just jam together and create music. “It was just a love that we took very seriously,” the band said in a statement. “We just love being together, rehearsing every day. It’s a dream come true that we can play music for a living.” Interesting side note: One Direction’s Harry Styles was actually a part of the band back in the day!

Though hailing from Manchester, England, White Eskimo was more moved by American bands that made an imprint on their sound. Artists that have inspired them include Foo Fighters, Blink 182, ACDC, Elvis, Ray Charles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many more legendary artists.

The group has been hard at work, performing and making music. In fact, they released their debut EP, 100X last year, with production by James Lewis (Rudimental, Rae Morris, Sunset Sons). The band also recently released a new single as well entitled “Game Time,” which they say was “born out of the hilarity of trying to pick girls up in a bar!” Mark Winterburn engineered the track at John Delfs’ The Edge Studios,” and it received a “nod of approval” from Ivor Novello award-winning and Brit award-nominated producer Pete Kirtley. White Eskimo has recently wrapped a music video for the track, directed by Karl Beattie, who has worked with Madonna, Elton John, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson. “We are so proud of the end result,” the group said of the video, which should be released soon. Check out the track below!


Currently, White Eskimo is preparing for showcases in L.A. with A&R Worldwide, which is definitely really exciting! In terms of what separates the group from other bands out now, they believe it’s their energetic and catchy music as well as their performance style. “Our live performances are a breath of fresh air as there is nothing like us out there at the moment. We are not Heavy metal and we are not an indie band but we engulf the energy and popularity of both,” the members stated. “With such a huge range of musical influences, our sound is so different and our live sets must be seen! We are unique because we have never set out to be like anyone else…[we] just [want to] be the people we are and play the music we like.”

When it comes to the future, White Eskimo simply wants to play their music and reach as many people as possible. “We will always play music. It’s in our blood, whether it’s to 20 people down a pub or 50,000 in a stadium,” the band said. “Our longevity will last as long as we are physically able to pick up our instruments."

You can check out more from White Eskimo on their official website, SoundCloud, and YouTube. You can also follow the group on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

11:49:00 AM

Another spotlight, and we have more in the works!

Today, we have electronic rock and roll band Evol Walks! Fronted by Leah Martin-Brown, the band was formed originally in Australia, but was restructured when Leah made the decision to move out to Los Angeles in 2014. “I ended up re-branding my old band, essentially starting from scratch and began searching for other musicians to help build the new project (now called Evol Walks),” she stated. Now the band consists of Leah, CT Twywoniak (lead guitar), Dre DiMura (rhythm guitar), Ian Ross (bass), and Jimmy Lee (drums).


Leah herself started playing and performing music when she was seven or eight years old, and fell in love. “I always knew that it was what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. “There were never any other avenues I was interested in pursuing seriously.” Hailing from Gold Coast, Australia (“a major tourist hotspot,” she noted). had an impact on her and eventually the band’s music. “Growing up there, you see a lot of people living this crazy, high intensity, party lifestyle,” Leah said of her home, calling it the Las Vegas of Australia. “I think that made an impression on me as a lot of our songs are about wild nights out on the town.

Inspired by bands like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Monster Magnet and Black Sabbath, as well as Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, Stevie Nicks Joan Jett, and Amy Lee, Leah and the band give off high energy and attitude, while still creating and performing amazing music! Evol Walks has shared the stage with great bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers and Dead Letter Circus and supported the likes of Everclear and The Presidents of The United States of America.

One of Evol Walks’ most recent tracks, “Without Me,” features not only Leah’s stand-out vocals, but the musical chemistry of the band overall. Leah used an ex from Australia as inspiration for the song. “We drifted apart and I ended up being with someone else and my ex couldn’t understand what had happened and why and just refused to let go,” she admitted. “The song was my gentle way of telling him how I felt and that he needed to move on.” Check out the track below!


Currently, Leah is focused on Evol Walks, as they all work on taking the band to the next level. She admitted that there aren’t many rock and roll bands out now with strong, female leads such as her, and that’s what separates them from the pack. “We are going against the indie trend currently happening,” Leah said. “We’re very honest about what we are and I think people can pick that up.”
As for the future, Leah has bright hopes for herself and Evol Walks. “Constantly touring the world and doing what I’m doing now would be awesome,” she stated. “I’d also like to collaborate on more projects and do some more co-writing in the future.”

Be sure to check out more from the band on their official website as well as SoundCloud and Reverb Nation. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

6:39:00 AM

Another spotlight to start the week, and there are definitely quite a few more on the way!

Today, the spotlight is on rising singer, producer, engineer AND rapper Myze! Hailing from Chattanooga, TN, he was raised in the church and grew up on gospel and Christian rock music. began dabbling in music during his junior year of high school, working on production just as a hobby. During his senior year in 2013, Myze produced a track for one of his cousins, which sparked his interest “It just felt really good to hear someone else’s voice on something I did,” the artist admitted. “From that point on, I just learned how to produce for myself.”

In our interview, Myze shared the short and sweet story of how he came up with his artist name. “It’s actually kind of a corny story, but I like it,” he laughed. With his light brown eye color, he used to get a lot of compliments on his eyes when he was younger. “One day, I was just sitting in my bedroom, and just thinking ‘What really made me growing up?” he said of coming up with his artist name. “I put [the phrase] ‘My eyes’ together and made Myze.”

Inspired by Timbaland, Aaliyah, Gucci Mane, Drake, and more, Myze creates his own unique style of music that hails from his versatile tastes in genres. “I know the music I want to hear and, to do that, I just figure if I create my own music, write my own songs, and produce, I can put my whole mind out there, and I don’t have to depend on anyone else,” he revealed.

Back in October 2015, the artist dropped his project, Please Don’t Listen. The title was, in a sense, reverse psychology, as Myze used the phrase “Please, Don’t Listen,” to spark curiosity for listeners. “When we were kids, you always did things you were told not to do,” the artist said, hoping that the title would get people to actually listen to his work. Be sure to cop the project on iTunes now!

This year, Myze introduced his series, #MyzeMondays, releasing not only new music, but art, t-shirts, etc., anything to engage people. One of the most recent tracks he dropped, “Amy,” which was inspired by rapper Logic’s track “Nikki,” which actually spoke about nicotine. “It just sounds like he’s talking to a woman, and it makes you feel like there’s a relationship going on,” Myze stated. “You get so wrapped up into the song that you actually forget you’re listening to a song about cigarettes.” Incorporating that feel into song, he gave life to his love of Amsterdam Vodka (which he calls Amy), and he talks about his experience with liquor on the track. Check out “Amy” below!


A multi-talented artist, Myze literally writes, produces, engineers, and performs his work on his own, which he admits can be a struggle for him in terms of balance, but he is able to buckle down and get the work done. “Most people just do one thing, like just produce or just write. I do everything for myself top to bottom,” Myze said. “Some days, I dedicate time to engineering, some days producing. Some days I take the time out to contact people and try to get engineering spots or producing placements here and there.”

Currently, the artist is not in a rush to create another project, instead focusing on building with people and creating a solid fan base, rather than putting out too much music. In terms of what sets him apart from other artists, Myze believes it’s his go-with-the-flow attitude in terms of creating music that makes him stand out. “Whatever I feel, I’m going to create. I create music because I enjoy it, and because I know it He also wears all of the hats in his career from the music side to the public relations and management sides, so he’s definitely on the grind!

You can check out more from Myze on SoundCloud, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram!

11:43:00 AM

Another spotlight for the week, and more on the way! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, writer, dancer, etc., and would like a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have hip hop artist Tony Benefit! Hailing from Chicago, Tony began freestyling around the age of 14. He was found one day rapping on the corner by Carlos Polk, a member of legendary Chicago underground group, Eratick Statik. Carlos brought Tony to the group’s shows and studio sessions, where Tony started at the bottom, throwing water and t-shirts to the crowd. Eventually though, the artist was able to spit his own rhymes at the shows. “Once the crowd was receptive to what I was doing, it just kind of built from there,” Tony said. “I became a bigger part of the show, and, once I went on the road with them, I started building my own following.”

The rapper admitted that his hometown plays a huge role in his sound. “Chicago, I always say, is a melting pot of talent where you can line up 10 rapper and no two of them sound the same,” Tony stated. The city itself, he noted, is made up of diverse and creative music and art scenes that is inspirational. “It gave me a well-rounded sound where I can blend in with the underground, but also [I] know how to transition and write radio material,” the artist added. In addition to his city, Tony is inspired by hip hop artists like Nas, Busta Rhymes, Planet Asia, Sean Price, and more, but also Ozzy Osbourne, Ryan Leslie, and Chris Martin of Coldplay. “I’m really into the artistry,” Tony said of his influences. “I consider myself a songwriter first, and an MC second.”

With Tony being raised in and inspired by the 90s golden era of hip hop, we spoke briefly his opinion of the state of hip hop today. “I don’t feel like it’s as powerful as it was when I was coming of age. I feel like the messages were stronger back then,” he admitted. “There’s always been good and bad [but] there was a good balance. Now, it’s like 90% bad and you got to search for the good.” However, he feels like the artists that he may not necessarily listen to are necessary to still have fun music in the genre, balancing out the more serious lyricists. “I think the two biggest differences between then and now is, back then, you couldn’t just say anything on record. Somebody had to vouch for it. Somebody was going to do their research and dig up some history. Now everybody just gets a pass,” Tony said. “Two, there was a lot more pressure to be original back then. Now, you can sound like whoever just came before you.”

In terms of what he brings to the table that makes him stand out, Tony believes that he is a complete MC. “I have the voice, the cadence, the delivery, the timing, the concepts.” the artist confidently said. “You have to have all of that. You can’t have a good voice with bad lyrics. You can’t have a catchy song with no message.” The artist also added that he brings great songwriting to the game, something that is rare in hip hop. “My songs are really conceptual. They’re more like movies or plays,” Tony said.

Having built a good following through his music and performances, Tony was recently signed to a record deal to LuJon Records/IMG Recordings after working closely with PR company Lions Vision. “That was the missing ingredient,” he disclosed. “I had done so much on my own, and had taken it pretty much as far as I could go. When they came into the picture, publications started jumping off. It just kind of came about like that.” The company sent over some of Tony’s material that was unmixed, and liked what they heard. Once the label heard a mastered mix of his work, they officially made the decision to sign, and now Tony’s building an even bigger buzz!

Most recently, the artist released his track, “Lite It Up.” The beat, which was produced by Atlanta’s Jay Nasty, caught Tony’s ear on SoundClick. “I heard the chorus and the concept was kind of already there,” he said. “All I had to do was kind of fill in the blanks and just create the full picture.” It features vocals from R&B singer Cory Jones and a guitar solo from Phil Absurd. Check out the official video for the track below!


Currently, Tony is finalizing his full-length mixtape, City Boyz Presents: Order out of Chaos, which goes back to our conversation about the state of the music industry today. “I feel like it’s chaotic. Everybody’s sounding the same. There’s no guidance.” he said. “I feel like I’m making it okay to not only be original and be yourself, but [that] you can still be talented and dope, and sell records.” He’s literally creating order out of chaos with his music!

In addition to the tape, he’s working on new music videos as well as other music features and collaborations. Also, as an actor, he has an upcoming role in a project that is a play off of Ghostbusters, which will begin filming in April. He also has a few other acting projects, including a role in a new webseries called Kingdom Come, as well as a new upcoming NBC sitcom called Love is a Four Letter Word with Rockmond Dunbar and Cynthia McWilliams.

In the future, Tony wants to be considered one of the best hip hop songwriters of all time. “That’s my number one goal. I’m not concerned about money or accolades or anything like that,” he said. “I just want people to be like ‘That dude was a great songwriter. He made it happen.’” He gave a wise piece of advice to upcoming artists who want to make names for themselves in the music world. “I would tell them to do THEIR music. Do not follow the sound of the moment. That’s the best advice that I could give.”

You can check out more from Tony on his official website as well as Reverb Nation and YouTube. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

9:14:00 AM

We have a great spotlight to start the week, and more on the way! As always, if you or your client is interested in a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today, we have R&B singer Trent Watkins! Hailing from San Diego, CA, Trent grew up in a talented musical family, with a foundation in the church with his father serving as a pastor. In addition to participating in the church choir, he also starred in musicals in grade school. “I would say my upbringing inspired my sound mostly through the diverse groups of people that I interacted with,” the singer stated. “While much of the R&B is what sticks out in my singing style, the songwriting, topics and styles, are drawn from the many genres I was exposed to.” However, in middle and high school, singing and performing took a back seat to other regular teenage things like sports and girls.

After a break up in college, however, Trent began working on more music and songwriting, and even released two mix tapes, The Liberation and Life, Love and Heartbreak. “It wasn't until recently I decided to really pursue music as a career,” Trent admitted. “For the longest, I was told that music was a hobby. I spent most of my time going to school trying to find a ‘real’ job.” Motivated by his wife’s launch of her own fashion company, the singer decided to work towards his singing career full time. “I was always serious about the music I created just not about the career that follows it. Now I've gotten the inspiration and motivation to put two and two together.” While inspired by other R&B artists like R.Kelly, Trey Songz, and Ne-Yo, Trent stated that he looks up to Usher the most. “From 8701 to Confessions to Here I Stand, he was always telling a relatable story,” he said. “That's what I strive for in my music. I want it to attach to people's past, present and future.”

One of the singer’s most recent tracks, “You Should Be Famous,” is an example of how he uses those influences in his own sound. Trent admitted that the track was also inspired by his wife’s fashion company as well. “We needed a runway ready sound for the launch and this one was perfect,” Trent said. Written with songwriter Ichiro Suezawa and produced by Marc Solomon, the upbeat dance track definitely keeps listeners moving. Check it out below!


Currently, Trent is working on his debut studio album entitled, I, which will put his own story to music for listeners. “Lyrically they will get a firsthand look into my experiences in life, love, and heartbreak,” he said. “Sonically, you will get a mix of beats that get you moving and tracks that will have you deep in your thoughts and emotions. It is truly a journey that takes you down a path of attraction, falling in and out of love, and recovering from that to love again.”

In terms of what makes him stand out in a sea of other artists, Trent believes that his lyrics separate him from the pack. “I feel like music today is all clumped up into similar categories. Unfortunately, for male R&B artists, sex is the only topic of discussion,” he said, admitting that it’s rare to hear the true emotions of men. “You don't get the Confessions or "Say Goodbye" by Chris Brown. That's what I want to bring back, something that can accurately describe the emotions being felt by many in my age group.”

In the future, Trent’s main goal is to spread his story and thoughts to the world through music. “If that means a World Tour, then sign me up. If that means Grammy nominations, sign me up,” he said. “If it means running shows for local people in my age group so that they can hear and grow, sign me up. My goal is to reach people, whatever that entails.”

You can check out more from Trent on Reverb Nation. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

8:20:00 AM

Another great spotlight to start the week! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, etc., who is interested in a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today, we have artist and producer Maxxamillion! Born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, Maxx grew up playing sports mostly. However, “at the age of 12, I took an interest in hip-hop and was really fascinated with the beats,” he said. After a friend showed him how to create a beat on the keyboard, he created a makeshift home studio, and began working on beats almost every day. In his senior year of high school, he had the opportunity to work with Grammy award-winning producer Teddy Riley. “I knew I seriously wanted to pursue music by getting the chance to be around Teddy and all the other producers and artists that came through [Teddy’s studio] Future [Recording] Studios,” Maxx said. “It impacted me and from then, [it] became my lifelong goal to do music. Not only do it, but be successful at it.”


Being raised in Virginia, Maxxamillion realized this his state’s flavor made the difference in music from Teddy, Pharrell, Timbaland, and Missy Elliott, all from the same state as Maxx. “The music stood out [as] being different and unique, and in turn had the biggest success,” he stated. “We are different and it's okay. I have held true to that and that is what has inspired my sound and lyrics.” Also inspired by Ryan Leslie and Jay-Z, the artist and producer is steadily working on building up his own career in the industry to reach the same caliber of success!

Recently, Maxxamillion released a single with J. Remy of the group MERJ entitled “Ciroc Nights!” “During a recording session at Tony Bennett Studios in New Jersey, Remy brought the vibe to the session by calling up a few friends and conjuring up a few Ciroc bottles,” Maxx said. “That experience lingered with me and eventually we created "Ciroc Nights" to capture that moment.” “Ciroc Nights” is the first single on Maxxamillion’s upcoming project, Brand Management Vol. 1.” “This project will be an audio and visual advertisement of urban focused brands,” he said. Check out “Ciroc Nights” below!


In terms of what separates Maxxamillion from other producers and artists is his versatility. “I am able to adapt to the waves of what is current, but also I've done the work to be musically proficient enough to work with anyone,” Maxx said. In the future, he would like himself and his company, Artizan Music Group, to be an “independent powerhouse.” He would also like to build a loyal following, and be able to reach mainstream audiences with his music!

You can check out more from Maxxamillion on the Artizan Music Group website. You can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram!

8:55:00 AM

We have another great spotlight today, our first feature of 2016! As always, if you or your client is interested in being featured, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info! 

Today, we have singer/songwriter, actress, AND model, Kristinia DeBarge! The star opened up to us about her start in music as a part of the famous DeBarge clan, her own aspirations for her career, and her new upcoming show on weTV, Growing Up Hip Hop!

Growing up as a part of the famous DeBarge family R&B lineage, Kristinia noted that there is "never a dull moment" with her family. "My family, they're not only talented, but they're very funny, awesome great human beings," she said. Having that strong background in music, Kristinia knew that she wanted to sing at the young age of 3, and began taking her craft seriously at 12. "I kind of hid it from my dad [James DeBarge]," she laughed, not telling him that she had that talent and passion for singing until that time. "He was like, 'Oh my gosh! All right, let's get you in the studio!'" They stayed up until 4:30 in the morning writing and recording the song, and Kristinia was committed to the process even at that age. "He was kind of testing me to see how bad I really wanted to do it," she stated. Clearly she proved herself!

After meeting Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds at 14 and spending years after developing her voice and writing skills, Kristinia signed a record deal with Sodapop/Island Def Jam at 19! She dropped her debut album,  Exposed, in 2009, which debuted at number 23 on Billboard's Top 200. The project spawned successful singles like "Goodbye," "Sabotage," and "Future Love (Remix)" feat. Pitbull and received rave reviews from critics and listeners alike! Kristinia then went on to open for Britney Spears' 2009 The Circus World Tour, snagged a partnership with clothing retailer Wet Seal, and received several award nominations for her work!

After releasing some new music here and there over the past few years, Kristinia  is actually putting out an EP on January 7, entitled Thinkin' Out Loud! She also plans to drop a mixtape on her birthday, March 8! "I'm excited to show everybody my new sound!" Kristinia said enthusiastically. Some of the music, like the track "Church" below, has been previously released, but she also has a few new tracks for listeners to check out as well! "Church," a track that I personally gravitated to, is a song that speaks of Kristinia's own experiences with her career thus far. "People probably think I'm talking about a [romantic] relationship, but it's really my relationship with the music industry," she admitted. "It's been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of people telling me 'no," and a lot of pressure, so that's really what I'm talking about." The song shows a relentless Kristinia determined to come out on top regardless of what happens!



The same day of the EP release, weTV will air its new show, Growing Up Hip Hop, which features Kristinia, Romeo Miller, Angela Simmons, Damon "Boogie Dash" Jr., TJ Mizell, and Egypt Criss. All of them are the sons and daughters of hip hop legends, looking to make their own way! "It's a very vulnerable, emotional story that I tell," the artist admitted of the show. "You'll definitely see me open up about the DeBarge side of my family, and my music." Check out a sneak peak for the show below!


In addition to her music and the show, Kristinia is working on new acting ventures for the new year! She made her acting debut in Christmas in Compton (2012), which starred Keith David, Omar Gooding, Eric Roberts, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, and has starred in other films including School Dance and The Mint. However, she's more committed to her music right now. "I kind of promised myself that I was going to focus more on my music than ever right now," she stated. "I just really want to get back out there again. I want people to see that I haven't gone away, and that I am dedicated to it. It's my first love!"  Kristinia believes that listeners will reconnect with her and her music because she is relatable, admitting that she is a normal 25-year-old that enjoys life, and that has gone through some of the same things as other people. She uses her life experiences in her music, letting people into the good, bad, and ugly scenes she's gone through. "I think sometimes people misconstrue because I've done a lot of great things already in my career," she said. "They don't realize that I've struggled in a lot of different areas in my life." Kristinia's dealt with issues within her family concerning drugs and financial problems, but she's been able to bounce back! "I've become a better person because of it, and I was humbled because of that," the singer stated. "People can relate to that, and people aren't going to [think] 'Oh, things were handed to her because of her last name [or] because she had this much amount of success.'"
In the future, Kristinia, of course, she wants to be successful in music and film-- win awards, tour, have movies out, and create a bunch of great albums. However there's so much more she would like to do beyond just music. She's developing a makeup line, which she hopes to see in Sephora, Target, and other retailers down the road. The singer also opened up about her desire to start an anti-bullying foundation to help and inspire kids that are being bullied themselves, and put a stop to it. "I was bullied as a little girl, and so it's something that is really close to my heart," she admitted. The artist would like to see proceeds go back into the arts programs at various schools, since many schools are lacking supplies, instruments, teachers, and money in general in the arts. Kristinia is also working with her boyfriend to develop a water company to assist third world countries to provide them with clean water. "I just want to help people and be able to inspire others," Kristinia admitted. Not only is Kristinia talented, but she seemed like a sweet, giving spirit from my interview with her! We wish her well! 
You can watch Kristinia on Growing Up Hip Hop, which premieres on January 7 on weTV at 10 p.m ET. You can also check out more from her on her official website, SoundCloud, and YouTube. Be sure to connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well! 

4:37:00 PM

A new feature for the week (probably our last for 2015)! As always, if you or your client is interested in a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have alternative rock group, Reverse Order! The group was formed in 2008 by brothers John and Cruise Russo, who credit their parents for consistently surrounding them with music since they were little. After the film, School of Rock, was released, the two signed up for the Paul Green School of Rock, which began their journey as musicians. “We learned the music of all the great rock legends and got to perform at some major venues,” John said of the experience. “After performing a few shows, we knew this was something we wanted to do the rest of our lives and started to write our own music and Reverse Order was born!” Guitarist Drew Katsock was added to the group in 2010, after John and Cruise put out an ad looking for a new member. With John on guitar as well and providing lead vocals, and Cruise on drums with backing vocals, the group was finally complete.

Honing their skills and finding a great rhythm together, John, Cruise and Drew were able to bring their abilities as a group to the forefront on the seventh season of America’s Got Talent in 2012! They were able to work with a variety of top producers, vocal coaches, directors, stylists, and set designers who gave them great feedback and encouragement. “The feeling of going from a band who does everything themselves to having a team working with us was indescribable,” John admitted. “No matter what the outcome would be, we were having fun and the audience was too. That’s what it’s all about.” Though Reverse Order was eliminated in the quarterfinals, being on the show was an experience that they will never forget.

Inspired by bands like One Republic, Fall Out Boy, and The Killers, the band also believes that their travel experiences on tour has influenced their sound and lyrics as well. “Being on the road we’ve met so many incredible people, experienced so many incredible things, and have immersed ourselves in so many different cultures,” John stated. “It’s through those experiences we’ve grown and developed both individually, and as a band.” In their career thus far, they have performed internationally as a group in multiple countries, supported Third Eye Blind and Avril Lavigne, as well as performed on The Van’s Warped Tour and The Bamboozle Festival. They have also released a bunch of great music, including their Right Now and Made In America EPs!

Most recently, Reverse Order has released a new track entitled, “Erase You,” which was produced by multi-platinum producer and writer Matt Squire. As the group worked with Matt, their goal was to pick two songs that were already written to record, and then write a third song from scratch. John himself had been struggling to finish a specific song for over a year. When Matt heard a specific electronic demo, he immediately loved it, and sent John a few vocal clips of Matt’s humming different parts to the song. After Matt challenged John to write lyrics for the track overnight to record the next day, John somehow pulled the song out, and together, the group and Matt developed a great track. Check out "Erase You" below!


Balancing creating music and performing, Reverse Order also developed a non-profit called Reverse the Trend, which is an anti-bullying program that has been brought to over 400 schools and teen centers around the world. “What we do with Reverse the Trend is we perform a concert for the students, some of which have never and will never see a rock show, and then we speak to them about overcoming bullying and following their dreams in a safe and positive way,” John stated about the program. The group began tinkering with the idea shortly after their time on America’s Got Talent. As they were doing some performances at different high schools in the U.S., students would open up to them about their issues at school, and the group was able to relate. “Realizing how big of an issue bullying was we created the program, and started bringing it to as many schools as possible,” John said. In addition to this amazing program, Reverse Order is currently touring the States through May 2016, though they will be taking a break in January to work on new material. They are also looking into tours for the summer and fall of next year as well.


Reverse Order believes that it is their desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives that sets them apart from other artists and groups. We want people to leave our concerts feeling better then when they arrived,” John stated. “We support our fans just as much they support us by keeping in touch with them, and making ourselves available for them when they are going through a hard time and need someone to talk to.” It’s great to see that this group stands beside their fans, and has no problem giving time and energy to be there for them! Reverse Order’s goal as a group is to impact the world, garnering “that U2 level of success,” where they can sell out arenas but use their platform to continue to give back and make a difference!

You can check out more from Reverse Order on their official website, SoundCloud, and YouTube. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

9:30:00 AM

Another great spotlight for you all before the holidays! As always, if you are an upcoming artist, designer, dancer, etc., and are interested in being featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have singer Xav A.! He actually hails from Prince George's County, Maryland (the same area I'm from!), and began singing when he was little. "I loved singing since I was young, and I really wanted to be a performer," Xav said. As he got older, his voice changed, hitting a really low range. and he found that his voice was not an exact match for a lot of the hits he heard on the radio. "It ended up kind of motivating me to write and produce my own music," the singer said.

As he continued to hone his craft, Xav A. joined an all-male acapella group at his alma mater, Dartmouth College, called the Dartmouth Aires. "That really just started to shape and cultivate my talent, because I was performing so much," the artist stated. Xav admitted that the group was very silly and fun, and he actually absorbed a lot of that into his own artistry. The group even went on to compete in NBC's a capella competition, The Sing-Off, on the show's third season! The group won second place, runner up to Pentatonix, and it was an experience that Xav believes helped refine his talent. "With a show like that where you're performing a new song every week, a different dance every week, it was a lot of learning stuff way quicker that I had to at any other point," he admitted. "[It was a lot of] being 'on,' and performing at my highest level more often than I ever had to do."


Currently, Xav A. is working on his music independently, writing lyrics, composing music, and even choreographing! Inspired by artists like Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and even pop groups like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, the singer's work falls under alternative R&B, and is very laid back and great to jam to! His most recent track, "Lazy," is a prime example of Xav A.'s energetic style. "I actually wrote that song in my head when I was working at a retail job that I had," he laughed. "It was pretty literal at that point, like I would love to be doing anything else beside folding and cutting up boxes in the back of this store." On his break, he recorded his catchy tune on his phone and later developed it into a full song! He also created a colorful, fun video for the track (his very first music video in fact) which you can check out below!


"Lazy" was actually the lead track from Xav's EP, Full Circle, which he released in September 2015. The singer called the project the culmination of a "long, musical journey." After moving to NYC after graduating from Dartmouth, his R&B music wasn't as well-received as he had hoped. He then turned to creating pop music, but his heart wasn't really into it. "This EP really speaks to me trying to really come back to R&B, which is a style that I love to sing the most," Xav said, stating that his full circle journey from R&B to pop and back to R&B inspired the title. Drawing from 90s/early '00s R&B and go go music, the artist is developing good music that listeners will easily vibe to. "I really want them to see that I have a talent that I want to go down in history like that music has gone down in history," he said. "I'm trying to create something that is bigger than myself, and so this is really the start of me diving in and trying to create that. Just something that can be legendary."
Currently, Xav A. is working on a full-length album, reaching out within the NYC community to create awesome, classic music. In terms of what sets him apart from other artists, Xav states that his appearance is more vibrant and care-free, and that his music is more vulnerable than other R&B artists out right now. In the future, Xav would love to be running his own live shows, creating a grand experience, complete with video, costumes, and dancers, that listeners will love, an idea that he's actually working on now. "I think once that's created then people will really be able to see my vision and understand where I'm coming from," the artist stated.  You can check out more from Xav A. on his official website, as well as YouTube and SoundCloud. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

1:29:00 PM

Time for another artist spotlight! As always, if you or your client is interested in being featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today we have producer and rapper J. Rhodes from the Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas, TX. The artist fell in love with music thanks to his dad and "Uncle Bone' (that one crazy uncle everyone has as he told me). He said they would play different types of music from Johnny Taylor to Sam Cooke.  He loved it all and it just stuck with him.
With inspirations that include OutKast, Jay-Z, Timbaland, The Neptunes and Kanye West, J. Rhodes says that the thing that separates him from every other rapper and producer is the fact that he focuses on creating his own brand of music and telling his story. "You have no choice to be different if you just focus on truly being who you are and letting that reflect in the music," he said.

J. Rhodes recently was involved in the recent "Carter High" movie about the 1988 Carter High School Football team in Dallas, TX, The film stars Vivica A. Fox, Charles S. Dutton, David Banner and Pooch Hall. Rhodes scored some of the scenes in the movie and has some songs on the soundtrack. He also attended and graduated from the school during the year the movie takes place!

We also talked about his new book that he just released, These Beats Ain't Free, which provides advice for producers working to make music their full-time job. (SN: Thanks to J. Rhodes for personally dropping off a copy to me!) "Producers these days have all of the talent, but lack the proper information and inspiration," he said of his inspiration to write the book. "[I] wanted to help drive them to knowing that they can really do this as a living."When asked about some of his greatest accomplishments, he said along with the release of his book, it would be having won Billboard and Dove awards from working with Christian rapper Lecrae!

Currently, J.Rhodes is working on a new album (no release date set yet). With him having past production work with artists such as Rhymefest, The Game, Talib Kweli, and Slim Thug, we here at The Spotlight are eagerly waiting to see what he has in store for us.

To find out more from J. Rhodes, check out his official website and SoundCloud. You can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram! 

10:58:00 AM

Another spotlight to start the week, with more on the way! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured!

Today, we have singer/songwriter and actress Malynda Hale! Hailing from Santa Barbara, CA, Malynda got her start singing in church, and also participated in musical theater in school. "Santa Barbara was very eclectic, and I was always exposed to different genres of music," she said of her hometown. Her father was also a musician, so she grew up listening to many of the greats like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston. "I think being exposed to so many different styles did help me to craft my own," said the singer, whose own style is within the pop/soul realm.

The singer attended Azusa Pacific University, majoring in Opera and minoring in Musical Theater under the university's Vocal Performance program. With all of this knowledge and experience in music, Malynda began booking gigs around L.A. and released her first project, No More Tears, eventually moving to New York a few years later. "I just wanted a change of pace, and I started getting into doing theater again," she said of the move. "I ended up doing shows all over, [but] never actually did a show in New York."

Hopping between the Big Apple, L.A., and eventually Chicago where she lived with her now- husband, Malynda was able to expand her career in TV, film, and commercial, and found a new love for music again, specifically in Chicago. "A lot of the projects I was involved in, I got to offer music up for those," the singer said. "I started doing gigs around there as well. It was such a different culture in Chicago, and appreciation for music." Having released several musical projects of her own , Malynda moved back to L.A. after her husband finished law school a few years ago.

This past week, Malynda has released her fourth album, Pieces Of Me, which reflects her broad taste in music. "The album is called Pieces of Me, because it is a very eclectic album," she said. "I have pop stuff, It has some soul [and] R&B. It has some throwback kind of feel stuff." The project features her latest single, "Gray," was released back in September, which Malynda co-wrote with producer Kevin Porter, who produced most of the project. "Gray," is actually an older track that was written a few years back, but then revamped for the album. "The concept behind the lyrics, which I know a lot of people can relate to, is just being in that friend zone, where you're in this kind of gray area with a person," the singer said of the track.

Pieces of Me reflects Malynda's own stories of conquering fears, love and heartbreak, and struggles in the music industry. She poured out her heart, creating a project with a lot of personal messages. "There's so many ups and downs in this album, which is how life kinda is anyway," she admitted. There's a lot of of ambiguous tracks as well, which Malynda wants listeners to interpret in their own way, and use the music to help them with their own personal journeys. "I hope people find that one song or several songs that they can connect to, that they can play over and over," the artist said. "Or hear those lyrics, and say, 'Wow, I really felt that way,' or 'Wow, I really see what Malynda was going through.'"

Malynda balances her music career with a bunch of hosting, spokesperson, and acting opportunities, which definitely keeps her on the move. "I always say that I would rather be busy than bored," she said with a laugh. She has appeared in several television series, films, and commercials, and co-hosts after-show programs on The Walking Dead and The Vampire Diaries.  Malynda is also the proud spokeswoman of Valana Minerals makeup and MASI Shop clothing. Though it keeps her really busy, Malynda wouldn't have it any other way! "I just love being a part of the entertainment industry," she stated. "If I can be an influence in the industry by being prominent in different areas, then I'm happy!"

In addition to all of her work in entertainment, Malynda also heads up a great organization called meTOO!, which fights for relationship equality. "It basically talks about the correlation and similarities between same sex relationships and interracial relationships, and how both groups face adversity," she said. "But we're all kind of going through the same things [in relationships], so you're able to say 'Hey, me too!'" Malynda and her team conduct photo shoots with different couples every few months, and share their unique stories with others. "It's really just based on love, and I think the world needs more of that," said the artist, who is in an interracial relationship herself. Those in interracial and same-sex relationships are still being discriminated against, and Malynda has created an organization that serves as a support system for them.

In terms of what sets her apart, Malynda believes that her classical background gives her voice a different tone. The singer is also very vocal about what she believes in and stands for, even in her music and on social media, and also makes a constant effort to connect and have open discussions with her listeners and others. In the future, Malynda wants to have a theme song written for a TV show, expand the meTOO! campaign, and reach as many people with her music as she can.

You can check out more from Malynda on her official website. as well as Soundcloud and YouTube. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

11:35:00 AM

Another one! *DJ Khaled voice* As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in a feature, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information! 

The next artist we're spotlighting hails from my hometown of Akron, Oh! Hip hop artist L-Dro was inspired by and grew up listening to artists such as Pac, Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z, Scarface, Jadakiss and AZ. These artists, who, in his opinion, were out when rap music was at its most competitive and authentic, influenced him to try out the music he most identified with growing up.

When asked what makes him different from other artists, L-Dro states that it would be a combination of his drive, versatility, beat selection, lyrical content, and determination. He also feels like he goes harder than anybody when it comes to rapping. His new single, "The Life We Live," off of his upcoming Higher Education EP, features two of rap's lyrical veterans in Jadakiss and Beanie Sigel and has garnered Dro a lot of attention on various blogs, mixtapes & and radio shows. He said the track came to be from a collaboration between him, his manager and Aganee Jenkins, who produced the track. He said they reached out to both rappers, who were ready and willing to lend some lyrical firepower to Dro's track. He said the addition of them made the track really feel like hip hop to him. He also has a new track called "Win Or Lose" off of DJ Kay Slay's new album. The track also features New York City upstarts Dave East, Vado, and Fred The Godson. This track, which was created after an invite to be on Kay Slay's radio show, is currently getting a lot of airplay on radio.

Dro is currently preparing his new EP, which is set to include features from Jadakiss, Beanie Sigel and Victoria Monet, as well as production from The Olympicks and Tommy Brown. He's also working on a new mixtape hosted by DJ Kay Slay and another album.

When asked about what singles he would suggest potential new fans to check out, L-Dro said "Immaculate" and "Angels Cry" off his latest mixtape, "In Us We Trust", which was hosted by DJ Drama. He suggested people check out the project in its entirety as well as the previous mixtape DrOHIO, which was hosted by Def Jam VP of A&R and producer DJ Don Cannon. Before the interview was over, I asked L-Dro about what has been his favorite moment of his career so far, and he stated that it would be his trip to SXSW in Austin, TX. "[I] had a great time networking with so many different artists and DJs from all over, and performing in front of big crowds." the artist said. "It was an amazing experience."

You can check out more of L-Dro's music on Soundcloud, LiveMixtapes and Datpiff. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

10:40:00 AM

Another spotlight today, with more on the way! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in a feature, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Hailing from the West Side of Detroit, we have rapper Young Holley! He got his start in music after his brother-in- law showed him the movie Krush Groove (Hey Uncle Rush!) when he was a kid. The most memorable scene for him was when LL Cool J rushed into an audition when the auditions were already over. They were trying to kick him out but he was so good when he rapped for them that they signed him on the spot. This had such a great impact on Holley as a child that it became one of his favorite movies and birthed his love of rap. 


Young Holley said the difference between him and other rappers is that his ability to create real music that will hold the attention of listeners. "I'm not afraid to be myself in my music or speak on very personal situations," the rapper said. "Music is therapy for me and it's the only thing I am passionate about." Young Holly also noted that he was inspired by his doubters and anyone overcoming obstacles and chasing their dreams. This type of passion and inspiration helped create his new single, "Grind For It." He stated that everyone has "to work for what you want. That's the only way you'll get it. Nothing was ever given to me."

Currently, the rapper is working on an untitled project, which features "Grind For It" as the first single. The track is available for purchase now on iTunes. In the meantime, fans and new listeners should check out his latest mixtape GRIP!  

We ended our interview by asking Holley about any potential work with frequent collaborator, friend and fellow rapper Cash McKenzie. As of now, they are both focused on their individual projects, but he hopes to have some new collaborations with the rapper  in the future. 

Top 3 Albums of 2015
1. King Los - God, Money, War
2. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly
3. Big Sean - Dark Sky Paradise
**Even though it was released in 2014, J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive is Holley's favorite album overall right now.**

You can check out more music from Young Holley on YouTube and Soundcloud. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and on Snapchat (YoungHolley)!

7:11:00 AM

Happy Friday y'all! Got another great spotlight to end this work week! As always, if you are an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., looking to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info! 

Today, we have musical artist Genius! Formerly known as V.I.C. and remembered for his hits, "Get Silly" and "Wobble," Genius discussed his start in music, his name change, and fresh start as an artist!

Check out more below!

Born in Queens, NY, the artist moved to Atlanta, GA, at a young age. With Atlanta being such a huge spot for music, Genius began working on music of his own, constantly in the studio creating. "It got to the point when I really believed in myself, and I just knew what I had was good," he said. Inspired by artists like T.I. and Tyga, the artist began performing at open mics and other venues, and opening for different artists to develop a name for himself. He began to actively pursue a contract with Collipark Music, sending his music out literally every week, though he was rejected many times by the label.  "I just kept doing that for years, until the day I put a CD on their desk that I was really, really, really confident about," Genius admitted. That day, he told the executives at Collipark that if they didn't like what he had to offer this time around, he would never come back. That CD, though, landed him a record deal!

Working under the artist name V.I.C. at the time, Genius dropped his debut album, Beast, in August 2008. The album sparked hits "Get Silly" and "Wobble," which many of us know and still dance to! However, due to mismanagement and other business differences, Genius ended that business relationship. He changed his name, and struck out on his own, wanting a new start. "People know you for what you come out with, but they don't really get to know you as an individual," Genius said of being an artist in the industry. "I just wanted a fresh, new start, so that when I come out as Genius, [listeners] don't tie that to my past, and they can accept Genius for all the new forms of art and music that I'm ready to bring forth."

One of Genius' latest tracks, "Murder She Wrote," has been recently released, and was featured on The Spotlight last month. After receiving the track from his business partner, the artist was inspired to create his own feel to the song, and came out with a pretty dope track! Check it out below!







Currently, Genius is working on his new album Versatility, which will showcase his own versatile musical style, not just hip hop and R&B. "I adapt to all styles," he stated. "I'm not really caged in when it comes to music." Genius also plans to release more singles in the near future as well, as well as expand his new label, Miracle Music.

In the future, Genius wants to thrive as an independent artist and head of his label. "Now that I own my own company, I just desire success for my new brand, success for my label, and my own success, when no man can rob me ever again." Genius is definitely coming back with a new attitude, brand, and focus, and I'm excited to hear more from him!

Be sure to check out more from Genius on his official website, as well as SoundCloud and YouTube. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

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