Meet Sasha Melo

Sasha Melo is an American recording artist, performer and creative from Brooklyn, NY. with a sound packed full of drums, clever lines and a New York spirit. Sasha Melo embarks on a music journey familiar yet uncharted read more below as you learn who is Sasha Melo.

V-Henny: Who inspired you to make music? 

Sasha Melo: To make music & pursue a career in it, my cousin, Worldwiide inspired me. I’d say Aaliyah & Drake as the artists who inspired my approach to the craft & industry of music. Aaliyah showed me whatever your style is, be true to it. Do what you must but add your flavor to make it alright. With Drake’s early music I was introduced to an artist who was emotionally connecting & reflecting on experiences that I also was able to resonate with in a sonically different way. It showed me, another example of how music could transcend through tough feelings & experiences. 

V-Henny: What age did you start writing and recording music?

Sasha Melo: I wrote my first rap when I was 8 in third grade. No beat, acapella & it was the hardest rap ever. I don’t remember the words but there was a vibe there. I first recorded music like songform with Worldwide when I was 15. 

V-Henny: What made you want to become a player in the music industry?

Sasha Melo: My love for performing is what drives me. Growing up, my uncle would play music almost everyday in the house. Different genres, but mostly dancehall, hip hop & rap. He & I would come up with dance routines for me to perform to whatever song was hot in the moment. I wanted to rap the raps, dance the routines & sing. I wanted to do all of it. As I got older, my relationship with music just kept growing deeper. & we’re here now. 

V-Henny: Looking back then to where you’re at now, give me a moment that made an impact within your music career. 

Sasha Melo: Meeting and working with my mentor Jhai Signature, may he Rest In Peace. From our first meeting until our last conversations, he was always an encouraging force. Reminding me to trust my instincts, see the potential in myself as an artist, writer & creative. He came in my life right when I needed guidance, right on time. Helping me to tap in to my talent & channel it “correctly”. It wasn’t easy because he never let up on me, always challenging me to be better than my last take. It was pressure then but it’s the discipline that’s paying off now. I miss him a lot though. Especially after a new music accomplishment but I’m grateful for our time together. 

V-Henny: Has it been a smooth road for you as an artist? 

Sasha Melo: It hasn’t been a smooth road at all & I’m not where my destination is but, the journey I’m on is lit though. 

V-Henny: What were some of the steps you had to take to get to where you’re at in your career?

Sasha Melo: In the middle of a pandemic, my step 1 was to realize who really runs shit concerning me, & it was me. Everything else is out of my control therefore out of my worry zone. My Step 2 was to figure out what to do with the truth of  Step 1. Step 3 was to apply Step 2 & make it work. 

V-Henny: Has the pandemic affected your career? If so, how?

Sasha Melo: The pandemic halted me on one journey in a separate profession & sat me down in stillness. In that stillness I was able to mourn, heal, purge, cleanse, create & begin a new journey, completely different path. Really able to tap back into self which at the time when the pandemic hit was needed. As scary as the unknown was, everything coming to stillness was a reset button I needed.

V-Henny: What projects are you presently working on?  

Sasha Melo: My new single Lionheart is on the way. Near the end of March. Something for the people. A song I hold close to my heart about self courage, an ode to cycles of change & rebirth but heavy on the turn up. I also just finished recording some tracks for my mixtape too. Soon come. 

V-Henny: Other notables you have worked with?  

Sasha Melo: My debut single “Choosy” has gotten some airplay on HOT 97 by Dj Drewski & The New Movement, in addition to Desert Storm Radio via The Last Take podcast. I’ve also performed in the Grind or Starve Showcase and will be performing there March 20th. Pop out. 

V-Henny: Ultimate goal within your artistry ?   

Sasha Melo: My goal is to leave a great entertainer’s legacy behind when I’m finished. To be the best Sasha Melo in the spot. To be able to say I helped pay it forward for the next generation of creatives. When you think of Sasha Melo I want you to get hype, get lit & want to make the most of every moment. 

V-Henny: What is one message you would give to your fans? 

Sasha Melo: To my day one OG fans, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for spending your time on me & supporting me. Dancing, engaging with me at the shows. Being amazing crowds, I humbly appreciate it. Thank you for the streams, the reactions. All of it. To the fans on their way, you right on time, wassup widdit ? Tap in with me. 

V-Henny: Is there anything else you would like the world to know about you?

Sasha Melo: World, we soon come. 

Check out her latest music video “Choosy”

Follow Sasha Melo

https://www.facebook.com/melothemagnificent

https://instagram.com/melothemagnificent

Should we really be mad at H&M?

 

The internet is still buzzing about the debate on “whether its moral to shop H&M or not” after their recent incident of insensitive culturalism. In the beginning of January 2018,there was a photograph released on the Europe’s H&M website that projected a little African-American boy wearing a green hoodie that said “The Coolest Monkey in the Jungle”. Yes, clearly this is something that would piss off anyone of color for several reasons;

1) Who in their right mind would allow something like this and think it wouldn’t be recognized?

2) What was the mother really thinking when she allowed her son to have photos taken in that hoodie? As the mother has clearly stated that we are the ones starting the conflict as far as linking the two main factors together.But does she have a point?

Fashion has seen its wide share of culturalism that umbrellas into different categories. Lets not forget that back in the 90’s, Tommy Hilfiger was “disappointed that the urban demographic took us away from our roots. He also stated that if he had it to repeat history, he would “stick to my heritage and not chase trends.” Even in the brands we rap and sing about or listen to in our songs, little do people know that these designers actually not keen for being displayed off the backs of our people of color. Here are a few examples of a few designers who share this same perspective.
Michael Kors- “I’m tired of pretending I like blacks…Just for the sake of a sale I have to deal with women like Nicki Minaj? I’d rather not. After all my fans made me money, It’s only fair I be honest and let them know how I really feel… I cant stomach the thought of my Michael Kors purses being stuffed with synthetic hair, weave or what ever else my fans are into.”
Marc Jacobs-“all who cry ‘cultural appropriation’ or whatever nonsense about any race of skin color wearing their hair in a particular style or manner – funny how you don’t criticize women of color for straightening their hair”
Ralph Lauren-Who dressed up old photographs of deceased legendary Native Americans in their new collection for their 2014 Holiday Collection
Adidas-Not only was the founder of Adidas a well known Neo-Nazi, the brand collaborated with Jeremy Scott to design a sneaker that resembles shackles along the ankles

This list can go on, but is the message sincerely clear? Coming from the perspective of a woman of color who she too has seen both sides (consumer and producer) of the fashion industry, it’s safe to say that NO! We shouldn’t be too angry about this H&M story. Yes,it’s wrong and unfair to see or witness, but until we stop shopping in stores or purchasing brands that have been representing racism and cultural appropriation in the name of “flossing”, we cannot just stop shopping in one store. As a group of passionate leaders and trend setters(which by the way, EVERYONE should strive to be), let’s support labels and brands that come from people of color such as Martine Rose, B Michael, Narciso Rodriguez, Oscar De La Renta, Stella Nolasco, etc. We have the power to determine what we represent and Put on our backs. As a whole, we need to stop picking and choosing which stories are ok to go overboard with and trend online when we are still rocking Timberlands like the tree had no significance to slavery or manifest destiny.

But you don’t have to take my word for it, look it up for yourselves.

 

Who are The Joint Cheefs

Originated From the birth place of Hip Hop and staying true to their essence, we introduce to you  a rap group paving the way to their 420 centric cultivation by the name of The Joint Cheefs. GeoTheRican, Sonny Blue Note, and Loudpack Ralph have a desire to make feel good music to get high to. They are a  multi-faceted group of men that wear many hats within the music industry. From running a recording studio called BlueNotesStuBX, Sonny and Geo developed a notable reputation on their craft  professionally as producers and engineers. Originally, Geo had no thoughts of becoming apart of the rap game. He was inspired by one particular artist by the name of Kiing Sky.  Geo admired his determination and  goal driven approach towards succeeding as a music artist. He was motivated to build the confidence to pick up the mic and stay true to himself on every record. Eventually, everything else just fell into place. Geo had a strong desire to make more music and with the help of Sonny and Ralph, The Joint Cheefs was created. Indica or Sativa as their first single off of their Pay Highmage album, a smooth high energy experience, leaving you organically urging to hear more of their creativity. These innovators gained respect within the hip hop culture and stayed true to the canna community. The Joint Cheefs have a strategic marketing skill where they give away goodies bags with 420 centric merchandise leaving their fans satisfied. They have recently performed for  The Art of Muzic, iStandard and are currently working on their next project called Never Canoe. Their goal is continue to  make feel good music, provide quality merchandise, and ultimately having a successful career where they can tour around the globe and spread great music. 

 

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The Indie Playlist


The Indie Playlist (4-23-17)

ManiTheMogul – Charlie (Break Down)
Kwoat – Toast
B Morgan ft Al Gzz- SNAPCHAT
Jennifair – Sugar
Ju$$- B – InstaFamous
The Silent Celeb – Quote Me
Panda Bwoy – Just Friends
Michelle Singz – Cloud 9
Leon Marin – Glorious
Jayson Johnson – Victory Lap
Stroudie – Luke Cage
Haddy Racks – Throw Sut’n


The Artistry: Indie Playlist | Every Sunday from 1-4 est. time | Subscribe to the youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/c/theartistry | Where we feature the hottest Independent artist out. If you’re looking to submit your music, feel free to contact us via email with your Bio, Music, and Subject must say MUSIC SUBMISSION. Email: TheArtistryShow@gmail.com |


Interview: Haddy Racks

V-Henny and Big Bert interview New York’s own Haddy Racks. Haddy talks about dealing with success, being approachable, the indie artist grind, why some artists don’t believe in their own music, his growth and struggles as an artist, standing out as a New York rapper who SOUNDED like a NY artist in a time when everyone new from NY sounded like they were from the South, and many more topics.


  • Shot and Produced at The 4DFoundation by Ford4D.

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