Harlem Native Artist Combines Art With Music

Photo taken by Bobby Z

Rikko 009, an emerging hip-hop artist from Harlem is repainting the picture of the way we receive music.

“Why not put the songs to the art,” Rikko 009 said. 

He was introduced to the world of art and music at a young age. His family background includes him being surrounded by novelists, visual art, musical instruments, and different genres of music.

Rikko 009 uses his drawing talents to inspire his music and he is not limited to hip-hop beats, while gospel and rock beats are some of his favorites as well. He discovered that he could use his drawings to inspire his music.

“When I was a kid, my pops would listen to a lot of rock and so I kind of went through a rock phase,” Rikko 009 said. “I guess it’s coming back around.”

He was also introduced to gospel music at a young age.

“My mom would listen to a lot of gospel music and that’s a lot harder to find beats of or make the beats for, but that’s really where I attend to go next as far as my sound and everything,” Rikko said. “I love the gospel sound with a heavy bass like a Kanye, ‘Donda’ type of thing.”

Around the same time he purchased his music kit, he was working at his previous retail job and that’s when he got inspired to connect his drawings to his music. 

Rikko 009 brought a vertical notebook and wanted to draw something from the top to bottom of the page. He wasn’t pleased with the drawings in the first notebook, so he decided to purchase another one.

Photo taken by Bobby Z

“That turned out to be the whole level of accent,” Rikko 009 said. 

This discovery led to him creating a series of drawings called The 00X Project that includes 10 drawings that played a part in him finding his voice.

Fans can look forward to diversity in his newest project. It will include all things hip-hop, but he wants to expand his talent and see what he can become if he really puts his mind to it.

“I’m really looking forward to more of me and seeing how I grow,” Rikko 009 said.

Fans can stream Rikko 009’s newest single “Aint the Same” on all platforms. 

Follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rikko.009/ to stay up to date about his latest project. 

The Artistry Show: Ep134 | V-Henny x Special Guest Memo600

Wednesday | 6PM | First half of the show: V-henny speaks with King Jade on her Atlanta trip doing radio run, networking and discussing planning a tour Second Half of the show: V-Henny sit with recording artist OTF’s own MEMO600. We spoke on his career and what’s next to come.

Watch more of The Artistry

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The Artistry Show: Ep133 V-Henny and Special Guest Johnnie Floss

Sunday | 6PM | First half of the show: V-henny speaks with King Jade on her trip going to ATL, Trump testing positive with Co-Vid 19, Election and more.

Second/Third Half of the show: V-Henny sit with recording artist Johnnie Floss and speak on his growth, touring together, expectations, stepping out of you comfort, his latest joint project with DJ Chase “Rich in Spirit” and more.

Also, Catch Johnnie Floss performing his single “We Good Outside ” Watch more of The Artistry

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Host: https://www.Instagram.com/vhenny_ Producer: https://www.Instagram.com/King_Jvded

Johnnie Floss: https://www.Instagram.com/Johnniefloss

The Artistry Show: Ep 130 with V-Henny & Special Guest JBANGABEATS

Wednesday | 6PM | First half of the show V-henny is back from taking a mini break. She dives right into certain topic from what she read on twitter about scientist speaking on our neighbor planet Venus having possible extraterrestrial being living on the planet. She also speaks briefly on Trump stating on having a debate with biden on The Joe Rogan Show. King mentions the saltiness that Joe Budden might have on that and we dive into more topics. Second Half of the show V-Henny sit with Music Producer JBanga Beats and discuss his career as a producer, how he started, he spoke on how he moved from Peru to miami then to NY. JBanga opens up to his process on making beats, his expectations in the near future and more.

Meet The Other Shade

The Other Shade is a multifaceted artist in which he is known to be a talented R&B singer, a producer and owner of his own clothing brand. Pushing his artistry to become a notable powerhouse, the Virginia native is making a name for himself as he set the tone throughout the industry. Pyro Da Arsonist had the pleasure of interviewing him as you learn more on who is The Other Shade.

Pyro Da Arsonist: Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us what do you do and where you are from.

T.O.S: Thank you for having me, I’m an R&B artist named T.O.S. Also known as The Other Shade. I own a clothing company called KALIFRAGALISTIC, and I also produce beats for movies and musical artists of different acclaimed levels.

Home used to be Fairfax, Virginia, in my early life I moved around different areas in the same county till I came to college in Morgantown at WVU.

Pyro Da Arsonist: Why did you choose The Other Shade as your stage name?

T.O.S: I remember I was making my first Instagram account in the middle of 7th grade and I wanted to make a name no one will think of but that represents me. To me the other shade offers colors and the shade between the lights of things. Basically I’m just always the other aspect.

Pyro Da Arsonist: What or who inspired you to become an artist?

T.O.S: Big L, Rick James, The Weeknd, Tupac, and Nas were the biggest influences when it comes to greats in music. I had two close friends that passed at the beginning and the end of 2020, those two were my most physical influences which is what pushed me to be the no look back artist I am today.

Pyro Da Arsonist: How would you describe yourself as an artist and describe your sound?

T.O.S: As an artist I see myself as very detailed and extremely personable. It’s always been hard to show my emotions but I found the easiest way to express is through music because I can only judge myself. The sound that comes out is very cinematic and has been compared to films more than day to day music.

Pyro Da Arsonist: What project are you currently working on and what kind of feedback have you received from your current single?

T.O.S: So I’m working on my studio album called  “D’evils of beauty” that I’m recording at IMI studios throughout the month of April. My current single “All in Ones” will debut and mark the first release of the project. After submitting to music reviewers I’ve had nothing but positive feedback, the most negative comment was a better mix-down which IMI studios will undoubtedly take care of in April.

Pyro Da Arsonist: What is one of your most memorable performances and why?

T.O.S: I would say my very first one at 123 pleasant St. in Morgantown. It was a beat battle and we had a whole promo and everything for the area. It was my first taste of the life I always felt needed me.

Pyro Da Arsonist: Have you ever had a bad performance and if so how do you move past it without letting it affect your confidence?

T.O.S: My second beat battle had more of a randomness to it, my competitor had lost their father just a few days before so it kind of dulled the atmosphere. I noticed I felt sympathetic but I realized no matter what music is music and pushed forward.

Pyro Da Arsonist: In this age of social media what do you feel is more important in an artists success, talent, number of followers or an investor?

T.O.S: In this age I would say investors for sure, money makes the world work that much faster for you. Social media makes chances more available for the everyday artist but no matter what money comes into play at some point.

Pyro Da Arsonist: What words of wisdom would you give to those who want to start a career in music?
T.O.S: My best advice would be that if it’s been your gut feeling over multiple years and you keep ignoring it? Don’t. That’s how history gets lost. Those artist with a natural tug to them are the ones to watch out the most for because they’re usually behind the scenes till they realize they are the scene.

Thank you for sitting down with The Artistry and we wish you lots of success in all you do.

Follow T.O.S on all Social Media

Infused by Golden

Golden is an Hip-Rock artist born September 18th, 1996 in Huntsville, AL. Growing up Golden always found the sounds an instruments in all genres very interesting, so much so that he decided to incorporate different sounds and styles in his music. His sister use to make him do research and listen to rock bands from Nirvana to Black Flag which ended up influencing his hip hop and rock n roll infused music. V-Henny took the time to learn some more on Golden.

V-Henny: Who inspired you to make music? 

Golden: My brother Canary julz inspired me to make music early on.

V-Henny: What age did you start writing and recording music?
Golden: I started writing and recording music when I was 10, my brother downloaded FL studios and we used to record all the time.

V-Henny: What made you want to become a player in the music industry?
Golden: I wanted to actually be a player in the industry because growing up I used to love to watch artists perform on stage and after seeing a show in Charlotte that is what I wanted to do after that.

V-Henny: Looking back then to where you’re at now, give me a moment that made an impact within your music career. 
Golden: The moment that impacted my career is when I had the opportunity to be in the studio with Teddy Riley. I didn’t actually get to do anything music related on my end, but to actually just be in the presence of a legend like that impacted my career more than i can even imagine.

V-Henny: Has it been a smooth road for you as an artist? 
Golden: It has not been a smooth ride by no means as an artist. But i know it will all be worth it in the end.

V-Henny: What were some of the steps you had to take to get to where you’re at in your career?
Golden: I had to make some hard sacrifices. I decided to drop out of college and go after the music full time.

V-Henny: Has the pandemic affected your career? If so, how?
Golden: The pandemic has affected be in ways of some big shows i was supposed to be a part of got cancelled and some other moves that were lined up didn’t get to go through. But it has blessed my music because I have had more time to focus on the craft and develop a whole new vision that I have for it.

V-Henny: What projects are you presently working on?  
Golden: ” GOLDEN KNIGHTS” OUT RIGHT NOW ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS!

V-Henny: Other notables you have worked with?  
Golden:  I have had the pleasure of working with some of the hottest independent artists across the country.

V-Henny: Ultimate goal within your artistry ?   
Golden: My ultimate goal within my artistry is to have a strong 15 year career then retire and just go behind the scenes managing artists and opening up my own sports agency along with music production behind the scenes.

V-Henny: What is one message you would give to your fans? 
Golden: BE YOURSELF!

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

Golden: I am the biggest superstar to ever touch the face of the planet in a long time.

Check out his latest album “Golden Knights”

Follow him on all Platforms

http://instagram.com/queencitygolden

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

Meet Fireman Band$

Today we are chopping it up with Fireman Band$ a rising star born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the Lower East Side section of Manhattan. With a sound and image that’s a mashup of emo, melodic, dark, punk rap he his definitely making a name for himself not only in the states but also in other countries as well. Anything goes when it comes to his music and to prove it he has a collection of 6 different types of unreleased projects in the works. After moving to Los Angeles Fireman had the opportunity to work with major producers 808 Mafia and Bankroll Got It and with the support of Media like Lyrical Media and Elevator he has gotten himself verified on Instagram. With singles like “Paper Kutz”, “Hell In Minneapolis” & “Gut$” he is showing his versatility, setting the underground music scene a blaze & definitely living up to his name FIREMAN!!!

Pyro Da Arsonist: When did your love of music begin and who inspired your style of music?
Fireman Band$: My love of music began as a teenager and the style was inspired by people like Jimmy Hendrix, Missy Elliott, Busta Ryhmes, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. 
Pyro: How was the transition moving from New York to Los Angeles and did you adapt quickly?
Fireman: The transition was rocky but I adapted pretty quickly with my networking abilities. 
Pyro: Is the underground music scene in the West Coast any different from the East Coast and if so what are some of the differences?
Fireman: Yes. The difference is NYC goes later and harder. There’s an actual scene in New York. LA just has its moments. 
Pyro: You already had the privilege of working with some major producers but what are some other producers that you would love to work with and why?
Fireman: I would love to work with Timbaland, Just Blaze, Scott Storch, Kanye. 
Pyro: Your movement is called “The Green Light Gang” can you elaborate on the meaning of that name?
Fireman: Green Light Gang means GO for your dreams and don’t let anyone or anything stop you or slow you down. 
Pyro: We know you have a collection of 6 different types of unreleased projects, can you indulge us in what are some of those different types?
Fireman: Trap, rock, emo, r&b, rap, pop and dance.
Pyro: Your audience consists of 64% males. Being females are the ones that are mostly buying music do you feel a need to attract more female listeners?
Fireman: Yes but not because of buying power, because I want them to be just as tapped in. 
Pyro: You have supporters out in Germany, Canada, United Kingdom and Brazil. Have you ever performed out there if so how was the experience?
Fireman: No, I’m looking forward to as soon as covid restrictions are lifted. 
Pyro: Where do you see your career in 5 years and what would you like to accomplish in that time frame?
Fireman: I see me being number 1 on the charts several times and me receiving every award possible that caters to music.

FOLLOW Fireman Band$ on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firemanbands

FOLLOW Fireman Band$ on Twitter: https://twitter.com/firemanbands