Author: V-Henny

His journey began under tragic circumstances; before the age of three, Carlos faced profound loss when his biological mother and older brother were brutally murdered. Raised by a compassionate family who took him in, he found solace in music, a passion that would later become his voice for storytelling and self-expression. From the gritty streets of the Dominican Republic and New York City to the stages of major events, including opening for Phresher on the ‘Legend In The Making Tour,’ F Santana’s music reflects his complex experiences and unyielding spirit.

Learn more on Flacko journey as he sits and speak with V-henny.

V-Henny: Can you share more about your upbringing in the Bronx and how it has shaped your music and artistic identity?

F. Santana: The Bronx is my hometown seeing what goes on a daily in life shaped my music shaped how I create. Through the things I’ve went through I express through my music in many ways . Im always out the the box never in it . 

V-Henny: Your bio mentions that music is an escape for you. Can you elaborate on what that means and how it has helped you cope with your past experiences? 

F. Santana: Dealing with the tragic of my mother and my brother , loosing my uncle my father loosing my grandmother, loosing my best friend and other that are no longer here. Made me feel a way even more as the days pass because you know we can’t get our lost love ones back and speak to them . Going through certain tribulations that make me who I am today and when I create and get in the booth I feel like it’s my therapy my escape . Knowing I can be free vocally and express myself to the highest form of creation. Music will always be my escape .

V-Henny: How did the tragic loss of your mother and brother impact your life and creativity, and how do you channel those emotions into your music?

F. Santana: Depending on what type of vibe I’m on I can take myself to that channel of emotion and feeling pain . Pain never goes but can’t always be butt her on everysong. I feel like everyday I wake up with a mindset of me being the best and biggest artist in this lifetime that we live in . I just haven’t been discovered and I’m haven’t got the spotlight yet . So I’m building my own. And emotions will always be there . Grieving takes time . And I know there’s others that have the same pain and similar situation as me . I want to be able to inspire the world that everything is going to be OK just keep being great and spiritually our lost love ones are always here watching from the heaven gates and protecting us through every storm and in sunny days . 

V-Henny: You’ve opened for artists like Phresher. What was that experience like, and what did you learn from sharing the stage with more established musicians?

F. Santana: When I opened up for phresher it was a A dope experience. I knew where I was at was where I was supposed to be . I was fresh to to live performances but I still performed like I was meant for it . I learned that when your litt and up keep going up like a rocket . Shout out to UKJB he connected me with this event . 

V-Henny: Your journey took you from facing significant challenges early in life to developing your unique sound. What were some of the pivotal moments that led you to start writing music?

F. Santana: Well I started doing music in 2015 I knew what I was aiming for  every one thought I made music and at this time of my life I was broke living in the Caribbean I didn’t have the equipment nor the money . And as a youngin my older step brother everytime he turned on the radio , he will always blast the radio on the Cd player and I would hear Justin Timberlake every single time and I would always jam to the music and I would dance to it and listen to the transition of Justin Timberlake . In my high school time I introduced myself to Wiz Khalifa music and Mac miller , pnb rock and fetty wap , but wiz khalifa really motivated me to Do what you want how you want with out listing to what any one thinks  or say . I started building my own sound in my own way because I didn’t want to sound like no one . I always wanted to do things differently and unique . But the struggle definitely played a big part . While I was in college I will technically skip class everyday just to go to the studio , I ended dropping out , they say chase what you love to do and make it happen . And here we are chasing our dreams and making it happen , I truly believe that I’m am what I say I am A STAR . When it’s time it will be time . 

V-Henny: How do your experiences in both the Dominican Republic and NYC influence your musical style and lyrical content?

F. Santana: From me traveling to so many places and seeing different things go on within my journey , I’ve became the most versatile I could ever have been , I’m still growing still learning . Still haven’t reach my prime not my peak . Lyrically I like to write and put in game into my music . From New York culture to Dominican culture to living in different states have also gave me a different eye on how I write . 

V-Henny: Can you describe the process of finding your own style and how you incorporate various genres into your work?

F. Santana: My process of creating music starts always with a melody . Starts with a feeling of wanting to express . Starts with culture . My style is very versatile , it’s like a kid walking to a candy store when I’m in the booth , can’t just stick to the same sweets , gotta change the treats every once in a while . 

V-Henny: In what ways do you hope your music resonates with your audience, especially those who may have gone through similar struggles?

F. Santana: I want my music to touch people in so many ways , see us as artist we go through our daily struggles and emotions just like any other person . Our way of expressing ourselves is through music . Now who doesn’t love music ? I want my audience to go to space every time they here my voice on a track , either my track or a feature I want them to feel a euphoric experience that when they close they eyes or there home lighting a spliff or having a good time or with family or even in a car driving that they go to mars in every trip they hear my sound . 

V-Henny: As you continue to grow as an artist, what are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally?

F. Santana: My aspirations as is artist is to sell out a arena have one of the best shows of my life , really live off what I love to do , and show people that ITS POSSIBLE to really come from nothing to HAVING IT ALL . I want to be the most influential artist in the world giving back to the ones I love and giving back to the people . I feel like a lot of artists care about them selves and not the reality nor people . 

Professionally I want to direct my music videos and the highest potential. I direct all my videos now so I can imagine me directing at the highest level of my music. 

V-Henny: What message do you want to convey through your music, and how do you see it evolving as you continue your journey in the industry?

The message I want to give out to my supporters through my music is BE YOU. & ONLY YOU. 

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V-Henny: Growing up in Far Rock, Queens, how did your hometown influence your music and artistic development?

fly Def: It’s crazy because even though I grew up in Queens, a lotttt of my influences come from the heart of Brooklyn (and of course hip hop in general). From my Queens roots, I was heavily influenced by Stack Bundles, 50 Cent, Chinx Drugs, but spending a lot of time in bed stuy and East New York with family, I’ve been exposed to the super gritty/raw and vulnerable sides of hip hop with influences such as Biggie,( my mom’s favorite rapper besides juvenile), Jay Z, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, etc.

V-Henny: You describe your music style as a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Can you explain how you balance these elements in your work?

fly Def: I fell in love with hip hop and rap at a young age. I feel like that passion from the 90s and early 2000s is SUPER embedded in me. That’s where I got my flow and cadence from. That confidence, that heart, that came from being a student of the game from young! Growing up pre teen years and then some, new styles and cadences came along; so that also shaped me as the artist and emcee that am today.

V-Henny: Your stage presence is described as fierce and intimidating. How do you prepare for performances to channel that energy effectively?

fly Def: It’s just in me for real. I come in with a game plan and that is to strictly DEMOLISH EVERYTHING IN THE ROOM! Leave my mark; let the room feel what I feel when I’m doing my thang up there. I just wanna put on a great show and DOMINATE my sector. I wanna be the best so I do my best to give my best. My only competition is me for real. But everyone that comes along the way, is FOOD! Lmao game time the pressure is on! If the room is feeling me cool ima go off; same way if they not really engaged (which is rare at times), it pisse me off and I go harder. Either way, you catching this smoke.

V-Henny: You started rapping at a young age. Can you share some of your earliest memories of creating music and what motivated you to pursue it?

fly Def: I just remember my and my brother writing raps and rhyming for our older brothers and cousins. We was killing it. They would always say I sound like biggie lmao. But even on with my days in sumner projects at my grandfather’s house, I locked in on a lot of Jay Z and jadakiss freeway etc. I always tell this story of my dipping into my uncles crates of CDs and explicit adult movie collection and tapping in with the blueprint and black album etc. I cried listening to “This Can’t Be Life”. It was cause the record was so freaking good. I felt it. It felt good and that’s when I knew I fell in love with rap.

V-Henny: Collaborating with established artists like Method Man and General Steele must be an incredible experience. What have you learned from working alongside these hip-hop legends?

fly Def: Man just an honest blessings to be on records with these guys. I just learned to be YOU. Stay true to self, go out and be that monster with this rap. Go for the gusto. Don’t take no BS and just love what you do. Work for everything man, and be supportive. Give more than you receive. That’s what I learned.

V-Henny: Your quote, “Whatever you focus on the most, BECOMES REALITY,” reflects a powerful mindset. How has this philosophy shaped your career and personal life?

fly Def: Whatever you focus on whether good or bad, you attracted it. So me personally, I choose to focus more on what’s working and all the good things in life so I attract more of that. I do my best not to dwell much on that bad things. We all are our own bosses. You choose the life you want. No excuses. Go out and get it! Don’t waste time on NOISE! 

V-Henny: You aim to be the “Voice of Music” and elevate people through your art. What specific messages do you hope to convey through your music?

fly Def: I just want people to know their worth and purpose in life. Know your greatness. Push to be ya best self and no one can stop you from shining but yourself. I want everyone to become aware. When you become aware, you tap into life differently (with discipline and focus, of course). Tell your story. I just want them to know they can do anything they want in life, it’s up to you; and I know my days are here. My time is now. I’m just working towards knocking out these goals day by day.

V-Henny: How do you see your unique style contributing to the evolution of hip-hop culture, and what role do you want to play in that?

fly Def: I see my way of creativity just busting through the doors. Loud and unapologetic! I got that new fresh ish but still that vintage nostalgia to me. So I believe it’s a dope balance for multiple things honestly. I feel like I got it all. I adapt and I’m a student always so I’m gonna always elevate with the time.

V-Henny: Your approach to rap is described as spunky and remarkable. Can you talk about how you developed your distinctive style and what influences shaped it?

fly Def: I was an only child at a point so I had a lot of time to use my imagination lml. So me just being outgoing and lively with a lot of personality, I feel like a lot of that mixed with the influences I had growing up (like the Missy Elliot’s and Busta Rhymes even Casanova. In the later days) that helped shape of a lot of this contagious style that I have. HeadKrack, from the Ricky Smiley Morning Show, even describes me as “Missy Elliot with a gun” lmao. That tickled me lml.

V-Henny: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future in your music career, and how do you plan to continue making an impact in the industry?

fly Def: My goals and aspirations are to be as big as I wanna be man. Shoot beyond the stars. I wanna help inovate the game as well as keep the culture going for hip hop. That NY swag and sound just keep it going. I wanna be known for just being one of the iLLEST. Probably hit a few award shows get some nominations, tour the world and make people feel GREAT with my craftsmanship. Ima just continue to work hard and be ME; the FLYEST that I can be,…just be me. And put on for my damn city! 

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• TikTok

V-Henny: Growing up in Paterson, NJ, how did your environment shape your musical journey and influence your artistry?

J3TSKI: Growing up in Paterson, NJ, many of the youth are encouraged to play sports as an outlet for emotions and growth but having been raised in a church, my outlet became music because it allowed me to vent my emotions and i enjoyed seeing the audiences’ face when performing an amazing set.

V-Henny: You started playing multiple instruments at a young age. How did learning the drums, piano, clarinet, and trumpet contribute to your development as a musician?

J3TSKI: Learning to play multiple instruments at a young age was initially my mother’s idea to broaden my musical reach after she saw how obsessed i was with music. And in turn, this has allowed me to be apart of the full creative process that comes with making music. I’m able to hear an instrumental and immediately figure out which sound should be added or removed to reach the quality of song that I’m looking for.

V-Henny: Can you describe the transition from being an instrumentalist to becoming a rapper and singer? What prompted that shift in your musical focus?

J3TSKI: For me personally, my transition from instrumentalist to rapper/singer happened in high school while on the band. Growing into my personality and accepting my abilities was the catalyst that turned me into J3TSKI. At the time, I was shy and not too outspoken. This actually caused me to fade into that background and just become another musician. It wasn’t until our lead drummer missed our performance due to a sickness that I had to break out of my shell and get acclimated to being a star. Since then I’ve loved the spotlight and it can be seen every time I’m on stage. 

V-Henny: How do you incorporate your instrumental skills into your rap and singing? Can you give an example of how this blend enhances your music?

J3TSKI: My instrumental and rap/singing abilities work hand in hand when it comes to my creative process. When I’m in the studio, I utilize my instrumental ability to find unrefined melodies & new sounds for my audience. This then gets my songwriting ability started to turn those “sounds” into lyrics. 

V-Henny: With years of experience under your belt, what key lessons have you learned throughout your musical journey that you would like to share with aspiring artists?

J3TSKI: Having been doing music for a few years now, one of the most important pieces of information that I’ve learned is that YOU NEED to be YOUR biggest fan! If you don’t support your own dreams and see yourself at the finish line then regardless of how many people tell you they support your music, you’ll never believe them because BELIEF STARTS WITHIN YOURSELF!

V-Henny: Your bio mentions that you bring a “unique and seasoned perspective” to the music scene. What do you believe sets your artistry apart from others?

J3TSKI: The sound that I bring as an artist can be set part by my style of music. My sound isn’t boxed in by genres but instead is inspired by them. As an artist it’s important for us to evolve and grow as individuals and in my music I give the audience insight into said growth. Allowing my style of music to be fluid yet consistent to my personality & sound is how I’d best describe it. Being versatile enough to tap into my caribbean roots on a song like “Mi Casa” then switch it up & give the audience a dance anthem like “5 am in Delray”.

V-Henny: How do you approach the songwriting process, and what themes or messages do you typically explore in your lyrics?

J3TSKI: My process for songwriting is pretty simple. I like to feel the beat & let a melody that I think of determine my direction for the song. From there, my brain and I go back and forth on lyrics until we reach a compromise. My main theme and message in my music is simply “Stay Focused, Stay Winning”.

V-Henny: As a multifaceted artist, how do you balance your skills in both rapping and singing? Do you find one more challenging than the other?

J3TSKI: Being an artist who has the ability to rap and sing, balancing the two can be work but not when you rehearse. It may seem like a minor detail to focus on but it really does have the biggest impact on an artist’s development.  I personally don’t find one harder than the other as long as you maintain a balance and remain true to your sound. Sometimes, as artists, it can be easy to over saturate your work with  the latest trends at the moment. This isn’t always a bad thing but when it causes you to drift from the sound that gained you an audience, things can go south quickly. 

V-Henny: What has been your most memorable performance or musical experience so far, and what made it stand out to you?

J3TSKI: Over the years I have been blessed to perform at multiple venues and in multiple states, but I can say that my most recent performance for The Art of Music Show at SOB’s has definitely been one for the books. From the professionalism I received from everyone involved in making the show happen to the love that all the artist showed each other, this event has definitely been one of my favorites so far. 

V-Henny: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both in terms of your music career and your personal growth as an artist?

J3TSKI: Looking ahead, my plans for my music career are simply to be ready to receive all the blessings that God has for me & to be prepared to walk through any door He opens for me. On a personal level, it’s to start both of my non-profit charities … advancing the music curriculum in schools and bringing golf to inner city youth. My focus over the next few years alongside music is using my resources to build my community up.

Make sure to follow J3TSKI on all platforms

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• TikTok

The Art of Muzic Concert series at Sanger Hall in Long Island City was an absolute masterpiece. The venue itself provided an intimate setting, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the music while enjoying delightful drinks and delicious food. It was truly a sensory experience like no other.

The show was expertly hosted by the charismatic V-Henny from The Artistry Show, who poured her heart and soul into every moment on stage. Her passion and love for each artist shone through, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and appreciation.

The lineup of artists was nothing short of extraordinary. Each artist brought their own unique style and talent to the stage, captivating the audience with their incredible performances.

These artists are true masters of their craft, and I highly recommend following them on social media to stay updated on their incredible journeys. You can also listen to their music on The V-Henny Playlist, a treasure trove of talent and creativity.

I cannot wait for the next show in The Art of Muzic Concert series. If it’s anything like the one on June 15th, we are in for an extraordinary night filled with awe-inspiring performances and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned and be sure not to miss it!

V-Henny: Can you tell us about your journey as an up and coming artist? How did you get started in the music industry and what challenges did you face along the way?

Champagniaa: My journey as an upcoming artist wasn’t easy. I had faced a lot of obstacles along the way such as constructive criticism which I have embraced and took into consideration to perfect my craft and I have been putting in the work I put my blood sweat and tears into this. I have also faced a lot of jealous people weather it was males and females they have attempted to bring me down because they didn’t wanna see me win and they didn’t want to see me do better than them and outshine them, they had attempted to dim my light but I never allowed it, I’m a Leo I am a go getter and I am very ambitious. Music is my therapy I had a rough and traumatic past which has only made me stronger these haters are bitter because they can never stop me from elevating and ima keep elevating ima keep leveling up I won’t stop. My trauma and the pain that people put me through only motivated me even more.

V-Henny: Can you tell us about your new song? What inspired you to create it?

Champagniaa: My new follow up single “Bad Gyal” is a rap/reggae song it is out now on all streaming platforms. it gives Dancehall vibes. What had inspired me to create this song was from Rihanna’s song with Drake “Work”, Nicki’s song with Drake “Needle” Vybez Kartel song “Fever” , Dsmallz song “WAP” and of course my brothers Xavrosa and Certified Gage’s hit song “Wicked Moves” and I also wanted to try out something new and show the world how diverse and versatile I am just like Nicki Minaj & Rihanna

V-henny: Can you share any behind-the-scenes anecdotes or interesting moments that occurred while working on this song?

Champagniaa: I really took my time with this song. I also took great advice into consideration from great people like Rok DaHustla, Mayborn, Queen Julz, Seec, Waydah Blacc, Row Stacks, Jodie Mak, Reggie Lane, Blu Diaz and Spotlight Breeze thanks to them Bad Gyal is a hit record that everyone is vibing too and I’m very proud of myself of how far I have come during my musical journey.

V-Henny: After the release of this new song, do you have any plans for a follow-up song? Champagniaa: Can you give us a hint about what fans can expect next? All I am going to say is I will be talking my shit and everyone that I am a real boss chick periodttt it’s called “Savage”

V-Henny: How do you approach creating a follow-up song to ensure it maintains the momentum and interest generated by the previous release?

Champagniaa: I like to make hit records, I like making songs for the clubs and radio. I listen to a beat if I like it I just take it from there and go with the flow. 

V-Henny: Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for this new song and the follow-up song? How do you see them fitting into your overall musical journey?

Champagniaa: My goal for “Bad Gyal” I hope one day DJ Drewski plays it on radio rotation on Hot97 and I have been working on a music video for my hit song “Seduction” which will be directed by Cokeboy Teck and it will definitely for sure release this summer 2024 

V-Henny: How would you describe your new brand or image? What aspects of your personality or artistic vision does it represent?

Champagniaa: I will be honest Official Champagniaa is the Rihanna of rap. Like I have said before I am very versatile when it comes to my music Seduction it gives you that pop rap on a trap beat and Bad Gyal is dancehall rap/reggae vibes. I also have a couple of collaborations coming out soon including drill music. My brand I stand for Women Empowerment I am a girls girl. I like to uplift other women and their brands & businesses because we are stronger united than we are divided. I never understood the whole hating on another woman thing it’s not my cup of tea. My personality I am very ambitious, very bubbly, and I also like to have fun to have a good time everywhere I go. Every room I walk into I make my presence be known. I consider myself a very strong and powerful woman I can see myself in the next 5-6 years to be a powerful music mogul. I am also into makeup and fashion I like being feminine, like to look good and smell good. I like making good music. I am also the realist and illest chick with a dope personality that everyone falls in love with and that’s why certain haters can’t stand me. 

V-Henny: What steps did you take to rebrand yourself? Did you work with a team of professionals or rely on your own creativity? Can you elaborate on the process?

Champagniaa: I ain’t gonna lie.. I don’t have a team I’m not under any management as of right now but I am down with the movement “Baddies with Motion” and I enjoy working with Comatose Rose and Molly they have taught me so much about the entertainment industry and they have taught me so much about how important it is to have top tier content on my social medias and how important it is to vibe and network. To be quite honest I would love for Comatose Rose & Rok Dahustla to become my managers one day if it’s possible. I have also took great advice from the CEO of love x Lust store’s very own Queen “Jennifer” she had taught me to rebuild my confidence she is somebody I look up to and I hold her in high regards, she has always taught me to never give up on myself , show everyone I’m that boss bitch and apply pressure that’s what I have been doing since than.

V-Henny: Have you faced any challenges or resistance from your fans or the industry during the rebranding process? How did you handle those situations?

Champagniaa: The only thing that I had to do was change my artist name from Champagne into Official Champagniaa because too many artists have the name Champagne in their artist names and I want to stand out and be original so with the help of many people who have suggested me to rebrand and change my stage name into Official Champagniaa and it’s actually going pretty well for me. I’m still in the rebranding process but it’s going very smoothly and I am very proud of myself for this accomplishment. 

V-Henny: Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations as an artist with your new brand? How do you envision your career progressing in the future?

Champagniaa: My goals and aspirations an artist with my new brand is  for me to reach mainstream level and reach for the stars and become the next superstar. Anything can happen lol

V-Henny: WHAT’S NEXT?

Champagniaa: I got New music is coming out, my music video for Seduction is finally dropping in the summertime, I got shows and events coming up. I host for Evo lounge now every Wednesdays for BBW Wednesdays music & sounds by DJ Blacqout so make sure y’all pull up and check it out come vibe with me cause everywhere I be it’s a lituation. 

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

Champagniaa: Never give up on your dreams in order to obtain what you desire make sure you work hard for it no matter how hard it gets never give up. You will have haters and naysayers just make sure you block them out and keep going until you get what you desire. Never allow nobody to bully you into silence stand up for yourself. Always love yourself first before you can ever love others. Self love is what’s more important. Put yourself first make yourself a priority before you attend to the need of others. 

To follow Champagniaa journey you can find her at the following platforms listed below.

• Instagram
• Spotify
• TikTok