Category: Featured Highlights

 Famous Living, an up-and-coming hip-hop sensation hailing from SouthSide Jamaica, Queens.

His dynamic delivery, sharp lyricism, and captivating presence have garnered attention from fans both locally and nationally. Not only does he excel as a rapper, but he’s also a talented singer, dancer, and actor, praised for his exceptional skills and infectious personality. Get to know the rising artist as he speaks with V-Henny on his journey within his career.

V-Henny: Can you tell us how you got started?

Famous Living: I started taking it seriously when I was in jail in 2018 . I was in the box aka solitary confinement. My celly was a musical dude he used to be in there making melodies and writing raps. So I used to do it with him. I always had a way with my words. So I used to make up some over the head lyrics and I used to buy nothing but instrumentals on the mp3. I started writing to the beat and it felt to natural. Like the beat was talking to me . The rest was history.

V-Henny: Who inspired you to make music? 

Famous Living: A hand full of people inspired me to make music. First and foremost my mother inspired me, to create and put my pain on paper and just to make it better my father was also an artist so I gained inspiration thru that feeling like the talent shift is hereditary. Musical Artists that gave me inspiration are artists like 2 pac , 50 cent , meek mill, lil durk, rod wave , nba youngboy.

V-Henny: How long have you had this creative vision and what pushes you to be consistent ?

Famous Living: I’ve had this creative vision since I was born lol. All my life I’ve been and Artist whether it was making music, drawing, building, or cooking . And know when I say Artist I mean one that is tapped into the nature of expressing love forms in any manner . The bigger picture pushes me to be consistent, my past pushes me to be consistent, like never ever forget where u came from . That’s what made you to the person you are today whether it’s for better or worse. My main concern is how I’m going to secure generational wealth for 4 generations after mine.

V-Henny: Have you ever felt discouraged by the industry and if so how did you overcome the thought/feeling?

Famous Living: Good question, I mean I don’t think I ever felt discouraged by the industry because I removed the fear of it. But definitely more of an overwhelming feeling. Because it’s like I’m fresh coming up so it’s a lot of things I have to do in order to stay consistent and gain traction from fans. Gotta make sure it’s the right platforms im getting on. The right music has to be pushed at the right time. It’s a lot of stuff it just gets a little overwhelming but it’s still a challenge I love that’s keeps me from getting discouraged.

V-Henny: In order to succeed in life you have to know how to give credit and give back . Who would you give credit to for your success thus far? `Who would you give back to ? 

Famous Living: Most definitely ,you have to give back to get more. Im a firm believer in the universal law of “ the more love you give is the more love you receive. So that’s saying that you have to stay humble do on to others as you would want them to do to you. For my success this far, I would definitely have to give credit to my mother. She’s like my number one supporter, for real. I have to give credit to myself for loving and believing in myself. I have to give credit to all the people I’ve came across on my journey that noticed my gift and gave me a chance to showcase myself or just gave me a chance In general to help me get out of my situation.

V-Henny: How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Famous Living: Well the music I make is very detailed, very deep , very unique. You know I’m very versatile I can sing and rap. I created my own music style in prison. When I rap I call it “ Reality Rap” and. When I sing or Melodize I call it “raw pain flow”.  They are both 2 specialized styles that demonstrate the reality and pain of the so called world we live in today and tomorrow.

V-Henny: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Famous Living: Well right now, I mean I look at life like this…. They say a millionaire has 7 different incomes. So with that being said every great leader was a great follower. So now I have my music going on over here . I also have a clothing line to tend too. And I’m in the process of opening my second LLC. And its funny because I do all of them now while I have the music going on. Behind the scene. A lot has to get done in order to secure financial freedom.

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

Famous Living: Some of the steps I had to take In my career to get to where I’m at now. First, definitely gotta network. Network makes the network . Every event I go to or even when I’m just outside I  remain social with people. I definitely have to meditate like every day for about 30 mins and crystallize what I want in my life. You have to brand yourself on a professional level and continue dropping that fire with a substance. 

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

Famous Living: Currently I’m working on 3 Projects. Called “ VOICE OF MY TEARS” (raw pain flow) , “solitary Living Vol 1” (reality rap ) , and “a softer side” (for the ladies). All different flows and sounds can’t wait to drop . But other than that I have new singles dropping every 2 weeks. 

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

Famous Living: This is what I tell everyone. What ever you do in life ., make sure you do it with your soul and your heart attached to it because that’s the only way it’s going to work . That’s the only way to catch that napoleon hill lol.

V-Henny: What’s next for you? 

Famous Living: Well I’m going to continue striving, putting my all into it , being impeccable with my words . Shows coming up . Some more music videos, and more interviews. We on our way . Heal the world gang. Peace

Make sure to follow Famous Living, all social media and links are listed below.

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KNoWTe is an alternative hip-hop artist from a small town in New Hampshire who is now based in Jersey City. He began his career in 2014 writing and performing spoken word poetry, which later evolved into recorded music. His poetic influences are still evident in his music today, which blends subtle storytelling with complex rhyme schemes. KNoWTe prides himself on making each track and performance unique to the listener, while simultaneously offering a lens into his own life.

Catch KnoWTe’s interview below with V-Henny.

V-Henny: Can you tell us how you got started?

KNoWTe: I started off as a spoken word poet back in 2014. However, I always had a fondness for music, but being a teen at the time I was scared to express myself in that way so poetry was my safest bet. Fast forward a few years to late 2015/early 2016 my love for music grew and poetry alone no longer gave me the outlet I needed at the time. I didn’t have a place where I felt like I belonged, but music spoke to me and gave me a sense of belonging in the lyrics, sounds, energies, and communities that my favorite artists were able to create. Artists and bands such as Twenty One Pilots, Issues, Dizzy Wright, and NF through their music they made me feel heard. Going to their concerts and seeing the sea of people who felt the same, it was awe inspiring. So one day, after asking my Dad if I could use his old recording equipment from back in the day, I purchased FL studio and began creating. I actually recorded my first songs on the microphone that my Dad used back in the 90’s, which was such a surreal experience. I wanted to continue his legacy and create a community of my own to give back to the art form that gave me a sense of belonging during my most vulnerable years as a teen. 

V-Henny: Who inspired you to make music?

KNoWTe: Its two fold. The first one is my Dad. He was an artist back in the 90’s that went by the name PHD, which stood for “Poetry Highly Dangerous.” He had me in his early 20’s however, around the time that his music career started showing signs of growth. He had to make a choice, take the risk of an unstable income and potentially not being able to provide for his growing family by continuing to pursue music. OR, leave his dream in the past to work a 9-5 to receive the stable income he needed to create the life for his kids he couldn’t have. He chose to let go of the music, which I know was a hard choice for him and I respect the choice immensely as I’m unsure if I could make the same decision. However, I feel a sense of responsibility to finish what he started and show him that his sacrifice didn’t go to waste. 

The second one is my favorite band, Twenty One Pilots. They showed me you can create something truly special by living in your truth and not focusing on what other people are doing. Create something truly unique that no one else can capture, put your fans first, and give them something bigger than themselves to believe in. That inspires me each and every day to continue to grow to be the performer I dream to be. 

 V-Henny: How long have you had this creative vision and what pushes you to be consistent ?

KNoWTe: I’ve been at KNoWTe since late 2015, so a little over 7 years. Family is what keeps me motivated. Family isn’t just my blood, or the people next to me, it’s the supporters that have joined along for the ride, who I call the Worthy Family. They push me to be consistent and remind me why I’m doing this all in the first place.

V-Henny: How would you describe the music that you typically create?

KNoWTe: High Energy, raw and honest. I typically write for two reasons. Reason 1, I have an emotion I need to get out. This emotion is grounded in whatever is circling my life at the moment of writing. It could be Love, Sadness, Heartbreak, Happiness, Motivation, Anxiety, really anything and everything. Reason 2, to create something that will bump live! I live for the live performance! So the music I write, I create it specifically to for a moment or feeling I’d like to capture from the audience to get them moving and be part of the show! You’ll get the intricacies of a bar heavy or story telling rap verse with the energy of a rock delivery. A hybrid I’ve learned to embrace over the years as it creates some truly special moments live!

V-Henny: Have you ever felt discouraged by the industry and if so how did you overcome the thought/feeling?

KNoWTe: Plenty of times. Those who say otherwise are lying. I’m not the typical artist. I never have been and I never will be. That’s both a gift and a curse on it’s face. The industry says they want “unique,” but through experience I have found that to be false as they only promote the people who replicate what’s working instead of the people creating what’s unique to them. I may sound like a hater, but I’m not. This has given me thick skin as I’ve come to be comfortable with the fact that I’m in it for the long game. I want to build a community that not only believes in me, but believes in one another and themselves. That takes time, and I’m willing to put the time necessary to do that. 

V-Henny: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career? 

KNoWTe: This is the one question I can’t answer. To me, it’s this music or nothing. I’d find some sustainable living as you gotta do what you gotta do. But this is in my blood so much that I don’t see my life going any other way. 

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

KNoWTe: I had to learn to fail. I think that’s the hardest lesson any one has to take on when they attempt to climb their Mt. Everest. When they attempt to achieve what others may deem “impossible.” It’s not impossible, it’s just the entry fee to enter has you sacrifice and fall on your face so much that most people give up right before they start to make headway. I wrote songs that weren’t so good, I’ve performed shows to just myself and the DJ, I’ve invested in areas and people that I’ll never get my money back from. But the experience taught me so much. Now I’m laser focused on taking this as far as it can go. Not for the accolades, but to fill a stadium as large as the MSG with people I’ve impacted for the better. If I gotta fall a few times to get there, I’m better off for it. 

V-Henny: In order to succeed in life you have to know how to give credit and give back . Who would you give credit to for your success thus far? `Who would you give back to ? 

KNoWTe: Credit starts at the source. So before I give love to the people in industry who have helped, I’d want to give love to the people who keep me grounded. So I’d like to credit my Mom, My Dad, and my Girlfriend of 7 years Aria Martinez for continuing to hold me down through the chaos and listen to every demo I send them, even the bad ones early on! Then my close friends and fellow artists/Creatives Ki Storii, Saint Wave, and Jex! They’ve become family to me over the years and I wouldn’t be the creative I am now without them!

Industry success I’d have to credit NWO Sparrow who was the first person to TRULY take a shot on me. I’ll forever be grateful for him as he’s the one that’s responsible for flipping the switch in me to show me that I’m doing this the right way, and challenged me in areas where I was short sighted. And then recently I need to give love to MLM Entertainment’s Mike Loco! The rawest realest individual I know who hold’s that sense of family in everything he does. Family is hella important to me so I respect the hell out of that! And then Kanika Moor from Spill It Entertainment for always keeping me on task and placing me in rooms I didn’t think I could reach!

People are a product of their community, and I’m no different!

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

KNoWTe: Currently I’m doing a ton of features with some really cool artists! Not sure when they will be out yet, but as soon as I can name names, best believe people are gonna be flooding to these records! 

While those cook I’m always working on the next single! But our most recent single “Unchecked” got a TON of life in it! The momentum is just beginning and I’ve met some really cool artists through this record who want to create different remix versions with me of the song. I think the first one you’re gonna see is an EDM version, but we’ll see!

V-Henny: What’s next for you?

KNoWTe: Features with some really cool artists, new music, and as always, SHOWS SHOWS SHOWS! Don’t got specifics yet, so you’d have to follow me and join the Worthy Family to find out!

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

KNoWTe: Thank you for inspiring me day in and day out. The experiences we create online, the memories we build in person at shows, all of it makes every bit of work we put into this worth it! I know I preach trust the process, but you show me that I can. So thank you!

Follow KNoWTe below on all social media platforms.

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Milan Parodie was born in San Diego, California, raised in Broward County, Florida. Having grown up the youngest in a big family, she was always greatly influenced by her parents and older siblings. Those differing perspectives over the years urged her to invest in her own mindset and become an icon to the world, but risk becoming an outsider to her own family. After taking that different path,
Milan became inspired by the thin line between love and hate.

Read more below as V-Henny interview Milan on her music Journey.

V-Henny: Can you tell us how you got started?

Milan: Growing up, I was always a writer. I’ve kept journals to write down my thoughts, poems, & lyrics since elementary school. I’ve always loved unique melodies and clever wordplay, but I was nervous to sing for a while because I felt there was no reason. Then, when I was 9, I performed “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey for my family around Christmas time. My older sister, Sidney, recognized at that moment that I could really sing. From that day on, we worked together to nurture my talent. She knew all the popular hits, so I’d learn any song she’d ask me to sing. If it weren’t for her and my dad insisting that I had something special, I might’ve not begun singing the way I did since I was so comfortable hiding my writing away in journals. In 2014, Sidney motivated me to start posting singing videos on social media, such as Soundcloud and Youtube. I began taking guitar lessons thanks to my dads hard work, but I listened to my favorite artists for tips and tricks on becoming a better singer. I posted covers for a couple years, and one of them got over 23,000 streams on Soundcloud. I remember my friends would hear me for the first time and say, “No way, that’s not your voice.” I got comments on my videos like that too. The following year, I started doing live performances in south Florida at places like the mall, the beach, or a venue. During this time, I had been inspired by songwriters who I love dearly, such as Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, to start writing my own music. I started to mess around on the piano, eventually teaching myself how to play adequately enough to make a song. After 3 years of singing covers, I posted my first original song, “Heartbreak Girl” which bestowed that nickname upon me amongst friends and followers for a while. I posted originals here and there along with covers, until I committed to consistently posting original music in 2020. I wrote acoustic songs and ballads that got over 1,000 streams per release. I started making my own beats during my second semester of college in Florida which allowed me more creative freedom, especially using a MIDI to include different sounds and instruments. I was able to work with some amazing independent artists in my hometown, such as Mark Edmond, an up and coming rapper and entrepreneur who has been a major guide and inspiration for me in audio recording since featuring on his song “Message to the Youth IV” and getting to write and record my own verses. Soundcloud was my home for 7 years, until 2021 when I started releasing music on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music after finally feeling confident enough in my ability to create, record, and produce my own work. I transferred to Marymount Manhattan college in spring of 2023 to finish my last two years of undergraduate school while pursuing music and meeting other artists in the city. Since moving to Manhattan, I’ve released my first EP, Milan’s Mix, in May, and I got to perform my own music live for the first time in June at Chelsea Table+Stage thanks to Line in the Sky Prod., and performed at Sour Mouse for T.A.O.M Concert series in July with some amazing up and coming artists, thanks to Joethepoet!

V-Henny: What motivates you to create?

Milan: Emotions are tied to music the same way they’re tied to colors. As a general example, blue is sad, red is angry; ballads are sad, rock is angry. When I feel overwhelmed by a certain emotion, I hear a melody. What motivates me to create is the complexities of emotional sound. Happy music can have sad lyrics, angry music can have lovely lyrics. Therefore, music isn’t as black and white as the general example I gave. Music can be ironic, satirical, even a mix of emotions and genres. It’s a funny feeling to hear such combinations, but so relatable because there is a calm within every storm. Whether that calm be the music or the lyrics, songs can be playful that way. 

My wish is to express the therapeutic aspects of music through lyricism regarding love, loss, hope, and morals. I admire music pieces with obscure little details, whether it be soundbites, uncommon instruments, or electronic/acoustic sequences that tie into the wordplay. My work is meant to make you question it. Ask what I mean. Dive into the double meaning, or my straightforward phrase. I’m working to show that thought provoking lyricism and a playful melody can be a form of conversational therapy, thus inspiring my listeners to question their beliefs and maybe even exhale out of their nose. My music is meant to push others toward their own agenda of positivity by taking painful experiences and making them beautiful through acknowledgment and relatability, an everlasting artform of human connection I feel can unbottle the burden of emotions that can’t be communicated plainly. My hope is for my songs to inspire others toward manifesting the truth- whatever the truth may be for them.

V-Henny: What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry? 

Milan: I have always searched for the deeper meaning within my favorite artists’ music. I believe that’s anybody’s favorite thing to do when they really love an artist. It’s the best way to make music an immersive and relatable experience when you need it to be. Every songwriter writes from experience, only I bring lyrics to life by using my voice as an instrument that enhances them. Jazz is a big inspiration behind that ability. Taking advantage of that quality and using it to highlight wordplay is very important to me. Making my audience feel something from the way each lyric is sung is the main way I make a connection. I really care about people hearing the truth within my lyrics. It’s simple moments like a riff, a crescendo, or holding out a note that can spark emotion in somebody. I feel my lyrics tell personal vulnerable stories that might encourage others to speak out once they feel that safety. Musical theater inspires me to tell untold stories. The future of music inspires me to blend those lyrics with alternative electronic indie beats and to continue experimenting with what my emotions lead me towards.

V-Henny: Have you ever felt discouraged by the industry and if so how did you overcome the thought/feeling?

Milan: I have always felt surprisingly optimistic within the music industry. I believe as long as I am doing what I love, the fruits of my labor will come to me naturally. The entertainment industry as a whole is a larger question. Creatives will appreciate new music and artistry, however, entertainment needs drive. It is hard to feel relevant in the storm of talent and creativity that is the 21st century. I keep in mind that everybody’s story shines for different reasons and every story will be carried out as it’s meant to be. I have had so many amazing opportunities and I could never express how eternally grateful I am for those experiences. I remember that feeling of gratitude and it motivates me to continue working toward those moments in time that are secured for me to shine.

V-Henny: Describe your dream project.

Milan: My dream project is inspired by K-12, a film by Melanie Martinez. She is an artist that inspires me greatly. Incorporating an album of mine into an original screenplay and creating a story out of my music would be a dream come true. Growing up, I excelled in writing creative short stories, fiction and nonfiction. I grew into writing more realistic storylines, which eventually led me to writing songs about my own experiences, as many songwriters do. However, I think it would be fun to play with the idea of an exaggerated version of my perspective, like how it feels inside of the head of someone like myself who deals with ADHD and the feeling of losing time from focusing on irrelevant things and unexpected things that can’t even be controlled, yet blaming ourselves for it and spiraling from there, only wasting more time. It would be nice to share how life is in my shoes and relate to others who go through the same feeling, and ultimately reminding them that it’s just a feeling- and we can control that. A balance of realism and fantasy within the world behind my film would enhance the story and bring it to life.

V-Henny: Tell me about your techniques for overcoming creative blocks.

Milan: When I feel a creative block, It helps me to listen to beats on Youtube and try to freestyle or hum a melody. Freestyling is an intimidating practice, but it also encourages new ideas and suppresses fear of sounding stupid because the key to a flow is believing in every word you say and knowing what the message is. Eventually, your subconscious will guide you back to what you know you want to write about. The ideas are there, it’s just that fear builds walls of insecurity that only want to destroy your confidence. I try to remind myself that I am in control of my work and only I can create the path I want for myself. 

V-Henny: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Milan: If it wasn’t for my music career, I would be pursuing acting. I love TV and film, and I keep up with all the new works, different actors and actresses, and award shows. I love watching new movies and shows because a great piece of work always makes me want to write my own. Perhaps I’d double as a writer and an actor so that I’d have more creative outlets. I love to play pretend and I’ve always enjoyed representing a person or thing when it comes to acting. As a writer, I know the importance of an inner dialogue. I think I’d be studying acting or musical theater and deciding whether I want to write a book, play, screenplay, or musical. 

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

Milan: I’ve had what feels like a million setbacks especially being the youngest in a family of five. I had to sacrifice the excess of whatever I wanted, like decent music equipment, voice lessons, and the college I wanted to go to. It was still possible for me to do what I wanted to do with what I had which I am so grateful for, but it was hard growing up and seeing others have so much and do nothing with it. However, I thank my parents for putting me in that environment because it taught me to be so grateful. I learned that you can get whatever you want if you want it bad enough. It is a real possibility to end up your own worst enemy and hold yourself back for so long. It takes living and learning to know what is right for you. The greatest thing about the internet is that every resource is there for you to learn and do anything you want to accomplish. Taking advantage of what was available to me helped me get to where I’m at right now. Also, encouraging the people around me to embrace their talents helped me discover different things I wanted to do. Working with others is a very important step in advancing because you learn so much from opening your mind to new ideas.  

V-Henny: Since you moved from the West Coast to the East coast: Does where you live matter if you’re trying to break through the music industry? If so, why? 

Milan: For me, it mattered a lot where I lived. Florida sucks at the moment, and New York has real people who care about the same things as me. You really cannot compare the two states. It’s so crazy to come from a place where you felt like there was nothing for you, to a place that gives you so much but takes so much at the same time. Maybe that’s just what growing up feels like, but it makes you homesick. I know that this is where I am meant to be right now though. Since moving here at the end of January, I’ve already accomplished so much. I believe New York is the perfect place to be if you’re trying to break through the music industry. The beauty of it makes inspiration possible at any moment. There are also endless opportunities to perform and meet other artists. I would love to move to California eventually because I feel it’s similar, it’s just easier to travel in New York, which helps a lot when doing live shows. It does depend on the situation overall. Anyone could get lucky from wherever they are if they want it bad enough and work toward it, and I truly believe that. 

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

Milan: One message I would give to my fans is that there is room for you too, wherever it is you want to be. There is so much room for you. 

V-Henny:  Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Milan: My pre-show ritual is silence. I only trust myself and the voice in my head until I get to the venue. 

V-Henny: What’s next for you? 

Milan: I am keeping my mind healthy and open to new experiences. I hope to collaborate with some of the new amazing artists I’ve met recently on new music. I’m writing my next EP! I also want to continue doing live shows because It’s always been my dream to be on stage sharing my own music with the world. I will love New York City forever for letting me be who I am and do what I love with people I adore- I don’t plan on leaving for a long time.

Follow the artist below on all her social media.

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• Soundcloud

Came out of the womb ready for Artistry.

JSK.

Learn all about Jay Skill Khan as he speak with V-Henny on his music journey below.

V-Henny: What was your first experience with music? 

JSK: My first experience with music had to be when I was like 9 years old, going over to my cousins (atom bombz) house & him letting me play with samples on a MPC . He was teaching me how to use FL STUDIOS, he taught me how to count bars, the metronome , what all the different sounds were and how they should be used, etc.

V-Henny: What motivates you to create?

JSK: Creating is my therapy. Whether it’s making a new record, doing some photography or making logos. I feel that’s when I get to be my most authentic self. It brings me a sense of peace and clarity in every aspect of the day to day. This is my purpose. 

V-Henny: What song was the most difficult for you to write?

JSK: The song doesn’t even have a title yet. Its a letter my mom, brother, and niece, who I lost in the past 2 years. My mom to covid but my brother and niece to suicide. I wrote it with a level of openness and raw emotions that I’m just not comfortable with. Some artists build a persona which there is nothing wrong but this is my real life . I wrote it because everyone has lost someone close to them and there’s a lot of emotions that come with it. Some people will understand and some others won’t. I’ve been blessed enough to be able to articulate some of that into words, hopefully someone will hear it and not feel so alone.

V-Henny: What was the best advice someone gave you when you were starting as a musician? 

JSK: I think the best advice to any artists is to stay consistent and stay courageous. Not everyone is going to see your vision but that’s why it’s YOURS just make them into believers.

V-Henny: What is your songwriting process like? 

JSK: Sometimes I’ll just be writing to the music in my head ( if I don’t have a beat). If I do, I’ll just catch a vibe, hum maybe 3 or 4 different melodies and then make the hook. Then each verse would be around the same subject matter but from different points of view. I personally like storytelling. 

V-Henny: Tell me about your techniques for overcoming creative blocks.

JSK: So my creative blocks are usually because of over stimulation. I like to find a quiet place and meditate for a bit with the beat playing low in the background and recenter.

V-Henny: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

JSK: I’d probably be doing something related to marketing or photography. I’ve brainstormed with quite a few entrepreneurs and helped them grow their company.

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

JSK: One major key I had to take was to “watch and learn “. I surround myself with people who do or done what I want to achieve, and soak up that first hand knowledge.

V-Henny:  Where do you see yourself musically in 5 years? 

JSK: In 5 years, I will be a full time creative getting paid for performing countrywide and collecting checks from sync licensing.

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

JSK: We’ve all been through things. Some easy , some hard …. but everytime you thought it was the end for you , you made it through. 

V-Henny:  How do you define success as an artist?

JSK: Financial freedom to be an artist full time.

V-Henny:  What’s next for you? 

JSK: I’m releasing a few EPs alongside some my friends and mentors to build up to my 1st album “little boy lost”.

Make sure to follow and support JSK on all platforms, listed below.

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To be frank, Nitti is a talented rapper from Staten Island who has a mission to emerge his emotions with his music. He will let the people know that through his story, he can relate too many and will show them, they are not alone in this cold world. As he continue to step out of his comfort zone in this music industry, Nitti iiCe is proving not only to himself but the world itself that he is here to stay!

Learn more on Nitti iiCe as V-Henny sits and interviews him.

V-Henny: What was your first experience with music?

Nitti: My first memory of music i was a kid and on Sundays my mom would clean the house to Freestyle Music ,Pop & RnB music and when we visited grandma’s house salsa and latin music.

V-Henny: What motivates you to create?

Nitti: I think what motivated / motivates me is the reason i started making music to begin with i felt like i had no one to talk to or vent to my generation was groomed on “man up” & masking your emotions, it was my outlet to vent to resonate with others who also thought or think they are the only ones going through what they are going through.

V-Henny: Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians? 

Nitti: Be selfish with your dream and go at it as if there were someone working 24hrs to take it from you!

V-Henny: What was the worst piece of advice someone gave you when you were starting as a Hip Hop Artist?

Nitti: Don’t collab with too many artist. If I can also add ARTIST NETWORK Spreads your work beyond your reach!

V-Henny: How do you deal with the politics of the industry?

Nitti: By working and keeping my eyes on my goals. “Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard”

V-Henny: Tell me about your techniques for overcoming creative blocks. 

Nitti: Me personally I feel like when creative blocks occur you have to go live life more go get in tune with the world (vacation), emotions , love , family and your closest circle.

V-Henny: What is your favorite song (by any other artist) of all time and why?

Nitti: Black Cloud by Joe Budden it brings me to a time in my life where I felt like nothing and reminds me how far I’ve come in my journey. 

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

Nitti: Going out to events and venues that I was not performing at & networking with like minded people what place better than events, venues & shows.

V-Henny: Do you have a network of other artists, and how do they support you?

Nitti: I have different networks of artist from different walks of life that support me by sharing music, purchasing merchandise, purchasing tickets to shows & also new released music. There’s more to making music than just making the music.

V-Henny: What can fans expect from your live show? 

Nitti: A lot of ENERGY! Strong stage presence I like to be felt and heard.

V-Henny: How do you define success as an artist?

Nitti: To me a successful artist is able to maintain and live off doing what they love to do… CREATE!

V-Henny: What’s next for you?

Nitti: The best word to describe it would be MORE. More Music, More Live Shows, More Music Videos, More Interviews, More Collaborations, More Love, More Stories, MORE LIFE.

Follow Nitti iiCe on all platforms.

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Growing up in Brooklyn, raised by a mother who used to sing and play guitar, Denys was constantly surrounded by a variety of music in his household. From Ukrainian folk music to RnB and Rap, there was a lot for him to draw inspiration from. Rap music in particular, was on every corner and a huge part of the culture where he was growing up in. Before you know it, his notebook was getting filled up with lyrics and rhymes expressing everything he was going through growing up.

Denys has performed at venues such as the legendary SOB’s. He’s already released 5 new singles in 2023 and has no plans of stopping. Momentum is on his side, and he has every intention to keep it rolling. 

Learn more on who is Denys as V-Henny interviews him and his Journey.

V-Henny: Can you tell us how you got started?

Denys: I’ve always loved music since I was a kid. Growing up with a mom who used to sing and play guitar, we always had music playing in the house. There are home videos of me with a mic in my hand at 10 years old just singing my heart out. When I got to high school, that was probably the first time I really started writing lyrics and rhymes in my notebook. I felt as though I really connected with music, and it allowed me a space to express my thoughts and feelings. After years of keeping it to myself, in 2019 I met a group of fellow creatives called Just Royalty, which included producers, engineers and artists. That was the first time I got to see how music and songs were made and being created and how to put it all together. Seeing how it worked and being around that group of guys was the last bit of motivation and inspiration I needed to get started. A few months later I released my first single and I haven’t looked back since.

V-Henny: What motivates you to create?

Denys: Music has helped me a lot throughout my life as a listener. Finding a song that you can relate to when you’re going through something can really go a long way, because it reminds you that you’re not alone. I definitely love creating music because it allows me to turn my thoughts and feelings into something sonically beautiful and it allows me to express myself. But I also love doing it, because hopefully me speaking about certain things and creating songs about certain topics can do for other people what it’s done for me. If even one person can listen to one of my songs and feel something, whether it’s happiness or motivation or any type of emotion, that makes me feel good. I love knowing that I can create something that didn’t exist before that can bring people happiness or enjoyment. Hopefully my music can help someone else express and understand their emotions. 

V-Henny: What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry? 

Denys: I believe that I’m a versatile artist in terms of the stuff I talk about the type of music I put out. I personally don’t really know how to define my sound, because it varies from song to song which I think is important. I never wanted to put myself in a box and be the guy that only makes a specific type of sound. As an artist, of any kind, you’re supposed to have fun with it. Experiment, try new things, get out of your comfort zone. That’s definitely something that I think I do well. I’ve also always been very open and authentic when it comes to my music. It’s not hard to tell if you’re being real and honest with them or not, sometimes it’s more than just about having a catchy hook, and I think people value and appreciate that. This industry is filled with an enormous number of artists trying to make it every single day, but I know there’s only one me, there’s only one Denys, and staying true to myself will always be the most important thing to me.

V-Henny: Have you ever felt discouraged by the industry and if so, how did you overcome the thought/feeling?

Denys: Being in this industry definitely comes with a lot of highs and lows. I think that it’s easy to get discouraged when you work your ass off to create something you’re extremely proud of and excited about and then you release it, and it seems like no one sees the vision like you do. Truthfully though, I believe that it’s really all about perspective. I came to a point where I remembered why I started making music in the first place and that’s simply because I love it and I enjoy it and it allows me to express myself. I started caring less about results and what people think, because at the end of the day, if I create something and I love it and I’m proud of it then that’s all that matters. If someone else happens to like it, amazing. I’ve been at it for 4 years and obviously I want to be able to make a career out of this and be able to make a living doing what I love so yes, the results do matter. But I realized that stressing over those things will only prevent you from overcoming those obstacles. Just have a clear mind, do it for the love of the game, and everything else will come.

V-Henny: Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals? 

Denys: Russ. I’ve been a huge fan of his for a very long time and I’ve even met him back in 2017 before I started making music. Meeting him now and actually being able to pick his brain about music would be extremely insightful. Aside from making incredible music, his work ethic is really unmatched. He’s one of the most successful independent artists out there. He’s also one of very few artists who can do everything on their own, writing, producing, mix and mastering, etc. He’s definitely given me a lot of inspiration and motivation over the years so I would love to meet him and work with him in the future. 

Rick Rubin. One of the greatest producers of all time and just so knowledgeable of the music industry. I’ve recently bought his book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, and it’s honestly opened my mind to so many new concepts and ways to look at things. He’s created so many incredible songs and worked with the best artists in the industry. I think he’s nothing short of a genius when it comes to music and creativity, and I just think he would be an amazing teacher. Even working in the same room with him would be so insightful. 

Drake. Arguably the G.O.A.T. rapper in a lot of people’s eyes. He has been on top of the industry for so long and it feels as if he’s never going to stop. His catalogue is so incredible and versatile and completely filled with hits. There’s so much to learn from someone who’s able to be so consistent song after song, album after album, year after year. People say being successful isn’t the hard part, staying successful and being able to maintain it is what’s difficult and Drake seems to have mastered it.

V-Henny: How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Denys: This is probably the hardest question to answer. The music I make really varies based on what’s going on in my life at the time. I like to think that no matter what mood someone is in they can find a song from me that matches it. Authentic and versatile are two words I’d like to use. I have RnB songs where you listen to it, and you start missing somebody or thinking about that somebody. I have up-tempo pop rap songs where you can blast it while you’re driving with the windows down. I have deeper rap songs that you can play while you’re driving alone late at night, and it gets you thinking. I’m always growing and experiment and trying to broaden my skillset and my catalogue.

V-Henny: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Denys: As much as I love music, sports were really my first love growing up. I’ve been playing sports my whole life, soccer, volleyball, basketball. Even now I always try to find time to play sports and just be active. It’s always been a calming and enjoyable experience for me that completely gets me zoned in and gets me to stop thinking about everything else. So, if I wasn’t doing music, I’d like to think I’d be playing, coaching, broadcasting, anything in the sports world really. 

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

Denys: At this point in my life, I feel really good about where I’m at in my career. It’s been a very rewarding year for me. I’ve been releasing more consistently, I’ve been performing a lot, getting more recognition and just really feeling more confident and focused than ever. If you really want it, you have to invest in your craft. I bought all the right studio equipment that I needed so that I can make high quality music directly from my room. I’m constantly writing any chance I get. I made sure I invested in the team around me, my engineer, my videographer, my photographer, are all people that I work with consistently. Having the right circle around you, who’s supportive and believes in the vision and wants to help you, is huge. I help them, they help me, and we build success together. I’m always trying to expand my skillset and try to get on beats that are different from what I’m used to. I practice trying to hit different tones and pitches so that I can have different sounds. I’m just constantly trying to learn more and more. Never think that you’re too good to learn or ask for advice or that you’re too good for an opportunity. I put in the work. That’s why I’ve had the success that I’ve had so far and that’s why I’m confident that a lot more success is coming.

V-Henny:  I know you released 5 songs. What are the titles to each song and out of the 5, which song took you out of your comfort zone?

Denys: The 5 songs I released so far this year are named “Elevate”, “5:30 Freestyle”, “That’s On Me”, “Talk No More”, and “Old Strings”. I genuinely love each of these songs. Elevate was the first one I released in January, and it was really all about growth and letting go of things that were holding me back. I think that it really set a standard for my life moving forward. It felt like that song started a new era for me and it really means a lot to me. The one that really took me out of my comfort zone was That’s On Me. In this song I was 100% the most vulnerable I’ve ever been. I have multiple songs that speak on the topic of love and past relationships, but this one was just different. It’s different because of the girl that it’s about and I said things that I needed to get off my chest, but I didn’t know if I’d ever get the chance to say it to her, so I put it in a song. It’s my longest song out of the 40 that I’ve released so I definitely had a lot to say. It’s also my mom’s favorite song so it’s special for multiple reasons.

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

Denys: I genuinely want to say thank you to anyone that’s ever listened to any of music. If you support me in any way, it really means the world to me, and I promise that I’m going to give you guys everything I have. We’re going straight to the top and I will always make sure I show love and appreciation for those that are in my corner.

V-Henny:  Does music help you in other areas of your life?

Denys: I’ve said it earlier and I really can’t emphasize it enough how much music is an escape and how freeing it is to me. Life gets stressful for everybody, and I think that everybody needs to find an outlet that brings them peace. Music is my outlet. Whether I’m listening to it or creating it, it calms me down, it gets me going, it makes me feel so many emotions which is so beautiful. Music is a universal language and it’s honestly amazing how powerful it can be. It’s helped me build confidence, it’s taken me out of my comfort zone, it’s allowed me to meet so many amazing people in my life. I honestly couldn’t live without it.

V-Henny: What’s next for you? 

Denys: I have a lot of things planned for the rest of the year. I’ve been in a really great creative space lately and have written a lot of amazing songs that I’m super excited to release. We have singles lined up from now until the end of the year. The plan is to release at least one single a month and that includes a lot of exciting new content, music videos, visualizers, live performances, etc. It’s also been over a year since I released a project so me and my team have been actively talking about putting something together to release at the end of the year. We’ll see what happens.

Music Links

Make sure to follow Denys below on all platforms.

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Inspired by Foxy Brown, Eve, and YMCMB, Shauna Moon combines East Coast and Southern rap flow, along with vocal variety and storytelling to create her diverse sound. Born in Trenton, New Jersey to Jamaican immigrants, she represents the multifacetedness of the global female hip-hop scene as she experiments with various sub genres of hip-hop, such as; pop rap, trap, ragga, lo-Fi, and trapsoul.

• Learn more on Shauna Moon as she sits with V-Henny and speaks about her music journey.

V-Henny: Can you tell us how you got started?

Shauna Moon: I’ve always enjoyed music and experimenting with sounds, but I never took it too seriously. I’d like to make my own flows, sounds, and beats when I was in the grocery store or in my bedroom. I’d record them as voice notes with no intention of taking them any further. In 2018, I started sharing Snapchat and Instagram stories of me playing with flows. I saw it as a fun challenge to just write music, with a beat or without one. I started releasing videos of me rapping to beats I found on YouTube or old song instrumentals. In 2020, I posted a freestyle to this UrbanNerdBeats I found and he reposted it. People started following me, and Gatsby, an Oakland artist, hit me up for a collaboration. I never predicted or expected to make music as an artist, but I’m glad that I did.

V-Henny: Who inspired you to make music? 

Shauna Moon: If I were to say who drew me to music, I’d say Missy Elliott and Timbaland. I loved to dance as a kid. I’ve seen every dance movie. I grew up listening to Christina Aguilera, Aaliyah, and Ciara, but the music that Missy Elliott and Timbaland produced have had such a long-term impact on me. If I said who inspired me to write, I’d say YMCMB’s Big Three, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil’ Wayne. Lil’ Wayne is one of my favorite lyricists all-time indisputably. His flow is perfectly strung together. Drake is great at creating pop music and experimenting with genres in a way that people want to listen to. This is why he was named Billboard Artist of the Decade. Nicki is lyrically one of the best female rappers to ever live. I like that she plays with vocal variety, wordplay, and theatrics. There are plenty of other artists like Foxy Brown, Eve, Lil’ Kim, and Spice, who are just as noteworthy and have also been my inspirations.

V-Henny: What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry? 

Shauna Moon: Honestly, just being myself. I feel that there is not one thing that makes an artist unique compared to another. We all share similar styles, tones, genres, and expressions. I think what makes each artist unique is how we choose to present ourselves. Our artist identity. I think in the current state of female hip hop, I’d say I play more with different subgenres. But again, I think there are so many artists in each lane. I’m just carving out my space and making music that I enjoy and want to share.

V-Henny: Have you ever felt discouraged by the industry and if so how did you overcome the thought/feeling?

Shauna Moon: I feel discouraged by how hard it is to grow as an artist. Being an artist is not just about making music. You have to do PR and marketing. Artists try hard to go viral to get their music heard. You have to garner an audience, especially when you’re competing against major labels as an independent. I overcome this thought by realizing that I’m doing my best with the resources given to me. I’ve found communities like Rec Philly and have been actively trying to perform as I’ve done with Money World Musiq. You still have to do the other parts, but it’s easier when you don’t have to do it alone.

V-Henny: Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals? 

Shauna Moon: If I were to choose my top 3 people to meet, I’d choose Babyface, Drake, and Missy Elliott. The reason why I would choose Babyface and Missy Elliott is that they are amazing producers. They would have such an impact on my musical direction that I would love to improve as I grow. Being able to know what to add to a piece of art with a seasoned ear is a wonderful skill. I’d also choose Drake because he does a wonderful job of collaborating with smaller artists and expanding their audiences.

V-Henny: Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Shauna Moon: I’d love to collaborate with Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, Miguel, J. Cole, Jhene Aiko, and DEAN. I feel like these artists and I would have complementary styles, and I’m excited at the idea of collaborating with each of them.

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

Shauna Moon: I had to relinquish control and learn to work with others. I’m growing to be more of a patient person. I’m so used to doing everything myself, but in music, it’s not sustainable. You need a team. There’s a reason why there are recording, mixing, and mastering engineers. There’s a reason why there are producers. There’s so much that goes into making one song, let alone a lengthy project. And in order to grow, I had to realize whom to work with and how to translate my vision. I spent so much time and money on the wrong things, and I finally feel like things are finally moving in the right direction.

V-Henny: How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Shauna Moon: I would consider my music to be hip hop and rap. As for specific subgenres, I’d say pop rap, trap, ragga, lo-fi, and trap soul. I’d love to dabble more in R&B later on, but I am just experimenting all the time. I create whatever I feel like creating based on the sounds I hear or the lyrics that pop up in my head.

V-Henny: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Shauna Moon: I have so many interests. I’m a creative person who has probably done too many things. I’ve written short stories, published articles, done photography, recorded visual poetry, and created content for social platforms. I love managing projects and running businesses. I’m a true busybody and am terribly impatient.

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

Shauna Moon: I’m currently working on my project “Pressure” which is my first mixtape releasing on May 19, 2023! I dedicated late December 2022 to now on recording and planning the release to all streaming platforms. The mixtape is eight songs. It’s a collection of music that represents what kind of music I like to make. I hope people just have fun with it and enjoy it as I do.

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

Shauna Moon: Dreams can start whenever. You can wake up one morning and decide that this is how you want to go about your life. I think what’s most important is determination. If it’s your passion, how much are you willing to persevere with no immediate payoff? I like to reflect on how far I’ve come and push aside how far I have left to go. You have to stay gracious, humble, and hungry.

V-Henny: What’s next for you?

Shauna Moon: More performances, more music, more music videos, and a 2nd EP at either the end of this year or early 2024.

Make sure to follow Shauna as she continues to elevate within her music career.

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