When I first heard there was a Korean hip-hop group going by the name LOS LOKOS, using Mexican imagery, I was hesitant. Of course, this was before I realized a member of the group is, in fact, from Mexico. The knowledge that an integral part of their existence is their producer and beatmaker, PhreDdy M., softens the side-eye. It also helps that PhreDdy M. makes use of musical elements from his culture to add some genuine dimension. Elements not often seen in mainstream Korean hip hop.
“I Bring Myself”: An Exclusive Interview with Yoonha Verse
The one true thing in life is that you never know what’s going to happen. You can have a plan for yourself. Follow all the rules to get there. But life inevitably will take you where it wants. This truth rings with loud clarity for up-and-coming R&B songstress Yoonha Verse. She took some time to take us on her journey from shy music lover to confident vocalist.
Dream Chasing: “More Than the Money and the Fame”
One of life’s greatest joys, and also it’s rarest, is to discover something at its root. To stumble upon the humble origins of something great. Finding artists right at the dawn of their careers is even more of a blessing. I relish the occasions when I get those emails from artists hoping to find an outlet that will give them a chance. Such was the case with DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia)-area hip-hop crew Dream Chasing.
D I A L Brings Samuel Seo Closer to His True Artistry
At this point you must be sick of me saying it. But I can’t help myself. Samuel Seo does NOT make bad albums. Every time he releases something it just reinforces my claims. His most recent EP, D I A L, taps into something earthier in the artist. While The Misfit was mostly bright, this five-song album is drenched in darker hues. Every bit of it’s just swimming in the earth tones of classic neo-soul.
“Go For It!” An In-Depth Interview with DAMYE
As you all know by now, I have an immense respect for Samuel Seo as an artist. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that when it comes to music recommendations, I take what he says seriously. Such was the case when he suggested multi-genre artist DAMYE during our chat. Listening to DAMYE’s music, then getting to know him, I was really ecstatic to have the chance to talk to him.
“People Don’t Have One Emotion”: An Interview with R&B Singer Syn
Every interview I do with artists I’m surprised just how introspective they are. You’d have to be to even attempt to survive in an industry as brutal as music tends to be. R&B newcomer Syn is incredibly self-aware. But she’s also unassuming. Her youth makes her both ambitious and thirsty for more. More knowledge, more experience. More music. She took some time to answer some questions for us. The answers were incredibly enlightening.
Syn’s Influences Overshadow Her Talent in Debut Album “Butterflies.”
When Daze Alive vocalist Rico gives a recommendation for a vocalist, best believe I’m going to give them my full attention. So when he dedicated an Instagram post to songstress Syn, it piqued my interest. She dropped her debut EP “Butterflies.” not long after this discovery. It’s certainly a pleasant surprise.
“I want to become a genre myself”: An Interview with R&B Artist BRWN
R&B and hip-hop artist BRWN is one of those artists who keeps his eye forever toward the future. Always moving forward. Always reaching for the stars and beyond. He gave us a moment of his time to reflect about his work and what he wants for his future.
“12AM” Strikes on LATE LEE’s Journey to Growth
LATE LEE has had to unfold himself out of a lot of self-doubt and feelings of being mentally lost. He’s taken long-term breaks from social media to try to find his center on more than one occasion. Out of that exploration and journey to inner peace, he gifted fans his most poignant work to date. His second EP, “12AM.”
“This is Who I Am”: An Interview & Introduction to V1NO (fka Paul Shin)
If you’ve read anything from me at all, you know I relish the opportunity to talk to any and all artists. I have a particular soft spot for independent artists trying to get the recognition they desperately need and certainly deserve. They all have intriguing stories and perspectives that many with much more to lose are less wont to express. The most recent artist to open up to me is Paul Shin, now known by his stage name V1NO. He’s another in the small circle of Korean-American rappers that have blessed me with both their music and their friendship.