London artist4iteamed up with Kieron Boothe for his new track 'Out Of My Way' “I wrote ‘Out of my Way’ during some of the lowest points in my life, where my personal struggles were a lot more prominent - financially, mentally and spiritually. -4i
4i's new EP 'Dreamt But Never Slept' is due to drop on 17th August, but until then press play.
Miss R: For those who may not have heard your music, how would you describe your style? Street Chic with a 90's feel.
Miss R: How do you differ from other female rappers?
I rhyme about actual events that have happened in my life. I purposely combine raw, edgy, no holds barred and sexy with the streets. Rather then over sexualized or "bubble gum" lyrics. I don't follow the current trends set for female rappers.
Miss R: What made you choose music? When did it all start?
I would say music chose me. Possibly while in the womb. As far as I know, musicians run in my family back to the doo wop era. I've always loved music and could always write both stories and poems. I would always write what I thought would be dope songs. R&B and raps. One day, something in me said go for it and I did!
Miss R: You're also an actress. What have you featured in? And would you say you love the music more or vice versa?
I've had a few extra roles. Small speaking roles in a couple of indie films and then a lead in a film called, "A Match Made in Harlem". I've been in various commercials from being a infant up until recent. I've also written two small films of my own that I plan to star in. I love music the most. Lol, fornow.
Miss R: You co host a breakfast radio show "The Milk Show" with Qwizman via Streetz N Musiq Radio...How did that come about? and what can your listeners expect to hear?
My brother, Qwizman said he wanted to do a radio show and asked me if I could help him. I've had two radio shows in the past and created a concept for a dope show that could showcase both of our talents. Plus, I'm a firm believer and practitioner of creating your own opportunities, so I figure it would help with creating my own spins and building both of our fan base.
I was previously asked to do a show on Streetz N Musiq after building a relationship with Nomad and his team and the team of DJ's. I figured why not at Street N Musiq. I have a strong relationship and much love with DTF, however Streetz n Musiq are building and I felt I could partner up and contribute to that, rather than an already established DTF Radio! Love them though.
Anyway, I created this concept of a SNL/Late night show ( Jimmy Fallon/the British guy (James Cordon) who does Karaoke Car Pool ) mixed with Morning Radio. Hence, "The Milk Show".. Entertainment for Breakfast. So, visually and listening, you get some of the most ratchedness comedy and also music.
Miss R: You received the award for 'Best Female Rapper' at Urban Threshold’s Underground Music Awards NYC. Congratulations on that. What are your other achievements so far?
Thank you ma'am! Touring overseas, unsigned was a Huge achievement! Performing on stage night after night in crowds of hundreds and being treated on the same level as mainstream artist was dope to me. Writing two films and creating my current project is my greatest achievement so far.
Miss R: I recently featured your latest video "Murder She Wrote" what do you have to follow..What else are you working on right now?
"Murder She Wrote" is the ending to a project I'm currently filming called "Lipstick & Bullets". I am set to release a visual called, "I Like It" which will be veryyyyy sexy and "No Mercy" featuring GQ Statuss that will set up the visuals I'm dropping this fall leading into my film.
"I LIKE IT"
Miss R: Any shows coming up?
Not set. I'm doing spot dates. My focus is on filming this project.
Miss R: What's next for Honey Dinero, What are your future plans/goals?
I will always do music. Writing, performing, and recording. I really want to get into acting and films. My goals are just to stand out in this industry and be recognized for creating my opportunities. And to keep putting out timeless hip hop.
Miss R: Any final words/ Shout outs?
S/O to you! You've reached out and we've been building since. I appreciate you!!! Of course s/o to DK @GorillaStreetFilms , SkyWalker Dutch @TheVault.. We've formed the triangle offense. ... We are collectively about to do some big things! Much love to my brother Qwiz, "The Milk Show", Streetz N Musiq Radio and My Dons that support me heavy. Plus the fans! Especially in Ghana and parts of Europe. Steve Malick, Adam Aleo, Renee Kendrick ... I can think of off top. Thank you! Most of all for this interview.
Hip Hop artist Zagan drops his video B.A.R.S which is taken from his latest mixtape 'Ur A Product Of Fear' OUT NOW via Audiomack,Soundcloud & Spinrilla
I caught up with New York artist Polo Paul. I've been following his music for a while now and I loved his last EP 'Wr2: Ignorance of The Horn' which I featured previously. You can check that out here. He is about to release something new so I figured I would get the scoop on this rising star.
Miss R: Let's go back to the beginning..Where did the name 'Polo Paul' come from?
So, my family is from Haiti. They always had a nickname for kids so my real name is Paul but they always called me Polo. As I grew up the nickname always stuck. So when before I started on my first tape "The Boy Who Lived" I figured all the greats run with there real name like Kendrick, J Cole, Drake so I figured I do the same thus "Polo Paul"
Miss R: When did you realise music was something you wanted to peruse?
When I was 11 years old I started writing, I really fell in love with it. At the age of 15 I knew I wanted to be a professional musician.
Miss R: You are the founder of the group YFP (Your Frequent Problems) which is also the name of your record label. How did that come about? how did that come about?
Well, that started the summer before my first tape. It initially started as a support system for me in the beginning. It became much more when I kept meeting all of these talented people like, Jai Emm, Knice Da Maje, JBC. 2014 is when YFP officially became a company.
Miss R: Who/What Inspires your music?
Honestly, great hip hop & R&B music, art in general for that matter. I really love battle rap, movies, sitcoms. Anything brings creativity to a new level.
Miss R: You have a new album coming out 'ANIKE' (Actually Never Knew I'd Equal), What's the story behind it?
'Actually Never Knew I'd Equal' also know as A.N.K.I.E.( pronounced as Annie) is my fourth project. It's the most personal piece of work I've ever made. The reason its pronounced as Annie is a grammatical error that's suppose to represent real depiction of a orphan vs a happy ending of the story that is Annie. The album features singles like "Cul De Sac" where I speak about my past and chocolate where I speak about my views of black women. Which both are available on my soundcloud. I think this will be very fulfilling eye opening project for the listeners.
'Cul De Sac'
'Chocolate'
Miss R: When will this be available?
Definitely this year we are shooting for late September or October
Miss R: Are there any collaborations on this album?
Features are with: Jai Emm, Flow, Niqa Mor and Ernest Pope. Production with: Knice Da Maje, Matt Majerle, Preach Gold and DirtRich Beats, but I may add more.
Miss R: Are you a fan of any UK artists?
Skepta!
Miss R: If you could pick any artist/ producer to work with, who would it be?
I have a lot, but my top choice would be Lauryn Hill and producer would be 40.
Miss R: Where do you want your music to take you?
Touring. I want to travel the world and to drop a major album.
Miss R: What message do you want your fans to take from your music?
I want them take a piece of me every time they listen. I want them to understand the creativity that I work hard to give them. Most of all, I just want them to enjoy the music.
Miss R: Do you have any shows coming up?
Not set in stone yet but we got a lot things in the works.
Miss R: Where can people get your music?
Apple music, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Soundcloud, Datpiff etc.
Miss R: What other interest, aside from music do you have?
I love battle Rap idk if you count that as music. Lol
Miss R: Do you have any other projects in the pipeline?
Yes I'm actually working on album for this hip hop duo that me & JBC created called "You Know The Rules" we are also dropping a lot singles this year for that so stay tuned.
Music producer/artist New Machine teamed up with singer/songwriterAaron Londonto create this funky, electro, head boppin' track 'Dare 4 U' I'm love this collaboration and I hope this is first of many.
“Dare 4 U...The song/video means the world to me. My first
release as an 'Artist'. It was veryimportant to me to try and push some sound
boundaries I had not touched on before venturing into the commercial world.” This video was shot/directed and edited by New Machine on his iPhone 6. This is a man of many talents. Press play and enjoy!
All you Soul lovers get ready!!! 'Still Standing' is the latest single from the Manchester duo Children of Zeus. Tyler Daley & Konny Kon deliver what I call a musical masterpiece (which I can't get enough of.) Is it too early to call it a classic?....Nope! Press play and enjoy.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Multi-Platinum Grammy nominated Marc Nelson refined his craft as a singer and musician at the Creative & Performing Arts High School. Marc co-founded the phenomenal groupBoyz II Men with best friend Nate Morris. And under the guidance of his mentorBabyface, he went on to become a great songwriter using his gift writing for other popular artists like: Toni Braxton, Jon B, Babyface, Tyrees, Brandy and more! Let's not forget he was a member of the '90s R&B group AzYet and he was the first to ever duet with Beyoncé. He's achieved global success as a solo artist with his three CDs: I Want You, Chocolate Mood and Marc: My Words.
And It doesn't end there...As an aspiring thespian, Marc studied at the Beverly Hills Play House Acting School and has taken to the stage appearing in several productions, the most recent being "In-Laws From Hell" by Andrionna L. Williams. The list of his talents are endless. I was lucky enough to grab a quick chat with him.
Miss R: Firstly, I thank you for taking the time to talk me. Let's get straight to it. Your mother, Phyllis Nelson was a very successful recording artist and songwriter. How much of a influence was she to your music career?
My mom was a big, huge influence to me. It’s funny because I didn’t
realise just how much as a kid. I didn’t know music was something I wanted to do professionally. Music
was always around me growing up and I just loved all the melodies. My mom definitely
played a big part.
Miss R: Are there any other family member's with musical interests and abilities?
Yeah, My dad is a saxophonist and he can also play the piano.
I’d say I got my passion for music from my dad. Miss R: What music did you listen to growing up?
I listened
to a lot of ‘80s Alternative I mean, the Europeans were huge. You got artist like Phil Collins,
Sade, Duran Duran, Mr.Mr. Then in America, we had Christopher Cross, Luther
Vandross.. but New Edition were my biggest influence.
Miss R: What 3 songs would I see on your recently played list?
Novacane - Frank Ocean
Sweet Bird - Herbie Hancock
A Cause - Dominic Miller
Life She Chose by Marc Nelson
Miss R: You have written songs for a long list of artist, some of which I've already mentioned in the intro.
Is there a song you regard your ultimate favourite?
Yeah, I would have to say 'Seven Seas' which is the song I wrote with my mentor Babyface. It was such an honor to have the opportunity to work with him- priceless memories. Another song is 'Truthfully' I wrote that for Brandy, who is an incredible artist.
Miss R: And where do you draw inspiration from when you write?
I learned to get it from anywhere! I say learn, because I was used to one-dimensional thinking but I found it would limit my creativity. I knew that if I wanted to make it in this business
I had to learn to write out of my comfort zone. Miss R: What was the first lesson you learned about the music industry?
The first lesson I learned was only 20% is about talent. The rest is all about the business! Miss R: Do you think maybe new artists rely purely on their talent?
It’s a catch-22 because when you have a fresh newbie come out,
you don’t wanna shoot him down. I mean, your talent does carry you but you have
to understand that this is also a business, and you will never make it if you don’t have
the right team around you.
Miss R: If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice what would it be?
First advice I’d give?..I'd say “Marc, be quiet and go with what’s
happening and try not to desire to shine. You’re already shining" Miss R: I love that! I may use that as my new mantra. Yeah,
people can sometimes mistake confidence for cockiness.
Miss R: So, as we know- you're an original member of Boyz II Men, who you now perform with at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. What was it like the first time being back with the boyz?
It was surreal, a little unnerving and exciting at the same time. Miss R: What do you think about before you go on stage?
When
I'm on stage with Boyz II Men, I’m behind the curtain looking around
and taking it all in. I say,“Thank you God for bringing me home”. Even though I’m
not in the group, God brought me back to my foundation. I consider it a blessing.
Miss R: Last year we saw the build up and excitement over the return of Az Yet. When will the new album be out?
The new album is called 'She's Magic' and will be out this September. Miss R: Brilliant!! And will there be another solo album from Marc Nelson in the near future?
Yes, absolutely. My new album is entitled ‘Black Diamond’ which
I’ll drop in September (this year). I also have a Pre-single 'I'm Open' coming out in August.
Miss R: 'Black Diamond'..Very nice. That's something for the fans to look forward to. So looking back..What has been your biggest achievement in your career (thus far)?
Co-creating the biggest R&B Group of all time Boyz II Men. Staying in the game for 26 years, being nominated for a Grammy, writing a song with the greatest writer ever.. Babyface and being the first to sing duet with the very beautiful and talented
Beyoncé…I think I’ve done a lot.
Miss R: When you aren’t writing/producing or performing? What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I go to the movies by myself…Yeah, I like to clean my home
and wash my clothes. It’s so relaxing, therapeutic almost.
Miss R: What 3 words would your closest friends/family use to best describe you?
Three words my friends or family would use?….Focused, Free,
No nonsense!
Miss R: I know you to be a very driven and focused person. What keeps you motivated?
My mother passed away with dreams. She achieved one of them
and was very successful with it. I watched
her pass away with Cancer wishing she had more time. I made a vow not to live that way. That's what motivates me. Miss R: Name 3 books you think everyone should read?
Fully Rawby Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram The Intelligent Investorby Benjamin Graham
How Not To Dieby Michael Greger/Gene Stone
Miss R: Name 3 things you couldn't live without?
My freedom. Music and my daughters.
Miss R: Being in the public eye comes with it's pros and cons. What would you say they were for you?
That's a tough question. Let me see, the pros of being in the public eye? I think because
of what I do, I think it’s helpful for connecting with people. It can be very helpful in that sense. I think people are more
open to you. That’s the one Pro. The Con is that people will already have a preconceived notion of who you are.
Miss R: What motto do you live by?
"Life is not comparative nor competitive.” Miss R: Let's talk about your latest project. You are about to launch your Open Mic night (Open Mic Thursdays) in Vegas, starting this Thursday (June 2nd) at Backstage Bar & Billards. (excited much!) How did this idea come about?
Well, because I live in New York, I travel back and forth to Vegas to perform with Boyz II Men on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday and sometimes I didn’t want to fly home..I wanted to stay in town. So I thought to myself, What would be hot? What could I do that would be fun and allow people to get on the stage with a 8-piece band and sing, eat great food and dance to ‘80s & ‘90s Hip-Hop and R&B till 4 in the morning?…Can you Imagine that?! It's dope right?..
It was just an idea that I had and I figured It'd be a cool thing to put together.
Miss R:Amazing!! I see the interaction on social media. The people are really excited about it. I guess you live an extremely busy life with writing/producing, performing with Boyz II Men and now Open Mic Thursdays. When do you find time for yourself? and how do you ensure you have that work/life balance?
I am very busy, but I believe in balance. You have to learn to shut yourself down.
You can’t rely on anyone to do it for you. You have to do it yourself. I shut
my phone off when I got to sleep. I don’t want to be bombarded. Everyone wants
a piece of you and you have to learn to say no and I’ve learned how to do that.
Miss R: Thank you Marc. It's been a pleasure talking to you. I look forward to the Open
Mic event and your new music!
