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New Video: The ZYG 808 – The Concerto (@thezyg808)

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Check out “The Concerto”, the latest video from The ZYG 808. Zyg, a percussionist and lyricist was born in Bronx, NY and raised in New Bedford and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. His mother lives in the Bronx, so he visits there quite often.

The ZYG 808 is a reference to the Supreme Alphabet (Zig-Zag-Zig, Why God) and the classic drum machine, the TR-808.

He raps and plays a cocktail kit drum set at the same time. One night after a show, and audience member gave ZYG dap and said, “Yo, I’m calling you 808 from now on, ‘cause you got that beat going!”, so 808 was added to his name.

The ZYG 808 started drumming before he was born. His father would tap on his mother’s belly and he would tap back. His father started tapping out patterns and he would repeat them. He got his first drum set when he was four. His father is noted jazz artist and playwright, Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor and he grew up in a home where there was an instrument of some type in almost every room of the house. He gravitated to the djembes and hand percussion.

At age 10 The ZYG 808 got a full-sized drum set for his birthday along with lessons from GroovaLottos drummer, Eddie Ray Johnson. By age 11 he was featuring with the band at concerts and shows. By age 13 he joined the band as a percussionist.

The ZYG 808 began his musical career as a percussionist and drummer. He did his first studio session at age 7, adding African drums to the House Music album, “Deep Soul Chants & Hollers”. By age 12 he was a headlining performer at the Boston Jazz Fest.

His drumming influences include, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Clyde Stubblefield, Quest Love, Eddie Ray Johnson, Tito Puente, Joe Cuba, Lionel Hampton, and John Blackwell, Jr.

Also at age 13 was when he started MCing with his cousin, JJ Nice and showed a natural knack for lyric writing. By age 14 he and his cousins -performing as ‘Soul Poet’s Syndicate’ recorded and released, “Flippin’” an anti-opioid anthem and music video in support of regional anti-opioid campaigns. JJ Nice and his family moved to California and The ZYG 808 decided to keep going as a solo artist.

At age 14, when other kids were getting summer jobs as dish washers and cutting lawns, The ZYG 808 went on tour with The GroovaLottos as well as busked on Weekends, salting away his earning towards a bigger plan that he had in mind.

One Sunday morning he called a breakfast meeting with his father to discuss his plans to enter the Hip-Hop game as an MC, percussionist and producer and wanted guidance from his father in working with the industry. He also wanted to create a subsidiary of his father’s company, Liberation Multimedia, LLC called ‘Soul Poets Records’ that would focus on hip-hop and contemporary r&b, where as Liberation Multimedia is better known as a jazz, classic soul, and dance music label.

As part of his development, his father gave him a homework assignment for the next time he went to New York to visit his mother, “Pay a visit to 1520 Sedgwick Ave and say a prayer.” In his research, The ZYG 808 discovered that his father sent him to the birthplace of Hip-Hop when DJ Kool Herc threw a now legendary party on August 11, 1973.

In September of 2017, The ZYG 808 began making his first solo appearances as an MC and percussionist at community events, youth conferences, music festivals, open mics, local radio stations, and programs around New England and New York City. In April of 2018 he won his high school talent show with a performance of “Explanation”, driving the audience wild with his ability to rap and play drums at the same time.

Gravitating towards MCs who are storytellers, The ZYG 808 is a fan of contemporary artists such a J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Jarren Benton, and Hopsin. He is also a serious fan of Rakim, Slick Rick, Special Ed, Public Ebemy, Dead Prez, Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., Ice Cube, Nas, and A Tribe Called Quest.

He is quick to tell you that he is, “An Emcee, not a rapper,” noting that he doesn’t mumble rhymes into a USB mic on a laptop. He actually prefers live shows and the interaction he can have with a live audience. “I can host a show, not just perform. Also, everything I record has been performed live a bunch of times before we take it into the studio.”

The ZYG 808 is of Caribbean and Native American heritage. He is an enrolled member of the federally recognized Mashpee Wampanoag tribe in Mashpee, MA where he is an active member of the Youth Council. He is also a member of The Universal Zulu Nation.

He is currently a featured performer on The Phunk Hits 2018 summer concert tour along with The GroovaLottos and other featured artists.

The ZYG 808 ARTIST STATEMENT:

Reality Check: While my origins are from “The Hood” I’m not and don’t try to front like I am. I live in a rural/suburban area and my Pops is an artist and academic. I visit the Bronx a lot and feel very much at home there, but I have trees in my back yard. My father had me around The Last Poets, Askia Toure, and Amiri Baraka as a very small child. A lot of classic hip-hop and spoken word artists are like aunts and uncles to me. All of this shapes my concept of rapping and making music and informs the hip-hop that I create.

Part of developing as a musician and Emcee is to understand the tradition you’re coming out of. The MC/Emcee came about long before hip-hop. There were the street poets and griots who were rapping before English was forced upon us. Wampanoags had story keepers and song keepers. All of this is the foundation of my place as an Emcee.

Hip-Hop music is based in the drum. Aside from the boom bap, Hip-hop was taking bits and pieces of music from the West Indians, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Blues and Soul from the US. The Bronx was a melting pot of all of these cultures. I was born in the Bronx and raised by a musician and griot.

Some of the mainstream hip-hop music is a clear example of hip-hop losing it’s direction and purpose. I’m trying to be one of the artists who actually has something to say and wants to honor the tradition that my music is built upon.

Catch his EP “At The Party” featuring 3 joints, each with ‘Club 808’ and ‘Boom Bap’ versions.

For More info, Visit: http://www.thezyg808.com

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – @thezyg808

ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/at-the-party-ep/1430238539

Stream:
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-zyg-808/1399922668
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Ypsz39qiQ0zL4Q3VV1keD?si=vba1bGUDST2JZ-jzCatZjw

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DeeYounginn Releases New Visual “Right Now”

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Fast-rising Charlotte recording artist DeeYounginn makes 2024 his moment and it starts with his latest single, “Right Now.”

In the latest visual, he cruises the streets in a foreign rapping about his undeniable impact, living a lavish lifestyle, and more. After gaining popularity with previous hits, the latest release is the perfect origin point for newfound fans as DeeYounginn rises to the moment as one of the year’s hottest new stars in modern hip-hop.

“Right Now” sets up the rising star’s upcoming album arriving in 2024. Check out the new video below, and, afterward, follow the rising star on social media for daily updates and more.

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Interview

Behind the Scenes: Deja Destinee’s Creative Process and Musical Inspiration

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The music industry is an ever-evolving landscape where artists must find their unique voice to stand out. In a detailed conversation, the grind of music and creativity were dissected with candor and passion by Shah Cypha and the multi-talented artist, Deja Destinée. They unpack the essence of Deja’s brand, her perspective on the music industry, and her multifaceted ventures beyond music.

The Genesis of a Brand: A Personal Story Through Music

The brand an artist creates is often a tapestry woven from their personal stories. For Deja Destinée, her name carries a legacy and an inspiration that fuels her artistic presence. “Deja Destiny is destiny… My first name was by my sister… Named after Tyra Banks’ character in Higher Learning… Destiny was named by my grandmother before I was born,” she recounts. This personal lineage adds depth to her music and offers her audience a piece of her narrative, creating a genuine connection that transcends the rhythms and lyrics.

In the music industry, the background behind a name often holds a significant weight, and Deja’s is intertwined deeply with her familial ties. Her music doesn’t just offer sound; it provides listeners with resonance, a shared experience that taps into the emotional fabric of the listener. This personal touch has become a beacon for her brand and her music, positioning her as an artist with a story to tell, a history to honor, and a future to shape.

Commanding the Stage: Performance as a Reflection of the Artist

A major theme from the discussion centered around Deja’s approach to performance. Stating that music comes as “first nature,” it’s evident that her on-stage persona is where she truly shines. Describing her performances, Deja says, “I give a lot of cocky energy. When I get on the stage, I usually bring my dancers, I have, you know, the flashy custom outfits… it makes them feel good, and for it to make them feel like they really that b\*\*\*h.”

This attitude exemplifies the confidence and showmanship that Deja brings to her craft, setting her apart in a crowded industry. The energy of a live performance, where the artist and audience feed off each other’s enthusiasm, is particularly crucial for Deja. Each show becomes an intimate conversation between them, a shared moment of empowerment and celebration of talent. It’s in these details that Deja’s commitment to her artistry, and her desire to elevate the music experience, shines brightest.

A Nexus of Creativity: Beyond Music

During the conversation, it became apparent that Deja is not content with being pigeonholed as just a musician. With interests in acting and entrepreneurship, such as her unique skincare line *Co-Skin*, she relays, “I do hair, I do makeup, I have my own like, skincare line doing shea butter… It’s so many things that I feel like I can tap into.”

Her tenacity to take on multiple creative endeavors showcases not only her talent but her understanding of the importance of diversification in a modern artist’s career. Deja leverages her platform in music to venture into other areas of interest, broadening her reach and solidifying her presence both in and out of the music world. This blend of artistry and enterprise spotlights a new generation of artists who are as business-minded as they are creative, indicative of the changing tides within the industry.

The Future Sounds of Success: Deja’s Continual Growth

As the conversation turned towards future prospects, Deja Destinée laid out her vision of evolving within the industry and her plans to be a game-changer. With new music on the horizon, including the engagingly titled single “ATE”, and a role in the upcoming film premiere set for June 6th at Newark Cinema, Deja’s grind is relentless.

Echoing her earlier sentiments on the significance of grinding, she reiterates, “To work and put in the work… when you don’t want to do it, put in the work then, too, because in the end, it’s gonna pay off.” It’s with this unwavering dedication and drive that Deja Destinée forges ahead, paving her path with an unshakeable belief in her art and her ability to influence the industry.

Deja’s narrative is one that is building upon the foundations of authenticity, perseverance, and an uncompromising vision for what she wants to achieve. With a solid grounding in the values instilled in her name and approach to music, the future beckons with infinite possibilities, each one an opportunity to further the imprint of Deja Destinée on the world.

STREAM THE LATEST SINGLE SHE/HER ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS NOW

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Interview

From New York to the World: D-Kno Money’s Impact on Hip Hop

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The world of hip-hop is a constantly evolving tapestry, colored by the individual stories and passionate endeavors of artists navigating their craft. A recent candid conversation with Southside Jamaica, Queens representative, D-Kno Money, sheds light on the sincerity and grind of an artist dedicated to originality amidst an industry prone to imitation.

Dedication to Hip-Hop’s Essence

In the heart of the discussion, D-Kno Money underlines a stronghold on the authentic sound of hip-hop, an element that often feels lost in today’s market. “\[…] if you like hip-hop in its essence, you like rapping in its essence. I always stick to those roots,” D-Kno Money asserts, emphasizing his commitment to preserving the genre’s true spirit. He maneuvers through the contemporary soundscape while ensuring his music retains a timeless quality. His approach crafts a bridge between the nostalgic and the innovative, appealing to both old-school enthusiasts and modern listeners. Quoting the artist, “If you listen to D-Kno Money for the first time, you’re not gonna hear what’s out like at the moment. \[…] I still have an authentic sound.”

This balance between tradition and evolution in the hip-hop genre is vital. It functions not only as a gateway for diverse expression within the art form but also exemplifies the genre’s ability to adapt without losing its core identity. D-Kno Money’s music serves as a beacon for what hip-hop can continue to be—an insightful, powerful, and expressive outlet for creativity.

Crafting an Artistic Identity

D-Kno Money’s story is a narrative of relentless ambition channeling into artistry since early childhood, heavily influenced by the monumental group Wu-Tang Clan and solo artists like Jay-Z and Nas. His musical journey, which began in 2003, highlights the dedication and passion required to make a mark in the industry. Taking his artistic vocation seriously from his first mixtape in 2006 to dropping over 15 projects, he proves that consistency is the key to a substantial body of work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of investing in one’s craft, pointing out, “My body of work put me in an advantageous state over a lot of my fellow peers.”

For D-Kno Money, the art of creating music is only part of the equation. The multifaceted lifestyle he leads speaks to the entrepreneurial spirit and the various roles artists must play to sustain and elevate their brand. Tackling responsibilities like personal management and business ventures, such as the Blue Exclusive beverage liquor brand, reinforces the narrative that today’s artist must also be an astute businessperson.

Revitalizing New York’s Hip-Hop Scene

Touching on a subject close to many New Yorkers’ hearts, D-Kno Money shares his perspective on the current state of New York hip-hop, particularly noting the dominance of drill music. “Everything different. So, like with D-no Money, that’s all I really stand on,” he remarks, articulating his desire for the return of artistic diversity. The artist yearns for an era where uniqueness was celebrated rather than subdued, hoping for a resurgence of the individual sound that made New York a hip-hop powerhouse.

This standpoint resonates with a broader sentiment within the hip-hop community. The craving for originality isn’t a rejection of new trends, but rather a call to honor the genre’s rich, varied history. By advocating for diversity in sound and content, D-Kno Money echoes a larger directive—a call to action to reinvigorate the scene with the uniqueness that made it a global phenomenon.

The music industry, and hip-hop in particular, stands at a crossroads where the choices of artists like D-Kno Money can shape its trajectory. His advocacy for authenticity, commitment to craftsmanship, and emphasis on innovation could very well be the catalysts needed to relight the fires of the hip-hop scene in New York and beyond. As the landscape evolves, artists like D-Kno Money remind us of the importance of preserving the heart of the genre while creatively advancing into the future.

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