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Authentic – Kendra Erika @Kendra_Erika

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Pop singer Kendra Erika and Grammy Award winning producer Damon Sharpe are together again this spring on “Authentic,” their dreamy, progressive track about the deterioration of social media. “What was once an important tool for inspiration, connection and freedom of speech has become an emotionally addictive breeding ground for bullying, jealousy, and fear,” says Erika. “All stimulated by mental synapses that project a fictitious depiction of what life should be like, making us feel like the true lives we are living are not good enough.” She wrote the song’s lyrics against music produced by Sharpe and Eric Sanicola, the same duo behind her hit dance singles, “Oasis,” “Sublime” and “Under My Skin”. Where their dance tracks were full-throttle club bangers, “Authentic” is a more cruise control pop single with a stronger message.  “Authentic” is being released globally and is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, and all other major retailers, as well as through streaming on Pandora and Spotify. It’s music video is on Youtube.

“I stopped believing the hype of people’s posts and started seeing through the pageantry of it all two years ago,” continues Kendra Erika from her Miami-area home. “These days, social media is all about rank-related validation; the amount of likes you can get on phony pictures that have been filtered and on opinionated memes that aren’t your own. It’s all mass-manipulating and we are literally being brainwashed by the constant feed of disingenuous content.”

Kendra Erika depicts the control that social media has on the world in the music video for “Authentic,” inspired by Black Mirror, the sci-fi anthology series that explores a twisted, high-tech near-future where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide. “The message I’m trying to convey in the video is for people to listen with their ears because our eyes are deceiving us. We’re gradually becoming more visual beings. However, what we are being shown is controlled. The posts we are seeing are contrived. That enticing photo on your wall may contain beauty on the surface, but it’s important to listen to the deep and meaningful ocean beneath it. We have to remember that whatever is controlled is not real. The uncontrolled message underneath the pretty picture is what’s real.”

“I, for one, am tired of conforming to what the masses want me to be. I have come to learn that being authentic means not following an echo, but leading by my own voice… and that’s what I’m doing.”

Kendra Erika is a South Florida native singer/songwriter. Trained in classical and jazz, she draws inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, Solange, Ellie Goulding, and London Grammar who strive to make music that is written out of pure sentiment and felt in the bones. Erika implements bold and poetic messages in her music; a concept that is new to many of her club fans who often heed a song’s beat but pay less attention to its message.

“Authentic” is Kendra Erika’s fourth collaboration with producer Damon Sharpe, who has written and produced for a wide array of pop artists including Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Rowland, Monica, 98 Degrees, Anastacia, and Natalie Cole. Their first single, “Oasis,” climbed to #9 on the Billboard Dance Chart in 2016. They followed it with “Under My Skin,” a song that climbed to #6 on the Billboard Dance Chart last summer. “Kendra and I have a chemistry that shines,” explains Sharpe.

“Ultimately, I hope ’Authentic’ opens peoples’ eyes to the real danger that is lurking in our pockets. Social media is a man-made monster that we have allowed to seize our minds and it is destroying from within by triggering all of our darkest insecurities.”

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(Lyric Video) Cleva Music (@MusicCleva) – “Steppa Dreams”

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Prepare to be blown away by Cleva Music/C.M’s latest hit, “Steppa Dreams.” With an astounding 4 million streams in just one week across all platforms, this track is setting the industry on fire. CM’s confident assertion, “People feel my shit,” reflects the undeniable connection he has with his audience. His distinctive sound and infectious lyrics have garnered him global attention, establishing him as a frontrunner in the music scene. With each release, CM pushes the boundaries of creativity, redefining what it means to be a true artist. His unwavering dedication and passion shine through in every note, leaving fans eager for more. As “Steppa Dreams” continues to soar, it’s clear that this rising star is destined for greatness, and the world eagerly awaits his next move.

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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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