IN TUNE TO MAKE HIT'S AKA THE HITMAN

THE HITMAN

N.A.B.: The HITMAN is a straight forward, outspoken name. When and who decided you would carry this epithet?

HITMAN: I chose my own name. I decided I needed both a strong and clever name that represented me as a person and an artist. The reason behind that name being chosen is because of my admiration of how an assassin carries themselves; quiet, observant, focused on his goals, precise and deadly when need be. There is also a double meaning to HITMAN, I only strive to make hits nothing less hence the name The HITMAN. 

N.A.B.: Like many boys growing up into men, you've overcome your share of hurdles. How did you manage staying focused on your dream?

HITMAN: I love music. It's my escape from most problems and I use it as my own therapy. I've been singing since I was six and started rapping when I was nine. It's not that becoming an artist is a goal, I already see myself as an artist. Being a successful artist is my goal!! I couldn't really afford much so I made everything that had to do with my career choice, my lifestyle. I became a live in studio sound engineer so I can record and perform. I work as a camera man with EMmutimedia.com so I can do music videos. Everything else doesn't faze me. I don't have time to worry about what happened before. If you look back you trip sometimes. So keeping your eyes forward on what you need and everything will be OK.

N.A.B.: What skills would you say you bring to the table being an artist and engineer? How would you describe your sound to people?

HITMAN: I"m a diverse artist. I can fit into any genre of music and enjoy every genre. I not only being an artist but also a sound engineer helped me progress faster and I think it gave me the advantage on most up coming artist. I tech for many showcases so I get to see all the mistakes and I study everything I watch. Now I know what to do and what kind of fresh ideas I can bring to the stage to put on an entertaining show. Plus it always helps to learn all the equipment that's being used for you on stage and off.

N.A.B.: What image do you think your music conveys?

HITMAN: Depends on the song I make. I could make a party song than make a song with a strong heart-ed and personal message to it. Also it could switch to straight up hip hop hardcore. It's all diverse but I guess you could put it under commercial hip hop.

N.A.B.: What are your short and long term goals?

HITMAN: My goal period is to become successful and master my craft in the art of writing and performing music. I mean I would like to get on a level as other famous well known artist too, don't get me wrong.

N.A.B.: Do you have a press kit or demo our viewers can check out? Where do you promote?

HITMAN: I will be releasing a mix tape soon called "Unknown" and I'm currently making a couple music video's for some songs on that mix tape. Right now you can find my music and my info on facebook, reverbnation, youtube and any other current social network. I do have a press kit and will be releasing a video EPK soon.

N.A.B.: Do you have a marketing or business plan in place for your career?

HITMAN: Yes but I feel I'm still in the early phase where I always improve or change things. 

N.A.B.: You've came across the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program showcase. Fill us in about your experience from how you became acquainted to your actual appearance.

HITMAN: I met A.D. the General at a showcase that I was told to go to by a friend I met when I was sound teaching for Times Square Art's Center on 42nd street. I was told the wrong time to go though so I showed up at the end and basically everyone was either leaving or talking to each other. So I walked up to each judge individually to ask them to stay and watch me perform and she happened to be one of them. I started performing and didn't really have anyone's attention at first. So I jumped on a table in the middle of the room and went in on the music, ears where perking than. After that I git love from everyone and got the judges contact info. I sent A.D. my music and she was really feeling it. A.D. kept telling me about the show Elegant Hoodness for a while and I'm glad I didn't let her down because she had a lot of faith that I was going to do well. I didn't think I would win though cause it was a lot of good talent there. I guess it was my time you know?

N.A.B.: What social networking sites are you actively on?

HITMAN: Twitter: @officialhitman Facebook.com/officialhitman Reverbnation.com/theofficialhitman Instagram: officialhitman Youtube.com/thehitmanlive

N.A.B.: Any closing words and or shout outs?

WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012'

DRAECO NEWEST WINNER IN ATL

DRAECO

E.H.M.P: What age did you start doing music? What possessed you into making it as a career?

DRAECO: I started doing music at about age 12. I played around with it for years, I was always had a love for it and was always told my music was good and the more I did it I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I love making music and songwriting with a passion.

E.H.M.P: Many people look at you as being a superstar.  What star qualities do you think you possess?

DRAECO: I think I definitely have the talent, and I know that I have an appeal that attracts various age groups.

E.H.M.P: How was it like being signed with Major Boy Records? If you can choose to be apart of any label, what would it be? Why?

DRAECO: All I can say about the Major Boy Records situation was that it was an experience. Well as far as choosing a label it would be hard. I respect a lot of labels but of course a deal would have to be right and be beneficial to me.

E.H.M.P: Many artists now a day possess a certain style in their music. What style does your music have? What energy do you think it will bring to a listener?  

DRAECO: My style varies. I’m the kind of artist that feels out a track. The track determines my style and flow; I’m very versatile when it comes to writing on a track and how I want to go in on it. My energy is an energy that will let you feel the song, track, and what I’m saying on it. If it’s a song I put out, you’ll definitely feel it.

E.H.M.P: Many artists such as Lil Wayne influence many people around the world with his style in fashion and music. What influence would you want to leave with your listeners? 

DRAECO: I’d like to leave the influence of. I’m me. What I wear, how I rap, what I say. It’s me. Nothing I say in any song I record is made up. I’m not into gimmick rapping. Either I’ve done it, experience it in some way, or it’s a thought that has a strong possibility of happening.

E.H.M.P: What are some other talents people may not know about you?

DRAECO: I can sing. Not saying I’m the greatest at it but I can hold it down. I’ve sang hooks for a number of artists.

E.H.M.P: How can your listeners find your music? How can anyone contact you? 

DRAECO: My website at www.draecoonline.com , www.reverbnation.com/draeco , search me on datpiff.com, I have several mix tapes there of mine and ones I’ve been featured on, youtube.com/MrDraeco1 and simply jus by following me on twitter @draeco.. It’s always some music from me being tweeted.

WRITTEN BY: Rachel Germain

Courtesy of the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2012

MIZZNEKOL- NEWEST WINNER AT E.H.M.P.

E.H.M.P: Now in this game female emcees don’t get the shine they truly deserve, so for the readers please tell us who Mizznekol is?

Mizznekol: The best way to describe myself would be one word, "passionate". I discovered this passion in music at the tender age of 16. I would find myself writing down the verses to Queen Latifah's, U.N.I.T.Y. and practicing in the mirror as I tried to resemble the female hip hop icon. I was blessed with the ear for music and taught myself to play melodies that I would hear on the radio. I have been producing now for almost 10 years and aim to be the next mainstream female producer. Many of my peers have recommended that I should pursue being a songwriter as well so I am in the process of shopping my material to a few mainstream artists.

E.H.M.P: At what point in your life did you truly decide that music was your passion? Who were some of your influences?

Mizznekol: I was a freshman in high school when I discovered that music was my passion. I was known for killing the cyphers that would go on in the cafeteria during lunch period. My main influences were, Missy Elliot, Queen latifah, Rah Diggah, and Eve.

E.H.M.P: Listening to your music I can truly say that your music has substance, something that we are beginning to lose in the industry. What message are you trying to send through your music? How do you feel about the state of Hip Hop and the struggle for female emcee’s to show unity with each other?

Mizznekol: My message is to demonstrate that as a woman I can earn fans from my lyrics, not just a physical stand point. I want to be looked at as an inspiration to someone and motivate them to pursue there dreams as well. I honestly feel that my music is theraputic for different types of people because I am genuine and humble. I have always been compared to some of the most respected female hip hop icons that ever touched a microphone. Female artists are overlooked at times if the sex appeal is not obvious, but I think that I have the type of drive and passion that will soon be discovered. I am not afraid to be rejected. I am willing to hear a slow no, instead of a fast yes. If the industry would cater more towards hip hop , I think a lot more female emcee's would be in the game.

E.H.M.P: What made you pursue your company Dope Girl Muzik? How has 12th Dynasty Music Group and your company helped you to grow as an artist?

Mizznekol: I decided to start my own production company because I was tired of depending on people to invest in my music career. I researched the music business and came up with a budget that I could afford to start my own business. One word comes to mind the most when people describe my productions or albums, and that word was "dope". Everytme I asked for feedback on my music I would get the word dope so I decided to name my company "Dopegirlmuzik". 12th Dynasty Music Group is owned by my manager Mecca Muhammad. Mecca has helped me get a better understanding of the business side to pursing a career in music. His knowledge and humble heart is what allows me to trust that this management company can take my career to the next level.

E.H.M.P: How did you come across the Eleganthoodness Musical Program and how have you benefited from their acquaintance? What would you say to artist about the Eleganthoodness movement and what they represent?

Mizznekol: I was introduced to the Eleganthoodness Musical Program in 2010, while video corresponding for undergroundsoundspin.com. I liked the exposure and professionalism of A. D. the General. The fact that she is a female on her grind really entrigued my curiosity and I wanted to be apart of the movement. I would tell any upcoming artist that the Eleganthoodness Musical program is definitely beneficial towards getting exposure across the U.S. As an artist you have to invest in yourself before you can expect any other investors to take part in your career. A.D. the General provides excellent media packages to the artists that attend her functions and I have made some great connections by being apart of these showcases.

E.H.M.P: Tell us about your projects past and present and what is next for Mizznekol? How would you describe your style and who would say influences your music? Describe the feeling when you’re on stage performing?

Mizznekol: I currnetly have two projects in the streets and one project that will be released this Spring.My first project was entitled Life Lessons. This mixtape is pretty much self explanatory because every track symbolizes my life. I aim to inspire and deliver a message behind my music. I take my daily struggles and try to paint a picture for the consumers to allow them to visualize my lifestyle. My second project was called, Grown Woman, which has generated a huge fan base over the last six months. This album was executive produced by myself, and I used my company Dopegirlmuzik to present it to the world. The whole Grown Woman movement is to inspire women that we can be independent, run businesses, and be successful in this society. When I perform I get goosebumps because every lyric I spit just comes from the heart. I try to make eye contact with the audience to indicate that I am sincere and love rocking the crowd. My stage performance is similar to the queen of RnB, Mary J. Blige, because the passion is delivered from the time I start my set, until the last second.

E.H.M.P: I have to add because I was moved by your recent tribute to Trayvon Martin, what motivated you to put together that tribute and what your feelings are on the issue?

Mizznekol: My spirit was touched by the whole Trayvon Martin incident. I was not upset because the kid was black; I was more so upset for the injustice of the shooter. I decided to write this inspirational tribute because I thought about my son being in this position and the lyrics just start pouring out onto the paper. I am not afraid to take a stand and I felt that since I have people that look up to me that they would want to join the movement 

E.H.M.P: Tell the readers how they can connect with you and your movement. How can artist reach out for collabs and last but not least whom would you like to shout out?

Mizznekol: I have several social sites that you can preview my music as well as get free downloads

www.reverbnation.com/mizznekol

www.soundcloud.com/mizznekol

Purchase the Grown Woman album online @

www.cdbaby.com/mizznekol3

www.onesheet.com/mizznekol

For booking contact : Mecca Muhammad 816 218 5481 or mizznekol29@gmail.com

www.youtube.com/mizznekol

www.twitter.com/mizznekol_29

 

I would first like to give thanks to our heavenly father for blessing me with the gift of music. I would like to thank Joe Vertigo for being a wonderful friend, and mentor for the last eight years. I would like to thank my mother and siblings for always supporting me and understanding my passion for music. I would like to thank my two beautiful children for giving me the inspiration to follow my dreams. I want to thank my manager, Mecca Muhammad, for trusting in me and making sacrifices to better my artist development. I would like to thank Christina Childs for being a good sister and always supporting my hustle. I would like to thank Ju the unknown of undergroundsoundspin.com for providing the media exposure to my company. I want to thank A.D.the general for putting together the ElegantHoodness Musical program and allowing independent artists the opportunity to be marketed across different regions. Lastly, I just thank anyone that has ever had anything to do with supporting Mizznekol, and Dopegirlmuzik

Written by G Steam
Courtesy of The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2012

GET ACQUAINTED WITH ST. LOU

ST. LOU
 

SPECIALGIFT: You are bright, charming, charismatic and admirable. You are a student, baller and an artist. You even have great teeth I must say, as well. (smiles) My Goodness you have super swag, lol!! Tell me and our readers about yourself and how you can sustain your many talents.

ST. LOU: Lol thanks, Well i go by the name St.Lou, it was a nickname my friend gave me when i was younger. I'm 18 years old, I was born in the Bronx, But raised in South Side Jamaica Queens. I started rapping at the age of 12, and was also in a rap group. We did our thing for a year, from 2007-2008 then went our separate ways when things wasn't going right. Ever since then i been a solo artist. I played Varsity Basketball for 2 years at Hillcrest High School. I'm currently in College, I attend BMCC for now, planning on transferring to Florida State University. Have my own team called $Livin Rich$, starting up a clothing line by the way. I got a buzz in South Side Jamaica Queens, I'm trying to make my buzz worldwide. I make music people can relate to with some good concepts. Such as Party/Hype music, to Relationships/Heartbreaks, Fashion & etc. I work hard and put a lot into all my songs, i know it will pay off soon. I'm just waiting for my time. I Sustain my many talents by just being dedicated and humble. If i make up my mind to do something...Imma do it.

SPECIALGIFT: O.k., so I hear you have a single coming out April 21, 2012, that's great. Enhance us with details, titles etc.

ST. LOU: Yeah, I got a song called "Stuntin' In My J'z" Featuring my two homie's, Charms Montana & Dezzy Finesse and Produce by my homie J-Wiz. I wanted to make a song that many people across the world can relate to. I know a lot of people wear the sneakers Jordan's such as myself. So I wanted to make an anthem, which will have an impact on the world. Good Lyrics & A fire beat. You can got to YouTube on the 21st at 6pm the track will be up.

SPECIALGIFT: What are you plans after this release? Elaborate a bit.

ST LOU: After the release I'm going to promote it hard so it will be an success & shoot an official video for it. I have a lot of original fire music coming out. I'm going to do more videos, shows, keep grinding hard and being humble.

SPECIALGIFT: You performed at the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program March of this year, 2012. How did that come about? How was the experience? Elaborate on the outcome.

ST. LOU: It was a great feeling ! I was the youngest one in there and when I heard Bones Brigante was there i was shocked. I wanted to put on a show and I did, The crowd was feeling me and my music and I did my thing. As a new act i came in 3rd place and judges said I had a lot of energy. I was proud of myself.

SPECIALGIFT: I noticed a recent tweet on twitter from you that stated, "Got so many events coming up, future looking great". Now that's grand!! Where can we expect you in the next up coming months? 

ST. LOU: Hopefully on a big radio station or on TV, I mean who knows ? I'm just going to keep doing what im doing now and put God 1st because he never lets me down

SPECIALGIFT: Where can the readers and your fans keep acquainted with you?

ST. LOU: Follow me on Twitter @Louey_Haha , Facebook type in Sejohn Louey Bernard , Facebook Artist Page type in St.Lou , On YouTube type in LoueyLouTV , If you want to book me for shows or send beats my email is SejohnBernard@yahoo.com

WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012'