ntroducing Hawaii native pop singer, songwriter Ryan Lagup (La-Goo) who has a new single dropping on May 15th on all music platforms online via Movement Records. This is the third single release off his album, “Beat Shop” which released on March 26th 2021. A music video will drop soon on the website www.ryanlagup.site and on YouTube. The song written by Ryan is a pop upbeat song with catchy lyrics.
“You earned that money every penny that you got, the monies coming in flowing fast non stop, Louis Vuitton wallets phat bills in your wallet. dollars yen and euro over flown from your pocket” – Chorus to Money In Your Pocket. This will be a hit and is already hitting the radio airwaves.

Dawan Hopson, stage name Kentucky Boy, is a man who grew up in the mean streets of Hopkinsville Kentucky. He started rapping and freestyling at the age of 10 in the lunchroom of his Hopkinsville grade School cafeteria. Although he never graduated from high school, he had always dreamed of becoming a rap superstar. Throughout Dawan’s life, he sold drugs, stayed in and out of jail, and has even been shot. You would assume that he was the typical rapper! But Mr. Hopson is now a changed man. In fact, he is a very talented music mogul, who has managed to follow his dreams. He even once toured with the multi-platinum selling rap group, Nappy Roots, as their opening act from 2004 to 2012.

Dawan even signed a record deal back in 2006 with Universal Music Group. He was indeed the total package in the Hip Hop industry. He created a strong fanbase, due to his reality-based songs about his struggles and triumphs. His dedication, and hot creative style set him apart from the competition. People could relate to his music because, he made street anthem and songs for the underdogs. He was the first artist to create the phase “Act A Donkey,” which was a hit single. Dawan earned the title of Mr. ACT A DONKEY HIMSELF. Now many artists today use that phrase. 

Kentucky Boy isn’t an artist anymore, but he is honored to use all his years of experience in the music industry to help up and coming artists thrive. He teaches artists the importance of knowing and understanding the music industry so that they can be successful. And he has high hopes for the next generation of artists coming after him.  Kentucky Boy Entertainment LLC is a music marketing and promotions company based out of Kentucky which is owned, ran, and operated by Dawan Hopson aka Kentucky Boy. His mission is to help develop, manage, and market independent artists by bridging the gap to a successful career.

Follow Kentucky Boy on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/therealkentuckyboy/

1. We’re thrilled to have you for an interview, Gary!  How has 2021 been

treating you so far, all things considered?  First of all, thank you for the interview and for your time.  So far 2021 has been great because of my music and the new album.  I feel like it’s the begininng of a new level in my life. Signing with MTS Records has been an honor.  I have titled this year as “My Music Year”.  My time this year has been getting the album ready for release and promoting  the first single “A Song You Can Drink A Beer To”.   This has been my main focus. I feel like music puts the “normal” into my everyday life.   I have not really had the time dwell on any  of the negative aspects.  I try to keep positive.

2. Your single “A Song You Can Drink A Beer To” is really doing well on

both domestic and international charts.  Are you surprised at the amount

of attention you’ve received for the song?  I am actually so grateful and blessed that it is doing so well.  I knew that Michael Stover (MTS Records) would be doing a great job in getting the song out there.  Finally people are hearing my music  Everyone who has been invovled involved in this project are amazing talented people.   I knew once people heard it, they would love it. I especially have to thank my fans for all their continued support.

3. Do you feel like people “get” what you’re trying to do with your

music?  With all the recent interviews that I have had, I am learning exactly what I want to say with my music.  This Album is dedicated to the memory of my Brother.  I do feel that people know what I am expressing.  We all are living life.  We all go through good times, accomplishments, disapointments, heartbreaks, finding love, finding God, beating addictions, making wrong decisions and right decisions and being happy.  We all make mistakes  and we are all human.  Life is full of changes.  The main thing is that we remain positive and each one of us should strive to be a better person in the end.

4. Growing up, who did you listen to?  Do you still listen to those

artists, or have your tastes changed as you’ve gotten older?  I listened to a variety of Artists- including Elvis, Garth, Leann Rimes, Brooks and Dunn, Dwight Yoakum to name a few.  I continue to listen to them, however, I do love some of the new artists.  My taste has changed a bit through the years.   I have listened  and performed all types of music but my heart  belongs to Country Music.  I am not happy unless I am singing, learning and growing my music craft.  Musicians and Writers are always looking to  improve their talents.

5. Pittsburgh is known for its blue-collar history and sports teams. 

What is something that people would be surprised to know about

Pittsburgh? One thing I find that some people in the area don’t even know is in North Park. There is a hill they call Gravity Hill- where cars seem to roll up hill.  It is an awesome experience.  It is also the largest public park in Allegheny County and is home to the county’s largest lake.

6. What is one song that you never change when it comes on?  The Dance by Garth Brooks.  It was written by Grammy Nominee Tony Arata.  The title song of my new album, “Something Worth Remembering”,  was also written by Tony Arata.  What an honor this is for me.  

7. Are you involved in any charitable works?  If so, what?  I am involved in a few charitable organizations.  The Cancer Society’s Relay For Life  is one project I have been invovled with for years.  In fact I wrote a song titled “The Relay for Life” and I  have performed it at several area programs and it has been used at Relay For Life events throughout the US.  I am also invovled with Animal Friends and The Westmoreland Cultural Trust.  I am always looking to help others.

8. Tell us one thing about you that most people would be surprised to

know.  I am addicted to listening to Joel Osteen on Sirius Radio.

9. Tell us what’s next for you, on the music front? I plan on writing with some other Artists and Nashville writers in the future.  I’d like to write a Christian song.  I have a few ideas. I am looking forward in doing a full blown video of one of my songs.

10. What do you hope that people will think of when they hear the name

Gary Pratt?  That I am not a perfect person. I fall, I make mistakes and I get back up. I live life to the fullest each day and I am a genuine caring person who believes in God.  When people hear my music and my name- I want them to think just that.

Detroit, also known as “Motor City”, inspired by its ties to the auto industry, has an accomplished artist and an even more inspiring entrepreneur to its credit – Jantoin Thompson, professionally known as Jantoin Thedon, grew up on the west side of Detroit, and revving up the international music industry.

A recording artist, producer, engineer, and songwriter, Jantoin sure can don many hats.  This talented professional is self-taught and strongly believes in becoming the best version of who he can be. Featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, Yahoo! News, Yahoo Finance, Jantoin is inspired by today’s young entrepreneurs that are really taking advantage of technology & the internet. 

Determined and ambitious, Jantoin possesses an innate drive for success and motivation. One who does not believe in being trapped by society’s dogma and living on other people’s thinking, Jantoin sure is a true hustler. His entrepreneurial ventures is a true reflection of the courage he possesses to follow his heart and intuition. He openly admits that everything he knows today is because he taught it all himself. One is just left amazed by how much this man can accomplish in life. 

With 2 Pac, DMX, Jay Z, and a Detroit based hometown group, Rock Bottom Entertainment, serving as musical influences, Jantoin claimed his music game back in 2021. With his new single called Stunna Shades (Remix) that just dropped, this talented artist is rapidly climbing the charts on all the top streaming platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Dreezer! A Double Platinum Records feature on ReverbNation surely makes us believe that Jantoin is a phoenix rising from the ashes after briefly retiring from music in 2013. 

Not a man who can be kept from performing at this best, Jantoin entered entrepreneurship during his break from music. Since 2013, he started trading on the foreign exchange market & binary options and mentored others to do the same. Jantoin indeed boasts of a strong social media influencer network, as is seen with how much his following blew up from a stagnant 1,600 followers to well over 75,000+ in a very short time. An avid fitness enthusiast, Jantoin also sells detox products that promote weight loss & a healthier lifestyle. A believer in a healthy body leads to a product mind; he has even published a detox book, now available on Amazon. A financially wise mind set driven entrepreneur, he spends most of his time travelling and continually brainstorming ways to help his partners make additional income. 

Known to listen to the tune of forgiveness, compassion, community support and coming together to raise the collective vibration of human consciousness, Jantoin is on track to set up an outreach program. The program shall be focused on helping underprivileged youth. A father to two wonderful girls ages 15 & 16, Jantoin is equally driven to empower them to become successful business owners just like him – the mark of a true mentor. 

Led by the hope to bring joy to someone when they hear his music, Jantoin is a role model for youth, preaching self-reliance, giving back to society and the entrepreneurial hustle.

“Stunna Shades (Remix)” is available now on all streaming services.

https://www.instagram.com/jantoin_thedon/ (@jantoin_thedon).

Uncommon to the industry norm, musician Sleep (Abdirisaq) Elmi’s ideology perplexes, as he attempts to reduce the engagement of his music, by removing his music videos from youtube to “focus on Ramadan, faithfully.”. However as a result of cutting YouTube views, the artist revealed acquiring more plays on audio streaming platforms.

To begin with, promotional channels don’t typically allow contract agreements with flexible options that give the promotors more work after completion, at-least not without a fee or a custom NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) because it could mean a lot more work for the promoting party and with respect to personal beliefs, there aren’t specific religious laws tailored to musicians put in practice yet. So what’s the deal?

Videographer and owner of MinnesotaColdTV, where a majority of Sleep’s music videos have been posted, replies he willingly did the service, free of charge.

“It’s unusual for an artist to want his art to be hidden so I thought it was strange at first, and he did it over text messaging, but he sent a second message explaining how it was a temporary thing for 30 days, and I immediately knew what it was, so I just did it for him, no sweat cause I respect
that.” – MinnesotaColdTV

Next to being published on Los Angeles Tribune for a similar matter, involving his religion, Elmi has recently surfaced with a bold and vexing style, not-unlike an artist, inciting a targeted demographic and calling for a range of questions like, “How can a Muslim make music, if listening to music isn’t permissible?” and “Can a musician be consider a real Muslim if music is a sin in Islam, even if they pray and fast during Ramadan?”

The Islamic religion is known for being strict, especially during Ramadan, when Muslims fast, (the practice of a “no food or water” diet during the daytime, along with other restrictions, like profanity.)

Inarguably a sin, making or enjoying music while fasting is an act that will make your fasting efforts invalid, bringing some logic to binning music videos if your Muslim, but the singer’s music is still available on major platforms, like iTunes and Spotify, in audio format. Hullabaloo, we’re not convinced here at Billboard, but we guesstimate a unique and savvy brand gimmick building attempt, as uncorrupted or selfless as it may be presented. It all materializes as a strategical marketing technique for the artist but a no go as far as his efforts go make a believable point. Looking forward, the visuals for the musician’s work are expected to be available again, after Ramadan has ended (Thursday, May 13, 2021).

Other topics on Artist

Los Angeles Tribune
https://thelosangelestribune.com/2020/09/28/hip-hop-artistsleep-elmi-re-releases-music-video-avoiding-any-charges/

Sleep Elmi Removes Model From Video
https://www.epistlenews.co.uk/opinion/09/20/sleep-elmiremoves-video-involving-christian-model.html

1. When and where were you born? I was born October 19,1985 in New Brunswick, NJ.

2. What’s your full name? My full name is Richard Charles Deloatch.

3. Where did you get your stage name from? My nickname growing up in the neighborhood was Rich Porter due to the lifestyle I was living as a young teenager. As I grew older, drawn more to music and making music of my own, the neighborhood shortened it to Rich Po and I stuck with it.

4. What was your childhood like? I grew up as the only child in my house. My father was present, but he was an addict. I found out as a grown man the mother I’ve been calling mom my entire life wasn’t my biological mother, and I met my real mother only once right before she passed. Started hustling at the age of 12 to take care of myself which also influenced my nickname.

5. How many brothers and sisters do you have and how was you parental history? I have 4 brothers and 2 sisters. (See 4 for parental history)

6. What made you start doing industry things and when did you start? I started taking music seriously at around 15 years old. Besides the skills I possess, God truly always put me around the right people. I had the opportunity to be at Ruff Ryders studio and be around celebrities starting at about 15-16. Just bring in their presence and taking the experience all in is when I knew Rap and music was for me.

7. Who were your greatest influences in the industry growing up and who influences you now? Jay-Z is not only my favorite rapper, but my greatest influence. We have so much in common. Besides undoubted rap skills, we are trend setters, make timeless music, and have the ability to reinvent ourselves. Still to this day, he remains the greatest influence in my rap career.

8. What are your greatest goals? My greatest goals is to leave a legacy so my children can be proud, help change the lives of those less fortunate through my charity work, and to become a business mogul.

9. What’s to be expected of you in the future? In the future you can expect new music, movie appearances, tours, and great things from my company. I plan to push it to be the best it can be. Failure is not an option.

10. What big shows have you had if any and have you ever opened up for any headliners, if so, who? I had parts in Beanie Siegel’s single release, and opened up for artists Young Jeezy, Uncle Murda, and D4L.

11. What makes you different from other artists?
What makes me different is I AM the formula. I make timeless music and know how to reinvent myself to create longevity.

Facebook: Rich Po
IG: RichPo732
Twitter: RichPo12
Snapchat: RichPo732
Clubhouse: RichPo732

Single “DAMN” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wLIjH3_qFUo

The facets of music and its ever-evolving nature have given rise to a new breed of artist and musician. Noella Rain is a leader in the new school of contemporary artists and She is constantly pushing the envelope and reinventing herself and her sound. Noella Rain a multi-talented singer and songwriter born in Long Island, New York, and raised across continents between Malawi and Long Island. She currently lives between Baltimore MD and Long Island NY. She is an artist that epitomizes the essence of the modern era and she is making music that is thoughtful, conscious, and driven by a desire to motivate, inspire, comfort, and spread love and joy to all those that hear it.

Born Noella Rain Barnhart, Noella Rain has had a vast array of musical influences however she accredits the pivotal influences in her music to Carole King, Adele, Nina Simone, Ingrid Michaelson, Taylor Swift, Julia Michaels, Christiana Aguilera, and Olivia Rodrigo. This varied spectrum of influence has led to the development of Noella Rain the embodiment of originality and she uses her musical acumen and ideas to create an amalgamated and original sound.

This all culminates in Noella Rain producing a musical experience that is enjoyable, easy-going, and fun but still seeks to provoke thought in a contemporary way. Noella Rain also uses her music as a vehicle to express her perspectives and tell stories.   Her music is built on the power found in vulnerability. Authenticity is the very ethos that encapsulates her music. Because of this she ultimately developed a style of songwriting that is transparent, daring and full of hope, and reflective of her experiences, thought, and ambitions. Turning pain into purpose and lessons into studio sessions. Her overarching ambition is to touch the lives of people through her music and bring heal to their lives through her music. Her smooth vocals are decorated by effortless intonations that are accentuated by sweet falsettos and soothing warm tones. She possesses a modern-day mix that crescendos with spellbinding emotive undertones.  It is clear that Noella Rain is on her way to becoming a worldwide phenomenon and a musician that will continuously change the status quo of the industry

Noella Rain currently has an album dubbed “Phoenix” as well as 3 notable singles titled “Pixies”, “Huckleberry Finn”, and “Inception” which showcase her lyricism and smooth vocals in a uniquely constructed piece of musical artistry.  She will be releasing her latest album dubbed “Beauty in Chaos”. It’s a 12 track project which focuses on themes of being imperfectly perfect. Her music exhibits not only her versatility and vocal prowess but has surely cemented her style and paved the way for the varied expressions of her musical ideas and artistic craft.

There is no doubt that in the near future Noella Rain will light up arenas and auditoriums and grace the greatest stages the world has to offer and bring beauty and power into her performances. This is the music that will push the boundaries of our perception as well as inspire and drive us to introspective conversations. As long as artists like Noella Rain exist and her story and voice are heard then this is the music that may not change the world but can change the people in the world.

1. We’re thrilled to have you for an interview, Bill!  How has 2021 been treating you so far, all things considered?

2021 has started off a bit busy. Along with working in the studio completing our latest EP, trying to keep up with the promotions for “More Than Meets the Eye” and doing some remodeling on my loft, it’s been a pretty busy time. We are now moving into the mastering phase on the EP, and the loft is completed, so I am looking forward to focusing on a few new tunes that have been in the works for a while.

2. Your single “More Than Meets the Eye” is still getting some airplay and charting overseas.  Are you surprised at the amount of attention you’ve received for the song?

It’s always exciting to have folks listen to my music. I think “More Than Meets the Eye” is a tune people can relate to as it explores a few of the ideas that are all over the news today and takes a bit of a different look at some of them. I have received some comments from folks all over the US and Europe stating they agree with some of the concepts I delve into in the song. As I like to say, I would never be so bold as to tell anyone what to think but will challenge all of us to take a look at the events of our times and really think through them in an unbiased way. There are lots of opinions, ideas, information and miss information floating around in the media and as always, I think we owe it to ourselves to evaluate all the information and draw our own opinions. I will not ever tell you what to think but will challenge you to think for yourself. It’s important to me.

3. Do you feel like people “get” what you’re trying to do with your music?

It’s funny really. When I post a tune on social media, I typically get lots of comments. Music is a bit magic as each song can mean something different to each listener, based on where they are in their lives at the time. Do people “get” what I am saying? Sometimes folks do understand my points in the songs and sometimes they understand them from a completely different point of view. I find it very interesting to see what my music means to other people. Isn’t that why we do this music thing? To touch people’s lives in some way?

4. Growing up, who did you listen to?  Do you still listen to those artists, or have your tastes changed as you’ve gotten older?

I was speaking with a friend recently and we were talking about the first 45’s we ever purchased. My first was “In the year 2525” by Zager and Evans. I listed to that tune again the other day and was fascinated by how relevant it still is in our society. I listened to quite a variety of music throughout my life in essentially every genre. I’ve always been drawn to singer songwriter music that has some type of message associated with it. Over the years, I have kept this love of songwriters and listen to a large variety of music. Folks have heard me say many times that I appreciate all types of music as long as the artist has something to say and are using music to say it. 

5. Kansas City is known for its blues and BBQ.  What is something that people would be surprised to know about Kansas City?
You mean beyond the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes?  Ha-ha. KC is a very diverse town, with all kinds of great music, entertainment and yes, great food available. I am a big fan of farm to table restaurants, great steaks and great beer. KC has all this and more. From a music standpoint, KC has a great Jazz community, and quite a Tribute Band community. Depending on your tastes and your mood, KC can deliver what you’re looking for, and typically at very high quality. It’s a great place to live. 

6. What is one song that you never change when it comes on?

 “Love when you can, cry when you have to, be who you must that’s a part of the plan. Await your arrival with simple survival and one day, we’ll all understand.” Part of the Plan by Fogelberg.

Such a great song with a timeless meaning. I am big on being yourself, living in the moment, and enjoying all that life has to offer us. Dan captured that is this timeless tune.

7. Are you involved in any charitable works?  If so, what? 

During the pandemic the homeless community was literally left out in the cold. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to support several organizations to help this community get through the challenges of not only Covid but the challenges of winter. You know I think that if each of us would take the time to help one person a little every day, we can make a huge impact in our society. As I like to say, when you reach out and help someone, learn their name, learn their story, and get to know them a little. People are fascinating, have great stories, and sometimes just need a little hand up. Take the time to make that happen and we will all benefit from it in so many ways.

8. Tell us one thing about you that most people would be surprised to know.
I was talking with a friend the other day who told me they thought I was an extroverted introvert. I have no idea what that actually means, but I was surprised to hear it, so maybe other folks are as well. Ha-ha. I enjoy quiet time, being alone with my thoughts. I think it helps keep me in some sort of balance. It’s a pretty busy world out there, and one could easily get caught up in it and lose themselves. I attempt to maintain some balance in my extroverted introverted self. lol

9. Tell us what’s next for you, on the music front.

Following up “More Than Meets the Eye” are 3 songs that I am really excited about. They are quite diverse both musically and lyrically which is fun for me. A long-time fan asked me why I wasn’t releasing more introspective “pretty” music. Where here it comes. Two of these tunes are just that. Very introspective and challenging from a musical and lyrical standpoint. “A Thousand Wild Horses” and “Who Are You, Who Am I” really touch areas of my life that are quite personal to me. The third song is kind of fun. I think everyone has that weird uncle or friend that well kind of look forward to seeing at group gatherings. If you don’t know who it is, it’s probably you. You may be “The World’s Foremost Authority on Everything”. “Hell, he don’t even need Google”. Now ya gotta listen to it to understand that comment. LOL

10. What do you hope that people will think of when they hear the name Bill Abernathy?

I’m a simple guy. Dad, Papa, Singer Songwriter, and Storyteller living in a loft down by the river with my pup Worf. I hope folks know that I am real, honest to a fault, open minded, and enjoy a good discussion as much as I do a good jam session. I will always give you my opinion if you ask but will never give you advice. Oh, and I really like guitars, the more the better. 

Tiredbvy is a young and upcoming rapper from Switzerland. He has developed exponentially as an artist and his progress is clear to see with his latest releases.

His latest project “SYNIRIS” is his big blowup, with the album he has proven how much he has perfected his sound. The single “Ride or Die” seems to be the best received so far, with Maniaac as a feature and Hxffy with Boy Casa behind the beat. In the process, he not only talks about how difficult a breakup can be, but also how quickly you can fall from the top.

He himself says that with each song the learning curve increases and so does the quality. From writing lyrics, recording, mastering to releasing he does everything himself. What is special about Tiredbvy is the fine work, the album is full of details that you only understand the tenth time you listen to it. He has the flow, the production skills and the message to soar to great heights.

There has been no shortage of young and talented up-and-coming artists in the last decade, and it’s safe to say that the genre is in good hands with the amazing artists that have emerged in recent years.

Marcus Alland is a young and upcoming rapper calling Prince George’s County, Maryland his home. While Marcus originally hails from Queens, NY, a notorious hip hop hotbed, it wasn’t until he moved to Maryland and started singing in his local church choir that he realized the impact that music had on him. Choir participation led to producing beats which in turn led to rapping, all by the young age of 16. He has grown exponentially as an artist since then and his progress is on full display with his latest releases.

Alland’s latest single, the inspirational “The Sky Is Never The Limit” is an uplifting message of positivity and serves as a motivational speech to its listeners. With the simple refrain of “…get up and get it…” Marcus encourages others and himself to make the most of the situation. Alland has made a habit of making songs with a positive message as of late. His single “Young Black & Gifted”, which dropped in October of 2020, is an ode to the late Chadwick Boseman, a man who greatly inspired Marcus and his ambitions as an artist. Boseman was and still is a hero to many, specifically to many young black men, and Marcus had always dreamed of acting alongside Boseman. While those ambitions will sadly not be realized, Marcus was still able to tap into the creative power that Boseman brought to the screen. “Young Black & Gifted” is an incredible ode to the legacy of Boseman and to the limitless potential of all young and gifted black men and women.

Over the past decade plus there has been an ongoing conversation in the hip hop community about the value of so-called ‘conscious rap’ as opposed to top 40 or radio rap. Marcus Alland has made it clear with “The Sky Is Never The Limit” and “Young Black & Gifted” that there doesn’t need to be just one or the other and that both genres can flow seamlessly together. “The Sky Is Never The Limit”, while carrying an uplifting message, is also a straight-up banger. This is a “windows down on a summer night, rolling with the crew, volume all the way up” kind of song. Its’ energy is infectious, and if you play it on repeat you’ll be three spins in before you realize the song has started over.

Rap has suffered no shortage of young and talented up and comers in the past decade and it is safe to say that the genre is in good hands with the amazing crop of artists who have arisen over the past few years. It should also be noted that there are a whole ‘nother crop of young artists who are banging on the door demanding to be heard, and Marcus Alland is most definitely one of them. And while Marcus has certainly carved his own path musically his swagger is reminiscent of another well known DMV resident and rapper, Wale. Marcus’ talent and ambition are a force to be reckoned with and it would be no great surprise to see him dominating the rap charts in a years’ time. He has the bars, the production skills, and the message to take himself to great heights. After all, the sky is never the limit for those who are young black and gifted.

Written by Ian Logue