Being a quarantined creative, like most everyone in this country if not the world, I’m working from home and fighting to stay inspired amidst so much uncertainty. In an effort to keep my energy up, I thought of some ways to stay motivated while on indefinite lockdown
Zaytoven Receives Proclamation from the City of Atlanta
by Tamiko Hope On January 12, 2020, Grammy-winning and multi-platinum producer Zaytoven was presented with a Proclamation from the City of Atlanta and the Mayor’s office for his musical and philanthropic contributions. The music icon, who has worked with Kanye West, Drake, Gucci Mane, the Migos and Nicki Minaj, launched the Zay Area Foundation in 2018 (www.zayarea.org) in an effort to support disadvantaged youth in the community who have an interest in the creative arts, particularly music. Since its inception, the foundation has held a Family Fun Day event in Lithonia over the Labor Day holiday, in addition to partnering with middle schools in the Atlanta area where they donate music equipment. Earlier this year, Zaytoven and the foundation aligned with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta where the Grammy-winning producer plays the keys for patients of the hospital, in addition to providing arts and crafts materials for the kids to do activities with him. After making a large donation to the hospital, he received a room that bears his name at the hospital in his honor. Zaytoven is no stranger to giving back. He has been active not only the Atlanta community, but also in his former home of San Francisco where he donates his piano and organ skills to his former church once a year. He still plays the keys in church every Sunday on the east side of Atlanta, something he’s done for well over a decade.
Check out CayGee’s debut single “Uh Huh” featuring Ne’Shawn
sponsored content “Uh Huh” is written by Orlando, Fl Artist CayGee produced by Ne`Shawn and Wonder Arillo. The bubbly bop has a catchy hook and creative cadences and shows a lot of promise for CayGee as a debut single. “Uh Huh” is released under Battalion 1 Music aka B1MG and was recored at Black Hole Studioz in Forest Park, Ga. Ne`Shawn is also a featured artist on the record. We had the opportunity to ask CayGee how he felt about his debut record. Here’s what he had to say: “It’s a blessing and definitely a door opener for the world to see what it’s been missing” Check out “Uh Huh’ on Youtube: CayGee, an aspiring artist on the rise, is a songwriter and producer born and raised in St.Petersburg, FL. CayGee’s love for music was influenced by the hip hop and rap community and the soulful joy of old school and RnB. CayGee’s music is heavily inspired by his hardships growing up and about giving people the motivation to achieve their greatest potential. Follow him on Instagram at @cay_gee92
Rapper T.Skrilla Drops New Heat on “Cartel” Featuring Angel Leflore
T.Skrilla Takes Life Experience and Blends it with Fire Production to Create his Newest Single, “Cartel”. And he has a Story to Tell. by Anne Carlson Born in Asheville NC, T.Skrilla is the youngest of 3 sons. His parents battled addiction in the late 1980’s and that gave him his first experiences of how impactful drugs can be to his community. Shortly after, his parents split up and he noticed that most of the people he looked up to were dealers and players. The family eventually relocated to Atlanta, GA (SWATS, Campbelton Rd.). Skrilla’s brothers were entrepreneurs and invested into a gentleman’s club “Lady Rolex” which later on became the world famous “Body Tap” which you heard mentioned by Jeezy, T.I and Gucci Mane. At 13 Skrilla discovered that he had a passion for music when a childhood friend of his let him freestyle over some of his dad’s beats in their home studio.. The reaction from his peers let him know that he had potential, so he decided to keep working on his craft. This same year he discovered his passion for fast cash, following in the footsteps of his role models he invested in the trap and became a “hotboy”. His mother quickly became fed up and he was sent to live with his father in Orlando, Fl. His passion for music lead him back to Atlanta where he continued to network at “Body Tap” and started doing popular open mics. Being that music takes investments, he continued to dabble in the street life which eventually he was arrested for cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking. He went to trial and was sentenced two 25 year sentences. He got his head in the law library , met some solid individuals, hired a new attorney and after 4.5 years, he was able to give back majority of the sentence and did a total of 6 yrs before coming home. While incarcerated, he recorded and released numerous singles and a mixtape, “Post Konviction”, on his cellphone. He is currently pushing his new single ‘Cartel’ featuring Angel Leflore and is produced by KongoBeats. Never doubt yourself, never let your circumstances limit your potential, and never give up or lose faith! Keep grindin! – T.Skrilla Check out “Cartel” now on all streaming platforms. Follow T.Skrilla on Instagram at: @iamtskrilla
Def’s Latest Project “Def Resurrected” Drops tonight!
by Anne Carlson Tyrece Robertson known as “DEF” was born in Henderson KY October 29, 1988. Def attended schools in Evansville IN completing Bosse High. He remains close to his Mom, Dad and 4 siblings. His Dad Michael “DJ Black Death” Robertson connecting him with the industry. Tyrece always had a burning desire to do music, loved freestyling and the applause of his friends served to encourage him even more. As he matured, he came to the realization that this is what makes him feel truly “complete”! Def has used the story of Master P as his inspiration and he is striving to become a major independent influencer. Tyrece is set on leaving a legacy for his daughter as well as his nieces and nephews. His philosophy is to put himself into the music, keep sending positive messages and have something to “hand off” to the next generation. Def says, It doesn’t matter your situation, You can come up! His major project to date is SLOW MONDAYS AND HOT FRIDAY NIGHTS – 28 GRAMS. This is truly the beginning for Def and he is ready to meet the future head on with positivity and determination. The latest Def project is set for release September 13, 2019. Stay tuned for this blockbuster project DEF RESURRECTED! It will not disappoint. Follow Def on social media at the following links: Fb @frfrdef – https://www.facebook.com/frfrdef/ Tw @def_frfr – https://twitter.com/DEF_frfr IG: @teamprettytoes – https://instagram.com/teamprettytoes?igshid=n0hv3s8mkndl SoundCloud: @def_fr – https://soundcloud.com/def_fr Check out DEF RESURRECTED:
Floetic Desire Floality Takes you on a Journey in her Latest Single “Sideways”
Sponsored Content Floetic Desire’s single “Sideways” is a breath of fresh air in comparison to the current host of female emcees. Floetic Desire recently released her EP “Floality” on May 29, 2019. Her standout single “Sideways” takes you on a journey of truth, honestly, reflection, and growth, and is sure to become a fan favorite. Her cadence, flow, and content are a breath of fresh air for listeners who are looking for a deeper meaning in music through a unique blend of bars and prose. From hosting her own weekly internet radio poetry show, performing at various venues across the region, beating out 8 other emcess to win 1st place in 2018’s Master of The Mic in Los Angeles. Floetic Desire decided it was time for the world to know who she is. The 8 track EP is a blend of Hip Hop & Poetry with original production from rising sound creator Subtonic of Dallas, TX and Dj 2Slo of Waco, TX. Check out Floetic Desire on Spotify below. Follow her on Instagram @floeticdesire