Janga credits his music upbringing with a non-traditional style

By Max Bowen

Following the release of his singles, including “Next Level” and “Gyalcation,” Janga has been hard at work crafting new songs in his blended style.

It was in 2019 that Janga took what had been a hobby and decided to make it his next career. In 2020 he released “Next Level” followed soon after by “We Don’t Play,” “Never Enough,” and “Gyalcation,” which has been featured in a previous Blackout Collection playlist. In this interview, Janga shares his music upbringing, his unique musical style and what we can expect down the road.


What got you into music in the first place?
I’ve been interested in music for as long as I can remember because it was always being played in my house. The person who specifically got me into wanting to make music was Usher, because I wanted to be like him, so I started writing R&B songs from the age of 9/10 and singing, not rapping. I don’t remember the exact moment when I decided I would start singing, but looking back at it now, it just felt natural.

I read that you were exposed to a lot of different music at a young age. How would you say this shaped your style?
This has shaped my style because I am open to making songs that would not be classed as traditional hip-hop, like my song “Gyalcation,” which is an Afrobeats song, or “Go With The Tempo” which is a Grime song. When I hear a beat for the first time I don’t automatically dismiss it if it doesn’t sound a certain way, instead I’ll think about how I could make it sound authentic to the genre while still keeping the essence of Janga.

Your debut single, “Next Level,” was released in 2020. What was the reception and how did it feel to make this entry into the music world?
It felt great, after so many years of hesitation it felt like the right time and the right song to introduce myself to the music world. I always knew that I would eventually release my music but I was focused on other things at the time like university, traveling, learning languages, work etc. The reception from the song was really good, a lot of people that knew me were surprised because they’d never heard me rap before. I received very little negative feedback.

Is there a singular element to your music?
I wouldn’t say that there’s one specific element in my music that is always there above the others, but I would say that rapping, beats and rhythm, and lyricism are the three which are consistent in each of my songs.

What’s next for you?
I’ve just released my new song called “Back To Back” with French rapper Price BDK, so I’m working on promoting that. I also have some upcoming performances like at BOXPARK Wembley next week. I plan on releasing more music and performing at more shows so that I can grow my fanbase as much as possible.

Deshawn White releases tribute song for “Spider-Man: No Way Home”

For this episode, I sit down with rapper/producer Deshawn White to talk about his recently-released single, “Control,” a tribute to the upcoming “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The song took Deshawn in some new directions, including getting into character, a first for him. We also nerd out a bit on the film franchise and talk about the different actors who've played the wall-crawler over the years.

But there's much more! Deshawn's career began when he was just 12 years old, rapping about the violence and drugs that were his childhood. We look at this early work, and what happened that led to him releasing “Hold On” in 2011, his first Christian single, followed by “Before The Ceiling Falls” in 2015. Deshawn and I talk about the role religion has played in his life and why he felt so strongly about dedicating an album to it.

In 2022, Deshawn will relase “BOATS” or “Based On A True Story.” It's a summation of his life—both the good and the bad, and he holds nothing back as we talk about the different tales that he'll share. We also look at what's next, and the answer is pretty interesting.

Following this, enjoy Deshawn's new single “Control.” It's a really powerful song and compelled me to check out the rest of his work.

Half Decent's debut album tells the tale of a 16-year career in rap

Oxford, England-based rapper Half Decent has a new album out, “Groundhog Day,” which covers his 16-year music career across 18 tracks. He raps about anything and everything, and we go deep into the different topics included in his music.


Over the years, he's had the chance to collaborate with artists such as MC Lars, KRS- One and Kellindo, and we talk about the chances he's taken in reaching out to them, and the different ways it's paid off. Half Decent also gives us a look at what his live shows are like and some plans he has in place for 2021.

Following this, enjoy one of my favorite track off the new album, “Made Of.” I absolutely loved his surgical style and precision flow.

Daniel Promotes has a new album planned and changes for his company

Boston-area rapper and business owner Daniel Promotes joins me again to share some big news with his company, OMT. A lot has changed since we last talked and there's some new faces at the company. He also has a new album with a Dec. 25 release, “Amen,” and we talk about the music and what people can expect.

Following this, enjoy “Boston Thing,” featuring Kenaughty, BADD, and Tru-L.

New single “Revelación” challenges racism and white supremacy

In this episode, I'm joined by Boston-based artists Genie Santiago and ALGO to talk about “Revelación,” a single they collaborated on and released on July 24. “Revelación” marks a shift in Santiago’s work towards protest music with a social justice message. We talk about that message and how to continue the conversation that recent events have started. Genie and ALGO reminisce on how they met and formed a partnership that has led to multiple creative projects.

Following the interview, enjoy the new single, “Revelación.” Proceeds from the Bandcamp release will go towards Border Angels, a California-based nonprofit aimed at assisting migrants traveling across the U.S.-Mexico border.

All Legends Incorporated talk about their new album and upcoming book

The husband and wife rap duo All Legends Incorporated Gang just released their new album, “Undefeated,” and the stories contained in these tracks speak to a lot of personal experiences, such as “Haterz,” where the two show that to all those that doubted to talked down to them, they have never given up. They also share their times behind the mics and how they came to make music together and the many talented people they've had the chance to work with.

Following this, enjoy three of their songs, “Haterz,” followed by “Gang Shit,” and “Holy Sin.”

Boston-based duo take it to the next level

In recording of an Instagram Live broadcast, Jermaine Kelly and Lando Savage of the Boston-based lvl3rd [pronounced Level Third] talk about the Boston music scene in the pandemic and what they originally had planned that has since been canceled. We also talk about how the two met and their favorite places to play in Boston. They've got a new single out called “Milkshake” as well as a music video, and we take a look at some of their future plans.

Following this, enjoy the new single, “Milkshake.”

ShellzDaGod talks music videos and a return to the stage

Boston-based rapper ShellzDaGod is back! The man has been on the show plenty of times and he always brings something new. This time, it's a couple of singles, “Bus Down” and “Get Back (Ft. Spiff Hunnit)” which you can hear at the end of the podcast.

We talk about his music career came to a halt during the pandemic, and his plans once business as usual can resume. This includes making more music videos, which he has put a lot of work into in the past. Trust me when I say the forthcoming projects will be no different.

All hail the Queen

Where did the horse come from?

That's my first question to Boston-based R&B artist Nancia as we talk about her recently-released album “Heir to the Throne,” and the music video released for “Get Low,” which shows the artist on horseback. She goes in-depth to the album's production and how she chose the 18 tracks among the many she has made.

Nancia's music is her career and she talks about the different ways she has monetized her skills to make it happen. We also give a 101 on show prep, something she has learned a lot about over the years.


Following this interview, enjoy the song “Get Law” from “Heir to the Throne.”

New albums from around the world

In this episode, I'm headed overseas! Well, kinda. Based out of Kent, England, Dux recently released his new hip-hop EP, “Thought We Were Done.” This is an amazing array of styles, much of it honoring the 90s-era rap he grew up on. Dux talks on the artists he looks to as inspirations and the new experiences that came with a solo project. After the interview, enjoy “Thought We Were Done,” the title track from the new album.

After that, it's off to Italy to hang with singer-songwriter Eil Marchini who also has a new album out. He talks about the different directions he went in for “Lost in the Universe,” as well as some of the places he plays at in Europe. Following this, kick back with “The River.”

Touring the Breaklands with writer/creator Justin Jordan

Justin Jordan, the co-creator and writer of “The Strange Talent of Luther Strode,” talks about his new series, “Breaklands,” available on ComiXology. Set 150 years after the event known as The Break, the new world is a post-apocalyptic land of amazing powers....except for one person. Kasa, the only non-powered person, must save her brother Adam when he is kidnapped in issue one of this five-issue series. Justin delves into the world building process, how he created the characters for this series, and what people can expect in future issues.


For music, enjoy “Bid Mad” from New York-based rapper Molly McCoy. This one's a long time coming, as Molly recorded one of the first bumpers for the show. Molly's style is tight and flowing at the same time, and the music is sick.

Musical journeys from London to Nashville to Atlanta

Kicking off this week's program is London-born and Atlanta-based hip-hop artist Poni Capri. She's got a new EP out called “Dark Candy,” which touches on her time in the world of drugs and gangs and how she's made her mark as a musician and model.

The Nashville-based folk duo of Lost Hollow tell us all about their adventures in Europe, plus their new release, Looking for Happy and the release show planned later this month. Included in the album is the song “Shine On,” which is dedicated to the memory of Sancy Shaw, who died tragically in a drunk driving accident.

Plus, there's great music from both guests. From Poni, we've got “Chosen” and “Rich Sex,” and Lost Hollow brings us “Shine On” and “We Are One.”

July 16, 2019: Marty Thornley/BADD and KB/Firebrand

To kick things off, I'm chatting with Erika Lewis, co-creator and co-writer of the Webtoon series Firebrand, now in its second season. This magic-themed story has seen strong reviews and responses from fans, and we talk about that as well as what happens in the new season (but no spoilers!). Erika introduces us to the team behind it and what has made this project a success.

Up next is author Marty Thornley for his book “Painless.” The book is about a new surgical procedure that can eliminate pain, but comes with unexpected psychological side effects. Written originally as a screenplay, Marty talks about how he transitioned this to a book format. He also talks about the science behind the book and personal experiences that led him to write it.

Ending this week's episode is B.A.D.D., an old friend of the show, joined by fellow rapper KB. We talk about the new promotional business that the two started, Daniel Promotes, and how they're bringing a fresh perspective to working with local businesses. The two also share their take on the current Boston hip-hop scene and who they see as the rising stars.

Playlist (In order of airing)

Adam Lanceley –Are You More


The Impersonators—Broken Snow


B.A.D.D. And Prezidential Grown—Yawkey Way


B.A.D.D.—Feel Like HOV

July 9, 2019: Mike McNeill/K Mafia/Rea Frey

Mike McNeill kicks off the show with a look at his upcoming book, “No Hard Feelings,” as well as the soundtrack that will be released with it. This autobiographical story look at McNeil's life in Boston hip-hop and the other artists he worked with. 

K Mafia is next up, and he has a great story to tell. An artist since 2010, he now runs two companies, New England Rising and Loyalty Over Everything. He has a great show happening on July 13, and outlines the many great local artists on the lineup. We talk about how he came to start these two companies and how he finds the artists he works with. 

Closing out this week's show is author Rea Frey for her new book, “Not Her Daughter.” The book focuses on a woman who kidnaps and abused child, which begs the questions, is it kidnapping if it saves a life? The movie's been optioned for a film, and Frey talks about how she re-wrote the story for the big screen.

Playlist (In order of airing)

Mike McNeill—Monster

Mike McNeill—No Hard Feelings

K Mafia-P.O.M.E.

K Mafia-Yeah Yeah

Chris Harbach—Ashes

May 27, 2019: Peter Darrow/Tru-L

Author Peter Darrow is up first with his new book, "Wise Millennial: A Field Guide to Thriving in Modern Life." This book looks at the concept of millennials, both good and bad, and how they can grow and find their own path. 

It's something Peter is very familiar with, having started his own restaurant in New York City and closing it a short time later. He speaks to lessons learned over the years and what his life experiences have had to teach him. 

Rapper Tru-L has a lot to be happy about. In just a few days after this posting he sees the release of  “Pass the Torch Unsigned Talent Mixtape Volume One,” featuring singles & freestyles from 30 different artists produced by a variety of producers. Tru-L is the executive producer for the project due to his interest of wanting to help other artists careers grow in the music industry.

He also has a new album coming out, “Truology: The New Beginning.” This album, available June 8, captures 16 years of music experience with a lot of great stories.


Featured Music 

Noble Jacks- “Lights Out”

May 22, 2019: BALRFest 2019/ShellzdaGod/The Platform

On this week's show, Austin Arroco and Julie Diorio and I talk about the music scene of Boston and the need for more representation for its artists. This ties in with the great show coming up later in June called BALRFest 2019, showcasing Boston's BadAss Ladies of Rock. Austin helped book this show and gives us the lineup, all female-fronted bands of different genres. 

ShellzdaGod joins me to talk about his newest releases and the great global response they've received. He's had the chance to work with artists from other cities, and we talk about how he'd do if he decided to bid Boston good-bye.

Writer Alex Bernstein has a new book out called “The Platform,” in which a writer stumbles upon a murder scene that leads him to discovering a group of people living underneath a subway platform, each with a story to tell. Alex talks about the writing process, which character he likes the most, and the challenge of stepping back and labeling the book as “done.”


Featured music
FLEMT- “In My Dreams”


Carla Bonnell- “Raven's Song”

Sept. 6, 2018:Avanti Nagral/Remy Flagg/Jimmy Luciano/Miss Genevieve

Max with Avanti Nagral

Avanti Nagral, an international pop star who resides both in Boston and Bombay, talks about her time in both cities and how the music scenes compare. She’s got a new series called Song on the Spot, which features live music and more.

Author Remy Flagg has a new book out in his Children of Nostradamus series, “Night Legions,” and he talks about how the story has progressed, how the series grew from the first book, and fan interaction that influenced the books. He also gives us a look at the next title, set to be released next spring.

Citywide’s production coordinator BADD returns to the studio with Jimmy Luciano, who recently released a new single, “Foreign.” He recently returned to Boston after some time in Memphis and talks about the artists he’s seen and shows he’s been to.

Hip-hop artist Miss Genevieve shares her stories both on stage and booking shows….she even put together BADD’s first show! She talks about her time at the recent Creative Soul Festival and the challenges faced by others in her genre in getting some stage time.

Aug. 2, 2018: Plastic Angels/Polar Soul/Wreckless Wreck Chords

Me and Plastic Angels

Jeff and Bethany Lawson of the band Plastic Angels return to talk about their forthcoming EP, “Wake,” set to be released this fall. The album includes the song “Bloody Sheets,” which the duo hopes raises awareness about recovery after domestic violence and sexual assault.

Hip-hop artist Polar Soul makes his Citywide Blackout debut to tell us all about his debut album, “Polar,” released a week ago. At 17, he only recently decided to make music a career, and has come a long way in a short while, recording and releasing his EP in just six months.

Mike and Tyler of Wreckless Wreck Chords are back! They’ve got a great show happening at the C Note in Hull in just two weeks, and we recap who’s going to be there, but also chat about their plans for a Halloween show.

July 12, 2018: Kim Moberg/Joe Rich/Kerr Griffin/Joe Grizzly

Kim Moberg

Singer-songwriter Kim Moberg is in the studio to talk about her recently-released debut album, “Above Ground.” She’s also an experienced show booker, and has events scheduled through 2019. She talks about the kinds of places she’s played at, including house concerts.

Joe Rich has a new EP out, “Suddenly Summer,” and we learn about the story behind this new release and the process of getting it together. Joe’s got a lot of shows happening, and jokes about the “Joe Rich Curse.” He’s also got a new Spotify channel, and we talk about some of the artists we’ve discovered through it.

Last year, singer-songwriter Kerr Griffin released a new EP, “Rust and Bone.” It’s a self-produced album, and Kerr talks about this and how he made the switch from band performer to a solo act.

The hip-hop group Joe Grizzly has a lot to share after their last appearance on the show a few years ago, including a new album, “The Future,” and shows both in Boston and beyond.

June 21, 2018: Shaded Glitch/Genie Santiago/Stories in Motion/Ryan Pinette

Max and Shaded Glitch

EDM artist Shaded Glitch is in to talk about his recent release, “Starving Artist,” and the struggle of making a career in the music industry. He also shares his musical theater background and how that’s come into play with his music.

Hip-hop/R&B artist Genie Santiago is back with her recently-released debut album, “Know Your Worth.” This EP has been in the making for awhile, and Genie talks about the response since it came out, and the process of putting it together. She also talks about the upcoming Femme Fatale show that she’ a part of, and how the role of women in entertainment has changed.

Chris Esper of the production company Stories in Motion has two new short films hitting the festival circuit and gives us the info on these new projects, a silent film which explores anxiety, and a drama on the subject of corrupt police officers. We learn about the actors and actresses he worked with, and how he balances this which his day job making videos for weddings, businesses, and musicians.

Singer-songwriter Ryan Pinette closes out the show with some live songs, one of which is a world exclusive. He’s got a lot of shows coming up and along with sharing that info, he’s played at some of the biggest venues in Boston. He also has a band, Ryan Pinette and the Baystaters, and he gives the history of the group.