Sister Shalom’s journey through faith and music

For Dallas-based artist Sister Shalom, music began at a young age and has taken many turns along the way. Likewise, her life as a person of faith has seen some changes and in this interview, she shares both aspects of her life.

Sister Shalom began her ministry as an independent artist in 2020 and since then has releases some singles and the EP “Genesis” earlier this year. She talks about her style and the other types of music she explore growing up. We go into her time away from the Word of God and what brought her back, as well as sharing her faith through her music.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Sister Shalom has called Dallas, Texas, home since 2018. She talks about some of the venues she’s been to and tackles the question: Is this her home now?

Opening this show is an excerpt from her song, “Clean Heart,” and closing the episode is the complete “Don’t Let the Devil Ride.”

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.

Diving into blended styles and cross-country moves with Joseph Mossbridge

This episode takes us into the musical world of Joseph Mossbridge, currently in Boston and soon to be moving to Los Angeles. We take a look at how his career kicked off and the fanbase he's built from his debut album, “Take My Time.” Much of the music on this album takes a page from what he experienced during the pandemic, including having to leave LA, where he was working when March 2020 happened.

Joseph's music blends all sorts of styles, including rap, EDM, and pop. We look at how these different sounds come together and what he's hoping to try out in future releases. We also shine the spotlight on the many people he's worked with to bring “Take My Time” and other songs to life.

Afterward, enjoy “Goodbye,” from Joseph's debut album, a look at the major move he had to make.

YAQI makes a great horror movie villain!

Welcome back! After a brief hiatus to deal with some personal issues, we return with LA-based pop artist YAQI. She's just dropped her newest single “I'm On It,” and there are some cool stories behind this song. We go into the sound of the song, her precise rapping style and how this all came together over a six-plus hour session.

A theme of the song is about focusing on your goals and not doing what others tell you, and this certainly reflects YAQI's own life. In addition to her music, she has a Master's Degree from the New York Film Academy and has been in a number of short films. She talks about her different villain roles and how it's so comfortable for her....yeah, I'm a little concerned too. We also look at her dream role and the person she'd like to work with above all others.

After this, enjoy “I'm On It.” I know I did!

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.

ShellzDaGod shares how it is being back on stage and making cash on IG

ShellzDaGod's a familiar face from the show and in this episode he joins me once again to talk about things resuming some form of normal. For Shellz, that includes being back on stage in front of a crowd, and he gives a heads-up on what he has in store in 2022.

 

And in bigger news, Shellz recently became monetized on Instagram! He said the news came out of nowhere and we look at the posts he's made, including some that preview his new music.

 

After this, I've two of Shellz's songs for you. Up first it's “Into Something,” followed by “Daddy Is A Joke.”

Lisa Bello talks about making her mark in Boston's rap scene

Boston's Lisa Bello is well-known among the city's rap artists, but that wasn't always the case. In this episode, she talks about how she got her start and the many collaborations she's formed over the years. She also talks about the work that was required to make her presence known.

We look at Lisa's two newest releases, “Overnight Shift” released just a couple weeks ago, and her self-titled album which came out last December. These albums both have unique sounds, and we dive into the different artists she worked with, which include June Jissle, Jeffandy AllTogether, Chalease, Ananda Nakira, and Oompa. Lisa shares the story of how they all met and what led her to working with them.

Most recently, Lisa has entered the world of voiceover work, and she speaks about how her years in music helped prepare her for the role. She's done projects of all kinds, from commercial work to songs used in cheerleading competitions.

Following this interview, enjoy these songs from “Overnight Shift.” First up is “Back to Work” followed by “Temp Service.”

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.

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”