Interviews
A Conversation With @LanaLadonna
There aren’t too many rappers with a voice like Lana Ladonna’s. She cuts through the air with a fierce energy that demands to be heard whenever she drops a sixteen. Her new project, $B1GLAN, is designed to make fans feel every bit of what she has to say and how she has to say it. Inspired by artists like DaBaby and Cardi B, it’s clear that Lana’s future is unstoppable.
Ahead of the release of her new project, Lana Ladonna sat down with 4ShoMag to discuss her new project and more. Check it out below.
Who is Big Lan?
“Big Lan” is the new head bitch in charge, AND THAT’S WHAT YOU GOTTA KNOW! (Laughing but very serious), no really, Big Lan is who I feel I am at this point.
A few people, more recent than not, have called me that as kinda like a joke because I’m short as fuck in real life, but my presence isn’t. Plus, everything I do is big, DUH. I also refer to it as another personality. The woman I’ve grown to be, my interests, my expectations, my vibe, are all components of this boss ass, glamorous, fearless, relatable being that “Big Lan” encompasses.
How did you get into music?
I’ve ALWAYS loved music. From Prince, Luther, Sade, Tina Marie, and more my mama used to play around the house to today’s artists – I’ve always spent my time listening to music. After graduating college, and knowing I wanted to be in the entertainment industry, but not knowing how in the hell I was gonna tap into it, I literally just decided one day – “I think I wanna try being an artist.” Plus, being back at home was a reality check. “Damn, my people really not rich.”
“I really gotta create the life I wanna live from the ground, up.” Of all my failed attempts post-grad (youtube talk show series, writing for baller alert, radio, etc.) it was the one thing that stuck and actually felt right. I feel like people didn’t take me seriously at first because it was so random; shit, I kinda didn’t either. The feeling my first performance gave me though, I knew this was what I wanted to do, 100%.
What was the creative process like for #BIGLAN? What will we learn about you on the project?
My process this time around was honestly a lot harder. With my first tape, Dumbass Niggas, Vol. 1, I was just having fun. Not to say making my new tape wasn’t fun, I just felt very pressured this time around. Like, I legit have “fans” and people checking for me. That shit had my anxiety through the damn roof.
It took me so long because I kept discouraging myself, and being all scared and stupid. After I got outta my own head some time in November, it was just the same vibe – get me a lil Henny in my system, say what I feel, and just… be myself.
I think people will learn that 1. I really do this shit foreal, like I’m a real artist. The songs, to me, are versatile and I like that. Secondly, more of my personality shows. Naturally, because it’s more songs, but I feel like every song is relatable to men and women. I looooove to talk shit, and I think that’s why my music has sparked as quickly as it did because who doesn’t love a shit talker? In all, people are going to learn what Lana LaDonna is about! Owwee, and that I love the cash app!
What’s your recording process like?
My recording process is…. Random. Sometimes, I like to catch a vibe, and create in the studio. Other times, I like to create in the comfort of my own room. It really just depends. There have been times where I couldn’t sleep, and I thought of one line, turned on a beat, and made a whole song. That’s what happened with “YKWTFGO.” It was like 3,4 in the morning, and I was in my bed TURNT lol I still don’t know where that energy came from. I was damn near whispering the lyrics as I was writing them because it was so late, and I stay with my mama lmfao I do though HATE a bunch of people in my session. Everybody has a suggestion lol STFU PLEASE.
Your music is very direct and to the point, confident, and unapologetic. Who inspires you? What about them do you bring to your music?
It’s kind of cliche, but Cardi I feel like is what makes me so unapologetic with my music. Her come up via her personality is what made me ever think I could give music a try in the first place. All the artists I listen to in general inspire me though – Megan makes me wanna be in my rapping bag. Drake makes me wanna be relatable to both men and women. Da Baby makes me wanna get into the pockets of beats. Future make me wanna be… toxic and lit. Everything inspires me in some way. Plus, I’m really bold and unapologetic in real life. 99% of the things I talk about, I’ve actually experienced, felt, and/or thought at some point. I’m heavy on the no rap cap. The other 1% be me speaking this into existence.
How would you describe the Detroit music scene? How would you say that you fit into it?
Mmmmmmmmmmm, I would describe the Detroit music scene as….. extremely diverse. We have a lot of different sounds, but some are just more popular than others. I don’t know how to describe it. We fasho have our own sound, our own wave, that’s definitely like no one else’s. People try to mimic it, but imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Detroit people talk shit all day, every day. That’s 110% where I fit in. I’m also the epitome of a Detroit woman – bold, confident, fashionable, bossy lol with the shits, you know how we comin’! *flips inches*
I also feel like we’re kinda slept on though, but it’s cool. I’ll be helping change that real soon.
What are you looking to accomplish with $B1GLAN?
With $B1GLAN, I wanna wake niggas up! Dumbass Niggas, Vol. 1 gave me a nice lil buzz, but I really wanna turn up foreal. I want to collaborate with other artists from the city, shit everywhere, and just expand my brand. I’m looking to accomplish overall growth with this project. Scratch that – I WILL accomplish overall growth with this project, so get you some popcorn baby, and enjoy the show! *blows a kiss*
Interviews
Thomas “Bubba” Harrison, From Hip Hop To Major Flights, He Has Always Shined
Queens native Thomas “Bubba” Harrison has lived an exciting life. Thomas exemplifies perseverance and dedication to pursuing greatness from his time with the legendary rap group ONYX to landing various successful real estate deals and even starting a black-owned commercial flight business.
Dealing with a rocky First venture with a music imprint partnered with Sony that Harrison had to repivot out of due to unfortunate circumstances halting the deal and rekindling his passion for music. 1997 then came, and life changed for Thomas as he began writing under the name Bubba Smiff as he began recording with the ONYX. However, his love for real estate took off during that time, and he netted a quarter million in value from his first property purchases he used from his rap career money.
Now, Thomas started to become a real estate Tycoon and business genius. Throughout the early 2000s, Harrison accrued over fifty properties from New York to California. He used the immense network he gained in music to help maintain upkeep and boost expansion for his ascending real estate empire. He also established a successful credit repair business that helped people purchase the cars and houses of their dreams. Thomas even previewed his future ventures by influencing people to fly with Jet Smarter. This private airline company gave customers flights for quality at the time because it was his passion and dream to run a successful flight business, so he wanted to see the backend side of that business.
This man Thomas “Bubba” Harrison, originating from Queens, has a God-given acumen IQ, and this was only the start because years passed before the recent COVID era. Thomas and two colleagues pooled enough money to purchase a plane together. This motivated Harrison to enroll in Long Island Aviators School to work on his piloting certificate because he wanted to be more than an owner. Now, he is putting together his next ultra-successful business venture, Fly Flashy, which is progressing smoothly with a core base in Florida. Things are set in motion for it to become your new favorite airline soon. God fearing and passionate, hats off to Thomas Harrison for being a role model to artists worldwide and black men.
Features
Get To Know @Uknowflyboi Ahead Of The Release Of “Tokyo Drift”
Flyboi Rich is someone that we talk to frequently at 4ShoMag. He’s one of the best rising artists out of Detroit, and just a look at his consistency in releases over the last few years, plus his rising streams on platforms (he’s had millions of streams) shows that the world is realizing it too.
It’s been a while since we’ve caught up with what he’s doing, but, ahead of the release of his new single “Tokyo Drift,” we wanted to catch up with him quickly about where he’s been, what’s inspiring him, and what we can expect from “Tokyo Drift.”
Check out our brief conversation below.
Could you tell me a bit about where you’ve been since our last conversation?
I’ve been doing a lot of traveling studying planning buying real estate learning more about the business side of music and taking meetings with smaller labels. Ethika recently had me come in to talk.
How has your career elevated?
My streams have been going up and with that comes trouble. People have been hacking into my social media accounts so I’ve just been rebuilding them. I’m seeing streams go up over a million a month sometimes, so I appreciate whoever is listening to me and watching my videos.
What’s the inspiration for your new music?
My new releases are inspired by the drama that I’ve been going through, just life situations that I’ve been putting into the music. When you hear me, I’m putting my all so people who understand my struggles can identify with what I’m saying. I always make sure the punchlines and metaphors hit too, because that’s something I always focus on.
What’s the message behind it?
The message behind it is to really talk crazy and speak your mind. Don’t let your voice get shut out. Open up and do whatever you want to do and take chances for what you want to become Don’t take shit from nobody. And to be honest, it’s also my story of coming from the trenches as an underdog.
What are you working on beyond this that your fans can wait on?
The next thing that I’m working on is definitely more music — starting with the release of “Tokyo Drift.” I’m also working on new ways to present my brand to people — whether it’s more clothes and fashion lines on the way, or being featured on bigger blogs and radios. You’re going to be seeing a lot more of me in the near future.
Keep up with Flyboi Rich on Twitter and Instagram at @uknowflyboi.
Artist To Watch
R&B/Soul Music’s Newest Star: Oshanna Listeners on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Meet Oshanna Naomi Davis, the rising star in R&B/soul music. She hails from Toronto but grew up in Brampton, and is currently based in Vaughan. Oshanna draws her inspiration from some of the greatest musicians, including Michael Jackson, Lauren Hill, Alicia Keys, Kiesha Cole, Mary J. Blige, and Jhene Aiko. Her music is a unique blend of R&B/soul, chill, and alternative sounds that represent her perspective on life.
For Oshanna, music is more than just a hobby; it’s her passion and calling. It provides her with a safe space to express herself and connect with others. Oshanna’s music invites her listeners on a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and empowerment. Her latest project, “Energy,” is a testament to the power of authentic connections and the transformative nature of friendship. It’s inspired by Oshanna’s close friendship with someone who taught her the real meaning of unconditional love.
“Energy” is the first single from Oshanna’s upcoming EP, which is scheduled to be released in August 2023. Her performance at the NXNE Festival in Toronto in June will be something to look forward to. Additionally, as the first-place winner of the Coast to Coast Artist Showcase, Oshanna will be going to the finals in Miami on November 11th to perform some unreleased music.
Through her music, Oshanna hopes to inspire her fans to follow their dreams and conquer their challenges. Her message of self-love, authenticity, and vulnerability is a source of liberation and empowerment for her listeners. As a rising star in the world of R&B/soul music, Oshanna’s future is undoubtedly bright. Her music is a beautiful invitation for her listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and empowerment.
Check out her new single “Energy” below.
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