Interviews
Illuminati G drops “Everythang” with Polo 2Time$ and tells us about its creation
Detroit’s Illuminati G is back with “Everythang,” featuring Polo 2Time$, and it’s everything that you could want from someone out of the city doing their thing: hard, tenacious, and a sign that they’re not taking no shit from anyone. In an exclusive interview with 4ShoMag, Illuminati G detailed the song to us as well as what he has coming up.
Check out “Everythang” and our discussion below.
What was the inspiration behind “Everythang?”
Pretty much the same inspiration we used for the whole “Greatest 1-2 Punch” project. We tag team all the beats because 2 heads are better than 1. We had a goal to achieve and I think each song specifically embodied that. When it’s game time, we want everythang. Otherwise what’s the point?
What was the recording process like?
Ummm basically the day in the studio started off as usual, polo and me smoke a bunch of good weed and the ideas flow. I make like 5 beats then we just go down the inventory & Anytime him or I hear a beat we like, we say “load it up!!” And go in… This was no different, Polo started dropping a few bars and the rest is history!
How does “Everythang” tie into your career journey thus far?
For me being primarily a producer, it’s the first song of mine I attached a visual too. So it’s an important benchmark for me in that aspect because I wanted to make sure the music and visual had the same energy. I’m really picky and Brand Name Visuals brought every idea I had to life. In short, it’s just a taste of what we have in store creatively.
What inspired you to rap?
My uncle for sure. He started building his studio back in the early 00’s and I’d go over his house and just see everything so professional looking and put together. This is before all the digital stuff so the room was full of studio equipment. He taught me the history, how to structure songs, record, and eventually produce. I was always good at putting words together but having a younger uncle that rapped was just too cool to not to be apart of ,so about 5th grade I started writing raps in a notebook daily.
How’s the rap scene in Detroit? What changes would you make to it, if any?
The rap scene in Detroit is…… double sided. One side is rooted in the die hard hip hop community and the other side is still kind of reputation based. If you had or are having a good run in the streets, that could catapult you to a certain level of notoriety. Nothing wrong with that but the monkey see monkey do part as far as support can get out of hand. It’s almost like you need a co sign or to be affiliated with something already familiar if you aren’t rapping something conscious or lyrical.
Would I change it? No, not for me because it made me find my own wave and in a sense get an appreciation for our own sound. But for the ones coming up, I’d love too. Because sometimes this rap shit changes people. They make up personas to fit in and then start mimicking that in real life which leads to them getting jammed up unintentionally.
What’s next for you? When can we expect a full-length project?
Next up is like a 5 or 6 song EP. I actually have a whole bigger project on ice, but the musical climate is so single song based that I don’t wanna drop a big project and the anticipation and roll out isn’t there and it kinda slides under the radar. On “Greatest 1-2 Punch” each song aside from the intro could stand alone. When I make full bodies of work you might get a little of everything. Singles, in depth songs, experimental, interludes etc. So once the hype kinda catches up I’ll have a big project on the way but until then , just expect something small in the next 8 weeks! And more visuals!
What do you look to say in your music?
Be creative and be careful out here… literally. I’m used to being big / little brother, so when I’m learning things that better my life or I feel like there’s something not being said out here I say it. And if it’s any wisdom I had that could potentially save your life I’m going to rap it… I’m really honest and I like to pass all cheat codes along to those who were unaware before.. the bigger project I have waiting that I referred to above is called “Big Brother”. Everything I do has intent so when you hear it, you’ll pick up on what I’m tryna convey quick.
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.