Interviews

.@MeechTheGoat talks new project, ‘Before Chronicle,’ and what to expect from forthcoming album

Published

4 years ago

December 27, 2019

Weasel

TXYLOR is back with a new project, Before Chronicle. The rapper’s heavy-handed flow is always a joy to check out, so sitting down with him for an updated conversation about his new LP was an opportunity that we had to grab.

Check out our full conversation below.

What’s the idea behind Before Chronicle? That’s one wild cover.

Before Chronicle is kind of like a prologue. It’s just a short teaser before I release my debut album, which will be titled Chronicle. Chronicle is going to be my complete story. It’s going to be me revealing everything. I feel like the best albums contain untold stories, the experiences that made you who you are today, and how you made it all the way through your journey.

What was the recording process like for this one?

The recording process with this project was actually pretty light. I do all my verses in one take, just like the G.O.A.T. Although, one thing I often have trouble with is adlibs. For some reason, I’m just not as good as everyone else when it comes to those, but I don’t adlib rap as much as I used to. I’m definitely more in my hip-hop bag right now. No offense to the mumble rappers.

“While I’m Here” seems like a song that contemplates mortality. Could you tell me a little bit about it?

You’re absolutely right. I thought Before Chronicle was almost finished before I made “While I’m Here,” but once I sat back and actually replayed the songs I had done, I thought to myself “this ain’t it.” So I scrapped it all and just kept playing While I’m Here. I had that feeling that you get when you’re listening to your favorite artist, or when your discover a new sound that you would have never guessed was for you.

I wanted my whole tape to give me that feeling so I decided to start over with clean hands. Anyways, “While I’m Here” is basically me reflecting on tense relationships I have with my loved ones, including my mother, family members & brothers. Not a very complex meaning behind the song, it’s just love me while I’m here no matter what we are going through right now. Beef or not.

What’s your definition of success? How do you plan to quantify it?

“Success is defined by one’s self, not someone else.“ Honestly, to me success would be making enough to feed my family for generations. I grew up broke and hungry, all this shit I rap about is real. The goal is to make sure our kids don’t have to grow up the same way we did. I want to be able to buy my son a Benz for his 16th, and put all my people on some money. That’s success.

You write, perform, mix, and master all of your music. By keeping everything in-house, how does that help or hinder your creative process?

Honestly man, I only learned how to engineer because I didn’t have a car or any money at the time, plus I work a lot better alone. Me and Rico used to record on FL Studio with a sock over the mic, now look at us.

I know that you don’t believe in a cure for a cold heart, but if there was one, what would you say that it is?

If there were a cure for a cold heart, it would have to be love. I feel like love is the only thing that could possibly cure all, but you have to be open to love. It can’t just be one way. Damn I sound like a simp. (laughs)

What’s your favorite song on the project? Why?

“Cousins” is currently my favorite track. I sat on that beat for a few weeks and I knew it was special. I was laying in bed trying to figure out which direction I was gonna go with it and then “Cousins” by J. Cole & Bas started playing in my head and I jumped up and ran to the studio. The shit just came naturally but I was so geeked to tell this story. I wrote it in like 45 minutes and recorded the whole song in 1 take, first take.

What message do you want to give fans with Before Chronicle?

The message behind this project is just me, if you wanna get to know me, press play. I put everything I had into this. I let my pen and my soul bleed. My album on the way though, I won’t make the people wait too long.

Artist To Watch

R&B/Soul Music’s Newest Star: Oshanna Listeners on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

Published

5 months ago

May 8, 2023

Jessie

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.

4sho Playlist

92 Byu Sets The Tone With “B.I.N.G.O.” and Follows Up With “Love Me Or Not”

Published

7 months ago

March 7, 2023

Jessie

Fresh off his most recent release “B.I.N.G.O.,” 92 Byu returns with a new song called “Love Me Or Not.” He’s starting the new year off with a bang – the rising artist from Sumter, South Carolina is following up his “B.I.N.G.O.” momentum with the brand new track, a love anthem. He switches it up

92 Byu, who is ½ of the duo 9INE11, is pursuing a solo endeavor this time around and making his debut as a solo artist with this record. He’s showing off his talents to new heights and while the sound of the music is true to what he’s been doing within the group, the new music is refreshing as 92Byu explores a lane of his own rising out of South Carolina.

According to 92 Byu, the meaning of the song represents the concept of “winning,” such as in a game of Bingo. Throughout the visual, 92Byu brings audiences on a journey with him into a day in the life in the studio, having fun and making music with the homies.

“Time and time again you get that board where your pieces don’t line up right after the ball drops,” 92 Byu explains of the track. “Then the ball finally drops for you and it’s like ‘BINGO.’ ‘This is it, it’s finally my turn to enjoy the winner’s moment.”

As far as what he wants audiences to take away from the music, he ultimately wants listeners to know that people’s outside opinions do not matter.

“Why care about the thoughts of others?” 92 Byu says. “Do whatever you have to … whatever it takes, for however long it takes, to get in the position of life you want to be in. Just get there, just get it done and when you get positioned, just remember it was all worth it because you only have one life to live. Life itself is beautiful, it’s meant to be enjoyed.”

Stay tuned for more content on the way from 92 Byu, but in the meantime, check out “Love Me Or Not.”

CONNECT WITH 92 BYU

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4Men By Women

Bronx Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist, Denise Styless, Talks Hiphop Fashion and Fatman Scoop

Published

1 year ago

September 6, 2022

Kalisha Perera

Denise Styless, New York upcoming celebrity wardrobe stylist is making moves and breaking barriers in the fashion industry. Commencing her budding fashion & entertainment career in 2019 Denise is already making a name for herself as a fashion staple. Growing in her career she has styled NYCs elite from Fatman Scoop, actor and child prodigy River Mason Eromosele, and Rizr Footwear. Denise styling technique is a merge of lifestyle meets couture. As well, she is a model liaison merging models with events, runway shows, photo-shoots and casting calls nationally. In addition to gaining online support from fashion house FUBU. Rising in fame she has been featured on various top tier outlets: Medium, 24hiphop, Vocal, One West Magazine, and Grind Magazine. Here’s my interview with celebrity wardrobe stylist, Denise Stylesss.

How did you land such prominent hip-hop clients? I landed my clients by building my relationships with people. As well, through networking within the entertainment industry. When you’re transparent with your intentions, opportunities present themselves.

What made you get into fashion? I got into fashion through my grandmother. She had a sewing machine and would create my Halloween costumes when I was a child. Her creative influence inspired me immensely. Once I unearthed my vast zeal for fashion I realized her influence carried me through my adulthood.

celebrity wardrobe stylist Denise Styless and FatMan Scoop on set together

How was it working with the legend FatMan Scoop? Working with Fatman Scoop was an amazing experience. Fatman scoop is an icon that I watched in my youth. It made me reflect on my childhood. It was a full circle moment for me to dress someone that created roots within the hip-hop community.

What is the best advice you can give to someone aspiring to dress as a hip hop artist? The best advice I can give an aspiring celebrity wardrobe stylist is to be normal and organically yourself. You want to treat your clients with love; similar to family. You want to enhance their style while capturing the essence of fashion.

What is the key to your success? The key to my success is God. My faith in God continues to keep me motivated and devoted to my craft.