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EPOK MAGAZINE: What’s been going on with Tam Tam?

TAM TAM: I’ve been working with producers LST of 21st Century Sound and Ken P. of Trunkbangaz; creating

a lot of new material and recently working with Yung Rowe. I’m doing more guest appearances on tracks

right now while working on my personal releases. Current projects that I am apart of is DJ Papito’s Mixtape

called Too Real Radio Indie Take Over Vol. 3 which features Super Model Yves Nunez, Tuck, and myself on the

cover. I’m featured on a track called Summer Party by Amsterdam Recording Artist Basta. Keith Murray and

I also have a single out called “Gimmie The Beat” produced by LST. Mike White Tha Beholder and I recently

opened up for the Legendary Frankie Beverly & Maze. Mystikal, Poka Jones, Sir Charles, Willie Clayton,

Chubb Rock and one of my favorite bands KSS were also performers of this event presented by my awesome

God Father, Mr. Joe Douglas. S/O to Joe Walker & Soul Train and Cool V; because of them I was given the

opportunity to speak on the behalf of M.C Lyte for her I Am Hip Hop Icon Lifetime Achievement award pre-

sented by BET. J. Cole, Cool V, myself and others also spoke on the behalf of LL Cool J in a previous inter-

view for Soul Train. Also, I’m featured on Kendrick Lamar’s new mixtape “So You Wanna Be Signed Vol. 1”

by DJ Flipcyide. I have a lot of surprises in the works.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You burst on the scene with

your hit single Hot Tamala and it was in heavy rota-

tion on WEUP. Tell us about that.

TAM TAM: Yes, that was many years ago. I am very

thankful to the staff of WEUP for the opportunity.

Welcome Hot Tamala was produced by Ray Green.

That song is musical history for the city of Hunstville,

Alabama as well as the State of Alabama. Because

that song did so well on radio it opened the doors for

other local artists to receive airplay. This was during

a time period where local artists had to really fight to

be heard. It has gotten better since then, but we still

have a long way to go to completely embrace our own

backyard. I am one of the pioneers. Being a pioneer

was never my aim, but now that I am a more seasoned

artist and business woman, I accept that leadership

role because more leaders are needed in this Ala-

bama Market.

EPOK MAGAZINE: For those who don't know about Tam Tam, tell us how long you've been a Female Hip

-Hop artist in the game?

TAM TAM: I’ve been writing and recording music well over 15 years. Professionally, I’ve been in the game

about 8 years. I have experienced a lot and I have also learned a lot.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You have a new single out right now, Beautiful Black Male. It’s amazing! How did

this song come about? What inspired you to write the song Beautiful Black Male?

TAM TAM: Craig Groove and I were in the studio in Atlanta at Big Cat Records Studio and he was going

through some tracks and when he played the track I told him that I had to have that track. We got back to

Huntsville, AL and he put his final touches on the track and called me in to record. The track evoked the emo-

tions that I was currently going through in my life. Dealing with my ex who was heavy in the streets, he was

facing prison time; just analyzing how black males treat each other in this industry to the streets and even how

they treat their relationships. I was basically saying be better

than that because you are better than that. Sister to a brother,

you are a beautiful black male. It’s time to start uplifting each

other.

EPOK MAGAZINE: How did you meet Craig Groove? Have

you always wanted to work with Craig Groove? What was it like

working with Craig Groove?

TAM TAM: My management at the time, Big G introduced us. I

was signed to Big Image Entertainment at the time and we were

seeking tracks for my new album. Craig was making a lot of noise in the industry and still is today and he had

the type of production that I needed to give me that sound that would allow me to go further as an artist. He

produced the track called “C U Peepin” featuring the group

Dirty out of Montgomery, AL. I fell in Love with his produc-

tion. We kept making records. When you are working with

Craig, you are guaranteed a hit record. I love working with

Craig because he makes sure that what we are creating is sol-

id and we have a lot of fun doing it. We have a strong musical

relationship as well as friendship. Whether it’s discussing life

or advice on my next move in the industry, he gives me positive

advice. I have so many unreleased records produced by

Craig. We have plans to soon release those records as well.

We made timeless music. My catalogue with Groovey is huge

and phenomenal.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You've worked with many Alabama legends like Mike White, 6 Tre G, and Jackie

Chain to name a few. Who is your favorite artist from Alabama you would like to work with and collaborate

with?

TAM TAM: Mike White, Tha Beholder is the male artist that taught me how to write music and deliver it and

perform it. I’m also working with my Thowed Off Ent. Family. B.I.Z and I have records together and a pro-

ject dropping soon with Sham & Tha Beholder called the “Fantastic 4”. I’m also working with Country Mon-

ey and D. Boi City. A lot of music is about to drop. However, I have respect for every male artist who is seri-

ously handling their business with their career. RudiDeville is also another Alabama Legend who worked

with me in the studio, teaching me different things like cadence, metaphors and delivery. I’ve never seen a

male artist rock a stage like RudiDeville and Tha Beholder. They’re not just rappers but they are also per-

formers. It’s fair to say that I am the protégé of those two great guys. 6 Tre G is a very talented artist as well.

I see so much potential in him. Jackie Chain is dope too. Jackie is just that cool dude that comes in the studio

and gets the job done and keeps it moving to keep handling his business. I’m looking forward to doing more

work with Jackie in the future. I’ve worked with a lot of male artists in Alabama and I’m looking forward to

all future endeavors with those who are handling their business just like me.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Talk about being a female independent artist in this music industry. Do you prefer be-

ing an independent artist?

TAM TAM: Being independent allows me to create what I want, release what I want and do it all when I want

and how I want. Although, I do have a formula under the direction of Cool V. I believe major labels creative-

ly box an artist in and everything is a numbers game. When you are an independent, even though you have all

of those freedoms, it is more work that you have to do because many independents do not have large budgets

and/or the staff that is required to compete on a National level. I’m in a great position because I am an inde-

I’m nothing without my team, the deejays, sponsors and fans which I consider family.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What do you think about women in the rap industry today?

TAM TAM: It isn’t many female rap artists in the game right now and the ones who are in the game do not

work with each other or support each other. A female rapper has to degrade herself just to get some support

and be heard. The female rappers that you see getting the most exposure, it isn’t because they are better than

the next; it is because they have been exposing more than the next. My question is why aren’t the female rap-

pers who had their time period to be great helping to bring up new female talent and co sign them like Jay Z

did with J. Cole?

EPOK MAGAZINE: Now Tam Tam is all over the blog sites and social media. I see you're even networking on

the East Coast with Cool V, Mr. Blow the Whistle. How did you hook up with Cools V?

TAM TAM: The blogs are showing a lot of love and it’s been a lot of work. Cool V and I linked up back in the

day when he was pushing the Trunk Hustlers Brand. He saw how I was moving and networking with social

media. He saw a lot of potential in me. He was working Mims record “This is Why I’m Hot”; Trunk Hustlers

were working with everybody that you can name in the game. I wanted to work with that brand but I didn’t

know how to link up with the brand. One day out of the blue I got a message in my inbox to call Cool V. I was

young in the game but I was moving like a big dog. I had no clue of who he was. When he told me he was the

CEO of Trunk Hustlers my mouth dropped. That was a very exciting day for me. Cool V and I became very

close and he began to teach me and mold me into the artist and business woman that I am today. I am very

appreciative and thankful that he is a part of my life. Cool V is my big brother, a very positive role model and

very intelligent and super fly.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Let's talk about image. You've changed up your image a little bit this time around. Tell

us about your new look? What look are you going for? Who did your photos? How important is your image to

you?

TAM TAM: Image is everything; your image can make you or break you. My marketing and branding manag-

er Cool V told me that the Tam Tam brand, the look, has to match up with the sound. He knows that I am a

star so he booked one of the best photographers in the game, Cuemadi the Brand to get me polished. Cuemadi

is awesome; he shoots for Bonner Bros. as well as a lot of National publications. Rated Next Recordings have

a lot of big things in the works for the Tam Tam brand.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You recently did a show with rapper Mike White. What is on your mind when you're per-

forming? How do you get in your zone?

TAM TAM: We just rocked at the O.S Festival in front of 100,000 people. This was our biggest show so far.

Mike and I have natural chemistry together. We are performers and it’s crazy because we never rehearse for

a show. We prefer the element of surprise. We both are free spirits so the only way we know is to go with the

flow. We never know what each other is going to do; this makes it so much more fun because we are actually

at that very point on stage creating the visual. We live for these moments. Let us be great.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Are there any female artist from Alabama that you would like to collaborate with? Mz.

Joi, YPoo, Miss Mercy, Seven.

TAM TAM: I know Mz. Joi, really cool chick, we talked about a collaboration and she was also in my video

for the song “My Life is Real”. Nickey2States and Slash and myself will be working on a record soon. Nick-

ey2States and I did some previous work together. I’m open to work with those who have budgets and are will-

ing to push just as hard as I am.

EPOK MAGAZINE: I have to ask for the fellas. Is Tam Tam single or dating?

TAM TAM: I’m actually dating and I’m happy. I believe I’m with the right one.

EPOK MAGAZINE: When you're not performing or in the studio, what does Tam Tam do in her spare

time?

TAM TAM: I like action packed movies, hanging with my day ones and flying out to Vegas and kicking it at

Club Back Stage in Atlanta. Besides that, I’m really a homebody.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Do you watch Love & Hip Hop? If so, what do you think of the female artist on the

show? Lo'Real, Bambi, Joseline Hernandez. Do you feel this show can jumpstart female artist careers or

destroys?

TAM TAM: I’m familiar with the show, but I don’t get a chance to watch that much television. I’ve been able

to catch the show a few times and I’m rocking with Joseline. Any publicity is good. It’s entertainment. I can’t

can’t knock the hustle. I

say get to the money but at

least have some morals

and integrity about self too.

TAM TAM: I would sign to

Aftermath. Dr. Dre is that

go to guy on production

and plus they haven’t had a

solid female rapper that

can comple- ment their

brand.

EPOK MAG- AZINE: Is

Tam Tam working on

any new EP's or albums?

TAM TAM: I have EP’s and

LP’s that are complete. I’m

working on a mixtape with

Plastic Vybes and position-

ing my future releases.

EPOK MAG- AZINE: Do

you have any shows coming

up in the near future?

TAM TAM: Yes, this next

move is about to open up more opportunities. I’m just working, staying humble and keeping everything to self

as it manifest.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What do you think about the music scene and artist in Alabama? Dead or Alive?

What improvements need to be done?

TAM TAM: I don’t feel like Alabama has a functioning music scene. Alabama has talented artists, djs, and

producers who just live here. The ones who are actually in the industry are networking outside the state and

country. There is no scene. Djs are not breaking enough new records; our radio stations sounds like another

state; there is no genuine nightlife; no music conferences that will teach the artists instead of robbing the art-

ists. The showcases do nothing for the up and coming talent. It’s simple, start networking and spending mon-

ey with each other; supporting each other’s business. Swap it out if you have to. Everybody wants something

for free. Also, stop getting in the way and hating on those who can get the job done in a certain area of busi-

ness. Many do not receive business because they don’t know how to appreciate and be thankful to those who

are spending with them. Guess what happens, we take our business outside the state to the next dj, the next

promo company, the next magazine, t.v show, photographer while the next man comes to the State flossing in

those rented vehicles eating off a state that they will never support and never supported. The home team is

suppose to rock with the home team first. Help each other get into position. We do not have enough leaders

who will lead together. We have those who claim to run a state and claim to be a plug when we all have the

same connect and that’s God.

Oops, maybe not as promising as we all hoped for. It’s just the right time to

start talking about the possibility, as this year marks the 25 year anniversary

of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall’s classic comedy, “Coming to Ameri-

ca,” and many have questioned if a sequel to the motion picture will ever

see the light of day. Well, according to the legendary comedian the answer

may be more complicated than fans expect. “When ‘Coming to America’

came out it was a bunch of lawsuits,” Murphy recalled during an appearance

on “The Arsenio Hall Show.”

“There was some dude who was claiming he was the prince. I be out in the club and this African dude would roll up on me and say, ‘I am the real prince! You stole my life from me! And I want my money! I’ll kill you!”

The below is just a creative concept by Day1Pro, and it sounds so good.. Coming Back 2 America starring Kevin Hart,

Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Micheal Blackson, James Earl Jones and John Amos. Inspired by the 1988 box office

hit Coming to America, “Coming Back 2 America” is guaranteed to make you cry laughing! Eddie Murphy’s son Kevin

Hart has come of age and its time for him to find his princess. He follows in his fathers foot steps and travels to LA in

search of his bride. He is accompanied by Arsenio Hall’s son Micheal Blackson who is supposed to keep him out of trou-

ble. Kevin is not used to American woman so, he encounters a few challenges on his quest for love.

Three more women have publicly come forward with accusations that Bill Cosby sexually

assaulted them in the 1970s and '80s. The three women, including an actress who ap-

peared on The Cosby Show and the former wife of a vice president at the William Morris

Agency, joined the more than 40 women who allege they were drugged, sexually assault-

ed or sexually harassed by the comedian.

At a press conference Wednesday, civil rights attorney Gloria Allred, who is now repre-

senting more than 21 accusers, said the three women are speaking out now to show

their support for other accusers who have been criticized by Cosby's attorneys.

"There is no statute of limitations on free speech," says Allred. "A person who alleges that

she or he is a victim can speak out at any time." Cosby has consistently denied the allega-

tions of sexual assault. His lawyer, Marty Singer, previously said that the claims "about

alleged decades-old events are becoming increasingly ridiculous." Singer did not immedi-

ately comment on the new allegations.

At the press conference Wednesday, Col- leen Hughes said she was a young stewardess

with American Airlines in the early '70s when she allegedly met Cosby on a flight to Los

Angeles. Hughes claimed Cosby flirted with her the entire flight and invited her to lunch in Beverly Hills. She agreed to go, but only

with another stewardess. Cosby allegedly had a car and driver waiting for them at the airport but the other stewardess never

showed up. Hughes claimed she drove with Cosby to the Fairmont Hotel and he allegedly watched television in her room while she

got ready for lunch.

When she came out of the bathroom fully dressed, she said Cosby had allegedly ordered a bottle of champagne and was drinking it

out of her Gucci pump. She claimed he raised the shoe towards her, and said, "A princess should always drink champagne out of a

glass slipper."

Wayne joined Cash Money Records at the age of nine, in 1991. Now, over two decades later, as the label’s most prolific, flagship artist — eleven studio albums, one remix LP, two EPs, nineteen mixtapes, one-hundred ninety-two singles, thirteen promotional singles and one-hundred thirty-six music videos at last count — Weezy wants out.

On January 28, 2015, Wayne sued the label and its owners, brothers Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams, for $51 million, citing an array of alleged misappropriation, including withholding financial documents, nonpayment for signing Drake to their joint Young Money Entertainment imprint, and reneging on $8 million of a $10 million advance payment for his album Tha Carter V.

The lawsuit followed several public incidents of rebellion. In December, the rapper vented about Birdman (pka Baby) and company holding Tha Carter V hostage. “To all my fans, I want u to know that my album won’t and hasn’t been released bekuz Baby & Cash Money Rec. refuse to release it,” he tweeted.

Wayne described himself as a “prisoner” and wrote, “I want off this label and nothing to do with these people but unfortunately it ain’t that easy.” The aptly titled Sorry 4 The Wait 2 mixtape followed, on which the rapper put his frustration in rhyme: “I’m sorry for the wait… Tha Carter gon’ be late so I cooked up a tape… The garden’s full of snakes so I had to escape.” In March 2015, Wayne apparently dissed Birdman in a freestyle, stating, “I say hit em up to my daddy, bitch ass.”

New video released by TMZ on Monday shows Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancée out cold with a single punch. The footage, captured in February in the elevator of the Revel Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, shows Rice knock Janay Palmer off her feet with a blow to the head. Both Rice and Palmer were arrested on simple assault charges following the alterca-tion.

The NFL issued a statement claiming that the league hadn't seen the video until it was leaked on Monday, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. In the statement, the league says it had asked law en-forcement for all information about the incident, but the video was not mad available. However, an employee of the hotel told TMZ that the NFL had seen the video before suspending Rice. Peter King of Sports Illustrated wrote in July that the NFL and Ravens officials have seen the video from inside the elevator when the incident took place. Jane McManus of ESPNNewYork.com tweeted on Monday that she was told the NFL saw the “same evidence the police did.”

Video of Rice dragging Palmer's unconscious body out the elevator leaked soon after the incident and elicited calls for an appropriate NFL response. But after the NFL suspended Rice for only two regular-season games, the league faced an im-mediate negative backlash for what was seen as a lenient punishment when compared to other player suspensions for offense such as smoking marijuana.

Rice pleaded not guilty to assault charges back in May and was later allowed to enter a pretrial intervention program to avoid prosecution.

In late August, the NFL announced stricter domestic violence penalties, including a six-game ban for a first offense. In a letter to team owners, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted that he bungled the Rice punishment.

"My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families," he wrote. "I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensur-ing that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn't get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will."

Malaysia Airlines Plane Disappears On the night of March 8, Malaysia Airlines flight 370 took off from Kuala Lumpur with 239 people on board. More than nine months later, their fate remains a mys-tery. A frantic search for the Boeing BA 0– 45% 777 began in the Gulf of Thailand, not far from where the plane fell off ra-dar screens about an hour into the flight to Beijing. Days later, after investigators had analyzed satellite transmissions, the search expanded by thousands of miles, in an air and sea operation of unprece-dented scale.

Investigators believe the plane was desperately diverted by someone with deep technical knowledge of the aircraft. No suspects or suspected motives have emerged. As investigators continued to refine their analysis of the so-called digital handshakes between the plane and In Marasat IMASY 0-84% PLC satellite, they narrowed the search area to a vast stretch of sea far off the coast of western Australia, where they suspect the plane crashed after running out of fuel. Repeated scans of the water’s surface and seabed have yielded nothing. It is a void that haunts the loved ones of the passengers and crew, many of whom are skeptical of the official investigation and feel unable to fully mourn their losses.

In October, a rebooted deep-sea search began, raising hopes for some resolution to one of the most confounding tragedies in the history of aviation. Australian Prime Minister Tony Ab-bott has said his government, which is overseeing the search, won’t rest until it has done eve-rything it can to find the jetliner.

Doe B was born Glenn Thomas, and is from Montgomery, his

manager Frank White said.

Thomas had recently been on tour.

Colorful placards announcing his performances marked the

path of his December concert rounds through his state and to

Atlanta. He then returned to the club in his home town,

where his life was taken.

It was not the first time he had been shot, Billboard Magazine

reported. His eye was wounded in a previous shooting, and he

wore an eye patch that had become his trademark.

On the cover of his new album Baby Jesus, a baby is pictured

dressed like Doe B with the eye patch and with additional bul-

let wounds on the left arm.

Tough turf

The venue got a reputation with city officials after a shooting there last year, which local media reported.

Back then it was called the Rose Supper Club, but it changed its name after the violence.

Some people vented their rage at the club over Doe B's killing Saturday in all caps on the venue's old, pre-

name-change Facebook page.

"Y'all SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH MURDER," wrote Brandon King.

On August 18, 1988 a star was born. At an early age Jai Love started

singing in the church choir to follow her mother footsteps. Jai Love

eventually converted over to hip hop after having her first experience

in the studio with her older brother “Lil Ced”. Jai's unique husky vocals

have caught the attention from her large fan base in Huntsville, Ala-

bama. She has worked with several artist around Huntsville such as CJ

DA DJ, Jay Valentine, Gritty Boi, Swagg Buddies Lil Ken, Cece Certified

Bama Gurl, No Remorce, Chevy Lady, is just to name a few. As well as

with Tana formerly known as Montana Da Mac, Q Pee, JawGa Boi, and

Big Sam from lil Jon and the Eastside boys all from Atlanta, GA. Jai Love was part

of Polarized Ent and then decided to part ways to do her solo projects years lat-

er.She now is managed by Eden Courteney from Middleman Management along

with Mimi as her PR. Jai Love hit single "I’m Crazy" has been heard by many ears

and have performed at many events in the surrounding area as well as in Atlanta,

GA. She has won several showcases from Huntsville to Atlanta with Urban Vision

Road to Stardom Contest and was just recently nominated for female R&B artist

of the year at the Urban Vision Award Show in Atlanta, Ga. Jai Love has teamed up

with Jimmy Heart, the television champion, and the spin city radio family and now

have her own nights, Wednesday at 7 pm cst. 8 pm est, where she broadcast

#TheLoveZone on spincitydvd.net.

This genuine soulful artist

will be someone who will nev-

er be forgotten over time like

the greatest and the best to

ever do it. "Say hello to Mezi-

yah" Gifted Song writer, Poet,

Rapper, Singer, Producer, & So-

cial media Genius is somebody

you need to be affiliated with.

On August 18, 1988 a star was born. At an early age Jai Love started

singing in the church choir to follow her mother footsteps. Jai Love

eventually converted over to hip hop after having her first experience

in the studio with her older brother “Lil Ced”. Jai's unique husky vocals

have caught the attention from her large fan base in Huntsville, Ala-

bama. She has worked with several artist around Huntsville such as CJ

DA DJ, Jay Valentine, Gritty Boi, Swagg Buddies Lil Ken, Cece Certified

Bama Gurl, No Remorce, Chevy Lady, is just to name a few. As well as

with Tana formerly known as Montana Da Mac, Q Pee, JawGa Boi, and

Big Sam from lil Jon and the Eastside boys all from Atlanta, GA. Jai Love was part

of Polarized Ent and then decided to part ways to do her solo projects years lat-

er.She now is managed by Eden Courteney from Middleman Management along

with Mimi as her PR. Jai Love hit single "I’m Crazy" has been heard by many ears

and have performed at many events in the surrounding area as well as in Atlanta,

GA. She has won several showcases from Huntsville to Atlanta with Urban Vision

Road to Stardom Contest and was just recently nominated for female R&B artist

of the year at the Urban Vision Award Show in Atlanta, Ga. Jai Love has teamed up

with Jimmy Heart, the television champion, and the spin city radio family and now

have her own nights, Wednesday at 7 pm cst. 8 pm est, where she broadcast

#TheLoveZone on spincitydvd.net.

Chay Crews has been doing music since a kid.

Recording since 12 years now and to Chay

there's nothing like it. As an artist she learned

different ways to reinvent herself. As a rapper,

Chay can't always sing how shefeels!! As a sing-

er, Chay crews to explore her writing ability to

see how far she can take it. It's in her, and peo-

ple believe it's meant for Crews. She’s done

many, many shows! I've been in groups, I done

background vocals for people, put a rap on oth-

er peoples tracks,etc. This is not your average

singer/rapper/songwriter. This lady is also a

gifted actress! She has been in many plays and

even wrote 5 plays herself! She has even had the chance to

open up for Destiny's Child! If you're looking for a singer, rap-

per, or an actress don't look any further.You never know

what to expect from this super threat!! It won't be long now

before the world knows I'M THAT CHICK CHAYCREWS!!!!!!!!!

Suga originally from

Mobile Alabama. And

she is very sweet on the

mic. One of the protégé

of Mobile rapper Squirt

go hard, Suga would

fall under the umbrel-

la of the last mr. B.I.G.G.

EPOK MAGAZINE: It's

been a minute since I've

seen you. How have

you've been? For Those

who don't know you, Ex-

plain how you came up

with your name? What

does it mean. Symbolism.

Any ties to football. You

know Alabama loves foot-

ball. Lol....

Krymson: I've been pretty

great, actually. Thank you

for asking. And oh, yes,

lol. We Alabamians are

quite passionate about our

college football for sure.

My name is absolutely

inspired by the Alabama

Crimson Tide, no doubt. I

just randomly thought it

up one day really. People

seemed to dig it, and it

DID kind of fit me pretty

well, so I just decided to

roll with it. (No pun in-

tended lol).

EPOK MAGAZINE:

You're one of the most

Krymson: Artists such as Alecia Keys, Teena Marie, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Jill Scott,

Lauryn Hill, Pink, etc.

EPOK MAGAZINE: How would you describe your music? Your style?

Krymosn: Wow... You know, that's a tough one! My style is a bit all over the place. It varies really. My musical

influences range from across the board. I don't like to limit myself creatively. I enjoy dabbling in a little bit of

this and a little bit of that so-to-speak, but, if I were to describe my sound I suppose I could say it's a fusion of

R&B/Soul, pop, and hip hop for the most part.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Do you write your own music? As an artist do you feel its important to write your own ma-

terial?

Krymson: Yes, I write all of my own material. With an exception of a few hooks Ive been featured on every-

thing you’ll find on my reverbnation.com page for example is all material I wrote myself. Also, I do think it is

important for artists to try and write their own material if possible. For one, because in doing so one can po-

sition themselves to receive more royalty money, and two… I mean personally I, myself respect artists who

write at least some of their own material as opposed to those who must rely on a ghostwriter.

talented artists I know. How

did you get started as an

artist? Church. Family. Mother.

Father. Explain.

Krymson: First off, thank you. I

truly appreciate that. I've been

involved in music in general

since childhood. I did sing in

church a bit, yes, as well as fes-

tivals, recitals, talent competi-

tions, etc. quite a bit growing

up. However I didn't really

begin to take myself seriously

as an actual "artist" until my

early twenties when I moved

to Birmingham and was intro-

duced to different people

among the music scene here.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Who are

some of your musical influ-

ences?

EPOK MAGAZINE: It's

evident that you're a Carca-

sian artist. Do you feel the

music scene is divided in

Alabama? Do you see color

when you write your music

or listening to music?

Krymson: I mean, I per-

sonally don't think it's all

that divided. Here in Bir-

mingham at least. One

thing I do like about the

music scene here is that it

is actually fairly diverse.

And no, I can't say that I

do. Good music is good

music

EPOK MAGAZINE:

What inspires you when

you're writing a song?

Krymson: Well, that all depends on the day, on my mood, the type of record I'm attempting to write. It might

be about something I'm going through in my life at that moment or about something that I have experienced in

my past. I might put myself in some one else's shoes and try to write from their perspective. Sometimes I

might write with the intention of getting a certain message across or make an effort to reach out to people in a

certain way. It really just depends, as I said.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Now I hear you're doing a reality show pilot. The show will cover the life of artist in

Alabama similar to Love & Hip Hop. What do you plan on bringing to the show as an artist?

Krymson: A more in depth look at my life, both as a person and as an independent artist chasing the dream. I

want people to see the REAL. What goes on back stage once the curtain has closed so-to-speak. If I could in-

spire just one other person out there to continue chasing their own dreams and not give up on them, whatever

they may be, then that would be good enough for me. I also hope I'll be able to bring a bit of comic relief to the

show here and there as well. Lol.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Being that you are the only caucasian female artist on the reality show, do you feel any

pressure or intimidation in any way to deliver as an artist or fit in?

Krymson: Not really. The way I see it personally is that at the end of the day we are all beautiful, strong &

talented WOMEN with similar goals and aspirations, and even similar struggles. I think that's what's most im-

portant.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What is your take on reality shows today? Do you watch any of the reality shows?

What do you feel a reality show could or would do for the artist in Alabama?

Krymson: I can't say that I do watch any of them regularly. Of course I've seen a few episodes of Love and

Hip hop and Basketball wives, etc. here and there, but I don't really watch a lot of TV in general. I mean,

they're cool and all. I just feel as if often these types of shows don't always set very good examples for young

ladies because they often glorify negative behaviors such as fighting and acting out as opposed to more posi-

tive things, but, hey, it's reality TV and that's what the general populous wants to see. I hope that people will

be able to take something positive from this show and maybe even be inspired by it.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What is your take on reality shows today? Do you watch any of the reality shows?

What do you feel a reality show could or would do for the artist in Alabama?

Krymson: I can't say that I do watch any of them regularly. Of course I've seen a few episodes of Love and

Hip hop and Basketball wives, etc. here and there, but I don't really watch a lot of TV in general. I mean,

they're cool and all. I just feel as if often these types of shows don't always set very good examples for young

ladies because they often glorify negative behaviors such as fighting and acting out as opposed to more posi-

tive things, but, hey, it's reality TV and that's what the general populous wants to see. I hope that people will

be able to take something positive from this show and maybe even be inspired by it.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What Alabama artist have you worked with or would like to collaborate with?

Krymson: I've worked with artists such as Heron Rodriguez, Shurlock, Drizzy Dro, Tre Gotti, D. Best, J

Grubbs, Psych, Shavon, etc. to name a few. & I look forward to possibly working with some of the other la-

dies on the show in the near future hopefully :)

EPOK MAGAZINE: What producers have you worked with? Are you still recording at Fame Studio?

Krymson: I've worked with so many different producers here and there it's honestly a little hard for me to re-

call all of them, but I have recorded with Ben Trexel with BenZen Music, Tony Wachter with Workplay Stu-

dios, Shurlock with Woodgrayne Ent./Big Dawg Records, D. Best with Slang Gang Records, John Gifford III

with Fame Studios, one of my favorite producers and engineers, Esse B. who's based out of London. Oh, and I

recorded the single Heron and I did together at T Manic Records.

Studios, Shurlock with Wood-

grayne Ent./Big Dawg Records,

D. Best with Slang Gang Records,

John Gifford III with Fame Studi-

os, one of my favorite producers

and engineers, Esse B. who's

based out of London. Oh, and I

recorded the single Heron and I

did together at T Manic Records.

hear ye hear ye!!!!! have you ever wondered about the

Dirty South’s lingo? Many who are not native to the

South laugh at our slow-talking, disdain, and lack of

emphasis to the English language. But it is our

Southern drawl that makes Alabama so distinct. So

take notes and read every month for Epok’s word list

on Bama-Bonics.

1. The thing about it is: Introductory phrase used to

explain ones point of view.

2.On God: To swear or use the Lord name for a degree

of sincerity.

3.Ion Care nothing bout it: Ones lack of interest

4.Get your life-Phrase meaning get your life together.

5. ten toes down– Focused; Standing firm in once be-

lief. Solid.

6. petty hustling-A cheap individual that takes a sec-

ondary, low budget route to obtain success.

7. On Fleek-Phrase describing something that is on point or

target.