Table Of Contents

T-Kool

Sher’nell LaFleur

KZ

Blaque Rah

DJ Nero Maserati

Princess EU & Ded Kra-Z

Is an inspiring rap artist from the Murphy Park apartments located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Known for his intense real life lyrics and various dif-ferential styles he started writing and rapping at the age of 9. He says music always have been apart of his life from birth being played all day throughout his house by his father collections of Teddy Pendagrass and other great icons in the music industry. His everyday overcoming of poverty and environmental struggles was all mixed together into rhythm and beats because he says good music motivates him to life challenges. T-Kool’s first rap name was T-Money giving to him by his neighborhood because he was known for having money and living life. He stayed recording on a boom box over instrumentals until he got to high school and gained popularity from winning and performing in school talent shows and teen events. In his senior year of high school 2008 he had his first talks with the record label Fearless Records but didn’t go through do to legal issues later that year. He says his music is inspiration for peo-ple who go through the struggle and still overcome tough obstacles. After changing his name to T-Kool

in 2008 giving to him by a close homeboy he gained local attention from his single “Stupid Loud”. He since has labeled him self as an “soul artist” separat-ing his self and making his own genre to fit him in and started his own indie record label Lou Boy Enter-tainment with his brother and CEO if the establish-ment. In 2010 he linked up with cousin and founder of Blazin Hot Studios Dj Yel where he has done several classic collabos and they eventually agreed to him being under Blazing Hot Familia a rap group put together by Dj Yel with label artists Rj Tha Kidd Pt the double G and Miss James. He has released two high well received mixtapes “Kool: the mixtape and No Sleep” and is currently working on his album “F.A.Y.” tons of feature collaborations and videos. He has went on tour with the Gs boyz known for the dance hit “stanky leg” and on a two day leg tour with recording artist M Dubble. Tkool is on the rise to make his hometown a music capitol and open up doors for the greatly talented and overlooked artists in his city and Midwest region. other talented artists that needs exposure.

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T-KOOLArtist Profile

Mr: Was music an outlet for you growing up?

TKool: It most definitely was an outlet, I mean growing up in any project public housing community its always easier to get into something negative than positive. That can ac-tually let you express yourself at will and be who you are and get paid for it without risking your freedom.

Mr: Do you still remember those raps that you wrote at a young age?

TKool: Lol, most of the cheesy catchy ones always seem to pop in mind time to time and just a reminder of where you came from and progres-sion.

Mr: Why did you change your T-Money to T-Kool?

TKool: I felt like I out grew just a neighborhood common name be-sides JT Money was already popping so the homie Drae came up wit it and it actually fitted my character and had substance behind what I stand for, and thats me Thomas being humble. It also had more swag and sounded more different from just a nick name like TKool the brand you can take TKool anywhere from promoting a sing album clothing line etc.

“Express yourself at will and

get paid for it”!

Mr: How was your feeling when the deal with Fearless Records?

TKool: Well the deal never went through so I mean based of my legal issues and the fact somebody wanted to sign me period I was happy with that. It just motivated me to go harder get myself together and ink a bigger better deal.

Mr: How is the experience owning your own label Lou Boy Ent.?

TKool: Its exciting and overwhelm-ing at the same time because your an artist first so you have to distinguish the best decision both for the compa-ny and me as an artist first hand and hand they both have to be successful in order to succeed and achieve goals and quotas awards and keep money generating. But I love the pressure and the challenge and being able to release what you want and be in control if your material.

Mr: Is working with family easier than working with people who don’t know know your style of hip hop?

TKool: I mean its always easier with anything when there’s some kind of relationship established so I would say yeah but any artist I work with I can get along with if our mind our together on the same page putting in work feeding and inspiring each other.

Mr: What is your advice for upcom-ing young artist that want to become a Emcee?

TKool: Man my advice to young upcoming artist’s is to stay humble and be confident in yourself believe in yourself even after you fail and keep believing and Put god first in yo craft and you will achieve what whatever you want. You gotta be prepared for the worst and sacrifice a lot if important things you most likely value in life.

Mr: Tell the fans what you have plan for 2015?

TKool: Aw man I got nothing but good ass fire ass meaningful singles mix tapes videos movies a album and fuck around write a book lol. Expect me to hit the charts big and have a breakout year. I also got a non profit organization helping inner city and county kids in the St.louis region its called Kidz r Kool founda-tion I got the Kool turkey drive next thanksgiving popping off. A clothing line called “Kooliish Latoure” and a fragrance for men line so I will be very busy this year and f8#k the game up changing the music scene shifting it back to midwest.

Breakng BarriersT-Kool

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interview by: Mr. #Imerrwhere

Is one of the newest,“ Hot and Spicy, Multitalented R&B Artist com-ing out of New Orleans, Louisiana amongst a host of other hot artist from New Orleans like Lil Wayne, Ledisi, Luke James and August Alsina that have already arrived on the music scene. Sher’nell La’fleur is a multi-talented artist she is a Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Model, Dancer and she does Voice- Overs. Sher’nell La’fleur style is very unique and diverse, as you would say mucho caliente ’with a little of everything. Sher’nell La’fleur’s music is like the ingredients to a big pot of “Gumbo “ from R&B, Soul, Pop, Reggae, Neo Soul, and Hip –Hop. When it comes to Sher’nell La’fleur’s doesn’t want to be totally categorized by being put in a box & loves to think outside the box as well, because she is so creative when it comes down to her talents. Sher’nell La’fleur captivates her audience with her smooth yet funky style. Ms. La’fleur have been singing since she was three years old, started in the children’s choir at the age of seven in church.

Sher’nell La’fleur comes from a family of singers and musicians her mother, Vanessa Landry and father Anthony Morris, both sang in the church choir also grandfather Rev. Joseph Jackson a minister and wife Mrs. Ella Mae Jackson grandmother an Evangelist whom sang on the local radio station on Sunday mornings WBOK Gospel in New Orleans. Sher’nell La’fleur has been traveling, performing and modeling locally in and out of state. Sher’nell La’fleur has overcome, many obstacles and setbacks in her life. In August 2005 Sher’nell La’ fleur‘s world, changed when she was hit with “Hurricane Katrina” and forced to leave her home and city. Sher’nell La’fleur first evacuated to Beaumont, TX then was his by another ”Hurricane Rita” where she was again forced to relocate again finally settling down in Dallas, TX. Finally in 2007 while living in Dallas, TX she met her soon to be Fiancé /Manager Maurice Handcox Jr. whom also was managing a rap artist from Baton Rouge, Pharis TP Johnson.

Sher’nell La’fleur and Fiancé/Manager continued their musical jour-ney by traveling to bigger auditions such as for America’s Got Talent

in Austin TX. 1/14/2012 and was interviewed twice, then the Voice 3/16/2012 in Atlanta and again in Rosemont, IL Although not mak-ing for those Maurice signed Sher’nell up for Amateur Night at the APOLLO, Sher ’nell made it through the audition in Atlanta 5/2012, also performing on the legendary August 22, 2012. “You Got Me Singing” featuring Maurice Handcox Jr. written and copyrighted by Sher’nell La’fleur, Produced and recorded in New Orleans by ” Kendall the Jazzman “ and “ X Marks the spot “also produced and recorded in New Orleans by ”Byron B. Love Brooks’‘.

Sher’ nell has performed in the clubs ,also in 3/30/2012 opened up for celebrities such as Jazz From Dru Hill and did radio interview with Jazz on Windy City Underground Internet radio, touching on the theme of the concert “Stopping the Violence” in Chicago, also for other acts such as Robert “ Kool “ Bell from “ Kool and the Gang, Lil G from Silk amongst local artist as well. The list is very extensive go-ing from Chicago to Detroit 2/2012 performing for Ms. L ’Renee ’ s Birthday Bash whose a background singer for Kem. Sher’nell La’fleur has performed at the” Apache Café” formerly owned by Ludacris.

Ms. La’fleur performed, on CanTv Network channel 19 in Chica-go on the TV . Show ” One Love One House produced by “April Whitaker ‘a .k .a. April the Disco Goddess. The show was a huge success, where it has been the most requested, airing six times since then for over 350,000 viewers in Chicago also on YouTube, shown also in Africa, Germany, and the UK. Sher’nell La’fleur has continued performing, m then Sher’nell La’fleur recently signed her music distri-bution deasha. Look for Sher’nell La’fleur’s musician pages on Face-book, Reverbnation , SoundCloud ,Tunecore , Numberone music.com, Twitter @lafleur_7,amateurnight.org,exploretalent . For Booking and contact Fiancé’/Manager Maurice Handcox Jr. @mauricio6460@gmail.com or 228)235-0814. Watch out for Sher ’nell La’ fleur a force to be reckoned with new music & shows coming soon in 2014.

Sher’nell La Fleur

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Artist Profile

Rayne: Growing up

in New Orleans was it for you to love music?

Sher’nell: Yes, It was definitely for me to love music, because my parents met singing in the Church choir along with the rest of the family whom sang and played instruments, my Grandfather was a minister and my Grandmother an Evangelist whom also sang on Sunday mornings on the radio in New Orleans on WBOK A.M. Gospel radio station.

Rayne: What was you first song that you wrote? and was it personal?

Sher’nell: The first song I wrote was a sad ending ballad titled “Thinking of your Love” in 1999. It was semi-per-sonal, because I wrote the song based on a situation that happened to one of my friends which ended horribly for her. I never set this song to music because at the time I almost signed to a crooked label and just nev-er thought about it again and continued to write new music. I ran across it recently and I’m thinking about putting it on my first album.

Rayne: Who was the first person to hear you sing?

Sher’nell: The first person to hear me sang was my mother, I was three years old and she put me in the children’s choir. My first song, I led was titled “Amen”. Once, I made twelve my aunt whom was the Choir Director, told me my voice was to mature for the chil-dren’s choir so she put in the adult choir and I led all of the solos. My mother bought me my first microphone and amplifier and I’ve been singing ever since.

Rayne: Why would you say your style is unique and diverse?

Sher’nell: My style is unique and diverse because de-riving from a mixture of Black, Creole, Mohichan and Choctaw Indian in my blood line with the combination of being from New Orleans a very diverse city known for many different styles of food , music and meeting different nationalities and their cultures. The influence of the two gives me a huge platform to be unique and diverse in the creativity of my sound, style and songwriting .

Rayne: Do you like the experience of doing voiceovers?

Sher’nell: I love the experience of doing voice overs, I’ve done small jobs thus far for locals like jingles, for little commercial skits. I was asked to do some voice -overs and had to pass because, I was booked to perform in a different state on the same days that they wanted to book studio or radio air time. I love the fact of knowing , I can do voice-overs, imitating celebrities and different accents, Jamaica, Australian, cartoon character voices, singing, etc.

Rayne: Did church keep grounded in you talent?

Sher’nell: The church definitely kept me grounded in my talents because that’s where it all began. I always sang in the church choirs and school choir, while grow-ing up in New Orleans. My mother encouraged me, to join the choir. I learned my vocal ranges in which I am a second soprano, first alto and I have a very high octave range, and sang some opera. I still sang at many church functions also musicals

Rayne: Please tell you fans what you have coming up for them in 2015?

Sher’nell: This 2015 for my fans, I will be releasing my sexy video, to my Hot single that I directed and was co-directed and filmed by videographer Horace L .Pratt “X Marks The Spot “ featuring myself and Fiance’/Man-ager Extradonaire Maurice Handcox Jr. on a secluded Island setting filmed in Biloxi, Mississippi. Thank you Biloxi, Ms. Beach committee, I will be working on another video for my other Hit single “ You Got Me Singing” I will be touring and performing all over the southern regions and hopefully touching down in sunny California. I‘m always writing new music and will be recording new songs to complete my album. I will be doing charity work, directing, acting modeling, design-ing, collabing with main stream artist,

Triple ThreatSher’nell La Fleur

interview by: EssenceRayne

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SAMUEL ELIJAH JOHNSON a.k.a. KZ was born of pover-ty In The rough projects Of Escambia Arms In Pensacola fl. 1985. After surviving the trials and tribulations of hood life. Kz felt there was something else he was put on this dirt to do. Besides the average things a human put on this earth woulddo. He became very fascinated with music at a very young age. He loved the way instruments sound-ed as they were being played. So as he got older and the years passed. The fascination soon grew stronger. He idolized and learned more about music by also watching videos and being influenced by so many other great artist and performers. Suddenly Kz decided that he was gonna give music a try. Because maybe it was his calling and ticket out of the ghetto. At first it was just a lot of clumsy rhyming words he came up with. That made no sense at all. Not even to him. But as time passed. KZ started too quickly progress. Becoming extremely more lyrical. And also beginning to write with better structure as well as meaning. Despite the many people in his life. That kept telling him “You Cant Do It” Or Kz that shit is whack” or it doesn’t sound good” etc. Kz kept his mind focused and stayed determined too one-day make it musically. But he idn’t want too be just another mainstream come and go artists. Kz wanted history to be made like for people to re-member his name after he is gone. He wanted too become a legend like 2pac ,B.I.G. Jay-Z,RUN DMC,BIG L,BIG PUN and so many other hip hop greats. Blessed with the gift too not only rap but also sing. Kz now uses this com-bination sometimes too construct masterpieces as Picasso does. Now 29, Kz has been in The Down Magazine as the best performer in the area. Also included in The Source Magazine. Who stated “His Lyrics Are Clearly Ready For

Mainstream” written by the editor himself after watching perform. Kz will also be featured in Jan. edition of Hostile magazine, As well as Dream Big Grind Hard magazine Feb. edition Paris, Fra..Up & Dowm magazine, Making Big magazine, The Pink Edition are others just too name a few. Wolf entertainment of Sydney, Aus was helping KZ with his digital distribution of his hit single “FACEBOOK WORLD”. Which ranked KZ on the Russian internation-al charts as #2 worldwide on MAKSTV.TV. Its clear that Kz is a destined superstar artist. Who has no problem in defeating his competition or opponents musically once he turns the heat on. Now after reaching and exceeding his level of greatness. Kz now waits patiently for his chance too set his mark in the hip hop/rap chapter. With strong punchlines as well as heart felt delivery of words,well thought of concepts and extreme lyrical word play. Easily separates Kz from most of the average and even the Main-stream Artist. Kz Remains Humble And Shows Love And Wishes The Best To Any Artist Trying To Make It In The World Of Music Because “In The End Sometimes That’s All We Have Left To Do.

CONTACT INFO FOR KZ IS (850)586-6935 EMAIL Kz-bookingjohnson85@gmail.com.Contact his manager: David Malone (702)250-8025

K Z

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Ahmad Nichols well known as “BLAQUE RAH” born and raised on Chi-cago’s Westside (Austin area) solidifies the hip hop game taking it back to its roots with influential lyrics of what goes on in todays era. Musically raised by listening to Big daddy kane,KRS ONE,Tribe called quest,Native tongues etc considered to be the MR.3000 of hip hop emcees. Born in the late 70’s created first demo at age 8 song titled “mayonaise” with manager/producer Writers Wednesday also known as Q hefna, won Chicago lyricist of the year in 2010 and then went on to create more raw material for the underground hip hop heads,with mixtape titled “BLOW” flooding the internet and airwaves it is now BLAQUE RAH’S time to put a stamp on the game.

Artist Profile

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Saphire : How did you come up with your Stage name Blaque Rah?

Blaque: I came up with the stage name BLAQUE RAH because my nickname is black and I’m very dark skinned and my middle name is RASHAD also Blaque Rah stands for SUN GOD in which I come to shed light on the game.

Saphire: You grew up listening to very well know Emcee, Is your style of music similar to that true hip hop sound?

Blaque:.I grew up listening to creative artists but I think my style is unique,a style of its own.

Saphire: Living in Chicago is a challenge is you music, the way you cope with surroundings?

Blaque:YES Chicago is a very big city and so much goes on here so it gives artist like myself more real life events and stories to talk about in my rhymes.

Saphire: Has there ever been a time that you wanted to stop doing music?

Blaque: I always wanted to do music because of the love that I have for the rhythm never thought about being the next Jay Z or anything I just love music I’ll never stop.

Saphire: What was the feeling when you won Chicago Lyricist of the Year?

Blaque: It was great,knowing that their were so many other great artist in the ballot (competition) as well and to walk across the stage and get a trophy reminded me of being mvp in my high school days !!

Saphire: How is the experience with mixtape “Blow” going with the fans?

Blaque: People are really feeling the “BLOW” mixtape with songs “CHICAGO” which is now being played on air now and song titled “Blow” the hip hop turn up song is lyrical heat. Hip Hop heads are actually acknowledging that I’m a force to be reckoned with.

Saphire: Let the fans know what you have upcoming in 2015?

Blaque: Actually my Ep “FINAL NOTICE” will be dropping in mid march no official date has been set yet and also working on a mixtape titled 2015.com with an artist by the name of DA SHOW and other featured artists.

Saphire: What advice you can give to young artist that are pur-suing music?

Blaque: That is to never give up and keep pushing,try creating and immulating a style of their own, to not be discouraged not everyone might like the sound that they dish out STAY CON-TENT !!

Chicago LyricistBlaque Rah

interview by: Saphire Lo

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Princess Eud & Ded Kra-Z

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Oberson Aristor aka ( Ded Kra-Z ) EDOUARIN ENIDE aka ( Princess Eud )

They can brag to have great skills, strengths, exceptional per-forming techniques and the way they entertain and keep the fans focus on them and on the edge. That help them succeed and braking International Barriers. Through their voices, Perfor-mance on stage, Eud & DED-KRA-Z were able to have more than one popular hits singles during there career. Each one inviting you to groove, dance, smile and enjoy great music. As it is the case for this Singles with “HEY, A Dans MIZIK La, YAP PALE that you will find on their first album “ LIMYEWOUJ “. Then WAYAN, EDEM, PA KITE MWEN on their second album entitled “JOUPAM” to name only those titles, the success of Dedkra-z & Princes Eud is the result of a long journey in the Haitian music scene opened for more than 10 year old. Have taken part of many international festivals, like Oct 2011 Intra Coastal in Miami, Florida; Nov 2011Crawfish Club, Velo Tour, Japan Music Week in Tokyo, Japan; August 2011in Hip Hop pro la Paz , Casa la Musica in Havana, Cuba; January 2012 at SoB’s with Wyclef Jean in New York; Maxe’s House of Blues in Boston; July 2012 at Fête de la Musique in Meulan, France. We were Nominated for best “ Wake Up “ Artist at the Indies Live Music Awards First Edition in French West Indies Guadeloupe on November 27, 2014. With one of our hit singles “ Edem “ from our New Album “ Joupam “. WWW.INDIESLIVE.COM/ilma2014pro/en.html, Second Album : Joupam by Princess Eud & Ded Kra-Z from Haiti. https://itunes.apple.com/album/id873096410Synopsis of album: Joupam Is a Indies/World Music Album that contain 15 tracks. Re-lease April 2014. With Hits Singles like “Pa Kite Mwen”. Video on youtube. Here is the link Princess Eud & Ded Kra-z Feat.

Queen Bee - Pa Kite Mwen (Official Video), “Edem” Nomi-nated Best “Wake Up” Artist with that song at the 1st Edition Indies Live Music awards in Saint Martin on Nov. 27. Here is

the link DED KRA Z & EU-DEDEM OFFICIAL, “Pa Anmerdem”. Here is the link DED KRA-Z OFFICIAL VIDEO PA ANMERDEM -2013, “Yon Ti Logik”. Here is the link Princess Eud Official Music video “ Yon ti Logik “ 2013. That also feature some Well Known local(Haiti) artists. How still of music is out of the ordinary and if you really know and love music. You will appreciate and learn to love there sound. Even when you may not understand what they are saying. How sound is braking barriers.

Is a Indies/World Music album that contain 15 tracks. Release July 2012 . With three Hit singles “Yap Pale” Video on you-tube. Here is the link Princess Eud & Ded Kra-Z Yap pale Aug 2011. and “A dans Mizik la” also video on youtube. Here is the link EUD &

Album Name: First Album: Limye Wouj by Princess Eu & Ded Kra-Z From Haiti.

http://www.amazon.com/Limye-Wouj-Eud-Ded-KRA-Z/dp/B005F7I38Y/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UT-F8&qid=1412894811&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=limyewoujSynopsis of album: Limye Wouj

Twitter :@teamlimyewouj; @TaSavior; Facebook : teamlimye-wouj; instagram: @teamlimyewouj; reverbnation: teamlimye-woujhttps://soundcloud.com/teamlimyewouj http://imoveilive.com/the-intro-princess-eud-ded-kra-z-haiti/ AlbumWalk: Joupam by Princess Eud & Ded Kra-z Haiti http://youtu.be/RbSHFqU8dyw

International StylePrincess Eud & Ded Kra-Z

Artist Profile

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Dj Nero Maserati

Boorn and raised on the South Side of Chicago. Dj Nero Mase-rati started his career at a very young age. At the age of 13 he began to dj private parties and school events as he started to get know in the city. As he got older and the years passed on Dj Nero Maserati took his career up a notch in 2008 when he part-nered up with Potency the King of rap now known as Patrico Brown to do his very 1st open mic series at the Brown Sugar. Following Tonic when he linked up with Tony Rudd (3230 Ent) in 2009 as he started bringing artists such as Yo Yo, Project Pat & Wacka Flocka to his city. In 2010 Dj Nero Maserati became a co-owner of the most popular Hip Hop clubs in Chicago as he opened up The Rap Factory with his brother Big Mel The Hustler where he brought out and worked with even more artist national, inter-national, and even local. To name a few Co-Still, Bo-Deal, Travis Porter, Scarface, Dawreck, Maino, Zed Zilla, Drama Ward, Young La, Hussein Fetal and many more. As an icon and Chicago’s hottest Dj

Nero Maserati created his very own events company Srm Events Mid-west in 2012 where it became a to-tal success when he put together events such as Spring Fest with Project Pat & Bo-Deal, Chicago Fest with Dawreck, Buk , Fatal4 and many more.In 2014 Dj Nero Maserati opened up a new lane in doing mixes what he calls a mixtape foundation such as

Salute To The Chief Bump J, Boss of Chicago Bo-Deal, Chicago’s Way, The Calm b4 The

Storm, Twista, P.i.m.pology Do or Die and more. He dropped his very 1st mix compiliation Maserati Chronicles in March following another mix Global Newz a few months later. In the beginning of 2015 Dj Nero Maserati is getting ready to drop his very 1st single so make sure to be on the look out for that. Chicago’s hottest Dj Nero Maserati is taking his career and his talent as a Dj and a top promoter from city to city, state to state and going global.

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Artist Profile

Chicago Hottest DJ

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Ceo: What made

you decide at a young age that DJing was going to be that

career for you?

Nero: There is a story behind me becom-ing a Dj. I wanted to be a musician. Learn how to play instrument. But at the time it was not very affordable. My mother seen how I had a passion for music so she told me how my grandfather was a Dj. I thought ok. I didn’t see it being cool cause I really wanted to learn how to play an instrument. So my mother went out and purchased me some mixing equipment. And told me make it work. I didn’t think much of it. Didn’t think of it as entertaining. I did some Djing before. It wasn’t so technical no mixer just a school turntable and the latest singles then. I always liked to draw people to dance. So I guess you can say Djing was a natural thing for me. After getting the equipment and learning how to use it. I became attached. Started doing house parties and the rest is history. Ceo: How was the experience of your first party that you Dj at?

Nero: My first real party as a Dj was more of a test. People didn’t believe I had equipment or that I was any good using it. I was in 7th grade and one of my best friends that knew I had the equip-ment and set around me practicing my new craft sort of booked me for another friends party. So I show up with all this equipment. Back then you had a ton of speakers and things to carry along with the turntables and mixer. Plus crates of vinyl. My classmates was shocked to see I had a professional hook up. . But I had all those singles and house tracks. So I put on the first song and my classmates was shocked. I played everything they only could hear on the radio and I actually had them dancing. That memory I can never out live. Because that was day that made me. I was the talk of the school and did all my classmates parties. Ceo: Was Djing an outlet for grown up on the south side when you was in your youth?

Nero: Actually it was sports for me. Djing was more of a hobby I was great at doing. Like all kids I wanted to be a professional basketball player. But I wasn’t that great. I loved playing the sport. I was very active then turned to football and soft ball. Then I figured out what I was great at doing. Djing. I did it and it went from house parties to block parties. Back then only the best Dj’s did block parties. And I never considered that myself until one of the neighborhood Dj’s invited me to a basement party cause he heard I could Dj. And put me on the spot. That was my first experience with a older teenage crowd and actually spinning on Tech-nique 1200.

Ceo: How did you get your name as Dj Nero Maserati?

Nero: There is no real story behind it. I was in the process of rebuilding. Dj Nero was The Rap Factory. And at that time during my transition from The Rap Fac-tory I had to come up with something. I will forever be The Rap Factory but I wanted to open a new lane for myself. So the name change was a must. I couldn’t get rid of Nero because that’s who I am. I had to come up with something that would compliment being Nero. I came up with several variations of names but Maserati stuck out the most. Plus I like the cars. Ceo: In 2008-2009 partnering up was that one of your best career moves? Nero: Yes it was. Because before then I did what the trend was building a studio and having a record lable. That wasn’t for me. Because I wasn’t Djing. At that time I

didn’t Dj for some years. One of my close friends who I consider a brother knew me to being a Dj and would tell me I need to get back into it. But my focus was being CHICAGO’S Russell Simmons. When that dream fell through. I was sitting around all this equipment I had and was like I can get back into it. At that time I was Deniro the Beat Hustla. But my artist never called me that. It’s always Nero. I use to hate it. But it stuck. So at this time I did a record release party for my headline artist and had no Dj because it wasn’t in the budget. So I had to Dj. And that night Dj Nero was born.

Ceo: Did you and your brother think that opening the Rap Factory in 2010 will be the foundation for so many artist that has came trough since opening day? Or was the Rap Factory open to be a club for just people to have a great place to hang out? Nero: The Rap Factory was what the name portrayed. The mecca for Chicago’s under-ground artist. I wasn’t a club Dj so our aim was for the purpose to help these artist. Big Mel is a rapper and I’m a Dj so we wanted that a venue for the rapper and the Dj. We built something that was historical. When we put it all together we envisioned it. And we knew it would work. Now at that time we had two other major open mic venues but nothing to the magnitude of The Rap Factory. I want to Salute everyone that made The Rap Factory a historical success. From the staff to every artist that had a chance to experience it. Thank you Ceo: Did becoming an Icon and Chicago hottest Dj, bring more responsibilities as a role model for the community and the hip hop circle than expected?

Nero: I never saw myself as a role model. I’m going to always be for my community because I have kids. I want positivity for everyone. I do what I do because it’s natural for me. So there is no pressure with being anything. Am I an icon maybe. I don’t know how to analyze that. I did everything for the community of hip hop from my heart. Like I breathe this every day. I been Djing for a very long time. And living a dream. So I’m very Thankful for the blessing to be considered an icon. Being Chicago’s Hottest doesn’t mean I’m best or

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Chicago HottestDj Nero Maserati

interview by: Ceo Chocolate

the coldest. It’s because my resume speaks volumes. Name another Dj that made history and set a major trend. That actually support local underground artist. I been doing this for 10years maybe longer. Even at present with my mixtapes. So my responsibility is the same for my city from day one. To get us heard on every platform. To put us on the map. Now once we are recognized and my part is positioned to where I’m given the opportunity to work directly with a record company then my respon-sibility will change and at that time maybe I could be considered a role model. Cause then I could change lives for the better.

Ceo: When would you say was the day you knew that you had master your art of Djing?

Nero: That’s a good question cause I don’t think that day has come. I’m good at what I do. Not a master at. I’m at the top of my game. But still have room to reach further heights. So when you master anything that means to me you have reach your limit and I’m no where close to reaching my limit. I think if ever came a day I would stop. Because what is left after that. I hope that day never comes because I love what I do and I’m planning on doing and elevating more with every step I take. As long as there is music I’m going to stay in game. A jack of the trade and a master of none.

Ceo: How was the outcome of the many mix-tapes that you have release last year? Nero: I had a great year in 2014 with my mixtapes. Did some great numbers. Chi Ann was the key to that success. Her promo was relentless. She helped me end the year with over 300,000 views on my mixtapes collective-ly. So overall it was a good look for me and an incredible move. Ceo: What would be the best advice for the youth that have the love for djing and making music that you can provide them with?

Nero: Invest, believe, and grind. Anything worth having is worth working for. Don’t expect hand outs. Because free isn’t always the

best. Learn your craft and get creative. Step outside the box. Dare to be different. Surround yourself with real truthful people. And be able to accept criticism. Understand the business. Promote and market your work. Don’t expect because it’s on a mixtape it’s being pushed. Push yourself. Don’t be lazy. Build your sup-

porters and fan base. It only take one song to put you

on. So instead of drop-ping a song everyday

find that one dope song and put every-

thing behind it. Give it a chance.

Whats old in one market

is brand new in another

market.

Ceo: Not only are a hot Chica-

go hottest Dj and have many more

talents, Which one of those many hats is

the hardest to complete daily?

Nero: Honestly everything I do goes together. There is nothing daily that is hard because everything takes time to develop. Djing, host-ing, promoting, throwing events. The hards is the events. Dealing with all the obstacles that comes along with doing them. There is a num-ber of things that complicates it. From promo to venue to artist. Hoping to make money from the door. Sometimes there is a profit. Sometimes you break even. Sometimes you lose.

Ceo: How is the single coming along with the completion?

Nero; The single is slated for a April release. Right now I’m looking for production. Got a few producers I’m going to work with. And a few artist I’m going to feature national and local. So stay tuned. Don’t want to give any thing away right now. Ceo: Let the Fans Know what to expect from Dj Nero Maserati in 2015?

Nero: 2015: Mixtapes, Singles and a 6 song Ep, more magazines, Radio, and more concerts. To sum it up. I’m working for everyone. Just stay tuned. I Appreciate each and everyone you. Thank you. Keep supporting me. And I’m going to continue to do my best for you all. I want to shout out my city Chicago much love. I want Thank Chi Ann Management. She’s an incredible Manager. I want to Thank UNSIGNED for this opportunity to speak to the world. #SALUTE

U welcome! Peace.

22 UNSIGNED

Jew e l G a r c i a B e a u t y O f Mo n t h

Unsigned Top 101. Boss Up...................................................................................... ...I Am Poetic

2. Motives...........................................................................................I Am Poetic

3. Burning Down...........................................................Melissa Steel ft. Wizkid

4. No Faking..............................................................................................T- Kool

5. Mind Sheets.................................................................................Exotic Tunez

6. Hate That I Love You.........................................................Marcus Alexander

7. I Don’t Know Your Name....................................................................Edotflo

8. Phototype.....................................................................................Slapp Turner

9. The Master Plan.............................................................................Manny Rite

10. At Your Best...................................................................................Tyler Noel