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MUSIC
People have used music from yestayear, to communicate and express themselves. Nations have come together just by the message many songs have given throughout generations.
ROYAL SUPERWOMAN
MANDY BABY-OnFire
RONYAE, Staff Writer 
Landing an interview with MBOF seemed impossible, and once it was done I could understand why her time was so scarce. Even though her hands are full with taking care of family, raising children, living the love of her music, career and life, she shares her story with ROYAL-TALK!
Born Amanda Mann in Detroit and raised in the suburbs of Detroit. I'm an Underground Female EMCEE. I have studied music all throughout grade school, playing the alto saxaphone from 10 yrs old into high school. At the age of 15 I began taking private piano lessons. I have always loved all music but growing up I was definitely a HIP HOP HEAD.
Growing up in Roseville, MI as a little girl I wanted to become a DJ, later wanting to learn to produce instrumentals. What that meant to me was a PERSONALITY on the radio and I could sit at my job all day playing great hip hop. Growing up in the 90's being a female and being caucasian, I was always discouraged from it and the hip hop culture as if it were taboo for me. That is why when I graduated high school and started community college I studied Music and music composition. If I couldnt be a DJ or on the radio, I could make
"...because i love hitting
stages and rocking out mics.."
a difference and teach music. I , however, became pregnant with my first child at the age of 19 so college became something that I could return to later. I never finished. By the time I had my son, hip hop became a past time for me and my closest friends. At first I would play around with this lilttle 20 key keyboard and make a simple beat, and a friend of mine would freestyle over the beat. Eventually I would pick up the style, and it was almost like a party trick. Every party we had, I was getting requests to freestyle and entertain, which i never minded. Eventually we took it to the streets. My girl friends and I would hit up bars, or parking lots - literally, on the weekends and would find [mostly men] to challange or cypher with outside. Usually the reaction of 99% of peole, before the fact, would look at me like I'm crazy. That's only because I don't look like your typical EMCEE.
However, once I caught their attention and began to open my mouth the reaction of the crowds were always the same. STUNNED! Pleasantly surprised. That gave me the drive to want to hit a real stage. I always seen it as if me, in these streets, are making people laugh and have fun and reacting like that,I couldnt stop now. My days of battles and cyphers in the streets were only the begining... READ MORE!
YCG IS IN THE KINGDOM!!!
When members of YCG were invited to perform at the H2H Spring Beneficial Extravaganza, there was no hesitation on their behalf to accept the invitation join the ROYAL FAMILY. Although very busy with their music endeavors, they took time away to be interviewed, and share their ROYAL-TALK! READ MORE
WE PRESENT: THE MULTI-TALENTED YOUNG D.E.E.!
I've always had a passion for music, sounds, and different frequencies. Or as in why does certain music make you feel happy, mad, or sad. Not to mention my Mom named me after music ( Pat Metheny Group ) Daulton Lee, from the movie Falcon and the Snowman. Curiosity set in when I began to grow older. Needless to say, my mom never condoned me listening to explicit lyrics, violence, or downgrading of females. But I wanted to do the opposite of what my family was protecting me from, like most children do. It's not un-common, but there should be moderation in the type of message you choose to indulge in.
I grew up listening to all kinds of music: jazz, pop, r&b, cultural, techno, some rap, but not until I got older, like LL Cool J, Heavy D, 2Pac, Skee Lo, TLC & others. They weren't as foul as the rest of the rap that was being commercialized at the time, so my mom felt that was OK. To be honest - I mostly like a certain song because of the beat not really understanding the lyrics per-say, I just knew if I could bobb my head to it then it was a favorite. I also remember when going to school certain friends were able to listen to the profanity and I couldn't, which made me upset. I was only in elementary school at the time but I couldn't understand why they were able to listen to things I wanted but could not have.
I've been using my rap name ( Young D.E.E. aka Reverse ) for 8 years. Ever since I was 5 I've been learning and teaching myself how to rhyme and rap, also change up the tempo or syllables, punchlines & metaphors. I always wanted to be the best - idolizing my favorite rapper Tupac gave me that ambition to be all you can be and forget everyone else, that's what it takes to be your best. Never wait around for another person to promise or tell you something they'll do, don't delay your progress in being an artist for someone's word - do it for you, ALWAYS. Stay focused, positive, think out of the box, never try and copy someones way, it's ok to be inspired, but don't copycat; nobody will respect you because that's not ( ORIGINAL ). READ MORE!
ROYAL RHYTHMz From DETROIT SKILLS:
RAIL!
Interviewing ROYAL artist RAIL
T. E. FINLEY, Staff Writer
The feeling of completion for any artist can usually be found in the creative process of their craft. Rail feels the essential tools needed to succeed are talent, focus, determination and adaptability. Rail deemed his passion for music and performing at the young age of eleven. The evidence of positive influences are numerous and consistently enriching his passion for the music industry. He aspires to be an inspiration to others by following his dreams, staying focused, and always keeping family first.
The beginning was a humbling journey that started with a dream, a pen, pad and endless hours in his cousins studio. The desire to evolve into an artist on the status level of; Rakim, Tupac, Nas, LL Cool J, Jay Z, 50Cent, Special Ed, The Beastie Boys and DMX, just to name a few, is Rail's motivation to learn as many new skills and techniques as he can. Presently his is learning how to produce beats and music is not the only talent that is pouring out of Rail, he also draws. As a child he was influenced by and uncle who was once a recording artist in the 70’s, his brother Earl Moore, who was the first and still encourages him to "Go for it!" Rail expressed extreme gratitude to DJ King David for escorting him thru the threshold of becoming a true artist.
Inquiring into the mind of Rail I asked for what he felt are the most important things an aspiring artist should consider to be successful in the entertainment industry? He responded, "The key tools needed to succeed in life and in your craft are focus, determination and adaptability; resulting in long hours of working hard, and having a open mind will promotes growth creatively as well professionally, which can result in productive networking and exciting projects. Networking is a important issue that can be utilized in many ways, I continuously work at building my audience base." READ MORE!..
WE PRESENT: THE RETURN OF E BABY!
- When collaborating with other artists, can you join just anybody?
You can.. as long as they're serious and you're serious yall can work!
- What do you look for when you join together with other artists on a song?
A few different things. Their style, If they would be a good fit for the project in mind, if they have a good following, stuff like that.
- How does collaborating with other artists work? Who writes the lyrics, makes the music?
It depends. For rappers collaborating with other rappers, hopefully both artists involved write something. I tend to look at almost every project as a collab because I usually have someone produce my music for me.
- How do you ensure you're being credited for your contribution to a collaboration?
There's a form called a "Split Sheet". You can google it and download it there. That's where all people involved in the song (producers, writers, performers, etc.) document their contribution to the song. Everybody involved has to sign off on it so that's how I do it. READ MORE!
WE PRESENT: DELUSIONAL RAPPER!
-#years working as this artist? As this "artist" since like 2006 but I've been making records with many diff groups since 1995. The Manic Depressed Crew, The HorrorScope & many other projects.
-Always an aspiration? For sure. Back in the 80's my brother always had some kind of band together so I grew up always around music. Before I even had my first sampler I was using double tape decks to put together crazy loops of death metal.
-basic essentials to be this type of artist? In my eyes its all about being creative. Anyone with money can throw together some group & market the hell out of them but at the end of the day if your music is weak you won't last.for me personally I make music for me! Not in a cocky way I'm just saying if I don't like a song on a project I'm workjng on the it don't always make the cut.
-Type of connection of multiple talents? I'm not just a "rapper" I'm a producer/composer. 90% of the music I'm on is produced by me & my brother killer-k. We write songs from the ground up. Not just samples we infuse real guitars, bass & keys to create always changing new music. READ MORE!
WE PRESENT: F.L.Y. (TOPSHELF & BREEZY)!
1. Years working as this artist. F.L.Y. 4 years total, going hard for the past 2 years.
2. Always an aspiration? Why?
Topshelf: Yes. I grew up with music surrounding me, in church, school, home. Have a love of all types of music, and it gives me a way to get my thoughts heard.
Breezy: Yes. A general LOVE of music! And realizing I have an ability to reach people in ways that are undescribable to some...
3. Basic essentials to be this type of artist.
Love of music of any genre. The ability to put your thoughts on paper, lyrical execution. Hear the beat, feel the beat. Take reality and spin it so that it sounds good to a beat. Making music for the people, not just what you may like, but what others can relate to.
4. Life of it...
Topshelf: Knowing what you want and going after it. Being "real", and staying "real".
Breezy: The way music relates to real life, creates memories and touches people.
Death of it...
Topshelf: Letting things go to your head... Feeling like you are better than others.
Breezy: Having people always in your business, trying to get something on you. READ MORE!..
WRITING
Using writing as one of the major forms of communication, a nation has evolved. Artists using writing as a method to "Move The Crowd" have been unsung heroes and heroines to change and record history.
WE PRESENT: AUTHOR WRITER BUSH!
Writer shared a previous interview with ROYAL-TALK!:
1. How long have you been an artist? I have been writing professionally for fifteen years (sixteen as of January 2014). 2. You are always an inspiration to others! Why is that? I don't put too much thought into the reason I help people/artists. When I see a need for help, I simply get involved. It's what we would all want as fledgling or faltering artists and humanitarians. 3. What does it take to be an author? It depends on what the potential artist wants to get out of it. For me, I want to be remembered and paid well. For those things, I need to write well and be represented by someone who knows the industry well enough to find my style of publisher and audience. For that, I need to continue to read and continue to write and be ready to adapt to opportunities as they present themselves. 4. What genres do you write? I write under the genre of Prose Fiction. I write in categories I call reality-based fiction and suspense-romance. 5. Share what it's like to be an author - what is life and death to an author? Life for an author must consist of new experiences that can be translated to print. I said print because I don't like e-books. I like real paper and real book covers. Death to an author is the inability change and the inability to sell one's self. There are a million authors; why should anyone read you? Especially if you don't want to write what's new or in formats other than pen and paper. 6. What equipment do you need to be successful in your career? A printing press would be the ultimate tool. A PC is a basic requirement. Solitude. Crowds. An advertising budget. A marketing strategy. An audience. Outlets like yours who invite us to discuss our craft and thereby help bring us attention and publicity. READ MORE!..
WE PRESENT: THE CREATIVE KULAYD!
1. I have had the name Kulayd (Coo- Laid) since I was in junior high school and have been performing under the name since then. I use the name today to stand for my versatility and the creative variety I express through my music and films.
2. The basic essentials needed to be an artist in this field I think are you must have the passion to pursue your goals and dreams without giving up at the first sign of trouble. If you arm yourself with focus and determination great things can happen.
3. Some of my artistic talents include writing, producing, sound engineering, and performing as a recording artist. However I also produce and direct my own films and music videos.
4. If anyone is looking to get into the Hip-Hop entertainment field they must have patience, a positive outlook, and a plan! Noone succeeds in this business overnight unless you are part of the small handful of people who do get that lucky break but if you are not a part of that group then expect to spend alot of time establishing a name for yourself. Some of the most challenging obstacles come from the people closest to you. There will be people you think are in your corner and support what you do but you may find that that the list of true supporters you have is shorter than you expected. Bottom line is that you must believe in yourself and pursue your dreams despite the negativity and opposition you will face from those closest to you and both the public alike.
5. In order to be a productive recording artist you must either have your own recording studio and know how to mix and master or you have to find someone with a studio who is able to do these things for you. You must also make sure you have a good graphics artist on board which is extremely important because the graphic artist is going to help you create the face of your music that is to be released to the public. You will also need various promotional materials and a publicist! Publicists can get you great interviews in a variety of media platforms such as in magazines, news papers, and radio and television interviews. The right publicist can be very valuable to you as an artist and to the projects you are trying to promote. An artist can manage themselves and get themselves some nice gigs but having the right team members aboard can add steam to any ship setting sail. READ MORE!..
ART! ART! ART!
Art has always been the silent crowd-mover; it has been used to not only express, but to communicate as well.
CHAZ THE MENACE BOY CREATING COMICS
WE PRESENT THE MULTI-TALENTED: CHAZ THE MENACE BOY!
Chaz was recently featured in our ROYAL YUF, and it was a must that we showcase his talents beyond being a motivated, and determined youth. READ MORE!..
POETS AND SPOKEN WORD
(CAESAR BOOK SIGNING 2013)rplc
Over the years, using poetry was one of the most expressionable ways of not only entertainment, but as informing others of a struggle, movement, or social matter. Poets became the lifeline for silent voices, using talents to bring forth true matters of the heart.
Local poets and spoken word have a "VOICE", and are willing to share with others aspiring to delve into one of the most historical vices for silent voices.
WE PRESENT: CAESAR!
I am Caesar Torreano and poetry to me is greatness! Poetry is the friend that never abandoned me; the lover that always been faithful to me and the entity that never judges me for my past discretions. It is the air that I needed to heal me; the eyes that I needed to see me and the voice I needed to be to express myself. So I could be heard and so I can hear. If I can make one person feel the joy that I feel – that poetry has brought to me- my life would be more fulfilled. For that its existence has made me a better man.
I am extremely diverse in my poetic writing.@ My poetry ranges from social injustices/conscious topics to love and/or erotic. I pride myself in discussing topics/situations or events in my pieces things that as man we never discuss. For that I believe one poet’s poem can be another person’s moment of clarity. To my credit, I have a poetic album named “The Rise of an Emperor” where I demonstrate my poetic flexibility towards all life subjects. In addition, I have authored two books, “The Caking Chronicles” (2012) and “The Wetness Whisperer” (2013). READ MORE!..
DJ DUBB'S EQUIPMENT (above);
WE PRESENT: DJ DUBB313!
Growing up between Linwood and Dexter Avenue, DJ Dubb didn't allow his environment to determine his future. DJing was a hobbie that turned into a skill, and then a career; although being a skilled labor worker, DJ Dubb always had "moving the crowd" at heart.
DJ Dubb313 on the 1s & 2s DJ DUBBS: MULTI-SKILLED
Nations have come together just by the message many songs have given throughout generations. This month's featured showcase of ROYAL RHYTHMz will have one of our very own ROYAL DJs!
With a resume like djDDT's, there's no need for an introduction... this ROYAL Family Member is part of the original ROYAL KINGDOM from Myspace; his talents have exceeded the limits, and are setting new bars!
WE PRESENT THE ROYAL MULTI TALENTS OF DJ DDT!
Who is DJ DDT?
Mobile/Club DJ:
Specializing in urban music, DJ DDT has played for crowds as large as approximately 2,000 at once! With almost 15 years experience in the clubs, you can guanrantee a pleased crowd by the end of the night!
Mixtape DJ:
With the ever-changing world of technology going hand-in-hand with music, DJ DDT is an excellent fixture in the mixtape circuit, bringing the classic use of turntablism to today's brand of Hip Hop and R&B music! Whether artist-specific or themed, a mixtape with DJ DDT is worth keeping as a collector's item!
Radio Mixshow DJ:
Hearing DJ DDT mixing on the air, you can expect nothing but the best: air-tight blends, impecable timing, the absolute best selections with the "classic mixshow DJ touch!" DJ DDT is an extra hot commodity!
Music Producer:
DJ DDT holds his own, bringing excellence, a certain style, a bit of his swagger, huge imagination and great creativity to Hip Hop and R&B Music!
Radio Producer:
With 15 years at a major-market radio station under his belt, there's nothing DJ DDT can't do for any urban radio station!
Audio Recording Engineer/Mixing Engineer:
Learning from the best engineers in the music industry, DJ DDT can offer rich, full, superb sound to any music project!
Radio Personality:
"One of the nicest guys I know!" That's a phrase often used to describe DJ DDT. It also spills over into radio...a warm, easily lovable character, very much enjoyed by tons of listeners for 15 years!
Radio Commercial Producer:
You need your business to stand out? The pleasant, locally recognizable, strong voice of DJ DDT can get you there! Lots of experience in the commercial production department!
Consultant:
DJ DDT can help you get a kick-start in your musical career, advising artists, labels and producers. READ D.D.T.'s FULL BIO!..
COMEDY
Comics play an important role in spreading knowledge, as well as laughter. There are many aspiring comics in the world, showcasing their talents on both stages and film.
This platform showcases their ROYAL VOICE through humor.
WE PRESENT: COMEDIAN GEMINI!
Living his stage name, "The REALIST" Comedian, GEMINI gives comedy a new face. Entertaining the audiences with 'real-life' experiences, and keeping it "real" at the same time, GEMINI explains how he's able to give people something other comedians are not doing.
"My acts are NOT an act, they're 'real-life', and it shows with every performance. I don't repeat the same jokes at every show, because it's something different happening in my life EVERYDAY!
GEMINI recently toured across the U.S. taking his talent and skills to an even higher level, and larger audienceS. Stay connected and updated on his Broke Ballin' Ent. facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/BrokeBallinEntertainment
Click on GEMINI's photo below for updates on his performances; bookings: talkalotgemini@gmail.com or 313-721-5202.
ITS E BABY!!!
Q. Number of years working as this artist?
A. I started writing hip hop lyrics at age 10; I am currently 21 so I’ve been trying to perfect this craft for about 11 years strong.
Q. Always an aspiration? Reason, why?
A. I’ve always been creative, before I started writing I would draw all day on whatever I could find. But, I started writing as a homework assignment in 5th grade. My peers thought I was pretty good, I felt like it was a good way to suppress my anger issues, and it was fun so I just kept doing my thing. I decided to take this craft seriously after I got out of school and having conversations about what I want to do with my life.
Q. Basic essentials to be this type of artist?
A. Talent, drive, patience I think are 3 key components. Anybody can say things that rhyme on a beat but to have some substance, or tell a story requires true talent and a lot of practice. Drive because there are a zillion cats out here doing the exact same thing I am. With the same goals, taking the same opportunities, trying to make the same things happen, and some are probably better or even worse. Drive is key because it separates the hungry from the bull shitters in my opinion. Finally, patience because Rome wasn’t built in a day! Basically, nothing worth doing happens overnight. It takes time to build a brand and audience.
Q. Multiple genres? Are they parallel?
A. You could say yeah… Maybe more so “sub-genres.” I have some songs that are more hardcore, and then I have some that are sort of political. Love songs, club bangers, chill music, and riding music. I wouldn’t say they’re parallel but instead perpendicular because sometimes they clash with one another or contradicting you could say.
Q. Type of connection of multiple talents?
A. I’ve been making beats for the past two years, so I produced some songs on my upcoming mix tape. I’m also currently learning how to mix and master music and like I said earlier I draw a little. I sketched the concept for my logo, working on a couple cover art concepts as well.
Q. Share with those who wish to be this type of artist, the Life of it and the Death of it…
A. Well I’m not super famous and my career is still in the early growing stages but thus far, the ups of being a hip hop artist outweigh the downs. Being on stage performing and getting props from the members of the audience is always good for me. I also feel like expressing myself daily when I right am another good part because it keeps me “even”. The bad or down parts for me so far would have to be the sacrifices. A lot of times I don’t go out as much because I’m usually either writing or doing research for a song, making a beat, trying to mix or master tracks, in the studio, or just researching the business side of what I do. It’s funny to me, my last like 2-3 girlfriends all had problems with me being in the studio all day and night but hey, that’s life!
Q. As a career, what’s needed? Equipment, hardware, tools?
A. For beats, I just use Fruity Loops 9 and a couple different midi controllers. For any songwriters reading this I would suggest you to look into a Performance Rights Organization (BMI, ASCAP). Outside of that, everything else is pretty much at the tips your fingers. Everybody’s walking around with mini computers in their pockets, so whether you need to research, network, promote or whatever else, you can do pretty much do it all from your phone.
Q. Starting on budget or nothing?
A. I personally didn’t start with one. I just pretty much paid as I went and learned. I still think you should start out with one (I’m just not a very organized person) because there are a lot of expenses that you probably wouldn’t even think of off the top of your head if you plan on releasing a CD for example, it’s just good to have everything drawn out before you pursue it.
Q. How to build an audience?
A. I try to perform as many places as I can. Open mic’s, local showcases, etc. If you already have your product finished for the most part it’s also a good idea to have copies of it with you everywhere you go. If you are on Facebook, you can make a “Like” page which is also a good tool. I created a website (WWW.ITSEBABY.COM) where you can see what I’m doing career wise. Also, try to get your music in the hands of as many DJ’s as possible because they play music for hundreds of thousands of people daily. It’s actually their job to have the newest hottest music, so if you have a hot record they will want it.
Q. Your greatest influences?
A. As far as music goes, love old school. Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Johnny Guitar Watson, and I could go on for days. Rappers I like would be Outkast, UGK, Tupac, Curren$y, Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy just to name a few. Most of my songs are influenced by daily experiences in the life of me, a friend, or just simply a thought or question.
Q. Share how you are balancing life versus business and the hype of your industry...
A. It’s difficult sometimes. Like I said earlier about sacrifices, I can never really balance work and relationships for some reason. I always have a hard time balancing my 9-5 (yes I have a job I ain't sold no records yet, hahaha) and my music as well. I’ll do a show and be out ‘til like 3 in the morning and have to be at work at 9, so I don’t sleep a lot. It’s crazy too because I’ll be feeling like I’m on top of the world while I’m performing and then the next day I’m doing grunt work at the job so it can be kind of humbling I guess. As far the hype of the industry, I feel like it only exists if you acknowledge it. Some artists think you can only “get on” if you make a certain type of music, which is not true at all. There are a lot of well-known artists who I’ve never heard of but they still sell out shows and go platinum so that should let you know right there.. .
Q. Any other words of wisdom?
A. In life we all make sacrifices whether intentional or not, just make sure you don’t sacrifice yourself. By that I mean stay true to who you are in your music (it always comes out better that way.) Do as much research as you can on the field you want to get in, especially if you want to be in this music game because there’s a lot of in’s and out’s, up’s and down’s to it. So inform yourself as much as possible, keep positive people in your corner that have YOUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART. Don’t give up on your dreams because the impossible is in fact possible and if you can dream it you can achieve it!
If you want to contact me for features, booking, or production you can contact me real365music@gmail.com and If you want to check out any of my music or videos you can find them on these links:
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ITSEBABY