Artist Spotlight

Kendall Williams is an ARTIST ON THE RISE

Kendall Williams is an independent Christian artist and rapper based in Virginia Beach VA. He chose to join the music industry, not for money but to touch lives through his songs. He is on the rise to stardom. Quickly captivated the hip-hop industry with his new single “Trap Gospel Remix” featuring legendary super producer Zaytoven and veteran Memphis artist Project Pat. Williams has received an abundance of support from the single. With his rap/sing style audiences worldwide and drawn to Williams’s new music and embracing him as a new up-incoming artist.

We had the chance to interview Kendall Williams. His voice is so innovative, so supple, and he can hit the notes in the stratosphere without seeming to even try.

Where are you based?

Virginia Beach VA

How long have you been making music?

8 years

What genre would you consider your music to be?

Christian Rap/Gospel Rap

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I‘ve always been inspired to be an artist ever since I was a young child. Growing up I watched artists such as Michael Jackson, Diddy, Jay-z, and many others and saw the impact that they had on the world. I’ve always been inspired by this and dreamed of one day using my gift of music to be an inspiration and a role model to the world.

I first started doing music when I was 10 years old. My father formed a group with me and two of my brothers. Weekly we would go to nursing homes in our area to perform for the elderly. I was also forced to be in our church choir and attend weekly rehearsals. Music has always been a big part of my life. This is where my raw skill, passion, and talent for music come from.

What are your biggest musical influences?

Since I have been doing so long it has always been a lifestyle for me. Music is a part of me and who I am. As my craft matured I’ve become a professional. As time has gone by creating music I’ve been blessed with many opportunities to take my music to a professional level.

Growing up watching great artists such as Michael Jackson Diddy etc. and seeing their passion for music influences me to be great and embrace my talents as an artist.

Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?

I’m an independent artist.

What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?

The biggest challenge in my music career so far was at first I was having a difficult time being accepted in the churches. As a gospel artist, I share a faith-based message about Jesus and how he has positively impacted my life. I also share some of my life stories and testimonies of selling drugs in the streets, being incarnations, and how God has turned my life around. However, my music doesn’t sound like the topical gospel you would hear from “Kirt Franklin” but a trap street type sound. At first, the church didn’t understand and wasn’t too interested in me sharing my music with them. As time has gone on and things have changed so much in society, and we have faced much more hardships such as the pandemic and violence my music is now more embraced by e everyone because it’s positive it gives hope to a hopeless generation and now more are open to change and feel as though they need God in there lives.

How many songs or albums have you released to date?

I currently have 3 albums out on all platforms which my latest album is Trap Gospel.

Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?

My latest release is Trap Gospel Remix which features legendary producer Zaytoven and hip hop legend Project, Pat. Working with Project Pat doesn’t come as a surprise because we have collated earlier in my career called on a song called ‘Geeked Up’. Back then Williams was making music under the name Fast Money. Soon as the single was released I was arrested for selling drugs back in2013. Furring that difficult time in my life I made some changes and now making Christian and focused on changing a generation and spreading positive vibes in efforts to encourage others to follow God.

Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?

The success of this single has set me up to work on a new single produced by Zaytoven which will be released soon!

Stay connected with Kendall Williams:

https://www.instagram.com/kendalwms

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.