Artist Spotlight

Interview With MJ

Exclusive Interview With MJ, a soulful yet determined up-and-coming rapper out of Houston, TX creating to shift the game in Hip Hop. Born in Redondo Beach, CA while raised in Pensacola, FL, MJ has been around both worlds enough to craft her own. She began creating music in 2011 after being inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kidd, Madd City.” She relocated to Houston in 2016 to further pursue her musical aspirations. She aims for her major breakthrough while taking on a new approach in the female Hip Hop genre. Her lyricism is exciting yet deep and introspective. Her flow is smooth as silk yet can be as lit as a fire. She has released her most recent single, “DREAMS”, featuring the sultry vocals of singer Breana Marin.

Where are you based?

Currently, I’m in Houston, TX

How long have you been making music?

Been creating music since 2011.

What genre would you consider your music to be?

Hip-Hop and Rap.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

In college, I was struggling with what I wanted to do with my new adult life. Music and writing had been in my life on and off since I was 8 years old. There were unique artists coming out that we’re changing the game to one more of substance and lyricism mixed in with a little crazy. There were emotions I wanted to express through art. I love music. I was obsessed with it and I wanted to become a creator myself. So here we are.

What are your biggest musical influences?

Growing up in terms of female influences I loved Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot. Missy in particular produced, wrote, and spit her own work which till this day I greatly admire. In college and beyond my three main artists who helped influence me were Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino.

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

Independent Artist.

What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?

The biggest challenges have been obtaining the knowledge and resources in order to elevate my career to the next level. I am an independent artist which means I don’t have the millions of dollars invested from a label. Nearly everything I’ve done I’ve had to do from scratch while still surviving. I’ve slept on couches and nearly been homeless a few times. But it has allowed me to grow stronger in my abilities and to steady my ship.

How many songs or albums have you released to date?

I’ve released an EP and six singles along with a mixtape from 2016. In addition, I’ve released several freestyles and have done some work with other artists.

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

Definitely! “DREAMS” was produced by Dreamlife, who recently did some work on Summer Walker’s “Still Over It”. I’ve gotten to chat with him and he is an extremely talented English producer. The hook is sung by Breana Marin, who is an extremely talented and beautiful R&B singer. I wrote my lyrics for the song this past summer after having to overcome several trials in my life. It is a deep song that I feel is one if not my best works so far.

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

“DREAMS” will have a music video on my official YouTube channel so stay tuned! I am currently working on creating more visual content in order to expand my reach and for my fanbase to see more of me as an artist and human. I have several new songs in the works as well. So again, stay tuned!

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Artist Spotlight

Recc explores nostalgia and inner freedom in “Where the Wild thYngs Are”

“Where the Wild Things Are” is a happy but thoughtful trip through memory, imagination, and finding yourself. One of the best songs on Recc‘s album hennYsosa, this one mixes cloud rap sounds with lyrics that are deep and thought-provoking.

The song is based on childhood memories of the adventurous spirit in Where the Wild Things Are. It taps into a desire for freedom and curiosity that often fades with age. Recc experiences that feeling of wanting to explore while also dealing with the realities of the present.

The playful microfreak synth layers create a dreamy, raw sound that matches the song’s emotional duality. The sound is both uplifting and raw, which shows the push and pull between nostalgia and growth. Recc’s lively delivery provides the song energy and draws listeners deeper into its world with each verse.

“Where the Wild Things Are” is a song that people who want to escape from their daily lives, stress, or their limitations can relate to. It encourages us to reconnect with our wild side and reminds us that creativity and freedom are still possible.

With this release, Recc turns memories into movement, making a song that feels both personal and universal. It reminds us that sometimes the way forward starts with finding the fearless curiosity we used to have and deciding to take it with us.

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Artist Spotlight

AnnaBelle Swift delivers gentle hope and gratitude with new single “Heaven Sent”

“Heaven Sent” is a soothing composition, uplifting, poignant, and infused with nuanced appreciation. German-American folk artist AnnaBelle Swift imbues her latest single with tenderness and emotional clarity, creating a track that resonates during moments of introspection and connection.

The composition, co-authored with San Francisco-based lyricist Chris Mason, offers a distinctly optimistic perspective on love. Rather than portraying heartbreak as a loss, “Heaven Sent” honors relationships for their importance, cherished segments that generate invaluable memories, notwithstanding their termination.

Lines like “it is you I’ll always remember” and “these days with you were the best I’ve ever spent” encapsulate the song’s essence: gratitude without resentment and resolution without remorse. It serves as a reminder that love maintains its value even if it is not everlasting.

AnnaBelle Swift was immediately enthralled by the song’s emotional optimism, and her performance reflects that sincerity. Celebrated for creating music focused on belonging and shared experiences, she delivers the track with warmth and sophistication, blending an uplifting melody with introspective contemplation.

“Heaven Sent” captures the essence of cherished memories, recognizing that certain connections should influence us rather than endure. This release enables AnnaBelle Swift to solidify her niche in folk music, highlighting emotional authenticity, appreciation, and the complexities of love.

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