Artist Spotlight
MEET POLO SHAK, THE AMERICAN RAPPER WHO IS REWRITING HISTORY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Shakeel Wasean Ivery, Better known as Polo Shak is an American rapper, songwriter, actor, model, and brand ambassador who was born in an American family located in Astoria Queens, New York City. Polo Shak started making music at a very young age. And along the way, he formed a group called Gemstarz where he did talent shows. His come-up was not overnight, as this talented artist has invested countless hours into his grind on his rise to the top of the rap game.
Along the way, Polo Shak met famous celebrities and musicians during his come-up, artists such as Manolo Rose, Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, Cardi B, Dj Funk Master Flex, Chief Keef, 6ix9ine, Amare Stoudemire, and many more.
Polo Shak is a great rapper and songwriter who has written songs for people and has produced so much music as well. He is indeed the full package when it comes to music and he uses his skills to navigate through the music industry and has seen much success.
Listen to the songs on his recent Album on Spotify;
Hi there, welcome to Honkmagazine. Can you tell our readers about what really inspired you to write music?
Polo Shak – What inspired me to write music was my parents. I’ll blame them lol, but in a good way of course because they would spoil me with musical items every Christmas and every chance they get, along with playing classical vinyl records, radio stations, tapes, CDs, and music channels on Television.
When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
Polo Shak – To be honest, at age 5 or 6, I knew basketball, gymnastics and art wasn’t my main purpose.
Tell us what is so unique about you and your music?
Polo Shak –I usually manifest my future in my music and also talk about what happened during my life and what’s currently on my mind at the moment. So I write to inspire and how can I relate to other people’s situations along with my own.
Can you tell us about your latest releases and what inspired you to create them?
Polo Shak – My latest releases are on my latest album ‘Untitled’ which was previously released in December 2021, on Christmas and just being in a happy space. Just recently was live on TV on BET as the Soul Train Awards presents Ashanti her Lady of Soul Honoree and Just felt amazing about my future. Had to let them know there was no title on the music I create.
Can you give us a brief insight into your upcoming projects?
Polo Shak – Well yes, I have an upcoming project releasing in the summertime called ‘Summer on Locc’. Which has about 26 songs on there with samples beats of some of the hottest songs I could relate to growing up that was popular during my summer days.
What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
Polo Shak – Keep going with your music, and don’t give up on your dreams. Keep being yourself and don’t try and be different because then you will end up being the same.
What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) that you are passionate about?
Polo Shak – I have 2 beautiful daughters, so you know I have to continue fatherhood and stare them in the right direction and I do study a lot in this entertainment business, learning the ups and downs. I mean, I just read a lot to build my speech vocabulary. Also, I do a lot of meditation and workouts, I have to keep my health correct.
Any last piece of advice for those artists who just started making music?
Polo Shak – Meet and Greet and just don’t look for no handouts. Do make sure you make as many mistakes as possible so that you won’t repeat the same failures. Don’t be afraid to reach out and be annoying lol, but not too annoying; just be consistent and show genuine love so that you build a spectacular relationship.
How can our readers follow you online?
Polo Shak – you can follow me through my social media accounts.
Follow me on Instagram: @poloshak
Artist Spotlight
Lana Crow turns challenges into a celebration with “Laugh With You”
“Laugh With You,” the latest single from Lana Crow, is a sincere rallying cry to embrace life in all its messy, beautiful mess. In the song, indie pop and alt-pop combine to deliver an emotional blow that feels both personal and universal.
“Laugh With You” feels like an instant connection, and Crow is telling you stories of hard times with a cozy, knowing smile. This song is as much about struggle as it is about how strong you are. It serves as a reminder that these struggles are simply what give us the strength to keep going, even when life is tough.
Crow encourages people to welcome them, create happiness in the cracks, and laugh even as the world gets heavy. The result is a song that delicately nudges you to love and embrace yourself. It is an anthem for anyone experiencing tough times who refuses to give up hope. Lana Crow continues to demonstrate her songwriting skills, both musically pleasing and emotionally rich, with “Laugh With You.”
It’s a reminder that it’s how we respond to tough times, rather than how they affect us, that’s key. With this song, not only does Crow provide us with music, but she also lets us know that sometimes a laugh is what we need to remember that there is always something to smile about and that, even when it feels like life has waged war against you, laughter can still be found.
Artist Spotlight
BluntBrad Jr. finds calm ambition in the laid-back shine of “It’s All Good”
BluntBrad Jr.’s new single, “It’s All Good,” sounds like a steady handshake and a deep breath. It’s warm, honest, and not trying to be cool. There isn’t any fancy production hiding behind layers of polish here. Instead, the song is all about being honest. The song is laid-back and offers up the shine of a studio recording for the feeling of a candid introduction, a musical “hello” from someone who wants to be heard for who they are.
“It’s All Good” is a very human way to be hopeful at its core. The feeling is simple and real, like someone who won’t let little things stand in the way of their goals. The words to the song sound like friends talking to each other. They discuss their goals, their drive, and their need for attention in a way that is honest and not needy.
The production backs this up by making sure that everything is open and airy. The instruments are simple and easy to understand, so BluntBrad Jr.’s voice and message come through clearly. The song feels real because it doesn’t have a lot of extra stuff in it. You’re not hearing a heavily constructed persona; you’re hearing someone at the start of a journey, eager to make their mark.
The song’s rough edges make it captivating, which is better than polish, which would have smoothed it out. This way of thinking fits with the theme: hope isn’t naive here; it’s realistic and steady. It speaks to people who like simple songs and value honesty over artifice.
“It’s All Good” is an engaging and approachable phrase that offers context for an artist who is confident and clear about their artistic vision. This is the kind of song you listen to when you need some honest encouragement to remember that just being human can help you move forward. This is only the first chapter of something serious, so expect more from him.
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