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

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Artist Spotlight

bAnI kAI Explores Identity and Resilience on “bAnIverse”

With “bAnIverse,” bAnI kAI confidently enters a sound world where cutting-edge sound design meets deep emotional storytelling. The song mixes R&B and hip-hop sounds and talks about identity, selfhood, and resilience in a world that is becoming more digital.

From the very beginning, “bAnIverse” draws you in. The production is sleek and modern, with atmospheric textures that give the impression of movement and depth. There is a digital pulse under the track, but it never takes away from the emotional core. Instead, it makes the feeling of being between two worlds, real and virtualstronger.

bAnI kAI’s singing is both controlled and expressive, finding the right balance between being open and being sure of himself. It seems like he put every word in the right place on purpose to show how the song talks about his internal struggles and self-awareness. The lyrics of “bAnIverse” make people think about how identity is formed, tested, and changed in today’s world.

The song’s structure is fluid because it mixes R&B melodies with hip-hop beats, which lets it change moods easily. This flexibility is similar to the song’s themes, which support the idea that identity is not set in stone but always changing.

The emotional honesty of “bAnIverse” is what makes it so interesting. The song sounds futuristic, but it feels very human. It recognizes uncertainty while still showing strength, which gives a sense of power instead of confusion.

“bAnIverse” shows that bAnI kAI is an artist who isn’t afraid to use sound to explore complicated ideas. It’s a deep, thought-provoking song that gets better the more you listen to it and speaks to anyone trying to figure out who they are in the digital age.

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Artist Spotlight

Aldo J Turns Loss into Renewal on “Now That You’re Gone”

With “Now That You’re Gone,” Aldo J makes a deeply moving song that gently leads listeners through themes of loss, forgiveness, and personal growth. The song combines smooth jazz sounds with modern production to create a cozy and thoughtful mood that doesn’t try to be dramatic.

The song starts with a calm, soulful sound that sets the mood right away. The soft instruments and warm melodies make the listener feel like they are in a still place, which helps them fully take in the mood. Instead of rushing the story, Aldo J lets the song unfold naturally, which is like how healing can be slow and hard.

Aldo J’s voice is honest and restrained. His performance has a quiet strength that doesn’t rely on big gestures but instead shows through small emotions. His voice conveys a sense of comprehension, as if he is not merely narrating suffering but also recognizing the subsequent development.

The jazz influences give the song a timeless quality, and the modern parts keep it in the present. People who like thoughtful lyrics and soulful soundscapes will enjoy “Now That You’re Gone” because it has a mix of old and new sounds.

This single is special because it can resonate without being too much. It doesn’t ask for tears; it just gives you time to think. The song sounds like a quiet chat late at night, where people talk about their feelings honestly and without judgment.

“Now That You’re Gone” is about moving on and accepting what happened. Aldo J turns his own feelings into a shared experience, making a song that people can listen to whenever they need to relax, get clear, or feel better.

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