Artist Spotlight

NOR KIN4LIFE, THE NEXT RATED AMERICAN ARTIST WHO IS MAKING WAVES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

NOR KIN4LIFE is a multi-talented artist born and raised in Mt. Vernon, NY, a city known for its contribution to hip-hop with artists like Al B.Sure, Heavy D, and P.Diddy. Nor Kin4life is an all-around content creator and entertainer, Hip-Hop artist, producer, engineer, photographer, videographer, director, editor, artist mentor, actor, and songwriter. She started singing and writing her songs at the age of 8 which lead her to musical production, and later photography and videography.

NOR KIN4LIFE has brought us to hit after hit for 20+ years from the infamous “Makeup Girl” to “Dirty Dream” to today’s viral hit “LOOK AT MY HAIR” which currently is going viral with the #LOOKATMYHAIRCHALLENGE.

NOR has brought us the first LGBT Hip-Hop group, and their fan base stretches to every inch of the world. From touring internationally to collaborating with former Bad Boy producers FBI, to featuring on PBS “In the Life”, to having a top 10 music video on MTV LOGO for 11 consecutive weeks and being in rotation on MTV in over 17 countries and also being considered in a couple of categories at the Grammy Awards a few years back. NOR KIN4LIFE continues to be a resonating voice in the industry with her not just her own music but she also has developed and produced numerous songs for Hip-Hop/R&B artist “BUTTER FEELS”. In 2021, NOR KIN4LIFE and BUTTERFLY FEELS wrapped up the year with over 300,000 streams collectively.

On the videography side, NOR KIN4LIFE aka NORTOGRAPHYATL has shot and edited more than 30 music videos and counting. There are no signs of NOR slowing down so keep watching her journey as she takes over the music world. At the moment, NOR KIN4LIFE effortlessly manages many hats.

Hi there, welcome to Honkmagazine. Can you tell our readers about what really inspired you to write music?

NOR KIN4LIFE – My mother is the main reason I make music. She was a recording artist and performer when I was a kid so she used to take me with her to the studio where I would co-produce and sing background vocals. She taught me how to write my first song and when I was 8 years old and Friday we would have freestyle ciphers at the kitchen table. Also Kris Kross; a young male rap duo. When they came out they showed me that kids could also rap. I mean really rap so I was inspired to give it a shot. I loved them so much that I would go to school and put my clothes on backward to dress like them.

When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?

NOR KIN4LIFE – I always knew it was something I wanted to do since 8. I was in numerous groups with my friends and was already doing live shows at the age of 12 in front of large audiences. At 13, I started professionally recording my music with a producer my mom introduced me to. He was awesome because he was able to convert my ideas into reality. I would hear melodies and drum patterns in my head and hum it to him then he would make the beat.

Tell us what is so unique about you and your music?

NOR KIN4LIFE – What’s so unique about me is that I am very much responsible for every element of my creative process. I produce the beat, write to it, record it, mix and master it. Then I shoot and edit the music video for it. I’m a Gemini so it natural for me to be so diverse in what I bring to the table. I am a living machine!!

My lyrical ability is also another thing that sets me apart. I am able to present a plethora of flows and cadences that take the listening on a ride! You will never be bored listening to my music. I keep people guessing which makes me very unpredictable. Lastly my hair. I pretty much resemble a cartoon character! I have a giant blonde HI top fade which people notice immediately. It’s the ultimate ice breaker, I literally can’t go anywhere without people staring at my hair.

Can you tell us about your latest releases and what inspired you to create them?

NOR KIN4LIFE – My latest viral hit “LOOK AT MY HAIR” and the #LOOKATMYHAIRCHALLENGE is taking over on social media. It is the perfect anthem for me as a brand and for others to celebrate their crowns. Life inspired that record and I wanted to share my experience about being the girl with crazy big hair. I also just released another single called “DIVE” with my artist and girlfriend Butterfly Feels. I have been developing her as an artist for the last few years and she has garments so much success in such a quick time period. People love the way we create together and the song “DIVE” talks about how we even got together and how we were feeling about each other.

Listen to DIVE on Spotify:

In conjunction with that, BUTTERFLY FEELS recently released her debut EP “BUTTERFLY SUMMER” produced, mixed, and mastered by yours truly which is doing great numbers on all platforms.

Can you give us a brief insight into your upcoming projects?

NOR KIN4LIFE – Sure! Next up I’m working on a mixtape with the DMVs finest DJ Jai Syncere and then onto my first solo album which I plan to drop this summer. I am also actively shooting music videos for myself, Butterflyfeels, and others and plan to keep submitting my work to film festivals to be showcased. I plan to develop a web series and start shooting some short films as well. I’m going to keep going no stopping over here! Also please check out my acting chops on the 3030series now playing on the “ielevateplustv” app.

What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?

NOR KIN4LIFE – Read the fine print and don’t give up. Building a solid music career takes time, patience, and execution. You have to be willing to go every day and create and share your content without much reward at first. Nothing happens overnight. In the words of the great Nipsey Hussle, “It’s a marathon”. Also, don’t get caught up in the game aspect get caught up in the business of it all. There are tons of ways to monetize your talents without being the most popular. Do your research and don’t rush into anything. Everything that glitters ain’t gold. Lastly, stay true to yourself. The more authentic you are the more people will connect with you. Trying to look like or sound like someone else is very fleeting and will only lead to you being unhappy and unfulfilled.

What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) that you are passionate about?

NOR KIN4LIFE – Everything I do is based on music and media. I run a photography and videography company where I shoot content for personal and business needs. I love helping people bring their vision to fruition.

Any last piece of advice for that artist who just started making music?

NOR KIN4LIFE – Yes, be original. Experiment and tell your own story in creative ways. Don’t conform to what is popular. Think outside the box. Also, take time to learn. Get a mentor if you can and if you can’t YouTube is a great place to start. Learn about music production and music video work. This will help you be more equipped when working with 3rd parties. The more you know the more you can contribute and the less you can be taken advantage of.

How can our readers follow you online?

NOR KIN4LIFE – You can follow me on Instagram: @norkinlife.

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Artist Spotlight

Lexi Berg stirs a soulful splash of intimacy with her recent single, “In So Deep”

A rare phenomenon exists within the music industry wherein a composition manifests as genuinely enchanting. Lexi Berg, originating from Stockholm and influenced by her distinctive upbringing on a houseboat, delivers an exemplary representation of such craftsmanship through her latest single, “In So Deep.” This Swedish-American singer-songwriter is noted for her hauntingly raspy vocal quality and her capacity for intricate poetic storytelling. Lexi envelops her audience in a cinematic experience, wherein the act of falling in love resembles a leap from an emotional precipice, infused with an atmosphere of warm sincerity, reminiscing about someone who once made you feel alive.

Co-written and produced by the accomplished Jim Eliot, a veteran producer with an impressive portfolio and collaborations with renowned artists such as Ellie Goulding and Kylie Minogue, “In So Deep” was meticulously crafted in the tranquil hills of Wales. The composition captures a sense of airy tranquility, blending sun-drenched sonic nostalgia from the classic 70s piano with heartfelt folk influences and the irresistible shimmer of Swedish pop. This results in a sonorous palette that envelops listeners in a comforting embrace.

Lexi Berg’s lyrics create vivid imagery, portraying scenarios that include hands submerged beneath water, laughter echoing through canyon walls, and hearts racing with each fleeting glance. These intimate vignettes embody the essence of daydreaming, further enriched by her raw, rich vocals, which glide seamlessly over luminous piano melodies complemented by subtle Americana nuances. It evokes the joy inherent in sharing moments with another individual.

The track’s distinctive nature lies in celebrating the little things, which carry her free-spirited roots in authenticity. The verses convey a gentle, confessional tone, while the chorus unleashes a dynamic catharsis that promotes audience engagement, particularly in open-air settings.

In a music landscape increasingly characterized by cacophony and overwhelming stimuli, “In So Deep” provides an elegant respite. It enables listeners to escape into a realm of love and ephemeral, golden moments infused with genuine emotion, articulating a connection that resonates on a profound level.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Lexi Berg’s “In So Deep“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Lexi Berg | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Who’s Making the Most Money on Spotify in 2025?

In 2025, Spotify conquers the music streaming world, with 500+ million monthly paying subscribers globally. Considering the platform paid out $10 billion in royalties, a record high, during 2024, it’s evident that streaming is now a revenue stream for artists. Yet only a few musicians are making good money from it.

At the top of the list is Drake, whose 21.5 billion streams yield around $52.5 million. Next up is J Balvin, with $37.9 million this year, a clean-up job from his massive streaming numbers. Other artists who earned significant amounts included Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny, each featured among the platform’s top earners.

In electronic music, the Chainsmokers had 7.2 billion streams and made $17.7 million, and Calvin Harris made $14 million. The first-place finisher among the grossers is Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” which earned $6.6 million from 2.7 billion streams.

Although these numbers are impressive, most artists on Spotify receive a much lower payday. In its 2024 Loud & Clear report, Spotify found that only 4.4% of artists make at least $131,000 annually. On average, an artist in the bottom 98.6% of earners makes just $12 monthly. This difference underscores the difficulties many musicians face in the streaming age.