Entertainment
Get to Know Jeremy Hines
1. Can you tell our readers about what really inspired you to write music?
I have always written poems as a kid since about 1st or 2nd grade. I sang in the church choir as a little boy. I also loved hip hop and rap since I was a kid growing up. Around the time that the movie Drumline came out, I had fallen in love with the snare drum and rapping. I used to like performing at the talent shows in elementary, whether that be rapping or playing the drum. I also played the snare drum in middle school and started a group called the little drummer boys. We would win at our talent shows in middle school. I also had older cousins and uncles that rapped, sang, and produced music so I’ve always kind of been around it. As far as inspiration to make music myself, I think that started in high school when I got introduced to the recording studio on campus. I was going through some pretty dark things mentally, and emotionally during that time and I found an outlet in writing about it and rapping it.
2. When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
I have wanted to make music professionally since about 11th grade. I played varsity basketball from 10th-12th grade so there was a conflict at the time of what was more important. I chose basketball from 10th grade to a little bit after my last year of college. During this time I was always still writing. Once I wrote the song Pretty Little One in 2019 it sparked old feelings from high school about wanting to try music again on a serious level. Of course a lot has changed since 2010, so it’s been a challenge transitioning from basketball player to music artist.
3. How do you describe your sound/style?
I would describe my sound as kind of vintage. I think I have a classic hip hop feel that focuses on lyricism and consciousness. I have huge influences from various artists so I kind of pull from different people for inspiration.
4. What’s your process for dealing with performance anxiety?
Honestly, I have regular life anxiety in general so performing just amplifies it by 100. The last thing I did to help with my anxiety was drink. I ended up drinking too much and got drunk so by the time I performed, my senses were so gone that I didn’t even notice my mouth was too close to the microphone. No one could understand a word I was saying. Now I try to practice often by myself so that when I do get a crowd in front of me, I’m just going off muscle memory, just like in basketball. I try to tell myself to not take myself so seriously and just go out and share my art and be done with it.
5. What is your creative process when creating a new song?
My creative process varies. I have two main ways of writing songs. Sometimes words will just come to me based on some possible pent up emotions or feelings, and sometimes I’ll just write like I’m writing in a diary, and then turn it into a song later. I also listen to music all day so I might get inspired to write something after hearing someone else’s song.
6. Tell us about your new releases. What song are you pushing right now?
I have a song I just released called “Yellow Tape”. This song expresses concerns about police brutality towards citizens in the US, especially black men, as well as “citizen on citizen” brutality. The overall message in this music video advocates for the saving of lives. I’m into boxing a little bit so I’m telling people to put their guns down and put their dukes up. It’s taking the old school approach and telling people to just fight it out and shake hands, similar to boxers. People seem more emotional to me and are quick to make things turn lethal when it can be avoided. I also have other songs out currently, like My Creations, Pretty Little One, Paint, Quotas, and Wake Up.
7. What projects do you have in the near future?
I have a few singles and EPs I’ll be dropping soon. I’m shooting for an EP in the spring or summer.
Photo Credit: Kasee Brown
IG: @jay.dee.h
American Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, and Audio Engineer James Artissen also formerly known as James Worthy has long considered the name to be central to his life, and identity. It represents the dedication, and the passion towards his craft. Coming from New York, the musician attributes his hometown as a major influence on his style, and sound. Born James Allen Worthy on March 28, 1992 in Queens, New York, James began pursuing music at the age of 16. During that time period James had the opportunity to meet the late great Michael Jackson at Webster Hall in New York City which inspired James to fully pursue a career in the music business.
After moving to Atlanta, GA the singer, songwriter, and producers first musical experience was at his high school recording studio through a music mentoring program sponsored by Dallas Austin. His initial foray into music consisted of learning the art of songwriting which later turned into music production shortly after. Artissen was also highly influenced by artists such as: A Tribe Called Quest, Whodini, Kanye West, Miguel, The Weeknd, and Pharrell Williams. While studying those artists he began to teach himself how to sing in 2009. To further his education, he attended The Art Institute of Atlanta where he received a bachelor’s degree in audio production. This helped him begin working, and placing his work with mainstream acts, and songwriters.
Ty Dolla $ign
Tory Lanez
6LACK
PartyNextDoor
Khalid
The Weeknd
Social Media:
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https://www.twitter.com/
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https://www.tiktok.com/@
Streaming:
https://www.youtube.com/@
https://www.soundcloud.com/
https://open.spotify.com/
Billboard Top Hip-hop
Marc “Mayjah” Payne Elevates in the game with New Album Levels of Payne, Featuring Rap Icon Shorty T and Kung Fu Rasta Sifu Bosco
LOS ANGELES, CA – Rising hip-hop artist and social media influencer Marc “Mayjah” Payne unveils his latest studio album, Levels of Payne, a boundary-pushing musical journey that blends West Coast lyricism, Southern grit, and Caribbean soul. With high-profile features from New Orleans rap legend Shorty T and St. Lucia’s reggae ambassador Sifu Bosco, this project solidifies Mayjah Payne’s position as one of the most dynamic new voices in global hip-hop.
Hailing from the West Side of Los Angeles, Mayjah Payne built his reputation not only as a gifted lyricist but also as a multi-talented producer and storyteller. Known for using hip-hop as his artform to speak on life, struggle, and ambition, he’s no stranger to growth. Levels of Payne reflects that evolution—a matured, sharpened sound fused with international influence and raw authenticity.
The album’s standout track, “Don’t Mean Nothin,” pairs Mayjah’s slick bars with Shorty T’s Southern bounce and storytelling, forming a gritty anthem about surviving through adversity and rising to the top. Meanwhile, “Ashes To Ashes, Dust to Dust” brings a melodic twist as Sifu Bosco’s reggae harmonies flow effortlessly with Mayjah’s laid-back delivery, celebrating heritage, unity, and peace through music.
With Levels of Payne, Mayjah Payne continues to expand his creative legacy. His previous projects have earned airplay on over 72 radio stations and charted Top 40 on 34 of them, and this latest release is already generating buzz across streaming platforms. Known for his high-energy performances and verified Instagram reach, Mayjah is taking this project worldwide to connect with audiences from California to the Caribbean.
Critics are already calling Levels of Payne his most complete and ambitious work to date. “This is for the art – this is for the culture,” says Payne. “It’s not just about where I’m from—it’s about where we’re all going. Music should bring people together. That’s what this album is all about.”
Levels of Payne is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL. For fans of authentic hip-hop with a global heartbeat, this album is a must-listen.
Follow Marc “Mayjah” Payne on Instagram and other social media platforms @MayjahPayne and visit www.mayjahpayne.com for interviews, bookings, and press inquiries.
Watch “The Streets Don’t Love You” from the project “Levels of Payne” here below on the @MayjahPayne instagram page.
https://www.instagram.com/
In a world where many struggle with health, wellness, and financial challenges, Oldskool Funktionz stands as a beacon of hope and community empowerment. This organization is dedicated to raising public awareness on crucial issues such as autism, cancer, teen pregnancy, and financial literacy. By providing support to individuals in need, regardless of their circumstances, Oldskool Funktionz fosters a spirit of unity, education, and social growth.
Founded by Raul Atayde (Mr. Oldskool) and managed by Ernestina Rivera, Oldskool Funktionz believes in giving a voice to the voiceless. The organization strives to elevate cities by bringing communities together and supporting local and small businesses. Their mission is to inspire individuals to embrace a path of productivity, motivation, and direction. By organizing educational and entertaining events, they create an atmosphere where people can experience the strength and beauty of a connected society.
One of their key initiatives is the 4th Annual Autism Awareness Community Event, a free event designed to educate, bring understanding to autism, and give back to families in need. This highly anticipated event will take place on Sunday, April 13, from 12 PM to 6 PM at the Saddleback Hotel, 12500 Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650.
Attendees can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including:
Sensory Activities tailored for children with autism
Haircuts for attendees
Games and interactive fun
Reptile Show for an exciting experience
Pet-Friendly Atmosphere so families can bring their furry friends
Raffles and Giveaways offering exciting prizes
Food and Music to bring the community together
Live Performances by talented entertainers
Family Resources providing essential support and information
Painting Station for creative expression
Oldskool Funktionz ensures that families receive support through gifting stations that distribute sensory toys, snacks, and other helpful items. Collaborating with respected organizations such as Harbor Regional Center and other medical and educational businesses, they bring essential services and free activities to those who need them most.
This initiative thrives due to the generosity of small businesses, companies, and individuals who donate resources, sponsor goods, and volunteer their time. Oldskool Funktionz continually seeks partnerships with businesses and compassionate individuals who want to contribute to this noble cause.
By standing together, fostering awareness, and building strong community ties, Oldskool Funktionz continues to make a lasting impact—one event, one person, and one city at a time.
For more information or to contribute, reach out to Oldskool Funktionz and be part of a movement that uplifts and transforms lives.
The Music Industry’s Hidden Gem: James Artissen
Marc “Mayjah” Payne Elevates in the game with New Album Levels of Payne, Featuring Rap Icon Shorty T and Kung Fu Rasta Sifu Bosco
Oldskool Funktionz: Elevating Communities Through Autism Awareness and Support
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
NOMADS are changing the landscape of the music business
