Entertainment
Interview with Malik Pollux upcoming multi-talented independent artist
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Hi! How Are You?
I’ve been good, just presently living in the moment of my life, focused on my current goals and aspirations.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Tell us about your background, what has gotten you to where you are today?
My name is Davone Carter born and raised in Plainfield, NJ. My artist/stage name is Malik Pollux. I grew up in a split family situation as far as my mom and pops go. I have been living with my father and his side of the family for the majority of my life, up to the point where I graduated from Plainfield Highschool in 2016 and went off to attend college at Bloomfield College. The last year of highschool is where I began to break from my shell a little and put myself out there starting my own youtube channel (currently “ItsPollux”). For a while mainly throughout my first two semesters in college I used that as an outlet to gain confidence being in the public eye. In my third year I founded my own chapter along with my other 4 chapter brothers as a proud brother of Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity Inc., which helped in that matter too. Following shortly after was the start of my upcoming/work in progress clothing brand VITO. Also, it was around the time when I began to take music more seriously. I graduated from Bloomfield with my BA as a Creative Arts and Technology major with a concentration in Game Design. It wasn’t until the beginning of my college career that I actually began to step more in the spotlight you could say. Now being out of school and in the real world, I’ve been honing in on becoming a better version of me everyday.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Wow!
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Where are you from?
I’m from Plainfield, New Jersey.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
So, I don’t think there’s really one real story that brought me to this path. More so different uncompleted versions of myself that finally led me to my true purpose in the moment. However, my musical journey started with a good friend who was more invested in music than me at the time in 2016. I also seemed to be wrapped around music whether it be my dad, friends, or family. Music felt like it had always been in my blood. Anyway, I would always be around this friend as he created and kind of got my spark for writing and making my own songs, even though they were bad in the beginning. But, ever since then I never looked back and I don’t regret it either. Our first song together we recorded through our phones and mixed on logic pro. Even though it wasn’t great, something about the musical process stuck with me.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with?
I think the most interesting people I met are the people I never truly met before. Meeting the many different other upcoming artists (whether that be music, art, graphic design, etc.) who share the same passion and dream is an exciting feeling to me. There is so much hidden talent around the world and not everyone gets to be seen or heard. I like finding those types of people and interacting with them because it gives me a creative spark sometimes myself.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others?
Always stay true to yourself and what makes you happy. Everything won’t seem like it’s moving along for you in the beginning, but if you keep putting in the work, those hours will add up. You control your destiny no one else! Time and patience is one of the many keys to unlock the path that you want in your life. Also, make and establish meaningful connections. This is an important thing especially if you don’t usually reach out much to people. Lasty, do the research and/or learn from a mentor. Not everything can be achieved alone which is why establishing great connections can go a long way.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
How Can Our Readers Connect with you?
You can find me on almost every platform by searching my stage name
“Malik Pollux”:
Instagram: @malik.Pollux
Twitter: @malikpollux
Tiktok: @itspollux
Youtube: @malikpollux
Spotify: @malikpollux
Soundcloud: @malikpollux
Apple Music: @malikpollux
From modest beginnings in Augusta, Georgia, Curstin Andrews has carved out a name for himself in the competitive world of acting. Now based in Atlanta, this 25-year-old artist is not just building a career—he’s building a legacy.
Starting from the Ground Up
Curstin’s first foray into acting came in late 2022 when he stepped onto set life as a background extra. While these early roles were silent, they were far from insignificant. They gave him a front-row education in the rhythm of filmmaking, helping him absorb the nuance, discipline, and dedication it takes to thrive in the entertainment world.
By March 2023, Curstin was landing speaking roles—stepping out of the background and into the spotlight. With each new project, his sense of purpose grew clearer: storytelling through character is not just a passion but his calling.
Sharpening the Craft
Determined to evolve as a performer, Curstin began formal training at Mann Robinson Studios under the instruction of Dale Jennings. His journey continued under the guidance of respected acting coaches like Louis Stancil and Lucky Johnson, both of whom helped him refine his emotional range, presence, and authenticity on screen.
On-Screen Journey
From emotionally charged dramas to intense thrillers, Curstin’s growing résumé speaks to his versatility and drive.
🎬 Feature Films
-
Pure Pain (Lead) – Directed by Toine South
-
Trapoligy (Lead) – Directed by Micheal
-
My Killer Ex-Girlfriend (Supporting) – Directed by Johnathan Milton
-
Ryder The Movie (Supporting) – Directed by Jaloni Jackson
-
Illijah (Supporting) – Now streaming on Tubi
-
House of Hope (Supporting) – Directed by Marques Womack
-
Additional credits: Twisted Love, Bottle Girl, Callie, Three the Hard Way, and more.
🎥 Short Films
-
Who’s There (Lead) – Directed by Alexis Morrison
-
Blooming Hearts (Supporting) – Directed by Jasmine Alexander
-
Love on Delay (Supporting) – Directed by Jayla Re’Shon
📺 Television
-
Ms. Pat Settles It – Co-starred in an episode by 495 Productions
-
BMF (Season 3) – Stand-in role on STARZ
-
The House & Collective Trust – Co-starred
📣 Commercial & Music Appearances
-
Appeared in an Old Spice commercial as a prom-going teen
-
Starred in Derrico’s music video Do Not Disturb
Beyond Acting: A Visionary with a Business Mindset
More than just a performer, Curstin is an entrepreneur in the making. He’s the founder of a film production company and has future plans to build a full-service studio. His mission? To create access for underrepresented voices and open doors for new talent across the South.
What’s Ahead
With fame looming, Curstin remains focused on the bigger picture. While he strives for A-list status, his deeper goal is to be a catalyst for change—both on and off the screen. Whether through impactful stories or mentorship, Curstin Andrews wants to shape a more inclusive and dynamic entertainment industry.
Curstin Andrews is not just acting—he’s architecting a future. From breakout roles in Illijah, House of Hope, and Blooming Hearts to his ambitious behind-the-camera pursuits, this rising star’s journey is just beginning. And it’s one the film world will want to follow closely.
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:
https://www.instagram.com/
https://www.twitter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/
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/
Curstin Andrews: Redefining Success in Film, One Role at a Time
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
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
NOMADS are changing the landscape of the music business
