Billboard Top Hip-hop
Emerging Artist Yani Melani Telling Success Stories With Her Music Journey
1.It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Of course thank you for having me. I got here today by the trial in error in life honesty. I was raised by my beautiful strong mother & myself. Life showed me luxury & struggle at a young age so I saw both. Also traveling over seas and living there for years & coming back to the USA showed me & taught me a lot such as diversity strength resilience. I saw the try differences in people & the world at a young age. I started making music @ 15 in a trailer in South Carolina with no lights or water at one point. Music was always my peace my get away .
Every song I can relate to in certain way, every one. That’s why my genere of music is versatile & so is the music im able to make. From rock to country to r&b & rap I like it all honestly. The the trials and tribulations of like I’m still here going strong & a lot of things have changed around me & about me but the love for music never stops & never will. I started taking music serious( as in recoding at the studio & performing) in 2020 & I don’t plan it. With god on my side he’s just taking me further & further. I thank him my mother & my brother for who I am today.
2.I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Honestly my biggest obstacles or challenges are myself & people. I’m my own enemy I can struggle with consistency sometimes & just say to say to life can make you wanna quit. Not having my biggest motivation & inspiration around (my brother) is one of the hardest things I deal with.
Not being able to go thru life with him crushes me harder then it does other days but it’s never better. & people , I was always bullied growing up, as a new girl every where I went I moved around so much & I was always different (too white) or (too black) or I dressed weird or walked weird or w.e it may be.. people around me never understood me & even now as an adult it’s hard for me to relate to people. But I also consider it a good thing because I know there’s women men out there who can say the exact same thing. I wanna be the voice.
3.Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I specialize in melodies , feel good music. I specialize in smooth sound waves. I’m versatile in my music so I do have a rock song and a island song now & almost everything in between but every song is relatable in one way or another. I honestly don’t see any competition, there are a lot of women & men making music now a days .. but I’m more than 100% there not me and can’t bring everything I bring to the table. Inside & out im just different. & I can talk to the WHOLE world not just local or the USA … did I say I speak different languages? I do but that’s not the reason why I say I can talk to the whole world , but that helps of course.
4.What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Don’t give up, NEVER give up. Your loved and we are all the same in a way so your not alone twin.
5.Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
It means me and all my loved one & there loved ones are okay forever. It means im able to do for the world & that my music/name helps & is heard everywhere .
6.What’s next for you?
The real question is what isn’t lol
I’m on gods path idk where he’s taking me but I have faith. He knows me and what me & mines need. But definitely shows, visuals, more articles like this, travel & expansion.
7.Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
You can follow me on Instagram @yanimelaniib
There’s a linktree in my bio that takes you wherever you wanna go. From YouTube Spotify & other articles & more .
Thank you again for having me .
Billboard Top Hip-hop
“Ashwin’s Spectacular NBA Debut at the Intuit Dome”
On February 4, 2025, Ashwin, a talented artist, will grace the Intuit Dome with a remarkable performance as the opening act for the highly anticipated game between the LA Clippers and the LA Lakers. Directed and choreographed by the brilliant Destiny Frye, this visual spectacle promises to be extraordinary, showcasing a groundbreaking concept within the state-of-the-art $2.1 billion stadium.
This performance marks a significant milestone for Ashwin as it will be his debut appearance at an NBA event. The excitement surrounding this first-ever NBA performance is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the innovative and electrifying presentation that Ashwin is set to deliver.
Destiny Frye, the visionary behind this event, is the owner of Hip Hop Dreamz and the Origin Performing Arts Dance Studio. With a decade of experience in orchestrating NBA primetime performances, Destiny is celebrating her 10th anniversary of collaboration with the NBA, making this event even more special.
Destiny and her team are thrilled to bring Ashwin’s music to the forefront, promising an unforgettable experience for the audience. Although this is Ashwin’s inaugural NBA performance, it marks the beginning of a promising journey, and fans can expect many more captivating collaborations in the future. Ashwin is recognized as a trailblazer of his generation, and the anticipation for his future projects is already building. This event is not just a performance; it’s a celebration of artistry, innovation, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for Ashwin and Destiny Frye in their creative endeavours.
Billboard Top Hip-hop
Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy
For years, Mark “Savage” Sanders bold, dynamic mixing style has landed him work behind the boards of major tours and hit records alike. Working with artists like Shordie Shordie, Lizzo, Coi Leray, Kevin Gates, Fetty Wap, Kelly Rowland and more, Mark sports an ever-expanding discography of cutting edge of popular music. We spoke with Mark to get insights into his career arc, workflow, and to understand how his unique sound is built upon a firm foundation of technical skill, knowledge and deep listening.
For starters, could you tell me how you got into engineering?
So at my high school they had an early college program where you could get your associates or a certificate by graduation. I wasn’t looking to be an audio engineer. I don’t even think I really knew what an audio engineer was, which makes it all the more crazy. I saw music production schools, but I went for audio engineering at Full Sail University.
What boards were you working on when you were doing live sound?
It was whatever the house had. Working on Mackie boards or Yamaha boards that only had seven inputs that worked—Avid and Midas consoles, the M32s, the Behringer X32, a lot of different stuff. Being a live sound engineer taught me so much signal flow and having to adapt to different spaces and different gear all the time. If I’m on tour and we’re generally using the same board, we’re probably never using the same monitors for front-of-house. The rooms are bigger or smaller—different places have different problem areas—being in a stadium or doing a festival where you have delays and all that stuff is just insane.
So you were ghostwriting, engineering, producing, and rapping in the beginning?
Yes I did it all except play an instrument.
Now today you’ve received a BMI Award, 2x Platinum, and over 12,000 sync placements how does it feel?
If I had to be honest I don’t care about any of it anymore. I want to see my Son win big like this. I’m more into family these days. I did everything I wanted in life and overachieved. I’m good!
We see you have Royalty ENTERTAINMENT & managing as far as entertainment goes what else can we expect?
Whatever God does. I’m not chasing anything anymore. Focused on living life, family, and wealth/health. Definitely support my DJ, DJ King, Ashley Blaire, and Pretty Liyah. Other than that I’m about to be out the way. (He laughs) I’m so burnt out. I’m chilling.
Last question, seeing that you did everything you wanted is there anything left that you haven’t 2025 going forward?
No just travel more that’s it. Like when I say I’ve given life everything I’ve had. I’ve given it everything. Plus I think most people are waiting for me to be famous or something which I’m avoiding and praying never happens.
Billboard Top Hip-hop
From Small Town Dreams to Entertainment Powerhouse: The Rise of Dominique Danielle
Dominique Danielle’s journey from the slums of Alton, Illinois, to becoming a multi-talented entertainer is a testament to perseverance and passion. As a preteen, her mother moved her to Atlanta, Georgia, in pursuit of better opportunities in music and entertainment. This bold decision would set the stage for Dominique’s remarkable career.
Her love for music led her mother, who also acted as her manager, to approach Atlanta’s top hip-hop radio station, Hot 107.9. This serendipitous move unexpectedly launched Dominique’s career in radio. Under the mentorship of industry professionals, she became a skilled board operator, producing shows for renowned personalities like Michael Baisden and Rickey Smiley.
Over the next decade, Dominique expanded her repertoire, becoming a radio personality and hosting music-driven TV shows. Her ambition drove her to explore various facets of entertainment, including club events and college parties. She even worked as a personality for Streetz 94.5 before fully committing to her music career.
Relocating to Los Angeles, Dominique conquered the prestigious high school tour as a singer, rapper, and entertainer. Her talents extended beyond music, as she delved into theater, film, and social media comedy. Notable achievements include co-hosting CBS’s music variety show “Trap City ATL” and garnering recognition for her acting and comedic timing.
Dominique Danielle’s story is one of relentless pursuit and adaptability. Her diverse skill set, coupled with unwavering morals, hard work, and resilience, continues to propel her forward in the entertainment industry. As she expands her horizons, there seems to be no limit to what this multi-faceted talent can achieve.