Billboard Top Hip-hop
Get to know about Mac and A.K – Exclusive Interview
Journalist- Hello !!! How are you ?
I’m good fam
Journalist-Please, Introduce yourself?
My name is A.K. the other half of Mac & A.K. We are rap group based out of East Palo Alto in the Bay Area in Northern California.
Journalist-What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
My twin brother Mac did, as he was always involved in talent shows and eventually joined a group called Black Jack also based out of East Palo Alto. Black Jack went on to put out an album in the early 90s through Triad Records/Ichiban. That group made a lot of noise when they came out, but they had creative differences and my brother left the group.
I had always been a student of the game and was writing rhymes and my brother asked me to form a group with him, and Mac & A.K. was born. We started out to just make an album for the hood, but one of the homies who managed groups heard about us and he asked to manage us. We eventually cut a demo and shopped it to several labels and Tommy Boy Records based on New York (Dela Soul, Queen la Tifah, Naughty By Nature, Coolio, House Of Pain) signed us.
We released an EP called West Bound for Riders only while on Tommy Boy and also, earned a gold plaque for a song called “Way 2 Saucy” featuring Mac Mall (from Vallejo California). The track was featured on the “Nothing 2 Lose” movie soundtrack with Martin Lawrence and Tim Robbins. At some point we realized Tommy Boy wasn’t an good fit and we left the label and formed E&K Music Group, with Mac being Co-CEO. We put out 3 albums. The first was Money Rhymes, then Hustle Music and finally Legendary.Througout our journey we have collaborated with The Game, E-40, Above The Law, Planet Asia, San Quinn, JT The Bigga Figga, Lil Ric, Sean T, and many more great Westcoast artists. Unfortunately, my twin brother Mac passed away in 2013, so I am picking up the torch and keeping the legacy alive.
Journalist-Tell us about your new single. And what’s the story behind it?
The new single is “Don’t Play With Me” FT King Cydal and Money $ Mont AKA Mr Fetti and it is a song letting folx know not to mess around and to respect where we are coming from. It’s an anthem with a hard beat and dope lyrics.
Journalist-What makes your music unique?
Our music is unique because we use a lot of live instrumentation like live guitars, live drums, and keyboards and no samples. We focus on making meaningful ill lyrics and contents and not rapping to just to be rapping. You can hear the professionalism and experience in each verse.
Journalist- What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Take your time and hone your craft and don’t follow trends because they fade. Don’t try to do music because you think you are going to be the next big thing. Do it because it is what you love to do and fame and fortune will eventually come to you.
Journalist-And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I’m open to collaborate with dope artists from everywhere, but focusing on me for now.
Journalist-Any upcoming projects?
I have a new single and video called King of The Grind coming in about a month and a full length album called Only The Strong Survives part 1
Journalist-How our Readers contact with you?
https://web.facebook.com/Mac-AK-109493171460489
https://www.instagram.com/mac_and_a.k/
YouTube
Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/ar/album/dont-play-with-me-feat-king-cydal-money%24mont-aka-mr/1623200079?l=en
Website
www.eandkmusicgroup.com
From novels to movies to music, Jimmy Dasaint has built a career defined by one word—hustle. And this year, the Philly native is proving once again why he’s considered one of the city’s most influential creative voices.
His latest novel, BLACK SCARFACE 5: Fear is Stronger Than Love, is the explosive conclusion to his award-winning series. Co-written with former L.A. drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross, the book dives deep into themes of survival, loyalty, and betrayal—all told through the gritty lens of Philadelphia’s streets. Fans have responded with overwhelming support, driving the book to ️️️ Star5️ reviews on Amazon.
But Jimmy’s storytelling doesn’t stop on the page. On September 20th, streaming service Tubi will release his newest feature film, THE WRONG BITCH. With a cast of rising stars—Tera Alford, JaQuai Felton, and Mavia Barnes—the film becomes Jimmy’s 13th feature, a testament to his consistency and dedication to bringing authentic urban stories to the screen.
And then there’s the music. Earlier this summer, Jimmy dropped STILL A HUSTLER, an album that has caught the attention of The Source, AllHipHop, and Floss Magazine. It’s raw, powerful, and reflective of the same resilience that has carried Jimmy through every stage of his career.
Through it all, Jimmy remains true to his motto: “Bringing Hollywood to Philly.” With each project, he shines a spotlight on his city while inspiring the next generation of creators to believe that success doesn’t have to come from leaving home—it can be built right here in Philadelphia.
Follow Jimmy Dasaint’s journey:
Website: www.dasaintentertainment.com
Instagram: @jimmydasaint1
Music: Streaming on all major platforms
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/
Jimmy Dasaint: Philly’s Storyteller Who Does It All
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