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
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.