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
Business
Tech, Terror, and Cocktails: Megan 2.0 Premiere Delivers a Futuristic Twist

New York, NY – With Megan 2.0 officially making its debut in theaters today, film fans are flocking to experience the next evolution of the AI thriller. But earlier this week, a select crowd got an early taste of the future; not just on screen but at the premiere event itself.
Held in NYC, the exclusive red carpet affair brought the eerie charm of Megan to life with bold visuals, immersive production and one very memorable surprise: a robotic bartender that served up custom cocktails with style and precision.
The event perfectly mirrored the film’s themes of artificial intelligence and blurred human boundaries. That connection came to life through MixMaster II, a robotic mixologist provided by TLC Creative. From the moment it powered on, the robot captivated guests with its smooth movements, expert pours and almost-human energy.
“I’ve seen robots in tech demos, but never at a movie premiere serving drinks like a pro,” said one film executive. “It felt like we stepped into the movie universe.”
Two signature cocktails were created for the occasion:
- M3GAN’s Punch – bold, flavorful and as unpredictable as the AI star of the show.
- Slaying Summer – a lighter, tropical favorite that became an instant hit among partygoers.
Guests joked that MixMaster II seemed to be enjoying the night just as much as they were and may have even wanted to join the screening. “It kept facing the theater entrance like it was hoping someone would invite it in,” one attendee laughed.
Adding to the evening’s flair was Captain Morgan, who brought their own twist with customized “Captain Megan” branding on select bottles. The clever crossover between brand and blockbuster got guests talking and sipping.
“The branded bottles were genius,” said a well-known social media personality. “I’ve already posted mine. Everyone wants one.”
“Having MixMaster II on the red carpet truly elevated the experience,” added a TLC Creative spokesperson. “The Megan franchise is known for blurring the line between humanity and robotics so it was only fitting that we brought a real robot into the celebration.”
Now that Megan 2.0 is officially released, one thing is certain: the future of storytelling isn’t just on the big screen, it’s all around us and sometimes, it’s pouring your drink.

Billboard Top Hip-hop
The Music Industry’s Hidden Gem: James Artissen

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/