Billboard Top Hip-hop
Get to Know Rising Artist: brandon blkk
What is your name/stage name?
I go by the name “brandon blkk”. I used to go by “B-Nice!”, but I felt like I outgrew the name as I progressed. I wanted people to perceive my art a little different.
How would you describe your musical style?
I feel like I don’t really have one. Art is a feeling, and I just record however I feel at the time. Some would say ‘lyrical mircale’, others would call it ‘preachy’. My style is is open for interpretation by the audience.
Where are you from?
Memphis, TN.
Currently, I’m in art school for animation while also trying to achieve my musical goals. My ultimate goal is to be an artist. Whether it be music or animated movies, I want to people to enjoy my thoughts along with me.
How long have you been making music?
I technically started rapping around 15 or 16. But I didn’t really take it all that serious until around 21.
What was your first song/project?
I had a project on SoundCloud when I was 18 named “Ghetto Gospel”. I deleted a lot of the songs, but I kept the ones I felt like deserved to stay up. (It was really bad).
How serious are you about your career?
I couldn’t be anymore serious. This is what I want out of life. A life without me creating art would be nearly meaningless.
Who’s your inspiration?
Everything. I feel like you can apply all different art forms into your music. The term “rhythm” is literally used in painting. The cinematic feeling you get at the start of a movie, who’s to say you can’t create that emotion to start an album?
What was it like working with you?
I have no idea, you’d have to ask people I’ve work. Hopefully they like me lol. I try to be as nice as possible to people, it’s just the southern hospitality in me or some shit like that.
What are some features you have?
A bad trait of mine that I’ve been trying to fix is me being way too introverted. People crazy dog. On top of that, I don’t like shit. Everybody sound the same, no one trying to be different no more; niggas just do what works—or what they think works. But I’ve worked with this guy named Tony Sundance, he’s super fire.
Are you signed to a label?
No. But I’d only see myself signing to a record label who’d actually need me, and not just another artist on payroll. It’s not about the bread for me, it’s about the art and the brand.
Who are your biggest supporters?
My friends and family. I don’t know, I don’t have much of a fanbase at all. Which is fine with me, as long as I know there’s people I’m making proud.
What are you currently working on?
Cartoons, Music, Animated Movies, name it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Who knows. Life is such a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, random inconveniences, and heartbreaks. There’s no telling where you’ll be and how you get there. Things can change in an instant. Hell, this article might be the random opportunity that changes my life. You just never know man.
What is your latest release and next release?
My most recent release was a little loosie to try to draw some attention to me and my art titled “Cashmoves”. The real surprise is my next project titled “Don’t Leave Me”. Don’t Leave Me was created in a very dark space in my life where I used the studio as a therapy. I put everything I had into it, and I want it to be perfect on release.
What’s next for you?
Godspeed.
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.