Billboard Top Hip-hop
‘Imari Reynolds’ is releasing new hit single “Fly Kite, High Moon” !!!
Leonard : What is your name and what city do you rep?
My name is Imari Reynolds and I represent Detroit since I’ve been born and raised there most of my life. However, I’ve grown to adopt Columbia as home for me, too. It’s quiet and laidback, simple.
Leonard : Tell us about your latest releases, what inspired you to create them?
On March 29, 2022, my latest single, “Fly Kite, High Moon” will release. I have other songs I will announce later in these months. Check out my other singles like “Do What I Want.”
What inspired me to create these songs is honestly whatever came from my heart and mind at those times. Some of those days, I felt vulnerable, confused, livid and much more. I just felt comfortable through my songs.
Leonard : What is unique about you and your music?
What’s unique about me and my music is me…being myself. Yeah, I’m not the greatest rapper ever but I live to tell stories and I do it on beat, some people often try to figure out and compare me to other artists. Respect to those artists, but I got my own lane. I want to show the world I’m versatile.
Leonard : What shaped your music?
I thank God for my bros, my loved ones, they know how hard I work behind the scenes. I get on their nerves telling them my ideas when my creative juices flow. It’s almost everyday, but they’re behind my vision 100%. They the 1st ones to hear my music before the world. They for sure help shape me to a better artist.
Leonard : When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
I honestly thought this was just going to be for a YouTube video I did. I remember during the pandemic, working at a office, instead of working, I was writing some material for the music video, “Dream.” I ran with it and did the music video. It caught some buzz. I, then, started hanging with other people who did weekly cyphers in my friends backyard. I never joined but I’ve grown to love the artistry. On my days, I was working, I would listen to 2-4 artists a day. My favorite artists is Tee Grizzley, Drake, Lil Baby, Meek Mill. They have versatility in their music and great storytellers. All these things together, help me lift me as a rising musician, today.
Leonard : What type of music do you listen to?
I can listen to all types of music. I’ve been in different areas in my life where I was accustomed to other people’s style of music. I lived in a area where they played a lot of Country. Urban areas where it’s mostly Hip/Hop and R&B. As a kid growing up, I was listening to Gospel and even joined a choir during my teens. I love all types of music. The song could mean so much more if you take a genre out of it and listen to what the message is.
Leonard : What inspires you to write music?
What inspires me to write music is all part of storytelling. You live with a purpose and this is something I love to do especially when my energy is invested.
Leonard : What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
Outside of music, I have other hats, too. I’m a Actor, Model, and YouTuber. I’ve been working as actor over 5 years. I’ve gained over 40 credits, featured in films, commercials, and much more. I’ve been offer roles for some upcoming projects but that announcement will take place soon. YouTube was a battle for me because this is was broke me completely. It’s one thing, doing things that’s “scripted,” but when you put a freaking camera in your face and talk about whatever is going on at that moment. It can be uncomfortable and unsettling to air your business, your life. I started doing YouTube during the pandemic. I was watching popular YouTubers like DDG, P2isthename, The Prince Family, Funny Mike. I enjoy making videos. There’s over 100 vlogs on YouTube that can be seen. There’s other things I’m looking to expand on outside of Entertainment near future.
Leonard : What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
I’m still learning in my music career. There’s mistakes I’ve made but one valuable thing to take from me is that promotion is the key factor to growing as a artists. We have Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, millions of people online as I say this. There’s ways to market your music.
Leonard : Where do we find you music / music projects?
My music can be found on all music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal. My music and music videos can be found on my YouTube channel, “Imari Reynolds Music.” To keep updates on latest music and more, check out linktree.com/
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.
VinChi Shakur, an official BMI member and major recording artist, has swiftly carved out a significant presence in the music industry within just two years of his release from prison. In this short span, he has impressively released one album, three EPs, 25 singles, and eight official music videos, demonstrating his prolific talent and unwavering dedication. His diverse portfolio includes movie sync licensing deals and substantial radio play on prominent stations such as Shade45, The Breakfast Club 105.1 & 102.1 LA, establishing him as a leading voice for Generation Z music.
As VinChi’s momentum builds, he has garnered attention through interviews with top digital radio stations and influential magazines. Notable features include appearances on @iHeartRadio, @TheRecBoys, @In_the_Den_with_Nala from @Power904, @The_Culture_Clvb, @RadioPushersTV, @HipHopSince_1987, @24Hiphop, and more. These interviews highlight his rising prominence and the broad recognition of his artistry.
Beyond his musical achievements, VinChi is the CEO of VSE VinChi Shakur Entertainment LLC and the host of “The VSE Live & Direct Music Review Show.” His multifaceted role in the industry underscores his commitment to hip-hop not only as an artist but also as a leader and influencer. Born in Jersey, VinChi initially gained recognition as an underground rapper, perfecting his energetic delivery and transforming his life stories into creative art forms. His dynamic performances have led him to open for notable artists like Rotimi from the hit show “Power” and perform at esteemed venues such as The Makinitmag Compound and SXSW.
VinChi has earned endorsements from respected figures in the hip-hop community, including DJ Envy from Hot 97.1 The Breakfast Club and Sheek Louch from L.O.X. (D-Block). His competitive spirit has shone through numerous victories in live review competitions hosted by PLAN-A-RADIO, MAKINITMAG, and TAYKELLEY LIVE. Recently, VinChi celebrated his first plaque award after reaching #20 on the Apple/iTunes Top 100 Hip-Hop Charts, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
VinChi Shakur exemplifies the resilience and passion of a true hip-hop artist, singer, and songwriter. He continues to push boundaries and inspire the next generation with his powerful music and unwavering drive, solidifying his place in the music industry.
Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy
Christmas on Crenshaw! Free Toys for the kids in the community
From Small Town Dreams to Entertainment Powerhouse: The Rise of Dominique Danielle
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
Epilepsy Awareness Raised by Influencer Cruella Morgan
