Billboard Top Hip-hop
Interview with Our Next Superstar Danjul
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Hi! How are you?
Danjul: Honestly, it’s been a rough start to 2022. I just lost my grandma (Jan 11th). And now I’m battling Covid…Lol
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Tell us about your background, what has gotten you to where you are today?
Danjul: I’m a middle child of 3. Older sister, myself, than brother. I definitely walk my own path. But doing that hasn’t been the easiest. With that, Comes a lot of “question” & “ ridicule“. When you walk your own path, people tend to be afraid of that because it’s something their not used to, or just plain ignorance and self hate. It wasn’t easy growing up. But I had a mom that is like my Wonder Woman very strong and has been through a lot. She did the best she knew and gave us a lot alongside my stepdad who raised me since 8 months. I always had a very imaginative mind, a lot of times it saved me from the harsh reality I was living. My mom & grandma always taught me to never give up. Those two women are my everything…losing my grandma honestly is so hard…I’m trying not to cry as I give this interview. I think what keeps me going now is my grandmas voice. And our very last conversation we had ever….
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Where are you from?
Danjul: I was born in Inglewood, CA but raised in a city called “Covina” I’ve been a cali boy my whole life.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
When did you start music?
Danjul: Professionally? Probably 2008…but I think music was always built within me. But god had to allow me to discover that gift within myself. I mean my story is definitely not like the rest lol. I wasn’t in choir, I wasn’t in a tv show, we didn’t have much growing up. But my parents never showcased that. Obviously, when I got of age I knew things were bad but as a kid my parents did the best they could to cover the hardships up. If that makes any sense? But I started my musical journey my writing poems. I had a lot of pain and only way I could express was through writing. My mom took notice I guess and made me join this contest and I won lol got my poem published in my first book at 16. Than I started buying albums like brandy and I taught myself how to write a verse, chorus etc etc. it wasn’t easy. But I’m proud to say I WRITE ALL MY OWN SONGS!
Leonard Magazine Journalist
How did you get into music?
Danjul: I went to college in NYC, and I just became fearless and nobody knew who I was and that spirt just filled within me! After 1 year of private university in nyc I moved back to cali & I met a producer named Matthew Nelson in Los Angeles. And he was the 1st producer who really listened to me and helped me build my sound. I’ll always thank him for all he did! I never believed in myself, I still have trouble….but he did, and he taught me so much about my voice and recording music. We did a project together that got the attention of DISNEY! Which was a shock cuz I love Disney, so then I got the confidence to continue to evolve my sound with other producers.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Who inspires you the most musically?
Danjul: Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Brandy, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Prince, Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj. Those are just my main ones! But those artist I study. Especially BRANDY. Anyone that knows me knows I love borderline obsessed with brandy! Her voice is god made! Be a dream to work with her one day!
Leonard Magazine Journalist
What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?
Danjul: I want to feel like they’re literally in a different world. Escapism is key.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Any new music coming out soon?
Danjul: “Drama” is my most recent! Released through Bentleyrecords (Nyc). It just was released in Korea 1/26/22! But it’s been out since 11/24/21 everywhere else! That’s honestly gonna be my focus for 3-4 months. It already has 20k streams on Spotify without any marketing! But, yes I’m always working on newer music with my producer Connor Weinstein at 137 productions in Aurora Hills, CA and Nathan Bankston! We have a 2nd follow up in the stash after Drama! But until then please stream and support DRAMA! It’s literally everywhere! It’s such a lit record! Thank you for this interview!
Drama Stream
Billboard Top Hip-hop
Ashwin Gane to Ignite the Intuit Dome with a Thrilling Primetime Performance at Lakers vs. Clippers Showdown”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA – Brace yourself for an unforgettable evening of music and sports as Ashwin Gane, one of the music industry’s brightest rising stars, takes center stage for a spectacular primetime performance. On February 4, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will clash in a high-stakes matchup at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, and Ashwin will set the tone for the night with an electrifying opening act.
Backed by an energetic crew of 20 young hip-hop dancers, Ashwin’s performance promises to turn the 18,000-seat Intuit Dome into an epicenter of rhythm, movement, and adrenaline-pumping beats. The blend of his symphonic hip-hop style with the intensity of one of basketball’s fiercest rivalries is guaranteed to captivate fans and set the stage for a night to remember.
A Legacy of Greatness
Performing at a primetime NBA event is a coveted honor shared by music legends like Drake, J. Cole, and Travis Scott. These performances have become cultural milestones, celebrating the intersection of sports, music, and entertainment on a global stage. Ashwin Gane now joins this illustrious lineage, bringing his innovative sound and boundless energy to one of the NBA’s most anticipated games of the season.
Ashwin Gane: A Star on the Rise
Known for his cinematic storytelling and urban beats, Ashwin has quickly become a force to reckon with in the hip-hop world. His ability to create immersive musical experiences has garnered him fans worldwide, and his upcoming performance at the Intuit Dome is set to be a defining moment in his career.
As Ashwin follows in the footsteps of stars like Kendrick Lamar and Megan Thee Stallion, his primetime performance solidifies his place among music’s elite emerging talents.
Don’t Miss It
February 4th promises to be more than a game—it’s a cultural event. Join Ashwin Gane as he lights up the Intuit Dome, delivering a high-energy performance that will elevate the Lakers vs. Clippers rivalry to legendary status.
Contact:
Melissa, Global Billboards LLC
(470) 902-8487
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.