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Interview with Our Next Superstar Danjul

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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

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

“Ashwin’s Spectacular NBA Debut at the Intuit Dome”

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Ashwin, a talented artist,

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.

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy

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𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑚 𝐴𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑜 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑟, 𝐵𝑀𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝐵𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑆𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐴𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟, 𝐺ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟, & 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑚 𝑊𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟 Mark “Savage” 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 & 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.

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

From Small Town Dreams to Entertainment Powerhouse: The Rise of Dominique Danielle

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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.

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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.

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