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Interview with Upcoming Artist Swagger Dagger

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Leonard Magazine Journalist

 Hi! How are you?

I’m feeling blessed

Leonard Magazine Journalist

Tell us about your background, what has gotten you to where you are today?

I was rapping for 11 yrs and counting. Since high school, I was rapping and it was the thing that made me a popular kid in high school. The thing I would say that got me here today is that I never gave up. Between 2015-2016 I was close to giving up on my music and I felt alone, I had a few friends and I was in a deep and dark emotional hole. But my passion spoke louder than demons and I’m thankful to God that I’m here today.

Leonard Magazine Journalist

Where are you from?

I’m from Long Island, New York. Valley Stream (the 516).

Leonard Magazine Journalist

When did you start music?

I started rapping around 2011, so around 10 yrs.

Leonard Magazine Journalist

 How did you get into music?

I was actually into music from my elementary school music teacher. She put me on to John Mayer, Beethoven, Ray Charles etc. and years later down the line rap was my main interest. And I was heavily influenced by artists like Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Future, Meek Mill and Kanye West. My elementary school music teacher, she was like a second mom to me. She taught me everything from notes, rhythm and how to record. She let my creativity run wild. Sometimes during recess I would stay inside and we would just talk and I would do special projects, or help her clean up the music room. To this day she is my inspiration.

Leonard Magazine Journalist

Who inspires you the most musically?

No doubt Eminem, J. Cole, Drake, and Jay-Z just to name a few. And especially my closest friends inspire me musically and lyrically. And for this album I went to Drake’s earlier albums such as So Far Gone, Thank Me Later and Take Care. But also my inspirations vary from Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Ty Dolla Sign and Ed Sheeran.

Leonard Magazine Journalist

What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?

The thing I want people to take away is that no matter who you are, what stage in life that you’re at, what you’re going through and where you’re from, you can do anything you put your mind to. And that as long as you’re ambitious and have heart there’s nothing that can stop you. And you’re always stronger than your past. And never be discouraged and give up. You have so much going for yourself. Do whatever makes you happy. It doesn’t have to be in entertainment, you can design clothes, cook, be a doctor, be a personal trainer, literally anything that makes you happy just do it. If it costs your peace and happiness, then the price tag is irrelevant.

Leonard Magazine Journalist

Any new music coming out soon?

YES. I am currently taking small steps towards the second album “Self Progression” but for right now I have more shows, features, and more content to do and I am beyond blessed and excited for the future. And my boy Of Ethare has a new video out for his hit song “Spider in the passcode” so make sure you guys check that out. But 2022 I have a lot more surprises up my sleeve. And I can’t wait for it all.

 

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

Jimmy Dasaint: Philly’s Storyteller Who Does It All

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Jimmy Dasaint

From novels to movies to music, Jimmy Dasaint has built a career defined by one word—hustle. And this year, the Philly native is proving once again why he’s considered one of the city’s most influential creative voices.

His latest novel, BLACK SCARFACE 5: Fear is Stronger Than Love, is the explosive conclusion to his award-winning series. Co-written with former L.A. drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross, the book dives deep into themes of survival, loyalty, and betrayal—all told through the gritty lens of Philadelphia’s streets. Fans have responded with overwhelming support, driving the book to ️️️ Star5️ reviews on Amazon.

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But Jimmy’s storytelling doesn’t stop on the page. On September 20th, streaming service Tubi will release his newest feature film, THE WRONG BITCH. With a cast of rising stars—Tera Alford, JaQuai Felton, and Mavia Barnes—the film becomes Jimmy’s 13th feature, a testament to his consistency and dedication to bringing authentic urban stories to the screen.

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And then there’s the music. Earlier this summer, Jimmy dropped STILL A HUSTLER, an album that has caught the attention of The Source, AllHipHop, and Floss Magazine. It’s raw, powerful, and reflective of the same resilience that has carried Jimmy through every stage of his career.

Through it all, Jimmy remains true to his motto: “Bringing Hollywood to Philly.” With each project, he shines a spotlight on his city while inspiring the next generation of creators to believe that success doesn’t have to come from leaving home—it can be built right here in Philadelphia.

Follow Jimmy Dasaint’s journey:

Website: www.dasaintentertainment.com

Instagram: @jimmydasaint1

Music: Streaming on all major platforms

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Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik – Raw. Unfiltered. Street Certified.

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Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik – Raw. Unfiltered. Street Certified.

When it comes to street rap, authenticity isn’t just a quality—it’s the code. Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik lives and breathes that code, delivering a mixtape that’s unapologetically raw, unfiltered, and stamped with street credibility.

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This isn’t polished pop rap or watered-down mainstream vibes. This is Beef Muzik—a project fueled by survival, loyalty, and the unspoken rules of the grind. Every track is layered with aggressive lyricism, heavy trap beats, and a gritty narrative that speaks directly to those who know the hustle firsthand.

From money moves to betrayal, from loyalty to beef, Piken doesn’t just rap—he testifies. Each bar drips with intensity, painting the realities of street life in bold, unrelenting strokes. Whether he’s calling out rivals or flexing the rise from the bottom, the delivery is consistent: powerful, fearless, and deeply rooted in authenticity.

Beef Muzik – song and lyrics by Get Money Piken, Yung Glizzy | Spotify

But Beef Muzik isn’t just sound—it’s a war cry. It’s the soundtrack for the come-up, for those who live by the code and never fold under pressure. It’s music that represents the grind, the pain, and the victories of life in the trenches.

For the streets. By the streets.
This is Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik.

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Entertainment

Leilani Kristina: A Force of Art, Activism, and Ancestral Power

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Leilani Kristina: A Force of Art, Activism, and Ancestral Power

Some artists entertain. Others inspire. But every so often, a singular presence emerges—one who does both, and so much more. Leilani Kristina is that presence: a fearless creative, a truth-teller, and a living bridge between culture, art, and justice.

A true polymath in the modern age, Leilani is a published model, gifted singer-songwriter, dancer, and passionate Indigenous rights advocate. Her path is not just one of performance—it’s one of purpose. She isn’t simply chasing fame; she’s building a platform for expression, healing, and impact.


Ancestral Legacy, Artistic Fire

At the heart of Leilani’s artistic expression lies her deep-rooted Indigenous heritage. Her performances aren’t just acts of creativity—they’re acts of remembrance. In Nanyehi, a musical staged by Tulsa Theater, she portrayed Betsey Ward, a descendant of her own ancestor, Nancy Ward (Nanyehi), a revered Cherokee woman and peacekeeper. Sharing the stage with Hollywood icon Wes Studi, Leilani brought her family’s history to life in a way that was both emotional and empowering.

This wasn’t just a role—it was a reclamation. Through her portrayal, she honored the resilience of her lineage and connected her audience to stories often excluded from the mainstream narrative.


Runways with a Message

Leilani’s influence stretches far beyond the theater. On the catwalk, she brings her cultural pride and commanding presence to international fashion weeks in Milan, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Her look is striking, but it’s the message behind the walk that truly sets her apart.

She doesn’t just model clothes—she models courage, authenticity, and representation. Leilani challenges narrow beauty standards by standing unapologetically in her identity. With each show, she redefines what it means to be seen and celebrated in an industry still learning how to embrace diversity.


A Sound that Speaks Volumes

In the music world, Leilani Kristina delivers more than catchy hooks—she delivers truth. Her original songs, distributed through United Masters, are rich with emotion and intention. Themes of strength, healing, love, and resistance pulse through every lyric, creating a soundscape that resonates deeply with listeners navigating their own struggles.

Her upcoming album promises even more depth, offering sonic experiences that serve as both refuge and rallying cry. Through her voice, Leilani isn’t just singing—she’s speaking directly to those who feel unheard.


Lights, Camera, Impact

Hollywood is beginning to recognize what audiences already feel: Leilani Kristina is a star in every sense. She’s performed at major industry events like the BET Awards Weekend and Big Game Weekend, capturing attention from influential circles in film and music. With auditions for high-profile roles such as Moana and Juliet in a musical adaptation, she’s poised for a breakout in film and television.

But Leilani’s rise in Hollywood isn’t about fitting in—it’s about breaking through. She represents the stories and voices that have long been missing from the screen. Her presence is not just refreshing—it’s necessary.


An Advocate First

Beyond the spotlight, Leilani is a powerful voice in advocacy. Drawing from her lived experience, she speaks on the realities of human trafficking, gender-based violence, and human rights abuses with rare honesty and conviction. Her activism is informed, urgent, and deeply personal.

Whether on stage, in interviews, or through her social media, Leilani uses every tool at her disposal to raise awareness and inspire action. She doesn’t seek attention—she seeks justice.


Defining Her Own Legacy

With representation by ADR Agency and Urge Management, Leilani Kristina continues to blaze her own trail—on her own terms. She’s not following trends or chasing validation. She’s telling stories, amplifying truths, and holding space for those often left out of the conversation.

Leilani isn’t just rising—she’s lifting others as she climbs.


To witness her journey and join her growing movement, follow her on Instagram: @lotus_pua

Because Leilani Kristina is more than a name.
She’s more than a performer.
She is a living movement—a beacon of culture, creativity, and change in a world hungry for all three.

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