Billboard Top Hip-hop
Meet the Talented Emerging Artists ‘MP14’ Making Their Mark in 2022
JOURNALIST. What is your name and what city do you rep?
My name is Miguel Pacheco, my artist name is MP14. I was born in Jersey City, NJ, and the city I rep is Hoboken, NJ.
JOURNALIST. Tell us about your latest releases, what inspired you to create them?
My latest releases involve my 2021 mixtape “#SUMMER21”. Another recent release I have is my song I released on Valentine’s Day of 2022, “Without You”. For the mixtape, I was inspired by the fact that summer is my favorite season & I enjoy going out and having a great time with friends & family. Also, the mixtape was inspired by going on a family vacation to Puerto Rico in 2021.
JOURNALIST. What is unique about you and your music?
What I would say that makes my music unique is my lyricism. When I’m writing music, I love getting technical with multi syllable rhymes & complex rhyme schemes, wordplay, punchlines, and more. For me, it’s like constructing patterns together. Also, I love mixing that skill with the ability to tell a story, or a topic that involves just being relaxed and having fun.
JOURNALIST. What shaped your music?
I’ve been influenced by artists like Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, Big L, Big Pun, Eminem, and more. When I first got into rap music, I got into listening to rap music from previous eras. Then I got into modern rappers like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Joyner Lucas, Logic, and so on.
JOURNALIST. When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
I realized at 19 that I was going to make music professionally. Before I went to a studio for the first time at 19, I used to record music with my iPhone in my bedroom, using my bedroom pillows as studio foam, and my laptop to play the song. Then, when the COVID pandemic started, I invested in studio equipment and learned how to record and mix. I was 21 at the time.
JOURNALIST. What type of music do you listen to?
As an artist myself, though I write rap lyrics, I don’t always try to stick to one genre when listening to music. I listen to hip hop / rap, as well as a little R&B, a little bit of rock music.
JOURNALIST. What inspires you to write music?
One thing that inspires me are the songs that I love listening to from others, no matter who it is. Also, another inspiration for me involves my current lifestyle, as well as having conversations with friends & family, knowing people’s likes & dislikes. I try to keep my mind open to my surroundings for my music because it gives inspiration to the topics I can write about.
JOURNALIST. What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
I love planning new ideas in terms of music videos, new ways to promote my music, networking with others, and thinking of new types of music content to post on my social media. Outside of music, I love doing stuff like working out, spending time with friends & family, and watching my favorite shows & movies. Outside of music, I also try to make time for hobbies as a way to enjoy activities I love as well.
JOURNALIST. What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
When I first started, I wish I was told that I’d have to post music consistently & promote music consistently. Also, I wish I was told that money is involved in music because you’ll have to pay for music videos, studio sessions, cover arts, and more. For artists just starting out, my advice is to always practice on your music as much as you can, as well as learn how marketing a song works because it’s more just simply dropping a song.
JOURNALIST. Where do we find your music / music projects?
Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mp14/1479272003
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6a2uxFng24xvzabNO436Mp?si=CknQ59o4RqqxWvsggriEQQ
YouTube : https://youtube.com/channel/UC42_YiE5SteHI7kVaHq1_lg
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/mp14._/?hl=en
TikTok : https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdmPtTgu/
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.