Entertainment
5 Fast Facts with Mir Mir, the unsung teenage audio engineer and artist out of the Chicago-land area
As one of our LEONARD Magazine CO. production members was observing an “Upcoming R&B/Soul Rap ” playlist on spotify, he stumbled upon the oddly deep voice of one of the most interesting and underrated artists we’ve encountered; Mir Mir. Temptingly diving deeper into his discography, we noticed multiple single releases over the past year that all sounded thrillingly disparate from each other, leading us to reach out to Mir Mir for what appears to be his first exclusive artist interview.
His music can’t be boxed
We were intrigued when guessing Mir Mir’s age, having just recently turned 18. judging by his production we would have been on the fence in terms of assuming his experience level and his dab upon both old and modern style production. His follow up wasn’t a shock.
Mir Mir came across a random set of songs on youtube that felt like an eye opener to him. These songs, made by other young artists, are identified as Hyperpop. Hyperpop is by far one of the most unique genres in the music industry. Many don’t knowingly come across it. It’s influence is driven from a wide range of sources that often contain glitch effects, heavy basses, high voices, and PC music inspiration. This spectrum-lacking genre felt fitting for Mir Mir because it caused him to try new things and download soundcloud and instagram, where he got to meet and build a bond with some of the artists he claimed to have listened to for years prior. He began receiving follow backs and even features from artists he used to only listen to.
“I never knew how making weird sounds into the mic or slapping the desk could turn into an 808 or even a fire adlib.”
Public platform release was limited to Mir Mir. When asking how many songs he’s made so far, he couldn’t get an estimate at the top of his head. It was unfortunate to hear how often he trashed his finished work. He explained that he would often make tracks only to end up throwing them away out of embarrassment. Considering the rate Mir Mir is moving at, we’re certain that these tracks would have been like a memorabilia recollection compared to his current production.
Blew up in private
Over quarantine Mir Mir helped produce a song that he’s kept unsaid. His friend at the time had created a song with him and multiple people (which unironically was hyperpop), and it became popular months later. The sound on tiktok has over a hundred thousand videos uploaded to it, primarily for it’s distinctive glitch effects and lyrics.
“I felt like I had a secret inside me that no one would believe if I said it out loud. How do you explain to a person that the song that’s potentially stuck in their head was something I took part in making? I mean, we practically started off as jokes and memes at our school and being called soundcloud rappers. Next thing you know everyone was plagued by the sound of ‘Pressure’. Not even knowing who Novagang was. Not even knowing who we were.”
Inspirations and Influences
Mir Mir, known by his family and peers as Emir, claims that like most artists he has become addicted to music at a young age. He used to download free apps on his Ipad where he was able to listen to every song he wanted while watching the music video or lyrics on youtube. His concept on genres was broad even as a child, listening to whatever he’d find on Vevo, hear on the radio, or even any song he heard his mom play while cleaning. Mir Mir says that whatever he listened to always had phases. “I’d casually go from listening to music about tractors and love to hardcore songs about like 4th degree manslaughter. I literally would innocently shift from Keith Urban to NWA.” Mir Mir states that these were some of his favorite artists growing up, along with 2000’s mainstream artists like Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and even Albanian artists like Noizy, who he was exposed to by his cousins back home. His sightless absorption of genre wasn’t a surprise to us, as these different sounds are likely what shapes him to create his own style of music.
Describing his discography as his own style of music isn’t even an exaggerated description. Mir Mir literally implements sounds that would feel exotingly out-of-pocket to your average listener. Like the next guy is one of the songs by Mir Mir that our executive writer came across, whom described it as a 3 minute shift from a high-reverb Emo/EDM style to a deep voiced vocal, soulful, Kanye West type beat.
Social media prescence
Interestingly enough, music isn’t what Mir Mir thrives mainly off. Tiktok has been a partial outlet for him during the Covid-19 pandemic. He states that his friend practically forced him to install Tiktok and as he was scrolling through he came across a funny Albanian video. This opened a path for him as he was urging to take part in it and upload his own sense of humor themed through his culture.
“I almost never met people from my country [Albania] at my school. I didn’t think there were that many of us, so I really looked up to these little creators across the world who shared this line of blood in common with me.”
He explains that his very first upload got 50,000 views and the next one got a whopping 300,000. Within less than a week he hit one thousand followers. He states that having been only 15 at the time, his parents did not want him to pave that aspect of life through social media so he took a long break from uploading content. Although, he states that he privately made an account that had over 400,000 followers, and eventually got banned with supposedly no evident reason. Fortunately, he felt motivated to start fresh and continued uploading on his current Tiktok account, emirnoballer, which he created months ago and already reached 3 videos with over 1 million views.
Mir Mir does not often collide Tiktok with his music, for the reason being an interesting term he uses; “pity streams”.
“I don’t want people listening to my music because I made it. I want it to be something I emerge from because people actually like it from a music standpoint. On God I never want to be one of those guys that begs people to listen to their songs. I’m just still trying to find a way I can blend my tiktok with my music in a way that doesn’t make it seem like a phase or me trying to act ambitious. I don’t wanna be classified as a musician or a tiktoker, I just want to make whatever comes to my mind cuz I know I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that.”
Polyglot
At the end of the interview, we topped it off with our classic and often most surprising question.
“Give us a fun fact about you. Outside of music… something people wouldn’t really guess.”
A polyglot is a person that can speak 4 or more languages, and Mir Mir seems to top that off. He claims that his mother did not allow him or his siblings to use electronics on weekdays up until his Freshman year of high school in order to focus on education. He’d use his school device to often watch youtube or use garageband, the digital audio workstation he started with. He had an interest in cultures and languages, being born first learning Albanian and English, then eventually taking Spanish at school. He learned some Arabic from his prayers and felt inspired to pick up German through his peers and online. Musically, he even has 2 featured songs in Albanian and Spanish.
What’s next for Mir Mir?
Having dived deeper into his character, we project Mir Mir to continue growing and producing. We would be saddened to hear Mir Mir privately denounce credit of himself by not promoting his talent to the max capacity. His blend of Soul and Bubblegum Bass provides a unique, jumpy style of music that is too extraordinary to be held quietly. Mir Mir is definitely a respective artist and someone listeners should adapt into consideration for a new taste in music production as he continues to release.
The modern music industry has opened the door for independent artists to compete on a global stage, and Don Che is proving that success no longer depends on a major label. Through consistent releases, a recognizable brand, and a clear artistic vision, the rising rapper is steadily building a career that extends far beyond music. Don Che’s sound blends melodic rap with street-inspired influences, creating records that balance smooth production, confident lyricism, and relatable storytelling. His music reflects the mindset of someone committed to growth, touching on themes of ambition, resilience, success, and self-belief. Rather than chasing temporary trends, he has focused on developing a style that feels authentic while remaining commercially appealing.
What makes Don Che stand out is his understanding that today’s artists are brands as much as they are musicians. Every visual, promotional campaign, and release contributes to a polished identity built around luxury, confidence, and consistency. His approach demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset, allowing his audience to connect with a lifestyle as well as the music itself. That strategy has helped Don Che earn recognition from respected media outlets. NY Weekly recently highlighted his vision of bringing together music, fashion, and purpose into one cohesive creative brand, reinforcing his reputation as an artist with long-term goals rather than short-term ambitions.
His reach continues to expand internationally. Don Che’s collaboration on “BIGGETY” introduced his work to audiences in the Bahamas, where the project received coverage from Bahamas Local and was also featured on Nassau Tonight News. These opportunities reflect his growing presence outside his home market and his commitment to connecting with listeners across different regions. Adding to his momentum is Tha Sauce Vol. 2, a project that showcases his evolving artistry through polished production, memorable melodies, and confident performances. The EP reflects the qualities that have become synonymous with Don Che’s music—authenticity, determination, and a relentless drive to elevate his craft.
As the independent music landscape continues to evolve, artists who combine talent with strategic branding are finding new opportunities to thrive. Don Che represents this new generation of creators, building his career independently while expanding his influence through music, visuals, and business-minded creativity. With each release, Don Che continues to strengthen his foundation, proving that consistency and vision can create lasting impact. As his audience grows and new opportunities emerge around the world, he remains focused on building a legacy that extends beyond streaming numbers—one rooted in creativity, entrepreneurship, and authentic artistic expression.
Biggety is doing 30k monthly streams since it’s release! Making it a hit for the Independent artist. Independent Artist milestone without Radio Airplay.
Bahamas Local – “BIGGETY” International Music Video
https://www.bahamaslocal.com/
Nassau Tonight News Coverage
https://youtu.be/ojJSo6q8NLE?
Stream Tha Sauce Vol. 2 on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/
As Don Che continues expanding his catalog and strengthening his international presence, he remains one of the independent artists to watch, demonstrating that determination, creativity, and a clear vision can build a lasting career in today’s music industry.
At only 21 years old, independent R&B and soul artist Daisy Close is building a career defined by authenticity rather than trends. Through heartfelt songwriting and emotionally driven performances, she has emerged as a voice for listeners navigating mental health struggles, self-discovery, and personal growth.Rather than creating music solely for entertainment, Daisy approaches every song as a reflection of real-life experiences.
Her lyrics explore vulnerability, resilience, heartbreak, healing, and the importance of embracing one’s emotions. By sharing her own journey openly, she hopes to remind others that they are never alone in what they are feeling. One of the defining themes throughout Daisy’s work is self-worth. She believes that learning to value yourself is one of life’s most important lessons, and that message echoes throughout her growing catalog of music. Instead of hiding difficult emotions, she encourages listeners to acknowledge them, process them, and ultimately transform pain into strength.Mental health advocacy has also become a central part of Daisy’s mission as an artist. She has consistently emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding conversations about anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being.
Through both her music and public interviews, she encourages people to seek support, speak openly, and recognize that vulnerability is not a weakness but a sign of courage. As an independent artist, Daisy continues to prove that meaningful storytelling can resonate just as strongly as commercial success. Her commitment to writing honest, deeply personal songs has earned her a loyal audience that connects with the authenticity behind every release. Looking ahead, Daisy Close remains focused on creating music that not only showcases her artistic growth but also provides comfort and hope to those facing their own personal challenges. With each new project, she continues to establish herself as a rising voice in contemporary R&B—one dedicated to inspiring healing, confidence, and emotional connection through the power of music.
As her career continues to grow, Daisy Close demonstrates that music can be much more than entertainment—it can become a source of understanding, encouragement, and healing for people around the world.
As an independent artist, Daisy Close represents the growing movement of musicians who prioritize authenticity over industry expectations. Her dedication to creating deeply personal music proves that emotional storytelling can create a lasting impact beyond commercial success. Her growing catalog reflects an artist who is not afraid to be honest, explore difficult emotions, and create songs that speak directly to the human experience. This genuine approach has allowed her to develop a loyal fan base that values the sincerity behind every release. Looking ahead, Daisy Close remains committed to creating music that continues to inspire, comfort, and connect with audiences around the world. With every new project, she continues to develop her sound while staying true to the emotional honesty that defines her artistry.
As a rising figure in contemporary R&B and soul, Daisy Close represents a new generation of artists who believe music can do more than entertain—it can heal, encourage, and bring people together.
Her journey is a reminder that the most powerful songs often come from real experiences, and through her voice, Daisy Close continues to prove that authenticity, compassion, and emotional connection can create a lasting impact in the world of music.
Billboard Top Hip-hop
“Pulling Strings from the Bing” Ignites Buzz on YouTube With a Gripping Story,…and an Even More Powerful Reality
Independent filmmaking continues to prove that powerful stories don’t need Hollywood budgets to make a lasting impact. One of the latest projects generating excitement on YouTube is Pulling Strings from the Bing, a suspense-filled short film directed by Moe McCoy and Ladaro “Monsta Yo” Pennix II. With its compelling storyline, authentic performances, and emotional depth, the film is quickly capturing the attention of audiences who appreciate meaningful urban cinema.
Presented by Scrilla Guerillaz West in association with Hood Fades, Hood Smoker Podcast, and Fireproof A.I. TV & Films, Pulling Strings from the Bing is far more than a traditional crime drama. It is a powerful story about loyalty, ambition, betrayal, redemption, and the pursuit of a legacy that can outlive a lifetime.
At the heart of the film is Monsta Yo God, one of America’s most feared and respected street kingpins. Although serving a life sentence behind prison walls, his influence stretches far beyond the prison gates, with major decisions still flowing through him. His name commands respect from allies and fear from enemies, making him a force whose presence is felt even from behind bars.
But years of reflection begin to change his perspective.
Monsta Yo God realizes that real power isn’t measured by fear or financial success, but by the positive impact a person leaves behind. Determined to transform his empire into legitimate opportunities for future generations, he sets out on a mission to build something greater than himself.
Not everyone shares that vision.
As his plans begin to unfold, buried secrets surface, loyalties are questioned, greed takes hold, and betrayal emerges from within the very circle he once trusted. Every conversation carries weight, every alliance is tested, and every move could be someone’s last. The suspense builds with every scene, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. Adding even greater emotional impact is a powerful soundtrack featuring music from legendary West Coast recording artist Monsta Yo, whose independent career has inspired countless artists while helping redefine what can be accomplished outside the major-label system.
His music becomes the heartbeat of the film, adding intensity, emotion, and authenticity to every pivotal moment. Yet what truly makes Pulling Strings from the Bing extraordinary isn’t just the story on screen, it’s the remarkable story behind its creation.
In a powerful reflection of the film itself, co-director Ladaro “Monsta Yo” Pennix II filmed and helped create this project while still serving his prison sentence. Refusing to allow incarceration to define his future, Monsta Yo has continued building businesses, writing books, producing music, directing films, and collaborating with talented creatives on the outside to bring his vision to life.
That reality gives Pulling Strings from the Bing a level of authenticity that cannot be replicated. It stands as living proof that purpose has no prison walls, creativity cannot be incarcerated, and determination can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
The partnership between Moe McCoy and Ladaro “Monsta Yo” Pennix II demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when talent, vision, and perseverance come together. Together, they have created a film that not only entertains but inspires showcasing the strength of independent filmmaking and the limitless power of refusing to give up on a dream.As the buzz surrounding Pulling Strings from the Bing continues to grow across YouTube and social media, the film is rapidly becoming a must-watch for fans of suspense, independent cinema, and authentic urban storytelling. Rather than giving away its biggest surprises, it invites audiences to experience every twist, every betrayal, and every unforgettable moment for themselves.
Sometimes the greatest story isn’t the one unfolding on the screen, it’s the true story of the people who refused to let their circumstances stop them from creating it.
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