Entertainment
New Interview with Rising Artist NORD
We caught up with artist NORD, to get the scoop on his latest project and success in the music industry.
- First and foremost, I’m glad to have you here with us today. Could you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started?
My name is Carter Davis, artist name NORD, and I am an 18 year-old Hip-Hop and R&B focused musical artist. I was born and raised in the Portland, Oregon (U.S.) metro area and first began creating music in my self-built bedroom studio in late 2021. I released my first single “INDUSTRY” in August of 2021, and since then it has caught the attention of hundreds of thousands of listeners globally. My music, including my latest single “SORRY”, is available to purchase and stream on all major platforms.
- Do you compose your own music and make your own beats? Is it typically a collaborative effort?
My music is typically created collaboratively, with the instrumental/beat production being put in the hands of a select few producers that I originally met online and have fortunately been given the opportunity to work with consistently since starting my music career. As far as lyric writing and ideas for songs, I typically brainstorm themes and write all of my lyrics independently based on a culmination of my current and past emotions, experiences, and inspirations. My philosophy has always been the idea of collaboration and working with others being a key part in composing music of any kind, so any music you hear from me has most definitely been contributed to in some way by somebody else, or even multiple people that I trust musically.
- Who were your initial musical influences? Who had the greatest overall influence on you?
My initial musical influences were the artists that I listened to the most at the time of beginning my music endeavors, and still listen to frequently to this day. These artists consist of Xavier Weeks, DIRTYXAN, and Kevin Powers. The music and style of these artists have always had a dramatic impact on my musical aspirations and decisions. However, apart from stylistic influence, I consider myself to be my biggest influence in my career.
- What do you believe are the essential stylistic qualities that help your music resonate with listeners?
The essential stylistic qualities that can be observed in my music that resonate with listeners the most would have to be the smooth, melodic instrumentals that still pack a booming kick paired with the punchy Hip-Hop influenced vocals that ride on topics which almost everyone can relate to in their own relationship experiences.
- What has been the most difficult event in your profession or life thus far, and how have you overcome it?
A recurring event that has been somewhat difficult to navigate so far in my career as an artist is commonly referred to as “writer’s block”. Consistently writing meaningful and catchy lyrics that are required to make new songs can be especially challenging at times especially when you’re not motivated and or are lacking inspiration, and working to overcome the fact that constantly writing new meaningful music isn’t a realistic expectation in my workflow has been a journey that I’ve been working on as a new songwriter and musician in the field. Going from having no prior musical experience to just starting composition and publishing of music within the past year has subjected me to a lot of lessons, both short-term and also ones that I’ll be continuously learning for the remainder of my career as an artist.
- On the other hand, what would you consider a high point in your career thus far?
A high point in my career thus far would have to be a very specific achievement; surpassing the milestone of 500,000 unique streams on Spotify. This had been a goal of mine ever since releasing my first single in August, and being able to achieve such a large number of listens in just under 5 months after the fact cumulatively between only the two of my released songs really proved to me that my potential as a musician and artist is not being tapped in anywhere close to its full potential.
- Could you tell us about your latest project, and what fans might expect to hear?
My next big project as an artist will be my debut album, which has yet to be announced, and will be releasing on all streaming platforms nearing the end of 2022. For updates, listeners should follow my Instagram and all of my artist streaming profiles. The songs featured on this project will be the next stepping-stone in establishing my sound as a musician and further expanding my already rapidly growing community of supporters.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Jimmy Dasaint: Philly’s Storyteller Who Does It All
Get Money Piken: Beef Muzik – Raw. Unfiltered. Street Certified.
Leilani Kristina: A Force of Art, Activism, and Ancestral Power
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
NOMADS are changing the landscape of the music business
