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.
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.
In a musical era often consumed by clout and commercialism, Kyng Pariah steps onto the scene with something more enduring: truth. Not the kind filtered for algorithmic favor, but an abstract, spiritual, and fire-forged truth rooted in faith, pain, and purpose.
Keeping It Abstract, Keeping It Real
“I want to keep the abstractness in my sound and creativity—if that makes any sense to you like it does to me,” Kyng explains.
And it does make sense—for those listening with more than just their ears. His music isn’t designed to be overly polished or industry-molded. It’s made to breathe, to sting, to heal. Every beat carries his fingerprint, every lyric shaped by both chaos and clarity. His upcoming releases aren’t just albums; they’re experiences—spiritually charged expressions of survival, soul, and sound.
Vulnerability Meets Resilience
There’s no performance in Kyng’s pain. Just presence.
Balancing vulnerability and resilience isn’t a contradiction—it’s a calling. “My father always told me, ‘Never tell someone anything that will hurt you.’ So I don’t,” he shares. “But I still want people to know they’re not alone.”
This isn’t trauma for applause. It’s truth for connection. Kyng’s vulnerability is sacred—shared only to bridge, never to break.
Collaborations & Creative Alignment
When Kyng talks dream collabs—Tupac, Kendrick, Lupe, Pharrell, Nas—you understand his ethos. “It’s the poetry behind the human spitting the bars,” he says. “They redesigned Hip-Hop with intellect and soul.”
As founder of Team Dork Nation, Kyng takes collaboration seriously. “Authenticity, transparency, communication—those are my non-negotiables. The energy has to be right.”
This is art with intention, not ego.
The Message Behind the Music
Kyng doesn’t write from ego. He writes from spirit. Every track is a message in a bottle—reaching out to those who’ve battled doubt, trauma, identity, or silence.
His mission? To speak life into people who feel like outsiders. The misfits. The dreamers. The survivors. “It’s about the story behind the human who creates it,” he says. And Kyng’s story is one of redemption, resistance, and relentless faith.
Upcoming Releases to Watch:
- Brown Skin Kids – June 19, 2025
- Finna Trip – September 12, 2025
- F.A.F.O. Starter Pack – January 30, 2026
- God Given Gift 2 – TBA
Plus, new beats and visuals dropping monthly on YouTube @TeamDorkNation
“Kyng of Pariahs” – A Title Reimagined
“I’m the reject but the original design.”
That’s how Kyng defines the phrase “Kyng of Pariahs.” It’s not ego—it’s empowerment. A bold reclamation of identity. The “Y” in Kyng? That’s not just style. It stands for youthful spirit, eternal creativity, and nonconformity.
His identity holds duality—masculine and feminine energy, light and shadow, seriousness and play. It’s not a brand. It’s a movement.
Words for the Warriors
To every artist hustling through hardship, Kyng has this to say:
“Stay invested in your health—physical, mental, and emotional. Stay authentic. Allow yourself to forgive… especially yourself. Stay eager to learn and grow. Take time for yourself. You owe it to YOU to be great. You will achieve your goals. Don’t stop working—it’ll pay off. Be blessed.”
A Movement, not a Moment
In a world thirsty for something real, Kyng Pariah offers the Abstract Truth: Hip-Hop is still holy. Still healing. Still evolving. And with Kyng behind the mic, the genre’s future sounds spiritually raw, unapologetically Black, and beautifully fearless.
Stay tuned. The revolution is real—and it’s wearing a crown.
Follow the Movement
📺 YouTube: @TeamDorkNation
📱 Instagram / X / TikTok: @KyngPariah
🎧 Streaming Platforms: Coming Soon
The revolution is real — and it’s wearing a crown.
From modest beginnings in Augusta, Georgia, Curstin Andrews has carved out a name for himself in the competitive world of acting. Now based in Atlanta, this 25-year-old artist is not just building a career—he’s building a legacy.
Starting from the Ground Up
Curstin’s first foray into acting came in late 2022 when he stepped onto set life as a background extra. While these early roles were silent, they were far from insignificant. They gave him a front-row education in the rhythm of filmmaking, helping him absorb the nuance, discipline, and dedication it takes to thrive in the entertainment world.
By March 2023, Curstin was landing speaking roles—stepping out of the background and into the spotlight. With each new project, his sense of purpose grew clearer: storytelling through character is not just a passion but his calling.
Sharpening the Craft
Determined to evolve as a performer, Curstin began formal training at Mann Robinson Studios under the instruction of Dale Jennings. His journey continued under the guidance of respected acting coaches like Louis Stancil and Lucky Johnson, both of whom helped him refine his emotional range, presence, and authenticity on screen.
On-Screen Journey
From emotionally charged dramas to intense thrillers, Curstin’s growing résumé speaks to his versatility and drive.
🎬 Feature Films
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Pure Pain (Lead) – Directed by Toine South
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Trapoligy (Lead) – Directed by Micheal
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My Killer Ex-Girlfriend (Supporting) – Directed by Johnathan Milton
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Ryder The Movie (Supporting) – Directed by Jaloni Jackson
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Illijah (Supporting) – Now streaming on Tubi
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House of Hope (Supporting) – Directed by Marques Womack
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Additional credits: Twisted Love, Bottle Girl, Callie, Three the Hard Way, and more.
🎥 Short Films
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Who’s There (Lead) – Directed by Alexis Morrison
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Blooming Hearts (Supporting) – Directed by Jasmine Alexander
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Love on Delay (Supporting) – Directed by Jayla Re’Shon
📺 Television
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Ms. Pat Settles It – Co-starred in an episode by 495 Productions
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BMF (Season 3) – Stand-in role on STARZ
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The House & Collective Trust – Co-starred
📣 Commercial & Music Appearances
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Appeared in an Old Spice commercial as a prom-going teen
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Starred in Derrico’s music video Do Not Disturb
Beyond Acting: A Visionary with a Business Mindset
More than just a performer, Curstin is an entrepreneur in the making. He’s the founder of a film production company and has future plans to build a full-service studio. His mission? To create access for underrepresented voices and open doors for new talent across the South.
What’s Ahead
With fame looming, Curstin remains focused on the bigger picture. While he strives for A-list status, his deeper goal is to be a catalyst for change—both on and off the screen. Whether through impactful stories or mentorship, Curstin Andrews wants to shape a more inclusive and dynamic entertainment industry.
Curstin Andrews is not just acting—he’s architecting a future. From breakout roles in Illijah, House of Hope, and Blooming Hearts to his ambitious behind-the-camera pursuits, this rising star’s journey is just beginning. And it’s one the film world will want to follow closely.
Leilani Kristina: A Force of Art, Activism, and Ancestral Power
Kyng Pariah on Faith, Fire, and the Future of Hip-Hop
Curstin Andrews: Redefining Success in Film, One Role at a Time
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