Billboard Top Hip-hop
R.E. Quest Varnado (Request) Is The Hottest R&B Rapper out of Naptown
Quest was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has been a music composer and found his voice by performing at various venues and composing music from a very young age. He kicks up an infectious party vibe with his uniquely genre-blending take on contemporary hip hop. Focused on clever and stylish vocal outpourings across double-time flows and a mellow tone, devotion and work-ethic unite through sound, the rapper notes influences among the likes of Rick Ross, Da Baby and Tyga, but ultimately paves his own way as a boldly versatile modern artist.
R.E. Quest Varnado (Request) IS THE HOTTEST R&B Rapper out of Naptown. DJ B Slime calls him 317 very own “A boogie” with an upbeat spin on the unique sound. This young rapper stepped in the booth for the first time just 3 years ago (age 20) and hasn’t stopped elevating his sound since. He has been featured with some of the hottest artist like Hip-Pop star Trae Simba and Detroits Michigans C.O.S Rocca. His first hit song was “secret” it hit 30,000 streams it was then DJ Stallone started spinning the track in Tiki Bobs (Indy’s downtown club) Quest knew for sure it was a hit after when DJ Dajon warren was the second DJ spinning the same track at “Fuzion Ultra lounge.” Quest really took off after he decided to relocate and take his music to the ATL music scene . He is currently locked in a two year contract with Hanger 5 ENT. They have been really pushing his brand and taking his reach to new nights.
Musical Inspiration
“My biggest supporter was my mother I lost her last year to a heart attack but the strongest soldiers make the biggest mark on the world.” The Hip Hop artist says he took that loss but now his soul shines through more in the lyrics he writes & melodies he creates. “I know she opening doors I can’t open down here,” says Quest Varnado. Right now the artist is working on merch sales and catching up on music videos. He has a Catalog or over 45 tracks ranging from hip hop, alternative, pop, and R&B. “My catalogue is pretty large so I need to focus on my visuals and create a brand I can sell.” In five years Young Varnado hopes to be touring over seas. This was his response when we asked him his overall goal for his career, “I plan to go global, and anything less isn’t an option. That’s the mission. That’s the goal.”
Latest Release
September 15th I will be dropping my first single under my new label Hanger 5 Ent. Called “Maze Runner” Produced by Anthony Williams. As I mentioned the rest of this year is about rebranding. So as for what’s next. The goal is brand deals, and building face value. I hope to use my influence to inspire and expand other business endeavors and artists like myself.
YouTube: R.E. Quest
Slime Sauce (@djbslime) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
@dj_stallone • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Dj Dajon Soul 106.3Fm Chicago (@djdajon) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
C.O.S Rocca (@cosrocca) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Anthony Williams (@tamperedwit_tv) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Trae Simba The THILLER 😵💫🎢 (@lul.simba.3x) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
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.