Billboard Top Hip-hop
Rising Star Actor Akeem Mair

Interviewer. It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
The funny detail about my story is that I actually never dreamed of being an actor. My dreams were actually to be a financial banker. I blame Micheal Douglas for that passion. I remember as young teenager watching his movie called “The Game,” and being mesmerized by it! You see.. I wanted his 2000 BMW 740 i, the expensive custom pin stripe suits he wore, to be around the exciting atmosphere of the stock exchange office, and to have a personal maid that lives at my house and takes care of my personal needs just like him. Plus I’ve always loved math. I was that kid who carried a calculator and punching in random numbers and math equations all day. But one day changed all of that for me when I was working at the Ralph’s grocery store in Pasadena on Lake and Walnut.
A loyal customer of the store end up changing my life forever. At the time I was a cashier when I caught the customer I knew quite well coming into my line with her head towards her shopping basket. I knew something was bothering her so I wanted to cheer up her with my positive energy. I said with excitement, “hi it’s so good to see you again, I hope you found everything you were looking for?” She said softly, “yes thank you!” I said, “usually I see you happy but whatever you’re going through I know God will guide you through it!” “ He’ll never give you more than you can handle!” After we finished I said, “have a bless day, I hope to see you again!!” She just froze for a few seconds and then looked up at me for the first time and i could see her eyes filled with tears.
She said, “Are you an actor?” I said, “No, why do you ask?” She said, “Because you have this big positive energy. You move people by it. You lifted my spirits after I just lost my home in a foreclosure. ” Her words stunned me. Through out my whole shift her words repeatedly kept playing in my head. After my shift, I went home and wondered, what would be like to be a successful Actor? I thought about how I’ll be able to help my family and how I can infect the whole world with my positive energy! That same night I searched ‘how to become an actor’ and it lead to me Central Casting. The next day I signed up and the rest is history.
Interviewer. I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Achieving success is a monster. The biggest challenges I’ve ever faced in my life is due to my own ignorance and ego. Early on in my career I’ve never learned to track my progress with a journal, to seek mentors who achieved the things I wanted to achieve, taking the right acting classes and building my resume, getting professional headshots taken by recommended photographers, developing relationships with young actors and actresses who dream of the making it big too, and making relationships with the big and important people. You see I thought if I handed my useless credits and bad formatted resume with unprofessional brick wall or olive tree background headshots to an agent, he or she was going to sign me because I had tremendous ambition and a great personality. I soon learned the hard way when I went down to the agency and they took a lot at my materials then said, “we’ll call you.” Famous polite words to actors who know all to well that means never. The biggest I’ve learned is “don’t chase success, attract it.”
Interviewer. Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
What I really specialize in is being organized and business orientated. When someone googles my name they can already tell how polished I am. From my social media accounts to my acting accounts. Remember, your social media is literally talking for you without you even knowing it. You can beat your competition every time because they are so focus on the fame and money from getting the biggest roles that there are not even paying attention. Do you know how many times I’ve seen actors flash the middle finger, acting a fool and being drunk on camera, smoking weed and taking nude pictures. All of this will cost you a gig. You have to be extremely careful. Notice how I haven’t talked about acting yet. You already scared the casting directors off.
Interviewer. What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
The only way to find success is to track success. I’ll tell all of my readers to invest in a journal. Why? So you can track your progress each day. Some reasons why people can’t find success is because they are not taking the correct steps to reach success. Matter of fact they are walking blindly each day and not even realizing how many small successes they have already achieved. That’s called “going with the flow.”Most people are so focus on the big success and how far they’re away from achieving it that they end up stomping all over their small victories. I have habit of asking people, “hey what’s your goals for today?” And most people would say “I don’t know.” 3 words that are the death for any big success you’re trying to reach. You have to KNOW! If you don’t know then of course nobody else will.
Interviewer. Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
It means growth and progress. Success at the end of the day is a journey. It’s not a destination. Success is looking back and seeing how far you have come and looking forward to how big you can get. The unknown is what excites me. Nobody knows how much success i can achieve.. shoot I don’t even know myself. That unknown means you can achieve whatever you dream of and visualize. I visualize winning an Oscar one day. Nobody can tell me I can’t get it because they don’t even know the future. That excitement of the endless possibilities means there’s nothing stopping you. If success equals growth then I have to grow and develop myself into an Oscar winning actor. And that’s how I will achieve it.
Interviewer. What’s next for you?
What’s next for me this year is taking my television and film side of acting with more focus. More classes, better headshots, casting director workshops, etc. The aim is get more reels and boost my profile. It’s going to take some time but that’s why you have to track your progress and enjoy the journey.
Interviewer. Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
You can find more information here:
My Social Media accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/
https://m.facebook.com/Akeem.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/
https://mobile.twitter.com/
https://www.pinterest.com/
https://youtube.com/c/
My Actor Accounts:
https://m.imdb.com/name/
https://cni.lacasting.com/
https://www.backstage.com/u/
https://resumes.actorsaccess.
https://talent.
https://www.castittalent.com/
https://app.castingnetworks.
https://wikitia.com/wiki/
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.


Billboard Top Hip-hop
Jimmy Dasaint: Philly’s Storyteller Who Does It All

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

Billboard Top Hip-hop
The Music Industry’s Hidden Gem: James Artissen

American Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, and Audio Engineer James Artissen also formerly known as James Worthy has long considered the name to be central to his life, and identity. It represents the dedication, and the passion towards his craft. Coming from New York, the musician attributes his hometown as a major influence on his style, and sound. Born James Allen Worthy on March 28, 1992 in Queens, New York, James began pursuing music at the age of 16. During that time period James had the opportunity to meet the late great Michael Jackson at Webster Hall in New York City which inspired James to fully pursue a career in the music business.
After moving to Atlanta, GA the singer, songwriter, and producers first musical experience was at his high school recording studio through a music mentoring program sponsored by Dallas Austin. His initial foray into music consisted of learning the art of songwriting which later turned into music production shortly after. Artissen was also highly influenced by artists such as: A Tribe Called Quest, Whodini, Kanye West, Miguel, The Weeknd, and Pharrell Williams. While studying those artists he began to teach himself how to sing in 2009. To further his education, he attended The Art Institute of Atlanta where he received a bachelor’s degree in audio production. This helped him begin working, and placing his work with mainstream acts, and songwriters.
Ty Dolla $ign
Tory Lanez
6LACK
PartyNextDoor
Khalid
The Weeknd
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/
https://www.twitter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@
Streaming:
https://www.youtube.com/@
https://www.soundcloud.com/
https://open.spotify.com/



