Billboard Top Hip-hop
Rising Star: The Journey of Chaikey
Q. 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?
I’ve always loved the arts and spent a lot of time reflecting, so I started off creating for myself. I was raised by my mother and family in a large, loving, and crazy Caribbean household. It’s challenging to find peace and privacy in that environment, so I’ve always looked for it everywhere I’ve gone and in everything I’ve done and created.
Growing up, I read, wrote, drew, painted – and of course listened to music and watched TV; these were and still are my outlets. Around my middle school years, people started telling me I should model. I didn’t think I could model, and even though I loved music and movies, I didn’t seriously consider or pursue a career in entertainment; I experienced some of my worst years of social anxiety and depression in my teens.
I dual enrolled in high school and graduated in 2017. I was still unsure what to pursue but I knew I wanted prove the negative voice in my head wrong. I did; I started modeling in fall 2018. I graduated from PBSC with my A.A. in Studio/Fine Art around that time. Over the years as I got into modeling, I continued painting and writing stories, poetry, and music, mainly for myself.
I got where I am today by creating from experience, being inspired by other artists, leaving my comfort zone, collaborating, networking, getting mentorship, and sharing creations – both mine and others’ – via social media and in person at local events.
Q. I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Success hasn’t come easily and it’s still on its way to me, but the obstacles are lessons. Some of the challenges are juggling my hats, businesses, creations, mental health, and personal life/relationships while I’m healing and getting to know myself as an individual and a creative.
For years, I’ve had an unhealthy relationship with myself and others I’ve let into my life. I was smoking and getting into “situation-ships” by my teens. Most people haven’t known this side of me but it shaped a lot of my story.
Fall 2020-spring 2021, I started converting some of my poems and journals into music and scripts for my show/short film/ebook The Diary of An Anxious Black Girl. Throughout that same time period, I experienced an unexpected pregnancy and my grandfather’s passing.
Summer 2021, I recorded a song and performed for the first time. Before and after summer, I fell in and out of depression and slowed down on creating.
I went to therapy for a few months then stopped. Since the end of 2022, I’ve been working on being healthier.
Q. Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I’m a Neo-soul artist and creative director. My creations follow a young black artist’s experiences – my experiences – with health, alter egos, and vices.
It’s about creating more than it’s about competition for me – though of course competition is a factor to consider in any industry or business.
Someone should work with me because I’m making a conscious effort to be my multifaceted, original, honest, and authentic self. I’ve made a lot of my life about creating this angelic image to make up for my insecurities and anxiety. Now I want my image and creations to be truer to me and what I’m living, not some wave, some trend, or what I think other people want.
Q. What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Put your health first – before relationships – not just romantic but also platonic. Put yourself before social media and your business; what you pour into you is what you get out of anything else.
Network, get mentors – especially in your industry – and use guidance to create/get to know your own standards and story before immediately just trying to live like your mentors. Be true to self, always. I’m working on all this myself; when I live by it, things flow best.
Q. Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
In my eyes, success means peace, happiness, and freedom in every part of my life. Success means getting up and being able to live, to exist knowing we have more than everything we need. It means thriving consistently; being alive beyond day-to-day survival. Success is being able to be.
Q. What’s next for you?
What’s next is creating my first EP, music videos, and short films, and curating events for their releases. My EP “Divine Intervention” will be about overcoming and living a happier, healthier life. I want to focus on having more fun with the process this time.
Q. Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
People can connect with me and learn more via email, my website, or social media. Email is the best way to get in contact with me for any business-related questions.
Email: iamchaikey@gmail.com
Website: www.ichaikey.com
Instagram/Tiktok/Twitter/
Facebook: Chai Key
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.
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
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/
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