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“Zara616 Drops Some Game On Producing With His Guide To Success”

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ZARA616
Leonard magazine

My name is Patrick Mazara, professionally known as Zara616 and I am a producer from Grand Rapids known for my work with well-established artist such as Skilla Baby, Baby Smoove, Jdot Breezy, Baby Money, YN Jay and more. I’ve always been big on growth and I love to see people, especially producers thriving so I wanted to take the time to drop some free game on how in a year I built my name and began solidifying my spot in the producer game with “The Grease Guide.”

The Grease Guide :

Step 1 : BRAND

Understand that YOU ARE YOUR BRAND. Your producer tag is crucial especially when starting because it can direct people towards more of your work and when it does you should make sure your social media accounts reflect you as a producer to maintain their interest. I went about growing mine by providing my audience with authentic content of video edits to my beats that would keep them interest and later on I allowed people to put a face to the name by also posting myself. To continue to build your brand my advice is to also invest in meeting artists in person, advertise yourself and your beats and finally, stay consistent.

Step 2 : Publishing and Beat Store

Get your publishing together by creating a BMI or an ASCAP so that when the bigger placements do come, you’re eligible to sign the paper work. If you make music you can still register your music so it works if you also rap/sing. Do keep in mind that PUBLISHING AND ROYALTIES IS NOT THE SAME THING. If you produce for artist that are signed to a major label make sure you should be getting an advance, net artist royalties, and publishing. Do not sign a bad deal but do not be ungrateful especially if the terms you’ve signed and advance being given is something you do not have. That especially goes for loop-makers. Lastly, look into creating a beat store such as Airbit and Beatstars so that you’re audience can both listen to and purchase your beats.

Step 3 : Networking

Networking is one of the most crucial steps! You’re skill will only get you so far and if you have no way of having it heard you won’t get any placements. So network with producers, work with the smaller artist in a camp and soon the bigger artist will want to work with you because they hear what you’ve provided for their mans.

Step 4 : Genuineness

Stay genuine. When you’re so hungry for success we tend to just jump the gun but staying genuine and realizing people are still human is one of the best things you can do. I personally get tired of people trying to work before even forming a connection so I know engineers feel the same because people attempt to use them for placements but don’t even form any kind of bond first as well as with A&R’s and managers. Have a respectful approach, don’t blow them up but show you genuinely admire their craft or love their artists’ sound and your time to work with them will come.

Step 5 : Patience

Understand that your time will come. Do not be envious of another producer getting back to back placements because they worked just as hard if not harder to get to where they are. Take your time and develop your own sound. I recommend making a single drum kit with all of your favorite sounds and only using that one. In a few months you should be able to play your beats and tell that every beat has some type of similarity that people can recognize and say you produced it.

Step 6 : Business 

Do not take things personal. You have to understand these people do not know you. They aren’t obligated to respond back, or rap to your beats. If you blow up and rappers you wanted to work with finally hit you back, do it! You’ll miss out on the opportunity if you decide to be petty because if they came to you, they’re more likely to take you serious.

Step 7 : Consistency

Work hard and be consistent. If it was easy everybody would do it. As long as you’re constantly sending beats out and working with producers, your chance of a placement will only keep increasing so stop just sitting on beats. Send the same ones out until they get placed, have some versatility so you aren’t confided in a box. Invest in going to studios or even running ads on your posts because you never know who could see it.

Step 8 : Manifestation

Manifestation has gotten me a long way and can be a very in depth topic but my advice to start is to believe yourself and be grateful as if you’ve already accomplished what it is you want to accomplish down the line. We constantly tell ourselves negative things and that’s the reason why it happens but if we flip that around and speak positive affirmations, only speak good things would the good not come to be? I always tell my peers to be grateful, and that even if it isn’t something you have just yet, believe you have it. By having that energy of gratefulness you increase your frequencies and that allows your manifestation to find its way into your life and when it does you can truly be grateful.

Overall, there’s a lot that comes with being a producer and how far you make it honestly just reflects your determination but no matter what just keep it going. Especially when you don’t feel like it because that’s when the placements and opportunities appear. Stay genuine, be authentic, make sure you create what you want to and not what others want, prioritize your mental health, and just be appreciative of everything, even if it’s just a like on a beat you put on Youtube, appreciate it.

Zara616’s socials 

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/zarabeats_/?hl=en

Youtube:

Snapchat : https://www.snapchat.com/add/zaragotgrease?share_id=N0JGRERFOTUtQUQxMS00MzM0LUFCMkUtRjIyMUMwM0I2RTI1&locale=en_US

 

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

“Pulling Strings from the Bing” Ignites Buzz on YouTube With a Gripping Story,…and an Even More Powerful Reality

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"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.

 

 

 

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

Jimmy Dasaint: Philly’s Storyteller Who Does It All

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Jimmy Dasaint

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.

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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.

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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

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Billboard Top Hip-hop

The Music Industry’s Hidden Gem: James Artissen

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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. 

 
In 2017, James transitioned from music production to artistry and began recording himself. He joined a duo group named Kings X2, and released their debut single “Wine For Me” in september of 2017. The single peaked at #10 on the US Billboard Hot Single Sales Chart for 5 weeks. Later in 2018 the group disbanded, and James released his debut solo single “Move” which features the rap group Whodini. Following up to 2019 James released his anticipated EP “Blu Leisure” which became critically acclaimed upon its release.
The project included guest appearances from: Tony Terry, Sonna Rele, Kalenna Harper, and Whodini. After its great success he released his sophomore EP “Kaleidoscopes”, and in 2023 he joined forces with rapper Big Gipp of the rap group Goodie Mob to release their collaborative EP “Gipp N Worthy”. The lead single “TOTW” peaked at #91 on the US Billboard R&B Digital Sales Chart also charting at the #1 position on the Amazon Best Sellers Chart. Within all of James’s work he has been nominated for several Grammy Awards by working with names such as: Meek Mill, Justin Bieber, Robin S., 112, Raphael Saadiq, and so many others to name. In 2024 James launched his own label imprint Humble Sound Record in conjunction with Sony Orchard. The label houses artists such as: B Angie B, Robin S., Tynisha Keli, Sophia Habib, Shaynah, and Truth Hurts.
Related Artists:

Ty Dolla $ign

Tory Lanez

6LACK

PartyNextDoor

Khalid

The Weeknd 

 

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/jamesartissen/

https://www.twitter.com/jamesartissen

https://www.facebook.com/jamesartissenmusic

https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesartissen

Streaming:

https://www.youtube.com/@jamesartissenmusic

https://www.soundcloud.com/jamesartissen

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1cP5EevOlhJqtyk75ZEvMO?si=hLxyQlduShqK_1H26n_qqQ

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/james-artissen/1820494478

https://jamesartissenmusic.bandcamp.com

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