PANDORA OPENS UP TO E.H.M.P.

PANDORA

E.H.M.P.: Break down your name Pandora?

PANDORA: Pandora can’t really be described since she was formed from rage and experience so, she’s always changing. All I can say is that she’s wicked and sweet.

E.H.M.P.: How long have you been recording music?

PANDORA: I've been recording professional like since 16. As a kid i always recorded myself rapping or doing beat with my mouth.

E.H.M.P.: Where can we listen to your music?

PANDORA: Reverbnation.com/ladeepandora

E.H.M.P.: How would you describe your sound?

PANDORA: My sound can not be described. All I can say is that it’s a reflection of me.

E.H.M.P.: If the world could remember you by one quote what would it be?

PANDORA: "Never remember me as the girl that was HATED/ but as the girl that never gave up n MADE IT"

E.H.M.P.: Any last minute words or shout outs?

PANDORA: SHOUTS TO A.D. THE GENERAL AND THE WHOLE MOVEMENT. SHOUT OUTS TO NICKI (nicxer) FOR HOLDING IT DOWN.”IM THE NEXT RUNNER UP MAMA ;-)" SHOUT OUTS TO ALL- THE FEMALES ARTIST BEFORE ME AND SHOUT OUTS TO LILITH.
LASTS WORDS

""WHO RUN DIS SHIT TODAY?!!/ “GOOD MUSIC!"

Wad up YAY

Written by –A.D. The General

Courtesy of The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2013

DRAECO NEWEST WINNER IN ATL

DRAECO

E.H.M.P: What age did you start doing music? What possessed you into making it as a career?

DRAECO: I started doing music at about age 12. I played around with it for years, I was always had a love for it and was always told my music was good and the more I did it I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I love making music and songwriting with a passion.

E.H.M.P: Many people look at you as being a superstar.  What star qualities do you think you possess?

DRAECO: I think I definitely have the talent, and I know that I have an appeal that attracts various age groups.

E.H.M.P: How was it like being signed with Major Boy Records? If you can choose to be apart of any label, what would it be? Why?

DRAECO: All I can say about the Major Boy Records situation was that it was an experience. Well as far as choosing a label it would be hard. I respect a lot of labels but of course a deal would have to be right and be beneficial to me.

E.H.M.P: Many artists now a day possess a certain style in their music. What style does your music have? What energy do you think it will bring to a listener?  

DRAECO: My style varies. I’m the kind of artist that feels out a track. The track determines my style and flow; I’m very versatile when it comes to writing on a track and how I want to go in on it. My energy is an energy that will let you feel the song, track, and what I’m saying on it. If it’s a song I put out, you’ll definitely feel it.

E.H.M.P: Many artists such as Lil Wayne influence many people around the world with his style in fashion and music. What influence would you want to leave with your listeners? 

DRAECO: I’d like to leave the influence of. I’m me. What I wear, how I rap, what I say. It’s me. Nothing I say in any song I record is made up. I’m not into gimmick rapping. Either I’ve done it, experience it in some way, or it’s a thought that has a strong possibility of happening.

E.H.M.P: What are some other talents people may not know about you?

DRAECO: I can sing. Not saying I’m the greatest at it but I can hold it down. I’ve sang hooks for a number of artists.

E.H.M.P: How can your listeners find your music? How can anyone contact you? 

DRAECO: My website at www.draecoonline.com , www.reverbnation.com/draeco , search me on datpiff.com, I have several mix tapes there of mine and ones I’ve been featured on, youtube.com/MrDraeco1 and simply jus by following me on twitter @draeco.. It’s always some music from me being tweeted.

WRITTEN BY: Rachel Germain

Courtesy of the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2012

GET TO KNOW TAMARA BUBBLE

TAMARA BUBBLE

SPECIALGIFT: Give us a brief visual description on who Tamara Bubble is and some insight on the beginning of your come up in the entertainment industry?

TAMARA BUBBLE: Visual description, I would just have to say "All thing's Bubbly". {giggle's} I'm very curvy, I'm full figured and well endowed, mama blessed me. My come up in the industry has been quite short. I have been trying to do this professionally for about two years. I met the scammer’s; I met everybody the want to be C.E.O's. I'm at the point where I can decipher who's who. I think that I am starting to network with the people I need to deal with. I sing, I rap, I act and I model! So as far as music, I do everything from dance too hip hop. I blend elements in jazz because I like to scat and I grew up singing in church. So it's a whole lot of soul all over the place. That's pretty much who Tamara Bubble is.

SPECIALGIFT: You have a single entitled "Stupid Mother". Oh wow, what a title. Please tell us who, what, when, why and how did you come up with that name?

TAMARA BUBBLE: "Stupid Mother" just really been like the first year and a half that I started in the industry. That was all the people that promised you this and say they can do this for you. You know everybody throwing contracts in your face like sign this here and its like, "you haven't even heard my music or what I'm signing? Like, "step back"! {laughs} Let me figure out who you are and what you want from me! {more laughter} So "Stupid Mother" is just like sort of speak, I see where your coming from I know what this is, "hold up, know we not going to go there" and I don't curse. So that's why I guess its "Stupid Mother" Because I finish it off. When I'm performing live than I'm going to let everybody else finish it off for me.

SPECIALGIFT: You will be live on Fox 5 NEW YORK TV, this March 2012. How did that come about? Elaborate some.

TAMARA BUBBLE: That really came about networking. A lot of the opportunities that I find are actually right off craigslist. You would be surprised of the people looking for true talent. It's not any gimmick. You know you have to be careful, screen everything. {laughs} There is a lot of "Stupid Mother's". You know you find people that are looking for content, looking for good music, for underground, for indie and you send your stuff to them. If there's opportunity and they like your stuff, it can happen! {giggles}

SPECIALGIFT: How did you become acquainted with A.D. the General and the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program? What have you learned so far about A.D. and Elegant Hoodness?

TAMARA BUBBLE: I got acquainted wit A.D. through the publisher of Hip Hop Stardom 101 Mag. I think that the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program is a very powerful movement for woman, which right now in the forefront it looks like the industry is ran by men. So I think that it is good what they are doing now, to put woman together. You know we all know it is hard for woman to work together. I think the movement is good, I definitively am for it. I like what's going on with it and I look forward to working with A.D., Elegant Hoodness and N.A.B.

SPECIALGIFT: Who is your icon, if anyone?

TAMARA BUBBLE: I have different icons in different genres for different reasons. Entertainment, performance wise, I would say Michael Jackson because he owned the stage. Rap, I would say Biggie hands down. His flow, delivery and his story telling is just what I really love. I like a lot of harmonies, like I said I was singing in church, so groups like En Vogue, Take Six and Brown Stone. Jazz I love scatting Ella Fitz Gerald is the Mack when it comes to jazz.

SPECIALGIFT: You are a well rounded individual. Where do you see yourself in the next few years? Anything you expect in particular, mostly?

TAMARA BUBBLE: Let's see. In the next few years my goal is to be exposed. To be know nationally known. I think I have worked on my craft enough to where the different genre's that I do; I'm real good at all of them. I don't want to sound cocky but I'm confident that the product I put out, the quality, the content and everything that I'm doing is official. In a few years I just want to be credited for it, to be recognized for the talent.

SPECIALGIFT: Highlight this interview with something the world hasn't heard of you yet? Meaning, something we can look forward to. etc...

TAMARA BUBBLE: {in such a Bubbly voice} well what you haven't heard of me yet is actually my debut album is called "Unleashed". So' I have been genuinely really growing up preserved. This album just kind of takes all the stuff that I have been holding in and put's it on blast "put it on wax"! You haven't heard the "Unleashed" outta me. "My wild side".

SPECIALGIFT: Where can we stay updated with all that you do? Any shout out's you would like to give?

TAMARA BUBBLE: My official website is http://www.tamarabubble.com my facebook and twitter is Tamara Bubble. I have a word press blog, reverbnation, soundcloud any and all the music website's it's Tamara Bubble. Oh and youtube is Tamarabebo. I want to shout out my manager right now, PSPELL Management, A.D. the General for having me. It's a blessing to be in this spot right now. I want to give a shout out's to the Dj's that play my music. {laughter}

WRITTEN BY SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012

E.H.M.P CATCHES UP WITH LOUIE P

LOUIE P

At age 7, hip hop artist Louie P, began forming a foundation for his music. Inspired by rap artists Tupac, 50 Cent, and Jay-Z, the well known artist creates a buzz for himself by having his name featured on various websites and magazines, such as Datpiff.com, Thisis50.com, and many more. Louie P, has recorded six mix tapes, and has performed at various venues. Exceeding his buzz, Louie P has been played on 105.1, and continues to gain recognition for his lyrical work. Today Elegant Hoodness and N.A.B. introduce to you LOUIE P.

E.H.M.P: What inspired you to do music? Why?

LOUIE P: My inspiration came from seeing how much of an impact music has on somebody, growing up listening to 2pac & being able to relate to the lyrics had a huge impact on me, so now when people come up to me & say things like you inspire me to push or your song inspired me its such a great feeling.

E.H.M.P: What type of music do you do?

LOUIE P: I’m a rap artist

E.H.M.P: What makes you and your music different from any artist out there?

LOUIE P: I bring versatility, you can’t label me 1 specific type/style because I hit you with so much from every direction, anywhere from conscious, party, street, love everything.

E.H.M.P: How has having your music played on 105.1 helped you as an artist?

LOUIE P: Well it exposes me to larger audience, shout to Jovonn.

E.H.M.P: What message are you trying to portray in your music? What are you trying to give your fans when they listen to your music?

LOUIE P: The largest message in my music is don’t let doubt or hate stop you, I want to give my fans everything, I think my fans enjoy my concept records more than anything.

E.H.M.P: What feeling do you get when you perform on stage?

LOUIE P: Honesty before I go on I get the butterflies, but once I’m up there its just energy & adrenaline

E.H.M.P: If you were to sit down with a label, and they were to say: "Why should we sign you? What would make you stand out from all the hit artists Jay Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne etc"? What would you say? Why?

LOUIE P: I’m all of them put in 1, I’m the streets, I’m the industry, I’m the new blood, I’m here to bring New York forward, I feel there’s a lack of balance in hip hop & I’m here to bring balance.

E.H.M.P: How can anyone hear your music? How can they contact you?

LOUIE P: You can download any of my mix tapes free on Datpiff.com as well as check me on Youtube.com/Louiepmusic if you want to contact me hit me on twitter @Louiepizzle or Facebook/Louiepmusic

WRITTEN BY: Rachel Germain

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSIC PROGRAM 2012

E.H.M.P CATCHES UP WITH A+POLO

A+ POLO

The proliferation of the internet has given modern recording artists many advantages that past artists didn’t have. For those that are growing up with the technology they really have an innate understanding of how to use it to their full advantage. Enter A+Polo, many have started off writing poems before progressing to lyrics and in that regard he is no different but that is where any comparisons end. Still at a young age he has recorded, performed at many venues and has had "deals". EHMP sits down to talk with this up and coming artist.

EHMP: How long have you been pursuing a music career and what was your inspiration to get started?

A+Polo: It all started from my poetic beginning back in 2008. I used to post poems as notes on Face book, and overtime people started to notice my talent. The feedback I was getting drove me to continue on, and one day Alexander Herrington (aka King A.T.G) of Creastland Boy Records came across one of my post. He messaged me asking if I ever tried rapping, and that he had seen potential in me to become a recording artist. So we set up a session, he liked what he heard, and he took me under his wing.

EHMP: How would you describe your style, who were some of your early influences and what makes you different?

A+Polo: I see myself as the versatile artist. I appreciate story telling as well as telling my own stories within my music. Honesty in music is a lost art among my generation, but I aim to resurrect it. I enjoy making club and party themed songs as well. Influences range from the Notorious B.I.G. to Lupe to BTNH, especially since I'm a Cleveland, OH native.

EHMP: You have been involved with labels and had deals before, tell us about that experience.

A+Polo: Yes. As I aforementioned Crestland Boy Records scooped me up, although I wasn't signed to them. The time spent with them was more on the artist development side. They assisted me with studio time, extremely talented producers, and introduced me to that feeling of being an artist. I now am committed to Audacrease Entertainment Group, an independent record label out of Columbia, SC. So far we both have been growing rapidly in maturity as well as stature. We plan to continue on that path.

EHMP: Any current projects?

A+Polo: Of course! I am currently working on all original self entitled album, "Knormul". It’s completely produced by either myself or my producer Zeli. Seeing as it’s my introduction to the world, you can expect to hear the many avenues of my life and this journey I'm embarking on. Release dates are to be decided, but I make sure to provide the fans with updates.

EHMP: Where can fans hear your music and how can artists reach you for collabo's?

A+Polo: My most recent release, The Retail 2, can be found on Livemixtapes.com (http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/15378/a_the_retail_2.html). Subscribe to our YouTube channel The Grand Empire. Also for show dates, news, and exclusive releases visit http://www.reverbnation.com/apluspolomizfitgang. I'm always open to working with other artists. My management team can be reached at audacrease@gmail.com or via Twitter @audacrease. Also follow me on Twitter @apluspolobret.

EHMP: Any last words or shout outs?

A+Polo: Yes. Just to clarify my name Knormul A+ and the meaning or idea im attempting to project. It's my very own antagonym. Haha! In my case I'm taking the word "normal" and giving it an adverse definition. I dont feel any of my music is normal, or mediocre. I still go by A+Polo too. But I'd like to thank Audacrease Entertainment Group, my management team of Ife Ekpenuma and Matthew Simmons The Grand Empire Music Group, and everyone who's behind me. Thank you also for this opportunity. This is another milestone in my career, and I greatly appreciate it.

WRITTEN BY: DJ SINCERE

COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012

CHAD PIFF WINS @EHMP WITH HIS GUITAR

CHAD PIFF has an original and refreshing approach to his style of Hip Hop, with an electric guitar at hand and his drummer at his back. They proceed to rock the audience at the Elegant Hoodness artist’s competition. With such breeze and pizzazz Chad Piff breaks down the meaning to his name. He say’s I’m Chad Piff, Chad like the country and Piff well you know like Piff! Chad was awarded the Team N.A.N. people’s choice for his energy on stage and originality. Take a quick read and make sure to tell folk where you heard it first!!!!

E.H.M.P.: Congrats on your win at the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program Sept 21. How did you feel about your performance and your 1^st impression of The Elegant Hoodness?

CHAD PIFF: It’s was pretty cool. Very underground hip hop, I like that!

E.H.M.P.: How long have you been playing the guitar? And what inspired you to fuse hip hop with live instruments?

CHAD PIFF: I started playing the guitar about 4yrs ago, and also play a few other instruments like keys, drums, bass and mpc. One day I woke up and said to myself that hip hop needs a change. Had I dream about “LIVE” sounding Hip Hop (a light Bulb went offfff at this moment)

E.H.M.P.: What is your writing process like? Do you write to a beat? Or do you come up with a riff on the guitar 1^st?

CHAD PIFF: I pretty much sit there with my glass of wine and brain storm I don’t write much (It’s very rare if u see me writing at the studio). Most of the Time I compose the beats but i have no Problem working with new producers. Ohhh and Guitar is usually done last.

E.H.M.P.: How do you describe your style?

CHAD PIFF: Different, Rock and Roll meets Dub step Hip hop, Jimi Hendrix with a Mix of Lil Wayne with drum beats like Kayne "Modern Day Hippie"

E.H.M.P.: Where can we listen and or download your music?

CHAD PIFF: http://chadpiff.blogspot.com/ , Datt Piff , Sound Cloud All that good stuff

E.H.M.P.: Can you give any advice to the future of hip hop?

CHAD PIFF: Yes, stay different be yourself at all times!!!!

E.H.M.P.: Where can we reach you?

CHAD PIFF: ChadPiffmusic@gmail.com Twitter @ChadPiff or Facebook Chad Piff or call me 201-677-CHAD

Written BY: A.D. The General

Courtesy of the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2011

G-STRONG A HIP HOP GLADIATOR

G-STRONG

At first glimpse you think G-STRONG looks like a character from the HBO series Spartacus. Standing 6’2” 250lbs the average person could be intimidated by such stature. When G-STRONG hits the stage with his DJ Shuttle and The Strong Models and begins to rap you automatically get in tuned with his energy and vibe as a Hip Hop Artists. He has already won two consecutive times at The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program and has been nominated for a Top Ten Artists of the Yr Awards 2011. Today I re introduce to you G-Strong aka Hip Hop’s Gladiator.

E.H.M.P.: How do you feel about your recent nomination?

G-STRONG: I feel incredible! It’s an incredible feeling to be recognized for your hard work and the passion you put into pursuing your dream.

E.H.M.P.: When did you first fall in love with hip hop?

G-STRONG: I fell in love with hip hop was when I heard Run DMC’s song “Sucker MCs”. It drove me bananas, and coming from the same neighborhood (Queens), I knew it was something I could definitely do.

E.H.M.P.: What separates you from the average rapper?

G-STRONG: Besides being a 6’2”, 250lbs body builder, it’s my positive outlook on life that influences my creative process. My songs deliver motivation, inspiration and the will to just keep living a positive life despite the cynical world we live in.

E.H.M.P.: Do you consider yourself a lyricist?

G-STRONG: Definitely! I try challenge myself with each verse I write. I think outside of the box and enjoy being creative and using my imagination to really make people think about and analyze my words.

E.H.M.P.: How important is it to connect with your audience during your live performance?

G-STRONG: Thank you for the compliment. Connection with my audience is the key for giving the fans a great show that they will always remember. It’s important for them to feel like they are a part of the show.

E.H.M.P.: Which artists would you say if any influence your music?

G-STRONG: I’m influenced by any artist that puts their heart and soul into their music, such as John Legend, Cello Green, LL Cool J and Mary J. Blige.

E.H.M.P.: I know you’re from Strong Island but were you born there? Tell me more about the Strong Island movement?

G-STRONG: No, I was not born in Strong Island but I’ve been living here for most of my life. The Strong Island movement represents talented aspiring artists, promoters, producers and many others who want to see Strong Island back on the map.

E.H.M.P: Any thank you and shout outs? And where can the fans contact you?

G-STRONG: I would like to thank God for the strength, wisdom and inspiration to do what I do. I would also like to thank my family and friends for the unconditional love and support throughout my journey. Shout out to AD the General & Eleganthoodnessmusicalprogram, AIR Music Group, DJ Shuttle, Studd TV, Ocean Drop TV, Buddah, Shamello, Jamel, How2getsigned.com, Central Station, SIHHRadio.com, Strong Music Group, MD , several artists that I’ve collaborated with and all the strong island artist out there on their grind. My fans can find me at www.gstrong.net, @gstrong 2002, datpiff/gstrong, soundcloud/gstrong, itunes/gstrong, facebook/gstrong, youtube/gstrong and wcm.com.

WRITTEN BY A.D. THE GENERAL

COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011

E.H.M.P. INTRODUCES D.WEATHERS

The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program keeps to its roots in helping artists create a buzz by utilizing the media. N.A.B. seats down with Hip Hop new comer, D Weathers after his performance at club pyramid Aug 17 in NYC. We discuss his collaboration with Fred Da God (double xxl Freshmen Class cover). The release of his project entitled "Going Away Party", networking on twitter, along with the importance of performance. Get to know D Weathers. This is a must read!!!!!

D WEATHERS

N.A.B.: How long have you been Rapping?

D. WEATHERS: I started performing seriously in the spring of ’09 with a local group called the Horsemen. Unfortunately, things fell apart between the six of us so I joined Final Score Ent along with Tito Montana, and have been performing under them ever since. So I have been performing for about 2 years.

N.A.B.: What separate you from the average rapper?

D. WEATHERS: The one thing that separates me from other artists is my versatility. The fact that I can touch on so many different situations and relate to people in a number of ways is what also sets me apart. For example, I can rap about the hardships of life and growing up in the hood, but yet still be the sweet kind-hearted gentlemen that I am. In addition, I have a way of being very unpredictable which forces my audience to wonder; while still making songs that are straightforward and to the point such as my club songs. I feel like I have the ability to mix a catchy hook and a banging beat with deep lyrics that have value and meaning to them. Where as a lot of rappers can’t or choose not to do so.

N.A.B.: You have been opening up for some majors? Who have you opened up for and how was the experience?

D. WEATHERS: I recently opened up for Mario. The show went well. The crowd was real good, and reacted well to my performance. I am looking forward to opening up for many more real soon. Besides that, I'm working with a few other up incoming artist suck as Saint out of Spring valley, Quan Slim from Beacon, and working on a collaboration with Cristion D'or, Reek Da Villian, and hopefully Oun P.

N.A.B.: What is the name of your new project and when will it drop?

D. WEATHERS: The EP is titled "Going Away Party." You can look for the date that it will be coming out. It’s coming out sometime in October.

N.A.B.: How did you get Fred Da God to feature on your track and where can we download the project if possible?

D. WEATHERS: Fred and I met through a mutual producer and promoter, Drawzilla by the constant contact on twitter. Currently the song isn't out yet. I'm saving it for the right time to release it.

N.A.B.: How did you get acquainted with A.D. The General and The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program?

D. WEATHERS: I met A.D. through my big brother and C.E.O. of Final Score Entertainment, Tito Montana. Tito was supposed to attend a showcase he had at Club Pyramid in New York, unfortunately he couldn't attend so I took his place.

N.A.B.: Where can our readers hear your music and where can they contact you?

D. WEATHERS: You can go to Youtube.com and type in D.weathers. I'll come up. www.soundcloud.com/Dweather5 and www.zillasworld/dweathers

COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSCIAL PROGRAM 2011

MIAMI HAS A NEW CHAMP @E.H.M.P. ( R.A.P.P QUELLE)

R.A.P.P. QUELLE

Bahamian native rapper, Quentin Glover better known as R.A.P.P. QUELLE,
is soaring higher than the clouds. He's no stranger to poverty and hardships
and he musically expressing them through his music. With his notable radio hit,
"80's Back" and "The Ten Cent Hustle" (Group project) and "Gorilla in Tims" under his belt, he's already in the studio, mixing and cooking his next
mix tape titled, "Abstract Art." His music is like Hurricane Katrina, it's going
to take millions by storm. He came down to Miami June 25 to celebrate Super promoter A.D. The General’s B day and compete in her infamous Elegant Hoodness Musical Program Hip hop Showcase at The White Law Hotel. He completely put the rumors and stereotypes on Bohemian rappers. He dominated his stage performance and his lyrics and beat were so HOT! N.A.B. sits down with the E.H.M.P. newest winner. We introduce R.A.P.P. QUELLE.

N.A.B.: Hello, Rap! It's a pleasure to have you here. How's life treating you?

R.A.P.P. QUELLE: Hey, it’s a pleasure to be here honestly. I’m enjoying all of the beautiful things this life has to offer.

N.A.B.: How long have you been writing rhymes and performing them?

R.A.P.P. QUELLE: Well I’ve been writing since I was about 12 years old and performing since I was a kid ( for family parties and my grandmother ) ..But professionally I’ve been in the business for about 7 years now.

N.A.B.: Tell us about your latest projects?

R.A.P.P. QUELLE: Well most recently I’ve been in the diamond city studio in Miami working on the second installment of my Abstract Art series. This one will be titled: Tenacity & Perseverance. Before this project we released two other projects, After the Art: We Are Up and Abstract Art: Quelle’s World Vol.1. All available online.

N.A.B.: What is your experience like with A.D. The General, I heard she's very good what she does. :-) ?

R.A.P.P. QUELLE: Honestly it has been really good. She has a hustle about her, but far more than that her genuine interest in advancing the culture and indie artist is remarkable.

N.A.B.: What else do you do besides write and perform music?

R.A.P.P. QUELLE: Well I spend most of my time with my passion, but when I’m just hanging I’m pretty much watching a movie or reading. I’m really into technology and history so I watch old movies and play video games.

N.A.B.: How did you come up with your name?

R.A.P.P. QUELLE: Well one day I decided that I would have a name that no one else would have and I did some research on the Letter “Q” and found it to be a source letter used to describe the common source information in Matthew and Luke in the bible. It stood for the “Quelle”, German word meaning “source”. The “R.A.P.P.” stands for Revered Automatic Powerful Poet.

N.A.B.: What's next for you?

R.A.P.P. QUELLE: There are a few avenues opening for me as I join forces with the Diamond In The Rough and Cardi Clothing Family. At the moment we are working on giving you really good music and fresh expressions of the things we believe in and enjoy. In the future I plan on using all of this to spread this joy for Hip Hop even further.


N.A.B.: What is your advice to other artists who are on the rise?

R.A.P.P. QUELLE: I will pass on some words that I got from a wise man. Be true to your craft and love.

COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011

N.A.N.'S OWN GIFTED

GIFTED

"It just comes naturally." This phrase has been used to describe some of the world's greatest entertainers, athletes, comedians, and writers. "Gifted" definitely falls into this category. With his vivid lyrics, witty punch lines and uncanny ability to create a "hook" at a moments notice, Gifted is a born natural. After enduring numerous hardships, Gifted would join with A.D. the General to create N.A.N., a rap duo, that is destined to change the way that hip hop is done in 2011. Gifted is looking forward to proving his haters wrong, through hard work, perseverance, dedication, determination, and a willingness to achieve, and he's well on his way. "The Natural" has arrived.

E.H.M.P.: Describe who "Gifted" is?

GIFTED: GIFTED is nothing and everything meaning to the haters I am nothing. To the people that really know GIFTED, I am everything I say in my music. Nothing more nothing less than a "Notthing Ass Nigga 4 life".

E.H.M.P.: What is your relationship with the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program and A.D. the General?

GIFTED: E.H.M.P. is a dream of N.A.N.'s that came true. Away that we could stay tapped in to the realness of HIP HOP, No matter how far we made it.

E.H.M.P.: Who inspires you?

GIFTED: AD, GETTY, BIG, GIFTED

E.H.M.P.: As an MC, what do you feel is your biggest asset?

GIFTED: The way I can make any kind of song.

E.H.M.P.: Which song that you have done is your favorite? Why?

GIFTED: "THIS IS MY SONG" because it is the first song I ever did. When I hear the song now, it still sound’s new to me.

E.H.M.P.: Besides being an MC, what other goals are you looking to accomplish in the entertainment field?

GIFTED: To be a "NOTTHING ASS NIGGA" there is no limit’s. As far as we can make it before we die, past the top.

E.H.M.P.: Where do you see yourself in 4 years?

GIFTED: Making good music.

E.H.M.P.: Any upcoming projects?

GIFTED: YES we got the “Ready For War” LP on the way after the tour and some big biz moves. You know the same old N.A.N.

Written by: Jay

Courtesy of The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2011'

N.A.B. SITS DOWN WITH SIMPLICITY!

READY FOR THEIR CLOSEUP

Simple, Sincere, Innocence defines SIMPLICITY, but not at its best. This superstar girl group hailing out of Coney Island (Brooklyn), New York gives the world fierceness, excitement, passion, and beautiful music. These real life sisters have graced stages nationwide and pleased crowds of all ages. When witnessing Simplicity perform, you can tell that the stage is their foundation. They embody a freshly planted rose garden; 3 rose buds ready to sprout. Once the lights hit them and they open their mouths, they are now at full bloom; stunning the audience with their amazing vocal abilities and dance moves. Intriguing, Graceful, Mesmerizing; SIMPLICITY. Grounded, Confidence, Humility, SIMPLICITY. Harmony at its finest; Simply...SIMPLICITY.

N.A.B: Are you all still in high school? If so, what do your fellow classmates think of your celebrity? Do they support you all?

Simplicity: Yes, the younger one is but soon she will be graduating and the other two already graduated. Our classmates think our celebrity status is like the artists of today and yes they do support us.

N.A.B: Being compared to some of the world’s greatest female groups, past and present; what lane is Simplicity in, being an all female group?

Simplicity: A lot of people compare us to SWV, Destiny's Child, and TLC, but our lane is just being us with our own sound.

N.A.B: Do you think this curse has lived up to its name with girl groups not being able to stick together? Will you be the group to break that so-called curse?

Simplicity: Yes. It's sad that it is true but we try hard, even though we argue and have our differences, we still know how important it is to stay together no matter what because this is something we all love to do and we want to continue doing it for the rest of our lives. We do believe we can be the group to break that so-called curse because we are destined for greatness.

N.A.B: You girls are sisters. Is it harder to be in a group with your family member verses someone you don’t know?

Simplicity: Yes we are sisters and yes it is hard sometimes because we're all different in our own ways, but we have this crazy bond. Nobody can break us up. It's like we're glued to each other. We are very, very close to each other and being sisters, I think it brings us more closer because we all grew up together. Not being sisters in a group would be harder in a way because they haven't grew up with each other side by side, so yeah, it's more likely for them to break up.Sisters are forever.

N.A.B: Describe your father to us. How important is he in your lives as just be sisters and how important is he in “Simplicity’s” life?

Simplicity: Our father is very strict. He doesn't play any games. He is a very serious person; some people call him "Joe Jackson" because he is very hard on us and he wants us to be the best at what we do and we think thats what any father would want from their daughter. Even though its hard work, we realized he is doing it for our best interest. Just being sisters our Dad is important to us because who doesn't want a father figure in their life as young girls growing up? He taught us right from wrong and how to respect ourselves as beautiful young ladies that we are today. In Simplicity's life, our father is also very important because he is our manager and what better way to have your very own father in this kind of industry with us to protect us and make sure everything goes right and become a success.

N.A.B: We know that you all have graced some great stages in your early career. Do you have some sort of ritual you do to prepare yourselves for that type of audience and exposure?

Simplicity: Rituals are something people do because of their religion, but we pray before we do anything; not only because we believe in prayer but because we love to do it. Putting God first will always be something we want to do because all of our blessings come from God.

N.A.B: Where can your fans get your music?

Simplicity: Our fans can get our music on 101d.com and purchase our ring tones to our hit singles " LOVE ME FOR ME" and "I'M THE BOMB", and to get more info on Simplicity, you can go to our website; www.simplicitybk.com, You Tube channel; youtube.com/simplicityny, Facebook; Simplicity BK, Myspace; myspace.com/simplicitybk, and Twitter; twitter.com/simplicitybk. So hit us up and check us out!

N.A.B: Is there a deal in the works?

Simplicity: Yes there are deals in the works which we can not mention.

N.A.B: What’s next on Simplicity’s journey to stardom?

Simplicity: What's next on Simplicity's journey to stardom is creating new songs, shooting a new video to our new single "LOVE ME FOR ME", filming our own reality TV show for B.E.T,launching our own clothing design which will be called "SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL", more B.E.T shows and most of all creating the best music for the world today.

N.A.B: Where can we see Simplicity 5 years from now?

Simplicity: You can see Simplicity 5 years from now building our own brand into a successful company, having major endorsements, winning a lot of awards such as B.E.T Awards and Grammy Awards for the title "Best Female R&B Group". Most of all while achieving all this, we see ourselves as loving parents one day and setting a high example for young girls today.

N.A.B: Any last words or shout outs?

Simplicity: Shout outs to all of our fans and our team Lucas Entertainment who are JEFF LUCAS, ADELE LUCAS,WALTER VALASQUEZ, POP,WILLIE HOLLINGSWORTH,DEREK from POPPAROTZ TV, RAHIM, our dancers GLEN and SMOOVE, LIL NAT from 98.7 KISS FM, LISA SCOTT and D-GATEZ, SPECIALIST, RIO, THEO COLLINS and most of all our girl A.D THE GENERAL. THANKS FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT!

Written and Interviewed by: Ms. FeFe (N.A.B)

Courtesy of the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2011