E.H.M.P. INTRODUCES QUANDESHA

QUANDESHA

You know when you stand up in front of your childhood classmates and start singing; it must be a natural expression. Coming from Poughkeepsie, NY, I present Quandesha, one of hip hop and r&b dynamic artist. Influenced by Mariah Carey and Beyonce, Quandesha is growing to be one of a kind. In 2008 she acquainted with DJ Red Alert and transcribed a promo based on Destiny’s Child “Say My Name” for his 25^th anniversary. DJ Red Alert began to promote this on his show 98.7 Kiss FM mix radio show in August 2008. That has giving Quandesha great lead way in exposing herself. It has giving her the chance to actually even perform on his show twice. Before this, Quandesha had the opportunity to opus with producer Stokes who’s also from Poughkeepsie, NY as well. They have done several tracks together such as “I miss you”, “Shake ya body”, “Street Love”, and “TANK ON EMPTY”. Presently she has a mix tape out called “DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH”. With so much going on the goal of Quandesha is to be able to express her emotions and present her music to her fans worldwide. It’s time to find out more.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: The beauty of hip hop and r&b goes a long way. What contributed to you taking that first step into stardom?

QUANDESHA: My mother was a music lover so she always played music in our household. Some of our favorites were George Michael, Teena Marie, Rick James and 52^nd Street. So, music has always been apart of my life and singing just come natural, as well as writing. Before I finally found a studio I use to record myself on a karaoke machine. Amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. I recoded at a few studios before actually being referred to Stokely and once I heard the finished product of a song we started. It was a wrap from there.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Give us some insight on what you want us, your fans & associates to get from your music?

QUANDESHA: If you listen to my music you’ll see that my songs have meaning behind them. Most people can related to the subjects I write about. I love when I get messages of how my song struck an emotion in someone. That means I have done my job because what I write and sing. Not only do I put my time, effort and energy into it but it comes from the heart. So if you can feel what I felt when putting the song down, that’s amazing.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: What do you think is different from you and the next female hip hop and r&b artist?

QUANDESHA: When you hear artist like Mary J Blige and Keisha Cole you know that it’s them. They both sing r&b but they both have their own sound and stand out. I feel my sound and performance will separate me from just being another female r&b singer. I’m focused on making timeless music. Songs years from now you’ll want to pop in your stereo and still feel like that’s my jam. My lyrics are well thought of and overall produced is produced at its best. The more you get to know me you’ll love the real down to earth person I am. *SMILES

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Who is A.D. the General and what do you know of the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program?

QUANDESHA: A.D. the General is an incredible woman. She is the C.E.O. and founder of Elegant Hoodness Musical Program which helps artist get exposure through the monthly events they hold.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: What’s up next for Quandesha?

QUANDESHA: I’m currently working on my album, booking shows, taking meetings and working hard to make sure the whole world will soon know about me, lol. So hopefully soon I will be in a city near you. Also, I’m open to collab with other artist working just as hard as me.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: I hear you have recorded a hook for a major rapper? May I ask who that was?

QUANDESHA: Well I did reference a hook, actually two for Maino through Atlantic Records. It was a pretty dope experience. The studio was beautiful and the engineer was crazy cool. I had lots of fun. That’s an experience I will never forget.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Anything we haven’t discussed that you would like to express?

QUANDESHA: You can listen and download Diamond in the Rough at Datpiff.com as well as my first mix tape Pk’s Best Kept Secret. If you have any questions or just want to hit me up, do so at any of the sites below, I do respondJ.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Any last min words you would like to put forth? Shout Outs etc.?

QUANDESHA: I’d like to shout out all my fans and the people who support what I’m doing. Thank you; you are all very much appreciated. Also I would like to shout out everyone who’s pursuing there dreams. Stays focused, dedicated and keep pushing.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Tell us all your sites we can find out more and stay updated with you.

QUANDESHA: The easiest way to find out more about me would be to Google, Quandesha. Other than that you can find me at youtube.com/quandeshaj, facebook.com/quandesha, and myspace.com/quandeshaj845

WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011

WHO IS BABY NELSON?

BABY NELSON

On December 28, 1982 Ricarion Nelson was born and raised in Kc Missouri He’s now also known as Baby Nelson. Growing up his father was a musician and mother was in tuned as well, with the hip hop scene. Baby has grown to love hip hop since the beginning of his time. By the age 17 he has had the chance to see Kurrupt from Dogg Pound (Daz & Kurrupt), while living in Vegas. At that moment Baby Nelson knew it was his time to shine. Hip Hop became clearly what he’s envisioned and understand. Performing all over Missouri even Texas from the American Pub, club Red, club Rain, club Freelons, Pm Crown after hours, Balancas and many more. That’s not even the half, which means he’s definitely on his grind. Baby has opened up for several artists as well such as, the G.E. family in Minneapolis, MN, Slick City, Dj Statz and counting. “Cover Me” which is Baby Nelson’s first mix tape presented by BG Bulletwoundz was released February 14, 2010. As he says “All work no play” while on tour, rocking shows and keeping up with his studies. One of his present singles out “Move,” has been shaking the crowd. He has also put a video out you can explore on youtube. Bay Nelson definitely has his own idiomatic style. We will get further acquainted now with Baby Nelson now.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Being raised in Kansa City, Missouri who has been your biggest influences as you grew into the hip hop game?

BABY NELSON: My biggest influence was my family. A lot of em was already into hip hop (Slick City, BG Bulletwound). I’ve just always had a vibe for music but Kutt Kalhund showed me how to format my rhymes.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: What are your major strengths when incorporating your lyrics to your tracks of choice?

BABY NELSON: Living life. I just speak on everyday life terms for young men coming up.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Give us some insight on your newest single out? Elaborate about the songwriting and recording process. Would you consider this single different from your other work or in the same aspect?

BABY NELSON: All my music is different. As far as my single, I wanted a song that will make people want to move, as well as relate to my vibe.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: You just did a showcase at Balancas in Kansas City, August 27, 2011. What is the name of that showcase and how did you come to know about it? Is there anyone you would highlight as far as putting the show together?

BABY NELSON: Elegant Hoodness Musical Program. Much love to A.D. THE GENERAL for linking me in.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: How was your adjustment at the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program? Would you suggest other up n coming artist to get on board?

BABY NELSON: Yea, Elegant Hoodness helps us artist with talent and not the muscle.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Since you’ve been in the hip hop game, what have you learned that can help the next artist?

BABY NELSON: Keep your focus and also learn how to invest in yourself. Watch what you except!

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Tell us about your future plans and upcoming releases and tours?

BABY NELSON: Well, I’m on the Mid-West Exp tour http://www.facebook.com/babynnelson and my album not mix tape will be done by Dec. I’m also looking for artists that want to get under the Nelsonary LLC umbrella.

SPECIALGIFTNAB: Where can we go here your music and stay updated with your future achievements? Any sites, etc. Also, last but not least shout outs you may have.

BABY NELSON: God 1^st off. http://www.babynelsonary.com or Google Baby Nelson, I’m everywhere. Shout outs to my home Kansas City and Shaddyville for supporting me. Last but not least, the Nelson Fam.

WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF 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

GET ACQUAINTED w/ YOUNG PIFF

Young Piff

If hip-hop is dead, bury it where it started. That seems to be the mindset from up and coming BX artist Young Piff aka Quest Cali. After winning the 2010 Hot 97 summer jam freestyle battle he demanded the undivided attention of the underground hip hop movement. Already known for battling and destroying rap ciphers at Theodore Roosevelt high school he’s taken his craft to a whole new level. With his second mix tape “Life’s A Bitch But The Pussy’s Good” covering every corner of the boogie down its obvious he’s going to take over the game one borough at a time.

Growing up the only child with a single mother he was forced to become a leader and the man of the house at a young age. Overcoming personal hardships and tragedies now comes as a positive, influencing the concepts in his reality rap. With a wild imagination, witty word play and an exceptional vocabulary Young Piff is set to raise the bar for spitting bars in a game overwhelmed with gimmicks and no thought raps. With his show performance getting better on a daily basis and footwork similar to presidential campaign, its only a matter of the time before the world knows what a few already know…Young Piff Got Next…

N.A.B: How are you doing? So who is Young Piff this year versus when you first started out?

Young Piff: Everything official can’t complain. I feel like now I see the bigger picture where as before I was stuck on like a widescreen format. I’ve always been nice lyrically but just started realizing it has more to do with hard work than talent. I'm trying to apply that logic to my craft now.

N.A.B: Tell the reader’s, what does your music stand for and how do you separate yourself from other artist?
Young Piff: Its just so me. I don’t try to write shit I think people want to hear, I write whatever I’m feeling or thinking. I have a wild imagination and been threw a lot of shit in my life so it adds up to some creative concepts. I feel like I differ from other artist cause I stay in my lane and stay true to myself. What you see is what you get no artificial ingredients.

N.A.B: How have you benefited from your winning in the 2010 Hot 97 summer jam freestyle battle? How did it influence you to grow musically?

Young Piff: The promotion was priceless. First I got to perform in front of a crowd of at least five thousand people which was crazy. Then I had the opportunity to perform at SOBs opening up for CNN. I performed at B.B kings for the Duck Down 15th anniversary concert. I also received a single deal from Duck Down and was able to be in the booth with the legendary Buc Shot. Not to mention all the producers and other significant music personnel I met at those events.

N.A.B: Now you currently performed at the latest Elegant Hoodness Showcase this August, what was the energy like and how have you benefited from such a platform?

Young Piff: It was my second Elegant Hoodness showcase and the energy is also electrifying. There are always so many producers’ video editors and other artist that you can network with, truly a great event.

N.A.B: What do you think about A.D. The General and the whole Elegant Hoodness Musical Program and what they offer?

Young Piff: That’s my homie right there; she always looked out for the kid so vice versa whenever she needs support I’m there. Elegant Hoodness is definitely the move for up and coming artist trying to increase their buzz in this music industry.

N.A.B: Your latest mix tape “Life’s a Bitch but the Pussy Is Good”…what was the concept of that mix tape? Is there a new project in the works? What is next?

Young Piff: The Title is a metaphor even though life could be shitty it could always be worst so be grateful for the good parts. I just finished my latest joint “Most Potent vol 1" which will be downloadable in the middle of September then I’m going to close the year with my next mix tape entitled "The Social Network". It doesn’t stop us working ova here.

N.A.B: Let the reader’s know where they can find more on Young Piff the artist, your mix tapes, events and contact info?

Young Piff: YoungPIff187 facebook twitter youtube sound cloud Google Skype whatever’s on the internet I’m there. I post all my videos show dates and time. So if u wanna rock out with team P.C I’m easy to get to Ya heard.

N.A.B: Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk with us, wish you continued success. In closing, is there anyone you want to shout out, or give props to?

Young Piff: Thank you the pleasures all mine. Shout out to the whole Team P.C Poppartoz TV Stunna loads A.D. the General and the whole Elegant Hoodness.... BX You feel that...Young PIff Got Next

WRITTEN BY: GSTEAM843

COURTESY OF 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

THE SHOW ME STATE'S OWN D.I.S.E.

The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program highlights Kansas Cities own D.I.S.E., “The Show Me State” and home of Tech 9ine. We discuss the ups and downs of life and the elevation of hip-hop through out the globe. The importance of lyrics over flow and why the Mid West is still unrated. Make sure to come out and check out D.I.S.E in Kc Mo performing at The Elegant Hoondess Musical Program kc in Nov.

D.I.S.E.

N.A.B.: Tell me where you got the name Dice and what it means?

D.I.S.E: I’ve had that alias since high school; it came from nothing but being in the school bathrooms shooting Dice for our lunch money, lol. The alias stuck to me and I just ran with it, for years. Everything from life experience, to copyright issues has brought me to recently ditch the "Dice" alias and replace it with "D.I.S.E". My issues with addiction, depression, and other factors forced me to reevaluate who I was and really dig deep to find my true self and purpose, for the sake of improvement, hence the acronym D.I.S.E (Dice Influenced Self Enhancement). My story and approach at this point fits the acronym perfectly, it’s the new and overly improved me.

N.A.B.: You were born in KC MO? Tell me a story about growing up and KC and when you 1st fell in Love with Hip-hop?

D.I.S.E: Born and raised in Kansas City. My story is a long and tumultuous one filled with the usual, poverty, growing up in bad environments, hanging wit a bad crowd, law issues, culture clashes, etc. Hip Hop was my escape from a world that at that time, I didn’t understand. I was 9 years old playing wit my Rapman Casio keyboard. My life, my therapy, my own world was nothing but headphones and tapes/cd's, I put out my first tape in 1996 with a high school friend, after a few years I broke off to do my own solo thing, I signed with a production company in 99' and put out my debut solo project in 2000, released a remixed version of the same project in 02'. I later recorded an album with a label that went belly up before it was even released; it became a downhill spiral from there. I got in the lab from time to time, but overall, my mind got lost and I lost my way. Which brings me to today, I found that way again.

N.A.B.: What would you say your rap style is? And who would you say influenced your style if any?

D.I.S.E: My journey with Hip Hop has been a long and eclectic one, touching all sub genres within our music so I can’t put a finger on any one influence. I am from the Midwest and we tend to be known for that rapid fire fast spit, which I'll work into what I do, but no direct influence. My focus is to have my own style. My rap style has to be D.I.S.E, it has to transcend sub genre labels. When you think of Eminem, you don’t think of west coast, east coast, crunk, hyphe, and backpacker, none of that, he is Eminem, he is his own entity, that is my objective.

N.A.B.: Which is more important to you, your lyrics or your flow?

D.I.S.E: To truly stick out from the other 99% both need to be tight. To focus on one or the other is limiting yourself and your potential.

N.A.B.: Do you prefer performing or recording?

D.I.S.E: My personal preference is recording, the art of making my story come to life in the lab, just me and the engineer. But to truly stick out, every aspect of your package must be tight. Your show is your window to the world, that’s when they discover you in a lot of cases.

N.A.B.: Do you feel the Mid West is under rated and why?

D.I.S.E: I think at one time the Midwest may have been considered underrated, but as of late it seems that Hip Hop is slowly moving away from the territorial aspect of shit (east coast, west coast, down south, etc). Drake is from Canada, and he is platinum. The Midwest has its champions like everyone else so when it really comes down to it, it’s all about the artist, not the address.

N.A.B.: Where can our listener hear some of your music and reach you?

D.I.S.E: I’m independent so basically the obvious, youtube, myspace, reverbnation, and a few others. I’m in the process of reestablishing a website for my up and coming product.

N.A.B.: Any thank you’s and shout out's?

D.I.S.E: Thanks and Shouts out to those who saw the Star in me even when I no longer saw it. There are only a few of them, and they know who they are.

Written By: A.D. The General

Courtesy of The Elegant Hoodness Musical 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