Music – Page 2 – BLACK&GIFTED

Interview: Nigerian Genre-Bender, Ayüü Discusses Naija’s Music Scene, The #EndSARS Movement, And Mixtape, “Ayüüniverse”

Ayüü is a Nigerian singer and songwriter based in Abuja, Nigeria. With sounds from R&B, Pop, Funk, Hip-Hop, and Afrobeats as well as musical influences like Burna Boy, Michael Jackson, and SZA, one can’t help but appreciate his artistic range and genre fusing genius. Read more as Ayüü takes a no filter approach in discussing his artistry, the music industry, Nigeria’s social and political climate, and his 2019 mixtape that was revealed to him in a dream titled, “Ayüüniverse.”

Music

Interview: Q.G. The BlacKnight Discusses Being An Independent Artist In Arkansas, Musical Influences, And Album, “The Blackprint”

Q.G. The BlacKnight takes up space as an indie artist in Arkansas and is comfortable with who he has grown to become—”My goal isn’t trying to be the biggest cat in the room. I’m just trying to be one of the most well known.” Q.G.’s knowledge of self is admirable, as he is a champion for artist individuality and authentic self expression, which is what his album represents. Read more as Q.G. The BlacKnight peels back the layers of his musical journey as a southern independent artist, his musical influences, where Arkansas stands in the music industry, and a breakdown of his latest album, “The Blackprint”.

Music

Review: JXY True Releases Album, “No Death, No Art”

Oxford, North Carolina Native, JXY True released a 15-track album titled, “No Death, No Art”, an artistic expression detailing the sacrifices JXY was forced to make in order to become a better individual. Without laying his ego to rest, there is no art—no rebirth. Read more for Terrionna’s take on the album.

Music

Interview: Yung D3mz Talks Music Production, Ghana’s Influence, And Debut EP, “Girls Like You”

Nicholas Edem Coffie, known as Yung D3mz, is an emerging producer and artist from Tema, Ghana. His sound is vibrant with Jazz, Hip-Hop, and R&B influences melding together to form his unique Afro-Fusion sound. His duality as a producer and artist allows him to see things from varying perspectives, which translates through the songs he has produced for Ghanaian artists like Kwesi Arthur, Twitch 4EVA, and Kofi Mole—as well as his own music. In this candid interview, Yung D3mz details his journey as a charting producer, shares his take on Ghana’s musical influence, discusses recognizing his potential as a recording artist, and gives a breakdown of his debut EP, “Girls Like You.”

Music

Interview: Mervin Toussaint Discusses Debut EP, “Another Name For Everything”

Philadelphia-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Mervin Toussaint discusses his debut EP, “Another Name For Everything,” his artistic journey thus far, and so much more.

Music

Interview: Jake Doe Discusses New Music And Journey As An Independent Artist In Nigeria

Jake Doe is an independent R&B artist from Lagos, Nigeria. When referencing his upbringing he explains, “it’s a lot harder out here compared to western countries—structure, government, the system is just messed up out here. Young people, youths, do not have the right platforms to use or to make good use of their creativity.” Despite this, his love for where he comes from isn’t diminished. He speaks boldly of the talent that the great continent of Africa possesses, “the world knows Africa for Afrobeats, but it’s not just Afrobeats… we can do almost anything.”