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Parent Category: Onstage

1. Your Twitter handle, Meluminati, is great. What’s the inspiration behind that and how is it a reflection of your personality?

“Meluminati” is a play on words of my name and Illuminati, but it just means I’m responsible for my own success, whether you believe it or not. I call myself a “conspiracy analyst” as opposed to a “conspiracy theorist,” so it’s not that I don’t buy into the idea, but I question everything to include the idea of questioning everything, lol. I think pop culture feeds off of people’s belief in the Illuminati, which adds to the mystique and controversy (i.e. free publicity), but it’s hurtful because instead of inspiring people to work hard, be consistent, and build lasting relationships (factors for success), it encourages people to believe that certain heights of success aren’t reachable unless you sell your soul. That’s crippling to the psyche. I don’t believe that, so I’m working to prove it’s not true. Guess we’ll find out.

2. Culture doesn’t really have any boundaries; social status, age, ethnicity. But there’s always going to be folks who don’t get that. Do you get questions about your ethnicity as it relates to hip hop?

I’m Asian, thirty-something, a woman, and a mom who works with hip hop artists...there’s a few questions about my entire existence lol. I experience racism and stereotyping more from the general population than I do within hip hop, which is probably why I originally gravitated to it. I think that as hip hop grew into a cultural force and global medium (and Wu Tang made all things Asian cool lol), those who grew up within it are more open-minded. I still get questions asking if I eat dogs and cats, which martial arts I know, do I do nails, how do I speak English so well, etc. and I probably always will as long as America exists. The real questions and issues within hip hop are about me being a woman. That’s a book.

3. No doubt you are a recognizable force in the DMV hip hop scene. How did you get started, what’s your background?

I got started by loving hip hop. I’ve always kept bumping into or becoming friends with people in some aspect of the music and entertainment industry, unintentionally, accidentally, and coincidentally. I guess that happens when you surround yourself by what you love. I never set out to be involved, I literally just wanted to help out some friends by providing my professional skills as a business consultant which seemed to be needed. The more I became involved, the more I saw the fundamental issues in the DMV that were deeper than an absence of business acumen, professional standards, or an industry infrastructure. I wanted to support those who were interested in changing the culture and setting the standards, not just talking or complaining about it. That’s the big picture story. The actual story goes like this: I met Jay Mills on Twitter who invited me to the Anti Club (which was everything the name implies), where I met Pro’Verb. I began working with Pro’Verb and helped to start Will Rap 4 Food. Through Will Rap 4 Food, I met Visto who launched Hippie Life Krew and Dirt2Gold. All of these brands are grassroots and promote inclusivity, positivity, teamwork, and other great concepts that shouldn’t be so rare...all things I believe in.

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Parent Category: Onstage

The indie music scene is so saturated with talented artists that it’s practically impossible to be aware of more than a small percentage of new releases. That means way too many new mix tapes and EP’s go unheard by music aficionados who’d probably make some room in their playlists if they were exposed to some of these sounds. Truth is though; no one can afford to spend all day going through SoundCloud, DatPiff, YouTube, blogs or whatever is the preferred means of discovering a new favorite. And even if you did take a whole day you’d never get through more than a little of what’s out. Social media, the new “word of mouth” is a great help but only if you actually pay attention to, and engage with, your timeline. We try our best. We’ve been meaning to recommend some of the new work we’ve actually been able to hear, along with a couple that are on our “to do” list. But since we’re at it, this is an invitation to you to hit us up with your own lists and once a week we’ll publish a link to downloads you recommend. It can be your own new release, an artist you represent, or someone you just discovered. We’ll go first. #TheDownload….

Before Euphoria – Visto

Sex Drugs and Homework  - Jay IDK

reFrsh – Fly Rebel Society

Orchids – Darius Wolley

Built For This – E-One

Exquisite Corspe - $urreal

40. Wattage - Part DeUce – DeUce Double

American Dream – Fat Stackz

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Parent Category: Onstage

One of our favorite area artists Young Sir's debut EP, SIRvivor, is nearing its release date and early listens are beginning to pop up in local blogs and on social media. The most recent, “Allatyme” was produced by Dolan Beats and is available for download here. Check out some of our favorite Young Sir videos in the OnStage Video Showcase, and get all the additional information on Young Sir at:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/youngsirdmv Instagram: http://instagram.com/youngsirdmv Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/reachiammusic

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Parent Category: Onstage

You’ve probably noticed that in addition to the great music videos in the OnStage Video Showcase we’ve begun including videos from web series we think are exceptional examples of the amazing talent you can find on alternative entertainment channels. “The Value of Ex” (episode 2 is above) is the creation of writer/director Bridgett Michele Lawrence. It’s a romantic comedy web series that follows the misadventures of four friends attempting to move on with their personal and professional lives while men from their pasts are still in the equation.  "The Reversal" is a concept series about a group of friends coming up in New York City and what happens when men and women switch personas. The show originates from New York and was written & directed By Keef Louda, filmed by Darryl Short (Fareelmedia) and Derek Wells (Simply Vivid Photography). The Reversal is produced By Monkey Muzik Artists.