Editorial Interview

Interview: “NEF The Pharaoh Talks Making Moves and Moving the Crowd with His Brand of Cali Rap”

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There’s a short list of big names that hail from Vallejo, California. You have the late Mac Dre—one of the most influential artists to ever come out of the Bay—and E-40, a rap legend who introduced a whole new vernacular to the masses and has maintained a career that spans decades. And then you have NEF The Pharaoh. He’s in pretty good company, to say the least.

At just 22, the “Big Tymin” rapper has already toured the world, signed a record deal, collaborated with multiple brands, and has rubbed elbows with some of the greats. To think this all began with just a pair of regional hits. NEF hasn’t even scored his “breakout” smash yet, but suffice to say, he has more under his belt than some of his peers who already have that hit.
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Interview: “From Drake And Beyond, Producer Mike Zombie Talks The Long Road To The Top”

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It’s been over four years since Mike Zombie was introduced to the masses on what couldn’t have been a larger-scale. Not only did the New Jersey native place a beat with Drake on a song that would go on to be one of the Toronto superstar’s biggest tracks [“Started From The Bottom”], but he also inked a production deal with OVO. The future looked bright for the talented 20-year-old, but while he’s maintained a presence in music, it’s nowhere on the level that he (and everyone else) thought it would be by now.

Glances at his Instagram show the now-24-year-old still has an affiliation to OVO, often rocking clothing adorned with Drake’s signature owl. He is sure to post about new projects from the OVO camp and congratulates The Boy on his various successes throughout the years, but yet, the posts seem rather one-sided. There has been no sign of Zombie on the track on any of the aforementioned projects, from lesser-known acts like Roy Woods, up to the capo himself. And though Zombie has put out multiple projects of his own over the years (as he raps as well), there hasn’t been any posts from his labelmates about those either.
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Interview: “G. Perico: With Rhymes As Slick As His Jheri Curl”

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In the latest wave of artists that fans have handpicked to keep the West Coast resurgence going, G. Perico is at the forefront. The slim, jheri-curled, slick-talking rapper has a look reminiscent of an era long gone, yet his sound speaks much more to today’s climate. Often compared to California staples like DJ Quik and Eazy-E—which the South Central native understands and appreciates—Perico is determined to make his own lane, and leave his deep-rooted history with the streets behind him.

It’s a scenario that’s not unique; Perico grew up in the streets and got caught up in that life one too many times. With multiple jail bids behind him, the longtime writer turned to music as a way out, but just when it seemed like he would finally progress in his rap career, his past life would keep trying to pull him back in.
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Throwback Thursday: How I Got Started In Blogging…And How You Can Too!

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People ask me all of the time how I got started with Flex and how I launched my own site, which then leads them into asking me how to go about doing so for themselves. To answer all of your questions in one place, I’ll break down a brief history of how I got started, and then share some tips on how to either start your own site, or to become a part of one that’s already out there.
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Exclusive: Machine Gun Kelly Talks Debut Film ‘Beyond The Lights,’ How Far He’d Go For A Role…And Hints At New Single Coming Soon!

Marisa Mendez Leave a Comment

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This Friday, Colson ‘MGK‘ Baker will make his big-screen debut, starring as Kid Culprit in the romantic drama, Beyond The Lights. The Cleveland rapper was introduced to the masses in 2011 with the success of his breakout single “Wild Boy,” but has since remained relatively quiet on a mainstream level since his 2012 Bad Boy/Interscope debut, Lace Up, as he toured the world and shot not only Beyond The Lights, but two more as-of-yet unreleased films as well. He’s also been preparing his sophomore effort, which he says may have its first single out within weeks.

Suffice to say, MGK has been a busy guy, but unless you’re a fan or follow his social media, one likely wouldn’t know that he’s been up to much of anything. To many, this film will be his re-introduction of sorts, and what better way to do so than with a role that showcases not only his acting chops, but his rapping as well.

“When it came time to cast the role of Kid Culprit, I knew I wanted a real hip-hop artist,” the film’s writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood said about choosing MGK for the role. “I saw the video for ‘Wild Boy,’ and he just seemed to exemplify who the character was. So we had that first audition, and I was intrigued by him a lot. Then I had him come back and read with Gugu, and their chemistry was so good! We want an artist who wants it badly because they’ll give you everything, and he really did.”

I got the opportunity to watch the movie before I spoke with MGK last week, and I truly enjoyed it. As a woman working in music, the pressures Noni faced were all too familiar, and the roles of her mother and Kid Culprit are common figures we meet often. I was really impressed with Kells‘ acting too, as I wasn’t sure what to expect from him, but I automatically connected with his character, rather than getting the vibe that he was out of his element.

Below, check out what MGK had to say about his debut role, why he wouldn’t change a thing about it, why his five-year-old daughter is a little jealous about it…and get an itty-bitty clue about his forthcoming single from his sophomore album!
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Interview: Mila J Talks Quitting Her Day Job, Writing For Herself vs. Others, Her “Mains” and More!

Marisa Mendez Leave a Comment

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Mila J has been building quite a buzz as of late, thanks to the success of her singles, “Smoke, Drink, Break-Up” and “My Main.” Of course, her stunning looks, powerhouse vocals and dance moves don’t hurt either! Jhene Aiko‘s older sister ran the risk of standing in the shadow of her successful younger sibling, but Mila J has completely carved her own lane, and after years of set-backs with failed girl groups and even a shelved album, the talented triple-threat has established a promising solo career, and finally released her debut EP yesterday, M.I.L.A. (Made In L.A.)

The 5-song EP features the aforementioned singles, as well as the Problem-assisted “Pain In My Heart,” the B.o.B.-assisted “Champion,” and the ride-or-die love ballad, “Times Like These.” The project, completely co-written by Mila, definitely shows the California singer’s range as an artist, and is the perfect appetizer until we get the real meal early next year. Fresh on the heels of its release, I hopped on the phone with Mila to discuss the EP, as well as how she quit her day job, her plans to write for others, Ty Dolla $ign (because I’m me so of course I had to add him in there,) what’s the deal with her and Rome from IMX and more! Check out the interview below.
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Perfect For A 2 A.M. Turn-Up: 7 Sex Tips From Adrian Marcel

Marisa Mendez Leave a Comment

LifeIsTremendez_Adrian Marcel x Marisa Mendez

Last week, I caught up with Mr. “2 A.M.” himself, Adrian Marcel. As it’s quite clear what’s going on at such hours of the night, I decided to get a few sex tips from the Bay Area native. “Not to say that I’m some guru or whatnot,” Adrian joked about his level of expertise, “But I’m very great at it.” Check out his 7 tips for the bedroom below!
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