"#NasIsLike: His Undeniable Influence On Hip-Hop..."

In many of the school yards, barbershops and recreational parks across America, a common topic of conversation is: “Who are some of the greatest emcees, ever?” Some people mention 2pac, others may say The Notorious B.I.G., but my personal favorite has always been Nasir Olu Bin Dara Jones, but more widely known as Nas. The aforementioned artist burst on the rap scene in 1991 on Main Source’s “Live At The Barbecue”. At only 17 years old, Nas recited the lyrics of a seasoned veteran with wisdom far beyond his years. Since then, he has experienced trials, tribulations and triumphs; but what one can never deny is Escobar’s influence on hip-hop, as well as its artists. 

“He had his own unique flow, which seemed to start the trend that we old-school emcees called the "off-beat conversational flow." Before Nas, every emcee focused on rhyming with a cadence that ultimately put the words that rhymed on beat with the snare drum. Nas created a style of rapping that was more conversational than ever before."  – Kool Moe Dee

Although his position in the “greatest of all-time” conversation fluctuates from time to time, Nas is considered as arguably the best lyricist to ever touch a microphone. His style has been categorized as introspective, enlightening and narrational. Also, many people fail to realize how extensive Nas’ catalog is; from penning classic albums such as IllMatic and StillMatic, he also had a hand in the soundtrack for the Netflix series The Get Down, as well as ghostwriting for Will Smith in the mid-90’s. His longevity, along with the quality of music that he has released over the years, can only be matched by only a handful of musicians; and that stands for all genres.

“Name a rapper that I ain't influence…” - Nas

Two of the greatest MCs in history had a highly publicized feud during the summer of 2001. The above quote is one of the more memorable bars from Nas’ “Ether”, the response track to Jay-Z’s “Takeover”. Even though that specific line was meant as a derogatory reference towards Shawn Carter and Roc-A-Fella Records, it also proved to be prophetic in many ways. Just as the legendary Rakim passed the torch to Nas, he eventually passed the torch to present-day lyricists J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. Both rappers continuously name Nas as one of their biggest influences, as well as attributing their focus on vivid storytelling to the tales heard on songs such as “One Love” and “Rewind”.

It is important to note that Nas’ influence reaches far beyond the music industry. In 2014, Nas partnered with job placement startup Koru to fund a scholarship for 10 college graduates to go through Koru's training program. He also is the majority owner of the HSTRY clothing line, as well as being the national spokesperson for Hennessy. Although Nas has many endeavors outside of hip-hop, we must always remember that all he ever needed was one mic.

#GangstaGrillz: A Coversation With DJ Drama & Don Cannon

The combination of DJ Drama and Don Cannon made a lasting impression on the music industry. From Drama’s Gangsta Grillz series, to Cannon’s flawless production for countless artists, these two men can honestly say that they capitalized on all the opportunities presented to them. On October 6th, the Toyota Music Ballroom was the site of the conversation with DJ Drama and Don Cannon, who spoke about their journey, the music business, and having to adjust to Southern culture.

Moderated by Maurice Garland and Branden “LSK” Peters, DJ Drama and Don Cannon exemplify the hip-hop story. Both natives of Philadelphia, these two men met in college at Atlanta’s AUC. Drama was already a DJ on the rise, while Cannon was a producer looking to get his music played for local artists. Don Cannon briefly discussed that his initial sound was reminiscent of DJ Premier, Q-Tip and J Dilla, so he had to adjust his music to fit the mood of the typical southern musician. Cannon was able to keep the same feel in terms of the melody; while rearranging the drum patterns to appeal to his new audience. From this transition, he came up with a style of his own, and it became popular not just in the south, but nationwide.

From the moment he moved from Philadelphia to Atlanta, DJ Drama said he appreciated the love he got, and how the south embraced a young DJ trying to make it in Georgia. Being from the east coast, Drama has always been a fan of the rapper’s rapper. With this being said, his primary focus as a DJ from day one was to showcase southern lyricists in order to show the rest of the world that top-tier lyricism existed below the Mason-Dixon line, not just the “crunk” sound that everyone was accustomed to. He established relationships with artists like Lil’ Wayne, T.I. and Killer Mike, all of whom are from southern states and rely heavily on their lyrics.

Both Drama and Cannon spoke about the evolution of the mixtape game, and how it’s changed from a person rapping over different beats to an unofficial album, so to speak. Artists have raised the bar when it comes to mixtapes, and it increases the level of competition in hip-hop. The transition from DJ/Producer to Music Executives are something that these two men are very proud of. Their marquee artist as of today is also a native of Philadelphia, Lil’ Uzi Vert. They elaborated on the process of promoting him, the criticism he receives, and the genius of his music.

DJ Drama and Don Cannon are like family. They’ve gone through everything you can imagine both in the music business, and as brothers. No matter how many arguments or disagreements they get into, they reiterated the fact that they will always be family, and nothing can change that.

#Spotlight: "Flockaland Seeks To Promote Postivity Through Fashion..."

Tialer Scott, also known as Flockaland, has made it her civic duty to promote positivity when and wherever she can. The New Jersey native of Haitian descent, created the Stay (+) clothing brand in order to create a contrast to the negativity that comes with everyday life.  Founded in 2013, this brand isn’t limited to just clothing. Tialer also does event planning and curation for Stay (+), which further pushes her message of positivity to the masses.

At this year’s A3C Festival & Conference, Tialer is slated to have a Pizza Party/Pop-Up shop at Edgewood Pizza that’s open to people of all ages. We were recently granted the opportunity to speak with Tialer about her brand, thoughts on being a female in the fashion industry, and her plans for the future.

With you being from New Jersey, do you feel that there is a difference between the fashion scenes on the east coast and Atlanta?

Yes, I do. I feel like it’s black Hollywood, but at the same time it has its own sense of fashion here. The East Coast on the other hand, mainly New York, is the fashion capitol. I’m not saying one is better than the other, but I feel like more statements are being made up there, then in trickles down to everywhere else. The East Coast sets off fashion, while Atlanta sets off music.

There is an oversaturation of designers and clothing lines in Atlanta, and Stay (+) has become one of the more popular brands in the city. What do you think makes your brand unique?

Initially, I wasn’t trying to make money or get rich quick, I just wanted to promote positivity. Also, in terms of promoting my brand, there was no shame to my game. A lot of people let their pride hold them back. I spoke to people, I networked and just tried my hardest to get the name out there. Patience was key in the beginning… I slowly but surely built my clientele into what it is today.

I've noticed the Stay (+) brand on a lot of notable people. How do you get your clothing on these athletes and entertainers?

Most of the people that I’ve gotten brand placements on, if they’re not from Atlanta, it’s probably my first time meeting them. I’ve recently had placements on Cardi B and Dave East, and they didn’t know a thing about my brand. It was the way I approached them, and how I presented myself to their management. Your reputation is everything in Atlanta. I can have the ugliest brand in the world, but if people are rocking with me, and how I present my brand, the product will always move.

Aside from the Stay (+) brand, you've done modeling, event planning and curation. Which one do you enjoy the most?

Modeling is my passion. I remember doing my first runway show in the 4th grade. I remember my entire outfit to the tee! *laughs* I love curating events, but its levels to it. All the events you’ve seen me do, I’ve done on my own. Modeling is my first love but event planning is something I love to do as well.

When you design your pieces and products, what feeling do you want people to have when they wear and see that Stay (+) logo?

I know it sounds cliché, but I just want people to feel positive, and to know that they can do anything that they want, and to know that the power is in their hands.

What was your initial inspiration to start a clothing line, and what keeps you inspired today?

Honestly, I was inspired by myself. I’ve been involved in Nursing since 2011, and I deal with people with dementia and special needs.  I’ve always loved Chemistry, and if you’re familiar with atoms you know that protons never interact with electrons, so that’s where I got (+) in my brand. Positivity should never be tainted by anything else.

Just like music, fashion is very "here today, gone tomorrow." How do you feel about the direction that fashion is headed?

I think its headed in a good direction. It’s starting to show a lot of individuality, and people have the opportunity to be who they want to be.

As with many things in this world, the fashion industry is male dominated. do you feel that you've run into certain obstacles in this business because you're an African-American female?

Yes! *laughs* In actuality, if you’re not Caucasian or a person of status, people look at you like: “who are you?” I’m literally going against the grain every day of my life. As black females, I feel that we’re not appreciated in all aspects, especially in the fashion and music industry. When we become successful, instead of heralding us, people look and think that we did something to compromise our integrity in order to get in the position that we are in.

Outside of the Stay (+) clothing line, do you see yourself expanding the brand into different endeavors in the future?

I definitely want to expand when it comes down to charity events, and partnering up with bigger companies. Stay (+) is more than just clothing, it’s a state of mind. Regardless of what I do in the future, I never want to limit my brand to just clothing, it is so much more than that.

With your event at A3C this year, what is your main goal? What do you want to take from this event, and what do you want other people to take away?

When people come to my events, I want them to know that they are in the midst of positivity. I want them to see what my brand stands for; what I stand for. They need to know that they can have a good time, and that they can be themselves.

For more information and updates on Flockaland and Stay (+), be sure to check out the website here.