UNSIGNED VOL. III/ISSUE IV
Julian Keyz “Mr. LOTP”
Chicago Hits “ReplayBJay”
Southern Swag “LBO Flamez”
Beauty Of Month: Ms. Kartie Kitty
C O N T E N T S
6-The Steven McGill Project 12 - Julian Keyz 17 - LBO Flamez 20 - ReplayBJay 23- Forever Underfined 25 - MixMasterz
ARTIST PROFILE
BUKKY
BKY was born in Nigeria in 1993. He wrote his first song when he was only 9 years old and never stopped since. He made his first mixtape when he was in 10th grade from saving his lunch money. He called his first mixtape, Here I Am, and he personally handed out copies and performed at his school’s talent show and the crowd loved it. He used music to escape the troubles he had in his life and he still does that till today. Music to him isn’t work, it’s therapeutic. This is the only thing in the world that he truly 4 UNSIGNED
loves. He’s released four more mixtapes after his first and he was on TI’s grand hustle unsigned hype mixtape. He’s latest mixtape, Cracks Of The Masterpiece, was presented by Grand Hustle and one of his songs “Right Here” won an award for best R&B. He won three more awards for his songs “Get Em All Drunk”, “NLS(Next Level Shit)”, and “That’s Alright”. He is currently working on his 6th mixtape which is going to be released soon.
ARTIST PROFILE
began in 2003 purely as a recording group. In the beginning there was never an intention to perform in public. It was simply to be an opportunity to record some songs. The majority of us had been performing with Jeff (Stetson) in his band WaterColours a band that I was brought into by my good friend Gerald Monteros. Jeff at this time was working on his CD “Nowhere Street”, Steve Correll was working on his CD “Midnight Groove”, Gerald Monteros had just completed his CD “Una Lagrima Negra” so I guess I felt a little pressure to do something. This led to the recording “Ujima” the title meaning “collective work and responsibility” in Swahili which is want we were all doing, taking the responsibility to work together and get something done. The name for the band originated from Jim Carter constantly asking “how’s your project coming?” Hence the name The Steven McGill Project. During this period I was part of the “Joy Christian Church Choir”. This is where I actually learned to play the vibraphone. Every Sunday I played in front of people. I did not realize at the time that this was preparation for something more. The choir which consisted of exwife Rosemarie Binias, Emily M. Cabacungan, Cherie Ruangnol, Emee Romero and Redeelyn Romer joined Jeff Stetson on guitar Steve Correll on piano, bass player Gary Lenk, drummers Gregory Corrales, Ray Ortega, and Olises Naranjo, Reed player Gerald Monteros and myself (Steven McGill). We hired our good friend Daniel McCoy and Tone Mesa to record us. I was getting a lot of unsolicited praise about how we sounded, especially the drumming. We became know around the Church as the “drum band”. This led me to think why not try to do this “live”? Of course the church choir did not want to perform outside the church setting except for Cherie Ruangnol. She stayed and recorded “Afro Blue” with us. We made one public appearance at “Mr. T’s Bowl” here in Highland Park, after which Cherie was unable to continue with us due to family obligations. We never recovered from her lost though we did try several other singers. Steve Correll had already moved on to do other things, his replacement David Hayes left along with drummer Gregory Corrales. Jeff became busy with other projects as did Olises, and Ray. In fact all that was left were Gerald and my ex-wife Rosemarie who was leaving too, I just didn’t know it then. Out of this despair Kuumba was born (Kuumba means Creativity in Swahili) as I felt I had to something creative or just disappear. I choose to be creative. I bought some inexpensive recording equipment, with Gerald Monteros ‘ help and encouragement we had a decent sounding CD even though it was my first time playing keyboards. The dream was still alive. Around 2004 Gerald and I enrolled in a sight reading class at the Musicians 6 UNSIGNED
Union Local 47 in Hollywood, Ca. The class was taught by Val Ewell. It was at this class that I met Carla Bagnerise, Ellen Cooper, Merlene “Jita” Hosley and Lady McD. As a class Val Ewell arranged several performances around town that we performed in. The performances went well. I was able to convince the four of them to record with me. During this time Jeff Stetson, Gaston Rene and myself were working at small coffee shops around the Pasadena area as a trio, Guitar, bass, Vibes & percussion. I asked Gaston (an incredible guitarist) if he would play bass for me, called Steve Correll to play keyboard and we embarked on recording Kujichagulia which means self-determination> I took this as a statement that I was going to determine how my life went, me and me alone. When we make statements like this life has a way of testing your resolve. My good friend reed player Gerald Monteros became gravely ill to the point where he could no longer play. This loss actually led to gains. Gerald introduced me to his friend a fantastic guitar player Joe Calderon. To replace Gerald, Gaston called his friend Javier Vergara to play reeds. We were able to finish the CD which was our best work to that point. Life however, was not done with it’s input. The band again was forced to disband as I entered divorce court putting my life on hold as I waited to find out if I would be able to continue to live in Los Angeles. Once the verdict was in and I was going to be allowed to stay I was on the phone calling people to see if that were still available to make some music. We lost Carla and Ellen, but Jita and Lady McD are still here and as you can hear on our new CD Nia which means Purpose, excelling. We are performing now. Our first gig in support of our new CD is April 14th at Trip in Santa Monic, CA. Start time is 8pm. We enjoy making music which in itself is a healer. I feel we all should be doing something for the betterment of the world we are a part of. It is hard to be positive 24/7 but it something I personally am working on. Trying to have time and patience for everyone is difficult when we all are designed to put what we want first. As the song says “Give A Little More Love”.
Letter From Editor For all the new followers and our loyal followwers Thank You for the past two years on downloading and sharing the magazine with family, friends and fans. Unsigned would also like to thank the talented artists and models that became part of the Unsigned Family over the years. We begin a new year with more talented artist and models to bring and more genres to add to the family, Our international family has also grown over the years, we have add several countries to the family. If you miss the past issues, they are avaliable one the site www.issuu.com/chocolatebutterfli Hope you enjoy as much as we do putting the Unsigned Magazine together for our Family and Followers. Thank You,
Ceo Chocolate
Tamara Bubble
ARTIST PROFILE
SOCIAL LINKS: http://TamaraBubble.com http://soundcloud.com/TamaraBubble http://twitter.com/TamaraBubble http://facebook.com/TamaraBubble http://instagram.com/TamaraBubble http://tamarabubble.tumblr.com http://tamarabubble.wordpress.com
Picture the ultimate blend of Pop, R&B, Jazz, Soul and Hip Hop. Music that defies genre. Delivered with raw vocals and heartfelt emotion, Tamara Bubble creates timeless hits that will be around for years to come. Tamara has appeared in the Boston Globe, on NBC TV and is the host of her new online show “U gon Get Got”. She’s also opened for some major acts including Lil Mo, Joell Ortiz, Cassidy, Snootie Wild, Yo Gotti, Young Thug and more as well as performed at the A3C hip hop festival, iMusic Festival, Southport Spring Festival and Apollo Theatre . Her music has charted on the independent radio charts and the top 200 and she’s back with a brand new single release “Towel Boy” that’s sure to garner some mainstream buzz prior to releasing her highly anticipated album later this year. Tune in and turn up ... Bubble On Deck! Tamara Bubble is also a six time All-Star Award nominee and winner of “Album of the Year” for her Living It Up (EP) as well as Underground Music Award nominee for “Female Rapper of the Year”. 6 UNSIGNED
As featured on The Source, Hip Hop Weekly, All Hip Hop, Yo Raps, Funkmaster Flex’s “In Flex We Trust”, DJ Enuff ’s “That’s Enuff ”... MUSIC VIDEO (OFFICIAL): http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=jCq9lxRaPAg&hd=1 LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgQuMNglj2Y&hd=1
Julian Keyz 12 UNSIGNED
Mr. Life Of The Party
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ARTIST PROFILE Los Angeles, CA (June 8, 2011) – International music, television, and film star JULIAN “KEYZ” THOMAS, most well known as Mr. Life of the Party #lotp will digitally release his new EP College Tales (Heartbreak) on June 28th. The Reviews received by Industry Heavyweights has garnered the attention of A&R and Music Supervisors alike in Epic Proportion. The EP boasts the melodic/pop-drum driven first single, “Girls” which made its debut on February 12th, and holding its own respectably in regards to downloads, direct sales, and radio airplay. Speaking on why he chose to self-release an EP at this time, Mr. Keyz says, “I’m a bachelor! Living life, doing life, and truly living the life of the party! With so much pain and despair in the world, why not hit the World with some real feel good music. “College Tales” relates to all, especially the ladies”, snickers Julian Keyz with that pretty boy smile.
on the project, but also produced a good portion of the songs. This LP mixed the middle ground between urban R&B/Hip
Girls is produced by legendary hit maker. The objective of the tune is to get the listeners in the ring of loving music again! “Girls” paints a mural of a young male in college with so many temptations. What is a man to do? College Tales is about growing up and trying to fit into different scenes, getting into different things, but for Mr. LOTP ` life is all about GIRLS` A Womans Cry Fans will hear a more mature Ballad with a sweet touch of melatones which receives the listeners compassion for the art of love. Julian hits this Song out of the park with pitch that reflects his growth as a singer and songwriter. Mr #LOTP sophisticated style of telling iconic tales of the life of a bachelor puts the listener in a utopia of reminiscing, setting them up for the T.K.O. with the next track (Copies) which makes the heartbreak all worth it! Copies ` Considered the outro song, Copies leave you in suspense of the saga; which is, what will Julian “Keyz” do for love, or shall one say, the temptation of lust. The song begins with soft black keys being rode by the white ones, then drops Mr. LOTP reminiscing over his ex! Mission impossible; however his desire to photo COPY his ex in every potential mate falls short of the glory!
JULIAN “KEYZ” THOMAS
Twenty-One year old Chicago native, Julian “Keyz” Thomas has all the right ingredients to be the entertainment industry’s next big Star! The multi- talented entertainer is a musician, producer, singer/songwriter, dancer, actor, humanitarian and businessman who undoubtedly possess the necessary 3c’s (creativity, consistency and commitment) required to take his brand to new heights. Julian’s love for the stage began in 1998, when he was voted the winner at the Apollo Theatre 3x’ consecutively. Momentum began, and the pendulum has earned Mr. Keyz notoriety in the facet of fans and admirers alike across the globe. It was evident that Julian had a continuing love and passion for the music business but, he also remained knowledgeable and intrigued with the business of music. In 2012, he established InNo Entertainment Media Group, LLC as his own venture. It was through this company that Julian released his first LP entitled “The EPIC-demic”. Julian not only penned every track 14 UNSIGNED
Hop and had several of its tracks go on to become featured on popular blog sites. By 2013, Julian continued to independently release music under InNo’s umbrella which included the singles, “The Man” and “Gone”. He later independently released the official music video for “Gone” which can be viewed on Julian’s Vevo channel. Under Julian’s leadership, InNo continued to expand its brand and created its’ first publication entitled the “InNo Times” which is delivered daily. It focuses on all things innovative in news, people and technology. In late 2013, Julian birthed a series of inspirational blogs entitled “InNoSpirations. InNo is constantly expanding and continues to find placements for its growing catalogue of music. It recently placed Julian’s song entitled “It Starts With A Dream” in the independent film “Escapement” of which Julian was also cast as the lead actor. “Escapement” the film is scheduled to premiere in Boston on January 26, 2014 at the Paramount Theatre a non-profit organization that exists to raise awareness and bring solutions to the clean water crisis globally through educational outreach and fundraising initiatives. Immediately, after the movie premiere, Julian began work manifesting the “College Tales” project which is transparent with the demand. Sit back, entice, and enjoy #TeamKeyzzzz For more information visit www.juliankeyzworld.com.
Mr. LOTP
Interview by: CeoChocolate
Chocolate: Why do the fans call you “mr life of the party?” Keyz: I actually received the name “Mr. LOTP” from friends while going to a couple of parties, in particular my 21st party in Vegas. I took on the name and started performing with the title. Chocolate: What’s the meaning of the title college tales(heartbreak) for your ep? Keyz: The meaning behind the “College Tales [Heartbreak]” title is based off my personal experiences in college. This particular EP’s theme is “Heartbreak” so I speak about my previous college relationship. It’s very relatable to anyone who has had a similar experience. Chocolate: How is the ep first single doing since feb. 12Th direct sales and airplay? Keyz: The sales of the first single’s sales has been very good and has surpassed my expectations. I appreciate all of my supporters for their love and support and my team at InNo who works extremely hard. Chocolate: Is the single “Girls” a personal experience? Keyz: The single “Girls” is based off a personal experience in some regard. It also has influence from my personal experiences mixed with those of my peers. Chocolate: As a chicago native, Do you take your knowledge of the business back home to share with upcoming artist you know? Keyz: I always speak to upcoming talent and peers in regard to the knowledge I’ve acquired. Knowledge is power, and power should always be distributed. Chocolate: You are very talented artist, is there one of your talents you favor more than the other? Keyz: I will always favor and cherish the piano. Playing piano is what gave me passion for me. But I do appreciate all of my talents God has blessed. Chocolate: When and what age were you when you discovered your own talent? Keyz: I didn’t recognize my talent until I won the Apollo Amateur Night at age 13 in New York City, NY. Chocolate: What made you start the media group? And releasing your single on there instead of a known label? 15 UNSIGNED
Keyz: I started my entertainment company at the age of 18. This came after I had discouraging situations with managers. I chose to release my music independently so I could be in control of my creativity. This also gave me an opportunity to experiment with my artistry to “find myself ”. Chocolate: Did you have other expectations from winning apollo 3s, than what you received? Keyz: I didn’t know what to expect after winning the Apollo. I just went along for the ride Chocolate: What can you tell the fans that know you and dont know you, a fun fact about self? Keyz: A fun fact about me is I love animals. When I
was younger I wanted to be a veterinarian. The only thing that stopped me was the fact I’m partially allergic to some furs. Chocolate: Your 2015 goals? Keyz: My goals for 2015 is to continue to grow and build on my life.
ARTIST PROFILE
L-BO Flamez
born in Detroit,MI. in the early 80’s. It was just my mother and I. I quickly jumped into the music scene in second grade. My first instrument was the trumpet. I always loved music. I got into rapping when I was twelve by winning the talent contest at my family reuion.. My mother moved me from Detroit when I was twelve years old to Central Florida. I quickly picked up the southern slang and incorperated it in my raps. My first mixtape dropped in 2000 I was a youngster still. So years later I’m still at it better then ever. I did a track “Blinded By The Light” featuring Trick Daddy from Miami, Fl. My motivation is my cubs (kids), they keep me on my toes and keeps me focused on making their lives better. My style is different from the average. I come with a southern yet northern delivery that will catch your attention. My personal motto right now is, “don’t grind don’t shine.” My accomplishments so far include: features with Trick Daddy, being on 24 radio stations, over 20 mixtapes and currently pursuing coast2coast features on mixtapes and magazines. My label 18 UNSIGNED
C.A.N.L.I.F.E. ENT!!! is where my heart lay, its my foundation, its my way of life. My short term goals are to establish the L-BO brand and get my music heard around the world. My long term goals is to own and operate a successful corperation that I built from the ground up. What i find most challenging about my effort is getting noticed. I would like to work with Young Jeezy, T.I. , Young Dro, Lil Boosie, Yo Gotti. You can contact meat: 321-543-4019 or 321-704-4383 Twitter @L_BO1 Instagram @lbo1 Facebook: L-BO Flamez Email: Lbosworld321@gmail.com
Southern Swag L-BO Flamez
Essence: Being from Detroit, When did you become a southern boy? L-BO: I moved to Florida at the age of 12 with my mom from Detroit and I have been a southern boy ever since. Essence: Do you still play the trumpet sometimes? Have you played on any of your tracks? L-BO: I haven’t played the trumpet In a long time, but I do plan on incorporating it into my music in the near future. Essence: What tracks did you perform at the family reunion? L-BO: I was 12 years old at the family reunion, and I rapped a song called “Summer Moods” Essence: You dropped your first mixtape in 2000, what was the feedback on the first? L-BO: My first mixtape released in 2000 was called “Cpaq” it was the hottest thing in my city, but we didn’t have an outlet to get our music heard. Essence: The track “blinded by the light” ft. Trick daddy, how was that experience and was the track personal? L-BO: It was an honor and privilege to work with Trick Daddy in his studio for my first single . Yes, “Blinded by the Light” was a personal track to me it allows the world into my life. Trick verse hit close to home, also.
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Interview by EssenceRayne
Essence: You have accomplished many goals, what are the steps that you had to take to accomplish them? L-BO: Besides dropping the single with Trick Daddy. I have accomplished a lot by continuing to be consistent, producing quality music, good visuals, touring for shows, having merchandise and CDs, and working on my social media. Essence: What made you start your own label? L-BO: I wanted to start my own label to give younger artists opportunities that I missed out on. Essence: What is your grand finale for 2015? L-BO: My grand my finale for 2015 is to drop 2mixtapes and over 10 music videos
ARTIST PROFILE
REPLAY B J A Y He’s the voice of a new generation of lovers, a new generation of imperfect people looking for love. With his own signature style of R&B storytelling, ReplayBJay is providing the soundtrack for the love stories in our lives. The 21 year-old crooner first caught the attention of fans in his hometown of Chicago with the unofficial release of his single “Let Me Know.” The track displays BJay’s heartfelt delivery and natural ability to deliver sweet nothings with melodies in verse. Influenced by the sounds of a wide array of artists from Marvin Gaye to fellow Chicago product R.Kelly, his mellow vocal style and laid-back demeanor has already made him a hit with fans locally and now, as he’s working on his debut Ep entitled “Love”,
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the singer and songwriter is poised to make believers out of listeners everywhere. A throwback to the time when you could feel both the rhythm and the blues in R&B, ReplayBJay is the industry’s best kept secret that is now ready to be told. Phyllis Malone Talent Manager CPW Entertainment (office) (708) 323-2826 (cell) (708)595-6342 www.cpwentertainment.com
Chicago Hits “Replay BJay” “He Does It For The Ladies” MR#: Ok please expalin the stage name replaybjay? Replay: Man well I was actually given the name by a friend of mine by the name of NewEra a Chicago artist like myself. I was thinking about Twitter names I could use because it was better than BJay086 ha. So he was like REPLAYBJAY and I was like man I like it. I was like I want people to hear my music and not only listen once but put it on Replay so now I’m ReplayBJay. MR#: Are your love stories personal experience? Replay: Indeed they are. Every song I’ve ever written was from my heart about somebody that I had been involved with and had come to love. That’s why my music is so special to me because it real music that came from a special place within me. MR#: How was the response to your first track “let me know”? Replay: Man the response was actually amazing. The first time people had ever heard the song they automatically gravitated towards it. I had the song so hot by myself people had the ring tone and everything. It was just catchy and fun and I wrote it about the first girl I ever really loved. MR#: On your upcoming ep, did you write all the songs, or is there some ghost writers? Replay: Yes I write all of my material because I feel like that makes it real and authentic. I’ve written all but 1 of my songs in my career and the one I was given was by a Grammy winning producer named Tiger Roberts called “On Tonight”. But everything was written by myself. MR#: Do you have that dream artist you would love to do a duo or have them feature on one of your songs? Replay: Well a artist that I see myself doing lots of work with in the Future is JCole. He’s been one of my favorite for sometime now and I believe if we did work it would hands down be a hit within its audience. Yea so Ima say Cole world. MR#: What song should the fans know that tells your story has a artist? 23 UNSIGNED
Replay: I would say My Last. That songs speaks on my new found love with the girl I’m with right now and I’m just speaking from a place of being done with starting new relationships with girls and finally find the girl that I can call My Last. Everyone speaks so highly of the first love so I was saying the first love is a good love because it’s the first time you give your heart to someone but the Last person you fall in love with is the one that is the most significant to me at that moment. MR#: What are your 2015 plans for your music? Replay: To continue to create new music and to give my fans more of me and tell them more about me and my experiences and more of the person I’ve become. It’s gonna be real special for the ladies and for my guys as well. So expect great music with meaning behind it. MR#: Can you give upcoming artist advice? Replay: Yes, to keep grinding because you never know when that big opportunity will come and when it does come you have to be ready because it’ll pass you up in a heart beat. And lastly to make good music because it’s all about the music. Don’t make music you think everybody else wants to hear make music you wanna hear because it’ll gravitate to possibly 1 million or more people just like you and by the time you know it you’ll be hot. Thanks for the interview and hope to get together again in the future. It’s ReplayBJay and I do it for the ladies !
Beauty Of Month
Ms. Kartie Kitty
Meet The
For
ever
Rayne : Whats the meaning behind the bands? Forever: The name Forever Undefined means we are simply undefinable. You can’t listen to a full F.U album and put our music in a box with other artist that are out today. We like to tackle all genres in our own way. We want people to hear our music and after they are done they love what they just heard but, they have no idea what they just listened too. Rayne: Where do forever undefined call home? Forever: We all reside in Maywood, IL Rayne: Who is the songwriter in the band? And do the band base there tracks on personal experience? Forever: We all collectively write the songs. We definitely use personal experiences to draw inspiration for some of our songs. We are also inspired by the experiences of our friends and family. Rayne: So does the band have a track that tells everyone story? Forever: We do not currently have a single song that tells everyone’s story however, it is spread out among multiple songs. Rayne: So tell the fans the pro’s and con’s of being in a band? Forever: The pros of being in a band is we are never alone on stage. It’s amazing to look to our left and right and see each other all doing what we love together. Also being able to inspire one another creatively makes for some F.U. Tracks. The cons of being in a group is not being able to fit everyone’s idea on every song. Rayne: What do you have instore this year for the fans? Forever: We will be releasing an EP! We can’t wait for our fans to hear it. We have grown and evolved so much since our last album so we so excited for everyone to hear it. You can expect that sometime this summer along with a couple of new music videos.
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Und
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UNSIGNED TOP 10 1. CAN’T STOP US RJ DA KIDD 2. FAMILY TIES BLAZIN HOT FAMILIA(BHS) 3. PARDON MY SWAG DIRTY CARLEONE 4. NO FAKING T-KOOL 5. SWINGING FOR THE FENCES SNAKEEYES STL 6. REAL NIGGAS BLOCK BOYZZ/FT. CA-KID 7. I AM POETIC POETIC REID 8. WISH’EM WELL DG 9. GWAPP CAPO DANGER 10. PA KITE MWEN PRINCESS EUD & DED-KRA-Z /FT. QUEEN BEE