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"Persistence is key! Believe in yourself, surround yourself with positivity, and never lose sight of your goals!" -Derrick Lawson
Management, Marketing & PR Mogul
In the dynamic world of entertainment, success often hinges on a combination of talent, dedication, and strategic guidance. Enter Derrick Lawson, a noteable figure in the realms of marketing, artist management, and public relations. With a journey that spans from the bustling streets of Las Vegas to the vibrant pulse of Atlanta’s music scene, Lawson has carved a niche for himself as a pivotal figure in shaping the careers of emerging artists and fostering innovative projects within the industry.
From Las Vegas to Atlanta: A Journey Unfolds
Born into a military family, Derrick Lawson’s upbringing instilled in him a sense of adaptability and resilience from an early age. While his roots lie in Las Vegas, it was in Atlanta where he found his true calling. A chance encounter at a gym led him down an unexpected path into artist management. Recognizing raw talent in a fellow gym-goer, Lawson’s journey into the music industry began, setting the stage for a career defined by passion and opportunity.
Forging Paths in the Entertainment Industry
Lawson’s foray into the entertainment industry started as an assistant to renowned gossip columnist Kimberly Baily, immersing him in the electrifying world of music and celebrity culture. From attending prestigious award shows to rubbing shoulders with industry icons, he garnered invaluable insights that would shape his future endeavors.
His tenure at Def Jam South under the mentorship of legendary celebrities like Scarface and Ludacris provided a pivotal learning experience, affording him a front-row seat to the indie music movement’s humble onset. Working closely with Cee Lo Green further honed his skills, empowering him to explore innovative strategies and unconventional approaches to artist entertainment marketing.
Navigating the Highs and Lows of the Industry
In a landscape characterized by volatility and unpredictability, Derrick Lawson has weathered his fair share of challenges. Managing the unpredictable nature of artists and navigating their emotional terrain remains a constant hurdle. Yet, his steadfast commitment to guiding them through adversity underscores his unwavering dedication to their success.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists and Managers
Drawing from his wealth of experience, Lawson offers invaluable advice to aspiring artists and managers alike. He stresses the importance of perseverance, urging artists to believe in themselves and focus on incremental victories. He also advocates for a thorough understanding of the business side of music, emphasizing the significance of claiming royalties and investing wisely in one’s career.
The Perspective on Mainstream Collaborations
While mainstream collaborations may hold allure for some, Lawson advises caution, emphasizing the value of investing in oneself over costly features. His pragmatic approach prioritizes long-term sustainability over fleeting fame, a philosophy rooted in his dedication to artist development.
Metadata Mastery and Future Ventures
Beyond artist management, Lawson’s expertise extends to metadata management, a crucial aspect of navigating the modern music landscape. Through his endeavors, including managing a roster of talented artists, collaborating with models and hosts, and spearheading initiatives like the Global Indie Awards and International Music Film Expo, Lawson continues to shape the industry’s landscape.
A Vision for the Future
As Derrick Lawson continues to make strides in the industry, his current projects underscore his commitment to innovation and empowerment. From managing a diverse roster of artists to spearheading initiatives like the National Professional Basketball Association and Palm Tree Academy Africa, his impact transcends traditional boundaries, reaffirming his status as a trailblazer in the realms of marketing and PR.
In a landscape defined by constant evolution, Derrick Lawson stands as a beacon of inspiration, guiding aspiring artists and industry professionals towards their fullest potential. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a visionary approach to success, his legacy continues to shape the future of entertainment for generations to come.
My motto, "The Law Of Attraction. I'ma always look at the glass as half full, not half empty." -Spark Dawg
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Where are you from?
Born in Panama. Raised in Killeen, TX.
Tell us a little about you?
I’m signed to a Grammy Winning Producer named Drumma Boy. Aside from music, I’m known as “The Hood Dentist” & run a very successful jewelry business that specializes in removable gold teeth. The gold grillz I sell are viral on TikTok.
What artists did you listen to or idolized when you grew up?
Growing up in Texas, I was a fan of Chamillionaire & the whole Swisha House movement. But outside of Texas, I always like Wayne & Drake.
Where do you get your inspiration from for you music?
I find a lot of inspiration in my everyday life. For the most part, I tried to write about things I’ve done, seen or inspire to do in the near future.
What was your most memorable performance?
To be honest, every time I perform, I feel the same excitement as the 1st time. I’ve performed so many times, it’s hard to keep up. I don’t even know if I’ve had my most memorable performance yet.
Indie vs Label? Which do you choose and why?
Indie is cool if you have your own money to invest in yourself. Labels are cool if you can convince 1 to invest a bug ass budget into your project to help your cross over into the mainstream but on the flip side, you lose a lot of control and ownership over your own music. Both have their pros and cons.
What single are you pushing and tell us a little about it? The mood of the song?
Currently pushing a single called From The Block. The videos on YouTube. I recently recorded the remix with Sauce Walka & Peso Peso. I’ll plan on dropping the music video for the remix any day now.
What roadblocks have you encountered?
I think all successful rapper go through a phase where they deal with a little local hate in the beginning. But I stayed consistent enough to make it out my city and really put on while still reppin where I’m from miles away from my hometown.
Tell me about your team?
Me & Drumma Boy are like tag team partners in this. He’s the Producer. I’m the Artist. Together we make magic in the studio. It’s Drum Squad & Team SPARK-A-LOT VS Everybody
What what you like to be known for?
I’d like to be known for anything that has to do with the word success. That’s all I’m striving for right now. Wealth, good health & longevity.
Tell us something about you that your fans don’t know?
They probably don’t know that I have a girlfriend
How did you break into the industry?
I broke into the industry when Texas legend Scarface signed me and rap group I was in called Green City to 1 album record deal distributed by Universal Records. That was actually my 1st record deal. My situation with Drum Squad is my 2nd record deal.
Where do you see yourself after few years in this industry?
I see myself still running a successful jewelry empire & being known as 1 of the best rappers in the world.
Please tell me about your journey so far. The good? The bad? The ugly?
The Good: I’m making more money than I ever have in life.
The Bad: Being an indie artist in music industry ain’t cheap.
The Ugly: The music business is 90% Business & only 10% Music.
"Go for it! You never what is could be. "
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Where are you from?
Houston Tx
Tell us a little about you.
I’m an independent artist coming from the northside of Houston Tx. I been making music going on 4 years I also am an Independent professional tattoo artist of 13 years.
What artists did you listen to or idolize when you grew up?
Grew up I Listen to Tre Tha truth and George Straight.
Where do you get your inspiration from for your music?
I get my inspiration from my life experiences.
What was your most memorable performance?
My most memorable performance was my very first performance
Indie vs Label? Which do you choose and why?
I would say Indie because I’m an independent artist.
What single are you pushing and tell us a little about it? The mood of the song?
The single I’m pushing right now is called Feds Watching Its out on all platforms. The mood is made to uplift people and get the crowd going!
What roadblocks have you encountered?
My mom passed away when I was younger then soon after my grandparents passed away and last year my dad passed away. I’ve had a lot of loss in life, but I still keep going, everything I go though I write about in my songs/ raps. It’s how I tell my story, and not enough exposure.
Tell me about your team.
My team is a small group of trusted individuals, we all work together to push each other to the next level as solo independent artist
Tell us something about you that your fans don’t know?
I don’t talk to none of my family.
How did you break into the industry?
I just jumped in with a single
Where do you see yourself after a few years in this industry?
I see myself at the top. I see my Songs being played everywhere I’ll see myself accomplishing everything that ever wanted quicker than I ever expected
Please tell me about your journey so far. The good? The bad? The ugly?
The journey started o good it was a small but consistent I slowly slowed down when I caught a case but once I overcame that I picked it up even harder so far I’ve been making a slight buzz but trying to figure out the business side of the music industry where I can Make some money to support me and my family
"Make your history, and find your answers."In the ATMOSPHERE I'm your in, your 1 in a MILLION.... the ATMOSPHERE your headed to, you'll be 1 of a KIND" - I am Jarrel
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Where are you from?
I am from the Commonwealth of Dominica. Short, 767 we like to say. Dominica is an island country of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It lies between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante to the north and Martinique to the south. It is such a beauty to see. I hope lots more people visit to witness the greenery, feel the warmth of the sun, experience rainforest hikes, rivers, waterfalls hot springs, and oh my goodness the food, and the people are friendly, It’s a gorgeous island. Paradise is maybe a better word to describe her beautiful nature. When I’m working and I can’t visit, I dream of being there. Sometimes it’s all I think about.
Tell us a little about you?
Singer/songwriter and a musician at heart. I am an open-minded person. Open to new ideas and adventures. Music is my love forever and I was gifted and blessed to have this experience of sharing my gift to lift and comfort everyone. I grew up in the village of Trafalgar in Dominica. Inspiration came easily through appreciating nature and that’s where I spent most of my time writing, singing, dancing, or playing. I’ve My name of my single is ” Divine Being” it was freestyled one night when my husband and I were chilling. I had just got some new beats and I could tell how high my frequency was. I started flowing like the river. Lyrics of substance and value. I ran to the studio quick and lay it all down. The song morphed in to a beautiful record, energetic with its smoothness and thoughtful lyrics. I want people to understand you have the power to control your thoughts and certain outcomes. You are here to win. If you create the happiness around it is a must that you will not fail. loved music which is a part of my everyday life ever since I was a little girl. There are a lot of musicians and singers in my family That’s what I saw all my life, players of instruments and vocalists. We loved to freestyle on a beat, chill, and laugh the music was never excluded from the fun. I love being a singer and so I wanted to explore the possibilities of me becoming a full-time Singer/Songwriter.
What artists did you listen to or idolized when you grew up?
I listened to a lot of Anita Baker, Sade, Whitney Houston, Regina Bell, and Chaka Khan, it was a mixture of musical genres. I also I listened to so much reggae music oh my gosh! sometimes I miss those days brings back memories but I kind of listened to a little of every Genre there is.
Where do you get your inspiration from for you music?
My everyday experiences are my inspiration. When writing or creating, the mood will set itself for the topic. The way relax and meditate is also one of my biggest inspirations because it brings relaxation and the positive light and energy surrounding me, in addition to the people, I love and care for. There are so many different ways I find inspiration.
What was your most memorable performance?
I remember being in Jamaica at the Rebel Salute event in 2011 I was about to perform and I was about to be called out by this well-known female reggae artist who goes by the name of Queen Ifrica and up till this day it is one of my favorite memories that I’ve never forgotten. I still feel the energy of the moment before touching the stage when Queen Ifrica called me up. I’ve had so many other performances after that one performance and I still feel the butterflies in my stomach. I believe because it was my first real experience performing in the presence of such a large crowd of thousands of people that’s the reason it will be one of my most memorable performances.
Indie vs Label? Which do you choose and why?
Whatever works for me and my team. I love being Indie there’s something about the close look at the work, and business part of things that brings clarity to how things work behind the scenes rather than only the creative art side of things. I feel like if a label does approach me though, with the right deal that will benefit us both maybe, that could be an option on the table.
"Make your history, and find your answers."
Where are you from?
I am from the Commonwealth of Dominica. Short, 767 we like to say. Dominica is an island country of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It lies between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante to the north and Martinique to the south. It is such a beauty to see. I hope lots more people visit to witness the greenery, feel the warmth of the sun, experience rainforest hikes, rivers, waterfalls hot springs, and oh my goodness the food, and the people are friendly, It’s a gorgeous island. Paradise is maybe a better word to describe her beautiful nature. When I’m working and I can’t visit, I dream of being there. Sometimes it’s all I think about.
Tell us a little about you?
Singer/songwriter and a musician at heart. I am an open-minded person. Open to new ideas and adventures. Music is my love forever and I was gifted and blessed to have this experience of sharing my gift to lift and comfort everyone. I grew up in the village of Trafalgar in Dominica. Inspiration came easily through appreciating nature and that’s where I spent most of my time writing, singing, dancing, or playing. I’ve My name of my single is ” Divine Being” it was freestyled one night when my husband and I were chilling. I had just got some new beats and I could tell how high my frequency was. I started flowing like the river. Lyrics of substance and value. I ran to the studio quick and lay it all down. The song morphed in to a beautiful record, energetic with its smoothness and thoughtful lyrics. I want people to understand you have the power to control your thoughts and certain outcomes. You are here to win. If you create the happiness around it is a must that you will not fail. loved music which is a part of my everyday life ever since I was a little girl. There are a lot of musicians and singers in my family That’s what I saw all my life, players of instruments and vocalists. We loved to freestyle on a beat, chill, and laugh the music was never excluded from the fun. I love being a singer and so I wanted to explore the possibilities of me becoming a full-time Singer/Songwriter.
What artists did you listen to or idolized when you grew up?
I listened to a lot of Anita Baker, Sade, Whitney Houston, Regina Bell, and Chaka Khan, it was a mixture of musical genres. I also I listened to so much reggae music oh my gosh! sometimes I miss those days brings back memories but I kind of listened to a little of every Genre there is.
Where do you get your inspiration from for you music?
My everyday experiences are my inspiration. When writing or creating, the mood will set itself for the topic. The way relax and meditate is also one of my biggest inspirations because it brings relaxation and the positive light and energy surrounding me, in addition to the people, I love and care for. There are so many different ways I find inspiration.
What was your most memorable performance?
I remember being in Jamaica at the Rebel Salute event in 2011 I was about to perform and I was about to be called out by this well-known female reggae artist who goes by the name of Queen Ifrica and up till this day it is one of my favorite memories that I’ve never forgotten. I still feel the energy of the moment before touching the stage when Queen Ifrica called me up. I’ve had so many other performances after that one performance and I still feel the butterflies in my stomach. I believe because it was my first real experience performing in the presence of such a large crowd of thousands of people that’s the reason it will be one of my most memorable performances.
Indie vs Label? Which do you choose and why?
Whatever works for me and my team. I love being Indie there’s something about the close look at the work, and business part of things that brings clarity to how things work behind the scenes rather than only the creative art side of things. I feel like if a label does approach me though, with the right deal that will benefit us both maybe, that could be an option on the table.
What single are you pushing and tell us a little about it? The mood of the song?
The name of my single is ” Divine Being” it was freestyled one night when my husband and I were chilling. I had just got some new beats and I could tell how high my frequency was. I started flowing like a river. Lyrics of substance and value. I ran to the studio quickly and lay it all down! the song morphed into a beautiful record. Energetic, with its smoothness and thoughtful lyrics. I want people to understand you have the power to control your thoughts and certain outcomes. You are here to win. If you create happiness around it is a must that you will not fail.
What roadblocks have you encountered?
I have encountered rejection and many other disrespectful things as a female in the music business where I had to stand up for my rights, preference and so many other things next to the everyday life I had to deal with but that never stopped me from pushing because I knew quitting is the biggest failure so I have to be the victor.
Tell me about your team?
We are growing. I have a dedicated and hard-working team of, musicians, creators, designers, and so much more on the team. They are a thoughtful, and kind-hearted team of people working with me on every project including my new Single “Divine Being “ We are growing not just as a team but as a family. Communication is present and so are the plans. They are working, the foot is on the gas and I can see the engine working and the bus ready to get to riding which is important to me. The growth! We Have Band, Management, PR/Marketing managers, Producers, Musicians… Everyone is just such a hard worker a. Dedicated, discipline, and always ready to go.
What what you like to be known for?
I would like to be known as a positive, harmonious person with the content to match. I want to be known for not fitting in and creating my story and my answers. I know I am that person so I would like to share with the world this experience so that they know me for who I am. I want to be known for exactly who I am, sharing my happiness with supporters around the world whoever is in the same frequency as I am enjoying life as I do.
Tell us something about you that your fans don’t know?
I love to cook, I’m good at it. I find excitement in the kitchen while listening to music. I am also very fascinated with whales. Whales have always been an interest of mine. Also, I am so in love with tea, all kinds of them.
How did you break into the industry?
I started doing public performances asking around for shows. Later on, I joined a band called Natural Vibez International. From there, I flew to jamaica to perform at rebel Salute at the invitation of Queen ifrica. Right after that, I worked on the Carnival cruise lines with a friend of mine. Along the way, I had grown so many relationships with other business partners, musicians, singers, and supporters. A few years later, my partner and I opened a business concerning music called Starfruitmusic Group placing us deeper into the music scene, performing at well-known venues and events in Minnesota and the midwest. We then launched our perfume line called Chanje Latè Unisex Parfume with another line following soon.
Where do you see yourself after few years in this industry?
We are not always able to see what will come in the future but one thing I do know is my manifestations are of the utmost highest intentions and that’s all I will keep working at to win and love my life and happiness.
The good? The bad? The ugly?
Please tell me about your journey so far.
My Journey for me is just an experience regardless of the words used to describe them. The good, or bad. Maybe I could give the longest story ever but instead, I actually feel thankful for it all. I feel strengthened by my journey whether disappointment or success. I’ve always preferred choosing the good to ride on, rather than the negatives. The one that benefits my well-being the most is what I decide to remember besides the lessons learned. So, I’ve been journeying well and navigating with gratitude.
“You are going to meet two kinds of people going through this. One that has good intentions for you and another one that doesn’t. There are no friends in this shit!”
Where are you from?
Hattiesburg, MS
Did you always wanted to be rapper?
Well, I used to drop a song local and let my boys hear it. Then I realized that the people making money are behind the scenes. I figured that is where the money is. So, I started Pressure by Shots and shooting videos and taking pictures.
This is my first time trying do something be in front of the camera.
How does it feel?
It’s different. (Laughs) It is like anything else in life you have to brace yourself and stay humble. Right now, I am trying to catch up and understand everything that is going on.
What are you trying to catch up to?
Just everything from what is going on with my songs, traveling doing shows, and being around millionaires.
What is one of the hardest things you had to do so far?
I had to step outside my comfort zone. I know there is some new things that I have to do.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don’t like to do nothing. I really don’t like to go out. If anything, to stay at home and chill perhaps have a date night, chill with fam.
Where do you get the inspiration for your music?
Just everyday country life that I live. We always believe that my city produced a different breed. We do everything the same but a different way. I pull inspiration from my city.
What artists did you listen to growing up?
Boosie was probably my number 1 person to growing up and Level. I liked Boosie music because I could relate to it because he is like where I am from. Level was my favorite rapper. A lot of people don’t fuck with him, but his music is tough and hard. Everyone doesn’t get ranked as what they are supposed to get ranked.
What is your most memorable performance?
That’s a hard question to answer. I mean from Dallas to most recently Grenada all my shows memorable. It’s just different coming from behind the camera to in front on the stage. I feel the energy from the crowd, and it gets me going.
Your debut single, “Jigg Session,” is a dance single, right?
Well, it didn’t start out as a dance single. The people made it one. Ya’ see in my city when you “Jigg” you can be talking about a lot of different sx?t, like “Do your Jigg!” It could mean you are on your grind, just popping. But then you do some people who dance that mo-head swag, they call that Jigg. Jigg came from Mississippi back in the 60’s when they used to line dance, 2-step, and couples’ dance. Then got adopted in Baton Rouge, LA and they ran with it a little tougher than Mississippi did. So, they got named as the creators. I want to bring it back and let people know this is where it started.
Indie vs label?
To be real, its all about meeting good. Before I had any street team, marketing or anything like that I already had a lot of views and trending on TikTok and that showed me what my work etiquette could do. For me its about meeting good people that I can work with like family.
I am messing with some solid cats like Miami Mike and DJ Tony Tee. Being around honest people like that make you want to stay indie. You know, make my label bigger. At the end of the day its all about who going to help get the bag.
What roadblocks have you encountered?
Man, I am so blessed it is hard to think about the roadblocks right now. I guess the hardest thing was finding the right producer and just staying focused and remaining humble.
Tell me out your team.
I am blessed to have a team that works around the clock. PTE, Miami Mike is my manager/CEO and DJ Tony Tee is my road manager, and Anthony Smith with Apex Marketing & Promotions helping with pushing the song. I don’t think I could have been doing all this by myself, it would have just been to much on me. God bless me with this team.
What do you want to be known for?
I want to be known as a positive trendsetter.
How you got started?
When I got out of prison, I didn’t want to go back. I started doing concerts. Then when I would book an artist for 200k and I had to pay another 20k for the booking fee. So, I started a booking agency. Then after that all the artists that I had opening for my shows wanted me to manage them. I really didn’t want to do that because I didn’t think 20% wasn’t enough money. One day Soulja Boy at one of my shows he asked me to manage him. He had been trying to get at me for like 2 years, and I told him I didn’t want to manager anyone. He said that I was already managing several car washes, barber shop and booking agency so you can manage me. I told him we can be business partners go 50/50 but I am not going to do it for 20%. So that’s how I got into management. And I was doing just doing at first trying to get that check from Ticketmaster.
His first album dropped on my label called Palm Tree, but we end up signing to College Park. Then to Interscope and I just stayed on as his manager.
What advice would you give to other aspiring mangers?
You must believe in the dreams until it comes through. It’s like a farmer. He plants seeds, waters it, and waits for it grow. When I was in prison, I had never seen the movie Life. But I when I saw it, I got that you have to speak it into existence. People see the glory, but they don’t know the story. They just must work on it. You can’t give up. I just know I didn’t want to go back to prison.
People used to talk about me behind my back. Saying I was a dope boy and didn’t know anything about music, you are dope boy. But as soon as they see me at the BET and Grammy awards then “I’m your friend now.”
Hardest thing about being a manager:
Dealing with hardhead artists. A manager is like a coach. If somebody doesn’t want to listen to his manager then they don’t need to be manage. A manager is supposed to be your coach and motivator taking you to the next level.
Phil Jackson was a good coach, but he needed the right players. Michael Jordan was a good player but needed the right coach. Michael Jordan didn’t win a ring until got with Phil Jackson. When he got with Phil Jackson he won a ring because he had the right motivation. Same with Shaq & Kolby. You have to that person that you respect and knows what he is doing.
How do you feel about “Homeboy” management?
I don’t have a problem with “homeboy” management if they know what they are doing. For instance, Kevin Hart sent his guys to school and the same with Yo Gotti. You must know what you are doing. Like if you need a heart transplant are you going to call a heart surgeon or let your homeboy do it so he can make that money?
People want to take their homeboys with them, then find a place for them on the team. Like a road manager, assistant, someone to help with the luggage. I used to be a big gambler. I used to lose on the Cowboys all the time because I loved them. I never thought they was going to lose. I lost a lot of money. Then one day this old man told me that I have to look at the numbers, numbers don’t lie. But your heart will lie to you. Your heart is blind is just like love. Look at the numbers of the game and the statistics don’t lie. I always compare coaches to managers because its relatable. Both are trying to win the championship in sports and Grammy in music.
Who is the newest artist you signed?
Pressure Bab3
What projects are you working on?
I have a consulting company that helps companies become millionaires, called A+ Consulting. If you have your own business and need information. I partner businesses with mentors to help guide you in correct way.
Here are list of my projects/companies:
- Motivator
- Soap Company
- Palm Tree Foundation giving back to the community (We do a lot of silent donations.)
- PTE Label
I have made over 30 ppl millionaires since I got in the game. I have ppl in every state that represents my company.
Where are you from? | I was born on the south side of Chicago before moving to the east side . |
Tell us a little about you? | I am a independent artist / songwriter that enjoy writing books and films . I also enjoy playing basketball , golfing , painting , modeling and acting . When I’m not creating I enjoy handling business behind the scenes . Just created my own label PNB Empire Records and I have a marketing company that assist with building brands as well as mine. |
What artists did you listen to or idolized when you grew up? | I grew up listening to Jagged edge , Boyz to Men , Usher , R Kelly , Kirk Franklin , Marvin Sapp , BB & Cece Winans , 50 cent , Mary J Blige , Omarion, Jamie Foxx , Michael Jackson , Stevie Wonder , Motown . Pretty much all 90s , 2000’s artist that was popular on radio . But I’m falling more in love with 70s music and I love classical music from Mozart & Beethoven |
Why did you choose music vs over basketball? | My mother told me I had to make a chose and focus on it . So I chose music business because I enjoy writing , producing performing and being a record executive. |
What was your most memorable performance? | The most memorable performance will always be my 1st performance at my high school at Miami Beach Senior High in Miami Beach , Fl |
Why did you turn down the deal with Sony? | Sony wanted to sign me for $250,000 but my cousin / manager Speedy said it wasn’t a great deal because we already had that amount of money and more . Speedy told me I’m worth more and never settle for anything less . Also to always be my own boss . |
Indie vs Label? Which do you choose and why? | Honestly I would say Independent and create a partnership with a major label if needed for resources and backing . But as a marketing executive now and my own investor knowing a lot of people behind the scenes everything is a phone call . As long as you know who to contact for this and that you’re gucci. You have control of everything also . |
What single are you pushing and tell us a little about it? The mood of the song? | The single we’re pushing right now is called Destiny . Destiny is pretty much about being my own boss and king . That no one can stop me from becoming a icon because it’s my destiny to become one and a billionaire . I’m already a icon and wealthy not because of my possessions but because of who I am . The mood of the song is a vibe and then it gets TURNTUP . A real club banger honestly . |
What roadblocks have you encountered? | I feel the roadblocks I encountered pretty much wasn’t truly roadblocks . They all were apart of my journey to make me stronger . Pretty much Gods plan for me to present my testimony to the world soon through music , film , books and motivational speaking. |
Tell me about your team? | My team is phenomenal and we’re a family . PNB The Family , I’ve known everyone for a very long time . Everyone have a role and they play it very well . I don’t have to look over my shoulders with my team. I can trust them and they do everything needed with no questions . They believe in me and they see the vision . Definitely follow my team to reach me . I post their name in every ig post . |
Where do you see yourself after few years in this industry? | I see myself on many owned lands around the world raising the next generation while generating income from many sources peacefully. |
Q: Does your name have a meaning?
A: Not really, just wanted a name that my fans could remember and scream during my show whether drunk or sober (:
Q: Where are you from?
A: LOUISIANA
Q: What was your childhood like?
A: My childhood was happy overall. I was loved and encouraged to love myself
Q: When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist?
A: As a shy young girl; I knew I always wanted to be a performing artist.
Q: When did was your first performance?
A: Early singing was in cherub church choir fast forward to middle school when I auditioned for show choir and was selected to sing Broadway tune “It’s Raining Men”
Q: Who are some of the artists that inspired you?
A: Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Betty Wright, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Beyonce
Q: How did you break into the industry?
A: I began as a writer for the legendary Carl Sims and a few others. I then decided that I wanted to focus on my artistry and brand.
Q: What was your childhood like?
A: My childhood was happy overall. I was loved and encouraged to love myself.
Q: Have you done any collaborations with any other artists?
A: Yes, most artists in soul and blues in the Southern region. Two specifically Roi Chip Anthony and Avail Hollywood.
Q: Who is your competition?
A: Honestly I don’t view other artists as competition because they aren’t me and I’m not them. My personal competitive goal would be to see how many more supporters I can gain with each song, video, or show I produce.
Q: What do you want to be known for?
A: I’d like to be known as a philanthropic educator and entertainer who loved God, my family, and the special needs population whom I served for years.
Q: Indie vs Label: What are your thoughts?
A: indie definitely gives the artist more creativity and business control, more hats to be worn, and legwork in a lot of cases. Given the right label situation, an artist’s music and brand can have far greater reach.
Q: What obstacles have you encountered?
A: My obstacles have mostly been in the areas of 1) marketing and effective strategic planning to maximize brand expansion as well as the capital raising to fund such efforts. 2) establishing the right team
Q: What can people expect from you?
A: people can expect a good time great music and good vibes.
Q: Do you have an upcoming release? If so, please tell us about and when?
Yes, next month I’ll be releasing my single “GOOD VIBES (It’s A Party)” which is also the title of my debut album to be released in Spring 2021.
Q: How did you break into the industry?
A: I began as a writer for the legendary Carl Sims and a few others. I then decided that I wanted to focus on my artistry and brand.
Q: What was your childhood like?
A: My childhood was happy overall. I was loved and encouraged to love myself.
Q: Have you done any collaborations with any other artists?
A: Yes, mostly artist in soul and blues in the Southern region. Two specifically Roi Chip Anthony and Avail Hollywood.
Q: Who is your competition?
A: Honestly I don’t view other artists as competition because they aren’t me and I’m not them. My personal competitive goal would be to see how many more supporters I can gain with each song, video, or show I produce.
Q: What do you want to be known for?
A: I’d like be known as a philanthropic educator and entertainer who loved God, my family and the special needs population whom I served for years.
Q: Indie vs Label: What are you thoughts?
A: indie definitely gives the artist more creative and business control, more hats to be worn and legwork in a lot of cases. Given the right label situation an artist’s music and brand can have far greater reach.
Q: What obstacles have you encountered?
A: My obstacles have mostly been in the areas of 1) marketing and effective strategic planning to maximize brand expansion as well as the capital raising to fund such efforts. 2) establishing the right team
Q: What can people expect from you?
A: people can expect a good time great music and good vibes.
Q: Do you have an upcoming release? Is so please tell us about and when?
Yes next month I’ll be releasing my single “GOOD VIBES (It’s A Party)” which is also the title of my debut album to be released Spring 2021.
“Music is my life and it saved me. I am dead without it!”
Q: Does your name have a meaning?
A: Yes, like Deja-vu, my name is pronounced DAY-JAH. Which means “already”. So, the feeling that you’ve experienced something before but really didn’t but you’re comfortable with this feeling. That’s me.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Born in DC raised in DC & MD
Q: What was your childhood like?
A: LIT! Even though I was a very angry child, I never stopped dreaming and I never stopped living. I was always in trouble because I do not remember a time when I did not do what I wanted to do. I always knew it would be consequences later and I accepted them.
Q: When did you realize that you wanted to be artist?
A: Late 2019…I wanted to be one when I was a little girl. However, I never was confident enough with my voice. I fell in love with hair and forgot about music, but never let it go. Music got me through ALL of the tough times. I just put it on the back burner. My family supported me doing hair anyway.
Q: When did was your first performance?
A: Performing at church in the choir and doing talent shows in grade school has been my only “performances” so far.
Q: Who are some of the artists that inspired you?
A: India Arie, Erykah Badu, Marsha, Lauren Hill, Kem (male), KeKe Wyatt, Aaliyah, Ciara, Donell Jones, Usher, Ne-Yo, Tank, Maxell, Brian McKnight, New Impressionz, BYB, XYB
Q: How did you break into the industry?
A: Went to NC randomly with a random friend at the time, ended up in the studio, heard someone
making a beat and wrote to it in like 5 minutes. We recorded it, and that was it. I sent it to some family and close friends. My brother cried and told me to keep going. So here I am.
Q: Have you done any collaborations with any other artists?
A: No collaborations, at the moment, but I would love to work with a few artists. So, if you want to collab, hit me up!
Q: Who is your competition?
A: There is no competing where you cannot compare. The only person I can ever compare myself with is
the old me. I am my only competition.
Q: What do you want to be known for?
A: I cannot be boxed into one corner and just be known for one thing. I am all over the place with my
life goals. I can only be known for being myself. It’s no label with me. Anything I set my mind on, Ima do.
Q: Indie vs Label: What are your thoughts?
A: What’s for me will be for me. I’m not for one more than the other. Even though I prefer Indie, I’m not
knocking anyone’s hustle. I just want everyone to know that what YOU see in YOU can only change and
make you. Not any contract or any dollar amount can change that. Don’t hold yourself to the value of
what someone else see’s in you.
Q: What obstacles have you encountered?
A: Obstacles? lol. As a black female or just as a human-being? We all can testify that we all have been in
some MESS. I am not here to share my life-long story just yet. But I do want to let everyone know that I
am blessed and HIGHLY favored and that is why I am still standing.
Q: What can people expect from you?
A: expect a lot! more rawness, more music, more entertainment, more love, more merchandise coming
soon! www.dejahmonae.com
Q: Do you have an upcoming release? Is so please tell us about and when?
A: New music is on the way! No release date just yet. Just know that I come in 3’s.