Soundcloud keeps the ball rolling at SXSW to start the new year.
Last month the platform announced its new joint venture with Quality Control Music Group and Solid Foundation management founders Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas.
The partnerships will “create custom A&R programs for selected artists inclusive of development, distribution and marketing and artist services.” It is a testament to SoundCloud’s commitment to being a conduit for creative freedom and equity.
Soundcloud will bring its ‘Next Wav” event series to SXSW, featuring workshops, discussion, and performances on the heels of the joint venture announcement. The event will occur at live music venue Mohawk in Austin, allowing creators and fans to celebrate the culture, community, and creativity.
The event will end with a live music showcase featuring Houston rapper Monaleo, El Paso-born Indigenous Mexican-American R&B artist Flores, breakout DMV-area hip-hop artist with an alternative-rap sound Kelow LaTesha, and Miami musician fusing Reggaeton beats, R&B, and pop riela.
‘Next Wav’ is free for SXSW ticket holders with confirmed RSVP. Check out the programming schedule and RSVP here.
Harlem-bred former In Living Color, “Fly Girl”, Jossie Harris-Thacker was a trendsetter when she became one of the top hip hop dancers of all times. From her signature braids to her 90’s style—young girls everywhere wanted to be like Jossie. We watched In Living Color to get a glimpse of her moves and adored her as Renee in The Lost Boyz video. She was definitely the ‘it’ girl but doused in immense natural talent.
Although she wasn’t formally trained in dance, her talent landed her featured roles in a host of music videos including, Michael Jackson’s, “Remember the Time”. As one of the most sought out dancers, touring the world with top artist such as Janet Jackson, and many others, Jossie starred as one of the acclaimed, “Fly Girls”, in Keenan Ivory Wayan’s, hit TV show, “In Living Color”, alongside her friend, Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Damon Wayans.
Following, In Living Color, Jossie honed in on her natural acting talent that landed over 45 roles in many top television series. Jossie’s lead performance in the NAACP nominated short, “Brooklyn’s bride to Jordan”, led to her award winning role, “Charlie”, in Chicago International Film Festival’s best film, “Mississippi Damned”, which earned Jossie “Best Supporting Actress” award and makes her the first African American, Latina woman ever to win in that category. Jossie recently won the People’s Choice award for “Best Lead Actress”, at the Las Vegas Film Festival for her film work in, “No Weapon Formed Against Us”.
Still fine as wine, Jossie’s passion is teaching. Known as a professional acting coach to the stars, Jossie has her own, “Respect for Acting Academy” for adults and “Kids W.A.Y. (Who Are You?) Acting Academy.
Kid Cudi is gearing up for his very first performance on the virtual app,“Encore,” he co-founded back in 2020 alongside CEO Jonathan Gray and President Ian Edelman. The “Want It Bad” artist took to Twitter back in February to make the announcement, which included an added incentive.
“Hey Cud Fam!! Got some tasty news for u! The person w the most claps at my show on March 7th on Encore will receive an all expenses paid trip to one of my tour dates this year for you and a friend,” he tweeted.
Hey Cud Fam!! Got some tasty news for u! The person w the most claps at my show on March 7th on Encore will recieve an all expenses paid trip to one of my tour dates this year for you and a friend, and we’ll also meet after the show!! Sign up now! https://t.co/EopAPk6cy6
Back on February 16, “Encore,” the interactive live performance app, officially launched to the general public after raising $9 million in seed funding from Battery Ventures and Launches Live.
“Music artists are the original creators and they have been forgotten by the creator economy and overrun by memes and algorithms on social media,” said CEO Jonathan Gray. “Our live AR technology empowers any artist to create personalized content and host experiences for their fans without a production budget or crew and make real cash with 100’s of engaged fans.”
Since its inception, the platform has hosted hundreds of artist performances in private beta including Too $hort, DC The Don, SSG Kobe, The Cool Kids and more.
Kid Cudi’s performance will be director by Lyrical Lemonade founder, Cole Bennett.
The Kentucky native sure put some sauce on the speculation last week when he posts eda picture of he and SZA on Instagram. The picture remained on his page for a short period of time before the 23-year-old rapper deleted it. In an era where screenshots run rapid, at least a handful of people were going to catch the image of the TDE songstress and the Generation Now rapper
Since his breakout year in 2020, Jack Harlow has released a number of singles including his most recent with Yung Miami entitled, “Nail Tech.” The song received a co-sign from Ye, leading to Harlow’s cameo on DONDA 2 on a song entitled, “Louis Bags.”
On the other hand, fans are expecting SZA’s highly anticipated sophomore release this year after her critically acclaimed 2017 debut, CTRL.
Was Jack supposed to reveal this alleged link up? Based on his reaction, one can assume he was not. No matter the result of the image, both artists have projects in the works with the possibility of a 2022 release date.
Comment your thoughts on how a Jack Harlow and SZA collab would sound.
Every now and then, the age-old debate on whether to have dinner with Jay-Z or take $500,000 trends on social media. Fans provide arguments for both sides of the spectrum. Some argue that a conversation during a dinner with Hov will catapult them to insurmountable heights, while others look to cash-out on-demand.
Well last September, TIDAL’s Twitter account finally put the debate to rest with the now viral response “Take the $500K,” tweeted from the thumbs of social media manager, Melanie Mercedes.
The New York University alumna has held the role of managing all social platforms for TIDAL. Now her role has evolved to community manager of social which she describes is a role that goes far beyond solely publishing on social media.
Melanie Mercedes
“The magic in social is being able to identify your audience and speak to them directly. When they feel seen and heard, they’re much more likely to engage in a meaningful way.”
Humanizing the brand is pivotal to keeping the audience engaged. While social media controls the direct-to-consumer voice for the platform, Alexa Disney connects the DSP and collaborating artists with external brands that coincide with their musical content and overall message.
The Sony Music alumas, where she held a similar role, stresses the importance of authenticity when pairing TIDAL or other artists with other brands.
Alexa Disney
“Fans know if it’s not authentic,” she says.
There was more push back during the beginning of her career, where many artists perceived brand partnerships to be a gimmick, rather than something that can help expand their audience. In this day and age, artists are more receptive because it helps to only add to their overall brand.
For Tonya Nelson-Fisher, the manager of music programming, she connects TIDAL’s “most passionate music fans” to their favorite genre, artists, era of music and more. In addition, Nelson-Fisher helps to curate themed playlists for specific holidays, months and even cultural icons. Back in January, TIDAL uploaded a playlist of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speeches. The same goes for Maya Angelou and Malcom X.
“I think that differentiates us and helps us to stand out from the pack,” she says.
Tonya Nelson Fisher
Nelson-Fisher promises that TIDAL will introduce new features to enhance their user experience in the near future. The digital streaming platform has added the HiFi Plus tier user experience, which grants access to lossless High Fidelity sound quality, master quality and immersive audio.
Although Tonya, Alexa and Melanie’s roles differ, they co-exist to expand TIDAL’s reach to potential new audiences, while maintaining the interest of the ones that already exist.
Their musical obsession only adds to the growth and success of the platform.
Continue the Women of TIDAL conversation on social media.
Southern California recording artist Price has had a rollercoaster career that has seen the highest of highs and lowest of lows; however, been nothing but blissful these past few years with several hit songs and a new deal with Motown Records. Now, with a new E.P. on the way, he taps popular heartthrob Elhae for the project’s first single and music video, “Without You.” “Without you … easily my best visual yet,” Price tweets Thursday afternoon (Mar 3).
“Price flipped a Ja Rule classic into a West Coast bop,” tweets Rap Caviar with fire emoji.
A tribute to the classic 2Pac and Janet Jackson-starring classic film, Poetic Justice (1993), the captivating cinematic visual follows Price as he moves through various stages of life, from dating to marriage to fatherhood. Elhae pulls up for the cameo with a fiery falsetto. Together, they trade young, fly, and flashy styles with melodies and a soul-stirring hook.
Price’s new single further validates his newfound appeal and deal with Motown, which involves his imprint, C.L.R.D. Entertainment. “This why you start and build your own brand,” he tweets. “Create your own value and leverage. I did a partnership with Motown records and signed ME TO ME after building leverage and momentum. put my own dough up. mf’s gotta come in MY OFFICE now. live and learn my ppl. # C.L.R.D.E.N.T. citch.”
Price’s upcoming E.P., which follows the rising star’s 2021 project F.O.E.S., will be the first release under Motown. All leading to a full-length debut, expected in 2022. The Price E.P. drops in late March via C.L.R.D. Entertainment/Motown Records. “Without You” is available everywhere.
Elhae appears on “Without You” courtesy of Atlantic Records.
Take a look at Price’s new video below, then follow him for daily updates on social media.
Chelsey Wilkins does everything with style and grace. The New Jersey native epitomizes fearlessness in order to achieve fulfillment. A maven, in the digital marketing median of entertainment culture, Wilkins has held distinguished positions at MTV, Pernod Ricard, Columbia Records and now Coca-Cola.
Her journey began as a Fashion editorial intern at ESSENCE, while attending Boston University. At the time, Wilkins viewed the lifestyle publication as her “dream internship.”
“ESSENCE was important to me because I grew up in a predominantly white area. I was always the only Black girl in my classes, and I really wanted to be uplifted by women who looked like me.”
While grateful for the experience, she quickly decided that it was not a long-term stay.
“Just because you love fashion doesn’t mean that you’ll like working in it,” she says.
After a few more internships while completing her bachelor’s program at Boston University, she took her style and work ethic to the house that Quincy Jones built, Vibe Magazine as a freelance writer.
Wilkin’s editorial experience would land her a role at Viacom’s (now ViacomCBS), MTV Networks. From flagship award shows to overseeing digital production, her tenure at the network proved her savviness for digital production and marketing.
In 2016, she transitioned from MTV to assume the role as Digital Content Manager at Columbia Records after attending an event where the label’s Digital Marketing head was a speaker. While many attendees asked questions pertaining to artists, Wilkins stood apart from the pack by asking questions pertaining to the role of digital marketing.
One of her proudest moments stemmed from her contribution to Solange’s career defining project, A Seat at The Table. The project was released within a three-week period. Wilkins details her experience of working with Solange.
“Hearing the music and working with her team, I noticed how dedicated she was to complete her vision. It showed me that when you’re truly passionate about something you are going to push through. It was really a powerful moment in my career.”
The album’s lead single, “Cranes in the Sky,” earned Solange her first Grammy win and nomination. In 2020, the album was listed in Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest albums of all-time.
She later rose to the occasion once again when Pernod Ricard sought out someone with music industry experience to assure their brand would appear in the culture’s most relevant spaces.
“I felt very confident with my experience in that world. There were so many synergies….. artists have partnerships with spirit brands, liquor brands are typically festival sponsors as well.”
Wilkin’s expertise would help Pernod Ricard grow their digital footprint in social media due to her content creation experience for artists at Columbia. Each previous experience was preparation for the next.
“I always seek environments where I can feel free to create,” she says.
At The Cocoa Cola Company, North America, where she leads Influencer and Music partnerships, Wilkins wants to assure that Black content creators not only have a seat at the table but are aware of their value once the seat is taken. Although she works to carry out the objective on a daily basis, she is more intentional about balance now more than ever.
“For a long time, I chased a title, more money and I thought success was working more. Now I’m intentional about defining my purpose and what makes me happy,” she says.
She prides herself on an audacious demeanor to trust her instinct when making the next move. Wilkins not only credits her instinct, but her core circle, which includes a combination of close friends and family.
Success for her now means, “family, friends and good health.”
As far as recipes for success, the Harlem based executive keeps it short and sweet: “work extremely hard and enjoy the transitional process from where you are now to where you want to be.”
For Chelsey Wilkins, she carries out her recipe with a dash of chic style.
Floyd Mayweather brought in his 45th birthday like only a champion could. Mayweather was joined by a handful of notable stars. This included Kanye “Ye” West, Lil Wayne, Quavo, Lil Kim, Aaron Donald, Antonio Brown and more.
During the birthday bash, Ye took to Instagram live as everyone joined The Money Team founder in a karaoke version of Donnell Jones’ classic hit, “Where I Wanna Be.” Jones performed at the event as well. The viral moment was just one of many memorable scenes at the “Mayweather City” birthday bash.
Ye doing karaoke with Floyd Mayweather and Antonio Brown tonight in Miami (2.23.22) pic.twitter.com/9AhaAIDkPN
Other notable guests included Super Bowl Champion Robert Woods, UFC champion Tyron Woodley, Daymond John, Justin Laboy, model Chanel Iman and Love & Hip-Hop’s Tommie Lee.
The undefeated boxing mogul celebrated the red-carpet event at the Black-owned, Gabriel South Beach hotel in Miami. He recently became an investing partner with CGI Merchant Group, who recently acquired The Gabriel South Beach hotel. Floyd joins Alex Rodriguez as an investing partner in CGI’s mission.
“My focus is on creating generational wealth and doing it with partners that share my values and drive for excellence,” said Floyd.
“The partnership will have an impact on the lives of athletes and others who invest in the platform by helping them learn and create generational wealth.”
How would a Kodak Black and Beyoncé song sound? The “Super Gremlin” can quickly tell you.
Kodak Black was not shy about naming the most coveted future collaborator. What would have been a surprise to many may not be a surprise. Kodak Black is fresh off of his 4th studio album, Back For Everything. The “Zeze” rapper currently holds the 5th spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts with “Super Gremlin.” The track debuted in the top 10 upon its release.
The Florida native recently appeared on Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast with Gille and Walo.
During the interview, Gillie asked Kodak, “which artist he would want to work with whom he hasn’t worked with already?”
With no hesitation, Kodak says Beyoncé. Then he proceeds to sing the line he has already written for her.
“Here’s some pictures of your family and our children, baby boy you’re the only one I’m missing,” Yak sings as he replicates Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” melody.
Then he says he has the rest of the song already written. Based on Kodak’s musical ability to write melodies and hooks, the Queen Bey feature is only a matter of time.
Check out the rest of the “Super Gremlin’s” interview.
Megan Thee Stallion will soon be hitting the big screen, the H-Town Hottie is going virtual. Megan announced Monday that she is collaborating with AmazeVR for “Enter Thee Hottieverse,” the first-ever 10-city virtual reality concert tour.
According to the statement, attendees will receive a “Hottie Mounted Displays” VR headset and Meg will perform four songs in front of them.
After buying their tickets for te VR concert, fans will be able to go to their local movie theater, put on the provided “Hottie Mounted Displays” settle in, and hang out in the VR Hottieverse lobby before watching Megan.
“Virtual reality has always been an interest of mine and I’m glad that we’ll be able to make history with this experience,” the “Savage” rapper said.
“My hotties will get to watch me perform in a completely different and unique way and I appreciate the AmazeVR team for helping me to bring this VR vision to life. I can’t wait to see the Hotties show up to the tour.”
The VR concert performance will feature a multi-song set that moves through a series of environments as well as hot custom wardrobes designed just for the show.
“Enter Thee Hottieverse” virtual reality concert is set to hit select theaters in April and run through July. Go to AmazeVR.com for more info.
Los Angeles April 5-10 San Francisco April 21-24 Chicago May 5-8 Dallas May 12-15 Houston May 19-22 Atlanta May 26-29 Miami June 2-5 Charlotte June 16-19 Washington DC June 23-26 New York June 30-July 3
YOU FRESHIE 4EVER (@KidCudi) 
