Comai

A Fresh New Voice

By Will murphy

There is nothing better than hearing a sweet, sensual voice serenading you. When was the last time you heard a song that made you feel proud to be a man? Past greats like Gladys Knight, and Aretha Franklin were past good at touching those inner cords of men and women alike. In this day and age, the R&B game is nothing like it used to be. You have your few shining stars like Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Keisha Cole, but overall there is a missing piece to the puzzle. Fret not I tell you, for there is new comer on the rise that is sure to fill the gap. Comai, a young, beautiful diva, with an explosive voice and commanding stage presence is on her grind. Born in Indianapolis, IN, she moved to Nashville with her family at the age of 2. It was here that the young songstress honed and developed her skills. Coming from a musically inclined family she naturally attended the Nashville School of the Arts before transferring to Maplewood High School where she graduated. At age 24, she moved to Atlanta to pursue her music career. Having seen her live I can say, the girl has SKILLS!!! It’s refreshing to see a young artist on the come up that is humble, focused, and actually talented. The young diva is single, happy with herself and her music. With a sizzling album sure to be on the way, this young lady is sure to take the world by storm. By a chance encounter, Comai was happy to sit down and give us some insight as to who she is…

I know you probably get asked this a lot, but what does Comai mean?
Comai: “It means beauty from ashes…”
Wow. Where did you come up with that?
Comai: “Dealing with different situations in life. It’s not what you go through, its how you go through it.”
Well spoken. So when did you know you wanted to be a singer?
Comai: “I would say since birth (laughs). It’s funny but true, my mother actually always knew I would be a singer because when I was born, my first cry sounded more like I was hitting a note. So hearing that story growing up I kind of just stuck with it.”
So when did you fall in love with music?
Comai: “I was 9 years old when I fell in love with music. My family is musically inclined, but they tend to do more gospel. I never had a problem with that, but at that age I knew if I ever made a career out of it I would be doing more R&B.
So when did you first start working in the studio?
Comai: “I actually started when I was 12 years old. That was when I wrote and recorded my first song.”
And that was?
Comai: “It was a song called Since You Been Gone.”
Sounds a little beyond your time. What could inspire a twelve year old to write and record a song like that?
Comai: “Well as child I was very observant. That song was actually brought on by a situation that my mother was going through with a male friend of hers.”
So when you write your songs, where does that inspiration come from?
Comai: “When I write my songs, I try to visualize and pull from my own experiences or experiences that somebody close to me is going through. I really try to just mix that with overall creativity.”
So the people want to know, who is Comai?
Comai: “(laughs) Comai is a soulful, strong, determined, loving, caring, outgoing, off the wall talented young woman preparing to take the industry by storm.”
That’s a lot to be. So how do you view yourself?
Comai: “I’m confident, but humble. I know a lot of people start off one way, and then they get fame and change. That’s not me.”
So what are you bringing to the table that is different from other singers out there?
Comai: “I’m not just looks and a nice voice. I’m also not one dimensional, I want to show my versatility. Whether I’m in the booth or on stage. I’m looking to bring real music back to the forefront. My music isn’t just good music to be heard, its good music to be felt.”
Good music to be felt?
Comai: “Yeah, like music that you can ride to, talk to your kids to, and make love to. Real feel good music with understanding and meaning.”
That’s what we need. What inspires you to do music?
Comai: “The people around me. They are the ones who pushed me to do it in the first place. The fans definitely play a role as well. I love to perform on stage. I feel like my stage presence embodies the essence of who I am, and I use it as a way of saying thank you to the fans. I love giving love and receiving it from the masses. It’s my high (smiles).”
So you moved to Atlanta to pursue your career, but Nashville is known as “Music City”. What made you choose ATL over home?
Comai: “Life in Nashville is cool, but I didn’t think it was good for R&B marketing. The Nashville market is more gospel and country unless you are already a major artist. Because of that, Nashville is often overlooked and that doesn’t create a strong support foundation.
How do you see yourself fitting into the scheme of the industry? Like when people look back at what you brought to the game, they will say your name with whom?
Comai: “I really like to think I’m in a class of my own. I’ve heard people compare me to Erykah Badu, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Kahn, and Monica. I feel honored to even be considered in the same standing with those ladies but when I make my mark, I don’t want to be mentioned along with, I’d rather be mentioned as just Comai.”
How do you feel about the current state of R&B?
Comai: “There is some good music out there, but it seems a lot of artists just put out music just put out music hoping that people will buy it off of their name. Like I said before, I plan to be more than just a pretty face with a voice. I’m seeking that legendary status.”
So who is in your system right now, who are you listening to?
Comai: “I listen to Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Kanye West, and T.I. I love T.I., he is my future husband.”
Wow. So do you think R&B is lacking?
Comai: “Just a little bit. Everybody is stuck on the money. I think old school music is where the epitome of good music lives. I don’t want to say that new music is trash, but it’s losing the structure. There has to be a foundation in order to be stable. Without the foundation, so many different people will be dipping and dabbing and just making what THEY want to make rather than what the people want to hear. We need to shape it back up.”
Are you worried about being stuck in one market?
Comai: “Not at all. I think as long as I stay two steps ahead I should be straight.”
So do you have anything on the table currently?
Comai: “I’m talking to a couple of labels, and I stay in the studio constantly trying new ideas. I’m always writing and I’m currently touring around Atlanta.”
So when you get the deal, what’s the first thing you’re going to do?
Comai: “A lot of people talk about buying fancy cars and big houses. That’s all nice but I really want to build a youth center for disabled kids. Part of being blessed is never forgetting where you come from and giving back.”
That’s very admirable. I can assure Culture Shock Mag is glad to have the opportunity to sit with you and get to know the real Comai. How can the people hear some of your music?
Comai: “Thank you for giving me a chance to give you the real me. For the fans, you can hear some of my work on Myspace.com/kokonashville. And my email address is nucomai83@yahoo.com”
Word. Any shouts?
Comai: ‘’ I want to send a big shout out to anybody that supports me. Also to anybody that is struggling. And to my family, you know who you are.”

St. Louis Prodigy

By Kenneth Ford

“It ain’t just about getting money over here…” up-and-coming emcee Young Hades modestly explains while one of his mixtape tracks is playing. Born in St. Louis and raised just outside of Atlanta, Young Hades has the potential to be considered one of the elite rappers during his time. Listening to his mixtape, it was refreshing to finally hear something professional. Young Hades refuses to sound like every other rapper who raps about what they have over some 808 loops that everybody snaps to. He is truly about his lyrical content. One would be nothing but amazed at the punch lines this man was delivering. I wanted to say that he sounds like somebody, but in truth, he can only sound like himself. His rhyme scheme is precise and articulate, and you can’t help but move some part of your body to not only his background rhythm but also his rhythmical lyrics. He could be the next Sugar Ray Leonard of local artists, even national artists, because of the way he lyrically snaps jabs that sting you in the chest until he comes with some power punch line that lands with perfect timing. For those of us who want the best of both worlds, beats and good lyrics, Young Hades is the one to look out for.
Young Hades currently has his second mixtape about to come out. Be on the lookout for it, because I heard some of the tracks on it and I was impressed, and I am very picky when it comes to finding a good emcee. In fact, an example of just how creative he is: There is a song on the mixtape called “S.” That’s right, “S.” It’s a full song with the majority of words that begin with the letter “S” and the sentences actually make perfect sense. Not only does he lay down lyrical vocabulary science, but there are actually some deadly punch lines in this joint as well. Remember that name, Young Hades.

Check out the latest tracks from Young Hades at:

www.myspace.com/hadestheproduct

An Ghost to the Industry You Should Recognize!

PAPOOSE

By Will Murpphy

What’s really good people? I’m back again, this time with a featured artist EXCLUSIVE!!!! If you haven’t heard, Papoose is the word. You may recall hearing joe on the Busta Rhymes smash of the summer a year back “Touch It” remix. On everything I love, this kid is the TRUTH! With over 25mixtapes currently flooding the streets, you can’t question the work ethic of this Brooklyn born beast. Check out some of his hot tapes like Election Day, The Main Event, and The Boyz in the Hood at datpiff.com.
Pap brings a breath of fresh air to the game, and defines what it means to be an “educated thug”. I know some of ya’ll was going to commit suicide if you heard one more rapper come out with another dance or boast about how much dope he sells. Fret not I tell you, because the self proclaimed savior of rap, just may very well be that. The Boyz In the Hood mix tape features a second installment to his acclaimed Law Library song. Here, Pap kicks some serious knowledge to an old school sample that is sure to educate and make you slackers get on your books. I wonder how many dudes are going to avoid going to jail off of this track. IT’S THAT SERIOUS!!! On the flipside, the street comes out of Papoose on tracks like Faces of Death, where the young future goes hard over multiple Rocky samples giving not only street but real life situations where one slip up in thought can mean the end. I’m tempted to give you all a quote or two, but unfortunately on this one, you got to find out for yourself. It’s like the Bible, people always tell what’s written and what it means, but until you crack that open yourself, you will never know the truth. But take it from me, ten years from now, they’re going to say Papoose gave re-birth to what it means to be REAL……

Welcome to the Zoo…
By Tatiana R. Johnson

Straight out of the Hollygrove area in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Young Wolf and Young Money representative, Mack Maine, tells listeners, “Expect the unexpected.” His charismatic punch lines and driven lyrics demand attention. And it isn’t so bad having the President of Cash Money and former Hot Boy, Lil’ Wayne to cosign just that.
So what makes the Young Wolf stand out? His hunger, standout delivery and lyrical influenza separate him from others. Lyrics like I used to mess with crack addicts/Now I’m in a whole ‘nother tax bracket, puts listeners in a state of mind that THE MACK has definitely progressed!
Mack Maine describes his style as something that has never been heard before; not too flashy and a pinch of simplicity. This is the same guy who never lost a freestyle battle, which showed that the art of rapping was appropriate for him, so the hookup with Lil’ Wayne was only right, both being from Hollygrove. He describes Young Money as not only a label, but brotherhood and community of love. He has appeared on Wayne’s Dedication mixtape series as well as his on mixtape Freestyle 101 mixtape which shows his work ethic and hunger for the rap game. In five to ten years, he plans to “Quincy Jones’’ the industry as producer and CEO of his own label. But right now he’s in lyrical grind mode, “I been teasing [the game], I’m going to pop a Viagra and go hard!”

….You Are In the Zoo

*Interesting fact: “If I wasn’t rapping I’d be a pediatrician.”
~Mack Maine
Myspace.com/maine4president

Choklate

New >Vintage<

by Melissa Kimble

Chocolate is an old, instant favorite. Whether it’s a Hershey bar, covering a strawberry or drizzled on an ice cream sundae it comforts and soothes the soul with complete gratification. R&B artist Choklate lives up to the name. Just like the candy that so many people hold dear to their hearts she is an instant hit, her music is soulfully gratifying. The one time California resident, Seattle born singer is creating her own trail in the likes of Jill Scott and India Arie by creating music filled with purpose and power. The youngest of seven children she is no stranger to fighting for her own gratification, happiness, and place in this world. As displayed on her fresh single “Incredible” off of her debut album: “I finally found my reason for being alive/ don’t reckon I’ll define/ my place in life/ I’d be a fool to not embrace it/ To not chase it/ It’s Incredible…”
Through her music, Choklate’s spirit lives. She is not a leader. She is not even a follower. She is simply herself. That means she is not caught up in following the trends, she will live her own life on her own terms guided by a higher power. “Bigger Than You” is testament to that statement. “I know you think you do it all by yourself/ I know it feels like you got control of it all/ but I happen to know the truth behind the veil/one day I hope you see the truth for yourself/ Its bigger than you /Its bigger than me”.
Choklate’s unpolished sound is focused on a higher level between her passion, expression, and freedom. “Take your life by the reigns. Say 'sorry', 'please', and 'thank you' often, even when it's unexpected and live in complete freedom, peace, and love. Or at least try to,” the artist states. “That's all you can do. And in being the best you that you can be? There is only day after day to repeat the 'trying' again and again and again.”
An artist who describes her sound as “new vintage”, she cannot be tamed or water-downed. A scribe has come along to tell our story, a new perspective of the Black women on her journey through life. She keeps our tales of success and failures, flaws and perfections, shortcomings and identities neatly tucked away in her self titled debut album-Choklate- so that we are able to examine ourselves, our goals, and our dreams track by track. Like the candy it is delicious, addictive and satisfying with every piece you take away from it. Enjoy.

Teedra Moses

AN [INSTANT] CLASSIC

By Melissa Kimble

Teedra Moses is grown. Not I-just-turned-eighteen-off-on-my-own-for-the first-time-so-I-can-wear-whatever-I-want-grown. She is I –brought- two- kids- into- this- world- how- am- I going- to – feed- them- kind of grown.” My mama is gone and I’m trying to keep it together. I only put up with your no good behind because of your backstroke. I just wanna be happy, sipping, puffing, passing and relaxing with my family. I don't give a damn what's real or what's fake, what's truth or what's lies,” expresses the singer. This sultry songstress is bringing that type of “growness” back to the people. It is that raw sense of maturity that she brings to her music that keeps her fans coming back for more.

You may or not be a member of her extremely loyal fan base. But truth be told, there’s no reason as to why she isn’t well known. Born and raised in New Orleans and then later to California, Teedra was exposed to music early through her mother who was once active on the Southern Church revival circuit. Her debut album Complex Simplicity marked the return of real R&B. In life a woman must take control or be destroyed. Teedra stands up for the women who are in control even in the middle of uncertainty and confusion. When being a video girl is more popular than actually directing the video yourself. Her songs drip with honesty, truth, and realness, even when she’s heartbroken. On her album in the song Rescue Me she proclaims: “This poor heart of mine/ still feels I can find/ a love to call my own/ I gave him good love/made him feel like a man/ now I need someone new love.” Another true gem on the album I Think Of You (Shirley's song) is dedicated to her late mother who she thinks of when times get rough. On songs such as You Better Tell Her (one version of the song features Pitbull and Lil’ Scrappy) and Caution she lets her audacious attitude come through. Moses proves that she is a force to be reckoned with, with lyrics like “If in fact you gave her a little change it doesn't matter /cause’ I know whose name’s on the account/ I get mine no matter what the price” Any fan of true Soul and R&B music should recognize this talent, because it is not that often you encounter an artist so genuine who makes music because it is in her and not just for the fame. “I feel like this is truly what God has called me to do,” Teedra says. “I was called to sing and write music that really touches people.” Her voice is sensual and commands respect, her songwriting skills come from the soul and are complex, yet simple. Her demeanor, her work, what she says and even what she does not say, all speak for itself. The talented Teedra Moses may not be as popular as some other R&B artist, but she refuses to compromise her position as a true artist for anyone or anything. Grown women don’t pine for attention. They command it without being trendy, submissive, or common.

Being fly is for the birds- Teedra Moses is brilliant in all of her grown- woman glory.

[The] Kevin Michael

A Welcomed Change

by Melissa Kimble

Once upon a time, singers stood still. No back up dancers, no backdrops, no high choreographed scenes- just a mic, an audience, and the singer. A singer who sings from a place so deep down in his soul, that his presence can’t be denied. His talent cannot be denied. Instantly you realize it without anyone pointing it out to you. It’s obvious.
Some things you don’t miss until they’re gone and then there are some things you don’t even realize you’ve missed until they arrive. Kevin Michael has arrived. Along with him he’s brought a voice reminiscent of past R&B, soul, pop and fuck with a confident swagger from his generation. Kevin Michael is taking the torch of soul singers everywhere and not letting go. A native of Chester, Pennsylvania and born to a black father and Italian mother he’s grown up around a range of music. Since writing his first song at the age of 16, he has known music is his only option. I don’t know where I begin and the music stops,” Kevin states. With the testament of his first single “It Don’t Make Any Difference To Me”, you can bear witness to that. This song talks about his growing up as a bi-racial child and loving someone regardless of their color. “It don't make any difference to me/ what the world thinks about us baby/ cause in my heart, I will always believe/ that we were meant for each other/ love ain't got no color / it don't make any difference to me/ what they see”.
Cleary, this is not the typical debut single for an R&B and that is just the thing that catches your attention about Kevin Michael. “Liquid Lava Love” takes you back to a time when singers first made their sex appeal known with their voice and not how they danced. “We All Want The Same Thing” is a song filled with purpose, written by a young man with an old soul. His songwriting skills shine through on his debut album titled Kevin Michael, which is in stores now. With guest appearances by Lupe Fiasco, Q-Tip, and Wyclef this young artist hones respect from his peers as well as opens doors to a fresh sound that hasn’t been witnessed in years but a sound that is need amongst savy promotion and high budget videos. We would have missed him he came along any sooner. The world should definitely open its arms and welcome Kevin Michael. He’s definitely needed.

From Hell's Vision 2 Hell's block he's still HELL RELL

HELL RELL
INTERVIEW BY ASHLEIGH BANKHEAD

Straight from the streets of the Bronx, New York (born

and raised) Hell Rell brings his street cred. to

wax. Serving his jail sentence of two years in upstate

New York jail his debute and solo rap career was put on

shelfs, but only for a moment. This jail sentence did not

however hold him back from doing what he loves.

Laying down his verses for the the Diplomatic Immunity Vol. 2 album. He proved nothing could hold him down.

AB: So everyone knows you are a member of dipset but how did that come about ?


HR : Well I knew Cam from around the way I grew up with dem dudes.

AB: Okay, so let us know exactly what the dip set movement is?

HR: Lets see, you got me, 40 Cal, J.R Writer, Jimmy (Jim Jones) Cam, Zeek (Freaky Zeeky), Juelz and together we just doin our thing making it a movement. Dipset Movement. Its just us together as fam

AB:How long have you been in the rap game?

HR: Professionaly since 2002

AB: Unprofessionaly?

HR: Like 11 years

AB: So you've been in it (rapping) since 2002 but two of those years you spent behind bars, where ?

HR: In any upstate jail, ya dig!!

AB: Now that you can release your own debut album tell us about being solo and 4 da Hell of It?

HR: I mean its straight street, gutta, it's really for the streets kuz thats who showed me love so im showing them all love fa real.

AB: Awe so no club joints, or chick songs?

HR: Ha! Im guttah but I do have one chick song. ONE

It's Hot as Hell...But It Snows Down Here!

From drug-infested surroundings to facing a possible life sentence to Corporate Thuggin’, USDA member and CTE representer, Bloodraw proves it’s not where you’re from it’s where you’re at. USDA’s official album, Cold Summer Mixtape due in stores May 22nd is sure to get everybody on there grind, especially with the soul of Bloodraw.
BloodRaw simply meaning the truth, slang term used in Florida felt like if that’s what his name he was going to be he must live up to it. Straight out of Panama City, a city he describes as drug-infested, “The crime rate is rising and there’s really no outlet for the kids.” But as far as the rap scene it is up and coming. Before he began taking his words of rap serious he was in the streets. He served six years of his life in the Florida Department of Corrections. But he used his time wisely and began writing and putting his experiences on paper. Around ‘96 BloodRaw began rapping and has been putting in work ever since.

Click Here 4 The Rest of the Interview

Champion of the Bay...U C IT!

Home of the Hyphy, hub of Gangsta Rap comes rapper Champ Bailey, straight out of the Fillmore District in the Bay area. Not to be confused with Denver Bronco football player, Champ Bailey, the Champion of the Bay brings the fun back to hip hop while making major noise with songs like, U C IT and Fuck Yo Couch. With influences like Bay area legend, San Quinn, also his brother, Bailey is still in his own lane. At the end of the day, is Hip Hop really dead? Champ Bailey gives insight as to why Hip Hop is not shot and what else is occurring on the West Coast.

Champ Bailey Facts
Influences: San Quinn, E-40, Too Short, LL Cool J
Style: Gucci & Prada kicks, and of course Air Force 1’s
Favorite gadgets: Mac laptop
Favorite female rappers: Eve, Shawnna
Average day: Eat, workout, play madden and go to the studio.
If you weren’t rapping: I’d be in the south writing for others.
Words of Advice: When you’re trying to get on, always say your name and don’t be around yes men. Keep the right people around you.
Check it out: U C It, Fuck Yo Couch
Cop This: Champ Bailey the album

Interview Continued Here

Take a Listen Here