We’re happy to be speaking today with a phenomenal underground music artist with
mainstream notoriety in Hip Hop “ Scorch”! Before we get started, how has 2023 been treating
you thus far?

2023 has been great thus far. My song Tan Caliente has been steadily rising in numbers and we just hit 7.5 million views on TikTok and the numbers are still climbing through the roof and more and more people are joining the dance challenge. It’s incredible and the girls love it.

Tell us the story behind your brand name came to be?

Vault Life Entertainment is the label, VLE for short. I came up with the name in a dream. When I awoke I remembered it, ever since then my slogan has been I don’t want the bag I want the Vault. The name Scorch came from me burning down cyphers and shows. The full name is Octane Scorch Flames the first rapper in the game with a first, middle, and last name. One could say I was born into it.

How did you learn to rap/ write/ to play?

My brother Serj, the lyrical emperor, showed me how to structure my bars. I would freestyle for hours giving away free money my brother would call it. He showed me a format and it stuck with me to this day.

What was the 1st concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?

Rakim and he was performing at Mount Morris.

If you could have a musician tag along with you on tour, who would it be?

Jay Z, that’s a no brainer to me because he’s hands down one of the best to ever do it with an endless amount of knowledge about the music game.

Do you prefer to listen to music more or create?

I prefer to create, I don’t like to listen to a lot of music from different artists. The reason being is I don’t want to be influenced by other artist subconsciously. I want my music to remain as uninfluenced by other artists as possible.

Have you had any raps you started writing and then found difficulty in finishing? What advice
would you give other indie artists to break past that to finish it?

Yes, I wrote a song named “LIFE” it’s a beautiful piece about overcoming a harsh journey in life. I’m sure every artist has at one point of time or another been through what is commonly known as Writer’s Block. I’m no exception, the way to get over it can be as simple as taking a break, sometimes you have to hit the reset button. If you’re like me and you listen to the beat, it will tell you what to say and the song will basically write itself.

Have you experienced stress on stage before? If so, what do you do about it?

Yes, one time in particular, a Dj had my microphone off level after we already did a good sound check. I allowed him to correct the problem while I had to entertain the entire crowd with freestyles.

As a hip hop artist, if you could change one thing in the music industry. What would it be ?

The replication of style… you can create without stealing an artist’s whole life. Just because it’s new and exciting In a lot of cases doesn’t mean that you have to be a culture voucher.

If you didn’t pursue a music career, what would you be doing?

I would probably be acting in movies if I wasn’t pursuing music.

What can your fans look forward to seeing next from the Lyrical Genius Scorch?

Next project I’m releasing is a song called “Going Up” It’s a fun energetic track that I’m releasing in February. Follow me on instagram @therealscorch and check out my website www.scorchnation.com to stay tuned and don’t forget to join the #TanCalienteChallenge on TikTok and if your on IG and do a dance to my song send me a DM to let me know so I can post and share you on Facebook and Instagram. Always showing love and giving back to my fans.

● Please let our audience know what it is that you do and what prompted you to enter this line of business?

The Gathings: We own Hempoholic, a black owned company that cultivates high grade, hemp based CBD and some THC products using proprietary inputs. We have experience in growing and producing organic & vegan hemp based formulations without harsh chemicals or animal products. Our mission is to improve the wellness and health literacy of our customers as well as aid other entrepreneurs in starting their own hemp based companies. Our journey into CBD started when Jason was living in constant pain due to old injuries he sustained during his collegiate football career. He did not want to take addictive pain medication but could not find a suitable alternative. CBD was recommended and he found instant relief and improvement in his overall well being! At the same time Ayo was working with patients as a psychiatrist that repeatedly told her that they didn’t trust the medications she was prescribing enough to take them. This serious distrust in “traditional” treatments left many, often in minority communities, in distress. They either had to suffer or live in fear. So, we decided to do something to address these gaps with a mission to provide awareness of natural ways to attain wellness. We created high-quality hemp based products that work and educate the masses to understand that CBD is an alternative that can be trusted.

● There are many misconceptions about what CDB is. Can you explain what it is and how it differs from THC? What are the health benefits that CBD may present?

The Gathings: CBD, short for cannabidiol,  is a naturally occurring compound from the flower of the cannabis plant. While CBD is closely related to marijuana, it does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the active ingredient in marijuana that is psychoactive or produces a “high.”  The CBD allowable in the United States is taken from the hemp cannabis plant not the marijuana cannabis plant as the CBD from the hemp cannabis plant contains low levels of THC and does not cause intoxication. CBD does not act mainly on the body while THC acts on the nerve cells in the brain. CBD is a potent botanical shown to have numerous positive effects due to its action on the body’s already present endocannabinoid system. It is a proven anti-epileptic and has been approved by the Food and Drug administration for the
treatment of two seizure disorders. Research also shows promise in regards to aid in various anxiety disorders, sleep promotion and pain. Other exciting studies in the works are looking at proving CBDs may help reduce some cancer-related symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatment as well as protection of brain and heart health.

● What are some challenges that you’ve faced growing within a $6.36 billion market?

The Gathings: We faced almost every hurdle and roadblock purposefully created for smaller CBD companies. We had issues finding legal banking and merchant processing, building an FDA compliant website, and had to fight for our company name trademark. We even experienced an outright inability to market our company or products digitally with restrictions on running Ads, educating our customers effectively with appropriate terminology and a social media shadow-ban; but we did not let that deter us. Because of the history of a high risk designation of the CBD industry, there are challenges in operating in this area without large infusions or reserves of cash. It is becoming more accepted with legal advances, but it is still hard for small businesses to flourish in the area without self financing or personal borrowing due to restrictions on loans and start-up funding. Also, there were little to no resources or connections to even learn where to start in the CBD business. There is no real alliance or certifying body for the industry and of course no one currently in existence was offering to give a helping hand. Even now small businesses, budding entrepreneurs, and minority communities lack the fundamental knowledge of how to get into and succeed in the CBD space despite large companies taking advantage of knowledge grandfathered to them for years. But we still decided to jump straight in with no direction and learn as we went. We knew the world and particularly our culture needed us to persist not for our financial gain but to bring these products and business knowledge to the masses. That is why we decided to blow the lid off of this secretive industry and get more traditionally marginalized people in this area by developing the educational and developmental area of our business.

● There are many wellness practices with claims of great benefits, why should more people look into incorporating CBD into their regimen?

The Gathings: CBD is not just another fad, it is the real deal. As a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst, we know health and wellness; we have seen products or trends come and go; but CBD isn’t going anywhere. The FDA has already acknowledged its effectiveness for seizures and the research is there for many other areas. From mental health, immunity, digestion,, skincare and more CBD is showing that it can improve various body systems and overall health in so many ways. There are endless options to start incorporating CBD into your everyday routine! Whether it be a facial cleanser, a pain relieving topical or a mood uplifting gummy you can start reaping some of these amazing benefits now.

● As an industry expert, what are five tips on how someone can get into the CBD industry?

The Gathings: It may seem overwhelming when trying to get into the CBD business, but there are some essential things to know before you jump in like we did!
1. YOU HAVE TO DO YOUR RESEARCH You have probably already decided that you want to get involved in the CBD movement and have great ideas for your business. But now, it is time to contrast your idea with some reality. It seems like CBD is readily available and accessible, but there are many nuisances to this industry due to the highly regulatory nature that make it different from starting a different type of business. So before you even come up with the name, location or entity for your business please do your due diligence by reading up on the things that you need to do differently even from day 1.
2. DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF CBD BUSINESS YOU WANT TO ESTABLISH There are so many ways to be involved in the CBD area from owning a farm like we did to manufacturing, retail stores or even podcasting! There opportunities are endless, but you have to sit down and decide where your wallet, passion and knowledge base will best serve.
3. DESIGN A SOLID AND COMPREHENSIVE CBD FOCUSED BUSINESS PLAN A CBD business plan is not just throwing ideas out there and doing a quick Google search. Take your time and develop a plan specifically for the area of the industry you have chosen and look at the specifics of start up costs, partnership needs, legal updates and eventually marketing and advertising needs. Continue to include funding and financing sources as you want to be in it for the long haul and may need to secure non traditional funding due to legal restrictions.
4. LEGITIMIZE YOUR CBD BUSINESS Once you have done your research and business plan, it is time to make your business official. If you are not well versed in laws and tax details of entity formation, consult someone who can help you determine what your business formation should look like.
5. FIND A HEMP FRIENDLY BANK AND MERCHANT PROCESSOR The luxuries we generally have regarding comparisons of fees, services, and amenities in order to make decisions surrounding banking relationships are not necessarily possible. With the climate of the country being 1 foot in and the other all the way out of hemp−based CBD businesses, legislation and culture; banking may just have to be the best of the slim pickings for now. You will hear from someone even internally at the big banks that are open to a CBD business account, but learn from our two closed accounts and go running straight to a credit union or local bank that is committed to serving the hemp community. Similar story with your merchant processing company. There will be higher costs and fees, however you will have ongoing access to your funds without them being held without your knowledge! You will also be compliant with the legislative details that arise in the industry.

● For anyone just learning about the great work that you are doing within natural medicine, what is one thing that you like to leave them with regarding you and your journey?

The Gathings: We are a movement in business and health with a mission of meeting the needs of their customers, other entrepreneurs and the culture. The goal of Hempoholic is to bring hemp based products to the mainstream, provide alternatives to pharmaceuticals, and aid other minorities in getting into the industry that often excludes us. We feel our success lies with staying true to our mental health and wellness roots in guiding our endeavors as well as prioritizing God and family above all else.

HEMPOHOLIC ®
https://hempoholiccbd.com
https://linktr.ee/hempoholiccbd
https://www.instagram.com/hempoholiccbd/

MattGetBandz is an upcoming and coming Drill Rapper From Far Rockaway New York. At the age of 18, Matt started doing music and has been taking it seriously since. As MattGetBandz continue to grow as an rapper, he continues to build his brand with hard work, dedication and acknowledging the power of networking. Learn more on the rising artist as V-Henny had the privilege to interview him.

V-Henny: Who and What inspired you to make music?
MattGetBandz: My family is very musically influenced, so I kind of just picked up on it. I enjoy listening and creating content for the fans.

V-Henny: Please share with us the content behind your latest single?
MattGetBandz: “No Discussion “ Out Now Everywhere , The Song is On All Platforms, With the video on YouTube .. Everybody Go Check It Out

V-henny: How long have you had this creative vision and what pushes you to
be consistent?
MattGetBandz: I just picked up this creative vision probably a year ago and the hunger and need to change my situation makes me consistent. I want to put my family in a better but different situation.

V-henny: Who would you most like to collaborate with?
MattGetBandz: Deveye For Certain , And Maybe Keen Streetz A Little Bit Later Down The Line Of My Career

V-Henny: Do you feel like you have overcome any boundaries you have set for
yourself? What were they and how did you conquer them?
MattGetBandz: Yes, I’ve been making new goals for myself and I’ve been trying to get out of my comfort zone by being in the studio more consistently. Understanding and trying a new sound of music, everything’s going how I want it too.

V-Henny: When did you come to realize how important it is to understand the business aspect of music?
MattGetBandz: I came to a realization that it is important to understand the business side of music while I was down in Atlanta. A very well spoken A&R told us that it is important to have the business side of music handled before you sign any deal.

V-Henny: In order to succeed in life you have to know how to give credit and give back. Who would you give credit to for your success thus far?
MattGetBandz: I would like to give credit too my immediate Circle and the family and friends I have around me. They let me know when my music is genuinely good or not. I feel like you need honesty with the music because another person who could enjoy it one day can share it with the next person and not like it all.

V-Henny: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
MattGetBandz: I wouldn’t change anything even if I could , the industry has their rules in place, why would you change anything when it feels so much better at the top ?

V-Henny: What’s next for you?
MattGetBandz: What’s next for me ? Mixtape by the end of this year and it’s untitled so far , all you guys get to know is that this mixtape has 10-11 tracks and I want to release it by late December/ early January.

V-Henny: What’s one thing you would want your fans to know about you?
MattGetBandz: I want to let my fans know there wouldn’t be any me without you , I love you dearly and thank you for the support .

Make sure to follow MattGeBandz on social media
https://www.instagram.com/mattgetbandzofficial/

Check out MattGetBandz Latest music video
No Discussion (Music Video) [Shot by @Mookiemadface]
https://youtu.be/1qerDOce7q0

Introducing Jadi Torres

We’re happy to be speaking today with a phenomenal Latin American singer Jadi Torres!
Before we get started, how has 2022 been treating you thus far?
2022 has been nothing short of amazing. I have been able to jump head first into many projects that were only a dream in conversation a few months prior, so needless to say, I am loving 2022!!!

Tell us the story behind your brand name came to be?
I was born in Dominican Republic so there’s always a shortened version of the full name, I was nicknamed Yadi with a “Y” since I was a baby, but in America people pronounced it (Yahdee) for us the “Y” has a j sound. So I simplified it as a total artist boss move lol, to Jadi with a “J”.

How did you learn to sing / write/ to play?
I grew up around music, choirs, talented musicians that were self taught. Music grabbed me very early on in my life and I fell in love with it. Writing poetry, developing them into songs. It was easy to want to learn to play instruments and sing because I was always around it. I realized I had a talent and I work everyday to perfect it.

What was the 1st concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I was young, I went to see a live band in concert ill never forget the feeling even though they weren’t a largely known band. I knew that’s something I saw myself doing.

If you could have a musician tag along with you on tour, who would it be?
Wow! I would want someone like Alicia, or HER for sure! Let’s create music at any time on tour. We’d probably have 3 albums by the time we’re done.

Do you prefer to listen to music more or create?
Create for sure, I can honestly say I can go a few days without listening to music but in my head I’m always creating.

Being Bilingual do you think you have more Latin fans than American fans?
I know my Latin America fan base is pretty big so I would like to say maybe lol, however within the last few records I’ve made I’ve tapped into more of my English side and it’s gotten a pretty big response from the American fans, but Latinos are definitely on the higher end, for now.

Have you experienced stress on stage before? If so, what do you do about it?
Not really, I don’t normally stress out. I always get sudden butterflies in my stomach feeling, but that goes away the moment I step on stage.

As a female artist, if you could change one thing in the music industry. What would it be?
I feel there may be, more now in this culture than before, a high demand for “sexy” to be a part of being a female artist. For me that’s a box I would like to see broken, you don’t have to be half naked to attract the Audience’s attention.

If you didn’t pursue a music career, what would you be doing?
I love being able to make a difference in anything that I do, I remember for the longest time I wanted to be a doctor, a surgeon or something like that. Maybe I would’ve pursued medicine.

What can your fans look forward to seeing next from the phenomenal artist Jadi Torres?
They’re going to get the best music they have ever heard from me! I’m going to continue to inspire every dreamer with my life and accomplishments so I hope they don’t get tired, I’m here for the long run. There’s a lot of acting in the works, so they’ll be seeing my face on the big screen. I’m excited for that experience.

Douglas Parson Jr.: Multi-million Celebrity realtor, The Art of Flipping Bricks (Full Interview)
https://youtu.be/ZCK_nVYudrU

Celebrity realtor and Author  Douglas Parson Jr. sells “King of Reality TV Executive Carlos King a million dollar home in Atlanta, Georgia. The home has a pool, master bedroom complete with balcony, and plenty of space to lounge, and entertain. The mansion is right in the middle of a golf course! For over 20 years as a top realtor in Atlanta, Douglas Parson Jr. has dominated the business by specializing in luxury estates, He has sold millions of dollars in the Atlanta, Georgia real estate markets. In addition, he is certified in the Fair Housing ACT, and in servicing market information, and is a Certified Buyer Agent (CBA).

1. What is your legal name and age? Dang, ya’ll want my government given name?

Lol Well New York knows me as Christina Clement, born on Christmas, 2 gifts not 1. And not a big ass teddy bear either.

 2. What is your stage name and how did you come up with it?

People call me Queen, I don’t know why they just started calling me Queen. I often share with people that I used to correct them and say my name is Christina, but they still call me Queen, so It just stuck. Even when I tried renaming myself to Unity, that didn’t work either, lol. So Queen it is and I’m fine with it. So thank you to the people.

3. Where are you from?

I am from everywhere, I am energy. My birth body settled in New York, born to and raised by West Indian parents. I love reggae music, roots and culture. My dad (DJ Jah T) was a DJ and played as a child with Bob Marley, so I heard roots and reggae all the time, I love reggae music. Dem ting and ting.

4. Where are you now?

I have moved to Georgia so my children can have some grass to play in. I love nature. My children are getting older now but I built such an empire here in Georgia, I have more planting to do here.

 5. How would you describe the work that you typically create? 

My message I am promoting is that it is okay to be your true self. I am on an assignment from GOD so the message isn’t going anywhere and it has always been consistent, To thine ownself be true, Each One Reach One, teach One. I speak about the journey also in my book on Amazon, Locs linked to spirituality by Christina Clement. (https://www.amazon.com/Christina-Clement/e/B09QNK69L1?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000)

HAI TARIK Talks New Label, Acting Career and New Album In 2022 with Stardom Magazine’s Christopher Boykin.

https://smpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/haitarik

Thanks for sharing your story with us John. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
A guy by the name of Victor Walker had a radio show on WRFG 89.3 FM called Ridin Durty Radio that came on Thursday night from 3 am to 6 am. I was working at the airport and had Wednesdays and Thursdays off. So, one day, I went up there to support him. I saw he was playing music from Underground/Independent artists that I heard in the clubs that the other radio stations weren’t playing. After the show, I told him how can I be a part of the show whether it was promoting the show, finding music, booking guests, anything I could do to bring value to the show. A year later, I met a woman named Christiana Davis aka ‘Bosslady’ and we became really good friends. She was given an opportunity to start an internet radio station called Atlanta Hott Radio. At that time, the internet radio was just popping off. So, I was doing Atlanta Hott Radio and sitting in at Ridin Durty. Whatever I was learning from Vic I was applying to our show. Later, I would get my own show called The Prezidente Suite Radio Show which I started from my dining room. I would buy mixtapes, albums that came out on Tuesdays, music from the record pools and any independent artists that sounded good. From the Internet Radio station, Bosslady and I started a showcase BattleHottlanta where we would give away a thousand dollars. After 12 showcases we stopped, but I continued to do Ridin Durty with Vic until he retired. WRFG had a broadcasting class to be a program engineer. It was close to Father’s Day, so my kids surprised me by paying for the class. Took the class and graduated. I met a guy by the name of Horace Hawkins aka DJ Powerlord through Vic and the broadcasting class. DJ Powerlord had a show idea and that is how the After Set show came about. I also started a production company Prezidente Suite Productions which I produce along with DJ T-Did-That a show called Down In The Dirty Mixshow where we are preserving the roots of Southern Hip Hop while playing independent artists.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My wife passed away in 2011. I fell into a deep depression. I was a single dad with three kids working and doing radio. I felt like quitting, but I couldn’t let my kids down. With help from my in-laws, I was able to work and do the radio for the last ten years.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The After Set on WRFG 89.3 FM story. Tell us more about it.
The show is called The After Set Hosted By DJ Powerlord, Big Al, and me J.Prez. We are only showing on Atlanta FM radio that plays Bass Music, Funk, Soul, R&B and Gives Independent Artists a shot at airplay through our monthly Pump It or Dump It segment. All you have to do is have your song CLEAN song (RADIO EDIT)

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Ain’t no luck. Just believe you can do it and put a plan together and following it through.

      Contact Info:

• Phone: 7707719161
• Email: jprezidente@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jprezidente
• Website: www.prezsuiteproductions.com

Artist name?
Real Smokesta

What genre of music do you create?
I do it all. Hip Hop, Pop, R&B you name it. There’s nothing I can’t pull off. My mother didn’t allow me to listen to Rap until I was a Sophomore in High School. So I grew up listening to a lot of Gospel and Alternative music.

What city and state are you from?
I’m from Temple, Texas but we call it Trouble Town. A beautiful city but you can get into trouble easy.

Email address to send blog links?
Definitely My Label blacksheepworldwidellc@gmail.com

When did you realize you wanted to be an artist? Tell us your story?
The moment I realized Hip Hop was therapy for me. It saved my life. I mean really saved my life. In and out prison and not taking my life serious. There’s nothing else that would’ve taken me out of those streets. Not my Mama, Friends or Religion but Hip Hop opened up a different perspective on life to me. I have a unique story. In 2020 I got signed to Spice 1 from all these unique stories. Hip Hop is a way of life for me.

What project are currently pushing?
I have two new albums out I just released. Unfortunately I don’t see myself performing this year. More like next year.

What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
I don’t think people really understand the stress artists go through. We’re human beings too. The mistakes. High expectations. Failure. People hoping you don’t succeed. Industry people scamming and all those things. I took a lot of loses before I ever started winning. To be the underdog and still win is Real Smokesta.

What makes you different from other artists?
Being authentic. When I create I don’t force myself to be different. I don’t care about what people think. I’m different naturally without thinking about it. The subjects I speak on aren’t popular but I’m cool with that because I don’t make music to please people. I make music that I’m pleased with to share with people.

What advice would you give other artists that are just starting?
Nothing is going to come running to you no matter how talented you feel you are. You have to put in the work to make it work. The work never stops.

What does the word success mean to you?
Success to me is doing what I love and seeing results from hard work. To come from a dark place as I did and still pursue my goals is success to me. To inspire people makes me happy.

What’s next for you?
I’m working on something special right now is all I can say.

Finally, what are your Instagram, Twitter, Facebook links?
https://www.instagram.com/realsmokesta
https://www.facebook.com/realsmokesta
https://www.twitter.com/realsmokesta