Interviews

Rapper Yung Citizen Is Complex Futuristic

A new artist to the game, Yung Citizen blends his own interpretations of hip hop along with infusions of R&B/Pop to deliver smooth melodic creations.

Published

10 years ago

January 26, 2015

Chenelle R. Covin

Yung Citizen is a rapper who blends his own interpretations of hip hop along with infusions of R&B/Pop to deliver smooth melodic creations. Accompanied by a poignant and uplifting message, Yung Citizen also produces his own original music.

Given the opportunity to engage the music of Yung Citizen, you will find lyrical composition that reaches deep into your soul that is intended to inspire and motivate you to always remain focus on your dreams and aspirations.

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About Yung Citizen

When I first heard Yung Citizen’s music, I said to myself this brother is beyond his years. Yung Citizen is another artist that is a rare breed in the world of hip-hop today, by being socially conscious and tackling real-world issues.

In essence, he’s definitely a rare necessity in this music game, complex with a blend of futurism.

The upcoming artist from Charlotte, NC deep-rooted passion for music led him to a college degree in Music Business.

While at Catawba College, he produced music for Neako, a project that turned into the single and video, “Whippin Whippin”.

Citizen proclaims resolutely, “That experience further inspired me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a well-respected, highly sought-after music producer and artist”

After hearing the single “Power People”, it was a no brainer adding the southern to the list of well-deserved featured artist’s from Reverbnation.

Interview

Yung Citizen took the time to answer a few questions. Get a feel on who he is, and at the end press play on his current single.

UV: When did you fall in love with music?
YC: I fell in love with music when I was about 6 years old. Somehow I got hold of a Kriss Kross tape and listened to “Jump” a gazillion times in a row. I also used to watch the movie “The Five Heartbeats” continuously every single day.

UV: How long have you been creating and performing music?
YC: I have been creating music since I was 16 years old and I started performing once I got to college. I graduated with a degree in Music Business. I took music more serious once I got to college as well.

UV: How would you describe your music?
YC: My music is very complex. You never know what’s going to come out of my music. I get told that my music is very futuristic but my music is emotional. You’re going to feel it hit your soul.

UV: What` forthcoming projects are currently in progress?
YC: I just dropped a single this past November titled “Power People”. Right now between January and February I’m getting ready to shoot the music video for “Power People”. As far as projects I’m currently creating new music. I do not have a set release date on a project. I’m currently in a mindset where I just want to make as much music as possible and see where it takes me.

UV: How long have you been a member of Reverbnation?
YC:I first discovered Reverbnation when I was a sophomore in college and I have been using Reverbnation ever since and I love it. There are a ton of opportunities on Reverbnation.

UV: How do you feel about Reverbnation creating this opportunity?
YC: I thank Reverbnation for creating this opportunity. I think it is awesome. Its an honor.

UV: Who are your musical influences?
YC: My musical influences are Marvin Gaye, Ryan Leslie, and Pharrell Williams

UV: What influenced you to begin your music career?
YC: What influenced my begin my music career was honestly following the group N.E.R.D. heavily. I saw that they were creating music that was very different and I wanted to do the same exact thing but better.

UV: What advice do you have for other indie artists trying to succeed?
YC: Advice I would give other indie artists wanting to succeed is to just keep going and don’t give up and don’t worry about what others feel or say. Create music that makes you feel good. Create music that hits your soul and trust me it will impact others before you know it.

UV: What is the hardest challenge you have encountered with building your fan base?
YC: The hardest challenge I have encountered with building my fan base is trying to find it. My music is really different. Its not what you listen to on the radio or clubs. I feel people are so used to whats out now that they are afraid of change. Change can be good.

UV:How in tune are you with your fans?
YC: I love all my fans. I make sure they see everything I am doing. For example, I produce my own music and I always create videos of me creating music in my lab. I make sure they see the whole process.

UV: Has anyone ever given you negative feedback on your music, if so how did you react to it?
YC: People have definitely given me negative feedback. I am very coachable and open to negative feedback. It makes me who I am today. I take the feedback and go back in the booth and come harder.

UV: What do you hope to gain by being featured in Unheard Voices Magazine?
YC: Any opportunity I am given I always hope to gain more exposure. I want more people to know who I am and what I stand for.

UV: How important and how difficult is it to support your career with your own funding?
YC: It is very important that I support my career with my own funding. Its very difficult but it will be well worth it at the end. All of the hard work. Going between working a full time job and going straight to the studio.

UV: Would you rather be signed or remain independent and why?
YC: I would rather be independent just because I do not want to be boxed by what I can create. I want to be open to create whatever I want. Its more genuine.

UV: If you want to be signed, which label peaks your interest and why?
YC: If I was to be signed I would want to be signed to Reach Records. I am a huge Lecrae, and Andy Mineo fan. My music is somewhat compared to theres. My music has positive messages and I feel I would fit right in with that camp.

UV: How has social media affected your career?
YC: Social media is awesome. Its even more awesome when you do your own social media. You actually get to engage with your fans on a more personal level.

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Interviews

Meet singer TruSoul Davis

As an up & coming artist hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis is adamant to keep love in music.

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2023

Chenelle R. Covin

TruSoul Davis

As an up & coming singer hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis discovered his affinity for music at a young age, singing in local choirs in his youth.

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TruSoul Davis discovers his voice

In his later years, he began to take music more seriously, honing in on his gifts and finding his voice. TruSoul Davis went on to release multiple singles leading up to his first major release “The Tru Experience” to widespread local & international (UK) acclaim.

After a short promotional tour that included various radio station visits & shows such as “The FreeThinkers Tour”, “Indie Acoustic Soul Live” & “Song Wars 5” to name a few, TruSoul looks to make an impact in the R&B scene by “Bringing real R&B back”, as he says.

Unheard Voices had a chance to ask TruSoul Davis some questions on his journey.

Get to know the soul singer below and see why he’s Unheard Voices featured artist of the month.

Unheard Voices: When did you fall in love with music?
TruSoul Davis: At a very young age, probably about 5 years old. I can remember back when my mother used to bring home records from her job at the local record shop and let me just “dive” deep into her collection from artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, etc.

Unheard Voices: How would you describe your style of music?
TruSoul Davis: Simply a touch of 90’s RnB with today’s twist.

Unheard Voices: What is the meaning behind your name?
TruSoul Davis: My name came from me and a friend of mine listening to music. I started to sing the song we were listening to with a lil bit more sauce then my friend was like ” man you sang that with some true soul ” so I just dropped the “e” and put it together.

Unheard Voices: What does your work aim to say?
Trusoul Davis: With my music, I sing songs to the hearts of women and the minds of men showing the up’s and downs of love and life, good and bad, and just trying to keep ” love” in music because we need it.

Unheard Voices: What or who have the greatest musical influences on you and your music?
TruSoul Davis: There are just too many to name. I can name a few to keep it brief; artists like Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Johnny Gill, Dave Hollister, Michael Jackson just to name some ALL PLAY A GREAT PART IN MY MUSIC.

Unheard Voices: What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered during your journey with music?
TruSoul Davis: The biggest challenge I have encountered is being my own worst critic, and just trusting the process.

Unheard Voices: Where do you see yourself musically in five years?
TruSoul Davis: I can’t say but what I will say is “where ever hard work and consistency gets me”

Unheard Voices: What is next in the works for TruSoul Davis?
TruSoul Davis: Dropping a video to my latest single “Wildflower” ft my homie Big Trip. Shout out my shooter Logan Kyngston also some big shows coming this summer.

Unheard Voices: What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?
TruSoul Davis: Outside of music I love spending time with loved ones, working out, and doing something proactive for those around me friends and strangers alike.

Unheard Voices: In closing, I would like for you to leave the Unheard Voices readers words of encouragement and inspiration, especially for those pursuing a career in music and entertainment.
TruSoul Davis: Some words of encouragement for those grinding just like me “keep ya head down stay focused stay sharp rock with the people that rock with you just like that and TRUST THE PROCESS stay consistent and results will come”.

Check out him on Reverbnation.

Interviews

Missin Peace holds police accountable with national misconduct database

Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2022

Unheard Voices Staff

Photo by Gabriel Hohol: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-police-car-roof-and-sign-10543088/

Missin Peace is on a mission to connect the dots when it comes to police misconduct.

For decades, many Americans have suffered various forms of brutality and injustice at the hands of “bad” law enforcement officers.

With the upsurge of cell phone cameras, citizens are finally able to document their interaction with police. The unfortunate murders of
Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many others have galvanized the masses to demand justice.

Police officers are intended to be public servants, but what happens when the officer is accused of misconduct?

Sometimes, a civilian puts in a complaint in a step towards holding the officer accountable. But only a small percent of complaints result in the officer being disciplined —partly because the accusations are hidden.

Records of misconduct are filed away and rarely seen outside of their department.

Investigators can’t take action against corrupt officers if they are missing the pieces of the puzzle regarding stories of misconduct.

That’s where Missin Peace comes in.

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How Missin Peace works

Missin Peace is a national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.

Missin Peace organization

Released in 2017, the registry offers two type of accounts.

One, it enables civilians to put the formal complaints they filed against the officer on record. Civilians are able to submit the official civilian complaint along with pictures, videos, and other accompanying documentation.

Two, the database also serves as a portal for investigative journalists, hiring managers, and civil rights attorneys to conduct research. For this type of account, users must contact Missin Peace to be granted access.

Currently, Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that allows citizens to follow and find any police officer’s history of complaints. The organization’s goal is to increase awareness on the database to be used as a tool for police accountability.

Check out Unheard Voices interview with Missin Peace founders:

For civilians who file their complaints on the database, personal information is stripped from the complaint, assuring complete anonymity.

The intent is to put on record police misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Traditionally, corrupt law enforcement officers have been allowed to transfer from one department to another and avoid the repercussions of their actions. To circumvent the recycling of corrupt cops, the American public and politicians finally understand the need for a centralized database of citizen complaints.

Missin Peace is here to fill in that void.

How to submit your complaint(s) in the database

If you have filed a complaint against a law enforcement officer, Missin Peace encourages you to put your complaint in the database to fill in the missing pieces. It doesn’t matter how old the complaint is, as long as it’s official.

To visit Missin Peace, check out their website and spread the word with your loved ones.

Interviews

Rapper Chad Watson Is Poised To Become LA’s Next Rising Star

Chad Watson is a lyricist, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2022

Unheard Voices Staff

Chad Watson

Chad Watson is a rapper, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.

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Who is rapper Chad Watson?

His roots began in the church at a young age where his love for music manifested. But it was only a few years ago that he started taking music seriously and he’s never looked back since.

His deep appreciation of acts like Andre 3000, transcends into his own style. He is the quinessential artist that is poised to become one of the biggest acts in the country and he’s well on his way.

With his growing buzz, he has appeared on various media platforms and now Unheard Voices.