Category: Interviews

We recently chopped up with TK Blockstar and got to know a little more about her as an artist. We talked about her upbringing, spending time in the feds, giving back to the community, and more. Check out the full Q&A below and don’t forget to check out her music!!! She’s next up!!!! Read more below:

Explain who you are for those who don’t know

I’m TK Blockstar , an independent female hiphop artist. A well known activist & community leader known for community outreach & giveaways.

Where are you from

I was born in Detroit, Michigan but I spent most of my life being raised in Fairmont, West Virginia. I represent WV all day

What was it like growing up there

For me personally it was tough.. I grew up between foster care & the streets. I spent 10 years in the system as a juvenile and I spent most of my teen years homeless. Fortunately throughout those years I ran into good people who would look out for me & make sure I ate. Thankful for people like EBO, & granny Evans (rest in heaven) just to name a couple.

When did you get into making music

I’ve always been into music even when I was just listening as a jit. I didn’t start off as a vocal artist. I reveled in creative writing, short stories and poetry. It was around 15/16 when I started doing freestyles and trying to create actual songs. I wanted to be heard so I took my poetry and stories and put them on an instrumental. From there I began to grow into a lyricist. I remember making a remix to “Wiz Khalifa’s” never been in high school and I thought I was the shit lol.

Is it true you did 5 years federal? If so what happened?

Yeah altogether I gave the federal penitentiary 5 years of my youth. I caught a federal drug charge when I was 17 and got a sealed indictment when I was 18, went on the run for a few months and got picked up, sentenced and locked 5 days after my 19th birthday. The feds set me up with a federal informant during a transaction where I allegedly sold an undisclosed amount of the uncontrolled substance (heroine) after I was released from my first bid I caught a violent charge (malicious wounding) and another drug charge for weed so I went back and walked my time out. Got released 2017

What made you change your direction in life?

Honestly throughout my journey I met good people and great leaders. Truth seekers and self evaluators who helped open my eyes and mind. Not to mention I give all thanks to the powers that be in my universe. I was led out of that dark place because I wasn’t meant to be there but for a short time to learn what NOT to do in life. Everything happened then for me to be who I am now. I couldn’t exactly tell you what happened, something just clicked and I wanted more for myself, more for my future and the people I love. Not to mention once you began to grow you see things differently and I realized I was damaging my community by my actions. I didn’t want to be the one poising our people. I wanted to be the one to uplift and the universe has helped me accomplish that. As well as hard work and dedication.

What’s your advice for people wanting to change?

My advice for anyone wanting to make a change in their life is to start by meditating, self evaluating, and solitude. You have to have a clear mind, start learning yourself and trying to identify your weaknesses. It helps to be alone so you can listen to your inner self speak and guide you. If you really want to make a change get active and make small changes within your daily routine. And lastly sometimes you have to get rid of the people you are used to having around. You are only as successful, driven and motivated as the people in your direct circle so sometimes you have to remove people to see better results in your life as well. All in all TRY!

Talk to us about your back donations. How did that get started, and why?

I started doing my backpack give away the year after I was released from prison. I was online and I saw a single mother expressing her frustration of not being able to provide all the things she felt her children deserved despite the fact that she was working two jobs and for me personally I grew up homeless and sometimes not well kept so I know what it’s like to go to school and only have a notebook it’s embarrassing and discouraging so it was a mixture of wanting to help families and children as well as simply being able to relate. I wanted to help create relief for our people because so many of them are struggles to make ends meet. For 3 years straight we provided backpacks & school supplies to Marion county children. I’m blessed, honored and proud to say our 3rd year we exceeded over 1k backpacks full of supplies for the kids and I don’t plan on ever stopping!

What’s your plans for 2021?

2021 is huge for me. I’ve been shooting a lot of music videos in preparation for this upcoming year. My team and I have decided to focus on the visual aspect of my art so I can finally show the ppl who they’ve been listening to. I’ll be dropping my first visual of the year in January. “Wake Up” shot by Mad Street Films. The best video I’ve had shot in my career. Thank you Mikey & Justin. Our goal is to be featured and showcased on major media outlets like BET JAMS, MTV, Revolt Tv etc. Also I’ll be releasing a project this year that will be showcasing a new sound I’ve been exploring. So I look forward to bringing that to the table.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I’d like to thank HHR for bringing a platform that helps independent and unsigned artists get recognition for their craft and art. I’d also like to thank my assistant/best friend Hannah, my promo team Keisha and Keela. My photography team Bridget & Shae. And THANK YOU to everyone who supports me as an artist and individual Blockstar Entertainment and TK wouldn’t be anything without your love and support

• Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2uXsUKBWGlvDtU9A4m8UGN?si=pChMtJA4RuGK6wnxr3oNJw
• Apple https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tk-blockstar/1375340862
• YouTube https://youtube.com/user/TrakKillaShit
• Latest single “Las Vegas Flow” https://music.apple.com/us/album/las-vegas-flow/1538670545?i=1538670786
• “Trap”  https://youtu.be/4MQ4QC1w2iI 

Explain who you are for those who dont know
I go by the name Shot By Strick. Videographer / Creative from Atlanta, Georgia,  moved to Phoenix Arizona September 13 2019. Didn’t know any one at all. Just wanted to see what AZ had to offer. Once i touched down in AZ I got straight on the gram started getting my followers up,  started to collab with a few photographers/creatives  “S.Creme & Tazzz Devol”  and a lot of models and it took off from there, branded the hell out of myself and can say how proud i am on how far I’ve came in less then a year.

How long have you been doing video work?
I’ve been doing video work for a year .

Who are your influences?
With my Creative Style I’m my biggest influence tbh. The way I shoot women and how it looks after nobody can you can compare me to. Let me explain more in detail. The biggest thing that catches everyone’s eye when they come across my work is the angels. Those are the most important things people look for when it comes to shooting videos especially the Women, they love it! After that comes the chop ups of the clips & color grade wit my cinematic look. I can make a 15-45 second video look like a movie. 

How did you come up with your name?
Shot By Strick – Strick is short for my last name “Strickland” – so I took that and put together Shot By Strick. Short and simple, because the work going to make the name stand out more. 

Is there anyone in particular you’d like to shoot for?
Definitely, it’s all in the works for 2021 

How did you meet Harris?
I was invited to a mansion out in Scottsdale AZ In 2019 where Harris was shooting for a project he had going at the time. Bro had nothing but great vibes and was very family oriented and every since that day we’ve been working.

Whats next for you in 2021? 
2021 I definitely have some big projects in the works. You can expect to see more videos bigger better production for sure. I’m super excited for this next chapter in life.

How’s everything been?
Everything’s been going well! Recently I’ve been going to the studio everyday ( Red Beatz SLC ) the best one out in Salt Lake. I’m in the process of getting 2 albums done as well as some visuals.

What have you been up to since last time we talked?
I’ve been getting photo shoots done and constantly making music, and preparing for some albums. My manager (Boston)  and I at the moment are in talks with setting up some shows for this coming year. 

What do you have in the works?
I’ve been getting a lot of artworks done by Voltron Cicada. You can find him on Instagram @Voltron_Cicada . He makes some badass artworks that’ll be seen on my Instagram and upcoming albums Toxic and One step Closer. I’ve also been getting some money investments done through an amazing team for some residual income. 

What’s your plans for 2021?
Once January hits I’m dropping my albums, after that I plan on dropping a song every week for my audience as well as getting some shows done. 2021 is my time to fully shine and show everyone what I’m about and where I’m from. 

How do you feel about the current state of hiphop?
It’s amazing but I feel as if it needs a new sound and that’s definitely where I’m coming in. I know a few artists such as Yung Bleu, Fatboy SSE and Yung Bans have been watching my stories on Instagram, and I’ve actually been talking to them about getting some work done. 

Anything else you’d like to say?
I’m making a major move in Utah to put my home on the map and bring noise to my city for those who couldn’t. For those who are new,  my name is YP and I hope you continue to follow me through this journey. This is just the beginning…

What have you been up to?
Creating a figure of unique fascination & honestly designing different looks for my self & different artist as well. I decided to focus on what’s designer & who it really comes from

Whats new in your world??
Planning a lot of new shoots & modeling high fashion brands

Whats your plans for 2021?
Holy sh*t,  don’t know man! Just to keep winning. I don’t set goals because if I don’t achieve them then I failed

Anything special in the works?
Filming For Black Ink crew : Compton With My Lady @alanamarriee, Shooting For Different Magazines, & also Traveling the country

Anything else you’d like to say? 
My life Is on a scale “ I know there’s angels On Me”

Explain who you are for those who dont know?
My name is Tazzz Devol. A photographer/creative from Seattle WA

Who are your influences?
Someone that influenced me is Photographer Chi Modu His work is amazing to me. Captured a lot of iconic moments in the industry. Definitely a major reason why I love photography.

When did you first pick up a camera?
I first picked up a camera back in 2016-17 but didn’t really start taking it serious til 2018. I use to take pics of some old friends in college. I knew this was something I wanted to do at some point because I was always around some big names. Music artists, public figures, models, athletes and other creatives. I was a recruit in high school and traveled a lot so I knew I had even more access to that lifestyle. I just told myself why not document everything since I’m always around it. It’s fun, it can get hectic sometimes but I love it, I love creating and capturing dope moments cause every shoot or pic I take has a story behind it.

How did you meet Harris?
I knew of Harris since 2016-17 through friends an IG But never really had the time or chance to link up with bro.

What’s it like having someone like him helping you?
Harris is one of a kind man. I was a young struggling artist coming out of college just tryna find a way and make some stuff shake. I was doing shoots and working at events and made a name for myself. I was always pretty cool people you know public figure, music artist, models ect but tbh i ultimately wanted to be around people that we’re doing or on the same thing I WANTED to be on. Which was creative every day and next thing you know we finally connect. Another brother of mine Shakur better known as S.Creme another photographer had us link up and we talked we were all on the same page with literally everything we wanted to do. Harris allowed me to come in an literally put me in a better situation and position to go even crazier with the photographer business right away. He helps bring the best out of me an the rest of the guys always he’s always pushing us to be the best we can be. Very genuine an humble. Super driven an always ready to get stuff done.

Anything else you’d like to say?
2021 is definitely gonna be one hell of a rollercoaster but we’re ready to get after everything. Definitely some big things coming an I’m just grateful to be here with the guys an do the things we really love to do.

Explain who you are for those who don’t know
Well my name is Cole, but I go by young luv, and it used it to be corrow. Im 18 and I’m a singer from Vancouver, Washington. Nobody really knows me, I’m isolated, I spend most of my time on my own.

How long have you been making music?
Ive been making music since I was 14, I bought Ableton and made some shit, but Fl Studio was much easier for me to work with so I started producing EDM beats on there and then I got into pop and trap and underground stuff and my style really matured. That’s when I started singing too

What’s your goals?
My goals are to make a ton of music and change people’s conceptions about what rap is. Cause I kinda rap, but I like to sing more so it’s like a whole new genre.

Are you working on any projects?
I completed northwestemotion back in July, and then I kinda stopped, but now I’m working on a new album, and I’ve got a producer who’s helping me named DxU. He’s really cool but he lives in Russia so we do all our stuff on social media. The new album is gonna called young luv. There’s two singles out already and I’m gonna be working on more but I got a lot of music in the backchannels.

Who are your influences?
My influences are definitely underground stars like lil Peep and lil Tracy, and GBC and Wicca Phase and Coldhart. But I listen to a lot of the new stuff now on youtube, like Guardin, Sewerperson, and 6obby. I had a whole xxxTentacion phase back in high school too. 

Anything else you’d like to say?
As for what else I’d like to say mostly just that music can save people, like I had no idea what to do with my life until I found some of my favorite music and it inspired me and kept me alive. So I wanna help keep people alive and spread the love cause there’s a lot of joy out there to be found.

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwestemotion/

Explain who you are for those who may not know

My name is Yvng Percept. I usually go by YP or Percept. I’m 18 years old from Kearns 801. Doing music has been my passion and I’m planning to make it big. Not many people know about Kearns but it’s what I’m putting on the map. When it comes to my music I put my heart into it, and I speak in a way that makes you want to keep listening and ask who is this kid. 

Where are you from?

I’m from Kearns Utah, I grew up in Rose Park but my whole life I’ve been in Kearns. It’s so small it’s considered a township instead of a city.

What’s it like being from there?

It can be difficult at times because there is usually bad energy around. Other than that it’s good if you don’t have issues with people. 

Who are your Influences?

I’m not influenced by other artists, but there are a few artists I enjoy listening to on a daily basis. 

What makes you different from other artists?

I talk about situations that I’ve lived through. I bring all my energy to the beat and I’m careful about what I say, and the manner that it’s said in. I’m striving to be the best from my state “801”, and everyday is competition so I’m always at work. I’ll leave my phone on “DND” and just write shit and vibe. I’m versatile, always looking for new styles and stuff that people can relate to on a personal level. Majority of the day I’m always asking for criticism and insight on things I write. 

How long have you been doing music?

I first started out with small freestyles at 9, but as soon as high school hit I was making beats off my computer. Around the 10th grade I started writing and making beats to my lyrics. I have been doing this for about 4 years now, and I’m still gonna do this till I’m where I wanna be. 

How did it start and why?

It started because I had nothing else to do, I always wanted to do things differently than my siblings and other people around me. As soon as I realized my vibe for music I kept at it and I don’t have any other fallback because I don’t plan on failing. 

What’s next for you?

Right now I’m in a movement called Legacy. That’s my team, and right now I’m still getting music done taking offers for collabs cause as soon as February hits I plan to be bigger than what I am. I plan to let the world see who I am and be the first to actually make it out of Utah. 

Anything else you’d like to say?

I’d like to say for those who see this just remember my name cause I’m gonna be the biggest upcoming artist. Stay tuned…

Follow on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/yp_percept/

It’s been a while since we chopped it up, what’s been going on?

It’s Been too long, we just still have been workin on our brand, cleaning everything up, and working on a lot of new material.

How’s the grind been treating you?

The Grind has definitely been a grind! It Has its ups and down but non the less it’s a grind. And to be honest I’d rather have a hard grind than a easy come up. “Can’t skip pass the grind” 

Has covid effected the hustle at any point?

“COVID made us play the game a lot smarter. Not only did COVID stop shows, but it stopped a lot of guest appearances and things like that so because of that it forced us, in a way, to go back to the drawing board and rebrand, rethink and polish up a lot of ideas. So it’s honestly made us better.. it’s like a sleeping Dragon in hibernation.”

What’s currently in the works?

“My artist (SKYY PHRESHH) just dropped his first solo project “Raised By Wolves”  that’s doing very well. He’s also dropping a video for his single “Auto-Pilot” later in November. My second artist (SCOTTIE PHRESHH) is dropping his debut solo Project “TROPHIES” in December. He also just dropped a video for his single “LIIFE”. Got another video from Scottie dropping in December as well. In 2021 we have 2 group projects dropping “Going Digital” and “Peace to The Gods II”  

Who all is on First Class now?

“First class consists of me, Juice Hendrix, the project manager of the label. Scottie Phreshh, the artist. And SKYY Phreshh, the artist”

With 2020 coming to an end, do you have new goals for 2021? 

“The goal for 2021 is pretty much the same; to stay focused, grow as men, learn as much as we can about life and business; turn liabilities into valuable, appreciating assets; and to laugh as much as we possibly can!”

What direction do you see music heading in the future?

“The bottom is now the top of the pyramid; you don’t understand now but you will soon” ~SKYY Phreshh~

“It’s only up from here” ~Scottie Phreshh~ 

“Yeah, what they said.”  ~Juice Hendrix~

What is the main focus right now?

“The main focus right now is to learn as much as we can about the industry, get our marketing in order, and turning liabilities into assets” 

Anything else you’d like to say?

“The bottom is now The top of the pyramid” 

FIRST CLASS RECORDS

LIVE BY IT

DIE BY IT

FLY BY IT 

Music Videos: 

“LIIFE”: https://youtu.be/BbJvUQpRIPk

“RR”: https://youtu.be/LJSLy883yl0

 “LÁNG”: https://youtu.be/1WKNES2zny0

 “HELL ON EARTH”: https://youtu.be/OsczoywiqFw

 “PUER REGES”:  https://youtu.be/tHIiOV868ck

 “ANARCHY”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7KtJX6pb00

 “LATE AM”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZVovjkGGhE

ALBUMS:

RAISED BY WOLVES (2020!!) https://music.apple.com/us/album/infinity-x-infinity/1517490300?i=1517490303

PEACE TO THE GODS https://music.apple.com/us/album/peace-to-the-gods/148339055

In the latest episode of our Face 2 Face series, our host @KayohBeats links with JAAH SLT. He talks his come up, 9-25-20, “Tuff” blowing up on Tik Tok, how he linked with Alamo Records, & more. Check out the full interview and let us know who we should interview next?