Saturday, December 19, 2015

R&B NOW: What dropped. What's hot. What you need to know about!


"My mama don't like you and she likes everybody" ~Justin Beiber  


These artists are closing out 2015 with new music.  Both Jojo & Teedra Moses released two projects this year.  #NICE  Check out their new offerings as well as my favorite tracks from other new releases! 


ARTIST- JoJo
ALBUM- #LOVEJO2



*Qamil Note:  I LOVE this chick.*


ARTIST- BABYFACE
ALBUM- RETURN OF THE TENDER LOVER



FAV TRACK
"Exceptional"



ARTIST- MONICA
ALBUM- CODE RED


FAV TRACK
"Ocean of Tears"


*QAMIL NOTE:  I'll be honest. It took me a while to find a song that I liked.  I'm not in love with this album but I'm glad she's still in the game. " 

ARTIST- ANGIE STONE
ALBUM- DREAM



FAV TRACK
"Begin Again" ft. Dave Hollister
*Qamil Note: DAVE! YESSSSSSSSSS* #OKBYE haha


ARTIST- JUSTIN BEIBER
ALBUM- PURPOSE

This album is DOPE.  I went in thinking that I wasn't going to get into it.  WRONG.  

FAV TRACK
" Trust"


*Qamil Note:  I had a hard time picking a favorite for the opposite reason as the Monica album.  This one has so much to choose from......#NICE Oh and he has a song with Nas.*  

ARTIST- CHRIS BROWN
ALBUM- ROYALTY

FAV TRACK
"Who's Gonna (NOBODY)"
*QAMIL NOTE:  THIS ISH RIGHT HERE?! WHEW*

ARTIST-  AUGUST ALSINA
ALBUM- THIS THING CALLED LIFE

FAV TRACK
"LOOK AT HOW FAR I'VE COME"


ARTIST- TEEDRA MOSES
MIXTAPE- CLAIRVOYANT


*QAMIL NOTE:  I LOVE THIS CHICK. LOL*

~



 Connect with Qamil
 Soundcloud- Qamil-1  Facebook- QAMILSOULDOPE
Instagram- @QamilSoulDope


Wednesday, December 16, 2015

#SoulDopeSunday Spotlight- Ebri Yahloe

The lights are low.  The stage colors flash from blue to green to red to white.  There is music...LIVE music.  There is poetry. There is comedy.  There is ART.   ART comes ALIVE here. Art is a living breathing entity inside of these walls. Ten performers take turns sharing their gifts and giving their all.  They came to express themselves and to possibly be the one to take home the crown as the #SOULDOPESUNDAY open mic champ for the month.   There can only be one. 
~Qamil

DECEMBER 2015  

Location: Scarlet & Grey Cafe (Columbus, OH)
Open Mic Winner: Ebri Yahlo
Skill:  Hip Hop
Interviewed by:  Tiffany Mariie alia "The Poemcee"  



Q. Many people know you by Kayla Kay. Why the name change and what is it symbolic of? What does Ebri Yahloe mean?

A.  The back story behind Ebri Yahloe goes like this, I  was about 14-16 and I'd get my hair done in twists and often all the shorites would come trynna touch it saying things like "owe yo hair is cute. Is you mixed?" *hood rat voice*  The first thing that came to mind/out my mouth is "Yeah I'm Somalian"  lol. So for years, I was saying that and a girl busted me out like "Michaela ain't no Somalian name".  I had to think quick. Ebri Yahloe was the first thing that came to mind. It stems from a West African language called Fulani Ibou. Also, a young man friend of mine (e-boo),  he was a prophet in the Koran  and the word Diallo Is also a west African word. They don't really have "meanings" like American names do. I put them together mixed up the spelling. I search and searched the internet to make sure I wasn't stealing someone's name and to also make sure it wasn't something I've seen before that was just looming in my subconscious. I found nothing but the same pronunciations and different spellings. The coolest thing was that the manes I found with the same pronunciations described me to a T.  It had no real meaning so I made it mean "In Gods long journey". It kinda felt like divine intervention be the ibou prophet was most def  "in Gods long journey". I JUST learned about Ibou the prophet. tWhen I read this question I went and asked about his name. it also symbolizes growth. It's grown and sexy.  Kayla Kay is "cute" lol 
 
Q. Where did your passion for music come from?

A. My passion come from the music/writing itself. It's the only thing that keeps me sane. I don't do any drugs or drink so it's like music is the high. It's the "it" for me. It's my air. I can't stop breathing and it's the only thing that I can say "stayed".  I use to like basketball but that was only to receive love/bond with my dad because that's what he likes. That didn't stay (the love and bonding) so I stopped.  I've only been "in love" once and it was puppy love. That didn't stay.  Friendships didn't stay. I've always hated school. I finished HS and got kicked out of college. That didn't stay. Music/writing never left.

Q. Who have been some of your musical influences? 

A. Ahhh yes!! I couldn't wait to get to this question. First and foremost, James Brown! Johnny Guitar Watson (the original gangster of love), Ja rule and Nelly had a BIG impact on my life. I have a lil car engine rumble in my voice... not really a hard core muscle car like Mr DMX... but MOST definately a lil sports car with some power or better yet a chevy (:  I get on a smooth vibe often. I get that from early Nelly "Welcome to Nellyvile" *nelly voice* lol. A lil history about me, not a lot of people know about me is that  Erykah Badu is my real mom and Big Boi is my real dad. So I be on some conscious pimp shit! and we all know mom had a baby with Uncle 3k ( We don't talk bout that much) so he helped raise me too. As far as new school, of course J.Cole, Chance the Rapper, Raury and Big Krit. Q. How long have you been doing music?

A. I've been kinda "doing" music my whole life. It's how I learned my ABC'S. My mom would beat box and I'd rap em. My step father is also a rapper. He use to take me with him to studio sessions. I can still remember the first time he let me spit something lol. As far as performing/ recording, I was in a rap group called Pure Gold. I was 13 in 8th grade. We were apart of the S.A.V.E awards (Strategies Against Violence Everywhere) at the southern theater in downtown Columbus, OH. It was sold out so it was well over 2k people there. We ended up taking home the award for most positive lyrics but that wasn't was the crowd not the fact that they were praising us but fact that some words I wrote had that much power to get that reaction. Later that night I caught a news clip of our performance. It was so rewarding. That was the night I fell in love and knew that I'd do this forever.

Q. In 2013 you won Best Female Artist at the Ohio Hip Hop Awards how was the overall experience and how has it effected you as an artist if at all?

A. OHHA was a very interesting yet critical point in my life. I was working on my first album (The Declaration). I was 18, hungry, vulnerable, under tons of pressure and unhappy. Metaphorically speaking, I was being pimped in the name of "God" unknowing yet willingly.  To sum it up, I was a slave. That's just to give you an idea of the uncomfortable space I was in mentally and physically at this time. Winning the award is most definitely a staple and was slight booster for my confidence. I say that because I was the new face in the local music industry as far as club / bar shows (adult shows). I had JUST gotten old enough to even be allowed to pass the door. Being new to that world I was up against a vet, the beautiful Ms. Diggy Dulche and there was a rumor that one of the other ladies was Yo Gotti's first lady.  So I'm like damn man I've always been confident. I'm NY flow but I'm thinking SHIT Diggy got clout and she got MF Yo Gotti. It was also cool because I did the grass roots campaign all alone. My team didn't help me get votes. I actually didn't even know I was nominated. A good friend called me and told me I was nominated for two awards, best live performance and best female. That was a shock. At the award show the announcer guy said "and the award for best female goes to..." Diggy's team in the back GOING NUTS like "Diggyyyyyyy Diggyyyyy!!!"  He said "Kayla Kay". I was happy but God must have already told me without me realizing because I had already written my acceptance speech.  Q. One thing I’ve noticed that you mention often is the “free zone” tell me what that means to you?

A. Zoooooone!!!! The Free Zone F/Z  takes on a few meanings.  It is a collective of solo artist also a band. Yes a music band but also a band (rubber band)...something that holds things together. The Free Zone is a place you enter as where it's not even YOU anymore.  As a rapper, it's the place I go to when I'm free styling and everything I say is ON and I don't even know what I'm saying but every one who is still here on earth is loving it! It can even be sexual... just that place you go where you loose control but you're killin it lol. We don't go to that place.  We ARE that place and most importantly to me, its a mind set! Anyone can be a part of the free zone. Freedom is in the mind now as is slavery. Free ya self. Know thy self!
Q. Everybody has something that pushes them what is your driving force?

A. My diving force is to do God's Work and take care of my family.   Q. You have a dynamic stage presence. Do you get nervous before a performance? Do you have any pre performance rituals?

A. Thank you. Ok so this is super personal lol but I don't care,  I'm free.  If I get the bgss RIGHT  RIGHT before it's time to perform it's going to be a great show. I have a prayer. I pray. I meditate and when I'm on stage I try to be as open as possible for the spirits and the higher power to work through me to touch whoever needs it at that time. It's like a type of meditation, a deep focus. So whatever I have to do to wake up the spirits, I do it.  Jump. Twist. Shout. I have to snatch them up sometimes and call them out because they like to play but once I get em it's on.  I just listen to the higher power within.  Anything other then that makes me feel less then like I let God down.
Q. When people see Ebri Yahloe perform or when they press play what do you want people to take away?


A. I want people to feel God, hear God, See God. 


Q. What do you feel like distinguishes you from other artist.

A. What distinguishes me from others is that i KNOW I AINT SHIT!! I'm NOTHING. I'm nothing and everything at the same time...meaning yes I am made in Her image BUT I am not Her ... Or maybe I am Her.  I hear/see a ton of artists say, "I'll lyrically kill you. My bars are this. My flow is that" others say, "I get bitches. I get money" some keep it real and say, "I'm broke ass hell".  It's always i ... i ...i.... my ... me... I'm so turned off by it like STFU NIGGA.  Say something else you lil bitch! TEACH US  SOMETHING. TEACH THESE MF KIDS YOU WANT TO BUY YOUR MUSIC SOMETHING! It don't have to be like school. Make it "cool" but you don't cause you don't know shit cause you to busy writing raps bout you. We know, we get it, you're the best.  You said that shit 30 times 30 Different ways. You're the best at being YOU. Duh most of us are the best at being ourselves. What's next? What else you got?  If you DO actually have knowledge and you're not sharing it you're just as fucked up and the few MFs  that govern this filthy ass nation. Knowledge is supposed  to be passed on! People wanna hold,  hoard and hide it like it ain't free and even if some sick men made u pay for it, why would you continue to pimp it dumb ass?! Don't get me wrong, I have songs about I too. We all do but not a whole library. If it maybe when i was 16 and even then I had other shit.  I have a saying "When I die, don't sing the songs I wrote for me. Sing the sings I wrote for God." The last thing is idgaf about money, groupies, "things", any of it. Every day, I'm disconnecting more and more. I think when I finally start getting some serious income from music, I'm going to buy an island, get my family out of here, be homeless, give my money away to people who think they need it and just tour all around on different endeavors. Nothing will change because I'm homeless now. This earth is not my home. This body is the host for now until God needs her spirit back to lend out again. I'm not even a human.  My understandings of life are different from most artist I meet.

Q. Are there any artist you would like to work with in the city?

A. YES!! Tiffany Mariie! :)  I want more songs with Lav the evil MC. I'd like to do music with Hafrican, Lyrikal Goddess and the whole D4W. The list Goes on and on and on and on and on some more. Columbus is cool to me and we have so many great gifted people.  If I keep going this paragraph is going to be longer the the other ones lol  
Q. What is your end game? Like the ultimate stamp of success for you? 


A. I don't really have an end game. It never really ends for me. I would say I'm the most successful every time I can get a person to ask new questions to question things they've been taught to dry their brain from the "wash", to ask how and why instead of just taking what ever is given, as WHY the bible has the father the son and the holy spirit and no mom. Ask if homosexually is so wrong how come the bible seems to be written by woman haters suppressing gay feelings. Think about it European and arb are the only two who have completely vanished women or have them on the lowest leaving what? All men. Sounds a lil gay to me. Why not put woman the most high? She GIVES life. Without her it's over. Ask why in every one there's a certain cell that can only be passed by a Black woman traced back to ONE woman in Africa.  I just want people to ask shit make people uncomfortable "growing pains" aint just some saying. 

Q. Where can people find you online?



A. Twitter- Ebri_yahloe
soundcloud Ebri yahloe 




Catch Ebri Yahloe performing LIVE as our feature act at #SOULDOPESUNDAY on January 3rd.  For more info on the show or how you can perform, like the event page on Facebook www.facebook.com/SoulDopeSunday
~

  
 Connect with TIFFANY MARIIE

Instagram- @Iamtiffanymariie

Editor- Qamil Wright

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Lines & Stanzas with Miss Blonde Curls: Q&A with Tripp Fontane

"I'm just a chip off the old tooth my daddy knocked out of my mama's mouth....." 


Tripp Fontane is a Dayton, OH native blazing the poetry scene for the past several years.  He is heavily affiliated with Dayton's own and growing  poetry crew Metaphorically Speaking which caters not only to the adult poetry lover, but also poetry performers and slammers of tomorrow.  Tripp's poetry along with the Metaphorically Speaking brand has extended its arms throughout Ohio and is bulldozing its way through the Midwest.  


Q&A


Q.  What city are you from? Where do you live now? 
A.  I'm from and currently reside in the lovely Dayton, Ohio!

Q. How long have you been writing/performing poetry? 
A.  I've been writing poetry since I was like 10 I believe. I didn't start performing or writing seriously until 2009-2010.

Q.  What made you start writing poetry? How old were you? 
A.  I started taking poetry seriously because no one would listen to my music lol. At the time lyrics and messages still didn't matter. I was about 19 when I decided to just do my songs with no music and say I did poetry. 

Q.  What type or style of poetry do you write the best? Worst? 
A.  I love writing persona pieces. Fully taking on the character in the poem makes it extremely fun to perform! I suck at writing love poetry though lol. Well happy love poems anyway. I don't really have enough experience in that field. 

Q.  Which poet(s) do you idolize or emulate? 
A. Honestly, I try to learn from everyone I come across! There's always room to get better so I'm constantly studying those around me. Theon Lee is definitely one of my favorites though. My G is NICE!



 
Q.  Do you get stage fright? 
A.  I get stage fright every single time I perform lol. I was taught that it was a good thing though.  It means I still have respect for the craft and the audience.

Q.  Why do you think poetry isn't more main stream? 
A.  I could go on all day as to why poetry isn't mainstream. Art, in general, just isn't as highly valued as it once was. I also think English class gives the worst first impression to poetry ever lmao.

Q.  How would you fix this? 
A.  I don't think I would fix it. Not yet. Spoken Word is still somewhat pure. The higher up you get in most industries the less people care about the art. It's about a marketable product and a paycheck. If Spoken Word is to be taken mainstream it should be by people of the culture so there's a healthy understanding of how things work.

Q.  How long have you been rocking with Metaphorically Speaking?  
A.  I've pretty much been with MS since day one. I got invited to judge the slam from the third show and I've been rocking with them ever since. This is our 3rd year.

Q.  As a poetry clique or group what would you like to do in your community and where would you  like to see yourself and the group go? 
A. We've kinda set the company up into three different branches that way we can effectively expand on all fronts. As far as the community goes I'd like to see us become a safe haven for the youth and other artists.  I'd like to also see the brand become a powerhouse in the Midwest.

"When ya'll fucking he just pull out and leave residue on your belly, baby, maybe you should ab...stain."


Q.  Have you ever used poetry for evil?
A.  I don't think I have lol. I wouldn't exactly say I'm a good guy but I would never use my gift for actual evil.

Q.  What is the best thing about poetry for you?  
A.  To me the best thing about poetry is discovering that space for expression. Whatever you're going through, you can create something special from it via poetry. 

Q.  What is the most difficult thing about poetry to you?  What is the easiest?  
A.  The hardest thing about poetry? Hmmm... It takes me FOREVER to finish and memorize my pieces sometimes lol. I have unfinished poems from years ago. I honestly haven't found anything easy about this whole being a poet thing lol.

Q.  How do you keep your gift giving to others? 
A.  A few members from the team teach slam poetry and creative writing workshops for children! It's pretty dope watching these young writers come into their own as artists!




Q.  Are you married?
A.  Not at all lol. I'm very much single. I don't see myself getting married any time soon.

Q.  Do you have kids? 
A.  Noooooooo! I would love to have a few little Fontanes running around but not until I'm ready.

Q.  Any secret talents?

A..I'm a pretty decent music producer. That's not really a secret I just don't ever tell people lol.

Q.  What turns you off? 
A.  One of my biggest turn offs is someone unwilling to learn new things. Voluntary ignorance if you will.

Q.  What turns you on? 

A.  I'm turned on by a woman that can make me laugh as well as a woman I can learn from!

Q. Tell me something about yourself that would surprise people. 
A. Ummm...  I've never broken up with any of my exes. I'm always the one that gets dumped.


Q.  Have you ever considered quitting? 

A.  I've considered quitting poetry quite a few times lol. Only reason I'm still at it is because I know the impact the movement can and will have is way bigger than my own plans.

Q. What advice do you have for aspiring writers and poets? 

A. I urge every writer and poet to study the craft as much as possible. Find any possible open mics and practice! And network your tail off! Always follow through! If you say you're gonna call another poet or hit an open mic then do it!



Q. What's next for you? Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years? 

 A. I'm currently working on my next musical project which I plan on having finished come February! I'm also working on a book about my experiences with love. I'm taking my time on that though lol. I'm also going to be getting involved in the slam poetry scene as well! 

 ~

 Connect with Miss Blondecurls 
 Twitter- @missblondecurls Facebook- Miss Blondecurls
Instagram- @missblondecurls

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

DOPENESS IN THE CITY: Your Offical Guide to Fun Sh*t To Do

Looking for something to do in Columbus?  Specifically things involving music and entertainment?  Allow me to be your guide:)


 TUESDAY

EVENT: Soul Tape Tuesday
Where: Avalon Dance Club | 205 N. 5th St
Time: 8pm

 
If you enjoy a laid back vibe, $1 tacos,  $3 shots of tequila and live vocals provided by a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice...THIS is where you want to be on Tuesday night.

WEDNESDAY

EVENT: Hashtag Comedy
Where: The Shadowbox Theatre-Backstage Bistro | 503 S. Front St. Suite 260
Time: 7:30pm  



There is laughter EVERY week.  Hashtag Comedy bring the laughter with great improv and the music with special guest.  The food is great. The drinks are great.  Enough said.


EVENT: WordPlay Wednesday
Where: Glow Lounge| 1034 Shady Lane
Time: 10pm 


BRING YOUR TALENT TO THE STAGE FOR THE VERY FIRST INSTALLMENT OF WORDPLAY WEDNESDAYS!!!! Hosted by one of Columbus's most eloquent MCs, Dana Scopes Mobley and of course a party ain't a party without the DJ so we are pleased to of Columbus's favorite Brooklyn import DJ King Seven!!! Brought to you by Underground Elite, WordPlay Wednesdays is destined to be THE networking and performance hub for the city's "LYRICALLY INCLINED". Soooooo, bring your bars, your melodies, your spoken word, and your desire to have a good time to THIS EVENT!!! 


EVENT: The Break
Where: Rehab Tavern| 456 W Town St
Time: 9pm  



Weekly hip-hop night that brings you all 4 elements of hip-hop
OPEN MIC FREESTYLE CYPHERS for the rhymers
-musicians will be playing during the cyphers
OPEN BBOY CYPHERS for the breakers + dancers
LIVE ART for the writers + other artists

***FREE ENTRY ALL NIGHT***

Drink Specials
Pops Hot Wings will be setting up early


THURSDAY
 
EVENT: The Ness
Where: Lincoln Cafe| 740 E Long St.
Time: 8pm  


This long running weekly open mic is a GREAT home for poets.  You can also catch some music there.  Kitchen and bar are open.
Music by DJ Dommy Styles of Power 107.5 

What happens when you mix poetry and a party? Find out Thursday night.



FRIDAY

EVENT: FHSP w/ Special Guests
Where: Alrosa Villa | 5055 Sinclair Rd
Time: 6pm
Cover- $7



EVENT:  What's Playing? Volume I
Where: Kafe Kerouac | 2250 N High St.
Time: 8pm 
Cover- $5



Tired of the radio? Looking to get some new sounds in your life? Curator/artist Scott Woods launches a new musical series in which notable artists are handpicked from various genres and fields to DJ sets of unheard/rarely heard music. It’s laid back, intimate and mind-opening art for the open-minded, ranging from jazz to electronic to rap to who knows! Come take a refreshing musical connoisseur's trip through music.

DJs for the first session are:

8:00 – 9:00 FBK – Dance/Electronic
9:00 – 10:00 Mark A Lomax II - Jazz
10:00 – 11:00 Nordiq (nor-DEEK) – Grab Bag

..with a short electro R&B grab bag chaser by Scott's Groove Locker

Cash bar


  
 SATURDAY
EVENT: Saturday Night Live
Where: O Lounge & Grill | 1532 Cassady Ave
Time: 10pm


EVERY SATURDAY.  Get your dance on as the live band and dj join forces to give you a one of a kind musical experience.  The food is delicious and the energy is awesome. 


SUNDAY
EVENT: Soul Dope Sunday
Where: Scarlet & Grey Cafel | 2203 N High St.
Time:5-9pm
Cover- $7

Welcome to the DOPEST open mic in town!

GOT TALENT? PROVE IT!

Soul Dope Sunday was created for the Indie artist. It is h
eld the first Sunday of every month at Scarlet & Grey Cafe 2203 N. High St. in Columbus. Open mic sign ups for 5-6:15 pm. Each artist gets a 5 min slot. We have a panel of judges that determine the winner of open mic. The winner will receives a paid feature at a future show.  The stage is open to ALL genres of music, poetry, dance, comedy etc. Whatever you talent is come on out!

Open kitchen. Full bar.



There you go.  Check in weekly for more event updates.  If you are hosting an event email me and I will add it.  1SoulDope@gmail.com

~Qamil










HAUTE MUSIC: "Exposure" by Will Blaze

" I gave you love but you took my life.  Now I avenge myself because you fell in love with someone else."
~Will Blaze



Artist: Will Blaze
City: Cleveland
Skill:  SANGIN


I stumbled across Will Blaze in February of 2014 when I was performing at an event in Cleveland (shout out to SheSpeaks Purpose) I remember watching his set thinking that he was very creative and that he had an amazing voice.  What I didn't know was that I would be doing a write on him nearly two years later.  That's the thing about this industry.  The connections are very unpredictable.

So here we at the end of  2015 and I'm blasting this album....on repeat.   "Exposure" is 15 track LP and it is FANTASTIC.  I ran through just about every emotion listening to this album.  Love and Lust were at the  top of the feeling list. I ALMOST made a phone call but a sista has work to do.   

EACH track was written by Will Blaze (Dope right?) with production by Jemel "Burner" Rankins (additional production by Kenn Bell)I don't think I really need to get into how dope it is for an artist to write there entire project.  I have an affinity for songwriters. Songwriters are my peeps. 

One more word about this album: HARMONIES


"Exposure" boasts a track listing of 15 songs.  If I had to describe the album in one word it would be "SOULFUL".  This is some DOPE R&B/Soul ya'll.  Will's vocals are beautiful, his writing is relatable and captivating.  Oh and he hits this bottom note that is superb.   I was trying to narrow down one favorite but it's impossible.  I have many favorites but I'll give you two to work with.

1. Give It To You



2. Never Good Enough



**Qamil Note:  I was excited to see one of my favorite artists featured on the album.  Heeeyyyy Sam Goodi! Haha If you haven't heard of that dude you better get hip. **


Now for a little Q & A with WILL BLAZE!




Q.  What does Will Blaze bring to the R&B table?

A.  Will Blaze is an artist that wants to make love cool again. In a world where partying, swag, and status reign supreme, I long for the days where positivity, truth, and love were in the forefront of the arts. So, my plan is to shine light on real situations, emotions, and thoughts that are not as popular to discuss, but just as prominent and valid. Ultimately, to rekindle the creative perspective we once utilized to progress the art and the people it affected.


Q.  How would you describe your style as an artist?


A.  In a word, soulful. My voice was cultivated in a time where the best singers were the ones with conviction. Ones who would project the feeling of that song to you in a way you have no choice but to emote similar feelings, even if you have not personally felt those feelings. In a vocal performance, that's my ultimate desire. As a writer, I try to come from as realistic and honest of a place as possible. I take situations and imagine how I would feel in them, and put it on paper, in hopes you can relate to those feelings.


Q.  Who are some of the artists that influenced or inspired you to do music the most?

A. Sheesh, there are so many to name! I am constantly studying new and old artist, and trying to gain as much perspective from them. What initiated my desire to sing was the church and artist like John P Kee, Kirk Franklin, Kim Burrell, etc. What developed my desire to write and become a voice for people would have to be Stevie Wonder, overall. As I've gotten older, my style has progressed and added other elements to it. I would say Bilal is another direct influence for me now. Hip-Hop has influenced me a great deal also....again there's just too much to name! I'm a big mashup of everything I listen too.


Q.   Describe “Exposure” in 5 words or less.
A.  The cycle of young love

Q.  If you could only listen to ONE song on “Exposure” on repeat for a week which song would it be?

A. Probably "Hooked On U"




Q.  If you could have a dinner party and discuss music with 5 R&B/Soul artist (dead or alive) who would be at that table?

A.  
1) Marvin Gaye
2) Stevie Wonder
3) Whitney Houston
4) Prince 
5) MJ



 

Q. What is your favorite R&B album of all time?
A. Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key of Life

Q. If you could do a duet with one artist who would that be?
A. Jazmine Sullivan......but you spelled "Do it" wrong HAHAHAHA (kidding, don't want wifey to kill me! ;-)

***Qamil Note:  Hahahahahahaahahah**


 Q. Your album has a lot of sexy going on.  What is the absolute sexiest thing about a woman to you?


A. It's a tie between Confidence and a healthy relationship with God..........but if I'm being shallow, hips, legs and pretty feet :-P

Q. What is your absolute favorite song to sing live? 
A. Probably my arrangement of Rock With You by MJ


LEAD SINGLE- "New Shoes"




Q.  If you could go on a world tour right now, what other artist would you want to take with you? 
A. I have 2 answers. Jazmine Sullivan if I'm searching for an artist to complement my sound/style, Chris Brown for a real serious learning experience/Boot Camp....and for the Turn Up lol


Q. Tell me something about yourself that would surprise people.

A. I am really, really, REALLY shy and don't always think very highly of myself.



Q. Favorite color? 

A. Purple



Q. Favorite movie?

A. I don't have just one! Paid in Full, Malcolm X, StepBrothers, Inception, Scott Pilgrim VS The World,Boyz In The Hood, and The Incredibles to name a few



Q.    What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
A. Other than making a lucrative career for my family, I want to change the perspective of the game.  I want real feelings, emotions and positivity to position themselves back in the forefront of our arts.
 


WILL BLAZE LIVE!

 "New Shoes" 





"Sweet Love" ft. Nefertiti Avani




Q.   Where can people find you? (Social media)
A. @hewillblaze - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Google + (do ppl even use that? lol)



NOW GO FIND A BROTHA! Buy his album and show him some #LOVE 
Tell him that Qamil sent ya:)  

~Qamil