YouKnowWhatGrindsMyGears #3: Vibe Killers

What I absolutely cannot stand are people who are vibe killers. You might be having one of the best days ever. In your mind, today is the most perfect day you have ever dreamed of. Filled with joy and happiness. Then here comes this one person out of nowhere who starts to KILL YOUR VIBE! That Kendrick Lamar song speaks the truth: “B***h Don’t Kill My Vibe! B***h Don’t Kill My Vibe!”

You think to yourself: “What the bloody crap did I do to deserve that?” Vibe killers are mainly people you know. Your friends, complete strangers, associates, and even family members. Their mission is simple. To bring you down so you can feel just as miserable as they do. Vibe killers are not about maintaining happiness. If they are not happy, no one is happy. And if no one is happy, they are doing their job.

There were many times when people killed my vibe. To be honest with you, it really irritated me. Why? Why would that person inadvertently go out of their way to try to drain my happiness away? Then try to justify it to make it seem harmless. Don’t sugarcoat it. Because I am not going to sugarcoat my response towards you.  So if it offends you, well then tough titty. You shouldn’t have killed my vibe.

Killing my vibe will pretty much turn up the level of my sarcasm to epic highs. It will turn me into a bit of an asshole. I don’t kill other people’s vibe. I have no business doing it to no one else. So why do it to me?

Smile. Laugh. Eat some ice cream. Do something else other than to bring others down. It is going to be a point where you are going to  need someone to uplift you. Then when you find that no one will be around don’t get all Drake emotional (I am not making fun of Drake, but this term fits well in what I have to say). Because you pissed everyone off by killing their vibe. Think about it.

I am generally a nice person. But if you kill my vibe, my rage might just come out and scare you.

You have any stories about certain people killing your vibe? Comment below and share them with me.

Stay positive and vibe killer free. And as always, Stay Classy Homies ^_^.

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WondaGurl: Super Girl with the Super Beats

16 year-old Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (Toronto) native Ebony Oshunrinde aka WondaGurl makes beats.  In 2012, the Nigerian-Canadian won the “Battle of the Beatmakers” competition that was held in Toronto, Canada. WondaGurl beat out over 32 up and coming producers. She was the only girl who participated in the competition. Probably one of her biggest accomplishments to date was one of the beats she crafted was used by hip-hop icon Jay-Z. “Crown” was featured on Jay-Z’s “Magna Carta Holy Grail.” The 2013, 4th of July release, was the 12th album Hov has put out. WondaGurl had a pretty dope summer this year.

Ebony aka WondaGurl has been making beats since she was 9 year-old. Ironically enough her interest of making music began when she found a video of mega producer Timbaland working in the studio with Jay-Z on “The Black Album” in 2003. WondaGurl says in an interview with HollywoodReporter.com about her music making discovery, “I always love the background music in songs, not the lyrics. I didn’t know who did that, so I did my research and I fell in love with the beats that Timbaland was making.” Making beats at 9 years old?!?! That’s crazy!

So you want to know how one of her beats was featured on “Magna Carta Holy Grail?” I shall tell you. After WondaGurl won the “Battle of the Beatmakers” in 2011, she was signed to Black Box Management Company. She emailed a beat to Houston rapper (G.O.O.D. Music/Grand Hustle artist) Travi$ Scott who listened to one of her tracks. According to OkayAfrica.com, Travi$ contacted her a few days later saying these exact words, “I’m about to change your life.” He played WondaGurl’s track to Jay-Z. Then she got the phone call that her beat was going to be on “Magna Carta Holy Grail.” And that track on the album was called, “Crown.” The track described by RookieMag.com, states that the producing phenom used “the snarling bass sample” of Reggae artist Sizzla’s “Solid as a Rock.”  In a XXL.com interview, WondaGurl explains how “Crown” was crafted: “I took it and I cut it up and I put it in the software FL Studio and I started building around it, just adding 808s and the more I built, I knew what I wanted.” Initially the track was made for Travi$ Scott or Pusha T to use but Jay-Z liked it. And the rest was history.

“Crown” is considered one of the best tracks on the album. This makes WondaGurl, according to HollywoodReporter.com, one of the youngest female producers to have a credit on platinum selling hip-hop album. Pretty cool huh? Since her success with “Crown,” WondaGirl has been a busy young lady. She has worked on beats for fellow Canadian Drake on his September 2013 release for “Nothing is the Same”. She is also slated to work with Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, her favorite producer Timbaland, and Keri Hilson. She is also behind the beat on Travi$ Scott’s track “Uptown.”

So How does WondaGurl make those super dope beats? WondaGurl explains in TheFader.com interview,

“I made my first beats on this really small Casio keyboard. There was these little tiny circle drum pads, these turbo drums on it, so I’d just make drum sounds and loops. It was kind of weird how it popped up and I just started. My mom was surprised, because when I was smaller I didn’t like music and I always went away when someone was playing music loud.”  

So this talented lady transition from making beats on a Casio keyboard to now crafting them on professional production equipment. Pretty impressive.

 

Here are some facts about WondaGirl:

#1: She doesn’t always make bangers. She says in TheFader.com interview, “I started off making like, techno. Then I went on to house, R&B and hip-hop. Now I try to mix everything into one. Or I try to do something that no one else is doing. Or I do something that someone else is doing and do it 100 times better. That’s it.”

#2: Not only she started making beats when she was 9, but she also liked fixing computers. I am taking that she still likes to fix computers.

#3: Her beat making was self-taught.

#4: The software that WondaGurl used to craft her beats were Mixcraft and then FL Studio.

#5: Mainly WondaGurl keeps to herself. She is active on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and SoundCloud.

#6: She loves Bollywood music.

#7:Another favorite producer of hers is Ryan Leslie.

#8: She wants to take piano lessons to help her beats be better and more melodic.

#9: In 2010, she entered in the “Battle of the Beatmakers” competition. She almost wasn’t able to compete because she was only 14 years old at the time. The age limit was changed from 19 and up to all ages. She didn’t win that year (made it to the quarterfinals).

Despite the fact that WondaGurl is making a name for herself in the producer world, she is still in high school. She is the 11th grade. Education is still a top priority. Her mom, Jozie Oshunrinde makes sure that studies come first. WondaGurl states in OkayAfrica.com, “I just make sure I get my credits cause I know if I don’t, my mother will not be okay with that at all, and possibly take all my music stuff away.” Even though she may create a little bit of mass hysteria in high school, WondaGurl still stays focused. Making sure that she gets her studies in.

WondaGurl’s talents have gotten her many fans including actor Jonah Hill, fellow Canadian beat maker Matthew “Boi-1da” Samuels (she met at the first time she entered the “Battle of the Beatmakers” in 2010), R&B singer Jill Scott, and many others. Ms. Scott gave WondaGurl some good advice while she met her a NAACP brunch. “She told me that I needed to stand up for myself as a woman in the industry,” she shared in a HollywoodReport.com interview.

The 16 year-old futher explains:

“I notice that a lot of people will go on my Twitter and say, ‘Wow I really respect her because she is a female.’ Before all of the beat battle stuff I thought there were a lot of female producers. Now that I am in the industry, I see that there are none. It would be great to see more females in the game. You are never too young to just do it.”

Not only she is extremely talented and smart individual but also full of wisdom.

WondaGurl is a true role model for young girls as well as anyone who wants to still pursue their dreams. Her love of crafting dope beats makes her music reach the masses. Transcending age, race or gender. The music speaks for itself. After she graduates from high school, WondaGurl wants to attend college and get her degree at some point. But she will continually perfect her craft and be the awesome wonder that she is. An awesome producer.

 

If you want to hear some of WondaGurl’s music check out her SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/wondagurlbeats

Also check out her website:  http://wondagurl.com/ where she has all her links to her Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.

Stay Classy, Homies ^_^.

Sources:

Beat Construction: WondaGurl (October 2, 2013) http://www.thefader.com/2013/10/02/wondagurl-interview/

Meet WondaGirl, The 16 Year-Old Producer Behind Travi$ Scott’s “Uptown” (June 5, 2013) http://www.complex.com/music/2013/06/wondagurl-producer-travis-scott-uptown

16 Year-Old Ebony Oshunrinde aka WondGirl Crafts Beats for Jay-Z (July 9,2013) http://www.okayafrica.com/2013/07/09/jay-z-magna-carta-holy-grail-wondagurl/

Saturday Links: WondaGirl the Wonder Girl Edition (July 6, 2013)  http://rookiemag.com/2013/07/saturday-links-40/

Sixteen-Year-Old Producer, WondaGirl Explains, Crafting Jay-Z’s “Crown” (July 6, 2013) http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/07/16-year-old-producer-wondagurl-explains-crafting-jay-zs-crown/

16 Year-Old ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ Producer ‘Wondagirl’ Now Working on Beats for Drake (August 13, 2013) – http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/16-year-old-magna-carta-604250

Welcome to the Bigbake Show

Anthony Baker aka Bigbake is not only a hip-hop artist, but he is the CEO/Co-Founder of Smokngunz Records. So I can only take a guess that he has the best of both worlds. Being an talented artist and molding other talented artists who love hip-hop just as much as he does. You may be wondering how did Anthony got his nickname of “Bigbake.” It actually came from his football and wrestling days in high school. Cool nickname huh?

 

The Saginaw, Michigan native has been laying down tracks and spitting rhymes for quite some time now. I had a chance to interview him to find out more about how his true love for hip-hop began, how Smokngunz Records became to be, and how his lyrical style sets him apart from other hip-hop artists.

#1:  When was the specific time in your life you fell in love with hip-hop and made a decision about pursuing a music career?

In 1996, I bought Twista’s “Adrenaline Rush”. This is what inspired me to start a musical career. It started out as poetry and morphed into hip-hop once I met my click (The Smokngunz) in the U.S. Army.

#2:  You are the CEO and Co-Founder of Smokngunz Records. Can you give a little background history of how the record label was created? What do you think is the most prominent factor that has helped the record label last this long? 

The Smokngunz was started in the barracks of 2-44 ADA in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Alexander Smith III (Smoke Digga), Haywood Clark (Wood District), and myself, Anthony Baker, Jr. (Bigbake) would have cyphers. Smoke Digga originally had the name for a group that he was rapping with earlier but they never used it. We like it so it stuck with us.

#3:  Who were some of your most important musical influences growing up? 

Music is my drug. I have kept it going on my own. Wood District is now a gospel singer and Smoke Digga is a family man. I just couldn’t give it up. I would do music for free if I would be able to live and prosper as well. I listened to music more than I watched television as a child. My mom used to blast Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, All of the Jacksons (together and apart LOL), Whitney Houston, and so many more. My father was more into bands. He played the guitar in a band when I was a child. Through him I listened to Prince, Maserati, The Gap Band etc. As I got older I listened to N.W.A., Rob Base, Salt-N-Pepa, Too $hort, Twista, Outkast, Tela, and waaayyy to many more artists to name. I have always been a music head.

#4:  Do you remember the very first hip-hop song you ever wrote? If so can you share what it was about?

The first song I wrote when I figured out that music would be my journey was called “A Nigga Like Me.” It was pretty much about a paranoid soldier’s thoughts in the military. It was very angry.

#5: What many elements do you think that current hip-hop artists are missing from their music right now?

Before the era of Kendrick Lamar and cast ( J Cole, Wale, etc.) I felt that the game was in a state of no substance. Drake opened that door again with the more sensitive rap, which was an ingenious move, then Kendrick Lamar blew the doors down. Now me are (rap is) more conscious again.

#6:  How would you describe your sound in four words? Explain the reason you picked each of those words.

My sound in four words:  Real, Militant, Truth, and Raw.

Real because it isn’t loosely based on my life, its what was happening at that point in my life.

Militant because I like to preach a lot, give directives and examples.

Truth because it is true LOL.

Raw because before the Drakes, Kendrick Lamars, and a few others, people wouldn’t say the things I say.

#7:  You have a blog on Tumblr (The Official Smokngunz Records Blog).  Explain what information you have on the blog site.

http://bigbake01.tumblr.com/ is raw and random at the moment. It will be informative about the movements of my associates and I. LOL (don’t judge me)

#8:  What gives you the most inspiration when you create lyrical content to your music?

Life gives me all of my inspiration. If I feel like being faithful or in love, that’s what I write about. If I feel like hopping in these streets and getting back to the grind, that’s what my music will focus on.

#9: What does the future hold for Smokngunz Records and Bigbake in the next 10 years?

I will be signing a few artists and releasing projects in the next 1 to 2 years. More signing at first. We will continue to be global. I will continue to push what we already have on the networks now, and simply grow and develop.

#10: Is there anything you want to share with the readers or your fans about any upcoming events to look out for?

You can check out the two singles that we already released:

Bigbake feat. Truth B. Told – “Hustler’s Anthem” (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hustlers-anthem-feat.-truth/id604365673)

Bigbake – “Next Level” (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/next-level-single/id590788950)

You can hit me up on ALL of the social media sites @bigbake01 (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc.)

Thanks Bigbake for allowing me to interview you. I appreciate it. I also want to salute him for serving our country in the Armed Forces and protecting us back at home. Much love and respect for that.

Listed below are links to check out Bigbake’s music as well as his blog site on Tumblr.

Official Smokngunz Records blog on Tumblr: http://bigbake01.tumblr.com/

Bigbake’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/bigbake01

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/bigbake01

Bigbake’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealBigbake

MySpace Page: https://myspace.com/bigbake01

If any artists are in need of getting digital distribution check out the ANB Distribution website: http://www.anbdistribution.com/

Again, you can also follow him on Twitter: @bigbake01

Stay Classy, Homies ^_^

Brittney Parker, Keeping the Visionista Movement Alive

Meet Brittney Parker. Model. Mentor. Vlogger. Actress. Wife. Mother. Visionista. For those of you who don’t know what a “Visionista” is Brittney defines it as the “act of power sensing with the eyes, mind, and heart. A driven woman with ambition, talent, and skill. All with a strut in her step.” I guess if I put myself in this category I would call myself a “Nerdy Visionista.”

This California native (now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada) has been working hard for years achieving her own dreams while inspiring others to do so. Her YouTube Channel “MissParker TV” has over 7,600 subscribers.  Her Facebook page of the same name has over 700 likes. Oh I almost forgot, she has over 2,100 followers on her Twitter as well. How does this beautiful, strong, and ambitious woman does it?

Brittney took some time from her busy schedule to share about how her Visionista movement began and how she’s maintained it as I interviewed her.

#1:  Explain to the readers out there what MissParkerTV is all about.  What makes it unique than the many other YouTube channels that are out there?

MissParkerTV is everything I’ve ever wanted to capture. It’s unique because with the all the talent on Youtube, I have many opportunities to share who I am through MissParkerTV. Though, it’s a small portion of who I really am. I have not shared the rest of me yet.

#2:  What do you think is the most important thing that you feel all women should possess and feel good about?

All women should feel good about what God gave them. Talents, gifts, and the privilege to be a woman. We sometimes overlook those simple yet complex things.

#3:  You are a mother of a 5 year-old boy. How do you balance your motherly duties as well as  your entertainment career?

Geeze. Where do I start? My boy is a talented individual and I think that’s where I hone my balancing skills. I say that because I taught him to understand that mommy has to work. He understands that my work is getting in front of the camera, or writing an article. But as a 5 year old — patience is not a virtue and he wants to play. It’s funny because there are times when all he wants me to do is watch him play a skateboarding game, so I can check out his cool tricks and I have my computer or phone. He tells me, “Mommy, no phones!” It’s a rule now for sure. And I’m okay with that.

#4:  MissParkerTV has become extremely successful on YouTube since you started the channel about a year ago (If I am not mistaken).  What are some of the most memorable vlog posts you have done (past or present)?

Oh man, I was just watching some of my videos a few days ago. I realized how much I’ve grown and how much of a slightly different direction things have gone. Some of my most memorable videos would be the ones I made with my good friend, Deshawn Raw and hosting Kendrick Lamar’s show.

#5: You are a woman of many talents. You are a model, mentor, radio host, event planner, interviewer, vlogger, blogger, actress, and dancer. Out those nine talents that you can do extremely well, which four do you feel stand out to you in representing who you are?

This is a good question because I’ve struggled with this. I can definitely say that acting, dancing and blogging really hold me in another place.

#6:  You are also an AMBW spokesperson. For those that don’t know what AMBW means, could you explain the acronym and also share what your spokesperson duties consist of.

Alright, so to those that don’t know, AMBW means Asian Men, Black Women. I don’t know if I’d called myself a spokesperson. LOL. I mean, I have this underlying desire to really see the world flourish and people date who they want to date. But for me, I’ve created awareness to other black women who’ve wanted to take a dip in that water. Now, I’m happily married, my husband is Filipino and I guess you could say we both advocates but in a very indirect way.

#7:  List 5 random facts you haven’t shared that your fans may be surprised to know.

Five random facts, here we go.

1. I used to be a mail lady.  Yes drove and delivered mail.

2. I’m obsessed with big butts. It’s just a thing I have, don’t judge me. LOL

3. I think I’m boring.

4. I have alter egos and I can’t wait to introduce them to you guys.

5. I have 3 last names, well actually 4 now that I’m married.

I think that’s random enough. LOL

#8: What are five things currently that you are totally obsessed with and why?

1. Shoes because I’m turning 25 and I think I’m having a quarter life crisis. I just want lots of heels.

2. Ciara’s ‘Body Party’ I love anything sampled.

3. Business, lately I’ve been adding on to the MissParker brand and helping others brand themselves.

4. Writing — I cannot tell you why but you will be in for a treat!

5. I’m currently reading this book called ‘Poor Little Bitch Girl’ it’s a total mess and I love it.

#9:  Where do you see yourself in your career 10 years down the line?

Completely expanding my brand. There are no limits on what God can do. What I’m doing now, is definitely going to get me there.

#10: Is there anything you want to share with the readers or your fans about any upcoming events to look out for?

First, I’d like to say, these are not my fans but their my friends. My VISIONISTAS! I am so happy to call them that! I have been writing — a lot. And I want them to be surprised.

I would like to thank Brittney for allowing me to interview her. She is truly an inspiration for young women everywhere. I think there is a little Visionista in all of us. I love the fact that she supports and encourages other women in the entertainment industry. If there is one thing that is needed among women nowadays is unity. Not only for women in the entertainment industry, but all women around the world. Much love, respect, and success to you Miss. Parker.

If you would like to subscribe to Brittney’s YouTube Channel to check out her videos here’s the link to do so : http://www.youtube.com/user/MissParkerTV

You can also like her MissParkerTV Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/MissParkerTV

Follow her on Twitter: @heyMissPaarker

She also has a blog on WordPress that you can check out as well :http://www.brittneyparker.com/

Stay classy, Homies and Visionistas ^_^

Source: “What is a Visionista?” http://www.brittneyparker.com/category/whats-a-visionista/