Catching up with Mide !!

Over my summer I was able to catch up with one of my good friends Mide who also makes music. I told him about V.A.W and what we do and stand for and he was down for doing an interview.

1. First introduce yourself.

My name is Ayomide Ojo a.k.a Mide (Me-day). I’m from East Orange Nj and I currently attend Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck NJ.

2.What made you start writing and creating music?

Well when I was younger my mother was a singer in the choir. Being that I grew up in a christian home, I would always have to sing at church with a few other kids during special days and after a while it just became a part of me. I remember watching lil bow wow back in those days and use to immitate him because i wanted to be like him. it just seemed so cool becoming a musician at a young age and ever since it became my dream even as I grew older. 

3. What does music mean to you? 

Music is basically a way of relating to people and influencing them the way you want. 

4. How would you describe your style of music and what makes you different? 

My style of music is diverse but unique at the same time. Its like Drake, Fetty Wap, Tory Lanez etc. They all sing and rap but their styles are totally different. I fall into that category. What makes my style different is the fact that I always think out the box. I try doing things that you don’t hear often.

Do You Know the "Muffin Man"?

"Do you know the muffin man?" & I don't mean the one who lives on Drury lane.

"Ever since I could remember graffiti was always considered a crime of vandalism to some & to others it was a freedom of artistic expression or a passion for street Art.
In 2009 I remember the first time I ever saw a piece from the infamous Muffin Man over on 183rd st. & Jerome Avenue on the side of a bakery; what seem to look like a cupcake, & I just kept seeing more & more cupcakes once I took the 4 train going uptown & downtown, so I started to wonder who was the person behind the cupcakes.When I finally got in contact with the artist I was shocked to see a familiar face who use to live 2 blocks away from me, so I started to get a better insight on who the muffin man was"- Mike Miles

Q: What inspired you to start drawing cupcakes and muffins?

A:  When I first started following graffiti I became inspired by artists that used an iconic image like Claw, Rate "The Rat", Hands, Korn. I tried a bunch of different images and names locally but still wasn't satisfied. I was influenced by a few images I kept seeing. I did one cupcake one night by JFK High School in The Bronx & got props from a bunch of people I knew. I knew then and there I could catch the eyes and attention of many by this image.

Q: From tags, to large murals, to canvases, and sculptures. Is there a specific form you favor?

A: No. I'm always trying new mediums because knowledge is power. The more I know the more powerful and diverse I become. I do love aerosol on outside walls mucho.

Q: Why graffiti? Is there a specific reason that you’re drawn to tagging public walls?

A: It just became a phase kids were going through in my neighborhood. I’ve been through many hobbies in my neighborhood and within my friend circle. We became dedicated because we all had companionship in these activities. I actually started as a look-out because I was too afraid of penalties, had a sharp eye, and knew how to talk to the police if stopped. After a while i was taken an equal risk by doing these missions of climbing and trespassing that I decided to mark my own name.

Supreme Court Rules In Favor of Same-Sex Marriage In All 50 States.

This has been a very important week for the LGBT community. To add to the excitement of pride Week, gay marriage was legalized yesterday nationwide. In a long sought victory for the gay rights movement, the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 vote on Friday that the Constitution guarantees a right to to same sex marriage. Marriage is a "keystone of our social order, and everyone deserves equal dignity in the eyes of the law." The United States is now the 21st country to legalize same sex married nationwide. This means married same sex couples will now enjoy the same legal rights and benefits as married heterosexual couples nationwide and will be recognized on official documents such as a birth or death certificate. Team V.A.W supports the LGBT community and we want to congratulate them on their milestone.

Numerous festivals and activities will be going held in NYC for all the members of the LGBT community and their supporters. To celebrate Pride Week there has numerous flags,posters, and flyers all around the city. On Sunday the annual Pride March which has been going on since 1970 will be held. People from all around come out and show support for the community along with support for the fight against AIDS. There will be dazzling floats and many celebrities in attendance as well. 

Nells Meets BuuVINCHI

"ITS A NYC THING..."

From his music to his fashion choices BuuVINCHI always stands out from the rest. Growing up in NYC he has that natural born NY swagger and dopeness and appreciates the culture NYC has to offer. He's now contributing to the culture by making his own music while promoting originality as well.

Q:When did you realize you wanted to create music?

A:I grew up playing NYC basketball, traveling from borough to borough to play in different tournaments. I was focused more on the music that was playing from the car radio, than the game I was getting ready to play. I didn’t notice till after high school, that I literally had more dreams of rapping, than playing in the NBA, so after high school. I decided to chase that dream instead of basketball.

Q:What does music do for you/how does it make you feel?

A:Music educates me, music teaches me, and music is my eye into cultures that I’ve never personally experienced yet. Whether I feel like the music is good music or bad music, I still appreciates every artist work, because its portal into their life and experiences. Music also keeps me safe from my thoughts, if I don’t have headphones in my ear, I start to think, and my mind starts to race into a million thoughts, and it’s a gift and a curse at times. Music also saves me from listening to stupid conversations on the train *laughs*.

Q:Being that New York City has a reputation for breeding some of the most legendary artists do you feel any pressure?

A:Not at all, music is so diverse, I don’t even compare myself to any other artist. It actually never crosses my mind that another artist has some ass work, and me hoping to be just as dope, and that’s because I wish to be in my own lane. I know if I stay true to my sound. It would soon get recognized, and I will grow as artist.

Q: On your Instagram I’ve noticed that your style stands out not only with your music but, your fashion choices…. Who or what inspires you the most when it comes to fashion& music?

A: Fashion is another thing that helped me get into rap. I was into fashion out the womb. Of course I’m big fan of street wear so I’m a big fan of BAPE, Supreme and Undefeated those are my 3 favorite brands in the street fashion world. Supreme being my most favorite because it started in NY, but none of them inspire me really, like the culture inspires me, and its mostly NYC culture that inspires me, NYC has been creating trends, and new styles for years. Even though a lot designers come from different countries and different cities, but when NYC gets a hold of it. We make it look doper than anybody could ever make it look. Plus other cities get stuff we threw away 5 years ago. Like robin jeans, people in NYC stopped wearing robins in 09 - 2010.

V.A.W meets JoeyBM

V.A.W recently got the chance to meet Artist JoeyBM and interview him about his music and get some insight on his background and his upcoming project!

Q: First off where are you from?

A:I’m from the Bronx , currently via Brooklyn but, If you're asking about my background I'm Dominican & Puerto Rican.

Q: Why did you choose to make music?

A:There aren't too many things I'm passionate about but ever since I picked up a pair of drum sticks in the 4th grade I've been infatuated with creating music.

Q: What does music do for you & how does it make you feel?

A: I really hate talking to new people unless we have mutual friends because I feel like everybody has hidden motives so music always helps me take people to the places I've been. The good, the bad, the happy and the extremely dark. Creative music always helps me not only tell my story but speak talk about my future existence.I'm in my own lane and the fans that I have love me for me and partly because when I met them I've asked them to only purchase my mixtape if they believe I rap better than their favorite rapper.

JoeyBM in Times Square, New York

Q: What are your goals or things you hope to achieve in the next couple of years?

A: My main goal is to establish myself as a household name. I'm sure that will allow me to move my family and my team out the hood and into a better a situation. My biggest goal as an artist is one day sell out Madison Square Garden more times than Billy Joel. He sold out MSG 13 nights in a row. I think that's beyond phenomenal.
Q: So, I see your're working on a new EP?
A: Yeah my new EP is titled "Conquer" and the lead single is called "Senorita". The EP is produced by D-Sharp International who has worked with Kanye West, Beyonce, Missy Elliot, Kelly Rowland and many others. It is set to release later this summer. 

Q: You’re often seen selling your tapes and promoting your music which also, gives you a chance to meet your fan base and supporters…How important is it for you to remain humble and always keep a connection with your fans?

A: Keeping a connection with my fans and supporters is very important to me. I get tons of messages from people who've bought my music or got it from a friend telling me how I inspire them to chase their dreams. What's great is when people see me interacting with my fans it also attracts more fans. They want to be part of the conversation or feel hip or cared about. It's all genuine because I truly love my fans like family being that my real family is currently so far from me as I'm busy chasing my dreams.

Q: How can people contact you or listen to your music?

A: I’m really heavy on Instagram Follow me at @joeybmofficial

I'm real vocal and funny on Twitter at times JoeyBM's Twitter
Sound cloud: JoeyBM's SoundCloud

But overall please be sure to check out my latest video Senorita!

NBA 2K16 Covers

 2K Sports recently released the covers of the NBA 2K16 video game which will release on September 29th. BUT, if you pre order it you can have it by September 25th. This game will be even better than the last. There will be three different covers. The covers feature the league's MVP Stephen Curry, the runner up MVP James Harden, and the most Improved Player Anthony Davis. The game will come with amazing new graphics and features. The 2k sports creators seem to have fans and gamers on the edge of their seats, as millions await to purchase and experience this exciting new video game.

Air Jordan Retro The Spring 2016 Collection

Air Jordan Retro Spring 2016 Collection

 The Jordan Brand plans on releasing these 8 sneakers in the spring of 2016. The spring collection includes 3 pairs of unreleased Jordans that were created when their corresponding model debuted. The three collections will honor an important time in Jordan's career.

The Poster Collection

The Alternate Collection

The three collections are :
"The "Poster Collection",
"The Alternate Collection",
"The Dunk From Above Collection". Stay tuned to to find out more information on these sneakers.

The Dunk From Above Collection

OITNB SEASON 3

The highly anticipated series is back on Netflix for a new season! Orange Is the New Black created a lot of buzz after the season 2 finally and viewers were left waiting on the edge of their seat for one whole year to see what season 3 would hold. Fans were surprised when season three got an "early release" Thursday night! Season three is already being described as "funnier & free". There are many plot twists and exciting new things to come in season three so prepare to binge watch everyone!

iOS 9

With the anticipated release of iOS9 in early summer, Apple as expected has released the first Beta verson with as many as 50 new features and a slight interface change. Only draw back, you have to be apart of Apples Developers Program which is $99. More details on iOS9 coming soon

APPLE'S KEYNOTE EVENT

As a continuation to an early post by VAW on apples new software iOS 9, it was confirmed yesterday June 8, 2015 that iOS 9 will be coming out in the fall of 2015 in the month of September! If everyone missed it superstar Drake made an appearance at the Apple event to talk about apples new upcoming music stream with the new software! Incase you missed apples keynote event check it out here! You don't want to miss this biggest reveal that has Apple users at the edge of their seats! The keynote is about 2 hours feel free to skip some parts to see the reveals that you take an interest too! And don't forget to check out Drakes appearance! Click Here to Watch Apple's Keynote Event

Summer Jam 2015 Recap!

Hey yall I go by the name Jahni. I am apart of V.A.W. and I am from the Bronx as well as the rest of my V.A.W. team members. On Sunday, June 7th I attended 2015 Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium which was crazy as always!! The line up was Ty Dolla Sign, Omarion, Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Fabolous, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, and Meek Mill in that order. All the artist performed their hits and new songs. Due to the long line to get into the arena I missed Ty Dolla Sign and Omarion but I saw everybody else. After skipping at least a 100 people I got in and caught my favorite artist right on time, TREY SONGZ! Trey did a sexy performance as usual and performed his hit songs like “Slow Motion”, “Dive In”, “NaNa”, “2 Reasons”, and his new single “About You”. I advise you to go check it out on YouTube and download it if you like it. He took his shirt off for the crowd and performed “Slow Motion” with such passion, hitting high notes of all sort throughout the song. That song right there was a crowd favorite and definitely mines as well.Chris Brown was on fire Sunday with his performance. While rocking BAPE from head to toe, he performed his hit songs such as “Loyal”, my favorite “New Flame”, an oldie “Poppin”, and others. He's a much better dancer and singer live.

The thing that made Chris’ performance popping was the guest he brought up on stage. He welcomed group G-Unit to the stage.They performed a few of their big hits like “P.I.M.P.” and “Many Men”.   It was cool seeing rapper, business man, and actor 50 cent in the flesh. He said a few words that made me believe that he is still hood at heart but can switch it up when needed. Chris left saying some thankful words to the crowd for all support we gave him. Out of five stars he gets five bright ones!

V.A.W Sits down with J-Bizzy

V.A.W Crew recently caught up with talented up and coming rapper/music producer from the NYC J-Bizzy for a brief one on one interview. Thanks to J-Bizzy for taking the time out to do this interview and supporting our movement. Click the links to check out his music on sound cloud and a few of his music videos!
J Bizzy SoundCloud
J-Bizzy - So QueensBridge
J Bizzy- Ima Thug

V.A.W recently caught up with rapper D.C for an interview.Check it out below!!

DC: Before we even get started I want to thank you for the reaching out and giving me the opportunity to do this interview. I respect the whole V.A.W movement and wish you guys luck in the future with building your brand and putting out quality content to your audience.

Q: Thank you, we appreciate that... So, can you tell us a little bit about where are you are from?

A:Well, I go by the name D.C. and I’m from Plainfield, New Jersey known by some as just "The Field". To be more specific I’m from the east end or "The E" but you can catch me anywhere in the city. It’s a small little hood in North Jersey maybe 20 minutes from Newark. If you hear me talking about "the field" or "queen city" in any of my music that’s the city I’m talking about. I move all over Jersey but that’s my hometown right there, the city that made me, raised me, and pays me. It’s a lot of talent out here but not a lot of people make it out, because of the conditions or mindset they have. It’s definitely people making moves out here though for example salute to my boy Moon. He was a finalist on 106 & Park Freestyle Friday a couple years back, definitely the first time I seen anybody from the field on TV . I also got a song with him on the album so I’m looking forward to releasing that. It’s a lot guys making moves on the club scene, DJ's/Dancers/Vocalists all that. You know club music is big out in New Jersey and a lot of guys from the city contribute to the success of the genre. I heard that Kevin White that just got drafted to the Chicago Bears is from out here too so, I’m just trying to add my name to that list of people that are made it out of Plainfield and became successful.

Yeezy Season

Kanye West was spotted wearing the Adidas Yeezy 350 Boost Low sneakers in NYC on June 1,2015. We first saw these at the YEEZY Season 1 Fashion Show but, now we have an official release date for the sneakers. The Adidas Yeezy 350 Boost Low "Grey" Sneakers are set to release on July 27th, 2015. We are told that they will come in two colorways but, as of now only the Grey ones have a confirmed release date. V.A.W will keep you posted with more information on the shoes as it develops..

All the way from the 401

A young fresh rapper that goes by the name of CR is ready to break into the music industry. He's been working on his craft since the age of nine and is representing the 401 to the fullest.

Rapper CR from Rhode Island

Q: Where are you from& what city you represent?

A: I'm from Warwick Rhode Island but I represent the whole 401. I'm trying to put the whole state on, there are too many talented artists in my state but we all have to stop hating because we aren’t going to get anywhere doing that. Its time! I'm about to put us on Rhode Island!!

Q: When did you start rapping and why?

A: I started rapping at the age of nine. I remember my very first raps were me dissing my sisters and their friends! It was a hobby to me and it was the only way to express how I felt. I used to study all the classics from the greats like 2pac, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, and Eminem. I used to just study the way they put songs together and the way they would come up with the hooks. I was obsessed, Haha! My first love was basketball but I was too small *laughs*. So I picked up the mic and now nobody f**** with me!