SoundView's Very Own SwaggMilliano

RnB artist/ rapper SwaggMilliano has a unique sound and style that is unmatched. He sings about everything from growing up in the Bronx to the obstacles he faces in life, love and his own personal experiences while being able to combine the genres Drill and RnB to create something smooth known as "Drill RnB".  Nells was recently able to get in contact with Swagg and get an interview.

Q: Where are you from/where did you grow up? 
A: I'm from the South Bronx,New York and was born and raised in Soundview Projects. My name is Johnny Cashes and I go by Swagg Milliano or for shorts Swagg Milly Da Billy.

Q: Why did you choose to make music?

A: I use to play basketball in High School when I was in California, but then I moved back to the Bronx where basketball was less of an interest for me. I started listening to artist such as Trey Songz & Fabolous, huge influences to me when it came down to music due to there lyrical ways and flow. Then I decided to write my own music which got me where I am at now.

Q:Tell us a little bit about the MillianoBoyz

A: I am the Milliano Boyz. I'm the face of the brand and I feel like it's up to me to get the team in the door. We have a mixture of Hip Hop & R&B, Melly Milliano & Braxx Milliano are the new generation with this new rap culture and I got faith in them 100%. As for me, I'm more on the R&B side. We coming for the face of this new music culture and we won't stop until we get the top spot.

Q: I’ve noticed your sound is something different and you call it a new genre known as “Drill RnB”... how would you describe “Drill RnB”?

A: Drill is the new Chicago sound, and where I'm from there's a lot of violence and police sirens so there is a lot of comparison between the two. I just simply started singing about the things me & my homies see & go thru daily and that's where "Drill R&B" comes from by combining the two genres. 

Q: It seems every time I go on Instagram I see you promoting your music or shooting a video or performing…. How hard do you work & how are you able to constantly make songs?

A: With this music game there's no time for breaks or time to sleep because while you're sleeping or taking a break the next man is working harder then you are, so I'm working 24/7. I can write 3-4 songs a day or even more if I'm highly influenced and I feel like I can write and record a whole mixtape in less then a month.

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!