Somewhere Over The Border: J.R. Richy!

The music industry is going to have a lot on their hands with this cat. From the T. Dot (Toronto, Canada), we have J.R. Richy, an up and coming rap artist that has already started to make a name for himself up north and plans on taking the States along with the world by storm! His dope lyrics compliment his style so good that there would be no reason to pass up an opportunity to let you all in on the inside scoop of J.R. Richy. I'm pretty sure we ended music week off right with this one. Check it out!

LL: How long have you been rapping? (If there is a story behind it, don't be afraid to tell us lol)

JR: I started yesterday actually, *Laughs*. Not really though... wouldn’t that of been dope though ? *Laughs Again* I started rapping in grade school cause I wanted to impress this girl that sat two seats in front of me. *Sigh*...She didn’t even like rap music. I was better off becoming the next Bee Gee or something. It’s funny though, if I had knew she didn’t like rap music back then I’d be a Punk Rocker right now, f’real.

LL: Do you think that the music in Toronto is much different than here in the States?

JR: Nah, not really… I think the one major difference is the fact that Canadian Hip-Hop isn’t as universal as it should be, or as it could be. It’s not reaching out to enough people around the globe. I’m trying to build a brand in Toronto, it’s all about branding & making people believers… To be successful you have to have a team to support & represent you, it’s impossible to do it on your own. On top of all that, we never really had a spokesperson to properly represent our culture until just recently. As a matter of fact, document my next sentence; throw some quotations around it… whatever. They’re so many talented & passionate artists under 21 in Toronto that by 2015 they’re going to have no choice but to give the industry to us.



LL: Seeing as though Drake is a native of Toronto, what would you say to someone who said you we're following in his footsteps?

JR: Well, I’m from the New School of Canadian Hip-Hop, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in some way, or another, influenced by him. I’ve been following him for years & I think he’s extremely talented. If following in his footsteps means breaking into the American market successfully then yeah, you could say I’m on his trail. I’m almost certainly at the beginning but whatever; I’m on the trail nonetheless. The thing that the general public doesn’t understand is, as an artist, there is no one on this earth that I try to imitate. What I’ve done is I’ve pinpointed a certain quality trait that I admire from certain artists & that is what I try to emulate with my own twist to it. For example, Kanye’s Passion, Drake’s Honesty... Kid Cudi’s Heart, so on & so forth, the list goes on. I think the idea of, ‘Thinking Outside of the Box’ almost died & that would’ve been terrible for Hip-Hop music on a universal level.

LL: What do you think of the word 'swag'?

JR: LOL! Swag.. I’d say *bleep* swag but, that would just backfire, lol.

LL: Who do you think stands out in the music industry now? & why?

JR: I can think of 3 artists, Drake, Kid Cudi, & Jay-Z. Drake because he’s in the greatest position any unsigned artist can be in. Kid Cudi because he’s so different they might have to give him his own genre. *Laughs* And Jay because he might’ve single handedly killed the presence of autotune in Hip-Hop... maybe, I doubt it though.



LL: Anything you want to let your fans and our readers know?

JR: Yeah, Follow Me On Twitter B*tches. *Laughs*

P.S. ..I Appreciate All The Love I Receive From Home & From Across The Border, Honestly, I Do It For Y’all, Look Out For My New Shxt, You Haven’t Seen Anything Yet !

Peace & Much Love To You,

Richy!


You can check out J.R.'s music at:
MySpace
Twitter
Blogger
& for all you crackberry addicts, his BBM Pin is 31EDB07D.

-Christopher Nic.

You Know Big Sean

So, lets say you had a dream to be a superstar music artist and THE hottest artist out took you under his wing signed you to his label and introduced your music to the world. That'll be crazy right?? Well in Big Sean's case dreams really do come true. While in his hometown, Detroit, Big Sean got the opportunity to rap for Mr. Kanye West and Ye told him right then that he would sign him. But let's not just give Kanye too much credit. Sean has an undeniable talent, and it was only a matter of time before he got his foot in the door. Somehow in between traveling and performances we got a hold to Sean to pick his brain a little bit. And because I'm just that good to you, I'll let you see what he had to say.

DW: Ok, so I don't want to ask you the typical "How does it feel to be signed to G.O.O.D Music" question because I'm sure it's amazing. But I would like to know do you feel a lot of pressure to live up to the creativity of Kanye and your label mates (Common, John Legend, Mr. Bentley)?

BS: It's a dream come true to be on GOOD Music. Kanye was one of my favorite artist so for him to sign me, let alone acknowledge me is insane. I feel no pressure though, because you got to accept that when your on a team like GOOD, you're on there for a reason.

DW: True. So, what's your definition of success?

BS: When you can look at your life and feel accomplished, happy, and satisfied! I think success is measured not by money, but more so happiness.

DW: Being from Detroit, do you think it makes a difference where your from when trying to get into the music industry or can you really make it from anywhere?

BS:I think it makes a big difference! You can make it out of anywhere, but I feel like some places are harder then others. There are some cities who support artists who get opportunities to be radio, get signed, etc. And some cities where everybody in the city thinks they can do a better job themselves and therefore hate on the artist. Sometimes that can make or break somebody. It also depends on what type of artist you are too.

DW:Has there been a specific moment where you had to stop and take it all in and realize how blessed you are? Like fans noticing you on the street, or a special performance, or traveling to different places?

BS: All the time. I'm as blessed as I want to be. as an artist and as a perfectionist I can say I'm nowhere near where I want to be at in my career, but I can say it's coming. I'm one of the most blessed people in the world though. It's hard work though.

DW: So where do you draw inspiration from?

BS: I get inspiration from other artist, sometimes regular people, sometimes certain situations. All sorts of different things give me inspiration. I don't think inspiration will ever not be there, no matter what, it's like air. Sometimes you just don't even recognize inspiration in situations, but it's always there.

DW: When did you decide to make a career out of music? And what would you be doing if you were not doing music?

BS: I decided I wanted to do music when I was about 9 or so. If I wasn't doing music I would probably be in school trying to get my life together and figure out what I want to do.

DW: Do you plan on venturing out into other areas? (clothing line, acting, reality series?)

BS: Yeah, I'm a hell of a actor. lol. Seriously my mother was a professional actress for a very short part of her life but she was extremely good. She had to quit because she had me and my brother, and my dad wasn't around too much. I actually made a song about it on my album where I explain her story. Kanye produced it and is featured on it too.

Source Magazine

DW: Is there anything about the music industry that upsets you?

BS: A million and one things. You got to be made for this shit, or it will kill you. I can't get too much into that though. Labels can be your friend, and they can also be your enemy sometimes.

DW: As your fame grows, what do you want to avoid as a celebrity?

BS:Just a bad reputation. But I'm a cool person and I keep it real, so I think I'll be good. I want to avoid all the dirty hoes too. Send the pretty, clean, cool ones my way though, lol.

DW: Lol, I can understand wanting to avoid that. So what's next for Big Sean?

BS:Finally Famous the Album. Crazy! Got Kanye, Dream, Pharrell, etc. It's going to be something to remember. I promise. I'm also releasing a mixtape with 10 deep too that's going to be dope as hell. A good intro warm up for the album. Whatever I can get my hands on.

To learn more about Big Sean head over to UknowBigSean.com

-Doni W.

A True Lyricist: Jon Connor

Finding a rapper who really spits with substance is like finding a needle in a haystack.

So LLM would never pass up the chance to feature one of these rare species and snag an exclusive interview with artist Jon Connor (born Jon Kevin Freeman Jr. - pronounced "Yon"). This artist/producer/song writer & Co-CEO of Avie Squad Records knew what he wanted and started going for his dreams at a young age. At 10 years old, Connor began producing and song crafting. As a freshman in high school, he began selling his own mixtapes out of his school backpack and out of the trunk of his mothers car with the help of his older sister. The Calling Pt. 1 served as Connor's official introduction to the world, as it gained him national notoriety (VH1.com, rapcapital.com, planeturban, Urbanology magazine etc.) and a loyal fan base. And it only got better from there. The release of The Calling Pt. 2: The Second Coming hit hard! It even gained Connor exposure on XXL.com along with other up and coming artists. Check out Liv Lux's one on one session with the lyrical genius, himself.

LL: Tell me about your vision when you and your team first decided to start AV ENT.

JC: Man, its crazy to even think back that far! (laughing) Because Jason Monk and I created All Varsity when we were 12 years old. But I think the vision is the same now as it was then, to be the best at what we do, you know? To just make great music no matter the genre. You know myself, Jason, Mateen we all share the same vision to be the best in the world and I believe thats why we've been blessed with so many different opportunities and progressive situations.The ultimate goal is for All Varsity Entertainment to be mentioned in the same light as the Roc-a-fellas, the CashMoneys and the Def Jams.


LL: I have a copy of The Calling Pt. 2: The Second Coming and I play it all the time. I'm pretty sure you do to, lol, but are there any other artists that you listen to regularly?

JC: (laughing) I appreciate the love...you know that's a tough one because I go through phases. I listen to everything. I might have a month where I only listen to alternative music or just two weeks of just hip hop or two weeks of techno. So at this particular time in my music cycle its Coldplay "Viva La Vida", Pastor Troy "We Ready I declare War", Eminem "Relapse" and Kenna "Make sure they see my face". But you know its constantly changing, who knows what I'll be listening to on a regular by next week.

LL: Where do you get a lot of your inspiration from?

JC: I get my inspiration from everything. Life is constant inspiration. You know the things you see, the people you meet, the conversations you have, the places you go... its crazy i look at a bird flying as inspiration you know Lebron hitting the three with one second left is inspiration.



LL: If you could do a collaboration with any artist, who would it be?

JC: Oooh, just one? There's so many... but if I can only pick one it would have to be Timbaland. I just have so much respect for him as a producer and as one of the greatest musical minds of our time, I know he would bring the very best out of me as an artist.

LL: Are there any future endeavors you got planned? I mean, I'm pretty
sure there are lol...so just inform us!

JC: As far as upcoming projects, I have two all original albums that I'm working on, "The Calling Pt.2: The B Side and "Salvation" along with a few mixtape projects to promote the albums. Towards the end of the summer I'm heading out west to do a couple promo tours... as an artist I'm trying to be everywhere!


Check em out on his MySpace page. You won't be disappointed!


-Christopher Nic.

What's Wrong With Being P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.???

So to start off music week, I figured I'd start with someone who I've personally seen slaughter some MC's in a rap battle(seriously...it wasn't fair). P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. from Lansing, MI is one of the few artists who not just gives God a shout out here and there he considers himself a "Bible Thumping Sneaker Gripper", and list Jesus Christ as his employer on facebook..."He's always hiring So if you need an app. holla at me". Well let the church say Amen! A unique mix of dope lyrics, soul, God, and style makes up P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. and fortunately we got to ask him a few questions. Check it out.

LL: What's the hardest part about getting into the music industry?

PH: The hardest part is staying patient and true to your self its so easy to feel pressure from trends and contemplate conforming or doing certain type of songs definitely in cases when there's no money coming in your pocket ....Constant pay with no label is hard too. To sum that up I think the hardest part is not losing your self just to get your deal.

LL: Do you mind when people compare you to other artists?

PH: Yes and No...part of it is like I'm flattered to be compared to such great artist but also I want my identity I want to be respected as an individual an original. It also gets whack when you get compared to certain artist not even because of your music , but instead because of your style of dress and or the way you carry yourself that's when it gets mad annoying.

LL: Explain BLAT!

PH: BLAT! has a rich history lol naw but seriously first it was just a sound we made to say we like what we heard or saw instead of clapping. Then the homey JYoung said he felt like are squad was the black version of the rat pack then the group got more diverse but we still feel were on some new Harlem renaissance Rat pack type movement.

LL: When people hear the name Philthy what do you want to come to mind?

PH: I want the thoughts of an inspiring creative artist who represents the have nots the forgotten people and shows them there's hope to rise up and grab your dreams.When did you decide to pursue music as a career? I decided to really pursue music in 2006.I had just quit a group I was in because I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. It was the reason I woke up every morning to spread the message I felt was embedded in me.

LL: Where would your life be without music?

PH: I don't know where my life would be like I'd be a lest joyous enjoyable person I know that. I'd probably have a degree and be working at a job I hate wondering why I felt like my emotions had no outlet.

Make sure you show Mr. P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. some love at the following links, and check his myspace for upcoming shows.

http://www.myspace.com/p2dahi

http://www.p2dahi.com

http://p2dahi.blogspot.com

http://www.hnlentertainment.net

-Doni W.

You Know Big Sean

So, lets say you had a dream to be a superstar music artist and THE hottest artist out took you under his wing signed you to his label and introduced your music to the world. That'll be crazy right?? Well in Big Sean's case dreams really do come true. While in his hometown, Detroit, Big Sean got the opportunity to rap for Mr. Kanye West and Ye told him right then that he would sign him. But let's not just give Kanye too much credit. Sean has an undeniable talent, and it was only a matter of time before he got his foot in the door. Somehow in between traveling and performances we got a hold to Sean to pick his brain a little bit. And because I'm just that good to you, I'll let you see what he had to say.

DW: Ok, so I don't want to ask you the typical "How does it feel to be signed to G.O.O.D Music" question because I'm sure it's amazing. But I would like to know do you feel a lot of pressure to live up to the creativity of Kanye and your label mates (Common, John Legend, Mr. Bentley)?

BS: It's a dream come true to be on GOOD Music. Kanye was one of my favorite artist so for him to sign me, let alone acknowledge me is insane. I feel no pressure though, because you got to accept that when your on a team like GOOD, you're on there for a reason.

DW: True. So, what's your definition of success?

BS: When you can look at your life and feel accomplished, happy, and satisfied! I think success is measured not by money, but more so happiness.

DW: Being from Detroit, do you think it makes a difference where your from when trying to get into the music industry or can you really make it from anywhere?

BS:I think it makes a big difference! You can make it out of anywhere, but I feel like some places are harder then others. There are some cities who support artists who get opportunities to be radio, get signed, etc. And some cities where everybody in the city thinks they can do a better job themselves and therefore hate on the artist. Sometimes that can make or break somebody. It also depends on what type of artist you are too.

DW:Has there been a specific moment where you had to stop and take it all in and realize how blessed you are? Like fans noticing you on the street, or a special performance, or traveling to different places?

BS: All the time. I'm as blessed as I want to be. as an artist and as a perfectionist I can say I'm nowhere near where I want to be at in my career, but I can say it's coming. I'm one of the most blessed people in the world though. It's hard work though.

DW: So where do you draw inspiration from?

BS: I get inspiration from other artist, sometimes regular people, sometimes certain situations. All sorts of different things give me inspiration. I don't think inspiration will ever not be there, no matter what, it's like air. Sometimes you just don't even recognize inspiration in situations, but it's always there.

DW: When did you decide to make a career out of music? And what would you be doing if you were not doing music?

BS: I decided I wanted to do music when I was about 9 or so. If I wasn't doing music I would probably be in school trying to get my life together and figure out what I want to do.

DW: Do you plan on venturing out into other areas? (clothing line, acting, reality series?)

BS: Yeah, I'm a hell of a actor. lol. Seriously my mother was a professional actress for a very short part of her life but she was extremely good. She had to quit because she had me and my brother, and my dad wasn't around too much. I actually made a song about it on my album where I explain her story. Kanye produced it and is featured on it too.

Source Magazine

DW: Is there anything about the music industry that upsets you?

BS: A million and one things. You got to be made for this shit, or it will kill you. I can't get too much into that though. Labels can be your friend, and they can also be your enemy sometimes.

DW: As your fame grows, what do you want to avoid as a celebrity?

BS:Just a bad reputation. But I'm a cool person and I keep it real, so I think I'll be good. I want to avoid all the dirty hoes too. Send the pretty, clean, cool ones my way though, lol.

DW: Lol, I can understand wanting to avoid that. So what's next for Big Sean?

BS:Finally Famous the Album. Crazy! Got Kanye, Dream, Pharrell, etc. It's going to be something to remember. I promise. I'm also releasing a mixtape with 10 deep too that's going to be dope as hell. A good intro warm up for the album. Whatever I can get my hands on.

To learn more about Big Sean head over to UknowBigSean.com

-Doni W.

Exclusive Interview: Malcom Wilson of Prince & Thieves Clothing Co.

Yeah, you know what it is. I'm always on the search for up and coming designers, so here goes a new one for you all. Malcolm Wilson was born and raised in Michigan. This22 year old has been on the move ever since graduating from high school, traveling back and forth between California, New York, and Atlanta. Always having a knack for fashion, Wilson said that designing has always been a dream that he finally decided to make reality in early 2007. I had the pleasure of catching him while he was still in town for a while to get a quick interview with him and his clothing line, Prince & Thieves.

CN: Tell us about the day you came up with the idea to create your own clothing line?

MW: The day I came up with my own line I was working security in Atlanta. I was on many of the fashion blog sites I visit. The more I started to become more interested into fashion, the more people brought it to my attention that I should give it a try. So I attended fashion school in 2008, even though the blueprint of Prince & Thieves has been made since 07.

CN: Are you an independent designer or is there a team?

MW: In a way I'm the sole designer of my line but I do have Justin Goodman from Queens, New York, owner of his own line that helps me with the in's and outs of it (Shout out to Paste Clothing!). I also have a team that include Kordero Pennyman and Ashlee Arder. They play a big part in the promotion aspect of the line and I am grateful to have them apart of the team.

CN: Where do you get a lot of your inspiration from?

MW: I guess I get most of my inspiration from the streets. The SoHo area in NY, Melrose Ave. in LA, Lil 5 points in ATL. Pharell, Ye, Currensy, Hypebeast, Rob Dyrdek from Rob and Big...I could go on and on, lol!

CN: If you could work with any designer out there, who would it be and why?

MW: Good question. I would work with Nigo from A Bathing Ape and Sean Stussy from Stussy. The reason being is because Nigo and Sean established there companies in the early 90's, setting the way for all street brands and still haven't sold out to the malls. It's still very rare to find authentic garments of both Stussy and Bape even though they almost got killed by the fakes!

CN: What are some of your long-term business goals?

MW: In the long run I want to have a chain of boutiqes and skate teams. But also want to dip in the higher end of fashion - Gucci and such, you know? The whole runway fashion is really appealing to me. That's long term for me for, but for now I'm gone skate or die, lol.

CN: Are there any upcoming projects from P & T we should be looking out for?

MW: P&T is coming hard! No disrespect to any other companies cause I respect their grind but we're coming. I have the Don Cannon store in Atlanta looking at us, Dj Mikeboogie's store and a mixtape and skate team. We also have our Summer '09 line and the collaboration with Paste Clothing; Paste x Thieves. It's crazy!

CN: Where can people purchase their own Prince & Thieves tee?

MW: Far as now, contacting me through email (prince.thieves.co@gmail.com) or my blog site www.princethievesclothing.blogspot.com is the best way to contact me. Oh, and I'm still hood sp if you got my number call and place an order, lol.

Click here to visit the Prince & Thieves MySpace page and check out the rest of their designs.


-Christopher Nic.

Dopeness from the T dot!!!

Wassup cool people? Okay, while fiddling around on facebook, I became cool with an upcoming fashion designer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Tyrone "TJ" Brookes, 20, is the creator and CEO of the Armed with a Rep clothing line. Now so far, all of the designs that I've seen are A1, but whats even better is the message behind his movement. In a "swagg" crazy world, I find it quite refreshing to see that someone still takes the time to put SUBSTANCE into their work! As an "anti-violence" activist, TJ wants the world to know that, "IF YOU ARE WILLING TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT WE CAN LIMIT VIOLENCE AND STOP THE PAIN". Personally, this is something that I strongly believe in, so I definitely got my T-shirt ordered!!..lol. But I managed to get an exclusive interview with the man behind the movement and this is what he had to say...

$k: How long has the AWR movement been going on?

TB: The "AWR" movement officially started June 07

$K: What exactly made you wanna start designing clothes?

TB: I think I am a very picky person when it comes to clothing, I do not shop in malls simply because everyone you know WILL have it. I had thought to myself many times as a young high school student, "I wish I could just make my own gear". This was just a thought and i knew it would take more then just an idea. Spring '07 my good friend Haider had been killed due to gang violence. Some say before this incident I was a targeted kid because I was loud, and always in bad situations. After my friend had been killed I decided to change my lifestyle or else I'd be in the same situation. Everyone knew I was good at drawing, and was very creative, weird at times. So I had turned my thoughts and ideas into reality. The name "AWR" confuses many but it's simple, Armed With a Rep. What does it mean? Well knowing that I only listen to old school hip hop, I was laying in my room one day and I started bumping this track called "Da graveyard" from Big L, Jay z and a bunch of artist. "Creep thru ya block F@#$ a glock I step, thru ya neighborhood armed with nothing but a rep"- Jay Z. I had taken the negativity out of this lyric and made it my own. Positive reputations inspire the young, REST IN VIOLENCE. We can make it happen.

$K: In the world of fashion who are some of your biggest influences?:

TB: Ed Hardy, Capital, Beasted, Scifen, and Beautiful decay

$K: Do you have any business partners?

TB: Travis Bothner ( Shanghai, China) Business mentor

$K: Is there anything else that u wanna start branching into besides fashion?

TB: I want to branch my business into non-profiting organization that deals with the rehabilitating of abused children and women. (drug, mental, and physical abuse). My business will also branch off into a urban night club located in the city of Toronto, Canada

$K: What distinguishes you from other designers?

TB: Armed With a Rep shows peace through fashion, and every design will teach you a morally correct way of living. X amount of proceeds with go to World Vision Canada, and this will help feed children in 3rd world countries.

$K: On a global scale, How far do you visualize AWR going?

TB: The Milky Way!!! No joke

$K: If you could have one celebrity to model your line, who would it be/why?

TB: I would want Will Smith to model my line simply because has been and always will be my idol. He is a man of respect and class, and my line will mimic the personality of greatness.

$K: Where do you draw inspiration from?

TB: Once again, the tragic death of my friend Haider had inspired me to do something for my life. My words and positive reputation can and will inspire others to live a favorable life.

Well, I hope on his way to the Milky Way, Mr. Brookes drops my T-Shirt off over here in Michigan!!..lol. You can check him out on Facebook.com for more info on how to get his exclusive items. As always, Be Safe And be fresh!! -$YD K3MP

Triple L Society

We say Lux, he says Lavish...same concept. 19 year old DJ Frequency of New York is marking his territory in the world of lifestyle brands with his very own line Live Life Lavish or Triple L Society. He is already doing more than most brands that have been out for a while, as far as fashion shows, trade shows, and apparel for men and women. The most important thing is that Frequency has a good grasp on the direction TLS is going. He knows what his brand stands for and represents and even more established brands struggle with staying true to who they are. I see big things in the forecast for TLS and DJ Frequency so of course I had to ask a few questions so you can get more familiar.

What inspired you to start your own line?

Triple L Society is not only a clothing line we like to call it a life style brand. Basically the line was created to represent how I felt that life should be lived which is “lavishly”. The want to wear something different from what everyone else was wearing was one of the main reasons why I started to design then later on releasing the brand “Triple L Society” Aka “TLS”.

How do your separate TLS from other brands?

Our brand represents a life style that no other line has established. We like to label ourselves a life style brand, not an urban street wear line or high end collection. Every season we like to try new things while sticking to what we stand for and the culture of the present day clothing industry.

What obstacles have you faced from starting your line at such a young age?

Problems faced so far, I can say one of our main problems will probably be having enough time and the ability to travel to different events. I believe that networking is key to a successful Brand. But on the other hand starting at a young age has giving me the chance to make many mistakes which I have corrected also it has giving me the chance to meet allot of well known people throughout different industries.

Give Me The Loot

Who would you love to see wearing your clothes?

I’m definitely looking to doing bigger shows; this will eventually involve bigger people in the industry and well know models ECT. I don’t believe that celebrities should the ones building brands I believe that a brand should build its self because of its uniqueness and its appeal to the masses.

Who would you collaborate with?
Basically we would collaborate with anyone who can carry our brands image; currently we are doing a collaboration for our Fall 08 line which would be shown at the “Gold Mine fall 08 show”.

Diamond in the rough

What advantage do you have over older designers?

One of the main advantages is the ability to connect with the young consumers of today and the knowledge of knowing what they find appealing.

What are the future plans for TLS?

Future plans, were definitely looking forward to breaking new ground with every release with the goal of one day opening our own flag ship store. I’m looking forward to doing more press, trade shows and fashion shows.

Live Life Lavish

As of now Triplelsociety.com is being updated so visit Myspace.com/triplelsocietycom

-Doni W.

Melody Eh$ani

When you buy an item, it's nice to know that the designer is as fly as the piece itself. Melody Ehsani's namesake line is an extention of herself and an outlet for all the creativity she has bottled up. There is already tons of people who are appreciating Ehsani's creativity, including celebs Eryka Badu, Rihanna, and Kelis. Three finger rings, swaroski crystal bamboo earrings (dopeness), and show stopping shoes for the girls who aren't afraid to command an audience.

What really made me interested in learning more about Ehsani was when I saw that a portion of their proceeds would go to the advancement of the education of women. I always push for education, whether it's through school or self-education, so I believe Melody Ehsani definitely has the right idea.

I personally wanted to ask Ehsani a few questions, and I was nice enough to share them with you. So lets get into Melody Ehsani, the brand and the person.

DW: What influenced you to design shoes and accessories instead of clothes?

ME: My first design job was an internship at a sneaker company, that was a big catalyst for me to go into shoes because the entire time I was designing sneakers, I was thinking about what it's stiletto counterpart would look like. I'm very selfish in my design at this stage because I usually design items that I myself would wear, and right now I'm more into very simple, clean lines when it comes to clothing and really outrageous, bold and super hero esque shoes and accessories, they're more exciting for me.

DW:Where do you draw inspiration?

ME:My inspiration comes my environment and my daily meditations. I feel like I have a different lens when it comes to viewing the world around me, because a lot of times I'll take a look at something from afar and be like "wow that's so fresh", and then Ill get up close to it and realize its not what I thought, so then I'll go home and design what I think I saw, does that make sense? What I don't like doing is looking for inspiration, I like it to come naturally and it almost always has come for me in that way.

DW:How did growing up in L.A. influence your line?

ME:Los Angeles is a very different place from the rest of the world...I was fortunate enough to start traveling at a young age, so I was able to see the contrast between the extremes of wealth and poverty and the power of television and the God of materialism that existed in my birthplace (LA) compared to for example the village I lived in in China for a few months. So, LA in short has influenced me because its one side of the spectrum, and its always provided the best sense of contrast for me in so many ways....and I learn very effectively through contrast.

DW:Who would you love to see wearing your shoe designs?

ME:Girls in the hood across the world.

DW:What made you want to contribute to the education of women?

ME:I would consider myself pretty educated (on paper)..I went to a good university, got some degrees, etc., but my highest form of education was given to me when I started to seek education of my "self", who i was, why i was put here on this planet, what my internal design was etc. When I woke up to who I was, I realized that I could achieve miracles. I think the most important thing that women can do right now is identify what their calling is, because I see too many young women having to sacrifice themselves to fit into positions that don't fit who they are, and they suffer from it as a result. There is nothing that makes me happier in the world than seeing women authentically creating positions for themselves in this world, because they know that that's what they were created to do. I know that just by virtue of me following my truth, I am inspiring this in other women. So essentially, design is what I do and its my trade, but greater than all things its how I serve....and this service component is more rewarding than selling all the shoes in the world or making the "IT" accessory item of the season.

DW:Would you consider yourself a spiritual person, and how does that play into your work?

ME:Yes, I would definitely consider myself a spiritual person. It greatly affects my work and my life because its not separate from who I am. I believe that man has two types of vision, inner vision and outer vision, and we need to sharpen and utilize both. I cant always look out into the world, because I know that this world is fleeting...so I continually practice looking within for answers and guidance. I receive information in my dreams, during meditation, etc. I feel if I didn't listen to those voices from my higher nature, I would probably take the more "comfortable" route and have a very different focus and inspiration behind my designs, inspiration that wouldn't be as authentic.

DW:What's the hardest part about creating your own line?

ME:Probably the ups and downs and consistently being in the unknown. I always feel like I'm wearing ten different hats, which can get a little tiresome.

DW:What designer's do you admire?

ME:I really love Pierre Hardy

DW:Do you feel it's important to follow the trends or go against the grain?

ME:It depends...most of the time I think its going against the grain. As I was kinda getting into earlier, this generation is really amazing because we have all these new types of people who have very specific talents and tastes, and so they have to create new positions in the world that don't exist. I see that especially in music, where there are these amazing artists who are making music that doesn't fall into one of the 4 categories we've created, so these narrow minded labels don't know how to market them because everything is so compartmentalized. Sadly there are few who are willing to be pioneers so they end up conforming to these major corporate labels and miss out on the opportunity to open the door for themselves and all those that are to come after them.

DW:What would you like Melody Ehsani to be synonymous with?

ME:Authenticity

DW:What's in store for Melody Ehsani?

ME:Everything.

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-Doni W.