Artist to Watch: ASDR Music-“Strick”

Bringing Real Hip-Hop Back One Track at a Time.

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Health, Wealth, & Vibe

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ASDR Music ” Strick” Photography: Lance Stegall CollaboNYC

Me: So how did you get started with music in general? I thought you were supposed to be in a classroom and you just popped up with a mixtape (laughs).

Strick: “Well I always wrote raps, not to rap them, but just as an outlet. Writing has always been an outlet for me”.

Me: So how did it go from a stress reliever to Health, Wealth, & Vibe?

Strick: “Everything was, and has been very organic throughout this process. I  graduated with a degree but could only find dead end jobs. Eventually, my sister convinced me to check out D.C and had me thinking about grad school. I took the first test to get in my program but never took the second one. I went back to Michigan just to end up in a plant working for $10.50. At that time it was about survival, not about chasing my dreams, and the shit was depressing”.

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ASDR Music “Tae & Strick” Photography: Lance Stegall CollaboNYC

“As far as the mixtape goes Tae had been sending me some beats and I wrote some lyrics to them. When I spit it for him he encouraged me to get in the studio and put it on the beat.  Even if we didn’t release it, we just wanted to see how it sounded. We went to a low key studio in Redford, paid $250 and dropped the whole tape in a 10-hour session. After we let people listen to it, it just took off from there.”

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“That nigga make the beats and I just be writing and shit”. -Strick

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Me: You said everything happened “organically” can you expand on that?

Strick: “How me and Tae linked up was organic with us both playing basketball. The tape being put together was organic, and how everything that popped off after was truly organic like ordained by God. We dropped the tape and then a couple days later Im fired. But it was crazy because if I hadn’t lost my job I would have been at work and missed a meeting with this guy named Jordan who put me on to some big time producers”.

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ASDR Music ” Strick” Photography: Lance Stegall CollaboNYC

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Strick and Tae during a studio session.

Me: Wow. That’s crazy. Really goes to show everything truly does happen for a reason. How was it being fired and then 5 minutes later sitting in front of some of Detroit’s hottest producers?

Strick: “It was crazy, really crazy. When I came in there they thought they knew how my shit was gone sound before I even pressed play. Thinking I was one of these average sounding rapping niggas. I turned it on and they went crazy over it. Its been all love since then”.

Me: What have you been working on? What can your fans expect from you this summer?

Strick: “We just finished up shooting the videos to the singles we want to release off of the Health, Wealth, & Vibe mixtape so look out for those, and setting up performances. Definitely, expect to see ASDR Music on a stage near you sometime this summer. You don’t want to miss the wave”.

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ASDR Music “Tae & Strick” Photography: Lance Stegall CollaboNYC

ASDR Music surprised fans last night with a  bonus track released at 12 am entitled “Willow Run Tho” check it out below.

To connect with ASDR Music: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ASDR_MUSIC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asdr_music/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthWealthandVibe/

Website: https://www.allsongsdoneright.com/

 Id love to hear from you!

Like, comment, subscribe, and follow me on social media!

Facebook: Cherise Floyd

Instagram: Nsorommaa_

Snapchat: CheriseAndrea

Twitter: LifeRiiImagined

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THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
WITH LOVE,
CHERISE
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Artist to Watch: Emmitt James

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Photo Credit: Katie Boeckman 

So Im on Youtube makeup academy minding my own business, intensely watching this YouTuber beat her face. Then this song starts playing and it gave me such a vibe I had to write her and ask her what the name of the song was!

It was called Aurora by Emmitt James. I downloaded Soundcloud just to listen to his music. Upon a thorough investigation on social media (stalking) I was able to get him to agree to an interview with me! Check out Aurora below:

Name: Emmitt James

Age: 24

Location: Cali

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Photo Credit: @erinsaycheeze

Me: How did your career start off? 

Emmitt: 24 years ago I was born- just kidding. For me, everything starts with poetry. Back in high school, I had a crush on this big eyed Puerto Rican girl named Tamara and I would write poems about her.  But I was never good enough to be her boyfriend. I performed Broke not Broken Hip Hop my first mixtape at the Brave New Voices competition my junior year and that changed things for me. Back then music and writing was just a hobby it wasn’t until I got to college that I figured out this was what I wanted to do for a living.

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Me: Whats your music process like? Finding beats, writing songs, etc. 

Emmitt:  I’ll hear a beat and then start to create with it.I’ll start with a verse then hook, then sit on it. I write everything in my head because its more natural to me. When I try to physically write its weird. Because of spoken word my music is conceptual I wrote Hunger Pains when I first got here (Cali). Its like a metaphor to relationships and how when you eat certain things there are memories attached to it. I currently work at a coffee shop and Im a certified (Bae)rista (laugh). I wrote Almond Chi Latte which is coffee terminology inspired by my real life. I don’t talk about bitches and hoes mainly because I don’t have any (laugh). I talk about women and relationships because that’s my life.

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Photo Credit: Katie Boeckman 

Me: Who are some of your music influences? 

Emmitt: Jay-Z, Kanye, my favorite artist is Marvin Gaye and I sample from Toro Y Moi frequently.

Me: Talk about the importance of networking and making connections. 

Emmitt: It’s very important. In Cali its all about who you know. But I like it when its genuine, I like to actually have a relationship with people as opposed to just thinking about what they can do for me. So that may hold me back but that’s just me.

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Photo Credit: @brittabibbo

Me: What do you like the most or least about being an artist? 

Emmitt: The most? Freedom, to do and put out what I want. Also the ability to try new things. Sometimes when you go commercial your work can become stagnant because people can put you into a box. I also like speaking to my fan base directly, I love the intimacy of it.

The least? Lack of funds. Everything I do is out of pocket. If you don’t have much money you have to do smaller versions of your vision. Not having sponsors is also something I don’t like.

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Photo Credit: Katie Boeckman 

Me: What are some of the mistakes you’ve made pursuing your career? 

Emmitt: Pushing my music on people. There are some people that are happy to help promote like my friends and family but I want it to be organic now. Its not a problem talking to your family and friends about your music but when it happens organically (they listen and support on their own) you get more stay power.

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Photo Credit: @freelancer_life

Me: What are some of your favorite tracks of your music? 

Emmitt: 

Me: If you only had one shot to get someone to listen to your music to gain a fan what song would you want them to listen to? 

Emmitt: I would have to say Aurora or If your Orange Juice is Yellow its Not Real.

Be sure to check out Emmitts music! 

Keep up with Emmitt James music on his website, 

Apple Music, Itunes, Spotify  , and Soundcloud 

Connect with him via social media: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lostboy_emmitt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmitt_james/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmittJamesMusic/

Upcoming performances:

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 Id love to hear from you!

Like, comment, subscribe, and follow me on social media!

Facebook: Cherise Floyd

Instagram: Nsorommaa_

Snapchat: CheriseAndrea

Twitter: LifeRiiImagined

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THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
WITH LOVE,
CHERISE

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Black, Bi, & HIV Positive

“Being gay and being a person of color is like living in a world without family you have to deal with racism and then when you turn to your own people they also hate you because of who you love” – Keith Mims

 

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Keith is an artist and a musician that keeps a smile on his face and a song in his heart.

He is a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend, a Sigma, a Sinfonian, college educated, and he is HIV positive. 


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What made you go get tested in the first place?

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“I just felt off, like something wasn’t right.  I had a cold I could not shake and a good friend of mine kept telling me I should go to the doctor and that I should get tested. So eventually I did.”

“What was your first reaction when you found out?Cherise.PNG Describe how the next 24 hours went for you after hearing you were infected with HIV.” 

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 “Initially, I took a rapid test so I got my results back in 30 minutes and was told I was positive. They then had to draw blood and send it out to confirm that I was in fact, infected with HIV. The next 24 hours were real rough. I  cried a little, I couldn’t eat, I was numb, blank, trying to figure stuff out. I  was calm after the second results because I had time to self-reflect about my actions and what led up to this. After the second positive I just picked up the pieces as I went.” 

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 Do you know who you contracted HIV from? 

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“Yes- or at least a good idea of who. After I found out I was HIV positive I gave all of my previous partners information to the doctor and let him contact them. I didn’t feel the need to confront him or anything like that because I recognized my responsibility in the situation.”

How was disclosing to family and friends? Cherise.PNG

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“I had just moved to another state so my family more than anything just wanted me to know they loved and supported me. I also got the same feedback from my close friends. Nothing but love and support.”

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Keith and his family pictured 

 

How are you treated by others identifying as a black, LGBT, HIV-positive male in America?

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“I really only have issues with people who don’t know me. They have those negative preconceived notations but that typically goes away after they get to know me. I did have some issues with some of the older members in my fraternity home chapter. And some backlash from others who were worried about our image. Some of them aren’t that accepting of my lifestyle but there are also just as many brothers who love and accept me the way I am. My sorority sisters have also always had my back. It means a lot to me to have people stick by and stick up for me. I would say one of the biggest challenges I face is dealing with other males hypermasculinity.”

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Keith and some of his fraternity brothers. 

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How is your love life? Is it hard finding love being HIV positive? Cherise.PNG

FullSizeRender (3).jpg“My status has not been a hindrance on my love life. I actually just got out of a relationship. When I’m dating I would typically not disclose my status until they got to know me. It’s important for them to know me and not just my status. If I’m engaging in a “hook up” I disclose right then and there. I met someone who was nervous about it one time simply because they needed to educate themselves on the matter but most people are fine with it. They tell me thank you for letting me know and we keep it pushing.” 

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Ive heard stories about people who actually want to be infected by HIV have you ever ran into those types? If you did would you infect someone with HIV if they wanted to be infected for whatever reason? 

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“I personally have not, but a friend of mine was approached in that manner before.  I would never purposely infect someone.” 

Whats treatment like for you?Cherise.PNG

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“I only have to take 1 pill a day. I have to make a real effort not to miss any doses. Missing it a few times won’t make me immune to the treatment or anything but it is recommended to not miss any doses”. 

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What was the inspiration behind going public with your status? Cherise.PNG

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“I found out I was positive with HIV September 19th, 2012 and it took me about two years to get comfortable with myself and what that meant. I came out about my status back in 2014 and it started from a photoshoot I did. I came out because I wanted to help other people just like me. I am very passionate about educating youth, the LGBT community, and college students about HIV and HIV prevention. I just want to stop people from making the same mistakes.” 

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Does your status affect how you live daily and your thoughts of the future? 

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“Definitely. I’m usually a positive upbeat person but sometimes I have a gloomy feeling because it feels almost as if a clock is hanging over my head. But it has helped me to make some very positive changes in my life. I eat better (or as healthy as I can afford), I work out,  overall I take much better care of myself and my health.” 

Anything else you’d like for people to know? Cherise.PNG

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“Yes! 

To heterosexual men: Its okay to befriend someone that identifies as LGBT and that DOES NOT make you gay or on the low. Stop letting society keep you in a box. 

Get to know someone before you judge them. 

Take responsibility for your actions. 

Educate yourself on HIV 

Use condoms

PREP therapy does not excuse unprotected sex

and use love, always use love”. 

Image result for a true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength

 

For more information on Keith and his journey with HIV or to check out his music connect with him on:

Instagram @Euphonious_KZG

Facebook: EuphoniousKZG

Twitter:  EuphoniousKZG

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/euphoniouskzg

Email: Keithlmims@gmail.com

 

For more information on HIV and HIV prevention check out: https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/

Discussion Questions: 

  1. Do you know your status?
  2. Would you date someone who was HIV positive?

 

Id love to hear from you!

Like, comment, subscribe, and follow me on social media!

Facebook: Cherise Floyd

Instagram: Nsorommaa_

Snapchat: CheriseAndrea

Twitter: LifeRiiImagined

Thanks for stopping by!
With love,
Cherise

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