International/national Hip Hop threat Rhyme Assassin returns with a new single, and like his last hit, he’s bringing the legends. This time around he links with M.O.P and Ruste Juxx. The new single “Run Em Ep (Told Ya)” will be available April 19th everywhere music is sold. Check out the interview below for more on the single and its creation.

MJ: You’re back with brand new music, still sharing mics with legends of the game. This time around for your new single, dropping everywhere April 19th, you have M.O.P and Ruste Juxx in “Run Em Up (Told Ya)” with production by Arcitype. How did this link-up come into play?

Rhyme Assassin: Approximately 2 years ago I purchased a few beats from the Arcitype and when I heard the beat, I used for Run Em Up all I could hear on it was M.O.P crushing the instrumental so when I considered a feature it had to be M.O.P. It took me some time to get the feature in place but super excited it worked out.

MJ: From the cover, we can already assume there will be grittiness, tough bars, and even some intimidation. Without giving too much away before April 19th, talk about the concept of the record.

Rhyme Assassin: All I can say it’s grimy and gritty, with raw bars and metaphors at the same time. It will have your head nodding like crazy. A special shout out to Arcitype, I told him the direction I wanted to take with the song, and he didn’t take long to whip out his bag of sonic magic tricks. He sent a beat that matched the exact mood I was aiming at, exactly what the song needed. It’s gonna be crazy everybody gotta keep the 19th clear for “Run Em Up.”

MJ: Why M.O.P and Ruste Juxx for the features?

Rhyme Assassin: Well, I have been always a fan of M.O.P and they are legends in the game so it’s an honor to have them on the same track. That’s why the opening was “I am on a track with legends”. Like I explained earlier they bring the right energy that the beat needed, and they annihilated the track with punchlines and metaphors. Juxx is a veteran MC and I worked with him on a few tracks, and he poses great skills and energy that would complement M.O.P on the same track, so I felt he would be the perfect match.

MJ: Is this record leading fans and audiences into something forthcoming from you?

Rhyme Assassin: Rum ‘em Up (Told ya) is the second single from my forthcoming album ‘Dedicated to Self’ which will drop this year but currently no date has been set yet. I will potentially drop one more single and 2 videos and then drop the album.

MJ: Can we expect visuals? Again, without giving too much away, what is your vision for the video?

Rhyme Assassin: I am currently in discussion of the potential of getting a video done with M.O.P and Ruste Juxx for this single. I have hopes of making the video because I know fans are going to love this offering. As a fan of M.O.P it would be a personal accomplishment and achievement to have them on video. As for the concept I will discuss with the team if everyone is on the same page to get one done.

MJ: Let everyone know how they can connect with you and keep up to date with new music, videos, tours, etc.

Rhyme Assassin: Anyone can contact me on the following email – unclerhymez@gmail.com and Rhyme Assassin on all media platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Models: Kobe J Banks, Modi3st, Arianna, & Megan Spence

The 2024 BLAXICANA FEST invaded downtown Los Angeles in high fashion and style. Hosted at ZAYA DTLA this year’s festivities brought out an intimate crowd who truly understood how diverse and rich Los Angeles culture is. As the Blaxicana brand prides itself on being an upscale fashion and music festival, they showcased live art, music and fashion at the highest form of creativity.

Founder, CEO and showrunner Alece Plasencia got a chance to witness her dream play out in real time for the second year in a row. As her goal is to bridge Hispanic and African American culture and art, she did an excellent job of showcasing her vision as a fashion trailblazer and appreciation for both cultures.

To start the show Olivia Hynes curated a live art show wowing onlookers, as they indulged in food and drink ahead of the fashion show. DJ Blaserk, whose mix was electric, got the party going early with a high energy set that blended both Mexican and Black hit songs. Participants were seen taking photos at the photo booth while models and performers hit the red carpet.

Hosted by Grammy Award Winning artist SEPTIMIUS THE GREAT, he encouraged attendees to visit the pop up show as the music portion of the festival was underway. “It is an honor and pleasure to be here as this is the spring showing of Blaxiana. I love the fact that this brand mixes black and mexican culture with music and fashion for everyone. Talk about community, talk about fashion, talk about inclusivity, no matter who you are it is all about one person. That is what Blaxicana Fest is all about.”

Rising artist Steven Charles set the tone early followed by songstress MXKA who serenaded her audience. Grammy artist SEPTIMIUS THE GREAT rounded out the performers amping up everyone’s excitement for the fashion show. What made the fashion show so unique was that luxury handbags were displayed live on the runway further embodying the “Blaxicana” vision. Once the models hit the runway, everyone became immersed immediately. From the vivid colors, to the inspiring artwork displayed on each article of clothing, it was truly an unforgettable experience.

Malik Versatility who coordinated the models looks, walks, and outfit choices shared with me that he was very honored to be there as this was his first event with Blaxicana. “Working behind the scene as a model coordinator is a blessing in disguise because you get to really network with a bunch of different nationalities and get to see how beautiful Blaxicana is from a different perspective especially in reference to unity. We have issues with unity and this really expresses the energy of what Blaxicana really is.”

To close out the show, DJ STARRZA delivered a sick set as guests mixed and mingled for the rest of the event. You will not want to miss out on the next one. Follow @blaxicana to see more coverage on this amazing event.

As we are in the middle of award season, one short film that received critical acclaim is the independent film “Lucille”. Having recently been nominated for a NAACP Image Award for Most Outstanding Short Film (live action), this touching film is a must see. Netflix hosted a private screening of “Lucille” written and produced by Warren Burke and co-produced by Netflix’s very own Rebecca Herrick, this body of work stars Loretta Devine and Frankie Faison who are both two of the most decorated actors. Burke played Devine’s son on the Netflix hit show “Family Reunion”.

“Lucille” tells the riveting story of love, grief and holding on tightly to loved ones as tomorrow is not promised. Hosted by Lisa Marie Boykin (Senior Production Counsel at Netflix), at the Netflix Theatre, guests were greeted with light refreshments as they were ushered into the theater. Once the film wrapped, Boykin conducted a live Q&A with Burke and Herrick. This gave onlookers a deeper insight into what it took to make the critically acclaimed film. Guests were then treated to champagne, and soulful in celebration of the film’s early success.

Kudos to Burke for being able to infuse his own personal story into a masterpiece that most will be able to relate to. Pulling on your emotions, heart strings, and curiosity, this is one of the best short films of the year. Devine and Faison have an on camera chemistry that conveys why they were hand picked for this work of art. Anyone who is lucky enough to see “Lucille” will understand why the message behind this film is so important.