The world of hip-hop is a constantly evolving tapestry, colored by the individual stories and passionate endeavors of artists navigating their craft. A recent candid conversation with Southside Jamaica, Queens representative, D-Kno Money, sheds light on the sincerity and grind of an artist dedicated to originality amidst an industry prone to imitation.

Dedication to Hip-Hop’s Essence

In the heart of the discussion, D-Kno Money underlines a stronghold on the authentic sound of hip-hop, an element that often feels lost in today’s market. “\[…] if you like hip-hop in its essence, you like rapping in its essence. I always stick to those roots,” D-Kno Money asserts, emphasizing his commitment to preserving the genre’s true spirit. He maneuvers through the contemporary soundscape while ensuring his music retains a timeless quality. His approach crafts a bridge between the nostalgic and the innovative, appealing to both old-school enthusiasts and modern listeners. Quoting the artist, “If you listen to D-Kno Money for the first time, you’re not gonna hear what’s out like at the moment. \[…] I still have an authentic sound.”

This balance between tradition and evolution in the hip-hop genre is vital. It functions not only as a gateway for diverse expression within the art form but also exemplifies the genre’s ability to adapt without losing its core identity. D-Kno Money’s music serves as a beacon for what hip-hop can continue to be—an insightful, powerful, and expressive outlet for creativity.

Crafting an Artistic Identity

D-Kno Money’s story is a narrative of relentless ambition channeling into artistry since early childhood, heavily influenced by the monumental group Wu-Tang Clan and solo artists like Jay-Z and Nas. His musical journey, which began in 2003, highlights the dedication and passion required to make a mark in the industry. Taking his artistic vocation seriously from his first mixtape in 2006 to dropping over 15 projects, he proves that consistency is the key to a substantial body of work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of investing in one’s craft, pointing out, “My body of work put me in an advantageous state over a lot of my fellow peers.”

For D-Kno Money, the art of creating music is only part of the equation. The multifaceted lifestyle he leads speaks to the entrepreneurial spirit and the various roles artists must play to sustain and elevate their brand. Tackling responsibilities like personal management and business ventures, such as the Blue Exclusive beverage liquor brand, reinforces the narrative that today’s artist must also be an astute businessperson.

Revitalizing New York’s Hip-Hop Scene

Touching on a subject close to many New Yorkers’ hearts, D-Kno Money shares his perspective on the current state of New York hip-hop, particularly noting the dominance of drill music. “Everything different. So, like with D-no Money, that’s all I really stand on,” he remarks, articulating his desire for the return of artistic diversity. The artist yearns for an era where uniqueness was celebrated rather than subdued, hoping for a resurgence of the individual sound that made New York a hip-hop powerhouse.

This standpoint resonates with a broader sentiment within the hip-hop community. The craving for originality isn’t a rejection of new trends, but rather a call to honor the genre’s rich, varied history. By advocating for diversity in sound and content, D-Kno Money echoes a larger directive—a call to action to reinvigorate the scene with the uniqueness that made it a global phenomenon.

The music industry, and hip-hop in particular, stands at a crossroads where the choices of artists like D-Kno Money can shape its trajectory. His advocacy for authenticity, commitment to craftsmanship, and emphasis on innovation could very well be the catalysts needed to relight the fires of the hip-hop scene in New York and beyond. As the landscape evolves, artists like D-Kno Money remind us of the importance of preserving the heart of the genre while creatively advancing into the future.

The independent music scene is awash with tales of both burgeoning success and challenging setbacks. In a candid conversation with Shah Cypha on The Grynd Live, Restless Marc offers a deep dive into the life of an independent artist who’s not only producing and performing his own music but also navigating the industry with a distinct sense of identity and purpose. Here we’ll decode the intricacies of his journey, the significance of a robust support system, and the transformative power of perseverance in the music industry.

The independent music scene is awash with tales of both burgeoning success and challenging setbacks. In a candid conversation with Shah Cypha on The Grynd Live, Restless Marc offers a deep dive into the life of an independent artist who’s not only producing and performing his own music but also navigating the industry with a distinct sense of identity and purpose. Here we’ll decode the intricacies of his journey, the significance of a robust support system, and the transformative power of perseverance in the music industry.

Building a Brand: The Origin of “Restless Mark”

Embracing Uniqueness

The conversation with Restless Marc starts by delving into **the story behind his moniker**, an essential component of his identity within the music world. Initially known as Mark Erickson, a blend of his given name and father’s name, Marc reveals how “Restless” came into play, originally as part of a collective and later, permanently influencing his personal brand.

*”When you see me, you see dope people.”* This statement reflects Marc’s drive for originality and association with excellence, laying out a commitment to stand out in an industry replete with generic names. It’s not only a choice; it’s a statement. The significance is not lost, as Shah Cypha keenly observes, “*You got to have a name. When people google you, they’ll find you and not somebody else.*”

The Influence of Gaming on Music

An intriguing twist in Marc’s narrative is the **evolution of his stage name from a gaming tag**. The digital realm and its subcultures offer a space for reinvention and experimentation. For Marc, crossing elements from his gaming identity into his musical persona is more than a branding exercise; it’s an organic merging of passions, indicative of how modern artists are often multifaceted individuals.

From Setback to Comeback: Recovering from Loss

The Value of Resilience

In what could be regarded as a devastating blow, Marc recounts the theft of his laptop and the ramifications it had on his music creation process. Here, we witness a crucial theme: **the role of hardship in defining an artist’s path**. Despite the setback, Marc channeled this experience into a form of motivation, reinforcing Shah Cypha’s perspective on the importance of converting negative experiences into positive outcomes.

Continuation Through Creation

The interview delves into the mental and emotional processes that blend **Marc’s personas as a producer and an artist**. Whether it’s producing in the dark to cultivate a specific ambiance or finding unexpected inspiration for lyrics, we see a glimpse into the intimate journey of creation. Marc’s narrative is a testament to the ongoing drive to create, despite obstacles, and the undying belief in oneself common to successful artists.

Ambitions Beyond the Microphone: Restless Marc’s Vision

A Vision for Diversification

As the discussion shifts to future goals, Marc outlines his ambition **to impact various aspects of culture**, including fashion and potentially sports. His intentions to remain independent and to build upon his own brand mirror the forward-thinking ethos of artists like Dr. Dre and Kanye West, who have diversified their reach while simultaneously contributing to their music’s authenticity and intimacy.

Breaking the Mold of an Artist

Tackling the broader implications of a music career, Marc speaks on wanting to exist beyond the music. His blueprint for success elucidates how modern independent artists must cultivate a multi-disciplinary approach to their careers, blending creativity with **business acumen**.

In synthesizing his past experiences with his aspirations, Marc’s trajectory underscores a fundamental shift in the music industry. No longer is it enough to produce hit records—now, artists are challenging themselves to be innovators, influencers, and entrepreneurs.

Restless Marc’s story reveals a reality where victory is not just about endurance but about the expansion of one’s horizons. In sharing his journey, his resilience, and his plans for future conquests, Marc becomes both a product and a prophet of the evolving musical landscape—a restless force in an industry that never sleep

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.