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Meet “Rocco Lupo” The Creator of the New Genre of Music Called “Funky Pop”

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Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into music?

Well, I got into music by my dad playing these songs that are from the 70s, 80s, and 90s just when I was 3 years old, and from that point on I always loved music and especially the older songs!  but my biggest influence was always Teddy Riley and Michael Jackson.

How would you describe your sound and your musical influences? 

I’d say my sound is “Funky Pop” but I have an old-school vibe like Smokey Robinson, Teddy Riley and Michael Jackson.

What can fans expect from your upcoming album? 

They should expect to have fee-good sounds like back in the day. Funky pop has its own sound with a touch of new jack swing. I intend on giving everyone something new and funky they can vibe to.

Can you talk about your songwriting process and how you come up with your lyrics? 

My song writing process really comes from the man above and just the beauty of earth creatures and the kids because when you look at the younger kids you see joy and happiness and just a pure soul that comes from God. When  I start singing, all of my friends love my music, it makes them happy and makes them want to dance.

What has been your favorite moment or performance in your music career so far?

Well I have not done many performances yet but I am working with some of the greatest people in the industry. It is all so surreal, just a dream come true.

What are your goals for the future of your music career? 

My goal in the future is to be one of the best and to inspire people to follow their dreams.

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Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

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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.

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Interview

Game Changer in the Music Industry: MGM Stanlo’s Vision for the Future

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Groundbreaking artists aren’t just born. They’re forged through relentless grind, unwavering vision, and a sharp business acumen. This deep dive into the industrious mindset of MGM Stanlo reveals the strategy behind making music crackle with energy and authenticity.

Building a Brand That Beats the Odds

Creating a presence in the music industry requires more than just raw talent; it demands a personal brand that resonates with your audience. MGM Stanlo understands the importance of setting himself apart with a distinct sound and persona. “I tell them, I’m not your ordinary Louisiana artist,” Stanlo asserts. He’s aware of his regional stereotype but spins the expectation on its head to show his unique approach to the music. Crafting an identity that defies the norm has helped him gain traction, while embracing social platforms and live interviews extends his reach even further.

*“It’s definitely will be a different take on it,” * Stanlo explains. His message to aspiring musicians is clear—challenge conventions and build a personal brand that’s versatile, memorable, and relatable.

From Passion to Paycheck: The Shift in Musicpreneurship

Embracing music as a business is pivotal for serious artists, and MGM Stanlo exemplifies this shift by discussing his growth from passion-driven performer to strategic entrepreneur. *“To actually receive income to take care of my family. ‘Cause, like, I know it’s fun, it’s a hobby. But the business side of it, like, now it’s time to start getting royalties.”* Music is a multifaceted business calling for artists to think about their craft in terms of investments and returns.

Stanlo’s revelation elevates the conversation around music and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of learning the ins and outs of the music business to prosper. It’s clear: artists need to be shrewd business operators as much as they are creative contributors.

Consistency: The Beat That Doesn’t Stop

The theme of consistency is a drumbeat throughout MGM Stanlo’s journey, as he underscores the importance of maintaining momentum. *“Stay more consistent,” * he advises his younger self, alluding to lost time and opportunities. His current trajectory—rife with releases and planned music videos—is a testament to his newfound focus on persistence.

Stanlo’s candid reflection on his past underscores a broader truth within the industry: talent may open doors, but it’s grit and regular output that keep them wide open. For an artist like MGM Stanlo, going full throttle isn’t just a choice but a strategic imperative unique to the hyper-competitive world of hip-hop.

The Unseen Horizon: Diversifying the Portfolio

A true artist doesn’t merely keep up; they leap forward into new realms. Stanlo eyes avenues of expansion, like his dive into the world of fitness as an extension of his brand. *“I want to open an own gym to become a trainer and do that too,”* he shared, casting a vision where music and fitness intersect. His proactive stance suggests the more versatile your ventures, the more robust your career resilience.

Envisioning his future, Stanlo’s ideas go beyond hitting the gym; they encompass building a community around health, much like he has around his music. It’s a lesson in diversification that every aspiring artist should take to heart.

MGM Stanlo isn’t just another artist trying to make his mark; he’s an entrepreneur seeking to etch his name in stone. He has laid out the tools he has used and plans to use: personal branding that breaks grounds, savvy business practices, unyielding consistency, and an undeterred spirit to harness new ventures. His is a narrative that resonates with the grind synonymous with success in music and beyond—a story of a man who keeps asking, “What’s Tha location?” yet knows precisely where he’s going.

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Manifesting Success: PopoutJe’s Journey to Becoming a Hip Hop Star

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Harnessing the Hustle: Lessons in Grynding from an Emerging Hip-Hop Artist

In an era where the rap industry evolves at an unmatched pace, young and determined artists continually emerge, eager to leave their imprint on the scene. One such artist, PopoutJe, candidly sits down with Shah Cypha on “On the Grynd Live,” providing an in-depth look into his journey, motivations, and aspirations as he carves out his path in the dynamic world of hip-hop.

Crafting a Personal Brand in Hip-Hop

Discussing his pseudonym, ‘PopoutJe,’ the artist highlights the pivotal role of a name in establishing an artist’s brand. It encapsulates identity, journey, and creative ethos. Prefacing ‘Je’ – derived from his real name Eric – with ‘Popout’ reflects his desire to stand out and resonate with his audience, “*Come pop out,*” he encapsulates, signifying an open invitation to see the world through his perspective.

Studying the significance of this branding through an SEO lens, ‘PopoutJe’ also becomes a piece of digital strategy, ensuring a unique imprint within search engines. The move speaks to a broader understanding of the necessity for singularity in the digital age, where SEO plays an increasingly critical role in an artist’s visibility and success.

The Unyielding Journey Towards Success: A Young Artist’s Perspective

When discussing the core of his work ethic, PopoutJe redefines the concept of grinding, “it’s doing what you got to do, no matter what,” mirroring the resilience seen in his family. This mentality, rooted in his upbringing, confronts the often glamorous portrayal of success with a grittier reality—it’s persistent hard work, imbued with tenacity and a sense of responsibility.

Where many may see ‘grind’ as a colloquial term loosely thrown around in the musical realm, for PopoutJe, it’s an ancestral legacy carried forward, a continuous, purposeful action that outlasts temporary setbacks and hardships. He draws a parallel to the struggles his parents endured for their family, cementing the grind as an ethos rather than a transient state.

Ambition and Strategy: The Balance for Future Artists

PopoutJe’s articulation of future ambitions frames his understanding of music as more than art—it’s a business venture with expansion potential. Aiming to transform his label into an umbrella for diverse media endeavors, he hopes to elevate the label’s reach. He also emphasizes learning and growing through networking and experiences like traveling and performing.

Balancing immediate and long-term goals is essential in the artist’s vision. He aims not just to create but also to build lasting structures that advance his career and support emerging talent—a move that reflects the industry’s shift from ephemeral trends to sustainable growth strategies.

With calculated goals like releasing a large-scale project by his 18th birthday, PopoutJe demonstrates a keen sense of strategic thinking required to maintain relevance and longevity in the ever-competitive rap game.

Throughout the interview with Shah Cypha, PopoutJe gives a grounded picture of what it means to hustle in today’s rap industry. His focus on unique branding, a well-defined work ethic, and a clear-eyed view of his future sets him apart as not just an artist, but as an emerging mogul who understands the business acumen required in modern music’s landscape.

By conveying his story with authenticity and ambition, PopoutJe invites his audience to join him on a journey that’s both personal and expansive. His narrative serves as a powerful reminder that the grind is more than a rite of passage; it’s the foundation upon which lasting empires in music are built.

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