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Perspective

The Rundown: Francis Thomas
The Rundown: Francis Thomas

Young, Honest and going nowhere but up; Young Francis Thomas is stepping one deep onto Houston’s music scene with a vibe full of sincerity and a heart full rage, ready to assert himself as the next runner-up to lead the youth. Setting the tone and making a statement on his now and most recent project, “NIRVANIC” the young emcee shows and proves he has a knack for projecting meaningful and melody driven music, a lot of which is inspired by the new age driven sound of the South. He leads with his most successful single, “Sobriety” that’s peeked 12k plays and growing; backed with a visual behind his personal favorite track, “Oblivious”. He’s an artist that continuous to grow and aims as high as his wings will take him.

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The RundownGregory HarrisFrancis Thomas, The RundownComment
Grease Is on the Move: A Conversation with Wes Blanco
Grease Is on the Move: A Conversation with Wes Blanco

When you think of Houston you think, DJ Screw, Pimp C, codeine in double cups, swangin’ in old schools with the ‘bows poking out and that Southern feel — at least when it comes to the music. As one of the major and most populated cities in America, you think versatility, openness, diversity. All of those things are what truly makes Houston known for what it is. I had the opportunity to chit-chat with one of Houston’s upcoming artists, Wes Blanco, and talked about influences, important things to consider in the game, past encounters that have changed his style and exciting things he has coming up in the future.

 

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The RundownGregory HarrisWes Blanco, The Rundown, InterviewComment
Sound Select: DJ NoLita
Sound Select: DJ NoLita

It’s been quite some time since we dug into our Sound Select series, a collection of an interviews where we feature different DJs and have them speak about their careers and have them premier exclusive mixes. Our first edition featured a budding female DJ from Houston, Cre8shun. As we continue to gear up the series, we feature another female DJ who’s killing the party scene in NYC, DJ NoLita

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FeaturesGregory HarrisDJ Nolita, Sound Select, Interview, Modern Life MagComment
The Last Sign of Fresh: A Conversation with Bankroll Fresh
The Last Sign of Fresh: A Conversation with Bankroll Fresh

In the series of the many of interviews we’ve done over the years, this one has to be one of the most captivating pieces I’ve done, and it wasn’t event intended to be published on Modern Life Mag. Last summer, I pitched an idea for VIBE Magazine to get an exclusive interview with a then budding rapper, Bankroll Fresh. In the midst of him releasing two solidifying projects, Life of a HotBoy 1 and 2, VIBE gave me the green light to talk to one Atlanta’s polarizing figures in their modern music scene. 

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FeaturesGregory HarrisBankroll Fresh, Greg Harris, Modern Life Mag, InterviewComment
The Rundown: Retrokash
The Rundown: Retrokash

As we gear up for the ending parts of the summer, Modern Life Mag has been introducing a new wave of artists that stretch from the Texas borders and beyond on our annual interview series, “The Rundown”. The up and coming platform has been the launching pad for many such as Trevell Hudson, Dice Soho, Paris Le Rouge, and more. 

We continue this tradition with introducing the sounds of Retro Kash, a raging cajun from the land of Louisiana. The artist from “The Boot” has been making his mark in Texas with his New Orleans tang and Southern flavored tang that’s embedded in his music. He displayed on his tape, “10K”, which blended the influences and modern vibes of the 3rd Coast in ten tracks. Outside from doing that, he’s been gaining clout with releasing cutting edge visuals, killing performances locally, and captivating the gulf coast sound with his organic delivery in his music. 

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FeaturesGregory HarrisRetro Kash, 10K, Modern Life Mag, The Rundown Comment
The Trip to the Prairie: A Close Look on Prairie View A&M's University Creative Scene
The Trip to the Prairie: A Close Look on Prairie View A&M's University Creative Scene

Roughly twenty miles west of Cypress down the 290 stretch sits Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), a HBCU placed right between Waller and Hempstead County.  The university is not only a campus that produces productive people, but it's also home to some very creative and aspiring individuals. The creative culture of Prairie View is a steadily growing presence that houses a small but diverse and in-touch community where each individual adds their signature to their craft or art form. Most of the students in this little community are inspired individuals that have a creative eye in a multitude of outlets and hustles. With familiar brands and faces that are already taking steps onto rising platforms in the Houston area; these individuals are just some to set the tone for who you could see creating new waves straight out of PV.

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Op-EdsGregory HarrisTrae Mitch, John Ibe, Godson Clothing, AmatiComment
Texas Tea Podcast: Chemdawg
Texas Tea Podcast: Chemdawg

As we continue our Texas Tea Podcast, coming off the heels of getting laced with the up and up on Drew Parker and his rising legacy creating Houston’s modern clothing outlet with Imperial Houston and The Annex, we bring in the smoking vibes of Chemdawg. Hailing from the northside of Houston and migrating to Washington DC due to academic reasons, Chemdawg has branched out the typical community of sharing his music amongst the up and coming, but he has infiltrated the cannabis market with his creative collective, Bizzie Hippie.

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FeaturesGregory HarrisTexas Tea Podcast, Chemdawg, Waylon O'Day, Greg Harris, Bizzie HippieComment
The Rundown: Trevell Hudson
The Rundown: Trevell Hudson

We recently revamped "The Rundown” interview series with bringing emerging artists to the forefront and giving them the chance to tell their story. We sparked our first conversation with rising Houston rapper, Paris Le Rouge. He had an opportunity to speak on his stylistic approach to music, why he’s different from other artists in the city, and how he ultimately wants to separate himself. 

We continue the series with speaking to Trevell Hudson, someone who’s been on our radar for quite sometime. Due to his different features on other people’s projects, he finally came with something of his own with his project, “For The Time Being”. Since then, we’ve been hooked on his serenading sound and how he brings the new elements and components of R&B to his music.

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The RundownGregory HarrisTrevell Hudson, The Rundown, Houston, Baton Rouge Comment
The Rundown: Paris Le Rouge
The Rundown: Paris Le Rouge

Due to us focusing on other various projects, we stepped away from our annual interview series, "The Rundown". Recognizing the significance of breaking new artists and giving them the chance to speak their mind is the reason why we have "The Rundown" and it was only right for us to bring it back. Opening the platform and giving artists the chance to use their voice, we spoke to Paris Le Rouge, a rising artist in the Houston area who's going against the grain to break barriers and stereotypes of what a Houston artist is in this day of time. 

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The RundownGregory HarrisParis Le Rouge, Modern Life Mag, The RundownComment
All Hail Maxo: A Review on Maxo Kream's "Persona Tape"
All Hail Maxo: A Review on Maxo Kream's "Persona Tape"

It is finally here. The highly anticipated follow up to last year's #Maxo187 has arrived to change the way we all look at the new era of Houston hip-hop and one of its loudest voices, Maxo Kream. His junior full length release finds Maxo building upon his already menacing demeanor and rapid fire delivery, exhibiting his skills over production that is different from anything we've previously heard the de facto leader of Kream Clicc spitting over.

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Op-EdsWaylon O'DayMaxo Kream, Houston, Modern Life MagComment
Blank/Canvas: The Graphic Artists Who Are Up Next
Blank/Canvas: The Graphic Artists Who Are Up Next

When looking at projects, one of the first things that one notices is the art that’s delivered with any project. It’s the visual aid and the first thing that one sees when clicking on a new mixtape, blog post, tweet, or any medium where it features visuals. As these visuals may give viewers some insight on what they’re getting into, Modern Life Mag wants to focus our attention towards the artists who are captivating on the art of presentation. Graphic Design is a stronghold in the creative community and it keeps things together when it comes to completing one’s vision, and this feature will highlight some of the brightest who are trailblazing their way into the industry. Breaking barriers, settting their own trends, and ultimately cultivating, stay tuned for the individuals to make significant changes in the visual community. 

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FeaturesGregory HarrisBWright, ColorsByNet, Papikodone, Asiatic Youth, DryDurags, Aaron Kai, ShonRosewood, OriginalFani Comment
Texas Tea Podcast: Drew Parker (Imperial Houston)
Texas Tea Podcast: Drew Parker (Imperial Houston)

Modern Life Mag continues to grow with more creative concepts and themed shows, and one of our newest series is the "Texas Tea Podcast". The visual podcast is a collaboration with University of Houston's "Coog Radio" and our mission is to show off the brightest individuals that are from Texas and beyond. 

In our first episode, we feature fashion enthusiast and Houston trailblazer, Drew Parker. The founder of the rising upper scale streetwear boutique, Imperial Houston, stopped by the Coog TV studio to talk to us about his upbringing, his college basketball career, why enjoys Whataburger, the vision of his store and more! 

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FeaturesGregory HarrisDrew Parker, Imperial Houston, Texas Tea Podcast, HoustonComment
Lurking in the Garden of Woods: Getting to know Tim Woods
Lurking in the Garden of Woods: Getting to know Tim Woods

If you’ve been watching what’s been going on in the Houston music scene for the past few years, you would be somewhat familiar with Tim Woods but at the same time it would serve as a blur because his work wasn’t as established until now. Woods has splashed onto the scene with hits such as “H20” and “Bak N Town” that has garnered the support from OG Ron C, Houston Press, and more outlets that see Woods’ vision. With a lot under raps and it’s a huge process for preparation, Woods gave us the opportunity to talk to him about his transition into stardom in Space City and beyond.

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FeaturesGregory HarrisTim Woods, Houston, Modern Life MagComment
Good Job Larry! : Why Larry June Makes Hip Hop Entertaining
Good Job Larry! : Why Larry June Makes Hip Hop Entertaining

Music is an art form that allows one to express themselves, but one of the most key elements to it is the delvery. The artistry behind vocals and what’s said can make or break an artist, especially in today’s age of hip hop. A once traditional listening experience that turned into an oversaturated feel influenced by the internet and fusing new trap. Although today’s sound brings more versatility, it’s not a lot of artists who are making quotable lines that people can remember. Hailing from San Fransisco, Larry June, presents an humorous void that needed to be filled in the genre. Which was making it cool again to be a player and continuously to congratulate yourself as your on the way to the winner’s circle, and laugh while doing it. 

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Op-EdsGregory HarrisLarry June, OGG, Modern Life MagComment
Evolution of the Lone Wolf : A Conversation with Genesis Iver
Evolution of the Lone Wolf : A Conversation with Genesis Iver

This past Easter Break was filled with restless nights, strenuous networking, and time to enjoy family related activities. Aside from celebrating the day of resurrection, we had a chance to speak to Genesis Iver, one of Houston’s unique and valuable asset to the future. The rapper/singer has crafted a sound that evokes honesty and vulnerability with good vibrations. Between the rhythm of his music and the subject he delivers, living in the middle lies a distinction of his personal artistry. 

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FeaturesGregory HarrisGenesis Iver, Interview, Houston, Modern Life MagComment
Modern Visionaries: Christopher Garcia of Godson talks about his brand, getting love from Dej Loaf, and attending college
Modern Visionaries: Christopher Garcia of Godson talks about his brand, getting love from Dej Loaf, and attending college

As we dive in deep with more creative individuals in 2016, we have seen a trend of these bright stars being their own bosses while attending school. Playing the game in and outside the classroom just goes to show you what these visionaries have on their plates on a day-to-day basis. One visionary who's going against the grain and letting his brand reign supreme in Houston  is Christopher Garcia, the brains behind Godson Clothing. 

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Modern VisionariesGregory HarrisGodson Clothing, Modern Visionaries, Interview, Modern Life MagComment
Chris HighDime talks to us about his new magazine, the Dallas cultural scene, and working outside of Texas
Chris HighDime talks to us about his new magazine, the Dallas cultural scene, and working outside of Texas

We recently had a conversation with one of Dallas' premier photographers, Chris Highdime about his role in the Dallas cultural scene, his upcoming magazine that's slated to release around SXSW, aspirations for working outside of Texas, and more. Read the intimate conversation with Chris HighDime below. 

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FeaturesGregory HarrisChris Highdime, Dallas, Photography, Modern Life MagComment
The Rundown : How Roy Dale Is Aiming To Pave His Own Lane in Texas
The Rundown : How Roy Dale Is Aiming To Pave His Own Lane in Texas

Roy Dale is a unique artist who's popped up on a radar not too long ago, Dale presents a very sleek style that embodies the 3rd Coast but at the same presents a new sense of modernism that's complete in his sound. The Texas landscape for new music is becoming more versatile, and you have to include Dale in that batch of artists who are emerging. Read our Interview with him here.

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The RundownEnrique Roy Dale, Modern Life MagComment
Lone Star on The Rise : WhyJae Will Be Houston’s Next King
Lone Star on The Rise : WhyJae Will Be Houston’s Next King

In a land where royalty reigns supreme, new stars are starting to emerge and the heirachy may need some realignment due to these newcomers. The new generation of Houston artists are becoming more and more versatile, setting themselves apart from their different personalities, and it's heavy amount of star-like potential. Amongst those who are the best, who will be the "King" of this new generation? We think who will receive their crown and it will be WhyJae. Read up why here. 

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FeaturesGregory HarrisWhyJae, Modern Life MagComment