Richardine Bartee
EMCEE Network
Owned by Taylor Dall and Elly Kaya, the Detroit via Miami-situated media company, is one of the newest platforms to boast a radio show, television company and an online website. On a frequent basis, the staff covers everything from what’s happening in fashion, pop culture, to interviewing new artists all over the world. Today, not many websites take the time to allow new artists to explain themselves. Unless, of course, they have mainstream ties. With the amount of time it would take for someone in Dayton, Ohio to meet and wow JAY-Z, they might as well give up or give in to local activity. I like to be part of success stories, so that’s why I do what I do. In turn, I have received the respect I earned. I think it is the same idea for the people over at EMCEE Network. Like you would approach me or anyone else, please be respectful and professional. Surf the websites. See what they’ve written about in the past. Pay attention to what they’ve supported. Make your approach make sense.
To learn more about the EMCEE Network, visit this link. Only tell them I sent you if you will not be an embarrassment.
CULTUREDUP
Before wanting to write this piece, I don’t know the owner of CULTUREDUP personally, but my photographer Jeffrey Chambers suggested that I get familiar with Jané Greer. So, I did. According to LinkedIn, she was an Editorial Intern at COMPLEX. Now, she is an A&R Intern at Def Jam. The well-designed site covers fashion, style, culture, and music. Like GRUNGECAKE, it seems to have an affinity for high-quality imagery. Eclectic individuals who are promising and have plans of longevity seem to get published. We, GRUNGECAKE, can relate. The magazine’s social media following is four times larger than ours. Therefore, the likeliness of getting a response from the CULTUREDUP editorial team is slim to none if it doesn’t fall within the confines of its current quality. Please, do not make an ass out of yourselves. Have your shit together.
To learn more about the CULTUREDUP, visit this link.
Raw Roots
Known for contributing to just about every publication online (AFROPUNK to Noisey), Ayara Pomells started Raw Roots. I don’t know her personally, but she does a grand job at covering independent talent, music news, and pop culture at a rapid speed. In the past, GRUNGECAKE premiered an EP for one of her clients. Subsequently, she interviewed Suzi Analogue for me on AFROPUNK and supported a video release for BVNGS. Tell the UK-based journalist that I sent you, only if your work does not belong in a trash bin.
To learn more about the Raw Roots, visit this link.
Hype Off Life
During a search on the web earlier in the year, I came across West Coast Keish’s website. Currently, her independent music website stands at #79 on a list of the ‘Best Hip-Hop Blogs on the Planet’. I think that is an accomplishment for a single-person run site, who takes the time to listen and review each entry. According to the list, Keish averages nine posts per week. It isn’t her daily bread, so it makes sense. She appears on the list twice, coming in at #107 for her namesake site. In case you are wondering, the list is generated based on Google Search ranking and reputation. The influence and popularity of social media is also a factor and the quality and consistency of the posts.
Check out Keish’s website now via this link. It’s a Los Angeles-based magazine putting on for the Hip-Hop community. Regardless of age, location or follower count. How sexy is that?
To learn more about the Hype Off Life, visit this link.
PLAYGROUND DETROIT
Covering all things Detroit, co-founders Paulina Petkoski and Samantha Banks Schefman have spearheaded the success of the brand. In the past, I met with Petkoski when she was in Brooklyn, New York. Shortly after, we worked on a feature article together. Recently, the site interviewed Detroit-native artist King Visionary. Today, it is a gallery and event space on Gratiot Avenue in the city. PLAYGROUND DETROIT represents fifteen local artists including Ellen Rutt, Sheefy, and Sydney G James. The ladies have two contributors: Hailey Dukes and Jeff Milo. If you’re looking to get a good idea of what Detroit, and the surrounding areas, have to offer, PLAYGROUND DETROIT is the best place to explore. Grand Circus Magazine is also something to consider. It is a well-done biannual print publication that caters to Detroit creatives.
To learn more about the PLAYGROUND DETROIT, visit this link.
