Siya

Siya, the Bed-Stuy Brooklyn-bred rapper and actor whose brand-new BET+ syndicated television series Angel premiered this month, makes her long-awaited return to the front line with MIXED EMOTIONS EP, stream here via Hillman Grad Records/Def Jam Recordings. MIXED EMOTIONS is the first new music from Siya since Mad Energy (December 2019), including “No Race” and “Circle Watchin.” It was her first album on her own after parting ways with artist, songwriter, producer, and actor Durrell ‘Tank’ Babbs and his R&B Money LLC label.

After her debut album on the label in 2016, SIYAvsSIYA, she went on to release a series of mixtapes culminating with two EPs in 2017: Commitment (with “Don’t You (Say Yes)” featuring Tank); and 383 –For Roosevelt, in homage to the Eleanor Roosevelt housing projects in Bed-Stuy where her grandmother raised her, with “Houston Girls” featuring Kirko Bangz, and “Hot Girl.”

In 2020, before Angel, Siya was already into her fourth film role, writer-director-producer Will Wernick’s horror story, No Escape (aka Follow Me). Siya’s movie career began in 2016, on the Netflix crime drama Deuces from writer-director Jamal Hill. Siya was then seen in two 2018 releases: The First Purge, the fourth chapter in the worldwide megahit franchise; followed by writer-director Jordan Cann’s undercover police drama Street Dreams – Los Angeles.

Angel got off to a strong premiere when all three episodes of the first season aired on January 5th. The series introduces Efrangeliz Medina as Angel Alvarez, an abused young Latina foster child who flees home to survive on the mean streets of Los Angeles. The cast includes Siya as Angel’s girlfriend Diamond (whose evil intentions are quickly revealed), along with dj MC Lyte, and stylist E.J. King. The series is based on the best-selling trilogy of “Dutch” novels written by Teri Woods, which chronicle 14-year-old Dutch’s entry into a life of street crime, similar to the Angel character. Angel is produced by Manny Halley, his first tv series after previously helming 11 BET+ movies.

KNOXX

KNOXX the designer went from making her own clothes to owning her own brand — and is making a name for herself in the process. There is something distinctly New York about Knoxx. Of course, you notice it in her accent, but it’s also in the way she moves, the way she thinks, and the way she designs. It was something the judges of The Hype, the HBO Max streetwear design competition show on which she became a fan favorite, couldn’t help but mention. Hailing from Elmira, New York but now based in Los Angeles, the self-taught designer started the brand in 2011 with the original name Damn Pigeon — a slyly cocky reference to the idea of “shitting on the competition.” At the time, the label was part of a new generation of designers fusing cut-and- sew high fashion with the silhouettes and sensibilities of streetwear. Over a decade later, it’s still going, making appearances in Vogue and WWD Magazine this year. Her new position as designer and creative director at Los Angles based brand Alte Volant will be a journey you do not want to miss.

Lia

Washington D.C. native “Lia” is a witty, creative, passionate writer, and R&B singer. She always had a passion for music and began writing at the age of 17. Now in her later twenties she’s dropped her second project “ Going Thru Da Motions 2” storytelling her life. Hers style is R&B/Hip-Hop new school, but you can tell she comes from a background of old school soul music the way she makes you feel every lyric in each of her songs. Growing up Lia looked up to artist such as Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Trey Songz, Beyonce, and many more.

NEEKJAME$

NEEKJAME$ is a Pittsburgh-based music artist, community activist, and social change maker based in Pittsburgh. As a proud member of the musical duo SUPA NXC and Co-Founder of True T PGH, NEEKJAME$ is committed to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and championing change. Their work as an acclaimed LGBT+ Leader and Changemaker has earned them recognition for fostering awareness, creative storytelling, and meaningful dialogues. NEEKJAME$ is a rising star in the music industry and a powerful force for positive change in their community.

Miss Money

Miss Money, Pittsburgh Hip Hop Mogul and City Icon, rose to prominence after securing a record deal following international travels. Best known for her viral hit “On The Nephs,” a nod to the unique lingo of her hometown, The Hill District. With notable collaborations including Boosie Badazz and Fred the Godson, and appearances on Shade 45 with DJ Kay Slay and Woo Kid, Miss Money has firmly established her presence in the music industry. Having graced celebrity basketball games and shared the stage with renowned artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Jimmy Wopo, Young Ma, and Cardi B, among others, Miss Money’s musical prowess is matched by her expertise in marketing and event promotions. As the founder of Rich Chickz Music Group and Aim Entertainment, she not only continues to shine in her own right but also nurtures aspiring artists, guiding them towards growth, development, and increased visibility.

Royce Jones “ROJO”

Born and raised in New Kensington, PA, ROJO was introduced to the Pittsburgh nightlife scene as a teen, attending under 21 nights at the city’s clubs. ROJO’s passion for music is deeply personal. And his musical taste is deeply rooted in soul, funk and disco genres, all inspired by his mother who regularly played her old cassette tapes around the house and reminisced about growing up in the disco era. ROJO believes in the healing power of music and views the artform of DJing as a means of performance, artistic expression and storytelling. During his DJ sets, you’ll experience a mixed bag of various genres including House, Techno, Club, Funk, R&B and more.

DJ KK

DJ KK, aka Kanti Kasa, has laid down the beats and kept guests dancing at numerous events throughout the Pittsburgh area since 2013. Her skills have been utilized for many occasions and community events, including the “Let’s Grow Together” project, and other events run by Jake Wheatley, Mayor Peduto, Bruce Krause, The Hilltop Alliance, and Neighborhood Allies. KK is also a talented singer/rapper, pianist, model, producer, dancer and actress. She is a member of a singing group, Fantasy Crew, which is under the Production company of South Side Family (S.S.F).