Felix Natal Jr.

MET LIFE THROUGH MUSIC, SAID GOODBYE IN A SONG
Written by Jasmine Clemente

“Every artist wants that Grammy award, but what’s the odds of you making it out of everyone else?” stated U-Niqe from the rap duo Eyez Low. Therefore, her and Boggie (AKA Boogz) decided that their image should stand out amongst other rappers. Together, U-Niqe and Boogz attracted attention from A&R’s due to their originality by being the new “Bonnie & Clyde” or the new “Groove Theory” of this hip-hop industry, except that the female, U-Niqe, is a lyricist, not a singer.

Currently, they are an up and coming, unsigned group who came a long way since their first encounter at their previous job Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (Met Life) New Jersey, and impressed each other on a personal level. Boogz says, “When I was a kid, I was tired of seeing my friends and parents doing the same old things when I came home from school. Day in and day out, they went to work and came home at the same time. It was like a pattern or a routine. I knew there was more to life and that my lifestyle would be different.” It’s as if fate brought U-Niqe, (Christina Castellanos) and Boogz (Jarrett Johnson-Free) together by ironically meeting at a company named “Met Life”, because that’s when they decided to collaborate as a group instead of pursuing solo careers.

Although they are separate individuals, they’ve both shared similar struggles since childhood. U-Niqe being from the Bronx, and Boogz being from Brooklyn, both grew up in rough neighborhoods and experienced poverty. Now in their recent track entitled, “Hateful Times,” they express their opinions about the war in Iraq as well as the war inside of our minds. It’s because of their talent, that they founded an independent label called, “Committee Entertainment.” As a proud father of two, Boogz says, “You know how certain people inherit money like Paris Hilton? Well, I want my kids to inherit ‘Committee’ money.”

While earning a talented reputation in their field, their first track to be released for a single is called “Wildin’” and the two agree, it’s what “Creep” was for TLC. Then their second track called “Summer Time” is what “Waterfalls” was for TLC when it brought their album to the next level. Both tracks are fueled with passion in their vocal delivery, in their speed, and in their lyrics. “Wildin’ ” is a club banger and “Summer Time” is a smooth joint. Seems like their headed in the right direction. Even the name Eyez Low has a great marketing strategy behind it. .” U-Niqe stated, “It means that we stay on the humble.” Yet still, at this point the conversation only grew. “It’s important to stay on the humble. A lot of celebrities make it to the top and then donate thousands of dollars to big charities, but they forget to start by giving back to their very own community where they came from. I personally refuse to allow God to reward me, and then look down on others and forget that I wasn’t once there myself,” quoted U-Niqe. Sounds refreshing to hear from a Leo’s mouth, and Boogz being a Capricorn is true to his disciplined character. The two now perform in several venues throughout New York City and New Jersey, rock’n da crowd with raw, cutting edge lyrical skillz.

“Everything happens for a reason. And I’ll be glad with whatever God brings my way.” stated U-Niqe as we finished our interview. Out of the millions of artists roaming around the streets of New York on that particular night, those two were sincerely humble and real about their mission.

For more information on Eyez Low, check out their web pages at www.EyezLow.com, myspace.com/eyezlowthemovement, facebook eyez low (u-niqe & boogz) Fan Page, twitter@eyezlow83

R&B Sensation *Shay Star*

Originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Shay Star was born on February 6, 1986. She later relocated to Dover, Delaware. Her musical aspirations began at 4 years of age. At 9 years old she began singing in her church youth choir. Shay also hails from a very musically inclined family who has influenced her to pursue a career in singing and songwriting. She is a very outgoing and talented young woman. Ms. Star also studied ballet for 12 years to further explore her artistic abilities.

Shay has collaborated with other artists such as Freeway, B2DaDot, Justo (of Young Problems) and many more! She proclaims that music is her therapy, “It’s the medicine to my soul” the R&B singer says. Her musical influences include (but not limited to) artisit like Sade’, Alicia Keys, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, and Johnta Austin.

“The Shay Project Volume 1 History In The Making”, which debuted in January 2005, was Shay’s first Mixtape release. Selling over 5000 copies up and down the east coast out the trunk of a car. Now pushing her 5th mixtape to date Shay Star’s “Certified Super Star Vol. 3″ debuted on DatPiff.com landing a spot on their “Top 8″. She has performed and/or opened with various artists and various events. Funk Master Flex, Trey Songs, Cassidy, DJ Kid Capri, Maino, Lloyd, Dougie Fresh and DJ Touchtone just to name a few. The Star has dreams of working with other artists such as Lloyd, Lil Wayne, Ne-yo,Juelz Santana, Jada Kiss, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, Johnta Austin and Brian Michael Cox.

Not limiting her self, Shay Star has also tapped into modeling and acting with hopes that these activities will also open doors to help further her career. With a very ambitious spirit, Shay Star says “Once I set a goal, I will go the extra mile to accomplish that goal even above and beyond my own expectations.” This has been a long journey for the R&B singer, especially with no manager or team backing her projects. But this free spirt doesn’t let that stop her from making her dreams become a reality. Her only desire is for the world to embrace, love and appreciate what she has put into her music.

www.Twitter.com/iamShayStar
www.facebook.com/iamshaystar
www.youtube.com/iamShayStar
www.myspace.com/godsgyft21

http://piff.me/17f41f9 <——————–Certified Super Star Vol. 3 on DatPiff
http://bit.ly/dls9lw <——————–Certified Super Star Vol. 3 on That Crack

You Can listen & download other mixtapes by Shay Star at www.datpiff.com or www.thatcrack.com just search “Shay”

Overlooking the bright lights and chaos of Yankee Stadium, Bronx native Greg Whyte grew up as a quiet outsider that kept to himself. Drawing inspiration from his environment, at a young age Greg Whyte expressed himself creatively through sports and lyrically through music. Performing came natural at an early age and improved throughout high school and into college. He played basketball for the most part of his youth and (quietly) continued his love of writing and performing Hip Hop. However, it was only a matter of time before his love for music would overshadow his love for basketball. Growing up with a single parent household at an early age and having to be a father figure to his sister allowed Greg Whyte to grow up before his time. While observing his moms work ethic he soon discovered his hustle and realized there was more to life. In 2003, a local Hip Hop group ACG was looking to add a third member and through a family affiliation he was introduced to the group. But at first music was a secondary effort, although the streets feed back would soon up that priority. Despite the groups local success his creative direction would soon challenge the chances of the groups future. After the inevitable, the separation led to Greg Whyte’s creative outburst which is heard all over his music today. By this point Greg Whyte created his own fan-base through mix-tapes, collaborations and local showcases. The drive that initiated his momentum came from the underground response to his lyrics. Greg Whyte’s self promotion throughout NYC clubs would soon open the door for his national platform. After being intrigued by his network approach Richard and Ray Stewart of NTZ Entertainment offered him the hosting duties of Hip-Hop Uncensored DVD. This DVD would soon give him a nationwide recognition. Aside from Hip-Hop Uncensored he also maintained his street buzz by appearing in several mix tapes such as, Ron G. Im the Boss Part ..3, D-Mack Easy Work Vol. ..2, and newly released Hip Hop Uncensored Vol. ..6. Def Jam and Sony are among the few heavy hitters watching his moves closely. His highly anticipated and exclusive mix tape series will set a new bar standard in music. Pending his 2010 mixtape album I’m GONE! Greg Whyte created waves underground and is emerging as the next revelation in Hip Hop while fulfilling the East Coast absence in music.

www.myspace.com/geei
www.twitter.com/iamgeewhyte