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Kris Shelby sits with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess of VPR Radio to discuss his career in styling and how he works with artists on rebranding themselves through fashion. Kris also divulged his business relationship as personal stylist and image consultant to artist Jeezy and what it was like to style him for his wedding and upcoming tour.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

Namel is a bright and talented artist that became paralyzed as a teenager due to reckless behavior from his cousin, who was playing with a gun. After recovering, some years later, he partnered with another friend who also used a wheelchair due to gun violence, Ricardo. Together, they formed the rap duo 4Wheel City. The group has won a host of prestigious awards, forged powerful musical partnerships, and performed all around the nation-including at the White House- bringing awareness about violence and a message of peace and love to the masses. An active advocate against gun violence and towards accessibility for people with disabilities, Namel also works as a mentor for others that have experienced gun violence, is a founding member of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), and most recently, was awarded a voting member of the Grammys.  Learn more about 4Wheel City- www.4wheelcity.com  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

Hosts Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI had an open discussion with Shannon "The Cannon" Briggs about his start as a boxer as a young teenager in Brooklyn, his experiences with asthma, losing his mother at a young age, and homelessness to rising to the top as the heavyweight champion of the world. Further, he enlightened the audience as to his new Cannabis business ventures and tech start-up.  Learn more by visiting www.shannonbriggs.com #letsgochamp --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

VPR Radio hosts DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess sat down with Laura Cheadle to discuss her new album, upcoming live performances, and partnerships.  Visit www.lauracheadle.com to learn more about this captivating musician!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

On this very special episode of VPR Radio, Qianathegoddess sits down with entrepreneur extraordinaire and star of the hit reality series, Love and Marriage, Huntsville, Melody Holt. They discuss her journey on reality tv, what she has learned during the process of her divorce, and the launch of her single, Tell Tale Signs.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

Super Producer Derek Linzy, aka DLinz and Entrepreneur and Accessory Boutique Owner Velvet Lattimore of Vedazzling Accessories chop it up with Qianathegoddess and DJFMI on VPR Radio.  www.dlnzproductions.com @dlnzmusic www.vedazzlingaccesories.com @vedazzlingaccessories  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

Jazz Singer extraordinaire Carmen Jackson stopped by VPR Radio. Topics of discussion included her introduction to performing, years ago, her upcoming album and current single. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI had a chance once again to interview the legendary music duo, The System. The first interview, which featured their new song "Everybody Get Up!" as a push to get American citizens to vote, was published in November 2020, just days before the presidential election in the United States. During this interview, FMI and Qianathegoddess get more into detail on Mic's upcoming album and the thought process behind it, as well as other projects featuring the group together.  The System's greatest success came in 1987 with the release of the single "Don't Disturb This Groove," from the album of the same name and the duo achieved their biggest US Pop hit, "Don't Disturb This Groove". The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 3 on the Hot 100. The follow-up single, "Nighttime Lover," was also a top 10 R&B hit, peaking at No. 7. The duo came back together in 2000 and are in the process of crafting more projects together that will be releasing in 2020 and 2021. Follow The System- @TheSystemMusic @Thesystemmicmurphy @davidfrankthesystem and www.thesystemmusic.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer, Baby Paul sat with Qianathegodddess and DJ FMI of VPR Radio to talk everything hip hop, music, and business.  As 1/2 of the group Xrossroads with hip hop artist Supa Emcee, Baby Paul appeared in a previous season with Supa. However, the focus of this episode was aimed on his production company, new streaming platform, Hendricks, distributed on Apple TV, Roku and Verizon, and upcoming artists that he is managing.  Follow and engage with Baby Paul- @babypaulpzy  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

DJFMI and Qianathegoddess sat down with actress, songstress, hostess and DJ, Lauren Mayhew. Topics of discussion included being a female DJ in a male-dominated industry, using music as a pathway to expand her career into Hollywood, what it was like to open up for megastars like Justine Timberlake and Britney Spears, and her recent addition as a series regular on Hulu's animated series, Trollstopia.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

Michael Lyle Jr. joined hosts Qianathegoddess and DJFMI to discuss current events and his career in journalism and as an educator and actor. Topics of discussion included the presidential election and his involvement in politics from a journalistic perspective, COVID-19 and the vaccine, racism in media, and a plethora of other subjects.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess spoke live with Marcus Machado about upcoming projects and the compilation album released in 2020. Producer powerhouse siblings Marcus Machado and Vicky Casis released the first single, The Pack, from their compilation album Black Summer, Vol 2 on June 12, 2020. Their production team, Mach-7 Muzik is focused on adding a new sound and vibe to the hip hop world. This project features a variety of rappers from New York and it represents the times that we are living in. The first single showcases artists Mike Mitch, Mike Larry Draw, and JSWISS. MarcusMachado, a former child prodigy playing guitar since the age of 2, was named in 2014 by Rolling Stone as the ”Next Young Gun.” As one of the world’s preeminent guitarists on the rise, Marcus played alongside Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway on the score for the documentary “Mr. Soul.” Marcus is also featured on upcoming projects by Pete Rock and the Soul Brother; and TH1RT3EN -- the "super group" featuring Pharoah Monch, drummer Daru Jones;  as well as the score critically acclaimed documentary 'Contact High." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

VPR Radio got the chance to interview the legendary, Grammy-award-winning group The System. Mic Murphy and David Frank stopped by to chop it up with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess just days before the election. The duo was promoting their new hit single- People Get Up! featuring Sandra St. Victor and hip-hop artist Melle Mel. The timely track encourages Americans of all ages, genders and belief systems to hit the polls.  The pair told VPR how they came together in the 1980's when Mic, who was a road manager and David a keyboardist for the band Kleeer met. Later in New York City, David Frank was working on a session that evolved into a track called "It's Passion" which was to feature a pre-stardom Madonna on vocals.  However, due to creative differences, Madonna bowed out. Frank then remembered Murphy's soulful vocal ability and invited him work to on it. The results were so impressive that Atlantic Records offered Murphy and Frank a recording deal of their own. Murphy came up with the band's name, and within weeks "It's Passion" was receiving massive radio airplay in New York. Their first two albums featured hits like  "Sweat," "I Won't Let Go" and the iconic "You Are In My System", which became a number ten R&B smash. In 1983, Mic and David also wrote and produced Pump the Nation, a one-off album for a project called Attitude. Attitude featured Khris Kellow, who worked on many of the later The System albums and appears as a member of the band in Beat Street video clip for Baptize the Beat. "Promises Can Break", "I Wanna Make You Feel Good" and "I Can't Take Losing You." The System also appeared in the 1984 breakdancing film Beat Street and the soundtrack, performing Baptize The Beat. Their version of the Marc Benno song "Rock N' Roll Me Again" became famous in the 1984 action comedy Beverly Hills Cop with Eddie Murphy. The soundtrack album would go on to win a Grammy. They would also reach No. 23 on Billboard's R&B chart with the title track from the 1988 Eddie Murphy film Coming to America. All of this success occurred while they were contributing their talents to projects such as the Scritti Politti album Cupid & Psyche 85, Phil Collins' "Sussudio," Chaka Khan's "I Feel for You," and "This Is My Night," and Mtume's "Juicy Fruit," among many others. The System's greatest success came in 1987 with the release of the single "Don't Disturb This Groove," from the album of the same name and the duo achieved their biggest US Pop hit, "Don't Disturb This Groove". The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 3 on the Hot 100. The follow-up single, "Nighttime Lover," was also a top 10 R&B hit, peaking at No. 7. The duo came back together in 2000 and are in the process of crafting more projects together that will be releasing in 2020 and 2021.  Follow The System- @TheSystemMusic @Thesystemmicmurphy @davidfrankthesystem and www.thesystemmusic.com  Follow Hosts- @Qianathegoddess @DJFMI + @VPR_Radio --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur and Talk Show Host (America's Next Motivator), Cedric Riley joined Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI of VPR Radio to talk about his upcoming online holiday event and what compelled him to become a motivational speaker in 2007. Topics of discussion ranged from explaining his childhood in foster care and being adopted as a teenager, to how he created a motivational soundtrack to inspire children and adults that have experienced traumatic events and childhoods.  His upcoming event- The Pride Empowerment Network Conference- aspires to be a virtual haven for those in distress during the holidays, whether because of economic situations, or unable to travel to see their family because of the pandemic. The conference will provide a safe place for open discussion and workshops covering topics like Foster Care, Sex Education, Personal Hygiene and Financial Literacy. There will also be live entertainment. The event is open to children and adults of all ages. For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-pride-empowerment-network-conference-tickets-126277614745?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch To learn more about his motivational soundtrack: www.motivatefosterkids.com Follow Cedric- @Cedricspeaks on Instagram + Twitter Follow Hosts @DJFMI @Qianathgoddess + @VPR_Radio --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

After a feature interview during Season 1 of VPR Radio, L*A*W stopped by yet again to chop it up with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess. Topics of discussion ranged from how he's perfected his extremely energetic live performances through the years, his family history in the music industry, and tips for independent artists to become successful at their craft.  L*A*W's new album, Mega Dope Maniac, was released the day after his live interview on VPR Radio. DJ FMI EXCLUSIVELY debuted Metal Slug and Party Like We off the new album, which is now available on all major streaming platforms. Follow L*A*W* @Planet12law on Instagram + Twitter.  Follow hosts @DJFMI @Qianathegoddess + VPR_Radio  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

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A fantastic musician with a beautiful spirit and a powerful voice, Lachi sat down with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess on VPR Radio. She caught everyone up on current projects and offered insight into what it's like working as a Grammy District and Inclusion Advocate and speaking to politicians on behalf of artists. Lachi discussed her creative process and different experiences as a signed artist and an independent one. Further, she explained how her uniqueness as a disabled black woman creating out-of-the-box music connects her with her audience on a deeper level.  VPR Radio debuted her new song, "Bigger Plans", which is now streaming on all major platforms.  Follow Lachi @Lachimusic www.lachimusic.com  Follow your Hosts @Qianathegoddess @DJFMI and @VPR_Radio  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

For Season 6, VPR Radio has returned to an all-new virtual platform, including full video and audio.  Hip hop artist, writer, digital producer, and musician Emma Lee stopped by to chop it up with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess. They discussed her humble beginnings in Ghana, Africa, to coming to Harlem as a small child and absorbing the city's culture and music diversity, her upcoming projects, and her current song- Dear Corona. Her song has recently received a ton of traction after being featured on The Who's (World Health Organization) website and receiving acclaim on The State of Hip Hop website and Hype Magazine. Follow Emma Lee @Emiliaisemmalee  Follow your Hosts @Qianathegoddess @DJFMI and @VPR_Radio --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

James "Cool Breeze" Gray appeared in-person in the VPR studio as a continuation of his first interview, which took place virtually during the quarantine. Mr. Gray is a renowned actor, producer, historian, and the EVP of the Bronx Chapter of NAN. Mr. Gray spoke on the history in America (post-slavery) of people of color and their often violent or deadly altercations with police officers. James shared how his violent encounter with the NYPD led to his passion for activism and becoming involved with the NAN organization, as well as other philanthropic-based organizations with which he lends his time and energy. James delved into his upbringing in Mount Vernon and how he got his start in Hollywood at a very young age with the help of successful mentors. Further, he explained his upcoming documentary, which exposes police brutality and how people of color are targets. He also talks about a part he's preparing for in an upcoming film. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message

During quarantine, DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess spoke with the director and cast of the Film "Modern Day Slavery" on VPR Radio. Creator and Director Edwin Freeman, Criminal Defense Attorney Ikiesha Al-Shabazz, Social Justice Advocate Keston Jones and Retired NYC Parole Officer, Ronald Stewart were all part of the intense virtual roundtable discussion.  Mr. Freeman explained his inspiration to create the documentary, "Modern Day Slavery", which explores the racial disparity and corporate exploitation of African American and Latino prisoners in the United States Justice System. Discussion from the group included how physical slavery has transferred to systemic oppression and lack of opportunities in America for people of color, the importance of the music that we listen to and the negative changes, imagery and verbiage implemented in hip hop over the last twenty years, current protests and the recent killing of George Floyd at the hands of police officers, and much more. You can view "Modern Day Slavery" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087Q143ZB%20https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087Q143ZB --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vpr-radio/message