MEEN. 

MEEN : What inspires you to make the type of music you make? Bailly : My personal experiences and also growing up as a dancer/theatre kid. I love being able to connect with people who may be going through similar circumstances. What also fuels the type of music I create, is the desire to entertain an audience. Growing up primarily performing in local showcases, dance competitions, musicals, etc. I want to make people feel something, and feel like they can escape reality temporarily through my music.  MEEN : How do you avoid creative blocks to stay inspired? Bailly: I think going out and actually living life is super important. Doing something out of my comfort zone and not doing what often feels “safe” has inspired me so much creatively.  MEEN: Opening up for waka flocka , how was that experience?  Bailly : AMAZING! It was the first time I felt like I got to truly bring my vision as an artist to life. I had 4 dancers who I worked closely with on the choreography and they were such an incredible team to work on this with. This show taught me how important it is to be able to adapt to last minute changes and work a bigger stage and crowd as an artist. Being able to represent Virginia, as one of the local artists selected to perform in this showcase, was such an honor! MEEN: Being from Virginia, how is it doing music & getting yourself out there?  Bailly : Being from Virginia I definitely feel like we  are overlooked. We aren’t seen as the “go to” music hub like Atlanta, LA, or NYC even though some of the greats have come out of here: Pharell, Timbaland, Missy, Chris Brown, Clipse and the list goes on. Networking has been such a huge part of my journey; connecting with different people online and offline has helped me grow new fans and build genuine relationships that continue to open new doors for me. MEEN : On a deeper level , what obstacles do you face that helps you create the art you do?  Bailly : Heartbreak and personal struggles. Being a lover girl definitely has its perks when it comes to songwriting. It gives me something real to pull from. Beyond that, I think as a young woman growing into herself, it can feel a bit daunting trying to find your way in such a tough industry. Those experiences, the highs, the confusion, growing out of people, it all pours into the music and shapes my storytelling.

Chicago , IL an R&B artist known for her authentic, genre-blending style and emotional storytelling. She began releasing projects in 2017 and has since dropped 10 projects and multiple singles. After graduating college in 2020, she signed with Only The Family during the pandemic and has collaborated with artists like Lil Durk. Her music explores themes of heartbreak, love, nostalgia, and empowerment, blending traditional R&B with experimental sounds. August unveils 'Damage Control', an 8-track EP out June 20th, showcasing her most honest and genre-fluid work to date. Blending alternative R&B, neo-soul, and ambient pop, the project dives deep into emotional healing, self-reflection, and the struggle of releasing what no longer serves you. 'Damage Control' is a thoughtful exploration of love's breaking points and the clarity that follows. With atmospheric production and heartfelt lyrics, Sydny navigates the aftermath of a fading relationship-asking hard questions about unconditional love and personal limits. Tracks like Spin The Block and Unpredictable highlight her growth, pairing smooth vocals with moody, textured soundscapes. With this release, Sydny cements herself as a rising voice in R&B, unafraid to dig deep and get real.

'Nowhere to Run' marks a defining chapter for Chicago artist Casino Trell, as he kicks off the second half of 2025 with one of his most focused and emotionally layered projects to date. This 12-track album delivers a vivid look into Trell's mindset-balancing his street-rooted authenticity with polished artistry and deeper emotional exploration. Being featured in Complex Music, 'Nowhere to Run' positions Casino Trell as more than just a street narrator-he's a multi-dimensional artist who isn't afraid to show vulnerability amid the grind. This project captures his growth as both a lyricist and a curator of sound, proving his place in the conversation of independent artists to watch in 2025. Tracks like "LOVE JONES" and "Anonymous"-R&B-infused with smoother cadences, they allow Trell to explore trust, heartbreak, and emotional depth without sacrificing edge. Casino Trell has built an impressive résumé that spans music, video production, and entrepreneurship. In November 2024, he was spotlighted by Whats TheWord.tv as one of their "Chicago Artists to Watch," highlighting his talent for independently directing and producing his songs and music videos. Trell launched his own merchandise line, 'The Gambler's Circle. Casino Trell partnered with R&B artist Chanelle Tru for the April 2025 release Go Half (50/50), a melodic, cinematic song exploring the personal and intimate dynamics of a relationship. The visual for the track was co-directed by Casino Trell himself (alongside Director Zell and Mark Walters), highlighting his hands-on involvement in shaping his artistic image and storytelling vision.This project has cemented him as one of the greater artist on the uprise for the new generation of Chicago artists.

Emerging R&B artist DaShean Porter invites listeners into a late-night, candle-lit confession with his debut EP, 'Down Bad'Blending warm grooves with deeply sincere lyrics, the collection evokes themes of love, healing, and longing. Each track flows like a personal conversation, underscored by smooth, heartfelt production. Besides 'Down Bad' being his most recent body of work, Porter has already amassed over 1 million cumulative streams across digital platforms. Personal trials and tribulations have shaped his sound and drive, lending authenticity and emotional depth to his music. Porter's musical journey began at age 8, inspired by watching Mario "Just A Friend" on 106 & Park. A gift of studio equipment from his uncle during high school ignited his passion for songwriting, producing, and performing-a passion that now fuels his artistry. From intimate studio sessions in Atlanta to headlining shows in new cities, Porter is steadily growing his live presence. Porter continues to build momentum, deepening his connection with audiences through soulful, heartfelt R&B experiences.

Rooted in Decatur, Atlanta's vibrant music scene, Kalenbree sings, raps, plays guitar, and commands the stage with rare charisma. "Sunflower Shawty," she's known for her bright aesthetic, raw honesty, and infectious stage presence. In newest single 'Revenge', Kalenbree transforms betrayal and fake friendships into fierce resilience. With razor-sharp lyrics, is less about getting even and more about leveling up-turning bruised trust into a beacon of empowerment and resilience.A committed performer with bright visuals and genuine emotional depth.Performances at Taste of Soul and SXSW earning her flowers by artists like Tyla. In newest collaboration single, 'Way 2 Giving, - Deanté's laid-back flow and reflective verse style paired with Kalenbree's soulful vocal textures. Themes around relationships and emotional investment - Given both have engaged in storytelling about love and personal dynamics in recent tracks. Warm, melodic production backdrop - Picture guitar-strums or soft synth pads supporting their vocal interplay.Tune in and expect a reflective and emotionally driven collaboration that highlights Atlanta's rich crossover vibe.