Introducing DC Symphony III – A Pocket Full of Dymes

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Question:  What do the above four quotes have in common?

Answer:  They all come from mouths of four of some of the hottest female entertainers making noise on the DMV circuit today.  But not just that.  They are lyrics coming from what’s already predicted to be the hottest collaboration project of 2013.  DC Symphony III.

On Monday, July 1, this single will drop for all to enjoy.  I guess you can sort of call it your pre 4th of July Bang.  And that’s exactly what it is.  Another banger from the Crank Brothers’ production team through the channels of Bag of Beats records.  In fact, this particular piece serves as the third installment of the continuous DC Symphony saga series.  I call them “saga series” because for one, they all tell individual stories.  And two, because they are all volumes of a much bigger picture.  One that continues to showcase the many lyrical talents and flows within the DMV arena.

For example, Volume I (originally released in 2009) introduced by Boosty Vegas, featured Muggsy Malone, David “32” Ellis, Mo Chips, Mo Million, Dayo, and Killa Kal.

On the same notes, Volume II (originally released in 2011) introduced by Big Preston Blue creator of Bag of Beats, featured Mo Chips, War Child, Dugee, Mo Million, Dnasty, and Vada.

Now with this installment of DC Symphony III, introduced by DC Brand 99, a new sexy and totally different direction has been implemented into the blueprint… An all-female perspective.  A pocket full of dymes. So with that in mind, and in style of a questioning and answering session, let’s take a little time for a birds-eye view, and break this one down the line.

DC Symphony III - THE BRAINCHILD

1. What is your name? Ihkand Mason (aka Crank Brother #1 aka Crankadomus aka Barack ImCrankin aka Crank Lucas aka etc...) 2. Where are you from? Washington, DC aka Cranksville 3. Thanking back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music for the first time like? I was born into music as my dad(Ignatius Mason) gigged around town in his group called DISTANCE. He said he would sit me in my carrier while he was playing the drums...lol 4. What song do you remember most as a child? My mom said I sung "Always and Forever". Ironic now cus my dad sings in Heatwave now. 5. What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music? Seeing my dad do it so it was always in me from birth. 6. How old were you when you started getting involved in music? 2yrs old i got my First snare. Picture to prove 7. How did you become involved in the type of music you play/sing now? Gogo is DC. So if u played any instrument you was gonna start a band. So I started Optimystic Tribe. The rest is history. 8. Can you me a brief rundown of the experiences that you have had in the music industry (i.e., groups, bands, other projects leading to where you are today)? As a drummer ive played with Optimystic Tribe, High Performance, Precise (Yes...lol), Backyard and Lissen. Studio drums sessions for Roy Ayers' Mahogany Vibes cd, Op Tribes' Awakening cd and the Crank Brothers' Welcome to Cranksville cd. Ive been a live engineer on the Seagrams Gin Live tour, Lissen Band, Bela Dona and host of others. 9. What can people expect to see at your live performance? Crankage and Fun 10. What do you feel distinguishes "an artist" from just a musician? Musicians play. Artist perform. 11. In this particular single, "DC Symphony III" which is soon to be released, which is very melodic and impassioned, can you tell us what it's about and how it came to be? Keepin the series goin. I wanted to do something different. I decided to an all female GoGo cypher. It was hard to choose so we reached out to all the females in DC GoGo industry. The ones who are featured on the track are the ones who called back and made it happen. 12. Is there anything that you would like to do in addition to making music? Im currently workin on an animated series. 13. Art & Music has an impact on both young and old. Everyone loves a celebrity, so what advice do you have for the youth of today? Being a celebrity cool for that moment and its only temporary but being respected for ur body of work is life long. 14. If you had only five minutes on earth to perform one song that could leave a great impact on the world today, what song would you perform and why did you choose this particular piece? "Everybody Love this GoGo" cus its a true statement. I have never met a person yet that hasn't like the crank and feel of gogo. So for that. Ill play that. 15. Do you have any video links where people can see you? http://www.youtube.com/user/theCrankBrothers 16. Is there anyone special you would like to thank for making your dream come true as an artist? Yup...Ignatius Mason!!! 17. Just for fun... fill in the blanks! Without music, I would be insane. Music is my life. My music makes me feel crankerful. I write the songs because I feel the crankage. Support music because its life!!!.

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DC Symphony III - THE PLAYERS (in order of appearance)
1. What is your name? Karis Hill 2. Where are you from? Washington, DC 3. Thanking back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music for the first time like? My first experience with music I was 10 and I had been performing in musical plays. I portrayed a character named Vera, in a play called " The Throne" In that play, I realized music was my passion because the character I portrayed was the person I was. 4. What song do you remember most as a child? The song I remember most as a child, was "Your at my starship", by Norman Conner due to the song lyrics and music I remember was very soothing to me. 5. What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music? I realized it when Prince & Sheila E. era hit the music scene, and I knew wanted to be a percussionist after seeing her perform. As far singing, I started singing with neighborhood groups since I was 10. 6. How old were you when you started getting involved in music? 10 years old. 7. How did you become involved in the type of music you play/sing now? Ms.Mac, who is James Funk's mother. She heard me singing and dancing at a club and offered me a spot in the Klyxx band. 8. Can you me a brief rundown of the experiences that you have had in the music industry (i.e., groups, bands, other projects leading to where you are today)? I started with an all girl go-go band in 1993 for a few years, and I worked with 4YP which was collaborated members from the Pleasure band, in which we backed national artist. I also performed with additional bands such as from D.C such as; Honey Brown, Lock It Down Queens, Lady Rhythm, the Syxx Band, and Soul Patrol. I have performed with various national artists; R.Kelly, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Vesta Williams, Barry White, and Melanie Fiona, Chrisette Michelle and Vivian Green. 9. What can people expect to see at your live performance? I'm a ball of energy, I love what I do and I try and keep it on 10 all night. 10. What do you feel distinguishes "an artist" from just a musician? I can hear each instrument separately, i have the capability of arranging or rearranging a song completely without reading a note. 11. In this particular single, "DC Symphony III" which is soon to be released, which is very melodic and impassioned, can you tell us what it's about and how it came to be? I was approached by one of the members from the Crank Brothers to be a part of the Symphony III, with the history of the Symphony III, it has had a history of being all men. I felt honored I was invited, and it is now featuring women. My part of the song expresses exactly who I am. 12. Is there anything that you would like to do in addition to making music? Yes, I would like to arrange and produce more, which is what I am doing at the present time with Bela Dona. 13. Art & Music has an impact on both young and old. Everyone loves a celebrity, so what advice do you have for the youth of today? Stay focused and true to yourself and your dreams, search for something unique, within and bring it to life everyone has been given a special gift. 14. If you had only five minutes on earth to perform one song that could leave a great impact on the world today, what song would you perform and why did you choose this particular piece? Black or White, by Michael Jackson because it is a song that speaks to everyone. 15. Do you have any video links where people can see you? There are plenty of links available on YouTube myself with Be'la Dona, and various national artists. My personal Facebook page and website will be coming soon. 16. Is there anyone special you would like to thank for making your dream come true as an artist? Yes, someone I miss dearly. Chuck Brown who invited me on stage to perform during his show, which was the first time I had performed for such a large audience, in that I became addicted to performing. 17. Just for fun... fill in the blanks! Without music, I would be lost. Music is therapeutic. My music makes me feel free. I write the songs because it's my way of expression. Support music because it's the only concept of this world everyone can relate too.
1. What is your name? Mercedes Cedes Walker 2. Where are you from? Washington, DC 3. Thanking back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music for the first time like? This is in me... I love this! 4. What song do you remember most as a child? Too many to pick. 5. What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music? I started out singing but when I wrote my first rap it was stamped. 6. How old were you when you started getting involved in music? 13 7. How did you become involved in the type of music you play/sing now? Young Utensity Band. 8. Can you me a brief rundown of the experiences that you have had in the music industry (i.e., groups, bands, other projects leading to where you are today)? Young Utensity Band, Skrilla Squad (rap group), Circle Boys / Circle Girls (rap groups), Fatal Attraction Band, featured with Raw Image Band, Da Committee (rap group), Firm Project Band, Obsession band and features with L.O.U.D. 9. What can people expect to see at your live performance? Energy, character, a different person lol. 10. What do you feel distinguishes "an artist" from just a musician? All around showmanship. Being able to capture a crowd and keep their attention by any means. Stage presence and some sort of acting skills in a sense. The ability to present a facade and maintain it. 11. In this particular single, "DC Symphony III" which is soon to be released, which is very melodic and impassioned, can you tell us what it's about and how it came to be? My verse is about me at this current moment in this industry. The Crank Brothers put together all three songs. This go round they decided to reach out to the ladies and I'm bless to have been one of them. 12. Is there anything that you would like to do in addition to making music? Yes there is but I'd rather get them going before I speak on them. Most importantly I'm a mother. 13. Art & Music has an impact on both young and old. Everyone loves a celebrity, so what advice do you have for the youth of today? Learn and know the business!!!!! Now days it may be who you know that gets you in the business. However, it's what you know that keeps you afloat. Stay true to yourself and your passion. Stay focused and be ready for anything. 14. If you had only five minutes on earth to perform one song that could leave a great impact on the world today, what song would you perform and why did you choose this particular piece? My song entitled I Can Make It because its me talking to the kids of today. 15. Do you have any video links where people can see you? www.theofficialcedes.com 16. Is there anyone special you would like to thank for making your dream come true as an artist? Everybody who has every worked with me!!!!!!! 17. Just for fun... fill in the blanks! Without music, I would be lost. Music is my life. My music makes me feel alive. I write the songs because I feel them. Support music because it's freedom of expression and it saves lives when used properly.
1. What is your name? Kacey 2. Where are you from? PG Maryland 3. Thanking back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music for the first time like? First musical experience was in my church choir. My grandmother signed me up at age 3 4. What song do you remember most as a child? I remember singing Vision of Love by Mariah Carey over and over as child. I was obsessed. 5. What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music? I realized later in life. After I graduated from college. Music seemed to be the only thing that really made me happy. 6. How old were you when you started getting involved in music? From age 3 I have always been involved in the music and entertainment. 7. How did you become involved in the type of music you play/sing now? A friend knew our Manager Omar Kashif and introduced us. 8. Can you me a brief rundown of the experiences that you have had in the music industry (i.e., groups, bands, other projects leading to where you are today)? My only professional experience has been with Black Alley . 9. What can people expect to see at your live performance? Energy 10. What do you feel distinguishes "an artist" from just a musician? I really enjoying peforming for people. I love when I can feel the audience relate and vibe with me. I create for that sole purpose. 12. Is there anything that you would like to do in addition to making music? I'd like to a lot of things. I want to make sure I'm a well-rounded individual. That I enjoy every aspect of life that I can. 13. Art & Music has an impact on both young and old. Everyone loves a celebrity, so what advice do you have for the youth of today? Stay grounded and think of your future. Always think about where, what, and how you want to be. 14. If you had only five minutes on earth to perform one song that could leave a great impact on the world today, what song would you perform and why did you choose this particular piece? I would have to go out having rocking and having fun. So anyone of Black Alley's high energy songs would do the trick. 15. Do you have any video links where people can see you? http://www.youtube.com/weareblackalley 16. Is there anyone special you would like to thank for making your dream come true as an artist? My parents 17. Just for fun... fill in the blanks! Without music, I would be boring. Music is life. My music makes me feel EVERYTHING. I write the songs because I feel. Support music because it's necessary.
1. What is your name? Adia Danyell 2. Where are you from? Fairfax, Virginia, next door to George Mason University. 3. Thanking back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music for the first time like? My aunt always tells me the story of how she knew I would be a singer; when I was around 2 years old I knew all the words to every song on the radio, and actually sing them at the top of my lungs! 4. What song do you remember most as a child? As a child I remember hearing a lot of Michael Jackson, Mothers Finest, Earth Wind and Fire, Ohio Players, etc. and that’s just to name a few. I remember being 5 years old and my parents taking me to Philadelphia to see Michael Jackson live in concert. The song I most remember singing was “As we Lay” by Shirley Murdock, I loved that song! I know completely inappropriate for a kid to sing. LOL! 5. What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music? I have always loved singing; music is in my genetic make-up! I come from a very musical background on both sides of my family. My father was a drummer, my mother sang, so I was born into it! 6. How old were you when you started getting involved in music? I started my musical career in the church (as do many). I think I was about 5 years old. My grandmother was the choir director so by default I was going to be involved. I was very active in the music ministry in my church from 5 years old to 18 years old. I served as the President and Vice President of the young adult choir for many years. 7. How did you become involved in the type of music you play/sing now? When I graduated from high school I moved to Washington, DC. At that point I had seen a few bands and been to one or two gogos; but living in the city really opened my eyes to the culture and the experience. I wanted to be a part of it, so I became proactive and made it happen. 8. Can you me a brief rundown of the experiences that you have had in the music industry (i.e., groups, bands, other projects leading to where you are today)? My very first band was Sounds of 1LUV. I then was a member of Familiar Faces (formerly 911), Suttle Thoughts, Raw Image, Let it Flow, 4Sho Band (AKA- DaMixx Band), Faycez U Know, Soul Sponge, Dirty Kitchen (R&B Band), Contraband (Jazz group), etc. I am currently with Project 360 and the R&S Project. I have also sat in with several bands as well. 9. What can people expect to see at your live performance? People can expect to see a high energized and emotional show! With an occasional curse word or two LOL~! I prefer to perform songs that I connect with on an emotional level. That connection makes all the difference when preforming. It also allows the listeners/crowed to relate to the artist on a personal level. Seeing the artist as a real person, who has experienced joy, pain, heart ache, and love… Not just an entertainer or someone who can just remember words and recite them. 10. What do you feel distinguishes "an artist" from just a musician? Raw emotion and feel distinguishes the artist from the musician. I think an artist is connected emotionally and spiritually to their craft. They perform/write songs, poetry, etc. that they believe in, it’s their truth. A musician may know music but may also be lacking that connection that allows the listener to relate and believe what is being said. 11. In this particular single, "DC Symphony III" which is soon to be released, which is very melodic and impassioned, can you tell us what it's about and how it came to be? Initially, I was approached by Preston Blue about doing the song; because I respect and really like the guy I was all for it! Plus it was a great concept. Women are not always offered projects/collaborations like this; usually it’s always about the guys. DC Symphony has been a great vehicle in bringing 4 talented women together (which does not happen often) to create a great song and show folks that women can do anything and crank at the same damn time! 12. Is there anything that you would like to do in addition to making music? If I had my way I would do music full time, independently, on a larger scale. 13. Art & Music has an impact on both young and old. Everyone loves a celebrity, so what advice do you have for the youth of today? I would direct my advice to the new female’s coming into the GoGo scene. Be sure to: listen, learn, be about your business, keep your circle small, and be ok with being labeled a bitch! In no way am I saying to be a bitch; however, understand this business is male dominated and some men will try and take advantage of a female faster than they will a man. Just know when you are all business and demand respect some people cannot handle it. Also respect the people who came before you, had it not been for them you would not be where you are today. 14. If you had only five minutes on earth to perform one song that could leave a great impact on the world today, what song would you perform and why did you choose this particular piece? Wow this is a hard question… I think I would perform Everything Must Change- by George Benson. What a classic and true song, I Love it! I picked this song because the lyrics are so powerful and true. I don’t know one person who can not relate to the meaning of the song. 15. Do you have any video links where people can see you? Sure, I have several videos on YouTube. You can search Adia Danyell, or Princess Adia. 16. Is there anyone special you would like to thank for making your dream come true as an artist? I have to thank my parents and family for exposing me to so many genres of music. My family gave me the foundation. I have to thank GoGo Bouncey, who saw enough in me to hire me as the female vocalist for his band 1LUV. I also have to thank Donnell Floyd (D. Floyd) who taught me so much about GoGo and performing. These guys gave me the initial blueprint. My experiences and people I have encountered have helped create the artist that I have matured into today. So I am grateful to everyone I have worked with and been around through-out my career. 17. Just for fun... fill in the blanks! Without music, I would be blasé. Music is imperative. My music makes me feel good, sad, sexy, emotional, etc. A little bit of everything! I write the songs because I have to express myself and get it all out. Writing calms me, allows me to put things into perspective. Support music because it’s necessary for growth and keeps you balanced. Music is good for the soul!

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