EXHIBIT OF AMBITION: Elaquent

Music means the world to me! Thank God for Soundcloud allowing all artist to present their productions on such a widespread music stream. If it wasn't for my love for discovering new music and artist on Soundcloud, I wouldn't of came across the incredibly smooth and "hip" Sona 'eQ' Elango. I suggest that you all get familiar with Elaquent, he's "That Dude"! I'm sure you all will love him as much as I do! Especially those who LOVE jazz, modern hip hop, soulful type music.      

1.) Who/what inspires you?

Aside from the usual suspects like Dilla or madlib or other musical greats, I'm mostly inspired by life itself and new experiences. Nothing gets me more excited about making music than visiting a new place, or watching a good movie or eating a good sandwich (with mustard is a plus). Inspiration is everywhere.

2.) At what moment in your life did you notice that you were really into music production?

I must have been 13 or 14, making horrible beats on a demo copy of fruity loops, thinking I was DJ premier lol. But it kept me busy and hungry, as I got tires of complaining about music I heard on the radio that I didn't like.

3.) How was life for you while growing up?

Life was tough, I'm straight out of the projects....lol couldn't say that with a straight face. I grew up in a suburb in a relatively small city (Guelph), where there isn't much of a hiphop scene. But I'm not complaining, my parents always made sure I was in a position to succeed and my brother made sure I was up on underground hip hop.

4.) What are your inspirations in music?

Mostly the homies. A lot of the fam on HW&W and Melloworange and Soulection and other labels inspire me to stay active and hungry, my iPod is loaded full of artists I kick it with or chat with regularly. People I share stages with always inspire me after watching them play.

5.) How will you distinguish your way of mixing compared to other producers?

Generally I like to incorporate a jazzy edge to futuristic sounds, really trying to mix in new with the old. My music is pretty layered too, I like blending lots of different synths and keys together.

EXHIBIT OF AMBITION: Michell C. Clark

A few months ago I came across Michell Clark. He’s currently based in Richmond, VA and was born in Lafayette, IN. He moves and talk in the way of a wise man, inspiring others to believe in themselves. One key of success he will always lay down for people is Humbleness. I couldn’t help but notice that Michell’s strive and dedication for his business venture Artistic Manifesto is currently on the rise!  "Artistic Manifesto is a website dedicated to providing music for the eclectic, selective hip-hop lover. I needed a creative writing outlet, so I started it on a whim and learned as I went along." Clearly you guys can see that us both are very similar. :) We both also have a great amount of passion for researching and discovering music!

1.) How was life for you while growing up?

I was a fairly average suburban kid. Somewhat sheltered, involved in a lot of extracurricular activities, and unsure of what the hell I wanted to do with my life.

2.) Who/what inspires you?

I see inspiration every day in a number of different places. Seeing passionate people pursuing excellence inspires me, no matter what arena they're battling in.

3.) At what moment in your life did you notice that you wanted to become a business owner?

It wasn't until I really got into blogging and saw that I had a unique vision that I began to toy with the idea of being a business owner. I think it was late 2012 when I really began to realize that there are unfilled lanes in the blogosphere.

4.) How did Artistic Manifesto come about?

I started Artistic Manifesto when I was a cadet at West Point. I needed a creative writing outlet, so I started it on a whim and learned as I went along.

5.) What exactly is Artistic Manifesto? 

Artistic Manifesto is a website dedicated to providing music for the eclectic, selective hip-hop lover.