What's up Its way up with angela ye, and I mean way up.

DJ Nextel Next Day is joining us today and our money and you really got it popping right now, so super lit And before we even get started, I just want to say we've been watching everything that's been happening in Jamaica with Hurricane Melissa and the after effects of that.

One thing that I noticed that was amazing is how much people have been coming together.

And I know you were out there, so can you just talk about your experience and seeing everything in the devastation that happened.

It was life I would want to say life changing, but it was from my perspective, it was sad to see because you know, I know what my country supposed to look like and then on the phone doesn't do it just this the plain person It brings you, like in an emotional stake, because like, wow, this is sad, you know.

But as you said, there's a lot of hands on board, you know, to help.

Glad that Jamaica is loved all around the world because we're just being helped from every angle possible.

Of course, I had to go out there and do my piece because you know, that's where my main support comes from and without them, I wouldn't really be here.

So I think we're gonna bounce back.

Well, I know we're gonna bounce back.

It's Jamaica.

We've been through whereas you've been through stuff and you always you know, managed to come about the rebble.

So we're blind and you're hosting Nick Sale is hosting an actual event.

Benefit concer going on in sixteenth December.

Law Job King, Yella maun of A set, Red fox S, Creachy Done, Johnny Osborne.

Yeah, everything that people can do.

And I want to say I saw your video for Champion, and you start off the album a Champion, yeah, and that is a love letter to Jamaica.

But one thing you did, you had a budget for the video, but instead of using that, I just want you to break down the whole series of events that happened when you were filming that video.

Oh so we got a budget for the video.

I was like, I'll just use the budget to help rebuild because the house is there's really no houses in the Western End, you know, like ninety percent no rules and stuff.

So I feel like I'll feel better to know that somebody had a house or has a house like they could go back and restart and start fresh again.

So I just used the budget.

We got all the materials she need.

We asked what she needed and she told us.

We got it all.

Went down there.

It was like a three hour drive.

What we made it through.

We got lost for like like three hours too.

We got lost, but I said, all right, we got to find this place.

Found her.

She was so grateful.

You know.

I thought that was such a dope video, like to be able to see that because it really captured the moment of everything that's happening, but also the coming together, like I was saying earlier of people who are like really looking at I remember seeing people at hotels that were staying there just coming together to try to rebuild and work on that.

And I know it's a long process that has to happen now.

And that's why they've been encouraging people because tourism is a big deal, and so I just want to encourage people who go there for vacation also make sure you help out.

Yeah.

The thing is, though, Jamaica is loved, and that's the perfect thing about the country.

You know, it's loved.

So I feel like we're going to be back in no time.

For sure.

All right, now let's get into some of your background in your life now.

Our mine is even sitting here today as what people are like saying, is one of like the next generation you know up there.

I saw you were at the Caribbean Music Awards, which I know is an amazing experience.

But you grew up in Jamaica, right, and what did you think your life was going to be like?

Did you You didn't think you were going to be an artist.

Uh, it was always in the back of my mind.

But you know, the default setting is like a pilot police soldiers, you know, growing up in the Caribbean, and that's what the parents expect for us.

You know, it's a book, always in the books.

You gotta be books.

So being an artist wasn't really on the top of the list until I got my first job.

I was like, no, I can't do this.

What was that Golden Crush.

Ooh shout out to gold and crowd, yeah Hawthorn.

Yeah, you know, but it was just I was like waking up at six and it was cold.

I was like, no, we appreciate you because I love Golden.

I love Golden, you know, yeah, Coco Bretty so well.

I was in the kitchen okay.

Yeah, only boy in a Jamaican.

Boll fishing tire room.

Huh you boy fish in the tire rim No no no no, not not not far.

Okay.

So Golden crist was the first job, and so you were like, this is not for me.

No, So what I actually did.

I worked and then I used to pay to pay for my first music video.

Okay.

Yeah, it was like I'm out of here, like somewhere, and then I just started.

I had only an iPhone six and a wire band lab recorded to me two months to mix each song.

But I was like, I'm gonna that's determination.

What was that?

What was the first video?

But Vengeance?

Yeah, it's my first first ever like EP.

Like I had no songs out there to drop the EP.

I was like, okay, you know, I just wanted to feel how it felt to go into DSP's and see my picture and stuff.

So it was like, let me just drop an EP.

How did it feel for you?

Yeah?

I felt like an artist with my two listeners.

You know.

Yeah, Because.

First of all, I think that's so dope that you went on your own, did your own money, put it, all your own resources, put this EP?

Out with no like real support or anything.

And so that's why I was wondering at that point, are you like this is for me?

Or does it feel discouraging that You're like, how do I get people to listen to this?

Well, for me, it was I always loved the music, you know, and I feel like my talent is spoken for itself, whether I'm I blew up or not.

I always had people around me that knew I was gonna make it, and then I met my manager, you know, and then from there we just came up with a plan, like We're gonna move back to Jamaica and start all over again, and then we're here mm hmm.

And I saw that you were singing a Romaine Virgo song.

Yeahs, which Romaine Virgo song?

Was it?

When You're the teacher?

Was like, you can sing?

Uh?

I think it was?

Is it?

Him?

And Christo Martin had a song It's called Chatticha something that I love that chatty chatty, but it was it was.

It was one of the persons I grew up listening to, so I always I know his whole catalog, you know, because my mom also being a pastor, I can listen to.

The he's like a really nice guy too.

I follow his YouTube and his family and everything and his wife.

I think it's so dope how he always like highlights you know, his family and what that's like, because sometimes people can think in the music business old school, that is better to be like a player.

You don't want people to know you have a relationship.

But he's always been highlighting that.

Yeah, it's it's like a person, you know, He's a to me.

He is one of the legends before my generation.

To me, you know, like he really made it possible for us to be like, Okay, we're gonna sing no matter what because he I think he blow up off of Singing Show Rising Stars.

Yeah, Christopher Martin, Yeah.

Both of them music.

So that just gave me motivations like they could do it, I could do.

So and you actually won a competition, So how did that change things?

I just I was like, oh, I'm gonna just take it serious because I was.

I tried to do track well, I was good at it.

The track I did the school, I was smart, like, but music just always you know, it was like calling me like instead of just ignooring, and I just embraced it.

Mm hmm.

Oh well, so far things seemed like they're going really well for you.

And another thing that we were talking about earlier is you have a lot of different influences when it comes to your music because you can sing.

But I also clearly with the Fiesta song, yeah, you know that was an influence.

And I know you were like, how.

Did that even come about?

Because it's originally all Kelly beat.

Right.

You know what's funny about the beat.

The beat sent to me is called Fiesta, but the Fiesta that I knew was the Elephant Men Fiesta with the Beanie.

No, it was it was the Elephant Man, So I ain't know.

So when I came up with a hook and the hook is saying Fiista, I was referring to the beats name.

So when everybody was telling me you say archads, I'm like, no, I sampled Ephant.

That's hilarious.

So when I when I went I was like, wow, I really yeah that was my people didn't know that.

But it took me like ten minutes to make the song.

Dang, yeah it was because it was just a And that's why I always I don't put or overthink my music because it's like I never know what's gonna?

You know it sounds so easy, though.

Did you know it was gonna?

Did you feel like this is it?

And cause you know sometimes it's people around in the studio, they're like, this is this is fire.

This is a song like you could tell by people's reaction.

Yeah, I sent it.

I sent it to my to my friends and my people.

It's just like this is fire.

But they didn't hear it while I was recording it because I recalled by myself.

Everybody got to get out of the room.

Always still to this day.

Yeah, I recall myself.

My whole album recorded myself.

Most people don't do that, Like most people like to have people around get some feedback.

I just chill.

That's why it takes them so long.

You know, you could be in the studio and then somebody you you hit a wrong note, and then somebody left.

Let's out of it.

It's like, all right now, I don't want to do it no more.

So I just try to make sure none of that happened.

So I just kick everybody out.

My manager doesn't even hear the songs until I'm ready to drop it.

More recently, I sent them on release list.

Okay, that's actually really dope, did you?

Were you even familiar with the r Kelly version because you're a lot younger.

So I'm like, yeah, you know, I was like, okay, it was.

It wasn't until like it was after because after the preview went out, the producer said to me, you know, we should add like that.

I was like, what's that from there?

He played?

I was like, this is the song?

Yeah, so so that was my Yeah, that was You.

Might have second guessed it too, if you would have known that, you might have been like because some people would have thought it was controversial, and so maybe it's better you didn't know.

It's music for me.

I don't go into controversy.

Like so speaking of it just being music for you, you also have a drill record, see you and I it's like what goes to your mind?

You just picking out rhythms.

It's just whatever speaks to you at the time.

Or I like my my bat choices are something important to me because I know the core of it could be dance all but also I wanted to be relatable to like anybody in the room, you know, like for example, New York Sexy Drill at that time, cash and it was that that oh yeah, you know, like yeah, rum punch or I was like, I need something in this area where it's like I could be playing in the New York areas.

So it's like I've seen sexy, Like let me just make a song but keep the core of it dances.

At that time, I was like I was locked in.

I was like, okay, I got to get something in the New York airspace.

Okay.

So first time I heard that record, I was with a I was with a lady friend and she was like you thank you.

She tells me all the time like, yo, money makes music for the badges, So like, is that your motivation all the time?

What girls?

H eighty just eighty five?

Yeah?

Uh, you know.

The other percentage is just going to be life.

And also look guys like you who can relate to, you know, going through things.

And if you want to, if you want to, if you want to get the girls and man, just play some HARMANI in the call.

Man.

That's a fact.

And you know, I know your mom is a pastor, so she must be really proud because your music.

Also, I feel like it's not it's not like dirty.

Necessarily it is, you know, but that's the thing, that'd be worse if that's the other percentage.

You know I'm talking about to keep it clean and you know, but females to me are the best consumers of music, and my fan base has been loyal to me since the start.

So I just like them, made them feel pretty.

When you get the women, boy, I feel like that's it.

And I bet that's really fun at your shows because I.

Know Friday Friday, we have a show here on Friday, and it's.

Gonna be it's gonna be crazy.

It's two thousand people and it's like twelve hundred women.

Do you remember your first big performance where you actually it was you on the bill advertised like are Moni's performing and you knew, like this is it?

Uh yeah, what was it?

It was probably my first show that I kept.

It was last year December.

I think, you know, it's so funny how recent that is, but how much you've blown up, Like I know.

Some people, do you feel like it was quick?

Because sometimes we don't know the groundwork that comes before that.

But I said it.

The thing I said this to my friend's is like to people it would probably be oh, he blew up fast.

But it's been years and years and years of work.

But I feel like for me, I wouldn't say I blew up fast because there's been moments where it's like I wanted to start.

Was like I'm tired, this is this, this, this, I'm comparing myself.

I got to a point in my life I'm comparing my music to other music, like, but my music is better, this is this.

But I had to focus of like, you gotta do what you gotta do.

But my journey, I feel like it's the perfect journey.

You know, each year I just take a step and that just helps with the longevity of my career instead of me just going and it's blowing up one year and then I'm just off the map.

It felt like this was a big year for you.

But so you said last year was the first time you felt like this is it, it's happening.

Tell me about what that performance where it was like what was going on?

It was my show, It was my last EP release.

I did did a like a birthday party slash EP release performance, and it just showed me that I actually had fans out there because people they were excited.

There was there singing the songs back and it was a good crowd, other artists were there, and it's like I just felt recognized, you know, the same with with any of the performances, like the moment.

I don't think people understand people singing back something you worked hard over and over, listening over and over, the feeling of it is immaculate.

So that just made me feel recognized.

And TikTok has also been really instrumental in having that fan base and people being familiar with you.

Yeah, and so how long ago would you say blew up on TikTok in comparison to that performance.

I blew up on TikTok twenty twenty.

It's a different feeling, right, yeah, because.

That I wasn't even using the app for music.

I just used it.

My first TikTok blew Up got a million views.

I was one of out, I won't lie.

I was one of them that said, oh, TikTok is for girls, TikTok is this, this, this, this, this, because I was used to it being musically, you know.

So when I used it and then I got a million views, I was like, I love TikTok, bringing up bring I love TikTok, you know, So that just made me create that's that's who helped my fan base, because then I had a fan base from there.

And then what I did was transform the TikTok fan base and turn them into my musical fans, and then they pushed my music.

Yeah, because it's one thing to have like a great following on TikTok, but that then the music better be lit, because you don't want to be just a TikTok star.

And then people be like, oh the music is it?

Yeah?

And you got the perfect like I want to say, caption music or like women making it get ready to y in the background.

He got his snapchat in the background, or you and I or Fiesta.

It's like you tell it pretty Now.

You also are a father now yeah, so how do you have a son?

Congratulations?

How has that changed things for you?

There's a motivation?

Is any motivation for me?

You know?

Now I have to I have you have to make it like you got a mouth to feed, you got a sun rays.

I got to have to be a role model, you know.

And he called me down and made me mature in ways that I was a loose cannon and then still got mature and to do I'm young.

But because even so I never I know how to This is new to me because you know, no pity party, but I never really know how to be a dad.

I never had no dad.

So he's like, I'm still learning and stuff.

So it was it's a great feeling.

You know.

I love my papa.

Do you do you know your father?

Have you ever met him?

Okay?

But he just wasn't that present.

He not trying to come around.

Now, Yeah, that's what what's happening is.

Then, you know that's the thing.

How do you feel about that?

Is that something y'all?

Blessing man, God, God bless them because sometimes it's like okay, but all right, yeah, we don't even to talk about that anymore.

But congratulations to you for being a dad and being president, knowing that you got to make it.

Sometimes the things that did that we feel like was not great in our lives is what's going to make us great.

Ye So listen, yeah, in the future.

All right.

So now in addition to all of this, you know, I just want to talk about the new album.

The impact is this on United Masters?

Yeah?

Okay, I want to understand like what's going because there's so many conversations about deals and like what type of deals people should be signing and splits.

What made you decide United Masters was the right way for you to go?

My free will and the creative process, you know, I don't, As I said, It's why I quit my job.

I'm like being told what to do.

I don't like being this is this.

I always have a vision and instead of them having a vision for me, that has put my vision and give it deroids and just push it, you know.

And that's what I like.

They don't try to make it about them.

They keep the artists as the leader and the surround me with a team that works best for me.

I love my team.

Where there are a lot of labels trying to come at you.

Yeah, like because fear still was when the summer hit, I had mad labels calling was like, those are offering what I wanted.

It's like it wasn't about the money.

For me, it was about free freedom.

Yeah.

It's like, I don't want to be, you know, a one and done.

I want to make sure I'm a world star by the end of all of this.

You said you don't like being told what to do?

How does that working relationships?

Oh?

You know, I'll wear the pants, you know, but also I come to.

Say that, I'm always like, how do you get in a relationship because y'all can be very like.

I'm not I'm not like, I don't feel like I have a leader, you know, leader of mentality and a leader attitude.

So it's not really hard.

I'm not really disrespectful leader, but you know, you got to stay in line.

So like across like four or five songs reference to chat like time, So I'm like, how many of those you can in today?

That being said, lip lip.

Be careful what you send out.

Men, you know, alright.

I don't even think I got to snatched up for her.

I can't believe you, no, But relationship me and relationships is a completely different person than me.

You know, musical music is a whole different Our money, you know, that's our money with two eyes, in relationship with my money with one eye.

He's like, you could tell me what to do because sometimes guys that are powerful in their business they like to be kind of more chill at home.

The thing.

Yeah, I like, that's the thing.

I like being chill.

I like, I'm a Once I'm done with work, I'm inside, I'm eating on the game with my son.

That's really it.

I don't really go outside.

And if you're gonna I like my piece, and if you're gonna bother that, you gotta go.

You know, like unders good music though, yeah it does, you know, it.

Helps, it helps music, But then it gets draining because I don't want to be Why do I have to explain.

I don't know why she threw her brow on the stage.

You know, it comes with it, and not a lot of people understand that.

So I feel like for artists have to be really picky with who.

You know, I'm really sharing my space with my heart.

You know.

You know you were at the Caribbean Music Awards.

I was looking at some of the footage from that, So talk to me about that experience and how it was for you to be there.

You were nominated, right.

Yeah, I wonder you won the Impact a word.

It was just the name of my album too, But that on purpose?

Is that I don't know?

No, it was a full to me.

It's a full certing moment because I didn't announce the name of the album or anything, So you.

Already knew the name before you won the award.

Yeah, that's dope.

I knew the name of my album before I announced it.

So I won the award in August and I announced my album December.

That's wow.

So you won the Impact the word, but already had the name of the album as the Yeah And why is that the name of the album.

Because it's it's to me.

It's gonna be very impactful at least one song you're gonna be able to relate to, you know, like I have Lose Your Love, which is a rude trot reggae song on it the lead.

Track, and the video is coming out on Friday Friday.

I can't wait to see that.

It's like a song where it's like, you know, you're in a barbecue.

You have to hear Barr's Hammond.

You have to hear Yeah.

So imagine hearing a new vibe.

You know, it's the same playlists over and over then Ourmani's and it's still the same vibe.

It's gonna give me a you know.

You don't work with any older artists too, because I know that I want to work with Yeah, I want to see I love music.

Man.

I don't work with everybody, you know, but I definitely want to work with like Bears Hammond being the man killer I work with him.

Have you reached out to any of them or how does that work?

Yeah?

I have, you know, I have songs with them.

I have a song with Gyptian.

I don't release Egyptian.

Yeah, you know it's crazy.

Yeah, So it's like it's it's a work behind the scenes.

Is something that I'm not afraid to work with anybody.

I like that you said that and O my because sometimes people will be like, oh, oh the artists, you know, let the younger artists through, and.

There's a thing like that.

I don't think anybody can really stop what you're doing unless you stop what you're doing, you know.

So I don't really pay attention to older artists.

This this, this, this, this, this.

Yeah, it's cool.

They gotta do you do what you did already.

Whatever you you did is done.

It's my time to do what you had the opportunity to do.

So I'm not really if you If you don't like my music, cool, five other people like it.

Like that's how the people like it.

So I just look at life like.

That instead of focus focus on the love.

Yeah, and it just feels like, you know, just thinking about everything that you've told us, I feel like there's a bigger picture for you, because I can see you're the type of person that thinks, like, five years from now, this is where I want to be.

And I feel like it's not just music for you.

What are some other things that our money is dabbling in or you feel like it is on the horizon for you.

I want to act in a movie, you know.

I can see that.

I want to be the one part two.

Yeah, oh my god, yeah you know this is part two.

I want to want a model.

Yeah, I want to do it all man.

Yeah, I can see that you would be good all of.

The streaming, streaming.

You know, I stream a little bit too on twitch, but I don't really take it serious.

But but why not, because I shoink.

Streaming is a big Yeah.

You have to be consistent and you have to really like build up that.

And as I said, once i'm inside, like my mood changes, I'm my social I'm not a social butterfly.

And then I be on streaming and my social body as I'm just looking at the camera laying, Okay, what.

Do I say?

No, your trailer was pretty awesome for the album too, And so you're very are you very into chess?

Because I see the chess board, and it's just the idea.

And the thing about chess is what I'm really funned about.

I know how to play it.

Not really more of a dumbing type, I got it.

But yeah, chess is really a mind things, really a mind thing.

And I feel like mental strength.

Like the champions, you have mental strength, you can't be drawn out.

And so that's what chess represents for me, you know, mental strength and strategy.

Yeah, and then I saw in the trailer you think people are ready for this?

I don't know, well find out, you know, but I like it's it's it's my best work yet.

I say that it's filled with different vibes.

Have a song with bas gonna sexy, you know, sexy drill.

We heard that high class, Yeah, high class.

So it's it's gonna it's gonna come over to.

Anybody, my girl Data Kingdom A nice sexy there he goes.

You don't have a snatch out, remember I don't.

Well, congratulations on on everything that you have accomplished so far this album.

I think people are going to be ready for it, and I'm excited for the world to hear.

We got a little sneak preview, you know, earlier on.

But just love to see everything that you've been doing.

Is there anything you want to have for last words on for our listeners.

Uh, stream the album when it comes out.

Man, I love you guys for the support and everything.

And to the new listeners.

My name is Armani and you can find me everywhere at A R A and I am you s IQ and tour.

Yeah, we have a show actually, tour kicks off to Friday.

Yeah, the twelve the Loft, Brooklyn sold out period.

Yeah but you can probably come in the door and try to get a ticket, but we sold out.

I loves you so yeah, so we're gonna go crazy Friday.

You know what do you think you've had your best shows?

Like as far as your audience, London?

I love London.

My favorite place before London is the vibe is different there, and then it would be New York.

Second, and probably Anti You got thirty.

Ooh okay Antia shout out to that.

My family's from master Rat so you know you gotta go to Antiga first.

Yeah.

I love Antiga.

Antiga is like a gateway, like a porta no everywhere.

Okay, Well, thank you so much.

We appreciate you for coming,