OUTing The Music Industry

One half of the hip-hop duo Sgt. Sass, DaQuan comes to OUTing The Music Industry to drop his first solo project "The W.A.R. (Warrior Art Rebel)." A true artist in the sense of the word, DaQuan has a lot more to offer than just his music. Author, poet, painter, and to add, co-host of the radio show Muse Thursday presented by The Muse Cafe. And tonight he we will talk to him about it all.DaQuan will also play co-host on OMI as Dj SirRah interviews one of out hip-hops pioneers, the godfather, "the architect," "papa bear" Tim'm West. "Fly Brotha," Tim'm's 4th solo album, also drops. We'll discuss his career, his profession as a professor, his recent move to Chicago from Houston, and why the hell we had to reschedule his appearance on OMI. Of course will get all up into the motivation behind "Fly Brotha" and all the producers and collaborations that he was able to acquire for the project. www.daquan.bandcamp.com www.timmwest.bandcamp.com www.reddirt.biz

Join us as we speak with the incredible singer/songwriter #1 Billboard chart-topping artist Jason Walker, who has recently released his "Live and Unplugged, the 6th Ave. Sessions" EP and was a part of the Sylvester tribute at the 7th Annual OUTmusic Awards.  We'll also chop-it-up with gold-certified hip-hop producer and educator DJ Pain1 whose debut solo release "The Waiting Game" includes guest artists like Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Shyne, Jim Jones, I-20, Yo Gotti, Kia Shine, Grandaddy IU, Money B, Shawnna, and many more.   www.JasonWalkerMusic.com www.DJPain1.info

Join us for a very important discussion about depression in black gay men with author and freelance journalist Antoine Craigwell.  We'll also talk with singer/songwriter from Ontario, Canada Tyler Adam and out hip-hop pioneer Shorty Roc joins us to premiere songs from his new project "LIVE.LOVE.SWAG."

"PROUD Music" coordinator and musicartist M.E. Grant will talk about the showcase happening June 17th in New York as well as his music.  And we'll also be joined my OUTmusic Award nominees Chad D and TyranGem.  Tonight's playist includes a variety of music genres.

CISCO VEGAS: Many people have come to know him as the resident fashionista on Da Doo-Dirty Show, but FranCisco Vegas has been a behind the scenes craftsman of the entertainment industry for about a decade now. Cisco has worked on many projects over his career as well as recently working with Arista records as a important consultant for newly developed artist prior to there release. Cisco also completed head choreographer duties on the Christina Milian Mtv Nominated "Dip It Low" video as well as being a guest judge for The Wade Robson Project. Cisco has shaped and molded various artists and groups from IMX (formerly Immature), Tyrese, Nodesa, Mowett, Marques Houston, Christina Vidal (of Nickelodeon’s Tiana), and the musically renowned Sisqo (Of DruHill) which rumor has it he is responsible for not only his choreography but his entire image.  Although he has been consistently working in entertainment for almost 10 years, from music to movies, he still provides freshness to his work.  ADAM JOSEPH: Award Winning Independent Recording Artist Adam Joseph is creating buzz worldwide with his smooth soulful voice and original eclectic style.  He has written and produced music for acts like The ONES, Kevin Aviance, Lea Lorien, Alex Kassel and Jonte and toured the globe performing with his band The Elegant Children featuring Drummer Nikki Glaspie (Beyonce).  Adam is currently celebrating the success of 2 feature singles currently airing throughout France and U.K radio stations. Adam releases and premieres the video for "Chasing The Dream" tonight. www.AdamJosephMusic.com

Lester Greene comes to us riding a wave of kudos and accomplishments in all genres of the entertainment industry. As a rapper, Lester has released 2 full-length albums titled, "No Bush, Straight Dicks," and "The Greene Room."  At this current time, Lester is working on his third album, "The Greenehouse Effect," and he's also working on a separate duet album with DJ Tori Fixx. When Lester is not rapping and making music, he can be seen acting in front of the camera. He has already amassed an impressive resume with appearances in television (Rachel Ray Show) and commercials (ESPN and NIKE), documentaries forFrench and Dutch television; rap videos, voice-over and print, and a long list of modeling credits.www.lestergreene.com Singer/Songwriter Chaun Matayen is finally getting out there and sharing his music and screenplay ideas with the world. Trying to build a publishing company...one media at a time. Chaun has been surrounded by music his whole life. From his fathers love of jazz, rock and funk music added to his mothers passion for soul and pop music, the different artists played around the house or in the car were quite diverse. Chaun credits Michael Jackson among the likes of Chaka Khan, The Beetles, Queen, Donny Hathaway,Stevie Wonder and Prince as his major influences just to name a few. Chaun has been actively recording for the past 12 yrs. He has honed his songwriting and production skills to blend all of the musical styles he's grown up with hoping to create a sound all his own. He studied music at both UC's & Xavier's Conservatory of Music schools. He is now ready to share with the world and make a statement in the world of music and film. Among his many goals, he would like to write and produce for other artists.

With her debut release "Fetish," Faith Michaels is going from drag queen to superstar music artist.  Dj SirRah speaks to her about her music and her new found success.  Also, they talk about their fetishes, as well as her past television shows and her continueous drag performances. Then billboard top 40 artist Josie Cotton calls into the show to discuss her latest project "Pussycat Babylon."  Talking about her 1982 hit song "Johnny Are You Queer?" and the 2011 remake/remix of the song that features Okalahoma gay rap duo Elephant, Josie speaks on all the controversy that followed and still haunts her still, almost 20 years later.  Debuting her new single "See The New Hong Kong," and speaking on all music, Josie is also an accomplished author.   Check out the interview!

Multi-talented producer, songwriter, composer Eddy J. Free  returns to beem us up with the premiere of his release "Star Trek."  Eddy J. Free released a series of projects in 2010 of which he donated all the proceeds to the Keep A Child Alive foundation. In 2011 he takes us on a journey through the galaxy with an eclectic ray of music and guest artists.  Check him out atwww.EddyJFree.com OUT hip-hop pioneer, "Papa Bear," "The Architect," the "Fly Brotha" Tim'm West joins OMI for the first time to talk about his latest project, collaborations, and his nomination for an OUTmusic Award.  But we won't stop there!  This HIV/Aids activist, blogger, author, professor, and motivator has plenty more to speak about; like his move to from Houston to Chicago, his new musical family, and the latest chapter in the life or Tim'm.  Check him out at www.reddirt.biz    Artist Brian Slade (BSLADE) calls in to show his support for Eddy J. Free, and the call in turns into a 40 minute conversation about production, collaborations, the LGBT music revolution, and a few special announcements.

Melo’s grind is a result of pure dedication and shear will at times. With no assistance from managers or investors, Melo continues to come up with innovative ways to push his music and brand to the public. He is currently working tirelessly on his next album The Heart of the City, which is being produced solely and entirely by industry renowned THX. Melo says “I feel like this album is going to take me where I need to be. Not only is it some of my best material, but the level of musicianship going into this project will definitely leave the listener with a feeling of satisfaction.” With all of Melo’s accomplishments, and intentions, the question still remains; are people really ready for an artist like Melo? Do people really want music that speaks to them directly and touches them emotionally? Well there is only one sure fire way to find out. www.melokan.com Bringing "The End of The Rainbow" to OMI, friend of the show, Bone Intell is set to put hip-hop on edge. His previous appearance on OMI came with the major announcements of him being signed to a UK music label and the release of multiple projects. Is this the first of many? Tune into the show to find out. www.boneintell.com

Join SirRah as he speaks with femcees CaLii (New York), Mz Jonz (Detroit), and emcee Verbal Science (Florida) and about their latest releases. CaLii - the tri-state native is set to release her debut mixtape "Welcome 2 CaLii" on May 10th. She is ready to introduce herself to the out hip-hop movement and to definitely make her presence known. www.welcome2calii.com Mz Jonz - the first femcee to appear on OMI, has returned with her brand new release "Here On My Own." Over a year in the making, the Detroit native has collaborated with William Scott, Marcus Wallace, David Kash, Tone Trezure, and the hit maker Fitt to producer a banger of an album. Giving you that underground feel with a mainstream appeal. www.mzjonz.bandcamp.com VS (Verbal Science) - the New York transplant to Florida rapper who has been setting the out hip-hop movement on fire with his first official mixtape as an out artist, "Rude Awakening," in the fall of 2010; has been keeping his name and music in everyone's head by releasing tracks, at what seem to be, every two weeks. VS has also been the voice of the Da Doo-Dirty Show opening theme music since February 2011. And just on April 30, he released his latest mixtape, "Industry Knock-OUT," which contains 25 tracks with collaborations with a multitude of artists. www.verbalscience.bandcamp.com