VOLUME 1 Martia, TOLD YOU SO ISSUE 4 November, 2013
ReEl Music & Models
Jamia LaKita got her start as an undiscovered model at the age of 17 when she was a senior in high school at Surrattsville High and participated in their annual Catwalk Classic.
As we all know, most models who are trying to break into the industry often have to do photo shoots and participate in fashion shows just for the exposure, however models aren’t paid until their names ring bells and their faces grace magazine pages. Jamia LaKita believes the hardest thing for her as an undiscovered model is not receiving the compensation she feels she deserves for giving one hundred percent all the time. As with anything, there are disappointments and without them you won’t appreciate being at the top. “In some of my photos, I look back at them and think I should have done this or that to bring the shot to life,” said Jamia LaKita. |
He was always a fan of music and found his niche in the industry by singing, until two close friends introduced him to free-styling and beats.
“Sherome, [my manager], and Kevin Finch [a very well-known Colorado rap contender from VA] gave me my first chance to lay a track. Before that we explored music by using tape players and making our own songs,” says Y. Lee. Y. Lee credits a lot of his accomplishments to these two guys, who are still active in his music career. “I love beats and I love to use sample beats as well. I use sample beats from bigger artists, because audiences already know those beats and it draws in a lot more listeners when you kill a rap to an already familiar beat,” said Y. Lee on why he chose music as his career. |
She feels her biggest accomplishment thus far is having the opportunity to participate in NYFW Code Purple event where the experience was by far very rewarding for Jamia LaKita. In the near future she will be taking part in a hair show with photographer Bill Lee, fashion show with Delhomme Customs, and an editorial shoot with photographer John Boi. Keep your eyes out because she’s going places.
With so many girls on social network sites claiming to be actual models it must be hard for those who are really chasing the dream, but that doesn’t faze Jamia Lakita. “I don’t have a problem with girls modeling on social networks; everyone has to promote themselves in some shape or form. If you are happy then so am I,” said Jamia LaKita. |
Y. Lee believes his biggest obstacle as an artist is being understood. He has so many styles in one verse, and so much goes on in one song that he fears listeners may not comprehend his music or break it down.
Yet, I myself have listened to some of Y. Lee’s music and I can say it’s a treat to see an undiscovered artist produce actual mainstream songs. One of my favorites, and will be yours too, is “Tattoos”, in which Y. Lee is featured, but of course when the second verse kicks in he (Y.Lee) kills it to the beat of MGK’s Wild Boy. He also gives his home city of Newport News an anthem track, which comes from his mix-tape Above and Beyond, released in February of 2012. “Ironically I released Above and Beyond on the same day Whitney Houston passed, and I’ll never forget either of those,” said Y. Lee. |
Of course if you follow my magazine you know I have a famous question for all the models I interview, but if you don’t I always ask, “If you could be signed by any agency who and why?”
And nine times out of ten they say the same thing, and she is no different. “Wilhelmena Modeling Agency; they are well known worldwide and their models receive lots of paid gigs and recognition,” said Jamia LaKita. |
Y. Lee has been working really hard. On November 6, 2013 he released his new mix tape entitled "Dark Days & Bright Nights", which has two amazing tracks including one which is in circulation on 103 Jamz (VA) dubbed “Half Dead”.
“Half dead” is really a great song and the beat is original. Another great track from this upcoming mix tape is “Anti-Bully”, a lyrical rap song to Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful”. “Anti- Bully” speaks on loving yourself and rising above what others have to say about you. It’s actually a very inspiring song that speaks volumes on a very important social issue. “I relate to all my mix tapes, but Dark Days & Bright Nights has a commercial sound, that's the one I relate to the most. My music is about my way of life and this mix tapes gives listeners a taste of my reality. I rap about the life I live and have lived. I don’t put lyrics about a life I haven’t lived; these are my experiences and it comes from the heart,” said Y. Lee. |
Jamia LaKita works hard and does as much as she can on her own to keep her face known among those who matter in this industry. She’s going places and don’t forget who told you first.
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Funny thing is, Y. Lee doesn’t want to be signed by anybody; he feels independent is the best route to go because he can make the kind of music he likes and when he finally makes it, he owes himself.
However, he draws inspiration from Jim Jones. “Jim Jones has always been an influence on me. He has Vampire Life, T.V. shows, and music. Jones started his own legacy and it still exists,” said Y. Lee. |
Y. Lee hopes to accomplish making great music, reaching more listeners, and gaining the opportunities that come with the music industry. He gives a lot of thanks to his parents who let him follow this dream and never gave up on him, as well as to his nieces and nephews who are his motivation to be great. “I will remain humble and stay focused,” said Y. Lee.
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By: Martia' Holloway