Behind the Hits: Songwriters Turned Solo Artists

Written By: Elainey Bass

Music is always evolving. As time goes on, the music industry has become more vocal about who has been writing the songs we seem to love so much. Back in the day, we used to see artists keep their songwriters in the shadows, and nobody would know until the writer is thanked at an awards ceremony. But now more than ever, we are seeing songwriters display their talents more openly, and some have even decided to take on a solo career of their own. While there are many songwriters all over the world that have decided to choose this path, there are a few that currently have audiences wanting to hear more of their talent.

Leon Thomas III has been heavily involved in the music industry for quite some time as a songwriter and producer. Some of the newer generation may recognize him from the hit show Victorious that previously aired on Nickelodeon. However, what many don’t know is that Thomas co-wrote various songs for the show. Over the years, Thomas explored the idea of becoming a solo artist by releasing mixtapes in 2013 and 2016. Throughout this time, he was still in his writing bag with artists like Kehlani, Toni Braxton & Babyface, and Ariana Grande. But, it wasn't until 2021 when listeners started to pay more attention and tap into his work. Leon Thomas III gained social media notoriety for his writing credits for three songs on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy album (“Pipe Down”, “Love All”, & “In the Bible”). He also has a production credit for SZA’s hit song “Snooze.” Since then, he released his Electric Dusk album last year and headlined his first tour that kicked off this past November.

Muni Long had the R&B world in a chokehold with her love song “Hrs & Hrs.” But what many don’t know is that she started out as a songwriter and even provided background vocals for many artists that we know and love. With her experience being in a girl group back in 2008, it made sense for Muni to continue to utilize her talents. She hit the ground running in 2010 by co-writing Rihanna’s “California King Bed” on her album, Loud, and Chris Brown’s “Beg For It” from his album, F.A.M.E.. As years followed, Muni Long lent her pen to artists like Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Ariana Grande. However, you simply can’t put Muni in just one genre. She has also worked with the pop girl group Fifth Harmony, country group Florida Georgia Line, and Latin superstar Pitbull. In 2017, the superstar won her first Grammy (Best Solo Pop Performance) for lending her songwriting skills and vocals to Kelly Clarkson’s “Love So Soft.” Simply put, there is nothing that Muni Long can’t do!

A few months ago, Victoria Monét had everyone throwing on early 2000s gear and dancing to her song “On My Mama.” She has also closed out 2023 by receiving seven Grammy nominations this year for her recent album Jaguar II. But the thing is, Miss Monét is no stranger to this industry at all. She started out writing for acclaimed artists as early as 2010. “I Hate That You Love Me” by Diddy Dirty Money has her pen written all over it. Artists like Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Selena Gomez, and Fifth Harmony all credit her for her songwriting skills. But her most frequent collaboration is with Ariana Grande. Victoria Monét has writing credits on every single album of Grande’s. So, it was only fitting that her first two Grammy nominations as a songwriter would be for Album of the Year (thank u, next) and Record of the Year (“7 rings”) back in 2020. She continues to stay consistent throughout her musical journey and is definitely considered a force to be reckoned with.

These are only three out of millions of songwriters around the world that have decided to take this journey. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, the work these people create has been a key component to the success of many artists that we know and love. Take the time to appreciate everyone involved in the process, not just the ones who sing the words and accept the award on the big stage.

Next Wave: Sonny Digital

Written By: Tamiko Hope

Sonny Digital, the multi-platinum producer who has generated billions of streams across bangers for Drake, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Beyoncé, Don Toliver and 2 Chainz, is now signed to Generation Now with the likes of Lil Uzi and Jack Harlow, as an artist. The Michigan-born and Atlanta-based creator, who has shaped the culture with a series of smashes and at the same time earned widespread acclaim on a series of his own mixtapes and singles from The FADER, XXL and more, is turning the spotlight on every facet of himself.

Sonny Digital is showing the world his evolving musicality and who he is today. “In 2023, I’m still a producer, but I’ve always been an artist,” he states. “Overall, I’m just a creative person when it comes to anything musical. Sonny Digital is the producer, and Sonny is the artist. It’s no different from when I first started until today. Now, I just have a platform to show everyone the other side of my artistry.”

Along the way of producing records for others, he assembled what would become his debut album, Delores [Generation Now/Atlantic Records]. Referencing those family ties in the title, it brings everything full circle as he leaps forward sonically. “Dolores is my mom, and I’m just saying, I’m her son. She and my dad encouraged my music. We just never knew how far it would take me. With everything I’m speaking on in this project, the title just makes sense without me having to say too much.”

It practically felt predestined for him to do so. Originally from Nigeria, his dad harbored a passion for music—which Sonny naturally absorbed. At the same time, their heritage inspired him. “My father instilled the importance of making sure your family and the people around you are taken care of,” he notes. “It plays a big role in who I am.” Throughout his childhood, he embraced a diehard work ethic. His brother passed down a dusty MPC, and Sonny spent countless hours on it before perfecting his craft on Fruity Loops. Simultaneously, he honed his abilities by rapping over his own tracks with friends. “I was just giving out beats back then,” he laughs. Breaking into the business, he crafted six cuts for Gorilla Zoe’s King Kong in 2011 at barely 20 years old. However, his beat for YC’s “Racks” [feat. Future] changed everything. It eventually reached gold status, and UPROXX retrospectively noted, “the song that began Future’s rise to being one of hip-hop’s biggest stars only cost $300.”

As always, he lets the music do the talking. The first single “Wakenbake” [feat. Juicy J] instantly intoxicates with its hazy chant, “Wake up, get my blunts rolled.” Through plumes of smoke, he and Juicy J trade blazed-up bars as the beat unravels in an unpredictable rhythm. “I tried to challenge myself to rap over a more intricate beat,” he notes. “Juicy J has been my homie since day one. I wanted to show him love the same way he shows me love.” On “Gotta Slide,” a soulful string sample gives way to a glitchy bounce as he admits, “If my brother died, I swear to God I gotta slide.” The record is poetically raw and personal in nature. “I was rapping about the moment my boy PnB Rock had just died and it was capturing the feeling. I wanted to pay tribute to him with something good.”

With boundlessly creative beats, cinematic storytelling and lots of personal flair, Sonny is about to set the whole game on fire. “I’m trying to give you every side of who I am,” he leaves off. “Some days, I feel like rapping. Other days, I want to make beats or write songs for other people. I’m comfortable doing anything. That’s who I am.”

Check Sonny Digital Out Here:

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Next Wave: Britni Ariel

Written By: Tamiko Hope

As a passionate singer, songwriter, guitarist and performer, Britni Ariel conquers every stage and heart that experiences her unique mix of cool sophistication and soul. Britni, possessing an undeniable quality that separates her from her contemporaries, is a product of Roswell, GA, a suburb on Atlanta’s Northside. From an early age, the gifted artist with an ability to touch people with her magical voice, placed a great emphasis on values such as discipline, hard work and perseverance.

Her grand artistic ambitions began when she was a young teenager performing in local shows and musicals. Britni was raised on an eclectic mix of musical genres that include neo-soul (Lauryn Hill), r&b (Brandy, Usher), pop (Mariah Carey) and soul (Amy Winehouse). These cultural icons have played a pivotal role in shaping her versatility and vulnerability as a vocal narrator and musician.

Those influences led to Britni drawing inspiration to experiment with different creative formulas to interpret stories with honest emotions that authentically connect with people.

As she continued to develop her own distinct style and sound, Britni gave herself space to mature by attending and graduating from Georgia State University. She obtained a degree in Communications and Music. Prior to getting her traditional education, Britni also gained real world experience on the other side of the industry working behind the scenes at music venues, recording studios, publishing companies and independent labels.

While she continued to study her craft and nurture her creativity, encompassing writing new content and evolving as an artist and human being, Britni became a student of the game. During this period of self-discovery, she landed an administrative position at an independent music management and publishing company where she helped to assist the careers of major hip-hop clients such as Metro Boomin, Sonny Digital, Tasha Catour and others.

The opportunity broadened her musical horizons and ignited her own entrepreneurial pursuits. In 2018, she founded Britni’s Bandwagon, an artist development and event production company. In this new professional role, she connected and coached independent producers, artists and songwriters and cultivated new spaces for creators to make music and organic connections. The following year, she established a publishing company, Bandwagon Publishing, and began vocal producing and songwriting with artists in addition to curating her audible art.

In 2020, Britni released her debut single "Secret Lover,” co-produced, written and vocally produced by her. She also debuted a fresh new sound, which was a genre-blend of soul and pop; both nostalgic and refreshing. With Britni’s storied resume in the music business, composing lyrics, producing vocals and entertaining, she’s determined to build her legacy as a ‘Jill of all trades,’ one song at a time.

In 2023, she released her latest single, “FEARS,” that tells the story of moving past fears of success and failure, halting comparison and letting go of other’s opinions in order to chase your wildest dreams. Through releasing music, she wants to also release any inhibitions that prevent her from bringing her best self to her art. “I bring love, the power of live instrumentation, storytelling and positivity to r&b and soul music.” Building an empire and impacting lives in the process, Britni’s is a bandwagon we suggest that you jump on.

Check Britni Ariel Out Here:

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From Vinyl to Viral: A Journey Through Music's Technological Revolution

Written By: Free The Vision

The rhythmic pulse of technology has forever altered the landscape of the music industry. From the vinyl records of the past to the digital beats that dominate today's charts, technological advancements have played a pivotal role in shaping the sound, accessibility, and reach of music. In this journey through time, we'll explore the trailblazing tech companies that have left an indelible mark on the world of music, with a particular focus on how these innovations have helped Black artists break through into the mainstream.

1970s: The Birth of Hip-Hop and the Turntable Revolution

The late 1970s marked the birth of a cultural phenomenon known as hip-hop. The turntable, a humble piece of technology, became the primary instrument of hip-hop's early pioneers. Innovations like the Technics SL-1200 turntable allowed DJs to manipulate vinyl records, creating entirely new sounds by looping and scratching. Hip-hop legends like Grandmaster Flash and Kool Herc harnessed these tools to lay the foundation for a genre that would soon captivate the world.

1980s: The Rise of the Drum Machine and Sampling

As the '80s dawned, drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 began to revolutionize music production. These machines enabled artists to craft beats with unparalleled precision and consistency, leading to the emergence of electronic dance music and the proliferation of hip-hop. Black artists like Run-DMC, with their groundbreaking "King of Rock," and Public Enemy, with their politically charged "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back," harnessed the power of drum machines and sampling to create iconic tracks that resonated with audiences worldwide.

1990s: The Era of Compact Discs and Digital Recording

The 1990s brought the advent of compact discs (CDs) and digital recording technology, marking a seismic shift in how music was produced and consumed. Companies like Sony and Philips introduced CDs, delivering crystal-clear sound and replacing vinyl records as the dominant format. At the same time, digital recording software like Pro Tools empowered artists to experiment with their sound in entirely new ways. Black artists like Mary J. Blige leveraged these technologies to craft influential albums that defined the R&B and hip-hop genres during this decade.

2000s: The Dawn of Digital Downloads and Online Music Platforms

The turn of the millennium witnessed the rise of digital downloads and online music platforms. Companies like Apple, with its iTunes store, allowed consumers to purchase and download individual songs, transforming the way music was bought and sold. Concurrently, MySpace emerged as a groundbreaking platform for independent artists to share their music directly with audiences, paving the way for artists to gain recognition without traditional record label backing.

2010s: Streaming Services and Social Media

The 2010s ushered in the era of music streaming, with platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal taking center stage. Streaming services offered unprecedented access to vast music libraries, leveling the playing field for emerging artists. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram became essential tools for artists to connect with their fans and promote their work, democratizing self-promotion.

2020s: NFTs, Virtual Reality, and the Future of Music

As we step into the 2020s, technology continues to shape music in unprecedented ways. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have emerged as a new frontier for artists to monetize their work and engage with fans. Virtual reality (VR) concerts and immersive experiences offer innovative ways for artists to connect with their audiences, transcending geographical boundaries and providing unique performance opportunities.

The influence of technology on music has been profound and transformative. From the turntable's scratchy beginnings to the digital streaming platforms of today, technology has democratized music production, distribution, and consumption. Black artists have continually harnessed these innovations to break through barriers, express their creativity, and shape the soundscape of our times. As we move forward, the horizon of music technology remains vast and uncharted, promising new possibilities that will undoubtedly continue to level the playing field for artists from all walks of life.

NEXT WAVE: Illa J, The Illest

Written By: Tamiko Hope

lla J is ill, as in dope. The rapper, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, has always been possessed by music - rhyming it, singing it, playing it and making it. An all-encompassing prolific musician with a deep reverence for the culture, he has only recently become aware of his own potential. The youngest of his collective siblings, Illa J’s childhood was filled with love and music.

The family patriarch played the piano and upright bass, while the matriarch was a singer and both sets of Illa J’s paternal grandparents played the piano. His older brother is the late hip-hop visionary J Dilla, hence the semblance in his stage moniker, who was known for his innovative production and prolific mic skills that continue to be dissected and duplicated till this day.

Born and raised in working-class Detroit, Illa J grew up in a household that placed a great emphasis on values such as community, consistency and creativity, which drove him to have an undeniable focus in his professional and personal pursuits. He mastered the piano by learning how to read music at an early age however being musically-inclined was baked into his DNA.

He grew up listening to classic records his parent’s played; from Motown icons like James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, to exclusive a cappella jazz groups such as The Manhattan Transfer and Les Double Six. These diverse genres had a significant impact on Illa J’s career, broadening his own musical roots. He has taken his job of pushing musicianship forward, bridging the gap between Gen Xers and Millennials, very seriously.

An electrifying and uncompromising live entertainer, the brilliant MC’s gifts have taken him all over the globe making him a transatlantic success with a loyal fanbase that spans from London and Italy to Germany and Japan. Yet despite his credentialed resume, headlining his own tours as well as touring with Slum Village and opening for Talib Kweli and having his name appear alongside Miles Davis on the collaborative Robert Glasper single “They Can’t Hold Me Down,” Illa J is an emerging artist in the States. His desire for recognition within his homeland began to manifest itself in 2017 when he delivered the album Home that featured the single “Sam Cook.” Illa J performed the Motown-esque arrangement for his COLORS BERLIN segment where he flexed his singing and rapping chops over a pre-recorded instrumental. This artistic fine-tuning and attention to detail can be experienced on his latest offering No Traffic, which references how he feels about his place in rap. “I’ve created my own lane in hip-hop, even though my reach extends far beyond the genre. I play all of the instruments you hear; I don’t sample anything. I come from a well-respected legacy and I authentically care about the music. I follow my gut and keep it pushing.” 

On the lead single of the same name, what started out as simply an intro by Frank-n-Dank talking their talk, Illa J was so moved by their vocal contribution that he felt compelled to build a beat around it and add his own lyrical heat. No Traffic is an exquisite, magical and spiritual sound revolution that’s delivered with authenticity at the highest level. It’s equally inspirational and vibey with Illa J dropping clever gems that are guaranteed to produce smiles and an aura of feel-good positivity. An amalgamation of soul, jazz, funk, rap and everything in between, Illa J is pushing boundaries and buttons. “For me, music is a vibe; a universal language that everybody can relate to. That’s how it should be defined.” Period.

Check Him Out Here: Instagram | Music + More