COPYWRITE MAGAZINE OFFICIAL DROP! Issue 16: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? [ Place your PRE-ORDER now!]

https://issuu.com/copywritemagazine/docs/issue16_digital

Issue 16 was made out of the struggle. Creating content in this multilayered social landscape has unearthed realities that the world as a whole was not prepared for. Thus, in these pages, you will find an attempt to give disenfranchised creatives room for representation. You will find political nuances that are characterized by personal interpretations of social responsibility, glamour triggered by our health crises, discussions of how tech is helping to save our current state of emergency, and content that was created through the cracks of social distancing. The question for us all is: Where do we go from here?

w/ Nadiyah Johnson, Carrie’s Countdown (top spots), Afro Arts Milwaukee, Unrest w/ Imani Ortiz, and our Ex Fabula Features. 

/CW

ORDER YOUR PHYSICAL COPY HERE!!!

Catch these issues before we put them back in the CW Vault! (3 issues for $12)

End of Summer Inventory Wipe Out Sale - 4 issues for $15

We have too much local to keep in the box. Let us share and end the summer out right! We will mail you 4 random issues that we have in stock for $15! Dats It!. (A $45 savings.)

https://copywritemag.square.site/product/end-of-summer-inventory-wipe-out-bundle-pack/19?cs=true

Donno - Greater Life

Formally known from being ½ of the groundbreaking rap duo MT Twins, Donno is now a solo artist. The former rap duo racked in over 100,000+ on several music videos and even hit a million on one before calling it one and going their separate ways. That’s actually insane, a million? I can only imagine how hard it was to transition from a group to a solo act when people are constantly reliving the moments of success from the former group. But the spotlight this week is just for Donno and his first solo project, “Greater Life.” We were lucky enough to have a couple of our questions answered and here’s a little about what Donno had to say about “Greater Life.” 

“Greater Life is all about helping people understand that there are more values to life than what the public promotes. It’s a fun but very chill project that expresses the inner thoughts over the past year, speaking on the importance of building closer relationships with family, keeping loved ones close, growing as a man and understanding the difference between the person I was and the person that I am today and even plan on becoming.” Believe it or not, it is reflected in the music. This project is extremely solid. Donno talked a little about the inspiration of the project, highlighting some of the struggles of being the underdog artist in terms of popularity. “I began writing the project about a month or so after the split up of the MT TWINS. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was capable of holding my own without 3xsimpson. Knowing that he was the more popular twin between the two of us, I wanted listeners to get to know me more as an artist. The style of music I like to create, the way I carry myself, even down to the message I give, I feel is completely opposite of what you would have heard from the MT TWINS. The sudden split up made me feel angry and betrayed but at the same time motivated me.” That’s real. If you’re not  able to speak your truth through music then what does that do for you as an artist? Not a damn thing. Greater Life took about three months to write and three months to record and now we have a masterpiece of a project. So let’s get into a few songs. Let’s talk about that.

Now I am not a fan of reviewing entire bodies of work and commenting on every single thing I hear. I think that it makes it less personable. I don’t think people like reading all of that in this type of setting. But y’all… this project is nicccce as hell like i’ve listened to it three times before even beginning to write. When I say this is a solid body of work, this is like next level. This doesn’t come off as “Milwaukee Music” or something that was just thrown together. Greater Life is intentional, nicely produced and arguably one of the best projects to come out of the city--ever. Yes, ever. I’ve heard a lot of music, a lot of wishful thinking music, the kind of music whereas you wannnnna like it and kindaaaaa sound goood but the bars kind’ve lame and the artist can’t catch the beat. Dis ain’t dat.

One of the songs I really enjoy on the project is Breathe, which is track 12. Here, Donno is expressing the anxiety that he gets from people always breathing down his back. He is essentially talking about needing to breathe because it’s always seemingly suffocating around other people. He is having conversations with himself while other people are giving unsolicited advice and I know that shit irritating ‘cause nobody asked y’all. There’s a lot of “how” questions and if you think you have some unsolicited advice to pass on, keep it. These questions are rhetorical. He basically said let him breathe, damn. Y’all doing a lot.

Another song I enjoy on this 12k Freestyle. This is definitely like a drake flow freestyle like if you listen to it, you’ll know what I mean. It’s fire. He just went in, nonstop. One of his favorite lines from this song is “I just wanna make this song cry / Indecisive thoughts, I hate changing my mind / I was dead at a point of time , I finally revived / Tryna change life for the friends who give family vibes.” Flame de la flame. 

It’s hard to even critique anything because this entire project is SOLID. From the bars to the multiple flows to these nice ass beats. THIS IS HOW YOU GO SOLO.

He does want his fans to get something out of this project. He says, “I want them to hear the difference between solo Donno and MT Donno. There are all sorts of different styles records on this project that I believe it’s something on there for everyone. I want listeners to relate to what I’m saying and not just sing along because it is a catchy record. You’ll hear me actually rapping way more than what fans have heard in the past and giving more bars. The goal of the tape is to motivate, education and inspire the youth!”

Well, I know i’m not the first to say this is incredible and I damn sure won’t be the last. You are destined for more man, this project is definitely the ticket. I am so proud of you bro. Stay on their necks and keep making great music. 

We love it here.

Stream Greater Life on all streaming services today with ya crusty self. Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube, allll det. YKWTFGO. “It’s vibe” and you’ll get the reference when you listen to track three. HANNN. See what I did there? 

HEY LOOK AT ALL THIS IMPORTANT SH*T

Instagram: @greaterlifedonno

Youtube: MT Twins (Donno’s videos are here)

/Imani for CW

PaperStacks - Greedy

Before I say my part, let’s hear about this week’s highlighted artist.

“– Known as the Hi-C man and coining the term “bird”, rapper PaperStacks brought the nostalgic feels back, while putting himself straight into his latest album “Greedy”, which is now available on all streaming platforms. The concept of Greedy was established earlier on, so he was able to focus on creating different avenues to express what it means to be Greedy. For PaperStacks, Greedy is something that he's always been. This album represents PaperStacks hunger for success and his love of food, which can be seen on his cover art. Greedy is an album that encourages listeners to hone into their greediness and go for what they want and deserve, whether that’s money, clothing, love or anything in between.”

Ok, Paperstacks! First of all, love the creative cover art. Creative cover art can really market the product by itself. Well, let’s get into the music. Let’s talk about a couple of these songs.

Greedy: “Give me more, I need more b*tch!” That’s all you need to know. He’s letting y’all know that he’s greedy. The cup never runneth over. It’s def a song that you jig a little to and just feel him talking his sh*t. 

Augustus Gloop: Most of the song is him talkin’ his sh*t about being a bigger dude and still getting love from everybody. What I find interesting is that his size is referenced a lot and he’s not scared to talk about it. There’s no reason to point out the obvious because if it’s not obvious from what he’s saying then you just aren’t listening. I also think there’s power in that. Nobody can use anything against you that you’re comfortable with. Five stars for body positivity. Period.

Check him outtttttttt, PaperStacks for the win! Stream American Rebel neow.

LOL, ARE YOU WONDERING ABOUT THE IMPORTANT STUFF?

Socials below:

IG: @bigdog_stacks and Twitter: @big_dog_stacks

/Imani for CW

Listen to Greedy on Spotify. PaperStacks · Album · 2020 · 11 songs.

CP Looney - “American Rebel”

This week in music, we have an out of townerrrrrr. Where out of town? Texas. Where in Texas? Austin. OK, ok, we see youuu! Here’s a little about CP: “Austin, TX born and raised, CP Loony is a real Hip Hop Artist putting Austin on the Map. 2017 he decided to put his all into his music. Since then, he’s rocked some of Austin's most prominent stages, sharing the spotlight with the likes of Currency, Cam'ron and Rich Homie

Quan. Loony caught the eyes and ears of Austin writers and tastemakers when his 2018 single, "Thru it All" hit the airwaves on Austin's KUTX (The Breaks). The Austin Chronicle caught wind and recognized the song and named it a top 10 record of 2018. 2019 and 2020 was another year of growth as he was named an Official SXSW artist for the first & second time.”

He is already on the radiooooo, watch out now! Today, we are going to focus on a couple songs from his latest project American Rebel. “The album is based on how I feel about being a black man in America and all the stereotypes we face,” said CP Loony. “Not trying to fall in the trap and carving my own path despite the

statistics they put on our lives, overcoming many obstacles and learning how to turn my losses into valuable lessons.” That’s what life’s all about, right? Turning losses into valuable lessons. Alright, let’s get to the music. 

Introvert: First of all, fire. This is definitely a song I can hear myself listening to on a regular day. He’s essentially talking about him just being more to himself because he knows these dudes out here don’t be real. He sticks to the code and just stacks. That’s all there is to it.

American Rebel: This song is the ode to being yourself no matter what. Labels are so easy to give someone but watch who and how you’re labeling people. Just because someone sees you in a certain light doesn’t mean that you’re exactly what they say you are. That decision is up to you. I think something interesting here is that the song is titled American Rebel and he’s apart of the population in this country that is often misrepresented and mislabeled as violent and thug-ish. He’s a Black man. But here, he’s telling us that he’s more than just the labels society gives him.

You don’t have to take my word for it, go listen for yourself. Be yourself, don’t be a follower. What do I know? What do you know? You think you’d be a better judge? I dare you to go listen, how ‘bout dat. Go check out the out of towner from AUSTIN, TEXAS. I don’t know why i felt like that needed to be in caps but I think it gets the dramatic effect across much easier.

ANYWHO----IMPORTANT STUFF BELOW:

American Rebel is available on all streaming platforms.

Instagram: @CPLoonyig | Facebook: CP Loony.

/Imani for CW

Listen to American Rebel on Spotify. CP Loony · Single · 2020 · 1 songs.

Carrie's Coutdown: Episode 1 (Sponsored by Giffted Clothing)

What's up CopyWrite fam! It's ya girl Carrie (AKA Noni Juice) and I present to you my brand new show: Carrie's Countdown. Now y'all know I'm always down to c...

What’s up CopyWrite fam! It’s ya girl Carrie (AKA Noni Juice) and I present to you my brand new show: Carrie’s Countdown. Now y’all know I’m always down to create opportunities for people to showcase their work, especially in a fun way. Growing up, 106&Park had always been a show I looked forward to watching to see all the hottest new videos, and Milwaukee has a lot of dope videos too. But it’s time to see who really dominates the city. Check out the first episode to see who made the Top 5!

Follow me on IG: @CarrieNoni_ And CopyWrite Magazine @CopyWriteMag

Big thanks to our sponsor Gifted Clothing LLC!

IG: @Gifted.LLC

FB: Gifted Clothing LLC

Website: https://www.mygiftedclothing.org/

/Carrie For CW

Tr3y - Essential AF

Are we back to the normal orrrr? Not really-ish? Normal + Current state of reality = Not really normal. We probably will never be normal again, tbh. Personally, I’m in a constant state of living as my best and worst self-ish? Does that make sense? There is a global pandemic literally happening right now as we speak (read) along with a huge social justice movement so I hope you’re really paying attention to what's going on in the world around you. What side of history are you going to be on? Always ask that. #BlackLivesMatter, in case you were confused or on the fence about it. 

Butbacktothetopicathand, Essential AF? What’s that about? Hmm, I’m glad you asked because we’re going to find out together.  Tr3y is a Singer/Songwriter based out of Milwaukee,WI. He recently released a new video and song titled  “Essential AF” produced by Young Tarzan and himself. In Tr3y’s words, “This is a song that’s current to the pandemic we are dealing with right now but in a sexy RnB way!” He decided to switch up the conversation when it comes to the current state of the world. Why not? We need at least one moment to think of something else that is not so heavy but kind’ve related right? Ahhh, that’s where this song lies. I’m not gonna lie, you have to be one hell of a person if you “Essential AF” in his terms. (Shout out to all the real essential workers that worked faithfully through covid-19--y’all need more money for risking your lives fasho.) 

In this song, Tr3y is really tryna see his chick during quarantine. He opens the track with an audio clip of somebody’s president (cause he ain’t ours) insulting a reporter. I didn’t really understand the correlation but some stuff you just ignore when you don’t understand it so we’re going to move on. He goes on to just really pour out his love for this girl who he’s really risking his life for at this point but you know, like he said, he got his masks, his gloves and he on the way. Period. Is yo’ lil dip risking his/her life to see you right now? If they not, you know you got a little reevaluating to do. RIDE OR DIE hit differently now. 

Gon’ head and check the new R&B quarantine love song and send it to yo’ boo and slide on em’ SAFELY WHILE STILL PRACTICING THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES. 

*WOW, LOOK HERE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION*

Essential AF: https://youtu.be/dmD6034ccjs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tr3ybesingin 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tr3ybesingin 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tr3ybesingin

**Disclaimer: Be safe, wear your masks and remain social distancing please :)

/Imani for CW

Shot by: PrimeTime Visuals Stream Essential AF: https://song.link/us/i/1513205314 Purchase your #EssentialAF Face Mask: https://essentialaf.bigcartel.com Lov...

/CW Creative Media Services - Get more from your Local Media

Need Creative Media Services? No problem CopyWrite has got you covered.

For the last five years, we have been providing grassroots media services to our community, noting that these services for OUR community have often been limited, underrepresented, and very out of touch with what is really going on. As we have expanded our professional capacity, team, and training, we would like to re-introduce our /CW Creative Media Services. We hope that you will spread the word and reach out whenever you need additional help with your creative endeavors. This is just another way we can #SupportTheLocal.

press releases | press bites

Our press release services are official media statements drafted with the client that are structured to provide information, public statements, and or announcements to other media outlets, audiences, and communities. Where our service is unique is the ability to turn a press release into a CW Press Bite. Our Press Bites are press releases with interview elements from our clients that are condensed into short-form feature stories that can be housed on copywritemag.com or placed into a template for printable options. This allows our clients to have a built-in creative audience and platform to promote their craft, business, or creativity in any form.

Rates start at $60   

promotions

/CW offers Advertising and Publicity basic promotions. Our Advertising services include ad placements in our online and in print publication CopyWrite Magazine or Advertising placement on our website. Our Publicity service includes product placement and paid partnerships at CW events, photoshoots, social media stories, and online video content. Promotion services are a great resource for local brands, up and coming creatives looking for portfolio boosters, and businesses searching to tap into creative networks.

Rates start at $35 

Sponsorships

We offer sponsorships to local organizations, businesses, and creatives for events and projects that fall under our five pillars: Art, Music, Fashion, Community, and Culture. Sponsorships are awarded quarterly and are limited. Sponsorships may come in the form of /CW Creative Services or monetary payment. Sponsorships are selected at the discretion of our owner and active leadership team.

All sponsorship requests must be submitted in writing and emailed to copywrite.mke@gmail.com at a minimum of 30 days before the date of need.

media blast

As a byproduct of the creative community, our methods as a magazine, media, and design firm can be unorthodox, expressive, and totally outside of the box. Our media blast service is where we mix those non-traditional tactics with guerilla marketing to get our client’s ideas out to the audience they are trying to target. This is a hands-on approach to our favorite hashtag #SupportTheLocal

Rates start at $75

cultural consulting

Our leadership team has spent several years doing ethnographic research in local urban settings. This includes collegiate research on urban environments, “minority” cultural impact, systematic disenfranchisement, creative communities, youth expression, physical and digital spaces, media studies, and more. We offer specified contract media consulting to businesses and organizations who need assistance in addressing cultural sensitivity, racial inequity, and guidance in appropriate representation in their company culture, media presence, and more.

All cultural consulting inquiries should be submitted to copywrite.mke@gmail.com . Rates may vary.

Journalism

Journalistic services include blog posts to full length featured articles, artist statements to artist bios, and resume help to the creative portfolio curation. Though our featured stories are selected by our team, we also provide freelance writing services that may be used on alternative media platforms or as paid posts for online features. Our journalists are trained professionals whose writing skills include but are not limited to entertainment, editorials, interviews, poetry, copywriting, and creative application. 

Rates start at $45

media research

Need more than just the glitz and glam? No problem! Our media research service allows us to provide in-depth research on ALL THINGS URBAN. Whether it’s looking into some local creative history or run down on some social practices of creative institutions and how they function, we have you covered. We can guide your search or take a hands-on approach. As a media platform, it’s our job to know how media works and we welcome opportunities to share that knowledge with our community. 

All media research inquiries should be submitted to copywrite.mke@gmail.com . Rates (if applicable) may vary.

event hosting

Having an event but you don’t want the headache of hosting it? We have people for that! Our team members have collectively hosted 100’s of events. From music showcases, fashion shows, festivals, creative workshops, and community events, to on-stage interviews with Grammy award winners, music execs, nationally awarded artist, designers, and politicians. With our service, you not only get a great host but a built-in audience for your event. 

All event hosting inquiries should be submitted to copywrite.mke@gmail.com . Rates may vary.

music reviews

New music is the top reason that people visit our online platform. Where we provide music blog posts as a free service to team selected submissions, we also offer sponsored music reviews for those who are looking for a little extra feedback and verbiage to send out to international media outlets and for portfolio growth. This may also include official music and video releases.

All music review request should be submitted to copywrite.mke@gmail.com

Our music submission specs can be found at https://copywritemag.com/about

media arts curriculum

With community collaboration being one of the major components in CopyWrite’s mission, we believe that aiding in the cultivation of creativity in our city is vital and that youth engagement continues the relevance of these practices. We partner with local organizations, schools, and creative groups to implement a creative curriculum that supports the mediated practices our youth are confronted with daily. There are several ways in which we teach the practices of media-making, but we firmly believe it is critical to give youth real-world experiences that provide real-world results. This can be working on content creation for a specific organizational campaign, or making their own group magazine. We shape our curriculum to meet the needs of whatever clients we are working with. At the base of our “Media Arts” we include practices of literacy, problem-solving, collaboration, and creative expression through several active workshops including (but not limited to):

• Story Development

• In the field research

• Visual asset creation and curation

• Copywriting

• Art Direction

• Layout development

• Media promotion

• Introduction to Computer Software

All curriculum inquiries should be submitted to copywrite.mke@gmail.com. 

Curriculum contracts are contracts to teach media arts. Rates vary on the instructor, curriculum request, materials, contract hours, and assets.  

/CW

Click Here for PDF file of Services & Rates

Spaidez - EP For His Appreciation For Black Women

Local lyricist, performer, CopyWrite Magazine issue fourteen feature, and recent front line protestor/ activist, Spaidez, has released a 3 song EP that he has  dedicated to his love of today's Black Women, saying “ I Stand With them and Vow to Protect our Queens.

We appreciate your voice Spaidez and your contribution to the movement. Everyone check this one out as you prep your playlist for the revolution!

/CW

Foe The Birds (Final Act) Feat. Tru West & Joshua Jenkins/ I ❤ Black Women (Stand Up)