Where Are They Now! : Catching Up With The Cover Stars Of Last Year's Pride Issue

 

Last year on June 24, 2021 Southern Plug released our first annual Pride Edition of Southern Plug Magazine. This special edition publication featured LGBTQ+ musical artists Daya Carter, Creme Dela Cream, Wyteboi Kidd, & Lex DaBenefit on the covers. Not to take credit for anyone’s success or anything. This article references where they are after featuring on the covers of last year’s pride issue.

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DAYA CARTER

Shortly following the release of last year’s pride edition Daya released the video for his already viral summer hit “Candy”. He also started to get booked all over the place. He has most notably performed and hosted a numerous of pride events and festivals. Making him undoubtedly the #1 LGBTQ artist in Columbia, SC. He also went on to release new 2 more singles, “Do Ya Thang” in 2021 & “Energy” earlier this year.Follow Daya at @dayacarterr to see what he does next. 

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LEX DABENEFIT

The most noticeable thing is that Lex DaBenefit cut her hair. But aside from that she has went on to be nominated for numerous awards and event performed at the Southern Independent Music Awards in Atlanta, GA. Aside from performances Lex has also become one of the most sought after party/showcase hosts in the Soda City.

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WHYTEBOI KIDD

Born To Hustle Media Co-CEO Wyteboi Kidd has lead quite a quiet life since being featured on the cover of our Pride Issue in 2021. She hasn’t released new music since her last hit album “Cashout” with JuOnTheBeat in 2020. Sorry that our research has yielded much to nothing about this 2021 Pride Issue cover artist, but if youd like to know ahts up with Wyteboi Kydd.

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CREME DELA CREME

Creme Dela Creme has been pretty busy since featuring on the cover of Southern Plug’s Pride Issue 2021. Releasing new music and featuring on track with some of the biggest names in music. Like the hit single “Bad Intentions” by Rhed Rich and the album “The Chosen One. Make sure you follow her at creme_dela_creme007

Snap Your Fingers For Poet Kandace Breon

Known for her Live music performances and open mic drop throughs, neo soul and Hiphop artist, Kandace Breon is a South Carolina native. With a soulful background in gospel, Kandace has been singing since the age of 5 in her local community church. There she was inspired by her grandmother and father who taught her to use her voice. Aspiring to produce music for the soul is something this singer/songwriter does well with her songs, “Goodbye”, “Apologize”, “Better Days”, and many others. This vibe setting artist has been working on many projects. Some involving the engineering and production of her very own album. Now Florida based, this artist is expanding her ground in music and pure artistry with new music soon to come from the album “HEADSPACE”. This album will expressing her live guitar talents and providing more grooves to hit the spot.

Kweeng Doll: Tiny Desk To The Big Stage

 

By Amelia Mason

Every year, thousands of independent musicians submit videos to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in the hopes of being discovered. As we have for the past two years, the ARTery convened a panel to choose its favorite from among the 212 Massachusetts entries. This year, it's "Slick Talk" by Kweeng Doll.

Kweeng Doll's video stood out for its wit, poise and bouncy, irresistible beat. All five of our panelists — myself, journalists Karen Muller and Candace McDuffie and musicians Anjimile and Tim Gearan — agreed that nothing matched the originality of Kweeng Doll's agile rapping and genderbending look. Last week, I met up with the musician in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. Allow me to introduce Kweeng Doll:

It’s a hot, windy day in Boston. D’Mitry Bolden stands outside the construction zone where his old high school is being rebuilt. Against a backdrop of dumpsters and traffic cones, he’s defiantly glamorous in a black dress, soft pink eyeshadow and a cascade of dark hair. And then there are his nails — glittery, pink and more than two inches long.

It’s a pretty typical look for Bolden, who is better known as Kweeng Doll, a Boston-based rapper with a growing local fanbase.

"My whole life, since I was a child, I've always been a performer," the musician says. "So I'm used to people staring at me. I've always been the outcast. I've always been, like, the black sheep."

This loud, too-hot street corner is a special one for the 23-year-old. Just down the block is Machine, the recently-shuttered gay nightclub where he used to sneak in as a teenager. Across the street is the Boston Arts Academy high school, where he studied vocal performance and decided to become a rapper.

"When I figured that out I was like, 'How can I be a rapper and be this non-binary artist? It doesn't work like that,'" Kweeng Doll says.

Kweeng Doll came out as gay when he was 12. He accepts any pronouns — he, she, they — and over time, his look has become more feminine; people sometimes ask if he’s transgender. But that label doesn't fit.

"I'm just an androgynous person," Kweeng Doll says. "Some days I may feel more masculine than other days. Some days I feel more feminine."

Growing up in Syracuse, New York, Kweeng Doll always had a flair for performance. He competed in Irish step dance competitions and performed in high school musicals when he moved to Boston. Female emcees like Missy Elliot and Nicki Minaj helped shape his nightclub-ready rap.

"I like to make people twerk and shake their booties. That’s just kind of what it is," Kweeng Doll says simply.

Even his stripped-down Tiny Desk Contest video makes you want to dance. In it, Kweeng Doll sits poised on a stool, draped in a silvery shawl. Flanked by a drummer and keyboardist, he unleashes combative rhymes with impressive precision.

Kweeng Doll has only been performing publicly for three years, releasing one EP, 2019's "Pink Smoke," and a handful of singles. Most of his songs are pretty much unprintable, not just for their free-wheeling use of cuss words, but for their outrageous raunchiness. Take, for instance, the song "Hercules," a minor-key banger  in which Kweeng Doll declares, among other things, "The d is Hercules — hard and strong."

Explicit lyrics are common in hip-hop, and Kweeng Doll says he’s no different than any straight artist who raps about sex. His songs are drawn from real life.

"Queer people are always afraid to really talk about things that really happen in their everyday life, because they think people won't relate," he says. "But I disagree. People relate to anything that sounds good and that has meaning."

It’s not easy to be a queer rapper in the often hypermasculine world of hip-hop, but it's not without precedent. To understand an artist like Kweeng Doll, it helps to know something about his mentor — and primary artistic touchstone — Big Freedia. Big Freedia is perhaps the most famous performer of a New Orleans style of hip-hop called bounce. Proudly gay, with a gender-fluid style and a fondness for big hair and loud jackets, Big Freedia made queerness in hip-hop not just visible, but cool — you've probably heard her featured in songs by Beyoncé and Drake.

Kweeng Doll first met Big Freedia after one of her concerts in New York. The New Orleans musician ended up hiring the aspiring rapper to do her hair and makeup when she came to Boston. (Kweeng Doll's day job is as a hair and makeup stylist.) The two instantly clicked.

Reached by phone, Big Freedia describes Kweeng Doll as a "daughter." "I'm just happy to be an inspiration in [Kweeng Doll's] life," she says. "Just on an everyday basis, you know, because it's rough when you're black and you're gay and you're still trying to find your way in the world."

Kweeng Doll takes those lessons to heart.

"She's like, 'It's gonna be hard for us. We're gay Black men in this world, you know, like it's not common to see people like us do music. It's not common to see people like us walk around. It's not common for people to see us shaking our booty,'" he says. "So we have to have to be strong for ourselves and just go out there, and do it."

Which, in case you hadn’t guessed, is exactly what Kweeng Doll’s doing.

Get To Know JuOnTheBeat

I am a first generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. I studied the Spanish language extensively during my experience at Wofford as well. I took 21 hours of Spanish coursework, which has enhanced my knowledge in Global Studies and communication. With my accounting experience and Spanish skills, I am able to interpret, create, and assist with business financials, as well as being able to communicate with customers on a larger scale. Besides my education, I take my art very seriously. I started writing short stories in elementary school. I then moved on to writing poetry in high school and college, which ultimately led to my passion for writing songs. Music alone, has inspired me to overcome tough situations, as well as encouraged me. After college, I began to invest more and more time in my craft and now I am at a point where I am networking, promoting, creating, and sharing. I would love to come across more opportunities to brand myself in different places and network with people that share a similar passion for music.

View this profile on Instagram

Muldrow Ju (@juondabeat803) • Instagram photos and videos

TRANSistioning The Music Scene One Record Spin At A Time

 

MC, LGBTQ ACTIVIST, ACTOR and DJ... AIKO FINESSE Herbert, a South Carolinian has been captivating audiences since the tender age of twelve. Born August 1, 1987, Aiko did not feel as though he fit in with other kids. He was often teased and bullied on his appearance and the darkness of his skin. All the topsy-turvy emotions sent Aiko to an uncomfortable place as he began to suffer from headaches that soon led to anger issues. Worried about how the peer pressure was affecting Aiko, his family decided to place him in therapy sessions several times a week. During his 4th grade year, his school guidance counselor gave him a suggestion…, " When you begin to feel angry, upset, or sad, I want you to write your feelings on a piece of paper and once you have written down all of the things that anger you, throw the note paper away." Instead, Aiko kept every single one of those “anger notes” that he'd written and began to use them to make his way out of that dark place. Those thoughts were soon channeled into the lyrical phenomenon that he is today… A fortunate gift uprooted by unfortunate circumstances. Aiko’s lyrics tell the story of an unhappy child who grew to be a troubled teen that later became a well sought after disc jockey. Words of life is revealed through personal events, poetry, spoken words and music. This artist is well on the way to superstardom. In 2008, Aiko attended the Art Institute of Atlanta too study music and video production. Additionally, this is where AIKO also grasped other aspects of the entertainment industry. However, due to financial hardship, Aiko would return home to South Carolina in the Spring of 2009, but that was just a temporary setback. Aiko continued to leave his impression in the industry and was invited to travel to New York and audition for the BET hit show “106 & Park”. Aiko poured divine passion into his audition that left the judges utterly impressed; dubbing his as the younger version of the iconic music mogul, Lil Wayne. Aiko has also won distinguished awards such as the "NEWBERRY GOT TALENT" (1st place for two consecutive years), followed by “BEST MC AND CROWD FAVORITE”. Aiko also entered the “Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Showcase” (ATL Edition) and won 2nd place. He also entered his video "Energy Cover" into their video showcase and won 1st place. Expanding his passion for music, in 2013 Aiko began to self-teach his self the art of deejaying and within one year, a new buzz started to swarm in his favor. Aiko is booked all across his hometown and state for weddings, family events, birth parties, and more! In 2015, he secured his first out of state gig at “CLUB ARGOS" in Augusta, Georgia, followed by gigs with Columbia, South Carolina’s only LGBT night spot "KRAVE". Aiko corded his first song "COLORS" alongside a rising female MC and videographer known as YPC NAE. Aiko is steady making a name for his self and this is only the beginning for this rising phenomenon

Exclusive interview w/ Rosheka Davis

 

Born Rosheka Latrell Davis on November 25, 1979 to Harry and Jessie Davis in the City of Gaston, South Carolina. Davis was raised in a tight knit community known as “Happy Town”. She is the youngest of four children…Due to the wide age gap between her and her siblings and the strenuous work schedules of her parents, Davis learned at an early age that she had to entertain herself. Using this fuel of self entertainment, Davis found her love for community and school sports. She played on her schools’ basketball teams and participated in gym activities with her cousins and community peers. The Number one Iheartradio personality, the freshest event host, and the P. E. (Positive Expressions) Coach of the year. Davis uses her influence to be the change they want to see. “The Fuel To Your Fire, Is Your Hearts Desire

Q. Wassup, it's your boy Darren Southern Plug Brown for Southern Plug Magazines here with Rosheka “Reject” Davis of Reject Talks. Tell our readers that may not be familiar with you or your work just who you are and what it is that you do? 

A. My name is Rosheka”Reject” Davis a.k.a RoWhoa with the flow who screams out lets gooooooooo from my soul. I am a Mother, Daughter, sister, auntie, 3 time Amazon International best selling Co-Author, an International Speaker, Poet, Writer, CEO, Educator, Leader, philanthropist, philosopher, community advocate, the bridge to the gap, a humble servant of Big God. A creator. Go to www.RoshekaDavis.com for more in-depth answers to your questions. 

Q. So, at the Southern Plug Music Awards you introduced the world to Reject the artist. How long have you been hiding that gem from the world? 

A. Reject was a never hiding, I just decided to express myself in a deferent manner. Never was hiding it those that know me know me. I just decided to stay true!

Q. I of all people know what it means to wear multiple hats. With that being said how does Reject the musical artist differ from you in your usual role as the radio personality or host? 

A. Reject is my Yin. RoWhoa is my Yang. Collectively is one in the same maintaining duality never changing. 

Q. What is it about you that you think your core audience connects with the most?. 

A. My authenticity. I know what it is like and I never can forget where I can from. All Praises to The Most High and I am thankful to be in this track of life. I am a single Mother. I am black. I am LGBTQ. I came from poverty, but poverty will not come from me. I work. I cry. I lose, I’ve said goodbye. I’m human just striving to be. 

Q. Has operating in that capacity affected your artistry in any manner. If so how? 

A. It had an affect on how I choose to effect. I don’t want to be remembered so much by what I say but how I make you feel. I come in peace and that’s what I want my listeners to feel. Peaceful. 

Q. What is the biggest obstacle you've had to face in the entertainment industry as a member of the LBGTQ+ Community? 

A. I have learned to appreciate obstacles, they are a good workout. You gain weight in the valley. Bring me is misunderstood, be it I attract every type of human so I have to guard my heart with all diligence. 

Q. Do you feel that your journey maybe harder than others in your field because of your sexual orientation? 

A. Because I am Divine Masculine dipped in Divine Feminine I find more of a prove it group of humans. People assume all type of things so I must stand in my power of I am who I say I am. 

Q. Many people think that we as creatives only do what we do for fame or the bag so to speak. But, as a creative myself I happen to know that there is a sense of purpose driving our abmitions and goals. What would you say is your purpose? 

A. My purpose is community Unity and rebuilding the village. Healing. I am light. I am Peace. I am Love. 

Q. What would you tell a little boy or girl just like you that maybe has dreams of following in your footsteps so to speak? 

A. I would tell them to not take my path, but create there own. Always bet on yourself. 

Q. Feel like giving us a Southern Plug Exclusive today? What’s the next project for Reject? What do you have cooking? 

A. To build up the youth in my projects. I’m cooking wisdom, knowledge and inner standing. 

Q. Ok thats it for this Southern Plug Exclusive with Reject Davis. Tell my readers how they can find you online; Social media, Website, music pages etc? 

Www.RoshekaDavis.com 

Rosheka Davis on Facebook 

Rosheka(Reject) Davis on IG 

Rosheka(Reject) Davis on Twitter 

Rosheka(Reject) Davis on TikTok 

Rosheka Davis on LinkedIn 

Sheka Davis on Snapchat 

Oh and follow me in real life in real time duuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhh let’s gooooooooo

Kwame Is Tired of Being Misunderstood

Known by most as Mr. Misunderstood, Kwame has become the premier R&B/Hip Hop Artist of Columbia, SC. The Southern Plug Music Awards Male R&B Artist of the Year nominee has been seen performing his hit singles “Misunderstood” & “OOOOLALA” all over the city and a source told Southern Plug that Kwame is working on new music where you will be able to hear more of his vocal abilities. And that he is excited to share with the world. Follow him @kwamesings to see what’s next for the Soda City’s Next Big Thing!

She King: Fix Your Life With Your Favorite Motivational Speaker Street Poet

Laroy S. Hall, widely recognized by the stage name Street Poet, is an American motivational speaker, life coach, and entrepreneur based in Columbia, South Carolina. Known as "Your Favorite Speaker in Sneakers," Hall has transitioned from a career in rap and spoken word poetry to becoming a prominent figure in the empowerment and mental health sectors. The moniker "Street Poet" was born from Hall's ability to blend raw, relatable "hood" energy with profound lyrical wisdom, a style that made spoken word more accessible to audiences who traditionally favored hip-hop.

Hall's background is rooted in overcoming adversity, often speaking candidly about having an eighth-grade education and a GED to demonstrate that academic credentials do not define one's ultimate potential. This transparency is a cornerstone of Hall's brand, which focuses on healing, self-worth, and "bringing memes to life" through viral video content on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Hall uses these digital spaces to provide daily inspiration and promote a message of resilience and faith.

In her personal life, Hall identifies as a lesbian woman and frequently discusses the intersection of her identity, her long-term relationship of over 20 years, and her spiritual journey. Born Laroy Sheresa Hall—a name chosen by her mother to honor her father, Roy—she continues to lead the "Street Poet" movement, offering coaching services and keynote addresses that encourage individuals to find their voice and pursue their purpose. For more information on her current projects and events, you can visit the official Street Poet website.

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Get To Know CEO Dyamond Huntaz and Her Company Dyamond Huntaz Media

Dyamond Media LLC is a photography, videography, and filmmaking company that was founded in 2021. The company was created by Erica T Edmond, MBA bka Dyamond Huntaz, a passionate content creator who had a vision of creating a company that would provide high-quality visual content. Dyamond had always been interested in visual media, and she’d been pursuing his passion for skits, acting, and videography for many years. She began his journey in the entertainment industry in 2021. Over the years, I have been working  with film directors in short films, independent films, and television shows. This year, she started to film, and edit her own production of My A.I.R (Alopecia Is Real) TV with Tracy Newbill-Etheridge is what brought forth part of her passion for filmmaking. Being in the modeling industry is what opened the door to her love for photography. 

Q. Wassup, it's your boy Darren Southern Plug Brown for Southern Plug Magazines here with the super graceful and talented Dyamond Huntaz. Tell our readers that may not be familiar with you or your work just who you are and what it is that you do?

 A. My position is marketing, promotions and media. I have the capacity to manage talents in all industry. When I first started in the industry in the late 90s, I used to work as the main or underline promoter placing indie artists with major headliners such as Big Tymers, Juvenile, Jagged Edge, and many more. 

Q. What core things about your childhood and oast do you think were the most vital in creating the Dyamond we see before us today? 

A. Well I am blessed to been raised with a solid foundation with a God fearing mother whom worked, took care of family, church Ministries basically your average Superwoman. Then I have a strong father whom is a true definition a Classic Man and gentlemen. He is quite but loved by people that let in his personal space. I'm truly blessed to have those genuine qualities in whom I am as a person. Most of it all to have God as my anchor. My daily goal is to continue growing in him to reach my ultimate destination or greatness. 

Q. How does being LGBTQ+ contribute to the greatness that is Dyamond Huntaz! 

A. Well honestly I am not a type of to specialize in a certain genre groups. However I am a proud LGBTQ recipient and look forward to represent whom I am spite different professional elements about me. Look forward to getting more involved in the community. 

Q. I of all people know what it means to wear multiple hats. With that being said how does Dyamond the Manager differ from you in all the other roles you operate in? 

A. Dyamond the Manager is more business minded and expect nothing but greatness from my talent. I'm not looking to babysitting or doing the work for my talent. They must have the drive as I do to get them where they need to be. Talents must have a budget. Marketing and building a team cost money. It's always about time value money.

Q. What is it about you that you think your core audience connects with the most? 

A. Many people adore my genuinity personality and strategic business mind. I have a genuine passion to see my team and partners succeed their greatness as I'm accomplishing my goals. 

Q. Dyamond Huntaz is a management company right? Who are you currently managing and what do you guys have brewing for the people? 

A. Currently Dyamond Huntaz is not managing anyone just have some AWESOME ambassadors and partners that keeps me busy like.... my goals with Southern Plug and my ultimate goal is Models of the Carolinas PLUS many more projects. 

Q. What is the biggest obstacle you've had to face in the entertainment industry as a member of the LBGTQ+ Community? 

A. Never had to face much obstacles as a member of the LGBTQ community but as a woman in the industry. Many men love to take a woman for granted when he see her dominating the industry. They either use sexual advantages or vigorous acts towards her. She must be able to endure but not devalue herself to FIT IN! 

Q. Do you feel that your journey maybe harder than others in your field because of your sexual orientation? A. Once again not so much as my sexual orientation but gender. 

A woman have to be fearless and ambitious to keep going despite the odds. 

Q. Many people think that we as creatives only do what we do for fame or the bag so to speak. But, as a creative myself I happen to know that there is a sense of purpose driving our abmitions and goals. What would you say is your purpose for doing what you do? 

A. My sole purpose is to be able to duplicate myself in the right individuals. Give hope to the fallen soldiers or individuals who are seriously looking to another opportunity in life. 

Q. What would you tell a little boy or girl just like you that maybe has dreams of following in your footsteps so to speak? 

A. Stay tuned for Dyamond Huntaz Foundation that will offer that opportunity to them. 

Q. Ok thats it for this Southern Plug Exclusive with Reject Davis. Tell my readers how they can find you online; Social media, Website, music pages etc? 

A. Follow me on social media #dyamondhuntaz Or www.dhtalents.com. Legal assistance ecgllc.wearelegalshield.com.

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Our services includes:

Photography 

Media Coverage 

BTS Camera

2nd Camera

Production Assistant 

Print media

Podcast/Broadcasting 

Learn more about My AIR TV,  My A.I.R Foundation and Podcast: www.wearemyair.com. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@myair2023

For any other questions about Dyamond Media or Dyamond, feel free to contact us via e-mail or add us on social media.

Get To Know Feast Ent Owner & CEO Breeze

Voices from the South of the Carolinas looking to speak their stories and save the culture. Feast Ent is one of the most premier record labels hailing from South Carolina. With an eclectic array of artist like the late Mr. Deebo, KillahCyn, Louch and many more. Feast Ent has become known for their heavy hitting bass driving sound that is taking over hip hop listeners ears today. Under the co-leadership of Dee “Breeze” Turner FEMG has grown to become a group of SC uniques that come together to create only the rawest and rare form of art through pain experience and imagination. 

Get To Know Yun $wagg

 

Yun $wagg, born Yonnie Young, is an independent female rapper and songwriter hailing from the Eastside of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Raised in the Charleston area until moving to Summerville, she describes her musical identity as deeply authentic, focusing on lyrics that reflect relatable "facts and truth" based on personal life experiences. 

Throughout 2025 and into early 2026, she has maintained an active presence in the local hip-hop scene, frequently promoting new tracks such as "Being Honest" and collaborating with regional figures like DJ Ice Man. Her work has been featured on community-driven projects like "Home Team," which highlights emerging talent within the Charleston "843" area code. She utilizes social media platforms, including her Instagram profile, to share her music and connect with fans, often categorizing her style within the R&B and hip-hop genres.