KARINA J IS THE NEW GREAT SC HOPE!

 

Karina J, a Columbia, SC native, has been passionate about music since childhood. Her musical journey began at just 11 years old, singing in choirs and performing in school choruses. This early exposure to music fueled her creativity and led her to start writing and recording her own songs before finishing high school. After high school, Karina took a different path and joined the military, where she continued to cultivate her love for music. It wasn’t until she retired from the service that she fully dedicated herself to her craft, hitting the studio and finding her unique voice. Karina J’s big break came when she caught a buzz with a viral moment—her standout performance in the “Women Run the World” Cypher went viral on TikTok, showcasing her skills and gaining her a massive following. Since then, Karina J has accumulated over 2 million streams, and her popularity continues to rise. With a powerful voice and a dedication to inspiring women everywhere, Karina J is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Artist Spotlite: Dominique Hammons

Dominique Hammons is a young, dynamic violinist from Houston, Texas, known for his vibrant contemporary and jazz performances. He began playing classical violin at the tender age of 8. At this time his passion for music developed and his pursuit to achieve artistic excellence took off. Hammons attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, where he was a member of the school orchestra program for four years. This experience laid the foundation for him to gain the knowledge and direction needed to get on the path to musical greatness. Following high school, Hammons pursued higher education at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. He graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance, with a jazz emphasis. Dominique Hammons exceptional talent has not gone unnoticed. He’s received numerous awards and recognition throughout his musical journey. One notable achievement includes winning the Houston Symphony’s prestigious “Young Artist Competition,” an honor that granted him the opportunity to showcase his skills on stage with the renowned orchestra. Additionally, he has excelled as a participant in NAACP “Actso” competitions, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the music world. Hammons has garnered attention for his unique ability to reimagine popular hits through the power of his violin. His covers of chart-topping songs, such as Chris Brown ft. Young Thug’s “Go Crazy,” TLC’s “No Scrubs,” NLE Choppa’s “Walk Em’ Down, and Calvin Harris x The Weeknd’s “Over Now,” have captivated audiences and showcased his versatility as a musician. His innovative arrangements and skillful performance adds a fresh and dynamic twist to these beloved tracks, breathing new life into the melodies. Hammons onstage presence is best described as charismatic and energetic. His passion for music radiates through every note he plays leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s heart. His interpretations merge the realms of contemporary and jazz music, creating a unique experience. With his distinctive artistic vision, Hammons seamlessly blends genres, showcasing the power and versatility of the violin as a vehicle for emotional expression. As Dominique Hammons continues to make waves in the music world, he remains committed to inspiring younger generations. In addition to his impressive performances, he actively engages in mentoring and educating aspiring musicians by sharing his knowledge and passion for the violin. Through teaching and community outreach, Hammons strives to ignite a love for music and empower others to pursue their own artistic dreams. For bookings and press, contact She L Robinson, Sr. Publicist, Robinson Squared LLC

The Self Proclaimed Greatest of All Time Omar Cunningham

Omar Cunningham has found his "swag" as an award-winning and highly sought after artist, songwriter and producer. His smooth, sensual, and strong vocals have gained him national recognition, with countless music bloggers referring to him as "The R. Kelly of the South". His backgrounds are silky and his lyrics are real. As an independent Soul & R&B artist, some of his biggest hits have become labeled "Southern Soul Classics", including: "Baby, Don't Leave", "Check to Check", "Hell At The House", "Beauty Shop", and "I'm In Love With A Married Woman." In 2020, he released his latest album,"Certified", which includes the soulful, head-bobbing tracks, "I Feel Like Making", "Call Me Daddy", and "On My Way to Memphis". Omar is also a voting member of The Recording Academy (Grammy Awards). Some may consider him as being the man with the golden pen, with colleagues commonly referring to him as "Omar The Hitmaker". Omar has been quietly behind the scenes writing songs for many of today's top artists. Omar was responsible for Billboard charting hits, "Put It On Me " by West Love and the hit single, "We Both Grown" by Willie Clayton who was joined by on the track by Grammy award winning artist, Dave Hollister. This song reached #23 on Billboard's Adult R & B charts. Omar also is the mastermind producer and is featured on the Southern Soul Juke Joint Sensation, "The Boots Song" with Big Yayo. He also wrote the title track for Mel Waiter's 2010 album, "I Ain't Gone Do It". Omar was also tapped to write songs for music powerhouses, Lenny Williams and Shirley Brown's, "I Don't Wanna Leave". He also played a major role in boosting Karen Wolfe's career by writing her two award winning hits titled "Man Enough" and "Stuttering". Omar also wrote the #1 soul song, as reported by the Soul and Blues Report, for Vick Allen titled "If He Can Beat Me Rocking".

Get To Know Death Ray Robin

Death Ray Robin is an Alt-R&B act featuring Black-Korean vocalist Desirée Richardson and a rotating cast of instrumentalists from Columbia, SC. Best known for her mellifluous soprano and straightforward yet poetic pop sensibilities, Richardson vacillates between genres, writing about themes of self-preservation, identity, revenge, forgiveness, and hope

Gospel Corner: Algeron Wright

Contemporary gospel artist Algeron Wright specializes in urgent, high-energy songs that aim to uplift and motivate his listeners. The singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist has independently released the albums Live in the Carolinas (2008) and Live: With Family & Friends (2013), as well as subsequent singles highlighted by the triumphant "Created to Win" (2021). All of Wright's material is powered by his robust voice and communal spirit. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Wright has served as both a minister and a minister of music. He self-released his first album, Live in the Carolinas, in 2008. Recorded at Stevenson Auditorium, the set included featured appearances from LeJeune Thompson and Curtis Young, Sr., as well as Eartha Wright and Thomas Wright. Five years later, Wright issued the nationally distributed Live: With Family & Friends, an even more community-oriented project with Angela Spivey, Izzy, and Lowell Pye, along with D'Vine -- Wright's previous vocal group -- among the contributors. Wright has since been behind "I Really Love You" and "Created to Win," singles released respectively in 2016 and 2021

LADY Q OPENS UP NEW SOUL KITCHEN IN CHARLOTTE

Located inside Southend Eats, Lady Q Soul Kitchen is the latest addition to soul food in CLT. Lady Q Soul Kitchen was founded by Flint, MI native Jacquetta Frazier aka Lady Q in 2024. Staying true to her hometown traditions. Lady Q's cuisine uses only the freshest, Michigan sourced ingredients. Giving customers the taste and feel of home with every bite and sip. Lady Q's is a must-have for anyone looking to experience the best of soul cuisine.

Bunny Tat Is The Undeniable Voice of The Hoochies

Bunny Tat , the self-proclaimed voice of the hoochies is also the Queen of Upstate hip-hop music. With hits like “Freaky Girl” , & “Hoocihe Mama” she has gained a cult like following amongst baddies & hoochies alike. A following of over 6,000 and growing on Instagram alone. Her nostalgic & super sexual visuals has garnered thousands of views and a super positive response from the hip-hop public. Bunny tat has won many awards for her work including Music Video of the Year and Female Hip Hop Artist of the Year at both the Jetties & Southern Plug Music Awards.

Follow Her on Social Media

Tiktok/Instagram & X: @Bunnytat_ 

Spotify: Bunny Tat 

Snapchat: @Thetat1 

Facebook: @Bunny.tat.5 

Youtube: @Bunnytat_