(December 17, 2024) - "They just played my song when the Lakers were coming out...when LeBron was coming out...at warmups," said hot new rapper Lil Hyste (Hasan McDuffie) about his hit single "Up" (Empire Records) being played by the NBA. "They played it at the Trimble Stadium (Oklahoma) at professional boxing games."Last time I had the pleasure of interviewing this Hip-Hop superstar it was in 2021 when he released his last single "Pandemic." He went on to sign to Empire Records and released the hit single "Up."

"It was through my label. This guy I call B...He been working with lots of people outside of music. One day he said, ‘I got something for your birthday (born August 27th).' He told me they played my single while the lakers were coming out, when LeBron was coming out and warm-ups. Then he said, ‘I got something for you for Christmas.' He said it was played at Trimble Stadium during boxing games."

Now a free artist, while looking for a new label, Lil Hyste is still making moves.

"Today I found out I did a Podcast years ago and I was with a guy in You Got Served and with Erykah Badu daughter," he said to me excited about realizing the level of achievement he has made.

Lil Hyste started rhyming at the age of 10. So good, he was soon on tour performing in San Diego, New York, Arizona, Las Vegas and Chicago. As a teen he made his appearance performing on BET's "Wild Out Wednesdays.' As an adult he went on to perform as the opening act for Lil Flip, Kurupt, Trina and Juicy J.

"I'm working on a project called ‘Thriller'," said Lil Hyste, a resident of Wisconsin, when I asked what is up for his future. "It was the label's idea. Life is like a roller coaster....like a thriller ride...of good times and bad times. I have a ‘Thriller' the mixtape coming up. I also have a clothing line...making some merch now."

In closing our interview, I asked the San Diego native what his biggest goal for his career in music is and he said, "I've got to have a lot of fun....and to finally have freedom." www.LilHysteMusic.com

The Pulse of Entertainment: Kendra Erika Music Video for Single ‘Body Language' Airing on MTV's ‘Spankin' New', Receives One Million Views on YouTube in Two Months

by Dr. Eunice Moseley

(December 13, 2024) - "Body language...global communications," said Electronic Dance Music artist Kendra Erika about the meaning to the title of her new single "Body Language" (Oyster Shell Music/KDM Music/AMG Canada/Sony Music). "Body language is in friendships, relationships, political debates, dance moves on the floor."

The singer/songwriter's "Body Language" single reached #2 on iTunes Chart and on TikTok her music video for the "Body Language" single has garnered over one million views in two months. A brief online search tells me that the only other artist to accumulate one million views on a music video within two months is Taylor Swift. It is written by Kendra (born Kendra Erika Fulmer) and produced by Ellis Miah and Marvin Buessau (Miley Cyrus). Grammy nominated DJ Stonebridge (Usher) remixed the "Body Language" single.

"I have been performing professionally since I graduate college - part-time, ¾," Kendra informed me when I asked. "Soon as I graduated high school, I wanted to go to New York and Los Angeles to perform as a career. My mom had the foresight to say this is wonderful but obtained a four-year degree first."

"So, I did my time," she laughed. "When we revisited it (going to NY and Los Angeles to perform) I still wanted to do this...full force."

Discovered by AMG/Sony's TJ Goodin and signed by Mark Berry (Duran Duran) for AMG/Sony, Erika studied communication in college, and it is evident with this single "Body Language". I mentioned the connection.

"My mom did that (had her graduate with a college degree)," she pointed out. "I've evolved...from Bubble Gum Pop to a more...fresh sound."

What also impressed me with not only this single "Body Language", but her other releases is the music. The music is so bigger than life in sound to match her bigger than life persona.

"I use difference producers. I have a roller-decks of producers," Kendra Erika said with a slight laugh. "Each producer offers a different sound."

Kendra, a Florida native, saw her music video to her single "Self-Control" (produced by Grammy winning Damon Sharpe and Eric Sanicola) released five years ago, collect 200,000 views and garnered #1 position on Billboard's Dance Song Chart. Three years ago, the music video for her single "Gemini" (written by Chris Garcia) has received 500,000 views. Her music video for the single "Thriller Killer", released two years ago, has one million views.

MTV's "Spankin' New Video" show has her "Body Language" music video in rotation. Kendra Erika has garnered five Billboard Top Ten Dance Songs and has performed as an open act for Jason Derulo. www.KendraErika.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Dr. Eunice Moseley has an estimated weekly readership of over one million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations and Business Management Strategist and Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com EVENTS: "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), founded by Eunice in 1999, is into its 25th year. Next events are coming to Baltimore via Zoom Saturday April 20, 2024, presented by Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times, and Los Angeles via Zoom Saturday, November 9 2024. The ULMII event is a free entertainment conference offering a Professional Industry Panel Q&A Session, a Professional Talent Showcase and National Talent Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) where aspiring artists have a chance to receive over $19,000 valued in prizes/product/services. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.comor to RSVP for Zoom Access at EventBrite.com or email info@ThePulseofEntertainment.com.