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ML Underwood, an Emerging Hip Hop Artist, Rises from the Ashes, Becoming a Hope for Millions

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Unpredictable and full of surprises, life is more of a journey than a quest. One experiences a roller coaster of emotions during this journey full of obstacles, challenges, moments of happiness, and times when one feels lonely and wishes to give up. One moment, there is joy and happiness all around, and right in the next moment, there is grief, sadness, and hopelessness. This element of surprise and unpredictability in life demotivates many people, deviating them from their life goals and bringing many to the point of giving up.

No one knows what they are going to come across in the next moment. It is the ‘not knowing’ that makes life beautiful. The adversities, a part of life no one can escape, serve as a motivation for one to make it big life. The way one handles these obstacles and challenges determines their successes and failures.

There is one secret to success in life; facing adversities with head held high and coming out stronger than ever. Serving as an example is the founder and CEO of MyLife Entertainment, who is currently working on his music career. ML Underwood, a name not unknown to the music artists and listeners.

Spending time in federal prison can strip away a person’s confidence and self-esteem, pushing them into a world of intense emotions such as grief, depression, and hopelessness. Underwood is one of those who do not give in to their adversities, stay consistent, and give their all to fulfill their dreams. He not came out of prison as a stronger version of himself but also to help all other inmates who had huge expectations from life.

A Story Worth Narrating…

Born in the hometown of Michael Jackson, a legend, on October 13, 1973, ML Underwood’s story is an example of how adversities help a person grow into a better version of themselves. Failures come in different forms; regardless, they must not be looked upon as a hurdle but as a stepping stone. Underwood was meant to make a name for himself in the music industry.

The fact that ML Underwood was afraid of failures as a child makes his story relatable to millions of struggles out there. When asked about his take on failures, he stated, “As a child, I was afraid to fail because my dad always pushed greatness upon me.” As a child, he was an athletic individual who loved playing basketball. Wrestling was where his heart was, and he even earned the title of a state champion in high school. He wrestled for two years. His priorities were different as a child, and as an athletic kid, he did not see music as a career choice.

Even though he grew up listening to Jackson 5 and he was even named after Marlon Jackson from this pop band by his sister, Melody. It was after he met his music teacher, Mrs. Hatcher that made him feel his soul connect with music. When he began admiring the purity of this artistic form of expression, he could not pursue it as his father always wanted him to go to college. He entered Purdue College to study Electrical Engineering.

Underwood used to hang out with gangsters a lot, which led him into the Federal Penitentiary. During these years, he thought about all the things that he could have done outside. He used his prison time to sort things out in life and decided it was music he wanted to pursue. Life in prison is tough and can crush the dreams of many people. Realizing this, Underwood also took up a responsibility to change things for all those inmates who were dreaming of acquiring stability in life after the release from the prison.

Turning His Dreams into Reality

After spending five years in prison, ML Underwood stepped out with an aim to turn his life around and establish standing in the world of music. The world around him tried to bring him down and hurt his confidence. He states, “It is funny how people kept on telling me that I can’t do something or that something is hard and impossible.” His determination and high self-esteem helped him lay the foundations of his consulting agency, “MyLife Entertainment”. He attempted to acquire a prominent standing in the world of entertainment. Through his company, he offered artist management, marketing strategy advising, and business performance consulting.

The company will also host the hip-hop Awards 2020. ML Underwood worked with some notable clients in the entertainment world, including Bun B, Juvenile, Sandy Redd from NBC’s the Voice, Willie Taylor, Shawnna from DTP, and Boosie Badazz. With time, the company has acquired an esteemed standing in the world of entertainment, and it turned Underwood into a renowned talent manager in the music industry. Through this platform, Underwood hopes to ‘reform hip hop to the next highest level.’ Another reason why he founded the company was to finance his own dreams. On one occasion, Underwood talked about how ‘before distributing music, an aspiring artist should have a budget for Marketing their Music.

After the company established a firm foundation, he decided it was time to step into the music world as a musician, something he aspired to be, ever since he stepped out of prison. Finally, Underwood released his first song with the support of Willie Taylor (Day 26) and Shawanna. The remix of ‘Crazy Love’ was his ticket into the music world as a musician. While discussing his debut, he stated, “Crazy Love came from my heart because it really describes my relationship with my wife. The struggles of Marriage and understanding the love language of your partner can be just CRAZY.

His debut was followed by a plethora of other releases such as ‘Coalition,’ ‘My Life,’ ‘King God Legend,’ ‘That’s on My Life,’ ‘Show Me,’ and ‘I’m the Light.’ After investing millions of dollars in helping other artists build their careers, Underwood found it fitting to invest in himself. He stated, “You never go wrong investing in yourself.” In just seven months, his track acquired one million streams, a dream of many aspiring artists, and he aims to reach 100 million streams.

A Man Helping the Strugglers Turn their Lives Around

Not only his dreams, but he also stepped up to improve the lives of his fellow inmates who were struggling to achieve stability in life. It led to the establishment of a beneficial service for inmates known as, The United Prisoner Association. Serving as the voice of the young African-American generation, he is helping inmates turn their lives around by providing them a platform through which they can fulfill their long-lost dreams.

Born in Gary, a small town in Indiana, ML Underwood not just an entrepreneur and a musician, but also a philanthropist life coach, and motivational speaker. All his tracks have a message that listeners, who dive deep into the lyrics, will be able to find. The Hip Hop music artist creates tracks that are a perfect amalgamation of knowledge, emotions, and melody. He uses his music to empower the African-American community to follow the light and find success in their lives. His music is a force that is acquiring worldwide recognition in African-American music. Underwood’s life is serving as a source of inspiration who are failing to turn their dreams into reality, and his music is encouraging people to take a stand and fight to live lives exactly the way they want to!

The idea of Bigtime Daily landed this engineer cum journalist from a multi-national company to the digital avenue. Matthew brought life to this idea and rendered all that was necessary to create an interactive and attractive platform for the readers. Apart from managing the platform, he also contributes his expertise in business niche.

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Entertainment

Notes from the Heart: Lartist Yan on Music, Motivation, and ‘Second Chance’

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Photo courtesy of Lartist Yan 

By Mj Toledo 

US rising singer, songwriter, producer, and beatmaker Lartist Yan has always believed that music is a universal language, and his recent rise in the industry proves he’s fluent in it. With his new hit song “Second Chance” and upcoming tour, fans nationwide eagerly anticipate his old-school soul and contemporary flair, as Lartist Yan blends genres such as Country Blues, Reggae, Pop, RnB/Soul, Ballad, Folk, and Soul/Blues into his captivating performances. The rising star discusses his songwriting process and how he is turning real-life challenges into chart-topping hits that speak to the soul.

Q: Can you share the creative process behind “Second Chance”? What inspired the melody and lyrics?

Lartist Yan: Of course. “Second Chance” was quite an experience for me. It all started one night when I was sleeping, and I suddenly heard this melody playing in my ears, as if someone was playing it to me from afar. It was a mysterious, compelling melody that demanded to be heard. I immediately woke up and started working on it, trying to capture the essence of what I had heard in my dream.

The lyrics were born from a personal experience of betrayal and disappointment. I had been let down by someone I loved at the time, and this song became a way for me to process those emotions. 

But more than just expressing pain, I wanted “Second Chance” to offer hope. The message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that failure can often be the beginning of something great. 

Q: Your music is like a combination of various genres. How do you balance these different influences in your songwriting?

Lartist Yan: What an interesting question. I really do not have a strict formula. I just let my inner self guide me. Listening to so many genres gave me a broad musical palette to work.

When I write a song, I naturally draw from these influences, picking elements that best express the emotion or story I am trying to convey.

We should not confine music to rigid genre boundaries. Instead, I aim to create a sound that is authentic to me, often resulting in a fusion of styles. For example, in “Second Chance,” you will hear elements of old-school RnB mixed with modern pop production techniques. This honors my musical roots while also creating something fresh.

Q: “Second Chance” has quickly climbed the charts in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Why do you think listeners love it so much?

Lartist Yan: I believe the universal theme of hope and redemption in “Second Chance” resonates most with listeners. We have all experienced setbacks in life, and the idea that we can bounce back and deserve another opportunity speaks to people. I am truly humbled and grateful that “Second Chance” has touched so many people and found its way onto the charts.

Q: You have mentioned multiple times that your music addresses real-life challenges. How do you translate personal experiences into chart toppers? 

Lartist Yan: Translating personal experiences into universal themes is at the heart of my songwriting process. I believe that even though our individual experiences are unique, many often share the emotions we feel. 

When I write about a personal challenge or situation, I focus on the emotions and the broader lessons learned rather than getting caught up in specific details that only apply to me.

For example, with “Second Chance,” I think about how others might relate to my feelings and what words or melodies might resonate with them. It is about finding the common thread in our human experiences so listeners can see themselves in the music, even if their circumstances differ.

Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming single, “The Wave of Love”? How does it differ from or build upon “Second Chance”?

Lartist Yan: While “Second Chance” focuses on themes of redemption and new beginnings, “The Wave of Love” explores the power of genuine, true love and how authentic love can impact our lives.

Musically, “The Wave of Love” builds upon the soulful foundation of “Second Chance” but introduces new elements that reflect the song’s theme. You will hear a more expansive sound. I cannot wait for everyone to listen to it and experience this new aspect of my artistry.

Q: You’ve won several prestigious awards before releasing your first single. How have these accolades impacted your career?

Lartist Yan: Winning those awards in Russia was a turning point for me. It was not just about the recognition; it also gave me a huge confidence boost in my abilities as a performer.

When starting, you often doubt yourself, wondering if you have what it takes. But standing on those stages, receiving the Golden Voice of Russia and the other awards, was like a confirmation that I was on the right path.

Those accolades also opened up a lot of doors for me. I got to share the stage with some major stars in Moscow, which was an incredible learning experience. It exposed me to a broader audience and helped me understand what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. But more than anything, it fueled my passion to keep pushing, improving, and bringing my music to an even bigger stage – which is why I am so excited about my move to the U.S. market now.

Q: As both a songwriter and beatmaker, how do you approach the production process for your tracks?

Lartist Yan: It is very organic and intuitive. It usually starts with a feeling or an experience I want to express. Sometimes, like with “Second Chance,” the melody comes to me in a dream, and I build from there. 

Other times, I will start with a beat or a chord progression that captures the emotion I am trying to convey. I do not like to force the process. I believe the best music comes when you let it flow naturally.

Q: How do you balance creating personally meaningful and commercially appealing music?

Lartist Yan: That is a great question, and I think about it a lot. For me, the key is to always start with authenticity. If a song is significant to me, if it comes from a genuine place of emotion or experience, then it has the potential to connect with others. That connection is what makes music commercially appealing in the long run.

Of course, I am not naive about the realities of the music industry. I pay attention to trends and what is resonating with audiences. But instead of trying to copy what is popular, I look for ways to incorporate those elements into my style. 

Q: You’re preparing for your first U.S. tour. What can fans expect from your live performances?

Lartist Yan: I am incredibly excited about my first U.S. tour. Regarding the setlist, I’ll perform songs from my debut album, including ‘Second Chance,’ some memorable covers, and tracks from my debut EP. I also plan to include interactive elements to connect with the audience.

My band and I have been rehearsing extensively to guarantee that we deliver a tight, energetic show that brings the studio recordings to life. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to my music, I promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

We will start the “Discover Me” Tour in Los Angeles, then head to Washington, D.C., and New York City. After that, we will be in Seattle, Chicago, and wrap up in Dallas in 2024-2025.

Q: What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Lartist Yan: My long-term vision is to become a global artist who can touch people’s lives through music, regardless of where they are from or what language they speak. I also want to create music that entertains and brings positive change. 

To achieve these goals, I am focusing on a few key things. First, I am constantly working on my craft – writing, producing, and performing as much as possible to keep improving. I am also very committed to building genuine connections with my audience through music and platforms like social media. 

The upcoming tour is a big part of this strategy. It is about getting out there and connecting with people face-to-face. It is a long journey, and I am excited about every step of it.

For longtime fans and new listeners, the upcoming US  artist’s music provides a fresh take grounded in real experiences. With a new song and an upcoming tour in the pipeline, the world is about to get a “Second Chance” at falling in love with music all over again through Lartist Yan. 

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