Now its been a few months since we have featured any new talent but this one was worth getting our spotlight attention, so we definitely couldn’t pass this one up. Actress/Model/Dancer and all around entrepreneur Shoniqua Horton is a rising star who is ready to conquer the world of entertainment in every way. The Buffalo, NY native who started out as a model/dancer sites performers like Janet Jackson , Michael Jackson , & Chris Brown as some of her inspirations which led her to pursue a career in entertainment. Now while pursuing her dreams of dancing & modeling in Atlanta she also stepped into the world of acting which paid off with featured appearances in major films including ‘Alvin And The Chipmunks’ the upcoming Tyler Perry film ‘Acrimony’ . Listen to our exclusive interview with Shoniqua as this hard working single mother talks about her journey , the future & more below.

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Earlier today we had the pleasure of talking with one of the R&B Kings Case. The singer/songwriter who is celebrating 21 years in the game is still in demand and is returning home to NYC tomorrow to hit the stage at the Kings Theater as apart of the Love In The 90s Tour. Listen as we talk to him exclusively about his journey in music, how r&b has changed, who he listens to now and what fans can expect from his show and upcoming projects below. Now if you’re in the NYC area make sure to cop those tickets for the big show tomorrow night before they sell out HERE .

CASE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Last night stars came out for the kick off of the 2017 Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC. The first night started off with a bang at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square as filmmakers, writers , press & fans came out to see some of the featured works for the evening. Rapper/actor Trinidad James was in attendance as they screened the premiere of his new web series “Independent” , while actor Shaun Baker was in attendance for his film “Antone”. We also spotted actor Craig “Mums” Grant (OZ) who came out for the premiere of his film “The Middlegame”.

Now if that wasn’t enough Irv Gotti definitely took over the first night with the premiere of his latest episode of his hit BET anthology series “Tales”. The executive producer presented “Trap Queen” to the urbanworld audience and trust us it was a killer episode. Stars of the episode Michelle Mitchenor, Woody McClain and Jermel Howard were all in attendance for the big event which closed out with a special Q&A . “Trap Queen” which also stars Lance Gross was one hell of an episode filled with Drugs , Guns , Sex , Murder & tons of Action which has the audience screaming at the screen especially due to the trailblazing performance by the Trap Queen herself played by Michelle Mitchenor. You may know her from her roles in Spike Lee’s “Chi-Raq” or from FOX’s “Lethal Weapon” but trust me her performance in this role is must see tv in its finest. Make sure to look out for the episode when the show returns in Oct on BET. If you weren’t there last night check out pics & exclusive footage from the evening which is just a taste of what’s to come from this exciting weekend.

Now its been a few months since we have featured any new artist that was worth getting our spotlight attention, but we definitely couldn’t pass this one up. Dancer/Actor/Model turned Director r Chris Lylez is a rising star who is ready to conquer the world of entertainment in every way. The Philly native who started out as a dancer sites performs like Michael Jackson & Ciara as some of his earlier inspirations which led him to pursue a career in Dance. Now while pursuing his dreams of dancing in NYC he also stepped into the world of modeling and acting which paid off with features roles on hit series including ‘The Mysteries Of Laura’ & ‘Power’. Listen to our exclusive interview with Chris as he talks about his journey which led him to develop his upcoming docu-series ‘Dirty Chucks’ & more below. To Keep up with Chris follow him on Instagram & Twitter .

Chris Lylez INTERVIEW

This years Essence Festival was filled with so much Black Star Power its impossible to understand how Essence continues to top itself each year. This past weekend so many of our favorites in music , television , fashion & film were in attendance to for this years festivities. Stars like the cast of Girls Trip ( Jada Pinkett Smith , Queen Latifah , Regina Hall , Tiffany Haddish ) , FX Snowfall , Empire ( Bryshere Gray ), STAR ( Ryan Destiny , Jude Demorest , Amiyah Scott , Brittany O’Grady , Lance Gross ) , Insecure ( Issa Rae , Jay Ellis , Yvonne Orji ) , Queen Sugar ( Kofi Siriboe , Rutina Wesley , Bianca Lawson ,Nicholas Ashe , Dawm Lyn Gardner) , CLAWS ( Niecey Nash and Karreuche Tran ) , The Haves and The Have Nots ( Angela Robinson , Tyler Lepley and Gavin Houston ) & more spoke with press and fans as they promoted their hit series and films which was enough for any fan in attendance to go home satisfied.

But see that was just half of all the stars that came out during the day at the expo, but who could miss out on the evening which was filled with tons of concerts and parties as fans were able to enjoy all the sounds of legendary acts like Diana Ross , Chaka Khan , Mary J Blige , Master P , XSCAPE and more along with some of today’s show stoppers including Chance The Rapper , Solange , John Legend , Jazmine Sullivan , Monica , Teyana Taylor , K.Michelle , LeToya Luckett , Erica Campbell , Jhene Aiko , Jill Scott , India Arie . Now you know we couldnt be there and not give you exclusive looks at everything that went down, so check out tons of exclusive footage that for sure will make you want to be in town next year.

Now its been awhile since we have featured any new artist that was worth getting our spotlight attention, but we definitely couldn’t pass this one up. Singer/Songwriter Bryan Joon is a rising star born in Seoul, South Korea but raised in Connecticut who grew up listening to a diverse background of music. He sites Mary J Blige , TLC , Toni Braxton and other 90’s artist as his earlier inspiration which led him to pursue music. Listen to our exclusive interview with Bryan as he talks about his journey to NYC , becoming an artist & more then get into his 5 track EP ‘Project Ex’ below.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Earlier this morning superstar Nicki Minaj finally reunited with Power 105.1 The Breakfast Club as she called in to talk with the morning show crew. Listen as she chats about her epic performance at the Tidal X 1015 concert , females in the rap game , meeting Lauryn Hill , new music , twerking & so much more below.

Last night stars came out in NYC for the Season 2 Premiere of the hit WEtv series ‘Growing Up Hip Hop’ . The private event held at The Paley Center For Media was packed with celebs , press & special guest who couldn’t wait to see whats next on the new season. Now of course some of the shows stars were there in attendance to hit the red carpet. Romeo was joined by his father Master P & sister Cymphonique along with Egpyt , Kristina Debarge and Dame ‘Boogie’ Dash. Unfortunately cast members TJ Mizell couldn’t attend due to previous obligations and Angela Simmons had to miss the event due to the fact that she just gave birth of her baby boy Sutton this week. The cast spoke with press about the new season before joining the shows executive producer Datari Turner and guest to screen the first episode . After the screening the cast joined radio host Angela Yee on stage for an intimate Q&A in which they spoke about everything from their careers, love life , family drama & more. Check out pics & footage from last night as fans have to await the big season premiere when it airs on Oct 13th at 9pm on WEtv.

Now you know over here on this end were very picky about what artist we get into, but this go around we couldn’t deny the talent of rising rap star Carlos Ferragamo. We personally have been following the Bronx NYC native for years and watched this lyricist grow into one hell of an underground artist. Now of course being that he’s from the boogie down it only makes sense that coming from the mecca of hip-hop he sights Nas, Jay-Z , LL Cool J , Notorious B.I.G , 2 Pac and Wu-Tang as some of his inspirations. With recent features on VIBE , All Hip Hop , WorldStar & more we clearly see why his star is slowly but surely rising. We got a chance to chop it up with the Unsigned Hype for an exclusive interview just as he releases his new EP ‘Shades of Blue 2.5 (Perfect Clarity)’ which will definitely have everyone talking as his buzz continues to grow. Get into the interview below then listen to his new album which is available for download via Itunes , Amazon & Bandcamp NOW.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Now we at Y.I.F get bombarded with music from indie artist but this one stopped us dead in our tracks when we clicked her Soundcloud. Miss Kola Rai a Bronx native of NYC has slowly but surely made a name for herself over the past few years performing across the country on The Deans List Tour which has definitely sharpened her skills on stage. The sultry songstress who got her start singing in church & school shows sites artist like Whitney Houston , Chaka Khan , Stevie Wonder, Prince, Beyonce , Chris Brown & FKA Twigs as her inspiration. Trust me this one is definitely one to watch and if you don’t believe me get into some of her tracks below to see why shes got next. Get into our in depth convo below to see why Miss Kola Rai is the one to watch , then follow her on Instagram @IAMKOLARAI & Twitter @KOLARAI because this star is well on her way.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW