“The Unclassified” is a sector of AimerAmour’s Music Section for new artists you should know. These artists are “unclassified”because their unique style, sound and story defies boundaries. Read about the music industry’s fresh and innovative faces.
BERTELL
Capitol Records newest R&B singer is fearless in his approach to life. The 25 year old has experienced a world wind of ups and downs that might break the typical persons spirit. However, Bertell has persevered and channeled his hardships into his music which would lead him down the path of meeting and working with Grammy Award winning super producer Bryan-Michael Cox and securing his current record deal. Bertell talks to AimerAmour about taking risks and the inspiration behind his current mixtape.
AimerAmour: Why did you choose to be homeless at the begin of your career?
Bertell: Sometimes, in order for you to go forward in life, you have to take risks. Leaving the nest, getting out your moms house and taking a chance on yourself. Everybody is homeless whether they want to say it or not when they leave home and don’t have anywhere to stay. I have a hustler mentality, so I knew I wasn’t going to be sleeping under a bridge but I took risks. Why would anyone be willing to take risks with you if you’re not willing to take risks on yourself. I have strong relationship with God and I know he doesn’t put you in any situation you can’t handle and I handled the situation as best as possible.
AA: What inspired the title of your mixtape “The Frat House, The Waffle House, The Dorm Room”?
B: Reflecting on when I was in college having crazy fun at frat parties. After the party, no one is going to a big expensive restaurant; everybody goes to the waffle house because it’s inexpensive. And when you leave the waffle house, all the guys from the party are trying to sneak into the girls dorm room. I remixed R.Kelly’s “Bump N Grind” and I covered Trey Songz “Bottoms Up” with Willie and Brian from Day 26. I have some sexy slow songs and party songs like “Show Off” for the ladies. The mixtape is a combination of those elements and I wanted everyone listening to reminisce on those experiences with me.
AA: What’s next for you?
B: I’m shooting a music video for “Showoff” and “Headboard” featuring Bobby V. And I’m preparing to release the last song on the mixtape, “Don’t You Worry” produced by Bryan Michael Cox, written by Jontay Austin as my next single. I really want “The Frat House, The Waffle House, The Dorm Room” to be the R&B version of Drake’s “So Far Gone” mixtape. I want college students and everyone in my age range to get it because its hot!
My team has been giving out exclusive copies and the buzz thus far has been amazing. I’m looking forward to continuing to promote the project.
AA:What differences have you seen in your every day life since being signed?
B:Due to my previous struggle before my deal, being signed feels normal. I was already in the hustle mind frame so whether I got the deal or not, I knew how important it was for me to keep going because I’m passionate about what I do. Having a record deal is a blessing but my grind is still the same. I haven’t changed. I’m just getting more opportunities to do something I’ve always loved to do and will continue to do it to the best of my ability.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SQUEAK 
In a contest with over 15,000 entries, Luther “Squeak” Jackson reigned supreme. Boomdizzle.com a record label and social networking music website founded by rap legend LL Cool J hosted the first “Boomdizzle All-star Competition” in which the winner would receive a one single-recording deal and a music video available on Myspace, YouTube, and iTunes. Jackson’s song, “My Dreams” resonated with contest judges LL Cool, Marley Marl, DJ Cut Creator and the Violator management team. Though Jackson was born partially deaf with one ear, he has continued to making strides in his music career. The Detroit, Michigan native has been musically inclined all his life with a natural skill for playing several instruments in addition to producing and engineering his own music. AimerAmour talks to Squeak about his life has changed since the contest.
AimerAmour: Talk about growing up with the disability.
Squeak: Being born without an ear was definitely difficult at times as a kid because at the time I didn’t understand why I only had one ear. As I got older I grew to under that it’s the way God made me, it’s the way he wants me to be and in his eyes I’m perfect.
AA: What’s next for you?
S: I’m in the studio working on my new album. I know the disability is going to make me stand out but I’m looking forward to being accepted for who I am. You’ve never really seen anyone with this type of disability in the music industry. There are lots of people the world with disabilities but they don’t fell like they have a voice. I now have the opportunity and platform to let more people know that anything is possible. You don’t have to be afraid of who you are and how you were born. When you put God first in your life, there’s nothing than can hold you back.
AA: What advice has LL Cool J offered you?
S: He has definitely been a great mentor. For him to recognize my talents and want to step out on faith and work with someone like me is amazing. When we talk, he tells me not to be afraid of letting of my personality shine, because this is my opportunity to be a role model for so many people. He’s always motivating me and sending me inspirational messages.
AA: How did you get involved in the contest?
S: I didn’t have a clue LL Cool J had started a label or had this contest going on. My manager didn’t tell me he was submitting my song, “My Dreams” into the contest. A week later, I got a call from Claudine at Boomdizzle and she said, LL Cool J wanted to talk me. I said, “Wait, its 10amin the morning, I’m not thinking straight, LL Cool J wants to talk to me? At this time I still didn’t know about the contest so I thought it was a prank call. But it actually was LL who told me I had made it to the final round of the contest. Another week went by before I got a call saying, ‘Welcome to the Boomdizzle family. You have a single deal, we’re going to fly you out, put you on a couple of shows and if all goes well you’re going to start working on an album.’ Everything has been going wonderful and now I’m working on the album.
AA: What do you want people to know about you? What are you singing about?
S: I think a lot of people will be able to relate to me as an artist because a lot of my songs are about personal experiences. My lyrics are very positive and uplifting. I think a lot of people are going to be impressed with what I bring to the table.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ASHAYA
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Ashaya, a recent alumnus of Howard
University, executive produced, arranged, and wrote her entire album, Jukebox Remedy.
Click HERE to Listen to \”XOXO\” by Ashaya
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PERT MCFLY
AimerAmour: Who is Pert McFly and why did you want to be an artist?
Pert McFly: I’m from South East DC. I’m an artist because I love to entertain and express myself through music. I started rapping by adding beats to my poetry.
AA: How are you different from other artist?
PM: I don’t fit in the normal category of your average rapper. I’m not a gangster rapper, I’m not a jerk rapper. I’m not making up dances or using the word “swag” in all my lyrics. I’m very versatile and that gives me the upper hand in making music.
AA: Career Goals?
PM: I love videography. I make my music videos and videos for friends. I’m also applying to performaing arts schools. My goal is to grow as an artist, reach a bigger fan base and show the music industry that DC shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s so much great talent in this area and its our time to shine.
Listen to his mixtape, “McFly or Die” at http://pertmcfly.bandcamp.com/
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
K.Michelle
When you need a shoulder to cry on, take
comfort in “Pain Medication” the debut album from Jive’s Newest R&B Singer K.Michelle.
AimerAmour: Who is K.Michelle and how are you different from other R&B artists that are out right now?
K.Michelle: I’m a single mother, a college graduate, a person that’s been through a whole lot. I’m understanding and non judging. I make music that feels good to me that can help people.
AA: How does the title of your album reflect the music?
KM: All music has some type of affect on your emotions. It’s supposed to make you feel some type of way. My music is geared towards people that have experience some type of pain. I’ve gone through so many things at such a young age that many people couldn’t begin to understand. When I got my record deal I made a vowel to God and myself to remain honest with my music. Women can definitely relate to my lyrics because I’m talking about heartbreak and trying to figure out who you are as a woman. So “Pain Medicine” is just that-medicine that makes you feel like you’ve found a friend that understands what you’ve been through.
AA: What have you learned by working with R.Kelly?
KM: R.Kelly told me to be myself. People will accept you as yourself before they accept you as someone else. He’s been the main influence behind my album.
AA: Why did you decide to sign with Jive, because a lot of people associate Jive with more pop artists and not necessarily R&B.
KM: It’s true, Jive doesn’t have a great R&B history. They ‘ve never broke a African American female artist. The closest they’ve come to it is Syleena Johnson. As a new artist, that can be very discouraging. But I know God hasn’t put me through any situation without making away. I signed with Jive, because they believe in me and my vision for my music. They may have never worked with an artist like me before but that doesn’t mean it can’t be and won’t be done.