Pure TALENT. Potential. Potent STAR POWER- Check out these new artists on the RISE!
Amor Montana- The “Block Banger”
Marcus “Amor Montana” Wallace, 24, grew up with a devout love for rap and hip hop. At a young age, he became inspired and began writing his own music. “My favorite artist was definitely Lil’ Wayne, that’s the first artist I really listened to.”, says the East St. Louis native.
Real, Raunchy, Transparent– that’s Montana’s music. He has been making rounds on local stages with his lively and crowd engaging ballads. Recently, he released a “tiny desk” performance of his unreleased track, “Downers Pt. 2”.
Wallace credits his sister and late grandmother for inspiring him to keep going. He is currently working on releasing his first official single on streaming platforms, followed by MANY bangers to come!
“If you’re not willing to sacrifice for your dreams… don’t do it.” -Amor Montana
IG: @montanavsme
Mrz. Diva Baby- The “Shining Songbird”
At age 16, Lashay “Mrz. Diva Baby” Russell decided to pursue her dreams as a singer, and never looked back. “I always had a passion for it, it was always my dream to be on somebody’s stage.”, she says. The St. Louis native began auditioning for national talent shows such as “American Idol”, “America’s Got Talent”, and “The Voice”. “Since COVID came, I had to do virtual auditions, they always told me to try again, but I took it as motivation.”
As she grows in experience and exposure, Mrz. Diva Baby has cultivated a solid fanbase. She has also graced the stage of several local historical venues, including The Ambassador. Mrz. Diva draws inspiration from R&B songstress’ such as Ashanti, Fantasia, Mariah Carey, Monica, and girl group Xscape. She specializes in song covers for top hits and is currently working on writing her own music and expanding her fanbase. “Right now, I just want to get my voice heard, by God’s grace.” Look out for this star dusted DIVA!
“It’s NEVER too late. God has the final say.” -Mrz. Diva Baby
IG: @mrzdivababy
SteeziE- The “King of Versatility”
Multi-genre music artist, “SteeziE” grew up listening to “musick” as he calls it, of all type. “I love everything from rap and R&B, to rock, country…a bit of a combination.”, the south St. Louis native explains. “I just love the vibe of all music, and how it makes you feel.” The rapper is known for his skill of “combining genres” in his music. He credits inspiration from legends such as the late Tupac, Michael Jackson, and hard rock bands, Dead Leppard and Guns N’ Roses. “To name a few more, I also listen to a lot of Gucci Mane, Lil’ Wayne, Future, Kanye, and guys like that.”
SteeziE’s first project was a single called “Breakfast”, recorded at the historic Lemp Brewery, located in south St. Louis. Recently, he dropped his “anime infused” hit, “Nindo” on YouTube. He is currently working on a mixtape and album, titled “Super Saiyan SteeziE” and “Musick”. Excited to hear more from this “musickally” enlightened MC!
“Criticism can be constructive, but at the same time, be yourself and stay true to who you are.” -SteeziE
IG: @stoneheadsteez
Allie Forte’- The “Theatrical Trailblazer”
New Albany, Indiana born Allie Forte’ knew at an early age that she was made for the STAGE! “I was a theatre kid, I did musical theatre from age 4 until now.”, the 23 yr. old states. “As my body changed, I couldn’t dance the same, but I love to perform so I had to keep active. I had to keep going.” Forte’ relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, but continued to pursue the arts. She earned a degree in Acting from University of Evansville, IN, and took an internship in St. Louis, Missouri.
A die-hard Beyonce’ fan, Forte’ says the music mogul was her childhood inspiration and influence. She also admires stars such as Jazmine Sullivan, Adele, Amy Winehouse, and the legendary Sade’. “I love her alto-supremacy.”, she says about the legend. Allie’s first singing performance was at The Kre8 Place, a popular creative space in St. Louis, and she is looking forward to “gracing the stage” more often. She is currently working on her craft in acting, singing, and dancing. Allie Forte’ is well on her way to becoming a performance arts legend, and whenever she’s ready…THE STAGE AWAITS!
“Optimize what makes you unique. Authenticity is key.” -Allie Forte’
IG: @alllieforte
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