| February 11th, 2016

FAMU students nominated for Mieux Magazine Awards

By: journeymagazine

Words By: Chantal Gainous

Mieux Magazine, a young, online magazine dedicated to blogging about the “growing fashion, music and culture” in the state of Fla. had their 4th annual award ceremony on Jan. 23. The ceremony was held in Ybor City, an urban spot in downtown Tampa, Fla.  

Six artists, who are also students of  Florida A&M University, were nominated for their music. The first one, a singer named Saintlee, whose real name is Leondra Saintil, and and hip-hop collective Capital 6 composed of five rappers: Intricate, Rob Otis, Hakeem Furious, Donny Blot, and Crimson.

The nominations dropped Dec. 31 just in time for the New Year.

Photo Courtesy of Twitter @1SaintLee

Saintlee was nominated in two categories for Best Vocal Artist and Best New Artist. Capital 6 was nominated in one category for Best Group, which included all genres.

Both artists were extremely humbled by the news.

“I felt really good. I didn’t think I was going to be nominated. It was my first time being nominated for anything. I didn’t see it coming,” SaintLee said.

“It was great start to the year,” Intricate, of Capital 6 said.

Nominees were chosen based on who they felt “progressed the most and was the most consistent throughout the year,” according to Mieux Magazine’s website.

Although Saintlee and Capital 6 agreed that the venue was perfect for the event, they had some criticism of the event itself.

SaintLee felt that the hosts had their own agendas and were pushing toward certain artists.

“The hosts were kinda biased. It was clear who they were supporting,” SaintLee said.

Many members of Capital 6 feel that Mieux Magazine catered to a certain type of rapper in the Fla. music scene.

“They’re really geared towards Central and South Florida, because that’s where [Mieux Magazine] is based at. The rest of the music scene isn’t really in touch with North Florida,” Intricate commented.

Networking became a key component for new artists to get their music and name out there. Mieux Magazine’s ceremony became more than just simply the chance to win awards and recognition for the artists.

“I networked with a balloon. I got a whole bunch of signatures and numbers that way,” Rob Otis commented.

Unfortunately, Saintlee and Capital 6 did not win in the three categories they were collectively nominated for.

“Our category was the only category that was tied. And they opened up to revote, but it was only for an hour,” Hakeem Furious said.

But even with the extra hour, Cap 6 was still unable to take home the win losing to Twelve’len.

Neither were quick to criticize Mieux Magazine’s ceremony without taking reflection upon themselves. As young artists still in the early stages of their rap careers, Capital 6 knows that there is hard work and long, dedicated hours ahead of them.

Rob Otis stressed the importance of humility.

“Kanye West is still out here like he’s new and he’s Kanye West. That means I need to be about three Kanyes if I’m looking to do this right,” Rob Otis said

Saintlee, an even newer artist than the collective, has found help with promotion and producing her own content through the FAMU social and musical networks.

“Let It Burn” single by SaintLee

“Being [at the Journalism school] has made it very easy to reach my peers,” Saintlee, who is a Public Relations major, said. “I am able to get my current project going for free because so many people just want to help.”

Capital 6 also expressed strong ties to the FAMU community. Without the support of the community, the rappers suggest they would have never gotten far.

“Tallahassee is a training ground,” Hakeem Furious said. “And FAMU will teach you the politics.”

Intricate appreciates the feedback from FAMU, whether good or bad.

“[The FAMU community] is honest. If you’re whack, FAMU will let you know,” Intricate said. “But when they hear you and enjoy what you have, they will work with you.”

Cap 6 Summer Jelly Out Now

Capital 6 is dropping a music video called ‘Chocolate City’ soon, which features the FAMU campus and students, but in the meantime you can head over to their SoundCloud to listen to the most recent album, Summer Jelly Vol 2: Harvest Season.

Saintlee’s past projects can also be found on her SoundCloud.

All of Mieux Magazine content can be found on their website www.mieuxmagazine.com.