For everyone trying to break into the music industry, it’s common knowledge that the business is not for the faint of heart. Many artists and producers spend years perfecting their craft. Through studying their music, creating their own brands, and having a passion for their dreams, Armando Cadogan Jr. and Jamaal Castang are determined to create a name for themselves in the entertainment world.
Armando Cadogan Jr., better known as Hip-Hop recording artist Panama, started his journey in Baltimore, MD. As a theatre major at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Panama landed a role on HBO’s hit TV series, The Wire. On Season 1, during the third episode, he was cast as a drug dealer. Although the role was brief, Panama was called back for Season 4 as Bubble’s tormentor. While gaining recognition on the award-winning show, Panama was also in several industrial films for companies, such as The American Red Cross and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
DMV Rapper Tommy Fly Guy allowed the good guys at The Wall Magazine to join him in a studio session. We met with Tommy in the 757 area while he was recording for a mixtape scheduled to drop in February. Keep your eyes on The Wall for all your Fly Guy exclusives.
Stephanie Kiah can remember back to when she was in church drawing as a little girl. Now you can find her at Norfolk State University, standing out in her art classes. The Wall sat down with her and talked about where she has been and where she see herself in the future.
TheWallMag (TWM): How did you get started in art?
Stephanie Kiah: As far as I can I remember I’ve been drawing or sketching or doodling little things. And when I was younger, I’d be in church and my mom would give me a piece of paper and a pencil and all through the church service I would just be drawing and people would be looking over my shoulder and over the pew watching me as I drew. My mom would keep all my drawings. So I’ve always been doing it for as long as I remember.
TWM: What’s your favorite medium?
Stephanie Kiah: It’s hard to say but…I would say… I’ve mostly dealt with paintings and also pastels are nice even though at times they’re messy and charcoal and graphite. And that’s mostly what I use.
TWM: What’s your favorite piece, if any? Stephanie Kiah: I’d say right now, its probably Lemonade Girl. It’s a piece on canvas with acrylic paint.
TWM: What’s your best experience as an artist?
Stephanie Kiah: Hmm…um I don’t know if I can really say what my best experience as an artist is, but I can say that being an artist has brought me many great experiences. I’ve got to go to the CAA conference in Dallas Texas; I got to meet great artists through people I know, through my Aunts, I’ve gotten to meet famous artists. And… just a whole bunch of good experiences have come out of it. TWM: Is there a point you’re trying to reach with you art? Or you main subject matter.
Stephanie Kiah: Just things that are kind of close to my heart. I know that’s cliché. I tend to incorporate a lot of baby pictures or pictures of people from my family. I also like a lot of antique things.
TWM: Do you have any big plans for the future?
Stephanie Kiah: I was thinking about becoming a museum curator, but as of now I’m not so sure if I want to give up being a studio artist. But I’m currently thinking about that and trying to establish what I’m trying to do. TWM: Where do you see yourself down the road? Stephanie Kiah: I’m not exactly sure, but something that has to do with the arts. No matter what I do or what kind of career I choose or profession, I always plan to do my art work on the side.
