Shyan Selah: Music, Mentorship, and a New Chapter with Forbes

Raised in a household that he refers to as a "black museum," Shyan Selah was surrounded by an abundance of records, books, art, vinyl, CDs, sports memorabilia, and articles, particularly those reflecting the history of Black culture. His musical journey began in a household deeply immersed in cultural and musical influence.

In 2016, Brandon Phillips and Davon Revis first crossed paths on the set of a music video shoot. Davon had been brought in by a mutual contact to help with the production, a surprise to Brandon, as he hadn’t been informed. Despite the unexpected introduction, the two hit it off and quickly found common ground in their passion for music. Both artists were involved in separate music projects and groups at the time, but it wasn’t long before Davon joined Brandon’s team.

Born Russell Maynard, but to the world he’s known as DJ Infamous Sleepy, began his musical journey dating back to the 90s while being a student at Elizabeth City State University located in North Carolina. While being a full-time student and with a full school schedule, Maynard managed to frame houses and condos, alongside DJ’ing 95% of the college parties on campus.

Fresco Lee was an athlete first and foremost. While growing up, people often remarked on his talent for rapping, but his focus was primarily on sports. At 18, on his way to a studio session at the Southwest Community Center, he was shot in the leg. The injury forced him to set aside basketball and pick up the pen. From that turning point, he committed himself fully to mastering his craft, determined to make every performance and opportunity a testament to his growth as an artist.

Falling in love with music at a young age while listening to greats such as Earth, Wind & Fire, The O’Jays, Stevie Wonder, and Luther Vandross, Jay Dot found music sticking to him like glue. Mimicking sounds without even noticing, his journey since adolescence has been filled with learning more about the art. Understanding what music means while discovering his own talents, Jay Dot has put together an amazing career from his youth to the present day.

LeNard Jones of Goody Bagg was a basketball player before he became a musician. While his primary focus during his youth was basketball, the rich musical environment surrounding him left an enduring impression that would draw him back into the world of music years later.

Toby “Fresh” Campbell, better known as DJ DV One, got his start in DJing through an unexpected twist of fate. Initially aspiring to be a rapper, he was forced to take over DJ responsibilities when his own DJ was incarcerated.

Opening his club to the Seattle nightlife in October of last year with the slogan “OHM is home,” Jordan Quiller has brought his Houston, Texas, roots and mixed them with his Seattle style. The two mixtures have rewarded him with one of the best nightclubs here. Quiller has hosted big artists such as Veeze, Anycia, 03 Greedo, Real Boston Richie, Bino Rideaux, Jay Critch, and Bryson Tiller throughout his first year of opening.

Often working behind the scenes, music managers play a crucial role in shaping the careers of tomorrow's stars. Ryker, the manager of the multifaceted Oblé Reed, is no exception. With a sharp eye for talent and a deep understanding of the industry, she and Oblé have forged a strong partnership, with Ryker providing the strategic guidance that complements Reed's creative vision, helping him navigate the complexities of the music industry while staying true to his artistry.

It’s 7 PM on a chilly mid-October evening in Seattle’s Capitol Hill. A growing line forms outside Neumos, where concertgoers, blending punk and hip-hop styles, are eagerly awaiting tonight’s show. They’re here for Teza Talks, set to take the stage for the release of Black Girl American Horror Story, her highly anticipated debut album, hailed as her most innovative work yet.

Barry Williams, known by his stage name, DJ B-Mello, is a seasoned and respected award winning DJ with a rich history in the craft that dates back to the early 1980s.

Gregory Buren, also known as Funk Daddy, is a cornerstone of Seattle's music scene, embodying the spirit of hip-hop through his multifaceted talents as a producer, DJ, and former MC. His musical journey began in the mid-1980s, inspired by the vibrant beats of Sugar Hill Records. Funk Daddy's early days were marked by a passion for rapping along with his favorite tracks, leading him to hone his skills on instrumental records. As he immersed himself in the craft, he started acquiring his own gear, including a Roland 606 drum machine and a legendary keyboard dubbed the "freak board," setting the stage for a prolific career.

Originally from Iowa and with a musical background on both sides of his family, DJ Sean Malik moved to Seattle at the age of 12. Upon his arrival in the Pacific Northwest, he instantly found his love for hip-hop. It was perfect timing, considering he was at the school age when students were allowed to carry instruments. DJ Sean has stuck with the craft from grade school to the present day.

As you descend into the underbelly of Madame Lou’s at the Crocodile, a painting of Madame Lou herself seems to watch your every step. The floors vibrate, and the blues, reds, and purples of the stage lights melt into your skin as they reflect off the disco ball spinning overhead.

Since starting her career, Seattle-born, San Diego-raised Soul artist Choklate has established herself as a prominent figure in the local music scene.

Infinite—endless in space, extent, or size, impossible to measure or calculate—lives true to his name. His music catalog and career remain strong to this day. Encouraged by his mother, who wanted him and his sister involved in music, Infinite grew up in Seattle's Central District and started his musical journey in elementary school, playing the trumpet and saxophone.

In Seattle, there is no one more influential on the local hip-hop scene than Vitamin D. A long-awaited and much-needed interview, Vitamin D has touched the lives of nearly every young hip-hop artist in the '90s and continues to do so today.

Born on the military base Fort Lewis, Priest Mastersson understands the level of discipline it takes to be good at anything but as easy as it sounds, was not as smooth as it went. Growing up and dealing with bullying in elementary school and being in the foster care system, Mastersson always was infatuated and connected to music, with that he found his calling when he was gifted hundreds of tapes whether it was Run DMC, Beethoven, or Metallica the list goes on.

Over the weekend, Irish artist Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, known best as Hozier, returned to Washington, pouring his blues, soul, and indie rock into the wild embrace of the Gorge amphitheater.

From his roots in hip hop to his exploration of electronic genres like jungle and drum and bass in the early 2000s, Shomari Shanks, aka DJ Sho Nuph is a dynamic DJ.

At the crossroads of lo-fi and R&B, Kailyn Baccetti, also known as Kenshi Killzzz, crafts a sound that’s as fresh as it is evocative. Her music videos are visual poetry, blending traditional Indian attire with edgy streetwear, while her vlogs and photography account offer a behind-the-scenes look at her creative world.

AFROPUNK is coming to Seattle for the first time this weekend.

Set against the backdrop of Pier 62 at Seattle’s new Waterfront Park on September 7, 2024, this all-ages event promises a dynamic celebration of Black culture and music. KEXP’s Eva Walker, known for her role as the host of The Black Tones and a passionate advocate for the local music scene, will be hosting.

For those who have followed Tribal Legacy from the beginning, Jimaine Miller, better known as Def Chef, is a name that resonates deeply. As one half of the Stahi Brothas, alongside Vitamin D, Miller helped shape the local hip-hop scene during the formative years of the Ghetto Children. Back in the '90s, Miller was not only cooking up beats but also literally cooking, a passion that has only grown stronger over time.

Of the funk and bass institutions in Seattle, Jamal Robinson a.k.a. Roc Phizzle continues to hold on tight to his place. Originally from Southern California, he moved to Seattle at a young age, with his family, driven by his deep-rooted connection to funk and bass.

Earning the name ‘RC The Trackaholiq,’ Ryan “RC” Croone, Seattle’s very own music producer and DJ, is a huge staple in the Northwest music scene's growth and development. Throughout his career, he’s managed to DJ up and down the West Coast, leaving crowds in awe of his tremendous ability to blend and transition between song selections.

Jerry ‘Peg’ Pegues, also known as DJ Peg, represents what Northwest music is all about. More than just a DJ, DJ Peg is a staple in Seattle’s hip-hop scene, hosting and having hosted major events at monumental venues. This has gained him support from local artists whose music is featured on his mixtapes. As the FAM Northwest 2014 DJ of the Year, Seattle Sound Music Awards 2015 Mixtape of the Year winner, and Seattle Sound Music Awards 2019 DJ of the Year, DJ Peg has earned ultimate respect throughout the community. 

Chris Gambol, also known as Note Work, has navigated the worlds of music and digital media with remarkable passion and adaptability. Starting in the late 1980s during hip-hop's Golden Era, Gambol began writing rhymes and honing his skills, influenced by the legendary artists of the time. His dedication led to the formation of the group Narcotik, under the umbrella of Tribal Productions, a collective that significantly impacted Seattle's music scene.

From his first performance at a church camp to building a treehouse studio and ultimately creating his debut album, Reed's journey has been relentless growth. With the release of his 2024 EP, Retrovision, in June, his rise has been nothing short of meteoric, firmly establishing him as a force in the Pacific Northwest's hip-hop scene and beyond. Converge Music recently spoke with the Shoreline-raised musician about his latest work, the creative process behind his biggest hits, and the next step in his journey.