From the Bay to LA, Bobby Lo aka Chop
traveled down the coast in pursuit of his dreams. Unlike most artists, Chop didn't come to Los
Angeles without a plan. After working
hard, he was accepted into the world renowned Musician's Institute in
Hollywood, CA, for the Audio Engineering and Post Production programs. Chop has been working diligently to not only
improve his skills as a producer and engineer but also learn from the best
instructors that M.I. has to offer in order to elevate his skills to the next
level. Chop's mother, Phyllis McGlasson,
always stressed the importance of receiving an education all while pursuing his
dreams. Phyllis, who now owns her on
event planning/PR/marketing company, was also influential factor as Chop
discovered his love for music due to the fact that she worked for Young Black
Brother Records as an image consultant and artist development. During her time with Young Black Brother
Records, Chop was exposed to such artists as Mac Mal, Young Lay and Ray Luv. He was
greatly influenced by 2 Pac and Bay Area artists, Too Short and E-40
as a youth, deciding that one day he would rock the mic like they do!
Chop
prides himself in being "Anti-Box", a term he deemed as someone who
doesn't fit into a category, someone who can't be labeled. He wants to be known for his creative rhyme
scheme and interesting word play. So
many artists lose their passion for the love of the music which shows through
in the type of music that they record.
When listening to Chop's music, you can feel what he is trying to convey
through his lyrics whether it's pain, happiness, or inspirational stories of
overcoming difficult times. He is able to paint a picture through his words
that can be followed clearly. With a
husky and unique tone to his voice, you can't help but pay attention when Chop
laces his bars into the melody.
When
recording such songs as "Emotionless" and "I'm Gone", Chop
is able to record timeless music that people from any ethnic background, age,
and social class; can relate to. This
was proven when an instructor from Zumba Fitness, by the name of Midori Miller got
a hold of Chop's music and asked "Who is this? I love the message in his
music!" With this statement began a
key relationship of show casing Chop's music at Zumba classes and major events
such as the one that took place on September 17th, 2011 which was the first
time Chop was asked to perform at a major Zumba event led by Walter "Wally"
Diaz, who is one of the founding choreographers of Zumba Fitness. During this event, Chop was really able to not
only perform for an audience who was exposed to his style of music for the very
first time, yet he was also able to connect with people he would have never
guessed would really be open to his style of music. The audience was dancing and really vibing
with Chop as he got on stage and captivated them.
During
this event, Swag Magazine was also introduced to key instructors of Zumba
Fitness such as Midori Miller, Raquel Call, and Amelia "Mia" Said. We decided to dig deeper and learn from the
above mentioned instructors, about this new life style that is sweeping the
nation which also integrates Hip Hop music into their work out routines. Midori Miller has been an instructor with
Zumba Fitness for the past four years and states that, "Zumba established
its unique position in the fitness industry that is total mind and body workout
without laying on the mat for meditation.
You sweat, you laugh, and connect with your wiggle partners in
class." Midori integrates Hip Hop
artists such as Chop's music along with soulful music, Reggae, and African
inspired music into the classes she teaches. Being in incredible shape herself,
one can only wonder what type of diet needs to be followed when participating
in Zumba classes. Midori surprisingly
eats all types of food without worrying about the calories. The type of diet one follows is up to them
and the nutritionist they consult.
Raquel Call, who is also another incredible instructor with Zumba, began
her journey by using Zumba Fitness as a way of fighting her depression and
panic attacks. After her first class,
Raquel decided right then and there that she wanted to become a Zumba
instructor so she may help people that can use Zumba as a positive, healthy,
and fun means of fighting depression.
Raquel suggests that one should eat right by consuming lots of vegetables,
fruits, and protein while attending Zumba classes. When teaching her classes she integrates a
variety of music such as Maranga, Sumba, Salsa, as well as mainstream techno
music. Last but not least, Amelia
"Mia" Said, has been an instructor with Zumba for the last five years
and lives by this motto which she recites to her students at the beginning of
each class; "Dance like
no one is watching, love like you haven't been hurt, and live like there is no
tomorrow". This statement truly
captures the true essence of the people who attend Zumba classes. They come together as a unit to enjoy dance
and workout without worrying about missing a step. Having instructors such as Mia who reinforce
an atmosphere of positivity and happiness helps make Zumba a leading choice in
workout routines which has becomes more of a life style for those who
participate. Mia loves playing techno-dance
music and Reggaeton, which is a Latin version of Hip Hop, during her
classes. Midori, Raquel, and Mia, all
share a common bond for the passion they have for Zumba fitness and also their
love for music. They welcomed Chop with
open arms and even instructed the participants with Zumba dance choreography
while Chop was on stage performing.
Being proactive with your career is
a key factor in succeeding as an independent artist. Chop was able to create a relationship with a
corporate fitness company, Zumba Fitness, and has been invited to perform at
their major events several times.
Creating such lasting relationships can open an artist to a whole new demographic
and can provide a new form of income. Chop
is a prime example that when you conduct yourself in a professional manner and
educate yourself, you will be able to find different avenues of having your
music heard. Determination, hard work, a
willing and open nature, and possessing a charismatic personality are all
qualities that Chop has been blessed with which will surely lead him to obtain
a successful and lucrative career in the music industry!
Written By Ani Galestanian
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