LOS ANGELES - s4story -- We talked with Hype Off Life founder Keish Monique about the growth of the e-zine she created to highlight new artists, music, and culture. Keish has grown the magazine from a humble blog to an enterprise that staffs 4 writers including herself. Keeping artists in mind, Keish has teamed up with Sistah Music Snax to host an anniversary showcase and panel Hype Off Culture to provide infotainment to aspiring artists and music lovers.

How has music changed or stayed the same since you started Hype Off Life?

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I see more freedom, more creativity and overall fun in music these days. The artists really know how to turn up and be themselves. I love it!

Why is it important to highlight independent artists?

Because most mainstream artists were independent at some time or another. I just want to acknowledge dope artists and give them the motivation to keep going.

Where have you experienced the biggest areas of growth over the last 5 years?

Hype Off Life has experienced phenomenal growth in its caliber of content. What started off as a blog, has now morphed into a magazine, YouTube channel, and now live events. Personally, I have been stretching out of my comfort zone to take Hype Off Life where I see it in my mind.

Hype Off Life is online, in print, has a show on YT, where do you see HOC going in the next 5 years?

I see Hype Off Life continuing to be a player in the game, in a major way. Events, expansion of our media coverage, headquarters, and all that great stuff.

Your anniversary coincides with Black Music Month and the annual celebration of music, the BET Awards. Why is it important to honor Black Music?

Black Music Month is a celebration of Black culture to me. I like to use the month to celebrate, reminisce and revisit the artists that paved the way for the sounds we hear today.

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Tell us about Hype Off Culture?

Hype Off Culture is a collaborative event between Hype Off Life and a dope Black female owned independent label, Sistah Music Snax. It'll be held at LA's only Black owned Thai food restaurant, Giti Thai during B.E.T. Weekend. Aside from the showcase and panel, it'll be good vibes all around.

What do you hope participants will receive from the event, Hype Off Culture?

I'm building a community. So, I really just want those that stop by to have a good time, enjoy some good food, and mix and mingle with some good people. I also hope the artists in attendance walk away empowered, with the knowledge and fire needed to propel their careers amongst the stars.

Find out more about Hype Off Life and support independent artists at the same time! Visit HypeOffLife.com. Meet up with Keish at her 5-year celebratory event, Hype Off Culture with Fatimah Patrice, Coop, Lady Tee, Brittani, Ms. Golden Era, Bianca Brown, Xenny Dreamr, and Los Angeles DJ yo bee! Tickets can be found at tinyurl.com/hypeoc. Keish Monique can be found everywhere at @lowkeyinlosangeles (https://www.instagram.com/lowkeyinlosangeles/).