The Chicago Journal

The Chicago Journal
The Chicago Journal

“If and when you can’t find the motivation, be consistent.” Tony Scales’ advice for talented musicians (A.K.A Chef Tone)

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 26, 2022

Tony Scales, professionally known as Chef Tone, is an American record producer and songwriter. Born in 1983, Tony Scales spent his early life on the south side of Chicago. He had a turbulent time as a youth, spending it in and out of shelters, but that was long before he realized his true calling. Scales was always interested in music, be it the keyboard he had as a kid or remembering his father owning a saxophone. As a kid, he would sing–admittedly off-key and loudly around the house, to the annoyance of his family. Ironically it was this freestyle, at-home, when he realized he had a real skill that could be further polished. 


It was in 2007 that Scales connected to an entertainment manager and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Within months of relocating, he was offered an exclusive producer and songwriter deal with Atlantic Records, the first from this label. As a songwriter, his first placement was with artist Plies for ‘Please Excuse My Hands,’ featuring Jamie Foxx. The number was an instant hit and made it to the top 10 position on the music charts, leading to his long-term deal to write, produce, and develop talent with the record label. From that success, there was no looking back for the songwriter and producer.  Scales went on to work with Trey Songz, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Dr. Dre, Justin Bieber, etc. When it comes to female singers, some of his favorites in the industry include Aretha Franklin. As for his favorite male artists, Scales is a Michael Jackson devotee, suggesting Jackson beats everyone because his music transcends time, age, and culture. 

Since he consistently worked hard to earn a name for himself in an extremely competitive industry, he makes sure to take out time for young and aspiring artists by visiting schools and camps to mentor them to pursue their dreams. Moreover, he is working on developing programs for kids from the inner city to help them get exposure and learn the tricks of the trade. He advises the youth to be consistent with their efforts when they can’t find motivation around them. It is difficult to always be inspired and enthusiastic about your dreams, especially when life is full of unexpected twists and turns. However, the key to success is staying persistent, working hard, and not letting failures come in the way of your hustle. Success is never instant or easy, but what makes people successful is their determination and consistent approach to making it big, irrespective of the people or circumstances surrounding them. 

One thing is sure, the process of writing is not the same for every artist. When Scales writes songs for artists, he keeps in mind their fanbase, likes and dislikes, and expectations, but beyond that, he also takes into consideration how to write songs that will bring more fans into the fold. This is not all! He taps into people who may not be interested in a particular artist, but with soulful and strong lyrics, they might start following their music. Currently, he is working with several talented artists, including Maejor, and believes some great music is in the pipeline from this combination. 

The only challenge Scales faced during the process was the lack of understanding of the business part, which is common among creatives early in their career. They are so focused on their craft that they ignore the business portion. “The companies at large have failed to educate the creative community and have found it rather to their advantage to exploit.” As he puts it, “The process of making a song isn’t hard, especially when you have spent hours and hours on mastering it. However, navigating the politics is what can get a bit tricky at times.” 

Scales has enjoyed a #1 Billboard charting song, multiple multi-platinum records, multiple Grammy nominations, and over a billion streams collectively. Some famous songs from various artists he has worked on are Ludacris’s ‘Sex Room,’ Jamie Foxx’s ‘Best Night of My Life’ and ‘Gorgeous .’Apart from that, the list includes Flo Rida’s ‘Respirator,’ Sean Paul’s ‘Entertainment’ featuring Juicy J, Nicki Minaj, and 2 Chainz, Maejor Ali’s ‘Lolly’ featuring Justin Bieber and Juicy J. A few other notable achievements include Justin Bieber’s ‘Heartbreaker,’ which topped the iTunes charts at #1 in 63 countries, peaking at #13 on the US Hot 100 chart, becoming Tony’s fastest-rising release. His collaboration with Trey Songz on ‘Invented Sex’ featuring Drake debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart and peaked at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop albums chart. He’s also penned down and produced singles for Trey Songz, like ‘Bottoms Up,’ ‘Love Faces,’ ‘Say Aah,’ ‘Yo Side of the Bed,’ and ‘LOL,’ which received immense popularity and love from fans across the world.

Tony Scales is indeed the kind of songwriter and producer who believes in working passionately and focusing on honing one’s skills constantly. As you keep getting better at your job, money and fame will follow on their own. 

DoubleORambo Serves as a Source of Inspiration Through His Tale of Trials and Triumphs

The Chicago Journal Staff on June 17, 2022

It has long been established how inspiration can become a breeding ground for success. As a matter of fact, it has been proven to serve as one of the bedrock of greatness, allowing dreamers to fulfill their aspirations and translate their visions into reality. A significant number of go-getters, in particular, has been fueled by the success stories of certain personalities, driving them to climb the industry’s summits and reach impressive heights. Among those personalities who have served as a source of motivation is DoubleORambo, an emerging authority across the realms of music and entertainment.

DoubleORambo is an up-and-coming talent who possesses gifts that have blossomed into channels of hope, positivity, and change, allowing aspirants to translate their purpose-driven visions into full-throttled actions. Although his accomplishments may seem like his path is made with perfection from the get-go, this power player is more than meets the eye.

Born in Oceanside, California, and later raised in Danville, Virginia, DoubleORambo has had his fair share of trials and tribulations. Growing up, he has met countless challenges along the way, watching his loved ones die and coming in and out of jail. However, despite this series of unfortunate events, DoubleORambo used these experiences and turned them into sources of motivation. With the help of his uncle Tony, who introduced him to the power of music, DoubleORambo began to create tracks that speak volumes of his passion and purpose-driven spirit. 

“My roots played a big part in molding me to who I am today,” shared the emerging artist.

Fueled by his experiences, DoubleORambo has become a must-watch force in the industry, seamlessly producing songs that have captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands of listeners across the world. As a matter of fact, he has performed on stages in Okinawa, Japan, while gathering over 100,000 views on Youtube. DoubleORambo has also released his second album, Ville Baby: Deeper than Rap 2. Currently, he is seeking to release his first collaboration EP with another up-and-coming artist, Johnny Ali.

Throughout his career, DoubleORambo has managed to begin making a mark. But underneath these achievements, this power player aims to become a source of inspiration for people to be fueled and remain hopeful. “As someone who has witnessed several shortcomings and become inspired by these misfortunes, I wish to return the favor and motivate others throughout their journeys to triumph,” he shared. As a result, DoubleORambo is not only set to lead the music industry but is also bound to become a beacon of hope for thousands of aspirants across the world.

Besides being a purpose-driven musician, DoubleORambo is also a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Ville Baby Ent TM. This brand is established to build a stronger community of like-minded individuals in the city. Serving as a source of motivation and a leading authority, he is raising the bar high among industry players across the globe.

Over the years, DoubleORambo has proven to be a vital force in the modern era. With his promising plans for the future, this go-getter is bound to make a lasting impact in the lives of many dreamers worldwide by becoming an instrument of transformation and positivity.

Up-and-Coming Millennial Artist Hylynd Produces Intimate Passion & Nostalgia In Latest Singles

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 25, 2022

The art of song-writing and music production on the level that Hylynd does it is not easily attained. He is no mere “bedroom producer”. The collection of skills this seasoned recording artist possesses has developed over the course of two decades and it’s a current you feel and hear in his work.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Hylynd is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose passion for music manifested early. At two years old, the musician was already playing drums, showcasing his talent and foreshadowing his later career. He would grace the stages in singing competitions by thirteen, winning at state and national levels. Hylynd would take his talent to clubs, festivals, and venues, performing and engaging with crowds. While other musicians rely solely on their talent and ability to play instruments, Hylynd has centered himself on mastering various branches of music production and is a highly sought-after vocal producer and arranger. When it comes to music directing and putting together his live shows, Hylynd has an intriguing & lively approach where you will find him moving seamlessly from the mic to piano, guitars, and synths. Hylynd truly is a Swiss army knife.

As an artist, Hylynd embodies the soul and energy of your favorite 90’s artist with a collection of sonic characteristics from pre-millennium arena pop to early 2000’s smooth r&b with a forward leaning finish. While his base isn’t inherently religious, they carry a sense of spirituality that listeners can feel within the melodies and colors of the sounds. This is especially felt in his newest single, ‘Crossfire’, where he paints the picture of loved ones & battles lost and how it feels to carry what feels like the weight of the world but refusing to give up, with a simple directive to himself and others: ”you can find me in the crossfire”.

Hylynd has worked with many talented individuals in the industry throughout his career. He has worked with Grammy-nominated and Hall of Fame vocal coach Jan Smith, who calls him, “a ridiculous talent and vocal athlete”. In the last two years, Hylynd signed non-exclusive publishing deals with Sonata, a branch of Soundscape Agency in London, 411 Music Group in Los Angeles, and Audiio Music Group in Nashville. 

Hylynd is currently collaborating and co-producing new music with Grammy-nominated King Michael Coy, who has worked with Dr. Dre, H.E.R., Anderson Paak, and more. With more than 50,000 monthly online listeners, this is an artist to watch in 2022.