Music

Who Really Shaped the Basement Boys Era? Neal Conway Tells All

For decades, dance floors across the globe have pulsed to the hypnotic organ riff of “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)”, the 1991 house anthem with its unforgettable “la da dee, la da da” hook. The track topped charts in more than 15 countries, a gold record, which helped define early ’90s dance music.

But behind the global phenomenon was a producer whose name many casual fans never learned.

Neal Conway, world-renowned producer, songwriter, DJ, and remixer, was not just in the room during the Basement Boys’ rise. He helped shape the sound that made them legendary.

Now, decades later, Conway is telling his story.

“I Was There From the Beginning”

Conway’s journey began in the late 1980s under the mentorship of Thommy Davis of Basement Boy Music. As a young DJ learning the ropes, Conway was soon brought into the Basement Boys family, a collective that would become synonymous with the golden era of house music.

During his time with the group, Conway co-produced and co-wrote some of the most influential dance records of the era. Among them:

“Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” and “Makin’ Happy” from Crystal Waters’ gold album Surprise
“Scandal” and “Rejoicing” for Ultra Naté
“Tonite” for Those Guys

“I was the man behind a number of early Basement Boys productions,” Conway says candidly. “A lot of that original sound, that rawness, that was me in there.”

He doesn’t say it with bitterness. But there is honesty.

“People all over the world enjoy the music we created. But I don’t think I’ve always received the credit I deserved.”

“Gypsy Woman” wasn’t just a club hit. It carried a subtle but powerful social message about homelessness, layered over minimalist deep house grooves. Its organ riff became instantly recognizable; its hook remains embedded in pop culture.

The track’s influence has endured for more than three decades. Alicia Keys later reimagined it in “Brand New Me (Gypsy Woman Mix),” while UK artist Nick Brewer scored a hit with “Talk to Me” featuring Bibi Bourelly. The song’s DNA continues to ripple through contemporary music.

Conway’s songwriting and production extended far beyond house. In 2007, he co-wrote T.I.’s triple-platinum hit “Why You Wanna,” earning both a triple-platinum album distinction and recognition as one of ASCAP’s top songs of the year.

His catalog stretches across genres:

“Walking” by Mary Mary (Soul Train Music Award for Best Gospel Performance; 2012 ASCAP Awards for Gospel and R&B)
“Took My Love” by Pitbull (2012 Miss America Pageant theme song)
“Going Out” by A.P.L. of the Black Eyed Peas

Neal Conway has contributed to six Gold and Platinum records across his career, a testament to both commercial impact and cultural longevity.

The résumé is undeniable. Yet Conway remains reflective rather than triumphant.

Reclaiming the Soul

In 2006, Conway launched Urban Retro Music Group (URMG), not simply as a record label, but as a statement.

At a time when house music was becoming increasingly synthetic and digitally over-processed, URMG aimed to reignite a soulful, live-instrument revolution. The label blended underground house energy with the spirit of soul, jazz, and funk, keeping alive the legacy of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Donny Hathaway.

“Music started feeling overproduced. Too filtered. Too safe,” Conway explains. “I wanted to bring back live strings, real percussion, conscious lyrics, that feeling you can’t fake.”

Through curated releases and the SoulPowerRadio platform, URMG evolved into a cultural movement focused on authenticity and social consciousness. It was less about chasing trends and more about preserving a feeling.

“House music came from real stories. Real struggle. Real joy,” Conway says. “You can’t manufacture that.”

Teaching the Next Generation

Today, Conway’s studio looks different. In addition to producing, he teaches music, a role he admits he never imagined for himself.

“I never thought I’d end up teaching,” he says with a laugh. “But I love it.”

For Conway, mentoring the next generation is about more than technique. It’s about philosophy.

He encourages students to study structure and theory, but he also warns them about over-reliance on artificial intelligence and digital shortcuts.

“AI can assist,” he says. “But if it can’t feel. if It can’t bleed. If it can’t struggle. Music needs to be raw and unfiltered like it used to be.”

He challenges young producers to sit at a piano, to understand chord progressions, to write from lived experience.

“If you don’t put yourself into the music, what are you really saying?” he asks.

Completing the Narrative

For many, the Basement Boys name carries nostalgia and reverence. But Conway hopes the story expands, not to diminish anyone else, but to complete the narrative.

“I’m proud of what we did,” he says. “That era changed music. But I want people to understand how much I shaped the records I was part of.”

There is no anger in his tone, only clarity.

Neal Conway’s fingerprints are on gold records, platinum plaques, gospel anthems, hip-hop hits, and global house classics. He helped build a sound that moved millions, often without standing center stage.

Now, as a mentor, label founder, and advocate for authenticity in an increasingly automated industry, Conway seems less concerned with recognition and more focused on legacy.

“The music will always speak,” he says. “I just want people to know who was speaking through it.”

In a world driven by algorithms and instant fame, Neal Conway’s story is a reminder that some of the most influential architects of sound don’t always chase the spotlight, but their echoes last forever.

Written in partnership with Tom White

Crypto

The Real Story Behind teemchase’s Real Estate, Music, and Crypto Empire

teemchase is the founder of ITTO Productions, an artist development company. He is also an investor in real estate, music, and crypto. His journey has been one of overcoming obstacles, including homelessness, to reach financial independence.

A Difficult Start to His Future Success

At eighteen, teemchase began his journey toward future success by choosing not to attend college and instead pursue real estate. This decision led him to live in his car, but he did not let that setback discourage him from his goal. Without family support, he continued pursuing his dream of becoming a real estate entrepreneur.

He studied for the real estate exam while homeless and invested nearly one thousand dollars in taking it eleven times. Instead of giving up, he took the test a twelfth time and finally passed. That victory became the foundation for his capital building journey. Without outside support or investors, he built his portfolio over time through discipline, persistence, and reinvestment.

He built a brand, grew his team, and reinvested profits into acquiring affordable housing and Section 8 properties. Later, he expanded into large scale private real estate investing. Through discipline, long term strategy, and aggressive reinvestment, he evolved from agent to investor.

It was this same strategy that he later applied to his ventures in crypto and music.

Long Term Positioning and Growth

In the summer of 2025, teemchase formally retired from all active executive operations. He sold his controlling interests and transitioned into a fully passive income structure fueled by consulting, real estate cash flow, and digital asset holdings.

In 2018, teemchase became an early investor in XRP, a cryptocurrency developed by Ripple Labs for rapid, low cost international payments. He has grown his original investment more than ten times and continues to trade actively.

He also entered the music industry through organic beginnings that started with informal freestyle sessions with friends. This experience later led him to found ITTO Productions.

Empowering Creators

teemchase describes himself as operating at the intersection of capital and culture. ITTO Productions was designed to empower artists by providing the infrastructure typically associated with major labels, including production and lifestyle resources. He has also ensured that artists retain ownership of their creative works.

Looking ahead, teemchase plans to scale his passive investments and expand ITTO Productions. The creator first artist development house reflects his personal priorities of ownership, fairness, and long term sustainability.

teemchase is an inspirational yet grounded investor who has built an impressive brand across multiple fields using his high school nickname. Over the years, he has blended his desire for social impact with a scalable investment strategy. His perseverance, discipline, and creativity have been the foundation of his success and will power his future endeavors.

Written in partnership with Tom White

Entertainment

How Jordan Bolch Built a Music Empire Without Industry Connections

Whether your mood calls for some entertainment, emotional connection, a dose of joy, or stress reduction, there are numerous reasons why one listens to music. With the rise of technology and the use of auto-tune leading to similarity among some of today’s artists, the need for individuality and authenticity has become more crucial in the music industry. Audiences desire more genuine connections with the artists they love.

Dedicated to authenticity, perseverance, and his individual artistic identity, Jordan Bolch is a multifaceted music artist who blends music, fashion, and visual arts to create a unique experience for his audience that sets him apart in the industry.

About Jordan Bolc

Bolch’s passion for music was inspired by some of the biggest legends in music, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Billy Joel. Other American musicians who have inspired Bolch are Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, and Timbaland. This diverse collection of musical influences has led Bolch to create music that is a fusion of pop, R&B, and electronic dance beats.

Heading into the music industry, Bolch entered without any initial connections in entertainment that could have aided his career. This music artist, producer, entrepreneur, and creative innovator had to carve his own professional path. Bolch has worked relentlessly to hone his craft, continuously seeking opportunities and remaining loyal to his unwavering belief in his artistic vision. Through his resilience and determination, the music artist has overcome barriers and established himself as a notable figure in music.

Bolch’s professional career has also been aided by his education in business at Emory University and arts at Southern Methodist University. This educational background helped Bolch balance his creativity with entrepreneurship, generating success in both music and business.

Success in the Music Industry

Bolch took his musical career to a new level in 2015 when he collaborated with top producers and launched Auricle Studios in Buckhead, which allowed Bolch to refine his unique blend of pop, R&B, and electronic dance music. Bolch also co-founded Media Monsters, another venture that seamlessly integrated the entrepreneur’s creativity with business innovation.

Creating an immersive experience that differentiates him from others in the industry, some notable experiences through Bolch’s musical journey include joining a successful tour across the United States and Canada with Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, which allowed Bolch to introduce his music to a wider audience. Bolch has also released multiple acclaimed albums and singles, including World Tour, Algorhythm, and Recalibrated. With his music videos known for their visual artistry and his music blending genres, Bolch has amassed millions of streams globally.

Staying True to His Unique Sound

Bolch’s artistic journey highlights his resilience and dedication to bringing authenticity and positive change in both music and entrepreneurship. Emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s unique sound and dedication to one’s vision, Bolch believes that success is a blend of talent, hard work, and collaboration with the right team. Looking to the future, he aims to expand his musical reach while maintaining his artistic identity. He aspires to continue bringing innovation at the intersection between music, fashion, and visual arts, as well as inspire others to pursue their passions.

Music

Will Preston Highlights the Complexity of Love in His Latest Pop- and R&B-Infused Ballad

International R&B artist Will Preston invites listeners to explore a deeper facet of love in his latest single, “Merry Go Round.” With 20 years of singing and performing under his belt, Will welcomes fans all over the world to a new chapter of his career.

2024 is the year of Will Preston. From launching his first clothing label, My Best Interest Apparel, to releasing his new single, Will has taken personal setbacks as an opportunity to work even harder this year. At the beginning of 2024, Will unexpectedly lost his father, who was a devoted supporter of Will’s career. “It was ammunition to keep me going. My father would’ve been proud of what I’ve accomplished this year,” shares Will Preston. Now, approaching the tail-end of 2024, Will is excited to share his latest release, the single “Merry Go Round.”

“Merry Go Round” is an introspective look at the darker side of love, the push and pull of wanting someone you know isn’t good for you. Instead of walking away, the narrator (through the voice of Will) explores the complexity of wanting to move on while also wanting to stay on the ride that is love.

It’s a tune to which many can relate. Few are lucky enough to never know the pain of holding on to a relationship that has long been dead and only hope is left to keep it alive. Then there’s the rest of us, who hang to Will Preston’s every lyric in mutual understanding.

“Merry Go Round” opens with dreamy, upbeat vibes, slowly introducing Will Preston’s smooth vocals into the mix. His voice carries emotion and depth that add a layer to the story. Combining his signature smooth R&B vocals with a pop twist, Will Preston breathes new life into the single, showcasing his vocal strength and versatility. By infusing his signature ballad style with a tinge of pop, Will is able to speak to wider audiences with his latest single.

Since the release of his last single, Will Preston has taken time to reflect and write. “Coming through the end of COVID, there was a lot of downtime in the music industry. This created the perfect opportunity to dig deeper into concepts and topics. I wanted to explore love from the standpoint of a toxic love situation. It’s a different side of love we don’t often think about, and taking a break from performing during COVID gave me a chance to ponder deeply into the notion. There are so many facets of love to explore,” explains Will.

As for his clothing line, Will Preston is excited to embark on a new creative journey. “I know music, but fashion is a different world for me. You can try to apply the same formulas, but it’s different. Yet, like my music, I strive to make something high quality that I would be proud to wear. I translate the same energy of making music to my clothing line.”

Much like making music, Will finds that he can convert a vision or sound into a finished product in his fashion venture. “It’s a different way of seeing the world through a creative lens. You just can’t put words to it,” he adds.

Next year, we can look forward to Will Preston commencing a new chapter. Not only will he be releasing his new album (before his birthday in April), but he will also be focusing on live performances and engaging with fans on tour.

Make sure to stay connected to Will Preston on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

Website: www.willpreston.com

Spotify: Will Preston on Spotify

X: @thewillpreston

YouTube: thewillpreston 

Tiktok: @yepthewillpreston

Facebook: Will Preston Music

Instagram: @thewillpreston

Apparel Website: mybestinterestapparel.com