Tag Archives: Foundation Mecca

Da’ Healerz Added to Music to Life’s Juried Artist Roster

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The Heal Hop Movement just reached new heights.

Da’ Healerz — fronted by Nashville-based emcees Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — have just been accepted into Music to Life‘s Juried Artist program, a nationwide program “dedicated to cultivating and empowering a network of musician change agents.”

A national non-profit founded by 60’s civil rights icon Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul & Mary), Music to Life provides Juried Artists with opportunities to promote their work, train as a change agent through their Musician Changemaker Accelerator program, and engage in their National Changemaker Network of like-minded artists and collaborators.

The news comes on the heels of a successful 2025 for Da’ Healerz — one which saw the duo celebrate the release of their Heal Talk EP by hosting live Heal Talk Experience performance and talkback sessions, launching Da’ Healerz Circle podcast, and performing across the Southeast, with notable stops at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and NOLA MusiCon.

Learn more about Da’ Healerz — Music to Life’s newest Juried Artist — at musictolife.org.

WATCH: Nicólas Soul & Foundation Mecca Catch the ‘smoky blues’

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A weekend trip to the Smoky Mountains has resulted in the latest collaboration between UnderDogs.

Nicólas Soul teamed up with fellow hip hop artist and UMC Academy Faculty member Foundation Mecca on “smoky blues,” from the former’s latest full-length project, RISE OF THE LOST. Last weekend, the duo drove to eastern Tennessee to bless us with some visuals to go alongside the contemplative single.

“smoky blues” is dedicated to the memory of Bryce Evans, whose body was found in a remote location within Smoky Mountain National Park after going missing for five days. The verses recall the ways we experience and cope with pain in today’s society — whether through the news, or in our everyday lives. Through it all, the message is clear: every single one of us has scars. The bravest among us face them once they are brought to light.

“smoky blues” was produced by mangiiia, with the chorus performed by vocalists Shelby Conquest and Gianni Cashtro. Watch the video below!

UPDATE: As of press time, Foundation Mecca’s other most recent collaboration with Stefan Heuer on “I’ve Done Wrong” has eclipsed 44,000 streams across platforms, less than two weeks after release. In addition, Foundation’s monthly Spotify listener count has skyrocketed to more than 24,000 since release.

On ‘I’ve Done Wrong,’ Stefan Heuer Owns His Part

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There is great humility (and opportunity for personal growth) in the realization that you’ve messed up.

Stefan Heuer investigates his side of the conflict on “I’ve Done Wrong,” a slick, gorgeous piece of modern pop featuring a verse from UMC UnderDog Foundation Mecca.

Produced by Fabian Balz and Porter Hall, “I’ve Done Wrong” is a contrite mid-tempo tune which calls to mind the sleepless nights we’ve all spent, ruminating on things unsaid and the ways we’ve fallen short. Heuer — with an assist from the Heal Hop architect — provides us all with an opportunity to reflect, while acknowledging that accountability, self-reflection, and forgiveness are all necessary stops on the road to reconciliation.

At press time, “I’ve Done Wrong” has already accumulated nearly 10,000 total in just four days after its release. Once you listen, we have a feeling you’ll want to run those numbers up even more!

Exploring the Intersection of Business and Art (from NOLA MusiCon)

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One of the many highlights of NOLA MusiCon — seriously, we UnderDogs will be talking about this one for months — was the chance to sit down with David Adams and the folks at Elation Entertainment to join the live NOLA MusiCon broadcast of the Elation Podcast.

My interview — part of an epic three-hour episode featuring folks from around the conference — starts at 1:51:30. We discuss the ways environments like NOLA MusiCon give creatives a seat at the table, the importance of building genuine community in the music industry, and the one decision that defined my (and UMC’s) year.

UnderDogs Across Borders: LIVE at the Nashville African Street Festival

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We’re taking UnderDogs Across Borders into the community, with a unique showcase during the 43rd Annual Nashville African Street Festival.

Join us at Hadley Lillard Park (1038 28th Ave. N., Nashville, TN) on Saturday, September 20 from 4-5:30 p.m. for performances from Nashville-based hip hop artists, including:

  • Kelsey Muse
  • SADGURL
  • DJX
  • Nicolas Soul
  • Yonna Jones

Hosted by Kelsey Muse and Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess.

Admission is free. Learn more here!

Da’ Healerz to Perform at NMAAM June 27

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Fresh off the heels of their latest Heal Talk Experience, UMC NEXT2RISE artist Da’ Healerz have another opportunity to spread the message of Heal Hop.

The Nashville-based duo — comprised of Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — will be a part of the Nashville’s Got Soul Community Showcase. The event — taking place Friday, June 27 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) — “brings together 15 local artists, including poets, musicians, and DJs, for an unforgettable evening that celebrates Black Music Appreciation Month through storytelling, genre-bending artistry, and soul-filled connection.”

Nashville’s Got Soul is presented in partnership by NMAAM and Soul’d Creative Collective. Tickets range between $5-15, and include student and friends & family discounts.

GET YOURS NOW

WATCH: Da’ Healerz Circle ft. Ron Obasi

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The questions are fresh. The perspective is deeper.

Da’ Healerz Circle is BACK!

Join Da’ Healerz for their latest conversation on all things healing. This week, Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca sit down with community builder, environmental activist, and father Ron Obasi, who shares the ways life’s journey has led him to a more mindful place.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: UnderDogs @ The Underdog Apr. 30

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Tickets are on sale now for UnderDogs @ The Underdog, our songwriter night and networking mixer in celebration of our community.

Join us at The Underdog Nashville (3208 Gallatin Ave.), as long-time friends of UMC join a handful of our 2025 NEXT2RISE artists to showcase the talent and versatility within our community.

Tickets are just $10, and they can be found here. As for UnderDogs members? They get in FREE! That’s just one more reason to become an UnderDog today!

As for what you can expect? Here’s the plan!

6 p.m.: Doors open and networking begins!
7 p.m.: ARREIS, Kfhox, Timothy Myles, Virtues
8 p.m.: Adam Lawrence of The Mad Sugars, Da’ Healerz, Kelsey Muse, Nicolas Soul

Da’ Healerz Present: The Heal Talk Experience

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HEALERZ! Come join us for The Heal Talk Experience at NECAT Network! This in-person event is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from inspiring musicians, and engage in meaningful discussions about healing and hardships. Whether you’re seeking for a safe space to be vulnerable or just want to engage in sound healing , this event is perfect for you. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of The Heal Talk Experience! It features music from Da’ Healerz, a sound bath from Nikki Ray, & a reading from Psychic Marita. We begin taping right at 6pm, so get there no later than 5:45pm.

Da’ Healerz Present: The Heal Talk (Student) Experience

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Students! Come join us for The Heal Talk Experience at NECAT Network! This in-person event is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from inspiring musicians, and engage in meaningful discussions about healing and hardships. Whether you’re seeking for a safe space to be vulnerable or just want to engage in sound healing , this event is perfect for you. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of The Heal Talk Experience! It features music from Da’ Healerz, a sound bath from Nikki Ray, & a reading from Psychic Marita. We begin taping right at 2pm, so get there no later than 1:45pm.

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