Validated Magazine ft. Bobby J From Rockaway & Dom Dirtee

Eight years. Ten covers. Countless stories that define who we are. This issue marks more than a milestone—it’s a celebration of the journey, grit, and vision that fuel our passion to honor the voices and artistry shaping our culture. For our 8th Anniversary, we went big. Inside, you’ll find candid conversations with rapper and entrepreneur Gorilla Nems—the Mayor of Coney Island—who opens up about hustle and his latest album America’s Sweetheart; Mount Vernon comedy legend Talent Da Comedian; Queens hip-hop DJ icon Mista Sinista; and Atlanta bass pioneer DJ Kizzy Rock. We also spotlight Baltimore emcee Jay Royale and his album Jacked For The City, Long Island twin producers Cartune Beatz and 800 Hertz on their signature sound, Atlanta’s Sy Ari Da Kid discussing The Last Shadow in the Shade, Michigan’s Helki Jackson on resilience and advocacy, The Militant Mind DJ Des on hustle and consistency, plus hip-hop producers Dom Dirtee and Bobby J From Rockaway breaking down their album Higher.