Previously published in July 2010

By: Khalea Underwood

The universal beat, rhyme, rhythm, and tempo of music connects people. Everyone has a favorite song they sing in the shower or even a special track dedicated to a loved one. Music constantly introduces fresh faces into its spotlight. These two young Howard University students are bound to continue that succession.

The Dreamer: Ashton Travis

If the music world were a baseball game, then Ashton Travis, Howard University student, would definitely be “batter up”. Like most successful artists, this Houston, Texas-born musician grew up singing in the church.

Influenced by Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder as well as newer talent like John Legend, Ashton’s musical inspirations keep his mental wheels turning. “I listen to music that’s not really in the same ‘category’ as mine. It keeps my mind fresh because I love to hear different things.” This is why his sound is quite hard to pinpoint. Ashton, a rapper and singer, has appeal that is appreciated across all regions. When asked about his sound, he said, “The first things that come to mind are Artistic Hip-Hop/R&B/Neo-Soul, Hipster but not too Hippie.”

While listening to his mixtape, Mr. Freshman, the carefree spirit of a hippie is apparent; “Welcome to My World” describes impractical parallels while “Life of a Goodfella” is a fun narrative about friends, parties, girls. If his artistry isn’t obvious enough, versatility sets him apart. Club bangers and mellow slow-jams easily melt into one another.

With his upcoming release, Mr. Freshman 2.0, it is obvious that Ashton Travis is here to stay with his voice, style, and relentless spirit. “My goal is to have my music heard on an international level,” he says. “I want my story to be heard by getting there one step at a time. For right now, I’m still dreaming…”

The Doer: Lance Coleman/Fuze the MC

Lance Coleman is already a powerhouse. With a strong discography andperformances alongside J. Cole and Big Sean, Fuze the MC has a strong foundation to build upon.

A native of the Atlanta, Georgia area, Coleman didn’t have much musical background or support from his family. He paved his way with the soulful inspirations of Lupe Fiasco, Black Star, Common, and other notables. Howard University opened doors for Lance Coleman, educationally and lyrically. “I was born musically at Howard,” he said. “It has done wonders for my network and it’s really my home fan base way more than Atlanta.”

Lance’s mythical voice and therapeutic flow is reminiscent of the true hip-hop domination of the 1980’s and 1990’s. According to him, his sound changes according to who produces for him. “Sometimes I’m deep, sometimes I’m chill. I don’t try and pretend I’m any one thing, because that’s when people look like posers,” Coleman says.  Two of his songs from his latest CD “Sterotypical Music” sound totally different; “Yes I’m that Guy” is a track perfect for jerking, while “Lonely” laments a lost love.

His balance goes beyond the sound booth. Lance is a rapper, production manager, radio personality, and a studio owner and engineer. It’s obvious what his true love is, though. It is clear that he will never let music go. “My ultimate goal is a huge fan base, because that is the backbone of your career and any good artist understands that. If you have a fan base, no label, store, or record sales can tell you you’re not legitimate.”

Photos Courtesy of Asthon Travis and Lance Coleman