Welcome to BSR Magazine BSR magazine has done it again!! We are back with our newest edition. While time is ticking and many artists around VA are constantly being over looked. We are here to correct the problem. We believe that support is a major factor in the seven cities; therefore we support our artists. We allow VA’s most talented artists a chance to express their thoughts while shining some light on their new projects. BSR magazine is dedicated to VA artists becoming more successful around the area. We are also here to contribute success to our artists by building a stronger viewing audience for them. So now unwind and enjoy this issue of VA’s number one Magazine in the 757!!
CEO MIKE WATTS BLACK SHEPHERD RECORDS
Contents Pg. 4-7
Raychel Interview
Pg. 9-10
Story: Til Death do us Part
Pg. 11, 14 Model Pages Pg. 16-17 Brandeesh Interview Pg. 18
News Release
Pg. 20
Reimo Interview
Pg. 22
Artist News Letter
Contact To advertise contact B.S.R. Mag at www.blackshepherdrecords@yahoo.com To hear the music right now look for us online at. Myspace.com/blackshepherdrecords • facebook.com/blackshepherdrecords youtube.com/blackshepherdrecords • twitter.com/blackshepherdrecords www.blackshepherdrecords.com
© 2010 Black Shepherd Records. All rights reserved.
Raychel Interview
4 BSR Magazine
with BSR Magazine
BSR MAG: First, I would like to thank Raychel for coming out here to do an interview with BSR Magazine. I would like to open up by going 3 years back when you first started. So, Raychel give us a little insight on what you were doing to get your company started. Raychel: First off, my company is A&R MANAGEMENT the event is called, “I Beat Daily” VA’s Official Beat Battle, started November 6, 2006. I was in school and I wanted to do something that would make an impact musically in VA. I’m originally from Georgia and they had a lot of things like open mics…. rapping battles, so I wanted to take that energy and bring it to VA. What could I do? I was like everybody win showcases but nobody win beat battles and VA has a lot of good producers out here. You got Timberland, Missy, Pharrell, Teddy Riley so why not shed some light on that. Then I did the first beat battle and it was really good! It was like 75 people that came out. My mom came from Atlanta and I really felt good about it. Ever since then I’ve had a great response so I’m going to keep doing it and we aren’t going anywhere. BSR MAG: I had the opportunity to check out the first Beat Battle and I have to say it was really a great
experience. I enjoyed it! I was like she is really doing some big things. We thank you for bringing that to VA’s market. Raychel: I would like to thank you for coming out! BSR MAG: I also had the opportunity to come out to the last event you had and it was a lot of people. You had Kevin Shine an A&R from Jive records. How do you get some of those big names to come out to your events? Raychel: Networking… networking…, one of the most important things you can do in this industry. I spend a lot of my time in Atlanta as well as VA, I go to these events and get contacts and nurture my relationships so if I ask them to come to my events in VA its not a thing. I have been working with Kevin now for about a year and everybody else for at least 6 months doing various projects online….. just building up relationships for them. I had been working with Interscope since I started the beat battle when I was a junior at Hampton University. So, when I’m getting these contacts I’m letting them know that it’s some good talent in VA and you all need to come and check it out! So in turn….. it sheds more light on VA. BSR MAG: Now, you said you started because of talent around VA but I heard rumors that this was a class project? Raychel: (Laughing)!! Um it was not a project for Hampton University. It was something I wanted to do on my own. (Laughing) Who told you that?! (Laughing) Are you serious?! (LAUGHING) BSR MAG: Yes, I heard it was a project and I was like you got a student out here trying to get a good grade and BSR Magazine wanted to support your project! (Laughing) www.blackshepherdrecords.com
Raychel Interview
with BSR Magazine
BSR MAG: How do you feel about the rappers in VA? Raychel: Well, I’m looking for that rapper that really stands out from the rest. We have good rappers here but like good rappers they always rap like this person or that person. I’m like who’s the rapper that’s just being themselves? They might be out there but I just don’t know about them yet. So I’m just looking for someone that’s just being true to who they are. BSR MAG: I know a rapper that raps at some of your events. This guy named Blayne and another person you might want to check out is Bernie Burns. Raychel: I was just about to say Blayne. I’m trying to work with him now. He is really dope! Bernie Burns! (Laughing)! I’m trying to get Bernie Burns to do some beats for me. Bernie Burns is very professional. A lot of rappers say they are artists and they don’t even have a press kit. Bernie Burns have autograph pictures and everything. He gave me an autograph picture and I felt so good. It’s on my wall in my room…. Burns for real!
6 BSR Magazine
His CD’s are always very professional. You don’t get that with most artists. You-haveto-be-professional. This is your business and your career. BSR MAG: What do the producers get for winning your beat battles? Raychel: It’s always a $500.00 cash prize. This year it was a cash prize and a meeting with Sal an A&R from DTP. Tickets to the ASCAP EXPO, compliments of ASCAP, and I’ll be shopping around the winners tracks to various labels like DTP, of course Interscope, Jive, and Atlantic Records. BSR MAG: As far as your company goes, how many people work for you? Raychel: Five people work for my company. BSR MAG: I like to give you the opportunity in closing to tell people about you and why people should come out to your next event. Raychel: Once again my name is Raychel. My company’s name is A&R MANAGEMENT, we do marketing, promotion, artist consultant, producer consultant, and artist management. We
also shop tracks and records to major labels and last but not least, the event is called “I BEAT DAILY” VA’s Official Beat Battle. Our next event will be in March 2010. It’s going to be much bigger and we will bring out a lot of different A&R’s from different labels and we might feature some artists. You should come out because you’re not going to find an event that will give you as much talent and competition as far as producers then “I BEAT DAILY” VA’S Official Beat Battle. I say that because our producers are selected to be in the competition. Most importantly, it’s a lot of networking and I promise that when you leave the event if you’re good at what you do you will have about 5 or 6 contacts to help you further your career! Major labels are always at our events some which include Interscope, Jive, Sony, and also Atlantic. So come on out and support us in March 2010. PRODUCERS STEP YA BEATS UP!!! For more information you can contact us at ibeatdaily@gmail.com or call 757-927-1721, also follow us on Twitter @anr_management, @vabeatbattle, & @ibeatdaily.
www.blackshepherdrecords.com
Story
Til Death
Do Us Part From a woman’s perspective By: Ashley McNair
What is a
marriage? According to the “dictionary,” marriage is an institution whereby a man and a woman are joined in a special kind of legal dependence for the purpose of starting and maintaining a family. Marriage is also an intimate or close union.” My belief is that marriage is almost everyone’s dream; it is the happiest time of many couple’s lives. In this era, those happy times can take a wrong turn for the worst. As women, we have a picture of what our “dream wedding” will be like from the white wedding gown to the color of the bridesmaids dresses. You’re so happy when you finally meet the man of your dreams. He has all of the qualities that you want in a man. You grow closer to one another each day. Finally, that special moment comes; he gets down on one knee and proposes. You blissfully accept. When a man and woman make that commitment to one another and
take it to the altar it’s like giving your life to one another. After awhile, this lifetime commitment comes to an end. Many married couples find themselves divorcing faster than a speeding bullet. Two of the major leading causes of a divorce are lack of foundation and lack of communication. Why should a couple get married if they have nothing in common? Marriages tend to end in divorce when a couple does not share core values, beliefs, or expectations. In a marriage, sharing the same interest and passions is important. Another cause of marriages ending in divorce is the lack of communication. Many couples lack the proper communication when it comes to decision making. When a couple is able to communicate they are able to solve their problems verbally. Disagreements due to lack of communication often lead to arguments. Lack of communication may also cause financial
Til Death do us part problems, when couples fail to communicate about their shared finances. Failure to communicate may lead to behavioral problems that may involve children in the relationship. Children tend to manipulate their parents when there are communication problems in the family (taking sides). Communication is the key within any relationship, not just marital relationships. In addition, blaming one another for the flaws of the other partner can cause your marriage to go down the drain. Couples may get divorced for the simplest thing like blaming their love ones when things go wrong. A major reason why some people get divorced is because of financial difficulties. Things that are related to money or property tend to cause numerous arguments and disagreements between couples. Married couples can wrangle over such conditions by sharing financial responsibilities, unequal financial status, determining and giving financial support to one another. Again, the role of communication and talking over financial matters comes into function. The lack of communication can be a perpetrator in your married life. A further cause of divorce is complaining. Most men and women do not see eye to eye when it comes to arguments in their marriages. Pressure of finding the money for even the basics is often too great and the marriage could fail. Finally, if you really think that your marriage is worthwhile and would like to save it, you should seek marriage
By: Ashley McNair
counseling. In conclusion, marriage is the happiest time of a couple’s life, but in this era 60 percent of couples get divorced. There are many reasons why couple’s divorce but in order to have a strong marriage you must be able to love, compromise, trust, and understand each other. Unfortunately, if both are not willing to work together then the outcome will be unhappiness or divorce.
Works Citied
1. Helping woman with divorce and rebuilding lives www.womansdivorce.com/divorcearticles.html (11/16/2009) 2. Common Causes and Reasons for Divorce www.buzzle.com/articles/commoncauses-and-reasons-for-divorce.html (11/17/2009)
Ashley McNair
bernieburns95@yahoo.com • www.facebook.com/bernieburns95 • www.twitter.com/bernieburns95 www.myspace.com/empirestrikesagain • www.youtube.com/bernieburns95 • www.blackshepherdrecords.com
When two people are joined together
They depend on each other and crosses
they form something special
out anyone that stands in their way
A bondage of marriage one that lasts
Their marriage is secrete and only to
forever.
each other do they have to obey.
They are brought together to make each
They are stronger and wiser than they
other laugh and sometimes even cry
give themselves credit for
They are never torn apart by a secret or
They are the rock that shoulders off the
a lie.
destruction that awaits next door.
They don’t give up on each other when
Through sickness and in health they can
nothing seems to go right
weather any storm
They are willing to test the trials by giving
They will battle until the end until God
it a victorious fight.
rings his alarm.
They are the object of God’s eye his
Two people joined together for better or
master piece of fate
for worst
They are written down in his book and
They are chosen into marriage without
sealed by his date.
shame or curse.
Their love creates a castle fit
They are united in love and
for a king and his dynasty
inseparable from any
They are the examples of
degree
truth led by an army of
They are God’s vessel his
honesty.
unique Adam and Eve!!
By: Anita Watson
Brandeesh Interview
with BSR Magazine
Brandeesh We are in Va. Beach with one of VA’s most talented hip-hop artists. This artist goes by the name Brandeesh. He’s officially on the label “Sound Squad Entertainment” fresh out of Chesapeake Va. Sit back and journey with us while we explore the mind of Brandeesh as we keep it “Based On A True Story”!! LyricalLuv: Outside of trying to get your album together what has been some of your latest work? Brandeesh: I have completed seven mix tapes in my career as an artist.
16 BSR Magazine
LyricalLuv: Now in order to put down so many mix tapes and also having an new album dropping you got to be busy as well as having a busy staff behind you. Brandeesh: Yeah, I have my manager Big DEE and DJ Butter B all of them are a part of the camp, “Sound Squad Entertainment”. LyricalLuv: Being that you have so many mix tapes and this new album that’s dropping. I know the fan base has to be pretty large. Can you tell us how far your fan base spreads?
Brandeesh: Honestly, I can’t really tell you that because dealing with the internet now I have mixed tapes that are being downloaded all over the world. If you want to find out more about me you can always go to www.myspace.com/ brandeesh757, or www.myspace. com/officialsoundsquad. LyricalLuv: Alright, let’s get to the content of your songs. Does it change and what about the producers do they change? Brandeesh: No, my content never changes. Just making the delivery to kind of match what’s going on with the time. The lyrics are original. When working on my new album, “Based On A True Story”, I didn’t just use one producer because I didn’t want just one distinct sound. LyricalLuv: So what do you think about this experience?
gotta make their quotas oh no I’m not a rapper at all I live life I’m trying to make a rhyme inside of these bars you weaklings chasing women trying to get inside of they thongs and leave ya mans parked outside in da car Brandeesh is back to write up the wrongs watch Osama drop bombs while I’m writing my songs stop if you plan to sneak me creep me do me some harm pop off but don’t miss cause I react like Saddam I’m not a push over my political Obama not a Bush over you nicer than me you must be a cush smoker the rebel indeed breeds where da veterans be and make scenes where you’ll never believe.” LyricalLuv: If you want to hear more about artist “Brandeesh”, check him out on soundsquad757@gmail.com, www. myspace.com/brandeesh757, www. myspace.com/officialsoundsquad, or www.blackshepherdrecords.com. Get his new album “Based On A True Story” at www.cdbaby.com/brandeesh
Brandeesh: Most of my experiences came from real life experiences. Most of them are negative. I had to take something from it and turn it into a positive to make a situation better or myself stronger…. because experience is the best teacher. LyricalLuv: Finally, we want Brandeesh to spit a line or two for us from one of his songs on his album: Brandeesh: “Hey yo my life’s gotten harder since I’ve become older that’s why the flow was frozen much colder the cops approach with jokes like hey boy hold up the quick search the pigs www.blackshepherdrecords.com www.blackshepherdrecords.com
NEw Releases!
from B.S.R.
Artist BERNIE BURNS
Album “THE GILDED AGE” THE GILDED AGE was a term used from Mark Twain and Charles Dudley during the post Civil War era between 1865-1901. It was a term used to define how things can be glittery on the surface but corrupt underneath as a description of the late 19th century government and businesses. So listen as Bernie Burns entice your mind with the knowledge and understanding of the modern day Gilded Age.
ORDER BERNIE BURNS “THE GILDED AGE”
@ www.blackshepherdrecords.com
18 BSR Magazine
Artist BRANDEESH
Album “BASED ON A TRUE STORY” BASED ON A TRUE STORY is a true classic VA album. Come journey with Hip Hop artist Brandeesh as he take you on a thrilling ride through his lyrical encounters of his life experiences.
ORDER BRANDEESH “BASED ON A TRUE STORY”
@ www.cdbaby.com/brandeesh
www.blackshepherdrecords.com
REIMO Interview
with BSR Magazine
BSR MAG: We are here with Reimo to get some insight on his career as an artist in the 757. I would first like to ask you where did you get the name Reimo? Reimo: Well, I introduced myself to the world as “Big Reimo”, which is partially my name. I don’t want to throw my whole government name out there but my middle name is Karriem. A lot of people call me Reim, Reim Cutty, Cutty Reim,
Reimo and that’s kinda where I came up with the name. Also, we all remember that name Big Remo from the movie, “Casino”, the big boss. So that’s how we put it down. BIG REIMO! BSR MAG: Let us know where you come from, who you represent now and what you got planned? Reimo: First and foremost, I would like to shout out “The Boogie Down Bronx” ….. New York City ‘cause that’s where I’m from. Right now…, I’m reppin the 7 cities doing what I do. Shout out to Empire Entertainment my dude Bernie Burns. Shout out to Black Shepherd Records and the whole family Mike Watts….you already know how we connect, and Cutts Foundation which is myself (Reimo) High Noon, The Chemist, Dibbs Dojo, and Buck Nasty you know what I mean! BSR MAG: We know you have been working on a couple of projects and you got a hot video out let us know about anything else you have in the works. Also, let us know where you got the concept for the video? Reimo: No doubt. Shout out to my boy Dstans from Bordeaux, and to the video director himself Jay Wes from JayWes
20 BSR Magazine
Vids located in New York. We know how they get down. I’m ‘bout to scream at you for the next project my dude. Well, I connected with Dstans from France on Myspace. He is a great producer so I hollered at him…. he threw me a beat…. we collabed…. it made me feel hungry. That’s how I came up with the Real McCoy. It’s a lot of rappers out there that bite a lot of styles, they take a lot of people’s words, and they switch their words up. Everybody wants to get down how everybody wants to get down. Somebody used auto tune now everybody wants to use auto tune. That concept had me thinking it’s a lot of fake McCoy’s out here. It’s a lot of people that call themselves the “Real McCoy”, and that’s where I came up with the concept. He mastered it, put it down, and mixed it…. super producer and all that! I was feeling it!! His people in Paris was getting at me ‘cause they was feeling it. Shout out to Bordeaux. My people in the Bronx, my people out here in VA, and like I said Bernie Burns whole crew from Empire Entertainment was feeling it. My man Jay Wes a great director!! I hollered at him and he heard the song and we got a little treatment together. Go to www.youtube.
com/aflackbaby or www.youtube. com/reemcutty. The video is called “The Real McCoy”. I’m also working on my debut album, “Staring Thru Society’s Eyes”, slated to drop first quarter 2010. Big shout out to “The Fake Hunters”. I happen to be on two of their albums that’s out right now on “Feelin’ Music Productions”. The first album is on itunes (juno download) the first album is called, “Jazz Is”. I have a song called, “I’mma Have It”, and the song on the “Blue Soul” CD is called, “Life’s Struggles” which is now available at your nearest online store. Go to templeofdeejays.com and search for the album “Blue Soul” song “Life’s Struggles”. Lastly, after finishing with my debut album I will be doing an entire album produced by “The Fake Hunters”, and it will be available on “Feelin’ Music Productions”, though we haven’t came up with a title for the album yet. Contact info: email: pdrcutty99@gmail.com myspace.com/pdrcutty99 youtube.com/aflackbaby reverbnation.com/untamablelionpdr twitter.com/Reem757 youtube.com/reemcutty www.blackshepherdrecords.com
Artist News Letter
By BSR Magazine
BSR Magazine Exposes VA Artists around the seven cities that want a chance to be seen and heard Contact: Mike Watts of BSR Magazine Email: blackshepherdrecords@yahoo. com Website: www.blackshepherdrecords. com Newport News, VA Are you an artist and feel as though your talents are not being recognized? Every music artist would like to utilize their talents to show a larger audience. Most, younger audiences like music that will make them dance, recite lyrics, or maybe even relax. With these special editions that are issued out quarterly from BSR Magazine (www.blackshepherdrecords.com), it will take artists and their music to an entirely new level. Different-Consistently GrowingLocal Urban Music Magazine “What makes BSR Magazine so unique is that artists in Virginia will finally start getting the right media exposure. This type of exposure focuses solely on the artist and their opinions. Imagine being a music artist and finally being able to be placed in a popular magazine. Imagine the joy and excitement! They would continue to experience great photography, and graphic work that is designed by our experienced graphic artists. Our magazine is distributed through the local mail system, to our subscribers, and also at random events”, states Mike Watts, CEO of
22 BSR Magazine
BSR Magazine. Mike Watts further explains, “Making the artist known is our job, real conversations helps us to distinguish that. They are….committed to their craft, and they are constantly putting their best into there work which determines whether or not they are going to get something out of it”. While the difficulty of being heard and seen usually surrounds the media center in Virginia, artists that work with BSR Magazine will establish a partnership bond that they can trust. Fully Interactive Online Magazine Even if subscribers haven’t had a chance to look at the hard copy of BSR Magazine, it is available online. BSR Magazine offers the ability to listen to new artist music by visiting our website at www.blackshepherdrecords.com. There, you would also be able to flip through pages just as if you had the magazine in your hands.
Company Black Shepherd Records LLC. Located in Newport News, Virginia. BSR magazine is not in relationship with any other magazine companies within the Virginia area.
BSR Magazine would like to thank all present and future subscribers/supporters. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce a new section coming to BSR Magazine. Our next issue of BSR Magazine will include a contact directory. This is designed ideally for those who are on a very limited budget, but still would like a chance to be exposed in our network around the area. EXAMPLE OF DIRECTORY Local Publications Company: BSR Magazine Contact person: Mike Watts Email: blackshepherdrecords@ yahoo.com You can also include your address and phone number.
If you would like to subscribe to BSR Magazine visit our website at www.blackshepherdrecords.com and fill out the subscription form on the home page. BSR Magazine is a free magazine. SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR YOUR FREE COPY TO BE MAILED TO YOU!
www.blackshepherdrecords.com