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CONTENTS It's The Lifestyle A Letter from the Editor
5
Meet The Team Lit Lifestyle Magazine Contributors
7
A Busy Lifestyle Take Me Away to
9
My Cigar Journey
17
Daughters
Leaf
19
Lit Lifestyle Creates the First Female Cigar Panel
22
Las Vegas Fashion Capital
25
Acid Subculture Toast By Drew Estate
26
NOE The Brand
27
Powerhouse Women In Music
29
Meet David Guetta
32
of the
34
Fashion Is
Stylist's World
35
Suck
37
it
the
Slam
it
Autumn Smoke Creative Thoughts
L I F E S T Y L E
Days
it
by
are
Far Behind Us!
MikeBSG
M A G A Z I N E
19
22
25
27
Inga Newson Aficionada & Lit Cover Lifestyle Model
Lick
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Dominican Republic
the
38
29
It's The L festyle A Letter from the Editor Dear Friends, Well, here we are – finally, the Premier Edition of the first independent magazine that features women cigar enthusiasts. As one of our talented writers put it so eloquently; we’ve shattered the smoky glass ceiling and our heels are clicking across the boardroom floors. Women are embedded throughout the cigar industry as executive, store owners, and consumers. It’s only fitting that we have a publication designed for women, by women. My questions have always been what took so long? Was this project my destiny? What’s the catch? Why me? Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner! Those are pretty deep questions and I may never find the answers. I do know this; I’m incredibly privileged, blessed and honored to pioneer this magazine. I’m thankful for all the talented contributors, creative designers, and their innovative support that have brought this vision to reality. And most of all, I’m thankful for the ladies that have dared to come out and say “yeah, that’s a cigar in my mouth ~ a Robusto, Maduro, full bodied, triple ligero.” Relax, pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage paired with your favorite cigar, and enjoy this sample of Lit Lifestyle Magazine. This is our Premier Edition, a few pages, just to give you and the industry insiders a feel of what a Woman’s Lifestyle Magazine dedicated to the sisters of the leaf would look like. 2012 is our breakout year, watch for the full page edition next Spring. Finally we are here and we are simply ONE OF A KIND. Enjoy the journey and the new chapter Clarice, Editor-in-Chief
This Magazine is Published by Incognito Inc. with Knightridahz Entertainment, Las Vegas, Nevada
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It's The L festyle Meet the Team and Supporters of Lit Lifestyle Magazine Thank you for your talent, passion and support!
Contributing
writers
A fi c ionada Corner Mike Berman Mike has a decade of experience as a professional journalist (with USATODAY.com) and currently freelances for MSNBC.com among other news clients. As well as being an award-winning writer, Mike is also a Cigar Aficionado S pecial T hanks T o : Ingrid R. Larkin Ingrid Larkin has been an international award-winning art director for over 15 years. Presently, she serves as an independent creative consultant and enjoys lecturing as well as mentoring other budding talents to pursue passions in fine art, design, creative writing and photography. Her passions include art, wine enthusiasm, cooking, blogging and rekindling her love for fine cigars. Jackie Hine Entrepreneur, executive, mother and Aficionada from across the pond. L ifestyle and F as h ion Karri L. Moser Karri L. Moser is a freelance writer. She was a radio personality and newspaper reporter in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Karri has written for several magazine, newspapers and web sites. She enjoys writing about fashion, women’s issues, relationships, health and fitness, politics, tourism, different cultures and family issues. E ntertainment Merald “Bubba” Knight III – Music Editor Merald “Bubba” Knight III, is currently producing and songwriting out of the Knightridahz Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada. Among Bubba’s many successes, most memorable are his 20 years choreographing for icon family group Gladys Knight and the Pips. Thank you for your valuable time and support. David Rogers David is a freelance journalist living in Athens, Ga. who writes about music and whatever else he finds interesting at any given moment. He’s usually doing something related to music, whether it be writing about it, listening to it or annoying his neighbors by playing his own.
This Magazine is Published by Incognito Inc. with Knightridahz Entertainment, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Aficion ada Corner
A Busy The combination of jewellery and cigars is an odd combination, but for Women, its the perfect combination!
Lifestyle
T a k e m e Aw a y t o t h e D o mi n ic a n R e p u b l ic
By Jackie Hine Where does one go with two sixteen year old girls and a twenty one year old girl? My two daughters (and a friend) had decided that going on holiday with their Mum, was a small price to pay, probably mainly in financial terms. They would obviously want to do ‘their thing’ and after working for the previous fifty weeks with only the odd day off, I certainly wanted to do mine. Just the thought of someone else cooking and washing for two weeks was enough to persuade me that I should favour a ‘fully inclusive’ deal, somewhere hot, with a white sandy beach and a clear blue sky and sea - where else but the Caribbean? I had been to the Dominican Republic once before and had a great time so why not again? If I could put up with the ten hour flight it would be the ideal rest and recuperation for a hard working Mum – or so I thought? My business partner suggested that I should treat it as a working holiday because he said that I would soon be bored sitting on a lounger, under a palm tree sipping yet another rum cocktail. I, on the other hand saw nothing wrong with any part of that plan. 9 ▪ Y O U R
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litmagazineonline.com
advertise
your
cigar
Ad ver tisin g In q uir ies Co nt act Ad Sal es: medi a@l i t l i f est y l emag azi ne. com
Aficion ada Corner
At a price of $6 each stick for a box of 25 Churchills they represent marvellous value. “You like the occasional cigar, what better place to do a bit of
own children and other peoples getting on my nerves but the
research, buy some great cigars and you know as well as I do that
thought of yet another rum cocktail at breakfast was becoming
after a week with the kids any excuse to get away would be good
a little nauseating. I had arranged with Suzanne and Thomas the
for them and more importantly, for you - oh, and I could do with a
owners of “La Reina Dominicana” situated in the heart of Punta
box of Churchills as well!”
Cana to interview them about their boutique cigar and jewellery shop. It seemed quite an eclectic mix of products but with more
Put as eloquently as that it seemed a complete ‘no-brainer’!
women interested in smoking cigars, quite a clever thought and as both are hand-made and luxury items, I could see the wisdom
The DR has a long history of growing tobacco, making great
of what they were trying to achieve. On top of all of that I would
cigars and housing one of the largest cigar factory’s anywhere
be in heaven, having a penchant for quality cigars and a love for
in the world, but because so much has been written about the
beautiful and different jewellery.
Island’s capacity to produce cigars that regularly feature in other magazines tasting sessions and scoring in the high 80’s and
Their driver arrived as agreed and it took about an hour to travel
into the 90’s, I decided to take a different route; so after a lot
to the shop. They couldn’t have been more hospitable and were
of research and a penchant for lovely jewellery (the relevance
happy for myself and my eldest daughter (o.k. I know what I just
of which will become apparent shortly) I decided to arrange an
said about kids, but someone had to take the photographs and as
interview with a boutique cigar shop in Punta Cana. I emailed the
I don’t know one end of the camera from ....), to ask them what I
owners who were very happy to arrange to meet me; even sorting
wanted and to take whatever photographs I needed.
out a car to pick me up from my hotel, which although advertised as Punta Cana was about an hour’s drive to the city. My partner was of course absolutely right, albeit rather inaccurate about the timing! After a few days, not only were my 1 1 ▪ Y O U R
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Aficion ada Corner
I started by asking Suzanne how long the shop had been open, below is a transcript of my interview with her.
cigar.”
J. “Suzanne when did you open the shop?” S. “It was about 9 years ago, but it has undergone a name change since then to the Spanish version we now have of ‘La Reina Dominicana’, the original name was ‘The Queen of the Dominican Republic.’ J. “The combination of jewellery and cigars is an odd combination, what were your thought processes behind it?” S. “Well I used to represent travel clients and I would often source these products for them, in addition to that, both are typical DR products.” J. “I suppose a lot of women come into the shop to buy your wonderful hand-made jewellery. Do you find that they often walk out with a box of cigars as well?” S. “Well, all our jewellery is sourced and made locally as of course are our cigars. There are definitely more women coming in now than there used to be and also more young people, the balance is tipping and ‘yes’ they often buy cigars!” J. “As you know I have agreed to write an article for a magazine that specialises in women’s interest in smoking cigars, have you noticed an upsurge in women buying and smoking cigars?” S. “Definitely, we saw an increase over the last few years which seems to be continuing.” J. “If I was a woman coming into the shop for the first time and said that I would like to experience smoking a cigar, how would you advise me.?” S. “I personally think that the Panatela we produce is the best, certainly I enjoy them, they are longer and thinner than our petit corona, I believe visually they look better and in my opinion they definitely taste and smoke better than the smaller cigars.” J. “I prefer the larger Churchills and Robustos, do you find women buying them at all?” S. “Not very often, they tend to prefer the slimmer cigars, men, even younger men seem to prefer the larger more robust cigars, the sort you might smoke while enjoying a large glass of a powerful red wine.” J. “That’s obviously why I often enjoy a good claret with my cigar, but I do believe the stronger taste of a complex red complements the larger 1 3 ▪ Y O U R
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J. “In your experience what is it about smoking a cigar that makes it such a pleasurable and relaxing thing to do?” S. “Probably the length of time it takes to smoke a cigar makes you relax and the more you smoke the more you notice the different flavours, it’s just a very pleasurable thing to do.” J. “I couldn’t agree more, I have to be in the right mood to enjoy a cigar, it is what probably marks the difference between a cigar and a cigarette smoker.” J. “How do you see the cigar industry developing over the next few years especially given the draconian and ever extending anti-smoking laws in North America and most of Europe? Do you think you will be selling cigars in ten year’s time?” S. “Well it is quite strange because we deal with Switzerland and over there even some Wellness Centres have cigar lounges. I think as cigar smoking becomes a more exclusive and upmarket pastime and cigarette smoking continues to decline, attitudes to cigars may change. I’ll think we will still be selling them in ten years time.” J. “Who picks the tobacco you use in your cigars? Does it come from one farm or do you source it from many?” S. “No, only from one farm; I have worked with them for 12-15 years and one of our hand rollers buys five different tobaccos that we use in all of our cigars, that way we maintain strict control over the quality. Each cigar contains the following five, class-A rated, tobacco Leaves: Olor Cubano, Ligero Cubano, Seco Cubano, Capote Cubano and Capa Ecuador.” J. “Are all your cigars made on site and how many rollers do you employ?” S. “We employ two rollers and they have been with us a very long time and all are made on site.”
Dare to smoke
a cigar in our shoes. www.internationalwomensccigarsociety.com Making a Difference One Puff at A Time. 786.309.IWCS
I would say to all the readers of Lit magazine that a visit to La Reina Dominica is a must if they travel to the DR anytime soon. Jackie Hine visits 'La Reina Dominicana'
J. “What cigars do you produce?” S. “We produce six different sizes, they are Churchill, Torpedo, Robusta, Corona, Panatela and Petit Corona, we sell them in boxes of 25 but of course our hand-rolled Dominican Quality Cigars are also available in smaller and bigger Quantities/Boxes, as requested by our Customers. We produce a sample box - you must take one before you go.” J. “I wouldn’t normally accept a free gift but it would only be right to sample all of your products, especially if I’m writing an article on them!” J. “What makes the DR such a great place to grow tobacco and do you think DR cigars now rival Cuba?” S. “The climate and soil conditions are perfect to grow great tobacco and far from rival Cuba, I think in some quarters it is accepted that the DR is now number one in terms of quality and, of course, far more competitively priced.” J. “When I was researching for this article I found you on the internet, what other marketing do you do and do you export? I ask from a purely selfish point of view, as just having smoked one of your great Churchills I need to know that I can get them once I’m back in the UK!” S. “We only have two full time rollers and we are very keen to preserve our quality and exclusivity. Nearly all of our customers come from other customer’s recommendations - the best way of course. We have a number of Swiss clients and ‘yes’ we will ship to U.K.” J. “Thank you Suzanne you have been the perfect hosts and thank you for showing us around and letting us take photographs. I shall certainly be reporting positively to the readers of Lit Magazine! 1 5 ▪ Y O U R
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I bought 25 Churchills to take back with me and also the six sample set that Suzanne and Thomas kindly gave me and, of course it wouldn’t have been right had I not bought some lovely hand-made jewellery, in fact, there is another article that I should write – but I could always go back! The rest of the holiday passed very peacefully and it was amazing that given my purchases, especially the cigars and my re-acquaintance with rum cocktails, the children seemed far less annoying. I have now been home several weeks and I have already either smoked or given away three quarters of the box. All the cigars I smoked were, in my opinion of the highest quality, extremely well constructed, all with an even burn and with coffee and spicy notes; they smoked all the way through without any hot spots towards the end. At a price of $6 each stick for a box of 25 Churchills they represent marvellous value. The Robusto, Corona and Torpedo were also of excellent taste and quality and I have only the panatela and petit corona left from the samples but I quite expect they will be equal to the others. I can honestly say that I have never found so much consistency in one box of cigars that I am finding with these, I think they are exceptional and if I was scoring them they would certainly be hovering around the ‘90’ mark. If I had one tiny criticism it is the strength of the glue they use on the band, I like to remove the band before I smoke my cigar and it was quite difficult without harming the delicate wrapper – but now I’m being picky! I would say to all the readers of Lit magazine that a visit to La Reina Dominica is a must if they travel to the DR anytime soon. Their website address is www.cigarsjewlerypuntacana.com . You will be assured of a warm welcome and I would just like to confirm that I had no previous connection with either the shop or the owners. My comments are my personal opinion but if you don’t believe me......
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My Cigar Journey By Ingrid R. Larkin For publication in LIT Lifestyle Magazine for Women My earliest memories of cigars date back to my childhood. One of my fondest (not just of cigars) but also of all time was from summers I used to spend on my Grandparent's farm in rural North Louisiana. If I close my eyes I can still feel the wind rushing through the weeping willows, carrying scents of sweet sugar cane and sweet potatoes from the rich farmland. I could hardly wait to get out of the car, race across the long yard, up the front porch steps and into the house where Daddy Willie would be seated in that old lazy boy rocker with a King Edward cigar in hand. As always, I'd jump up in his lap and wait for that big, warm embrace he'd give me with such loving hazel eyes. His weathered hands would pat me on my back. I always felt safe. I can still close my eyes, even now and smell the semi-stuffyyet-not-to-strong wafts of billowy smoke floating overhead.
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I now know that King Edwards weren't exactly the most "premium" choice of smokes, but it's what he loved, so that was just fine. One day, I jumped up for a hug and just as I was nestling into my favorite place in that lazy boy, down falls a heap of long hot ashes on my leg. "OUCH!" I cried aloud as the heat seared my skin. I remember looking up at my PaPa with tears and watching how sorry he was that his cigar harmed me. He gently wiped my leg and sent me to Granny who treated my burn. Till this day it never left a scar. In a weird way, I sort of wished it had so that each time I'd enjoy a fine stogie; I could look down at that place and smile with nostalgia. Years later, my brothers and I have decided to carry on the great tradition of Daddy Willie and his leisurely smokes. My Grandfather smoked cigars for over 60 years of his 87-year life. My brother carefully placed a box of King Edward
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cigars in his coffin and one on his side pocket, just in case. Albeit for more premium choices, I now smoke my own and feel the very same calm and comfort I did as a child. I still light up each time, look at that leg where the scar might have been, smile and say, "This ones for you Daddy Willie..." BIO: Ingrid Larkin has been an international award-winning art director for over 15 years. Presently, she serves as an independent creative consultant and enjoys lecturing as well as mentoring other budding talents to pursue passions in fine art, design, creative writing and photography. Her passions include art, wine enthusiasm, cooking, blogging and rekindling her love for fine cigars.
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Aficion ada Corner
daughters of the leaf s
By Karri Moser From the time the cigar industry really started to take off in this country in the 1800’s, women have been an integral component of the business and cigar lifestyle. Women have gone from being the wives and daughters in the background, absorbing information, traditions and techniques, to being the heads of some big name cigar companies. Women are no longer rolling in the factory or sitting at stripping tables for meager wages and keeping their ideas for improving the cigar experience to themselves. As great cigars were put out there and women simultaneously gained more rights and respect, the number of women in central roles in cigar families began to rise. No longer were the days when cigar empires were blindly handed down from father to son. Now daughters of the leaf are stepping up and making a difference. We all know women see things differently, can adapt and figure out problems in new and innovative ways. This means women are and always were naturally skilled in business. One such skilled, intelligent, shrewd and innovative daughter of the leaf is the offspring of the great Don Jose Pepin Garcia. Pepin was undisputedly the greatest cigar maker in Cuba. Because Pepin started
Today, the smoky glass ceiling is cracking across the globe and the high heels are clicking across the boardrooms instead of the factory floor.
working in the cigar industry at a young age and he created the most popular cigars in the world, there was simply no other master of the trade that could teach his children more. Pepin’s daughter Janny Garcia has spent her entire life in the business. Her cigar line, My Fathers Cigar, is well received and shows she is more than ready to take over where the boys have left off.
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Women shaping cigar culture
Sisters, Raquel and Patricia Quesada have also continued their family business by taking over Manufactura de Tabacos SA. The siblings are continuing five generations as industry giants. As VP of advertising and communications for Altadis USA, Janelle Rosenfield is making waves behind the scenes. Currently, she has helped make Altadis the world’s largest cigar producer. Mariana Miranda, another female mover and shaker in the cigar world. She, alongside her husband, has helped put Miami Cigar and Co. in the forefront since 1989. From skilled laborers to highly effective, persuasive, shrewd and intelligent business women making the important day to day decisions, these ladies and the many others who are working their way up to positions of power have made a huge difference in how the cigar world operates and is viewed by consumers. As more women take the helm, the Daughters of the Leaf are finally getting the recognition they have always deserved and they get to enjoy a fine smoke at the same time. As Lit Lifestyle Magazine begins to make its mark as a leading publication for and about women involved in the cigar industry, there will be continuing feature pieces focusing on the females who are shaping cigar culture. Feature stories focusing on successful women and their ascent to the top of the cigar industry will further propel these Daughter’s of the Leaf into the spotlight. Their influence on cigar culture and lifestyle will be stylishly captured as will the trends they ultimately set across the board. For women, the breakthroughs and accomplishments, in what used to be a man’s world, are extraordinary; and more importantly, it is only the beginning.
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LIT LIFESTYLE CREATES THE FIRST FEMALE CIGAR PANEL By Mike Berman
If you’re a woman who smokes cigars, you’re probably frustrated that it sometimes seems like you don’t exist. The stereotypical depiction of the smoker is a fat-cat (male) businessman puffing on an oversized stogie after a big business deal, or male athletes celebrating in a locker room. When the genders get switched, like when the Canadian women’s hockey team celebrated their 2010 Olympic gold medal with some fine smokes, it somehow turns into a controversy fueled by talking heads with too much time on their hands. That’s ridiculous, and it’s a glass tobacco ceiling that we’re battering into submission. And if you want to be a part of that change, you’ll want to take note of the creation of the first women’s cigar panel, which we’re organizing to provide their ratings for this magazine. The panel will contribute discussions and review cigars for the print publication – and as an added incentive, the top-of-the-line cigars selected for discussion will be provided to panel members.
How will these cigars be rated? ....We’re glad you asked. If you enjoy cigar smoking, you’ve probably leaned back after taking the final puff of an excellent smoke and considered the age-old question: What makes a cigar great? The answer is different for everyone (we’ll get to that later), but the Cigar Aficionado rating system is an attempt to answer that question for a general audience. Its methodology is designed to ensure a consistent way of judging cigars across brands and over time, with a list of criteria that all cigars are judged by. It’s a great shortcut when trying to decide what you’re going to try next. 2 2 ▪ Y O U R
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Cigar Aficionado breaks everything down into four components: Appearance/Construction (15 points maximum)
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Turns out your mom was only half right. You can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can usually tell if it’s something to be taken seriously or something cheaper designed for an afternoon on the beach. The 15-point rating here advocates that a cigar should have a smooth wrapper with no discernable flaws and a consistent color and shape to earn maximum appearance points. To judge construction, hold it like you’re about to take a puff. It should feel firm but not absolutely rigid, and give you a slight oily sensation. If it’s dry and flaky, that’s a sign the cigar has seen better days.
Smoking Characteristics (25 points maximum) This covers how well the cigar smokes, from the moment it’s lit until you’ve taken that last draw. You want the cigar to light easily and burn evenly, and to feel comfortable in your mouth. If the cigar has too hard of a draw, if it doesn’t burn evenly, or if it does anything else that makes it difficult to enjoy, points are deducted here.
Flavor (25 points maximum) For a cigar to score high in the flavor category, it should have a smooth and rich taste that is consistently good throughout the smoke. The flavor itself may change over the course of the smoke, and some of the best ones do, but the quality should always be high. If it tastes bitter, take points away.
Overall impression (35 points maximum) Simply put … how was it? Was it a great cigar smoking experience, or something less than you expected? In the Cigar Aficionado Rating System, a 90 or above signals something outstanding, while anything 80 or above is very good to great. Something in the 70s is fine to smoke, and anything below that isn’t usually worth the bother. That’s the system our panel will work with, and even if you don’t want to be a part of the official discussion it’s fun to play along at home and give your own rating as well. As long as you’re consistent over time, the ratings help you understand what kind of cigars are going to give you the best smoking experience.
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Las Vegas Fashion Capital A Natural Fusion of Style, Attitude & Flare By Karri Moser
With the recent descent of the Magic and Project Fashion Trade-
Designers and boutiques who participated in the event included:
show held in early August and the latest success of Fashion
Chloe, Gucci, Dior, DKNY, Eddie Bauer, Dooney and Bourke,
Night Out, it’s no wonder the Las Vegas landscape is being seen
bebe, Guess, Herve Leger, Steve Madden, Marc Jacobs, Bottega
as the next fashion capital. Just as with Paris, New York City and
Veneta, Betsey Johnson, Stella McCartney, Fendi, Tag Heuer,
Milan, Las Vegas is and always has been about style, attitude
Chanel, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and many others.
and flare. This vibrant and opulent city is standing tall against other fashion hot spots and drawing in fabulous designers,
Both events have helped to put the spotlight on this already
events, boutiques and lovers of fashion from around the world,
bright and evolving city. Setting trends and taking risks have
earning some overdue props for its fashion sense in general.
always been what the city is all about and fashion is no exception. With these high profile events, comes respect and recognition
Showcasing Las Vegas’ up and coming fashion scene, The
from not only serious fashionista’s but desiners and retailers
Project Tradeshow was a huge success. This tradeshow rocked
alike. From the runway shows to the exclusive trunk shows, this
the fashion world inside out and has helped propel forward
city is rolling the dice and commanding attention as the next
thinking industry insiders and first time attendees into seeing
Milan. With the presence of exclusive stores, participating in
the value in Las Vegas as a high fashion destination. This year’s
world-wide events and conjuring up inescapable images of style
Fashion Night Out conceived by and coordinated by Vogue
and sexiness, Las Vegas is cementing its reputation as a high
Magazine and the Council of Fashion Designers of America,
fashion hub. As this reputation grows with the help of runway
celebrated its third year in Las Vegas and received rave reviews
shows, exclusive celebrity collections and events in the city, the
along the way.
rise of Vegas as a fashion capitol is unstoppable.
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Acid Subculture Toast by Drew Estate TOTAL RATING: LIT LIFESTYLE WOMAN’S PANEL GIVES THIS CIGAR A 98
APPEARANCE AND CONSTRUCTION (15 of the possible 100 points) This 6 x 50 sized beauty from Drew Estate has a beautiful construction; smooth, dark wrapper with little to no veins with a firm sponge push back when squeezed. This construction is found from tip to end, no variations. DANI GIVES IT (15 points)
FLAVOR
(25 of the possible 100 points) The taste of this cigar starts off with honeysuckle sweetness and then gravitates more towards a nutmeg sweetness. The Toast cigar was smooth tasting throughout. The only time any bitterness or harshness showed was at the very end, at the absolute nub of the cigar. DANI GIVES IT (24 points)
SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS
(25 of the possible 100 points) The Toast was easy to light and had a steady, even burn through the entire smoke. Did not have to relight this one at all! The draw is easy, not too easy but not tight at all, and the Toast produces a ton of thick, white smoke. It boasts a firm ash as well that will stick with you an inch or more, if that’s what you prefer. DANI GIVES IT (25 points)
OVERALL IMPRESSION
(35 of the possible 100 points) What I love most about the Toast is it maintains its sweetness through the smoke, all the way down to the nub. Never overpowering and the aroma the Toast gives off is enjoyed by the smoker as well as those around her/him. With a smoke time of about 1 hour, 15 minutes, I would like to see this cigar offered in another size or two and would be interested to know how the change in size affected the taste, aroma, burn, etc. if at all. DANI GIVES IT (34 points) Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I’m looking forward to this entire adventure! Reviewed by Dani Carmichael Lit Lifestyle Cigar Panelist 2 6 ▪ Y O U R
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BAC KS TAGE
is out to prove that he’s more than just a rapper— he’s a brand. A brand that finds the artist in many different roles: songwriter, musician, entrepreneur and marketer, among many other titles. Born and raised in Baltimore, NOE began making his name in the music industry when he was tapped to write for Diddy and eventually found himself as a co-writer of Danity Kane’s number one hit, “Show Stopper.” His work was recognized by Jim Jones, which led to NOE working within the Byrdgang/Dipset infrastructure, as well as collaborating with many top artists around the country. This summer, NOE will release his first solo album, NOE REMORSE, and recently we talked to him via email about all of this, what’s in store for his career and how he created his own cigar.
Lit Lifestyle Magazine: You've established that NOE is much more than just an artist, but also a brand. In addition to the music, you also have a personal cigar brand, a political blog and a prominent social media presence, among other aspects. How do you define NOEtheBrand? NOE: NOEtheBrand would have to be defined as everything a man should be in a brand. Well spoken. Well-learned, classy, refined, informed, charismatic, artistic and, above all, timeless. LLM: And what do you see the brand bringing to your fans now and in the future? NOE: As far as the fans, right now I just want to be genuine. I see them more as supporters than fans. I simply want to continue to matter. I love to inspire. If that's accomplished then so am I.
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LLM: This summer you release the album NOE REMORSE. Can you talk a little about what we can expect from the album, as well as what inspired the record? NOE: Well, when it comes to my music, it’s all been ‘Street' based thus far. My fans can expect that. I have a very loyal underground following. Generally speaking, on the surface, I've been covering subject matter that relates to the inner city. I come from one of the worst inner cities in the nation, Baltimore. So of course my life has been considerably exposed to crime, drug infested neighborhoods, lead paint, gang violence, prisons, prostitution, etc. All of the things that make the inner city the hell-on-earth it can be. But on the flip side, there is also beauty. There is family, friendships, triumphs, love and spiritual inspiration; it all depends on the individual. I happen to be an individual who became more connected to triumph. So NOE REMORSE will embody both the pain and the triumph.
"I love Cigars. I absolutely love them." LLM: In your blog you mention that Gil Scott-Heron, one of my favorites who recently passed away, inspired you to "become a revolutionary." What did Scott-Heron's art mean to you, and how has it affected your work? NOE: Wow. Mr. Gil. If the conditions I described regarding the inner city, both good and bad, beautiful and horrific, could be likened to a sound, a sound that could perfectly capture the essence of that existence, it would be the voice of Gil Scott-Heron. He could take the vision of that, is art. That was his genius. So today, when I write, I paint. I paint the picture so clear, that even if you have never stepped foot in the slums of Baltimore's inner city, by the time the song ends, you lived there. That is art. That is genius. LLM: How did you come to work with Diddy and Danity Kane and writing the “Show Stopper” single? What was the process like? NOE: In 2004, my business partner, Nicole Nicety Chaplin, introduced me to Conrad Dimanche, who at the time was the Senior VP of Bad Boy Records. We were shopping for a deal, but they weren't interested in me as an artist. It was said that my vocal tones were too similar to Jay-Z. But the writing skills could not be denied. So I was offered a job to write for Diddy. To make a long story short, I started writing and the rest was historical. I learned a lot about the business. It’s very shady. You have to be prepared to be exploited coming in. Ignorance is the most expensive liability. What you don't know could put your million in some one else’s pocket.
LLM: Another aspect of your work that may be of interest to our readers is that you have your own brand of cigar, Kinopoli. In a video on your website you speak of how you created your own blend. Tell us about the process of creating that blend, and what you enjoy about the final product. NOE: I love Cigars. I absolutely love them. I love the culture and the tradition that surrounds the whole industry. I befriended a master handroller who introduced me to his own blend. They were magnificent. After two or three years of patronizing his blend he came up with the idea that I should invest in my own. It was a nobrainer at that point. I began to sample different blends. It was a challenge because I have a very discriminating palate. After a year of trial and error and constant sampling, I finally found a blend that I could enjoy from the initial light-up all the way to the nub, lol. That’s how the Kinopoli was born. I began to service close, personal friends and then it spread. It’s been a challenge. The only matter that slows down production is finding investors to help subsidize production. I was coming out-of-pocket. That could get quite burdensome to say the least. LLM: To echo a question presented on your Kinopoli Cigar website, where is your favorite place to be when it's time to relax and enjoy a cigar? NOE: My favorite place to light-up as of late is the boating dock on the east side of Baltimore City. In fact I filmed my first video "Gladiator" in that exact spot. It’s in the opening scene.
LLM: Do you approach writing for other artists differently than you would writing your own music? How?
LLM: After your album drops this summer, what's next for NOE the Brand?
NOE: I used to in the beginning. But then the quality would be lost. So later on, I began to approach every project as my own. If the artist wanted to fine tune it, then fine. But my personal imprint would be all in it, lol. Most times I would create the entire concept from scratch and build it to its completion. Background vocals, chorus; the whole thing. So the songs would become the featured artist's in performance only.
NOE: I'm going to continue making good music, I'm going to continue to blend the best leaves and become whatever I am destined to become. Thank you for this honor. Be blessed.
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Powerhouse
Women in Music By David Rogers
From Billie Holiday and Etta James in the early years and continuing through to modern artists like Madonna, Mary J. Blige and Nicki Minaj, Lit Lifestyle Magazine’s “Powerhouse Women in Music” series aims to celebrate the artists that have made the biggest impressions on our culture through their music. (continued on page 31) 2 9 ▪ Y O U R
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Powerhouse
Women in Music At 25, Lady Gaga is the youngest woman on the Forbes magazine’s annual “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” list, published this August. Here are some more facts about the artist formerly known as Stefani Germanotta’s placement on the famed list: she’s the only person under 30 that made the cut, she nearly cracked the top 10 coming in at number 11 and—here’s the kicker—she even beat out perennial list maker Oprah Winfrey. Even as the queen of daytime talk made many headlines throughout the year by ending her eponymous show’s illustrious 25-year run, the singer with a penchant for presenting a new image of herself nearly every day was deemed by the financial magazine as more powerful. Not far behind Ms. Gaga, Beyonce qualified as the second youngest person on the list, holding down the number 18 spot. So what is all this about; why does it matter? While there could be a discussion about the factors that determine the list, or even if there should be a “Most Powerful Women” list when Forbes also publishes another “Most Powerful” list where both genders are eligible, that’s not what this article is about. Hell, it’s not really even about Lady Gaga or Beyonce, per se. What it is about, is women. More specifically, women in music and the power they hold. The power they’ve held for a long time. And the fight that it took to gain that power. Since before music was even being recorded, women constantly have played an integral part in progressing the art form. Even when so much of the music industry, no matter what time period we’re discussing (and that includes today), seemed like a boy’s club, history constantly has shown the emergence of female artists through the oppression. And what vast forms that oppression has taken. Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson and Etta James were among the multitudes that had to fight not only because of their gender but also their race, despite carrying three of the best voices of any era. Billie Holiday added to those two elements a self-destructive lifestyle complete with abusive relationships and drug habits that eventually took a life far too young and far too talented. The list could go on and on and on—and unfortunately it does—but you probably know most of these stories, anyway. And they are worth repeating for at least two reasons: to celebrate the lives and music of some of the best artists (male or female) that have ever lived, and to illustrate the path they were paving, often without even knowing it, that leads us here to today’s music industry. That is not to say that today’s music industry is perfect. No, it’s far from perfect, and the reasons for that are numerous, with some concerning gender equality and some not. But it’s a path that’s still being forged, complete with diversions and occasional repaving as everyone tries to figure this whole thing out. We saw women hold their own with the men when Motown rose in the 1960s (talent-wise, anyway, as they still weren’t always treated equally) with acts such as Diana Ross & the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez carried the singer-songwriter troubadour torch for women throughout the 1960s and 70s and Madonna seemed to write a whole new chapter when the 80s came around. While it would still be controversial, it’s impossible to say whether a man ripping a picture of the Pope in half on national television would cause the same kind of controversy as when Sinead O’Connor did it on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s. Of course, these are not the only examples; they’re just some of the most blatant in a long and wildly storied history that has gotten the music industry where it stands today. And we’re back full circle. This is why it is important that Lady Gaga and Beyonce appear on the Forbes list. Are they the best female artists working today? No, they’re not. But that’s not really the point. The point is that a 25 and 30 year-old making their living as entertainers can be considered among the most powerful women in the world as they take their place alongside leaders like Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Melinda Gates and, yes, Oprah Winfrey. But it’s not that these two achieved the feat purely on their own merits. They are standing on great and historically significant shoulders of all the female singers and musicians that came before them. Symbolically, they represent not only the past greats who allowed them access to this power, but also for those toiling away today with less exposure, though certainly not less talent. They stand for those they will inspire, and they stand for women in the music industry that still have to fight just like they did back in the old days—which weren’t necessarily all that long ago. And on those shoulders they stand with all current female artists, looking into a shining and inspiring future.
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David Guetta
....has come a long way in ten years, from relative obscurity in America to becoming one of the most desired producers around.
By
rs e g o R David
When DJ Magazine declared David Guetta the number three DJ
Thus far, three singles have been released from Nothing But the
in its list of the Top 100 DJs of 2009, part of the reasoning resulted
Beat, two of which have been top 20 hits: “Where Them Girls At”
from the innovative way he bridged musical genres with his work
and “Without You.” The latter track features Usher and reached
and from his role in bringing electronic music closer to the main-
number 8 on the Billboard Top 100. A second single, “Little Bad
stream. At that time, he also had three European number one hits
Girl,” featuring Ludacris and Taio Cruz, also was released. Other
from his own album, One Love. By the following year, he was up
guests on Nothing But the Beat include Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne,
to number two on the DJ Mag list and had sold an astonishing 20
Jennifer Hudson and Akon.
million tracks in 12 months. All of this feels even more impressive considering that Guetta was barely known outside of his home
David Guetta has come a long way
country until the beginning of the last decade.
in ten years, from relative obscurity in America to becoming one of the
Guetta began DJ’ing in French clubs in the mid-1980s at the age
most desired producers around while
of 17. He continued to DJ, as well as manage clubs and organize
also making his own hit albums. Since
parties across Europe, until he decided to make his own album in
he was ranked the number three DJ
2002. He teamed up with American singer Chris Willis, who he
in the world in 2009 and number two
would work with through One Love. Everything in his career seems
in 2010, with the 2011 list not out yet,
to lead up to his most recent album, Nothing But the Beat, released
it will be interesting to watch what
in August 2011 with Guetta’s popularity in the United States higher
happens next for him.
than it’s ever been.
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THIS AD IS PRO-GRATIS, NO INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
I
BAC KS TAGE
Aficionada and Lit Lifestyle Cover Model
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Aspiring Mogul, Model, Video Hip Hop Queen ▪ By David Rogers
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww If she’s not filming the music video for her newest single, she’s designing shirts for her clothing line. If she’s not acting in a new film, she’s performing numerous and varied duties as CEO of her own media company. Born in Belize City, Inga is now based out of Los Angeles where she runs the production, development and management company I International. In addition, she is also an author and poet. Not someone with a lot of downtime, Inga reflects on how she likes to relax with a good cigar on the rare instance that she gets a moment to rest. We asked Inga, as an Aficionada what is your preferred style and/or brand, and when would be the most likely time you would be found relaxing with a cigar? 3 4 ▪ Y O U R
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I am into cigars, yes, but Personally, I look forward to plenty it takes a certain one to blessings. Professionally, I’d have to say en thuse me. I once in a while enjoy new and improved business ventures
the awesome aroma of a medium body magnificent Rocky Patel torpedo with flavors to spare. I love Cuban cigars most. My only uneasiness is the scent it leaves in my long hair. Cigar smoking is considered a masculine trend and when females are seen smoking one it looks either sexy, or unusual. I’m anticipating the day it’s fully embraced by both genders without dislikes and/or questioning. Personally, the fatter the stogie the better tasting it is. I somewhat like the fatness in mouth; how my lips arch to meet it. Cigars are sexy, resembling oral intimacy. (Laughs) What new projects can you give readers a glimpse of that will show what's coming up for you in the future.
M A G A Z I N E
for sure. It’s time I started raking in revenue; I’m ready for financial overflow. It’s just that time! (Laughs) Eloquently put.
Read the full interview at www.litmagazineonline.com
Fashion
is the Stylist’s World With a hit show on Bravo, The Rachel Zoe Project, and a newly created fashion line, Zoe has taken her career to a whole new level.
By Karri Moser
To be successful in the world of fashion takes ambition, creativity, endless energy, an innovative mind, and a sense of what will be a hit or a miss. Setting trends, avoiding wardrobe malfunctions, and being available 24/7 are just some of the demands made of the Fashion Stylist. A tweak from the right stylist at the right time could catapult an unknown star into superstardom, making her a style icon overnight. One influential stylist is Rachel Zoe. She has taken her passion for dressing up friends and incorporated it into a worldwide empire. With a hit show on Bravo, The Rachel Zoe Project, and a newly created fashion line, Zoe has taken her career to a whole new level. She’s draped celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Salma Hayek and others in her creations. She has the eye needed to craft a flawless look to help a celebrity’s personality shine through, preserving their own identity and style. This suave ability to set instant trends along with her impeccable personal taste and business know-how is just part of what makes Rachel Zoe the top stylist of 2011. The Hollywood Reporter even put her on the cover, an unheard of accolade for a normally behind the scenes position! Stylists have a ripple effect on the entire fashion industry. They hold the strings and celebrities, designers, fans and consumers are all the very well dressed, fabulous looking puppets.
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Lick it Slam it Suck it Days are Far Behind Us! By Chrissy Amelco Tequila boasts its claim as America’s first distilled liquor, reaching back into its grandparents pulque and mezcal. These drinks were made by the Aztecs when Conquistadors discovered it, fell in love with it, and made it stronger, into something that became known as tequila. Where did the name come from? Quite simply, tequila was where it was made. The town of Tequila was right on the route to the port city of San Blas, which made it easy for the Spanish Conquistadors to export tequila to the main land. It wasn’t long before tequila production became a very lucrative business. The King of Spain gave the first rights to cultivate Blue Agave, which tequila is made from, to a Senior José Antonio Cuervo in 1758. Two hundred and fifty years later, Cuervo is still in business along with Sauza, Patron, and our newest favorite, Don Eduardo. Now, traditionally, the favorite of tequila drinkers were the gold tequilas which resembled warm urine, anything but appetizing. The new silver tequila, or white tequila, is aged no longer than 60 days, if at all. Silver tequila is crystal clear and looks refreshing. It is triple distilled for the purest taste of blue agave and goes down smooth with a touch of heat to finish. Like what you traditionally know as tequila, it has a bite but more refined. The premium tequilas will be 100% agave.
Try these delicious recipes: Chapultepec Castle
Blue Smoke
1-½ oz. Silver Tequila oz. Grand Marnier 4 oz. Orange juice Orange slice
1-¼ oz. Silver Tequila 3 oz. Orange juice ½ oz. Blue Curaçao
Mix all ingredients in a shaker or blender with cracked ice and pour into a double Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange slice.
Serve in chilled wine glass with finely crushed ice. Add tequila and orange juice and stir. Float blue Curaçao on top.
These drinks will be refreshing on a steamy Havana night, where the streets are full of romance and spice!
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Autumn Smoke
C reative
T houghts
by
She steps into the late afternoon sun and watches the birds fly south. Winter is near, both for the earth, and for her gray-haired head. Her face bears the proud lines of a life well-lived. I see her as she puts a cigar in her mouth and lights it. She smiles as her smoke rises, obscuring her from stares and whispers. In the smoke, her past -- choices made, regretted, and accepted, -- swirls by. Is the cigar simply the trace of some youthful rebellion? No. She embraced it in her maturity, with winter's night in sight. She enjoys this cigar, this proud woman-delighting in the confusion and surprise the sight of it causes in passersby who see her only as a grandmother. She looks at me and takes a puff: I'm a lioness in bed," the smoke warns.
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M ike B S G
The long awaited debut album NOE Remorse from Baltimore's own, NOE, has arrived PREVIEW and purchase the album at NOERemorse.com Learn more about NOE, his musical accomplishments, and his Kinopoli cigars by visiting NOEtheBrand.com
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