NIKKI FRESH Edition by Mr Dreamz Mag by Mr Dreamz Magazine

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

// THE EDITOR MR Dreamz Magazine has established its brand as “The New Era For A New Generation Of Dreamers” wich is available online, on mobiles and in print. The publication aims at giving indie artists & companies a voice that can be heard across all over the globe. Working from Paris to Miami and Montreal, Mr Dreamz showcases tomorrow’s mainstream stars, their arts, image and stories first. Since 2011, The magazine has been reaching more than just readers but a cultural movement of dreamers that change the way we consume music, dress, dream and live. From Paris to Miami, NY to Tokyo, London to L.A, Mr Dreamz captures the urban art in all its forms in order to let the street talk. Dream Kayris

06| DØPE MUSIC // MSTACKS

Editor in chief DREAM KAYRIS

07| SILENCE ON TOURNE // JACKIE MOORE

Contributing writers Joha Brown , Winnie MC, French Vouvou, BB.Bouk Minino, Trendy Alien, French Cxcaine, Tari Aro

Photographers Christophe Levet OH Produções Cover photography OH Produções Contributing illustrator Kloud9 Agency PR/ Marketting

Kloud9 Agency www.kloud9agency.com/ Creamsquad www.frenchcxcaine.com

Mr Dreamz magazine 2 Rue Montorge 38000, Grenoble mrdreamzmag@gmail.com +33658943700

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

|DØpeMusic

// MSTACKS (@mstacks) What other producers/artists do you see as your primary inspirations? I grew up on Alchemist, DJ Premier, & Just Blaze. How did you first connect with Wiz? I deejayed for Wiz at his album release party for the Deal Or No Deal album in 2009. After that, I connected with his artist Tuki Carter, and we recorded a bunch of songs together. Then in 2012, we recorded Pimpin Aint Dead. That was the first song that I produced that had Wiz on it. What is distinctive about a M.Stacks production? I make soulful, ass-shaking music. Nobody is doing that right now. That’s my style. Is there an artist you want to work with that you have not yet had the opportunity to work with? Marshall Mathers. You’ve also produced several songs for Mac Miller, Juicy J, Curren$y to name a few. Can you talk a bit about what

you’ve learned from those collaborations? I learned how to multitask. Working with all the artists you just mentioned was tough, as far as scheduling goes and meeting deadlines. So, I learned how to multitask. That’s how I got it done lol. What can we expect from M.Stacks in 2015? I have an instrumental mixtape dropping this Summer with the clothing brand MISHKA. Shits gonna be dope! Do you have advice for young people who want to become a music producers? Build good relationships. Do you live from music today? When we look at your credits, it’s impressive! And a lot of beginners think it’s easy & fast to get money once you get good connections in the industry. True or False? What is the reality? Yes, I live from my music and no it didn’t start like that. You must build a foundation first, start from right where you are standing.

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

Interviews by Winnie M.C

// JACKIE MOORE (@JacquelineMoore) As an actress, what are your motivations and your goals? My main goal and motivation as an actress is to be a part of a story that will affect the viewer in a positive way. I think as an actor our life experiences are a powerful tool when creating a character, and I hope by doing this I connect with people thru my work. When you were younger, how did you know you would become an actress? I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in film. I would write and direct my own plays and have kids in my neighborhood act in them. I remember really wanting to be a director and an actor, I love telling stories and wanted to do that in any way I could. Which actors/actresses really influence you? I love actors with comedic depth... Some of my favorites are: Lucille Ball, Jake Gyllenhaal, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Reese Witherspoon, Viola Davis, Julia Roberts, Paul Giamatti, Forest Whitaker, Will Ferrell, Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. We guess you felt blessed to be the lead actress of the upcoming thriller Pernicious! Has it been your biggest highlight so far?

I feel very blessed to have been part of it. Every project I work on means a lot to me, but filming Pernicious in Thailand was such an amazing experience, I’ll never forget it . What is Pernicious about for those who don’t know? Pernicious follows three girls who travel to Thailand to teach children. In the house they find a statue of a little girl, and the morning after their first night out in the city things take a turn for the worse. My character, Rachel, is the bossy and outspoken one. She’s the first one to make plans and is usually seen as the leader of the group. Being originally from New Jersey, how has Los Angeles treated you so far? I absolutely love it here. Every day is beautiful, and there are no mosquitos!!!!! What are your projects for the end of the year? I have some indies coming out that I’m very excited about; Beginner’s Guide to Sex, It’s Gawd!, and Deadly Famous. I also acted in a pilot for HBO , Westworld, directed by Jonathan Nolan, and I was involved in one of the shorts in Project Greenlight which are premiering this year as well. I also just wrapped a funny web series called Behind the Blinds.

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

|NIKKI // SHE BRINGS THE HEAT FROM BRAZIL - by French Cxcaine How can you define the Brazilian pop music? I believe that the national pop is growing and turning to have more space in the media. With representatives of weight, every day we hear Pop in radios and realized the increase in the public interest. Now the focus is not only on the international representatives. We can see a lot of quality and talent here in Brazil. You recently decided to change your stage name «Nicky Valentine» to «Nikki». Why did you do this? This is a desire that I have for some time and with the help of my team, we decided that this would be the best time. With the launch of the new songs, a new look and a new CD, we also decided to make the transition name. We chose «Nikki» for being a shorter name, strong and without losing the essence of the original name! How did you hook up with OH Produções? Who is the team behind your work? My team is very wide! We have a very strong work together and with many professionals supporting us in every way. The agency carries out the entire project planning and how to run it in the best way. From there we work to respect all the deadlines and deliver good music for fans. Pedro Pitanga, Fernanda Silva, Thiago Jager, Guilherme Lagrota, Uncas Tadeu, are some of the professionals who work daily with me!

risk since I had never done anything in our language, but we decided to do it anyway. The acceptance of the public was amazing and one of the best results I’ve had in my career. «Sei Lá» ... Tell us more about this song. How did you find the inspiration to write it? This song was created when I met my boyfriend, Danillo Mendes, who is the lead author of this song. He began to develop the lyrics and the melody and I was helping him to finish. When the song was nearly ready, we rely on the help of Thiago Gimenes to finalize the chorus. It’s a love letter made by a couple in love. Having the singer Leandro Buenno participanting in this track was an honor too! What are you preparing for summer 2015? We are preparing the new CD launch for the second half of this year. We’re also working on a new tour and new songs! Many new features are coming! I heard you recently worked with artists abroad as Dream Kayris & Moka Blast. How did you develop all these connections outside of Brazil? I might have this contact through my agency. My work in electronic music can be quite known in international clubs and this aroused the interest of some artists to partnering. It is very nice to count on this exchange of experience and rhythms because we have the opportunity to enrich our work and bring to public artists who often are not yet known here.

«The craziest thing a fan has ever done for me? A huge tattoo!! My dear fan, Weslley, has a tattoo with my name on his arm!» IG: @Nikki_Official

«I hope you will enjoy the new album, the new look and all the news that we are preparing with all affection!!! Kisses with love!» Personally, I found you on the ‘Acabou’ song. What a super hit! In your opinion, what has been your top # 3 best songs so far? «Acabou» is very special because it was my first job in Portuguese released as a single. I believe that along with this song, I have a few more singles that marked my career, «Cha Cha Boom» and «Sei Lá» are some examples of successful and they gave me great pride. What is the story behind this single «Acabou»? The music was created by me and my friend Thiago Gimenes in 2010 in English («Enough»). When we decided to record the song to include in my first album («Papa’s Princess»), we thought maybe a version in Portuguese would be nice. It would be a big

Can you tell us more about this new collaboration? They collaborated on the remix of «You Won’t Bring Me Down». It was very nice to see the new look that music gained from their collaboration! To all our readers ... you single? No! As I said in the previous question, I am very well committed to the also singer-songwriter, Danillo Mendes. The best music to «make love»? (Choose one of his songs) ... Wow... This is a difficult question. If the mood is more romantic, you can choose «Sei Lá», but if the mood is more spicy perhaps «Tonight»! Interview by Marcus Lagrande

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

|LatinFlavA // SITO ROCKS (@SitoRocks) Recently, I heard your remix «Pakito» feat Yandel on Soundcloud. It really rocks! It’s been a long time since you haven’t released a merengue/mambo track? Why? Glad you guys like the “Plakito” remix. I had blast recording it. (Sito Rocks sitting in a Cuban Café spot in Little Havana, FL while Salsa music plays in the background) haha Good question, I’ve been really focused working on my cross-over project from Latin to Pop. That put a minor delay on the Merengue/Mambo tracks, but don’t worry I have some fire in the vault. A lot of people still don’t know your love for Photography. Tell us more about Benhur Photography? How did the story begin? (Sips on a shot of Cuban Coffee) A lot of people don’t know I have a BFA in Photography. I’m a very visual person. Since I was a kid, I attended pro Art «My Latin single titled “Ella Se Pego” schools and there, I learned Art featuring mulit platinum recording artist & History and how to work with reggae legend “Snow” aka “Informer” has different mediums. I worked for a smooth and sexy reggae vibe. We will the amazing fashion house of Perry Ellis for about 8 years bebe shooting the music video in Jamaica» fore my music career took off. As As a Professional Photographer, I created many recording artist CD Covers and Imaging. Photography got me in the door to professional recording studios. Who was Sito as a kid? How did you get involved into music? I was born in Miami, FL but was raised in Hollywood FL which I like to call HollyHOOD. As a kid, I was very athletic played sports. I was introduced to Break Dancing & Hip Hop through my hood friends and my cousin Dj Fresco. Fresco taught me how to DJ using Technics and classic 12 inch vinyl records. By the way, I still have my collection of vinyls. I guess that was my introduction to Hip Hop, but my passion for music is in my bloodline. My father and all 4 of his brother are musicians. They had a very successful Salsa Band called “Sangre Latina” in the 70’s from Cuba. I grew up around congas, trumpets you name it. You co-founded «Smash Eleven», your Entertainment company based in FL. Who is the team behind your movement? (Taking a second to post on Instagram @sitorocks) Haha yeah, I got to post

something for the fans you know… Yes, I co-founded Smash Eleven about 10 years ago with my boy Mario “Genio” Coto. We felt that being independent would best for us. We have an amazing team. Our company has grown over the years. We signed Latin recording artist “El Chevo” Moombaton & EDM Producer “Dj Maahez”. We have huge relationships & affiliations with major brands now. So I’d have to say… our little company is making noise. Personally, i discovered your music with the smash «Dime Tu Nombre» in France. Was it the first time your music was played in Europe? Eso si… “Dime Tu Nombre” is one of my favorite songs I recorded. Tremenda nota esa noche (I was feeling nice after a few drinks that night at the studio). First of all, I would like to say thank you to all the Club Djs, Radio Djs and fans in France for the love, real talk. Actually, that was not the first time my music was played in France. My first smash played in France was “Party On My Level” featuring international Dj Sak Noel (known for Loca People). It charted #1 in Bacelona, Spain, Mexico and #5 in Costa Rica. Oh yeah and #1 in the Poland digital charts. That song has great energy. Speaking about France, “Avaricious” The Story of Will, a short film I star was nominated for Festival De Cannes. I’m really excited about this… The film is directed by Michael Garcia. You can watch the trailer on Youtube. Is «Party On My Level» your biggest highlight so far? “Party On My Level” definitely made me an International Artist. No Doubt! 5 million views on YouTube.com I’m feeling blessed. My Nasty Rockers are global now… hahah, incase you didn’t know… I call my fans “Nasty Rockers” cause we go hard in the paint. What are the next stops? You know it, gotta keep collecting those stamps for my passport. (Two gorgeous Miami girls walking by & wave hello to Sito Rocks) Haha that’s 1 of the main reasons I love Miami… My next few stops are in U.S.A. I will be at the LMX DJ Choice Awards in San Diego, Ca, then Los Angeles, San Antonio Texas then back to my home town Miami. The summer will be nuts all over South America.

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

«We will be releasing it Mid May 2015. My English single titled, “Lola”, is high energy and super fun. I was inspired by the classic Big Band feel. This track has live horns arranged by Latin Grammy Award winner Marlow Rosado & produced by my brother from another mother Genio.» - Interview by BB.Bouk

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

|L3gends // N.M. WALDEN (@NaradaMWalden)

- Interview by BB.Bouk Your career is so impressive. Your have worked with so many legends like Aretha Franklin, Steve Winwood, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, and George Michael to name a few... How did you get into the music industry? Complete God’s grace is how I got into the Music industry. Complete God’s Grace. I mean I was born to playing the drums and music. Loving music, watching records spin for hours as a little kid, 5 or 6 years old, playing on pots and pans and hitting little Toy Land drum sets that I got for Christmas. Learning how to play my paradiddles, five stroke rolls at 9 – 10 years old and then having independency on drums with the Jim Chapin book how to play with the right hand playing one thing, left hand playing another thing, and the right foot and the left foot playing other things on top of that. So I learned that at 10, which is really, I think, critical for all drummers to learn how to break their brain up to think independently for four different things going on. So after I learned all these things, you know I love music so I just went at it hard-core. I think because you love it so much and you listen so much then you can identify all different types

of good music which puts you in a position to be a councilor and a helper for all these great people that want to make records but need someone to bounce off of whose heard lots and lots and lots and lots of music. I think that’s what it comes down to. Then you put a big helping dose of God’s Grace in there because God wants you to achieve and succeed and have fun and he wants them to achieve and have fun. And you mix it all together and you have a number 1 record. I know that it is very hard to choose but... Tell us your 3 best memories so far? Best memories, meeting John Mclaughlin backstage with Billy Cobham and all the folks of Mahavishnu Orchestra in Hartford Connecticut, him being so kind to me, him just meeting me. And then him calling me and saying a week later would I go and meet his guru in Norwalk Connecticut. And I did. And meeting the Guru would be a highlight. And then winning my first Grammy with Aretha Franklin’s “Freeway of Love” with Jeffrey Cohen who helped me compose it, and Clarence Clemons playing sax on it and all my friends playing on that record “Freeway

of Love” and being the song of the year for the Grammys. I mean those are all highlights. And there are lots more. For the last 30 years, how have you felt your music has evolved? My Music has evolved I think by just the natural of circumstances of my life. Now I have children, Kelly and Kaylah and my wife Katie. So that’s brought new love in my life and that shows in my music. I think that wherever you are inwardly shows in your music. I am very grateful at this time in my life. I’m very blown away at this time in my life by these children and being responsible for these children and I bring that same sense of responsibility to the music I’m making. And I know that children want to have fun and dance around so I’m making a lot of dance music and they love that. How did you hook up with so many big names? Well, I love great singers, and they have big names, so I asked the Lord could I work with the best singers and the best people. And God’s been very good to me to allow me and to let me be around people who were inspiring to me and it’s been a win-win because I bring my love to them which they need, my encouragement to them, you know my flowers and teddy bears and things like that to them. And encourage them when their singing and when they leave to go through everything they sang and put the best together so that when they hear it back they go wow. So it’s a Win-win and I think that win-win has worked for them and for myself. Which other producers do you enjoy working with and why? The first producer I worked with George Martin, Sir George Martin, the Beatles producer. I made an album with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, “Apocalypse” it was called, and I watched him produce it. It was a very tough album to produce because the strings were in one room and the rhythm section was in another room. We had to work with cameras to just communicate with each other. The engineer was Jeff Emerick, Michael Tilson Thomas conducting and I saw how George made everything so peaceful, so easy looking. And I was very inspired by

«Complete God’s Grace...» 14

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

that. Then later in my life Quincy Jones I met and became a friend to and he said I should become a record producer and people needed more help in production. My first solo album was done by Tommy Dowd who had produced Aretha Franklin’s records and all Atlantic records with Ray Charles, and Allman Brothers, and Cream, you name it Tommy Dowd was there. So he helped make my first album. So I watched him and learned about compression and everything from him too. And then the second Mahavishnu Orchestra album was Ken Scott who did Beatles White Album, so I was around these heavy weights and they made it look so easy. What artists this year are your favorite to listen to and on your playlist? Hozier’s got a song out called “Take Me To The Church, He sounds like he was inspired by Elton John, it’s really cool. And the cat that jumps around with a band called Fun, he’s got a lot of heart. And Jason Derulo’s new song sounds like a Narada Michael Walden production, his new pop jam, it’s pretty hot. And I’m always heads up on Beyonce’s music because she’s cutting edge. In your opinion, what are the Top 5 songs you have personally produced over your career? “Let me be Your Angel” for Stacy Lattisaw and Jump to the Beat, Dynamite, all her records. “Too Tough” for Angela Bofil and her music, I love Angela Bofil. Aretha Franklin’s

“Freeway of Love”, Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody Who Loves Me”, Gladys Knight’s “License to Kill” James Bond Theme, George Michael “I Knew You Were Waiting For Me” with Aretha and lastly I would say The Starship’s number 1, “Nothing’s gonna Stop Us Now” was pretty hot too. And then my music I love, “Divine Emotions”, “I Shoulda Loved You”, my music, I’m hot, you know what I’m saying. Anyway I’m very grateful to keep making music, to be able to make music and have my health, bottom line. What is your advice to other producers and artists who want to shine today in this industry? My advice is just to be great at what you do. Be good and great. A great man is not always a good man but a good man is always a great man because of the heart. The heart is so important today I think. You know technically you can learn things, but then can you be a heart person. A person that other people want to be around and be inspired by and from. I think that’s important that you can push people to go beyond themselves like a coach would do. You know, to get the best out of people. So I think as a producer that’s important, so to be inspiring and inspired. And listen to your records and know Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles, Little Richard, Smoky Robinson, know the great stuff, Curtis Mayfield before you even go to the studio so you can bring some of that information and wisdom, that science with you.

What are your upcoming projects for this summer? Well today I’m working on music for an Artist named Jennifer Saran from Hong Kong, making a great album for her now. She’s a new artist and I love new artists. I’m making a new Narada Michael Walden Album of Dance Music for Tarpan Records. We have a new label Tarpan Records which is really important that we push it out there with our President Steffen Franz running it, with me and Kimrea at my studio, Jim Reitzel, Dave Frazer my team, Jamil Wallace and Hannah Ozeran. I love my crew. We are gonna be making a lot of music. We made some hits for a young artist out of the UK named Twinnie, and a new Artist named Camille Lummis, working on her music, a new artist named Sofia Chanel, we made a hot record for her, and Tarpan Records Artist Christina Holmes has got a hot record, and my girl named Shae who’s signed to Tarpan, up in Oregon who’s got a hot record called “Can You Feel the Music”. And there will be lots more so stay tuned. I want to build the next Motown. What I mean by that is with the enthusiasm of songwriting and performance, the whole gambit. They were able to take people off the street almost it seemed like, because they were talented. You know, Stevie’s off the street. Talented! Genius! And to groom him and teach him and make him the Little Stevie Wonder. It’s God’s Grace meets Barry Gordy. You gotta love it.

«The first producer I worked with George Martin, Sir George Martin, the Beatles producer. I made an album with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, “Apocalypse” it was called, and I watched him produce it. It was a very tough album to produce because the strings were in one room and the rhythm section was in another room. We had to work with cameras to just communicate with each other. The engineer was Jeff Emerick, Michael Tilson Thomas conducting and I saw how George made everything so peaceful, so easy looking. And I was very inspired by that. Then later in my life Quincy Jones I met and became a friend to and he said I should become a record producer...»

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

|#INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE - Dr. Samantha Nutt Tell us about your work: how did you come to work as a humanitarian doctor? What were you doing before all this? I was recruited by UNICEF to work in Somalia shortly after a famine that left 300,000 dead. My education and training was in public health, and UNICEF was carrying out an assessment to figure out how to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. I’d worked overseas prior to that, but never in a war zone. That experience shattered every assumption and feeling I had about war and humanitarian aid. It was at once frustrating and heart-wrenching. But it also set me on a path to figure out what I could do to help civilians living with war. More than a medical doctor, you are also a recognized as a public humanitarian speaker. Is it hard to carry this amount of responsibility on your shoulders? Well, I am a Nutt after all! Sometimes it is hard to convey the pain and urgency that I have witnessed in war zones around the world – to confront it and then stare down the harsh reality that many people here at home either don’t know about it or don’t want to know about it. When I was in my 20s that frustration could be very intense. And then I realized that I was becoming a self-righteous pain in the ass. So I learned, through public speaking and writing about these issues over the past two decades, that it’s better to try to pull people into the conversation than to force them out. To talk about the

capacity of local people. So the story of how the organization began was to achieve these things: to move away from humanitarian models that led to aid dependency and that did not reduce the overall risk of violence. We also wanted to encourage people here at home to think about aid differently so that we give “smarter”, and to achieve that we used music and the arts as a way to help spread the word and get our message out. It’s not a short answer (there’s no elevator pitch for what we do!), but then these are complex issues. If you could change one thing in the world as a person, what would it be? An end to war. I know that sounds hopelessly unrealistic with groups like ISIS, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram and others terrorizing civilians around the world. But so many wars are unnecessary. They are the product of greed and hatred and decades (if not centuries) of score keeping, compounded by bad foreign and military policy. They are fuelled and abetted by the rabid proliferation of arms and the unfettered exploitation of natural resources, particularly to unstable parts of the world. And in the global south, wars are often exacerbated by poverty, unemployment and low education levels. While it may not be possible to prevent or stop war in every instance, it is possible to give peace the advantage. I’d like to change that balance.

«You just have to glance at the headlines to know that we are experiencing a resurgence of conflict in many corners of the world. As an organization, we can never be in all the places we should be or help all those who need our services. It’s a relentless task. But then I think about all of our staff around the world who are war-affected themselves and who are doing such an inspiring and determined job. It puts any feelings of fear or doubt that I might have into perspective.» the constructive ways that they can help. Not to lecture, but to engage. I never tire of that, because we do need to think differently about war and our response to it, and I am energized by the people who genuinely want to know.

Can you tell us how did the story began with the organization War Child? War Child Canada and USA were born out of a desire to see war and humanitarian aid differently: to tackle some of the systemic disadvantages that often fuel conflict around the world. In a crisis, there is often a rush to help: food, water, shelter, blankets, etc. People’s long term needs are rarely addressed. And as we know from Iraq, Syria, Sudan and elsewhere, wars often drag on for years or even decades. So children miss out on years of schooling, which makes them more vulnerable to poverty and recruitment by militia groups (because they have little education or means of employment). Impunity is also a huge concern, and rape is often widespread. War Child was created almost twenty years ago to invest in those longer term strategies that ultimately help children and their families recover from war and rebuild their lives. We also work to create a safer environment for women and young girls in particular through our access to justice programming. And we work exclusively with local community groups and invest in the

Congo, Sudan, Sierra Leone... You have worked over the world during major crises. Africa has been described as the forgotten continent. Do you think Africa will ever get out of the poverty and misery that it is facing today? Africa is a vast and beautiful and wondrous continent. It is not one homogeneous thing. Even in the countries where I have worked, where the poverty and brutality of war are extreme – in the Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, and Darfur, for example – you see extraordinary courage, compassion and determination. But the poverty and violence plaguing many regions of Africa is systemic. It is historical, but very current as well. The arms trade, the plunder of Africa’s natural and agricultural resources, the exploitation of cheap labour, the legacy of colonialism and Cold War vagaries – all of these factor heavily in the conflict and poverty trap we see in parts of Africa today. So are local people caught in that brutal cycle capable of getting out of poverty and misery? With the right opportunities and investments, absolutely. But it’s going to take a monumental effort to contain and reconcile some of the forces that sustain this violence; and here we must change, too.

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What are the three most positive changes that you witnessed within the humanitarian system during the past years? Big funders, like USAID, seem increasingly to be understanding why longer term aid programs – at least three, but ideally five years – are needed if the poverty-conflict cycle is to be stopped. That’s been very encouraging to see, because when donors are constantly changing their priorities and thinking only in shortterm cycles, local partners and communities don’t have the consistency they need to respond effectively. I also see more and more people interested in humanitarian work, which is both a positive, because hopefully it means more people are giving to international causes, but it can be a negative, too. Because sometimes you can get a number of unskilled people with good intentions (volunteer groups for example who want to go overseas and “do development work” for two weeks), but they really don’t know what they are doing, which is not only potentially very dangerous, it can also cause harm to those very same communities these groups claim to be “helping”. For example, it can take away local jobs or expose orphaned children to a revolving door of foreigners. I also see more and more international agencies changing their programming models to build up the capacity that exists on the ground, rather than relying so heavily on exporting that “expertise” from the West, which disappears when those foreigners return home. We still have a long way to go on this last point, but it’s a start. Can you explain to us why humanitarian aid so important for American people nowadays? Are there more and more donors and volunteers? What is the trend in 2015? I think that many Americans are paying attention to what’s happening in other parts of the world and some have direct experience in these wars. The scale of human tragedy is impossible to ignore – we are currently experiencing the worst refugee crisis since World War II. So I would say that awareness is up and that does tend to drive more donors and volunteers. Although, as per my earlier caveat, unless you have experience with international aid and development, or some directly applicable skill that’s clearly needed on the ground and cannot be found locally, then donations are the most effective way of giving. International organizations also sometimes need volunteers for their events and other fundraising activities here, but you can do that without getting on a plane. Going overseas to do humanitarian work is best left to those who are trained and qualified for the task. Security is also a real concern and even experienced aid workers (and journalists) can run into extremely dangerous situations and far too many of them die. I’ve had a few close calls myself. Humanitarian aid really shouldn’t be a recreational activity. What is your next challenge as an humanitarian? And as a woman? My challenge, since Somalia, has been to try to engage people in these conversations. Conversations about humanitarian aid – what works and what doesn’t. Conversations about war – about its underlying causes and what can be done about it. These are serious issues and sometimes it’s easier to block them out; to dismiss it as a problem of “over there”. But it isn’t. That’s always been my challenge, and the next one, and the next one. It’s lifelong. As a woman I try to remind other women AND men that feminism is a process, not a history lesson. Gender inequalities are still deeply entrenched and in many corners of the world these are widening. So let’s keep on speaking up and speaking out, because if we don’t that will never change. And frankly, that’s not acceptable. Twitter: @SamanthaNutt Interview by Paulus Jones

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

Interview by French Vouvou

// CHRISTIAN ALVAREZ x TEKEEN (@drinkTEKEEN) Where did the idea to create Tekeen come from and what were the first steps you had to do to create it? It was my second year in law school when I noticed the craft beverage industry was emerging and that consumers were willing to try new cocktails and innovative flavors. Foreseeing that this new segment would continue to develop I saw an opportunity to develop a unique line of beverages that would capture this craft element and give consumers the ability to enjoy TEKEEN on its own or use it to craft their own experience. The first step I took was extinctive. I started researching the intricate and often out dated law that regulates the alcoholic beverage industry. This was definitely not the most entertaining part. The second step I took was to find a consultant to help me navigate my way. This journey took me all the way to Sonoma and Napa valley where I found my consultant and was able to meet and learn from seasoned entrepreneurs in the alcoholic beverage world. This was definitely an exciting task! How did you choose the name “Tekeen” and what does the logo represent? When I decided to create TEKEEN I was unsure how the concept would evolve but I was certain that I wanted to create something that would embrace my Mexican heritage. That said, the logo is a modern interpretation of an Aztec warrior headdress. It is a logo that resemble strength and passion. As for the name TEKEEN, it is a name that our creative team and I created after many hours of brainstorming and deliberation. The name “TEKEEN” kind of just clicked. Technically it is just a made up word but after you try our drink you will come to realize that TEKEEN is the Aztec treasure that was never found. What was missing in the alcohol industry that you felt you could create with your new brand? The combination of taste, versatility, and packaging. Our product is truly one of a kind because it is a product that is not only perfect on its

own but it can also be used to create amazing cocktails. Further, TEKEEN uses all natural ingredients and no other comparable product is as crisp, clean, and refreshing. Lastly, It is packaged in a custom made bottle that is truly a piece of art. The combination of all these factors makes TEKEEN a great buy. Did you study business, or work in the beverage industry before you started Tekeen? I had never worked in the beverage industry prior to TEKEEN. Nevertheless, my business background has helped me overcome the learning curve and quickly understand the complexities of running a beverage company. I studied business at the McCombs School of Business where I obtained both my Bachelor in Business Administration and a Master of Professional Accounting. This business background and my law degree have truly been invaluable in running our operations. As a new brand, what are some challenges you have faced with the business? The first challenge is finding the right distribution partner. Many distribution companies do not want to take any products that do not have any demand or that compete with products belonging to their large clients. For this reason, we initially self-distributed in order to prove that our product would be successful. This would later enable us to negotiate with better terms. The second challenge is competing with multi-million dollar advertising campaigns. As a small family business we have used grass roots marketing and have been firm believers that if we can have people taste our product they will become loyal customers. For this reason, we have been very active in conducting in store demos and participating in local festivals and community events where we can directly interact with customers. After all, people enjoy meeting the people behind the brand and our team loves to make people smile.

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

Where is Tekeen currently distributed to? Tekeen is currently distributed in Texas. We are looking to branch out into the California, Florida, Virginia, and Washington D.C. markets in the near future.

Who is the typical Tekeen client? One of the best parts of TEKEEN is that it appeals to all age groups! We have people as young as 21 enjoying it poolside and people as old as 80 enjoying it on their rocking chairs. This is a testament to the strong appeal of TEKEEN.

What can we expect from Tekeen in the future? Any new flavors? We are constantly looking for ways to make our brand stronger. Our team is definitely working on new flavors that we will bring to market further down the road. We are also in the process of making some modifications to our labels that will add more color and differentiation to our bottles. Stay tuned for this exciting development.

What is the best way to enjoy a Tekeen cocktail? My favorite way to enjoy TEKEEN is simply over ice. However, if I want to be crafty and impress my guests, I like to make the «WB» cocktail which is a combination of the Passion Fruit Lime Tekeen with watermelon and basil. People are always amazed at how simple it is to make something that good. The recipe can be found on our website.

«Tekeen Bomb» ... I am not too sure how the «Tekeen Bomb» was invented but it is a very tasty shot! You basically serve a shot of light beer and drop it into a cup filled with 3.5 oz of Passion Fruit Lime Tekeen. It is very simple and much better than the traditional bombs that have been around for a long time. Ask your local bar for a TEKEEN bomb and if they don’t have it yet tell them they are missing out! Time to innovate.»

www.tekeen.com 21

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

#TheHarderYouGrind #TheHarderYouShine

S DON PERION follow me @SDONPERION

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

CANADIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY… Under rated… Most Talented… Slept on… There are not nearly enough outlets to support The Canadian Music Industry. Our Creativity as Canadian Hip Hop Musicians is underrated and underestimated. Drake has done wonders for our Canadian Hip Hop Scene which is great.. There are so many amazing Hip Hop talents in this country of Canada that are not getting enough recognition. . CANADIAN LIFE… I also feel our Canadian People need new leadership for Government….Canada is supposed to be a Democratic Country and the way things are going it seems like a Dictatorship. Certain Liberties and Certain freedoms are being taken away from us as Canadians by this Government. I say no more. THE POWER OF MUSIC… Music is an International Language and I feel that, by using music, we can create a new beginning for the youth of today. My team and I have put together “Communicate To Educate” This is a campaign launch that we are doing to work with youth starting here in London and area. With today’s youth facing more Peer Pressure than ever, and feeling that they have no one they can turn too to seek help or just someone to talk to… With so many Single parent families or both parents working and our youth growing up in Broken Homes… We want to assure our youth that there are people they can talk to.

«DOPE BOY SWAGG… I wrote Dope Boy Swagg because of the accomplishments I have made with the hard work and grind I have put in over the years that I made in life. Coming from Dope Boy meaning HYPE and Swagg coming from style. S Don has to look good...» Guidance Councillors, Youth Support Workers and even their parents. We want to use Hip Hop as a way to reach out to the youth. Our youth are the voices of Tomorrow. Lets create new beginnings and put the youth back in our YOUTH. S DON PERION… Well, growing up, one of my Homies from the block started calling me S Don…..and the Perion well, Dom Perignon the finest Champagne on the market ..Henceforth.. S Don Perion…..( I can’t say Perignon due to trademarking) S Don Perion aka Mr. Swagga. BLACK TEAMS ENT… Black Dreams is more then just a team…It is a family…. We all work together to achieve a Win Win Movement. 24/7@365 . S Don is the featured artist of Black Dreams Entertainment. We all shine together as a Family.

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

FOUR SIXTY 8

|#RAPKRUSH

For those people who don’t know you, where do you come from? I was born in Oakland California, and spent my childhood in group homes and mental treatment facilities. I currently reside in San Lorenzo in the East Bay Area. I’m sure i am not the first to ask you that question but... What does your stage name mean? Well my name is me but from a different perspective. My first name has 4 letters, Middle name has 6, and 8 for the last name. I hope that makes sense. Did you always know you were going to become a rapper? I always Knew i’d be involved in music lyrically but I didn’t see it turning out this way from the beginning. Where were you when you knew you wanted to become an artist? I don’t really remember to be honest. At a young age, I knew I didn’t want to 9-5 it as a grown up. I guess it was just in my soul. I was quite an attention seeker as a child, so I had a naturally talent for entertaining people but never had a clear view until 2001 when music came into my life. When was the last time you wrote down some bars? What were you thinking about? Today actually. I was touching on the motivation of greed. I am always writing bars. I’m trying to out due

every record or verse i’ve put out from a technical aspect. What was the hardest story for you tell in a song? The track ‘Rewind’ was definitely the hardest on me emotionally. No lie, I busted a few tears in the booth on that joint. Who are your favorite rappers/singers? That’s a difficult one! Eminem, Drake, Royce da 5’9», Kid Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Tech Nine and Immortal Technique How could you describe your sound in three words? Diverse. Relative. Honest. What are your professional and personal projects for this summer 2015? Well, I’ve been working Nonstop through the last four projects, so after Beyond Drops May 4th, i’ll take a break from the studio. Right now, we are in the early stage of planning concert dates for July. That’s all I can really say at this point. How do you imagine your life 20 years from now? Still in the music industry? Hopefully alive and well. If that’s the case, then I don’t see myself ever leaving the game. I’m Here to stay.

Twitter @FourSixty8

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

// CATALY$T

|LET THE STREET TALK

Can you tell us one crazy memory from your street life? Something you would never forget! I’ve had so many but i’ll say one when I was real young taught me a lot. I was in Washington Heights, NY, one day walking around back blocks when a dominican man standing in front of a building stopped me. He put his arm around my shoulder and said «Papi, I got something for you, you tell me what you looking for, I show you what I got». Now me being real young, I didn’t catch at first what he was talking about, but as he was basically walking me in the building I remembered what crack spots smelled like from my Aunt’s building in Harlem. So we in the elevator and we get off on some floor and soon as we step off, he goes to an apartment door immediate to the right. He opens the door and from afar, I peeked in and noticed no real furniture or anything, just what appeared to be cocaine on a table. So I thought of the quickest lie I could tell him to avoid going in the house. I said «someone up the block offered me some, let me talk to them first and I come back». Right then he gave me the most strange look as if he wasn’t sure to trust me and let me go or possibly kill me since I just seen his stash house. Thank god for my sake, it worked and I left not looking back, learning that thinking quick in these streets will often save your life. How did you escape from the cycle of negativity? I watched and learned from others mistakes. My half brother faced attempted murder, another friend convicted to 75 yrs, saw three other friends do time and come home. Another close friend shot and almost paralyzed. Even a recent friend’s Gang affiliation got him jammed and facing time right now. I just think the streets will always take more than it will ever give back. We all fall victim to it but remaining in it is when you eventually lose. It comes a point in your life when you either break the cycle or the cycle will break you. I also believe faith in God, my family and way my mother raised me kept me alive.

What do you feel is the most important problem in our society today? It’s actually too many to name but if I could say what is a root for much of it I’d say «People not valuing human life». If you look at Racism, it usually stems from jud-

-ging or disliking someone for their appearance without simply viewing them as another human life. If you look at the wars, it’s never about how many human lives have been or will be lost. It’s usually about greed, power, or old men talking and young men dying. If you look at poverty, that is the wealthy of us not caring about the lives of the less fortunate. Choosing to instead turn a blind eye while throwing thousands of dollars away in a strip club. If you look at the Gang violence, Gun Violence, and Police officers executing human beings with no repercussions, this is all a lack of value for human life. How can an artist change things? In other words, how can music impact positively on our society’s problems? Start telling the TRUTH. Simple as that, you can’t continue to only give one side, there has to be balance. If you choose to rap about the street, how many drugs you sold, how many guns you shot, people you killed. Then also rap about going to jail, consequences of a felony, being shot or shot at, the many funerals of friends, the 45 year old Gang member with nothing to show for it. Stop celebrating hoes and strippers while good women going to college, working two jobs and struggling with bills have no songs to celebrate them. Create songs for the everyday person sometimes. There are more Poor people than Rich people in this world and sometimes that audience wants to dream and live through you, but sometimes they want to relate to you and feel like you understand what they go through. Some artist rap about things and go back to the safety of their mansion while people in real life don’t have that luxury. I think that is why you’ve seen the recent success of kendrick, J-Cole, Chance the rapper, Childish Gambino, and others because they are being themselves. Music has to always reflect real life and have balance or else it loses it’s importance. What is an artist’s role or responsibility for being a vehicle for social change? An artist position is a very tough one to be in. This is the music business where it is 90% business and 10% music. This is a job at the end of the day and if you’re not generating money, you have no value, in other words, if you can’t be used, your useless. Add to it that music is Entertainment and those who are entertaining are usually the most suc-

MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE - 2015

Twitter @CatalystWasHere «Let people know some of your album or concert proceeds are going to schools that are in need of supplies. Offer to do free shows for kids doing good in school. Speak out in interviews, start the conversations, wear your opinions on clothing while attending the Grammys, Oscars, etc. Use your celebrity when you can’t use your music to bring awareness to the problems.» - Interview by French Cxcaine cessful. So I’d say you can be a vehicle by using your celebrity and fame. Endorse companies and people who are fighting to change society. Donate money to groups who are organizing marches/protest or helping their community. David Banner said: «HipHop is sick, because America is sick» what is your opinion about it? I absolutely agree with him. We as artist are only a reflection. America’s issues are deeply rooted in a lot of things that existed long before HipHop was even a thought. We didn’t create these issues, we are simply the ones who decided to speak about them over music. If we all stopped rapping right now and HipHop as a genre truly died, it would not eliminate the issues from still existing in our country. Who do you think is a real game-changer in today’s music industry? I honestly would say it’s not an artist, label or executive. I think the fans are now the real game-changers. In this digital age and social media, they are the decision makers on who succeeds and who doesn’t. Building a fan base has now become much more personal to where every artist has their own die hard following and that changes the rules. Do you feel TIRED of senseless music? Absolutely, I think whenever you have artist repeating the same subject matter over and over, using the same flow pattern over and over or same types of hooks, it just becomes monotony. It’s the main reason why you see a lot of artist here today, gone tomorrow. There is no longevity in it.

I read somewhere that you are a «Breath of fresh air to a genre on its death bed». Compared to other artists in the industry, and other than your talent, What do you bring to the Table? I’d say I’m extremely unpredictable. I understand this business and that I have to put certain commercial music out for audiences as I did with my #R2L Mixtape, but my follow up «Ready To Live» Ep coming soon is basically the opposite. It’s more songs, concepts and records about things you may have lived through yourself. I’m also very competitive with myself so it causes me to think outside the box of anything I last did. If you can’t do anything worth remembering than you’ve already been forgotten. What is the concept behind the «NAH» Video? Shout out to director Kristian Kruz for that one. The chair in the video is actually from a «Godfather» film and if you remember, it’s always where the head Boss sat similar to a throne. The warehouse look symbolized where work is put in and having me by myself was symbolizing my solo introduction to the world. So after this the question is you either riding with me or Nah? Lol Can you tell us more about your next visual entitled «Errryday» This was directed by Jayonez of MoneyShot Films and because my «#R2L mixtape» and «Ready to Live» Ep are both metaphoric tributes to the Notorious B.I.G. We decided to do «ERRRYDAY» as a 2015 «Flavor In Ya ear» and give viewers familiarity but from a total different sound, style, artist and visual. It will be releasing soon on my CatalystWasHereVEVO page courtesy of VEVO.