EDITORIAL
Thank You ur previous issue was a huge success. From calls, texts and emails we felt the love and would like to thank you O all for making our first issue of the year a huge success. People are getting their vaccinations, businesses are opening back up and artist are performing again. It's rejuvenating to gather with love ones and travel again; and boy we are making up for lost time. This past year we have lost so many people in entertainment and for many close to home. Quarantine has taught me to love and appreciate my support of family including friends. I lost my niece through this ordeal and it's not a day that goes by I don't think of her and wished I have given her more roses while she was alive. The time we did share, I hold close everyday. Yes, it has been a journey for many and from what we see everyday there is still more roads to cover daily. I learned to take one day at a time, share your feelings with your love ones and leave messy dealings with others at the door. Life is precious and distractions will only hinder your growth. Loving yourself and mental health is essential.
RED DIRT ROAD MEDIA, LLC Publisher MS.SHERA Editor-In-Chief MARCUS HOUSEY Managing Editor NASIR JORDAN Music Editor
CONTRIBUTORS Tamra K Jayla Woods-Cox Antonio Jenkins
ADVERTISEMENT One Love Marketing Group info@OneLoveGroup.com
WEB MASTER/ DESIGNER Rayful Ryder Killumbia GFX
CONTACT US The Niche Carolina Magazine P.O. Box 5492 Greenville, SC 29606 info@TheNicheCarolinaMagazine.com
TheNicheCarolinaMagazine.com
COVER CREDITS Take time often to hug and thank yourself for all you have accomplished; no matter what you've been through. When in self doubt, remember "You got this and your loved" Thank You...…Blessings & Hugs
The Niche Carolina Magazine
Ms.Shera Editor-In-Chief/ CEO @Ms.Niche
Tone Hollywood Cover and Insert Photos taken by, One Love Group The Niche Carolina Magazine is published bi-monthly by Red Dirt Road Media, LLC. Reproduction or use of any part of this publication without written consent is prohibited. We assume no responsibility for advertisement, misinformation, typographical errors or misprints. All photos and illustrations are copyright by their respective. Copyright 2021 @ RDR /Red Dirt Road Media, LLC
www.TheNicheCarolinaMagazine.com
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table of contents 03
Page 6 Tone Hollywood
06
13 14 Page 13 Artist Spotlight
16
17 Page 14 Foodie Section
Page 23 Sports Spotlight
18
EDITOR'S NOTES
Thank you for your support!
TONE HOLLYWOOD
Radio Personality, Mentor & More
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Spotlighting Artist from Across the Globe
FOODIE
Some of our favorite food spots
EDITOR'S PICKS
Editor's Picks Carefully Curated
MIX MASTER Feature DJ
THE STYLE
Fashion Style with Tamra K
20
MONEY TALK
23
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
with Antonio Jenkins
Highlighting the Best in Sports
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* Please visit their website for more information.
October 2-3, 2021 Beaufort, South Carolina Have the Taste for Shrimp? Visit Beaufort for their “Shrimp Festival". There will be several participating restaurants, entertainment, arts & crafts. Visit DownTownBeaufort.com for more information. October 27-28, 2021 A Virtual Experience Women of Power Tech is designed to provide career, leadership, and business development information to African American female professionals. Visit WomenOfPower.BlackEnterprise.com November 6-7,2021 Long Beach CA The groundbreaking festival returns bringing together pop culture, music, food, innovation, activism, education & more. Visit Complexcon.com for more information. February 6, 2022 Inglewood, CA Super Bowl LVI will be in Los Angeles, California at SoFi Stadium. Expect the “La Crème De La Creme” in Sports and Entertainment to join in on the festivities. Visit NFL.com for more information. March 25-27, 2022 Miami, Florida The world's premier electronic music festival, boasting elite DJs and unparalleled production is back in Miami. Visit UltraMusicFestivial.com for more information. April 2022 Raleigh, North Carolina Dreamville Festival was postponed and then ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. This year it's back stronger than ever. The headliners haven't been released as of yet, but one thing for sure - It will be Epic. Visit DreamvilleFest.com for more information. page | 05
To ne
P r im e
T im H ol e ly Wit w h By oo Ms d .
Sh
era
Tone Hollywood Is one of the most respected figures in media through-out South Carolina. With nearly two decades of on-air experience, the 107.3 Jamz host is an award winning, athletic hall of fame honorary and a community supporter. It was great to sit down with Tone Hollywood; the man who transcends the airwaves, daily, in Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina. . Who is Tone Hollywood (for my readers) who don’t know
How has the transition been from when you got into
you?
radio back then to now?
Tone Hollywood is a radio personality on 107.3 Jamz
Yes, a lot has changed. The scope on how we get music
today’s R&B and Throwbacks. I’m going into my 19th year
and how we consume music as a consumer and being on
being a radio personality. I’m so blessed to be in this
the radio side making sure your up to date and knowing
market for my entire career. I’m part of the community, I
what our listeners like. We can’t base everything on sales
love music, I love to talk and sports. I’m just appreciating
like we use to. Now we have to check social media, BDS
the love the upstate has given me. I try to give back as
spins etc. It’s a lot to look at for a hit record now. I’ve been
much as I can. The last couple of years on radio, I try to
able to stick with the changes since I got into music, but
give back more and more. That’s who I am and that’s
it’s been a total 180 since.
what I’m about. Do you think the internet played a part in the changes? Speaking of sports, you were inducted into Clemson
Definitely, the internet gave everyone access. When I got
Athletic Hall in Track & Field of fame in 2018 and many
into radio having an exclusive song to play over the
don’t know you remain one of Clemson Top 50 Track &
airwaves was power. Now thousands of people can have
Field Athletes. I was surprised when I read this. So, this
access to the same exclusive. It’s about consuming
means you can run your butt off! (both laughing).
everything quick.
I was blessed to run track since I was ten. My first year running I won nationals; I was like ok I can do this. I had a
I know there have been a lot of changes in radio stations
love for track and field ever since then. Which lead to a
programming. Some stations don’t have the local
scholarship to Clemson, I continued my career as hard as I
personalities anymore; choosing to have more
could and as fast as I could. I was blessed to improve
syndicated shows. How these changes effect you as a
every year. I was able to run in the Olympic trials, which
radio personality?
pushed me to be the best as what I could. When I got the
It’s hurting the industry. A lot of radio stations are
call to be in the hall of fame, it was just a blessing for
consolidating this way. They’re getting personalities from
them to recognize me.
other cities to record in certain places. I personally thinks this hurt a little for the listeners, not being able to relate
That’s an amazing contribution on behalf of your legacy.
to their local personalities verse someone who is not
Congratulations! I didn’t know you went to Clemson
familiar with the community. For these types of radio
University.
personalities it’s expanding their brand, but basically its
Yes, I graduated with a degree in speech communication
hurting local radio. This has changed radio but as we all
with a minor in tourism management. I went back to
know it’s about the dollar bill. It’s a positive and a
grad school and at the time I also started my radio career.
negative when you’re looking at both aspects.
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Have you been in the Greenville, SC market for all those years? I was in Richmond VA for a short time. I was going to ask you, have you thought about another area? I thought about working in another area even closer to home (Richmond, VA), but I love Greenville and this is my home. I would love to get my show syndicated, like my mentor Tom Joyner. Even through his show was syndicated Tom Joyner sounded familiar like he was apart of the community, the way he connected with people all over. I always ask about Indie music in the area. No matter where we go, local artist feel that they don’t have the support needed when it comes up to DJ’s and Radio. How do you try to blend in the independent artist on your platform? What I try to do is give the best advice I can. They're independent artist that are making music our station 107.3 Jamz spins. My focus is letting people know how to get their music played. There is still some artist that doesn’t put their music on digital platforms such as Spotify, etc. Some don’t even have their music licensed. That I do agree with that. I try to get out to music events and even answer questions via inbox, providing artist questions and suggestions. Sometimes its not what you want to hear. Some artist feel they can go from studio too radio with the business end not being intact; thinking they can be the next major artist, knowing it don’t happen this way. I agree, the business behind the music is very essential. It would be great for labels to bring back artist development. This was a great platform for artist to learn more about their craft and business as well.
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What advice would you give someone who wanted to
Try to find out the things they do that can encourage you to
be a radio personality?
want to be in that position. That’s the best advice I can give.
Don’t take my job. (laughing) Things they have now, they
So many of us have those big dreams and for others It seems far
didn’t have when I got into the business; things like
in a distance, but it’s possible for others to know “they can do
YouTube. There is opportunity to create your own
that also”. Some of our young people are living hard lives at an
podcast. I tell people who ask me the same thing “create
early age. But knowing its possible for them to achieve their
your own show”. It don’t cost a thing. No matter what
dreams is priceless. That is why I go to the schools often and
your niche is; makeup, hair, how to do basically anything
speak to our youth. I commend you on your efforts. I remember at my son’s school
people want to know, there are so many platforms for people to create and bloom. The sky is the limit. With so many police-involved shootings how has it been covering these topics with your audience?
you were a constant face when they had community events I would hear that voice and say, “that’s Tone Hollywood”. Thank you, I appreciate it.
I make sure I keep a level head
Where do you see Tone
(despite my feelings) even before
Hollywood in 5 years?
George Floyd, l’II take it back to Eric
Five years, I want to move more
Garner and Michael Brown, I was
in programming. I can see myself
angry. I figured, I might have come
as a program director or
off angry when I was on HOT 98.1
operational manager hopefully
discussing this topic. I kind of was
my own station. Creating great
told to calm it down, but as a
content, playing music people
mature black man; I knew I had to
can enjoy. Having events that
get my people information and I
can help and enrich the
knew I couldn’t sugar coat this.
community, that’s what I really
This pass year I took more
want to be apart of.
opportunity to talk about these things with my listeners. Giving it to
How can my reader’s tune into
them the realist and calmest way I
your show?
can while giving them the right
107.3 Jamz you can get there
information. I don’t want to put
1073Jamz.com,
anyone in harms way, but for some of these protests I was
I’m there 10am – 3pm daily while you’re working. Come listen
right out there with the people, because this could have
and have a good time with me.
been me, a friend or even one of my family members. So,
It has truly been a pleasure Tone, thank you for your time
it’s hard to see it and not want to talk about it or get
and all that you do for the community.
involved. We’re seeing high numbers of shootings in the urban
I thank you guys, much love.
community all over, what advice would you give to one
Photos Courtesy of Tone Hollywood
of these young adults in a community say like Chicago, Detroit or even here? You want to take people and give them the best advice possible and steer them in the right direction. The best advice I can give is to try to find someone you look up to whether it’s an athletic, musician or some type of role model.
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RELEASES EDITOR'S PICK J. COLE THE OFF SEASON @REALCOLEWORLD
BIG MALI ALL IN @BIGMALI3X
SAUXE PAXK P SEASON @SAUXE_PAXK
TOOSII
LITTLEJOHN4K
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING @TOOSII
TYESHA @LITTLEJOHN4K
JAY-OH & KING KILLUMBIA ADDICTED @AYOHJAYOH @KINGKILLUMBIA
FATT SOSA BIG MARVIN EP @FATTSOSA
MORRAY STREET SERMONS @MORRAYDA1
MERCIAL HOTT SUMMA 11 @MERCIALMB41
Visit artist’s website or social media for more information and download links
Renni Rucci Hopkins, South Carolina @RenniRucci Hailing from Hopkins, South Carolina; Renni Rucci has been making a name for herself since her inception into music. Her lyrics and boss babe vibes has proven she's well on her way to stardom. Check out her music on Spotify and don't forget to tune into "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" as she make her debut on Season 10. Photo Courtesy of @tonytmacstayflyy
Toosii Raleigh, North Carolina @Toosii Toosii got on our radar two-years ago; via our music intern. Since then he has made a huge mark in the industry with top charting hits, stellar features and high energy performances. Signed to South Coast Music Group, home to DaBaby; Toosii has showed he can shine along side their mega artist. His performance at the Rolling Loud Festival received 5-star reviews. We are sure his 25 - city tour will prove that Toosii is here to stay and for those who don't know him, Will! Photo Courtesy of @toosii IG
Tef Kaluminoti Greensboro, North Carolina @IamTef Hailing from Greensboro, NC Tef Kaluminoti is a music mogul that's no stranger to the industry. His role as an actor, director, designer and CEO has allowed Tef Kaluminoti to display these titles, through his rave review "Savage Genesis" Tour. With chart toping hits such as "Blue Cheese" and "Boomerang" Kaluminoti have us anticipating his upcoming movie project "Realityville". Photo Courtesy of @IamTef
The Niche Carolina Magazine | Feature Artist
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foodie THE
NICHE
CAROLINA
MAGAZINE
FOODIE
SECTION
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE FOOD SPOTS
CUZZO'S CUISINE
Food is good for the soul and nothing is better than to feature delicious cuisine from some of our favorite hot spots. If you’re in the area, support these businesses and let us know what you think. Feel free to contact us and feature your business in our foodie section.
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The Seafood Spot Greenville, SC The Seafood Spot is a business we patronize very often. They offer an array of seafood trays, wings, sides and their famous low country boil. The warm atmosphere offer a great time to dine with family or friends. Visit TheSeafoodSpotUpstate.com for full menu.
Cuzzo's Cuisine Charlotte, NC
Home of Owner & Chef Andarrio's, Cuzzo's Cuisine is a local favorite spot that is known for it's famous lobster mac & cheese and we must not forget red velvet waffle or peach cobbler waffles. Visit CuzzosCuisine.com for full menu and additional information.
Fielding Bros. BBQ Augusta,GA
Niche Nation Radio, DJ Cee Dub put us on to this spot a few months back. He said they had great food and he was surely on point. Their signature dishes hash & rice and chopped BBQ was amazing. They offer a full menu that consist of ribs, smoked wings, grilled pork chops and sausage; along with many hardy sides. The food is awesome and the staff is pleasant. Visit FieldingBrosBBQ.com for full menu.
Tigerbay Cafe' Asheville, NC
Located inside Battlecat Coffee shop in West Asheville, this female-owned, family-run cafe serves up breakfast and lunch daily. Mouth watering items such as The Granny, Chicken Avocado Panini and the Almost Veggie Bagel is our personal favorite. Visit TigerBayCafe.com for full menu and more information. page | 15
EDITORS PICKS CAREFULLY CURATED EDITORIAL
Tamika D. Mallory, the groundbreaking, award winning social justice leader, Time 100 honoree, co-founder of 2017's record-setting Women's March; and co-founder of social justice organization Until Freedom; has made her highly anticipated literary debut, STATE OF EMERGENCY with BLACK PRIVILEGE PUBLISHING, a new imprint from Atria Books at Simon & Schuster. State of Emergency makes Mallory’s demand for change and shares the keys to effective activism both for those new to and longcommitted to the defense of Black lives. Available on Amazon.com
TELEVISION National leader and best selling author Stacy Abrams, has another title to add to her growing accomplishments - Executive Producer. Her recent novel "While Justice Sleeps" will be adapted into a TV series by Working Title Television, part of the NBC Universal International Studios. The date hasn't been set as-of-yet. But we are sure this will be a talked about series.
MUSIC Universal Hip Hop Museum is the official museum of Hip Hop Culture coming soon in late 2023; located at 65 E 149th Street Bronx, NY 10451. The museum, which is scheduled to open in 2024, is part of the Bronx Point project, a mixed-use development site of 530,000 square feet on the Harlem River waterfront that will also include residential units, retail space and educational facilities. Website Information: uhhm.org
The Niche Carolina Magazine | Editor's Pick
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MIX MASTER
FEATURE DJ
By, Ms. Sherat For those who don’t know you, let my readers know “Who is DJ Big 6”. I’m a husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. Lover of music. I like all genres of music. If you have a good melody then I can dig it.
Who were your earlier influences? My earlier influences are DJ Red Alert, Kid Capri, and DJ Jazzy Jeff
6 G I B J D
You’ve been in entertainment for a while now. How has this journey been as a DJ, putting your state on for so long? It’s been great. I’ve met a lot of people along the way.
It seemed like in the past DJs had experience as DJs; this was a profession. Since social media has taken over. Adding DJ to you name is all that is required. In your opinion, what has changed?
Well it’s really easy to start to be a DJ, but it’s harder for those who don’t truly love the craft. Everything is computer based these days. In my earlier days, I had to deal with caring crates of records and books of CDs.
Do you think, artist respect the job of a DJ? Some artist do and some don’t. The smart ones do. A lot of times artist bypass the DJ and go right to iTunes, YouTube, Spotify etc. Smart artist typically will definitely cultivate relationships with the DJ. I get tons of emails and the big companies still respect and service their records to me like they are hungry starving artist.
How did you maintain your brand through the quarantine? I maintained my brand through Social media live streaming a few times. Though it wasn’t as successful as I’d like because they would always cut the stream do to copyright.
What advice would you give another upcoming DJ? Get in to DJing for the right reasons. Get in it if you truly love the music.
What recommendation would you give an artist wanting you to spin their track? They can email me at djbig6@gmail.com and I’ll check it out. I’ll spin it if I’m feeling it. Cultivation of relationships of the DJ. Meet and Greet the DJ
The Niche Carolina Magazine | Feature DJ
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The Style Welcome, Lolu Vangei!! The creative director/ designer of “Vangei” an androgynous/ Gender-inclusive fashion brand based in Lagos, Nigeria.
BY, TAMRA K VANGEIOFFICIAL
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Lolu, how would you describe your designs? My designs are much more in touch with how I want them to represent things at a particular time, ranging from colors to patterns and details. My designs are influenced by different things and situations around me.
Who are your clothes created for? Although my brand is inclusive, it’s also mainly targeted towards the queer community. Representation for different folks and people that just want to feel free and not boxed in because of what they wear or how they choose to dress.
Are you a self taught designer or did you attended a design institution? Both, I attended 2/3 different institutions, learned on YouTube and thankfully I also know how to picture patterns or sketches and create them in my own way (although sometimes when I don’t get it right I tend to do it all over until I perfect it.
What else would you like to share with our readers about Vangei? Vangei’s long term accomplishment would be working towards more of collaborations with different brands and also mostly custom made orders, so if you’re a brand or person looking towards that please feel free to hit me up.
Designing was something I always wanted to do. I tell everyone to follow their dreams. You only live once - so go for it!
THE STYLE SECTION
How can readers get in touch and support your work? My Instagram and Twitter @vangeiofficial also via email info@vangei.com
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MONEY TALK WITH ANTONTIO JENKINS -FINANCIAL ADVISOR
When it comes to planning your life where do you start? Everything starts with Goals. I typically ask the person sitting across the table why do you want what you want. I need to know the motivation behind the actions. Below are the four steps Protection, Assets, Cashflow, and Liabilities.
How much of my income should I be saving? I typically recommend 25% of your income and that includes investing. It must be a balance approach.
How much should I be putting inside my retirement plan (401k,403B) You should put in what your employer is matching. Anything beyond that point could potentially lead you to paying higher taxes at retirement.
How much life Insurance should you have, and can you have too much? Life Insurance is the number one question I get asked. Unfortunately, you cannot have too much life insurance. Think of Life Insurance like your car insurance, you have full coverage, and you should get full coverage on your life. See chart below on eligible coverage.
Age
Maximum Life Insurance
18-40
30 times income
41-50
20 times income
51-60
15 times income
61-65
10 times income
66-70
1 times net worth
71-80
1/2 times net worth
81+
case by case
With so much investment options available where do I start? Before investing make sure you have 3 to 6 months expense. The first step to is working with a financial professional that understand which investment fits your need and building a plan around that.
Should I purchase disability Insurance? Yes, disability is vital to the plan and the number one problem I’ve seen is an unforeseen sickness, illness, and injury. Remember we don’t die first, we get sick and then die. Protect your income!
Need more information? Contact Mr. Antonio Jenkins at: 233 N Main St, Ste 200 Greenville, SC 29601 Office (864) 920-0237 or Cell (864)844-3464
The Niche Carolina Magazine | Money Talk
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A I N L R O C A
l e v T ra
5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina
MISSING
HELP BRING ME HOME CALL 911 OR 1-800-843-5678
ALYSSA MCGUIRE
MISSING SINCE: MARCH 8,2021
MISSING FROM: ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA The mountains of North Carolina offer some unexpected treats for skiers and snow boarders. Far enough south to dodge the extreme cold temperatures that often accompany the ski resorts in the northern states and high enough to deliver some serious vertical. The ski resorts in North Carolina are a tempting destination. These resorts have everything you're looking for.
DOB: March 2, 2004 Age Now: 17 Sex: Female Race: Biracial Hair Color: Brown Eye Color: Brown Height: 4'9" Weight: 117 lbs.
Appalachian Ski Mountain Located off of US 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone. Appalachian offers 11 ski trails consisting of 2 beginner, 6 intermediate, 3 advanced trails, and 3 terrain parks. Website: appskimtn.com Beech Mountain Ski Resort Eight lifts service the mountain's 17 runs, spread across 95 skiable acres. Total vertical drop is 830 feet. Beech also offers a decent terrain park. Website: beechmountainresort.com Cataloochee Ski Area Cataloochee is the oldest ski area in North Carolina. Five lifts service 18 runs and one terrain park, targeted largely to beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. Website: cataloochee.com Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Sugar Mountain has 125 acres of skiable terrain; eight lifts, including a six-passenger high-speed lift; and a total of 21 runs. Website: skisugar.com Wolf Ridge Ski Resort Wolf Ridge is a small but charming ski resort about 40 minutes north of Asheville. The 14 runs, serviced by four lifts, are mainly for beginner and intermediate level skiers and boarders; and perfect for families. Website: skiwolfridgenc.com
ZANA JOHNSON
MISSING SINCE: FEBRUARY 21, 2021 MISSING FROM: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
DOB: Aug. 30, 2003 Age Now: 17 Sex: Female Race: Black Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown Height: 5'1" Weight: 100 lbs.
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
Photo courtesy of @Jaleel Skinner IG
JALEEL SKINNER
WR 6-5 210 pounds - Greer High School
Standing 6-foot-5, this unique skilled wide receiver has truly made an imprint in the football world within his community and beyond. Attending Greer High School games regularly, you will get a glimpse on why the field is truly his home. He has an exceptional catch radius, including tremendous speed to add to his polished moves along side his team offering jaw dropping moments and excitement for fans. Skinner, who’s being recruited as a tight end by some prospects, because of his size, he has a 97 rating from the 247 Sports Composite List. It’s no wonder why many Universities are looking to recruit this 2022 graduate. If you're not familiar with Skinner skills, you can see him play in the Nationally televised 2022 All American Bowl, East vs. West match-up on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas. We Congratulate Jaleel Skinner & family on his hard work and determination. Who said “hard work doesn’t pay off”. Feature your favorite sports person, send biography to info@thenichecarolinamagazine.com
The Niche Carolina Magazine | Sports SpotlightDJ
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