Grinderzz 3rd Edition

Grinderzz 24/7 Magazine May / June 2018 Issue

& TV

Remembering an Icon

A Special Tribute: To Chuck Freeze Special salutes from: Imperial Brothers EL, Debra CoCo, Angie Christine, Angel Speed Colon, Erick Unique Townes.

*COMING SOON*

Inside This Issue: A Special Tribute to Chuck Freeze - (Photo

GRINDERZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV

Credits: Courtesy of Imperial Brothers EL, Debra CoCo, Angie Christine, Angel Speed Colon, Erick Unique Townes)

The information contained in this magazine is for educational, entertainment and general informational purposes only.

This information is provided by Grinderzz 24/7 Magazine & TV and other sources. We will strive to keep the information as informative and as upto-date as possible.

Debra CoCo

Through this magazine, you may see the links to various website which are not under the control of Grinderzz 24/7 Magazine & TV. We have no control over the nature, content or availability of those sites.

Producer/Engineer Angel Speed Colon An Interview with Sos Bishop Dr. Alfred S. Titus Jr.

This magazine contains materials which are owned by or permitted for us to use. This material includes, but is not limited to, photos, articles, designs, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited. Your views and opinions may differ from the content; therefore, you may leave a comment at angie_christine@aol.com Editor and Chief, Author Angie Christine

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE: REMEMBERING CHUCK FREEZE

*SALUTES* Author Angie Christine: What can I say about my big brother, Chuck Freeze, without getting too emotional...... quite nothing, because everything I mention about this remarkable man will bring me to tears, instantly. Back in June 2104, I met Chuck through Facebook. We, instantly, clicked as friends and then later became family. At the time, I was going through a bad divorce and Chuck stepped in as my big brother, to give me guidance and to, also, pray with me when I felt like I was losing my mind. I felt like my entire world was dying and big brother Chuck and I would talk on the phone almost every day, just so he could provide support. There was never any flirting between us, it was all pure brotherly/sister love. In fact, he was the one that introduced me to becoming friends with hip hop legend Positive K. One day Chuck asked me if I would love to be featured in a magazine alongside Positive K and a lot of other talented people like Debra Coco, The Imperial Brothers, and Ed Sheeran. I was proud to say Chuck gave me my very 1st print magazine interview and to this day I will always be grateful to him. On April 2, as I was doing my morning scroll on Facebook, I read a message from a friend who shared a pic of Chuck, with the caption R.I.P. I called the person who made the post and they explained to me that it wasn't a hoax. I had just spoken to Chuck days before he passed, because he was going to let me do an interview on him for my GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine. Once I found out he passed away, all I could do is just stare at the questions that I had written out for him. Big Bro, thank you for the talks.....thank you for your knowledge.....thank you for stepping up as my big brother. I love you....I miss you....and until I see you again, I'm going to keep grinding.

Debra Co Co: Chuck Freeze aka Chuck-A-Luck to his friends was a kind and protective soul. I will truly miss him and our conversations. He would always light up a room when he walked in with his energy. Always smiling, courteous and caring. From the first day we met he would always encourage me to keep doing what I do and would call me up with some great ideas.

People did not know how close we were and how we use to talk on the phone for hours about life, the entertainment game and share some personal experiences which we never repeated to anyone. I felt like we shared a special bond. It was ironic that when I saw him at an event the night before he passed away that we talked about some future collaborations that we were going to do. When I saw him that night, he was running around trying to get ready for the show that I was hosting. I pulled him to the side for a chat because some time had gone by and saw him involved and posting many different events on social media. I chatted for about 15 minutes waiting for the show to start. I feel sad to now realize that it would be our last conversation. As I reflect on him, I am reminded that you never know when you will see someone again or if you will ever see them again. We take that for granted.

Maybe we will treat each other differently, in the face in adversity if we can all keep this in mind.

Chuck was a dear supportive friend of mine. I can almost count on one hand how many events he may have missed that I put together. If I needed a guest, Chuck was there. If I needed someone to talk to Chuck was there. I can always count on Chuck even though his life was full of activities, I think those who remember him will say that he was good friend and always supported those who he considered to be his friend. One of my first fondest memories was when I had a show at Bx Records. Bx Records is a local online radio show and I invited Chuck as my guest. That is when I first learned of his contribution in Hip Hop with the Jazzy Five. He broke down the history of Hip Hop coming from the Bronx and all the people in the story was taken for a ride as we sat and watched him tell his story. No one said a word, it was like we were in school and our teacher was giving us a lesson. Then he did this amazing impromptu rap that lasted for about 10 minutes or so. Right off the top of his head. He rapped about people in the room and used different metaphors which left us clapping and cheering. That was a great day and the youngsters in the studio left with a new respect for the Pioneers in this rap game. I became a fan that day of my friend.

Chuck was gifted beyond measure and always looked for a way to expand his reach to help others. We lost a soldier in Hip Hop and he will never be replaced. Some Pioneers were left bitter about the music industry due to bad deals, broken promises and rivalries but not Chuck. He still loved the music industry today, the same as he did when he first started out as a teenager. He still could flow and beat out anybody who stepped up. I reminisce and

smile because my friend lived, and he did it by doing what he loved to do. Many people do not get the chance to live out their dreams the way he did. I smile as I write this. I smile thinking how he was my genuine friend. The friendship he offered to me was very rare. The only thing he wanted in return was my friendship and I hope he knows that I loved him as a person and I will truly miss him.

Rest well Chuck A Luck. I still can’t believe you are no longer here in the physical form. But just know that our friendship meant the world to me and I will forever remember you.

Salute to my friend Chuck Freeze……. S.I.P.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Debra CoCo

Imperial Brothers: Early 80s before record deals, before egos in the business of music, Imperial Brothers were doing shows after shows all around the south Bronx. Jazzy 5 and Chuck Freeze would come to the shows and crash the jams and ask could they get on and rock on our set. This was my first introduction to Chuck Freeze. He was a cool dude back then, with a little cockiness, but at that time all hip-hop artist were. Everyone at, that time, thought they were better than anyone who picked up a microphone. He introduced himself to me and going forward we were hip hop friends. On a few occasions Imperial Brothers and the Jazzy 5 would run into each other, but it was all love. After the record deals came into the picture, Jazzy 5 had one of the hottest records out at the time and the Imperial Brothers had a hot record out, but our music was shipped overseas to the UK and Germany and we became successful over there. Meanwhile, Chuck Freeze and the Jazzy 5 became successful in the states. I didn't see much of Chuck Freeze until a few years, because we continued to make music in the UK, Switzerland, Germany and many other different countries overseas. As social media came into play, Chuck Freeze and I reconnected again and became good friends. I would perform on certain events and he would pop in and vice-versa. A few years ago, he started a magazine with a few of his business partners and he reached out to me and asked if I would be in the magazine. I said ok and how much for the layout? And he said don’t worry about it because I'm family...That made me say this dude is as cool as he was 30 years ago when we were young kids growing up in the early hip-hop days. Sometimes, he would call me if he wanted to vent about his personal relationships with other people and I would listen and give my advice if it helped. When I received the news of him passing it ripped my heart out, because he was a true friend to me even if I didn't speak with him all the time. I performed at the Golden Age of HipHop, in March 2018, and he was there. We talked for over an hour and that was the last time I saw him. I will miss him and always remember that dude from Soundview as being a sincere, good friend. Peace Up Chuck Freeze. From your friend. Imperial Brothers EL.... (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Imperial Brothers)

Unique: When I first met Chuck freeze it was in 2015 at an event Debra Coco had put together, I instantly knew who he was because I was a fan of his as a teenager. I was eager to let him know who I was but for some reason he already knew!! We clicked almost instantly and wound up being produced by the same producer, Angel Speed Colon. I remember us being in the studio at the same time and riding the train home together. It was there that we really began to get close. We exchanged numbers and had quite a few conversations on the phone. He kept me inspired by his drive, and ability to just crush a microphone whenever it was in his hand!! He was a very passionate and cheerful individual who spread love on everyone he came in contact with. We spoke about a possible collaboration between us two that I had so looked forward to.

His passing was entirely too sudden and unexpected. A pioneer and legend in his own time, he will truly be missed but his music will live on forever... Rip Chuck Freeze... Your lil bro Unique...

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Unique

Angel Speed Colon: I came to know Chuck Freeze when he had heard that I was doing beats and had a studio, through various friends of mine that I was recording: Silver Fox, Peso. Lord Kaos, Waterbed Kev, Unique, Freddy Bee. R.I.P.

Photo Credit/Cover Photo: Courtesy of Angel Speed Colon

Producer/Engineer Angel Speed Colon

My name is Angel Speed Colon. I am a producer and engineer at Lite-Speed Music Studio. Credits include: Whodini – Be Yourself feat. Millie Jackson (Open Sesame LP), Chris Rock – Your Mother’s Got A Big Head (Born Suspect LP). On Atlantic Records, I have done scratching on Mtume’s You, Me and He, Epic Records LP, LA Star-Poetess LP on Profile Records.

I have, currently, just finished 18 songs for Freddy Bee from Freddy Bee and the Mighty Mic Masters, titled Freddy Bee and Friends, soon to be available on Itunes and Spotify. It will feature many artists, including: Silver Fox (Fantasy 3), Unique da Kemist, formally of Unique and Dashan, Lega-C, Will Porter, Lord Kaos, Crème, Coast, Rayvon N, Johnny Wa, Pow Wow from Soul Sonic Force. I produced a song that was #1 on Hip-Hop Gods Underground Radio, titled R U Wit It, feat. Peso 131 of the Fearless 4 and Mr. P. Chill. My goal has always been to bridge the gap between new school artist and pioneers who continue to write new material, perform and record. I can be found on Instagram at dj.speed724 and facebook at www.facebook.com/angelspeedcolon.

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Check our website out at: www.fuzionzmagazineandtv.com

An Interview with Sos Bishop

GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine and TV stepped into the world of Sos Bishop. Sos is from New York City, where He grew up in the Bronx. At a young age, he listened to all kinds of different musiq. His pops played in a band called Exit-9. When he was younger, he used to go in the studio with them. That's when his cousins came into the picture.

Their rapping, DJ’n and dancing helped Sos realize that this, musiq, is what he wanted to do, so he started perfecting his craft. He loved Kane, Rakim, Krs, Slick Rick, Brand Nubian, Epmd, Tribe, Nas, Jay-z, Biggie, Black Moon. That was the birth of Sos Bishop. He is a little bit of everywhere and he has a little bit of everything in Him. When he was younger, he moved around. His mom had him in South Carolina for a while, then Delaware, so he knows how life is out the city.

In a way, this benefited his craft. So, the city should feel his musiq, as well as the people from his block, because no matter where he was, he never lost my NY Style.

Then the streets came in and people started rapping about what they were doing, so his team was living like rappers: ice, money, females and cars. When you hear Him

talk about a lot of things, he did it or saw it first-hand. He mixed from when you had to have style from back in the day to the real shit, and that's the Sos Bishop that stands before you now!

M.O.E 4Life

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Juel Vas)

Purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1787109968/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_twi_pap_3?ie=UTF8&qid=151734 9663&sr=8-1&keywords=Mr+Gahdzooks

Dr. Alfred S. Titus, Jr.

Dr. Alfred S. Titus, Jr., grew up in Jamaica, Queens in New York, where he raised three children: Tiffany (33), Brianna (23), and Michael (21). In his youth, Alfred attended Aviation High School in his early pursuit of becoming an Airline Pilot. After high school, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering Technology in his new pursuit to be part of the technology revolution. After working in the computer field, he decided to pursue his life-long dream of being in law enforcement. He joined the New York City Police Department in 1993, with the intention of making a difference and touching lives. Police Officer Titus began by working in the subways in Harlem and Washington Heights, New York, where he learned the community and policing first hand. Police Officer Titus was an active and dedicated police officer who quickly moved into plainclothes assignments. His diligence provided him the opportunity to work with the Manhattan Robbery Squad where he earned the rank of Detective. Detective Titus later transferred to the Manhattan Night-Watch Squad where his attention to detail on several high-profile cases gained the attention of the Manhattan South Homicide Squad. Within a year, Detective Titus became a member of the Manhattan South Homicide Squad, a prestigious unit in NYPD’s Detective Bureau. During his 12 years in the Homicide Squad, Detective Titus led numerous highprofile cases, ending in arrest, and conviction. His success in Homicide earned him two promotions within the Detective rank, allowing him to reach the top accolades of Detective First Grade. While

in Homicide, Detective Titus became a member of NYPD’s elite Hostage Negotiation team. As a Hostage Negotiator, he was involved in numerous high-tension, crisis situations where his efforts helped save lives and bring conclusion to several high-profile media cases.

Detective Titus earned countless certifications through NYPD, including Plain clothed and Undercover Investigations/Surveillance, Specialized Dignitary Protection and Counter-Terrorism Security, Terrorism Threat Assessment and Awareness, Citywide and National Incident Management Systems, First Responder/Disaster Response, Handling Emotional Disturbed Persons, Criminal Investigations, Homicide Investigations, and Kidnapping Investigations.

Additionally, while employed with NYPD, Detective Titus earned his Master’s degree through a Police Department education scholarship. He was asked to get involved with NYPD’s Citizen Police Academy where he developed and conducted a lectured on the complexities of Homicide Investigations to New York City residents in the program. He also began work as a part-time Adjunct Lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice while working towards his Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Criminal Justice, all while juggling the demanding schedule and workload of the Homicide Squad. Detective Titus retired from the NYPD in July 2016 to complete his Doctorate degree and pursue a second career as an educator and consultant. He completed his Doctoral dissertation in 2017 and earned the title of Dr. Alfred S. Titus, Jr., Ph.D. He continues to educate future law enforcement professionals as an Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.

Forward Motion… the Keys to Progress and Success! is the first book by Dr. Alfred S. Titus, Jr. The literary work is written to empower the youth and those needing the extra push to reach success and fulfill the goals they’ve set in life. The book represents Dr. Titus’ continued effort to help create social change and divert many from taking the wrong path, limiting their chances of a successful life and obtaining their dreams. To further pursue his goals, he has created a consulting firm, A. Titus Consulting, LLC, to create additional literature addressing issues in law enforcement, conduct research related to criminal justice, educate our youth, and all things related to social change and empowerment.

Dr. Titus’ other works are listed below: Ph.D. Dissertation: Realigning Community Policing in a Homeland Security Era http://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4106/ Articles: Who is Looking Out for Us… the Lowering of Police Hiring Standards. www.linkedin.com/pulse/who-looking-out-us-lowering-police-hiring-standards-alfredtitus-mpa

Transparency in Policing http://jpublicpolicy.com/2016/03/05/tramsparancy-in-policy-through-nypds-citizenspolice-academy/#more-1139 Dr. Alfred S. Titus, Jr. can be contacted for panel discussions, speaking engagements, youth empowerment talks/discussions, media events, and criminal justice consulting, and investigative consulting at: A. Titus Consulting, LLC P.O. Box 1056 Valley Stream, NY 11582 Email: ATitus@ATitusConsulting.com Website: www.ATitusConsulting.com

Photo Credit: Dr. Alfred S. Titus Jr.

Introducing Derrick “DC” Chatman and Nick Branden

Derrick graduated from Dublin High School in Dublin, Georgia and attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga. He began his career at WQZY Y96/Dublin in 1989, where he sold advertising and created “The Soul of the City” weekly radio show which was the only night of black music on radio in Dublin, Georgia. In 1994, joined 97.9 WIBB/Macon, GA and eventually became the youngest Station Manager.

Derrick Chatman has interviewed President Bill Clinton and President Jimmy Carter, as well as many other celebrities throughout the political, music and movie industry. He has held positions at WMSU/Starkville, MS, WQVE/Albany, GA, WGXA Fox 24, WDBN 107.9/Dublin, GA, WEAS-E93/Savannah, and WGTA (Me-TV Atlanta).

Derrick is also the owner of DC Productions, Southern Mecca Records, and Southern Mecca Productions Publishing, as well as a published author of the surprise hit selling book, “Livin’ In the Mortuary”. He was cast as lead actor by director Beeka

Regassa in his successful short film called “Sugar” debuting as a 2018 selection, at the Denton Texas Black Film Festival.

Nick Branden is a Dublin, Georgia native, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Audio Production from the Art Institute of Atlanta. At the age of ten, Nick took piano lessons and later learned how to play the organ, as a part of the music ministry at his hometown church. His natural abilities didn’t stop there. Nick would go on to open up for major artists such as Rick Ross, Young Dro, S.O.S. Band, Diggy Simmons, Lakeside, Young Scooter, as well as headline his own promotional tours. His natural music ability has helped him to perfect his own orchestra of 80’s Funk! In 2010, Nick released his first full length CD with Southern Mecca Records. Nick says that even though he was just a child; he still remembers hearing his dad’s 80’s Funk music which became a major influence in the development and production of his musical style today. In November 2017, Nick Branden decided to return to the music business, so he began to write and produce music for his upcoming project.

Nick Branden’s new single is called "Special" and it is 100% produced by Nick Branden.

"Special" is a perfect blend of 80's inspired lyrics and funk blended with today pop, r&b, and dance music. Nick Branden is also featured on vocals including lead, background, and background harmonies.

Derrick “DC” Chatman is now accepting bookings to Host, MC, or serve as Guest Motivational Speaker at your special events and programs, weddings, concerts, grand openings. Derrick Chatman can also supply Voice-Over for your audio on digital commercials, music videos, and commercial advertising.

Please send booking request or questions to DCgohere@gmail.com or contact Livena Axson at 478-290-0537. “Special” is co-written by Nick Branden and Derrick “DC” Chatman. For bookings, personal appearances, interviews, ads, or any music production requests; please call 404-993-0575 or send an email to Nickbrandenmusic@gmail.com.

Photo Credit / Content: Courtesy of Derrick Chatman

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A Talk with Debra CoCo Debra CoCo was born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx. The Bronx native grew up during an era when hip hop exploded and evolved into a major music genre. “I have always been inspired by music as a child and always wanted to have some type of involvement in the entertainment industry. Growing up, I always felt like I was born to be an entertainer, but I now realize that helping others is much more fulfilling,” said Debra CoCo. Debra CoCo attended Lehman College and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications/Computer Science. “While attending school, I interned at 106 & Park on BET network, Channel 13 and an independent record label. The internships helped me to understand the entertainment business from behind the scenes, how to raise revenue, networking and how to market and promote your brand. I then decided to further my education obtain my MBA which helped me to strategize and start my own business. In 2011, I launched Just Gimme the Mic (JGTM) on Blogtalk radio... After one year on Blogtalk, we decided to expand to do a U-stream version of the show, which led me to idea of taking the show to public access television where I received my certifications in studio and field production through Bronxnet Studios.”

“Over the years, I have crossed paths with many people that have artistic talents, so I wanted to be part of the process by providing an additional platform for artists, singers, authors and poets to display their skills. Providing an additional platform of exposure for artist has always been my key element with the show. The foundation of each show is to educate through entertainment. I love to hear about different perspectives and the journeys of each guest on the show, while highlighting an important factor which can be beneficial to our viewing audience. I recently started a one-on-one segment for industry artists to highlight their career paths and upcoming projects for their fans,” stated the artist.

“In 2012, I was presented with the opportunity to co-host a segment called “16 Bars” for Video Music Box with Ralph McDaniels which airs on channel NYC22/25. My recent achievements include 2 published articles with F.E.D.S. magazine, appearances in 3 independent films with Streetline Production, magazine features, and various cameos for other projects. My show has been blessed to receive three awards for our contributions within the industry and a few nominations. Our show is constantly changing and growing.”

“Currently, in conjunction with the services I provide through my show, I also write for F.E.D.s Magazine. You can find my articles on stands now. I love writing because it keeps me in tune with new artists that come out in the industry. To date, my company now offers many different types of media services. Collectively, we offer hosting of events, event planning, red-carpet interviews, photography, videography, and promotions & advertising. I feel a key factor is building relationships and producing quality segments for our viewers. Every year, I try to implement new ideas into my brand, to increase awareness of the services that we offer. This new company still represents the people, the artists, the business owner, the poet, etc. We will continue to improve and grow each year to represent those people that are trying to make it in this industry, as well as, highlight the success stories of those who have achieved their dreams.”

Just Gimme the Mic can be viewed on Bronxnet Channel 68 on Cablevision every Sunday at 10pm. BRIC Network every other Saturday at 4:00pm on channels Channel: Time Warner 56 / Cablevision 69 / RCN 84 / Verizon FiOS 44. On Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTJqbhlnE8PHojlib2jJVKA https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXaIh-TlTEfjZ5kCJo3wGwA

I have been fortunate so far to meet many celebrities and conduct interviews, which is what I really love to do. I’ve been working within the music industry for many years on my own. My focus is expanding to include community-based programming to increase awareness on causes, community affairs, political and health issues. The goal would be to continue doing field interviews, but to include interviews with licensed certified individuals who can provide professional feedback and opinions on community based subject matter that pertain to our selected topics. We have shown that we can provide coverage for parties and different events, but we would like to also show that we can cover serious issues which affect residents of our community.

Eric B and Rakim Technique Tour

On April 28th, GrinderZZ 24/7 took a day off and decided to head over to the Mandalay Bay at the House of Blues for the Eric B and Rakim Technique Tour. Rapper Yo Yo opened up for Rakim, and the crowd went wild! Other guest who came out to show some love were......R&B singer Keith Washington, Demetrius Shipp and none other than Vegas resident Flava Flav. This tour reunited Eric B and Rakim from over 20 years. This tour was something we all couldn't wait to witness. This show also means a lot to myself. The last time i was in the presence of this man (Rakim) was 26 years ago. Rakim and i are very good friends who dated for a couple of months as he was recording music for the soundtrack for the movie "Juice" that starred the late Tupac Shakur. When Rakim recognized who i was, the hip hop God showed nothing but love. I was so happy to be able to see my friend after all of these years.

Photo Credit: GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine and TV

GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine Meets Up with Mellowman

GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine had the pleasure of attending the 4/20 concert rapper and actor Ice Cube threw at the Thomas & Mack center, here in Las Vegas Nevada. Everyone was excited to see Ice Cube and other old school hip-hop artists that lead this outstanding concert. Baby Bash, Cyprus Hill, Bone Thugs and Harmony, and last but not least, Mellowman, also performed. Mellowman chatted with us and also took a picture. Look out for Mellowman to be in a future GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine interview.

(Photo credit: Sonja Johnson)