GrinderZZ Issue 18

grinderzz March/April 2021

24/7 Magazine & TV

Best Director/Best Editor Nominee Jermaine Thomas

GrinderZZ Talks With Writer/ Creator Derreck Whorline

Veda Pickett-Neal

An Interview With Eric Luther Ingram, Son Of Famous R & B Artist Luther Ingram

Veda Pickett-Neal Talks About Her Ministry and Growing Up With A Famous Father, Wilson Pickett

A Tribute To Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quinones

Photo Credit: SK HOLLYWOOD Phone# 843-509-7205 www.sirsilverdog.com www.facebook.com/sirsilverdog

Inside This Issue: Artists Entertainment Interviews News

GRINDERZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV The information contained in this magazine is for educational, entertainment and general informational pur-poses 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 up-to-date as possible.

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.

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. Please leave a comment at angie_christine@aol.com.

Editor and Chief, Author Angie Christine

A Letter From The Editor My name is Angie Christine, C.E.O of GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV. I am a mother, an author, a writer for Fuzionz Magazine/TV, actress and soon to be talk show host of my very own show titled "The Ultimate Surprise Show". When it comes to being a hard worker, I always strive to come out on top. I decided to create this magazine to applaud and to recognize all of the Grinders across the world who are out there doing their thing. These people come from various backgrounds, work trades, even different religions, but the one thing that makes them all the same is that they are hard workers. It takes a special person to become one.

You have to eat, drink, and sleep your skills, your talents, and become that head honcho. I know you all will be very pleased at reading the different interviews and articles inside this special magazine. I would also love your feedback. If you would love to drop me a message, please send all inquiries to Angie_Christine@aol.com. Take care and keep grinding! (If you dream it, make it happen).

Editor and Chief Angie Christine Assistant Editor Shenoba Kinsey

GrinderZZ Female Flava Of The Month

Renée Mickens, aka Royal, is the CEO of her company called, “Royal Hustler Promotions Company.” Royal Hustler Promotions Company is an entertainment proprietor, which is comprised of the following services: event planning, networking and hosting for the urban classy habitués, marketing/promotions, and public relations services. The driving force behind Royal Hustler Promotions passion is Hip Hop/R&B, and the love for the underground upcoming music artist and the raw artform of battle rap. Royal Hustler Promotions Company can be found on Instagram @royal.hustler.company.

Royal Hustler Promotions Company was featured in the hit YouTube web series, “Rodent, The Urban Soap Opera” episode 2.

Royal has been featured in GrinderZZ Magazine , SapphirEmerald Magazine, Respect My Royalty Blog by Lady Nicole, Incline Magazine, Scrilla Guerillaz Magazine and recently published a woman empowerment essay in a book titled, " 31 Daily Inspirations for Extraordinary Women"

by Davette Wright, available on Amazon.com. Royal is also a co-host for Queen Up Podcast available on Respect My Royalty channels on YouTube and iHeart Radio coming soon to Apple TV, as well as the Research Director for HipHopBlvd.net Royal is a Published Curvy/plus size model, and was part of the NYC Sexy Curvy Divas under the tutelage of visionary Levy Paul. Royal is a licensed New York State Insurance Broker and recently manufactured her own perfume called, "Exotiqué Kisses."

Royal is a mom and enjoys watching movies with her children, relaxing, traveling and reading books.

Renee Mickens aka Royal CEO of Royal Hustler Promotions Co www.royalhustlerpromotions.biz 917 373 9083 royal.mic1@gmail.com royal@royalhustlerpromotions.biz FB: Royal Hustler Promotions Company

GrinderZZ Male Flava Of The Month

Antonio McKay

For all of those who follow GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine &TV, you should know who this man is, and how much he means to us here in the studio.

Actor/producer/director/writer, Antonio McKay is back, and this time, we chose him to be our, "Flava Of The Month" winner. Antonio hails from, Chicago, and now resides in sunny California. Working hard and grinding 24/7 is definitely this man's specialty. Sangre Negra is the new show that he wrote/created, and also produced, and ladies, Antonio is sexy as ever, strutting his toughness all on the set. His character, the drug Lord, Pretty Ricky Santos is nowhere of being an Angel, but because of his physique, and his dreamy eyes and smile, he has all the women on the show falling head over heels for him. With over 30 plus years in the business, Antonio is far from stopping. He's working triple time on a few other projects as we speak. If you guys are looking for a great show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then please watch, Sangre Negra. You can catch the episodes on Tubi. All you have to do is download Tubi on your smartphone, I Phone, or your computer. It's free. Also, hit him up on, Facebook, and follow his show's fan page.

GrinderZZ Interviews

Veda Pickett Neal

If the name Pickett catches your eye, that's because Veda is the daughter of the famous R&B legend, Wilson Pickett. Talent definitely runs in the family. Besides her father, Veda also can hold a tune in singing.

Let’s chat with Veda.

GrinderZZ: Wow, Veda, thank you for your time.

It's such an honor to have you here. Can you please tell my audience a little about yourself?

Veda: A little about myself, it’s a har d question.

The only thing I can say about myself is, I'm a very real person, down to earth, very out spoken who believes very strongly in humanitarian work, and helping people who can't help themselves. That's who I am. I also sing. I recorded in game studio. It’s the same studio my father recorded the song Mustang Sally. It was an honor to be there. I wrote my first book, I Never Had A Golden Spoon, my story of being a daughter of a famous father.

GrinderZZ: Your dad, Wilson Pickett was such an icon in the music industry. His song, Midnight Hour was a hit! How was it like growing up with a famous father?

Veda: How was it gr owing up with a famous father ? It was a nor mal home. If you did something, you got yelled at. I never got a whooping by my Dad. I broke everything in the house. He would always tell his friends, he could never leave me or my little brother in the house alone because, when he came back something was broke, and he had to pay money to get it fixed. It was always something with my dad. He was a good story teller. The story started off good, then he would go in left field. My mouth would be wide open. I would be traumatize, and he would just laugh to see my face. Every morning we knew when to get up because daddy would be singing. He would look inside my bedroom door smiling, just singing. That's what he would do. I could go on! Just wonderful cool memories.

GrinderZZ: When did you r ealize that you had the gift of singing like your father ?

Veda: I knew I had the gift ar ound 8 year s old, but my mother Bonnie said I loved music and singing at the age of 1. I remember she bought me a black record player with two speakers.

I would stay in my room for hours listening to the Motown sounds. I really like all kinds of music. I would imagine I was performing on stage just like my dad. I was going to be just like one day.

GrinderZZ: Did you ever get the chance to go to any shows or tour s to watch him per form?

Veda: I saw my dad per for m. I went on stage, and he gave me the micr ophone. It was so exciting! My dad made a joke taking the microphone back saying to the audience, I'm taking over the show. I never had a chance to tour with him. I would’ve loved to have gone to Ghana when he did the movie, SOUL TO SOUL. GrinderZZ: You ar e a giver like I am, and I believe that's why I was so intr igued by you

and our phone conversation. What are some examples of kindness you can share with us that you've done as a young teenager?

Veda: Yes, I love giving. I give where my heart leads me. I started with organizations like, Feed the Children, Meals and wheels. I even help people on the streets. I would just feed and clothed people with what little I had. I still do the same thing today.

GrinderZZ: You also shared your life abroad, traveling with your friend to India and helping out the less fortunate. How many years have you been going overseas helping out the people in the villages?

Veda: I tr aveled to Egypt, and India for 10 year in villages were a lot of people will not go. Some of the more poorest area it's always heartbreaking that these people don't have medicine, food, clean water you see it on TV, but until you are there, that's when it hits home on how bless you are. Every time I had something, my heart reached out to them. I was going to the leprosy village. It leave you sometimes with a heavy heart, because you want to do more. I was in Egypt for 2 years and India 8 years, still go every year, and hopefully, to Kenya in 2022. It's such a blessing to serve, and to be doing what God has called me to do. I was blessed to become an international Dictator of two bible schools in India and help start 13 churches in villages where the gospel can be preached. Also, two orphanages in India, and Kenya. I received my Honorary Doctorate Degree in India.

GrinderZZ: Because of the Covid vir us, you had to cancel your trip over to India this past November. When do you think you may try and attempt to travel there?

Veda: I hope to go back over seas in 2022 India in September, and Kenya in November.

GrinderZZ: You, also, have a ministry in which you talk and pray with people who need healing.

Can you tell us how someone can get in touch with you for a blessing, and to hear the good word?

Veda: People can r each me for pr ayer or hear my teachings on Isaac Thejith Kumar Live on

Facebook if they need prayer my Facebook Veda Pickett Neal inbox me their prayer request, or just email me at god_anointed1@yahoo.com.

GrinderZZ: How pr oud do you think your father is as he looks down on you?

Veda: Ver y pr oud! He would not be sur pr ised. He knew in a matter of time. It's all in God's timing. The only thing he wish he could have done with me is, to do a gospel CD. That's what we talked about before he passed. That's what he wanted to do, go back to his roots.

GrinderZZ: Do you have any wor ds of encour agement you would like to shar e with someone right now?

Veda: Never give up on your dr eams! God has given you a gift, so stay focus! Get ar ound people who would be excited, and happy for you, and your success. Remember put God first, trust in him to lead you and guide you. Always have love in your heart. Forgive, and become a giver. You will always be blessed.

GrinderZZ: Would you like to give a shout out to anyone r ight now?

Veda: I would love to say, thank you to all my father fans, thank you so much for being awesome fans, thank you for coming into my life telling so many great stories, and giving me encouragement to continue to keep my father legacy alive. Thank you, Angela for your support in giving me this opportunity to share my story. The love of Christ you see, there's nothing impossible for God to those that believe, and trust in him. I would like to thank my sweetheart my husband, William Neal, my daughters and son-in-laws Kentica & Dodrick Kelly, Kyra & Avery, Ledwell, my grandchildren, Kelana & Jeremiah. What an awesome team I have! They keep me on my toes. I love them.

Veda, thank you for your time. Please continue to shine bright like a diamond. God Bless.

An Interview With Writer/Creator

Derreck Whorline

don’t match. But I feel like I have the spirit of Prince an if you are a true Prince fan like me you would understand that statement.

GrinderZZ: At what age did you feel you had the talent to perform?

Derreck: I knew at 5 this was something I was interested in, but at 14 when I saw Coming to American an all Eddie Murphy did I was blown away.

GrinderZZ: Did you, or were you into any type of performing arts classes when you were in high school?

Derreck: I was the president of my Drama class in high school.

Writer/creator, EP, Derreck Whorline is doing up big. With a couple of projects already under his belt, he continues to strive to be the best that he can be.

Let's talk with Derreck.

GrinderZZ: At what age did you get your first break?

Derreck: My first break really was late in my career I was in my late 20’s and I did a independent film with the lead role called “When Doves Cry” it was crazy knowing that I’m a major Prince fan!!

GrinderZZ: Hey there Derreck! Welcome to GrinderZZ. Please tell my audience a little about yourself?

Derreck: Well I was born in New York but my roots are in Jersey City. I have a twin and a younger brother and sister. I knew at an early age I wanted to be an actor, I just felt it in my spirit. I’m a very humble and shy guy which the two don’t

GrinderZZ: You were in Tyler Perry's movie, "Family Reunion." There were so many big names in that movie. Sadly, one icon that was in the movie just passed weeks ago. Were you able to speak with, Cecily Tyson while on the set?

Derreck: Being in Family Reunion was such a blessing, because it had so many

icons in this film including the resent passing of Cecily Tyson. She and I spoke briefly as she was done with her scene, and she said young man never take any opportunity for granted and believe in who you are!!!!

GrinderZZ: How was it working for, Tyler Perry?

Derreck: Working for Mr. Tyler Perry was a true blessing and great experience, let’s just say this he is a true professional at what he do. An to get a chance to watch him work behind the scenes made me want to do the same thing as well m, I would love to work with him again at the mental level I’m at now, either in front or behind the camera works for me.

GrinderZZ: You also were featured in, Drop Dead Divas, and also, a part of, Steal Chase film. How excited were you when you got the call?

Derreck: working in Drop Dead Diva was differently a great opportunity, because at that time it was one of the number one shows on Prime TV I got a chance to play a parent, so that was great. An working on Steal a Chance as a boxing coach was great because that also took me mentally to a place I never been both great opportunity’s.

GrinderZZ: Even though the Covid 19 struck a lot of us really bad, you're still working, and have project's you're covering, including, a special one you're working on as we speak. Can you tell us a little about it?

Derreck: First I’m bless to be here knowing so many people has passed with this virus that has been attacking the world, But it’s crazy because it took this tragedy to open up this window of opportunity when I realized it’s time to get back to the creator side of me. Let’s just say this Project of mines will make history on so many levels as a creator. I can only give you the name of my project “American Bulge.“ This TV Show will be EPIC!!!

GrinderZZ: How can people stay in touch with you?

Derreck: I’m realizing social media is very important so you can check me out on IG@whorlinederreck an FB@Derreckwhorline GrinderZZ: Any last words/shout outside you'd like to give at this present time?

Derreck: My last words are please believe in who you are things may not come when you want them to, but they will come on time. I’m a true example on age is not a factor I’m 51 and my life has just really begun to shine Love god on your level of love we all are different on how we pray. And I just want to shout out to my Mother who is looking at her son knowing he didn’t give up love you Mother Derreck, I want to thank you for chatting it up with us. Please stay in touch. God Bless.

Trevor Adderly has returned to our GrinderZZ studio, and we are so overjoyed to have him back. The Little Debbie eating, donut loving, hostess Twinkie man has so much to tell us, so sit back, and enjoy the interview.

GrinderZZ: HOWSZIN! (Laughing hyster ically.) Welcome back to the studio pal! For those who missed you then first time around, please let my audience know a little about yourself.

HOWSZIN: What’s Good Angie!! I Love You Lady! Thank you for having me back! Shout Out GRINDERZZ! I’m originally from New York. QB #QUEENSBRIDGE Where Stars R Born! By the way of the Bahamas S/O!! I moved to VA When Biggie said nickel Bags go for TWENTIES DOWN SOUTH $20’s Not Twinkies!

GrinderZZ: I just have to say this out to ever yone that's r eading this....... you'r e one hilarious dude! Where did you get your craft for comedy from?

HOWSZIN: I got my Cr aft fr om my Dad J ohn Adder ley “GOGI”. He was a Comic genius and wasn’t a Comedian, he actually played Baseball. R.I.P “GOG,I” and others like Redd Foxx, Martin, and Chris Farley. He’s one of my favorites, believe it or not.

GrinderZZ: Who would be your fir st 3 picks of comedians, (Living or deceased) you would love to work with?

HOWSZIN: Mar tin, Ber nie Mac, and Mike Epps. I believe I’d have a Ball with Mike Epps, Lmfao!

GrinderZZ: I know way befor e Covid str uct us, you went to the Islands and did a comedy show. How cool was that?

HOWSZIN: The Bahamas show was Pur e Love. To get to per for m in my Mother Land

“Give Me my Culture” was a Blessing.

I’m there this Year too, 2/14/21.

I ROCKED IT last time with Ms. Barbara Carlyle, a great comedienne in the game. (Maybe, your next interview.) *hint.

We Rocked A Crowd of 400+. My family came out. It was great Bahamian food, plenty laughs, it was just a GREAT love experience. They say when GOD made the Bahamas, It was then and only then he finally rested. HOWSZIN! GrinderZZ: Since the Cor ona vir us landed in our country, and the entire world, we have all been under a terrible lockdown. How have you been able to cope with it all?

HOWSZIN: Well I do have a Job ANGIE!! Lol! I’m a plumber by trade. I’m licensed to lay pipe! True story. State of Virginia licensed me to lay PIPE! HOWSZIN! GrinderZZ: Lately I've been watching different celebrities take to the internet, and have been performing on live for their audiences. Have you ever thought about taking your comedy act to ZOOM? HOWSZIN: I’m going to have to participate in the social world and ZOOM Eventually. I just hope I fit in my Square!

GrinderZZ: Little by little, things are starting to open up. Do you have anything lined up? Are there any showcases you have coming up that you can speak about?

HOWSZIN: February I’m in the Bahamas Biggest Show Lined up right now. It’s super slow right now. FUCK COVID! Can I say that?

GrinderZZ: Again, thank you for my, Big heavy shir t, and backpack. How can people purchase one?

HOWSZIN: You’r e mor e than welcome for the T-Shirt, and Snack Sack.

GrinderZZ: How can people stay in touch with you, in case they ar e looking for a comedian for their showcase?

HOWSZIN: I don’t have an official site to purchase my items, but reach me via fb or email bigheavydaddy01@yahoo.com GrinderZZ: Any last wor d's/shout outside you would like to give at this time?

HOWSZIN: Thank you for having me, again. S/O to GRINDERZZ. They’re always bringing you the freshest interviews! THANK YOU to the fans, and supporters I appreciate the love! S/ O the Bahamas, QUEENSBRIDGE and VA. HOWSZIN! Again, thank you, Trevor for coming back to our studio. Continue to shine, and please stay in touch with us.

Follow Those Dreams!

It's Our Life - We Can Be Who We Want - & Like a digital camera - if you don't like the picture you create - take another!

We all have our dreams growing up - oh! I want to be a movie star - a famous guitar player - teacher Doctor - nurse. How many of us have actually achieved our dreams?

I had about 10 different things I wanted to be. Funny thing is, I've actually come close. How? Because I never gave up on my dreams.

Now, I certainly didn't get rich off any of them, nor did I become famous (although I did get to see my name in print when I worked for a few different newspapers).

But, I just kept trying & the ones I've done or experimented with were fun.

Blog & Doodle

by Kim Fannin

I found that as I've aged, my dreams refined. They were maybe meant for certain parts of my life - when that dream was what I needed then - and not for my lifetime career.

And, that's OK. I've never been bored, that's for sure. Looking back, I'm glad I did my life that way.

I probably missed out on a better retirement plan, but I'm happy. There have been zigs, zags, ruts and wrecks - but I think I turned out More Than Alright.

I still have dreams & I'm working on achieving them.

The dreams have changed, because I gave myself permission to look at other avenues. Things I never dreamed of have popped up, I'm trying them & I Love them!

Never stop believing. Just keep dreaming.

Never stop Dreaming, your mind is filled with Delightful things! ☕☀

GrinderZZ Talks With Eric Luther Ingram Son Of The Late Luther Ingram

I was so fascinated when I was introduced to this man right here. What made it exciting, was to find out that, Eric Ingram is the son of the legendary late R&B singer, Luther Ingram. Eric has a tremendous resume on the charts, and this is why I had to snatch him for this interview. Let's talk to him.

GrinderZZ: Good mor ning Er ic, and thank you for coming into the Gr inder ZZ studio.

Could you please tell my audience a little about yourself?

Eric: Well I' m ver y much goal or iented. I was able to accomplish some things, some goals that I set for myself after the passing of my parents. One was becoming a published author, the other was to make my first film. By achieving those goals, it allows me to continue my Father's legacy.

Also, I'm an observer and I love to listen. I recognized at a very early age that I can learn an awful lot more in life by listening rather than talking.

GrinderZZ: I was so excited when you told me that, you'r e the son of the legendar y R&B singer, the late Luther Ingram. What was life like growing up with a famous father?

Eric: "First I want to talk about my childhood and how at a very early age, handled being the center of attention. Let me first begin by talking a little bit about my early upbringing. To some, my childhood adolescence might have seemed a bit boujee or privileged but to my neighborhood friends, I was The Man! My mother Jacqueline was a government employee. Some would’ve called her a “big shot” back in her day. She would help people get their jobs back when wrongfully fired. She was a union rep that helped front such social organizations as B.I.G. (Blacks In Government) and F.E.W. (Federally Employed Women). She taught me how to handle myself during job interviews but better yet, she was a negotiator. It was from her that I learned how to negotiate with banks and credit unions as to how to get my money back when faced with overdrawn bank fees. Yes, you know what I’m talking about because we’ve all been there. My father Luther was a professional soul singer. To most of the world he was a big star but to me and my family he was just Dee or Lu T (short for Luther Thomas). That’s what everyone in the family called him. I remember back in grade school, he would be nearby after doing a concert in Chicago or Memphis. He would make it his business to have his driver bring him to the house so he could take me and some of my neighborhood friends to school in a limousine. I was the “it” kid on the block! Growing up were some of the best days of my life. Everyone treated each other like family. When my friends and I went outside to play, we got dirty. We played games like, “Simon Says”, “Red Light Green Light” and “Hide and Go Seek!”

We raced each other in the street, played “Jacks” and if the girls were playing “Hop Scotch” or “Double Dutch”, we would sit there and watch! The only thing we were afraid of were stray dogs (and most of them new us and left us alone). If someone had a fight, then that’s what it was, a fist fight! Kids didn’t have guns back then. The street lights were my reminder to get my butt to the house and in the front yard by curfew. School was mandatory and we watched our mouth, not only around our elders but our teachers as well. Talking back was out of the question. Whenever I did get in trouble, my mother would whip me with my own toys called hot wheel tracks. The lines from the tracks would appear on my legs after a whippin’. Back then, any parent in the neighborhood could whip you and then when you got home, you got it again!

Being the son of a star seemed normal for me.

At 7 years old my first taste of what being a celebrity felt like was when my parents threw a surprise birthday party for me on TV. It was a local TV show called Mr. Patches. It was what we called reality TV back then. My father sent a limo over to the school to pick me up along with a dozen or so of my classmates, only this time it had a police escort. When it arrived, it was already a few of my friends inside from the neighborhood. Mr. Patches came on at 3pm, so we had to leave school an hour early to be on time for the program. As you could imagine, the school was in a frenzy during the last hour of classes. Everyone was excited to see us on TV and it was all because of me.

I went to a Catholic school and was involved in all sports. Soccer was the sport that I excelled in the most. It won me a ton of awards and carried over into high school where I was deemed one of the best players in the area. Learning how to kick a soccer ball is what would eventually lead to my ability of kicking a football. I soon entered the national punt, pass, and kick contest and won! I can remember being sponsored by one of the local car dealerships in town. I can remember the President of the dealership accompanying me and my parents on the plane to

Pontiac, Michigan. It was there where I was to perform in front of over 50,000 people at the Pontiac Silverdome while representing my city’s NFL team, the St. Louis Cardinals. For years I had watched my father perform in front of thousands of people and now at 13 years old I was about to do the same. I can still until this day, remember him coaching me and getting me ready to compete at halftime of the Lions/49ers game. It was also at that moment that I got a taste of what he went through constantly. My attitude changed after that. From then on I knew things would be expected of me and I would have to rise to the occasion or at least play the role.

GrinderZZ: Gr owing up, you listened to R&B, and Soul, and you heard your first rap record with you attended, Central State University in Ohio. Do you remember what song you heard?

Eric: The Message by Gr andmaster Flash and the Furious Five GrinderZZ: You attended, Centr al State University on a football scholarship. Did you ever try to go professional with football?

Eric: Well going to an HBCU allowed me to have a better opportunity at it but then I quickly found out after my final season that trying to get to the NFL back then was more about politics than statistics or achievements.

GrinderZZ: You met, and hung out with, Sean "Puffy" Combs at a music conference, in Nashville Tennessee in 96, and realized that you wanted to be in music. How did your dad feel about your decision?

Eric: At fir st my Pops didn't do anything. He just sat back, watched and

observed.., which is where I believed I inherited that trait from. But then as I began to canvass the music scene, showing up backstage at concerts and attending conventions, he knew that I was about to get into something. He didn't quite know what but he knew it was something...

GrinderZZ: You’r e a man with many talents, with two books on his belt. The Unwatered Rose, (a Khmer Woman's Journey to Freedom), and The Breakdown. What gave you the inspiration to become a writer?

Eric: I never planned on being a published Author. I just thought I'd be writing articles in social media columns about music and films. I had no idea that my first book would be about something totally out of the ordinary like "The Unwatered Rose." First of all the book is about Asian/Cambodian culture. One would ask, how does that tie into what I'm about? Well after meeting that family and hearing those horrific stories, I made it my business to somehow someway get their story out to the masses because it needed to be told. Now my goal is bring it to the big screen or small screen as some people prefer.

As far as "The Breakthrough" is concerned, that book is more about perseverance and uplifting one's spirit. It's a series of motivational testimonies consisting of inspirational stories from people like you and me and how they turned tragedy into triumph!

GrinderZZ: 2020 was a nightmar e for us all, because of the Corona virus. Had the pandemic slowed you down from any project's you may have been working on?

Eric: Actually the pandemic has not only worked against us by making the decision to pull our short film from film festivals and not even submitting it to others.., it has worked in my favor by allowing me to bring a 6 year old project off the shelf and develop it to completion, getting it ready for a spring pitch to Hollywood executives for the fall season.

GrinderZZ: What advice can you give to someone who may be reading this interview that's looking to break out in the entertainment industry?

Eric: If you are a writer, composer, artist or whatever your craft may be.., continuously build your catalog. Always continue to create and develop. Companies are always looking for content and with social media being as big a platform as ever, your chances of having your project viewed or seen by someone of importance is very good.

GrinderZZ: How can people reach out to you?

Eric: You can reach out to me through my social media at eli eric luther on facebook, eli_eric_luther on IG, or email me at Luthermovie@gmail.com.

GrinderZZ: Any last words/request?

Eric: Well I'm looking forward to a breakthrough in 2021 and several successful years to come. I want to thank my team, (I'm not saying any names because I don't want to leave anyone out) they know who they are. As far as request go, there are some really, really great young actors out there that I would love to work with.., Jason Dirden, Donald Glover, Nigel Thatch, and a few others.., hopefully they'll read this article and reach out!

Eric, I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us here at the GrinderZZ Studio. Please, don’t forget to stay in touch with us, at the GrinderZZ Studio.

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An Interview With

love and respect ourselves as well as other. I am happily married with two sons by the name of Kenny and Kendall. They are 21 and 8 years old. My husband and I have been together since we were teenagers but, married for almost nine years. I've been blessed with the ability to be able to write music since I was 10 years old.

It started out with poetry with me, and escalated from there. Music is my passion. Not only making music but, being able to impact the lives of others by the music that I make.

MZ Johnson is the name, and rap is her game. I am so happy and excited to have caught up with, "The First Lady of Rap", MZ Johnson. I first met her back in September 2020 at an event in Atlanta.

Her voice, her style, her entire presence captivated me, and I knew I had to snatch her up for an interview. Let’s chat with, MZ Johnson.

GrinderZZ: Hello, and welcome to the GrinderZZ studio. Can you please tell my audience a little about yourself?

MZ Johnson: I was bor n and r aised in Gar y Indiana, as LaTarsha Hendrix. I was raised in a single parent home, with three siblings. I come from a loving family, where we were raised to

GrinderZZ: You wer e bor n and raised in, Gary Indiana, the hometown of, The Jackson family.

What was it like growing up there?

MZ Johnson: It was hard growing up in Gary Indiana. Even though I came from a good family, and was raised in a decent neighborhood, I still had daily obstacles that I faced trying to raise my siblings in a poverty stricken community, and caring for my mom during the period when she was going through a difficult time in her life. In spite of it all, it has made me what I am today. If you can make it in Gary Indiana, you can make it anywhere! When life throws you lemons, make lemonade!

GrinderZZ: At an ear ly age, you had to take on, the mother role, raising your 3 younger siblings, and also caring for your mother, who was very

sick at the time. Did any of that affected your social life, and doing your music?

MZ Johnson: Raising my siblings and car ing for my mom didn't affect my social life, because they were my life.

I was very young, but my priorities were so seasoned. As far as my music, I continued to write and pour out my pain in my songs. I believe my main focus was, if they’re good, I'm good, we good! I knew I would get the chance one day to do it again, and I did!

GrinderZZ: You called, taking car e of your family, and losing your grandpa, your, "Ground Zero". What made you come up with that phrase?

MZ Johnson: I came up with the phr ase " Gr ound Zero" because, I've been at the bottom of the bottom with pain, trials, tribulations, heartaches, and so much more, and if I wanted my music to reach people, I couldn't stay at the bottom, so I had to "Level Up." That's one of the best decisions that I could of ever made was to turn my pain into purpose.

GrinderZZ: How would you descr ibe your music? Have you ever been compar ed to someone already in the music industry?

MZ Johnson: I could descr ibe my music encour aging, and motivating with a dash of Midwest swag. I have been compared to the likes of Eve, Mia X, and Foxy Brown. I take that as compliment because, we all know that they were definitely female artist who held it down not to mention I loved all of their music.

GrinderZZ: You wer e a par t of the r ap gr oup, Concor d Affiliated CCA. Who came up with the name, and how long were you guy's together?

MZ Johnson: My husband now, who at the time was my boyfr iend, had a gr oup of fr iends who did music. They were called "Concord Affiliated" aka CCA. They were getting a lot or recognition worldwide with some major deals on the table, on billboards, etc, so my husband went to them and told them, "my girl got that flow" you guys need to put her on some music.

From that point on, I was "Lady Lexus" of CCA! The group consisted of three guys by the name of "EG," "C-Mack," and "Mr. Narcotics," RIP. I made history with the guys for about five years, and learned a lot from then in the process. If it wasn't for CCA, it wouldn't be a "Mz. Johnson," 1st Lady of Rap! GrinderZZ: Has the Covid 19 pandemic affected any pr oject's you wer e doing in 2020?

MZ Johnson: Covid-19 has definitely affected my project, and the promotion of the album for 2020, yet I continue to press looking at the pandemic as another opportunity for me to "Level Up" even higher!

GrinderZZ: Can you name 3 ar tist you would love to wor k with?

MZ Johnson: The 3 ar tist that I would love to wor k with in the futur e would be, " J ay Z

/Beyonce, Mary J Blige, and Chance the rapper!

GrinderZZ: Do you have any new music coming?

MZ Johnson: I am cur r ently wor king on new music and with new pr oducer s. I am super excited about that as well as my relocation to Atlanta. Shout out to my girl, "Nukki Andrews" who currently resides in Atlanta, who is also one of Gary Indiana Queen female artist. We got some heat for the streets with this new project we’re working on! You all are going to love it, I promise!

GrinderZZ: How can people r each out to you?

MZ Johnson: You can find my music on all digital platforms. Check out my website www.1stladymzjohnson.com. I have six videos out on YouTube as well. Stay connected with me on Facebook @1stladymzjohnson Instagram mzjohnson1stlady or you can email me at 1stladymzjohnson@gmail.com GrinderZZ: Do you have any last wor ds/r equest you would like to give out at this time?

MZ Johnson: I just want to thank you Angela for allowing me to gr ace this platfor m for this amazing interview. I would like to thank all of my fans and supporters throughout the years!

Continue to follow me on all my social media platforms! I have some great things coming ahead! To God be the glory for the things that he has done and the doors that have been opened!

Special thanks to my husband Kenneth Johnson and our children for giving me the support that I need to make our dreams a reality. Special thanks to my Manager "GYASI" Dakari King Thurmon for grinding the way that you do for the team! I love and appreciate you bro! Thank you to all my family and friends who support the "Mz. Johnson 1st Lady of Rap" movement! I encourage you all to keep following your dreams because you control your destiny!!!! The best is yet to come! Be blessed!!!!!!!!

MZ Johnson, it was a pleasure talking to you. Please come back and see us anytime.

GrinderZZ Interviews With Producer, Director and Editor, Jermaine Thomas (Taishi Studios) GrinderZZ: Hello there Taishi, and welcome to the, GrinderZZ studio. Can you please tell my audience a little about yourself?

Taishi: First let me make a clarification, I edited a music video for Phaya Nak Pictures called "BEST MAN IN THE WORLD." I am nominated for Best Director and Best Editor.

We will find out the week of February 7th if I win so keep your fingers crossed. My name is Jermaine Thomas. I release my work under the name "Taishi Studios." I am a Producer, Director and Editor based in Los Angeles by way of Kansas City, Mo. I love telling stories that's why I produce documentaries. I want to produce films that create dialogue and show the strength of the Human Spirit. I think right now we are so divided, that we are missing the best part of what it means to be human and that is celebrating our differences.

GrinderZZ: Growing up, were you always interested in media arts?

Taishi: I started out drawing and cooking. Lol! Those were the arts I was into. In 2004, a car accident changed my life. I suffered damage to my back and my hips so it was hard for me to work. I was on the verge of opening my own deli but I guess God had different plans for me. So in 2005, after a year of physical and chiropractic therapy, I started taking classes in film.

GrinderZZ: At what age did you write your first project?

Taishi: I got started late in the film game. Lol! I wrote my first project in 2005. It was a documentary called "Black Tie White Tie". It was based on a book by History Professor Lyle Gibson who went on a search for his family roots.

GrinderZZ: I was so happy when you told us on Facebook, one of your projects was accepted into an event that's going to happening in Las Vegas. Can you explain?

Taishi: Yes. I Directed and Edited a music video for Phaya Nak Pictures here in Los Angeles. The video is called "Best Man in the World." The video was entered into The Vegas Movie Awards and I am nominated for Best Director and Best Editor. I am excited.

If I win this will be the second project that won an award at The Vegas Movie Awards.

The first as a fantasy monster film I edited called, "Johnny in Monsterland."

GrinderZZ: I also want to thank you for incorporating me into your project about Covid. Do you have a release date for the project?

Taishi: The film is called "Still We Rise: Life in 2020". It was supposed to be released in April of 2021 but because of the virus and the lockdown that Los Angeles has been in, it's been pushed back to the fall of 2021.

GrinderZZ: Since the lockdown occurred in 2020, we've all suffered great losses. How have you been coping with this unbearable pandemic?

Taishi: I been writing and editing. I have two documentaries I am writing that will be shot in Kansas City, Mo and I am currently editing two other films. One is about Morrie Turner, the first African American to have a comic strip in syndication and a short film Unseen Wounds about a Vietnam Vet who uses cooking to deal with the trauma of the Vietnam War. GrinderZZ: Do you have any upcoming projects that you're working on that you can tell about with us?

Taishi: Yes. Besides my film about the virus, I am currently working with a young lady back in Kansas City, MO to produce a documentary. She started a business during the pandemic and she reached out to Taishi Studios to produce the project. We are excited.

GrinderZZ: Name three directors you would love to work with on a project?

Taishi: That’s easy. Lol! 1. Antoine Fuqua 2. Jon Favreau (Marvel. Lol!) and3. John Woo GrinderZZ: How can people reach out to you?

Taishi: I can be reached via email at taishistudios@gmail.com or Social Media Facebook and Instagram @Taishi Studios

GrinderZZ: Any last words/shout outside you would like to give out at this time?

Taishi: A wise man once told me that film was bringing Order to Chaos. I use this in my life as well. Life throws us chaotic situations all the time. Just relax and breathe.

Deal with things one at a time and you will bring Order to your life. We have everything we need inside us to bring order to our situation. Just surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.

Thank you so much Taishi for your time. Please stay in touch. God Bless.

An Interview With

Today we are interviewing the Assistant Editor of GrinderZZ, Shenoba Kinsey. Ms. Kinsey is the Editor and Chef of Fuzionz Magazine and TV. GrinderZZ: Hello We are excited about doing this interview with you. Can you please tell my audience a little about yourself?

Shenoba : Thank you my awesome boss, Angie, for interviewing me. I am originally from Louisiana, but have resided in Texas for years. I am a Christian, a mother, and grandmother. I am the CEO of Fuzionz Magazine and TV. I am a ghostwriter and screenplay writer.

GrinderZZ: At what age did you first start writing?

Shenoba When I was very young. I grew up in a strict household, so I utilized my time writing mini scripts and listening to music. When I left college and moved to Dallas, that’s when I began to write more and I published a couple books. Later on, I started ghostwriting .

GrinderZZ: When did you start Fuzionz Magazine and TV? What inspired you to start the magazine?

Shenoba: I started Fuzionz in 2009, with the help of a few friends, who had their own businesses, to get my website constructed and give me some pointers. It started out as a youth based magazine, because I saw many youth who were struggling or who were very positive, so I wanted to build a platform to highlight them.

God blessed me to attend several red carpets, such as the Stellar Awards, BET, SAG Awards, Soul Train Awards and more. Thank you and Terrence Sharrock, also, for attending in my place, when I wasn’t able to make it to them. You are awesome and much appreciated!!

GrinderZZ: You were a radio host for two years. Can you elaborate on that?

Shenoba: Yes, I was a radio show host at Fishbowl Radio Network. I was very interesting and super fun. I interview a lot of celebrities, various organizations and upcoming and inspiring artists and authors. We attended the Essence Music Festival and were able to interview various artists, including Dr. Sherri and the Braxtons, on Radio Row. GrinderZZ: Tell us about your writing/ghostwriting.

Shenoba: I write/ghostwrite books for various clients, along with writing my own screenplays. Someone is actually reading one of my scripts, to hopefully get on the big screen. I am very excited. I trust in God and know that He always has a plan.

GrinderZZ: What advice would you like to give to those who are interested in writing?

Shenoba: Do your research on the writing industry.

Take some writing courses. If you are writing books, do a lot of reading. It helps you to see how others write. Of course, you will develop your own style of writing. If you want to write screenplays, watch a lot of movies and pay attention to how they are written. I always keep God first and pray about anything before I do it. Never give up on your dreams.

GrinderZZ: Any shout outs?

Shenoba: I want to give all thanks to God, first. I would like to shout out to my family and friends and a big shout out to you, Angie, and GrinderZZ for this interview.

Thank you Shenoba for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. Keep grinding.