Where It Begins (WIB) May Issue

POSITIVE INFLUENCERS Quarantine Interviews in 2020

Up Close & Personal with

LUENELL WIBMAGZ

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CONTENTS MAY 2020 SADE SEALEY 4 LEVEL 5 6 YONAS 8 CLAY JAMES 10 ELLE SPENCER 12 KRYSTAL GARNER 14 RASHIDA BROWN 16 M.O. LITTLES 18 SCOTT HOWARD 20 KISSA JO 22 HASHIM LAFONT 24 YOUNG RA 26 FULLER FRENCH 28 MR. JONES 30 TORI B. WALTON 32 0JAY DALE 34 STEPHANIE MCSWINE 36 KARREN ARRINGTON 38 BENJAMIN REYNOLDS 40 CORY TAYLOR 42 CREYTENS ROBBIE 44 K. SHANTEL 46 LYNN SPIRIT 48 MIKE BEND 50 DARIUS SLAUGHTER 52 LERAZIA 54 ANNA BLACK 56 NEFERTITI AUSTIN 58 BLAQUE ROSE 60

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EDWARD MANNING 62 BIG NICK 64 SHOOTER 66 TOON 68 CURTIS LOVEJOY 70 LUENELL! 72 ANTHONY NEVES 76 EMJAY 78 CITY OF LOVE BY PRESTON TURNER 80

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20 MINUTES MATTER BY KRIS FULLER 82 NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PEPPER BODY 83 HOW TO STYLE LINEN DRESSES WELL?

BY RITU SHARMA 84 GABE LUSTMAN 86 DJ LUCKY CALHOUN 88 SHAWNA’S Open Book 90 VBAE 92 JUDI HOLLER 94 BAEGERA 96 JONATHAN LYKES 98 TORY VEE 100 JAH JAH 102

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Founder – Cece Hymes

W.I.B (Where It Begins) is an Independent agency with the aim to always be innovate in each approach taken to projects and making sure excellence is given in a projects execution when it comes to media marketing, branding, networking and management.

Founded by the well experienced and ever growing force; D.C native - Cece Hymes, the most important and integral aspect of W.I.B is that branding for both Creatives and Businesses is taken to the next level with each and every project undertaken.

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We’ve continued to represent a very diverse and well acclaimed roster of emerging talents in the entertainment, and businesses!

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With a determined persistence for continued excellence, our Founder – Cece Hymes, with a college Degree in Business Management, has also worked within radio and with many companies such as: RDE Entertainment, H.I.G.H Entertainment and Caribbean Gospel Records Ltd.,

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SADE SEALEY

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Q. How did you get into the industry?

A. I started off in this industry as a background vocalist. Honestly if my life had gone any different even in the slightest I probably would’ve ended up in a different lane but college really opened up the doors for me and gave me the opportunity to cross paths with some brilliant people who helped me get where I am now.

Q. How would you say you got into singing?

A. I’ve always loved singing from a young age. My mother always said when I was a baby she’d have to walk and sing to me so I would fall asleep. She probably planted a seed there. My music teachers, God bless them, were some of the early ones as well to see that potential. Also, from primary into secondary school I was surrounded by very musically talented group of friends. Almost every semester we’d have some play or concert at school especially in secondary school so there was always a way for us to grow. I’ve also been pushed a lot by my mom and uncle. Where I’m from this path is risky but I’m willing.

Q. Who’s been an inspiration to you?

A. Firstly my husband. I see his drive and his ambition and the sacrifices he’s taking to get where God wants him to. It’s amazing. My mother, her resilience and strength I’ve witnessed all these years has always been inspiring. These days our local artists are breaking so many boundaries. The ones I know personally, like Nathanael, Sherwin, Mekaiel, the ones that gave me a chance like Positive and Mention, and so many others I can’t help but be inspired by our own.

Q. Who are some of the people you’ve worked with?

A. I started off doing background vocals for Positive, Mention and Sherwin Gardner. I’ve also had the opportunity to sing with Nathanael, Papa San, Vashawn Mitchell, Jonathan Nelson, Tiff Joy and quite a few others.

Q. Tell me about your new single?

A. My new single Hope is one I wrote when I experienced a down time in life. I saw the scripture Hebrews 6:19 that says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” and God knew that’s what I was desperate to hear at that time. It’s produced and co-written by my husband, Lesroy “A.P.” Byers, who’s the founder and CEO of Audio Predators and everything vocally and production wise were basically done out of our bedroom in Antigua.

Humble beginnings which I’m pretty grateful for!

I’m usually extremely different with my sound so we’ve been trying a different approach and I guess you can say it targets a broader audience.

I also want many to be inspired and encouraged like I was when it was written so I had to take all of that into consideration which led us to a more contemporary sound. Had some awesome folks of Antigua do live instrumentation after my husband arranged it and now, we have a pretty dope song.

Q. What advice can you give others that want to get into this industry?

A. Be wise about every decision you make. You may slip up sometimes but even then, the decisions you make to get back up, let it be made in wisdom. Never ever stop seeking God about every move you make and don’t be discouraged. I’ve been there but then you realize it’s never smooth sailing but know the God you serve has great plans for you.

Q. What future projects have you been working on?

A. Currently I’m working alongside Mekaiel for his upcoming album.

That’s been exciting since I’ve been doing vocal arrangements which I’ve grown to love. I also want to release an album soon, so I have two singles in the making that I want to be accompanied by music videos and then we’ll drop an album or EP. People can also expect my brand new single entitled “Empty” coming very soon.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

A. Well my husband and I are new parents. It’s still surreal to me but I have so many emotions that’s been flooding my mind when I think about it. Mostly nerves and anxiety but definitely excitement.

All in all, though we want to be on top of our parenting. We hope to be touring, writing, arranging and producing a lot more. It’s something we’re passionate about.

Basically, building a legacy and an empire together and hopefully our experiences make us better humans in the process.

Q. What makes you smile?

A. Family and food!

Q. What are your hobbies?

A. I won’t really call it a hobby, but I really enjoy watching HGTV and Food Network. Somehow I’m able to clear my mind while watching.

If that doesn’t work, then I’ll find a concert to watch and be inspired.

“ I’ve always loved singing from a young age.

My mother always said when I was a baby she’d have to walk and sing to me so I would fall asleep. She probably planted a seed there.

My music teachers, God bless them, were some of the early ones as well to see that potential. ”

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COREY PARKS

LEVEL 5 6

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Q. Tell us more about Level 5 Health & Sport Fitness?

A. Level 5 Health & Sport Fitness we are specializing in Weight loss, Mini Boot Camp, Strength Training, Sports and Power Training, Meal nutritional planning. Teaching clients to Learn their body first, Mind, Body and Spirt.

Q. Who or what inspired you to be an athlete trainer?

A. I was inspired by Kobe Bryant, Steve Smith and CT Fletcher their Work ethic is very phenomenal, just like them. I like to push my body over and beyond the Limits. It’s not all about Power it’s the endurance you need in Life to continue to press on when things get hard not giving up Mind over body.

Q. How do you stay fit?

A. I stay fit by training myself everyday like I am still playing football, always working on my fast twitch muscle, Sprints, 40 yard dash, 225 reps on bench press, stretching doing Yoga, Leg workouts most important, putting myself on discipline meal plan that I can do Monday through Thursday that I can stick with no short term meal plan, it’s a lifestyle consistency is the key.

Q. What is one of your greatest experiences?

A. One of my greatest experience in my life is spiritual. I ask God to bless me with my gym before I turn 30 years old and he waited until I was 29 years old 6 months shy of turning 30 and God answered my prayers and the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2 I had faith

and put God to the test, and he came through. Trust God over everything now that’s a lifestyle.

Q. Tell us more about your boot camp?

A. Level 5 Health & Sport Fitness Boot is high intensity training Hit cardio body weight movements. Lots of reps building your endurance muscle strength and Lungs at its best but most important we make it fit for all ages we put the Workout according to your body structure.

Q. What are some of the advantages and challenges of being fit?

A. Some of the advantages I have staying fit is I am a gym owner, so I live in the gym constantly working out. Some of my challenges is everyone wants me to workout out with them and most of the time I do it’s hard for me to say no my body needs rest lol.

Q. What have been the hardest experience being fit?

A. One of my hardest experience of being fit was Learning my body, what works for me and not to try everything I see in the magazine taking different, supplement, my calorie intake and other people workouts. Once I Learned my body it was easygoing after that I can bulk up or Tone-up fast.

Q. What advice can you give other people who wants to be fit?

A. The advice I can give someone who want to be fit is It’s not about being better than someone else... It’s about being better than who you used to be.”

Have fun with training. Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Thinking about going to the gym

burns between 0 and 0 calories.”

Look good feel good.

Q. Tell us about your journey of being in fitness?

A. After I stop playing Arena Football my dream was to always open up my gym I Learn my purpose that God placed into my heart, that is to help people have a healthier lifestyle and being a good encourager by telling clients a healthy relationship with God is going to give you a healthy spirit and that translates into a healthy body it all go hand and hand together. Mind, body and spirit got to love it.

Q. What motivates you to train and coach people?

A. Knowing my purpose upon this world that God gave me to be a blessing to people to have a healthier lifestyle to be around for their family and kids at its best. Become, closer to God. Teaching my clients to have endurance in life because you will need it when times get tough.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. One of the new projects, I am working on in Stockbridge Georgia, is my Company call the Juice Spot opening soon. I join forces with my business partner Terica. providing healthy, natural and tasty, fresh pressed juices.

You can follow: JUICE SPOT at on IG and Website www.thejuicespot.net Follow LEVEL5GYM on IG Level5Health&SportFitness and Website www.Level5HealthSportFitness.com.

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YONAS

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Q. What advice can you give to other upcoming Hip- Hop artists?

A. Keep pushing your own boundaries.

When you think you’re done, find 5 people who aren’t “yes men” to listen and critique. There’s always room for improvement and you never stop learning!

Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments you had being an artist?

A. Getting to headline Europe is one of my favorite memories so far. Seeing all the fans who have been rocking with me for 7+ years seeing me and hearing me live for the first time.

Fans traveled to my Germany shows from places like Russia!

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I’m currently working on releasing an EP this year. There will be a string of singles and videos before. Stay tuned by following me on YouTube and Spotify! You can also connect with me on IG @IamYonas.

Q. Tell us more about who Yonas the Hip Hop artist is?

A. Yonas the Hip-Hop artist is the same as Yonas the man, Yonas the father, and more. I try to lead my life and my business with authenticity. The man on the stage is the same man you meet at the bar, in the grocery store, and on the street. My music is representative of my journey but also the journey of the people around me.

I’ve been blessed with fans that use my music as an outlet for their own struggles and triumphs. The good and the bad, that’s what we’re here for.

Q. What or who Influenced you to get into music?

A. My Mother. After my Pops passed away, I was looking for an outlet to take out all of my frustrations and anger. My Mom pushed me to pick up a violin and channel that in music.

The rest was history!

Q. Tell us about your new single (OMG)?

A. OMG is an anthem for all those who have been rocking with me from the jump. It’s me saying from now on everything we do will come with shock factor. If you’re reading this, get ready! This is just the beginning.

Q. What is your favorite genre of music? Who is your favorite artist?

A. Outside of Hip-Hop, I’m really into this modern era of indie pop. Someone who I’ve been really feeling these last few years is Jon Bellion. His vocal layering and production is the next level.

Q. How is the music in Europe different than the U.S. music?

A. The fans are nuts in Europe. I’ve been blessed to tour all over the world, but Europe is something special.

Those fans wait outside the venue before we even show up for load in and soundcheck. They have my face tattooed on their bodies. Wild to have that impact on someone’s life. Only more of a motivator to keep pushing the boundaries!

Q. How would you compare the culture in Europe vs U.S.?

A. I think that European folks dive all into something they like unapologetically versus US fans can sometimes be a little more skeptical and waiting until everyone around them loves something before they publicly do.

Q. What are some of your hobbies?

A. Outside of music it’s got to be sports. I love playing and watching. Specifically, basketball, football, and golf.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with as an artist?

A. Taking time to just be. There are always deadlines to meet and always music to be made.

Sometimes it’s good to just pause.

Learning that more and more!

Q. What do you see missing in today’s Hip Hop music?

A. Meaning and creativity. There’s a lot of cookie cutter production and lyrical content coming out right now.

I hope we can use this time of selfisolation to think outside the box.

“ My music is representative of my journey but also the journey of the people around me.

I’ve been blessed with fans that use my music as an outlet for their own struggles and triumphs.”

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“ My Mom and Grandma inspire me.

I’ve seen them both pull off miracles having little to no resources. “

CLAY JAMES 10

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Q. Tell us who Clay James the hip- hop artist is?

A. I was born in Atlanta and raised in Savannah, GA. I moved from Atlanta when I was a baby then came back here around 2004. Been here ever since. My career started on the campus of Georgia State University while I was enrolled there.

I’m a member of Kappa Alpha Ps Fraternity Incorporated and was pretty known “Popular” on campus so one of my older frat bruhs Imari Curtis suggested I should rap. So, I tried it out and I started getting a buzz.

Q. What or Who inspired you?

A. My Mom and Grandma inspire me.

I’ve seen them both pull off miracles having little to no resources. When I was little, I remember my mom having like 3 jobs at one point. I feel like that’s where I get my grind from.

My grandma was one of my first supporters of my music dream. Since she passed away, my mom has taken up the slack in that department.

Q. What is your favorite genre in music? Who is your favorite artist?

A. My favorite genre of music is hip hop, of course. My favorite male artist is T.I and my favorite female artist is Missy Elliott.

Q. How was your experience working and being mentored by Big Boi from Outkast?

A. Big Boi is a solid dude. He’s a nononsense type of dude too. It’s always dope when I think about how close we got because he never took anyone from back home (Savannah, GA) under his wing before. I was the first and only so far. I learned a lot of jewels from him just being around and talking that I hold near me today.

I give him the credit for discovering me. I had a buzz before I met him, but once he co-signed me it took me to another level. People took me way more seriously.

Q. I see you got some tattoos “Playas Club” and Southern Playas” what is the meaning behind these tattoos?

A. Playas Club is my label in which I’m CEO and Co-Founder. Southern Playas is a group I’m in with my home A Pimp Named Sweet Tooth, who is also the Vice President of Playas Club Music Group. Atlanta gave us the name Southern Playas because we reminded them of OutKast and we had a song that took off called Southern Playa Shit. We didn’t start calling ourselves that, the people did. Then it made it to the blogs, then it just stuck with us.

Q. What is one of your favorite songs off your project?

A. Neva Simpin! Because it gives me an old school Houston vibe and I’m compared a lot to Pimp C so it was an easy pocket for me to get in and ride the beat. I killed it bar after bar. Lastly it was produced by Tha Officialz from my hometown, Savannah GA. Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments?

A. Getting signed by Snoop and going on tour with him. I’ve never told anybody this before, but I wasn’t really a Snoop fan as a kid. I was a Tupac fan when it came to Death Row Records. I always looked at Snoop as a super-duper star and I liked some of his music. To go from watching Snoop every day on TV to being with him learning the game every day was kind of surreal. I don’t respect how it ended and him and his team know why, but I definitely appreciate what he did for me in the time we were together.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. That’s a secret. All my projects dropping in 2020 will be out the blue and without warning just like I did with my Talk Yo Shit EP last week. Well, I’ll tell u this there is a Talk Yo Shit 2 dropping soon. Other than that, I’m focused on my artist Respekk who’s buzzing right now.

I’m also working on Killah Qua, Kris J, and King Elway’s next releases on PCMG.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in life?

A. My grandma passing was tough. That was my best friend. Still haven’t gotten over that for real.

Q. How is your music different from others?

A. Right now everyone is harmonizing and doing the singy rap vibe. I touch on that here and there but it’s rare. I stick to traditional spitting bars over very southern or soul sampled beats.

I really love saying shit that makes people rewind the bars. A lot of people who spit like this are boring to the younger kids, but not me because I still put dope ass choruses on my songs, and I be fly as hell. I’m very flashy and fashionable so that makes people want to hear what I got to say. I’m apologetically southern too.

I personify southern life and Culture and show that I am Country and Proud.

Q. Do you think that people should still sign with a label or be independent?

A. All depends on what your goals are. If you want to be a superstar, you have to eventually sign with major label.

That’s just the way the game is set up. Major labels have the plugs and relationships in place to take you from underground to mainstream literally overnight. If money and fame doesn’t really matter to you, it’s more so about getting your message out. Then stay indie. Me personally I’d rather have 50% of $10 million than to have 100% of $1 million. That’s the difference I feel between labels and Independent.

They take a bigger piece, but they also give u resources to make more money.

Q. Do you plan on doing anything in the community?

A. Yes, I do once the coronavirus calms down.

I always do things in the community. Back around Xmas I gave away bikes and 50 jackets to the youth in Atlanta. Then a couple months before that I was in West Savannah speaking at the community center to the youth that wanted to be involved in music.

Showing them how to collect royalties for music, properly distribute music, and some etiquette about the industry.

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“ One of my best experiences happened in 2015 when I signed an official marriage certificate.”

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ELLE SPENCER

Q. Tell us more of who Elle Spencer is?

A. I come from a large, close-knit family.

We lived near the Rocky Mountains so my siblings and I spent our youth skiing, snowmobiling and sledding down whatever hill we could find. It was a great place to grow up, but I prefer a warmer climate now which is a good thing since I live in California.

I’ve had all kinds of jobs—massage therapist, frame builder—but nothing that was ever a passion until the writing came along. Now, I’m a fulltime writer of lesbian romance. Still hard to believe that’s my job.

Q. What or who Influenced you to be an author?

A. It happened by accident. I was a reader of lesfic, but then I ran across some fanfiction online—which I hadn’t known was even a thing prior to that and decided to give it a try myself.

It was my wife who encouraged me to take it a step further and create original characters. So, I wrote a novella called Forget Her Not and I published it on Amazon in August 2017. Then I published my first fulllength novel, Casting Lacey, also on Amazon. Nine months later I signed with Bold Strokes Books (yay!) and now I have five books out there and another to be released in May. Wow. Five books.

Q. Tell us about your book 30 dates in 30 days?

A. 30 Dates in 30 Days is my third full-length novel. It’s an irreverent, humorous (I hope) look at dating when you’re trying to find “the one.”

The main character is Veronica, an overworked attorney who’s trying to make partner and be married by the time she’s thirty-five. She’s about to achieve her professional goals, but her love life is pretty much non-existent. Her assistant Bea intervenes and sets Veronica up on blind dates that she’s chosen for her through a dating app. Since Veronica wants to be efficient about everything in her life, Bea suggests 30 dates in 30 days. Of course, chaos ensues because how could that ever go well?

I think it’s a fun read, but I’m biased.

Q. A lot of people want to be like the character Veronica Welch and be married by 35 why do you think it is so hard to find true love by that age?

A. For people like Veronica, it seems like it’s more about having other priorities when really, it’s about an unrealistic expectation that life is a series of boxes to be checked. That somehow you can order up love the way you order an uber. I think by the time she was on her third blind date; Veronica was rethinking that idea.

Q. How did you come up with the characters and was this based off experiences?

A. Most everyone has a terrible blind date story and I thought it would be fun to play on that idea. I didn’t base Veronica’s dates off anyone I know personally. They’re more a combination of people mixed with my sometimes-scary imagination.

Although I can say that the woman who brought her pet boa constrictor’s dinner to the date would absolutely be my worst nightmare come true.

Q. This book gave me great laughs especially how Veronica named her dates off drinks. That was creative how did you come up with that?

A. Since all these dates would take place in a bar, I wondered if you could glean any information about someone by what they order to drink. In the case of Rachel, the bartender, she totally judges and draws conclusions about the dates, according to their drink of choice. So, the drinks kind of took on a life of their own and then the nicknames happened when I realized I was calling them by their drink names. It’s a great way to remember them. My favorite hot mess of a date I named Jägerbomb. Seemed appropriate since nothing good ever comes from a night that starts with Jägerbomb.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I love to travel. I love to read. I love a good Netflix binge. Since my wife and I bought a home last year, most of my spare time is spent on home improvement projects. Browsing in Home Depot is my new hobby. Or Lowes. Or Ikea. You get the picture.

Q. What advice can you give to other authors?

A. If you think you have a compelling story to tell, then get it out there.

I think that’s especially important where voices are underrepresented.

So, in my case, that’s LGBTQ, but the same is true for people of color and people of different socio-economic or cultural backgrounds. It’s so important that we all get our stories out there whether it’s romances, suspense thrillers, mysteries, or any other genre. The more the better.

Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments?

A. One of my best experiences happened in 2015 when I signed an official marriage certificate. Honestly, I didn’t think the day would ever come when gay marriage was considered legal in every state. At least, not in my lifetime.

I thought the battle would continue for years and slowly, state by state

there would be some movement. I also figured the state I was living in at the time, Utah, would be one of the last holdouts and then, there I was, next to my future wife, signing on the dotted line. It was truly one of the best moments of my life.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I have a book titled Waiting for You coming out in May. It’s a contemporary romance with a past-life twist.

Lindsay and Ren were fun characters to write and I hope readers will really enjoy their BFFs as well. I just finished writing The Holiday Treatment which will be released in November.

It’s a romance involving two women who work at a television network and them getting that ever-elusive lesbian Christmas movie made.

People can find me on: Facebook&Twitter: (@espencerwrites) Instagram: (@ellespencerwrites) and ElleSpencerBooks.com.

I also highly recommend you follow my wife on twitter (@espencerswife).

She’s hilarious.

Q. What was some of the advantages and disadvantages of writing this book?

A. A disadvantage, according to my wife, was that I’m not a good bartender.

She pours the drinks in our house, which meant I had some research to do. The advantage is I expanded my personal drink selections. I discovered Moscow Mules, which are great, and I discovered a few drinks I probably don’t need to try again.

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KRYSTAL GARNER 14

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Q. It is an honor to Interview you, I see you wear many hats can you tell us more of who Krystal Garner is?

A. Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me, especially with everything that’s going on. Currently I’m the General Manager of the Trap Music Museum. I am also the CEO and Founder of Garner Enterprises LLC which encompasses all my hats from entertainment (hosting and brand ambassador work), C-suite executive consulting and motivational speaking.

Q. I have not made it to the Trap Museum yet but looking forward to going how have that experience been?

A. First of all you need to come as soon as you’re able to. It’s one of the biggest attractions in Atlanta. It’s an honor to transition from being an entertainer to being a full-on executive in the industry that I love. I also now have the opportunity to pay it forward and allow people who want to be in the industry to get their feet wet.

Q. How did you end up getting with Grand Hustle?

A. I took a risk and quit my job to go on the “Grand Hustle” on BET, a competition show to work for TIP. God blessed me to win the show and I relocated to Atlanta to work for his Empire. After my contract was up, due to the success with the Trap Music Museum; I resigned to Grand Hustle.

Q. I know that you are an empowering woman.

Who or what inspired you to become the person you are today?

A. My neighborhood. I am a positive product of my environment. c Currently since I’ve been blessed to move on up, my family reminds me every day why I do what I do through their love and support.

Q. What is one of your greatest accomplishments you have had in life?

A. I would say my greatest accomplishment is making sure that I capitalize off my 15 min of fame on the show. Post show my team made sure that we worked hard to get my name out there. Currently I make sure that I show the world that I was more than a competition winner, but truly an executive that deserves a six-figure salary.

“ I am grateful for all my experiences in my neighborhood because they made me into the strong woman that I am today. Seeing the potential where I was from inspired me to be that beacon of light and show everyone that you can make it where we are from. ”

Q. What is one of the challenges you have had in your career?

A. A major challenge that I’ve always faced in the pursuit of my career has been that I stand up for what I deserve. I ‘ve worked in so many different industries and was often underpaid and overworked. Now I’m able to motivate women to no longer allow their careers to overwork and underpay them. I often have women direct message me saying thank you because they now push for what they deserve instead of overworking themselves for pennies.

Q. How do you stay so fit?

A. Honestly, currently, I’m able to stay fit because I dance a lot. I wake up, play music and dance. After a long day I decompress by creating my own cheoro to music, don’t judge me. Sounds a little corny but it keeps me fit. Also, I cook my own food.

Q. I also see that you play basketball and good at the hoops. Who is your favorite basketball player and how do they inspire you in this sport?

A. I’m actually not going to say a favorite player but I will say a favorite coach, Vivian Stringer. The reason being, she is a powerful black woman in sports and also an amazing woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. In the next five years I see myself opening a few new businesses, creating more empowerment engagements and also moving into the world of owning properties.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can the people follow you?

A. Right now I am really pushing to finish my first book, Survival Guide of a Hustler and to get back into my craft of acting. You can find me at Krystal Garner on all platforms and even TikTok.

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RASHIDA BROWN 16

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Q. Tell is who Rashida Brown is?

A. Rashida Brown is a fashion visionary with a unique approach to her craft that has endeared to fashion enthusiasts. Growing up, she had a flair for fashion but aspired to be a fashion stylist. Rashida has worked professionally in the fashion industry for four years and designing for two years and is the founder of The JaPera Brown Collection, a clothing line which brings timeless designs to contemporary lifestyle. It was also founded with the purpose of building confidence in girls and women.

Q. Tell us about your company “The JaPera Brown collection”?

A. The JaPera Brown Collection is a clothing brand catered to girls and women of all sizes and nationalities.

Our mission is to build confidence

in girls and women by providing products that inspire, educate, uplift and push them into the true beauty that only lies within.

Q. Do you have any Fashion or charity events coming up?

A. I will be doing my own fashion show in September, then I have the Boy’s Don’t Play with Doll’s Hair/Fashion Show in November.

I will also be showcasing in Canada before the year is out.

Q. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages in being in the fashion industry?

A. An advantage of being in the fashion industry is you get opportunities to showcase your brand all over the world. A disadvantage is that you must

“ An advantage of being in the fashion industry is you get opportunities to showcase your brand all over the world.”

have tough skin, being in the fashion industry is not for everyone. You must be ready for the good feedback and the negative, not everyone will like the type of clothing you do.

Q. What is one of your greatest accomplishment in life?

A. One of the greatest accomplishments in life is graduating high school and received my associate degree directly after, now my bachelor ‘s degree is currently in progress.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A. In five years, I honestly hope to have a successful clothing line that’s in stores all over. I see myself having my own storefront for sure.

Q. What is one of the struggles of being a Fashion Designer?

A. A struggle with being a fashion designer I feel like it can be hard to stand out amongst the so-called designers who are just doing this because they see everyone else doing it.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I love, love, love dancing and I also like to sing.

Q. Where can the people follow you?

A. Instagram: @thejaperabc @iamrashida_ Facebook: www.facebook.com/japerabc Twitter: @I_amrashida

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M.O. LITTLES 18

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Q. Tell us More of who M.O. Littles the Hip Hop artist from Toronto is?

A. I am a Toronto based, hip hop artist who has been lucky enough to perform my music in over 15 countries around the world. I’ve also had the opportunity to do shows and be on songs with the likes of Machine Gun Kelly, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Merkules, Madchild and Celph Titled & Apathy, to name a few.

Q. What or who Influenced you to get into music?

A. The first time I heard hip hop music was Maestro Fresh Wes’ “Drop The Needle” when I was 10 years old. That was a defining moment in my life and started me on a lifelong pursuit. I’ve had many influences throughout my years of making music, however, Tupac was the biggest during my formative years.

Q. Tell us about your new single (Hands Down)?

A. “Hands Down” has been a long time in the making. I was on tour with Merkules in 2015, around the time we recorded a song called Wildstyle. The beat we used had a very distinguishable “Big L” sample, which sounded great but could potentially be difficult to clear. After sitting on the shelf for a few years, I eventually had, Boston based super producer, C-Lance, remix the beat and then had my good friend, Tek Luciano, bless the hook. And so “Hands Down” was born. I may even put out the original one of these days cause it’s still a great song.

Q. What is your favorite genre in music?

Who is your favorite artist?

A. Hip Hop is definitely my favorite genre in music and has been for most of my life, however I love all kinds of music and listen to a huge variety of different artists. I don’t know that I could choose 1 favorite artist of all

time. That changes frequently, as I hear new music. Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Pop Smoke (RIP) and Stormzy.

Some of my all-time favs would be Lil Wayne, Mac Miller and of course Tupac and Biggie.

Q. How is the music in Toronto different than the U.S. music?

A. The music, itself, in Toronto isn’t all that much different than the U.S. Because of the internet, we all get instant access to new music so things that are trending in the U.S., or anywhere else in the world, are simultaneously happening here as well. That being said, artist who aren’t necessarily following trends and creating music that is more based in their reality, can definitely come up with their own sound.

Q. How would you compare the culture and working with different artist and producers in Toronto vs U.S.?

A. Generally, in the U.S., there seems to be more a regionally based sense of a community and movement creation.

Artists from certain areas work together and build up a scene for the greater good of all the artists involved.

Canada has had a tough time with that, although, I think we’re gradually moving past that stigma.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I’ve always been into photography and have been working a lot more on it recently.

Q. What advice can you give to other upcoming Hip- Hop artist?

A. Persistence is key. Keep on working on your craft.

Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments you had being an artist?

A. The greatest moments, as an artist,

are always receiving messages from fans saying that my music has helped them in some way. Nothing is more rewarding.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I have a ton of music slated for release this year. I have a project with R&B singer Dru coming out that I’m very excited about so definitely keep an eye out for that.

Follow me on IG @molittles Spotify https://open.spotify.com/ artist/60zbBhGYFteijlQOem6jyI and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/ molittles

Q. What was it like writing theme songs for reality T.V. shows and the Canadian national basketball team?

A. It was a real pleasure. The Fashion hero reached out and told me about their mission and asked if I’d be interested in creating a theme song for them and I was all in. They provide an amazing platform for aspiring models, who wouldn’t normally fit the model stereotype, to live out their dreams through the entire model experience from photoshoots to the runway. I had a lot of fun and met some great people.

When it came to writing the song for the Sudbury 5, I took the initiative.

I’m a huge basketball fan and when I found out my hometown was getting a team, I had to do it. The feedback from the organization has been amazing and they play it every home game. Go 5!

Q. What do you see missing in today’s Hip hop music?

A. That’s tough to say. There is so much great music out there. I suppose all I can say to that is, I wish there was less trend following and more artist creating from a genuine place, without feeling they must sound like someone else.

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Introducing Ascended Man:

SCOTT HOWARD Q. Tell us more of who Scott Howard is?

A. The Soul Spark known as Scott Howard is a 3D being on a journey of ascension to 5D. About 5 years ago, I went through an awakening of sorts.

Source & my Angels felt it was time to take off the training wheels and enlightened me to what was behind the curtain of OZ. I thought I was going crazy, but I discovered that EVERYTHING IS ALIVE… even the air we breathe… we are NEVER alone. I guess I am what you would call a ‘lightworker’ for a lack of a better term. It was made clear to me that I was to bring a new genre of music to the world as it was in great need. This music is called ‘source music’ and is played at 432 Hz. I am one that has seen & been through a lot of pain being a Capricorn. We are the low man on the totem pole and do best at night (most musicians do!). My Son Maxx was taken from me 2 years ago which devastated me. I locked myself in my studio for 2 weeks and wrote my next 2 albums. In general, I get very little sleep and write constantly. I feel the music is probably channeled from the Angelic realm. However, I was told by a well-known psychic that my spirit guides are Nickola Tesla and John Lennon…. what better company? I guess that is why my new album “The Language of Clouds” would resonate with The Beatles and Nikola Tesla enthusiasts given that my music is at 432 Hz which raises the frequency of the listeners. My vibration has gone up and I seem to be more psychic as I see things I have never seen before… some good and some bad…. but all in all, I’m ready to help raise the frequency of the world.

Q. What or who Influenced you to get into music?

A. I was 8 years of age and a friend of my mother played an acoustic guitar. I fell in love with the sound of folk music and was touched by its message of hope, love, and creating a better world. My Mom was a terrific opera singer and founded Long Island Lyric Opera. Back then we had family events called Cousins Clubs, our family would get together at each other’s homes and sing around the piano. I took piano lessons, but it didn’t stick…the guitar though, that became an obsession. Then came Cat Stevens, Moody Blues, Peter Gabriel, Yes, Crosby Stills, Nash & Young… the albums were books to be read and obsessed over…and the music became your friend, drug-of-choice and lullaby to sleep.

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Q. Tell us about your single “Awaken” and “Come with Me”?

A. You can’t ask about “Awaken” or “Come with Me” without the rest of the songs on the Ascended Man album. I guess you could call my albums ‘concept albums’ which describe the journey of

my life. We are all here to do one thing, LEARN. “Come with Me” is the first song on Ascended Man where I am asking the listener to join me on my awakening, of what’s coming next in this magical life. Each song will bring you to

the next stage of this journey. Here you will learn about “The Secret of Time”…..which if you’re lucky enough to fall in love and say “I Do” you will be blessed to have children and have them look at life “Through my Eyes” where they grow up and become an Ascended Man (or woman) as we all have “Timeless Minds” before we end up back at “Source.” All in All…. a progression to awakening.

Q. What is your favorite genre of music?

Who is your favorite artist?

A. SOURCE MUSIC! Any other music is played out of tune of the Creator. During WW2 the Germans after experimenting on humans realized that FREQUENCY is everything. If you can adjust your frequency you can do anything. Anyway, 440 Hz which is what radio and TV use for general broadcasting, are purposefully at the wrong frequency.

The 440 Hz frequency makes us more susceptible to mind control, lower density spirit, sickness, and 5G (which is a whole other nightmare story).

Q. I see you have a new album called “The Language of Clouds” ...can you tell us more about this album and the inspiration behind it?

A. My awakening 5 years ago began when I purchased a Nikon P900 camera. I started noticing that what I was seeing with my natural eyes did not match up to what I was seeing through the camera lens.

The clouds were too perfect, formed in shapes like boxes, rectangles, triangles they all looked very obvious to me like fairies, animals, buildings, a whole higher 5D world. The photos are mesmerizing but quite illuminating. Nothing is what it seems. So, my music started asking questions, and I started getting answers.

The Language of Clouds is not just an album, but a completely interactive journey. There will be three chapters of four songs along with a coffee table book of photos I have taken of the 5D realm of clouds. Barring any crazy lead-times with the printers, it will be in vinyl and will come with a 16-page pictorial book of the 5D realm of a hidden world we see every day. “What Language do you speak when you say hello to a cloud…out loud??” - this is the first lyric of my song and title track “Written in the Clouds.” The artwork and front cover have a story of its own, and needless to say, it was inspired by my son Maxx.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

A. Life is always changing. I meditate, and at this time, this is the most important thing we all MUST do... to visualize what we all want our reality to be. I will begin to explore California where I am for now.

I drink wine and pray, but I think my spare time will diminish after this global storm we are all experiencing subsides. I plan on performing everywhere they will have me.

Q. What advice can you give to other artists?

A. Life is a plethora of experiences of pain and love & how to cope with karma. There are many philosophies that believe the karmic slate will be wiped clean for some, but not for all. It is our responsibility as humankind to learn history, so it does not repeat itself. Learn how to not give your energy away to people as that is your most valuable power… your thoughts, your emotions, time these things are invaluable.

Meditate to convene with your angels….as they know best.

Q. What do you consider your best life experience or accomplishment?

A. The birth of my two children: my son who is gone, Maxx, and my daughter Alyx, and meeting my soulmate and wife Debbie, and writing Source music in 432 that seems to resonate with the World.

Q. What projects are you working on?

A. Currently, I am finishing the printing of my vinyl album “The Language of Clouds” and coffee table book. I am shooting a virtual concert, “The World Ascension Music Tour in 432 Hz” which will be recorded at a great recording broadcast studio in Los Angeles. I had shot an earlier live concert and am working on that as well as a short prelude. Both will be on worldwide social media and streaming platforms performed in 432Hz to help raise the frequency of the planet. I am also coming out with an amazing line of clothing having to do with ascension. I will be wearing some of the pieces during the shoot. The clothing incorporates both protection symbols & embedded crystal healing stones… great for those who meditate or just want to work towards their own ascension. I am also slated to appear on a Bravo TV show soon. Check my website www.ScottHowardMusic. com for all updates.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you have had to deal with in life?

A. The most difficult experience I’ve faced was the loss of my best friend, my son Maxx Henry at 29 years of age. Maxx was a young man whose life’s script had him leaving the world too soon. He took a drug he was not familiar with or too much of one and he was also drinking. He was going through a hard time, having just broken up with his fiancé. I have photos of his spirit in my home in Florida two days after he died on the balcony with his spirit guides…weird enough. I spent 2 weeks in very deep thought and sadness, and I will never be the same.

Q. What do you see missing in today’s music?

A. Today’s music is missing SOUL, SOURCE… experience, the right frequency. There are very little redeeming qualities to

much of today’s music, but some select musicians are awakening and beginning to play their music at the healing frequency of 432 Hz. I feel very little when I hear a popular song, especially at the 440 Hz frequency.

I believe the industry could have a renaissance... and I hope I can help.

My goal is to have a “World Ascension Tour” that will bring together both the people (fans) and great musicians like Paul McCartney, Cat Stevens, etc.

Q. Where do you see your career in the next 5 years?

A. In the next five years I plan on extensively touring for both live performances and radio throughout the world. I will write, teach, heal, continue to learn from my angels, love my family, and live a fulfilling 5D life… perform and bring light to where there is darkness….

Be light!

Q. Where can your fans connect with you?

A. My Ascension Fans who resonate with my thoughts and music can connect with me through my website at www.

ScottHowardMusic.com, there you will have access to all my social media links, YouTube channel, and my music on all major digital streaming sites (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, SoundCloud, and more).

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A. What is happening in our world is all about good and evil and economics.

The evil that has operated under the public’s general consciousness has stolen more than you can imagine but will reveal itself soon enough…then the healing will need to happen. As the atrocities and crimes are beyond comprehension, I hope my music in 432 Hz will help increase the hope and frequency for as many as possible. Let us be the driving force to bring heaven to earth….be light!

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KISSA JO “ I love to create so most of my hobbies are doing just that. I make dream catchers, waist beads, and paint but I’m most passionate about acting and producing shows and films. ”

Q. Tell us More of who Kissa Jo? A. I am a goddess that believes my purpose is to spread love and healing through tantra, dancing, and music.

I’m all about love and light and sharing my journey to complete self-love (my light and darkness) with those in need.

Q. What or who Influenced you to get into music?

A. I’ve wanted to do music since I was a little girl. I think my biggest influences would have to be my 2 first loves: My daddy and Michael Jackson. My father has a beautiful voice and sang with a group in church. When I would hear or watch them perform, I would be in heaven.

Q. Tell us about your EP (Therapy)?

A. My EP Therapy is kind of a road map of my healing. From losing control and falling into temptation, in the first song Dangerous, to the last song Feels Like Love, where I finally love myself and can have healthy love with others; therapy is a love story with myself.

Q. What is your favorite genre in music? Who is your favorite artist?

A. If I had to choose a favorite genre of music, I would say Caribbean music.

I love Afro beats, Oompa, Reggae, Reggaeton, and all that good stuff.

I’m from Miami though, which is a melting pot, so I love a little of everything! My favorite artist is Michael Jackson of course.

Q. What advantages and disadvantages do you have being an LGBT artist?

A. The advantages of being an LGBT artist is not only being able to be myself, but also being able to create the content I never got to hear. Instead of changing songs from he too she now I get to sing to women and create music for us by us. The disadvantage would be homophobia. I’ve lost family, friends, and opportunities for being gay so I’m sure I’ll lose fans as well. But who cares? I don’t want hateful people in my corner anyway.

Q. How was your experience being on Lover N Friends on Netflix?

A. Being on Lovers N Friends and the show making it to Netflix was great for me. It was my first gig, so I got lucky and was able to learn the ropes the do’s and don’ts from the beginning. I’ve made great memories, traveled, met some awesome people, and learned some even better lessons.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I love to create so most of my hobbies are doing just that. I make dream catchers, waist beads, and paint but I’m most passionate about acting and producing shows and films.

Q. What advice can you give to other upcoming singers and songwriters?

A. The advice I would give to upcoming singers and songwriters is to believe in yourself, invest in yourself, and never quit! There will always be someone eager to tell you that you can’t or how you need to be. Be your best self, but please be yourself.

Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments?

A. My best experience and accomplishment was finishing and releasing my album Therapy. I poured my heart and soul into that project and I am so proud of myself for making my dreams come true and healing at the same time.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I am currently working on more music, performances, and so much more! To stay up to date please follow me @kissajo on FB, IG, and twitter or check out my website www.

KissaJo.com.

One last thing I’d like to add in these times of uncertainty is be gentle and loving with yourself and others. Love will always win.

Breathe through it and know you’ll be ok.

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“ People only know what you’re capable of after you’ve already done it. It’s not about proving anything to others but setting out to prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. ”

HASHIM LAFOND

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Q. It is an honor to interview you, please tell everyone who Hashim Lafond is?

A. Hashim Lafond is a father to five beautiful children, a husband to the sexiest woman alive and I am a creative. I’m looking to live out a life and accomplish all that is on my heart to do as a husband, a father and in all my artistic pursuits.

Q. I see you wear a lot of hats; I see you are an artist, director, producer, actor and more. Tell us who inspired you to be the man you are today?

A. My parents have been my biggest influence. My mother groomed my siblings and I to be artists. My father always told me that I can do anything I put my mind to. As a child, when it came to my artistry, he would give me feedback and encourage me to go back to the drawing board, which ultimately helped me to finesse my skills.

Q. I see you were in “Ted 2” and the “Purge 3” How was that experience?

A. They were amazing opportunities.

More than an actor playing a role… behind the scenes, I was a student, watching everything, the cameras, the other actors, snapping photos of the equipment…I desired to learn the entire production process.

Q. Which movie that you played in was your favorite and why?

A. I wrote, produced and directed a film titled “Not Another Tyler Perry Movie”.

It was the first project that truly showcased all my talents at one time.

Q. Who is your favorite Actor/Actress?

A. I love Denzel Washington. I get chills when I see him execute a scene. When I met him, I was so starstruck, I almost cried. It was a bit embarrassing since I was with my wife and she knew all that harbored admiration was bound to come up. I also love Jim Carey; he is such a versatile actor able to transform into anyone.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. I see myself creating and building a beautiful family with my wife and kids, and I see myself conquering more of my dreams, executing on all these ideas I have in my head.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I love to laugh. Good belly laughs. If someone can make me laugh, you have a friend in me for a lifetime.

Q. What is one of your greatest accomplishments?

A. Asking my wife to be my girlfriend in high school. I was an extremely shy kid. For me, to be able to approach her back then was a big deal. When I was able to drum up the courage to ask her for her phone number, at that point, I knew I could do anything.

Pursuing her led to the realization of all my dreams.

Q. Tell us about a challenge you have being in the industry.

A. Skepticism, maybe? Most people don’t see me the way I see myself and that’s fine... for now. People only know what you’re capable of after you’ve already done it. It’s not about proving anything to others but setting out to prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Ultimately, the challenge I have is what I put on myself. My challenge is to get what’s in my imagination to be in my hands.

Q. Which Celebrity would you like to work with?

A. My children. They are stars. Every time we do any project together, it goes viral.

Q. What are some things you are currently working on?

A. A docuseries for Netflix, more murals in Hollywood, the Hashim Lafond podcast and many more collaborations with your favorite celebrities and influencers.

Q. Where can your fans connect with you?

A. Hashim Lafond on everything.

HashimLafond.com.And,@HashimLafond on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok and all other platform that may come up.

Q. Is there anything you’d like to add?

A. I’m honored to be featured here.

I don’t take this for granted at all.

Thank you for the opportunity, I truly appreciate it.

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YOUNGRA

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Detroit Rapper YOUNG RA

Talks New Release of The Bodie Broadus Story featuring Sada Baby & Royce Da 5’9” Q. Tell everyone who Young Ra is beyond the artist?

A. Young Ra is a father, a dedicated husband. Overall, I’m the people’s champ. I represent that under Dog that through dedication and determination made more than a dent in the game. People have seen my struggle from beginning to end.

Q. What was the moment you knew you would pursue this music business seriously?

A. When I realized people not only wanted but needed to hear and see my story. I represent the real struggle that the normal person or consumers of rap really relate too, No fiction.

Q. You have a huge fan base, how do you stay connected and where would you say most of your fans reside?

A. I stay connected just simply by staying active. I really put this work in around the clock. So, showing what I’m doing is easy because I’m always doing it.

That’s also why I won’t run out of raps or things to post. I’m really living this life that I per tray, from a dedicated husband hustler family man all of that rolled up into one big success story. Most importantly I engage with fans by just giving them that relatable substance. Truth.

Q. Tell us about the new project “The Bodie Broadus Story”?

A. This project was something that spoke to me. From a fan of the wire to just identifying with the character in respect to my upbringing. Then just coincidentally the theme fitting together with music I been dropping lately pertaining to my life now. I feel this my best body of work. My unspoken truth in one perfect EP. Q. You did a single with Royce da 5’9” and one with Sada Baby, can you tell us about those songs and how did that connection happen?

A. The Royce song was on some special magic stuff my uncle Ghost put together. Unk always doing what’s best for the fam so when he did the song with Royce he was like this perfect for nephew and Royce been solid was like bet and looked out. Bro even shouted me out at a wjlb (I heart media) interview lol. Now Sada solid we all were around similar circles and still to this current day it was only right.

Q. We noticed you wear a lot of Cult of Individuality clothing, you even had a Times Square Billboard with them.

They are a hot brand right now. Can you tell us about your look and why you pick that brand to wear?

A. Cult reminds me of me they symbolize what I stand for determination hard work and never gave up. Now they on top. That’s my whole story Tailormade into a custom cult fit. I got to rock with that and Ron the owner and Marsh Dean have shown so much love and support also extending major resources, that’s fam.

Q. One more time where can they find the new project “The Bodie Broadus Story”?

A. On every major platform worldwide, from the ones I can pronounce and the ones I can’t lol but seriously everywhere but follow me on Instagram: @young_ra.

We are currently at 250,000 streams so please keep it coming.

“ I stay connected just simply by staying active.

I really put this work in around the clock.

So, showing what I’m doing is easy because I’m always doing it. ” WIBMAGZ

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FULLER FRENCH Q. It is an honor to interview you. Tell everyone more about who Fuller French is?

A. Fuller French is a lover of life, somebody who believes there is romance in everything good in the world... and sometimes just a guy from West Texas who plays the piano. I am passionate about everything I undertake; I enjoy creating, learning, living and loving.

As a musician, the best thing for me is creating new music that contains plenty of love and romance that hopefully will be heard by many people throughout the world. I’m interested in creating things of substance and beauty. When I was younger, I wanted to create rough, rock and roll bits of music but now I have settled into my own style which is beautiful and dreamy.

Q. What inspired you to become a singer/ songwriter?

A. I felt a volcano of creativity and ideas that I wanted to share, things I wanted to say with the piano I had an outlet to write lyrics and music and do just that. l took piano lessons from first grade to seventh grade but after that never formally studied again. When I went to boarding school, piano was an escape for me. In college I really went full throttle creating songs, and I began the tune that eventually became my first hit Brazilian Sunrise. The rest is history.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. I will continue writing and just see where the wind takes me. I am writing and playing constantly and have been lucky to see some success across several genres. I have even more varieties coming up.

Q. What is your favorite genre of music?

Who is your favorite artist?

A. I’m very fond of the Bossa Nova and instrumental music from people like Herb Alpert and Burt Bacharach. I like anything that was on A&M Records from the ‘60’s. Elton John in his

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There is longing in all the songs, always trying to get back to where we were.

Q. Most of your music is based on love songs and romantic sparks. Are these based on personal experiences?

A. All of them and none of them. Everything is overall created but based on visions of what something might be like.

Q. What do you consider as one of your best life experiences or accomplishments?

A. I’m a work in progress and that event is yet to come. That said, raising my three children has been the best life experience anyone could ever imagine: there is nothing that compares to raising them and watching them grow up. There is a love there that is beyond anything else in the world. heyday of the 1970’s is what I might listen to be inspired. In the car I listen to Glen Campbell, ELO, The Allman Brothers, nearly anything I’ve recorded off the albums from my vast record collection, and of course... Fuller French.

Q. I see you have a new album called Champagne Rendezvous, tell us more about this album and the inspiration behind it?

A. I had a vision about the most romantic place in the world, wherever that may be, and at the time I thought of the South of France. I imagined the most passionate setting where Champagne Rendezvous happened. I was in the studio one day and I hit the first chord and I knew immediately what the song would be.

My albums are often compilations of music that I’ve written recently and things I have been working on for years. “Champagne Rendezvous” and “Something Wonderful” are the title songs of my two albums and I love them because they exemplify what my music is all about: beauty, romance and mystery.

Q. Would you say, “I’ll Leave a Key by the Door” is one of your favorite songs on the album? If so, what made this song stand out to you that you released it as one of your singles?

A. It is one of my favorite songs because it has a different, jazzier feel than anything else that I’ve done. In all my songs there is a hidden element, even a sly nature.

People may look at me and assume I’m one thing, but the secret is that there might be a mischievous lion behind the smile.

Q. What projects are you currently working on?

A. I’m working on another album of love songs. Like the previous two albums, it will be both brand new music with reworked versions of earlier songs.

Looking down the line I will release an album of fun party songs the kids love to shake it I hear.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you have had to deal with in life?

A. When I first moved to LA and no one would even listen to my music I felt pretty dejected. There was constant rejection. Anything in the music business can be tricky and it takes a lot of perseverance. I gave up music for a long time and didn’t even play the piano for a period of about eight years. With a resurgence of interest in the songs, it has finally validated what I have been working towards for so long.

Q. How is your music different from others?

A. My music is different from others because it’s mine. People have tried to put me in a slot and it’s impossible.

I might experiment with a hundred styles of music before it’s all done and they will all be a piece of me. So far, this has been the best stage of my life I feel truly alive.

Q. Where can fans connect with you?

A. Fans can connect at my website FullerFrench.com, through any of my socials @fullerfrench or through my publicist, Rachel Dares.

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Q. Tell everyone who MrJonez is?

A. Hip-hop entrepreneur a father and a diverse multi-talented musician.

Q. Who or What inspired you to be a rapper?

A. I was inspired by my older relatives/ family at the young age of 12.

Q. Tell us about the single “Love Letta”?

A. It’s a great song about writing a love letta. In today’s world despite the technology in today’s world to take it back to the old days when you only could express you love to someone via mail or in person. Lol. Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. Some of my hobbies are gardening, cooking, acting, sports, and spending time with my family.

Q. What do want to accomplish in the next 5 years?

A. Some of my accomplishments in the next 5 years would be to continue to have a successful career and to keep producing great music and films while continuing to take care of my family. I would also love to continue with a happy and healthy life while honing my craft while achieving my goals.

MRJONEZ

Q. If you could collab with anyone in the music industry who would it be?

A. I will just say we would be here all day talking about that and name dropping. I’m open for collaboration just know that.

Q. What is one of your biggest challenges you had being a rapper?

A. Having the money to pay for it, a lot of people think you make a record and then you sell millions of singles but that’s not the case the marketing and promotions is very costly. Secondly, I will say not having any connection in this game people also tend to forget this is also a relationship built business so I would like to establish more good relationships with others in the game.

Q. Who is your favorite Rapper?

A. I don’t have just one favorite I have several just know I listen at all types of music and have respect for everyone I would be here all-day mentioning names lol.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. You can follow me at : IG: MRJONEZ33, Facebook: MRJONEZ1, Twitter: Mrjonez, Snapchat mrjonez333 #Relationshipstauts is out worldwide now in over 60 plus countries we will be releasing the visuals sometime this year for The entire ep.

“ I don’t have just one favorite I have several just know I listen at all types of music and have respect for everyone I would be here all-day mentioning names lol.”

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TORI B. WALTON

Q. Tell us more who Tori Walton Is? A. I am Tori Burrell Walton born and raised in Atlanta, Ga to southern parents of whom divorced by the time I was twelve. I am the oldest of 3, I have a brother one year younger and a sister who’s four years younger respectively. Through the years I’ve maintained a relationship with both respectively. As early as I could remember I was always fascinated with the imaginary/ exploratory aspects of life. I can remember the eighties, those great humble beginnings of playing outdoors, drinking from the water hose you name it we did it. I was always very active and athletic to include teaching myself through reading books on how to do “handsprings”. I am an introvert by nature so there ultimately lead to my passion as a reader and artist at a very young age.

Q. Who or what inspired you to be an athlete trainer?

A. I was inspired to further my quest to fitness when I was in Basic Combat Training while at Ft. Benning, Ga. My Drill Sergeants all were exceptionally put together mentally, leadership/ coach wise and most importantly

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physically. I was in awe at the nature of what potential lies within me when I was pushed and challenged by those guys all those years ago.

Some of those guys looked like they should be competing in body building rather than Soldiering “Which some of them actually competed for the US Army.” My first Assignment took me to Virginia Beach, VA and I was surrounded by the “Permanent Party” Soldiers to where I solicited them to mentor me in building muscle in the gym. Back at that time I was trained old school on how to lift weights, eat and build up my athleticism even more. Our Base was on the shore and we had a lot of interactions in the ocean through “Drown Proofing” training where we went out in the Atlantic Ocean and learned how to do lifesaving drills while in uniform.

I also used to train with the Marine corps and Navy during those times.

Q. How do you stay fit and healthy?

A. Great question, I must admit it is not as easy as it once was lol but these days I try to stay active as a fitness coach I train at least 4 times out of the week at minimum so that caloric consumption vs deficit helps a lot

considering I am very active. These days I try to consume higher protein within my macronutrient table for the simple fact that with my calisthenics routines I will burn through muscle which is what I don’t want lol. I drink a lot of water, at least a gallon a day give or take, and I take Men’s Multivitamins daily just for the essential vitamins I may miss in my daily diet.

Q. What is one of your greatest experiences?

A. I would say to have traveled a few places around the world and to have been a part of experiencing different cultures…some good, some not so good. I got my first taste of war during the Invasion of Iraq.

During this time, I was stationed at Ft. Stewart, Ga 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), We were the “Tip of The Spear” at the start of the War on March 18th, 2003. I witnessed first-hand the shear might of our Army while spending day after day, week after week, month after month engaging with the enemy throughout the country to include taking Bagdad International Airport.

We occupied the “Green Zone” for a

few weeks before we bounced further into the districts seizing his government high rises in downtown Baghdad, his palaces, the schools, you name it. It was a humbling experience of the bigger picture as to why the US Military exists.

Q. Tell us more about your Journey of being in fitness?

A. My journey extends beyond the asphalt of physical fitness and over into the realm of “personal Development”. I created a brand that I felt would benefit people far more than just physically.

Being an Instructor in the US Army I still have that teacher/ coach approach with everything that I do to include fostering a learning environment for others to unlock their potential that lies within.

Q. What are some of the advantages and challenges of being fit?

A. I would say that challenge would be the perception that I don’t have off days or bad days because I certainly do. Once you’ve known to shroud yourself in fitness the way that I did that creates a perception that all I do is eat salads or I’m on a diet, which technically I don’t follow a regimented diet per se other that the intermittent fasting protocol from time to time when I’m “cutting.”

Another challenge is that I sometimes must create “muscle confusion” in order to advance my strength and size.

The body after a period would adapt to the rigors and you will plateau, so I always must be innovated in my fitness routines in order to prevent the “stasis effect.” The advantage would be that most programs aren’t all that much challenging considering the length of time I’ve been involved in fitness, which would be over 20 years at this point.

Q. What have been the hardest experience in your life?

A. The hardest experience in my life was the battle from within myself… the anxiety, post-traumatic stress and triggers which lead to depression and alcohol abuse.

Q. What are some of your other Hobbies?

A. I would say detailing cars and doing everything else with cars. I’ve always been a big car guy. I am an artist, self-taught since 1989, I am an avid reader, I love learning especially in the realms of leadership, strategic thinking, philosophy and psychology.

Q. What advice can you give other people who wants to be fit?

A. To understand your “WHY” just remember the brain establishes neural pathways in roughly 21 days which equals a habit. It’s all about the “snowball equity” effect, meaning If you can just start somewhere once, twice, three times a

week…accumulative it will start to add up. You also must understand the science behind macronutrients, calories consumptions and the mental strength aspect of not giving up. Establish someone or something to model your progress after and use that as your inspiration to get your ass moving!

Q. What motivates you to train and coach people?

A. My past motivates me to help other people because I know the heartaches the stressors of life and the lessons, I’ve learned that it had to happen for me to “get it.” Like I said earlier, the hardest part for me was to admit I had a problem with perhaps some PTSD issues that I was in denial of. Being in the US Army that world is vastly different from the civilian side for better or for worse and the culture didn’t really understand the “Brain” the effects of service members being indoctrinated in warfare repeatedly for almost 20 years straight. I feel a sense of connection through humanity if that makes sense…so I feel I have a “service” to provide while I’m here to help my little slice of contribution in society through hopefully positive influence.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I am currently working on a physical fitness guide surrounding

calisthenics (No Equipment Required). This will probably be a pdf download that will serve as an intro to body-weight training with a twist of motivation in there… stay tuned for that! I am actively working on growing my YouTube channel “The Fitness Soldier” to better provide great instructional examples that will serve as a guide to help people develop their bodies trough my “Military Fitness Routines” you can find me on YouTube as the fitness soldier…. please subscribe! Lastly, I have a Facebook group I put together called “THE EXPERTS LOUNGE” which serves as a companion to my health and fitness approach.

This is an open-ended group designed to foster dialoguer on the five dimensions of strength: emotional, social, spiritual, family, and physical.

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCz0GCbB8Aq7wSsncIp7txJA?view_ as=subscriber IG: @thefitnesssoldier FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/twalt80 FACEBOOK GROUP: THE EXPERTS LOUNGE

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JAY

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Q. Tell us more who Jay Dale Is? A. I’m a young man from Detroit Michigan. I grew up loving the game of basketball but after being exposed to the streets my life took a turn. At the age of 23 I was sentenced to 4 years in prison but I didn’t let my circumstances stop me from changing my future.

Q. Who or what inspired you to be an athlete trainer?

A. What inspired me to be an athlete trainer was working with Robert Easter. Who is a professional boxer.

After seeing how good I was training him. I knew I could work with more athletes and meet their fitness goals.

Q. How do you stay fit?

A. I stay fit by continuously working out.

I work out no less than 2 hours a day.

Q. What is one of your greatest experiences?

A. One of my greatest experience was watching up close my training pay off at Robert last fight. I watched overall how good I help prepare to win his debut fight at 140 lbs.

Q. Tell us more about your business Design a Body?

A. Design A Body was created while incarcerated. Knowing it would be hard to get a job and not wanting to work for nobody. I decided to become a personal trainer and make my own fitness brand. A brand I knew could help people meet their fitness goals while building a legacy for myself.

Q. What are some of the advantages and challenges of being fit?

A. Some advantages are obviously being healthy first with your body can create being healthy in your lifestyle.

When you’re taking the steps to remain healthy mentally, spiritually and physically you will see positive change take place in your life. Some challenges staying fit is maintaining the will power and drive to keep going, you must find that inner persistence to get up and do it every day. Some of my clients say that it’s hard for them to stay fit because they don’t know where to start, so they come to me.

Q. What are some of your other Hobbies?

A. Some of my hobbies are shooting pool, going to events to support other entrepreneurs, spending time with my daughter and family. I love to travel when I have the time to do so as well.

Q. What advice can you give other people who wants to be fit?

A. It might be hard starting off but Don’t stop. Don’t give up. Find a way to enjoy it. Go hard for those results.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. Looking forward to working with new clients. Getting my brand out more and releasing some new workout gear in the meantime.

You can find me on Instagram: Jay _fit23.

Q. Tell us about your journey of being in fitness?

A. It started off slow. Once people started seeing that I could produce results everything started to fall into place.

Posting crazy workouts everyday opened eyes and they wanted to know who I was. I’ve caught attention from a lot of people in the fitness game.

Q. What motivates you to train and coach people?

A. My clients motivates me. I have a lot that have been with me since I’ve started. Getting them results they been working hard for makes me happy and makes it worth it all. Plus, I just love what I do.

Q. What have been the hardest experience in your life?

A. Hardest experience in my life was going through the system, the system meaning prison. Not being able to see my family the way I wanted to was hard.

Being in prison can mess with your mind and if you don’t find something that keeps you motivated the outcome can lead back down the wrong path.

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STEPHANIE MCSWINE Q. Tell us more about who Stephanie had a positive effect on other women. I McSwine (Muscle Mom is )? was asked to take professional photos A. Stephanie McSwine is a divorced for the article. My photographer told mother of 3 and the owner and me I needed to set up a page so when founder of “Muscle Mom Lifestyle”. people read my article they could Stephanie provides “Get FIT” Parties, continue to follow my journey. My eldest Motivational Speeches and Personal son Archie helped me setup Facebook Fitness Training, for women of all ages and came up with the name “Muscle in the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Mom”. I initially thought the name was area. She started her business with the a joke. He told me, “Mom, it is because sole purpose to motivate, inspire and you are a mother that has muscles and encourage others to achieve a healthy those two things started your journey lifestyle. Stephanie participated in a of health and fitness.” The name made fitness blog called “The Face of Fit” sense to me and established who I am in 2013. This blog featured pictures in the market, the rest is history. of several women who started their fitness journey at different ages which Q. What or what influenced you to be this gave Stephanie another outlet to share empowering woman in fitness? her story and encourage women on A. God allowed The fitness industry to another platform. find me. The beginning of my journey started out as a place for me to escape Q. Tell us more about your boutique store In 2015, Stephanie made numerous and fashion? my everyday life of being a wife and stay public speaking and radio show at home Mom who was homeschooling A. I always had a love and sense of appearances expressing the style when it came to fashion. My 2 of my 3 children. I began just walking importance of focusing on becoming college degree is a BS in Business around Stone Mountain park with my “your best self”. In 2016, Stephanie’s Merchandising. I wanted to be a buyer youngest son in his running stroller. fitness journey went down another for a major department store and travel My eldest son encouraged me to run path and modeling was added to the world but life took me down a as he saw the other runners in the her journey. She has become known different road when I became a young park. I didn’t feel a sense of self-worth for “ripping the runway” numerous mother and wife. I eventually put my or validation as a stay at home Mom, times for charitable organizations. love and dream of a fashion career on but when I ran I felt strong, validated Stephanie’s goal is always “to be better hold for 30 years. When I slowly began and accomplished. My purpose then than the day before”. She continues to the journey of rediscovering myself my became to motivate, inspire and strive toward being a better person love for fashion reemerge first. I became encourage all to achieve a healthy spiritually, mentally, financially and well known as a Thriftier showcasing my lifestyle. My goal is to show everyone physically. She remains ecstatic to say thrifted fashion style along with my new that even with a busy schedule you can that she has found and is fulfilling her fit body. I was asked to be a model in incorporate some form of exercise in life’s purpose: to motivate, inspire and a Thrifting fashion show which lead me your life. My workout regimens are done encourage everyone to start a fitness from being on the runway as a model to solely from the comfort of my home journey. Fitness should be a part of showcasing my own sense of style. The and do not require a lot of time. your lifestyle that makes you a better boutique store came about when my you! daughter was preparing to attend her Q. What is one of your greatest first year at Tuskegee University. I found experiences?

Q. How did you come up with the name A. During my journey I made some huge leaps out I had a balance and in order for her Muscle Mom? to attend I had to pay the balance in of faith creating a women’s empowerment A. I was featured in the Black Women monthly installments. As a single mom group on Facebook, starting my online Fitness Magazine to share my story I had to find the money so I started my boutique store, becoming a vendor at of how “Muscle Mom Fitness’ came online thrifted boutique store to help fashion shows, my store being featured in about in the February 2014 issue. The offset the bill to keep my daughter in fashion shows and becoming a personal article allowed me “The Muscle Mom” school. I am proud to say I was able to stylist. I also had my ups and downs are to share my experience of why I began accomplish that goal and she starts her part of any journey like making decisions my fitness movement at such a later senior year this fall 2020. that deep down inside you don’t want to age in life and how my transformation make but have too.

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Q. How do you stay fit?

A. I made fitness an integral part of my lifestyle. Over the past 20 years, I was totally conscious about my diet health. However, over the past 12 years I incorporated working out into my daily routine.

I finally realized that in order to live a healthy lifestyle, I had to include exercising and implement proper eating habits. In 2018 I was diagnosed with having DJS-degenerative joint disease in my hips which was the reason I had to stop running. I was advised by my doctor that I would eventually need a hip replacement. I was totally against this option so I searched for alternative methods and decided to have a stem cell injection in my hip. The procedure would take years to have an effect on regenerating my damaged hip. I continued my research of other things I could do to help the process. I found out that my diet was very important in helping to heal my body internally so in April 2019 I started the journey of becoming a vegan which I have been doing successfully for a year.

Q. What have been the hardest experience in your life?

A. Walking away from a 17-year marriage with financial security was by far the hardest thing I had to endure. For 16 of those years I was a stay at home mom who homeschooled all three of my children from kindergarten to high school. I sacrificed my career to be at home with my family. Since I didn’t have a solid career to fall back on, I would often ask myself , “how can I financially support my two younger children” after contemplating for a year to leave, I finally made the decision to end my marriage. Leaving forced me to prepare myself mentally, emotionally and financially. There was no turning back, I took on several coaching jobs while working around my children’s school schedule. My goal was to make sure that they kept normalcy in their life and never miss a beat After running a household for 16 years I knew that I could do it solo.

Finding a career after not being in the workforce for so many years was a very scary feeling. Little did I know all those years homeschooling my children God was preparing me for my future career as a special Ed paraprofessional teacher. My children have always been my driving force of overcoming the many obstacles that I faced during my journey.

Q. Tell us about your journey of being in fitness?

A. I accidentally started down this road of rediscovering Stephanie. Through working out I slowly fell in love with me, the kind of love I never had for myself. During this journey a lot was lost, I found myself divorced, a single mother and no career. All of this was required in order for me to become the person that God intended me to be. My life was forever changed but more importantly I truly found the confidence I needed to survive. When you truly find the confidence within yourself, when struggle and disappointment cross your path you are equipped to handle them with strength and courage. When I look into the mirror now at 52 years young I sometimes stare at myself in awe. I see a beautiful, short, big nose, brown skin, bald headed and beautiful woman. That is something I didn’t notice for 40 years. I now love what looks back at me from the mirror and I accomplished that love for self by myself.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. At this very moment I cannot really say since our world is going through a pandemic. All my projects have been put on hold or dates pushed back. Once we get through this I will be posting all events on my social media pages. Your audience can follow me on the following pages.

Instagram - @musclemomlifestyle Facebook- Stephanie McSwine , @musclemomlifestyle and Muscle Mom’s Boutique store. https://www.facebook.com/grou ps/1494743663930546/?ref=share

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. Besides working out, working in my boutique store and styling customers, I love working in my yard cutting grass. I also love supporting friends with their many events planned in the city.

Q. What advice can you give others people who wants to be fit?

A. Invest in yourself like you invest in others. We women give 100% to our exes’ careers, people and our families. We are blessed with only one body and our bodies are our temples. A temple is a holy sanctuary, when you think of a temple you connect it to God our creator. God blessed us with one temple so we should honor and protect it from harm. How do we give thanks to God for creating us? By doing the necessary things to make sure we are in the best condition possible.

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KARREN ARRINGTON 38

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Q. Tell everyone who Karren is?

A. I am Karen Arrington – Empowerment Coach, Author, Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant, and International Philanthropist. I’m here to help women write the new rules of power, opportunity + life-changing confidence.

I’m here to give women the tools, inspiration & connections they need to redefine their destinies and defy expectations Q. What or Who inspired you to be this empowering woman you are today?

A. I grew up around strong, intelligent Black women like my Mom. I was also strongly influenced and inspired by the stories of Abolitionists Lucretia Mott, Ida B. Wells, Maria Weston Chapman, Sojourner Truth and others who carried an insurmountable weight while challenging sexism and Black people’s access to the ballot box. They paved the way for us to rewrite the rules of power and opportunity.

Q. Tell us about your book “Your Next Level Life”?

A. In my book, Your Next Level Life, I outline seven rules of power, confidence, and opportunity for women—showing readers “how to create all the money you need” through grants, scholarships, awards, sponsorship deals, and entrepreneurial projects, “how to position yourself like a star” featuring tips from a makeup guru whose clientele includes Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, “how to find your Next Level friends” and connect with powerful women you’ve always dreamed of meeting, and more. Your Next Level Life is winner of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.

Q. How have the experiences been coaching and mentoring other women?

A. I have personally mentored over 1,000 young women guiding them into high-powered & thrilling careers in entertainment, media, medicine, education, civic activism & beyond while transforming their lives and communities. The experience has given me a deep appreciation for our stories, strength, and resilience. We are the true architects of society and unstoppable.

Q. What are some of your other passions you enjoy doing?

A. I love international travel. I’ve racked

up more frequently flier miles than I’d humanly possible. It fuels me to see how much we have in common yet appreciate our differences.

Q. I see that you are an Ambassador for Goodwill how did you get into that?

A. A Goodwill Ambassador of a country is a huge honor. It’s considered an honorary diplomat.

Q. What is one of your biggest challenges you have had in Life?

A. The biggest challenge has been getting Miss Black USA televised. I’ve had mainstream media outlets reach out to me but they make it very clear they want lots of drama and cat-fighting.

Eighty-percent if Miss Black USA contestants are in graduate or professional school. Last year, four were practicing attorneys. They are some of the most accomplished young women in the nation. I will never sell-out my people.

They deserve the same platform as their white counter parts and I won’t sell-out.

Q. What has been one of your biggest accomplishments?

A. I’ve negotiated $2 million sponsorship deals with heads of foreign nations. I co-founded the first Diabetes Awareness Day in The Gambia, West Africa.

I created the nation’s first scholarship

pageant for African American women. I’ve secured over $300,000 in financial aid for young black scholars, artists & emerging leaders. I’ve received leadership & empowerment awards from The Lifetime Network, Jones New York, and was named a Goodwill Ambassador by the last living relative of Kunta Kinte. While these were tremendous blessings, the icing on the cake was winning an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for my first book Your Next Level Life. It was indescribable.

Q. What inspiration can you give others?

A. How BIG do you want to live? Your NEXT LEVEL life is closer than you think. Don’t settle for a life of invisibility and mediocrity. Set ambitious goals, reach for bigger opportunities, and know that you are brave enough to get what you deserve.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I’m working on some exciting projects. I can’t disclose now but you can keep up with me via my website at www.karenarringtin.com or on IG @karen_arrington or Facebook at @ karenarringtonempowers

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BENJAMIN REYNOLDS Q. It is an honor to interview you. Tell everyone more about who Benjamin Reynolds is?

A. Thank you! I appreciate having the opportunity to do this interview! I’m a fun, easygoing person. I love going out with friends and spending time with family. I have just been blessed with a gift for music and the opportunity to use it to help spread love and positivity!

Q. What made you want to be a singer and songwriter?

A. When I was a freshman in school. I became friends with my homie Rodrick. He had been singing and writing for a few years by this point and was well known in our town for it. I remember one day we were chilling after school and he showed me one of his songs and it hit me different than before, but that’s what made me want to be a singer-songwriter.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

A. In five years, I see myself being one of the biggest acts out. I hope I’ll be selling out the biggest venues in the world and that I’ve won a Grammy or two by then.

Q. What is your favorite genre in music? Who is your favorite artist?

A. I would have to say either R&B or Pop. My favorite artist right now is Tory Lanez. He became my favorite after I heard Chixtape 5. I was always a fan of his music but Chixtape 5 just hit differently.

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Q. This single “Slide” would you say that this one of your favorite songs on the album? What made this song stand out that you made it your single?

A. Yeah, I love my song “Slide.” The reason I think it stood out is that it is not what I normally do. It was like something out of left field (ha ha), but it worked well and just, fit if that makes sense. It’s just a fun track so I thought It would be a great first release.

Q. What are some things you do on your spare time? What are some other hobbies you have?

A. In my spare time, I love to work out.

I’m specifically into Cross fit. I also love being outdoors as much as possible. I try to skateboard and hike and every week and I love camping too when I get the chance.

Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments?

A. When I was 19, I went on a two-year mission for my church. That’s one of my best experiences. During that time, I came to learn a lot about myself and the world. It shaped my music and focus on life. During those

two years, I just focused on others and not so much myself. That time gave me more of a desire to pursue music knowing the impact that music has to do good in the world.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. Right now I currently working on putting my show together so I can start performing again. I’m also working on the release of my next single! To keep up with everything that’s going on follow me on Instagram and Facebook @benjaminreynoldsmusic and subscribe to Benjamin Reynolds on YouTube.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in life?

A. One of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with Is my parents’ divorce.

I think what made it so hard was the age I was at. I was 11 at the time getting ready to start middle school so there was already a lot of change that was occurring at the time and my parents’ separating made things rough for a second. Trying to figure out how everything is going to work and everything.

Q. How is your music different from others?

A. I think the biggest thing that makes my music different is the approach I take, the way I look at and understand music. I try to make music that Is unique but familiar. All this coupled with my life experience adds that element of uniqueness and freshness.

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CORY TAYLOR

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Q. Tell us more about who Cory Taylor is?

A. I’m an entertainment manager/content creator and producer. Tv personality. Founder and creator of RnB Spotlight. I’m also an ambassador for the American Stroke Association.

Q. What was your experience managing SWV (Sisters With Voices)?

A. I enjoyed managing SWV. It has its ups and downs as everything else in life. It was a learning experience. I currently manage the group “702”.

Q. What are some advantages and disadvantages of being in the music industry?

A. The music business can be fulfilling at times, especially, when you are able to accomplish your goals. It can also be cutthroat, when you see people “trying” to set up roadblocks for you not to achieve your goals.

Q. What are one of your greatest memories being a Manager?

A. I’m still a manager. To many great memories to name, but I would say having SWV at the Grammy’s. They received a Grammy nomination after being disbanded for over 15 years, for their remake “If Only You Knew”, off their “I Missed Us” album. It was a great moment.

“ My experience with “Sister Circle” was great.

They all were so great to me. I heard they are not coming back for a fourth season. I wish everyone continued success in their future endeavors. ”

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in life?

A. The mild stroke I had is one of the hardest things, I had to deal with in life.

Q. I know you had a stroke and how have the recovery been for you?

A. I’m doing good. Still have some ways to go, to reach all my personal goals in the recovery process. I’m great though.

Q. What advice can you give to people who have had to recover from a Stroke?

A. The advice I would give to anyone, who had a medical setback; stay focus and don’t give up. Don’t stop living, because life happened!

Q. How was your experience being on Sister Circle?

A. My experience with “Sister Circle” was great. They all were so great to me. I heard they are not coming back for a fourth season. I wish everyone continued success in their future endeavors.

Q. What projects are you working on right now and where can the people follow you?

A. I’m developing a couple projects with Faith Evans and Ronnie Devoe.

Follow me at: Twitter/Instagram: CoryTaylorVA Facebook: CoryTaylorSecondpage www.CoryTaylorVA.com

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CREYTENS ROBBIE

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Q. Tell everyone who Creytens is?

A. I am 27 years old online entrepreneur living in Bruges, Belgium Firm believer that everything you believe in you can achieve.In my opinion a dream is just a goal with a death line Q. How did you get into teaching people about Finance?

A. In the past I worked as a self - employed insurance broker educating people about the importance of protecting yourself socially, mostly the importance of savings. Until I partnered with an online educational platform that teaches people a skill set to multiply their money on the largest financial market in the world (Forex).

Q. What is one of your challenges you had on your journey?

A. Too many to select one, let say it this way the only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary. So my advice would be: - Set the goal (s) - Work consistent on those goal (s) - Enjoy the journey &challenges - Keep going till you reach them, the only way you can lose is by giving up

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. Becoming the best version of myself in all areas ( financially, spiritual , physically , … ) Impacted 10000’s of people lives all around the globe to follow their dreams and goals If I have helped as many people as possible to what they want automatically it will be possible for me to achieve everything I want.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I try to be the best version of myself in all areas so I like to train my mind with reading. I like to train my body by exercising and playing soccer.

Those hobbies give me the energy necessary to keep going.

Q. Who inspired you to be the man you are today?

A.- My Mom who told me to go for my dreams and goals - Some of my mentors & coaches who I saw impacting my life.

- The “universe” I believe everything happens for a reason

Q. You been to so many different countries which one is your favorite?

A. It would not be fair to pick one because every country has his own beauty. But I can tell you the one that was the most unexpected. Astana, Kazakhstan was an eye - opener for me first of all because I never thought to travel to KZ, secondly because Astana was incredibly modern, it was like Dubai 2.0. If someone wants to travel to an unexplored country KZ is a recommendation.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. At this point I want to keep doing what I am doing keep impacting people’s lives developing my skills as a leader, speaker & entrepreneur and living the best possible life. I am very active on social media people can follow me on: IG: @Creytensrobbie FB: Creytens Robbie Linked in: Creytens Robbie

Q. Tell us about your journey traveling the world to teach people how to make multiple streams of income?

A. I started learning about trading myself 2.5 years ago, the first months I mainly focused on myself still working as an insurance broker. When results started to show up I developed the vision if I could do it a lot more people could learn about trading & online business besides their job.

In my opinion multiple streams of income - diversifying your income is a necessity in 2020. I started with some local master classes but this grew fast to travelling all around Europe & USA the last 18 months.

Q. What is one of your biggest accomplishments you had in Life?

A. Personally, I could quit my job and gain Time & Location freedom and escape the “rat race” General, seeing my students winning and achieving their goals and dreams feels for me as a huge accomplishment because It’s not about what you can do but it is about what you can duplicate that really touches you.

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K. SHANTEL 46

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Q. If you can go anywhere in the world where would you go?

A. If I could go anywhere, I would go to Africa. Ghana specifically. I have heard amazing things about visiting there and how beautiful it is. I want to experience that and the culture for myself.

Q. Can you tell everyone who K. Shantel Is? A. K. Shantel is a free, creative spirit. I am an entrepreneur with a successful nail business and a passion for advocacy for people with disabilities.

I believe that we all deserve see the representation we desire so I decided to become that representation.

Q. What are some of your greatest accomplishments in life?

A. Aside from obtaining my MBA in 2018, my biggest accomplishment to date would have to be winning the title of Ms. Wheelchair Alabama America 2020. It was an experience I never imagined.

Q. Who or what inspired you to do nails and fashion?

A. I began doing nails as a hobby in high school. I never thought it would become my career but life’s journey will take you on a different path than what you planned, always. Once I decided to stop attending nursing school in 2014; I had to figure out what my path would be outside of healthcare. The answer was right under my nose. I had a God-given talent in doing nails.

I obtained my license after 10 months of Manicurist school and from there I built my growing nail business, ShantelzNailz. Fashion and modeling were something that peaked my interest in late 2015. I noticed that I did not see anyone who looked like me on the runway or in magazines.

I started to pursue print modeling and auditioning for fashion shows.

Turned out I was good at and I truly enjoy the work that I do.

Q. What has been one of your biggest challenges in life?

A. I would say my biggest challenge has been advocacy. Trying to change a world that has an ableist standard of living and structure is the most challenging fight, but I will continue this fight.

Q. Tell us about Shantelz Nails?

A. Shantelz Nailz is my first business that I am very proud of. I provide quality and professional nail services to both men and women. I always knew I was made to own something of my own and I am thankful for the opportunity to do so before the age of 30.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I enjoy reading, watching documentaries, working out, playing wheelchair basketball, and coming up with new ideas for my brand.

Q. Tell us about K. Shantel journey in life?

A. My journey is to continue the work that I have started to promote inclusion in the entertainment and beauty industries for other individuals with disabilities.

Q. I seen some amazing pictures of you being a mermaid. Tell me about your mermaid creation?

A. I came up with the mermaid idea for my birthday last year. I’ve always known I was different and I felt that portraying myself as a mermaid perfectly displayed that. A fish out of water, beautiful and majestic.

I reached out to a fellow creator whom I knew could help me bring that vision to life, Funmi Ford. She pulled the look together and we made it happen! Once those photos came out, I saw that I could create anything I put my mind and effort into.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can your fans follow you?

A. Right now, I’m working on my podcast with my co-host Leonard Harmon, The Wheel Down. I am also working on my web series, KlawTalk.

New episodes will be coming soon. I will also be continuing my reign with Ms. Wheelchair Alabama throughout next year. Follow along with that journey through my Facebook page, Ms. Wheelchair Alabama America 2020 Karneshia Shantel.

My personal platforms can be followed through ; Instagram @k.shantelofficial Facebook: Karneshia Shantel YouTube will be up very soon.

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LYNN SPIRIT 48

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Q. Hello, thanks for letting us Interview you tell us who Lynn Spirit is?

A. Lynn Spirit is a free-spirited individual who tries to keep my audience smiling and entertained!

Q. Describe your style and how it is different from others?

A. My style is VERY different! I love an edgy chic look! My stylist loves to dress me in edgy contemporary looks! I love difference liking pieces that you don’t see everywhere!

Q. Tell us who or what inspired you to become who you are today?

A. My past, family, and my fans have inspired me to be the person I am today! Every one of these individuals have some sort of input in who I am today!

Q. What is your favorite store to shop at?

A. I really don’t have a favorite store I love all stores! I tend to shop online with boutiques that have different looking pieces to offer!

Q. What are some of the challenges you have had being a Social Media Star?

A. One challenge I have faced being a social media star is the negative people and their negative energy! Also trying to see who really is my friend and who just want to be around me for their own motives!

Q. If you can go anywhere in the world where would you go?

A. I would love to go to Paris! I love Paris fashion and I love me a good cup of tea!

Paris just seems like a beautiful place to visit!

Q. What is some of your other hobbies?

A. I love to make videos for my YouTube channel and show my fans my everyday life!

Q. Where do see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. I see myself growing the Lynn Spirit brand, having products to sell, on television and doing mentor work with people that grew up like me being bullied!

Q. What is one of your greatest accomplishments?

A. Right now one of my greatest accomplishments is being able to share my story and share my life especially with magazines like you all! I love that people want to know more about Lynn Spirit!

Thanks for this opportunity!

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I have some projects in the works and will be announcing them on my website that is about to launch! You can find me at; YouTube: Lynn spirit Instagram: Lynn Spirit Facebook: Lynn Spirit

“ My style is VERY different! I love an edgy chic look! My stylist loves to dress me in edgy contemporary looks! I love difference liking pieces that you don’t see everywhere!”

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MIKE BEND 50

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Q. Tell everyone who Mike Bend is?

A. Mike Bend is a cancer a fun-loving guy and believes in showing people the wonderful time.

Q. What or who inspired you to do comedy?

A. My grandmother inspired me to do comedy she’s been funny all my life.

Q. What challenges have you had doing “The Mike Bend Show”?

A. The challenges I faced is you being a new company people don’t take you seriously they overlook you so you have to fight extra hard to gain respect.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. Next 5 years I see myself with a television show three of them production deal and on-stage play tours.

Q. How do you come up with your characters on your show?

A. I came up with my characters because they are family members that I am acting out Medi is my grandmother Rufus is my grandfather and sugar did Ricky is just a spin-off of Rick James because I always was a Rick James fan.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. Right now I have two television shows called late night Hookah that comes on Friday Saturday and Sunday on the Mike Bend show on Facebook and then I have my sketch comedy show that comes on Thursday on Facebook live as well as a sitcom call Mike’s place and working back on my stage play.

“ I owe a lot of my career to Rickey Smiley that was the first live television sitcom that I was a part of and I got a taste of what TV Cinema is really is.”

Q. What is one of your biggest accomplishment you have had?

A. My biggest accomplishments were people paying me $15,000 to perform my show that I wrote in the back of my room on a piece of paper and saw it come to life and people pay me $15,000 for that.

Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages being a director?

A. The advantages of being a director you get to show the entertainment Through Your Eyes the disadvantages is when you’re actually acting is hard to turn off the director’s hat.

Q. I see you was a guest appearance on Ricky Smiley Tv Show how was that experience?

A. I owe a lot of my career to Rickey Smiley that was the first live television sitcom that I was a part of and I got a taste of what TV Cinema is really is.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. Other hobbies are hosting parties I love House Parties I love going outside I’m a Florida boy so I’ll of the sun beaches swimming and family.

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DARIUS SLAUGHTER

Q. Tell us who Darius the author is?

A. That may actually be the hardest question I’ve gotten thus far. Let’s see: Midwest born, Third Coast raised, the fat kid who was overlooked and ignored, all district football player, National Merit Scholar, etc. and so on.

On the flip side an ‘In-house-bastard’ – my pops remarried and decided I wasn’t necessary- so by JR year I had an 18man crew and was a ghost. Now at 47 after multiple indictments, over half a decade in suspended animation and having enjoyed the best and survived the worst life has to offer I would simply say I am a survivor.

Q. Tell us about your book “Hostile”?

A. Hostile is a non-biased look at my last

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7 years in the game. It is neither a glorification nor a knock, but rather an intelligent look – a window if you will- into the complex world that comprises the darker side of society. HOSTILE provides an uncut, raw look at my decisions, my mental motivations, and the consequences and repercussions of said decisions.

time and I had lived an unbelievable life of gain and loss. We lived at an accelerated rate, a mile a minute, on a scale measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars, life and death.

Life was literally unbelievable and I had lived it so I wanted to preserve the memory.

Q. I see you always have your dog tell Q. Who or What inspired you to write us the role and image that your this book? dog has in your life?

A. HOSTILE started in the Galveston, TX A. DOOM is my confidant, my comrade, county Jail a few days after I signed my right-hand man and a breed for 10-99 years as simple memories ambassador for a breed that has written down for preservation. Not been criminalized by society. As an my first time incarcerated I knew that ex-con I carry the stigma of being memories would fade and blur over a convicted felon and on many levels have been ostracized from

society. Many things that most people take for granted such as leases, certain jobs, and even expansion into certain business arenas will forever be out of my reach because of my past. DOOM is saddled with the past of his entire breed and consistently shatters the prejudices and misconceptions so long levied on the American Pitbull Terrier. Banned from whole cities and countries, apartments, and persecuted by the press it is nothing short of amazing to watch the public’s reaction to DOOM. From police chiefs and government officials to prejudice members of the public DOOM consistently changes their minds.

Q. What is one of your best accomplishments you have had in life?

A. As a former career criminal I operated with full knowledge of the consequences of my lifestyle: a coffin or a cage.

Sadly the new generation- guided by music, movies and mega-violent video games- enter the street life with no clue gambling their lives away. HOSTILE has helped me move into a position to reach more of the youth and let my mistakes and those of my peers be their mistakes.

The youth incarceration rate is staggering and those lost in the system, institutionalized before puberty, is saddening and a national emergency. I am also able to speak with those exiting incarceration trying to find a better way of life and stay free.

Q. What is the hardest thing you have had to experience?

A. In life I would have to say the loss of my unborn twins. At a critical and pivotal time in my life their very existence represented a new beginning, a brighter existence and when they passed I was swallowed by darkness as detailed in HOSTILE. As far as the HOSTILE movement I would say the lack of support of community leaders and those at levels able to truly effect community change. HOSTILE is raw and uncut as it was lived and as such tends to scare the establishment and those programmed to gloss over societies woes because they already made it.

Q. How does it feel to be a best-selling author?

A. I have been an avid reader since middle school and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would write a book. In lockdown James Patterson books were always in high demand and to see my name listed next to his was both amazing and surreal. As HOSTIILE continues to break barriers and moves into the mainstream I am

constantly overwhelmed by the emails and messages that I receive from those moved by my story.

Q. What advice can you give to other authors?

A. Believe in yourself and your vision and dedicate the time and energy into making your dreams a reality. As your project grows know that support will come and go but success is solely in your hands.

Q. Where can we get your book?

A. The hardcopy and E book are available on Amazon.com under HOSTILE: AN URBAN TRAGEDY. For an autographed copy and more visit my website www.hostilebook.com. We are currently adding the finishing touches on the audio book which will be available on all the major outlets.

Q. Please let everyone know where they can follow you and what other projects you are working on?

A. You can follow the HOSTILE movement on FB at HOSTILE BOOK, on IG @hostilebook and on my website at www.hostilebook.com. The latest HOSTILE gear is available at teepublic under #hostilebookgear.

Currently HOSTILE II: HOMECOMING is in the editing phase and we are pushing for a pre- holiday release. Pending the national Pandemic lockdown and it’s duration I have also been booked for the Save the Youth tour later this year and DOOM and I look forward to bringing the HOSTILE MOVEMENT to NY, DC, ATLANTA and CHARLOTTE. God Bless the masses and may everyone come through this Corona Pandemic safe and sound.

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LERAZIA 54

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Fashion week!! And I will speak it into existence until I am there.

Q. What is one of the struggles of being a Fashion Designer?

A. Marketing!! I am so out of touch with technology.

Q. Tell us who LeRazia is?

A. LeRazia, is a driven woman. Outgoing, friendly, kind and caring vibes. A motivator. A goal getter, and most importantly a mother.

Q. What or who inspired you to do fashion and be an author?

A. When I was in high school I was inspired by a lot of the new decade designs. Coming into the early 2000s there were a lot of new trends popping. There was always a hot book being passed around. I just always wanted to be a name on the tag. When it came to writing, I just wanted to be a part of iTriple Crown Publications.

Q. Tell us about your company “Petite with Curves”?

A. Petite with Curves was inspired by myself and a few of my friends who desire a different taste in clothing.

There is always an issue finding either small clothes or larger clothes that are stylish. So, I decided to hand make my own. Something that would continue to make me and the rest of the world unique.

Q. Do you have any Fashion or charity events coming up?

A. Due to the virus that is spreading I am unsure at the moment. Many things have been canceled but I will be sure

to keep you posted. As of now! I do not think I will be putting together a show unless it is safe for us to gather in large crowds/groups. If this virus clears up before fall I will be again hosting another event by Petite with Curves.

Q. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages in being in the fashion industry?

A. Advantages of fashion, people will always be looking for something that’s trending or unique. In the crochet world people want to see and feel what they are buying to be assured that they are buying something that is suitable for their skin, and taste. So, this can be a disadvantage when you are unsure of how to market yourself.

Advantage, I use a lot of cotton yarns when I design my clothing. I like the feel of soft things on my skin as anyone else. So why not create pieces you too will wear for comfort.

Q. What is one of your greatest accomplishments in life?

A. One of greatest accomplishments would have to be self-publishing my first series in one year which was 4 parts, and the spin off dropped the following year. It was the most exciting thing I could have done.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A. A designer in DC and/or New York

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I love to craft. I find that random DIY projects are a good way to motivate and get the juices flowing when you are looking for inspiration for a new project.

Q. Tell us about your book “The Shady Side of Life”?

A. Wow! I dislike answering this question because there is no short synopsis for the series. (lol) The story is based off siblings who follow their mother into the drug game. The obstacles they face as they come up in the world.

Q. Where can the people follow you and what other projects are you working on?

A. I am working on a new series, a spin off to the first. And I have so many new outfits for summer!!

A few bathing suits and some beach wear!

Follow Me On: IG @Petite_With_Curves Facebook.com/PetiteWithCurves Website: www.petitewithcurves.wixsite.com/petite

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ANNA BLACK Q. It is an honor to be able to Interview you tell us more about Anna Black?

A. Well I am a mom; I have one daughter who is now 22. I am originally from Chicago, born and raised and I have been living in Texas for a little over twenty two years. I am not a full-time author just yet; my day job is Hotel/ Hospitality management. I am a GM at a Wyndham property currently.

Q. Who or what influenced you to be an author?

A. Oh wow, I always had a love of reading and I can’t say that anyone actually had an influence on me becoming an author, but a divorce from my first husband prompted me to write my very first book.

After I had completed my fourth novel, I shared it with some friends and they all encouraged me to pursue publishing.

Q. What is one of your greatest experiences?

A. Walking into a Walmart and seeing my book on the shelf. It was so gratifying, and I think other than becoming a mom that is one of my greatest moments.

Q. Tell us about this book “The Perfect Love Storm.”?

A. The Perfect Love Storm is about a young bachelor named Chase that is dead

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set on staying single forever. He is popular in the small town of Tyler where he comes from a very affluent family and they family is embarrassed by his single behavior, so they decide to offer Chase a wager, to change his ways.

With that, they had to choose the woman they think is perfect for Chase, and he is introduced to Madison. Now Madison is a widow who lost her husband and twin boys to a car accident and is not new to Tyler, but she returns home to mourn her loss. During that time she basically closed off the world and eats to cope with the pain and four years later, she is a full-figured sister hoping to rejoin the land of the living. When she is introduced to Chase for maybe the fourth time, she had no idea that it was a silly wager between Chase and his brothers and she allows Chase to win over her heart. Chase going in kicking and screaming had no idea that he’d actually fall in love and especially not with a woman of Madison’s plus sized frame and all is good until, Madison learns that it was a bet.

Q. This book was a great sexy read I just loved Chase. How did you come up with this storyline?

A. Well, I try to write love stories and romantic tales for full figured women that look like myself and I just wanted to create something with wealthy black men falling in love that were not into any illegal business and show how men love women, no matter how they look sometimes and also to let people see that people are more than their exterior. If it had not been for the wager Chase would have never took a second glance at Madison, even though she was a beautiful sister, and just for him getting to know her the person, spark a love so deep that he may not have ever had with a woman of his own choice. I am a hopeless romantic

and I just love writing about people finding love.

Q. What have been the hardest experience in your life?

A. I think losing my dad, back in 2009.

I can’t say I’ve had an easy life by no means, but things have been pretty much easy for me so far. The biggest challenge for me though is getting new readers. I mean there are millions of readers out there and I want to reach them all, lol.

Q. What are some of your other Hobbies?

A. I love playing pool, and I crochet. I also enjoy football; the Chicago Bears are my team.

Q. What advice can you give other people who wants to be an author?

A. To find a way to just do it. I meet lot of people say they want to write a book, or I always get “my story would be a bestseller for sure, because my story is unique,” and I sometimes giggle a little. I would never crush anyone’s dream, but no story is unique, there is nothing new

I wanted to write a romantic story about finding love when and where you least expect it. Madison never thought she’d fall in love again, and Chase never wanted to fall in love to begin with and Madison not being his “type,” won over his heart.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. Right now I am slowly working on a romance novel called Terminal Bliss.

I hope to have it completed to release in July, fingers crossed and you can find me at www.annablackbooks. com. On my site there are links to all of my social media sites and links to order my books.

Q. Who is your favorite author?

A. Brenda Jackson Q. What do you love the most about being a writer/author?

A. I love to entertain readers and it is a pleasure to get positive reviews and feedback about things that I created.

I love to offer up feel good moments, so when I get that positive energy from a reader that say, “oh Anna, I just loved that story, or the book had me yelling at the characters,” or “I could not put that book down,” gives me joy.

Q. What is your favorite book of all the books you have written?

A. I know that is crazy, but I can’t pick just one. I honestly enjoyed writing about every single character I have had the pleasure of meeting.

They introduce themselves and they all use me to tell their stories.

under the sun, but what makes your story unique is how you tell it. I’ve read tons of books, and have read the same storyline tons of time, but it was told so well that I never call books predictable, because if you reading certain genre, that genre is going to offer you the same tone, but told by another creative mind.

Lastly, if you have to force it and it doesn’t flow, maybe you are not meant to be a writer. You can have

a great story to tell, and maybe you can hire someone to write it for you, however if you are meant to be a writer, it normally comes as easy as walking down the street, lol.

Q. What inspired you to write a book like “The Perfect Love Storm”?

A. Reading this book, it makes you look at the principle also that you can’t judge people for their look, size or their past relationships. Just that,

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NEFERTITI AUSTIN 58

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Q. It is an honor to be able to Interview you tell us more about Nefertiti?

A. I am the proud mother of two children, whom I adopted from the foster care system. I’m also a writer, author and my memoir, Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting, debuted on the 3rd Hour of the Today Show in September 2019.

I have a Master’s degree in African American Studies from UCLA and speak at trainings sponsored by the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services for prospective foster and adoptive families.

Q. Who or what Influenced you to be an author?

A. James Baldwin is the reason I became a writer. When I was in junior high school, I read Go Tell It on The Mountain and knew that’s what I wanted to be when I grew up. Also, my dad wrote Revolutionary poetry and my grandfather was always reading. Somewhere between the two of them, I understood the power of words.

Q. What is one of your greatest experiences in life?

A. One of my greatest life experiences was becoming a mother through adoption. Motherhood was always something I wanted though I wasn’t ready until my mid-30s.

featured in the movies. Funny, moving single Black motherhood was absent from the parenting genre and I began writing to right a wrong.

Q. What have been the hardest experience in your life?

A. Being an artist is the hardest experience. Rejection is the norm and I’ve witnessed some amazing writers get discouraged and quit.

Q. Tell us some of your other Hobbies?

A. As I mentioned, I love to read. I also enjoy traveling, exercising and drinking wine with my mom-friends.

Q. What advice can you give other people who wants to be an author?

A. The best advice I can give is simple: read, write, edit, repeat. Become intimately familiar with the genre you want to write. If you love sci-fi, then read sci-fi books to get a feel for the pacing, language and topics. Find a skilled editor, not your friend or your English teacher, to properly edit your work. Be prepared to write multiple drafts of your books. It’s a very long process but worth it, if you stick with it.

Q. What are some of the reviews you got from this book? How did it make you feel?

A. The reviews were exciting. I was honored to receive praise from other writers and well-known literary critics. https://www.essence.com/ tags/nefertiti-austin/https://www. publishersweekly.com/978-1-49267901-1https://www.libraryjournal. com/?reviewDetail=motherhoodso-white-a-memoir-of-race-genderand-parenting-in-america Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I am currently developing two tv shows and working on a children’s book. I also need to dust off a couple of novels that I started many moons ago.

IG: iamnefertitiaustin; Twitter: @nefertitiaustin and FB page: Nefertiti N. Austin Website: www.nefertitiaustin.com

Q. Tell us about this book “Motherhood So White.”?

A. Motherhood So White essentially puts a Black face on Black parenting experiences. Mainstream parenting books do not include our challenges with parenting in a racist, hostile society. They ignore the added layer of stress and worry we carry about our kids being negatively stereotyped in school, harassment from police, assumptions about their abilities, teaching them how to code switch, the list seems endless. Motherhood So White also discusses our family configurations, Black maternal health and how we tend to “adopt” family members before looking into public or private adoption.

Q. This book was a great inspirational read on black motherhood and adoption. What inspired you to write something so deep?

A. I love to read and when I was ready to pursue motherhood through adoption, I did not see myself on the pages of mainstream parenting books, on the cover of parenting magazines or

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BLAQUE ROSE 60

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Q. Tell us More of who Blaque Rose the pop artist from New York is?

A. Blaque Rose is a Music Artist That loves Art and Music he has been around the music industry for many years.

Q. What or who Influenced you to get into music?

A. Music is my number one influence just listening to a cool song on the radio motivates me and gives me ideas to write a song. I remember singing a song that I heard on the radio and would change the lyrics to the song that I think that would had been better. People use to say that’s not the lyrics to the song I tell them that’s my version lol.

Q. Tell us about your Ep “Super Natural”?

A. Super Natural Ep is truly a master piece it took 2 Years to finish it because I wanted to make a classic album with cool 80s artistic vibes and that’s what I did it is an Amazing album. Make sure to listen in all social media platforms.

“ I remember singing a song that I heard on the radio and would change the lyrics to the song that I think that would had been better.”

Q. What is your favorite genre in music? Who is your favorite artist?

A. I love synth Pop something about the 80s synth gets me. I could name a whole bunch of artists but you know one Artist that I will always miss is Tom Petty. I always wanted to see him live but I missed out R.I.P Tom Petty Your music rock.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. Reading, riding bikes & making music.

Q. What advice can you give other upcoming pop artist?

A. Keep on creating don’t ever stop learning this business. It is always moving so you have to be ahead of the game!

Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments you had being a pop artist?

A. Meeting so many cool artists and musicians and producers if I had the chance to do it again I would do it again. My best experience was getting my first 100,000 streams on Spotify that’s was one of my best experiences that I can think of.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. Everyone can follow me on Instagram BlaqueRose _1 or just look me up online. I Am working on a new album called the chosen ones. I have not put any new music from the album out but stay tuned and also we are working on a move for album am making the move with this director that’s pretty good.

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“ I never miss an opportunity to work on my health. Most of my fitness level is worked on in the gym. I also like to take hikes and use my environment to be active. ”

EDWARD MANNING

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Q. Tell us more about who Ed Is? A. That is an excellent question. Who I am continues to evolve as I experience life and learn new things. In short, I am a 41-year-old Black male, that is an owner of a personal training company called Mpressionz Fitness LLC. I spent 15 years in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller. When, I decided to get out of the military, I dedicated my working life to improving the health of others through functional training and knowledge.

them. This has always stood out to me as the moment the idea of personal training entered my thought process. The second would be the passing of my mother. She passed shortly after I returned from Iraq. She had underlying health issues that she couldn’t overcome. Shortly after this happened, I believe I actually heard God speak to me, telling me training people to be healthy is what he wanted me to do. My pain turned into passion and purpose.

Q. Who or what inspired you to be a trainer?

A. A couple things inspired me to be a trainer. The first was during a deployment in Iraq in which I spent a lot of time in the gym. As time went on, people always asked me to train

Q. How do you stay fit and healthy?

A. I stay active. I never miss an opportunity to work on my health. Most of my fitness level is worked on in the gym.

I also like to take hikes and use my environment to be active. The world around us can be used as a gym. I

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also take what I put in my body very serious. Nutrition fuels everything that are body needs to be healthy. It really is medicine for the body.

Q. What is one of your greatest experiences?

A. My greatest experience has nothing to do with degrees or money. My greatest experience is seeing the mindset change of the people. It’s easy to train to produce physical results like physique, weight, and body fat percentage. To see my client’s mindset shift from unhealthy habits to a healthy living mindset is the greatest thing I experience as a trainer. It has the power to change the health of that individual and their family for generations. The phrase, it runs in the family, will have a completely different meaning.

A. The hardest experience of my life was the passing of my mother and the events that led up to it. She was a very important fixture in my life and to walk into an ICU room and see my mom in a position where she couldn’t recognize, hug, or even acknowledge my presence. I never dealt with anything that difficult.

Q. What are some of your other Hobbies?

A. I enjoy spending time with family, hiking, poetry, reading, visiting wineries in Napa and going to sporting events (49ers, Warriors, and Giants).

Q. What advice can you give other people who wants to be fit?

A. The best advice I can give is to stop waiting and get active. If you’re not sure what to do, hire a knowledgeable trainer to show you how.

The key though is to start moving toward a worthwhile health goal.

Q. What motivates you to train and coach people?

A. First, I believe that I am living in my purpose. That is motivation, in itself.

Second, it is seeing the impact that health and fitness can have on an individual, a family and a community.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I am currently working on opening my own gym. I am also working on several community projects to help feed, clothe, and shelter the homeless. My Instagram is @ed_ Iamfitness.

Website:www.getbodiedbyed.com My Facebook is Edward Manning Thank you for the opportunity to be in your magazine.

The last thing I will share is one of my favorite quotes.

Q. Tell us more about your Journey of being in fitness?

A. I have always been active. My dad was a basketball coach and had a basketball in my hands since I was born. I played basketball, football, baseball, and ran track in my youth. The working on fitness for more than health started with my deployment to Iraq in 2008, that I had mentioned before.

Q. What are some of the advantages and challenges of being fit?

A. I believe the biggest challenge of being fit is the consistency. Working out and eating right on the days that you don’t want to is necessary to reach optimum health.

Q. What have been the hardest experience in your life?

“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” ― Socrates WIBMAGZ

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BIG NICK “I feel like before any artist or label release a project all the production for that project should be paid for. That should be mandatory. ”

Q. Hey Big Nick tell us more about who you are and what you do?

A. I am a producer, a developer, a life coach. I mold stars. I have been doing music for roughly 17 years now, I was a club promoter for 5 years, so I’ve been a part of the entertainment scene 360.

Q. What made you want to be a music Producer?

A. I didn’t. I wanted to be an artist. But my passion for music expanded talents and morphed me into what I am today. I learned how to make beats and record, and since I started off rapping, I am good at song writing.

Q. How was your experience working with Camouflage? What is one of your favorite songs by him and why?

A. Unfortunately I never got to work with Camouflage. I was a freshman at Savannah State University when he passed in 2003, and I haven’t even started producing yet but on the flip slide, I got to work with Camouflage daughter Flaujae.

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Q. Now I know you work with his daughter Flau’jae and some members on the Rap game tell us tabout that?

A. Yes, while working with flaujae, I gained the interest of the rap game cast off season 3, and me and my brother Jbo started working with and building relationships with them all.

Q. Who is your favorite artist?

A. My favorite artist of all time is Gucci Mane. I know he not the most lyrical or model citizen, but I vibe with him. I love his beat selections and the way he put his bars together. Plus if you ever been in the streets you going to choose either him or Jeezy to be your favorite rappers, they inspire every young man to get off they ass and get some money.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. A wife and kid, 8,000sqft house and at the top of the game with a plethora of plaques and number 1’s.

Q. What do you think is something that need to change in the music industry?

A. I feel like before any artist or label release a project all the production for that project should be paid for.

That should be mandatory.

Q. What or who is your biggest inspiration?

A. Being broke and my mother.

Q. What is one of your biggest accomplishments you have had?

A. Staying alive and not going to prison.

Q. What is something that really challenge you being a producer?

A. My little brother Jbo. He taught me how to use pro tools and that opened up the flood gates for me to produce a lot of good music.

Q. What other hobbies to you have?

A. I like fashion, playing spades, shopping, sleeping and of course going out to eat lol.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I Am working with StickTalk Josh new project and my other artist Hublo. And they can find me @ bignick912 on all platforms.

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Q. Tell everyone who Shooter is?

A. Shooter is just a brother from the hood, who has been blessed with an opportunity and trying to make the best out of it.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. My hobbies are just raising my kids and do everything possible to make them smile. I don’t live for me I live for them.

Q. Out of all the reality shows out here today what made you want to be on Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta?

A. Unfortunately I was chosen to be on the show I never ever thought I would be on tv.

Q. What is one of your best moments being on the show?

A. My best moment on the show is being able to highlight my son Rod jr.

Q. How have your experience been being on Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta?

A. It is a blessing to be on love and hip hop the show has open my eyes up to so much more in life. Despite of the negativity u see me go through on the show.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. In the next 5 years I will be in big motion pictures that u have to watch

in theaters. My trucking company will be off the ground and so would my barbershop.

Q. Tell everyone where they can follow you and what projects you are working on?

A. You can find me or follow me on Instagram goodshooter. I have two underground web series on YouTube.

The streets of Atl, and the pressure TV. and I am also in this movie called turnt starring Jamal gravy Woodard.

So, I am working.

Q. What advantages and disadvantages you have had being on the show?

A. The show is good, bad, & ugly...The good is I get a chance to display my talent in front of millions of people, because one day I will become a big actor. The bad is how they show black men in such a negative light.

The ugly is unfortunately I lost my family over this show my wife.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with being on Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta?

A. The hardest thing I ever had to deal with on camera and off camera is losing a child.

Q. How do you stay fit and healthy?

A. I work out 3 to 4 days a week I try to eat clean but that don’t work so I put myself on different kinds of fast so I can test my discipline.

“My hobbies are just raising my kids and do everything possible to make them smile.

I don’t live for me I live for them.”

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TOON

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Q. It is an honor to interview you tell everyone more about who Toon is and how you get the name Toon?

A. Well Toon is a humble person who grew up on the south side of Atlanta who always love sports and love music. I love to rhyme ... I got my name from my grandma she passed a year after I was born so we just stuck with toon because she gave me that name but she got it from my girl cousin who name was Toon Toon....

Q. What made you want to be a Rapper?

A. I always like to rhyme words together in make a story sort of like a poet. It was just in me from the jump.

Q. Who or What Inspired you to be a Rapper?

A. My lifestyle, the struggle, the pain and my family.

Q. What is your favorite genre in music?

Who is your favorite artist?

A. Hip hop, honest music, real life music and my favorite artist is T.I. & Eminem.

Q. Tell us about your single “only” and “big bag”?

A. Only was a street anthem for anyone who think they better than someone cause of what they got no sir not in my category. I got or know the same just as much as you. I just don’t establish it to everyone in that’s just me speaking on me ....As far as big bag just straight flexing for the entertainment something a lot of people like to do and I don’t mind doing it if it’s for the fans or the situation cause me and my team been ran through bags. I always had bags regardless even when I did the song all I can hear was my brother Young Dro on it and then boom he killed it and it went crazy.

“ Hip hop, honest music, real life music and my favorite artist is T.I. & Eminem.”

Q. Do you plan on doing anything in the community?

A. I been doing stuff in the community as feeding the community with turkeys on thanksgiving, giving back to the kids as far as having school drives ,giving clothes and shoes to the homeless giving fans money just for knowing my music and etc....so that’s something that’s always gone be done that’s in my heart.

Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments?

A. Seeing my family happy about my success and having the best team ever with me period and that’s MMR x CLB 4Life in my best experience is coming out of the helicopter for my mixtape release it was like a movie straight up.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. First get rich or kill trying is out right now on all platforms and is going crazy one of the best albums hands down and we definitely got more music on the way. I don’t have a name for the next project but definitely have the music cause my worth ethics are crazy I’m so consistent when it comes to making music ...but right now we just dropping videos off the album GROKT to many bangers to past this one off real quick....u can follow me at Toon_clb on IG, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in life?

A. Losing people you close to cause of the music but u got to keep going.

Q. How is your music different from others?

A. I am an emotional rapper I speak off of feelings. A lot of these rappers to gangster to be something else so they hide a lot of their story through gangster stuff ...me I don’t care how u feel about me or what I say I am going to speak what I been through or what I seen no sugar coating.

Q. What do you think need to change in the music industry?

A. All this flexing and stunting all the time just reach people it’s other ways u can without being so extra or flashy ....

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Q. Tell everyone who Curtis Lovejoy is?

A. I am a diamond in the haystack.

I’m better known around the world than in my own home (The USA).

I am an athlete who is well known and celebrated around the world in swimming and fencing while being disabled. I’m actually the 1st African American athlete to compete in 2 unrelated sports.

Q. I see you have won 500 gold medals tell us about those achievements?

A. Actually today it’s roughly 700 medals.

I began swimming as therapy after my accident. Today I am a fierce competitor with a disciplined athletic mind. Most people cannot believe what I have accomplished and they are shocked how it happened.

Q. Tell us about your book “A little love and joy”?

A. I’m blessed to have my name “Lovejoy”. Many say that my smile is contagious and I always bring love and joy into the room when I enter.

My book discusses my youth and how I experienced trauma, however it includes humor and I go into detail about the miracles within my life. My book is authentic and real. I do not hold back on any punches and I tell the truth about my struggles as a paraplegic.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I like to play UNO. I also love to listen to jazz & reggae music. My wife and I take trips to the country every month to recharge. I like visiting the country because my grandmother’s house is

there and I can reminisce on the old days. Her house is over 100 years old.

Q. After losing the use of your legs what inspired you to keep going? How has the experience been?

A. I experience depression, but the pool is my sanctuary. I connect with GOD when I swim. It helps me to clear my mind and understand that GOD’S walk for my life is this. I am here as a MIRACLE to show mankind what can be done with faith in Jesus Christ.

Q. After so many years what made you want to swim?

A. The pool is my sanctuary. Once I began to connect with God while swimming, I became obsessed with it. I actually discovered a new love for it when my coach (Coach Jackson) expanded my training to swim with dolphins. It was amazing. I tend to swim really early in the morning and connect with GOD.

I also set 5 world records. I am going down in history as one who not only meets my goals but I superseded the expectations of others.

Q. What inspiration can you give others?

A. No matter what you are going through, focus on what makes humanity better. Life is what you make of it, you have to make the best of it.

Remove all pity parties and never let the disability control you.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I am currently working on a biopic, in which we are shopping to multiple networks. I am also working on life after the paralympic games. I plan to be an international speaker and a US Ambassador.

Q. What is one of your biggest challenges you have had in Life?

A. Making sure that people properly classify me. I am not a quadriplegic but I am a paraplegic. I have an extraordinary strength in my upper body. I am extremely strong and I tend to fight for more respect and acknowledgement for my accomplishments as the first and the greatest in my sport(s).

Q. What has been one of your biggest accomplishments?

A. Becoming one of the 1st African Americans to win a gold medal in swimming and fencing on a paralympic level.

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PHOTO CREDIT : Moments by Mello

HEY LUENELL!

C

omedienne and actress Luenell is having a moment! The self-proclaimed “Original Bad Girl of Comedy,” is a comedic force of nature.

The stand-up comic is best known for her breakthrough role as the “hooker with the heart of gold” in the 2006 Oscar-nominated, blockbuster comedy “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.” She also appears in the Oscar-buzzy film “A Star Is Born” with

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Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, plus, she’s in the new Eddie Murphy film, “Dolemite Is My Name, “on Netflix.

In addition to her film roles, she’s also making a splash in Las Vegas with an extended run at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ Promenade in Vegas. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, she was touring the country as a stand-up comic, and tickling the funny bones of many from one comedy club to another. Where It Begins had a chance to catch up with Luenell, and chat with her about comedy, her work and upcoming projects.

Up Close and Personal With the Original Bad Girl of Comedy Submitted by Wyllisa R. Bennett Where It Begins: Luenell, it is an honor to interview you. So, tell us more about your start in comedy?

Luenell: Well, how I became a professional comedienne is a long and complicated story; but, I come from a very large family, and being the youngest of eight children and seeking attention definitely had something to do with it!

Or maybe it was being bullied at home and school, which made me want to speak up. It’s probably a combination of both. Still, I landed on stage by accepting a dare. Never in my wildest dreams did I foresee a “career” in comedy or making a living at it. When I began my career in comedy, there was no Comic View or Def Comedy Jam. The only African Americans I knew really making a living at it were Richard Pryor, Red Foxx, LaWanda Page, Flip Wilson, and Bill Cosby. Plus, there weren’t a lot of women in the game but tv exposure with the various comedy shows changed that. I decided that instead of comedy being a hobby, and “something to do” to vent my frustrations, I felt I could make a decent living doing this. Basically, I made a commitment to make people happy because I didn’t ever want anyone to feel how I use to feel growing up. To this day, that is still my driving force to get on a stage every night and tell a joke. It’s not for the money. It’s a passion. If you do what you love and are passionate about, the money will come.

Where It Begins: What or who inspired you to become the woman you are today?

Luenell: Well, many women inspire me like May West, Glodean White (wife of the late Grammy Award-winning crooner Barry White), Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr (before her many insensitive rants and outbursts), Lucille ball, JaNet Dubois as well as Pearl Bailey. The comedians that inspire me are the legends like Joan Rivers, Redd Foxx, George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, Wanda Sykes, etc. I draw a lot of inspiration from these comics because they are iconic in their style, delivery and material as they addressed the social ills of their day in a funny, unapologetic way.

Where It Begins: I hear you are in “Coming to America 2” can you tell us more about the movie?

Luenell: I’m excited to be a part of the ensemble cast of “Coming to America 2,” directed by Craig Brewer (“Dolemite Is My Name,” “Hustle & Flow”), which wrapped at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, and due in theatres December 2020. Along with legendary comedian Eddie Murphy and talk show host Arsenio Hall, the cast, includes Vanessa Bell Calloway, Shari Headley, John Amos, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones – just to name a few! For me, that’s two Eddie Murphy movies in one year because I also appear in the Netflix movie, “Dolemite Is My Name.” The sequel, called “Coming To America -- The Quest” is one of the best scripts I’ve ever read. It will easily be one of the most talked about films of 2020. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that “Coming to America – The Quest” is going

to take over the WORLD! The original is such a beloved movie, and thankfully with the 30-year difference for the sequel, most of the original actors are still alive and well and have returned for the sequel. It’s magic! Sheer magic, and I am blessed to be a part of it after all these many years later.

Where It Begins: What process do you use to develop your stand-up comedy material?

Luenell: I really don’t have a process to develop my stand-up material. I just observe life through a comedic lens. As comedians, I believe we are wired differently because we can see “the funny” in daily life. I don’t write much. I usually just make mental bullet points of what I want to discuss, and develop the material in real time on stage. It’s sort of like magic – that is, a gift if you will.

Where It Begins: Who are your top 5 favorite comedians?

Luenell: That’s always a hard question, but my top five comedians are: Richard Pryor, Paul Mooney, Joan Rivers, Robin Harris, and George Carlin but don’t hold me to it because those names can change from time to time, depending on my mood.

Where It Begins: Do you have any accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of as a female comedian?

Luenell: One of my greatest accomplishments as a female comedian is being able to make a living doing what I love. When I first started in the comedy game, it was just a way for me to express myself and get some attention. Through comedy, I’ve been able to provide for my family, send my daughter to college and be an independent businesswoman for many years. I’m proud to be a part of a small girls’ club with an engagement in Las Vegas. In February 2019, I did a three-month gig at the SLS hotel in Viva Las Vegas, along with Mo’Nique and Eddie Griffin. In August 2019, I returned to Sin City with an extended run at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ Promenade. I look forward to resuming my residency in Las Vegas, once things get back to normal in response to the pandemic in America. I’ve also been inducted into the Little Rock Black Hall of Fame in Arkansas -- the state where I was born. My picture and information are part of an exhibit in a museum, located in Little Rock. Plus, if you Google me, I’m the most famous person from my small town, which is not hard to do if you knew where I was from. Lol Also, I was honored at Los Angeles City Hall in February 2020 as a part of Black History Month by the office of LA City Councilman President Emeritus Herb Wesson. It was particularly special to receive the award from his office because he is the first and only African American to be selected the president of the Los Angeles City Council.

The City of Los Angeles honored me and iconic comic legends like Eddie Griffin; Marsha Warfield; Miss Laura

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Where It Begins: What is one of the challenges you have had in your career?

Luenell: One of the biggest challenges I’ve had in my career is trying to balance motherhood and a marriage with my career. As an entertainer, it has been very difficult and remains so.

Where It Begins: What advice can you give others that want to be a comedian?

Luenell: I really don’t give advice to others who want to pursue comedy; BUT, I would say this: If you like to sleep a lot; if you’re very close and connected to your family; if you have problems leaving your children or your significant other during very important holidays, such as birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas , then this business is not for you!

Where It Begins: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Luenell: Oh, the possibilities are endless. I have a couple of things on my bucket list. I would love to have my own talk show or a regular role on a popular television show – either broadcast or cable television – so I don’t have to travel so much, and I can actually come home after work.

Where It Begins: Luenell, you’re a comedienne and actress. Do you have a preference – that is, standup comedy or acting – in your entertaining fans?

Luenell: In the entertainment industry, my preference of mediums and/or disciplines is television, stand up, films and finally, theatre.

Where It Begins: How do you deal with hecklers?

Luenell: I don’t have many hecklers. People will scream out, “I love you, Luenell!” And I’ll holler back at them, but I don’t get heckled on stage. It’s very rare.

Where It Begins: Who is someone you would love to work with?

Luenell: On my bucket list of people I would like to work with include Wanda Sykes, Robert De Niro, Octavia Spencer and Jane Fonda; maybe Cardi B.; plus, Megan Thee Stallion and of course, Bruno Mars!

Where It Begins: What do you think of this coronavirus?

Luenell: I HATE that people have died from the coronavirus in such an undignified way – that is, alone with no proper burials or funerals, etc. I really hate that my daughter and her generation have to experience something like this; but, I also think it’s a great time to let God

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Photos Courtesy of L-Murder Inc

Hayes – the Original Queen of Comedy; and Emmy-winning comedienne and actress Tiffany Haddish as part of its Stand UP: The Art and Politics of Comedy for Black History Month. It was truly a great day!

in to do his work. Despite the misery the pandemic is causing, maybe there’s a blessing in disguise. During the Safer at Home orders, it’s a good time to slow down, spending time with your family and reflect on the future.

I think we’ve become a self- absorbed, money-hungry country, and America may have needed this to give us a perspective of what things are actually important in this life -- that is, family and time to stop and smell the roses.

Where It Begins: What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

Luenell: Well, I’ll be back in Vegas. So, once the Strip opens, folks can come see me in Viva Las Vegas!

Since we’re all home, binge watching tv, check me out in the Netflix movie, “Dolemite Is My Name,” starring Eddie Murphy. I also appear in the sequel, “I’ve Got the Hookup-2,” the urban cult classic, starring music mogul/businessman Master P and his son, Romeo Miller.

I have a couple of things in the can. Along with “Coming to America 2,” I’m in a movie with Jerry O’Connell, called “Ballbusters,” plus, I just taped some episode of Tracy Morgan’s show, “The Last OG,” along with “Family Reunion” on Netflix. I’m also really excited about a VERY secret project that I just filmed with my daughter.

So, stay tuned. Fans will be able to see me on the road, as well as appearances on their favorite tv shows and movies. And if you want more of me, you can always purchase my comedy CD, “Luenell Live: I Only Drink at Work,” available on digital platforms everywhere. PLUS, there’s my new YouTube channel – that is, Hey Luenell.

Check it out and subscribe.

For more about Luenell and her touring schedule, visit www.HeyLuenell.com Visit her on YouTube at Hey Luenell.

ON A SOCIAL NOTE: Find me: Visit www.HeyLuenell.com Follow me: @Luenell on Instagram Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/luenell

Book Spotlight Cece Book Club Join @cecebookclub IG & Facebook Spotlight

Challenge Question Join Cece Challenges on Facebook Send answer to cecewibnet@gmail.com

Q. What do you think of the Coronavirus?

Anything you would like to share or ask send to cecewibnet@gmail.com, subject “Ask Cece”

More Myself:

A Journey

by Alicia Keys

As one of the most celebrated musicians of our time, Alicia Keys has enraptured the nation with her heartfelt lyrics, extraordinary vocal range, and soul-stirring piano compositions. Yet away from the spotlight, Alicia has grappled with private heartache―over the challenging and complex relationship with her father, the people-pleasing nature that characterized her early career, the loss of privacy surrounding her romantic relationships, and the oppressive expectations of female perfection.

Since her rise to fame, Alicia’s public persona has belied a deep personal truth: she has spent years not fully recognizing or honoring her own worth. After withholding parts of herself for so long, she is at last exploring the questions that live at the heart of her story: Who am I, really? And once I discover that truth, how can I become brave enough to embrace it?

More Myself is part autobiography, part narrative documentary. Alicia’s journey is revealed not only through her own candid recounting, but also through vivid recollections from those who have walked alongside her.

The result is a 360-degree perspective on Alicia’s path―from her girlhood in Hell’s Kitchen and Harlem, to the process of self-discovery she’s still navigating.

In More Myself, Alicia shares her quest for truth―about herself, her past, and her shift from sacrificing her spirit to celebrating her worth. With the raw honesty that epitomizes Alicia’s artistry, More Myself is at once a riveting account and a clarion call to readers: to define themselves in a world that rarely encourages a true and unique identity.

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ANTHONY NEVES

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Q. Tell us more about who Anthony is?

A. I would say that I’m a very passionate person. I’m very passionate about what I love and the people I love, family is everything to me. When people look at me on the outside they may view me as intimidating, mean, having a rough day etcetera, but I actually have a real sensitive side like “a big teddy bear”.

Q. Who or what inspired you to be a fitness trainer?

A. Well, I’ve always been an athlete growing up but the inspiration of Fitness training came when I met this one brother at the gym. When I first started my weight training journey, he taught me so much and inspired me each time we train together. He basically took me under his wing and started that solid foundation. He is someone I will never forget; Gee was his name.

Q. How do you stay fit and healthy?

A. I’m always on the go, so that helps (haha). I would say just staying consistent all these years with training and more than anything eating healthy. My number one weapon believe it or not is good old water, a gallon a day for over 15 years.

Q. What is one of your greatest experience?

A. I would have to say growing up playing football and basketball during my youth days. Especially football, that my Dad introduced me too. I was always looking forward to driving to practices, especially on game day.

Seeing my parents in the stands at every game, and taking those rides to practice with my Dad, were the happiest days of my life. Football will always be my first love. I miss it every day, and those experiences will be with me forever.

Q. Tell us more about your journey of being in Fitness?

A. Well, as I mentioned earlier I’ve always been an athletic person but I did not grow up with these muscles (haha). I have been through the same struggles, hurdles, and disappointments that everyone experiences through their Journey. That’s why I always tell clients to keep pushing and listen to what I’m saying because I was once there. Our bodies are amazing, if you

treat it right and work hard our bodies are definitely well proven to be like a machine.

Q. What are some of the advantages and challenges of being fit?

A. Well, as far as advantages I would say, the way that I feel physically and mentally. I know the road it took to get where I am, so I’m proud of the way that I look. The training also helps in keeping me focus. Now the disadvantages, I would say one is you can’t just eat whatever you want all the time but when you train hard like I do, you can get away with more. Also, putting in the time, there are plenty of times where I would like to be doing something else, but it’s called sacrifices.

Q. What have been the hardest experience in your life?

A. Well, without going into depth details, I had to grow up real fast at a young age. It was a rough patch in my life, but I think it taught me about facing our adversities that we may go through in life. You can overcome anything in life as long as you never give up and do the best that you can with the cards you’re dealt.

Q. What are some of your hobbies?

A. Well when you own a home there are so many things to do and projects to do so I’m always trying to make things build something and it became something I enjoy. I also love to draw but I do not do it often. Other than that, the gym is my sanctuary.

Q. What advice can you give other people who want to be fit?

A. I would tell them be prepared to work hard. I didn’t get to where I’m at without putting the work in. There are times you feel like giving up, because you might not see any changes right away. I promise to everyone, if you work hard, put the time in, and dedicate yourself to becoming fit, it will happen. I use these words all the time, and I will always continue using them. STAY CONSISTENT and LEARN YOUR BODY. Everyone has different genetics, but if you do these few things and continue to push yourself, your body will do some amazing things. I promise you!

Q. What motivates you to train and Coach people?

A. The biggest thing that motivates me is knowing first-hand the transformation someone is going to experience. That is going to be both mental and physical. If I see that someone is serious, and they’re putting the work in, that’s the best feeling in the world. I’ve been down that road before, and the journey is by far, the best part of it.

Knowing the sacrifices, hard work, and commitment you put in, is the biggest reward in the end.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. Unfortunately, the film industry is on hold right now, due to the circumstances that we’re facing in this country. I’m still auditioning and doing what I can to stay sharp. So when things go back to being normal, and everything is all said and done, back to the grind it is! There is one project that I worked on right before everything was shut down and I was blessed to work with a superstar actor. I can’t wait for everyone to see this one.

Anyone can follow me on Facebook at Anthony Neves as well as on Instagram, at Anthony B Neves.

I want to thank everyone that has been on this rollercoaster ride with me while I go on my journey through this entertainment world, and who continue to encourage and inspire me each day.

You know who you are. Thanks!!

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EMJAY

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Q. Tell everyone who Emjay is?

A. Emjay is an example of someone who has always pursued his dreams never giving up no matter how many times he’s fell down. Emjay is a person who believes no matter what you go through excuses are not acceptable; you must fight for what you believe in, if there’s a will there’s a way. I believe in life there’s good and there’s bad you get what you put in, without the pain there’s no gain. Remain humble, stay thankful, and enjoy the ride to success. Falling in love with the process is the most beautiful part of it all.

Q. How have your experience been being on Love and Hip-Hop Miami?

A. Love and Hip-Hop Miami has been both a great and interesting experience for me. The show and everything that came with it has helped bring awareness to me as a person but the interesting part is not being in control of editing and how the people view me on the show. I understand that’s all apart of reality TV. Q. What advantages and disadvantages you have had being on the show?

A. The advantages I’ve had being on the show I would say being able to be seen on a TV. This was a worldwide platform that brought curiosity to people wanting to know who I am, another advantage would be me being able to express true love and showing men that it’s ok to be a gentleman and love a woman whole heartedly.

Q. I see you have a Single “Make Love” tell me more about this song?

A. My new single “Make Love” really means a lot to me because I consider this song to be real R&B. I feel music has been missing the real essence of R&B music, the focus has been Hip Hop for so many years and I love Hip Hop but it’s time for the true R&B wave to come back around and my new single “Make Love” is definitely the new wave.

Q. What or Who inspired you to get into music?

A. I feel I was born with music in my heart, but we weren’t the richest growing up at all so I would watch tv and see my favorite artists and dream about being up there. One day a close

childhood friend of mine took me to record my first song and when I heard myself through the speakers for the first time I knew I would be a star.

A. You can follow me on all my social media platforms at @Officialemjay.

I’m currently in the middle of working on my up and coming EP. My first single is “Make Love”, I have a video coming soon this year. I’m also looking to get more involved into the world of acting, so tv’s and movies.

I get so many people asking me questions about my hats I’m working on a new hat line, I’m also working more with the community to give back, especially to people affected during this pandemic. This is the time for us to stick together to get through these difficult times.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with being on Love and Hip-Hop Miami?

A. I think some of the hardest things I had to deal with on the show would be exposing my relationship and having it vulnerable to the twists and turns of editing, and not being able to showcase my music and artistry.

Q. How do you stay fit?

A. Staying fit is different for everyone you have to study your body me personally I’m consistent on eating healthy throughout the week and exercising 4-5 times a week but I can honestly say drinking water and discipline keeps me fit.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. Some of my hobbies outside of music would be watching boxing I’m a huge boxing fan I also love to watch movies.

Q. What is one of your best moments being on the show?

A. One of my best moments being on the show would probably be when Amara’s dad surprised her by showing up to her show and seeing her perform for the first time in his life it was definitely a moment to remember. That was a happy moment for me because I got to see the women I love happy.

Q. Tell everyone where they can follow you and what projects you are working on?

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City of Love

By Preston Turner

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hat can I say about a place that is filled with love and excitement? A place where people come to bask in the atmosphere of romance. Of course, the place I’m talking about is Paris, France!

Like everyone else I wanted to take my wife to Paris and enjoy a place of affection. I decided to take her on a four-day adventure of touring and eating some of the best French cuisine in the world. I booked a lovely threebedroom apartment within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. The first order of business was food and plenty of it because we decided to bring our three daughters and son along on this trip. We found a café near a park that sold probably the best crepes we ever had in our lives! We knew then that we made the right decision to come to this city. Normally, we request the guidance of a tour guide, but we wanted to explore the city on our terms and time.

We took our time sightseeing and finally arrived at the Eiffel Tower. I was amazed at the detail of the structure.

To see my wife and children’s eyes light up with excitement filled my heart with great joy and pride because I feel every woman should experience this moment in their lives. Also, I feel every child should have the opportunity to learn history by traveling the world and witnessing things for themselves. We must have taken thousands of pictures from all angles. Upon further research we found out you can eat inside at the restaurant in the Eiffel tower, but they were booked for the day.

Some locals told us to come back right before midnight to see the light show and we knew we didn’t want to miss that! We proceeded to walk towards all the beautifully engineered bridges and admire the detail of the architecture.

It seems like the French architects wanted to show the world that they were high society because everywhere we looked objects were dipped in gold such as the Dome church of Les Invalides.

I was a history major so understanding the significance of the Arc de Triomphe which was built to honor those who fought in the Napoleonic wars was amazing to witness in person. The family was particularly stoked about visiting a central landmark, the Louvre. Everyone tried to get a perfect picture touching to the top of the glass pyramid. There were these moments where I would catch my wife smiling or laughing and it felt great. The children seemed genuinely interested and bright-eyed as I shared the history throughout our sightseeing adventures.

The following day was full of adventures. We prepared our breakfast

in the apartment and later walked around to just take in the scenery.

One of the most amazing things happened. We happened to hear loud music playing and observed a large crowd cheering. Of course, we had to see what was going on. As we walked closer towards the crowd, we heard Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars blaring over some speaks. Now if you know good music, you know this song can get a crowd super hype. About four street dancers were putting on an epic performance.

The crowd loved it and we loved it as well. At that moment there were no language barriers, we were all dancing to hip hop music and completely enthralled by the hip hop dancers.

Next, we went on to sightsee Notre Dame, the most stunning medieval Catholic cathedral. Not only am I a history buff but I also admire the intricate architecture. This French Gothic architecture is stunning to witness in person. I must say I was shocked and saddened to hear of the fire that engulfed the Notre Dame in addition to the damage to some religious relics and artwork. Out of all the sightseeing, this was a memorable experience.

There is so much to see and do that I can’t include everything. But I must add this very important highlight that made this a trip of a lifetime for my wife. I treated my wife to gelato, and we were taking a stroll in the park. I look over at my wife and she is looking towards someone and is completely mesmerized, and star-struck. She pointed out to me that her favorite celebrity host, Clinton Kelly was in the park. She spoke and he spoke back.

It was a moment in time that my wife will never forget.

I can’t forget about the food. Out of all the fine dining and restaurants we visited, everyone agreed that this small 50’s diner called HD Diner was an absolute hit. We ordered fries, burgers, shakes, onion rings, and chicken strips. The diner had the classic 50’s vintage design and the waitress was very accommodating. I feel that while on vacation food can make or break a trip. All in all, this was a fabulous family trip that I wouldn’t mind doing again! Paris owes us nothing!

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20 Minutes Matter

By Kris Fuller

Walking with my husband. Daily physical activity is good for the body, mind and soul and every little step counts.

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e have decided to take these steps together.

Our ‘walk’ is a 22-minute loop around a couple blocks and riverfront near our home.

It’s a small daily thing that I believe will improve our health, quality of life and time together. It’s bite-sized and beautiful.

Am I always in the mood for it? No. I’m busy. I’m tired. I have other things to do. It’s grey outside. Really, now?

(And sometimes he feels that way, too.) So, we have committed to each other to walk together. We are working on saying ‘yes’ when the other one

asks so that we both do it... because we believe in the goal: lifelong health, together.

Today, he was the instigator and I was the grump. I put my boots on with a sigh. We started walking in silence (honestly, that might even be his preference, but I’m quite a chatty gal... so unusual for me). We passed a d.o.g. and my eyes lit up. That was all it took.

Now I’m having the time of my life on the trail. I looped my arm in Ben’s and said ‘good job, honey’. He replied, ‘No, YOU, good job, honey.’

Are we perfect at it? No. There are still days we miss. Days where

neither of us wants to be the walkcheerleader. But that’s okay. We don’t need to be perfect at it...we just need to keep at it.

At age 43, we are both fairly active- playing sports, working in our gardens, hiking, paddle boarding.

We have added walking to our roster.

It’s something that we wanted to start now... So it becomes a lifelong habit. Is a 20-minute walk going to complete my health and fitness routine or goals? It certainly will only add to it. And when we are 82, we will be grateful for our years of walking together. I just know it.

Hugs from Kris Fuller, B.Ed., B.MM Kris Fuller is the founder and CEO of

Your Life Sparkles.

 www.krisfullerauthor.com/ Her background is in Metaphysical Ministry (University of Sedona), Mindfulness (Palouse Centre for Mindfulness) and Education (University of Alberta).

You can follow Web & Blog at www.yourlifesparkles.com  yourlifesparkles@gmail.com Follow Your Life Sparkles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. @yourlifesparkles #yourlifesparkles

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Never Underestimate

The Power Of Pepper Body March 26, 2020

My pepper body story is a long one, but I’ll be as brief as possible because of the corona virus.

I

had a headache yesterday, and because of that, I took a long nap.

After more than one hour of sleep, I started preparing to go to the market. Since staying at home is now the newest litt, going out is like the best news ever. I, for one, would not want to do the panic buying thing, but when the governor of Rivers State had announced that the state’s borders would be closed today (25th March 2020), it was imperative to do a little bit of panic buying. My sister made a transfer while I was at home, but it did not occur to me that I should wait to confirm it.

I left the house, walked a distance, took a Keke napep, and soon, I was at the bank. Inukwam nsogbu o. The alert wants to take the whole day! I called home to confirm if the money was sent. ‘I have sent it, check your mobile app, they must have credited you.’ I checked, and it wasn’t there. I recharged to be sure; I saw nothing. Well, by faith, I stood in the long queue, hoping that I would receive the money before it gets to my turn. I was wrong. My turn passed yet no show. I was getting impatient, confused, and even angry.

I called again. This time I asked that another money be sent. It was sent and yet, alert no show. I left the bank premises because the security guys were now giving me this ‘madam you never withdraw?’ look, and I didn’t want to be embarrassed. I saw a kiosk beside the bank and decided to chill there. I ask the boy I met there if I can sit in his shop and his response is affirmative. Na so I sidon they wait for the one million naira alert. My mood had already changed but I just stay in my lane jejely. Who my vex help? Jut while I sat, the real owner of the shop (maybe the boy’s mother or aunty) asked why I was sitting in her

Stay home, stay safe

shop. I politely told her I was waiting for someone.

Kpam kpam kpam, na so this woman enters me. She asked me to leave her shop. As if that was not enough, she claimed to know my type. ‘na so dem go sidon for person shop before you go open eye, dem don thief something.’ I was ready for her. Already, I was angry so I was looking for someone I’ll pour all the aggression in the world on. I stood beside her shop and gave comebacks to her lashes at me. I even strained my ears to hear her murmurings and answered her accordingly. Can you even guess what this woman was selling?

Read on; I’ll say later.

I made up my mind to go back home to collect my sister’s ATM card since it

was obvious Access bank was never going to prove me wrong. I crossed the road to get into the next moving Keke because time was not on my side. As I stood waiting, a man who owns the main road said I was obstructing his view and that I should move further.

You say what??? The funny thing was that this man would be in his sixties but he was ready to exchange words with me. The few seconds I stood waiting was another opportunity to banter with another stranger. This time I told him point black that I was angry, and he shouldn’t talk to me. Again, who my vex help? I was now categorized under the canopy of ‘children of nowadays.’ At last, a Keke came in, and I hoped in. While I was waiting for another passenger to come in, my one-millionnaira alert came in. Damn!!! I jetted out of the Keke to head back to the bank. I could not undo all my transfer of aggression. I was still pensive as headed to the bank once more.

BTW, the woman that has her shop beside the bank sells groundnut and Kai Kai. Can you imagine the combo? đ&#x;’ I’m not always like that, but I guess some days are like that. The international woman is a jolly good fellow that likes to keep her anger to herself, but yesterday’s episode was different. I needed to air it out to feel better.

I came back and narrated my ordeal to my mother. You can guess how a typical African mother would react.

She blamed all my outbursts on me.

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How to Style

By Ritu Sharma

Linen Dresses Well?

Linen dress is a definite option for hot or humid temperatures. It is breathable, cooling, skinfriendly, timeless and versatile. But if you want to wear a linen dress without looking like a sack, here are 4 ways that help you wear it in style all summer long.

1. Cinch the Waist

To get a good proportion when wearing linen dress, especially the loose, flowy type, you need to cinch your waist to highlight your waistline and create an hourglass shape. Those linen dresses featuring an elastic waist or drawstring waist are good enough to define your waist. Also, you can opt for the tie front

dress or tie a belt to upgrade your look and get the most flattering style!

2. Choose Solid Colors

Solid color is the best way to stay minimalist. This monochromatic color palette is wearable and easy to mix and match, providing an elegant look as well. Linen dress in solid colors,

such as white, beige or khaki are fresh, classic and tender in eyes, and can be repeated often to your limited wardrobe. To avoid feeling boring, you can add some basic accessories, like a printed scarf, a belt, a wide-brim hat, a straw bag, a pair of statement sunglasses, anything, really!

3. Mix and Match

Linen dress is practical since it can be worn alone or can be mixed with other pieces to get a unique and stunning look. For those of you who have no idea about linen matching, think about these ways: 1. Knee-length dress + palazzo pants: The trick to getting a good proportion when wearing this dress-pants combination is making sure the dress halves your body and the pants take up the rest. Because most of the linen dresses are loose and easy to broaden your upper body, wearing palazzo pants is one of the best solutions for everyone to balance your figure.

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2. Knee-length dress + jeans: To completely style this look well, fit is everything. If you are slim, opt for the shift dress and skinny jeans to get a streamlined look. For the pear-shaped or apple-shaped bodies, I suggest the wide-leg jeans or baggy jeans in darker hues to conceal your trouble area, you need to avoid any slim-fit outfits that will easily show your defective parts.

4. Shoes for Linen Dresses What shoes go with linen dresses?

Actually, almost any kinds of shoes can be worn with linen dresses except for the high heels. Linen dress is an undeniably relaxed and comfortable piece while high heels will ruin the ease. Therefore, when you want a casual sporty feel, opt for the sneakers or trainers. And if you pursue the complete comfort, nude sandals, mules or flats are a great basic to pair with your linen dress. Finally, if you want a chic vibe, add a pair of boots instead.

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GABE LUSTMAN 86

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Q. Tell us More of who Gabe is?

A. I am a singer songwriter based out Atlanta. Originally grew up in Minneapolis.

Q. What or who Influenced you to get into music and acting?

A. My father always loved Motown artists so I was kind of forced to listen to Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Four Tops and The Spinners but grew to love them and their music. I also looked up to Justin Timberlake and Mario and how soulful and smooth their voices are. Those are definitely some of my influences that got me into music. Far as acting goes, that was really kind of an accident I never wanted to act or be in any type of movies or TV it just kind of happened.

I remember a homegirl I met when I moved to Atlanta in 2011 introduced me to a casting director who liked my look and things kind of took off from there.

Q. Tell us about your song (My EX)? I see it was #1 in Germany and #5 in the UK. How was that experience?

A. The thing about my song “My Ex” is that I wrote it from a perspective of I left the girl and she wants me back but really that song is flip flopped and I was the Ex one time.. just once it was truly a blessing to wake up and watch the fans support me and get my song into the #1 spot on iTunes that’s special to me and #5 in the UK isn’t too bad either!!!

Q. What is your favorite genre in music?

Who is your favorite artist?

A. I have always been and R&B guy but I like Pop also and certain aspects of both that I like to infuse when creating. Favorite artist probably Justin Timberlake for sure. Always been an inspiration to me from Nsync to when he linked up with Pharrell and The Neptunes on that Justified album!

Q. I see you were on blind date I love that show how was that experience?

A. It was very interesting. I got to sing one of my original songs from my Aries album on my episode “You Know” which was dope! Alanna was a nice girl and we remain Facebook friends to this day.

Q. So, I see your new work is on being an “Aries” which is your zodiac sign tell us some good and bad things of being an Aries?

A. There is nothing too bad about being an Aries! haha.. I guess the highs and lows are challenging at times because we love hard and are loyal to a fault but we take things very seriously and can be over emotional at times. Always create good positive wherever we go and leave a memorable impression on people. I love being an Aries!

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. I love to write songs, go hiking in nature to clear my mind, try new restaurants and watch documentaries on my favorite artists to learn more oh and Dave & Busters is fun!

Q. What advice can you give to other singers and actors?

A. You have to begin with a goal and know where you’re going with all of this. You have to have a plan and be strategic in how you do things and organize.

Also keep good company around you and keep your circle real tight with loyal, honest and like-minded people.

Try to work with people who are doing the same things if not more and build with them. Never stop believing even when things get hard because it is a tough business but it can be done.

Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments?

A. There is a lot of pinch yourself moments I have had… one genuine thing I really enjoy honestly that

makes me feel accomplished and good about myself is when I get messages from fans and listeners of my music saying how I have helped them through tough times or inspired them man that’s what it is all about!

It’s amazing.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I am currently working on my next album and more visuals which will release later this year.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in life?

A. Losing my father by far have been the hardest thing I have had to deal with. It has been hard because it is something you never truly get over but life goes on and you got to keep pushing.

Q. What do you see missing in today’s music?

A. Substance. I miss those feel good vibes you get when you listen to music and that raw talent that music has been built on. I am grateful to the small group of people in the industry still pushing real music and keeping it alive and reinventing it through the sounds of now!

Q. Where do you see your career in the next 5 years?

A. Next 5 years I plan to hang some platinum plaques on my wall as a singer and songwriter both and get into more songwriting and tour more and take my talent overseas.

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DJ LUCKY CALHOUN 88

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Q. How did you come up with the name DJ Lucky Calhoun?

A. My original name when I entered the industry was DJ Swift C. After my music partner, Freddy Calhoun, professionally known as “Coolbreeze” and I linked up with Organized Noize, an Atlanta based music production team; I changed my name to Lucky Calhoun and we became The Calhouns. The name stuck and I added the DJ to the front and have been known as DJ Lucky Calhoun ever since.

Q. What made you want to be a DJ? A. My father was a talented musician who sang, danced and played the guitar in church; because of him, music was in my blood. What gave me the itch to become a DJ goes back to a neighborhood party where I witnessed a local DJ by the name of Fonzo rocking the party. At that time, I was too young to get in, but I was able to hear everything he was doing. I heard this guy and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a DJ. Q. What is one of the best experiences working as a DJ? A. Every DJ has a different experience.

For me, I was able to go around the world, see and do some different things besides getting locked into the average routine of a DJ like being in the clubs or doing house parties.

Q. What are some challenges being a DJ? A. Well, one of the challenges is trying to stay booked at a price where you are not underselling yourself, but a nice rate where you feel competitive and not lowballed. There are a million DJs out here now and a lot of guys haven’t really traveled the course it takes to be a DJ. So they will tend to set their rate really low because they are not as experienced. So when a veteran DJ is hired they are offered that same rate but their skill set should require them to get paid more. This is what makes it hard.

Q. What differentiates you from the rest of the DJs? A. Well, I think I have my own little swag, I do it a little bit different. I DJ for the Grammy Award winning R&B group, 112 and when I am up there with those guys, I’m not just playing the records. I almost, [laughs] know all the dance steps. I can interact with them and it is not so much about

“Every DJ has a different experience.

For me, I was able to go around the world, see and do some different things besides getting locked into the average routine of a DJ like being in the clubs or doing house parties. ”

spinning. I can engage with a crowd and be entertaining. I think I put on a pretty good show. That is what separates me.

Q. Who would you consider to be a DJ legend and why?

A. DJ Hurricane. He’s a DJ legend. I want to say he is the 5th brick of Hip Hop. Not only was he on the road with Run DMC and his best friend, Jam Master Jay; He also DJ’d for the Beastie Boys. He was also a MC with Davey D, The Afros and a few other guys who he did records with. He also took me around the world with him and the Beastie Boys. To me, DJ Hurricane is a DJ legend and everyone needs to check that guy out. He is a true legend.

Q. Can you give any advice to upcoming DJs? A. Yes, learn the craft. Everything is so fast paced today. Everything is straight digital. You really don’t have to focus on scratching and blending.

You can pretty much just press the button and it is going to do it itself but you need to learn the craft just in case you get into an area where there is not all of the technology you are used to and you don’t have all the little stuff at your fingertips.

Once you learn the craft, you will get more respect as a DJ. When you run up on veteran DJs they will respect you and say “okay he did go back and learn how to work a turntable” or “he did go back and check out the first

CDJs and how they were before they became controllers”. So learn the craft and it will take us all a long way and will stop people from saying we are just button pushers.

Q. Tell us what you think should change in the DJ world?

A. I think we need some kind of a union or organization that looks out for us once we have retired from being a DJ. Somewhere we can turn for help with benefits and resources after our career has ended.

Q. Who is your biggest inspiration?

A. My mother. She raised 4 kids with little help. She made sure we had somewhere to live, food on the table and clothes on our backs. She is definitely my biggest inspiration.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. Right now, I am currently working with 112 and Jagged Edge on a set of shows called “The Experience”. I am preparing to tour worldwide with 112 later this year. I am also looking at creating a podcast where I would showcase new artists and their music. I want to give them a platform of their own where they aren’t competing with popular artists of today.

People can follow me on all social media platforms at Luckycalhoun (altogether).

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SHAWNA’S Open Book

Welcome

Storytellers Welcome to Shawna’s Open Book an open forum for you to share experiences, discuss hot topics, and engage in a community of conversation

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Where to Begin?

Is

it time to move forward, start fresh, commit to a goal, and be the best version of yourself?

First, Let go of f ear Then, Create a plan Lastly, START YES – that’s it, just start ...We can start together

Get Social Meet the Author >>> Read the Blog >>> Subscribe Here >>>

Zodiac Love

Why does astrology matter?

Does it contradict religion?

Should we look to astrology when dating?

Do you have an opinion about astrology without actually understanding it?

Family

Have you took an in depth look into your upbringing, compared it to others, and had the epiphany “Wow I understand my parents” or “Wow, my parents really messed me up?”

If not, it’s time to grow up, reflect and grow, by gaining a better understanding of your upbringing.

Oh, do you not t hink it’s important to reflect on your childhood?

Blog Categories Culture Love Friendships Family Universe Lifestyle

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VBAE 92

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Challenges, I would say are going to the mall and smelling fried chicken, you know anywhere like fast food.

When I got into Publix they’ve got all the hot food, oh my gosh it smells so good. But then I’m like no, it’s not good for you. Period.

Q. If you can go anywhere in the world where would you go?

A. I would probably go to Italy because that’s where my mother’s side of the family is from. And yeah, Italy is beautiful. I would love to go there.

Q. What are some of your hobbies?

A. My hobbies consist of working out & cooking. I love like doing my edges different ways you know my baby hairs and stuff; I like doing different wigs on myself. Trying on different eye shadows and makeup. I like to sew, I like crafting shit together like shirts and what not. I like to go tanning and I like to shop. I’m like addicted to online shopping.

Q. Hello, thanks for letting us Interview you! Tell us who VBae is?

A. Vbae is a versatile type of chick; multipersonality but not in a crazy way, haha. She’s outgoing & outspoken.

Q. Who inspired you to get into music?

A. Really, shout out Triple G aka Johnathen Jordan because he really pushed me more on the learning process of it because for a while you know, a lot of people were fuckin with me. And on my first ever record, this dude had me waiting like 8 months on that shit. I got so discouraged on my first ever record. Triple G was like “VB you just need to learn that shit; you just need to learn it”. He taught me how to mix. He put me in front of premiere pro. He was like “No you do it, you mix your own shit”. So shout out Triple G. Q. Tell us about your single “Drugz”?

A. “Drugz” is one of my more intimate songs. I’m always talking shit but it’s more of like a sexy/sensual track. I had a great time with the production on it. Shout out to Tazer Boy. Shout out Iconic, Vision studios. Shout out to Jonathan Jordan. Shout out to Maze, Iconic Studios & Daniel Escobar. I do my own hair and makeup and styles, like my clothes and stuff. So it was good to be able to work with more stylists this time and wear more wigs.

It was fun.

Q. Describe your style and how it is different from others?

A. My style is different because I only fuck with like one on one shit. I try to find people who are just coming up and show love to independent business owners. That’s pretty much my style. I don’t like wearing what everybody else is wearing, period.

Q. How did you become a Vegan? What challenges have you had becoming one?

A. I became vegan because I got really sick with a tumor a while back.

And I just started looking into what was going into my body. I was just becoming more aware, stuff like that.

Q. Who are some artists you would love to collab with?

A. Jack Harlow & Dreezy Q. What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. I’m working on an EP and definitely getting more features Also you can follow me at @v_b_a_e_

Q. Who is your favorite musical artist?

A. I really fuck with Sade - her beats are so fire.. The way she be riding on them is so soulful, I love it.

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Q. It is an honor to be able to Interview you tell us more about Judi Holler?

A. It’s an honor to be interviewed. I love your vibe and what you are out there creating in the world. Cheering you on! It’s inspiring. You. Are. KILLING it.

Ok, the best way to describe me is basically like this: If Dr. Dre and Amy Poehler had a love child, that would be me. LOL. I’m a hip-hop loving entrepreneur who owns a creative company that is on a mission to help people live braver lives.

I do that through my books, my podcast, keynote speeches, products I create, and online courses (coming soon!). My work takes the experimental principles of the improv theatre and helps you apply them to the unscripted stage of everyday life. These ideas will teach you that while you’ll never be “fearless”, you can get really good at ... FEARING FEAR LESS! I am a professionally trained improviser and alumni of Second City’s Conservatory in Chicago and I use my improv training every day to smash selfdoubt and experiment with fear. My first book, Fear Is My Homeboy, became an instant bestseller on Amazon, is currently being translated into two languages, and was endorsed by the inspiring Mel Robbins calling it .... “relatable, relevant and most importantly ACTIONABLE!” Additionally, I am the creator of the Fear Boss Community, a community of brave humans dedicated to experimenting with fear. My Mission: To help you live a braver life and smash comfort zones by experimenting with your fear. Every day.

On purpose.

JUDI HOLLER

Q. Who or what Influenced you to be an author?

A. The truth: I never dreamed of being an author. I dream about speaking, and performing, and being a boss entrepreneur … but never dreamed about being an author. I honestly never thought it was possible for me. It felt so foreign, and far away, and way too smart and “fanthe thing I didn’t expect to happen … I cy” for me. Then I became a full-time freaking loved it. I loved writing. I loved speaker and started making a lot of othcreating the book. I loved working with er full-time speaker friends and the one a developmental editor to build the thing the most successful speakers had book out. I loved marketing the book. in common was that they had a book.

I loved staring at blank pages. I loved Or, three. So, I knew it was time to level learning the book writing process. I up and do it. I knew that if I wanted to loved creating something out of nothup my game on the platform, get more ing. I love being an author. I’ve just writvisibility, and up my thought leadership ten my second book, it’s a workbook, street cred … it was time to write a big that will come out next month and now girl book. Some people write because I’m currently working on book #3. they’ve always dreamed of being an author. Some people write only to write.

Others use their writing as a marketing Q. What is one of your greatest experiences? tool. That’s the camp I fall into but here’s

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A. Without a doubt studying, and performing, improv at Second City’s Conservatory in Chicago. It changed everything for me. It also made me braver. Big time. I learned that mistakes are actually gifts, that saying YES … AND can transform your life, and that courage is contagious. All of this is covered in my book yet opening the door to that improv classroom, despite my fear, was the first time I really chose myself and have never looked back.

Q. Tell us about this book “Fear is my homeboy.”?

A. I grew up in the 90’s and everything was our “homeboy”. Fear Is My Homeboy is a fun pop-culture way for me to declare that fear is my friend and because Fear is my friend, this means I’m the boss. Not fear. Which then opens the door to what it means to be a Fear Boss. It doesn’t mean that I don’t have fear, itmeans that I choose to call the shots in my life. It means you get scared. It means you dare bravely. It means you work with your fear to get what you want.

Fear Is My Homeboy is a book that will inspire you to be braver and it will help you feel less guilty for getting, and doing, what you really want. It’s a book for people who believe they deserve more. After reading this book you will get braver, bolder, and more confident in your natural-born badassery. It’s full of actionable advice on how to embrace fear so you can live a more balanced, successful, and fulfilling life!

Q. This book was a great inspirational read I just loved the passages it taught me more self-love and improvement. My favorite passage was “Fear is your friend, your best friend, your business partner, and your home-boy. Why would we want to get rid of something that can keep us safe, be an incredible compass in our lives, shake us, wake us, and remind us that we are very much alive” this was deep. How did you come up with this passage?

A. Yay, I’m so glad you feel that way and I love reading books that make me feel the same way. This idea you share from my book is really rooted in my deep dislike of the word “fearless”.

The world is telling us to be fearless.

T-shirts, jewelry, buttons, all kinds of messaging out there saying to us boss babes “be fearless!” But it’s

bullshit. Because if you were really fearless you’d do all kinds of crazy stuff like never pay your taxes, eat poisonous foods, walk into traffic, never see a doctor. Am I right? So, no, we don’t want to be fearless. Our goal should be fearing our fear just a little bit less every single day and this is what makes you BRAVE! Q. What have been the hardest experience in your life?

A. Well, currently COVID-19 and how it’s disrupted every inch of my life and my business. Yet, thank god I’m an improviser in my bones because we are trained to see disruption as an exciting plot twist. We see change as an introduction to what’s coming next. So, I’m trying to stay focused, take small actions every day that keep me in forward momentum, and only see things through the lens of positivity and possibility. Is this easy, no. But will it transform your life, hell yes. I share lots of these ideas in my book but no doubt, this crisis has me re-evaluating all of it. My life, my business, my finances, what success really looks like, and what “home” really means.

book publishing. There are so many resources. At the end of the day you have to do what’s best for you. Trust yourself. Remember, you deserve to be here. Your ideas matter. And the world needs your gifts. So beware comparison, self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Audit what you consume while writing and on deadline. I didn’t listen to or read anything for 6 months while I was in the lab writing, it was so hard, but I didn’t want to compare my work to anyone else’s or have it influence my work in a negative way. Start building a community around your ideas now. And remember, you will be responsible for marketing your book. Period. So get savvy there and be ready to sell, sell, sell.

Q. What inspired you to write a book like “Fear is my homeboy”?

A. I know that the only thing standing between you and what you dream about is how brave you are prepared to be. I wanted to help make the world braver. I wanted to shut fearless down and instead lead fear bosses on a journey of getting a little braver than they were yesterday.

Q. What are some of your other Hobbies?

A. I read a lot of books!! Fiction before bed, to get my mind of things. And about 40-50 personal development books a year. I think there is nothing more dangerous than a Fear Boss with a book! Outside of that. I’m a huge spin junkie. I own a Peloton bike and it’s life. I’m obsessed. And honestly, having that bike in the basement just might be saving my actual life during this quarantine. It’s such a positive healthy release for me.

Q. What other projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

A. Projects: I have a 2nd book / workbook coming out in May. In time to celebrate Fear Is My Homeboy’s 1st birthday which is 5/28. So, stay tuned for that! Also, launching other products and courses this summer to help you stay brave, and badass.

Q. What advice can you give other people who wants to be an author?

A. I get asked this question so much I dedicated an entire episode on my podcast to this exact question.

I’d highly recommend listening to episode #16 of my podcast The #FearBoss Show to get all kinds of ideas and inspiration on this topic.

In the meantime, here are a few thoughts: Weigh the pro’s cons of self-publishing, hybrid (what I did) and traditional publishing.

Each has it’s sweet spot and each has it’s pain points. Research online.

Do your homework. Interview your different options. Ask questions.

Listen to podcasts that talk about

Where to follow: 1. Instagram is the best from a social perspective: @judiholler.

2. And my website has all the things www.judiholler.com 3. Last, my podcast, The #FearBoss Show will keep the fear party going.

New Episodes every Wednesday! https://podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/the-fearboss-show/ id1492346165sa

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Q. It is an honor to interview you please let the world know who Baegera from west London is?

A. Baegera is… why am I talking in 3rd person. Lol. Well Baegera is a leader, a guide. The power to unite people is his journey. I grew up in a shit place. I hated my school and all the people around me! I lived in India for 4 years in a small town, sometimes without electricity for days!

The heat was unbearable and so we slept on the roofs of the open air. I gazed a lot in the sky maybe why I am such a deep thinker. Life took a turn. I worked hard and now having drip, fast cars and real estate, are more like a stamp of success. Having lived the 2 extreme lives gave me humbleness. It’s great to just live!

Q. This single “Seen You Before” would you say that this one of your favorite songs on the album? What made this song stand out that you made it your single?

A. We nearly released another song. I wanted to come out with a true representation of me and this really gave that international sound. The song was played to a lot of people in the Industry and they knew it was a smash. I had to go with it!!

Q. How is the music in London different than the music in the U.S.?

A. Music is Universal in my opinion. There is so much cross over. Every artist represents their own hood, but rappers use more melody in America.

Q. What make your style of music stand out from others?

A. The combination of being born in London, roots from India and the Caribbean sound is unique. There is no one who has my sound. Facts!

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. Adrenaline. I luv extreme sports sky diving, fast cars, jumping off cliffs or flying helicopters.

Q. Tell us your experience working with KC Pluto, Drummaboy & Jazzy Faye?

A. They were all different experiences. KC being my age we connected on the level. He being a great writer was able to get in my head and express what I wanted to say. I am really looking forward spending more time writing songs with him. Dummaboy – it was so raw. He cooked up beats in his kitchen. I was just vibin. It was crazy how quickly we wrote so many hooks. Jazzy Faye. What energy. He is a living legend. Being in his presence is so entertaining.

He gives off amazing vibes. I was not meant to go work with him but was just passing through. One thing led to another and we ended up writing a song!

Q. What is your favorite genre in music? Who is your favorite music artist?

A. I love the whole pop-rap genre. Its taking rap and putting a bit of melody in it. Post Malone – my guy! He is killing it right now.

“Adrenaline. I luv extreme sports sky diving, fast cars, jumping off cliffs or flying helicopters. ” Q. What do you think about the coronavirus and how did it mess up your plans for 2020?

A. Coronavirus! It’s so surreal. It shows how much we haven’t discovered in the world. One thing can shut the whole world down! It’s scary, you can’t take life for granted. It wasn’t even bout me getting it but you can’t see the fam as they more venerable! I don’t know if it messed up my plans! Well it moved my plans but also created more opportunity. It forced me to be more creative and create more content for my fans.

This time is also giving me space to think. I was planning to fly to LA to write some records with the same team who worked on my first single. As soon as this virus dies, I am off to LA! Q. What other projects are you working on?

A. We’re trying to shoot a music video for Seen You Before.

Super excited for my 1st video. I am co-directing it so my hands are full. Music is ready to release my next single and so can’t wait. There will be a special feature on the track. So watch out!!!

Q. Where can your fans follow you?

A. Fans I am everywhere. IG gives my fans a closer look into my life not just music. I live a great life. Spotify, Apple, Dezzer, Tidal wherever come and listen to the track…

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JONATHAN LYKES Q. It is an honor to interview you please let the world know who Jonathan is?

A. I am a Black queer activist, artist and academic from the South Side of Chicago. I have spent the last 15 years of my life as a cultural organizer across intersectional issues (homelessness, mental health, criminal justice and child welfare) that impact me and my community. I take art and liberation praxis and merge them together in order to create a vision for what a future world should look like. One that centers Black and Brown communities that continually get pushed to the margins.

Q. Tell us about your company the Liberation House’s Black Joy Experience?

A. The Liberation House is a global non-profit where we merge political education, artistic expression and cultural healing towards the goal of curating artistic spaces that create awareness, promote personal healing, surmount institutional barriers and generate joy and love. We work to create sacred spaces where Black and Indigenous, Queer and Trans people can joyfully live out their self-determined lives without limitation or barriers. We seek to plant the seeds for multi-generational liberation efforts by connecting global safe houses and cultural worker sites for political education and advocacy. The Black Joy Experience is a place-based event and freedom song album inspired by cultural organizing efforts rooted in BYP100 turn up culture.

Q. How did you get into building and helping others with nonprofit business?

A. I supported the creation of my first non-profit organization at the age of 15. At Shaw High School in East Cleveland I became the statewide organizer for a group called Ohio Youth Voices, where we created a youth policy agenda and advocated for radical economic justice changes. We ended up winning a huge fight to raise the minimum wage when it was at the federal low $5.15. We won that fight by creating a ballot initiative and putting the decision directly in the hands of the people to shift how we want the world to look. After 15 years of engaging later it became very natural for me to begin to work with other organizations to help make sure they are moving past equality and equity, and fighting for complete liberation, an end to white supremacy and systemic oppression. After being a founding member or co-creator of so many organizations(Black

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Youth Project 100, Keeping Ballroom Community Alive Network, Black Joy Experience to name a few) It became clear that I have a responsibility to move into a place of consulting with nonprofits, challenging them to move far away from the non-profit industrial complex.

Q. What are some of the other things you do in the community?

A. One of my main activities in the community at the moment is being a member of the House and Ballroom Community, in the House of Garcon. The House and Ball Community (aka the ballroom scene) is a national subculture of Black and Latinx LGBTQ youth and adults.

Evolving from Harlem drag balls throughout the Harlem

Renaissance (1920s), the HBC provides Q. If you can go anywhere in the world a platform, which celebrates all forms where would you go? of gender and sexual expression. The A. Easy one for me. Cape Town, South HBC also provides many queer youth Africa. It is my second home away and adults with a chosen kinship from home. I have lived there before structure through which collective when studying abroad in college. And impact, resiliency and vital resources returned at the age of 23 to start a are obtained. Balls are extravagant and youth movement choir and record some competitive social events co-organized of the new millennial generation’s antiby houses in the community. During apartheid music that they have remixed balls, houses compete in a variety of for their current movement for equality artistic categories towards the goal of in their education system. South Africa visibility and cultural production. I truly taught me about the universality of believe that culture is what will get us our Blackness, it connected me to all closer to feeling free in this world. the international Black Diaspora. If I The act of creating, dance, music, had a second place, I would choose visual art, or anything else, is what Freetown, Sierra Leone, a place where keeps us alive and connecting to our many slaves returned to in the 19th and ancestral lineage. I consider myself 20th century after fighting tirelessly for a cultural worker in the House and their freedom. We hosted a Liberation Ballroom Community, always trying to House: Black Joy Experience in merge healing, with joy and community Freetown last summer and it is one connection. of the most complex and historically relevant places for the Black diaspora.

Q. Tell us about the experience of building the “Keeping Ballroom Community Q. What do you think about the coronaviAlive Network”? rus?

A. I co-founded KBCAN in 2014, along with A. A pandemic was bound to happen. It was a group of House Ballroom Community no secret, it’s not a new phenomenon, activists and organizers who are it was always a question of “when?” connecting houses across the country Yet, our government (or who I call 45) to get more involved in community fired the pandemic team two years ago organizing towards liberation for all and has been defunding the Center for HBC members. Those of us in the Disease Control (CDC) ever since. The KBCAN hope to build the capacity of coronavirus is an example of why we our community to lead the initiatives cannot go back to “normal” after the that impact our lives as many Black pandemic ends. Normal is why people are and Brown LGBTQ+ youth are forced sick in this country without healthcare, to navigate systemic oppression, white or why any time a crisis happens we see supremacy, and institutional racism. disproportionate impacts on Black and We seek to respond to systemic Brown communities. Normal in America violence and lift up and incorporate the has only benefited the 1%. So I have voices of disconnected, marginalized dedicated this moment to sounding the and systems-involved HBC youth in alarm...we need a new world, a better the planning, design, development and world, a world that cares for everyone, implementation of initiatives that build a world that is radically inclusive of protective factors, reduce risk and everyone. We have the resources; we create opportunities that contribute to just need the will. our community’s overall well-being.

KBCAN emphasizes the values of self-advocacy, self-determination and equity, so that we have the tools to navigate the world on our own accord. Shoutout to a few KBCAN co-founders, who through the #HouseLivesMatter partnership with NorthStar fund have released a mutual aid effort to get funds directly to people in the House and Ballroom Community during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Q. What other projects are you working on?

A. I’m currently working on a documentary series called Beyond November. It provides a glimpse into how the current “political circus” has impacted the world of Black culture, Black organizing and Black power. We examine the lives of organizers and delve into their various responses to the climate of Trumpism before and during the covid-19 health crisis. We will feature elected officials, cultural workers, artists, and movement leaders to tell the story of these times thru a Black queer and trans feminist lens.

I am also working on a Volume 2 of the Black Joy Experience Freedom Album to be released later this year.

Q. Where can your fans follow you?

A. People can find me on; Instagram @j.lykes and @blackjoyexperience.

Also, check out our website if you want to donate and support any of the work: liberationhouse.org.

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Q. It is an honor to interview you please let the world know who Tory is?

A. Thank you! My name is Tory Vee. I am the founder of Diamond Nation LLC, an independent record label located in Apple Valley, MN. Q. This single “Life Aint That Bad” would you say that this one of your favorite songs that you remix? What made this song stand out that you made it your single?

A. eah, I really like the record. I switched up my marketing plan and started using TikTok as my main social media platform. Also of course, growing up listening to Kirko Bangz, it was cool to get a feature from him.

Q. What made you want to get into music?

A. I have always been passionate about music since I was a child. It just developed from poetry, to freestyling to producing.

“My music stands out from others because I’m consistent, everything is high quality and my lyrics are mostly positive.

I see myself as an engineer with local influence. ”

Q. I see you make your own music from scratch. So, tell me what make your style of music stand out from others?

A. My music stands out from others because I’m consistent, everything is high quality and my lyrics are mostly positive. I see myself as an engineer with local influence. I’ve engineered and produced for multiple talented artists locally, and nationally. I use different lanes for promotion, I try to be creative with how my music is getting heard as well as created.

Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

A. Sometimes I play video games to ease my mind and focus on something else other than music. I don’t really make time for too much else.

Q. What do you think is missing in today’s music?

A. Free information. I had to spend a lot of money to learn the things I learned.

Since I struggled with these things, whenever an artist is interested, I offer advice or direction.

Q. What is your favorite genre in music? Who is your favorite music artist?

A. Definitely Hip Hop / Rap. I grew up on Lil Wayne, currently listen to Lil Baby, Qbangga, Young Thon, Roddy Ricch or Tory Lanez.

Q. What do you think about the coronavirus and how did it mess up your plans for 2020?

A. I just think we should all be washing our hands regularly. The downtime gave me more time to focus on my own music.

Q. What other projects are you working on?

A. I have a bunch of new music and videos coming out soon! You might get an album from me this year.

Q. Where can your fans follow you?

A. You can follow me on; Instagram and Tiktok @TheRealToryVee Twitter @TheRealToryVee1 Youtube.com/DbeOfficial Website: www.ToryVee.com

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JAH JAH

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Q. Also tell us more about this new single “2 Nasty”?

A. Me and CashTalk on that record. We use the beat of Trick and Trina song Nann and we just did something different with it. I think you going to like it.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. I see myself with a couple of number 1 hits. A lot of touring and just living a better life for me and my family.

Q. What advice can you give to other upcoming artist?

A. You have to work hard you got to stay down and focus. Also check your feelings at the door.

Q. Tell us who Jah Jah is and how did you come up with that name?

A. Jah jah is a Rapper born and raised in the westside of Atlanta Bankhead area Bowen Homes to be exact. The home of Shawty Lo D4L Franchize Boys, Shop Boyz and a few more. I got the name Jah Jah from a Jamaican friend of mine that stuck with me.

Q. What projects are you working on and where can the people follow you?

A. I am working on another project that is getting ready to drop this summer so be on the look out also you can follow me on all platforms at fungirl_Jah.

Q. How do you feel being the first lady of Break Em Off records?

A. It feels great it is a privilege to be chosen to represent Break Em off Records.

Q. What are some advantages and disadvantages of being in the music industry?

A. Some of the advantages is that I get to travel all around the country for free. One of the disadvantages is that I am away from my family a lot.

Q. What are one of your greatest accomplishment as an artist?

A. My greatest accomplishment is that I have a hit record so fast when it takes others a couple of years to achieve.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in life?

A. Being a parent and raising my kids.

Q. Tell us more about your single “Get Wit it”?

A. It’s featuring 1playy and its litt. You just will have to hear it for yourself and tell me what you think about it.

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