COSIGN Magazine: Issue 15 by COSIGN MEDIA GROUP, LLC

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COSIGN STAFF

KURTIS “K.G.” GRAHAM

FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CHRIS PANAYIOTOU

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MILANA ALCHEMISTA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BREANNA LOOSE

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER & ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ISAIAH PERKINS

DESIGN DIRECTOR

RICKY WILLIS

VP OF OPERATIONS

STEPHANIA SCHIRRU

PROJECT MANAGER & FASHION DIRECTOR

PARRIS DANIEL, BRY JONES,

COSIGN CORRESPONDENTS

JASMINE SOLEIL, CALLI BUCKELEW DEVINN CAMPBELL,

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DRAVEN, MICHAEL M. MILES FELICIA CRUZ,

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

KRISTIN MCINTYRE

ISSUE XV WORDS FROM THE EDITOR The Hustle. It’s a term that’s been bastardized over the years by those that don’t really have it, but thought it a cool way to describe working to make someone else rich. Hell, most of us have jobs, but hustle after hours to never have to clock in again. So shout out to my 9-to-5-ers, there is no shame in work, but please watch the terminology. #COSIGN readers know that we focus on the rise, the hustle, and this issue is an embodiment of that. Between the Maria Lagios and Justus covers, you’ll find grit and grind, comeback and come up. COSIGN Issue XV: The Hustle, those out there getting it for themselves. To you, we salute. The Hustle IS the #COSIGNLIFE! Chris Panayiotou Chris P: Local Celebrity @CPLocalCeleb

COSIGN MAGAZINE | COSIGN MEDIA GROUP, LLC 179 S. Watson Rd. Suite 404 Arlington, TX 76010 P: 214.517.7000 Call: 214.517.7000 E: info@cosignmag.com W: www.cosignmag.com

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32 NO ONE CAN DO IT BETTER EVEN IN 2015 October 17’s “Straight Outta Dallas” concert at The Bomb Factory was huge. Not only for the man that affords us the right to be proud of our place in hip-hop history, The D.O.C., but it was huge for the city.

R U VILLA? INTERVIEW WITH MUNCH

COSIGN SPORTS: PERRISH COX

HUSTLER’S HOW TO

HOMETOWN HUSTLER: TRU DEF

NO HABLO ESPAÑOL

JESSIE FRYE: “ONE IN A MILLION” PRINCESS OF GOTH

THE TURN UP IS REAL!

UNCONCEALED: NAKEAH COSMETICS

MARIA LAGIOS: MOGUL IN THE MAKING

JT DOES DALLAS JUSTUS

COSIGN TRAVELS: JAMAICA

KEYLA MEDRANO COSIGN CANDY

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Yo no Hablo Español BY: FELICIA CRUZ | @THELIBRADA

“There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect.” – Ronald Reagan

The Reagan years, the economy was on the up, and 80’s babies were coming into the world. Amnesty was provided to 3 million illegal immigrants in 1986. The US was open to new cultures and mixed marriages, it was a beautiful thing. Lisa Lisa, Cult Jam and El DeBarge probably had your parents bumping and grinding on the dance floor without a care in the world. Scarface had your daddy thinking he was a drug lord.

Nevertheless, products of this time period were bound to encounter acculturation. ACCULTURATION: 1. Cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture; 2. A merging of cultures as a result of prolonged contact.

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I am thoroughly influenced by my environment and what I choose to surround myself with every day. This holds true for everyone whether they want to acknowledge it or not, and it is especially true for children. This thought and the thought of acculturation as well as how it affected my growth and my path as an adult, influenced me to dive deeper into my culture. My parents crossed paths in 1984. My mother was born in Boston, raised in Maine, while my father was born and raised in Puerto Rico. At the age of seventeen he came to the US to join the Army and taught himself how to speak English. I don’t speak Spanish well, I grab pieces of it and I can communicate to get by, but I was never taught and I have always felt bad about it. I can’t speak to half of my family and hold a proper conversation about life, and I fear that it will always be that way. They speak no English and the majority of them have never left Puerto Rico. I visit once a year if time permits, and I always feel at home and out of place at the same time. All we know is that we love each other. In the grand scheme of things, we have to assume that young Hispanic parents didn’t intentionally make the decision not to pass down their native tongue, but rather they were adjusting to their new stomping grounds. English language and culture was “cool” and necessary to know in order to be successful in the US of A as an immigrant. They wanted to learn English, lessen their accents, and above

kid. Family is the first to welcome you with open arms and the first to ridicule you for not knowing your native language or culture. How many times have half/half Hispanic youth heard “that’s not how you pronounce your name” or “you’re not really Puerto Rican/Dominican/ Mexican”. Truth is, we grew up and learned to adjust to the imbalance of our dual world and we’re fine. Learn what you can from your family, embrace your roots and live how you want as an acculturated American.

all, be accepted. Hispanic immigrants were meeting new people and planting new roots in the 80’s, starting families and careers, and then kids happened. Perhaps they did not think to instill their cultural roots into their children because they were used to it coming naturally, in their traditional household. When you take away traditions, all that can be experienced is the American way of life. Today, young Latino American parents have to make a conscious decision whether or not to instill their cultural roots into their children as they grow. We do not live in the traditional household that our parents grew up in. There’s a whole generation of young adults who were born in America and have been introduced to their culture, but have no true way to identify with it other than acknowledging its presence. Walking into a room of familiar faces, speaking a language you don’t understand creates uncertainty and discomfort for any

There will never come a day where I denounce my culture or accept the categories anyone tries to place me in. The blood I share with my family is enough for me to claim my roots, we are the same. Diversity is a wonderful gift from God that brings so many views and new perspectives into the world. If you have ever questioned your connection to your culture, or your ability to “claim” your roots, don’t. Let’s all come to the realization that it is 2015 and that we are who we are. There’s a lot of negativity in the world, some of which is fueled by people in high places. Times have truly changed: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems to us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” – Donald Trump 2015 Misconstrued views of a man with a microphone. 15

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THE HUSTLE ISSUE

With vibrant, colorful, bold lavender dusted hair, stands a woman confidently embracing her curves with purpose, filled with an abundance of optimism.

Nakeah Fuller, the face behind Nakeah Cosmetics, graciously penciled me in for brunch after her early morning radio interview that unforeseeably ran over. INTERVIEW BY KRISTIN MCINTYRE

Half past twelve and totally worth the wait, I with an eager mind and open ears, listened as she shared intimate details about her eighteen years of success in the beauty industry. Shockingly, in the first five minutes of conversing over carbs and coffee, I learned that you don’t have to be Beyoncé to wake up flawless and that only a true boss works on Labor Day. My Monday mood will never be the same. AKEAH COSMETICS, HER BABY just shy of

and the BET Awards, just to name a few; a highly recommended

its first cake day, has made a significant impact

program for future artists on a mission to paint the world.

in a market representing a countless number of brands across the globe. Nakeah confessed

that she tested the market for three years

credentials and her versatility has also enabled her to create a

before she finally decided to dive in and create

diverse line that caters to all women no matter their shade of color.

her own line, naturally to ensure flawless

The entire line, based in an upscale showroom in Los Angeles, is

palettes and quality compacts. Her insistent

eco-friendly and works simultaneously with Nakeah Cosmetics

a d d i t i o n to

running a successful academy, Nakeah’s astounding

need for perfection stemmed from the overwhelming number

botanical all-natural skin care products; none of which are tested on

of outcries received from women desperately seeking a makeup

animals due to Nakeah’s advocacy against animal cruelty. Nakeah’s

breakthrough. The majority of these women were African-American

kindness is truly one of her best attributes, clearly demonstrated as

and would approach Nakeah, visibly upset, after viewing images of

she expressed excitement about what the future holds during her

themselves, post a red carpet appearance, after encountering the

quest to globally expand her brand; a brand that represents women

ultimate makeup travesty: the “clash of the flash.”

empowerment.

Nine years ago after discovering her niche in the industry, Nakeah

Casually and candidly speaking as we transitioned into the lunch

developed All About Face; a makeup academy that was initially

hour; Nakeah offered some free advice for those eager to follow in

structured and transformed into a classroom inside a loft she once

her footsteps. She quoted, “No matter how long you’ve been in the

called home. Aspiring makeup artists both locally and internationally

industry, continue to assist others, mentorship is essential, remain

attend her academy, the classes are hands on, taught by certified

humble, look for areas of improvement, and continue to learn.”

instructors and the internship program is beyond amazing. Students

Brow raisers, stay tuned for a glimpse into the glitzy world of

are gifted the privilege of assisting at major events such as New

Nakeah Cosmetics, you just might catch the line shining with a little

York Fashion Week, The Emmys, The Screen Actors Guild Awards

TV glam or strategically stocked at your favorite department store.

Lagios is currently the co-owner and operator of Winstons Supperclub, one of Dallasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; most prestigious nightlife attractions. She is also the owner of OMG Dayclub, Pure Country Sports Bar & Grill, and a marketing/ consulting firm called Vanguard Concepts. NOV | DEC

BY K.G. GRAHAM | @COSIGNKG // MILANA ALCHEMISTA | @MILANALCHEMISTA

Who is Maria Lagios? For your average Dallasite this might be a legitimate question, but for you well-heeled COSIGN connoisseurs, well, you already know. Young, ambitious, driven, successful, and drop dead gorgeous; Maria is one hustler in heels everyone knows- or wants to.

COSIGN got the opportunity to chat with the mogul in the making about how she got her start, how to get into the nightlife industry, her dating life, and what it takes to run a bonafide hotspot. So for you aspiring promoters and entrepreneurs pull out your spiral notebook, ball point pen, and get ready to take notes. Welcome to the #COSIGNLife of Maria Lagios.

As a club owner how do you feel Dallas’ nightlife compares to other markets? As far as Texas, I honestly feel that Dallas dominates the nightlife. The nightclub scene here puts forth the most effort in regards to bringing talent, what their nightclub looks like, and how they do presentations. When I go to other places in Texas it’s really not as detailed oriented and that’s one thing we really try to do at Winstons. Now as far as L.A., New York, Vegas, and Miami, Dallas is pretty far behind. Since Dallas is a corporate based city we tend to have the mentality to follow the trends and not really try anything new. When you come to Winstons you’re completely blown away,

you might see something completely off the wall and by the way it’s designed. My business partner Adam is from L.A. so when he designed Winstons he wanted to give off a feel that you’re not in Dallas. Our bottle presentations, concept of customer service is out of the ordinary, out of the box, we want you to feel that you’re somewhere else. That was kind of our whole idea. Our tagline is “Normal Gets You Nowhere” so we kind of use that a lot. Who would be the target or typical Winstons goer on a weekend? We get asked that a lot but it’s really hard to say because we get everyone from the 21 year old who’s celebrating their birthday to the corporate CEO who owns a huge corporation in Dallas and wants to take his clients out. Legitimately we get that range of people. So, it’s really hard to say but at the end of the day music and our atmosphere brings people together. And I think because the atmosphere is upscale and different it attracts both, the younger people, and then the upscale factor attracts the older person who may want to go somewhere a little more tamed. It’s inviting for everyone. Friday nights we do all hip hop music. So, it’s about the music. I hate separating the demographics of people even though Dallas really does that. You’ll see an urban night, an Asian night, etc. But, Dallas is one city that is 100% like that. But we get a lot of cross over

because we really try to focus on the music and the venue and what we’re doing. Saturday nights is dance it’s like a mash up and mix of everything from Latin, top 40, hip hop, etc. it’s for music lovers in general. Being a female entrepreneur in a male dominated industry have you faced any setbacks? OMG! The nightlife industry is interesting because at first people don’t really take you seriously, they’re like… You’re the owner? I’m like yes, I actually am and I do everything. It’s really hard at first because until they hear you talk about the business and see you run your business it’s difficult for some to take you serious. I think they’re just not used to seeing a girl like me own and operate a club they’re used to males running a nightclub or bar so they’re kind of taken back. Sometimes you do get a little disrespect, but at the same time, some are like ‘wow kudos! That’s awesome.’ So I get both sides of it. What would you say to a young woman trying to get her start? I really want to empower younger women who are trying to become entrepreneurs and make it in this industry. It might be tough being a younger woman trying to come up and gain respect. Work hard, stay at it and don’t let anyone look down on you for any reason. You

PHOTOS BY: K.G. GRAHAM STYLED BY: JAE COOK MUA/HAIR: LACEE GONZALEZ LOCATION: WINSTONS SUPPERCLUB

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have to respect yourself….and put it out there that you’re serious and stand firm of what you’re trying to do… people will respect you!!! What are some future endeavors you’re working towards? I want to expand my marketing/consulting firm in other markets such as New York, Miami, and L.A. With Winstons I have three business partners Wade Smith, Adam Cleland, and John Lagios; we want to expand to Houston, Austin, really in the Texas area then eventually outside of the state. We really found a niche of what people want and need. And the other concepts we have are amazing, we’re just trying to find the right location. Location is everything!

I really want to empower younger women who are trying to become entrepreneurs and make it in this industry.

What’s a typical working night for you? Some nights are smooth then there’s nights of complete chaos! There’s constant things to do from reserving tables, managing the cocktail waitresses, attending to special guests. Luckily, we have a really good team, but it’s definitely not all partying. You

FOLLOW MARIA LAGIOS ON Twitter @MariaVanguard4 Instagram @MariaLagios and check Winstons out at winstonssupperclub.com

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have to make sure people have fun and have the best time. Its one extreme to the other. You’re currently dating Play of PlayN-Skillz. How is it balancing your personal relationship with your work life in this industry? I mean he’s my best friend, so we honestly just make the time for each other, its really important. We’re able to have fun together and work together. It’s hard at times but definitely worth it. Dallas is a small big city so it’s kind of cool that we both get so much love in the industry that we’re in.

What suggestions do you have for up and coming entrepreneurs that want to get their start in the nightlife industry? I honestly came into this industry with zero nightclub experience, none. I really wanted to learn about the industry so whatever my job was at the time, I went above and beyond to learn more and

ask questions. I asked to sit in meetings, when colleagues were going out to promote I would go tag along to see how they were doing it and what they were doing. I always took the initiative to learn more. These days a lot of people are just doing what they’re paid to do, nothing more nothing less. For example as a promoter getting paid to book a table, that’s all they would do instead of showing up early to sit in a pre-shift meeting. You’ll learn from those things and then managers and owners will take notice. You have to make yourself available for new opportunities. Putting yourself in that position to be noticed. There’s a girl that works for me. She started as a go-go dancer and now she’s in a management position because she worked hard. It’s all about the drive and how much work you’re willing to put into it. Who does Maria Lagos #COSIGN? As far as the nightlife industry concern, The TAO Group, they’re just a power house. I do a lot of research on the industry I’m in and how they’ve gotten there and the decisions they’ve made, it’s just amazing. There amazing business people, marketing people, and they make the right decisions and take the right risks. That’s important, because they’re willing to take risks while the majority of people aren’t. So, I definitely #COSIGN the TAO Group and would say I look up to them as a successful business model to follow.

The D.O.C. BY CHRIS PANAYIOTOU (@CPLOCALCELEB)

When a Venn diagram is drawn to encompass Dallasites and hip-hop fans, the intersection comes with a giant chip on its shoulder. While weve had sporadic and equally fleeting national recognition, its been tough. Were like hip-hops Cubs fans. It irks my soul when I hear people say, “Yeah, all yall got are all of those dance records out there in Dallas.” Yeah, that was some years ago and politics and ... well, no need to get into that because the locals know and the out-of-towners probably dont give a damn. BUT, the one thing we were always able to be proud of was the contribution of North Texas to the early days of gangster (-er because –a is corny) rap, and the classic albums that came from the genre.

OCTOBER 17’S “STRAIGHT OUTTA DALLAS” concert at The Bomb Factory was huge. Not only for the man that affords us the right to be proud of our place in hip-hop history, The D.O.C., but it was huge for the city. The shows lineup was a who’s who of DFW artists, of various eras and of various sounds. From Dorrough Music to Big Tuck to A.Dd+, this was the biggest show in Dallas since the 2006 free UGK concert at the Black Forest Theater before Pimp C died. (And speaking of Black Forest Theater, Erykah Badu as DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown, closed out the “Straight Outta Dallas” show with one of her signature eclectic DJ sets.) 32 NOV | DEC

The night was D.O.C.’s though. It had been over 20 years since he last performed live on stage and with “Straight Outta Compton” still fresh on the minds of hip-hop heads and with what The described as the work of God in the form of the return of his voice, the timing made perfect sense. And whenever Brad “Scarface” Jordan is on the ticket, its definitely significant, but when hes your hype man for the night, that speaks volumes. D.O.C., with fellow O.G. rapper/producer Erotic D on the turntables behind him, ran through some of his most memorable cuts from his pre-accident 1989 release “No One Can Do It Better.” Throughout the show, 6Two, formerly of the Ft. Worth duo Gena Cide, allowed D.O.C. time to break from using his

still raspy voice. Following 6Twos performance of his verse from Dr. Dre’s “Xxplosive,” D.O.C. was presented a plaque, presumably for his overall career achievements, although it was never stated.It seemed to choke him up, as he told the crowd, “I love my city,” multiple times. During this pause, he introduced Marlon Yates, Jr., who played him in “Straight Outta Compton”, and then he took a moment to remember Eazy-E for putting him on. As “Boyz In The Hood” faded out, he went back into his set with “Mind Blowin’.” Between songs, D.O.C. took the time to thank Scarface for his support. There were some doubts as to whether or not ‘Face would make the show since he had been arrested in Atlanta the weekend before. On stage, D.O.C. said that

‘Face had called him earlier in the day and told him, “I been out, Im not telling nobody Im out, Im not talking to nobody til I touch that stage with you.” Post “Funky Enough,” and along with fellow D.O.C. collaborator U.P.-T.I.G.H.T., 6Two spit his verses from “Big Dick Shit (Concrete Jungle)” and then his solo cut “Ghetto Blues,” both from D.O.C.s 2003 album “Deuce.” D.O.C. ended his set with two new songs (with his new voice), that both sounded as if his pen game hadnt missed a step. The significance of this event was not lost on those in attendance. “Man, this is super important. I had his record when I was in middle school. Just to know he’s such a legend

and so impactful on so many levels and he’s from Dallas. He brought all the homies out, everyone from Dallas is here supporting. This is just an incredible thing. It’s super great,” said DJ Sober. The sentiment was universal, as everyone that came out echoed the same thoughts. D.O.C. is and was a hip-hop pioneer. His recent work with and COSIGN of Brain Gang JT, a.k.a. Justus, landed the young Garland rapper on Dr. Dre’s latest album, and he intends to continue to help DFW artists get to the next level. We as Texans are a proud bunch, but us DFW hip-hop fans/artists have a pride that has been force fed a diet of disrespect and far too many near misses, to the point we might fight you over our music. “Straight Outta Dallas”

channeled that pride into a concert that unified the citys scene. Hopefully the momentum created here translates into successful collaborations and shared shine amongst all of those involved. So yes, D.O.C. had a hell of a night, but it felt more like a catalyst for great things to come for the DF-Dub.

THE FOLLOWING ACTS ALSO PERFORMED ON THE STRAIGHT OUTTA DALLAS SHOW:

Buffalo Black, Platinum Minds, SikWitIt, Big Tuck, Mr. Pookie, Fat Pimp & Lady Savage

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HUSTLER'S HOW TO BY K.G. GRAHAM | @COSIGNKG // MILANA ALCHEMISTA | @MILANALCHEMISTA

So you wanna be a baller, huh? Of course you do. We’re in the most entrepreneurial era in history with the advent of the internet and the technology curve, we are more primed than any other generation has ever been to NOT work for ‘the man.’

I once heard a mantra that resonated with me so well: “I would rather work 18 hours a day for myself, than 8 hours a day for someone else.” Simple, but true. I can stay up working on COSIGN for three days straight and not complain once. But, let 5 o’clock hit in corporate America... I’m already powering down my computer and running towards the exit. If you share the same feeling, then you my friend, share a hustler’s mentality. We have learned a hell of a lot over the past few years in regards to business, networking, and remaining stable in an unsure economy. When you get down to it, success truly comes from how much heart you have in your hustle; we want that success for all of our COSIGN familia. Below we’ve curated a few golden rules from some of the greatest movies and music ever made. Pay attention, take notes, and let’s get this money son!

THAT GOT DAMN CREDIT? DEAD IT. – BIGGIE, 10 Crack Commandments We know (wink, wink) you’re not selling crack, but the same rule of thumb applies. You are running a business that is probably not going to thrive on a pay later basis. Never expect to receive anything free and NEVER give away free product or services unless the benefit outweighs the cost. You have to monetize your talents and value them the way you expect others to. “I’ll get you back later” does not keep the lights on, playa. 36 NOV | DEC

EVERYBODY EATS, B! – ACE, Paid in Full Nobody wins on their own, you need a team and if you’re eating, make sure your team is eating too. A great man once said “Treat your employees like your boss.” Respect the ones supporting you the way you would if they were paying you because ultimately their time in effort is what is putting money in your pocket. Your team is your green. Teamwork makes the dream work. I can give you platitudes all day, but bottom line if you don’t have a solid, happy, support system that just might be your downfall. You saw Paid in Full, keep an eye on ‘em.

"YOU GOTTA MAKE THE MONEY FIRST. THEN WHEN YOU GET THE MONEY, YOU GET THE POWER. THEN WHEN YOU GET THE POWER, THEN YOU GET THE WOMAN." – TONY MONTANA, Scarface

And in that order. Quit chasing these women (or men, we gender neutral up in here) and get that money! Most people will spend their hard earned cash buying new clothes, sneakers, and jewelry to impress the opposite sex. But, then can’t even afford to take them on a legitimate date. Believe us, you don’t want the types that are attracted to the flash anyway. Hustle hard first, them girls will follow.

PAY YOURSELF FIRST!! -COSIGN

Never forget you are running a business here. Make sure you pay yourself for all those hours you put in. If you’re not making money, then you don’t have a business you have a hobby. Make sure you pay your people then, break yourself off, then of course pay bills and re-up on product. Don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process, you are at the center of the operation.

SHOW NO LOVE, LOVE WILL GET YOU KILLED –MARCUS, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Okay, well not that dramatic, but everyone remembers that infamous line and you shouldn’t write it off. Don’t think because you sell shirts and not weight this doesn’t apply. The more you show love to “consumers” the more generosity they will expect. There is a fine line to holding the people down and being a pushover my friend. They hangers on will suck you dry and slowly diminish your profit margin; showing love is definitely a good look, but going back to rule number 1, you can’t eat love when you’re hungry. This rule especially applies to the competition. You need a good game face, networking is essential, but sharing your secrets is not. It’s OK to collaborate, but the moment they find your weakness, it’s a wrap!

We’ve dedicated this issue to legal hustles and hustlers to offer guidance and inspiration to you budding hustlers who have yet to find your niche. Flip through the next pages to see a few hustles/hustlers we “COSIGN!” #COSIGNLife

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THE HUSTLE ISSUE

SELF- PROCLAIMED DALLAS HERO, Tru Def, is riding a wave. Fresh off a meeting with Jay-Z and a performance at the Budweiser Festival, Truâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s positive momentum is undeniable.

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THE HUSTLE ISSUE

@jessiefryemusic

BY CALLI BUCKELEW

Jessie Frye started voice lessons at the early age of 8 and eventually progressed into classical piano lessons. Right around the age of 11, Jessie realized she was ready to elevate to the next level and begin creating her own art. Her formal training, preference for a variety of music (everyone from The Cure to Katy Perry are on her playlist) to her propensity to dress up like a warrior princess, has given Jessie the edgy backbone any punkpop star needs. She’s currently taking her career to the next level with a recent list of accomplishments such as playing SXSW for several years in a row, opening up for acts like Pat Benatar and Flyleaf and signing with local management team in Denton, Monocle, Inc. Jessie Frye has When did you realize that music was a significant part of your life? I think it was something that was always inside of me. I never made a conscious decision. I enjoyed singing at a young age and enjoyed expressing myself. I never felt it was a big decision on an emotional level—it was just who I was. What made you want to get into pop rock music? I love all different kinds of genres. I love the larger than life feeling it gives the performer and the audience. One of my favorite things about writing songs is writing the catchy melody, which is one of the best parts of a good pop song. Who were some of your favorite bands growing up? As a little girl I was in love with Madonna and Michael Jackson. In the 70’s there was this

had a stellar 2015 and we can’t wait to see what else she accomplishes in the months to come. This past October, I was super excited for the opportunity to chat with the “pop goth princess” herself. I enjoyed my necessary Sunday morning coffee over the most intense girl-talk a woman can have. Frye shared everything from what she’s currently listening to, to her goals and even her favorite fashion trends.

glam rock band from the UK named T.Rex, they’re awesome. I also loved No Doubt and Paramore… and Garbage! Ya know the music that has the pop feel with feminine edge. I also love some harder stuff like Pantera… Yeah, I mean, I love all sorts of music. You know even Pantera has those long riffs that are just great! How long have you lived in Denton? And what is your favorite show you’ve ever played in Denton? Since 2010… so five years now! I didn’t go to school here. I had a lot of friends that told me I needed to come out to Denton because the music scene is so connected. Denton really gave me my first chance to get my music out there, such a tight knit community of support. The most recent was hands down my favorite… at Oaktopia. The show was at Harvest House and everyone had their face painted like me! We sold it out which was an amazing feeling. Also I’ve enjoyed every time we’ve played 35 Denton, which is another big festival here in Denton.”

Finally, let’s talk about your new album, “Boys Club” that came out October 9th of this year! What inspired the name? I read an article somewhere that said the music industry is “One Big Boys Club”. I thought that was a fun statement… I thought it would be a good way to give the middle finger to the music industry. I consider myself a bit of a tomboy with a tongue and cheek way of sexism...But I do consider myself one of the boys too. I voted for you yesterday…Congrats on being nominated for the Best Pop Act in the Dallas Observer Music Awards! This isn’t your first time being nominated for a DOMA, right? No, I’ve been nominated several times in the past for the female vocalist, this is actually my first time to be nominated in a category like this. I’ve never won before so this would be a great cap to a great year!

I saw you were going on tour soon. What is your favorite part about being on the road? We’re going to be touring a lot more in 2016. I think I just love to travel and I traveled a lot as a child and didn’t get to in my teens. I feel like I’m making up for it now. There’s something about being on the road that makes you feel productive. You’re out there pursuing your dreams. Being into fashion as well, I am very interested in getting to know your personal style and makeup tips! Who inspires your makeup? It always looks so great; you have to have a personal makeup artist! I do have a personal makeup artist and stylist her name is Amanda Dawn Servis. She mostly comes with me to all of my shows. As for the makeup tips, the warrior inspired makeup you’ve been seeing around

was totally my idea. Last year randomly I was like “I’m going to do something different!” I work with several different makeup artists at times but Amanda specifically always does my hair and makeup perfectly. Honestly we’re together so much I never do my hair anymore. I’m like…. “I’m going on a date I need you to do my hair! Jessie, I love all of your outfits!! Is this your personal style or do you have a style that you love and use all of the time? For my shows I step it up a notch. In my everyday life I wear black a lot. Growing up I listened to a lot of goth and industrial music and I don’t think I own anything that’s not black or grey or dark red. When it comes to the “Jessie Frye” image at shows, I pull from different artists like, “Let’s do a goth version of Katy Perry.” I think the whole super hero warrior theme I’ve tried lately people are really in to, which gives me confidence to continue. It’s the encouragement of fans that inspire me to try new things. I love Buffalo Exchange and I’m an Etsy junkie… I love spikes and stuff that looks futuristic. You’ll never see me in a floral pattern. I like weird Goth stuff.

I enjoyed getting to know Jessie and her love for her music. She’s a great example of how staying true to your unique identity can make the end result worth the hustle. You can catch Jessie Frye @ jessiefryemusic. Keep an eye open for upcoming dates in 2016. NOV | DEC

THE HUSTLE ISSUE

The Dallas area, from a ground-level view, has all the talent and promise to finally put its stamp on the hip-hop game. While the genre has seen some quite notable producers come out of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, we’ve only been able to muster minor success since The D.O.C.’s emceeing career was all but ended by his infamous car accident. Since then, the North Texas hip-hop scene has seen a flash-in-the-pan multi-platinum-selling rapper that many struggled to take seriously, a few popular dance records/ringtones and a career cut short by a 30 year prison sentence, but now Garland native Justin Mohrle appears poised to end the hip-hop success drought the region has endured.

nown to many here as “JT”

or “Love, JT” from his time as a part of the Dallas rapper collective Brain Gang, Mohrle adopted a new moniker, Justus, upon his move to Los Angeles. That move would be a defining moment in his music career. Early 2015 found Justus the subject of a perhaps poorly timed article, particularly for him, about his work with Dr. Dre. His previously released music disappearing from 48 NOV | DEC

the Internet also fed into the story. So yeah, the rumors turned out to be true, as summer 2015 saw Justus writing and performing on Dr. Dre’s “Straight Outta Compton” inspired soundtrack “Compton,” one of the biggest albums of the year. It was all put into motion because of the relationship Justus had built with The D.O.C. and the EP they had put together. Now he’s following the same path to stardom as his collaborator and close friend, from Dallas to Dre. It’s been quite the transition for Justus, going

from a local artist doing local shows (including COSIGN’s first ever concert back in 2013) to becoming a musical ambassador for the region and working with hip-hop’s elite. “The hardest thing to adapt to … [is] the amount of pressure in the studio,” says Justus. “Now you’re in the joint with The Game and Snoop and you gotta put down some shit, right there on the spot that’s right, the level of pressure is immense.” But, “pressure creates diamonds,” he says and artistically, Justus feels like he’s made great strides. “I’ve learned so many things … like tiny vocal techniques all the way up to just music

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theory, the way that music even works. Just being around crazy talented musicians, is one thing, you sit there and just soak that stuff, man. I went the other day, a couple weeks ago, and I just bought a keyboard. Man, I’ve been around all this music, let me try and make some music. I took it home, and the first thing I made was dope. I couldn’t have done this if I was not surrounded by all these people giving me that energy … I’ve learned so much … just a ridiculous amount.” “Compton,” along with being Justus’ first time working on a project of this caliber, was also his first venture into ghostwriting. “It was ridiculously hard at first, at first your thinking ‘what the fuck do I say … Imagine you take the paper and sit down at the desk and your thinking to yourself, what the fuck does Dr. Dre wanna say?’ It’s immensely hard to get over that first hump,” he explained. “What happened was, I sent a couple in and I got some feedback that said ‘Yo, don’t you think everybody’s writing this shit for Dre?’ Cuz I had wrote some Dre shit, that I felt like was Dre shit… and they were saying “Don’t you think everybody’s written this?’ That gave me that first clue, to pretty much just do yourself. Be yourself, say the things that you would say, and once he gets a hold of it, he fine tunes it to himself. You make sure that it’s relevant for him, but really it’s really just the core of what you do that’s interesting to him.” Ever humble and grounded, Justus has been able to handle his new found success well. “It never gets to the point where it’s actually overwhelming, I’m still JT, I’m still that guy, always. I think I was put in this space because some people would have ran away with it, maybe. Or maybe wouldn’t have looked back or maybe wouldn’t have showed love, and I think there’s a bigger picture thing happening, for the city,” he says. “There’s a bigger thing than just me because I’m definitely going to show love and

reach back and help people and I think that’s maybe part of the reason I ended up in this position. You know there’s mad cats more talented than me, mad dudes that sing better, rap better, all that stuff, so why am I here? I think that that might be part of the reason … I try to make sure that I’m good to people, and [that] I have good character, it’s a big part of the way I move, it’s all about balance though, and karma and all that good shit we love to talk about when we get high and stuff.”

the Dallas scene, it was really dope. I’m really trying to keep doing things like that to give awareness to it.” When asked who he cosigns (aside from the obvious, i.e., Brain Gang, Dr. Dre), Justus’ modesty stepped in, “Does it even matter for me to cosign somebody at this point [in my career]? I cosign Kendrick [Lamar], but what does my cosign mean to Kendrick? I love James Blake, I love this kid named King Krule from Britain, dope little kid.” As for Dallas artists, Justus couldn’t narrow it down to a list, as he feels there are far too many artists that he’s a fan of. “Overall it looks great … I really can’t even believe it went from just a few, a handful, like 10, 15 acts to what it is now, everybody’s moving, everybody’s doing numbers on Soundcloud, everybody’s got their videos out, shits are dope. It’s great. Watch what happens, shit’s about to go, it’s not a joke.”

“It never gets to the point where it’s actually overwhelming, I’m still JT, I’m still that guy, always.”

With th e i n t e n t of not letting the “Compton” buzz/opportunity go to waste, Justus has more in the works. “I was working on my project simultaneously … I never stopped working on it, I’m still working on it now, and now I have a lot more time on my hands to work on it, so that’s what’s going on every single day. Just trying to get that thing completed and get it through the proper channels so we can release it … I’m about to definitely catch people with a personal tip.” He’s also contemplating releasing some of his older music that had been wiped since he linked up with Dre. “Really, it’s my responsibility to catch people up and show them what happened, like how I got here, the amount of time I spent on it, and that’s a campaign, that’s something we’re getting together right now … A lot of the complaint I get is, ‘Aww this guy came from nowhere; he don’t even have songs,’ he says. Along with his project, Justus is keeping his ties to his hometown strong. “We’re actually doing something with [DFW ABC affiliate] WFAA and Cadillac, that I shot when I was at the house. And I put Blue [the Misfit of Brain Gang] in it, I put Slim [Gravy of A.Dd+] in it and it was really just an expose of how we came to be; how this whole shit happened, it detailed

Justus remains a free agent, at least at the time of this interview, but that may be changing soon. “I’m working on my situation too, just finding where I wanna land at, as far as a home,” he said. “My first choice, and I would think their first choice for me, would probably be Aftermath, so that’s what we’re working on.” Justus has found/is finding his way, and the moves he’s made are paying off. “I have nothing bad to say about coming out here ... I love Dallas, I love the people there and the energy, but [L.A.,] it’s a great platform to launch from,” he said. “I’m enjoying my time, bro. I’m going to continue to make music, it’s all love, I’m just having a great time.”

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