March Issue- Ft Love & Hip Hop Miami Malik Williams #Issue46

Letter from the editor, Owned & Operated by Ford Johnson Publishing

Publisher

Ford Johnson Publishing

Crea�ve Director Rachelle Ford

Opera�ons Manager Amandalo Means

Writers Ladychelle

Nancy “Fancy” Placide DJ Samore

Cover Designed by 21K Designs

Contact Us FordJPublishing@gmail.com 239-503-1585 www.FordEntMag.com © 2018 by Ford Entertainment Magazine All Rights Reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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This month so far has been the best month of the year!! Never mind you that the year has just begun. That’s no issue. This month, we completed a project that was near and dear to me, our first ever cypher! We kicked things off in Lee County and looking into what city to visit next. I’m leaning towards south Florida but we’ll see.

This issue right here was so much fun to put together only because I feel like I’m featuring a close friend. I want to thank Malik for being such an amazing individual and welcoming us into his world with open arms. I can see us being BFF in the future, he just might not know it yet.

As always, I use this space to thank my friends and what not and this month I owe my sanity to my mom and younger sisters for being such loving individuals, my new lifefriend, stylist, PR, overall superwoman Kai, who I wish to more and more to be like every day. I’m honored to be in your presence ma’am. I want to thank my manager and business partner Longboy for believing in me and pushing me past my limits as always and I want to tell my bae Mike that I love him to the moon and back.

Enjoy the issue guys!! - Ladychelle

This Month in Ford Ent Magazine MUSIC 04 DJ SAMORE TOP 5 06 NEW RELEASES

COVER FEATURE 12 LOVE & MALIK

BEAUTY/ FASHION 06 HAIRNURSE 07 HIGH FIVE W/ JB EDMOND 16 BEAUTY OF THE MONTH: BETH 20 VAKARUI

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS 09 YOSON TALA 10 JERRY INDIANA 23 CONVERSATION WITH MISS MIKEY

GOSSIP/LIFESTYLE 11 LOVE & HIP MIAMI FOLLOW THE STORY 18 FOR THE LOVE OF RAY J 25 10 SIGNS YOU’VE GOT A REAL ONEH

EVENTS 27 WHADDUPTV ON THE SCENE

www.fordentmag.com

We look at what’s hot on the radio according to Mediabase/ BDS Soundscan, the streets, and Dj Samore, and what she feels is that next hot record. Most of the time when she says it’s a hit, it’s a hit!

INDIE PICKS 1. KISSIE LEE It Pours 2. PROJECT GIRLS CLUB Up 3. JAMES QUPID She from New Orleans 4. BIGZAYMIAMI | ZOEY DOLLAZ | ALI COYOTE All Night 5. GREY Black Excellence 6. CHIVONNE SAYWHAT Pull Up 7. K DOT NIZZLE Ge�ng to the Top IF YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THIS SEGMENT , SEND YOUR TRACK TO URBANENTRADIO@GMAIL.COM PUT FORD INDIE SPOTLIGHT IN SUBJECT TO BE CONSIDERED.

1 2

DRAKE God’s Plan

Spotlight Tracks

MIGUEL | TRAVIS SCOTT

Skwalker

3 JACQUEES | DEJ LOAF At the Club

DANIEL CAESAR Get You

4 BALL GREEZY Nice and Slow

5

ELLA MAE Booed Up RICH THE KID New Freezer

For more on the Urban Experience and DJ Samore, Check out Sourbanentertainment.com, Da One Radio on Dadecountyradio.com (over 40k loyal listeners on the radio station, monitored Byradiowavemonitor.com)

Lindsay The Hairnurse You've been doing amazing things since we last spoke. Now you're opening salons on south beach, when did we become such grown-ups?

It just happened you know. (laughs) Last time we spoke you were still in cosmetology school, we were both living in Lee County, you had no hair, I had the ugly stage dreads going on.

And now you're a big-time hairstylist.

So catch me up on your journey.

I just knew I wanted to be in Miami.

Doing hair is my passion.

Ge�ng out of the army, I had to do something for myself to move forward in life.

That had to be such an amazing experience. While you were doing his hair, were you guys chit chatting?

We chatted. In the midst of me trying to keep it professional.

And you also do the FoxxArmy and hosts events as well right?

I am a Miami Nightlife Host. That was my push to network and just get to know people and it really helped me.

So you're really the plug right now. I'm sitting with the plug. (laughs)

Ladychelle @Hairnurse | @Iam

And you did it!

You went for it and you accomplished it. I'm so extremely proud of you. We actually met on social media in a Facebook group. Then we met in Lee County and I fell in love with you, you were featured in the December issue of Ford Entertainment Magazine under "Boss Moves" when you opened your salon. So tell me about some of your cool clients.

I've done Lil Wayne's hair.

I saw that. How did that come about?

I know one of his artists. We met in the nightlife and exchanged information. And he hit me up one day and said Wayne wanted his hair done. And I'm like....So being the celebrity that he is, I went to his home. Like a personal stylist type thing.

1

5 Must Have Brushes

Brow Brush: An Essential Dual ended tool, used for brow grooming and shaping. The slanted side is best for creating hair like strokes to resemble a natural brow.

Everyone knows that make up application is 30% talent and 70% the tools that you use.

Here’s a list of five essential brushes to ensure a flawless face every day!

3

Pencil Brush: This brush is definitely made for Precision and ge�ng into the tight corners of the crease as well as lower lash lines.

5

Finishing Brush: Meant for depositing the perfect amount of power, leaving your face smooth and flawless.

2

Tapered Blending Brush: This fluffy Brush Head is perfect for shadow application and is useful for so�ening and blending shadows together.

4

Concealer Brush: Round tip created for precise and smooth layering transitions. Perfect for blending and coverage.

Big Man

U Funky Bish

We met at Salute the DJs in Atlanta where you performed, and you men�oned that it was your first �me performing, is that correct?

Yeah, that was my first time actually grazing the stage ever period. As far as all me.

Where were you with your music before then?

Put it like this, everybody knows me from Big Man Millionaires with actually my artist at the time, Lil Chucky.

Which is also my son too. Right now I’m le�ng him handling his career right now on his own. I’ve been his manager for a long time, but now I’m le�ng him handle his own business.

So now it’s the perfect timing for me to enjoy myself.

You took the stage with your song, U Funky Bish, and you had the whole room vibin to it. Tell me about that track.

With that right now, with the Funky Bish movement right now, to be honest with you, so far it’s me and my brother Trouble. Trouble is a Funky Bish. Everybody that’s part of my team is a Funky Bish. Funky Bish is more of a term where instead of saying nigga nigga nigga so much. I’m from New Orleans. And in New Orleans, that’s a term that we always use. “You Funky Bish, how you feeling?” or it could be “You Funky Bish, you owe me some money!” So it can easily go either based on how you deliver it. Before that, it was something that I said a lot, and I’ve been saying for the last 3, 4, 5 years so it just grew on me. And from there, with my son being in the industry, moving around and going on city to city tours and being blessed with everything that Wayne and Young Money Cash Money did for us. Music is a part of me, it just can’t go anywhere it’s gon be in me for life. I was raised and brought up into it. I was in a band, coming up ever since 3 years old. It’s just right now me enjoying myself.

More and more people look at music like they gotta gotta gotta, I ain’t gotta do nothing. All I gotta do is be happy til the day I die. That’s my guidance.

So with me enjoying music and me performing and things like that, that brings me joy first. And then hopefully

“music is a part of me, it just can’t go anywhere it’s gon be in me for life.”

everybody else who sees me perform can enjoy the vibe that I’m on. Which is a positive one.

And I can vouch for that. When you performed you lit up the room. Your energy just kinda made everybody vibe and paid a�en�on to what you were doing. Now you said you were in the family band since you were 3 years old. What role did you play?

I played the drums. From playing the drums I did a little bit of singing, even though my voice ain’t everything. A little bit of rap. But me and my dad, God bless his soul, that was our vibe. So anything that made my daddy happy, I did it. Because he always blessed me with anything I would ask for, he made sure I had it. That’s something he was trying to deliver to us and I so happen to inherit it. Me dealing with my son in the music industry at the time, we were very successful. As far as him receiving BET Awards, reaching a lot of accomplishments and meeting a lot of great people.

2018 just started, what do you have planned for the rest of the year?

Put it like this, we’ve only been doing this thing 5 months and look how far I’m at right now.

IG: BigmanUFunkyBishU Interviewed by Ladychelle

Yoson Tala I saw you performing at the Salute the DJs Awards and being in the industry, your stage presence tells me that you’re not new in the industry.

Nah, I’ve been around for a little while. A little over 10 years.

So in the last 10 years, what have been some of the most memorable events that have happened in your music career?

I’ve been on a few tours. I’ve been overseas in London. I’ve been to London for 6 months doing music. I’ve been to Sweden. I’ve been on tv. I’ve been on a couple of tv shows.

Tell me the difference between the music scene in London and the music scene in the United States.

It’s not really a big big difference, you know. Basically, they’re rapping, they’re making music, they got supporters over there. A lot of support.

They worship Hip Hop over there.

They’re real fans. They see the Hip Hop side of things. They have a drill team there. They love Americans.

Tell me a little about your music, give me the vibe of your music.

What can somebody walk away with feeling?

I’m a versatile artist so you get a lot of different elements in my music.

Of course, I write about my lifestyle, the struggle, things of that nature.

My style, I’ve grown from just talking trap now. I have some conscious

records. I did a real conscious record that was in a movie soundtrack. A movie called Call Me King. It can be found on Netflix. I also got a little storytelling to my records. I like doing records for women as well. Like an R&B vibe. I’m really versatile, I just don’t like being stuck in a box. I like to make music for all audiences. Pop, EDM tracks, I like to play with it all.

With your storytelling tracks, what stories do you like telling the most?

Mostly about my life, the come up, the struggle. Stuff like that. Things I’ve been through.

Incidents and stuff like that.

With everything you’ve accomplished in your music so far, what are you looking forward to accomplishing that you have yet to accomplish in your career?

I’m just trying to take things to the

next level. What I mean by that is, maybe link up with a bigger company, for some bigger distribution. Some bigger outlets, some bigger tours. Just taking things to the next level. Get to bigger bags to do what I do.

What are you focused on in 2018?

My main focus right now is my website, YosonTala.com which is also a store with merchandise for the fans.

IG: Yoson_Tala007 Twitter: YosonTala FB: Gary Talailiana Interviewed by Ladychelle

Jerry Indiana

So Jerry Indiana, should I assume your name indicates your location or would I be incorrect?

Yes, it indicates my location. I’m from Gary Indiana actually.

Same place Michael Jackson’s from. My first name is Jerry.

So Jerry Indiana. I’m representing my state with my name.

And how long have you been doing music?

I’ve been doing music for a very long time. I recorded my first song when I was about 10 years old. So I’ve been doing music for a little less than 20 years. So it’s been a long time.

Tell me about the flavor of your music. You carry your state with your music. So what does Indiana sound like?

Well, when it comes to music we have our own style of music. Especially where I’m from. Gary Indiana is like 20 minutes from Chicago. Chicago is very into the drill music, but I won’t necessarily say that’s what my music represents. My music is kind of different. I have the party music for people to turn up to. And I also got music where I’m talking about love and being and love or my everyday struggles. My everyday life. I feel like my music just got more of a message in it rather than just partying all the time.

Within those 20 years, tell me some of the memorable events that have happened in your music career?

I was with a group called Number 1 Playas, that was with me and my brothers. We’ve been in XXL. We had an article in there. We did something with CBS Sports, they hired us to do the intro music to their College football programming. We did the song, they flew us out to Pasadena, California to record the video at the Rose Bowl Stadium. That was dope. We also got a song with Frank Gibbs, he’s from Gary Indiana. He’s one of our homies. I’ve shared stages with Rick Ross, Future, Dej Loaf, Soulja Boy, Young Dolph, Kevin Gates, the list goes on.

So your focus being mostly on music with a message, how do you feel about the music of the now? The 2018 rap that really doesn’t come with a message?

I think the music today, I think it’s terrible. I think it’s not music to elevate. Especially the younger generation.

They’re talking about selling drugs, popping pills, drinking and to me, I just think it’s so dumb down. And they wonder why Chicago is the murder capital when the only music they listen to is drill music. They’re talking about murdering people and stuff like that. So I just really think the music of today is messed up. They don’t wanna market the music that’s going to elevate or motivate or inspire you. They would rather market the music that’s going to get you locked up. Or put you in a bad situation.

What do you look forward to accomplishing with your music that you haven’t yet?

More followers. More people in tune with my music.

That’s really one of the major goals is to get more fans with my music.

What do you have planned for this year?

Right now I’m about to drop my single called Traffic Jam. It’s actually available on iTunes but I haven’t market it yet. I got a CD I’m about to drop called Count Time and those are the two major things I’m about to drop in 2018. And I’m going to be pushing those projects. I’m performing at SXSW on March 16th. I just le� LA for the Allstar Weekend. I’m going to push that CD and that single. That’s what I plan on doing in 2018.

IG: StayFocusEnt Interviewd by Ladychelle

Follow the Story

Malik is friends with Prince. The season follows the ups and downs of Prince’s “party boy” lifestyle, which has put a strain on his relationship with Liz, his girlfriend of three years. In the first season, a violent brawl at the launch of his denim line – Roielte – sparks an intense rivalry with fellow party promoter Michelle Pooch. It gets good!

Season one of Love and Hip Hop Miami kicked off with a bang! And as we’ve shared with you before, Ford Entertainment Magazine and WhaddupTV were front and center to watch the premiere unfold, meet the cast, and anticipate the drama that would ensue. As the season went on, we couldn’t imagine it being this juicy. But if you haven’t had a chance just yet to catch up to the latest developments in the storylines, allow me to (re) introduce the main cast members and their storylines.

First up there’s Trina, the Diamond Princess, The Baddest Bitch, Queen of Miami and the titles go on and on. The first season explores her family life, including her strained relationship with her cousin Bobby, who is in a violent feud with her assistant Alvin. It also follows her her cousin Joy, who is trying to find closure a�er the failure of her marriage to Trick, whom Trina is currently working on a project with called TNT. (Which we’re all here for by the way!)

Speaking of Bobby, we meet Bobby Lytes. The first openly gay main cast member in the franchise’s history. The series follow his career struggles as a gay rapper in the homophobic hip-hop industry, and his cries for support and acceptance from his cousin Trina. In the first season, he discovers that Jeffrey, his boyfriend of a year and a half, has been cheating on him behind his back with his ex Malik.

Another storyline that leaves us at the edge of our seat is cast member Amara.

The series chronicles her attempts to crossover to the mainstream American market. In the first season, she comes into conflict with light-skinned Latino producer Young Hollywood a�er he criticises her afro during a business meeting. A�er confiding in her friends Veronica Vega and Steph Lecor, they attempt to act as peacemakers, however, this backfires, leading to a dramatic and violent falling out between La Negra and Vega. A�er Vega sets up a date with Hollywood.

We also get invited into the world of Gunplay. The season follows his return to Miami and his battle with substance abuse and the temptations of gang life. The first season explores his relationship struggles with Keyara, his girlfriend of two years, including his lingering feelings for ex-girlfriend Miami Tip. There’s also a suspected relapse a�er the death of a close friend.

A season favorite of ours is Shay. We met her on Love and Hip Hop Atlanta as she was dogged out by Scrappy. In the first season of LHHMIA, Johnson relocates to Miami for her man, Pleasure P, who she has been in a long distance relationship with for two years. She quickly clashes with his Pretty Ricky group mate Baby Blue Whoaaaa, before igniting violent feuds with Pleasure’s ex Gabby, and friends Chinese Kitty, and Chinese Nicky.

Speaking of Pretty Ricky, fans are all watching with batted breath to see if the group can successfully reunite for at least one last album/tour.

Recap by Ladychelle

Styled by: Jermey Image Photographed by: Jonny Pena Interviewed by: Ladychelle

Love &

“when you get to that point of owning who you are and you love yourself first, anything is possible.”

MALIK

I watch you every week, so of course, I’m going to ask about that first. Why did you decide to do reality tv?

Actually, I did tv my early years of growing up. I was on O.C., I was featured on MTV’s Room Raiders, they were invading my space on tv. I was around 19, I didn’t know what I was doing, but I know I liked the cameras in front of me. I always wanted to be an artist so to have that experience was great.

But VH1 came to me. I guess so many people in Miami was saying “who’s the hottest person? who’s moving and shaking in Miami’s social scene” and my name kept coming up. So they were like “we gotta meet Malik!” That’s what I heard from the producers. So they came to me and were like “What do you think about Love & Hip Hop Miami” and I was like, wow it’s a great opportunity, a great platform to tell my story. A real authentic story. And I can shed light for people going through what I’m going through. So that was my goal, to definitely touch people.

And also a platform for my brands.

And I know, even though you’ve done tv before, this time was a little different. Because you actually revealed some things about yourself that you didn’t really seem to be ready to. How did that come about?

When I sat down with them, I told them that I definitely wanted to come out on the show. Like I said, to touch people who are going through the hiding and the battling the demons, and battling things that people say. I’ll say it like this, being afraid to be yourself and to live your truth. So I felt it was the best time of my life. I’m 32 years old. And I was falling in love with somebody and hiding who I was. And it was time to just let it out. And it was a struggle. Every part of the show was my real documented life. You see the emotions, the crying, the battling. Even some scenes I filmed with my father, that may show or may not. But it was hard.

And I know the one scene that you did by the water, you were saying that you were afraid of what people would think. You’ve built your brand and for now to feel like people might judge you, it had to be such a weight on your shoulders lifted when you were able to say “ok this is who I am, accept it.”

It was. Jeffrey’s heard it because he’s been dating me. But to be there, and you see the ocean and its just the right moment and you’re just...it was fighting to be said and then the cameras are there...

“I’m 32 years old. And I was falling in love with somebody and hiding who I was. And it was time to just let it out.

And it was a struggle. “ Was there any moment after that was filmed that you were like “What did I just do?”

Yes, many times. It was more like, did I say it right? Was it presented right? Would people take it in and really believe my story and really believe me. And really feel what I was going through. I think it was done well, I have no complaints.

It had to take courage, which I imagine you carry through your brand. Now before you were doing tv and were this amazing star that you are now, what were you doing?

I was a fashion editor for publications in New York City and Miami. I hired models, hired writers, just learning as I go and people believed in me and I was a fashion stylist for celebrities for about 7 years in Miami. That’s how I got to be known. From being a personal shopper stylist guy and it went on to me expanding my brand which was becoming a fashion editor. And I was like, you

know what, I want to focus on music and tv. And this came on as a blessing.

Now tell me, you have amazing things coming up, you have a skin care line coming up...

Yes, I have a skincare line coming up, I’m so excited about it! I’m all about my skin and men skin. It’s so hard for Black men, and men in general to find products that actually work.

When you have the discoloration and the dark spots from shaving and using razors, we need that. Sometimes we buy women stuff because it works great for yall skin but men don’t have anything for themselves that they can call their own. So that’s my goal.

What are some of the products you’ll be carrying?

It’s gonna be a charcoal face cleanser for men, a hydration moisturizer, and a dark spot discoloration cream that you can wear during the day and night.

There’s gonna be a charcoal mask you can wear that will even out the skin tones. Just so amazing. I’m so excited!

So what about us ladies?

Women, I think you guys have enough.

Not fair!

You guys have enough. But it’s open for everyone to use it but I want to grab the men in.

On top of the skincare line, you also have a clothing line that’s also in the works.

I’m going to be working on a Capsule clothing line. Limited pieces, 7 pieces.

Just to try it out. It’s gonna go right into my favorite stores. Right in there, and we’re gonna sell doz and I’m gonna wear it hopefully on the next season of Love & Hip Hop. It’s gonna be great. It’s gonna be very much my style, mixed with a modern twist. Very refreshing.

What are some of the pieces that you’ll be carrying?

I’m gonna do sweatpants, of course,

that’s a big trend. I’m gonna be doing some sweatshirts, some blazers, some sexy collards shirts that you can wear to dinner. Stuff that is easy and that you can piece with other things.

I love the kinds of pieces you can go from daytime to drinks.

Exactly and this outfit you can stay in all day and still adapt to every environment that you’re going to.

And ladies too?

No, no women, only men. Women got too much going on. I’m looking out for the fellas, but you never know how I can expand so you never know.

So we talked about the skin

care line, we talked about the clothing line, you do music also. You’re just touching everywhere!

This first season didn’t capitalize a lot on the music, I did come in as a brand ambassador. They wanted to showcase that. My lifestyle. They were in my home, my terrace, you saw me present the bag. I’m gonna present another brand on the show that’s coming up that I rep. And I think what’s coming next for me is my music. I’m very passionate about my music. I’ve been singing since I was a little kid, 11. Dancing to Michael Jackson and Bobby Brown. I think it’s definitely the direction we’re going in. My music is

R&B Pop Soul. It’s so dope. And I’m a dancer at heart so, you’re gonna be seeing a lot of dancing from me. It’s a lot to look forward to. It’s more to Malik coming. And that’s what I want.

As we go on you’ll see more of me.

It’s like even though we’ve heard of you, or seen you on tv.

It’s like we’re being re-introduced to this new Malik who’s just walking in and taking over.

You were worried about the reception you would receive from people once they knew what was going on with you. Were you worried for nothing?

As fas as me coming out and people watching it? Oh my God, overwhelmingly welcoming! None of my relationships have changed. My access was not revoked (laughs) as I thought it was gonna be. But even my most masculine, straightforward, straight male friends, they were like bro, you’re my bro. We respect you. Even with Prince and him not knowing what was going to be said and his reply was love and it meant so much to me that night. That’s why I had a breakdown about that.

Let’s talk about that pool party scene where Bobby shows up...

A very shocking moment, right on the spot.

Tell me how you processed that.

I did not expect him to show up. I, of course, heard little bits and pieces from Jeffrey on who he was but I never met him until that time. And he had this big outburst, this big wall of energy and interrupted a whole entire party.

That’s why my look was you really just did that at a straight venue like that. It was just like wow, you’re really brave.

Now at this point, you hadn’t come out yet, you hadn’t told anyone, but now you’re caught in this triangle. How did you

“It’s more to Malik coming.

And that’s what I want.

As we go on you’ll see more of me.” even process that?

When I started dating Jeffrey, that came with him. Because I didn’t know who Bobby was. Never heard of him or seen him in my whole entire life living in Miami and being from here.

So to date Jeffrey and start talking to him and that comes with it. It was a lot to bare. It was a lot of baggage to say, am I willing to take this on too?

went out the window for him when he did that.

Why was Jeffrey an ex?

As I stated on the show, we began dating and I felt like I wasn’t ready.

I was young, I was And what was the answer to 22 years old. Jefthat? frey was young When you love someone and you have as well, and I was a history, you just try to see day by day. still running these We work with each other, as he worked Miami streets with me on coming out and finding my and pu�ng on voice and finding my strength. So how this perception of could I not take on that and see how we being someone could put this in a situation of balance. I wasn’t. As he said, and he was Now being in a situation where right. I felt like one person is cheating on when it got too someone else, do you kind of close for comfort, see where Bobby was coming I kinda bailed. A from as far as his reaction to lot of people do that when they’re not things? ready.

I think anyone who’s in a relationship would receive it that way. It Now, this new spotlight that’s would definitely take those charges on you, from this Love & Hip at somebody and how they feel and Hop phenomenon, how are you their emotions. Of course. No one dealing with it? want’s to be cheated on. Nobody. I walk out the house as my regular routine. And I’m in Publix and I’m taking Did your heart kind of go out pictures next to Teriyaki sauce. The to him, like I’m sorry this hapfans are just so amazing. The inspirapened to you? tional stories are amazing. I just hosted I’ve been knowing Jeffrey for 8 years a party in Chicago and walking into the so to see someone hit him, all my feel- club, and hearing the different stories ings went out the window from there. and even in my dms and they’re comBecause this is someone I actually ing out to me before they come out to really know and care about. So I didn’t their parents. They relate to my story. I think that strike was needed. I think had athletes write me as well who play you can walk into a room and have for big teams and I would never say who an adult conversation without pu�ng they are and they come out to me and hands on each other. I think violence say they are going through what I’m is never the key. And never the point going through but won’t say anything to get your point across. My respect until they retire. People are still battling

with this every day and they are watching me and some are ge�ng a little bit of strength but it’s all on their time.

So what is your advice for someone that says “I wish I could tell the world, I wish I could tell my parents?”

A lot of people say well, he did it because he found love and that was the right thing to do. It’s not always about finding love. You can always find that strength on your own. Pray on it, and just be ready to be free and be ready for the world to accept you and be proud of that and own it. when you get to that point of owning who you are, and you love yourself first, anything is possible.

Stay tuned to WhaddupTY.com for the full interview with Ladychelle

Beth

Name: Akinlemibola Temitope Elizabeth IG: Iam_bethh Location: Ondo City, Nigeria, West Africa

BEAUTY OF THE MONTH

For The Love of

Ray J

“Wait a minute ain’t that Brandy’s little brother?”

- Lil Kim

It seems on Love & Hip Hop, everyone is somehow linked to one another. This also fairs true for the singer, entrepeuneur, newly married, man crush every day, Ray J.. So let’s connect the dots and play 6 degrees of seperation, from Ray to Princess Ray J is the younger brother of singing sensation Brandy.

Brandy dated actor, entertainment news anchor, and all around Black Boy Magic Terrance J. Now whether or not Terrance J and his 106 & Park cohost Rocsi dated has yet to be confirmed, but there are enough evidence to show there were some degree of emotions between the two, as Rocsi one day stormed off the livetaped of the popular show because Terrance would not stop clowning her. We can at least say he was a work husband.

One rumor that does come with receipts however, is Rocsi’s romance with veteran comedian actor Eddie Murphy.

Not one to be boxed in, Eddie also explored a music career and released a song with the one and only Snoop- who’s Ray J’s cousin by the way.

Having worked with many artists in the industry, Snoop released a song with rapper French Montana who dated Khloe Kardashian for a spell.

Word on these unconfirmed streets have linked Eddie to dating legendary singer Whitney Houston, who had a very confirmed romance with mr Norwood himself.

As we all know, Khloe is the very famous sister to the very famous Kim Kardashian.

And as we all know, Kim and Ray J were a thing at some point. Ray J made sure to remind us that he hit it first on a recent song. As if we ain’t see the video.

Kim was once spotted acting very BFF-y on camera, singing carpool Kareoke with none other than the only other famous Kim we acknowledge.

And that Kim was rumored to have dated Boxing Champion Floyd Mayweather, who has a rumored past with none other than Princess who is Ray J’s newly wedded wife.

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Written by Ladychelle

www.FoJoPublishing.com

When Fashion is a

Lifestyle

“ I wanted to go on different path than everybody else. Most people just make up a brand and decide to sell clothes, just trying to make a quick buck.

I wanted to come up with something that was going to stick around for awhile such as Gucci, Louis, Givenchy.

So I came up with Vakauri Paris. Their names kind of hold their brands also as well as the creative designs. But the name is something I really wanted to catch people’s attentions. First of all, when someone sees it, they’re gonna like it before they even know how to pronounce it. So automatically they’re gonna stop and ask about it.“ - Mazayah Legend Andrews, Owner

Tell us about the brand. Did you start with one specific item or did you jump in the game with all these different categories?

I kinda dove in head first. I started with the t-shirts and started with promotional parties like yatchs, jet skis and events like that. And something I never did was gave away my tshirts. You never see Gucci giving away tshirts or skinny jeans or cuff links etc.. and I’ve followed the same path. I wanted the brand to be more upscale but still able to relate to alot of different cultures and genders as well. So I really dove in head first and decided to do everything at one time. It’s really alot on my plate but it’s working. I decided to make everything.

You’re gonna make your own brand, you can’t just make a tshirt, you have to throw in the jeans to go with it, and the shoes. I have 3 new pairs of shoes coming out next year. I also made designer bags, real leather, gold plated.

I do see your Vakauri Paris line has the scale of jus�ce, can you tell us about that?

That came out because something happened to a family member named Corey Jones, from Boyton Beach,FL. He was wrongfully killed by a police officer. His car broke down on I95, he called AAA and he called his brother, which is my cousin, TJ Jones, to come and help him.

He was shot multiple times.Vakauri really stands for a lot of different things and one of them is justice for a lot of minorities I love how you were able to introduce that into your line and jus�ce now becomes a conversa�on piece. Is figh�ng social injus�ces something you’re fully involved in?

There’s a lot of different ways you can speak out and do different things without being criticized or critiqued. Sometimes people wear stuff and don’t even know what it means but it can mean alot to another person. I get a lot of Caucasians that come into the store wearing the sweater and for us minorities knowing what it means, it means a lot. They may not even know it. But to see that is a good thing. It’s just another way to get the message out without hindering or going into a stereotype of your business.

How long have you been in Any advice to anyone wan�ng to start a clothing line? business?

It started in 2005 but it was First I would say, go all in. And also, just an idea. And in 2015, 10 the main thing I must say is: the years later, despite a lot of dif- name. You don’t want to minimize ferent things and procrastina- your clientele. I’m trying to live to tion. I just went and did it. I be remembered. I want my legacy put every thing I had into it. to be passed down to my kids. www.Vakarui.com

Your journey started when you decided to come out and share with the world that you had HIV. And you shared it in a video. At that moment did you know you wanted to take your experience and use it to advocate and become this spokesperson? Or were you just sharing your story with the world?

It all started with me wanting to share my story. Before poetry came into my life, because I wasn't looking for poetry, I wasn't looking for Spoken Word, I wasn't looking for any of that. I was just going to be about facts, statistics, percentages, "hey know your status because I know mine", things like that. But you know, art started to really speak to me and I needed a way to express myself to not only captivate people but change them and if they didn't get it, be comfortable enough to have a conversation with me. So that's all I wanted.

But then it grew into this big huge ginormous stage a�er stage, mic a�er mic, test a�er test, outreach a�er outreach, speaking engagement a�er speaking engagement and it was just like "I can't stop now!"

Which brings me to your work now, you work in the field now where you have direct contact with people based on the work that you've put in. You've just celebrated a milestone at your job correct?

Yes, yes, I've been at my job which is CAN Community Health, which is a 501(c) Nonprofit organization

A conversation with

Miss Mikey

that serves people living with HIV like myself. As a peer navigator, I am the only person in that building that really knows what that person is going through as far as taking their medicine every single day. That constant reminder. And really helping them cope. If I don't have the answers, to be able to provide them with the resources for those answers. Whether I'm the middleman, whether I'm the front man, it doesn't matter. If I have to push you I will, if I have to pull you I will, but I'd much rather you be in this with me so let's walk side by side.

That's what I do at my job. And I'm humble really, because I don't know how I graduated high school, I don't have a college degree, I don't have the best track record with people because my verbiage has not always been like this.

Let's talk about statistics, how real is HIV right now?

Florida is number in the nation for newly diagnosed cases of HIV between the ages of 13 and 24. I'm a walking talking living breathing statistic diagnosed at 21. So it's very real

out here. Black men that sleep with men, even without identifying as gay are 1 in 2 most likely to get HIV within their lifetime before 40. The statistics are real but there's also revolutionary things that are going on in the world of medicine, in the world of prevention, so we're trying.

Now in 2018, there's still a lot of stigmas and a lot of verbiages that are still being used. When speaking of HIV and AIDS diagnosis, there's still a lot of negative stigmas. And the advocates are doing a great job educating people on what to say and not to say to avoid being offensive.

But I feel like, on the other side of that, people who aren't living in that world are not going to automatically know what's appropriate to say. There needs to be acceptance and education on both sides.

That's with anybody. Whether an HIV diagnosis or if you're saying "hey, White people aren't supposed to say the N-word", and I could be like "I could say whatever I want to, they say it in a song!" True enough, people aren't googling and checking to see what's appropriate to say or how to approach people. That's like saying someone is "Transgendered", that's like saying you want you fish blackened? Like, your fish was raw now you want it blackened. So you're actually changing ,whereas Trans people were Trans from the get-go. So there was no change there.

What are some other things that people are saying that we need to cut out?

Full blown AIDS. When do you have half blown AIDS? And what's the marker for quarter AIDS? AIDS is a diagnosis and in order to get AIDS one must be diagnosed with HIV. So language like that. And also people first language. It's more so like "Oh, I'm an HIV positive man". Why are you putting my diagnosis before my identity?

I'm a man living with HIV. So people first language.

What are some misconceptions about people living with HIV? Oh, you know, you shoot up dope. If you're a man living with HIV you're gay. Even though statistics show gay men are disproportionately more affected then straight men, but there are straight men living with HIV. Or if you're a woman living with HIV, you're a slut, you're a whore, you're this, you're that, you're unlovable, you're disgusting, you're a second-class citizen basically. Just because of a diagnosis that could have been a mistake or could have been a behavior that put you at risk.

Now there are a lot of misconceptions of people living with HIV, what are you guys doing on the advocacy side to change perceptions?

Teaching people language, teaching people the proper verbiage, and letting people know hey, we're still sexy, we're still lovable, we're still able to have a full life of love, romance and erotica, we just have to go about it in different ways and routines because of our living situations because of our diagnosis. Even though medicine does allow us to live longer and fuller lives.

Now, I feel like there runs a risk of glamorizing the disease when advocates show that they are able to live fuller lives despite their diagnosis as if it's no big deal.

Absolutely, I would never glamourize being diagnosed with HIV because I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. I was diagnosed with HIV and my life change. My life absolutely did change. I decided to allow it to change for the better because of my advocacy.

When I do things like my nude photoshoot where I was showing dare to bare all, showing I'm still human and still living in this skin and another project I've been working on is unlovable, in regards to words and things that have been attached to me because of my diagnosis when you don't even know me. So that's why with me, and how I live with HIV, oh, I'm still that bitch! But I'm not that bitch because I have HIV. I'm making HIV work for me.

That's the perfect medium, to show that yes you can live with HIV and it's not a death sentence, but there's no glamour to it.

That's one thing, people will get tested, know their status and not take their medicine because they think it's not what it was. No, it's not what it was if you're on treatment. Treatment has far surpassed what it once was.

I'm here, living 5 years diagnosed, I know people living 20 years, because of how medicine has progressed, giving us longevity, and again I'm never going to glamourize being diagnosed with HIV because that's not something that's "don't worry it will be ok." It will be ok, but by law, you have to disclose your status, and you're going to hear these things, you have to take medicine every single day at the same time for the rest of your life.

Tune in to www.Whadduptv.com for the full conversation between Miss Mikey & Ladychelle

“how I live with HIV, oh, I’m still that bitch! But I’m not that bitch because I have HIV. I’m making HIV work for me.”

10 Signs You’ve Got

A Real One

By Ladychelle

1. He treats his mother like a queen.

5.

That’s his 1st love, he caters to her, He mentors you spiritually. listens to her and spoils her. Showers We all could use encouragement her with love and respects her for the and spiritual guidance as we navigate queen that she is and shows admira- through life. That’s why churches are �on for her posi�on in his life. so popular. To have someone who you can go to with those deep, what is the meaning of life, type ques�ons You can tell him everything. is a phenomenal feeling.

Your real one listens, really listens.

8.He makes you feel like

Beyonce.

Whether or not you’re a fan, you can’t deny Beyonce is on top of the world. She’s beau�ful, talented, classy and all those other amazing adjec�ves. You need someone who makes you feel To your dreams, your fears, your all that and more. Not just He’s honest and loyal. worries, your bad jokes. physically, but someone who In all aspects of his life.

He’s your besfriend. makes you feel like a genius, a Not just with you. Someone who queen, a vixen, and a hustler .You have above everything else, doesn’t spare your feelings with lies to keep him in the green with you, but all in one. That encouragement a genuine friendship. is enough juice to make you someone who will respect you Someone you conquer a country. with the truth. can completely be yourself around Someone you can measure because you know without a shadow your growth with. of a doubt that, flaws and all, .He’s driven and ambi�ous.

It’s such a beau�ful journey to they adore you.

That’s the person you want in your be able to look back and crecorner if you’re trying to build a He guides you. future. Because you need someone ate a �meline of your personal growth and be able to look at Whether it’s though a trivial issue who can take the driver side while someone and appreciate them like your favorite show on tv ending you ride passenger and vice versa. holding your hand thru that or something as major as coping You don’t want someone who is set trip. In order for there to be with the death of a family member. apart from your movement. progress, you need a progresHe’s there not only to listen, but to You want someone you can sion of some sorts. offer guidance and wisdom. run the movement with.

Specifically one you Be that voice of reason who you can can measure. just close your eyes and follow the sound of his voice out of the fog.

He treats you like a princess, respects you as a queen and f*cks you like a peasant. Enough said.

2.

6.

3

9.

7

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10.

Nipsey Hustle Victory Lap

Blac Youngsta 223

Ralo

Diary of the Streets 3

Various Artists Black Panther

Tyga Kyoto

Young Dolph Niggas Get Shot Everyday

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Black Rock

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