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Meet Movie Producer

Melissa Danielle

Melissa Danielle FaMily business

Meet the incredibly cool and extremely talented Melissa Danielle, an actress who now is producing movies. She has worked on highly successful visual projects like The Hunger Games and Orange is the New Black, to name a couple things you might be familiar with. What is super cool about her is that she is my first cousin. My Aunt Donna, her mother would come to Rhode Island from New York to visit family. Back then Missy and her brother would hang out with everyone, but as time passed by everybody settled into their own lives. I joined the military and traveled the world, but always kept an eye on what she was doing. I was the proud cousin rooting Melissa on from a far. She would post these clips of her acting or teasers of what new project she was working on. She has always been very creative and just a beautiful spirit. A little of a year ago l had contacted her and she was in Puerto Rico working on a movie. The fruits of that trip are materializing as we speak in the form of a critically acclaimed movie, named Aurora the Movie. This movie has a bunch of familiar faces in it and is getting coverage from news outlets like Fox news. I love rooting for projects and people that may not get the attention they deserve, but when your family is involved, it makes it so much sweeter. I can tell this is just the start of something special, and Melissa has been grinding for years.

She has been chasing a dream and building great relationships. Sometimes in life when you are planting seeds you eventually get to enjoy the harvest. I cannot emphasize how proud I am of her and her journey. I can relate to Melissa’s story, she has worked her butt off and now her time to shine is here now. Do yourselves a favor and go see Aurora the Movie, it is in theaters nationally in all major cities and on movie rental platforms on January 27th 2023. Rumor has it that people are saying it is a holiday classic according to a correspondent on Fox News.

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Table of Contents

3. Melissa Danielle rising star

8. TRUST gang trust the process

14. Silk White Building a content empire

16. Benson Gillis Freedom fight

19. Movie review Creed 3

24.Foot fetish

25. Pac Manson Jokers wild

28. Travel reservation

30. Dime of the Quarter Princess

32. JuVee Productions

38. Unlabeled Awards unsung heroes

41. SUC’S DJ Gold encore

Trust comes first

This thing of ours

When it comes to real Hip Hop music and quality, look no further than the TRUST gang. I first came across the head of the label 38 Spesh a few years ago listening to a mixtape. Whenever I listen to 38 it is a transformative experience. I feel like I’m back in the 1990’s. The level of wittiness and matter of fact punchlines are very next level, but the thing is as a label there’s not a more talented group. Che Noir is as talented of a lyricist as will come across whether male or female. Her style and the way she delivers her content doesn’t just allow her to maintain with her male counterparts, she often tends to steal the show. She doesn’t rap about the typical sex driven things many female artists do.

Trust collective may just be the most talented and potent lyricists ever put together. One of the members, Fred The Godson passed away from COVID19 in 2020. Fred was so gifted it would take a person years to decrypt what he wrote. Fred was a different kind of gifted and shined no matter who was on the track. YouTube Fred The Godson freestyle reactions, I promise he will not disappoint. You have Klass Murda who can rap and sing hooks. Then you have Ransom who really belongs in a special category all by himself. His style l would describe as poetic violence. Every noun and verb are purposeful and perfectly placed within an intricately woven rhyme pattern. It is like a brutal and bloody symphony of sophisticated wordplay, that only a true connoisseur can appreciate. 38 Spesh has done an amazing job of cultivating and assembling a diversely talented group. He ha also carved out specific niche, and has become one of the premier rapper/producer/beatmaker. I want to shout out the entire Trust gang and not just the ones mentioned in this article. I also want to give a special acknowledgement to Fred The Godson and his family, RIP to Fred The Godson. A legend within our culture who was taken from us way too soon.

The Trust movement has grown from upstate New York, Rochester to be exact, to NY city to name a couple of places. 38 Spesh has built something so special that professional athletes like superstar Kevin Durant are shouting him out on public platforms. Rappers Planet Asia and Musalini shown above, show the diversity of the collective. Musalini if I’m not mistaken has another project dropping with the legendary producer 9th Wonder. Every project associated with or put out by TFC has been solid. I looked at 38’s growth as an emcee, producer, and executive and he should teach a class at Harvard University. Just like a real hustler, Spesh has many different ways to monetize his brand. He has vinyls, clothing, and other business ventures but everything is top notch quality. The limited edition hoodies are crazy and usually commemorate a project. What Spesh has built has taken a little over a decade to build, but rest assured it will be here a long time after he exits the game. You can tell a lot about drug dealers and hustlers by how they move when they’re out the streets. 38 seems like he always had a plan even before the problems would come. A hustler can sell anything and can take lessons from one thing and apply it to another. 38 Spesh exemplifies this to the highest degree. Shout to the entire Trust family and I wish to send a very sincere RIP to Loverboy, Spesh’s older brother. 38 always says he makes music for a specific group of people. I believe more people are catching on to his genius. True genius can’t stay hidden for long. It is just a matter of time before the world become in tune with a select group have long known and understood. As l end this article, my only request is that the Trust music collective keep motivating the masses and putting out incredibly credible content. As a person with a clothing brand it is hard for me to put on other brands, but for TCF I am going to break my own rules. It has truly been an honor to write this article.

Smooth as Silk

The skilled producer/actor Silk White is a native of Harlem, New York. His company (www.good2gopublishing.com) houses his best-selling Fiction Novels & films works. I started watching Silk’s content on YouTube. It quickly turned into binge watching a few series. Turns out he also produces movies and has several film credits to his name including No Way Out and Black Barbie. Silk has written numerous books to the tune of over 20. I have watched him grow from afar from producing content for YouTube, to having movies on Tubi. It is very inspiring to witness his growth because I was at a very low point in my life when I discovered his content. Sometimes consuming content clears your mind and shows you what possibilities are out there. Silk has been a fixture on YouTube with his series. His storylines are very similar to many daily occurrences that happen in the inner city. I know he’s destined for even better things and greater opportunities. He is one of the OG’s of the digital content game. There’s many more individuals putting out series on digital platforms, so I am sure the game has changed a bit. I am glad that his content is displayed on Tubi and other platforms. Like the name Silk implies his series flow very smoothly and are full of action and drama. Since I don’t like my life filled with drama, l get weekly drama fix from Silk’s content. He created multiple soap opera type series carving out a unique niche in a budding new market. I am looking forward to seeing where Silk takes this as well as seeing what new ways he will continue to elevate his craft and further inspire other creatives.

Benson Gillis Freedom fighter

26 years in prison gives a person a unique perspective and insight about freedom. Time is a construct and the most important resource we have. We often take it for granted until we lose it or we have a limited amount of it that we can quantify. Benson Gillis served 26 years in prison and figured out a way to make use of the time he served. His story speaks to a huge business that profits off of incarcerating person for cheap labor, called the Prison Industrial Complex. This business doesn’t care if you are innocent or guilty. This business model is based off of feeding the beast. Cheap labor provided by millions of low wage workers is the new replacement for the antiquated slavery system. Benson decided to learn the system he was a part of and educate himself and others on how to fight against it. The best way to fight the law is by using the law against itself. Benson figures roughly 35% - 40% of inmates don’t know how to appeal their cases. Their ignorance of the law and lack of resources help to keep the system not only afloat, but to thrive. Mr. Gillis understood the assignment by filling in the gaps of knowledge and providing a much needed service. Since being released from prison he has embedded himself in many community activism issues that plague our most underserved in the inner city.

Benson has been a part of very pivotal cases, like the Atatiana Jefferson case. He was on the front line trying to get justice for the family. He is also fighting for teacher to receive higher pay. Education is very important, it can be the difference between life, death, opportunity, and despair. Mr. Gillis is attempting to balance the scale of justice so it is not against “Just Us”. The 13th amendment set the stage to transition the US from slavery to an economically advantageous business model that allowed States to be funded for cheap labor. Slavery required the owners to be responsible for their workers. The 13th amendment enlists the state which collects taxes to fund prisons, therefore the courts are the pipeline that feeds the system. The judicial system can’t be fair because they would cripple the very system they’re feeding. Benson’s passion for fighting against injustice is rooted in his own personal experience with incarceration. June 30, 1989, at the young age of 19 he found himself in a life alternating situation. During a traffic stop for speeding the law enforcement pulled him over and started shooting at the vehicle he was in. After being arrested the police used a statement from Benson to aid in trumping up the charges. They turned a routine traffic stop into a 40 year sentence, resulting in Mr. Gillis serving 26 years in the system. For many people in this country justice has nothing to do with being innocent. Imagine being locked up for 26 years and being innocent of what the police accused you of. This is the foundation of where Benson Gillis gets his motivation from. Knowing the prison system intimately the way he does gives him an advantage in his quest for justice. Benson is using his voice and various platforms to affect change in the community. Some influencers on social media will have you believe that prison is a rite of passage, but that’s a part of an agenda to weaken society for profit. Prisons are modern day slave plantations that provide massive profits for investors. So the mere fact that a case like Benson’s should be considered a conflict of interest, due to the system being the judge and the jury. The prisons benefit from the courts sentencing people in the system. Also due to lack of resources and education prisoners can’t fight against unjust sentences which furthers the agenda. Americans would rather be entertained than to be educated and this is the heart of the issue. Because we love to be entertained we don’t choose to fight strategically by arming ourselves with resources to change our plight as a people. Benson Gillis has decided to evolve by getting involved in a fight most of us aren’t willing to pay the cost of admission to enter. Fighting for freedom is a full time job, it takes a person who has lost a significant amount of time and who values time, to understand that type of sacrifice.

Movie Review

The third installment of the Creed movie franchise didn’t quite follow the script as the previous projects. This was Michael B Jordan’s directorial debut and he did a fantastic job. This movie chisels away at the layers of the Adonis Creed character and his emotions. It tackles the classic issue of guilt of leaving the neighborhood and friends behind. How do you handle a friendship that suffered serious miscommunication and a difficult situation, which is the catalyst to both of your stories? Jonathan Majors is the perfect opposite to the Creed character. He brings a level of emotional depth and integrity to the antagonist, Dame. He was able to capture the rawness and the spirit of a complex character who feels slighted and entitled. Michael B Jordan was able to bring the viewer inside the ring with spectacular special effects and dynamic choreography in a way we have not seen before. He was able to deliver a great movie and insert his fingerprints on the trilogy without compromising the brand. I recommend Creed 3 and give Michael B Jordan four out of five stars with this latest Creed movie..

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Foot Fetish Air Max 2021

Foot fetish is a segment dedicated to shoe heads on future releases. This quarter we are highlighting the Air Max 2021. The design is clean and simple upper with a cut out air unit. Once I saw these I had to try them on, and then buy them. I went to nike.com bought them. When they arrived l tried them on. My feet felt brand new, with each step my feet sunk into the cushioning. I thoroughly spoiled my feet by putting gel insoles in the Air Max 2021. Some of the previous models in the last few years didn’t strike a cord with me like this model. The colorways were fun and vibrant. I haven’t seen the next model, but I am hoping they stick to a similar creative format. If you want a fun sneaker for the summer that is eye catching, look no further than the Air Max 2021.

Jokers Wild

Around 4th grade Pac Manson started playing Violin and ended up playing for 10 years. The violin is not the typical instrument of hip hop artists, but this speaks to Pac’s diversity, so early on he knew he was drawn to musical creativity. His versatility is what separates him as a performer, to rock Battle Rap crowds and live shows with old and young is a rare skill. Pac Manson has a uniquely entertaining gimmick, where he actually performs in character. Performing as the Joker adds another dimension to the depth of his artistry. Eminem is clearly 1 of his main influences, who performed as Slim Shady. Eminem’s Bars and Wordplay are a great template to follow. It also helps that Pac Manson has shared the stage with his friends and fellow peers in the music industry Iike Obie Trice, MayDay, Joe Budden, Trae, Lil Flip, Lil Keke, Z Ro, KottonMouth Kings. Pac is a mainstay in the DFW metropolis, and has helped in getting the spotlight directed towards Texas. His latest project will have production work with Mike Will Made It, Zaytoven, Tasty Beats and many more. As for the artists, Young Buck, Young Thug, Scarface, Lil Flip, Tum Tum, Rittz, Krizz Kaliko, Aaron Cohen, Ayo n Teo, Dizaster will be blessing his newest offering. Upon talking to Pac Manson in a phone interview I noticed his passion for the culture and the music. I feel Texas should have more real estate in the culture as a whole. The fact that Pac has made such an impact in the battle rap circuit helps to bring the necessary attention Texas deserves. He puts so much energy, focus, and detail into his visual projects. His music videos are more like mini movies with special effects and high level theatrics. He often works with fellow Texas visionary the amazing Michael Rashad for his visuals. More on Michael Rashad in the next issue. In our conversation Pac Manson really expressed the quality of his projects and the contributors on the projects. I was shocked to see the long list of accomplished artists attached to his projects. The collaborations speak to the relationship Pac has built in the industry.

PACMANSON

Travel destination ideas The Bahamas

Tropical island paradise, crystal blue waters, and friendly people are just a few things that can be used to describe the Bahamas accurately.  Walking the streets l encountered friendly and proud people.  There’s always a sense of hustle in a tourist area, as I crossed the Sidney Poitier Bridge l noticed the divide of economic status. The Atlantis hotel and marina are breathtaking visually and seem to be the economic pulse of Nassau. Something l found very interesting in the Bahamas were the vehicles, the steering wheels were on both sides of the automobiles. The water is hypnotic in nature. It is very easy to lose yourself in staring into the turquoise and aqua blue abyss. Overall I had a great time and enjoyed my visit to the Bahamas. I recommend traveling to this exotic island for a nice getaway. The Bahamas is an escape from reality for visitors to the tropical getaway destination. They are heavily dependent on tourism and have stunning attractions to drive belief home. The Bahamas was a place l have always heard about and now I am proud to say I can cross it off my bucket list of places to visit.

From The Bahamas with love

Dime of the Quarter

Princess is a fitting name for the next Dime of the Quarter. The dreamy California native has big goals and ambitions. When we say not just a pretty face, she definitely fits that distinction. Princess has her sights set on real estate, along with a few other lofty goals. She is a goal oriented, hard worker, with a never say no attitude. Looking the way she does I don’t see many people saying no to her, or her not reaching her goals.

It has been said nobody understands a situation like a person who has been through that situation. In life we sometimes are faced with obstacles that we are best equipped to navigate. In Hollywood, actors know the business and the politics within the business so it would make sense to create an entity to balance the scales in order to do better business. As a start up l can understand and respect building the table you eventually wish to sit at. Viola Davis is about as legendary of a actor as it gets in Hollywood, l am sure she has dealt with her fair share of bad scripts. Her company JuVee Productions established in 2011 aims to change the game in entertainment. JuVee Productions has been on a heck of a run this past year with movies like The Woman King. I absolutely loved the movie as l went to see three times. The next big project is called Air Courting A Legend, the story is about Nike courting basketball deity Michael Jordan.

The movie is packed with a star studded line up that includes Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris Tucker, Marlon Wayans, and Viola’s husband Julius Tennon. Julius is pretty accomplished as well. The production company JuVee is perfectly named as it both husband and wife’s name put together to make a powerful statement. JuVee proves that with time, talent, hard work, and determination big things are possible. They built a solid company with a diverse array of dynamic talent which includes Kaylon Hunt VP of Development and Production, and Andrew Wang Head of TV Development and Production. Many of the shows you watch or have watched this team had direct involvement in. JuVee Productions is poised for greatness as they have properly positioned themselves in the forefront of finding, funding, developing, and producing innovative projects. I also have a little secret to admit, Viola Davis has very strong roots in my home state of Rhode Island, so l felt the need to throw my support to her mission.

Talking with Lucy Lue

L u c S t e p h e n

Carol Dunkley better known as ButterFli Tia has created something special by giving something everyone craves, recognition. By being surrounded by people in the entertainment industry and leveraging those experiences and relationships Tia has tapped into a whole new world of gratification. I first heard about the Unlabeled Awards in 2018, through award recipient Aisha Hall. Aisha was recognized for her work in the community and her amazing business accumen. Tia realized early that there are so many people that play a major part in the success celebrities and businesses. She decided to shine a well deserved light on those individuals. I attended the award show September 5, 2019, with esteemed guest such as music producer Amadeus and iconic photographer Johnny Nunez. What is so amazing about the Unlabeled Awards is you can actually interact and establish relationships and business contacts there

I enjoyed speaking with celebrities and taking pictures with them as well. Every guest really is very cordial and accessible. It was incredible seeing how gracious they were with their time. Tia fosters a comfortable environment for networking all while educating everyone about these unsung heroes accomplishments. It has to feel bad to be a part of an industry for decades and feel unappreciated and invisible. This is why I love what Tia has created, because it serves a purpose and it shows gratitude. It essentially is the gift that keeps on giving. She attract awardees and people to attend the awards from all over. She has a great mix of celebrities, influencers, and other impactful people she chooses to recognize. Tia has celebrated the accomplishments of individuals like Jeff Deskovic, a falsely accused murderer who fights for the freedom of others in similar situations. Jeff is a great guy and works tirelessly for those who can’t fight for themselves. He was exonerated after serving half his life in prison. These are the caliber of people Tia recognizes and welcomes into her Unlabeled Awards family. Tia chose not to wait for an award show that highlights the unsung, she decided to create one and a legacy. The next award show is September 7th, and l plan to be there so l can rub elbows with people and be a part of the culture.

DJ Gold of the legendary Screwed Up Click

Atiba Caddell better known as DJ Gold of the legendary Screwed Up Click is originally from Los Angeles but migrated to La Marque Galveston Texas area at a young age. You can say he is a unique talent, being he started Djing at the age of 12. Due to DJing some of the hottest clubs at the time, Gold eventually came across the iconic DJ Screw. DJ Screw invented a sound that a whole southern culture was built off and still stands on today. He slowed the music down and simultaneously solidifying Houston as a hip hop staple in the culture. The S.U.C. is the Wu Tang Clan of the southern region of the United States, the click is a collective of some of the most skilled DJs and emcees in hip hop.

As DJ Gold puts it, his music prowess and swagger with the ladies left an impression on DJ Screw leaving him no choice but to add him to the click. Their mutual respect for the craft forged a bond and cameraderie that even in Screw’s death still remains today. The reverance the Screwed Up Click gets to this day is a testiment to the talent and the work that laid the foundation for a whole culture and transported a region into a global presence. Gold feels humble and proud to be a key part of that history. He is still producing music, and has some major projects on deck. Gold not only mentors young DJs, he also is still keeping DJ Screw’s legacy alive by opening up the Screw Luv Academy, a safe haven for our youth to learn about the culture and cultivate their talents. The goal is to open an academy in troubled areas throughout the country. When I asked DJ Gold about his upcoming projects and where we can connect with him he told me about a movie and documentary project with D-1 and Al D, as well as the clothing line collaboration a real familiar brand, Pride and Egoos. He also has some new musical endeavors with artist like Assata Storm, Jae Wae, TT & Pap, NaNa, That lady Tish, Starburst, Crisco Ice, Jhiame Sinatra, and King Edwards. The SUC musical OG can be reached at Djgoldsucog@gmail.com. You can be sure Pride and Egoos presents will promote whatever DJ Gold has going on.