14 minute read
Chyna Kystelle
CHYNA
Advertisement
KRYSTELLE
I grew up being known as a Pastor’s kid. I got tired of being known for just that. People would know me in a distance because of how I dressed and it always got back to my dad. I’ve always dressed weirdly ever since high school. When I got to college, I started
Chyna Krystelle
since high school. When I got to college, I started expressing myself more. Fashion has always been an outlet for me. It makes me feel like I can be whoever, whenever I wanted to. People would compliment me about how I dress and told me I should start modeling. That’s where the model in me was born. I’ve always been shy but it’s my way of stepping outta my comfort zone. And this was the birth of “YourFavNoLabel.” (2007) Because I was tied of being labeled as a PK or Weird or whatever, so I just didn’t want to be labeled anymore. There’s so much more to me than anyone could ever fathom and I way more than I could ever be labeled. Don’t put in a box. I never knew how much of an Inspiration I am and could be to people. How much I made them feel comfortable just by showing my true unfiltered self. I wanted to make others feel the way I felt about myself, The wardrobe stylist and fashion consultant was given life. Ever since then, I’ve branded myself to help others realize their potential in life and to show them that there are no boundaries or limits to what you can achieve. I was born and raised in Charleston, SC. I’m a United States Air Force Veteran. I am a Model, Wardrobe/Fashion Stylist and Consultant, Brand Ambassador, Artist Manager, Editor in Chief of Geechee One Magazine, Owner & CEO of Fresh Vintage Apparel and Customs, a Photographer, Radio Personality, and Host. I also play the Piano and Drums.
C, LGBTQ ACTIVIST, ACTOR and DJ... AIKO FINESSE Herbert, a South Carolinian has been captivating audiences since the tender age of twelve. Born August 1, 1987, Aiko did not feel as though he fit in with other kids. He was often teased and bullied on his appearance and the darkness of his skin. All the topsy-turvy emotions sent Aiko to an uncomfortable place as he began to suffer from headaches that soon led to anger issues. Worried about how the peer pressure was affecting Aiko, his family decided to place him in therapy sessions several times a week. During his 4th grade year, his school guidance counselor gave him a suggestion…, " When you begin to feel angry, upset, or sad, I want you to write your feelings on a piece of paper and once you have written down all of the things that anger you, throw the note paper away." Instead, Aiko kept every single one of those “anger notes” that he'd written and began to use them to make his way out of that dark place. Those thoughts were soon channeled into the lyrical phenomenon that he is today… A fortunate gift uprooted by unfortunate circumstances. Aiko’s lyrics tell the story of an unhappy child who grew to be a troubled teen that later became a well sought after disc jockey. Words of life is revealed through personal events, poetry, spoken words and music. This artist is well on the way to superstardom. In 2008, Aiko attended the Art Institute of Atlanta too study music and video production. Additionally, this is where AIKO also grasped other aspects of the entertainment industry. However, due to financial hardship, Aiko would return home to South Carolina in the Spring of 2009, but that was just a temporary setback. Aiko continued to leave his impression in the industry and was invited to travel to New York and audition for the BET hit show “106 & Park”. Aiko poured divine passion into his audition that left the judges utterly impressed; dubbing his as the younger version of the iconic music mogul, Lil Wayne. Aiko has also won distinguished awards such as the "NEWBERRY GOT TALENT" (1st place for two consecutive years), followed by “BEST MC AND CROWD FAVORITE”. Aiko also entered the “Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Showcase” (ATL Edition) and won 2nd place. He also entered his video "Energy Cover" into their video showcase and won 1st place. Expanding his passion for music, in 2013 Aiko began to self-teach his self the art of deejaying and within one year, a new buzz started to swarm in his favor. Aiko is booked all across his hometown and state for weddings, family events, birth parties, and more! In 2015, he secured his first out of state gig at “CLUB ARGOS" in Augusta, Georgia, followed by gigs with Columbia, South Carolina’s only LGBT night spot "KRAVE". Aiko corded his first song "COLORS" alongside a rising female MC and videographer known as YPC NAE. Aiko is steady making a name for his self and this is only the beginning for this rising phenomenon. 19
I am a first generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. I studied the Spanish language extensively during my experience at Wofford as well. I took 21 hours of Spanish coursework, which has enhanced my knowledge in Global Studies and communication. With my accounting experience and Spanish skills, I am able to interpret, create, and assist with business financials, as well as being able to communicate with customers on a larger scale. Besides my education, I take my art very seriously. I started writing short stories in elementary school. I then moved on to writing poetry in high school and college, which ultimately led to my passion for writing songs. Music alone, has inspired me to overcome tough situations, as well as encouraged me. After college, I began to invest more and more time in my craft and now I am at a point where I am networking, promoting, creating, and sharing. I would love to come across more opportunities to brand myself in different places and network with people that share a similar passion for music.
KAMAL RUSSELL BRINGS NEW SAUCE TO GEECHEE ONE FILMS __________________ Aside from being the vocal genius behind The WonderTwinz, a group that he is apart of with his twin brother Kassah. Kamal “Nova Starr” Jordan has been reported to be one of the geniuses behind some of the dopest films on streaming platform Tubi. Movies like Trap Flix Party, Lilith Ball, Sugar Babies, & more. With his exciting new ideas, pop culture comprehension, & vocals on most of the soundtracks; Jordan has helped to launch Geechee One Films into a global conglomerate. Known by millions worldwide. You can follow Kamal @novastar.3000 21
Advertisement
BY AMELIA MASON Every year, thousands of independent musicians submit videos to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in the hopes of being discovered. As we have for the past two years, the ARTery convened a panel to choose its favorite from among the 212 Massachusetts entries. This year, it's "Slick Talk" by Kweeng Doll. Kweeng Doll's video stood out for its wit, poise and bouncy, irresistible beat. All five of our panelists — myself, journalists Karen Muller and Candace McDuffie and musicians Anjimile and Tim Gearan — agreed that nothing matched the originality of Kweeng Doll's agile rapping and genderbending look. Last week, I met up with the musician in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston 22
or more than three decades, South Carolina Pride Movement has been on the forefront of fighting for LGBTQ rights to live, love, work, and celebrate openly and honestly in South Carolina. SC Pride, located in Columbia, SC, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and its partners through educational events, entertainment, community outreach, and celebrations of diversity throughout the year. SC Pride produces each year Famously Hot SC Pride Festival, Get Lit Nighttime Parade & Concert, Outfest Columbia, and more. The Pride Festival, held in October each year on Main Street, is one of the largest outdoor festivals in the city and the largest LGBT event in the state.The mission of South Carolina Pride Movement is to support the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community of South Carolina; to celebrate the richness and diversity of GLBT lives; to educate the general population on LGBT issues; and to advocate for equality and inclusion in all areas of life. With steady growth through the 2000s, the organization took a bold step in 2012 and moved to Main Street, bringing the parade and festival into the center of the state and as a ‘Main Event’ in South Carolina. Under the leadership of Jeff March, now SC Pride’s longest-running President, the organization took great strides to increase awareness and attendance, bolstering numbers each year on Main. In 2012, the festival drew more than 15,000, followed by 25,000 in 2013; 35,000 in 2014; 50,000 in 2015; 65,000 in 2016; 75,000 in 2017; and 80,000 in 2018; 85,000 in 2019; and more than 85,000 in 2021 (in 2020, the organization took a year off due to COVID restrictions). Additionally, the Board implemented new events like the Aftermath, the only official Pride afterparty; the President’s Ball, a black-tie affair; Ultra VIP Lounge, a top-shelf experience during the Festival; and Outfest Columbia, a Pride-Month block party celebration. The organization brought megastars to Koger Center theater events, including Joan Rivers and Kathy Griffin.At a gay and lesbian community picnic held on Dreher Island in the fall of 1989, PFLAG parent Harriet Hancock worked the small crowd with a clipboard, asking if folks would be willing to march down Columbia’s Main Street in a gay march. An organizing committee developed, with Jim Blanton and Barbara Embick as the first SC Pride march co-chairs. The organizers issued nine demands for needed reforms in education, health, and civil rights—such as equal opportunity in employment, equal treatment in the military, the repeal of sodomy laws, the right to adopt children, and the monitoring of hate crimes by law enforcement. There were many fears at that first march. Though laws prevented people from wearing masks, organizers had clown makeup artists present for those who wanted to disguise their appearance. Participants also say there was an incredible sense of energy and excitement as they stepped out onto the street. About 2000 people marched the few blocks down Main Street to the state capitol, spontaneously rushing up the capitol steps for an enormous group photo, staking claim to a political presence in the state. 23
Last year on June 24, 2021 Southern Plug released our first annual Pride Edition of Southern Plug Magazine. This special edition publication featured LGBTQ+ musical artists Daya Carter, Creme Dela Cream, Wyteboi Kidd, & Lex DaBenefit on the covers. Not to take credit for anyone’s success or anything. This article references where they are after featuring on the covers of last year ’s pride issue.
Shortly following the release of last year’s pride edition Daya released the video for his already viral summer hit “Candy”. He also started to get booked all over the place. He has most notably performed and hosted a numerous of pride events and festivals. Making him undoubtedly the #1 LGBTQ artist in Columbia, SC. He also went on to release new 2 more singles, “Do Ya Thang” in 2021 & “Energy” earlier this year.Follow Daya at @dayacarterr to see what he does next.
Lex TheBenefit
The most noticeable thing is that Lex DaBenefit cut her hair. But aside from that she has went on to be nominated for numerous awards and event performed at the Southern Independent Music Awards in Atlanta, GA. Aside from performances Lex has also become one of the most sought after party/showcase hosts in the Soda City.
Wyteboi Kydd
Born To Hustle Media Co-CEO Wyteboi Kidd has lead quite a quiet life since being featured on the cover of our Pride Issue in 2021. She hasn’t released new music since her last hit album “Cashout” with JuOnTheBeat in 2020. Sorry that our research has yielded much to nothing about this 2021 Pride Issue cover artist, but if youd like to know ahts up with Wyteboi Kydd
Creme Dela Creme
Creme Dela Creme has been pretty busy since featuring on the cover of Southern Plug’s Pride Issue 2021. Releasing new music and featuring on track with some of the biggest names in music. Like the hit single “Bad Intentions” by Rhed Rich and the album “The Chosen One. Make sure you follow her at creme_dela_creme007. 25
SOUTHERN
OF THE MONTH
@c.caprii @rande.davis.5
Known for her Live music performances and open mic drop throughs, neo soul and Hiphop artist, Kandace Breon is a South Carolina native. With a soulful background in gospel, Kandace has been singing since the age of 5 in her local community church. There she was inspired by her grandmother and father who taught her to use her voice. Aspiring to produce music for the soul is something this singer/songwriter does well with her songs, “Goodbye”, “Apologize”, “Better Days”, and many others. This vibe setting artist has been working on many projects. Some involving the engineering and production of her very own album. Now Florida based, this artist is expanding her ground in music and pure artistry with new music soon to come from the album “HEADSPACE”. This album will expressing her live guitar talents and providing more grooves to hit the spot.
