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CONTRIBUTORS WRITERSEDITORS SPORTS EDITOR & PUBLIC RELATIONS PHOTOGRAPHERSPUBLISHERFEATUREDSTYLISTMODELSOurmodelscanbefollowedoninstagram@wearejerseydiamondzADSPILARSCRATCHRIVERMASONTREYBUDDEN ANISA FAITHCOACHFOWLERMEALSDJSoWavveyyMr.Q'sBBQERICAGOMEZSHILIQUERODRIGUEZAMOYAWILLIAMS HOMEPAPINODOPESTBENTLEYSCR3ATIVESPROPERTIESROYALSOULARSGRATIASARTISROSECITYSTUDIOSOFTHELIVINGINC.BILLIONBARZCLUBTHEARENAPODCAST LACQUAN SCOTT (COVER) DAVIDLACQUANDANIALKAMALEXANDERBALLARDBANKSBEEPAPINOBEEPAPINOSCOTTAMY LOTHIAN (LEAD JOURNALIST) AMBER LE JOSE WRIGHT, JR. MinneeTellsiTAll GAVIN KASHIYASAXONLESTERAMBERLE Faith Rodriguez @bb.faith 6 wajmagazine.com
INSIDE
Editorials Hindered by a Heartbeat by: Jose Wright, Jr. (pg. 25)
Pilar Scratch & River Mason
Anisa Fowler by: Bridget Papino (pg.63) Trey Budden by: Natalee Gilbert (pg.69) DJ SoWavveyy by: Amber Le (pg. 75)
Business Find me at DQ's by: Amber Le (pg. 81) Heal & Glow Co. by: Amy Lothian (pg. 87)
Giving Away Game GIVING AWAY GAME #008 by: Bridget Papino (pg. 19)
Sports Coach James Meals by: Gavin Saxon (pg. 53)
GIVING AWAY GAME #009 by: Bridget Papino (pg. 45) Opener Music Matters by: MinneeTellsItAll (pg. 9)
Cover Story by: Amy Lothian (pg. 57)
Shilique Calhoun by: Amber Le (pg. 89)
Features
Lovin Both WIthout Buggin Out by: Jose Wright, Jr. (pg.33)
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Following a brief hiatus of postponed album releases, canceled tours, and radio silence from most mainstream musicians, we have finally received some of the music that the pandemic kept from us. Recently, remaining consistent, artists have been releasing music that can be used as timestamps. Fast forward to now and fans have a slew of singles and album arrivals to look out for! Additionally, the summer festival line ups and tour announcements are every indication that things are about to really heat up! Here we are halfway through 2022 and we have already amassed a massive collection of new music and moments in music! As the weather continues to warm up you can expect the pace to pick up in terms of drop offs as well. At this point, there’s no shortage of catchy records from up-and-coming staples to bona fide legends. 2022 is shaping up to be a year full of surprises from some of the industry’s heavyweights, like Kendrick Lamar to Megan Thee Stallion and even Beyoncé. As “back outside” represented the biggest acts in hip-hop returning to the spotlight with highly anticipated albums, buzzing breakout artists have also risen to prominence in the game. In doing so, they’ve released records and albums in the same airspace as the mainstream moguls. As a result, the indirect competition has allowed artists at various stages of their careers to all shine in the same six-month spotlight window of 2022.
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Since, we’ve witnessed some hard hitting hip-hop albums. For instance, we watched the return of King Kendrick Lamar, received a long-awaited Future album, and felt the female empowerment and fire that femcees like Cardi B, Latto, Lady London, Flo Milli, and Kelow Latesha to name a few have brought to the forefront. Some of rap’s newer names had major album releases this year as well. Latto, fresh off the success of her single “Big Energy,” released her sophomore album, 777. Which showcases her evolution as she sounds much more at ease in terms of songwriting and structure than before. Although her lyrical abilities were in the limelight from start, she has finally settled into her persona as the quick-witted rapper who is equally at ease with romance as she is with competing against her peers. Next up, Coi Leray, fresh off the success of her 2021 single “No More Parties” and its Durk remix, released Trendsetter this year, dabbling in trap, R&B, pop, and more. Coi is more versatile than she is given credit for, and as she grows, she will continue to make memorable music paired with catchy collaborations that embrace her fearlessness. Continuously trailblazing talent through the industry, female emcees are still dominating as they prove that the ladies in rap and hip-hop are the real heavy-hitters. Overall, Rap and Hip-Hop pioneers have paved the way and have done a lot to propel the genre forward, but the future also looks promising. Over the last few months we’ve received releases from hip-hop’s heavyweights as well as new hits from rising artists alike. In addition to a few from artists who may be unfamiliar to some but deserve our attention. Do you need some new songs to add to your playlist? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for some new rappers and underground treasures? Tired of the mainstream album cycle? No worries, we’ve done the legwork for you and highlighted the best short EPs, mixtapes, and projects to check out. Here’s some of the best bangers and bars of 2022 — Let’s get into them!
When it comes to R&B, it’s known to be the most relaxing genre to listen to. With absolute insanity occurring on what appears to be a daily basis, fans are likely in need of some comfort music. While there haven’t been many mainstream releases, there have been some impressive offerings from a wide range of artists. In June, Beyoncé infused her latest single with House music vibes, SZA released some “new” unreleased music from her classic CNTRL album, and Brent Faiyaz released another teaser from his highly anticipated album. Take a look at some of the summer’s R&B riches!
With the summer weather warming up, we’ve attempted to provide you with vibes for any and every occasion! A lot of great music has popped out so far this year that really stuck out. From fire spitting femcees, to surgeon-sharp spitters as well as sensational singers with very differing styles, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. You won’t be disappointed.
Performances by some of music’s greats illustrated that hip hop is still a thriving phenomenon, and to up the ante, they had one more ace up their collective sleeve. Overall, Essence Fest revealed how much we all look forward to #HipHop50 in 2023. The weekend beautifully blended R&B and Hip Hop.
Remy Ma, Papoose, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Jim Jones, and Juelz Santana joined forces to pay tribute to DJ Kay Slay. Cardi B, Meek Mill, Coi Leray, Chloe Bailey, and others surprised us as well.
On the heels of Summer Jam, fans had the three-day Essence Festival event. During this year’s festival, Essence demonstrated how culturally and commercially important it is to experience. The New Orleans-based event was a prime example of many parts moving in sync with one another. With headlining acts like New Edition, The Isley Brothers, and The Roots, you might think it’s difficult to overlook the entire bill, but as the night proved, we’ll always bet on Black. The size of attendance amassed over the expected arrival of attendees. There were a variety of amazing appearances paired with their guests. In fact, after performing a medley of their most famous hits, Illadelph’s beloved live hip hop band brought out a few famous friends.
Now that the summer end is quickly approaching, let’s recap some of the biggest moments in music. This summer’s festivities were non stop! Making up for lost time, the city popped out to the Puerto Rican Day Parade, others attended the Governor’s Ball while some also showed up and showed out at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. However, a sizable crowd traveled to New Jersey to attend Hot 97’s Summer Jam, with this year’s edition being one to remember! The historically hip hop annual event took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and brought music fans the biggest names in HipHop from Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Pusha T, City Girls, Fivio Foreign, and many more surprise guests. Especially significant, this year’s Jam featured Kevin Liles’ fight to “Protect Black Art” which was visible through compelling and eye-catching T-shirts. Also, Young Thug made a virtual appearance from jail with a surprise message. Lastly, the show paid a heartfelt tribute to one of Hip- Hop’s fallen pioneers, the late DJ Kay Slay. Here are the top moments from the 28-year-old event that were unforgettable. Fivio Foreign, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, City Girls, Pusha T, Roddy Ricch, Shenseesa, DreamDoll, Saucy Santana, Drewski, B-Lovee, Dougie B, Nardo Wick, and others performed.
Finally, The Sol Blume festival returned to Sacramento, CA at Discovery Park for the first time since 2019, following a brief hiatus due to the pandemic. Sol Blume has grown into one of the country’s largest annual R&B The Best Moments of Summer 2022
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SHOP “PAID THE COST “ COLLECTION ONLINE WEAREJERSEYENT.COM
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ONE More people are searching thaninformationforonlineeverbefore. WTO The internet is becoming an popularincreasinglysource of information for consumers.
HTREE
SEO is short for search engine optimization. SEO is the process of improving the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine’s “natural” or unpaid (“organic”) search results. In general, the earlier (or higher on the page), and more frequently a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine’s users. SEO may target different kinds of searches, including image search, local search, video search, academic search,[1] news search, and industry-specific vertical search engines. SEO differs from local search engine optimization in that the latter is focused on optimizing a business’ online presence so that its web pages will be displayed by search engines when a user enters a local search for its products or services. The former instead is more focused on national or international searches. As an Internet marketing strategy, SEO considers how search engines work, what people search for, the actual search terms or keywords typed into search engines and which search engines are preferred by their targeted audience. Optimizing a website may involve editing its content and HTML and associated coding to both increase its relevance to specific keywords and to remove barriers to the indexing activities of search engines like google.
20 SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is often one of the most overlooked aspects of business marketing. If you’re running a business, then you need SEO. It’s as simple as that. Despite what some people might tell you, SEO is still the best way to get your website seen by more people – and that’s especially true if you’re looking to reach a wider audience organically. So if you’re not already using SEO to help your business grow, now is the time to start. Here are just a few of the reasons why SEO is so important for businesses: What is SEO and how does it work?
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- Brings in more customers through organic search - Creates a trustworthy web experience for customers - Encourages you to focus on user experience - Improves brand awareness - It can be done on a budget - It’s trackable - It benefits other marketing initiatives
You’re ready to take on the world with your SEO skills, but where do you start? It’s no easy task when there are so many different directions one can go in. The information is heavy and complicated- not something anyone wants their head spinning too late at night!
The Benefits of SEO for Businesses
How to get started with SEO Here are just a few reasons why you should consider leveraging organic search for your business.
The first step in starting an SEO campaign is to conduct a market analysis. By leveraging keyword research, exploring competitor sites and signing up for their lead generation content you can better understand the competition as well as have some strategies that will help grow your business’ online presence with minimal effort from yourself! SEO is still one of the most important aspects of business marketing, and for good reason. By using SEO, you can reach a wider audience organically and boost your website traffic without having to spend a fortune on advertising.
So if you’re not already using SEO to help your business grow, now is the time to start. To learn more about how SEO can benefit your business, be sure to subscribe to our blog. We’ll keep you up-to-date on all the latest news and information and tips to help your business grow – and we’ll also share some helpful tips and tricks that will show you how to get the most out of your SEO strategy. Thanks for reading!
A great way around this problem would be by taking advantage of tools designed just for developing an effective strategy that will work well within today’s market environment - such as Google Analytics or Moz Pro.
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Photographer: Kam Ballard Model(s): Sherelle Davis
IS LOVE A DISTRACTION?
JOSE WRIGHT JR.
There is a question I have wanted to ask myself at times prior, after my unofficially-adopted sister first asked me years ago. Do you think love is a distraction? That is some question to ask, isn’t it? Love…a distraction!! The idea of the greatest element known to man being a distraction sounds absurd to me, but just maybe, it could be a possibility…couldn’t it? When you contemplate the thought, it isn’t unrealistic to think that anything which shifts you from your purpose, is very likely a distraction. On the contrary…if you’re loving (or in love with) the right person, they will ensure that you’re moving in line with your purpose. That proper love which guides, nurtures, cheers, and encourages you won’t be viewed as a distraction.
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LET US THEN EXPLORE THE THOUGHT FURTHER!
Remember those work days when you KNOW that it’s going to be a crazy day regarding productivity, uptight managers, and disrespectfully heavy workloads? Do you remember how some of those days came with surprises? I have been shocked many times in the retail sphere at work, where on one of those days I know are crazy, they’ve either announced that they’ve given everyone a slight bonus next check, or they brought food that day. SHOCKER!! Excuse me, you did what? With some of those jobs I worked, I genuinely considered this far fetched. That said, when you’re able to take a longer break than usual & good food is involved, that’s definitely a PLEASANT distraction. Those people knew that food did the trick for me, but you aren’t gonna lure me in with your edible favors, buddy! At those times, we were able to go off of the sales floor at random times. It was quite interesting indeed, because if you’ve worked retail before, then you know that typically, employers will have your skull for that kind of action.
Distractions As A Duality
Anywho….. Introducing the divinely inspired, and ever-so-exquisite Fly Amzon Hall I interviewed her to extract some of her opinions due to her very interesting relationships which we’ve discussed, and I thoroughly considered her thoughts on this subject due to her many ventures, and the questionable dating pool in this mid-COVID, monstrosity we call a year! 26 wajmagazine.com
This go around, I wanted to call on the assistance of a really good, and very close friend of mine. This woman has known me for 20+ years, and has been a vibrant, talented, and firecracker of a go-getter since before I met her. She’s a plus model who has modeled for SMOKE Magazine multiple times, a former teacher for the state of NJ, a talented actress, a children’s author, and has a hair & skin care oil that will make the follicles proud, and your epidermis quiver with joyful sensations. You want your hair and skin to look and feel like you just bathed Zeus’ bathwater, then go to etsy.com, and yank two bottles of the Eve Gene Moisturizer from that bad boy. It’s flying off of the shelves regardless, and has entered the top ranks of Etsy’s best sellers. [clears throat] You’re welcome!!
I can only enhance it for the better. Love is stability, boundaries, protection, self-care, communication, trust, appreciation, respect, honesty, loyalty, dedication, & support. All of these components, not just one or the other-all of them are needed.
If one is not there, it is out of balance, and slowly but surely the rest will crumble. So with all these positive things that love incorporates, there’s nowhere to go but up and Whatout.comes
“Oh nah...time to go.”
I’ve actually left every single one of my relationships because of these reasons, more or less. I’m quick to leave a relationship that no longer serves me. Platonic or otherwise. 27 wajmagazine.com
In what ways does love affect the path of an entrepreneur, who has to distribute quality time between their craft and their romance?
to your thoughts if (or when) you notice that you’re involved with a person, who doesn’t have as much drive, ambition, or work ethic as you need them to (for both you and themselves)?
Q1: To the single man or woman, how can love become a distraction?
How can too much focus on romantic love deter someone from their purpose, or their career goals?
The focus and goals have changed: before the focus was getting your diploma and graduating. Now, your focus is on somebody who’s focused on something else, other than your best interest at heart.
Do you remember a time in your life when focus on love distracted you from a particular goal, or a journey you needed to embark on?
Yes. I found myself in relationships I shouldn’t have been in. I knew better, Sometimesaccountability.you
A1: That’s a trick question. Love isn’t a distraction; if it is a distraction then it isn’t love. Love is a support system, not a virus. Love means building up positive things all around you, nt tearing them down.
The goals have changed. When the goals change, pretty much everything you have going on has to change because now your focal point is different. That goes with anything. If you’re not focused on it, whatever it is won’t come into fruition when it’s supposed to. For example, let’s say you’re in school and you fall in love with somebody. Now you’re getting kicked out of school because your attendance is poor, and your grades are dropping. You get all that for running behind somebody, that really doesn’t show the signs of continuing a healthy relationship with you.
just feel like you don’t have any other options, and that’s the only person that’s serious about you because they’re always there. The only thing you have in common is your pain & struggle at the moment. All they wanted was to be treated like the woman in my relationships. I was always the breadwinner. I gave and gave and gave because that’s how I love, and made sure that all of their needs are met. It came down to a point where I was starting to lose myself, while trying to get them everything that they wanted. You can’t make an ungrateful person grateful… no matter what you do.
I would…seriously employ the Divine one if that happens. Your skin obviously wouldn’t be your only concern.
Surely your favorite love writer (by now), a gentleman named, Jose Wright, Jr. 28 wajmagazine.com
That’s one of the most important things you can do. If you don’t, you just repeat the cycle and hurt people hurt people.
The answer is simple…love cannot be one. If you are in a love commitment and seem to be distracted from your purpose, then evaluate yourself and your stance in that commitment. Find the root of your concern, for love cannot insight such a problem. Others may have an opinion that opposes that recent statement, and that’s fine. Swimmers have stated that sharks aren’t really fast enough to catch them, in comparison to the speeds of other larger fish. *clears throat* You have seen the movie “Jaws” haven’t you? I rest my case. Follow Fly Amzon Hall on @madame_crimsonInstagram:@the.eve.gene3
That’s not love, that’s control. That means giving someone else the reins to everything you are, everything you do, and everything you aspire to be, like puppet strings. Real love is liberating, freeing, supportive, and elevating…& if you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything.
Get on Etsy for the Eve Gene Moisturizer.
Listen, it’ll make you change the way you look at your skin and hair, effortlessly. Your mirror might wake up and give you a hug if you stare too long, but
Til the next time your eyes connect to these pages, be blessed in the highest abundance by the power of the Most High!
Recalling in your own thoughts what you have endured in love commitments past, how crucial is it for singles to go through their healing process, and not allow themselves to be available again for romance too soon?
Self-love and recognizing self love in other people, being with a person that knows what love is, along with practicing self love, will do that. How does one see love, and attempt to move in its purest element, and be removed from their purpose? How can love be a distraction?
Can one be so lost in love that they cast out their own identity, and it then greatly depletes their business ventures and productivity?
How does love turn from a distraction into a generator?
TIDE TOGETHER Photographer: Lacquan Scott Model(s): @bb.faith/@nasa911
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JOSE WRIGHT JR.
“Two heads are always better than 1.” Do you guys remember that line? It’s the idea that even though 1 person can do something well, adding someone to the mix is simply the better alternative. You have greater inspirational dialogue, a likelier comprehension of specific subjects, and so much more. Two heads are just…better than one (though one head can accomplish much). Well…what about 3 heads? I mean come on, the 3 headed hydra from Hercules’ story in Greek mythology doesn’t fascinate you? Sidestepping the scariest serpent thought up in Greek myths, what could three heads do…in a home? Is it normal for 3 heads to run a family? Is it natural to us as humans? Is loving one person actually the common function, or is it imposed by societal standards? Clarity may come for us all on this subject, but it is still subject to perception. Please read this with an open mind, and do not allow any potential biases to castrate your sense of understanding.
“Lovin Both Without Buggin Out”
(Monogamy: is it a natural instinct or social imposition?)
Strong notable point: There have been many men (unfortunately) in this era claiming they could be poly men, but simply have proven that they aren’t mature enough for structure. This doesn’t have anything to do with the craving for more than one woman. It is a sad case of their lack of self control. NOTE: even if you’re involved with two women, fellas, you still have to abide by the relationship involving JUST THOSE 2 WOMEN! Decency and order must exist in the environment set to Therecommitment.aremany
In regards to myself, I have always noted a few specific thoughts regarding this topic; 1) I get headaches from one woman sometimes. I’m not interested in seeing what 2 women can do to my stress levels. 2) Jealousy is going to seep in somewhere. There’s a possibility that I am wrong, but I constantly imagine myself seeing one woman getting jealous of the other. The thought never leaves. 3) Can I have a soul arresting, captivating, sensually dynamic, near to obsessive, skin to skin, mind to mind magnetism equally with two women? It isn’t a concept that is absolutely farfetched, but it also seems psychologically destructive to have to calm TWO women down in your house, instead of one.
3. How would you properly juggle your job, extra curricular activities, children (if you have any), business ventures, and then proper quality time with 2 people?
Biblical accounts exist where many notable names were involved in polygamy. In 1 Kings 11:3, the story is told of Solomon’s MANY wives and concubines; 700 of the first & 300 of the latter. Imagine the number of children they had. That sounds like enough offspring to cover the entire planet, doesn’t it? How does a man have that much time for all of them? Baffling is an understatement here-that’s a lot of women for one man. Regardless of what you perceive of the Word of God, it is something to keep in mind. Monogamy wasn’t as heavily seen as “order” in ancient times. Today, however, there’s a reversal of expectancy within a romantic sphere of influence. 1 man & 1 woman, 1 man & 1 man, 1 woman & 1 woman is what’s common today…just one. Sadly enough, just handling one person in a monogamous situation is tough enough, but that’s only because the self is far more exalted in society than having a potent village. I HAD A DREAM…THAT ONE DAY…people would WAKE UP and remember, that selfishness isn’t going to do romantically. Something Honest to Consider with a Polygamous Romance
1. Can you physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally satisfy one person properly, let alone two people?
people who claim they’re poly people, but have shown that they simply need to be single. Their desires of flesh cannot be tamed by order alone, if there is no intention to change, or their desires aren’t aligned with monogamous (or polygamous) commitment.
2. Knowing what it’s like to deal with someone who can potentially become jealous, imagine that 2x’s!!
4. Have you considered that there are proper rules involved, and a polygamous relationship is still a relationship, which excludes outside persons?
WHAT IS IT THAT FEELS RIGHT TO YOU?
What do you normally hear? When people talk about love, romance, and/or dating, the phrases you tend to hear are usually monogamous ones. You’d typically hear phrases like “I can’t wait to find my person,” “where’s my one true love,” “what’s taking my husband so long to find me?” Other phrases may include, “wherever my man is, I hope he gets sick when he thinks of other women (and vice versa).” Much of the phrases heard are of a singular nature, and not a plural one. It isn’t common to hear phrases of a multiple kind that leans towards polygamous cravings. Nature apparently seems to be more noticeably monogamous! It isn’t much of an issue to be polygamous, but there must be a lot more honesty and maturity in a tightened, thorough understanding. The approach in dating is difficult enough with 1 woman; blending 2 lives together doesn’t prove to be easy in any regard. Whoever truly considers the path of loving more than one person simultaneously, must realize that their selfless and sacrificial values have to be at the highest point. Being that I do not have tendencies that call on polygamy, I rarely dabble in the world of multiple lovers that’re committed. However, there are potential benefits that can be noticed easily.
• Easier chances to share chores/housework: Do I really need to harp in on this? There’s a large number of vessels in existence that aren’t fond of work around the house, so it’s a no-brainer when you consider sharing responsibilities between 3 people instead of 2.
Monogamy seems more likely to be natural in the stead of polygamy, though there are those who prefer to not be in love wth just one being. There are many more considered options, such as open relationships, but people truly must look within themselves and find out what is natural to them. Lust cannot be a motivator! Polygamy is not infidelity, and there are quite a number of folk who may attempt to make that line a bit more blurred. Once the heart is involved, there must be regulations attached, and that is regardless of if you’re committed to two people… or Beone!mindful of your choices in who to love, and it doesn’t matter how many. Religious context typically permits one man and one woman, but in the world we exist in today, people make their own choices as they see fit. What suits the heart is what shall be done! Be careful with those hearts.
• Added household income: In an ever inflating & inconsiderate economy, three sources of income are surely better than two. I don’t need to detail the difficulties!! Look at your rent and the price of food & gas alone!
A sincere message from your favorite, chocolate love writer, Jose Wright, Jr. 35 wajmagazine.com
• Lack of boredom-adjustment of quality time: When one partner is at work, you can spend time with the other (that’s obviously interchangeable). When everyone has an off day, that’s simply a recipe for a full day of fun.
• Added brainpower: In those seasons of hardship, challenges, pain, sadness, etc, there’s another being present who could soothe the others when there’s no strength found in them.
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SUNKISSED HAIR & SALTY KISSES Photographer: Lacquan Scott Model(s): Alma Davis/Joshua Jackson 38 wajmagazine.com
SHAPE OF YOU Photographer: @Yuqishan Model: @Carlinabrguez Makeup: @Luflores 41 wajmagazine.com
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Free game for newly engaged couples looking to capture unforgettable moments.
By: Bridget Papino
Are you a newly engaged couple in the midst of wedding planning and may be wondering how to choose a good wedding photographer and videographer?
It’s a big decision, as these professionals will be responsible for capturing your most precious memories of the big day. The right pair will capture your heart and emotions in every frame, giving you the perfect way to remember your big day.
What is the turnaround time for receiving photos or video footage after the event? What type of equipment will they be using? They only have one chance to get this right for you. How do you want your big day with friends and family to be remembered?
We have to make sure that we have a clear idea of what we want from our wedding photographer. We should not just go with the first one on the list. We should do research and find out which one is good for us. First, decide what style of photography and videography you prefer. Take a look at numerous wedding photos, engagement photo sessions, wedding videos, and even work from wedding planners to get an idea of what you do and don’t like. Do you want traditional posed shots, or are you looking for something more creative and unique? There are many things to consider when choosing a wedding photographer: price, style, experience, and more. Some people might be looking for a professional photographer with a high-end style while others might be looking for an amateur who can capture natural moments in their wedding day. Once you’ve narrowed down your style, start creating a list of photographers and videographers who fit within your budget.
Be sure to read reviews from past clients as well as check out their most recent work to get a sense of each wedding photographer or wedding videographer typical standard quality. This is an opportunity for you to get a better idea of what to expect visually as a result of working with that specific candidate for your wedding day.
The most important part is don’t forget to trust your gut! After meeting with each photographer or videographer, you should have a good sense of who you mesh well with and who will capture your wedding day in the way you envision it. Go with who fits best for your vision.
Another great tip is if you have a tight budget, there are many ways to save money while still getting an amazing photographer. You can ask for discounts or get bundled packages with other vendors like a DJ or Weddingvenue. photography and videography is a big industry with many choices to make. We’ve outlined some important factors to consider when you choose a wedding photographer or videographer, but we want to hear from you! What was the deciding factor for choosing your photographer or videographer? Did you start with an engagement session? Was it price, style, turnaround time, equipment?
Set up consultations with the finalists to get a better idea of their work style and what they can offer you. Next, set up meetings with each of your top choices of wedding vendors. This is a great opportunity to get to know them as individuals directly and to continue to see if they’ll be a good fit for your wedding day. Ask about their previous experience photographing weddings, what packages they offer, and whether they’re available on your wedding date. Make a final decision based on your gut feeling, as well as the photographer’s and videographer’s own recommendations. Finalize the details, such as the number of hours you need them for and whether or not you want an album or video.
Let us know your experience with what helped you decide for your special day!
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make your choice.
Start by creating a list of photographers and videographers who are in your budget
Choosing a wedding photographer and videographer can be a difficult task, especially if you are not familiar with the industry. There are many things to consider when choosing a vendor for your wedding day. What is your wedding photographer and videographer budget? How many hours do you need the photographer or videographer? What type of photography style do you prefer?
Narrow down your list by reading reviews and watching portfolios
47 wajmagazine.com My Ultimate Beauty Hack By: Kashiya Lester
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve noticed a significant shift towards more self-care these days. During the past few years, spending so much time in the house has not been the easiest feat for everyone to endure. And while some people chose to address buried childhood traumas and cleanse internally, even more made changes by caring for their beauty routines, to feel better from the outside in. Personally, I believe it’s great to see so many people making time for Tender Loving Care. It’s a common truth that so many of us feel better when we look better. But when do we have the chance to get dolled up, now that there’s barely anywhere we want to go? Social Media had the answer to that. Since we weren’t dressing up for gatherings outside of our homes, we made sure our “homey look”, specifically our hair and skin, remained top tier for our own smiles in the mirror. Skin care lines debuted left and right during the “pandemmy”. Online clothing boutiques opened at an even faster rate than the skin care lines. And towering over the product pushes were life coaches. Beauty, inside and out, was sought by millions. Now don’t get me wrong: it’s perfectly understandable for people to create businesses answering the demand for whatever is popular in the moment. Unfortunately, in our extraordinary times, we were able to buy, try, and deny products just as fast as they were offered. Cozy, in the comfort of our respective castles, we were customers-turn-critics in under a week. Very quickly, fast fashion became a topic of concern. If a skin care line had an ingredient that wasn’t 100% natural, it was tore down. And don’t get me started on the life coaches… Too late…First of all, I am a certified life coach myself. For me, being certified isn’t enough to simply set up a shop. I believe there is an oath of integrity that should be upheld at all times. In fact, I will shut down shop, temporarily, if I am in the thick of my own healing. I don’t believe in pouring from an empty cup. In a perfect world, everyone would be just as mindful. But alas, that’s not the case. In the midst of this exceptional season, the internet was hit with thousands of new life coaches, spiritual coaches, business coaches, and even femininity coaches. While I do believe there is a space for many of these fresh professionals, there are some that may have taken it just a little too far. With that being said—could someone, please, tell me what a femininity coach is? Even I don’t know what that is. How can any one person lead thousands of Individuals on being “feminine”? And who are you learning to be “feminine” for? I’ve seen social media accounts that encouraged women to be less athletic because “men” don’t like it… Ladies and gentlemen: we are lost… Understandably, I can figure out where these flimflam femiNOTs came from: They saw actual spiritualists encouraging people to embrace their ‘Divine Feminine’, didn’t quite understand what that meant, but had enough audacity to create a lane in which they tell people what to do. (For those wondering, every human being is encouraged to tap into their divinity on all levels. Masculine and feminine energy reside in all of us. “Femininity” that is entirely wrapped in the pursuit of man is NOT femininity. That is, quite literally, feeding right into the Patriarchy. You might as well sign up for grooming classes.)
Let’s pause right here for a moment: Amid all these trends, did you get in where you fit in? Did the routines and trends ease your mind during each process? Did you feel as if you gained the same 48 wajmagazine.com
I’m going to try to reserve my frustrations with the way my profession is being made into a spectacle. All I can do is separate myself from the sea of madness, which is exactly what I did. As a life coach, I focus on Individuation: the process of transformation from being unconscious, into the consciousness. Individuation is about healing the self, and becoming aware of yourself, so that you are, eventually, aware of others. It’s empowerment and elevation from the inside out. In fact, Individuation is what led me to find my personal favorite beauty hack.
I will admit, I hopped on a few of the self-care trends myself. I love a reason to buy a cute outfit, even if it’s just to take pictures while I relax in the house. And if it weren’t for Black Beauty Influencers, I would have never known just how important sunscreen is for melanated queens. Every trend that comes around isn’t bad, but as fun as the gold flake face masks, the hydrated skin routines, and fashion trends can be, we need more than that to maintain a healthy mindset.
results as the influencer who completed the routine themselves? I only ask because these are the same questions I had to answer for myself. When my answer to that last question became “no”, it was time for a correction. Since I’ve been around this block before (because, mindfulness… right?), I knew, almost instantly, what the difference in my routine was, versus the influencer’s: HavingRepresentation.anadequate amount of representation in the media, for people of the Black Community, is already an endless battle. By the time we get some form of representation, we end up needing a more detailed form of representation. Yes, we do need to see people of variety, for our world to be properly portrayed. We, also, need representation of all skin tones as well. We need to see people with straight hair, curly hair, coils, locs, braids, and even no hair. We need to see models who are tall, short, skinny, curvy, and oh so voluptuous. We need to see all human being, who are vibrantly themselves, and we need this so we can recognize all the beauty inside of us. While I remember to not overdo it on candy and fried foods, drink my water, and mind my business, I also remember to keep representations of myself, in my view, as much as possible. Yes, I will work diligently on my social media algorithms to make sure I see people that look like me as much as I can. I don’t do this from a bias, or erasure mindset. In fact, I do this to make sure my mind remains as healthy as possible. I can’t live a life where I, unintentionally, erase myself. We must be aware of everything we digest, including media. I learned how important this practice was back in college: I have always been a lover of fashion. I used to collect all the fashion magazines. Style and Beauty are, truly, two loves of mine. While I, unconsciously, collected these images from those beloved publications, it didn’t occur to me that so many of the photos I adored were of people who looked nothing like me. After a while, I began to feel bad about myself and my self-image. I recall feeling that I would never be able to reach a place where I am admired or desired. I realized that I was not liking myself much at all. Eventually, I sat with myself and figured out what I could change in order to feel better. Even now, I’m not sure what made me realize that it was the lack of representation, that I had given myself, which made me feel so low. Let’s just say that divine intervention stepped in. What I am sure about are the results. I began to make sure I collected only the best images, with models that looked like me. Slowly but surely, I grew an assurance within; finally grasping that I already possessed every desirable trait there is. This is why Purposeful Representation is my favorite beauty hack. Nothing has made me feel more beautiful than my own mind residing in that truth. My psyche can be grounded in this space of validity because my visuals confirm it again and again. Magazines quickly turned into social media pages, but the same discipline was applied. Day by day, along with intentional healing and therapy, I loved myself more and more. Yes, I love a good skin serum. Yes, I love a good co-ord set. But even more, I love me some me. Beauty truly comes from within. It is something you must embody, not simply provide. One can mimic exactly what the world is telling them to be, and still feel completely miserable inside. Someone else can choose to defy all beauty standards, but make sure to focus on their own physical and mental health, and feel like a million bucks. I’ve seen it myself. I’ve worked towards it. I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that it works. The number one way to become your most beautiful self is by committing to your Self. Digest as much water, and representation of yourself, as you can. Investing in the right depictions can make a world of a difference. No serum, wardrobe, nor hairstyle can give you the same results. After all, what’s the point of being all that they say to be, if you lose yourself in the process?
THIS IS 30 Photographer: Lacquan Scott Model: Lindsay Rawls Location: Terrace Plant Shop
SHOP “PAID THE COST “ COLLECTION ONLINE WEAREJERSEYENT.COM 51
DON’T GOT A JOB, BUT I WORK THOUGH Photographer: David Alexander Model: Location:@_.honeybear._xThePhotocoop 52 wajmagazine.com
By: Gavin Saxon
Retired Fighter and Professional Coach James Meals Provides His Insight on the Evolution of Combat Sports
When pushed to expand on the process it took him to achieve any level of success at the professional level, he began to expand much deeper into the evolution of combat sports.
Subsequently, that means an entire roster of professionals: fighters, coaches. trainers, a myriad of other supporting staff and so much more. Recently, we had the opportunity of interviewing one of those special individuals: the retired MMA fighter and current trainer James “Mad Dog” Meals Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona after moving there from Ohio during his adolescence, James Meals began his amateur career in combat sports at a young age during a time when the sport hadn’t really evolved in the way it has today. He was a big fan of Tito Ortiz and Frank Shamrock growing up and “started martial arts as a kid to get off the streets really, I grew up in a not so nice area and my parents wanted to keep me busy so they put me in Martial Arts… I was about 14 when I started competing myself and stopped competing at 27… My love is Muay Thai but I also have a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu.”
“There’s a longer process now than there was before because the sport has evolved quite a bit, they do so much more training than before. You used to be able to come into the sport and be really good at one thing and go really far, but now you need to be good at everything.” He also noted the more recent amataeur leagues that have developed which only further highlights the supply of quality talent and demand to see their fights and the overall impact this has upon entities such as the UFC. For those same reasons, he is excited about the future of combat sports.
54 wajmagazine.com Over the past few decades, combat sports have seen a rise to fame quite unlike any other sport. While boxing prizefighting series have been taking place for decades now, the UFC has instead taken center stage in recent years as the UFC has grown astronomically in value and mixed martial arts’ have become increasingly popular. While its opponents view the sport as especially brutal, the demand for other combat sports such as MMA is abundant and evident.
It’s safe to say, if anybody has earned the right to be involved in MMA and combat sports it’s James Meals. He has watched the sport evolve tremendously over the past few decades and will continue to watch it do so, and he will likely continue to adapt as he already has time and time again throughout his career. He does see MMA going a different direction though most however, “I don’t think that the UFC is the biggest anymore… Now we got shows like One FC and they’re growing a lot, and Bellator’s doing really well… the sport is evolving so much, and it’s so good to see other shows competing with the UFC.” Regardless, it’s safe to say he is optimistic, looking forward to the future he and his family have forged for themselves together. “All comes full circle… it’s the relationships, helping people achieve their goals…” he said, highlighting the importance of the gyms he has founded thus far in spreading his positivity while continuing to grow. When asked what he remembered for, he simply said “giving my whole heart” and brought our conversation to an end.
Meals officially kicked off his professional MMA career on April 28th, 2001 in a Welterweight bout against Shawn Upshur, fighting out of the Carbajal’s 9th Street Gym owned by esteemed boxing prizefighter Michael Carbajal. In his six professional wins he posted an impressive 83% TKO rate, likely part of the reason his nickname is “Mad Dog,’ but ultimately elected to hang up his gloves in a February 2011 following a win against Trevor Suter when he “realized that coaching was kind of more of my calling in life.” He was quick to cite the greatest mistake of his career seemingly when he added that he “never took anyone’s advice … and took fights on a few days notice… just because they needed ]someone] and I enjoyed fighting.” After multiple decades in combat spots he was ready to make a transition to coaching and was ready to instill what he learned unto others, and he knew exactly what to tell his fighters: “Be smart about it, there’s a strategy to it,” he told them, “especially if you want to make a successful career out of it.” He continues to watch the sport evolve everyday, and when asked about potential upcoming fighters in telling them to “build a foundation. Don’t try to train everything together… Get good at Muay Thai separately. Get good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu separately. … then you can put it together.” The progression he has mentally forged himself seems to be suiting him incredibly well in his transitional process. I asked Coach Meals if he prefers being a fighter or a coach more since he made the transition so effortlessly and he while was adamant that he loves coaching because he believes “he can coach guys well beyond what [he] could’ve ever achieved,” but was also quick to admit that he he still has “the dog inside of him” that pushes him to strive for success in fighting as well as everything else he does. But ultimately, as a coach, he now gets to train fighters at the highest levels and through helping them achieve success and knowing that he played an integral role in helping them do so, ‘[getting] and [helping] people achieve stuff greater than” himself. He admits that internal struggle made it difficult for him, but he clearly has already found his way in the realm of coaching. He opened up his first gym while still professionally fighting in 2005, but more recently has been celebrating his latest facility Driven Gym which just opened in the past few years and includes classes in all of the aforementioned specialties and many others including dance even. When asked why the name Driven, he kept it simple: “it’s a good word.. A driven man can’t be stopped… whether they’re a trainer, an everyday joe.”
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Versatile would be an understatement when it comes to describing Pilar Scratch, but it’s hard to put a title on someone who does it all and there is no shortage of titles for this maven, mogul and mom-preneur. Among them are fashion designer, celebrity stylist, best-selling author, and media personality, to name a few. Over the last decade, Pilar Scratch has made a name for herself as a respected and trusted entrepreneur, building an iconic platform, and now, being a mother to another star in the making, her son, River Mason Eromosele. As a business owner and a mom, Pilar Scratch lives by principles of Karmic energy, finding your own way, and always doing things organically and from a place of love. 59 wajmagazine.com
Her original plan was to be an educator, and while she did not end up teaching in a public school, she is now teaching others what she’s learned as a student of life.
Finding herself with a lot of responsibility at a young age, Pilar looked for innovative ways to make life happen for her and River. In her search, she says “as cliche as this sounds, fashion chose me.” Early in her pregnancy, Pilar started her clothing line, earning her moniker as Pilar “Scratch”, she designed her garments from scratch using whatever fabric was available, from curtains, to bedsheets. Early Pilar Scratch designs were simple, but iconic and functional and she quickly became a connoisseur of the signature high-waisted skirt. Having tapped into her niche for having an eye for design, Pilar turned her talents to styling. In 2011 she began working as a wardrobe stylist and built a clientele of A-List stars who wanted her expertise.
One of Pilar’s guiding principles is helping others along her journey. Ironically, the first person she has helped hone their talents is her own son River Mason. At just 11 years old, River is an actor, model, television personality, author and influencer. Guided by his mom, River is already learning what it means to walk in his purpose. “I feel like me walking in my purpose, led us to his purpose as well”, says Pilar, who first brought young River to shoots and styling gis out of necessity. Soon, her well-behaved baby boy was discovered and his talents uncovered.. “Pretty fun and exciting to see myself on billboards and TV,” says River, when asked of how it feels to be where he is at such a young age. He’s been featured in commercials, magazines, and countless TV Productions, adding not only to his resume, but to his playground bragging rights. On staying grounded, Pilar says the rules are the same for her and River. She plans on nurturing River into a leader with humility, gratitude, respect and never forgetting how far they’ve come, notions she lives by daily. For the future, Pilar hopes to continue inspiring and helping entrepreneurs like herself to organically build beneficial relationships and remain a selfproclaimed “Jill of all trades”. Her advice to others is to always have different means to nurture yourself, don’t limit yourself, and find your equilibrium and balance. For more from Pilar Scratch and River Mason, follow the dynamic duo at @pilarscratch and @ rivermason_. 60 wajmagazine.com
When asked how she was able to build her reputation, network and get the stamps of approval necessary to be successful in the industry, Pilar says, “I had tunnel vision-my personality, my charisma, being me, I went in with integrity and good intentions and ended up finding my tribe.” Becoming a stylist, let alone styling celebrities, was not in Pilar’s plans for herself.
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- Anisa Fowles
“If anyone can pick you up, clean you out, give you a fresh start, and call you by a new name, it’s Jesus Christ! If you don’t know Him for yourself, then when you mess up you can’t run to Him as quickly as he expects you to. God is a god full of grace and mercynot to take advantage of but to freely receive when you desperately need it.”
Anisa Fowler is a Trinidadian-born, now New York based singer and songwriter who has stepped out of the traditional gospel music box to create anthems we can all resonate with. Focused on the world at large - within church walls as well as outside them! Having experienced failures on every scale from personal struggles such Anisa looks for encouragement wherever it’s needed most: young or old alike should pick themselves back up again because “you’re not your mistakes.”
It’s Time For The Chapter.NextAreYouReady?
She has been an international powerhouse of gospel singing with roots dating as far back as six years old when her journey began. Her first single “Your Love” released in December 2014, was driven to empower listeners to remember and trust in God’s Love. She has sung across the country with many gospel artists and even spent a month in Italy as a lead singer and choir director with Elder David Bratton and the Virginia Union Gospel choir in December of 2019. Fast forward to 2020, Anisa Fowler teamed up with RNU records, an independent Gospel record label founded by Joshua Arnoux, which led to the opportunity for her to tour and travel while ministering and inspiring individuals across the nation. Her first two singles while working with Joshua, “You Reign” and “Covered”, gave her nominations such as ‘Female Gospel Artist of the Year’, ‘Outstanding Female Worship Leader’, and ‘Outstanding Motivational Speaker’ in addition to ‘Best Gospel Praise Song of the Year’. The two hit the ground running from the first collaboration and didn’t let up since. Also since the release of Covered, it has been rising on the Billboard Gospel charts and has maintained a steady spot in the top 30 category of Billboard’s Gospel Indicator chart since April of 2022. She can also be heard on your local gospel station. From Stellar weekend showcases, to C.O.G.I.C. convocations, to local, national, and international engagements, to radio play and so much more, Anisa has been making a name for herself and the new indie label, RNU Records. This powerhouse is here to stay. Her new EP “The Next Chapter” released July 15, 2022 and it is available on all major online music platforms.65 wajmagazine.com
I grew up in a Pentecostal atmosphere. Miracles, signs and wonders weren’t just words we knew. There were tangible experiences with all three. I’ve seen people in wheel chairs healed. I’ve seen cancer reports go from death to life. I’ve seen drug addicts put their drugs on the altar. And the list goes on and on. In the presence of God anything can happen. I know God is real because I’ve seen miracles happen right in front of my face. Not just in others. But in my own life as well. I will never stop believing In God, His power or His unconditional love. If you could talk to your younger self at six years old, what would you tell her?
I would tell little Annie to never stop believing in who you are called to be. I would warn my younger self that I would encounter some negativity and might even meet people who are against me. But I would say, when you meet those people just know they’re not for your journey. But don’t get off the journey track just because of them. Keep going. Don’t let others delay you! 66 wajmagazine.com
At 6 years old I was probably listening to Sesame Street songs!!! I always loved church and being in God’s presence from a young age. But I didn’t start listening to music seriously until around junior high school when I joined the school chorus. I absolutely fell in love with Yolanda Adams and she was on repeat in my house at all times!!
What experience created the “A-ha” for you to become focused on singing and songwriting?
(Text Interview) Take us back to when you were six years old, what were you listening to?
Growing up, what experiences shaped your beliefs regarding God and the power of faith?
I’ve had some some crazy twists and turns in my life. My default is to worship and sing through the trauma of it all. I realized at a very young age that there’s something special that happens - a special kind of exchange - when I begin to sing to God. I remember watching my mom go through financial hardship and her just singing through it and her tears would turn to smiles and joy. I saw that in my mom at a very young age and knew if I ever felt sad, God would fix it if I sang to Him.
How has your life changed since the collaboration with Joshua at RNU?
Follow me on FB and IG @anisaworships and check out my website www.AnisaFowler.com. wajmagazine.com 67
I’m working on a devotional. I want to give people some quick encouragement to hold them through their day. Everybody’s worries about vaccinations and boosters. I want to give the world a booster for their faith and a vaccine against fear and depression and everything plaguing our generation through the word of God. Look out for that along with music videos, short films and of course there’s always more music waiting in the wings to be released. So stay tuned.
Where can all of our readers and listeners find you?
RNU records has been a game changer for me. Tears begin to well up as I think how much God has to love me to allow such a timely and impactful collaboration. Joshua Arnoux is my friend and brother. He handles me with utmost respect and care. His motto is: “We NEVER settle!” He is meticulous, attentive and intentional. We are learning this thing together and I am beyond blessed to have the kind of support from a friend like Joshua! RNU Records is no joke! They are here to stay! I am honored to be their first artist. Your latest release “The Next Chapter” is finally out, what was the creation process like for you? My team and I reviewed songs we had all written in the past and thought how we could bring life back into them. But it’s like every time we turned around God was depositing something new! We’d send voice notes back and forth to each other tweaking melodies, discussing instrumentation and lyrical content and we just kept working on each song until it was perfect. We had 3 amazing producers: Brandon Daniels, Paul Engram and Joshua Arnoux. My amazingly talented friend C.J. Robinson did all my background vocals. Then we grabbed some of the best singers and musicians in NYC, got in the studio and it all came together with God’s hand on it every step of the way. What song do you feel hits home for you the most off of your latest EP?
As crazy, confusing, unsettling and shocking as the situation you’re facing might feel to you, know that God is not alarmed or caught off guard by it. He’s already made a way of escape for you. He’s already orchestrated a master plan to pull you up, out, through and over! Don’t take your eyes off of God. If God is allowing it, it’s because He’s already equipped you to win. And even when you feel like you’re losing, as long as you don’t quit, you will win!
It’s so hard to choose but I would have to say Covered ministers to me like I’m not even the one singing it. God gave those lyrics to Joshua and when I heard it, I knew it was the one. The funny thing is I had no idea it was the song that would minister you ME! I knew it was for the rest of the world. But I took a devastating blow to my heart when a relationship was ripped from me and then I realized all along God was trying to prepare me to acknowledge Him as my covering and not another person! It never gets old! Every time I sing it the power of God sweeps over me and I am reintroduced to God’s covering! I also really really love Do It Again!
What can our readers expect to see from you later in 2022 and 2023?
If you could give advice to the readers and listeners today regarding the life challenges they may be facing during this time in society, what would it be?
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By: Natalee Gilbert
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Trey Budden’s rhymes may be grounded in confidentiality, but We Are Jersey Magazine’s Little Ms. Jersey was able to hear more about his artistic direction and what it’s like to be a natural child prodigy. During their interview, they spoke about their views on the New Jersey music scene and hip-hop as a whole.
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Budden, the son of hip-hop legend Joe Budden, also opened up about his day-to-day life, his motivators, and how he handles the pressure of being in the spotlight. He told Little Ms. Jersey: “Growing up, my music wasn’t what it could’ve been. I was focused on things around me and how others would receive them. But after deep thought, I’m like, ‘Yo, at the end of the day, if I rap for me, whoever comes is going to come.’ So now, I’m making songs I’m happier with. It took me a while, but I’m here.” Trey, who puts full transparency at the forefront of his rhymes, grew a passion for rapping after discovering his love for writing in high school. The Jersey City native’s way with words ultimately led him and a group of his friends to form a rap group. Eventually, everything came into place. Seeing that hip-hop excellence runs in the Treynaturallycomesrappingfamily,toBudden.
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In terms of his lyrical context, he defines it as literally putting what he’s gone through on paper. Sonically, Trey mixes grit with consciousness. Since he’s from the Garden State, Little Ms. Jersey asked for his opinion on its music industry. Elsewhere, she asked Trey how the New Jersey artists could dominate the charts as one. He notes that New Jersey is doing their thing and are sonically diverse. However, the rapper believes the New Jersey music scene could go further if they worked together.
Later, Trey Budden and Little Ms. Jersey touched on the conspiracy behind “Thoughts After The Courtroom.” Following its release in 2018, media personalities like DJ Akademiks alleged it was a diss track against his father. But, Trey set the record straight about what the song was really about. In reality, “Thoughts After The Courtroom” was a song for Trey to unveil what he was going through. It was ultimately supposed to paint a realistic picture of his life. The “Forever” spitter is set to drop his project Mama’s Boy soon. He’s been working on it for around three to four years. Given this fact, we can presume that the “all or nothing” mentality is something Trey follows religiously.
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DJ SoWavveyy can maneuver in any room you put him in. His fanbase originated in Central Jersey when he first started and has expanded across the tri-state area since then. We Are Jersey managed to catch up with him during the summer season as he’s traveling along the East Coast and leaving his footprints everywhere he spins.
Where were you born and raised?
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The funny thing is I never actually wanted to be a DJ or saw myself as a DJ. In college, there was a senior who was the go-to DJ on campus, DJ Dullay, and he was looking for someone to take over as his replacement. I had already made mixes and my roommate, Kasuan, told him I was a DJ which was a lie. Next thing I knew, I was DJing with DJ Dullay. I had no equipment at the time, but the rest was history, people were booking me. Way before that on my 13th birthday, my older cousin gifted me a pair of Technic 1200’s turntables. Ironically they gathered dust for another 5-6 years after that until I saved enough money to get everything else I needed. I’m a huge person on signs, manifestation, and purpose. That gift of the turntables 13 years ago was a sign for me to be a DJ at some point in my life. I believe we all serve a purpose on this earth and one of my purposes is to connect with individuals through music.
I’m a New Jersey native born and raised, Keyport, New Jersey to be exact. Describe your upbringing. My upbringing was definitely unique, but also amazing and ultimately made me who I am today. Life started off very simple; in a loving home with my Mom, Dad, three sisters and brother. Eventually, like all things, the simplicity came to an end. My parents separated and ultimately my younger sister and I continued to live with my dad in Keyport. Life in Keyport is unique to say the least. It’s one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone and everyone knows who my dad is, which came with a lot of pressure to make sure I'm living up to his standards. My dad is a no-nonsense type of man and he's tough on us, but there was and still is a lot of love behind everything he does. My siblings and I always had everything we ever needed from our parents, including the support and the destiny to make the most out of ourselves. When did you first fall in love with music?
Music has been a love of mine for as long as I can remember. I remember being fascinated with DJ-like toys and turntables as a kid. In a nutshell, I knew my life would revolve around music in some way, shape or form. Growing up, my parents would blast music in the mornings throughout the house while we cleaned. We listened to all types of music varying from all genres and decades. Anything from Michael Jackson to the Jungle Brothers and Chaka Khan. That’s really where my love for different genres of music came from and my knowledge. I can recall so perfectly being 3 or 4 years old with a KC & Jojo CD, bumping it in my room. I’ve always been an old soul so my love for music was destined for sure.
When was the moment you knew you wanted to start DJ’ing?
Advice for anybody trying to build up their DJ career. Study the art! Don’t do it for the fame, clout or the look. Your career will not last long at all. Really study the art of music and the art of a DJ. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Be yourself; give your sound and brand its own flavor and you’ll be great. 78 wajmagazine.com
What do you want your legacy to be?
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Honestly, I don’t have a favorite format. Music is art and art is feeling. Whatever I’m feeling that day, I flow with it. I’m not the type of person who gets sad listening to sad or slow songs. I can listen to R&B in the gym and be happy as can be. I think all music is beautiful and I allow it to make me feel different ways, constantly expanding my horizon.
If I had to single one person out, I would choose my dad. He inspired me to be the best in anything I put my mind to, no matter what it may be. I think for a select few, we find our own way, our own lane and that’s essentially what I did in my DJ career. My dad was side by side with me from the very beginning. That man bought my gear when I was first starting, supporting my gigs, promoting me, you name it, he was by my side. All he would tell me and remind me is how famous I was going to be and how great I was. Sometimes that is all you need, support and affirmations. I never wanted to let that man down so in anything I do I give it 100 percent.
Who are your favorite DJs?
I want my legacy to be very simple: thorough but humble! I want to be known as the DJ that created an unforgettable vibe everytime you chose to enter a venue I was playing at, while creating opportunities for any upcoming Djs coming after me.
Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri, Atrak, to name a few. Realistically, I don’t have any set favorite DJ’s.
I have a few and it stems from their vibe: Kaytranada, Wizkid, Vybz Kartel, Tory Lanez, Drake, & many more. What do you have for your fans and following for the next 6 months?
What is your favorite format?
Realistically what I have for my fans coming up is growth. New venues, new sounds, new parties, you name it. Bringing that same SoWavveyy vibe to many more places.
This is always a tricky question for me. I’m what you call a lone wolf and I have always just stayed in my own lane, head down and go to work. When I started this craft, I essentially taught myself on the fly and didn’t really seek too much assistance. Starting like that, self taught, you realistically don’t mimic anyone else’s style or have an idol in the industry per say. For me, it’s more about the people I could thank for the role they’ve played in making my DJ career successful.
I try not to pigeonhole myself into listening to any particular DJs. Being a DJ is art and it requires constant learning. You’ll never be the best at anything in this art and you’ll never be too good to learn. I love listening to new DJs anytime I can. I listen to how they play, mix certain songs together, or how they vibe with the crowd. I have no shame in my game. I love learning from others. Are there any artists you want to work with in particular?
Enjoy
WOW THIS QUESTION IS THE ONE! Treat your proposal as a business interview. Any artist or whomever should always approach me in the most professional and prepared manner. You get more respect and DJs are more inclined to answer your questions and help someone who has done their research, is prepared and Makeprofessional.sureto have some type of Electronic Press Kit (EPK), or links to your work. Always address the DJ directly, have normal conversation, show support to gigs, etc. You don’t want to just throw your music at us, that won’t work. Dropping your link in my dm and saying, “I’m the hottest in the city, peep this.” I NOT DO What is one quote that you live by? the little things
A THING!
PROMISE WILL
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Advice to artists and producers on how to properly ask you to listen / spin their track.
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Entrepreneurship wasn’t always his first choice when it came to career decisions. He began pursuing a career as a physician’s assistant until he realized that was not the path he wanted to take. Instead, he wanted to follow in his parents’ footsteps and run his own business. Reminiscing on his childhood, he managed to turn his nostalgic moments into a product.
It’s summertime and we’ve all heard that saying when you’re down the shore, “Find me at DQ’s bar!” In the meantime, in between time - it’s also cookout season! What better way to bring in fireworks and beach weather than with some delicious barbecue? And what better way to add flavor to your barbecue than with a homemade sauce crafted to perfection? This is where David Quismbing comes in. Best known as DQ, he is the founder of a successful bbq sauce company called, “Mr. Q’s BBQ.” His story is one of hard work, dedication, and determination. Let’s take a look at how he turned his passion for cooking into a thriving business. Born and raised in Jersey, the entrepreneur’s stomping grounds consisted of Mount Holly, Jersey City and mainly Carteret. Emphasizing on his Filipino upbringing, he was taught to get good grades, do his chores and stay out of trouble as his parents worked day and night to ensure the success of their import export business. When asked what the inspiration was behind Mr. Q’s BBQ, his response revolved around his mother and observing her in her restaurant’s kitchen. He highlighted that his main focus is to carry on her legacy. “My mother is definitely the inspiration behind the sauce. I can’t take credit, she invented it. Unfortunately, she passed away a few years ago. I’m just trying to make her proud and spread her joy and happiness through her delicious creation.”
“I’ve been eating the sauce and skewers since I was a little kid, and everybody loves them. So I thought, why not start a business revolving around that. I found a co-packer and had to wait tables and tend bars to save capital for my first production. We started off at the Shoprite in town where to this day, it is still a local favorite. Now you can even purchase the sauce on Amazon.” Not only can you find the sauces in stores and online but Mr. Q’s Island Eats food truck also derived mid mission for summer events. His infamous skewers can be found in popular restaurants and bars in Jersey as a menu item. Being a fan favorite, DQ fulfills numerous orders a day, sometimes even by the thousands when people host backyard parties and want a special treat for their guests. 83 wajmagazine.com
When asked what separates his product from the others on the shelves, he excitedly replied with emphasis on taste with hopes of becoming a worldwide household seasoning must-have in all kitchens. “Taste is everything! It’s sweeter than most Asian sauces and marinades along with versatility. A lot of sauces are used for a specific meat. Our sauce tastes great on everything. It can also be cooked in numerous ways such as grilling, sauteing, airfrying, tossing wings, stir-frying, etc. The creations people tell me about are endless plus it’s also a family-handed down recipe… My mother also strongly believed in giving back so donating to various charities is part of the ultimate goal. We already do, but as we grow more and more, I would like to give back more and more.”
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There’s more to DQ than just his BBQ sauce, as previously stated Quisumbing owns a food truck by the name “Mr. Q’s Island Eats.” He has a few notches under his belt when it comes to being a business owner. He is a partner of Sweetberry Bowls and is part owner of Greenrock in Hoboken. He doesn’t stop there as he continues to expand and start his own liquor company which only makes sense being one of the most notorious bartenders down the shore from Porta to Headliners. Be sure to check Mr. Q’s BBQ out at www.mrqbbq.com! Below is a letter from the founder himself: It all started in 1991 when I was only five years old. Mom and the Samahan Filipino Community Group decided to take part in a local event called “Ethnic Day.” Back then, it was a huge festival for our little town of Carteret, designed to bring all of its diverse population together as a platform to share their culture! Some brought their beautiful rituals and dances while others brought blankets, clothes, and jewelry to sell… My mom brought the garlicky-sweet taste of the Filipino barbecue stick that took over the whole event. Year after year we would bring so much more marinated barbecue than the year before, and year after year, we would completely sell out! So I wanted to make sure everyone else got a chance to enjoy my mom’s secret sauce and created Mr. Q’s Food Products to distribute the flavor straight to your home! My vision is to continue my mother’s legacy by putting smiles on peoples faces with every single bite. All of this is dedicated to my late, phenomenally great mother who not only was a wonderful mom, but was the inventor of Mr. Q’s Barbecue. Thanks for being here! - Dave Q. 85 wajmagazine.com
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“Learning how you can heal your body naturally & the benefits of loving your body & taking proper care of it can change every aspect of your life.”, she says. Heal & Glow sauna takes a holistic approach to health and beauty with the use of infrared light to address and resolve skincare and health issues both inside and out. The facility is equipped with 2 full-sized saunas that can fit up to two people at a time, and each has 6 different light therapy colors with each light addressing a separate area of concern. The benefits of infrared light on the skin and body are endless; everything from reducing wrinkles to reducing inflammation, skin detoxification, soothing sore muscles, increased immunity, and countless overall relaxation properties. The sauna has so many benefits on mental health as well. With the state of the world these past 2 years, everyone could use an extra boost of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin & endorphins. “Our body is a temple, we should treat it as Healsuch.”and Glow represents healing, peace, relaxation and wellness for those who need it the most. Services at Heal & Glow are intentionally set at an affordable price point, making it easy to fit self-care into any budget. For the future of infrared health, Gomez plans to take her services further into healthcare by creating infrared treatment therapy options for cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. Through education and transparency, Heal and Glow hopes to continue to build their clientele by educating the public about the benefits of preventative care and holistic treatment options like infrared therapy. Heal and Glow is the perfect spot for a personal pick-me-up, date night, or girls’ night out. Visit their website at www.healnglow.co to book your infrared light healing session and follow them on Instagram to see where they take infrared light therapy next @healnglowco. 88 wajmagazine.com
For entrepreneur Erica Gomez, opening her holistic wellness sauna in Cranford, NJ, was less about making money and more about making a difference in people’s lives by giving them more tools and options for taking care of themselves. The innovative esthetician opened her business, Heal and Glow in the middle of the pandemic after years of working on the other side of healthcare. “I was working corporate, in insurance and I hated it. Then I got my first facial and I loved how I felt.”, she says. She made the decision to go back to school and get her license as an esthetician, with the goal of making others feel the same way she did in that chair. Over the lifetime of her business, Gomez has been on a mission to educate others on the natural healing properties of infrared light and holistic care in general. For Gomez, it’s important to teach others how to be healthy, prevent disease, and maintain a life-long health regimen without costly drugs, or relying on the approval of for-profit insurance systems.
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I fell in love with football in college, I didn’t have much experience up until then. My first actual year of playing the sport was freshman year of high school and I quit halfway through the year because of the weather changed. I was a b-baller, to be honest I only first began playing the sport because all my friends played and I didn’t want to be sitting at home bored.
When did you first fall in love with football?
I really wasn’t a fan of the game as a kid. I was much more into basketball but around sophomore year of college I took pieces from everyone’s book. I watched the whole Giant’s defensive line, Khalil Mack, as well as a ton of dudes in college I was competing against. 90 wajmagazine.com
My upbringing was challenging, my mother worked multiple jobs to make sure we had what we needed and my father was a seasonal paver so there were times we struggled but I couldn’t tell the difference at an early age. I had my family and we were all close knit so it made things much more bearable as I got older. My house burned down around the 4th grade and that was a huge blow towards everything my mom was trying to build for us, but it never really slowed her down. She is a hustler so she made sure it all worked out in the end. I wouldn’t say we were poor but we dang there had nothing, she always knew how to make us feel as if we had it all tho.
Born in Neptune NJ, but I was raised throughout central jersey because of a house fire that happened when I was in the 4-5th grade leaving my family with nothing. What was your upbringing like?
My three biggest inspirations have been my mother, great great grandfather, and my struggles. My mother has always been a rock, she fought through some of the toughest scenarios and she’s always smiled through, never letting anything stop her from prevailing. My granddad was just such a great man not only to the family but everyone that he ever met, he was well known. My struggles have always given me inspiration, I hate to fail and every time I feel as if I haven’t managed to master something it gives me an extra kick to do so. I be on demon time!
With the official football season right around the corner, WAJ Sports was able to catch up with Neptune’s very own Shilique Calhoun before he headed off to training camp. Having graduated from Michigan State University, the Jersey native now plays the linebacker position for the Kansas City Chiefs. Where were you born and raised?
I knew I wanted to be a professional athlete the moment I received my first offer to college, I enjoyed the rush of the game and I enjoyed making big plays. Also who wouldn’t love playing a game as an occupation….one that pays well at that.
Do you have any favorite players that you wanted to emulate when you were younger and why?
When was the moment you knew you wanted to play professionally?
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
I love to travel in my spare time. I've been to China, Thailand, Mexico, London, Costa Rica, Brazil, and that’s just to name a few.
I had the best college experience, I was a part of a winning program in a power five conference. There’s no better feeling! I also learned a lot within the Criminal Justice field which I majored in. What do you want your legacy to be?
A day in my life is hectic, I’m moving a mile a minute to make sure I speak to everyone I know and love as well as finding fun for myself outside of work and that all day schedule. What was your college experience at Michigan State like?
Don’t confuse activity with achievement! Do what’s necessary for you to reach your goal, don’t try and be a Instagram/tik tok sensation and think that’ll grant you a spot on a roster. Be a white collar player with a blue collar mentality What is one quote that you live by?
Just to be a good man!
Don’t confuse activity with achievement….if you know what I’m saying then you know. 91 wajmagazine.com
What do you do in your spare time?
How would you describe a day in your life?
Advice for anybody trying to make it into the league?
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