WAJ Magazine: September 2021

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Ph o to g ra p h e r : L a c q u a n S c o tt www.la c q u a ns c o tt .d e s i g n A r tist : K ia

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Photographer: Lacquan Scott www.lacquanscott.design Artist: Alma Davis @iam.queen.alma Devonne Rose @devonnederful_

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COVER ARTIST

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TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS

OUR MESSAGE

EDITORS

DOPEST CR3ATIVES AD

BEE PAPINO LACQUAN SCOTT

HIDDEN GEMS LITERARY EMPORIUM

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SADÉ SANCHEZ

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SEAN COS MASON

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BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEUR

LOCAL

WRITERS AMY LOTHIAN MELISSA MALOON BEE PAPINO

PUBLISHER DANIEL BANKS BEE PAPINO

PHOTOGRAPHERS SHELLY FERRELL LACQUAN SCOTT

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FEATURED HIDDEN GEMS LITERARY EMPORIUM

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SADÉ SANCHEZ SEAN COS MASON R.SEN THE POET KIA INDIA ROSE SOS OG

ADS DOPEST CR3ATIVES PAPINO PROPERTIES ROSE CITY STUDIOS WTVR BRAND

MODELS Our models can be followed on instagram @ wearejerseydiamondz

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HIDDEN GEMS

L I T E R A RY E M P O R I U M W R I TT E N BY: M E L I SSA M A LO O N

“Return the wisdom to our people. Give us a bookstore that will make everyone feel welcome, no matter who they are.”

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BUSINESS

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“Okay, they are leaving now,” were the last words that Kaila Boulware Sykes and Raymond Sykes heard as they were leaving a bookstore that housed hundreds of thousands of books. Their excitement was stunted as they were met with unwelcomed stares and whispers of prejudice slander right at the bookstore of their own hometown in Ocean County, New Jersey.

After having been met with such disgust in a house of knowledge and wisdom, Raymond turned to faith and prayed to Yoheweh, “Return the wisdom to our people. Give us a bookstore that will make everyone feel welcome, no matter who they are.”

After having experienced such a disappointing and insulting encounter, Yoheweh blessed the Sykes with more than they could imagine. They are now owners of an African American family owned nonprofit community literary store, Hidden Gems Literary Emporium located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Owners Kaila Boulware Sykes, Raymond Sykes and 1 year old son Truth, have invested in the community they come from because they truly overstand and value the importance of access to literature and educational resources.

Kaila and Raymond Sykes with their son Truth.

(Photo highlighted in The Daily Targum News)

In efforts to protect Truth from ever having to encounter another experience such as that one when making an effort to educate himself; they took it upon themselves to make sure Truth has a long standing bookstore that will only ever welcome him and others to continue exploring the sea of words a bookstore like Hidden Gems have to offer.

Both Kaila and Raymond are avid readers and lovers of literature. Books contain the wisdom of centuries before and after; so, it is no surprise that growing up, both were read the Bible from very young. Kaila’s mother used to read the Bible to her when she was in her mother’s womb and Raymond had the Bible read to him every night before bed. From this came the love of literature, poetry, essays, letters and so on. They’re favorite toys? Paper and pen. Literary expression is a part of who they are, they were born with it.

It was in Rutgers University – New Brunswick that the alumnis found their passion, met and found love in each other.

Raymond studied Journalism and Media Studies while Kaila studied Public Health Program Development. Both of these fields go hand in hand, so it only made sense for them to join their efforts and feed their community what it was gravely in need of: literature.

Having talents in other areas, during college Raymond was a photojournalist with the National Association of Black Journalists and worked on reactivating the organization by adding a visual media component. After college Raymond started his own media production business that allowed him to produce digital media advertisements and short films for industry professionals and organizations. Meanwhile, Kaila found love in photography while studying Public Health Program Development. Because of her love for photography she started her own photography and film business where she has worked with the likes of Trey Songz, Jadakiss, Fabolous, SZA and Sengelese supermodel, Khoudia Diopp, which was published globally.

Post-graduation, Kaila became Director of Admissions Marketing at Georgian Court University.

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Being devoted servants to Yoheweh and their community, the Sykes volunteered in distributing free meals and groceries with Tree House Cares, which inspired them to eventually distribute 1 million pounds of food in New Brunswick with a food distribution program they had started. The Sykes family express their deep sense of gratitude to their community and Yoheweh by servicing the community.

“Two Olive Trees” are the words Raymond would use to describe themselves, as it is what they strive to be every day. It is also the inspiration behind the name of their Fine Art Film & Photography Studio, “2 Olive Trees Studios” where they can still work in their passion of producing their own films and documentaries. Great-full, grateful, humble and servants of Yoheweh and of the community is how Kaila would describe themselves. Before anything, they are humbled to be chosen by Yoheweh to carry out this vision for their community.

Hidden Gems Literary Emporium prioritizes the youth because they understand the importance of investing and reinvesting into the future. “Educating ourselves, our families, and our children is what creates prosperity and longevity,” shares Raymond as he expresses how reading is foundational and “fun-da-mental”. The ultimate goal is to uplift the skills needed to survive and encourage people of all ages to indulge in these skills every day. It is through literature that we are able to learn all these skills and then some. We can learn from different cultures, people and experiences by reading their story. It is through this effort that we can battle prejudice, engaging with different narratives and perspectives from all different walks in life.

With so much passion and love behind all their work, Hidden Gems Literary Emporium is right on track with their goal of providing access to free educational resources to all. Two weeks after the Sykes family had encountered racial prejudices at the bookstore, Above Art Studios, in love with their plan and vision, welcomed them into their art gallery. After another four weeks, New Brunswick held the biggest grand opening weekend event with about 500 guests for the one and only Hidden Gems Literary Emporium that now houses about 30,000 books. Since opening, the Sykes family have been able to distribute almost 4,000 free books and counting.

They have also accomplished a 1000 Free Book Tour across the Atlantic East Coast, they distributed 1000 free books as well as bookbags, notepads, pens, etc. Hidden Gems is also the house for local authors to share their publications. Local authors can now sell their books and engage with the community as they have shelf space with Hidden Gems.

Having been built by the community and The Creator for the community; Hidden Gems Literary Emporium continues to be a staple for many and has so many treats in store with a second 1000 Free Book Tour coming, weekly children’s performances, releasing an upcoming poetry book “Fruit” and so much more which will be announced through their social media accounts.

Make sure to follow Hidden Gems Literary Emporium on all platforms or HiddenGemsLiteraryEmporium.com and stay up to date with the latest events!

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SADÉ SANC H EZ W R I TT E N BY: M E L I SSA M A LO O N

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Sadé, a phenomenal multifaceted woman dedicated to elevating artists, has built numerous platforms designed for artists to optimize their potential. Always keeping busy behind the scenes, Sade wears many hats. She is a podcast cohost, graphic designer, event planner, executive producer, and is also behind Check It! An Open Mic Night.

Growing up, Sade and her household didn’t have it the easiest, especially after the passing of her father. One of the only things that kept the family sane and with hope was music. Music would reverberate throughout the house on cleaning day and then transition to more music, more people, drinks and just a good time with lots of dancing. Music was part of the healing process that then became passion.

After having seen the movie, Brown Sugar, Sade fell in love with Hip Hop and the realization that she can be a part of the music industry and help people while being a positive part of the process, it would mean the world to her; finding any way to get into the industry, as cut throat as it is, to be a positive source.

has been home to artists and creatives.

Through The Lyrical Fix Podcast their audience learned about STTP, Spenser Sterling, Triip, Johnson Soldout and more.

Sade’s work doesn’t end with the podcast, as she has had her fair share of changing hats in the industry. For In those efforts, she started a blog during some time she has worked as a writer, college. She knew she wanted a podcast to blogging for her own website, freelancing have artists come by and show a genuine side and when she was an in-house writer for and just to have fun with, but didn’t have a coWe Are Jersey Magazine. She had even host until years down the line. After giving life assumed managing and PR positions. to the idea several people were involved but co- I mean what can’t Sade do? It is in the host Kid Pro was persistent, engaged and has chaos that she finds most peace, for her taken on this journey with Sade. From this, The it’s always been the goal to uplift artists Lyrical Fix Podcast, derived from Sade’s brand and help them in any way possible, which Audio Fixation, was created covering topics in is why A&R is the position she feels is a life, relationships, current events, and of course, better fit. She is able to help artists on music. They were able to build a platform for a bigger scale and also create spaces creatives as she has witnessed countless times and resources for them to continue how easily it is for an artist to be betrayed or optimizing their talents and reaching even misguided and led in the wrong direction. their goals in the music industry, she It is because of this that she felt inspired to be develops and connects the dots in efforts a light of source and work to uplift underground to protect artists from being taken New Jersey artists. Going on 2 years and advantage of. celebrating 100 episodes, The Lyrical Podcast W W W.W E A R E J E R S E Y E N T. C O M

Taking another step further, Sade has a production company in the works as well with Kid Pro, Eleven Visuals, where they will be working with artists in recording videos and productions. She was able to executive produce Kid Pro’s album, KidNova. Excited for the new production company, the both already have a few videos waiting to be released.

Always keeping busy and working, Sade prioritizes self-care. It is important to take care of yourself, especially when in a position where you work to help others. Because of this it is crucial that her selfcare days are one for taking care of herself and her needs, which always starts with cleaning and rest. She also relies on music, of course a fan of hip hop, artists have

been integral to her life as they helped her in different stages. Household name artists such as Kid Cudi, A Tribe Called Quest, and poetry from Wale and Lauryn Hill have left an immense impact on her as they were there for her when she needed them. Now she works to have an immense impact on the development of artists and authenticity.

Make sure to always keep up to date with Sade and all her latest work through Instagram @writtenbysade, and don’t forget to stay in the loop and happenings with @TheLyricalFixPod @CheckIt.OpenMic and @An.Eleven.Visual .

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Photographer: Lacquan Scott www.lacquanscott.design Model: Tiara Howard | @t.hoowww Stylist: Keith Morris | @lowfiveghost Hat: Vintage PRADA Shades: @shadeofficial_ Crop Top: Fashion Nova Jeans: Vintage Levis

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W R I TT E N BY: A M Y LOT H I A N

The unfortunate truth is that African Americans are no strangers to injustice in America. Sadly, many black people who have fallen victim to a failing system were talented figures with dreams of making a name for themselves and representing their communities. One of these people was Deshon Johnson, a Newark/East Orange NJ native who was making waves as an artist and rapper. Born on March 5, 1990, Johnson’s life was cut short when he was struck by the driver of a USA Coach bus on Broad Street and Bay Avenue in Bloomfield, NJ on July 18, 2012. Since his passing, his mother Naomi has dedicated her life to not only keeping Deshon’s memory alive, but to highlight and fight the injustices of a warped system. Naomi shares memories of her son through sharing his music, his dreams as a young 22-year old and fighting the system that has yet to prosecute his killer.

Deshon was a family man, who loved his family and loved music and was quoted as saying he was pursuing music in hopes of taking care of his mother. He was raised in

the church and sung in his Middle School chorus at Mount Hebron. Johnson was a gifted student both musically and academically and earned his position in the honor society from ninth grade until graduation. He was also on the wrestling team and avidly practiced martial arts throughout his life. After graduating from Montclair High School, Deshon went to Essex County College in West Caldwell NJ, and Kean University in Union New Jersey.

Johnson began writing and rapping under the alias Sean Cos Mason aka Sean M. during his freshman year of high school and quickly gained traction when he joined the Ice Grill Entertainment group with fellow rappers in Montclair.

His introduction to sharing his talent with the world came when he debuted his first freestyle cover over the beat from the theme song from the then-popular TV show, The Game. Sean Cos Mason released his debut mixtape “Round My Way” on Sep 15, 2011, on Datpiff. His

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follow-up to that, Round My Way 2, was released on May 28, 2012, on Youtube. Sean was scheduled to do a sequel music video to “Hands On The Wheel” on July 19, 2012, and was in hopes of being signed to a record label according to his tweets posted just five hours before his death.

As he perfected his craft in the Scene, Sean Cos Mason continued to make music under his entertainment group called Noneillah including his third project titled Bodied, Wasted, which was released just two weeks before his tragic death. According to his mother, he planned to shoot a music video for his single the following week.

Within two weeks of the release of his project, Sean Cos Mason was killed on his way to work by a Coach USA bus driver. His posthumous debut studio album, Measure Up, including singles “FEEL SO GOOD”, “MY WORLD”, AND “GET IT, GOOD NIGHT” FT. KYZER debuted online and on overseas radio stations in Italy. He was also named a video star on videomusicstars.com twice following his death and recognized as a rising celebrity on Celebrities Galore.

The circumstances surrounding Sean Cos Mason’s death are both glaringly obvious and infuriating following the chain of events that were to follow. A lack of action on the part of the prosecutor’s office and the city of Bloomfield, in conjecture with a coverup by Coach USA and its failure to properly train its drivers, has led to over 9 years of injustice for a young man who lost his life in

an avoidable and tragic manner. Sadly, to this day Johnson’s mother still fights alone for the injustice of her son’s death.

All her attempts at seeking justice or Memoriam for Deshon have been ignored, defaced, or removed. She pleads with the local community to help keep Deshons memory alive, working alone and with her own disabilities, Naomi has made it her mission to make sure Deshon and Sean Cos Mason’s life was not in vain and that his legacy lives on.

Naomi announced that Sean Cos Mason’s debut studio album would be posthumously released on his birthday March 5, 2022. The album would be known as “My World” was originally set for release on June 19, 2020, but was pushed back in respect for the George Floyd protests, another display of

America’s system of injustice. The album is full of an archive of unreleased music Sean was working on prior to his death and features it’s lead single, “ Break It Down”, featuring fellow rapper Melo Kan. To help Naomi in her fight for the life of her son Deshon Johnson, familiarize yourself with his story, which is well publicized online, and consider donating to the Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation, which Johnson had planned to create prior to his death, with the goal of helping and honoring college students in need with a scholarship. She also hopes to raise awareness for not only Deshon’s life but for the lives of so many who were killed by the recklessness of untrained and tempered bus drivers. She also wishes to raise the funds to create a documentary about Deshon’s life and legacy and all the noteworthy things he did while he was here. Naomi said it’s painful to know that the bus driver and others who assisted in covering up her son’s death can go home to their children, a privilege that was stolen from her on that fateful day. Johnson’s music is still available for streaming on YouTube and his album is set to be released next Spring.

REST IN POWER TO ALL WHO HAVE LOST THIE LIVES DUE TO INJUSTICES ACROSS THE WORLD.

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Photographer: Lacquan Scott www.lacquanscott.design Brand: @Richpeoplesleep Model: Sherelle Davis

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F E AT U R E

W R I TT E N BY: M E L I SSA M A LO O N P H OTO G R A H Y: L ACQ UA N S COTT

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“I am free to be who I wish to be and while I did not physically die, I have died a thousand deaths and just like my grandmother did, I received a fresh breath.” A snippet from R. Sen the Poet’s “Air”, a homage to her late maternal grandmother. A beautiful and touching poem about grief, acceptance, identity and spirituality following the passing of her grandmother. Deep and intimate yet relatable and calling, R. Sen the Poet uses her voice for the voiceless with hopes to inspire people to embrace their true self, and as her, overcome the dark ebbs and flow that come with that journey.

New Jersey’s own spoken word artist, writer and poet started writing at the age of 16, R. Sen didn’t even know she was writing poetry until her teacher let her know she will be a great poet. It is the way that R. Sen is able to use her personal experiences and merge it with the topics that people usually have a hard time talking about such as the struggle of heartbreak, loss and selfworth. R. Sen is able to delve into these topics and gracefully demands your attention, then redirects that attention to yourself. Her words are used to help the reader find healing, strength, hope and ultimately, selflove all through her own personal journey.

Being so vulnerable in a sea of people is very nerve-wracking, which is why self-confidence is always something R. Sen is working on. Intaking the feedback from her audiences and peers, she knows she is on the right path and right in her calling. When you think of the

poets she admires and respects, it makes all the more sense. Her favorite poets are of the likes of Maya Angelou, Sylvia Plath, Allan Poe, Rupi Kaur, Amanda Lovelace, RM Drake, Rumi, R.H. Sin, and Hafiz. The list is long and the influence present as R. Sen the Poet knows and understands the rules of poetry, then breaks them. As a true poet, R. Sen doesn’t follow a standard poetry format, she produces artistry that flows and speaks to your heart. Ultimately, love is the message behind all her pieces, loving another and loving thy self.

Most importantly, if you aren’t taking care of yourself, then you can’t take care of someone else. R. Sen challenges those who feel guilty over putting themselves first.

Positive, generous, and focused, R. Sen shares with readers the ultimate advice for self-love, “Nothing is a quick fix.” She advises you, “give yourself the time you need as only you know what you need, so tap in with yourself more before you tap into others and don’t feel guilty about it!”

Always be mindful of the Power of the Tongue, what you say holds more bearing and impact than imaginable. “Get over your fears and just jump in!”

Worst case scenario? It’s not for you.

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to get a hold of her, “Introspectrum’’ available on bn.com, amazon. com and Toniiinc.com. R. Sen was a notable performer at the New York Poetry Festival and has been featured in over 15 shows in the last three months. As for what is to come? Tap into R. Sen the Poet’s world by following her on Instagram @r.sen_thepoet where you can stay caught up with all her new exciting projects like her partnership with Stereotype Co for merch which is on sale now at www.stereotypeco.com/rsen.

She will also be launching her new Blog site, R. Sen’s Corner in partnership with Rawrrzone, soon and on October 2nd, 2021, R. Sen will be hosting her first ever writing workshop called Risen, the ultimate healing experience here in New Jersey.

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Designer: Lacquan Scott www.lacquanscott.design Model: Daniel Shawell

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KIA

WRITTEN BY: AMY LOTHIAN

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PHOTOGRAHY: SHELLY FERRELL

COVER ARTIST

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East Orange native Tenaja David aka Kia is a naturally skilled artist who knows no limits. Kia learned of her talents early and dove headfirst into expressing herself through art, learning how to draw at just 5 years old.

“Once I sensed how much of a sponge I am to art, I felt motivated to know that I can do anything I put my mind to.” she says. With the support of her family, a group of multi-talented individuals themselves, Kia has continued to tap into her natural talents and develop them to a point of admirable entrepreneurship.

The 24-year-old is a talented dancer, graphic designer and photographer who continues to expand her range and develop her visual learning style by trying and perfecting new skills often. Her most recent creative ventures include writing and performing poetry and learning how to deejay.

Inspired by many mediums, she draws her creative references from cinema, an extensive and diverse music portfolio, and most importantly, herself and her surroundings. “I appreciate where I come from as far as my ethnicity, my state, and who I associate myself with.

Something sparks my creative world everyday because there’s always something new and I enjoy watching the ground work before a masterpiece.”

In addition to these, she draws influences from her favorite artists such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Beyonce, Usher, Busta Rhymes & Chris Brown.

Kia is a true example of the greatness that can come from following your own intuition and allowing your truest feelings to come to fruition uninhibitedly. She is also an example of what it looks like to be truly passionate about yourself and your art. “If I force my creativity, then it won’t feel genuine to me and I know it won’t transpire the same to the world.”

It’s safe to say that her authenticity has been received with open arms given her list of commendable accomplishments.

Among them is earning and retaining respect as one of the best talents within the Jersey Club Culture as both a dancer and a DJ. She is also known for being a member of Emphamouz Dance Group and an all female dance group Jerseys Finest, the first dancer to grace the cover of We Are Jersey Magazine, and her mixes on soundcloud have even gone viral. She has represented Jersey with other amazing dancers on the Millennium Tour, and was the choreographer of artist Cookiee Kawaii’s - ViBE official music video. Kia also has her own Jersey Club Dance Classes every Friday in West Orange.

Personally, she says one of her greatest accomplishments has been seeing her self-driven progress as she’s developed

her skills as a Graphic Designer and Photographer.

Most recently, Kia has expanded her portfolio by working with VMA award winning choreographer Matthew Edwards from New York City. The pair worked together on a dance project for artist Crystal Caines for her single “BA BA BA” along with other amazing dancers from Jersey and New York.

Looking ahead, she is currently in the process of refining her Jersey Club EP, Auntie Kias Cookout and doing dance promos for artists on the rise, all while working on new projects of her own. As someone who has learned how to be the captain of her own ship, Kia is intent on spreading the same message to those who come across her vivacious personality. She oozes sentiments of optimism, self-love, love for others, emphasizes having fun, being consistently grateful, never giving up, and always remembering to live in your purpose. “I feel it’s my nature to make others smile. It still shocks me how many people say that I inspire them, their children, how my dancing and personality just makes them happy. Inspiring others will always inspire me.” As for her advice to others, Kia encourages others to find what they really love to do, remain faithful, trust in God and most importantly to do the work.

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Check out more from Kia across her multiple platforms: For Dance & Choreography : @ kia_bhn | For Art & Design: @ tdgrphxx

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WRITTEN BY: BEE PAPINO PHOTOGRAHY: LACQUAN SCOTT

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When it comes to delivery, lyricism, style, expression, and overall artistry, India Rose remains unrivaled. A perfect blend of soft, hard, sensual, and hardcore, India Rose appeals to and leans towards everything a typical hip-hop fan would vibe to. Indeed, she has it all. Coming from the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, India is motivated by her life story and everything she has overcome to keep her artistic fire burning. Being a truly authentic person, she sees music as a channel

for truthful and authentic selfexpression.

Talking about her musical influences, it is okay to say the India Rose’s musical palate is indeed wide, sophisticated, and open as she is influenced by diverse musical genres and not only hip hop. These diverse influences can be felt deep in her sounds, as there are elements of everything, including soul, blues, rock, jazz, R&B, funk, and every other musical genre. Although being a hip-hop artist, India remains a big fan of R&B. Talking about the artists she grew up listening to, she named greats and legends like Eve, Eminem,

50 Cent, Monica, Fantasia, Jhené Aiko, Chris Brown, J Cole, Big Sean, H.E.R and many others.

According to India, she resonates with these sounds because they speak of life and reality.

For India Rose, growing wasn’t all fun. She had a father who was in and out of incarceration and a mother who constantly abused drugs.

This led India to lead a somewhat nomadic childhood, as she moved a lot from place to place, often shuffling between staying with her aunt and staying with her parents. As a kid, she went through a lot physically, mentally, and emotionally, and this forced her to find the inner strength and willpower to keep going, regardless.

Growing up with an aunt who was a strict disciplinarian played a huge role in India’s life.

Also, growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, a city which faced predominantly poverty and inner city system struggles, India, in her own words knew “exactly what she didn’t want to become.”

India got into music by telling her story.

According to her, it took just a few minutes to build her voice and let go of every kind of fear.

Aside from music, India is also an entrepreneur, as she owns GlamoRose Boutique. She started the boutique in 2016.

According to her, it all started when numerous people became interested in the clothes she wore at the time. India saw a business idea and started sending clothes to the

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folks who were interested in her clothes. Talking about how she chooses her pieces for her boutique, India had this to say - “First, I take the time out to narrow down my target consumers by answering a list of questions like, ‘what do they wear? Where do they go?’ I even asked what type of music do they listen to? From there, I just choose my pieces by sticking to that consumer profile I developed.”

Although being a mother, India has managed to combine motherhood with business and music perfectly. According to her, although she wants the best for her business and career, she always and will always put her children first. India made it clear that “On the business side of things, I run my store six days a week (Monday to Saturday).

As far as music, what works for me is completing multiple projects at once so that I can focus on other entities. I have always been disciplined and responsible, and I attribute this to my upbringing. I’d be lying if I say it’s easy, but I believe that if you truly want something, you have to get it done by any means.”

“My only message to women would be to stay powerful and to stay a warrior! It’s crazy to think of all the things we women have to go through and experience. We are so under-protected even though we are responsible for the most important task in the world - to birth a new life. We are really superhuman for real. The world is gonna always try to tell us what to do with our bodies, our beliefs, our voices, etc. The truth is, we are powerful; we are life, and nothing or no one can stop that. Live authentically in your power and never change that.”

- India Rose

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WRITTEN BY: AMY LOTHIAN PHOTOGRAHY: LACQUAN SCOTT

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The Jersey Shore native goes by several monikers. Sometimes he’s Ladies Love Myles, and other times he’s living up to his stage name SOS OG, an acronym for Stack or Starve Original. True to his name, the artist and fashion designer is constantly working, stacking, and looking towards future money moves in all areas of his creative career. In 2020 he released his anticipated EP She Wanted To Love A Rockstar , a 6 track project about his personal experiences in relationships translated in head-bopping, relatable songs like “DIVA” and “S.W.T.L.A.R.” Most recently, he’s coming off the release of his 2021 album Bag Music with energetic and catchy singles like “Speed Race” and fan favorite “Run it Back”. Both projects are packed with SOS OG energy that emulates messages of inspiration, motivation, having fun, and being unique and true

to self. Along with his personal stories, SOS OG says he makes music that embodies his persona, as well as which can motivate others to tap into their own individuality. Inspired by artists like Juice Wrld and Wiz Khalifa, SOS OG coins himself as an independent, entrepreneurial rockstar.

With several money-making ideas, he’s living up to his passions of music, money and fashion one venture at a time. Both personally and professionally the young boss and artist says the number one thing that keeps him going is his drive to chase his dreams, and the way he’s been moving, they don’t seem to be too far out of reach. SOS OG is the owner and founder of The SOS Wave, a line of apparel he designs and curates himself. True to his messages of chasing big dreams and getting to a bag, his goals for The SOS Wave brand is to one day be a major fashion

powerhouse, comparable to the likes of Louis Vuitton and St. Laurent with the SOS OG spin of course. Much like with music, SOS OG takes the same approach when designing and takes confidence in not being afraid to try new things, different concepts, and ideas that most people would shy away from, he’s bold in his approach of anything whether it’s in the studio, or creating graphic art for this apparel line.

When asked what sets him apart from others, he responded proudly, “Legit everything. From my personality, to my work, to my outfits I set myself apart by being who I am.” This unabashed confidence has been working in his favor so far. WIth over 2k monthly Spotify listeners and upwards of 40k streams on his 2 most popular singles, this young artist is thriving in his own right. For the future, he plans to push himself further both creatively and personally, W W W.W E A R E J E R S E Y E N T. C O M

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to build an empire, create more work, and take care of my friends, fans, and family. His advice to others? “Be yourself no matter who doesn’t like it. Too many people fake their feelings, fake their image, and fake their life all for a reaction from others. Be yourself and the people who genuinely like you for YOU will gravitate.”

Follow SOS OG’s music @ladieslovemyles and clothing designs @thesoswave. Stay tuned on www.thesoswave.com for the launch of his new collection and for a more indepth look at the young rockstar, subscribe to his YouTube Channel: SOS OG.

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