Throwback!!!!

This video brings back so many good memories. It was a time of innocence and loving the hip hop. It wasn't about the music business, it was about creating and not letting anything get in the way of a hit song!!


I remember the first time I saw Brandy on television. It was an interview where she told the audience that she was going to be the first to have her own show and her own album. She actually spoke it into existence. She was co-starring on a show called Thea as on the siblings but she quickly ditched that and became a star of her own series called Moesha.


Brandy then came with back to back hit albums. The golden child of the 90's is now working on a new record and we are all delighted to hear.

REvamp yourself!!

Have you been thinking that what you've been giving isn't enough?  Have you had thoughts lately that you want to be different, look different and feel different? You can change it all but it won't mean a thing if it's not from the inside out.

Meaning, we all know when we've gone out side the realm of behavior that's acceptable. We know when we've purposely done things to get even because our feelings were hurt.  We know when in the past we've acted impulsively and didn't take someone's feelings into consideration.

All of this stuff matters especially when we know.  It's easy to cause a lot of stress and pain when we're not aware that we have the power to leave an effect wherever we are present.  But when we know and don't move to be different and correct the bad we've done, then all hell breaks loose.  We become unhappy with everything and everyone. Time to take a look in and change the thing that can be better. Once that takes place and it may involve calling a few people to apologize we can start on our way to seeing a clearer and make the changes we so want to see on the outside.

L Boogie

Throwback!!!!

Sickle Cell Anemia

Ke ke Shepard is dedicated to raising money and helping those with Sickle cell Anemia. This year her fundraiser took place at PINS in Studio City, California where celebs and friends took to the alley to bowl for dollars. I was on hand to dj and others in the house were, John Witherspoon, Theresa Randal, Dawn Lewis and long time couple Sally Richardson and Dondre Whitfield.

W.E.E.N. in DC

Last year I was blessed enough to have been invited to a lovely dinner in NYC.  I sat with the founding board members Valeisha Butterfield, Sabrina Thompson and Lauren Lake. During that dinner I was asked if I wanted to join the board of what will soon to be one of the more successful organizations developed to help girls and young women. The Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network is a coalition of women of all ages and races committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and in society. Without hesitation I accepted the women's offer and since then great strides have been made. 


Tonight I co-hosted the first annual WEEN Awards with BET's Terence J at the Recording Industry Association of America located in Washington, DC.  Enlisted to present were names like Big Tigga, BET's Rocsi & Alesha Renee and Angie Martinez.  An amazing list of honorees were in attendance to receive their award and share words of gratitude.  Those honored included Vivica A. Fox, Hill Harper, Melinda Williams, EVP of Universal Motown Shanti Das, Global HIV Activist Maria Davis and McDonald's Chief Diversity Officer Patricia Harris.  An early WEEN supporter, Kevin Lyles, was on hand to give the closing statement for the evening.  


During the night two young ladies received scholarship funds towards college expenses.  They both currently attend school in the DC area.


The event was sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Inc, McDonalds, BET Networks, Amtrak and Madison Group.


All in all it was a beautiful event and please be sure to check for more info at WEEN ON LINE.

Loving what you do

I wonder how is it sometimes the very person who wanted the job now mumbles under their breath about how unhappy they are with the job.

The manager of the establishment, the president of the label, the national director of some global company, all started somewhere doing something that got them closer to the designated spot they now occupy. Most of those who were interns, assistants and low level employees ended on top due to promotions being given to them that they rightfully deserved because of their work ethic and dedication. They went above and beyond the call of duty.

Bottom line, give it your all with whatever it is you do. If it pays, keep it moving and learn as much about the position you're in and the position you want to be in. Discover a way to love what you do! I'd love to hear the success stories.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Saying it was so

I caught wind of an Oprah show that was not what I'd thought it would be at all. Sure I thought McKenzie Philip was going to spill the beans, in detail, about her on and off battle with drugs. I thought she'd even explain her being arrested the day she was to join the cast of One Day At A Time for a reunion on the Rachel Ray show. But what she did spend a great deal of time on was unbelievable.
(SIDEBAR MCKENZIE PHILIPS WAS ONE OF THE LEADS ON A VERY POPULAR 70's SITCOM. SHE'S ALSO THE DAUGHTER OF JOHNFAMOUS FLOWER CHILD GROUP THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS

McKenzie, once a tv super star, had had a consensual incest relationship with her father for many years. She admittedly gave of the info seemingly hoping to have more people with a situation like hers come out an speak openly. She repeatedly said she knew she was not alone with this and felt like there were many more women having affairs with their fathers.

My reason for bringing this subject up is way too often I hear women tell a story of being molested by a family member and feeling as if they had no choice. I want every young girl to know that you do have a choice and every boy for that matter. It is not your fault if you were or are being molested in an on going scenario. YOU can make it out!

If this is YOU, find someone you can trust outside of the family and talk with them. Someone who can help, possibly a counselor or a neighboring clinic. This does not have to be your problem. It is a problem that was pushed upon you. Get free!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Dare to be different! BE U

Talent really comes a dime a dozen these days. I'm sure all of us know of someone who raps, sings and produces. We all have a little cousin, nephew, or child that wants super stardom more than life itself. I sometimes wonder if back in the 20's they had lots of talented people or did they keep their longing to be in the spotlight under wraps due to hard times and a fight for equality. Or was it they knew they weren't good enough to hang with the real players of that time.

Whatever it was, it no longer is and everyone and "they" mama wants the shine and the money. Which is all good, but at what price?

The one piece of advice I have continued to give throughout my career is "BE YOU". I say this simply because no one can be you better. God made you and your circumstances so I say flaunt what you naturally have that no one else has the power to be or do.

One of the main issues today as to why a great number of people are unhappy with hip hop is because too many rappers sound alike. So much so it's a bit hard to tell them apart. Of course there are some that bring something different to the game and those are the ones that quickly rise to the top because of their originality. Matter of fact there are only 2 categories as far as I'm concerned, uniquely different (leaders) and mundanely boring (followers).

I say to mcs and producers, while creating your rhymes and beats if you feel it's reminiscent of something you've heard...it probably is. Switch it up immediately!!! Dare to be different! Push yourself to a new place and challenge your works from yesterday!


Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Choosing a manager Part 2

4 Do they listen?  You want to make sure whoever you have lined up as a prospect has the capability of listening. If you have ideas and need them bought to fruition you're going to need someone who listens and can help bring every detail to life.

5 Are they patient? Things don't and won't happen overnight. In some isolated cases they do but those are the ones that never last for long.  But for most cases you need a manager who is going to be in it for the long haul.  You want someone dedicated to your movement that won't just jump ship because the storm gets a little hard to bare.

6 Are they honest? Will they tell you when you're shit stinks? When the song ain't so hot?  When you're look ain't hittin'?  When the stardom has gone to your head and you need to come down off of cloud 9 and treat people like they're supposed to be treated.

The bottom line is you need someone in your corner that's rooting for you the way your mama and daddy would. You need someone that has your back that you can say anything to and it will be kept in confidence. You need a partner that understands that they are just as important as you are in this business and that not much will happen without you two, the artist and management being in complete sync. Choosing a manager will be one of the most important steps you take in your career. Possibly the most important, seeing they will move with you throughout the life of your career and will ultimately aid you in achieving your goals and making every dream come true. Good luck!

Choosing a manager

Ok so real talk, there's no right or wrong way to choose a manager, it's all according to how YOU like it. What might work for one artist may not work at all for another.

I would just advise an artist to look at these areas and then make a sane decision.

1 Are they familiar with the business?
If they are great! If they aren't make sure they are the type that wants to learn and doesn't feel like they know everything (those are the worst). At least if they're open enough to broaden their knowledge they may have a chance of eventually knowing all it may take to becoming a successful manager.

2 Are they personable? Meaning can they finesse a situation and have others wanting to work with them? This is very important because most times business will pass through management first and if they suck at communicating there goes your next job right down the toilet. Sometimes managers need people skills, especially if they never had to really confront situations and TALK to people. Artists, this is something to consider if your (prospect) manager is your best friend from the block and your their first client. Nothing with having a life long friend manage your career but let's make sure they're up to speed and can really handle the title "manager".

3 The last thing for this blog entry would be to take notice to how your (prospect) manager speaks to people and how they handle pressure in stressful circumstances. Wouldn't want your manager going off the deep end and then you have to play clean up afterwards. Remember every problem that may arise can be handled quite easily if the intent is to solve and perpetuate.

Tomorrow points 4-6. Happy manager hunting!!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

ADHD???

For all of you who know parents who think their kid may have ADHD, or that drugging kids is ok -- this video may help explain the issue.

"No More ADHD"

More than 4 million children in the U.S. alone have been labeled with ADHD and put on drugs documented by the FDA to cause tics, stunted growth, heart attack, stroke and sudden death.  The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Ritalin, Concerta and other ADHD drugs in the same class of highly addictive drugs as cocaine, morphine and opium.

Psychiatric drugging of kids is big business.  ADHD drugs sales alone generate $3.1 billion a year.  Parents need to be informed that not only is the diagnoses of ADHD completely subjective (a child fidgets, stares out the window, forgets his homework and he can be diagnosed ADHD) but that there are non-drug solutions for solving children's problems of behavior, attention and learning.  Parents have a right to this information.

Dr. Mary Ann Block, Medical Director & Founder of the Block Center, and author of No More ADHD is our featured blog/video interview this week: click here.

Whitney's Strength

This morning I slid into the back of the car for the traffic riddled ride to the Atlanta airport. The driver asked if I'd like to hear the Tom Joyner morning show and I said of course. I know Tom well and I've actually worked with some of his productions as recently as the annual cruise that I participated in this past spring.

As soon as the radio came on I could hear the voice of a soulful Whitney. I'd heard the song several times by now and remembered attending a very private Beverly Hills listening party for the new release thrown by none other than record mogul Clive Davis. The space was packed with radio folks, journalists and anyone else who Clive thought would be vital participants in taking this record #1. I arrived a little late and when I tell you there wasn't a seat in the house...it wasn't a seat in the house.

So while standing, lol I checked the place out. Rich beautiful draping lined the walls. Huge pictures of Whitney surrounded the room and every monitor strategically placed adorned her face. All I could think was, "She's really back".

There are only a few artists throughout my lifetime I've actually exemplified fanatic behavior and they go in this order,
Undoubtedly The King of POP, the legendary all time favorite Michael Jackson. I had the Levi denim jacket with about 30 buttons or more. My bedroom walls were filled with so many Michael Jackson posters it looked like wallpaper.
His album cover for the Thriller album sat on a boom box that collected dust like an unused piece of furniture.

And then came his sister Janet. Rhythm Nation by far was one of the most amazing movements to ever have been set into motion. Even after accompanying her on tour and opening up for her nationwide I'd watch every show and take pics like I had never seen the damn thing.

But I must say the NJ bred female songstress that stepped on the scene with "You Give Good Love" and "Thinking About you" was an idol for me. Having no idea that she was about to become a world phenom and the biggest selling female of all time. I was and am still a huge fan of Whitney Houston and basically she can do no wrong.

As I sat in the car listening to her new release Tom Joyner announced she's coming up live at the top of the hour and I felt the fan arise in me all over again. I felt an overwhelming feeling that almost resulted in a tear. Although the tear never dropped the sentiment was there and I suddenly really really understood what it meant to have Whitney back!!

All the years of having her and then slowly she was gone. I remember bowling with her and a few friends years ago and how much fun we all had and how vibrant she was. Thought I'd see her much more often after that but never again, only on television. Many times after I'd hear her name and think wow, we lost her. If I felt that way imagine how her mom felt, her family, Clive and the millions of fans across the world. I'm getting chills right now just thinking of how blessed she was, is and will be.

There are people who God may put here to make change and then they're are people who are sent to inspire those who make change. Just as I have said to be an mc's mc, Whitney by all means is a singer's singer. Whitney surpassed the expectations of most but certainly that was in Clive's plan from the very beginning. A true star in every since of the word and now she shines again.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

FED UP YET

When is enough enough? I guess enough occurs the day you make the decision life will no longer go down the way that it has been. It's the moment you decide your well being is far more important than anyone or anything.

Enough is when you walk out of the door and rid yourself of ever having to slip up and slam your face against the back of his hand anymore.

Enough is when you step out on faith and know that a life of drugs and alcohol may have been for the generations before you but doesn't have to define YOUR walk in this lifetime.

Enough is when you decide you won't be taken advantage of. The amount of time you've known someone doesn't make it okay for them to use you and never give you something in return, be it family or friends.

Say "Enough is enough" and get your life moving in the direction you should have been headed in along time ago.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Grant's Rules to Success

Focus on your dreams and your dreams will come into focus! Know that you always end up where your mind goes! It will be realized in your mind before it is realized!

-------------------------------------------------------

Go for failure!

Everyone wants to succeed,

and no one wants to fail.

The way to get to success is the road less traveled.

The more failures you can swallow,

the more success you will be able to eat.

For more Rules of Success like these visit Grant Cardone.

The Floacist

Just got off the phone with my sister in music Natalie better known as The Floacist formerly a member of the well known group Floetry.  She is back in the mix in rare form as a soloist.  Her style is definitely something the world at large can connect to and she is ready for the world to hear her. Here is a special message from her

Peace, Love and Light 2 All...xx

Over the next couple of months, I am gearing up for the release of my debut solo album, FREEDOM...xx

As a part of the build up, I will be giving away free spoken word piece/peace downloads. And I'm kicking it all off with...

'CIPHER'

Make sure you stay connected, as I will be keeping you updated with all of my movements. Here are a few of my upcoming events:

Plays:
'Bois Don't Cry'
September 5th
14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

'Walk Like A Man'
September 6th
14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

Poetry Performance:
The Arc Theater, DC - September 19th

and I will be a Host at:
Can A Sister Rock A Mic @ Busboys and Poets, DC - October 6th

Stay connected for updates on:
Album launch / listening parties
Promotional tour coming in the Fall!

I am looking forward to reconnecting with you all on the road! Until then, enjoy 'Cipher', and make sure you stay tuned for your free downloads!

Happiness to you...xx
Flo'...xx 


Check her out at her Myspace spot.

The Glamorous Life

We all remember the flavor that this woman added to Prince's Kingdom.  Her stick drumming had everyone singing along to her chart toppers like Glamorous Life and A Love Bizarre. Of course she is still doing her thing in a major way.  I sat with Sheila and her manager a couple of weeks ago and yes we did talk about music but more attention was put on a foundation they started a few years ago. Please read for more details.

Currently, Sheila, a philanthropist, continues to devote her talents and time to the Elevate Hope Foundation (EHF), a charitable organization (which she is co-founder and co-chair) that assists the needs of abused and abandoned children through music therapy. Despite the demands of her commitment to making music, she maintains a heavy involvement in the organization. "There are so many kids who need our help," she says, "And we're trying to help them get their lives together by building their confidence through music and the arts. It's just another way for me to do God's will, another reason for living. I believe we are here to help people in this lifetime. We must give something of ourselves to truly live." Sheila E. and EHF have presented countless events to raise money for the foundation.


A letter from Sheila as told on her website Elevatehope.com

At the tender age of five I was sexually abused by a babysitter. Growing up, I struggled with the shame of my childhood experience, but fortunately I had an outlet. Not until I was an adult did I realize how my exposure to music at an early age assisted in the healing process. Many abused children have expressed a heartfelt desire to involve themselves in the education of music and the arts.

It was evident that I had to do something with what I had experienced for discarded and forgotten children around our country. I decided that it was imperative for me to share God's goodness instead of life's tribulations. Although we go through many, it is more important to share the ups and reveal the downs for a healthy and positive change.

I want to impart strength, endurance, hope, kindness and love to those who feel it is impossible to attain. Sharing my story and offering my help in this process are true expressions of God's love in my life.

In my endeavor, I discovered that many have expressed an urgent desire to involve themselves in the education of music as an outlet. I know, as their families, even society has discarded them, the exposure and education of music and the arts will be a life changing and saving experience. To give to the needs and desires of these children will help enable them to cope with their emotional, even physical challenges.

As a result, my manager and business partner, Lynn Mabry and I launched the Elevate Hope Foundation. She too was sexually abused as a child by a family friend. She shares my desire to assist children, even adults in the healing process. Our foundation is committed to help the needs of those who desire to keep searching for answers, find an alternative to express their pain and work towards enjoying a new life.

If you are one of those who are willing to help, please be one of our "angels" and give. If you are one of those who needs help, begin to talk about it. Pain is only temporary. Your life is yours to live and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

We created an avenue on our web site for you to tell your story. A place for you to read about others like us. To be able to give someone hope by sharing a kind word. Please check out ourinspirations.

With your help, we will soon build a Compassion Care Center Of The Arts in the metropolitan Los Angeles Area for children to have a safe place to be educated in the arts, a place to get away and enjoy an afternoon of peace and tranquility, a place where children and parents alike can receive counseling to help them get through their trying times, even the opportunity to learn the very basics in day to day living. This is our desire.

Be imitators of goodness as dearly loved children and live a fulfilled life of love. Thank you for your support and love.

Always,
Sheila E

Mission

Elevate Hope Foundation (EHF) is dedicated to providingabused and abandoned children an alternative method of therapy through music and the arts, and funding special services and programs that assist the needs of these children using these fundamental methods.

Co-founded in 2001 by entertainer Sheila E. and business manager, Lynn Mabry, EHF supports existing programs of their beneficiaries through monetary funding and in-kind donations e.g. musical instruments, art supplies, and work stations complete with computers, keyboards and applicable instructional software.

Over 65 percent of our grant dollars will be invested at the local community level. Outside financial support fills a viable niche in light of more conservative funding offered by the federal government.

Foster care systems and outreach programs alike share the urgent demand for funding and unite in this strong commitment to serve the needs of disadvantaged children.

For more info like bio, gallery and a new video visit Sheila E.

The Man Behind the Lens

Johnny Nunez, best described as "THe Man That Gets the SHOT".  This past Saturday I had the opportunity to sit and talk with the man I hardly ever see sit still.  I arrived at the venue for Hip Hop Action Summit Network a little earlier than needed and took a seat in a waiting room.  Johnny happened to be in the room with his camera, several lenses and 2 laptops (1 pc and 1 mac).

He shared the story of his life and what got him in the position of shooting the stars. He went from being a man with just a dream and an ordinary job to a premier photographer that is hired to travel the world over to shoot some of the most famous and desirable people. He's there to get the shot for Diddy, Michael Jordan, Russell Simmons, Naomi Campbell and many others.

Check out the trailer for the documentary that tells it all.

Some of his works can be seen at Wireimage.com.

RUSSELL SIMMONS

This man has got to be one of, if not, the leading man of the hiphop generation. He says move and people move. He says vote and people vote. He says you are capable of doing it all and then suddenly...you believe.  He set the path for how successful a hip hop record label could be.  Back in the day not only did he and Rick Rubin launch Def Jam the label but Russell also began Rush Communications that served as the premier management company that handled the business of Run DMC, Eric B & Rakim, Jazzy Jeff &Fresh Prince, Public Enemy, LL Cool J and countless others. 


This year Def JAM, who's roster brought us the finest that hip hop had to offer by releasing works from Slick Rick, Public Enemy, LL Cool J,  and the Beastie Boys will receive the 2008 award at VH1's Hip Hop Honors. I'm sure everyone will be in the house to represent for the label that paved the way for so many.


Russell had the foresight to forge many businesses by choosing the wisest of partners. With the right partner he created Def Jam Comedy, Def Poetry Jam and has been involved in quite a few television productions. 

In July 2006, Simmons, in addition to other members of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, was named a Goodwill Ambassador of CISRI-ISP.  According to the press release, Simmons' appointment will help "launch an awareness campaign utilizing hip-hop as a vehicle to address war, poverty and HIV/AIDS, in support of the UN Millennium Development Goals as well as the CISRI-ISP fight against severe poverty and malnutrition.

Hip Hop Summit Action Network

Find more photos like this on Hip Hop Sisters

Mission Statement: Founded in 2001, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) is dedicated to harnessing the cultural relevance of Hip-Hop music to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns fundamental to the empowerment of youth.  HSAN is a non-profit, non-partisan national coalition of Hip-Hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents, and youth leaders united in the belief that Hip-Hop is an enormously influential agent for social change which must be responsibly and proactively utilized to fight the war on poverty and injustice. Read more at HSAN.org

Havenstreet.com

CRUSH that Pimple

This is your secret weapon. I travel with this bottle of magic. No more sugar for me, I use this for everything including lattes, oatmeal and cereal.  But aside from getting away from all those fake substitutes like Splenda and Equal this baby serves as another type of life saver. Dab a bit of this on a new situation attempting to bubble under the skin and the next morning Presto, it's even bigger...lol...just joking. If you get it early enough you can stop that thing before it goes awol.  This really works and if you have a way of picking up a book entitled Healthy Healing it's filled with natural ways to rid yourself and others of sicknesses and ailments caused by everyday living.

FOXY

Pamela Suzette "Pam" Grier is one of the flyest African American actresses to hit the planet in the 70's. She came to fame after starring in a string of moderately successful women in prison films and blaxploitation films such as 1974's Foxy Brown. Her career was revitalized in 1997 after her appearance in Quentin Tarantino's film Jackie Brown. She is one of a few African American actresses to have received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. 


In more recent works she starred along side Jennifer Beal in the Showtime series The L Word.

Kalae All DAY

OUR BLACK MEN

Find more photos like this on Hip Hop Sisters


At the Labor day parade while moving through all the people I decided to take a few pics of some guys, you and old. Here they are!

LAP BAG

A place for everything, and everything in its place. This case will hold it all.  Check it out at Cocooninnovations.com

Newness

Now this is the reason a highway was made. oooo just sick

ERNIE BARNES

Ernie Barnes was one of the most amazing artists of our time. Kanye would agree to that because he was one of many that commissioned Ernie to create a piece of art specifically for Mr. West's dining area.

See more on the art piece created for Kanye.

Flavor- Don't Stop

Who would have ever known this group is one of my favorites?
Check them out


Don'ts stop
All We have
P*ssy
Dance to the morning
Lazy Lover

L Boogie & MJB 2 of my favorites

OFFICIAL VA CONCERT AT the RACE TRACK

West Indian Day Parade in BK

Find more photos like this on Hip Hop Sisters

As a kid I lived 7 minutes away from Eastern Parkway where the West Indian Parade takes place.  I made sure I never missed a Labor Day Celebration.  Well of course as I grew older and became MC Lyte Labor day was usually a weekend when I'd have to go work for the money.  I'd have to travel all over the world to perform on some of the most celebrated holidays.  So when I knew I'd be in NY this weekend I threw my hand up and shouted HALLELUJAH, I'm going to the parade!!!

If you've never been it is a must for you to experience this day where the music is loud, the food is good and the people are humping...lol...ok well not all of them just 99% of them...lol

Hip Hop Sisters first meet & greet

This past Sunday marked the first get together for the ladies of HHS.  We met at the Hip Hop Cultural Center on 125th st in Harlem, USA.  Atlas and Mecca, chairs on the board of HHS, arranged the whole scenario.

The afternoon was kicked off by each of the ladies giving their govt names, their alias and why she considered herself a Hip Hop Sister.  There were teachers, mcs, djs, producers, directors and just lovers of hip hop music. A female dj from Berlin showed up to meet sisters who carry the US torch for women in hip hop.

All in all it was a great way to kick the movement off in the right direction!! Coming to a city near you soon!

CHOCOLATE PIC

IDris! Need I say more.

LOVE THIS!!

It breaks my heart to see so many talented folks just disappear from our site. Sure they are still grinding and doing things behind the scenes but isn't it nice to just see them and their light shine on all of us...all the time

Below is a list of folks I want to pay made respect to and acknowledge what their talent did and still does for the game.

Glenn Lewis
Carl Thomas
Darnell Jones
Sunshine Anderson
Lil Mo
Faith Evans
Horace Brown
Jimmy Cozier
Govenor
Musiq

And a host of others I'll continue to post!! BTW Jill Scott certainly waits too long between projects...come on we need that fiya!

MY CAN'T Live w/OUTS

                                        
Hey so sometime last year one of those hip hop mags did a spread on all the "swagger like us" dudes.  Each page of a 4 page lay out had all the mc's favorite things but most importantly the items they wouldn't dare leave home without.
So I was inspired to do my own shot consisting of all the things I packed for this quick trip to VA to perform before one of our all time favorite groups BBD.

items to go 

Mac Book Pro  ( need that, couldn't touch the people without it)

Built lap bag      (Protects the plat Mac)

FLip                (shoot the happenings for the youtube channel MClyteny.com)

Ipod                  (music is my life but still haven't upgraded to the touch..lol..read your mind)

Bold                   (crackberry to stay in communication)

Sure headphones (music always, Doug E' Fresh's dj Chill Will turned me on to those)

Amex                 (really who carries cash anymore? Well me, whenever I'm lucky enough)

Black Jeans        (classic, never goes out of style)

Watch                (Flava Flav can't be the only one that knows the time)

Shades               ( A must)

Jacket                (classic)

White tee           (classic)

Shoes                (Adidas, silver just for stage, catch me off stage with them and you should choke me..lol)

Ladies in the near future I will hit the blog regarding toiletries because I've got secret tips....

1. for a quick stop on a bump try a tiny bit of apple/cider vinegar...don't drink it....dab on the bullseye!!!  lmao

Zap Mama & Eryka Badu 2 of my favs

THrowback!!!!

 

All my career I've heard, "It's who you know, now what you know" and I've always had the idea that that statement wasn't entirely true.  I believe you better know something by the time your path meets with someone who can do something with what you know.  In other words Lord forbid you meet the right person that could actually help you yet at the time you know absolutely nothing about what you should have known a long time ago. lol  Ok I'm getting this but I need to be certain that you are so let me break it down one mo time. There is one saying I've heard throughout my life and it seems to fit this occasion perfectly.  It is, there is no such thing as luck, it is being prepared when the opportunity knocks.

All of that say is my involvement with this song was all about being in the right place at a time where my talent was at a stage where it mattered.  Trust me there were some auditions that happened earlier on in my career where I absolutely stunk. Once finding out that acting wasn't so easy (at least for me it wasn't) I went and studied with a few different coaches to perfect the craft.  Years later I auditioned for a film that was never shot however the "would be director" loved my audition and wanted to use me for something at some point in the future.  

 
The same person that was impressed by my work at the audition later became one of the executive producers of the film Fighting Temptation and offered me an opportunity to participate in this song and video.  In the end...yes it is who you know but it's what you know that even gets them interested.

ALL Female Show

Tucked in a Brooklyn block on the edge of Clinton Hills sits a hot night spot called Sputnik's. It's placed within a multi-level building where two floors are dedicated to the club. At ground level is a cool little eatery serving lots of late night goodies ie burgers, buffalo wings and chicken fingers. With a slamming dj playing an eclectic mix of newbies & oldies and an array of cocktails, beer and wine offered the place undoubtedly draws a pretty diverse group of people. A crowd that would ♥ nothing but to stay closer to their homes and avoid the travel in to Manhattan.

Downstairs is where the performances are held and there one will find another bar for convenience, room to dance, a dj booth and a small stage.

Last night Brooklyn witnessed "girl power" brought front and center to the stage at Sputniks.

The ladies showed out and ripped it. Eternia, Kalae (all day), Jean Grae, Collette and Tecla. Gene's partner in crime Mela Machink accompanied her on stage making for a killer set.
The sounds for the night were provided by Chicago's own DJ Reborn who played all the classics that had the party jumping!!

HHS was in affect and in the house!!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T


Find more photos like this on Hip Hop Sisters

Art imitating Life

Cornel West is the Man!

Cornel West

I love this man.  What a beautiful spirit! Young and old should know about the deeds of this man.  He is certainly a force to acknowledged.

Groundbreaking Author

Dr. Cornel West is currently the Class of 1943 University Professor of Religion at Princeton University. One of America's most gifted and provocative public intellectuals, Dr. West has won numerous awards including the American Book Award, and has received more than 20 honorary degrees. He received his BA from Harvard University and his MA and Ph.D. from Princeton University.

Dr. West's writing, speaking, and teaching weaves together the American traditions of the Baptist Church, transcendentalism, socialism, and pragmatism. His best-selling book, Race Matters, changed the course of America's dialogue on race, justice and democracy.

As a boy, Dr. West was greatly impressed by the Baptist church. He had been deeply touched by the stories of parishioners who, only two generations from slavery, told stories of Blacks maintaining their religious faith during the most trying of times. Dr. West was equally attracted to the commitment of the Black Panthers, and it was from them that he began to understand the importance of community-based political action. However, it was a biography of Teddy Roosevelt that Dr. West borrowed from a neighborhood bookmobile that influenced his academic future and led him to Harvard. After three years, Dr. West graduated magna cum laude. Martin Kilson, one of Dr. West's professors, recalls him as "the most intellectually aggressive and highly cerebral student I have taught in my 30 years here."

Dr. West's first book, Prophesy Deliverance!, advocates a socially concerned African American Christianity that draws from Marxism. Dr. West has authored several other books, most recently The African-American Century: How Black Americans Have Shaped Our Century (with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.,), Cornel West: A Critical Reader, and Democracy Matters. He also co-authored two important books on public policy issues: The Future of American Progressivism (with Roberto Unger) and The War Against Parents (with Sylvia Ann Hewlett).

Dr. West was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular Matrix trilogy. Not only is he the spokesperson for this box-office hit series, Dr. West also had recurring roles in the final two volumes. A long-time member, Dr. West now serves as an honorary chair of the Democratic Socialists of America. He has worked with numerous political and social organizations, including co-chairing the National Parenting Organization's Task Force on Parent Empowerment. Dr. West was also part of President Clinton's National Conversation on Race, and has joined Al Sharpton's Presidential exploratory committee.