Blaze Magazine

December 2011

BLAZE

Courtni Starr The Rise of Hip-Hop’s Newest Talent

J. Cole “Cole World” Album Hit or Miss?

Blaze Exclusive Rappers Behind Bars Right of Passage?

Marijuana

Should it be legal??

2

Debonair Magazine December 2011

Debonair Magazine December 2011

3

CON TENTS 10

BLAZE

Courtni Starr

Newest Hip-Hip Talent Theres something about Starr. Maybe its her killer blonde hair, her unique voice, or her good-girl gone-bad looks. Whatever it is, she dishes on what inspres her sense of musical style.

Blaze Magazine 2432 55th Street, Suite 210 Chicago, IL 80301

14

Secret Lover The power of the drug throughout the years

12

J.Cole Album Check Did J.Cole’s albulm reach the standards of his fans and his label? Check out the albulm review.

6 Editors Note 7 Contributors 8 Fashion Essentials 16 From the Stage to the Slammer 4 Blaze Magazine December 2011

*All New*

Winter collection Coming Soon

Hellz Bellz

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Angel Neal Creative Director Joshua Williams Senior Editor Joshua Williams Writer at Large Joshua Williams Office Manager Angel Neal DESIGN Photo Editor Pharrell Williams Senior Associate Photo Editor Angela Simmons Associate Art Director Gabrielle Union Chicago Sales Manager JW (248) 885-2232 JW@media.com Advertising Manager, Beyonce Knowles (813) 125-1723 BK@adscom Editorial and Business Offices 2520 55th St., Suite 210 Chicago, IL 80321 Blaze Magazine December 2011 5

Editor’s

ne of the perks of being a part of the editing process is you get to learn about all sorts of places, people and things. I love to hear about rising talent in the world of music. While scouting out talent for our Q&A for this issue in New York, I ran into a blonde haired diva that is ready to take the music industry by storm. She goes by the name of Courtni Starr (pg.11), she is a new “Blaze”ing talent, not quite signed but many lables are looking at her. Her first EP “ Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” is about to drop really soon.

On another note don’t fret our website Blazemagazine.com is now up and running. We promise to bring you original articles, dope fashions, and great cover stories. We have so many years ahead of us to ‘show you how we BLAZE! So what are you waiting for??? Get Blazed.

Angel Neal

Angel Neal xoxo Editor-In-Chief

Reader Feedback “Wale”

6

“Street Style”

“Beyonce Inspired”

Dior Marciano,26 Rico Suave, 22 Bronx, NY Ava Chanel, 23 I really loved the album review on Atlanta, GA Detroit ,Michigan I really enjoyed the street style section I really enjoyed the feature on Wale in the last issue. I feel like most people don’t give him enough of last months issue. I get a lot of my Beyonce. Many magazines were inspiration from regular people who covering her story but you guys credit. He is definitely someone worth talking about and listening can really dress. A lot of magazines put a different spin on it. The to. His music helped me through a focus only on what the stars are wear- fact that she is pregnant and still lot of breakups. Thanks for featuringing but you guys provided a different wants to perform for her fans was vibe. him in last months issue. a great detail to add to the story.

Although I wanted more pictures of her in the story, the copy was to drawn out.

Blaze Magazine December 2011

BLAZE

NOOTE

Angela Simmons Background: The Pastry designer and self-described “fashion junkie” has worked on assignments in almost five countries styling new talent.

Assignment: Simmons styled rising talent (pg.10). Her thoughts about Starr, “She was a pleasure to style because her look is so unique.”

What’s next: She’s developing a style forum project for Teen Vogue’s Fashion University in New York the end of January.

Contributers

Gabrielle Union Background: A Blaze contributor for over a decade, Union is the critically acclaimed author of two books, most recently Why Drugs are not legalized, (Harper).

Assignment: She interviewed people in the Marijuana story ” (page 14).

What’s next: She’s plans to do college tours with BET. For more information check out her blog Gabs4real.com

Pharrell Williams Background: One of America’s leading fashion designers , producers, and self proclaimed photographer.

Assignment: He shot the cover story (J.Cole, pg.12) and the photos for (Courtni Starr, pg.10).

What’s next: Williams is working on his winter launch collection of his popular brand Billionaire Boys Club. He also plans to market his new artist Teyana Taylor this upcoming spring. He can be reached at bbc.com.

Blaze Magazine December 2011 7

Aldo Dwyer $110

Banana Republic Remington Leather Drawstring $198

Boutique 9 Quin leather pumps $78 Club Monaco Necklace $189

4

Makeup Price: Sky is the limit

XOXO Slim Dress $59

3

5

Ladies Night Out!!!

Let your hair down and... relax

9

Origami Strapless Cocktail Dress $27

Aquamarine Earrings 10k White Gold Square-cut $152

8 Blaze Magazine December 2011

Burberry Sunglasses $210 Louis Vuitton bag $1400

Calvin Klein, perfectly fit seduction soft bra $38 and Hipster briefs $30 Steve Madden Traise Blue Suede $90

Nine West Mojave Pleated Clutch $69

Citzen Watch $500 Abercombie & Fitch $250

610 78

Essentials

12

Men:Under $2,000

Blaze Magazine December 2011 9

Photos by. Hollywood

Courtni Starr

Hip-hop’s newest and brightest talent, Courtni Starr dishes about her journey into the world of music. A native of Largo, Florida, she is willing in ready to take the Hip-Hop game to a new level.

By. Angel Neal Blaze: How did Coutrni Starr get started?

Starr: I laugh when people ask me this. I started singing before I could speak. I guess you can say I started in the church choir, and doing talent shows when I was a little girl. I thank God everyday I wake up, because he didn’t have to bless me with this special gift.

Blaze: Who are some of your musical influences?

Starr: There are so many I could name. I’m really inspired by Beyonce. Not only as a singer but as a true entertainer. Also artist such as Amy Whinehouse, Prince, Lauryn Hill influence me as well. I love those who have their own distinctive sound, the ones that are not afraid to just take chances in be themselves with their music. I like people who are original.

Blaze: What is your writing process like? Where do you get your inspiration?

Starr: I’m inspired by my everyday life. I write about stuff that happens to me or stuff I want to happen to me. Of course past relationships influence some of my writing and sometimes the people around me. I’m always writing.

Blaze: How would you describe your sound of music?

Starr: I’m all over the place because I sing and I rap. I get asked this question a lot and I always say my music is timeless music tunes. I’m like a female Drake. I can’t personally put a distinctive sound on myself, its just feel good music. I would say though I definitely have a hip-hop vibe.

10 Blaze Magazine December 2011

“I’m like a female Drake”

Blaze: What artist have you worked with?

Starr: I’ve worked with artists such as Plies, Drake, Chris Brown, Chris J and Jazmin Sullivan and some top-notch producers. I’m willing to work with more. I like the fact that I’m learning as I grow from those who have accomplished so much already. My remix for “Best you Ever had” with Drake got a lot of attention. I recently collaborated with pop divas “Super”. Our track “Oxygen” has just been released on Russell Simmons GlobalGrind.com. So I believe my hard work is paying off.

Blaze: So I hear you’re going to drop an EP before the end of the year titled “Gentlemen prefer Blondes”. What can we expect to hear?

Starr: I don’t want to give it all away. Similar tracks to “Charlie Brown Teacher” a track I released a few months ago. That track is getting great reviews.

My EP will feature songs that can appeal to the R&B and Hip-Hop in you.

Blaze: Where could people keep in touch with your latest projects and your music?

Starr: My web site wwww.courtnistarr.com is a good start. People can also follow me on twitter @ courtniStarr.

Blaze: You have an original look what inspired the blonde hair?

Starr: Growing up I was a tomboy but as I matured I wanted to express my womanly side. The blonde hair is just me being me, I’ve had it forever.

Blaze Magazine December 2011 11

J. Cole

A Cole World

pated albums of the year has hit the shelves. J. Cole’s A Cole World: The Sideline Story marks the debut of the North Carolinian rapper/producer.

The first thing

you notice when listening to the album is J. Cole is normal. The album is pleasantly absent the gangster exaggerations of being a cold-blooded killer, Escobar type drug kingpin or whale with unlimited funds. “I’m just a regular guy, everyday joe, that can actually rap pretty good,” Cole told DJ green Lantern in an interview on Invasion radio.

Cole can

rap pretty well, a skill

The Sideline Story BY

Joshua S. Williams

T hree years ago, with no warning, a young MC from North Carolina captivated the ears of listeners. His choppy flow, melodic beats and conscious content was a nice escape from what had become the brain drain called hip-hop. Finally, one of the most antici

Photos take by John Cruz

“

>>>>>

he puts to good use on solidified himself as the album; something an artist that will be we have grown to expect around for years to from him. The produc- come. tion was mostly handled

by Cole, but some of the beats have too much going on. Key tracks such as Dollar and a Dream, Mr. Nice Watch and Nobody Perfect are perfect fits for the album. . However, the addition of old mix tape tracks Young n***a such as Lights with his jeans Please, Who low... Nice Dat and In the Morning leave guy just got a something to mean flow” be desired. In the end, it may have been impossible for Cole to live up to the expectations we all had.

Perhaps he is not the immediate solution to the problem with hip-hop, but surely he has

12 Blaze Magazine December 2011

Secret Lover

A History of Marijuana

Public condemnation…..Private consumption.

Photos by Gabrielle Union

By Pharell Williams

College students and CEO’s, from basements to boardrooms, ball-players and bankers, America has had a longstanding affair with Mary Jane; not Spiderman’s secret love portrayed by Kristen Dunst in the 2001 film. Her sweet stench has filled the hallways of projects and frat houses alike. Congressmen and common folks have all had a run in with this lady.

Whether a casual conversation, a one night stand or unrelenting love that would rival Aphrodite, we all know her name, her smell. However, the legalization, effect and use of marijuana has long been a controversial topic.

1619- The first American marijuana law is enacted in Jamestown, VA. The law made Indian hemp seed a mandatory crop.

1906- The FDA is created as part of the Pure Food and Drugs Act. 1913-1928- States begin passing anti-marijuana laws.

1930- U.S. Department of Treasury creates the Federal Bureau of Narcotics 1930- Harry J. Anslinger is named the first commissioner of the FBN. He declares a war on drugs.

1936- “Tell your children” is distributed; the film is widely regarded as a propaganda film, claiming that marijuana causes madness.

14 Blaze Magazine December 2011

1937- The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 is passed. The law did not criminalize marijuana but it levied strong taxes and strict regulations on the use and growth of marijuana.

1937- Samuel R. Caldwell is convicted for selling marijuana.

He becomes the first person convicted for marijuana. His customer is convicted of possession. Caldwell is sentenced to four years in prison.

1950- Officials claim marijuana is a gateway drug to heroin.

1951- Congress passed the Boggs Act. The act increased penalties for drug violations.

This is the first time marijuana is classified in the same category as narcotics.

1956- The Narcotic Control Act passes. Penalties become even stiffer for marijuana and it criminalizes the transport of all narcotics, including marijuana.

1961- The Single Convention on Narcotics Treaty is signed.

Marijuana becomes illegal worldwide.

1969- Timothy Leary, who was convicted for possession of Marijuana without a stamp, challenges the court’s decision on the grounds that the act violated his Fifth Amendment right against self- incrimination. The Supreme Court agrees. The Marijuana Tax Act is ruled unconstitutional.

1969- A Gallup poll says 4% percent of adults said they had tried marijuana. 43 percent said they thought it was used by many or some high school kids.

1972- A Gallup poll says 60 percent of Americans thought marijuana was addictive.

1972- National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse release a report recommending the decriminalization of marijuana for personal use.

1973- 12 percent of respondents to a Gallup poll say they had tried marijuana.

1973- Richard Nixon proposes Reorganization Plan Number 2.

The DEA is created.

1977- A Gallup poll says 24 percent of respondents had tried

marijuana.

1978- 66 percent of respondents to a Gallup poll say marijuana was a serious problem in middle schools and high schools.

1980- Ronald Reagan war on drugs begins. He once said “I now have absolute proof that smoking even one marijuana cigarette is equal in brain damage to being on Bikini Island during a hydrogen bomb blast.”

1982- One person is arrested every 38 seconds for marijuana.

1985- An estimated one-third of Americans had used marijuana in their life.

1998- Washington decriminalizes the use of medical Marijuana.

1999- The Institute of Medicine

issues a report saying “There is no conclusive evidence that the drug effects of marijuana are casually linked to the subsequent abuse of other illicit drugs.”

2000- 1,579,566 total arrests for drug abuse. 45 percent are for marijuana possession.

2006- The American Cancer Society releases a study saying that heavy marijuana use does not cause cancer.

2009- A CBS News poll finds that for 41 percent of Americans support the legalization of marijuana and 52 percent are opposed.

2011- A Gallup poll shows more than 50 percent of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.

The issue of marijuana legalization has seemingly gone in a full circle. Modern science and increased liberalism has led to a more informed and tolerant public. What was once considered socially intolerable is now beginning to be accepted. Recently, more than ever. the issue of marijuana legalization has picked up steam. It is unclear when and if marijuana will be legal, but public perception has surely changed. It’s only a matter of time until the laws reflect the public’s outlook.

Blaze Magazine December 2011 15

Shortly after being arrested in 2007, T.I. released his first single, Whatever You Like. off of his upcoming album Paper Trail. According to Billboard.com, the single would become the most successful single of his career and break the record for highest jump to the #1 spot.

“I think that some rappers don’t just live the Hollywood life is what people like,” David Chin, a former FAMU student said. “Them going to prison is not a good thing, but I think it appeals to some of the street people. It’s something they can relate to.”

Perhaps it is a way for artist to connect to their fan base, but according to Newsweek Magazine, nearly 80 percent of hip-hop records purchased are purchased by young white males. So who are these rappers appealing to?

Matthew Knighton, a Chicago producer said, “rappers are people like everyone else. A lot of them grew up in the hood. With fame comes attention, it’s not that their doing something out of their character or something that doesn’t go on every day. It’s just the whole world is watching now.”

Whatever the cause, it would seem rap artist will continue to go to jail and the public will keep buying their records. Perhaps the business thinking is right, controversy sells.

Either die or go to prison, That’s a hell of a desision.

Photo taken by Steve Hilton

Rappers in jail in 2011

From the Stage to the Slammer

By Pharell Williams Rappers run in with the law

Banging beats and hot lyrics once was all an artist needed to be successful—that is no longer the case. In an industry that has grown to idolize gangster rappers like 2pac and Bigge Smalls, it has become necessary for the modern artist to have “street-cred”. Selling drugs and killing people have become mandatory criteria on the checklist of record executives and listeners alike. To satisfy the demands of the masses, it would seem rappers are forced to coexist between the glamour’s of Hollywood and the dim realties of prison.

“Either die or go prison, that’s a hell of a decision,” T.I. said on his 2008 album Paper trail. T.I., who was recently released from federal prison on gun charges, is no stranger to the judicial system. He like many other rap artist can’t seem to stay out of jail.

“I think rappers are expected to live that type of life,” G-fat, a local Tallahassee producer/engineer said. “We expect rappers to be thugs. That’s how they portray themselves and that’s what sells.”

16 Blaze Magazine December 2011

T.I. Remy Ma Da Brat Lil Boosie Gucci Mane Black Rob DMX C-Murder Turk G Dep Lil wayne www.BLaze.com/Badass

Blaze Magazine December 2011 17

Paris New York DC Miami California Chicago 18 Blaze Magazine December 2011