GrinderZZ 24/7 July/August 2019
Magazine and TV
Exclusive Mark Calderon, An Original Member Of The Group “Color Me Badd” Talks About His New Single “It’s Like Good Sex”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of TV One 2
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Hello everyone! Welcome to my world....the world of GrinderZZ. My name is Angie Christine, C.E.O of GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV. I am a mother, an author, a writer for Fuzionz Magazine/TV, actress and soon to be talk show host of my very own show titled "The Ultimate Surprise Show". When it comes to being a hard worker, I always strive to come out on top. I decided to create this magazine to applaud and to recognize all of the Grinders across the world who are out there doing their thing. These people come from various backgrounds, work trades, even different religions, but the one thing that makes them all the same is that they are hard workers. It takes a special person to become one. You have to eat, drink, and sleep your skills, your talents, and become that head honcho. I know you all will be very pleased at reading the different interviews and articles inside this special magazine. I would also love your feedback. If you would love to drop me a message, please send all inquiries to Angie_Christine@aol.com. Take care and keep grinding! (If you dream it, make it happen)
Editor and Chief Angie Christine Assistant Editor Shenoba Kinsey
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GRINDERZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV Inside This Issue: Music Entertainment Artists Interviews
The information contained in this magazine is for educational, entertainment and general informational purposes only. This information is provided by GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV and other sources. We will strive to keep the information as informative and as up-to-date as possible. Through this magazine, you may see the links to various website which are not under the control of GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV. We have no control over the nature, content or availability of those sites. This magazine contains materials which are owned by or permitted for us to use. This material includes, but is not limited to, photos, articles, designs, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited. Your views and opinions may differ from the content; therefore, you may leave a comment at angie_christine@aol.com
Editor and Chief,
Author Angie Christine
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AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Mark Calderon GrinderZZ stepped into the world of Mark Calderon, one of the original founding members of the 90s group “Color Me Badd.” Continue reading as the singer gives us a little history about the group and talks about his latest single “It’s Like Good Sex.” 7
GrinderZZ: Wow, Mark, I am so tickled pink to be sitting here with you doing this interview. I am such a huge fan. Please tell my GrinderZZ audience a little about yourself. Mark: I am an official founding member of the 90s group “Color Me Badd.”
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We started back in 1984-85 at NW Classen High School in Oklahoma City singing in the hallways and talent shows. We always had a dream of making it to the big stage and so we said chase down the popular ask that work town in sync with them hoping they would give us a big break. It was Kool and the Gang that took us under their wings. After struggling to find a record label that with sign us Giant Records Warner Bros. decided to take a chance and added us to the New Jack City Soundtrack. “I Wanna Sex You Up” our first single ended up taking off and no one saw it coming. After a few years of success and many years of trials we fast forward to 2018 this is when I decided that I wanted to release my first solo single “It’s Like Good Sex” I wanted to write and produce a song that had all of me in it. Dance/Pop/R&B. “It’s Like Good Sex” was released on May 16, GrinderZZ: Mark, at what age did you know you wanted to be a singer? Mark: At the age of 9. I was in love with the rock band Kiss and then I was introduced to Michael Jackson. And the list goes on.... My dad introduced me to the Beatles, and of course growing up in the 80s you had Prince, Stevie Wonder, Kool and the gang and New Edition. Those were a few of my favorite artists. GrinderZZ: Did you do any talent shows in high school? Mark: Of course, any talent show’s around OKC we were in and we did well and all of them. GrinderZZ: You and Bryan go all the way back to high school. Were you guy's doing any singing and performances back then? Mark: Well, that’s where the group got started. I met Brian in the hallways of Northwest Classen High School. And it was there where we formed the group. Bryan bringing in Kevin Thornton and myself bringing in Sam Watters.
The name “Color Me Badd” came from a racehorse. Sam Watters brought it to our attention about the racehorse. We were trying to decide on a good name for the group and we had a few choices, but our manager Myles Sanders pretty much told us that was the name we were going with. GrinderZZ: Back in the early 90's, I went along with a friend and saw you guys, alongside of singer Paula Abdul in concert and you guy's rocked! Do you ever get nervous at any time before a performance? Mark: There are some shows I get nervous on but more often I now just really get excited. When you’re so prepared to perform and your confidence level is high, you’re pretty much going out on excitement and wanting to see people enjoying themselves. Seeing smiles on faces is what it’s all about. GrinderZZ: Back a year or so ago, you and Bryan had a fallout. Are you guy’s now on speaking terms?
Mark: No, I do not speak to Bryan it’s a situation where you have to love somebody from a distance now. I hope he continues with his sobriety and I wish him only the best. 8
GrinderZZ: You now have a solo career and is constantly touring with other music groups. Do you still feel the love from your fans as you did over 20 years ago? Mark: Well, first of all, I’m so excited about my new single ”It’s Like Good Sex”. As far as the love from the fans, yes, I feel the love more than ever. I’m just so thankful that even after 28 years we still get the opportunity to sing these songs. GrinderZZ: Your new song called, “It’s Like Good Sex” was released on May 16th. Is there a special someone in your life that influenced you into making this song? Mark: Actually, this song is about good music. That’s what I’m referring to by singing it’s like good sex. Music is spiritual to me; you’re feeling it in your soul. It can take you places on a trip down memory lane, so when you hear a great song it has ways of moving you.... GrinderZZ: You were, also, recently on The Dr Phil show. Are there any other TV shows or any upcoming concerts the GrinderZZ audience should look out for?
Mark: Our website colormebaddmusic.com is where you can find the most recent scheduled “Color Me Badd” shows. To let everyone know, I will be going out on my own doing shows this year. So, please be looking out for that. I will also be finishing out the scheduled “Color Me Badd” shows this year. GrinderZZ: What advice can you give to someone who wants to have a career in music? Mark: Know who you are as an artist, stay persistent, take chances, and be true to who you are, as a person. I would, also, suggest to learn to play an instrument; guitar, piano or whatever will help you develop in being a better artist and remember you may get thousands of no’s, but all you need is one yes. Never give up! Once again Mark, thank you so much for the sit down with us here at GrinderZZ 24/7Magazine & TV.
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An Interview With
Author Charlotte Howard
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GrinderZZ: It's been a minute, but always a pleasure to talk to you. Please tell the GrinderZZ audience a little about yourself? Charlotte: Thank you Angie! I appreciate your kind words and I absolutely love your energy!! I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect with your GrinderZZ audience. I’m a homeschooling mom of four. I’m the middle child of three children my parents had. I come from a middle-class family who always believed in working hard to get what you want and need. Prior to being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in the year 2000. I worked in corporate as a beauty salon hairstylist and manager for over a decade before becoming a full-time successful entrepreneur. Fast forward today I’m living a freedom-based life teaching my women clients how to increase their income, impact and influence using my signature 6-figure+ business building system so they can create their dream lives doing what they love. GrinderZZ: Have you always been infatuated with writing before you wrote your first book? Charlotte: Not at first, but as I begin reading other books, I became fascinated by the stories. Then I begin journaling each day to write my own books. Everyone has a story to tell. As Oprah says, “Books are the passport to freedom,” and I believe it is because I didn’t have freedom in my life until I started writing books and reading books. It’s such a transformational experience. GrinderZZ: What are the titles to some of your book's? Charlotte: Hair Stylist Riches Book Series – teaches beauty professionals and business owners how to create a thriving beauty business, Success In Beauty Book Series – teaches women how to create more fulfillment and happiness in their lives, Entrepreneur Secrets Book Series – teaches people how to build a 6-figure+ book business and Wealthy Women Book Series – teaches women how to create wealth in all areas of their lives. GrinderZZ: You're the founder of, Hair Artist Association with currently have over 4000 members. Can you tell us as a little about it? Charlotte: Hair Artist Association is devoted to empowering beauty salon experts; private and corporate owned beauty salon businesses on how to market and sell effortlessly. I teach everything I did to help multiple corporate salons I managed to grow beyond 6-figures. GrinderZZ: Besides being an author, you are also, C.E.O of Heart Central Women Publishing. What year was your company established? Charlotte: In the year 2008. Prior to opening Heart Centered Women Publishing, I published beginning in the year 2000 under my first company Charlotte Howard Consulting. GrinderZZ: You’re a life coach, a great mother, and a brand ambassador for So Chic So You clothing line. When do you ever find the time to rest? Charlotte: I’m often asked that almost every day. I get 8 hours of sleep per day and have developed systems that allow me to have a typical 5-hour work week because my team and I do lots of group coaching so we can impact more lives. GrinderZZ: You currently home school your 4 children. How has that been working out for you and your family? Charlotte: Yes, I love homeschooling. I’m able to provide my kids with the love and attention that I didn’t get as I was growing up because my parents were always busy. My kids enjoy the personal attention and travel perks too. We meet with others who homeschool and do field trips. We really make it a fun and rewarding experience for our kids. 12
GrinderZZ: If you could go back in time, and come face to face with a 20-year-old, Charlotte Howard, what advice would you give to yourself? Charlotte: Charlotte, start your business now, invest in yourself so you can leave a legacy and live your best life sooner rather than later. GrinderZZ: How can people reach out to you for advice, or just to say hi? Charlotte: Feel free to connect with me at www.iamcharlottehoward.com, www.heartcenteredwomenpublishing.com , www.facebook.com/coachwithcharlotte, www.instagram.com/ coachwithcharlotte GrinderZZ: Any last words? Charlotte: Surround yourself with people who see greatness in you, even when you don’t see it in yourself.
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Female Flava Of The Month
This is my favorite "Flava Of The Month" of all time, because this person means the world to me.....Briana Christine Zalamar is more than a grinder.....she is also my 1st born daughter. Ever since she was little, this brown eyed girl always was mature and wiser than her peers. My mother use to say Briana has an old soul, because she was so knowledgeable and acted very mature at a young age. Besides working her outside job, Briana finally started her own business making and designing baby clothes. Bri's Boutique have been sky-rocketing with sales ever since she opened for business, the 2nd week of May, 2019. One day, she plans to expand and open 5 boutiques here in Las Vegas. Besides work, Briana loves to sing, read, bowl, write, shoot pool, and site see. Check out her fan page on Facebook..... Bri's Boutique. You can also reach out to her via email, at bzalamar@yahoo.com
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If you're looking for some great jewelry to surprise someone, then head on over to the Blvd Mall on Maryland Pkwy in Las Vegas, and stop by "The Place". Owners Big Percy, (Snoops manager), comedian Big Red, and rapper Snoop Dog were so hyped to have launched their grand opening in November during Thanksgiving Day weekend. Come and look for this pretty face while you are shopping for the latest street gear. Mrs. D. Newman White is def a grinder, and she will also help you out, with her jewelry line.
Photo credits: Angie Christine
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Blog and Doodle By Kim Fannin “The Blog Lady�
After we got the first 2 girls situated in the back, adding a few more seemed like a good idea. It was the fall of 1973, I was 18 and life was a never-ending adventure. I had a job, good friends and a 1966 VW Beetle. We were headed out to our favorite Friday and Saturday night spot - The Keg. I was the driver - yeah, I was the only one with a car. So, we started out with me & my friend in the front seats. Made a couple stops, added 2 more girls. Bounced down the road a bit further & decided to pick up a few more. With 6 in the back now, we decided it might work better if we made the seat flat. At the next stop, they all piled out, yanked the seat down, then pushed, crawled & squeezed everyone in. Before we knew it, we had arms, legs, long hair, purses & platform shoes all tangled together in the back seat. I'm sure they probably complained at some point, but I don't remember it. After all, it was a free ride. One gal straddled the shifter between the front seats, making it a bit awkward for both of us at stop signs, but as long as we were rolling, it was good. Fortunately, the weather was nice, but even if it hadn't been, body heat goes a long way & those girls in the back became really close friends during the ride. It was a sort of free-for-all getting everyone out when we hit our destination, but, we were all young & limber back then. They slid out like jelly.
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An Interview With Bri’Anna Harper GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine traveled back to the East Coast to speak with this little Princess that blows everyone's mind when she starts to sing. I'm speaking about Miss Bri'Anna Harper. This talented 6-year old hails from Chesapeake Virginia, and she has the entire area buzzing. Her mother, Eboni Harper was nice enough to let us conduct this exclusive interview with her. GrinderZZ: Good afternoon and welcome to GrinderZZ 24/7 magazine and TV. I am so excited to be here and to speak to you Bri'Anna. For those who don't know who you are, can you please give a little description about yourself? Bri’Anna: Hello, my name is Bri’Anna Harper. I am 11 years old. I am a singer and songwriter. In my spare time I love to dance, produce music, making people smile and spending time with my parents (Fabian &E’boni) and my baby sister (Kayla). GrinderZZ: You're from Chesapeake Virginia, in which in Virginia has a lot of different talented people coming out of there. When did you first started singing? Bri’Anna: I began singing at the age of 5. My father made me a YouTube account where he would post little videos of me either singing or making beats. I always doing something with music. GrinderZZ: When your parents first heard you sing do you remember their reaction? Bri’Anna: Yes, I definitely remembering my parents being amazed because everything I sang was done with such passion no matter what it was. GrinderZZ: Your mother told us that your three biggest influences and music are, the late Michael Jackson, the late Aretha Frank-
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lin, and the late Whitney Houston. What is it about their music that makes them stand out more in your mind? Bri’Anna: They each were musically special in their own way. I tried to take a piece from each of them. I honestly wish I could’ve had the chance to meet them all to tell them how much their music has influenced me. GrinderZZ: Last year you performed the Jackson 5 song, "Who's Loving You" on the Ellen DeGeneres show. What was that experience like, and is Ellen a cool person to talk too? Bri’Anna: That experience was just simply amazing. It honestly felt like a dream. Mrs. DeGeneres (Ellen) is so sweet and down to Earth on and off camera. She’s like the coolest aunt that everyone wants to hang out with. GrinderZZ: Right afterwards you were given a certificate of recognition and outstanding achievements from the Chesapeake mayor Rick West. What was that moment like when you receive the award? Bri’Anna: It’s funny that you asked because my mother and I both received an award from the Mayor at the same age, so it felt like I was following in her footsteps. Mayor West is such a sweet person and he has a great sense of humor.
GrinderZZ: You're on 6 year's old, and you have a long way to go to the think about future goals, but if I may ask you......what do you want to be when you grow up? Bri’Anna: When I grow up, I would like to be a graduate of Norfolk State University and earn a Bachelors’ Degree in Music Production. GrinderZZ: What advice could you give another kid that wants to start off in music? Bri’Anna: I would like to tell them to never give up on your dreams and your hard work will pay off. Believe in yourself! GrinderZZ: How can fans reach you? Bri’Anna: My fans can reach me on my Instagram account which is @ya_gurlbri. So far, I have almost 26,000 followers. GrinderZZ: Any last words or shout out she would like to give at this time? Bri’Anna: First, I would like to thank God for giving me a gift to share with the world. Shout out to all of fans aka #teamBri/#BriNation that has ever supported me in my music career. I love you and I thank you. And last, by not least, I would like to thank my cousin Angelo Foreman, Ms. Angela Crandall, GrinderZZ Magazine for this amazing interview! My love to you all!!! I want to thank you Miss Bri'Ana Harper, and Mrs Eboni Harper, for conducting this interview with us, at GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine and TV. Keep grinding and keep shining. 18
Audio Engineer, John Eldred Jr. On The Grind GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV headed back to the East Coast to catch this young man for an exclusive interview. You may not have heard him on the West Coast, but he is well known up east. For the past 20 years, John Eldred Jr. has been an audio engineer, and working behind the scenes with some of the most talented artist that's branching out in the game. John was so eager and excited to have this sit down with us. GrinderZZ: Thank you John for sitting down with us for this interview. Please tell the audience a little about yourself. John: Hello, thank you for spending this time with me. I’ve been recording, in one way or another, for roughly the past 20 years. It started with selling mix tapes in middle school. Not of me, but literally, tapes mixed with different music, like a DJ. I started recording vocals on a dual cassette tape deck with a cassette single with an instrumental and a blank tape. I was young, maybe 14 or so, so I didn’t really know anything about ADAT or any PROFESSIONAL recording. I eventually took a loan out and bought my first Mac G5 and Pro Tools 6. The rest is history. GrinderZZ: As a kid was music always your passion? John: I remember always using music as a coping mechanism. I would always search out songs that went with whatever I was doing or feeling at the time. GrinderZZ: When did you first know you wanted to become a behind the scenes man in the studio? John: Well, I used to be in a rap group when was a teenager. I only did one “mixtape” and realized, I didn’t like my voice and rapping just wasn’t in my cards. To add to that, I was white and Eminem hadn’t even come out yet, so white rappers weren’t the “in” thing per se. However, the concept of recording and manipulating the audio intrigued me. Plus, I’ve always been very shy so to be the face of something had me a little shook. GrinderZZ: You've been an audio engineer for the past 20 years, and the majority of it all was self-taught. When artist hear this about you, how do they respond? John: At first, shocked. After I explain a little bit, they understand the love and passion I have for it. As I said, as a kid I took out personal loans to invest in this. GrinderZZ: Six months ago, you started to do the hip-hop cyphers upstate New York. How did that get started, and how many artists participated?
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John: I started the cyphers because the area I live in, 845 area code, has so much talent. As an engineer, I want to work with everyone in the area. Plus, a lot of artists don’t collaborate as much as they should. They kind of stick to their own circle. My cyphers operate a little differently than your typical cypher. Mine are not live. They are pre-recorded and I do a music video for EVERY cypher. So far, on the first 3 cyphers, I’ve had a total of 26 artists; maybe 21 different artists (there’s a few repeat artists). That’s 21 different fan bases that were reached and probably about 20 artists that I’ve never worked with before these cyphers and/or never heard of. Oh, and for every verse, I buy a beat for that artist and we will be releasing a project, “845 MVP MIXTAPE” once I get 40 songs recorded. GrinderZZ: Name 3 celebrity artist you would like to collaborate with on a project, and why? John: First, Marvin Sapp. I love Gospel music and the vocal production of it. His music has helped me get through some tough times as well. Second, Nas; Hip-Hop Legend, need I say more? Would love to do a whole project with him and pick his brain at the same time. I’m sure he has so much game he’s learned over the past 25 years. Third, I’d probably have to say Joyner Lucas. I really like his thought-provoking music and concepts in his videos. GrinderZZ: Can you name four artists right now that you've worked with, or currently working with now, and how is that going for you? John: Currently, I’m working with a few local artists. Meaty Bone, Nellz, Judah Ph3enom, SoL IMC. They have all been on every cypher except Ph3enom, he skipped the second one. All four of them, I’ve never worked with before the cyphers. After the first cypher, they really appreciated how I worked and the quality I gave them and the passion I have, so they have me engineer their personal project now, too. The best thing, they all have different styles and back grounds. I love how it’s working out, we all make good music together and they even collab a few times, as well. 20
GrinderZZ: Where do you see yourself five years from now? John: Five Years from now, I hope to have a larger clientele and working out of a nicer commercial studio. I hope to have helped at least one artist become a main stream artist. GrinderZZ: If there's anyone out there right now that would like to reach you for advice, or maybe to collaborate with, how can they reach you? John: My Personal Facebook page, John Eldred Jr. My fan page for the studio CENTRAL SUN STUDIO or my email:centralsunstudios@gmail.com GrinderZZ: Any last words? John: Never give up, stay true to yourself and follow your dreams!
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Website: www.fuzionzmagazineandtv.com
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The Story of: DJ ACE - THE CUT LIEUTENANT
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Music is the international language that gets everybody moving, and we definitely have somebody today that keeps the crowd moving at every performance he gives. Acu Rhodes is a Lieutenant with the NYPD unit, and he's also a great DJ. His DJ name is DJ Ace, The Cut Lieutenant, and we at GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine are very proud to have him share his story with us. Check this exclusive story out: Good evening, thank you so much for having me in GrinderZZ!! This is such an honor and a privilege to tell my story on your platform!! My name is Acu Rhodes aka DJ ACE THE CUT LIEUTENANT. I was born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. While I was growing up in Bed Stuy Brooklyn, I didn’t realize how crazy things were then. During the crack epidemic the city was way more dangerous than it is now. I never really hung out on the streets too much, I was either in school or at home practicing on my turntables. I also had a rap group back then called the Stage Kings. We would go to a music studio called Funky Slice which was located downtown Brooklyn and make demo tapes. Doing all of these things kept me focused and out of trouble during my younger years. I graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and then served five years in the Marine Corps. I joined the New York City Police Department right after and I currently have 22 years on the force. I work at the 78 Precinct where I am assigned as the 3rd Platoon Commander and the Barclays Detail Lieutenant. I have been DJing for 35 years. I started DJing at the age of 10, on my mother’s compact stereo. The song Roxanne Roxanne and the movie Beat Street inspired me to start DJing. The DJ’s that influenced me were Jam Master Jay, DJ Cheese, Mixmaster Ice, DJ Scratch, Cash Money, Jazzy Jeff Funk Master Flex Marley Marl Red Alert Richie Rich Tony Touch and DJ Premier. Recently made appearances on NY1 and Fox 5. Showcased on Funk Master Flex's Five Minutes of Funk series and have been on Shade 45 radio with Tony Touch and Lord Sear. Currently working on some mixes for LL COOL J’s Rock the Bells Radio station. I have also DJ'd a few Nets games at the Barclays Center and at the Billboard Lounge which is also located inside of the Barclays Center. 24
About five years ago my boss Chief Maddrey and retired Detective Todd Taylor organized a Cops vs Kids DJ Battle. After the battle I started to gain some notoriety because not too many folks have ever seen a uniformed officer scratch on turntables before. Seeing this humanizes being a police officer because a lot of folks look at us as being robots. After my video went viral there was a lot of positive feedback from the community, specifically the hip-hop/DJ community. Community policing and community outreach are the areas where the department is focusing on, so all of the top executives fully embraced the idea of me DJing in uniform. My current commanding officer fully supports everything that I do. The reaction that I get from the general public is incredible. Everyone is amazed that I can perform on the turntables. Most people are very eager to engage me in conversation and ask me questions about DJing and also the police department. I have never traveled out of state, as of yet, but I am definitely open to the idea. I am not really a big fan of today’s music, but I do have current music available to play if needed I am more of a fan of the old-school music such as Disco, R&B, Soul, House and 90s Hip-Hop. If anyone would like to contact me here is my social media information. Instagram - @DJACE78 Twitter- @DJACE78 At this time, I would like to thank any and everyone who has ever supported me and also a big thank you to all of the Hip-Hop legends and icons that have embraced me with open arms. Shout out to DJ SCRATCH, Kangol kid, LL Cool J, Eric B, BLAHZAY BLAHZAY, Al SKRATCH, Large Professor, Rampage, Pete Rock, Funk Flex, Tony Toca, DJ DICE, DJ DIAMOND, HAAS G.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of DJ Ace 25
An Interview With DJ Tony Tone: Original Member of The Cold Crush Brothers The Cold Crush Brothers are an American icon rap group that hails from the Bronx New York. Today GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV is very honored to have with us, DJ Tony Tone, aka Tony Crush, on the original members of the group. GrinderZZ: Thank you so much DJ Tony Tone for hanging out with us today at the studio. For those who are too young to know who you are, and how much of an impact you are to hip hop history, tell us a little about yourself? DJ Tony Tone: I am a part of the culture of Hip Hop born at the start of the foundation. I grow up in Kool Herc. Afrika Bambaataa & Grand Master Flash parties. The early parties were so soulful, full of funk and rock & roll. The top 3 of this culture are the real pioneers of this Hip Hop. I am a rib of the culture. I am a part of the true vibe of soul, funk, and rock & roll. I live Hip Hop every day in a way not many people live in a lifetime. I was first Player the DJ with a group called Unity in the community, along with my mentors Danny Mimms and Rodger Green. In 1974/5 I met my friend Keith Jackson .
All Photo Credits: Courtesy of DJ Tony Tone
GrinderZZ: Your group, The Cold Crush Brothers started out in 1978...wow, I was 7 year's old at the time. Who came up with the name for the group? DJ Tony Tone: (DJ Breakout) and I joined The Brother Disco and became Tony Tone of The Brother's Disco. I later started The Cold Crush Brothers and became DJ Tony Tone of The Cold Crush Brothers. I was a graff writer also (Chain 2), the writing was my thing for a while, but the music won me over. I was working in a record shop called "3 stop record shop" when I first saw and heard Kool Herc, I was selling the top 40 but Herc, 26
Bambaataa, and Flash were not playing the top 40. They were changing the game and the rules in the streets of the Bronx. I came up with the name of the group. After being a part of The Brothers Disco, I knew structure was a big part of building something that would last for a long time. GrinderZZ: Back in the late 70's and 80's, rap was huge coming out of the Bronx. Who were some of your biggest influencers? DJ Tony Tone: Temptations, Ohio Players, Elton John, Jimmy Castor, Berry White, Isaac Hayes and many more were a very big part of my life. Kool Herc and A Bambaataa shared music with us and shared music with the world. GrinderZZ: Your group was featured in the movie Wild Style. My mom took my friend and I to see that movie. How excited were you all to be acting in that historical movie? DJ Tony Tone: Wild Style was step up and a step down for us. I wish people would have helped us more than used us. The music and movie business is not good for everyone. We were not acting in Wild Style, we were just doing what we did every day. In 1983, The Cold Crush Brothers were a big part of carrying the culture around the world and sharing it with a group of people that couldn't even understand English. The Wild Style Tour was great, I wish we could revisit that part of Hip Hop again. GrinderZZ: In 1983, The Cold Crush Brothers took 25 MCs, DJs, and breakers to Tokyo, Japan for the Wild Style tour. What was that experience like, and did the people welcome you all with open arms? DJ Tony Tone: The people of Japan showed us so much love, maybe more than our own home. The music we try to put out there is a part of who we are as The Cold Crush Brothers. GrinderZZ: Your first single titled, "Weekend" was released in the fall of 1982 on Elite Records. It was a cool song because it spoke about everyday hard-working people, and what they went through each day of the week. Back in the day songs always had a positive message. How do you feel about the music today, and do you feel music has gone down the tube? DJ Tony Tone: We were mostly street kids that are now street adults, our vibes are still from the roots of the culture. The Weekend was about people and what people did and looked forward too. Now the music is dry, the teaching of the culture is lost. GrinderZZ: I know there have been some members who have passed away, and you guys later added additional members. Would you guys ever consider touring again if the opportunity arrives? 27
DJ Tony Tone: We are always ready to tour. We are Hip-Hop and will never stop being just that. GrinderZZ: What advice could you give to someone who wants to break out in the music industry? DJ Tony Tone: There is no music business, be on top of your game. Read everything twice and own your name. GrinderZZ: Any last words? DJ Tony Tone: am Tony Crush of The Cold Crush Brothers. The grind is always on... Peace and Blessings
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THE ULTIMATE SURPRISE I had the pleasure of filming some drops (commercials), and conducting an interview with actress/director/ acting coach, Angela Gibbs. If the last name rings a bell, it's because she is the daughter of the beautiful and legendary actress, Marla Gibbs (The Jeffersons, 227). Angela will be my co-host on the show i have been developing for the past 4 years called, The Ultimate Surprise Show. This show will be like no other that's out there, and the theme to the show is.....bringing the American family back to the dinner table again. Angela and I have amazing stories that are real tear jerkers, so each and every show, our audience will be provided a box of kleenex. I decided to bring along my two daughter's, Briana Zalamar and Demetria Crandell so they can share into my experience. Angela Gibbs brought along her sister Yolanda as well to help out with the filming. My close friend/cousin Tee Lane Wofford did an amazing job filming the entire project. We all were ecstatic, and pleased with the ending results. 2019 will be our year.....the year for the Ultimate Surprise Show.
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Male Flava Of The Month
We at GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV made a perfect choice when we decided to make this man, our "Flava Of The Month." This man and I have a bond that can never be broken. Positive K, aka Darryl Gibson, was born in the boogie down Bronx, New York, and was set for stardom since his teen year's. In 1992, he released his album, The Skills Dat Pay The Bill's, and his hit song, I Got A Man went to the top of the charts. You can still catch this song played on almost every radio station across the United States. Positive K now has his very own radio show on Rock The Bells radio station, XM radio. Catch his show from 1-4 Eastern time, and from 10-1 am PST. Make sure you tell him, Angie Christine from GrinderZZ sent you. Pos, keep grinding, and keep shining.
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Darrell Spriggs On The Grind For years, I've known this young man's mother, and he is just as much as a hard worker as she is. Darrell Spriggs is one of the hottest musicians right now in Virginia and he has a lot to be proud of. Escaping death in 2006, Darrell, aka SK, has been tearing up the stages performing from state to state and we, at GrinderZZ, are pleased to have this sit down with him. GrinderZZ: Thank you so much for chatting with us Darrell. Please tell the GrinderZZ audience a little about yourself? Darrell: Well, for starters I love to self-educate myself, knowledge is power & it's never too late to learn. I'm sort of like a sponge when it comes to wisdom. I like to watch sports because I use be a two-sport athlete & had hoop dreams at one point in my life. The last thing I like to do is cook, but I'm no chef. Lol! GrinderZZ: You were born in Victorville California, not too far from me where I am in Vegas. Do you ever go back there to visit any family members? Darrell: I've been back to perform, even though I do have my dad's side of the family in Oakland & my partner who stays in San Diego. I guess you can say I got some making up to do. We were all kind of distant growing up, that's just how it was growing up in a single parent household. GrinderZZ: After your parent's divorced, you, your mom and your sister headed to Hampton Virginia. What was that move like for you? Darrell: Easy transition, I'm more of a people person & the fact that I was rather young coming to Virginia only made it easier to get along with other kids in the city of Hampton. I met some good people & formed great relationships with some great people. GrinderZZ: I must say, you're a tremendous artist, and your music style reminds me of the Old School Hip-Hop music I grew up on? Were you trying to create that music vibe through your music? Darrell: Not necessarily. I have an old soul, but in the music I kind of just go off my emotion at the time & if it sounds old school it just comes from my young spirit. GrinderZZ: You've already performed in a lot of states. Where could you say you felt the most love from, and do you ever get stage fright? Darrell: Tough question. Well I've traveled a few places & to tell the truth, St. Louis was crazy when I opened up for Jeezy at the Pageant in front of like 2500 people, not that many people to most, but to me that was life. Hell yeah! I get nervous!! It only means I’m about to put on a hell of a show. A wise man told 31
me it's good to get butterflies for something you have a passion for, it only means you’re still in love with what you’re doing. Does that make sense to you? GrinderZZ: Michael Jackson and Tupac are two of your inspirations. Do you see a little of yourself inside either of these two icons? Darrell: No. I may have the same admirations as they had, but we’re not the same. I'm me.. GrinderZZ: If there was one music legend you would love to collaborate with, whom would that be and why? Darrell: I don't even know how to answer this question it's a few of them & if I had to choose one it would be the homie Snoop Dogg. GrinderZZ: In 2006, you nearly loss your life in a horrific car accident. How blessed do you feel that God spared your life, and what was going through your mind when you were laying in ICU in the hospital? Darrell: Extremely blessed. My life was spared for my daughter’s sake. She was born a few months after my car accident. GrinderZZ: If you could go back in time and give some advice to 20-year old Darrell Spriggs, what would you say? Darrell: Slow down young man, life is a marathon not a race!!
GrinderZZ: If anyone would like to reach out to you, how would they do so? Darrell: They can follow me on IG @S_7_King on Twitter @mrinmycar, for all booking & features you can email me at dspriggs757@gmail.com You can Google SK Wit My Charger for my new single to download on all digital media outlets. I have a few videos online you all should check out as well. When you go to YouTube type in these names. SK in my car, SK no hooks, SK like butter, SK pain is pleasure, SK ft lab ratz (flexxn) & subscribe to my YouTube channel Darrell Spriggs so you can check out my latest video Legend In The 7 GrinderZZ: Any last words/shout outs? Darrell: God, for blessing me these gifts & abilities to write music. My producer, Icee Kold Beats, the people who genuinely support me, my daughter & mother & GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV for having me in your edition of your magazine, it was a dope interview Mrs. Angie. Thank you!! Again, thank you Darrell for interviewing with us, at Grinderzz 24/7 Magazine & TV. 32
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