GrinderZZ 24/7 May/June 2019
Magazine and TV
MICHAEL CHAMBERS AKA TURBO
ZODIAC Flava of the Month
GHOST GrinderZZ Presents GHOST, The King Promoter of New York City
An Exclusive Interview With Breakin and Breakin 2 Actor
BussDownKie Talks About His Latest Tape “Adam And Evel”
Author Tabrina Jenkins Talks
About Her Upcoming Book “Rainy Day Thoughts”
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
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 Actor Michael Chambers aka Turbo GrinderZZ: Michael, thank you from the bottom of my heart for chatting it up with us here at GrinderZZ. Please let the audience know a little about you?
Michael: I was raised in the South Bay of Los Angeles, California town called Wilmington and I am an African Creole American who had relatives from Louisiana, who spoke French and some who spoke Spanish. GrinderZZ: At what age did you start dancing? Michael: I started dancing about 1978 when disco hit doing my best John Travolta AND IMITATING THE ADULTS WHO DANCED TO ALL THE POPULAR HIT SONGS ON THE 8-TRACK PLAYERS. GrinderZZ: I know being from the East Coast, we use to term, break dancing, and on the West Coast, you all use the term, pop locking. Could you explain the difference of the two dances?
Let me first start off by saying, I am a huge fan of this man. Because of him, I believed I could break dance on the ceiling, and float across the floor with a broom in my hand. The man I'm speaking so highly about it none other than Michael Boogaloo Shrimp Chambers. For the young people out there that's reading this, we called him Turbo back in his "Breakin" days. Michael was the other half of the famous break dancing, pop locking duo, Ozone and Turbo from the 80's movies, Breakin, and Breakin 2 Electric Boogaloo. To this day, Michael is still grinding, and we here at GrinderZZ 24/7 are delighted to have this interview with him.
Michael: The dance styles that were popular was growing up in my time, was popping or pop locking. This dance was a progression of the 70s slow robot dance and had faster more spasmic joint pops. Then up in Northern Cali, Frisco and Fillmore they had the style the Boogaloo and Strutting, when people came down to Los Angeles and battled all these wonderful styles became some well skilled dancer’s favorites and we had Masters of certain styles. GrinderZZ: I bet in high school you won all the talent shows. Were you the talk of the school, with your fancy moves? Michael: Breakdancing did not come to Cali clubs until 1981 when a dancer Steven De Silva Sugar pop brought locking and serious b boying
to all the hot club events. Most smart dancers learned THIS NEW STYLE THAT WAS ALL GROUND MOVES HEAD SPINS, TURTLES, WEBO UPROCK. So, when they would audition or battle, they had more styles to throw out at opponent or in an audition. I like most kids tried to fit in at the time 1978-79 the TV show Roots was a huge hit but being black going to school with other races it was exhausting to hear Toby or Kunta, so I started dancing and showing off with my friends for fun and people did not see me as a trouble maker or bad person so now I became a cool guy not a color, but a dignified human being to other schoolmates, called the Boogaloo Shrimp. GrinderZZ: You played a character name Turbo in the Breakin and Breakin 2 Electric Boogaloo movies. What was that experience like? Michael: Playing the character of Turbo was the ultimate form to display all my hard work of practicing an underground art that would have probably stated that way. I knew each day of shooting I had a responsibility to do my best and hoped that it would at least be respected by other dancers and other styles never dreamed it became a global phenomenon and part of the foundation of crossover Hip-Hip elements. I am so thankful to the internet, movie cable channels and actors, music artist who have paid tributes and homage to the films. GrinderZZ: Your friend aka big brother, in the movie, was played by Adolfo Quinones, aka Ozone. Did you guys meet on the set, or did you both know each other from before? Michael: Adolfo and I met through a mutual dancer friend, Bruno Falcon, from Long Beach, California who was in Michael Jackson’s Captain Eo, Smooth Criminal video and the Dangerous Tour. Also, he played Electro Rock in Breakin 1 and 2. We all got together and danced as friends, not under any contract. But because Adolfo was older, he took us under his wing and advised us all to get an agent and not to dance for free. Adolfo had learned from Toni Basil how to be a professional, so we all were groomed in how to present ourselves as artist for hire not for bragging rights and that led to us working on Lionel Ritchie’s All Night Long World tour with a very young super percussionist Sheila E and featured spots in his video. Chaka Khan’s I Feel For You written by artist PRINCE. GrinderZZ: My mom used to say, you were very light on your feet like Michael Jackson. Did anyone ever compare your style of dancing to his? Michael: Lionel was a smart man and the film ELECTRIC BOOGALOO BREAKIN2 featured my dancing on the ceiling solo which was a small tribute to Fred Astaire’s royal wedding performance. We just came of a World tour and Lionel wrote a hit song about it. Also at the American music Awards 1984 Lionel actually tells everyone in the audience he was the one who taught Michael to keep the hype moment going and we all were honored to be ground zero at the making of We are the World which was filmed right after that award show so it was awesome to be part of music and media history and I am glad Mr. Jackson perfected his dance moves because he kept the art of popping alive even after the 80s and break dancing had it introductory start ,and now there is even mention of breakdancing being in the Olym-
ics, so it is nice to reflect on the foundations of the pivotal moments that helped the dance art get to where it is now. GrinderZZ: You appeared in the video, Dancing on the Ceiling with Lionel Richie, and also worked with the legendary Michael Jackson. What were those experiences like? Michael: Just before the tour I had met Michael and he asked me and Bruno Falcon to come showcase our skill to Joe and the family at the Haven Hurst residence in Encino, California. After my showcase I was called to help Mr. Jackson with his solo moves for the upcoming Victory Tour and even though I was not credited on the concert tour book, my moves are clearly seen in his live solo performance of Billie Jean, when he performs a backslide circle floating moonwalk. We practiced a few other times when his schedule permitted it and by 1990, which was our last session, during the making of Do The Bart Man for the Simpsons sing blues album, I noticed he went from a few moves to many in the art of freestyle popping and animation movements. Some people have argued and given all credit to Jeffrey Daniels, but the truth is in the styles. MICHAEL LEARNED FROM MANY PEOPLE AND EACH ARTIST CAN BE VISIBLY SEEN FROM BOB FOSSE, FRED ASTAIRE, MARCEL MARCEAU SHIELD AND YARNELL AND MYSELF IN MR. JACKSON’S DANCE PERFORMANCE. GrinderZZ: Are you currently working on any projects Michael: I have a few things I am working on, but my main focus is my faith in God, and trying to help out my loved ones and be a good example as a repentant sinner. GrinderZZ: How can fans reach out to you? Michael: Fans can help by sending casting people or serious promoter’s messages for job referrals. At this point I would like to host a fun tv show or do a college speaking tour and educate the dance music arts departments. For booking inquiries, they can send message to boogalooshrimp2001@yahoo.com GrinderZZ: Any last words/shout outs? Michael: Big shout to Bruno Mars for his tweet, Black Eyed Peas, Taboo William, Leonardo Di Caprio for his moves in Wolf on Wall Street and all artist and musicians who grew up 80s and busted a few moves, radio stations that play dance music and event promoters, Macola Records, Thump Records, William Walker, the cast of Blackish, Mile Brown, Olivia, Travis, Maddy PEE and all my brothers and sisters who helped me through tough times . We at GrinderZZ want to, again, take this time and thank you, Michael, for your time in conducting this interview. May God continue to bless you. Continue grinding and shining.
GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV Presents:
Ghost, The King Promoter of New York City
Ghost, aka Otis Curtis Pope, was born and raised in the Bronx. Ghost grew up around the Hip-Hop life, surrounded by the pioneers, the DJ's and the party promoters. Your parents and teachers guide you to be police officers, politicians and professors, but Ghost’s parents guided him to follow his dreams with music. He always knew he wanted to be a party promoter and music producer. Ghost has eight independent albums, which he has already worked on, and is currently working on his ninth album. He has worked on three web series and has been featured in two magazines, Scrilla Magazine and GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV. Ghost has groomed himself to work with the legends of Hip-Hop. “They all have paved the way for us, so I definitely want to give back. My biggest goal is to be the biggest party promoter in New York City,” Ghost shared with GrinderZZ, during an interview.
Female Flava Of The Month
I was so happy and excited when I picked this young lady to represent the GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV's, "Flava Of The Month" winner. Juana Sperling, aka MC JB, is one of the co-founders of one of the baddest all girl hip-hop groups, from the west coast. Back in the 80's, they were signed under Ruthless Records with, Eric Wright, aka Easy E, as their boss man. In 1987, their superhot song, Supersonic, took over the airwaves on the west coast and east coast. In 1989, their song was 1 out of 5 songs that was nominated for a Grammy. Juana and the girl's toured with Run DMC on their Run's House Tour, in which she and the crew got to hang and chill with Public Enemy, Too Short, Jazzy Jeff, the Fresh Prince and many more. Juana still resides in California and is the mother of four beautiful daughters. To this day, JJ Fad is still burning up the stage with their songs. Currently, they are touring all around the Untied States with a lot of other free-style, old school artist. I am such a huge fan of her and a big supporter of JJ Fad. This lady is definitely a Grinder and also a beautiful human being. JJ Fad rocks!
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
People Watcher By Kim Fannin “The Blog Lady”
My name is Kim and I am a People Watcher. I am fascinated by the way folks LOOK when they're walking. You have your everyday, normal "Don't bother me, I'm on a mission" walker; the "Oh, Geesh, WHY AM I HERE? " slow,dragging-their-feet walker either right beside or 6 feet behind their companion and the happygo-lucky person strolling happily along, with a big, goofy grin. Which one are you? Do you lumber along with the weight of the world crushing your shoulders into your chest? Do you stride with pride, shoulders back & eyes straight ahead? Does your step have a springy bounce to it that reflects the happy in your eyes? Are you the absentminded meanderer, not sure where you're going, who unintentionally bumps into people? Or, are you full of cheer and smile or greet everyone that crosses your path as you walk through a crowd? Most of us are a combination of All. I try to say Hi or share a smile with folks along my way. Why? It lifts me. It makes me Feel Good - like I have a Huge Neon Yellow Smiley inside me. ( : When I'm 'in a mood', I can pull myself out of it by Smiling. I ain't saying it's Easy... sometimes, I Want to Stay in that mood ‘til I'm good & ready to smile, dammit! Lol But, then something makes me Laugh & my intention to pout drifts off. And I Smile. I believe we should be like a Brownie Scout & keep an Extra Smile in our pocket. When we're walking, we can pull it out & put it on. It will give all of us people watchers a lift, we'll smile, and maybe it will lift someone else, too. ( :
An Interview With Buss Down Kie
GrinderZZ: Tell us about yourself? Buss Down Kie: I’m just a very chill, mild-mannered individual. I mean, I am goofy a lot of the time as well, but nowadays you need that kind of energy. I’m from Tupelo, Mississippi, born & raised. I was raised by my mother. It was just my mom, my sister and myself for a while until Mom got married. As far as siblings go, I have 9 brothers & 2 sisters on my father’s side of the family, so with me being 2nd to the oldest, I found myself always playing a big brother role, or the man of the house role at home with my little sister. I grew up in a small town. Like, if you take 2 or 3 steps then you’re in another town type of small. It was never too much for people I included in my circle as well as myself to do, so we always created our OWN fun, every day. Which in turn ended up becoming an asset for me character wise as well as music wise, being that I kept my gears going & it was easy to come up with ideas. GrinderZZ: When did you start getting into Music? Buss Down Kie: It wasn’t until I was 13, that I realized how passionate I was and still am about music. It’s always played a major part in my life, because not only could I decipher the message of the song, I could understand the beat - the instrumental itself, has a story of its own. A story that can be felt. It was a surreal thing for me, so I always had a strong connection with music. I can remember being a kid with my cassette player that had a mini mic’ attached & I would listen to Michael Jackson while singing along and imagining I was on stage. I was singing at the age of 6 but when 13 came around, the attitude and bars came along with it. For years I was just writing. No beat, no chorus, just straight bars. Then eventually, I plugged wit with some people and ended up in the studio. Ever since, I’ve known that music is what I’m going to do with my life. I’m going to be an artist. I’m going to be an entertainer. A lot of family on my father’s side of the family were also involved in music so if I had questions, they were there to help me put the stencil to the marble.
GrinderZZ: Music wise who are you biggest inspirations? Buss Down Kie: I’d definitely say I’m inspired by artists like Big Krit, David Banner, J.Cole, OutKast, Kendrick Lamar, those “conscience” type artists that can still be smooth or crunk and captivating at the same time. I also take a strong liking to people like 6lack, BoBo Swae, Eminem, & Future. Nevertheless, those I consider legends like 2 Pac, Notorious B.I.G., Wu Tang, & The Fugees. It’s a lot more but those are my “Go-To” vibes. GrinderZZ: Do you give kudos to the original pioneers of Hip Hop? Buss Down Kie: Definitely, they paved the way for many artists like myself and the ones I look up to know. I give big kudos to Grand Master Flash, Run D.M.C., Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick, Public Enemy, shout out to DJ Johnny Juice, & I really like MC Lyte, as well. But I don’t just give kudos to pioneers of hip hop, being that I sing myself. I just give kudos to the pioneers of music for my culture in general. Legends like Marvin Gaye, Sade, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, & Bootsy Collins, who brought and delivered the meaning of “Soul” absolutely have to be brought into conversation if we’re talking music. GrinderZZ: Does Johnny Juice ever give you advice on your music? Buss Down Kie: Oh, yes ma’am. Juice has given me good amounts of great advice. Shout out to Johnny Juice again & The Oddysy. They have a lot of major pressure in the works right now. But Juice is an amazing, well-rounded genius, flat out. He’s part of Public Enemy, he’s a B-Boy, and one of the greatest DJs of all time, & is greatly respected in the industry so I definitely come to him for advice from time to time on certain things like my music arrangements, certain keys, and how I go about marketing myself as an independent artist. One thing he told me that I’ll never forget is to stay in my own zone, always look to do something that hasn’t been done or no one thinks to do. But most of all let everyone know, or better yet, show everyone what the weather is like on MY side of town. Meaning that every individual is different so focus on what makes you special, what makes you stand out, then present it to the people. GrinderZZ: You have a tape out. Please give us the names of songs & where can we find them? Buss Down Kie: The name of the tape I have out now is called “Adamn & Evel”. I have features on it from artists like Chosen Duke & King Kosha. They’re both Mississippi representers, as well so shout out to those guys. They’re mad talented, it’s unbelievable. This tape goes in depth of relationships and my thoughts on them which can include my own personal experiences, or what I’ve seen transpire in other relationships. It’s based on love, lust, romance, and heartbreak. I wanted to fashion this tape into being on a “Modern-day Adam & Eve” type of vibe but with a twist. Hence, the name “Adamn & Evel.” A couple of songs I have on the tape is “Vices” which is the into to the tape. I really wanted to take this one back home. Before writing the lyrics, while listening to the beat, I shout of being back home, on the west side of Tupelo, dealing with the daily trials placed in front of me, all the while, trying to keep my head above water with morals intact. So definitely check that one out. Also, I’m currently working on a tape with Chosen Duke, shout out to him once again, but the name of the tape is called “Play On Playa” I have a single out from this project that’s called “Buss Down Barry” so definitely check that one out as well. This project is most def for the streets as it gives off that “UGK/OutKast” vibe. This tape is going more in depth of myself and how I move, how I think. I believe this is going to be a very relatable project for the era we live in today so I wouldn’t sleep on that one. Everything that I have available can be found on: Soundcloud.com/bussdown2x Youtube.com - BussDown Kie
GrinderZZ: Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your music? Buss Down Kie: In 5 years, I see myself on tour. I see myself being a better artist, entertainer, & business man. I try to be a better, more evolved person than I was the day before. I’m a man of many trades so I should most def have an upcoming clothing line as well, I’m getting ready to go to school for Graphic Design as well as Business Communications, so I expect everything to be falling in place around or before that time. GrinderZZ: If you could collaborate with one artist, who? Buss Down Kie: My 1st choice would’ve been XXXTentaticion. R.I.P. X, he was a genius in his craft. A lot of his work is relatable, full of substance & things to take from it morally. But when it all boils down, give me a feature or an album with Andre 3000 & I couldn’t ask for much more. He’s the Einstein of Hip Hop, no lie. GrinderZZ: How can people reach you? Buss Down Kie: Gmail- BookBussDownKie@gmail.com Facebook- fb.me/BussDownKie Insta- @iambustdown Twitter- twitter.com/busskie Snap- ambi_2x GrinderZZ: Shout Outs/ Last remarks? Buss Down Kie: Shout out to God 1st & foremost. Shout out to my mother, my family. Shout out to Mississippi, Ida St., Jacksonville, Duval. Shout out to Chosen Duke, Bobo Swae, & last but most certainly not least, shout out to GrinderZZ Magazine. I really appreciate the opportunity, so thanks for having me! Again, thank you Buss Down Kie for taking time out of busy schedule to have this interview with us.
AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR TABRINA JENKINS BY TEE WOFFORD
Tee: Tell us a little about yourself: Tabrina: My name is Tabrina Jenkins, but I go by Bri or Queen Bri. I am a mother from Los Angeles, but I have been in Las Vegas for over a decade now. I go back to California as much as possible. I have been writing all of my life and have a strong love and passion for it. Tee: At what age did you become interested in poetry? Tabrina: I feel like I was interested in poetry ever since I learned to read, which was very young. I can remember my mother buying me poetry books at a very young age and me being completely captivated by them. As I went through school, I started performing poetry and entering poetry contests. Tee: Growing up, what or who, were the elements or people that influenced your writings? Tabrina: My writing has been influenced by so many elements that I have seen and experienced in this world. Motherhood, Relationships, Life and even death has influenced it. The experience of being an African American woman and the African American Experience as a whole has an influence. A few of the writers that I feel influenced my writings are Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Terry McMillan, Langston Hughes, Tupac Shakur and so many others. Music, especially Hip Hop and R&B also have had an influence. I am influenced by Los Angeles, which is home for me. I have been influenced by journalism and English and Creative writing studies. Also, the Harlem Renaissance and so many great writers and poets that came before me. Tee: What elements, do you believe, will make your book a good read? Tabrina: The elements that will make my book a good read are the realness and the uniqueness. My perspective and insight is one that I feel like many people will find interesting. Rainy Day Thoughts will take the reader on a poetic journey and a lot of people will be able to relate to the experiences. It touches on so many things that people experience every day and connects us all through words.
(Author Tabrina Jenkins Interview continued)
Tee: Tell us a little about your upcoming book. Tabrina: Rainy Day Thoughts is my 1st published book and it is a collection of 40 poems. It is a project that I have been working on for a while. The title is “From the mind of Bri: Rainy Day Thoughts.” It is the first in a collection that I plan to release. The “From The Mind Of Bri” concept is, of course, because of all of the poetry that is created from the thoughts in my mind. The “Rainy Day Thoughts” concept comes from a couple of things. One being influenced by one of my favorite poems of Nikki Giovanni's Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day. The second concept being those thoughts that we do have on rainy days. The thoughts we have when we allow our minds to reflect on ourselves, our life experiences and the world around us. A rainy day symbolizes so many things such as pouring down, washing away, reflecting, clarity, and starting anew. Rainy Days also symbolize a calmness and peace for me, a calmness in the midst of any storm. Tee: We also hear that you are a mother of three. Do you fell motherhood influencing your writings as well? Tabrina: I am indeed a mother of 3 and motherhood completely changed my life. I was a young mother with my first child, and I am now a mother of three. Motherhood is a huge responsibility and it puts things in perspective really quick for you. There is a strength and a lot of life experiences and inspiration that come with being a mother and that in turn definitely influences some of my work. Tee: What other occupation do you do outside of writing? Tabrina: I am currently in the hospitality industry and the owner of a bath & body products company named Body By Bri. Tee: Where can people find you on social media? Tabrina: Instagram: @fromthemindofbri Facebook @fromthemindofbri Instagram: @bodybybri1
Author Tabrina Jenkins
Website: www.fuzionzmagazineandtv.com
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
(Photo Credit: Briana Salazar)
Motherhood: Motherhood means the world to me, and I thank God for the 2 beautiful daughter's he blessed me with. Briana and Demetria on my world. Even though they are 16 years apart Briana and her sister always find a way to communicate with each other on a daily basis. After the death of my parents and my big brother, I went into a great depression, but Briana made sure to stay by her mommy’s side and to make sure I was able to heal somewhat from the pain. As a mother, we always have to be the strong ones for the family and try our best to keep everything together, but sometimes we need a break to get it together. Every day, I get out and grind as hard as I can, just to provide a great future for them, when I'm no longer here. God also blessed me, last October 2018, with a God daughter name Blessing. She's just as much as my family member, alongside the girls. If these three weren't in my life, I would feel so alone. Motherhood is the greatest reward God has ever given me and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Author Angie Christine
What does fatherhood mean? Not being a coward having the courage to stand up as a father to hood and shelter his seed, fighting being there conditional and unconditional, developing unbreakable bonds and grow a relationship reflecting no matter what and how difficult life may get for us at the time " Never Fold! ". #IchePalms_IP I love you Dante and Howard Collins Jr. — Author Angie Christine
Motherhood: Being a mom is one of the most difficult yet rewarding roles that we, as mothers, could ever imagine. My children are my entire world. Through all of their activities, from dance to sports, I was their biggest cheerleader. I put my music on hold to raise my girls. I have NO regrets for doing that. Once I had kids, my focus changed from me to them. I became a nurse so I could be present at home and not travel the nation doing tours and shows. Raising my four wonderful girls was the highlight of my life. I have two college graduates, one college Senior, and one college Freshman. I am so proud of the young ladies they have become. I always made sure they were involved in dance and sports or any other activity they chose to do. All of the girls received scholarships for college in either Dance, Basketball, or Track and Field. Now that they have become young ladies and are pretty much young adults, I am now touring and enjoying my music and performing for our fans. People always ask, “Do your kids know how famous you are?” I always answer, “They could care less. To them, I’m just mom and I wouldn’t have it any other way!!” Juana Sperling MCJB-JJ Fad
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Juana Sperling
Motherhood: My story starts when I was 21 years old, when doctor told me that I was expecting a baby. Oh my, was I happy and shocked all at the same time. I started planning all kinds of stuff and buying baby stuff left to right. Unfortunately, that happiness did not last long, because I ended up having a miscarriage. I was so devasted. I cried for many, many nights. As the years passed by, I was not able to get pregnant any more. I went to many doctors and they all told me the same thing, that I was not able to conceive because of medical issues. Finally, in 2014, I got very sick and a friend told me to take a pregnancy test. I told her, “No way, I'm not pregnant. I can't have any children.� But she insisted, so I did and to my surprise I was pregnant. I could not believe my eyes I went back to the store and bought two more pregnancy tests and took them both, and they came back positive. I was so happy, so I went straight to my doctor and asked to be seen, because I was still in denial. After blood work and all, I was told I was pregnant. The next day, I went to my OB GYN and it was confirmed that I was four months pregnant. That's were my journey began. I had to take a lot of medications to keep my baby. I practically lived in the hospital, due to all kinds of complications, but thank God, on December 14, 2014, I was blessed with my miracle child, Jacquilynn Faith. After having my daughter, I thought I was done having children, but God decided to bless me with a second child, a son, Gonzalo Julian, born on July 18, 2016.
Now I have two wonderful children that I would not trade for anything in this world. They are my life. I never knew I could have so much happiness in my heart. I would do anything for them. I would go to the moon and back, if I could, for them. MOTHERHOOD IS NOT ONLY GIVING BIRTH ITS BEING THERE WHEN THEIR SICK, HUNGRY, SCARED OR IF THEY JUST NEED A HUG OR A SHOULDER TO CRY ON. I CAN HONESTLY SAY MOTHERHOOD CHANGED MY LIFE. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vivian Cruz
Vivian Cruz
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rusty Trimble
What does Fatherhood mean to me? Being a dad is the hardest job you will ever love. Who could not love being a parent? I am 48, yet feel like a teenager, as my kids keep me young with their laughter and play. I make mistakes as all dads do, but they remind me all the time that I love them, and no matter how hard a day I have, when I come pick them up at school, they always shout “Daddy!� and run to give me a hug. Dadhood is truly a life-changing and life-affirming experience, and I would never have it any other way!
Author Rusty Trimble
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bronwen
Motherhood: I define motherhood as true devotion. Being a mother to me means putting the needs of my children before all others. It’s not about buying them material things, but installing values, a strong sense of self, and doing good, above all. Motherhood allowed me to grow and learn and afforded me the ability to teach not only my kids, but myself as well, that you can’t be afraid to fail, because failure is a lesson to learn from and to show you how to do better and to show no one is perfect. When I first became a mother, at a young age, I choose not be that stereotypical teen mom who gives the burden of adolescent pregnancy onto my parents, but to motivate me into true independence. God had blessed me with a great and strong mother who strived and struggled to give her children every opportunity to succeed and that’s what I aspire to do with my children. Motherhood is not from a maternal connection, but a bond formed and forged by continued nurturing, as well as cultivating the environment in which you put your children into.
Bronwen
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.
Male Flava Of The Month
GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine is making history! For the May/June issue, this is the first time we've elected the same person we are interviewing to also be our "Flava of the Month winner ". Zodiac "Leonardo " Williams was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Zodiac is an exotic Male dancer and has been, since 2002. Zodiac travels all around the world. When he's not dancing, you can catch Zodiac fishing, bowling and also creating mixes at the studio, in his house. Zodiac's sexiness helped get a spot in GrinderZZ, and we are extremely pleased with our pick. If any of you ladies are interested in hiring him for a party, you can contact him at: zodiactheentertainer@gmail.com, on Facebook at Zodiac Leonardo Williams Studios, or‌call him up, (240) 817-0331.
An Interview With Zodiac This is a 1st for GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV. This man impressed us so much, he also was chosen to be our "Flava Of The Month" winner as well. Zodiac is his name, and sexiness is his game. Zodiac was nice enough to chat it up with us at the GrinderZZ studio, before flying off to one of his shows. GrinderZZ: How did you get started in the dancing industry? Zodiac: I worked at the Fudgery, in the Baltimore Inner Harbor, singing and dancing for a crowd while making fudge. This is the same place where singer Sisqo of Dru Hill and David Ruffin of of Ruff Endz also worked. Several women noticed and always asked if I was a dancer because I moved like one. One day, a well-known male exotic dancer in the Baltimore area approached me because a former co-worker recommended me to him. He asked if I would be interested in performing at Club Choices (now known as Gatsby’s). I visited the club to see how the ladies interacted with the dancers and started dancing that same night. The rest is history…I’ve been dancing ever since.
GrinderZZ: You're def a sight to look at as well. Have you ever or ever considered going into the modeling business? Zodiac: I have considered going into the modeling business, but I didn’t have a connection plus I heard that men don’t make as much in modeling as the women do. GrinderZZ: I know a lot of the ladies would like to know if you do private parties. Zodiac: I do perform at private parties and I’m available for booking all over the world.
GrinderZZ: Have you ever did a performance for a female celebrity? Zodiac: I haven’t performed for a female celebrity yet, but I definitely would be more than open to doing so. GrinderZZ: Besides dancing, what else do you like to do for fun? Zodiac: I love to fish, bowl, create sets and mixes in my, at-home studio, and do custom upholstery work in my spare time. GrinderZZ: What's the craziest thing that has happened to you at a show? Zodiac: The craziest thing that happened to me was at a showcase when a young lady attempted to pull my d*** off. It was very painful because it is all me!
GrinderZZ: Zodic, you are the 1st man I picked to be the "Flava Of The Month", and also have an interview in the magazine at the same time. I was impressed with your good looks, so I do have to ask this question for inquiring minds......are you currently single? Zodiac: Unfortunately, ladies, I am off the market at this time.
GrinderZZ: If anyone is interested in hiring you for a party, or just to talk, how can they reach you? Zodiac: To hire me for a party, I can be in boxed at Zodiacleonardo Williams-Studios on Facebook, emailed atzodiactheentertainer@gmail.com or text to 240-817-0331. GrinderZZ: Any last words/shout outs? Zodiac: I would like to send a shout out to all of my female fans who have supported and continue to support me. Without them, there would be no me and I appreciate all of the love and support. Follow me on Zodiacleonardo Williams-Studios on Facebook for upcoming shows and events. Thank you, Angie, for expressing interest in me and selecting me as the first man you picked to be the "Flava Of The Month" and, also, for allowing me to have an interview in the magazine. I’m excited to be a part of it. I definitely will keep grinding. Again, thank you Zodiac for your time. Keep grinding.