GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV

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GrinderZZ 24/7 March/April Issue 21

An

Magazine & TV

DJ Bro raBB

Interview

Mr. Lawd Have Mercy

Georgie Nakima

Teacher of the Month

With

Krissonya Morrison Meet Treasure

2022

Urban one

HONORS

PROFESSIONAL

Nail Specialist

EXCLUSIVE Shawn Rivera Talks About His Career and Upcoming Projects


Inside This Issue: Music Entertainment Artists Interviews

GRINDERZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV 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


A Letter From The Editor 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


Blog & Doodle Sometimes,

my

dreams

give

me

inspiration. Like, I'll dream something and then I wake up and I want to paint it or draw It. Just like this column - if I can't think of anything to write about I tell you about my dreams. 🤣 🤣 Dreams are good though, they cleanse your soul, they make you laugh, they make you think and a good think is good for us! I guess my message today is: listen to your dreams. Are they trying to tell you something or are they just there for fun? Right now, I think I'm dreaming about a hot cup of coffee, so I'm off to the kitchen to get one!

by Kim Fannin




2022 UrBan one Honors On January 10, 2022, the Urban One Honors announced Oscar and Grammy Award-winning singer H.E.R. will open this year’s Urban One Honors with a phenomenal performance. The televised event pays tribute to the accomplishments of those individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in entertainment, media, music, education and the community. Urban One Honors is Executive produced by Eric Tomosunas and Robert A. Boyd, II of Swirl Films. Marilyn Gill is the show’s Executive Producer. Kim Burse serves as Musical Director. Kashon Powell is the Vice President of Programming for Radio One and Susan Henry is the Executive Producer in charge of production for TV One. The show’s honorees will include Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Lifetime Achievement; Timbaland, Music Innovation; Gamble and Huff, Living Legends’ Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Inspiration Impact; and Oscar, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson, Entertainment Icon. Hosted by Grammy Awardwinning singer, songwriter and producer Ne-Yo, the two-hour telecast will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at 8:00 PM ET/7:00PM CT on TV One and CLEO TV, a division of Urban One. An Urban One Honors virtual press conference was held on January 12, 2022 at 1PM EST. Panelist included were show host Ne-Yo; Michelle Rice, TV One and CLEO TV President; Susan Henry, TV One Executive Producer in Charge of Production; Marilyn Gill, Urban One Honors Executive Producer. Ne-Yo spoke on when he was asked to host the celebration: “To be honest, when they asked me, my response was, “Are you all sure, because I never hosted anything…Alright, I’ll give it a try. But, I have to say they made everything as easy as possible for me. If anybody’s watching this, (they who go “Wow” he’s really good at this) I can’t even take credit. It’s the people around me, making sure that I was standing where I was supposed to stand, when I was supposed to stand and staying what I needed to say, when it needed to be said. I thank you to the production team and everybody that made me look so good.” H.E.R. will take the stage for an outstanding opening performance. Additional performers include Inspiration Honoree Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Kelly Price, Tyrese, Tank, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant with a special set by D-Nice. Jermaine Dupri, Marlon Wayans and Vashawn Mitchell are tapped to present. Wireless provider T-Mobile, America’s 5G leader with the largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network, serves as presenting Sponsor of the celebration. TV personality & Rickey Smiley Morning Show cohost Eva Marcille will host a special backstage pass segment, featuring exclusive interviews with the show's honorees, performers and presenters. Fans can watch the two-hour telecast on Monday, January 17, 2022, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT on TV One and Cleo TV, a division of Urban One to experience great performances. Connect with Urban One Honors at www.tvone.tv or on social media using the hashtags #UrbanOneHonors and #REPRESENT.


Flava Male

I'm very proud of this guy. This is the 3rd time we, at GrinderZZ, have decided to give him top billing. Melvin Edmonds Jr., is son of the late R&B singer, Melvin Edmonds Sr. (After 7), and the nephew of one of the biggest music producers on the planet, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. Melvin has, also, made a name for himself. His company, War Lab Music Group LLC, has been up and running like a charm. Talent and good looks run deep in the Edmonds family and we, at the GrinderZZ studio, are very pleased to make his acquaintance. I'm also proud to say, Melvin is my, soon to be, son in law. A big congratulations to Melvin and my daughter, Briana. Be on the lookout for Melvin and his upcoming projects. Follow War Lab Music Group, on Facebook.


Meet the inventor of the Cajon style drum called the Slap Boxx

GrinderZZ 24/7 Magazine & TV Presents:

Shawn Rivera


Shawn Rivera Interview (cont.)

We, here at GrinderZZ, love ourselves some good music! This is why we bring our listening audience the best of the best. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you all........founding member of the Multi-Platinum Selling, Grammy Nominated R&B group,Az Yet, Shawn Rivera. GrinderZZ: Hey there Shawn! Welcome to the, GrinderZZ studio. Can you please tell my guests little about yourself? Shawn: I’m a Father of three and lover of life. I’m a natural introvert, but I’ll open up to the right people. Thanks for the opportunity to be featured in your magazine! GrinderZZ: You were born in Philadelphia. What was it like growing up there, as a kid? Shawn: I spent a lot of time in Frankford and North Philly, which are still pretty rough areas today. Music was my escape.

“I’m a natural introvert, but I’ll open up to the right people.” Shawn and Quincy


Shawn Rivera Interview (cont.) GrinderZZ: When did you first get a taste of the singing bug? Shawn: I joined my high school gospel choir, to get over my fear of public speaking. I thought I could hide in the background and just sing along. Next thing you know, they offered me a lead vocal. GrinderZZ: In 1989, you, along with your friend Dion Allen, formed the group Az Yet. How was it, in the beginning, for you guys? Shawn: Our original name was As Yet Untitled. We worked six hard years building a reputation, locally, before being discovered by BabyFace.

“It was a life-changing experience! Dr. Angelou exuded such powerful wisdom on a constant basis. Just to be in her presence and share her friendship was an honor and a privilege.”

GrinderZZ: You're a singer/producer/and a percussionist. Name some artists you'd love to work with. Shawn: Lalah Hathaway, Robert Glasper, Moonchild, Thundercat, Jacob Callier, Keran Vega, Lucky Daye, Labyrinth, Dj Quik, Haitus Kaiyote, Knower, Questlove, J Cole…


GrinderZZ: I was extremely amazed to find out that you're the inventor of the Cajon style drum called the Slap Boxx. How long did it take you to create the drum? Shawn: I first started making drawings in high school. I was that kid who would make beats on the lunchroom table. The product first became available 10 years from the date of those first drawings. If you haven’t seen the SlapBoxx drum, here you go. Check it out: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bf/ c2/cf/bfc2cff64d08c7e1f4d54d2 2c8921139.jpg GrinderZZ: So, you actually composed for Dr. Maya Angelou's "Flash Mob," at Universal City Wall, back in 2010, as well as produced an entire album with her, in 2014. Can you tell us what it was like working with Dr. Maya Angelou? Shawn: It was a life-changing experience! Dr. Angelou exuded such powerful wisdom on a constant basis. Just to be in her presence and share her friendship was an honor and a privilege. Here’s a link to the album: https://cagedbirdsongs.com GrinderZZ: Are you currently working on some new music? Can you give us info about any upcoming projects?

“I was that kid who would make beats on the lunchroom table.”

Shawn Rivera Interview (cont.)


Shawn: I’m in a new singing group called Horizn. 5 Part Harmony Vocals from Philadelphia. Here’s a sample: https://youtu.be/_nJJA5BlUrA I’m also collaborating with other artists (Check out Amalgam eX here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Kyv zUkcBjsbsUZ6GO5JZU) and composing music for film and television. GrinderZZ: What advice can you give someone reading your interview, about becoming a singer? Shawn: Don’t do it professionally, unless you really love it. It can be a painful journey through the music industry. Not everybody is built for that. GrinderZZ: How can fans reach out to you? Shawn: https://www.instagram.com/shawnk urtrivera/ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnKu rtRivera GrinderZZ: Any last words/request? Shawn: Check out my new group, Horizn https://www.instagram.com/horizn2 15/ Keep up the great work. Thanks again for having me on! Shawn, it's been a pleasure speaking with you today, in the GrinderZZ studio. Please stay in touch with us and stay safe.


MEET TREASURE PROFESSIONAL NAIL TECH


TREASURE - PROFESSIONAL NAIL TECH

GrinderZZ: Treasure, it's a pleasure having you in the studio, today. Welcome to GrinderZZ 24/7. Can you please tell my listeners a little about yourself? Treasure: Hi! Thank you so much for having me. I’m honored. So to start I was born in New York, New York, but raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am 23 years old I’m a very outgoing person and one of many talents. And I love making others smile. GrinderZZ: Would you, please, tell us all what it was like growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana? Treasure: Well, I was very much to myself when I first moved here. I was 11 years old, but when I got to high school, I became more social. I played sports (threw shot put and discus on the track team), was team captain and MVP for the tennis team, played volleyball, was on the dance team and I was in choir. I kept myself really busy.


Interview with Treasure (continued…) GrinderZZ: When did you first know that you had the talent to do nails? Treasure: I started cosmetology school, after I graduated high school, in 2016. One of our modules was about nails. Although it was short, I was very intrigued, but I never got around to doing it. This year, I saw a video on YouTube that inspired me to chase my dream. I stayed on YouTube, all day and night, studying and watching videos, until I got the products to teach myself. GrinderZZ: Because of the Corona virus, everything has been slow on this planet. How have you and your business been able to cope through it all? Treasure: Well, I actually was diagnosed with COVID 19, at the beginning of this month, and it kind of hit me hard, because I couldn’t make the money that I needed to purchase the products that I needed to start my business. Once my quarantine was over, I made my mission to get almost everything that I needed to start. GrinderZZ: How many years have you been in business?

Treasure: I’ve only been doing nails for about 3 weeks and I finally got the motivation and drive to start. I’m not going to stop. Even when I get to where I want to be, there is always room for improvement GrinderZZ: Where do you see yourself in 5 years, with your business?


GrinderZZ: Besides nails, do you, also, do makeup? Treasure: Actually, yes I do. I’ve been doing my own makeup since I was sixteen. Although I don’t do make up on others, that’s one of my hidden talents. I think makeup is a beautiful way to exploit art, while using a person’s face as a canvas. There are so many ways you can do makeup. I love the art in it.


Georgie Nakima ‘Black Future Makers’ AT&T Dream In Black

Based out of Charlotte, NC, Georgie Nakima, aself-taught multidisciplinary artist and muralist, is a graduate of Northwest School of the Arts. She studied life sciences at Winston-Salem University, Today, she uses her artistic work to work honor the African and Indigenous diaspora, as it, also, highlights nature and biodiversity. Her goal is to collaborate with the community and contribute towards mural installments that fuse techniques in art therapy. Georgie’s work represents the resilience and triumph that builds into the essence of women, people of color, and wildlife. Her aim is to collaborate with the community and contribute towards mural installments that also fuse techniques in art therapy. Georgie’s work can be seen at Please visit www.gardenofjourney.com to see more of Georgie’s work and take a glimpse at how the Black Future Maker is touching the lives of communities, through her art. When asked how she is uplifting the various communities, through her art, Georgie responded, “Well, my work is all about providing representation. I feel like being an artist from the south, I feel like we are battling our cultural identity. I feel like, more often than not, our stories are being to for us, and when it’s not from our own voices, there’s a misinterpretation.

So, my work is really all about creating uplifting images where we see ourselves as holy and divine, in whole and that it’s not only fixed on our trauma, which deserves to be studied, but we can’t only stop and start there. So, I’m really passionate about creating… images of black people and ethnic groups. It’s so important and that’s where I see my work growing.” We will continue to support Georgie, as she represents the 2022 Black Future Makers Campaign and AT&T Dream in Black, along with many other Black Future Makers. In


keeping with AT&T’s commitment to champion the ideals of economic empowerment and access to opportunity, Nakima’s commissioned work consists of original portraits capturing the campaign’s Black Future Makers in her organic, afro-futuristic style. The solo exhibition, Georgie Nakima: “To the Constellations of Ancestors in Our Bones, Thank You,” presents recent works by the artist in mixed media. It will be on display until March 31, 2022. “The gravity of collaborating with AT&T as a Black Future Maker has been deeply humbling and empowering,” said Nakima. “As an artist, I've committed my career to championing and uplifting voices of the diaspora with colorful and restorative imagery. I'm incredibly grateful to AT&T for using its platform to continue bringing this work to light. It is an honor and dream to host this retrospective exhibit of my life’s work while celebrating the beauty and growth of our community and generation.” Visit att.com/dreaminblack to learn more about the AT&T Dream In Black program or for details on entering the AT&T Black Future Maker contest.

Photo Credit Courtesy of: Ariana Drummond/AT&T


Flava Female

I've known Cheryl for 7 years and she has always had that beautiful smile on her face. Cheryl is a Realtor, with Century 21, and has been with the company for the past three years. This sensational woman isn't new to the game, because she has been into her career, since 1999. Her customers just adore her, because she delivers nothing but positivity and greatness, with every house she sells. In her spare time, this Christian woman loves and worships God at church, alongside of having fun with family and friends. If you're looking for a nice home, in the Virginia area, please don't hesitate to give Cheryl a call. Make sure you tell her Angie Christine sent you.


An Interview With

Krissonya Morrison Teacher of the Month

GrinderZZ: Hi Krissonya! Welcome to GrinderZZ! Can you please tell my audience a little about yourself? Krissonya: Hello! A little bit about me is that I am a wife, a mother of four beautiful children, and I am a prekindergarten teacher. My hobbies include traveling, going to the beach, crafting and learning to make t-shirts and tumblers, and I just enjoy socializing with people and family.

The best part of interviewing people is that I get the opportunity to speak with individuals from all walks of life. Today, I have the privilege to chat with Krissonya Morrison. She teaches in Texas. Let's talk with her:

GrinderZZ: At what age did you first know you wanted to be a school teacher? Krissonya: I knew that I wanted to become a teacher, at the age of 23, after I had my first son, as I wanted a schedule that would allow me the opportunity to spend quality time making memories with my children. I, also, liked the fact that with teaching it is not just a regular desk job, but you are allowed to be creative and have fun teaching students. GrinderZZ: How many years have you been teaching? Krissonya: This will be my 10th year in education. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Special Education, as my ultimate goal is to


Krissonya Morrison Interview

become an Educational Diagnostician in order to get students that may have disabilities diagnosed as soon as possible so that they are serviced and get the interventions they need earlier on in their educational career without having to struggle through school unnecessarily. GrinderZZ: If you weren't teaching, what would've been your second career move? Krissonya: When I first graduated high school, I had always dreamed of going to culinary school, and particularly in baking and patisserie classes, so that I could specialize in cakes and treats. I always wanted to own a bakery. Lately, I have been thinking real estate would also be a great secondary career as it may afford some flexibility with hours

(continued)


and

scheduling

potential

buyers.

GrinderZZ: Your grandmother (R.I.P.) was a teacher in her early years. Did her career influence you to become a school teacher? Krissonya: I definitely believe that my grandmother who was a teacher, as well as my grandfather whom was a principal and coach influenced me and inspired me to be who I am today. I have always heard great stories from students who were in my grandmothers’ class about how good of a teacher she was, and I aspire to be great just like her! GrinderZZ: How did the Corona virus shutdown affect your career? Krissonya: At the beginning of the pandemic, it was difficult adjusting to virtual learning since teaching requires a lot of hands on and modeling of the standard that is being taught. However, we teachers were able to adjust accordingly. I think the hardest part, earlier this year, was being in a packed classroom with small kids who had constantly running noses and did not understand the concept of why they needed to wear a mask, and worrying about bringing home Covid to your family. GrinderZZ: Your family has many talents. Your husband is a police officer protecting the city. Is it ever hard to have quality family time

mixing the two careers? Krissonya: It is not hard having family time with our careers. In fact, we make it a point to plan vacations during the summer breaks. With teaching, I have the holidays and breaks off with the kids, and my husband is able to accrue so many vacations, holiday, and comp time; so, it is never a big deal taking those much-needed family vacations. GrinderZZ: What advice would you give to someone who is contemplating pursing a teaching career? Krissonya: My advice would be to make sure that you are in teaching for the right

“Make sure that you are in teaching for the right reasons. This career is definitely a calling.” reasons. This career is definitely a calling. Although teaching may be hard and the children may be challenging, once you establish a relationship and gain the children’s trust, then you are able to achieve amazing things in the classroom! GrinderZZ: Any last words/requests you'd like to share at this time? Krissonya: You are awesome and thank you for letting me be a part of this month’s issue! Thank you so much, Krissonya, for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Stay safe, and God Bless!


The Sports Power Brunch Presented by Champion Fisher, music artist Mali Music, Radio host and personality Jasmine Saunders (DL Hughley Show), young actresses Taylor Mosby (The Last OG), Daniele Lawson and Layla Crawford (King Richard), TV Sports host Taylor Rooks, NFL Running Back Coach Jennifer King, CBS Sports reporter Alicia Smith, Fox Sports TV & Radio Host Joy Taylor, and retired NFL player Ephraim Salaam.

The Sports Power Brunch, Presented by Champion, kicked off Super Bowl week with its third annual event, in Los Angeles. Created in 2019 by LaTonya Story, CEO of LPS Consulting PR, the starstudded event celebrated some of the leading women in sports. Among the Powerhouses honored were Vanessa Bryant, President of the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, Be Your Own Champion Award Honoree presented by Champion; Natalie White, Senior Vice President, Los Angeles Sparks, Trailblazer Award Honoree presented by LPS Consulting PR; Denise White, CEO & Founder, EAG Sports Management, SheMogul Award Honoree presented by National Football League; and Terri Hines, Executive Vice President, Communications, FOX Sports, Power of Spirit Award Honoree presented by CANTU. Attendees included: Actress Michole Briana White (Starz's BMF), TV personality Sheree Zampino (RHOBH), actress Nicki Micheaux (NCIS: Los Angeles), TV personality Laura Govan (Basketball Wives LA), LA Sparks Head Coach and General Manager Derek

Panelists included Maria Teza, Senior Vice President Champion North America, Hanesbrands; Josephine Martinez, Senior Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NFL; Dr. China Jude, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Denver Broncos; Tanesha Wade, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Chicago Bears; Jaia Thomas, Esq., Founder & CEO, Diverse Representation; Johnita P. Due, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, WarnerMedia News and Sports; Arielle Chambers, Founder, HighlightHER; Jacquelyn Dahl, CEO 1UP Sports Marketing; Kimberly Miale, General Counsel and NFL Agent, Roc Nation Sports; Dr. Angel Brutus, Associate Director of Mental Health, US Olympic & Paralympic Committee; Esé Ighedosa, Esq., Sports and Entertainment Attorney; and Jade-Li English, WNBA Agent & Marketer.


The event encourages and it empowers women to thrive and excel in the sports industry and beyond. The Sports Power Brunch has gained national attention with coverage by Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter and ABC News, among other eminent media outlets. Story's additional goal with the annual event is to support philanthropic organizations that help the community. This year, she donated $10,000 each to two nonprofits: the American Cancer Society, in loving memory of LaTonya's son Sterling who succumbed to undiagnosed cancer at age 30, and A10tion Foundation, which helps develop student-athletes as leaders in the community through sports and education, headed by honoree Natalie White. Other sponsors include CANTU, National Football League, WarnerMedia, FOX Sports, NFLPA, Marcell Von Berlin, and Talley & Twine Watch Company. For more information, visit: https://www.sportspowerbrunch.com. (Image/Photo credit: Earl Gibson, Courtesy of Sports Power Brunch)


When we first started out, this man was so nice enough to sit down and chat with us inside the GrinderZZ studio. We'll, some years have passed, and we were able to snatch up this fierce DJ for another interview. Ladies and gentlemen, DJ Bro Rabb: GrinderZZ: Hey there buddy! Welcome back to the GrinderZZ studio! I'm so thrilled to have you back inside the building. For those who may have missed the first interview, can you please tell my audience a little about yourself? DJ Bro Rabb: MY NAME IS DJ BRORABB official tour DJ for the LEGENDARY HIP HOP DUO KID N PLAY....Born & raised in DURHAM NC!! Been DJing 31 years (since 1991 & I’m only 45. Lol!)


GrinderZZ: For those who don't know, Bro Rabb is the personal DJ for Kid N Play, and I had the pleasure of meeting them all, on Memorial Day weekend, 2016, at the Mandalay Bay, in Las Vegas Nevada. What is it like working for those two? DJ Bro Rabb: It’s wonderful...I'm like a little brother to them...Great guys.


DJ Bro Rabb: OMG! It did a lot to me mentally!! Everything STOPPED!! I STARTED DOING ALOT OF VIRTUAL SETS, but it’s not the same as being in front of people…I’m glad things are opening up, again, but we still have to be safe. GrinderZZ: How many shows do you and the guys have on your roster, right now, for the 2022 year? DJ Bro Rabb: Things are slowly,but surely, coming along...we have a few things lined up. Lol!

GrinderZZ: Did you always want to be a DJ, or was there another profession you were eyeing? DJ Bro Rabb: I ALWAYS KNEW I WAS GONNA DO SOMETHING MUSICALLY...MUSIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY THING SINCE I WAS A LITTLE BOY...NEVER WANTED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE. GrinderZZ: Back in 2020, the entire world came to a complete halt because of the Corona Virus. How much of an impact did it put in your life?

GrinderZZ: Besides Kid N Play, do you DJ for any other artists? DJ Bro Rabb: Right now, it’s just Kid N Play.


GrinderZZ: Are there any solo projects you're currently working on that you can talk about at this time? DJ Bro Rabb: I’m still doing clubs/radio/shows/MIXTAPES etc....Outside of that, I have my own Popcorn flavor thru a company called LOVE JONES...ITS VERY TASTY! LOL! GrinderZZ: What advice can you give someone who's looking on becoming a DJ? DJ Bro Rabb: LEARN THE CULTURE!!! Learn the history of DJing & DJs!! GrinderZZ: How can the fans reach out to you? DJ Bro Rabb: instagram @djbrorabb facebook:The new dj bro-rabb Mr lawd have mercy fan page mixcloud @brorabb broreez@gmail.com


BK The Model Magnificent When I got word that, the C.E.O of Royal Hustler's Company's son was a model, I quickly reached out to Renee Mickens, so that I could snatch a quick interview with him. Elliot Mickens, aka BK, grew up in Brooklyn and in the Bronx and he definitely has a flair for stylish gear. Let's chat with him: GrinderZZ: Hey BK! Thanks for stopping by the studio. Please, tell my audience a little about yourself. BK: Thank you so very much. It’s an honor! Yes, I was born in Brooklynnnnn! I was raised in South Bronx and attended school in Harlem, so my unorthodoxy style is pretty much a combination of these NYC streets. GrinderZZ: I was so intrigue to interview you after speaking to your mom, the beautiful Renee, aka Royal, about your modeling adventure. When did you first know you wanted to become a model? BK: When I was younger I looked into modeling but nothing serious. GrinderZZ: If you had a chance to model for a particular designer, who would that be, and why?

BK: Not until I read up on Tyson Beckford’s story, did I realize I can lose myself in modeling. I love clothing. I love my body. I’m trendy…lots of charisma. I figure why not give it my all. GrinderZZ: Where do you see yourself in five years with your modeling? BK: In the next 5 years, I see myself as mogul. GrinderZZ: What advice can you give to someone who may be thinking of becoming a model? BK: Not everyone has the ambition, abilities, or just simply the drive to be the greatest version… Bk, it's been an honor speaking with you. May God continue bringing nothing but greatness to your life.


BK

The Model Magnificent



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