BOSSLADYMAG.COM
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NOVEMBER 2011
LIVE LIKE A REALITY STAR
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RE-RUN
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PREMIERE ISSUE
MAKE EVERY DAY TV READY
KASHA AND THE ZULU KING
THE MAKING OF BET’S FIRST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
BOSS LADY PICKS OUR TOP 3 SHOWS
JACKIE CHRISTIE ON LOVE, VH1 LIFE, AND BEING A BOSS
E U S S I N O I S I V E L E T SPECIAL E TH BEHIND THE SCENES FROM VH1, BET, AND MORE!
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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2011
Kasha Goes to BET
18 Behind the Scenes with Jai Husband
Learn more about the journey of Jai Husband, creator of BET’s first animated feature.
COVER
16 Jackie Christie: On Love, VH1 Life . . .
Jackie Christie speaks on her life as a businesswoman and star of VH1’s latest hit series Basketball Wives: L.A.
LIFESTYLE
14 Make Your Life TV Ready
Words of wisdom to make your more entertainming and enjoyable. can be TV ready - without the ma! Three easy steps to an inspired
life You dralife.
Behind-the-Lens with . . . 10 Chiba: Reality TV Star
From tragic car accident to Reality TV, rap star Chiba shares her thoughts on inspiring others and the state of the music industry for women.
RE-RUN
15 D. Woods: From Diddy to Destiny
D. Woods shares her thoughts on life, business, and the role of sisterhood in the man’s world of entertainment.
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PUBLISHER Doll Avant CO-FOUNDER Rhonda Parker CO-FOUNDER Deanna Mathis CREATIVe design Torrance Kilpatrick BOSSLADYMAG.COM
BOSS L ADY M
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NOVEMBER 2011
LIVE LIKE A REALITY STAR
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RE-RUN
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PREMIERE ISSUE
MAKE EVERY DAY TV READY
KASHA AND THE ZULU KING
THE MAKING OF BET’S FIRST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
BOSS LADY PICKS OUR TOP 5 SHOWS
JACKIE CHRISTIE LOVE, VH1 LIFE, AND BEING A BOSS
E U S S I N O I S I V E L E T SPECIAL THE BEHIND THE SCENES FROM VH1, BET, AND MORE!
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BOSS LADY PICKS
TOP REALITY TV SHOWS 2
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THE GAME
JERSEY SHORE
BASKETBALL WIVES: L.A.
Not a reality show, but we love it. Brought back from cancellation by popular demand, “The Game” showcases the acting of an ensemble cast and puts women at the forefront of the action. We enjoy the laughs and drama that the show brings!
Love them or hate them, the women of Jersey Shore have created an international phenomenon with their unique style and strong personalities. Regardless of the self-imposed crises they face, the cast is strangely loveable. Hats off!
We can’t go without giving a shout out to this female-driven show, executive produced by powerhouse Shaunie O’Neal. Girl power is in full effect as these sophisticated ladies chart their own course in the center of celebrity spotlight.
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Download your favorite episodes to your digital device and catch up while in-between tasks (for example, while waiting for a plane). That way, you won’t spend your most productive hours getting caught up in the fictionalized world of TV!
For the Ladies Who Run the World. www.bossladymag.com BLM NOVEMBER 2011 9
| LOVE
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BLM: We know you to be a multi-talented artist, reality TV star, and a good mother. Please tell the people more about yourself. Chiba: I’m very motivated, down to earth, a good friend, a good listener, a caring person, a go-getter…….everybody that knows me personally will tell you that. In a nutshell, I’m a woman who is driven! I know what I want in life and I’m not afraid to go get it. BLM: How did your rap career start? Chiba: After my tragic car accident, I really had a life-changing experience. It was as if I was ignoring the talent that God put in me. When my life begin to flash before my eyes during the accident, my life full of confusion instantly became very clear……I then realized that I had purpose and a life story to share with the world through my music…….something I was running from…and at that point in my life there was no where else to run…I had to “Face the Music” so to speak. The music was me,and always in me as young girl. Rapping was always fun for me even at a young age and when I moved to Georgia the desire for me to really pursue music became stronger. BLM: How and when did you realize you had a passion for music? Chiba: I’ve always loved music. I grew up around music and hip-hop. Georgia truly inspired me to pursue music seriously. BLM: Where do you draw inspiration as a songwriter? Chiba: Life experience, stories from what I go through to connect to the people, people that I know. Sometimes to create new music, I go to a place I have never been and draw from that. BLM: What can people expect to hear when they listen to your music? Chiba: They’re gonna hear truth, consciousness, a good time, move and groove . . . BLM: Now, you also have been on a few well-known TV shows/networks. This includes VH1, TV One, MTV’s Made, etc. How would you describe youR life in the limelight? Chiba: Very blessed and fortunate because those are the things people dream about doing. It open doors for me and other opportunities; the limelight has inspired me to do more.
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Behind the Lens with Chiba
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BLM: Please share your experience and thoughts about being on VH1’s Ms. Rap Supreme. Chiba: It was definitely a learning experience. I learned a lot about business, and drama. At the end of the day it’s about entertaining. I’m happy that I was able to share my story and inspire people. BLM: What have you learned and accomplished since being on that show? Chiba: I learned a lot about the music business and that I could do whatever I put my mind to… I wouldn’t change anything about my experience on the show. BLM: On MTV’s Made, you inspired a young lady to pursue a rap career. What was that like? Chiba: It was out of this world. I had the opportunity to inspire a young teenager to be more confident. She is on Glee now. Even if she never mentions my name in an interview I know that I was a strong influence on her and that is good enough for me, knowing that I made a positive impact on her to pursue her dreams. BLM: Now, as far as the industry, would you agree in saying that sometimes women are underestimated when it comes to the typical roles we play in life and in business? Why do you think that is? Chiba: Yes, we get underated. The business just wants women as sex symbols and we are so much more than that. The music business is male-dominated, make no mistake about it, but just as Da Brat mentioned in a recent interview, we need more females to support the female MCs and bring each other up, not tear each other down. Some established females in the game don’t want to help each other and that’s not good for music. We all understand that sex sells, but what about the female MC who doesn’t want to go that route? She won’t get no airtime on radio or on TV. It’s not fair, but it is what it is. It’s like sometimes women have to degrade themselves just to make it in the industry. It’s bad for women, but I honestly believe we can change that. Boss Lady Magazine is helping make a difference by keeping us inspired, writing the positive articles on women, and letting the world know that there are women in this game who take it very seriously and have overcome so many obstacles. BLM: Any upcoming projects and/or new music? Chiba: Currently I’m working on some new indie film projects, new television series in the works, and creating new concepts for music with the good ol’ fashion pen and pad. BLM: Any advice to those aspiring to follow your footsteps? Chiba: Never give up on your dream. If you don’t chase it, you’ll never know what it’s gonna be.
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| LIFESTYLE
MAKE YOUR LIFE
TV READY 1
LIGHTS . . . Look inside yourself to find your passion. What makes you sparkle and shine? Your unique gifts and abilities are the key to a life that’s ready for primetime. Spend your energy and focus discovering your purpose and you will be ready for the spotlight.
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CAMERA . . . A life worth living is a life filled with integrity. Live according to your highest ideals, no matter who is watching you. One definition of character is doing what you know is right, even when no one is watching. Be true to what you believe in, and you’ll stand out from the crowd.
ACTION! Now that you know who you are and know what makes you shine, move confidently in the direction of your dreams. A life worth living is a life filled with bold action towards a clearly defined goal. Take big strides! Do the impossible! The world will cheer you on.
Boss TIP
AVOID THE DRAMA. Some of us may feel that we are not truly living unless there is confusion or chaos around. Learn to correct unproductive patterns in your thinking, and embrace the quiet, still moments of life. Peace is power!
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| RE-RUN
NEW OUTLOOK, NEW ALBUM With a new album out and new projects on the horizon, D. Woods sits down with Boss Lady editors to share her perspective. BossLadyMag: What were your intial thoughts that came to mind when you were approached about being in Boss Lady Magazine? D. Woods: Well, I think just based off of the title I was already down to do it. Yea, you know... I thought about The Girls Club! We are Boss Chicks, we call ourselves the “Boss B*****s” of the game and this industry. We are females who are about our business. We don’t focus on anomosity or insecurities, it’s just about helping each other, being yourself, and bossin’ up! BLM: We know that you have always had a solid musical background. You even attended a performing arts school here as well right? Please tell us a little about that. D. Woods: Man, I pretty much caught that bug. They say when you catch the bug, you get bit! It was pretty much at like the age of 3 because my mother put my sister and I in dance classes when we were young. This was just really to give us something productive because we were like those two little girls running around the house tearing up stuff (giggles) so it was like let’s refocus that energy a little bit. So yeah, pretty much from then it was on! My father... he dabbled in music. He didn’t pursue it but he definitely has a passion for it. My mother...has a great appreciation for the arts but she didn’t perform or anything like that, she just always likes to attend shows and everything. READ MORE AT WWW.BOSSLADYMAG.COM BLM NOVEMBER 2011 15
BOSSLADYMAG.COM
JACKIE
CHRISTIE Would you agree in saying that sometimes women are underestimated when it comes to the typical roles we play in life and in business? Why do you think that is?
Jackie: I feel like women are underestimated due to the way society sometimes views women as housewives. Also in business we’re sometimes viewed in a smaller role as leaders in comparison to our male counterparts. I feel that more and more these days we’re starting to make some noise and show that we are very capable of running not only our personal lives on a higher level but also our businesses as well.
Now, you are a multi-faceted Boss Lady. You are a bestselling author; you own your own clothing line, record label and production company. How would you describe yourself for those who don’t know who you are? Jackie: I would describe myself as a courageous, loving and fun person. I’m a God-fearing woman, a good friend, daughter, wife and mother. I’m a no-nonsense business person with many goals that I strive everyday to achieve.
The world is always watching and judging you. How has the public scrutiny that you’ve had to endure affected you and your career? Jackie: It used to really affect me when it first started but now I have developed thick skin and I’m more able to ignore the silly fodder and rhetoric that some people choose to spew towards me. I learned to keep my eyes on the prize which is to be the best person I can be and keep my heart & mind pure. I wish nothing but the best for other people including my haters. I’m just going to keep pushing forward and keep faith that God will handle the rest.
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ON LOVE, VH1 LIFE, AND BEING A BOSS
In your best scenario, how do you manage your time between your personal & professional life?
Other than the many celebs and locals you’ve worked with, is there anyone you’d like to work with that you haven’t had the Jackie: Wow! That’s a great question. I always have and always will put my chance to yet? family first! That includes my husband and my three kids, Ta’Kari, Chani & Dougie Jr. I also strive to stay organized so that when business calls, I’m ready. I make a list of goals and check them off as I begin to achieve them.
Jackie: Yes! I have a laundry list of people I’d like to work with someday, starting with Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Anderson Cooper, Holly Robinson Peete & Michael Jordan.
What does it mean to you to lead a fulfilling life?
Where do you see yourself within the next 5 years?
Jackie: To fulfill my true life’s mission and that’s to help as many people as I can. I feel like being able to call my husband my best friend and my kids little angels truly brings meaning and fulfillment to me.
What can the fans expect from Mrs. Christie on the new season of VH1’s Basketball Wives: L.A.? Jackie: Fans can expect to see me like they’ve never seen me before. They can expect to get a close up and personal look into my life.
How is this cast different from the cast of Miami? Jackie: We are very different. For starters, we’re in Hollywood and everything is done in a whole different way out here. I also feel like our lives and personalities are very different as well. I love Shaunie O’Neal and Basketball Wives: Miami so I hope the fans enjoy our show, too!
Jackie: In 5 years I see myself helping my kids achieve all of their dreams and having produced a feature film and three television shows as well. I also see myself working on my 10th book and my second sex guide. I’d also be walking down the aisle with my husband for the 21st time.
Also, we know that you’re heavily involved in community work. What are some of the community events or panels that you have participated in? Jackie: My husband & I have our own foundation called The Infinite Love Foundation. In addition to our foundation, we also donate anonymously to many causes around town and abroad. I’ve also been involved with Black Women In Film through The Black Hollywood Film Festival in addition to many others.
“FANS CAN EXPECT TO SEE ME LIKE THEY’VE NEVER SEEN ME BEFORE” As we mentioned previously, you’re definitely the epitome of a multi-faceted Boss Lady. Please tell us more about the different entrepreneurial endeavours you are involved in? Jackie: Thanks so much! I have a real estate company, a fashion house, a record label, a publishing company and a production company.
So at what point did you realize that this was what you wanted to do and could see yourself doing long term? Jackie: I have always been a high achiever and set my sights on being all I could be when I was a little girl. I always knew fashion was my first love and writing was a fast second and so on down the line. The rest is history.
What are some of your upcoming projects? Jackie: I recently debuted my Fall/Winter Jackie Christie Black Collection at L.A. Fashion Week. I’m also working on my 5th book “Sexual Relations: A His & Hers Guide to Greater Intimacy” which will be out in late 2011. It will include many guest co-authors as well as my castmates on Basketball Wives: LA. In addition to my book I’m also developing my new perfume line as well.
Any other words of wisdom to married couples on how to keep the fire burning in their relationships? Jackie: Yes. Always respect yourself and your partner. Never take them for granted and always fulfill their needs before your own. Stay committed to your marriage and keep the intimacy fresh, fun and spontaneous. Don’t be afraid to try new things with each other and always communicate your needs to your spouse.
Who or what inspires you? Jackie: God inspires and uplifts me. His spirit engulfs me. My husband also inspires me as does my family, especially my mother who is my life. Fashion is what becomes of me while writing is what completes me.
How can the world stay connected with you? www.jackiechristie.com or follow me at twitter.com/@jackiechristie Thanks so much BOSS LADY!! I love you ladies.
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Jai
BOSSLADYMAG.COM
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Husband INTERVIEWERS:
RHONDA PARKER & DEANNA MATHIS
ANIMATOR PRODUCER DIRECTOR
JAI: I was actually excited because of the fact that you guys are catering to a female demographic empowering women in entertainment. You know, a lot of the content that I do seeks to do the same especially for African-American women in animation. There are very few women in animation; there definitely are only very few women of color in animation. So, I think for me it’s a great opportunity to reach an untapped market in my industry. As an animator, I did my Art Studies at Morehouse College through Spelman College, so I came through an art department at an all-female school. So my sensibilities have always been very inclusive. My Creative Writing professor who was a black feminist playwright and author [Pearl Cleage], she’s amazing. So, those sensibilities were kind of given to me. Even though I am not a woman, that cause is very dear to my heart. So, I’m very excited to share this experience through you all. BLM: What was life like being raised by one of the legends of the animation industry, Mr. Ron Husband? How important was it for you to follow your father’s footsteps and pursue animation? JAI: My father still works for Walt Disney Studios doing feature animations. He was their first African-American animator. He studied under Frank Thomas who is one of the surviving “Nine Old Men” back in the early ‘70s, and he’s worked on everything from The Rescuers all the way through to the 2000s with Treasure Planet where he was the Animation Supervisor. He created Dr. Sweet which was the first African-American human character Disney ever made like on the film Atlantis. So yeah, my dad’s still there; he works more on the publishing side now. He’s been at Walt Disney like over 37 years. So, that’s where I drew my inspiration. BLM: So at what point did you realize that this was what you wanted to do and could see your self doing long term? JAI: [This is] pretty much all I wanted to do. My mom said that I was drawing before I could write my name, so obviously I have this God-given talent. Drawing is one of those things where my brain just opens up and takes wings. For example when I was younger, I couldn’t understand why people couldn’t draw. And this is one of the reasons I went to the AUC with this because when I was growing up, it never occurred to me that I couldn’t do it, because my father did it. It wasn’t until I starting talking to other people about it that [I realized] this is a field [others] know little about or didn’t know they could tap into. BLM: You pursued a higher education at Morehouse and you always include this college and surrounding colleges in your current/upcoming projects. We applaud you for that. How does it feel to be able to give back and sow seeds in the community you once grew up in?
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JAI: It feels wonderful! It feels really good because the whole project started when I came to Morehouse and at Spelman in the Art Department. If it weren’t for my father, I wouldn’t have access to this industry. So when I left [Morehouse], that kind of left with me. It’s a very specialized industry so it wasn’t there. So, I really wanted to be that person to take it back. Upon graduating, I had already worked on feature films for Disney, etc. So, I wanted to create a program where I gave AUC students similar opportunities. Up until last October, I was the Senior Director for Turner Broadcasting’s Animation department. The majority of our interns where not people of color and not from the AUC, so I wanted to create a program exclusively for that particular group of students. So, a lot of those students came and worked with me at Turner every Saturday for one year; then that’s when BET picked the project up. BLM: You have many years of experience working at three of our country’s top television networks: Walt Disney, TBS, & BET. What have you learned working at such large organizations, and what has this transition been like?
BLM: What do you desire for viewers to learn as they watch this powerful film? JAI: It’s funny because the crux of this story was there when we began. Literally, the quote came from Monica Pearson’s mother, “It’s what you do with what you have that makes you who you are.” I really think that’s what I want people to walk away with. It’s not about what you have or where you come from, it’s about using what you have. No excuses, so to speak. Also, there are no boundaries. You can do anything you want to do! I want them to also learn that our beauty comes from who we are. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not beautiful. Kasha grows up with this compromised self-esteem, and I think it’s really unfortunate that he doesn’t realize who he is. So, I want people to know that God loves you and that you’re here. You’re a piece of art. BLM: How hard was it for you to choose the cast of Kasha and the Zulu King?
JAI: To be honest, it was relatively easy because it was a great cause. We would send them artwork and JAI: Honestly, it’s almost like the script and they were instantly larger the company, the less you on board. Some of the main cast do. It’s interesting. It becomes so members include Tony Harris, departmentalized. The smaller Monica Pearson, Shirley Frankyou are, you have more room to lin, Frank Ski, Bobby Valentino, expand. So, literally at Disney, I Kenny Leon, Jasmine Guy, and was a cog in the wheel. But it many more. And it’s great that was great experience! When I the film is going to be broadcast came to Turner, my responsithis Thanksgiving on BET. bilities became a bit broader. So, storyboarding and animaBLM: What other projects are you tion were two different things, currently working on? What can and there are a lot of Hollywood we expect from Jai in the near egos involved. But nonetheless, I future? was able to get more experience there versus at Disney. I was JAI: Wow, I’m doing an animated able to work on filmmaking and series now. I can’t say too much not just being an animator. So, about it because I am under now I am not only an animator non-disclosure but it’s for the but also a filmmaker. Even with National Institute of Health. It’s a the film I am doing with BET, I really fun project, I think people am also Executive Producer as are really going to enjoy it. God well and I am able to be a part keeps giving me these major opof the entire process. So, I’ve “SOME OF THE MAIN CAST MEMBERS INCLUDE TONY HARRIS, portunities where I’m making a transitioned from an artist to MONICA PEARSON, SHIRLEY FRANKLIN, FRANK SKI, BOBBY constant film-making. VALENTINO, KENNY LEON, JASMINE GUY, AND MANY MORE.” major impact. I’m just working, and I’m doing what I love to do. BLM: Kasha and the Zulu King is such a powerful African-American Film. What inspired this film, and what was that production BLM: What advice would you give to young and old adults who are aspiring to follow your footsteps? process like? JAI: Well, I had just come back from visiting South Africa on a mission trip. This place was gorgeous. We took a train from Capetown to Johannesburg, and it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen in my life. So again, the beauty of this place just arrested me. You could tell that some of the people were facing oppression, but these people were resiliently happy and strong people. So, being introduced to that culture and being on motherland soil for the first time was amazing. I thought getting off the plane, “Oh my God, I’m back. I’m back.” The land reminds you of our ancestors, and it really does cry out to you. This influenced me a lot. That’s how the story of Kasha was created that next semester. Also, one of my favorite authors is Mark Twain. {Kasha and the Zulu King] was sort of loosely inspired by The Prince & The Pauper.
JAI: I think two things. One would be what I got from Kenny Leon and that is pursue your passions. The visions and passionate things God have given you, know that He has given you that for a reason. Get to that point where you love what you do. If I didn’t have to make a living, I’d do it for free, but of course I have to make a living. Take the word “can’t” out of your vocabulary. Don’t limit yourself. BLM: Thank you so much supporting the movement. The film will be a huge success! It has the most beautiful story line and it also encourages women to embrace their inner beauty and divine purpose. This film inspires us as we seek to do the same and rewrite history. As women, we have beauty, business sense, brains, and so much more. Thanks again Jai!
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THE BOSS LADY’S CHAIR
AIYISHA OBAFEMI
BLM: For those who do not know who you are, can you tell us briefly on who you are, and what you do here at DTP Records? AIYISHA: My name is Aiyisha Obafemi. I am the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Disturbing Tha Peace Records and Ebony Son Entertainment. Ebony Son Entertainment is a management company, and we manage Ludacris who is a partner with Jeff Dixon & Chaka Zulu (who happens to be my brother) at Disturbing Tha Peace. They all equally own it. I also handle marketing, video promotion, and video commissioning. So basically, yes, I do everything. I’ve been in this business for over 20 years. I’ve been in the music business my whole life. My family comes from the music business. My mother sang with Miriam Makeba & Nina Simone when I was a toddler. So, I used to travel the world. My father was in a music group called the Love Lords. He’s won Showtime at the Apollo, and I’ve had cousins who rap. BLM: And who were some of those cousins? AIYISHA: Grand Puba Maxwell, and the Late Great, Tupac Shakur. BLM: Would you agree in saying that sometimes women are underestimated when it comes to the typical roles we play in life and in business? More than being respected as Executives & CEOs we are sometimes confined or looked at as only being assistants & housewives.Why do you think that is? AIYISHA: I don’t even think we are confined to that. I think that in this business, you just don’t hear about the women who are in power. Because some of my close friends are in the music business, and have been doing their thing for many, many years. But what happens is it’s kind of just kept quiet or we just don’t put ourselves out there. A lot of these women are juggling their home life with their business. They have children, they’re married and still managing their careers. We’re the ones who make sure that these artists are represented the way they should be. Let’s be clear: this industry couldn’t work without the females. They know it. I don’t get why we’re so under-appreciated, but you know sometimes as women we are more refined and don’t make a big deal about things. But we are still doing it and making it happen. So, it’s kind of stroking the male ego. BLM: In your best scenario, how do you manage your time between your personal & professional life? AIYISHA: My circumstances are really special. My father’s here in the office, my brothers are here, and my daughters come here. That’s just how we operate. So, it’s a thing where my daughters are allowed to be exposed to certain things, BLM: Let’s talk about women in music. From a female perspective, what is your take on the industry now and female artists out there? AIYISHA: R&B is coming back. And it’s interesting. I did an interview for GA Music Magazine a couple of years ago and I talked about that. I talked about how real R&B is going to come back. They asked me what was next in music. So, that’s what’s happening. Because it’s more female R&B artists that you see making more of a splash because music is going towards real R&B and live bands. I love a live band. I think it’s just what’s needed. People’s souls need real music. BLM: Let’s talk about you and some of the projects you have coming up. AIYISHA: Well, I’m kind of venturing into starting my own consulting company which is called the Blue Nile Group. I’ll basically be doing what I do now just on a larger scale. So, this includes consulting, management, video, marketing, styling, and all other aspects of the business. I’ve done it for so long, and people come to me all the time. I’m also in the process of writing a book about my life. BLM: Anything special you want people to take from this book? AIYISHA: Well, it’ll be intersting! It’s going to show you a whole different side of revolutionary living. BLM: Ok, great! We can’t wait to read it. We wish you the best.
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