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C O N T E N T S

NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT

5 POINTS

“FLYING HIGH”

12 14

“ON THE EDGE”

BY ERIC WILLIAMS

“STYLE REDEFINED”

COVER STORY: THE “NIGHT LIFE”

THINK OF THIS

19 21

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E N T L A D I E S

Saying “Thank You” seems very simple, but giving heartfelt thanks can be quite complicated. These two words are very simple to say, but yet difﬁcult to deliver. Not only is it important for us to say “Thank you”, it is important for you to feel our genuine appreciation and gratitude. Initially, commencing this letter was a tough task, we fee there are not enough words for us to express our gratefulness. Despite certain roadblocks, we were always able to ﬁnd a detour. It has been a long bumpy road, one that has led us right here in front of you! There are so many who deserve our thanks: to everyone who contributed to Entourage Magazineʼs premiere issue, it would not have been here if it were not for you. Thank you to those who attended any and all of the events. To those who support us through the many social networking sites; every tweet & Facebook post goes along way; and most of all Thank you to those who kept our buzz going just by mentioning “Entourage Magazine”! and to those who have been with us, when it was just an idea; and by believing you are now part of itsʼ reality!

As you go on to view every page of Entourage Magazineʼs premiere issue, appreciate the hard work and dedication of those who were involved. Once again, we want to deeply Thank You! But lastly, our BIGGEST “Thank You” goes to God; You are deﬁnitely the Man!

Valerie Roper CEO Editor-in-Chief

Myradage Pierre CEO President

C O N T R I B U T O R S B I O

Chantal Borgella launched her career in the entertainment business, writing for RIGHT ON! and BLACK BEAT magazines since November 2006. A year later, November 2007, she did an article on AllHipHop.com on aspiring rapper, MEL. Putting writing on hiatus, she started her own public relations agency, C. Borgella Public Relations in November of 2008.

Orane Williams is Your Financial Literacy Coach. He purchased his first home at 23 years old. He is also the founder and executive director of D.R.E.A.M. Inc (Dispelling Realities & Empowering African-American Minds Inc.), a non-profit organization that provides financial literacy workshops for urban youth, ages 13-25. Orane is the graduate of William Paterson University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management. Alfred Blake is the co-founder of I Am Multi LLC, founded to inspire and motivate his peers to affirm that they are unlimited through creativity. Through his Original quotes called G.E.M.’s (Growth, Empowerment, Motivation), He provides real-life scenarios and illustrates life-lessons to his audience with three things in mind: to relate, inform, and to inspire positive change. Nannette Mensah was born in London, England and raised in Newark, NJ. She studied at Montclair State University where she received her B.S. degree in Marketing. She is currently getting her MBA in Marketing from Ashford University. Nannette has worked for companies such as Universal Music, SonyBMG, and TakeTwo Interactive in NYC. In 2010 she started her own artist management/artist development company BFamous Entertainment, LLC. At 23 years old Vanessa Fleury is a college graduate with a B.A. in Communications. Through her experiences as an intern in both Writing and Event Planning in NYC, she has taken what she has learned and is an active writer, holds interviews and is involved in many aspects of entertainment for both signed an unsigned artist. Her future goals are to be a Writer, PR Agent, or Event Planner in NYC. Eric Williams, writer and editor for various publications such as Don Diva Magazine, Grindahz Magazine, XXL, The Source, and the list goes on. Born with a love to write, Eric Williams has pursued his dream to no end and continues to write articles. He has interviewed artists such as Maino, Jadakiss, Lil Wayne, and the list continues to grow. Photographer. Artist. Multi-Tasker Extraordinaire. Jason Lee is that wave. The macaroni with the cheese and the breadcrumbs. Lemonade in the summertime. He’s your car with automatic start on a winter morning. Like taking your shoes off when you get home after standing all day. A black man with purpose. No combination of written words can adequately describe the myriad of qualities this man possesses. Aside from that, he’s just a great person to know. Lauren Alayne is a makeup artist in the NJ/NY/PA area. For more information and for booking, email info@LAMartistry.com. Follow her on twitter for weekly makeup tips: @LAMArtistry.

A graduate of Rutgers University with a B.A. degree in African Studies and possess a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University. Shonique Banks is passionately committed to working with organizations that are dedicated to minimizing barriers and challenges, while creating and optimizing opportunities for urban families, children, and residents.

C E N T E R S T A G E

NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT “My location is ‘NOT’ my destination” destination”, as RAHFEAL GORDON refers to his infamous quote. Chantal Borgella got the opportunity to speak with Rahfeal on this rainy day. Life couldn’t have been any better than to hear a piece of motivation on such a gloomy day that could turn anyone’s mood sour. Rahfeal has seen many rainy days growing up during the crack epidemic in Newark, NJ. Meanwhile Rahfeal chose the path at the curved road where many went straight. “I could have sold drugs but I knew that would land me either dead or in jail. The kingpin drug dealer sat with me and spoke to me as if I was a student. He saw something different in me.” Now the whole world sees something unique in Rahfeal. His story of being left at a crackhouse by the time he was 15 while losing one of his brothers to the streets and the other incarcerated, it is no wonder he has landed on the front cover of the Sunday Star-Ledger “I Am New Jersey” section. One thing Rahfeal learned from the local kingpin drug dealer, was the mentality of a businessman. Rahfeal WAS a hustler but it wasn’t feeding his community with drugs. He fed the students at his alma mater, Arts High School, with candy. He treated each floor as street corners. This was his first business lesson. Rahfeal shares his story with Brenda Blackman on My9 News, Fox Business, and MSNBC Small Business. Rahfeal has five books to date that he has written and featured in various documentaries. He was noted as the Top 25 Young Entrepreneur under 25, and his book, Homeroom Heroes (co-author, actor MICHAEL B. JORDAN) was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in 2009. Rahfeal Gordon made it past the statistic and surpassed what was expected from him with an Oppenheimer Funds Award for being the Top Entrepreneur.

Being raised in the projects, the odds are against you. “You will never make it.” You are only going to be as good as your city is.”” ““Black men end up in jail or dead by 18.” “You’re ’’re just ANOTHER statistic.”” These are words that haunt young adults growing up in their notorious environment. Merely 10 years ago he was hearing that he would never make it out of his situation. And through all his experience, “I’m grateful and humble. I made a promise to my brother that I would be the next JAY-Z, DIDDY or STEVE JOBS. I would be the next one to make it out for my family. It is no wonder that his greatness and accomplishments are very well recognized in his community. If you ever feel that there is no way out, just remember “your location is NOT you destination.”

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5 POINTS INTS By: Nannette Mensah

Talent alone is not enough– Everyone knows that you must have the Xfactor. You have to have more than just a good voice and a pretty face. When you get on stage to perform you have to be able to WOW your crowd in the ﬁrst few notes. Style and Talent is MUST!!!!!. Watch who you keep around you. – Birds of a feather ﬂock together. Make sure you’re surrounded around people that have your best interest at heart. Having the right people around you when it comes to money, security, and trust is the most important aspects in an artist’s life.

Do it yourselfIn a world were independent music record companies are taking over, why not do it yourself. For example, look at Drake, he had a worldwide buzz without a deal. That has deﬁnitely opened the door for more artists.

Take criticism seriously – Remember all criticism isn’t bad criticism. Be able to handle opinions from different people it may help you rather than hurt you.

The internet is your best friend. –Invest in websites such as Facebook,Twitter and YouTube to build your fan base. We no longer have to rely on the TV and Radio to ﬁnd and hear that next big artist. Invest having a webmaster that can take care of your personal website and even help you establish you social network accounts.

FLYING HIGH ttitude is similar about my attitude Iʼm good! to a plane ride. Your view is I know I have a bad attitude. limited when you start. The I am not affected...Iʼm still more your altitude of attitude going to be successful.” This increases, the more territory is the ABSOLUTE quickest is open for your eyes to way to be stuck behind in envision”- Alfred E. Blake the race to success. While “The Voice Of The Youth” the steps to establishing Attitude is similar to a and maintaining an plane ride. First, attitude of high I want you to elevation are “You don’t envision the not easy, have to worry first time you they are about my attitude s t e p p e d certainly I’m good! I know I foot on an simple. I have a bad attitude. I airplane. will start am not affected...I’m Think about you off your view while with the first still going to be on the ground. three steps. successful.” As you continue Always give to think about your thanks for what gradual ascension, you have, look for the think about the change of good in situations first, and scenery, and the vast span of share a smile with everyone land that is now under your you come in contact with. eyes radar. The same applies You are now on your way to with attitude. Your territory ascension of your attitude... expands as your attitude and subsequently your rises. Iʼve heard people say SUCCESS!!!! “You donʼt have to worry - Alfred “The RuleBreaker” Blake

F A S H I O N

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O N

Being related to someone who many people consider to be “The Greatest Rapper Of All Time” can often cast a shadow over you that follows like a black cloud. Meet Ramel Carter, Brooklyn born, Jersey bred emcee with a future so bright that he can’t be denied. What makes Mel on the edge of super stardom is a cool laid back style reminiscent of his famous uncle, but sets him apart at the same time. Mel grew up in a house where music was played heavily and he learned many lessons about the game while working on his craft. Mel

T H E E D G E

...cast a shadow over you that follows like a black cloud. has also modeled for Rocawear so he’s already used to the limelight. He dropped a street album entitled “Certified” near the end of 2009 on Natural Born Hustlaz Entertainment and it featured Sam Hook (Compound Music) and Fly Rah (NBH). When asked is it pressure being the nephew of whom many say is “The Greatest”, Mel sat back in his chair and said “Pressure? Nahhh... I have a chance to create my own lane w/ the lessons I learned from him.”

Mel 14

Photographer: Jason Lee

T H E E D G E

RacQDolo RacQ Dolo

RacqDolo is from Miami via New Jersey and her music reﬂects every bit of everywhere she’s ever been. Raised in a house of talent where her dad would play the piano and sing songs that would touch Racq. Racq has a unique and worldly sound that is cutting edge and modern. Futuristic Soul is what I call it and On The Edge is what it is. Racq also started a viral campaign called EyeRacqDolo, where people submit videos of themselves explaining why they RacqDolo and the submissions are packaged together in a huge viral video that shows support for her movement. She names Beyonce as a major inﬂuence and has the skills to stand tall with Mrs. Knowles-Carter. RacqDolo is a member of the super talented, New Jersey born and raised, production team, TrakFire Productions. For more info on Racq you can follower her on Twitter at @Racqdolo or hit her website www.EyeRacqDolo.com

O N

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O N T H E E D G E

A great man once said that “Greatness has to start somewhere, that place should be your heart”. Adoniz, a super talented New Jersey bred artist, is an example of that quote. Adoniz is of Haitian descent and his culture directly influences his music. He’s on the edge of cutting edge music and has a passion for creating. His influences include everyone from Beyonce to Kanye West to Prince. He hopes to influence those to come follow his sound. You can also find Adoniz on Soundclick and many other music related sites. When asked if he had any advice for artists on the come up, he said “Be true to what you do”. Now that sounds like words from an artist On The Edge.

Adoniz

Photographer: Quawee Whitening 18

S T Y L E R E D E F I N E D

Jean & Neh of Linden & Roselle, NJ

Photographer: Tokz Gabriel 19

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT By: Orane Williams

T I D E CR

Credit is an important part of our everyday lives. The problem is that some people don’t know how to use it properly or get caught into the debt trap. In this article I will give you my top credit tips. Hopefully this information will help you to become a wiser user of credit cards. Credit can be: credit cards, store cards, loans, & mortgages. 1. Pay your bills on time. Even if all you have is the minimum amount, pay it on time. 2.

Don’t max out the limit on your card. Having high limits on cards implies poor financial responsibility.

3. FICO - I’m sure you may be wondering what this word means. Think of it as your adult GPA. Scores range from 300-850 higher score shows better financial responsibility to creditors

Lower Interest Rates - Negotiate with your creditors to get the lowest rates possible or threaten to leave. Low rates means the less money that debt is costing you.

5. Always try to pay your card in full. If that is not possible pay more than the minimum payment. Hopefully these tips will help you out with your credit card woes.

Orane Williams is the Exec. Director of Dispelling Realities & Empowering AfricanAmerican Minds Inc. (D.R.E.A.M. Inc) a NJ-Non Profit Organization catered to financial literacy amongst today’s young adults.

C OV E R

S T O R Y

THE “NIGHTLIFE”

What’s one thing we all look forward to at the end of the week? Not just our paychecks, but somewhere to spend it and relieve all the stress we’ve endured throughout a week’s worth of work! Throughout the years we’ve been used to partying on weekends, but as time passed parties are held throughout the week and have been as successful as parties on the weekend. So who are the faces behind this “Nightlife Entertainment”? Well to answer that, it’s people our age, our peers who actually put in hard work and making sure we have a great time at these gatherings! There can be hundreds of party promoters out there but not all of them can be successful. No one can step into the business of party promoting thinking it’s all about fun. In actuality it’s just as challenging as running any other business. Everything takes strategic planning and a motivated group of people. AllEyesOnWho.com, a credible website that is known to keep it’s viewers updated on news, upcoming parties/events and pictures, took a voting poll to see who the most favored/successful party promoters were in NJ. The top 3 results were; 1st Lady El of the Murda Mamis, Veeto Williams and E of Phantom P. We’re sure all of you have or know someone who has attended parties hosted by at least one of them. Entourage Magazine had the opportunity to catch up with them so you guys could get the inside scoop of what this party promoting business is all about and even clarify some stereotypes used against it. Read more to get familiar with your favorite party promoters. Photos By:

alleyesonwho.com, urbanmediakings.com, djwallah.com, dainfamous.com, phantomp.com, Jason Lee

1ST LADY EL OF THE MURDA MAMIS: When Fabolous said “Girl You Be Killin’ Em,” Entourage Magazine knows you ladies were the ones he was talking about. In such a predominantly male industry the Murda Mamis have definitely earned their respect. 1ST Lady El states, “They know we can do things as well as the men and sometimes better (smiles), girl power at it’s finest!” They also agree that it’s never good to burn bridges no matter how small it may be because one day that bridge might need to be crossed. People should be treated with respect no matter what their status is. 1ST Lady El of the Murda Mamis has been promoting for almost 10 years now. “I kind of fell in to it! I started helping my friend promote their parties and then I just really fell in love with it and kept going. It’s amazing how far you can get with faith & hard work. My favorite saying is,“ Thoughts Become Things,” I live by this.” So far, 1ST Lady El does not have a count of how many members are in the Murda Mamis. The Murda Mamis includes, DJs, radio personalities, artists, models, etc. They have recently started the Murda Mamis Motorcycle Club last March. 1ST Lady El is very excited about it. “You will see them with me in the summer time. We are also working on launching the Murda Mamis models. We are definitely a force to be reckoned with.” ENT: What is the most important thing you learned that it is necessary to stay relevant and have your events always at capacity? “I definitely learned that not everyone is your friend, this game is not an easy one and you always have to stay steps ahead. I always treat my customers with love & respect and get the same back.” The Murda Mamis are set apart from other promoters because they don’t do things like the others do, they’re sort of old school and they live by unspoken rules. “Like back in the days, if a promoter was doing a club, the other promoters would show them respect and not try to do the same thing but nowadays, everything is so cut throat, it’s terrible! We’re glad that we are well respected & it’s known not to bring bs (I prefer: nonsense) our way. Murda Mamis are about business,” says 1st Lady El! ENT: So, 1ST Lady EL do you see yourself still promoting in the next 3-5 years? “Of course because I still love it. I always say if you loose the love for what you do then you need to find another occupation. I love promoting, marketing, managing, event planning, and doing bookings. I’m thankful to be doing what I love to do and being great at it.” She addresses networking as one of the most important things in the promotion world. “You have to get out there & network, meet different people and cross promote. That’s a big part of the promotion game.” 1st Lady EL says she is working on so many different things, “It’s Murda Mamis everything. We are definitely working on launching The Murda Mamis Models. Shout outs to DJ Kay Slay, you can check for the Murda Mamis in the holiday edition of his magazine, Straight Stuntin!” Murda Mamis recently launched The Murda Mamis Show on www.DTFRadio.com Thursdays 7pm-9pm Eastern as well. “New year, new money, that’s the slogan. You work hard then you can play harder.” ENT: How do you feel about coming in as one of the top 3 promoters in NJ? “It’s definitely an honor, I’m glad my state recognizes my hard work & dedication.” ENT: What is a ‘dark side’ to promoting that not many people may think of or even know about? “The Cut throat side of things, the every man for themselves. That’s the worst part of the promotion game.” Be on the lookout for their website www.MurdaMamis.com, launching soon.

VEETO WILLIAMS: From teamwork to being a one man show, we know Veeto Williams can hold his own in the nightlife entertainment business! So what exactly enticed him about this business? Entourage Magazine is about to find out and a lot more as we enter the world of Veeto Williams! “Well I was always a party goer. Loved the atmosphere, ambiance, people, music etc. I decided that this is something I wanted to be a part of full-time,” says Veeto. He started promoting when he was 24, his original promotion team was with the group once know as The Breakfast Club. Veeto then decided to venture off and go solo when he started to realize his potential. Veeto started speaking with other promoters/mentors who gave him the extra boost of confidence that he needed. The first party that was thrown by Veeto as a solo promoter was held March 4th 2008 at a venue called The Spot in Newark, NJ and he says it went extremely well. “Better then I expected. My night there was actually viewed as the grand opening so to speak. I did close to 200 people on that night. It only holds about 210-230 so for me to draw the crowd I did was a great triumph for me. All my long time supporters were in attendance. It was an amazing feeling!” ENT: From the time you started promoting to right now, has anything made you want to engage yourself in something other than promoting parties? “Well the only thing I would like to do other then throwing the party is owning my own venue. I would like to be the man behind the scenes after its all said and done but I’m having so much fun with it right now. There still so much more to accomplish. God willing I’ll get there!” Even though Veeto is well known in NJ and has grown an establishment he would like to branch off to the NYC area, but he’s certainly not in a rush. “The market is definitely out there. I would like to do a lot more networking. But NJ is my home and home to me will always be priority.” ENT: We would like to know if you attended parties that weren’t hosted by you since you’ve started promoting? “Yes I have. I TRY to show love whenever I can. It’s only right. Other promoters support my events as well.” When we asked Veeto what were the top 5 things he thought were important in having a successful night life promotions business, he stated: “a) You have to be humble. b) You have to be a people person. c) You have to be PREPARED for the possibility that you might fail. d) Always have a plan b. e) Remember it’s business never personal.” When we asked Veeto if he planned on engaging in community events to reach out to kids, he said that he would love to do community events and thinks it’s a great look and is also great for the brand that he is trying to build. He hasn’t done so yet but it is something he would love to do. Entourage Magazine would like to know what do you want everyone out there to know besides the fact that you are “Veeto Williams” and you throw show stopping parties? “Well thank you for the compliment. I want people to know that I’m a real person. There is more to me besides the guy that throws parties. I’m a cool guy to know on a personal level, I’m very approachable. Real laid back. I believe in God & Love.”

E OF PHANTOM P: The man behind the mask, E of Phantom P, established his party promotions in 2005. “I attended many parties in my earlier years and during that time I realized that I wanted to enhance the New Jersey night life and bring something new to the college market.” So we all wondered where E came up with his name and what the mask symbolized, and he said it is the mask of Phantom and was chosen when he crossed over to the brotherhood of a fraternity. E told us that one of his most successful events was “The Next Big Party” event at the Robert Treat Hotel back in December of 2008. “This was an event that over 3500 college student attended, making it the largest turnout at a college party in NJ. It’s safe to say history was made that night.” We know in the industry conﬂicts can arise when you mix business with friends but E says he keeps them separate. He also attends parties hosted by other promoters to show support. ENT: We all know this promotion business is a male dominated industry, what advantages and disadvantages do you see in women running their own entertainment production E? Or do you think it’s an equal opportunity in your eyes? He answered by saying, “Females can be successful in this business because they are normally the life of the party and can identify more with what other females would want to attend an event and would certainly attract people. Unfortunately they don’t get respected because there’s a scarcity of dominant females in this industry. In my experience I have noticed that some Females typically don’t have the patience to allow their businesses to evolve; they want to see instantaneous success and unfortunately that is not the nature of this business.” Charity events are a real important factor in getting involved within the community and E says he plans on doing some in the future. A major question that we all wonder is how long do promoters plan on staying in this kind of business and E says, “I haven’t thought that far but if I do continue to throw parties when I’m married with kids it will deﬁnitely be on a higher more prestigious level.”

We here at Entourage Magazine would like to thank 1st Lady El of the Murda Mamis, Veeto Williams and E of Phantom P for taking their time to give us an inside look into their promotion life. Congratulations again for making AllEyesOnWho’s Top 3 Promoters in NJ, it was well deserved!

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Think of This… By: Shonique Banks

According to Newark Kids Count, a publication by the Annie Casey Foundation and the Association for Children in New Jersey, say that in Newark, 1 out of every 3 children lives in poverty; each week 12 babies are born to teen mothers; and each year, more than one quarter of Newark High school seniors will not graduate. I however, am not impressed by statistics and publications that pontiﬁcate and merely record our quandaries and yet, present no solid resolutions, the point is in fact counterproductive. If you are a resident in urban NJ, and unless you are blind or simply, like many of us— far to accustom to the problems that exist amongst our children, publications only solidify what we know to be our reality. As people of color we must take a stake in eradicating these statistics. There are overlapping issues associated with poverty that must be dealt with before a serious change to occur. If families are without resources that at a bare minimum meet their housing, utilities and food needs--education unfortunately will be relegated to the bottom of the list of priorities.

are the ones that can most relate to our youth and someone, somewhere, by someway-helped you. In February 2010, mid school-year the Governor of NJ cut afterschool programming for 14, 000 at-risk children—our children. The Department of Justice indicates that children are more likely to get into trouble between 3pm-6pm and as youth recreation disappears, I would like to offer one suggestion to assist: If you are a part of a social organization, mobilize some type of project that offers children in our community educational supports, recreational opportunities and simply time to be mentored by someone who looks like them, cares about them, and want more for them. This is not solely a solution; but it will create some resolution.

Your Thoughts?

In our community education is the only hope for us to change these stats for children and a living wage job is the biggest steps to eradicate some of these issues faced by families. With government cuts steadily increasing, there has to be a constant effort by all people, particularly young professionals to help our youth—as we see parents do not have the resources to do it alone. Moreover, it’s become clear that many public educational systems continues to fail our children and exasperate our hopes. I say, as young professionals you could take the lead in this concerted effort, because you 31

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