Table of Contents
07 J Ivy Speaks on Violence
20 PHLI Shoe Store 1 0 Spelman College 1 1 3G’s Management 1 8 Sam-I-Am the MC
1 2 Willy NorthPole exclusive Interview
Cover Photo: Willy NorthPole
Graphic Design: AR Arts & Graphics
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Youth Empowerment Hello, my name is Aaron Robinson. I'm the founder/
publisher of Teen’s R.E.A.C.H. Magazine and would like to thank you for supporting our new and much highly needed publications. I hope that TRM will be one of the most exciting and interesting publications you come across. As a teenager, you are very important and are also our future. When it comes to you, methods of counteracting violence, along with other educational features are much needed in our community, nonetheless our society. I would like to thank you for your support, along with our participants, contributors and everyone who has helped make TRM a success. I hope that you will be empowered by the articles and messages. Enjoy!
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Aaron Robinson Founder & Publisher
About Teen’s R.E.A.C.H. Teen’s R.E.A.C.H. (Rising Entrepreneur Accomplished Chicago Heroes) is a tri-annual magazine that promotes messages of peace and education in hopes to inform urban teens about how negative issues affect their environment. TRM consists of articles promoting better decision making skills, and also shows teens alternative options as opposed to resorting to violence. Teen’s R.E.A.C.H. serves as a catalyst for social change, empowering teens to take action within the community, as well as, ensuring safety, justice, accountability and healing for individual’s whose lives are affected by society norms. TRM allows teens to obtain positive messages from significant individuals and celebrities, featuring positive articles along with compelling visuals. TRM also provides a fun, entertaining and positive experience for teens, encouraging them to continue putting their education first. 4 Teen’s REACH
TEEN’S R.E.A.C.H. STAFF Senior Vice President Mozella Sullivan Administrative Asst. Julia M. Robinson Josephine Robinson Public Relations Marketing / Promotions RPI Advertising Agency RPI Photographer AR Arts & Graphics Hector De La Rosa
Founder & Publisher
Aaron Robinson
Graphic Design / Web Designer/ llustrator AR Arts & Graphics Writers/Interviewers Tocarra Eldridge Lee M Harris Special Correspondent Russell Norman Hector De La Rosa
Founder & Co-Publisher Hector De La Rosa
Student Journalist Tamaris Barnett
Be a student Journalist for TRM Co-Editor/ Writer Tocarra Eldridge
If you would like to be a journalist for Teen’s R.E.A.C.H., please send an email to TeensReach@gmail.com. Please include your name, age, school, grade, phone number and email address.
Disclaimer: Views expressed by advertisers and/or press release are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Teen’s REACH ™ . Teen’s REACH ™ will not be held responsible or liable for advertisers misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Teen’s REACH™ requires that all advertisement be in compliance with all applicable laws and be truthful and not offensive or detrimental to individuals, groups, or businesses. Teen’s REACH™ reserve the right to revise, delete, objectionable words or phrases, and refuse any advertising it deems unacceptable. Subscription rates: $9.00 per year (3 Issues) Teen’s REACH™ ISSN:1553-5568 is published by Robinson Publishing, Inc. Postmaster: Send address Change and Subscription Orders to: P.O. Box 2496, Kankakee, Illinois 60901, Phone: (715) 271-3704 Email:TeensReach@gmail.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher. ©2011 Teens REACH™. All Rights Reserved.
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Advice to our young Black Males By Judge Hatchett
I
’ve seen good kids get caught up in some
bad situations because they were running with the wrong crowd. Believe in yourself. When people say that you can’t do something because you’re a young Black Male, you tell them you can because you are a young Black Male. Also tell them that you come from a rich heritage and that you stand on the shoulders of mighty generations. When people tell you that you can’t, you tell them you can because you know where you c a me f ro m a n d y o u ’re g o in g t o b e f o cused on where you’re going. Keep the narrow path, stay in school, not the quick money out here selling drugs and robbing people, which are a quick way to disaster and death. Tell people that you’re a young Black Male on his way to meet his destiny.
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J I VY S PEAKS ON V IOLENCE
While we can't predict the future, we can control who we surround ourselves with. It's important that you think for yourself and don't follow the crowd. Be a leader! Try to determine
what results your next step is going to have. It's either going to be a good result or a bad one, so be mindful, and choose your steps wisely. After all, they're your steps and no one else's.
E ffie R o lfe Speaks on Violence It’s not good. It makes my heart cry. It’s like…God what do you do. And you have to ask the question…am I doing enough to curtail the violence!? It makes you pray and reach out to children more. Makes you realize you need to be the e x a m ple so that they
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know there’s a better way. It just makes you reach out to children more. I’m doing something in the near future that will target children. It makes my heart hurt when I see all this violence and how some of these kids never have a chance to live. It’s really sad!
Interviewed by Aaron Robinson
Spelman College has always been known for its uniqueness as a women’s college and recognized as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges. For many decades, outstanding Spelman College presidents have taken great pride and gratification in their roles, leading the college to great richness in value and resources. Since 2002, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum resides as Spelman College president. Dr. Tatum’s creative energy and leadership role in higher education has been effective in expanding curriculums, programs and resources for the students. Dr. Tatum serves on several boards including the Advisory Board for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, appointed by President Barack Obama. Some of her achievements include the Brock International Prize in Education, along with many honorable degrees. Teen’s Reach had the privilege to interview Dr. Tatum to speak to her about her success and positive contributions as a scholar, teacher, race relations expert and bestselling author. TRM: How does it feel to be the President of an historical black college for women? Dr. Beverly Tatum: I am proud to be the president of an institution with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, leadership and positive social change. As the country’s oldest historically Black college for women, Spelman College has a national reputation for promoting academic excellence and a rich history of producing Black women leaders.
been the key to my success. In my book, Why are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race, I outline the ABCs as follows: A is for affirming identity, B is for building community and the C is for cultivating leadership. For college students, "these are years of identity development.” [They are] looking for clues. TRM: Do you have anything else that you would like to add before we close the interview? Dr. Beverly Tatum: Our new student orientation theme is “When and Where I Enter” – taken from a very powerful quote by Anna Julia Cooper. Dr. Cooper was the pioneering African-American author, educator and social activist who in the late 19th century advocated that the educational, moral and spiritual progress of Black women would be the force for change in Black communities across the nation and the world. She wrote, “Only the Black woman can say, when and where I enter, in the quiet, undisputed dignity of my womanhood, without violence and with suing or special patronage, then and there the whole…race enters with me.”
It is a powerful quote, and of course, it has special meaning for us at Spelman because the understanding of the power of Black women to change our own lives – and the lives of those around us – is at the heart of the mission of Spelman College.
TRM: You are successful at so many endeavors in your career, such as: a teacher, author, scholar and administrator, what are some key aspects to your success? Dr. Beverly Tatum: Implementing the ABCs has 10 Teen’s REACH
Photos courtesyof Spelman college
Gr i nd i ng ’
By Hector De La Rosa
“ B i g g e r, B e t t e r, a n d B o l d e r, ” is the motto 3 G’s Management CEOs’ and brothers Ed and Aaron Gilbert abide. It is a motto that lives up to the potential of being one of the prestigious Chicago, Illinois leading management firms that serves as two-fold: a real estate property and artist management under one umbrella. 3 G’s stand out from their rival competitors because, “we promote artists. A lot of artists confuse a promotions company for management,” said Aaron. Ed adds, “Artists also get the roles of managers and booking agents confused.” Ed laughs as he mentions how artists complain about their managers not booking shows for them. “When did a manager become a booking agent? If a manager does help book shows those artists should stop whimpering and be thankful because that is not their jobs,” mentions Ed with honesty. Aaron asserts, “If we truly believe in those artists we will help promote them.” Kevin Shine, A&R for Atlantic Records compliments 3 G’s Management as more than a management firm but a production company. “What we do for our artists that a record label is supposed to do is help get them studio time,” replied the confident Aaron. “We started doing showcases for artists, promoting parties, to having music conferences.” The vision of creating this enterprise derived after a best friend approached them to manage him as an artist though they knew little about the music industry, but the brothers learned along the way. They soon began to stand out more not only for their services, but of their business name and the fact Aaron and Ed are very young businessmen in their twenties. “We thought about naming [the management] Gilbert boys because of our last name. Instead we took the letter ‘G’ and made it official. Thanks to our dad serving as partner,” reveals the content Ed. The quality of artists on the management roster and what each brother brings to the table makes 3
G
o-
G
et
tin
n e m g Gentle
G’s unique. While Aaron handles the bulk of advertisement and contacts music industry representatives, it is Ed who is more hands on with the artists. He makes sure his artists get the quality heavy hitting producers to craft hit singles and gets the right people to host parties. With a roster including Keezo Kane of G.O.O.D. Music, JR Productions, Mil Tickit of Track Kingz/Bad Boy Entertainment, to the multitalented J-Lyn is indicative of the propensity 3 G’s has in taking rising star careers to acclaim stature. “A lot of talent ask us to manage them, but they sound too familiar,” said Ed. Not all talent qualifies. “An artist has to be both original and outstanding. The voice and image is everything and the timing has to be right,” declares Aaron. 3 G’s is picky with talent because of the issue of egos. “I tell them they have to listen to their respective managers and label representatives that have been in the game for a long time. Don’t assume you know it all,” states Ed. “Artists have to want the success more than us and they have to grind hard without making any excuses. Success don’t come overnight therefore they must show the world who they are,” proclaims Aaron with excitement. Most importantly, “There’s no need to cry and take things personal even if they get constant rejections. Artists get depressed and feel like giving up, but they got to learn to accept it and keep it moving,” articulates Ed. 3 G’s Management is on the verge of being the next Violator Management, even bigger, better, and bolder than Violator.
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Willy NorthPole...The Interview By Hector De La Rosa
TRM: What makes Willy Northpole unique from other hip-hop artists in today’s music industry? WNP: I have a real personal relationship with music and I relate to the struggles of lower class America by growing up in a neighborhood of poverty and drugs and murder. God blessed me with this talent! TRM: Where did the unique name Willy Northpole derived from? WNP: I'm from Arizona and it’s known for being hot. I grew up saying [the word] ‘cold’ like "that's a cold car". I always went against the grain with others in my city and rather am a cold emcee. TRM: How do you feel about the violence among our youth today and what do you think needs to be done to prevent them from being an additional statistic to violence and incarceration?
“
your first deal with Disturbing Tha Peace? WNP: My manager Tiffany J got the music in the right hands of someone who worked for the company at the time named Court Digga. Digga drop it in Ludacris’ ears and shazam. Sounds easy right? NO! I've been recording, grinding, and selling since I was twelve. You do the math. Ludacris heard my passion and saw my drive. Hardwork! TRM: Describe the concept of the album Tha Connect. What messages are you trying to convey in your music? WNP: Tha Connect is a musical influenced album [that] covers everything going on today [in society]. Songs that make you freestyle, cry, smile, dance, and uplift [the masses]. It features Ne-Yo, B.O.B. and Bobby Valentino. I really wanted to [minimize] the features to introduce myself more to the public.
Always have a plan B, but execute your dreams. Stay away from negative people and influences.
WNP: It’s sad, because the world’s biggest influence is money and the easiest way to get to the youth these days is through a negative force. Instead, being inspired by love and hope, we as America trained our minds to think a certain way. Honestly, we have had the same problems since I've been a child. It’s no hope unless you give it all to the big homie in the sky…[GOD]. TRM:How do you feel about the proposed Immigration laws the state of Arizona tried to make effective? What is your stance in this? WNP: [Laughs] What's new? They have been doing that for years it’s just now legal. I agree with abiding by the laws of the land. [However], I don't agree with the right to approach someone based off the color of [his or her] skin. I read the law and studied it. It’s really no purpose and states things we already know. That part is very ineffective and really shakes my head at the system. My song and video "Back To Mexico" addresses the issue and you can see it on MTV Jams or the Internet. TRM: How did you and Ludacris meet and landed
”
TRM: Many noticed Willy Northpole to have slightly few to no words of vulgarity in his songs. Why did you prefer to do such? WNP: [Laughs] I have my days. But yeah, I don't think about it. I just write. It’s so many words in the world... TRM: I imagined how you felt when hearing or witnessing your cousin being murdered. I, myself, saw many die before me and saw my mother got shot. How did you overcome? Can you share the steps in overcoming such traumatic experiences? WNP: To be honest, [I] never overcame from it. It’s impossible when you loved and idolized someone so valuable in your life. [Nevertheless], it was his time and in time you got to learn to accept it. Everyone is different. I just handled it with time. Touchy subject homie! TRM: Did you ever regret being involved in gangs to selling drugs to your own community? Compare your mind-frame of thinking when you were first introduced and exposed to these things to your mindframe of thinking as a now responsible role model.
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WNP: [I] never regretted my past. It’s gone. [There is] nothing [I] can do to change it. I lost so many [of my] homies and still losing them. Its real life and I talked about what I seen, witnessed and acted on growing up. My mind-frame now is to teach anyone who wants to learn. TRM: Can you describe your experiences of prison? Hip-hop artists claim through their lyrics that they have experienced being behind bars and the youth tend to hear and think that being in jail is a cool trend to experience. WNP:[There is] nothing cool about losing your freedom. Though I was a youth, it taught me how good it feels to take a shower at home, get on the phone when you want, eat what you want [and] sleep when you want! I wouldn't want anyone to [experience prison life]. [Three] years [and] 3 days were [good] enough for me. TRM: What advice can you give to the youth who went through similar situations you encountered from your childhood to a grown respected individual? WNP: [To keep] GOD first! Then set your plans and goals and become active. Talking about it is wasting time. Always have a plan B, but execute your dreams. Stay away from negative people and influences. Surround yourself with moneymakers and successful people. Most of all practice!
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Photos courtesy of WNP Management
Teen’s Reach had the opportunity to ask these icons about business advice for Youth
Drew Sidora/ Actress
Definitely stay in school! Education is by far the most important and key to anything you want to do, as far as, if you want to be a lawyer, a doctor an actress…anything. It's really important to have education. Even in entertainment, you have to know the business and you have to know how to breach contracts. You have to know how to figure out what kind of percentages you're supposed to get, so that you don't find yourself in a situation where you're working and not receiving the right amount of money. And also just finding your passion in life and being able to pursue it, because there is nothing like being able to wake up and love what you do.
Pick your business partners carefully, very carefully! Be patient and learn the business. It's one thing to be able to sing, dance, produce and write…but it's another thing to learn the business part of the industry. Most of all, you must have a relationship with God, because he is the reason for it all. Ben One/ R&B Singer
You have to have a great personality and must be a people's person. You have to be willing to be out every single night and it's a lot of networking! You have to work hard everyday, because it's not easy. You have to love what you do! You can't be in it for the money…parties are all about having fun! Donald Ellis/ Donski Ent. Make sure it’s something you feel passionate about because being an entrepreneur is really hard work. Be prepared. Get as much experience as possible – in managing, budgeting, computer technology, communicating, writing. No matter what business you go into, these are critical skills you’re going to need. Remember, ex-governor Blago caused his team to lose on “The Apprentice” because he was computer illiterate… and he was the governor. Barbara Kensley/ PR
Create your own venue. Don't wait for anyone to validate you. Validate yourself.
Brian Hood/ Actor-Director 14 Teen’s REACH
Teen’s Reach had the opportunity to ask these icons about career advice for Youth Keep in mind that radio has changed a lot with Droid phones, television, internet, satellite radio, etc. Be aware of all the changes in technology; be a student of radio. Listen to all types of radio stations…talk, news, etc. Don’t just think about being on the air, think about being a talk show host, being in news, sales, and production. These various areas can give you just as much fulfillment. Don’t limit yourself! And most importantly…you can do it! Effie Rolfe/ Radio Personality
My advice to those who want to become a Harlem Globetrotter…well, a lot of people want to challenge you when they find out you're a Harlem Globetrotter. Don't be focused on being a Globetrotter; find something else that you are focused on. And thru hard work you will be able to reach those goals. Don't fully focus on basketball. See, I'm educated. I got a degree in Health Education, so if something happens to me I got that to fall back on. Whatever opportunity you get, make the best of it, because opportunities only come once in a lifetime. Herbert “Flight Time” Lang
[1] Do your research [2] Have a backup plan [3] You control your own destiny.
Cherie Johnson/ Actress
Jeff Foxworthy/ Comedian
It’s been a wonderful way to make a living. Even after 26 years, I still feel that way. I think most people have the same thoughts that comedians have, but they just don’t grab ‘em. Comedians learn to grab it, polish it and show it to people. So you’re almost showing them themselves. That’s why you get a lot of people come up to you and say, “I thought that same thing!” My advice is when you have those thoughts write them down! You swear you will remember them, but you NEVER DO!!! I always keep note pads and note cards with me. I can’t stress it enough, when you have those thoughts WRITE THEM DOWN! [Laugh]
This is a full-time thing, so once the ball gets rolling, you gotta be able to handle it. You should study the game and learn from it, and most importantly, stop the hatred! There's no need to step on others toes to get where you are going. You just gotta study the game and accept it. Murphy Lee/ Rapper 15 Teen’s REACH
Interviewed by Aaron Robinson
Kevin Jones, CEO of KJE, Inc. / Business In A Bucket have been in business for 7 years. Since facing challenges at a young age, Mr. Jones continues to remain humble while undertaking the role as a businessman. Teen’s R.E.A.C.H. Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Kevin Jones and ask him several questions about his company. TRM: Tell us a little about Mr. Kevin Jones? Kevin Jones: I come from a humble and down to earth background. I'm a spiritual man and my friends tell me I have a good sense of humor. Since the incorporation of my business, I am very driven and goal oriented. TRM: There were many trying times for you as a youth. Can you tell us some of the challenges you've faced while growing up in New Orleans? KJ: Well, I lost my mom in a car accident at the age of 13. She was a single mother of 5 and we were left to be raised with our grandmother, who was a widower. Needless to say, my father has been absent most of my life. TRM: How did you overcome these obstacles? KJ: My grandmother is a very strong willed woman and a survivor…along with help from my aunties, Jackie and Wanda, my mother's sisters who had an active role in raising us. There were a few other neighbors that took an interest in us. One such person was Mr. Moses Bond. He would take me fishing and do odd jobs to make money for food, clothing and fun. TRM: The name of your business is called KJE, Inc. / Business In A Bucket.
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What is the history behind this wonderful endeavor? KJ: My wife saw my passion for detailing cars and encouraged me to start my own business. I started with using our brand new towels to wash and wax the family car. It started with friends first and then I became a legal business of mobile detailing and sought clients in office buildings. As my clients began to ask me for tips on detailing, I came up with the idea to write a book. So, I hand wrote it over a 2 week period on scraps of paper. The book "The Owner's Guide to Auto Detailing" has led to product growth to 'Business In A Bucket.' TRM: What motivated the spokesperson, Uncle Shookey? KJ: Many companies have recognizable logos and spokespersons. I knew we needed to enhance our brand with a spokesperson. What better way than to combine my childhood mentors with Uncle Shookey! He gives the company a voice. TRM: What words-of-advice would you say to a troubled youth who is looking for a way out? KJ: Like myself, I sought out positive role models in my neighborhood. Start with a simple idea and watch it grow. That is why 'Business In A Bucket' will help many to get started with the entrepreneurial spirit. I'd like to emphasize that reading is very important. The library is free! TRM: Do you have any thing that you would like to add before we close? KJ: Success won't come overnight. Keep working hard at it. Stay away from the dream stealers… because when they have come and gone, your dreams will have left, too.
www.businessinabucket.net
Above R. Lee Gordon and daughter
By Aaron Robinson
In today’s society, many youth are lost or left by the way-side. Many are convinced to stray away due to the heavy and harsh reality that is faced, such as peer pressure and many other factors that may be difficult to escape. It seems as if our children are forgotten about, and that we simply lose the thought that our youth are the children of the future. We also look as if we take our eyes away from what should be our primary focus, the children. However, I think that it is important for us to reach out or back to the youth in hopes to help as many children as possible. I had the opportunity to speak to Mr. R Lee Gordon as he continues the path to his calling. He has accomplished some great things within many communities, striving to allow our children to have a better future. When R. Lee Gordon walked away from his lucrative career, he realized that he would someday have a nationwide youth organization. During his beginning venture, Gordon started UniTees Design, an educational and empowerment enterprise. This allowed him to organize programs to empower children. Following thereafter was the product “UniTees,” a life of custom t-shirts that were developed to connect youth with Black history, heritage and culture; nevertheless, designed to help build self-es-
teem and self-identity. After being active in various youth moments and organizations within the community, Gordon visualized something greater while working as the outreach director of the Better Detroit Youth Movement. With his passion to help the children, he founded the National Black Teen Empowerment Expo (NBTEE) organization with the intention to bring forth progressive programs in public service, the arts, continuing education and non-profit leadership to empower today’s teens. Gordon, along with Shonika, Teen Entrepreneur Coach, spent countless hours uplifting the lives of youth in America and abroad. They have reached over 20,000 individuals and organizations, having an effect on more than 500 or more youth organizations. There are over 375 individuals and groups that support the NBTEE.
Be a part of the National Black Teen Empowerment Expo. Your help is greatly appreciated.
For more information please visit: www.nbtee.org www.uniteedesign.com www.betterdetroityouth.org
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Written by Hector De La Rosa
He did the head spin, swipe, chin freeze, and footwork so fast one can hardly see his feet. He claimed territory and status for himself and for Chicago. When you made him mad he would battle you either by the mic or breakdancing. This is the story of Samuel “SAM I AM the MC” Simmons.
incarceration].” Many would go to jail considering graffiti a crime, but luckily “the talented graffiti heads I ran with now do murals for corporate businesses. Though I was not as talented in tagging I did [excel] in the other elements [of hip-hop],” adds SAM with laughter. Breaking became a habit at a young age. “I would watch Beatstreet “I want to go down [in history] as one of and other breakers who were dedicated the dopest of all time. I don’t have to be to this style of dance and learned to on MTV or BET’s Top 10 as long as I pop-lock before breakdancing in peram in someone’s Top 10,” corroborates formances for my elementary school.” Southside Chicago’s freestyle champion of the 2007 Rhyme Spitters IV All Of the four elements, SAM enjoys emCity Freestyle Battle, title holder and ceeing the most. “Being innovative and the first of Chicago to be retired from able to put my thoughts in a metaphoric BET 106th & Park Freestyle Friday’s, fi- and lyrical manner is a beautiful thing.” nalist in the MTV2 One Million Dollar Freestyling and battle rapping is SAM’s World Rap Championships, and one of first true love. “I just go hard at it with few selected to be on the popular no premeditation or nervousness.” Like Rooftop Hip-Hop documentary. a boxing match, “when the bell rings I’m Uniquely, SAM I AM is the few skilled to quick to grab the mic and flow into the embody all four elements of hip-hop: rhythm as I bend, twist, flip, and remix deejaying, graffiti/tagging, breakdanc- [wordplay].” However, SAM is coning, and the act of emceeing. “When I sciously aware of the price that comes joined the SAK (Stars Are Kings) crew with being a freestylist and battle in 1995, we would tag the SAK logo on emcee. “Artists would say they would many bus stops and walls. It was a cre- like to collaborate with me but it never ative expression to me rather than an happens.” The fear artists have on SAM act of vandalism that kept me and oth- outshining them on a record is absurd. ers from being a statistic [to crime and “I feel we as artists should put our en-
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ergies together in making something durable.” When battling, he “sees battle raps designed to insult someone but like a mechanic you have to get your hands dirty.” As a game of chess, “battle rap is nothing more than a sport…I see more to life than a sixteen bar so artists should not take things personal with me. I am humble!” SAM is not born to be a menace ripping or shattering the confidence of others.
Jason Tyler’s produced house single “Run Around.” The Taste and upcoming release Cooler By The Lake highly demonstrates raw talent and merely reflects on battle rap, but nostalgic hiphop that doesn’t chase the current trends of the hip-hop scene. Sam adds, “You don’t want to be placed in a certain category. It’s all about being inventive and creating a follow-up crafting [creative endeavors].” There are moments when audience question Stereotypes co-exist in the arena of Sam I Am’s true artistry. “Emcees call battling/freestyling. “People say that themselves freestyling when they reyou are not a real emcee if you don’t ally aren’t, freestyling is rhyming 100 know how to freestyle and that’s not percent from top of the mind while battrue ‘cause some of the great emcees tling serves defensive.” That skill is I know don’t freestyle.” As for SAM I demonstrated as judges in the battle AM, “I feel pigeonholed by audiences rap scenes would select a topic and labeling me only as a battle emcee or talk about it. “I don’t write and memofreestylist.” Additionally, battle emcees rize lines when battling. Words come are not versatile and cannot make naturally!” good hip-hop records. That is not always the case. His popular ode to hip- Sam wants to be seen as an artist. Sam hop b-boy/b-girl “Up Rock” anthem off I Am admits, “In performing, you have of the classic 2006 album The Taste is to be considered good to be decent, now featured on an international video you have to be really good to be congame entitled Pump It Up. Not one sidered great, you have to be excellent artist shares the triumph of Sam I Am to be considered on point, and phethe MC: an all rounded artist that can nomenal to be ‘the man.’” It’s “Cipher make underground classic hip-hop to Time” for SAM I AM the MC as he elecommercial hip-hop as evident in the vates to stellar fame. Photos by Hector De La Rosa and Aaron Robinson
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By Hector De La Rosa
Remodeling is good. Entrepreneurial expansion is even better. All in thanks to the mastermind, tastemaker, and genius Dave “PHLI” Jeff CEO of PHLI, a small unique locale for sneaker heads to shop for the latest and hard-to-find shoe brands now reopened on Chicago’s Southside Hyde Park. “I would like for the PHLI couture and myself to well represent the [City of Wind],” adds Jeff. Undeniably, Dave Jeff came all out with style having a ribbon cutting and red carpet premier event that featured Power 92.3 Radio Personalities “The Hot Boyz,” multi-platinum super producer DJ Clark Kent, to the legendary George Daniels. “I started PHLI as a private label and was the first to start a sneaker boutique [representing] Chicago and its lifestyle.” Unlike its competitors The Bassment and Jugrnaut, PHLI sneaker boutique now pheatures newly added Internet Bar, Grooming Stations, and Clothing Line. The clothing line not only has men apparel but also something for the elegant and classy for women. “The Chicago community will benefit from PHLI according to its unique branding and polished style. It’s the established relationships PHLI has that reach outside of the
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Chicagoland area that draws exclusive attention to many of the East and West Coast, and the Dirty South,” said the vigorous Jeff. PHLI has gotten publicity and exposure as artists like Kanye West, Jazzy Jeff, Just Blaze, Musiq Soulchild, and Questlove of The Roots, to the recently Kindred the Family Soul and Wale have came through the store since its grand opening to shop the latest in Chicago trendsetting fashion. “I see the PHLI brand bigger than Chicago branching out in other cities. With its relaunching and bigger space, there will be more event planning, hosting, and a wide variety with the clothing line.” Dave is not only known as a philanthropist, but an advocate for his community. “I speak in high schools about being entrepreneurs and teach these kids about fashion and the industry.” He passionately continues, “I also give advice to the [youth] and talk to them on a spiritual level on how they need GOD in their lives and an understanding of a Higher Being in order [to be successful].” He acknowledges, “A lot of the youth are not spiritually inclined with no kind of ethics and values.” The acronyms P.H.L.I. or I.L.H.P. spelled backwards represent “I Love Hyde Park” or “I Love Helping People” adding the fashion statement “Stay PHLI, have faith.” Trendsetter Dave Jeff asserts, “Seven years later and we’re now on ten!” PHLI is the phliest!
Written/Photos by Hector De La Rosa
After a three-year hiatus, the IMAN (Inner City Muslim Action Network) presents the summer Takin’ It To The Streets Urban International Festival held at Southside’s Marquette Park Chicago, IL. The festival had so much to offer to the public: mostly entertainment. Besides having a basketball tournament at the Sports Center, meditation at the Prayer Center, free health screenings at the Health and Wellness Fair, and a Family Zone where children can enjoy rides and games, there were stages and pavilions of entertainers. The most interesting festival activity is watching artists tag their signature graffiti works to creative mural masterpieces. The breaking moves of the b-boys and b-girls at the festival became amusing. Pleasure comes from watching skateboarders do their tricks. Nothing comes far more enjoyable than the soulful sounds of Kindred the Family Soul performance at the Streets Stage. Chicago hiphop artists Primeridian represented the Hip-Hop Pavilion well with a dope piece. However, it was the performances of Rita J and the
entire All Natural Inc crew that rocked the entire packed filled crowd, as heads were bopping hard while others put their hands up. The Hip-Hop Pavilion ended with a banger as Brother Ali got on stage. Indeed, Ali Takes It To The Streets with his rich conscious lyrics combined with the instrumental melodies from a live band. Most artists after a long duration of performing require a small break but Ali went all out non-stop with crazed energy. A disappointment came with rapper Mos Def. The sound from the Streets Stage sounded lousy. Last but not least, Mos Def performs the same routine as he did in the 2008 Rock The Bells Chicago becoming familiar yet boring. Overall, the Takin’ It To The Streets Festival was well celebrated! ( rate 4½ out of 5)
21 Teen’s REACH
SB
“Revolusean” SB is “Made 4 Love” and ready to settle down putting all games aside “Looking 4 A Claire Huxtable,” tracks that make men’s pimping die tonight to “Get Free.” After finding that pretty sly fox, she will have SB and the fellas chant “U Got Me Singin’.” In essence of The Roots, SB’s healing “No Children Here” is the reason How I Got Over life’s afflicted destitutions. A reason for our children who are hurting to get by. Heart-felt and compassionate Sean “SB” “Soul Brother” Butler displays his God driven talent and blessed mic presence with Revolusean, an album that gives hip-hop an Eternal deftness, a kind that provides a pure and sanctified Reflection on key life issues: no gimmicks, all-natural. Like Damian Marley and Nas, SB is hip-hop’s Distant Relative: embraced and well-received by critics, fans, true hiphop/soul heads, cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, but highly favored by Savior GOD. It’s evident with “I Know Sean” as he reflects on self and the positive magnitude affect he has with his music on his public. The injurious beat and swelling lyrics of this song dissipates the cancer in a patient. The emotionally charged “Angelz” tales the lost innocence of a victimized girl turned woman. The production and lyrics remind how Tupac’s Brenda is still having babies throwing them in garbage disposals while Diamond D’s Sally still has a one-track mind. Looking through the eyes of many “Angelz” makes “Fighting For The Future” a priority: tracks showing love heals, stitches, and patches all scars, wounds, and heartbreaks. The Soul People superbly acoustic enriched “Living Life” make people breakthrough the broken sky soaring high like whiter than snow doves.
The singles “I Spit 4 U” and “Revolusean” are considered Revolutions Per Minute. These songs are so powerful they burn the depths of many souls and feel the victory already won through veins when revolting, like GOD parting the sea for Moses and his people to flee from the enemy. While SB is the truth, other conscious rappers fall victim short of urban myths as his peers have wrongfully let their egos become bigger than their music. The elements of humility, raw substance, upheaval, and transformation are patented throughout the entire discography they echo through the burials of our heroes that sacrificed their entire lives to make “The World” a better place: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Che Guevara, Bob Marley, Fred Hampton Sr., and many greats. Revolusean is the voice for the voiceless, the immigrants, the homeless, the sick, the dying, the hopeless, the impoverished, and the troops at war. President Barak Obama, Fred Hampton Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Aaron Robinson of Consciousness Magazine would co-sign the revolutionary R.I.P. Michael Jackson humanitarian spirited SB.
Parental Advisory: Views and opinions expressed in album reviews within this publication reflect the opinion of their respective author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher and editors. 22 Teen’s REACH
#1 BOX-OFFICE HIT
"TAKERS" AVAILALBLE ON DVD AND BLU-RAY
"Takers" features a group of five exceptional bank robbers that have been able to successfully rob several banks with such perfect execution that the police do not have a single clue to capture them. These criminals treat each robbery as a business plan that works. First, they plan each job with clockwork precision and are extremely careful in not leaving any evidence behind. Second, they fence the money to get it clean. Third,
they all lay low for one year between jobs to not bring any attention to themselves. They decide to pull off one last heist that will be their biggest score, by taking out an armored-car. Their meticulous planning of robbing banks is thrown out the window, because of the short time frame to do the job, and the large amount of cash they will split. This may be the break the police have been waiting for, when this band of thieves finally makes a mistake.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE www.whoarethetakers.com
23 Teen’s REACH