Issue Six: Behind The Scenes

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ISSUE SIX

A B O U T O U R F E AT U R E D C O V E R A R T I S T S ––

––

R YA N E . B U T T S

M I C H A E L ‘ C A M E O N E ’ C E R DA

M I LWAU K E E N AT I V E

M I LWAU K E E N AT I V E

C R E AT I V E

P R O D U C E R , I L LU S T R ATO R & D E S I G N E R

LOV E S H I S D O G , B L E U

LOV E R O F F O O D

F O L LOW H I M @ R YG H T E O U S

F O L LOW H I M @ C A M E O N E

R E A D M O R E A B O U T H I M O N PAG E 1 0

W W W.T H E R E A LC A M E O N E . C O M

CONTENTS

04

what up from our editor

06

issue six: behind the scenes

08

meet dj annalog

10

creatively *lit or *litness

18

being chased by talent introducing kyndal j.

24

“petti” vs. “petty”

30

letting christopher gilbert speak

39

/cw fashion hitlists

R E S P E C T TO O U R C O N T R I B U TO R S E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F / L E X I S . B R U N S O N A R T D I R E C TO R / C A R S Y N TAY LO R FA S H I O N E D I TO R / VATO V E R G A R A

S P E C I A L T H A N K S TO / K E LV I N “ DAY N AG E ” C R O S S

R O B R A N P H OTO G R A P H Y

JOJI NANETTE

C H R I S TO P H E R D. G I L B E R T

L AU R E N “ H O N E Y ” G R A N I E L A

W E S TO N R I C H

R YA N E . B U T T S

PETTI HENDRIX

K Y N DA L J.

SLICKY SPIELBERG

F R E A K I S H N E R D P H OTO G R A P H Y

HOUSE OF RENJI

D J A N N A LO G

MISSION 10 ELEVEN

A N DY B R I L L

M I C H A E L “ C A M E O N E ” C E R DA

H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N R E C O R D S

J E R E M Y B AC C A S H

I N S TA N T K A R M A A P PA R E L

F LOW J O H N S O N

CopyWrite Magazine Media & Design, LLC is currently a non-profit organization. All images are not licensed or owned by CopyWrite.

For any questions regarding photos, future advertisements, future employment or any information about any featured artists, producers or creators please contact us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com.

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WHAT UP FROM OUR EDITOR. I S S U E

S I X

SHOOTER: MAHDI GRANSBERRY

Pop Culture has been dominating the world order for what seems like forever. Popular idea, perspective, image (or lack thereof), is the very essence that makes Culture….Culture.

So who is in charge?

I would like to say me, but that false sense of entitlement would only boost my ego, making my head grow to an enormous size, and well, it’s already big enough (inside, inside joke lol little cocky Mutha’ Sucka).

The real answer is WE are.

As we coin terms and ideologies… (#Pause. Has anybody noticed how much I use the word “ideologies”?

Is that a crime? Do I need a thesaurus? Let me know.) …that we have heard on social media, in our environments, and in our daily practices, we are setting an opinion on those subjects. Those that generate common interest have logical, or massively illogical, approaches usually become iconic, therefore relevant to the culture…

OUR Culture, which as the tables turn is Pop Culture.

So why does it matter?

Relevancy is perspective and what you see is not always the full spectrum of reality. Those boxes that we create around relevance are comfort zones that sometimes you have to break to achieve greatness.

This year marks the Anniversary of CopyWrite’s breakthrough.

(Wooooohhhh we are turning four! Or one! Or four! Hell we are not quite sure how old we are actually, it’s been four years since our first publication and one epic year since our rebranding.) We would like to promote the stigmatics of Pop Culture, poke fun at some trendy terms that are stuck in our vocabulary (Who started *Lit? I swear you owe me three years of Honors English back!) and call out a few people/entities that don’t know how important a communal elevation is to the survival of CULTURE, which is OUR culture.

If the shade from all the palm trees of realness makes you uncomfortable as you read this issue, well then I have done my job I named drop and everything! No one is safe. Like, Genesis Renji used to always tell me, “Dirty, you have no chill.” But I really have been working on it lol.) I think it’s only proper since Issue Six is ‘Behind The Scenes,’ we reveal a little more side bar than usual.

I would also like to shout-out our new partners at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee. It is an honor to be able to share our content and promote Milwaukee, Music, Community & Culture on both of our platforms. Let all OUR voices be heard and together let OUR communities prosper. #SupportTheLocal So now that we have identified that WE are responsible for the perspective and legacy of our culture; let’s bring the real back.

Tell your “local” media outlets that if they are not coming to the shows, if they are not doing face-to-face interviews, if they are not giving constructive criticism, and if they are not willing to be honest, then they don’t have a right to speak. Yes, this is the moment I call YOU out. YOU ARE DOING A DISSERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. STAY IN YOUR LANE. Legitimacy is not money, it’s the respect you earn without it.

So of course, I must end this moment with a Pop Culture reference, it’s only right: “All summer sixteen, All summer sixteen, Playing DIRTY, not clean.” - Drizzy You heard him. So if you’re mad, just know Drake sent me. /Dirty

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DOODLER: MICHAEL “CAME ONE” CERDA

“Everyday a star is born! Clap for ‘em!”

- Jay Z, random quotes for life.

Stars come in different sizes, twinkle from different galaxies and appear (or don’t) depending on your perspective.

This issue goes behind the scene in our local “Urban Creative Movement,” (Have we picked a real name for it yet? We nominate this one.) and exposes those stars who make others shine bright, some who haven’t quite yet reached their supernova, and even those whose light is on a social dimmer. We see the importance of looking a little deeper, taking off the filters and pulling back the curtains.

Consider this your all access pass.

Let’s go behind the scenes, where everything is not always what it seems and the brightest star may not be the biggest. /CW

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Meet DJ Annalog.

Spinning on the ones and twos, Calesta Ahola known as DJ Annalog, is starting to make a name for herself in MKE. As a member of Higher Education Records (H.E.R.), she has shown her versatility, dedication to the craft and natural inclination for dope music that has put her on CopyWrite’s radar.

Becoming A DJ: Annalog never set out to be a DJ. In college, at Columbia in Chicago, she took a DJ elective where she learned the basics.

After returning home from school she wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do. Her father who DJ’s as a hobby, tried to coax her into giving DJ’ing a shot but she felt that aspiration a little unrealistic. While working at Zumiez, she would meet a frequent customer who would eventually change her mind: DJ-A: “Moses (Founder Of H.E.R.) would just come in and hang out at the store. He was like ‘I have a studio, and I’m a DJ’. I’m like ‘Ohhh, sure you are. I don’t believe you.’ Then we hung out after he gave me one of the Higher Education sampler CD’s.

I was like ‘OK. This is actually pretty good. I’ll check out the studio.’ So we became friends. I want to say like a year later, he was throwing a night at the Mason Jar (which is now the High Note) and next thing I know, I’m on the flyer. He was like ‘You’re DJ’ing, so don’t fuck up.’ I literally had never DJ’d an actual set in my life. All I had was my music from iTunes popped into Serato. I had my fingers crossed that I wasn’t going to screw up. I mean I screwed up a bunch of times but I guess that first night at the Mason Jar they liked what I was playing and they needed a DJ for their open mic night. From then on I really haven’t stopped...I keep finding gigs, and they keep finding me.”

Behind The Name: CW: Every DJ needs a cool name, how did you get yours?

DJ-A: “Chad, otherwise known as Ecko, otherwise known as Complex; him and I were pretty close back when I was working at Journey’s. Way before my DJ days, when I was

dabbling in production, we were going to do a project. He was going to rap, I was going to make the beats. He was like, ‘We have to think of a cool name for you.’ My middle name is Ann, so he came up with our collective as The Annalog Complex. I thought it was pretty cool and honestly I’m just really bad at coming up with names, so I just went with that.”

Growing with the Craft: When people meet Annalog, they are usually surprised that she is a female DJ. There are not many in the city, so that definitely makes her stand out behind the booth. She knows how to get the crowd to vibe with her using the turntables, unlike other new age DJ’s she still has the ability to become synced into her set and true to the culture: DJ-A: “Not a lot of people respect the craft anymore. I think it’s important if your going to be a DJ, you should know the art and the history. [You] should be able to throw it on there and scratch for a hip hop set, and still be able to jump on the controllers and rock a house set, I think it’s really important to be versatile.”

And versatile she is. We have seen her spin live and she can do it all. Her rapid growth is nothing less than amazing but if she had to choose she would rather be spinning 90’s to early 2000’s hip-hop. You know, the classic joints.

Lately she has been vibing with that new Chance the Rapper (Coloring Book) for her inspiration. Clearly she has a great ear. (Yes that is fact, not opinion.)

Even though she has only been a DJ since 2014, Annalog has had quite a few memorable moments:

DJ-A: “DJ’ing for Pride Fest was really, really fun...people loved it. They even had me playing after the festival was closing. Another one was when I got to open up for Benzi, who is one half of TWRK (The dope music combo from New York), I never thought that would be possible.” Now that she has a taste of the life, Annalog has set goals on DJ’ing at Summerfest, playing the pavilion at Pride and catching a gig in an L.A club.

DJ-A: “Eventually I would like to put out a project. A remix project and put together some originals, but I don’t think I’m there yet production-wise.”

CW: “Considering you haven’t stopped DJ’ing since the first set, is this what you want to do for the rest of your life? Is this what you want to make your career?”

DJ-A: “You know, I love it and it’s the coolest job ever.

I get to go and run the party but I’ve never seen an old lady DJ.” She laughed. But seriously she has a point, neither have we. “So you know I want to make the absolute best of everything that I can in the next 10 or so years. I want to go as far as I possibly can with it and then I would like to just establish myself as some kind of producer or invest in a company. Maybe Higher Education blows up and I can just be behind the scenes because working all night till 3 in the morning is kind of exhausting.”

We often forget, the ones who start the party also have to shut it down. If you want to hear great tunes check out one of DJ Annalog’s sets. You can follow her @ANNALOG_MKE to see where she will be spinning next.

In the near future, look for her at: Plum, Walkers Pint, Door No. 7 (Every 2nd Saturday) & if you bribe her with steak tacos, she will even let you request a song. (THAT’S THE PLUG FOR REAL!!!!)

Words Needed to be Said: DJ-A: “I’d like to shout out Higher Education Records and thank Moses for mentoring me and just giving me opportunities I would never have had... As for meeting people and learning skills, and getting to go to SXSW together (That was a sponsor paid trip by the way...dopeness recognition.) I got to see how life would be like if I really made this music thing happen. It was just really inspiring.”

Something You Should Know:

SHOOTER: ANDY BRILL

“ I believe in Karma. I definitely think that the good things you do in this world are going to be brought back around to you so I always try to do and treat people the best way I can.”

We hope she spins some of that good Karma our way. /CW

11

FEATURED DOODLER

CREATIVELY OR

[ S H I N I N G A L I G H T O N R YA N E . B U T T S ]

“Should I play some music?...Am I being awkward?”

CW: “What do you call yourself?”

Ryan said with a nervous grin on his face as if he never had a talk like this (informally, of course) before with us. Art, design, fashion, community...the norm.

REB: “I mean, I just have been calling myself a designer but lately I’ve been adding ‘and artist’, just because I define them as two different things now.”

Of course you are! I wanted to blurt out. But it’s the nature of the beast, the ones behind the scenes always get a bit blushed when the light is shined on their greatness and Ryan is no exception.

Ryan suggests that socially they are looked at as two different things. A “Designer” sounds like a professional and the “Artist” is perceived as the one who is making in order to survive.

Ryan E. Butts is a recent MIAD graduate with a degree in Industrial Design. His killer drawing skills, personal aesthetic, Urban appeal, and not to mention hard work, has put him in a position of creative bliss that is sure to lead to amazing things.

CW: “But annnnyyyyyyways...What have you been doing?”

REB: “What have I been doing? I’ve been working. I’ve been working a 9 to 5 but I also have been like doing a bunch of side stuff with a lot of different people in Milwaukee. With a lot of people that are grinding.”

CW: “Like?”

REB: “ ... And that’s artist not being one medium at all. It’s the musicians, the painters, the photographer…”

CW: “If socially they were not looked at as two different things would you still feel that way?”

REB: “That’s just my opinion. I just been calling myself either or both, just to define them.”

With a bit of frustration, he mentions that if he only says he’s a designer it’s always a question of “What do you design?”

If he says he’s an artist, people question “What do you do?”

The constant elaboration and questioning has left him with the conclusion that those who don’t make, don’t quite understand.

REB: “My 9 to 5, I’m a footwear designer for Stacy Adams, the men’s dress shoe company here in Milwaukee... And that’s been pretty *LIT!”

REB: “Well I guess I’m just an artist.”

* LIT: a recurring theme in this interview. Anything fun, exciting, dope, breathtaking, outlandish, extreme, moving or celebratory, is well...LIT.*

REB: “Ohhh a Creative! That’s a better word for it.”

He laughed. “I feel like everyone I have been linking up with, everybody is a creative now. It’s like a whole DIY (do-it-yourself) community where everyone likes to experiment `and do a little bit of everything.”

REB: “...Then I do a lot of work with Milwaukee Home and Among the Prime, (two distinctly different brands based out of MKE). I design, help out, and have been getting stuff going with both brands. But lately I have been doing a lot of freelance artwork. I’ve been doing album art...that’s actually been popping off too. It’s a nice little side hustle.”

Side hustle is an understatement. Ryan’s hand has touched quite a few projects without any notable recognition, but we know! His line work and sketch style has served as the template for multiple genres, which sparks the age old battle: Art vs. Design.

CW: “You sure you’re not just a creative?”

And if you can’t do it, you know someone who can. On a positive, it establishes a closer knit, self-sufficient community throughout Milwaukee’s “Urban culture”.

CW: “How do you feel about it?”

REB: “For me personally I’ve dabbed” (DAB’ on ‘em!!!

Sorry, couldn’t help it.) “in fashion, visual art, digital art, and photography. There was a time when Bo & I were dabbling in…

Wait do I have to call him Bo in this?”

CW: “No…”

13

REB: “Me & Eris! Eris Torell Campbell! On the record!”

(Ohhhhh, we are so sorry Bo but the name drop was toooooo epic. He put so much emphasis on your name we couldn’t leave it out. #LoveYou #BoTriplex) REB: “...Nah but there was a time when he was trying to get me to mess around with music with him... I mean you don’t know what you’re good at unless you try it. So that’s why I think it’s cool, but I kind of found my lane when I found people who only focused on photography and are super good at it or only focus on music and are good at it. So I found my lane, and now at least I know.”

Even with pinpointing all of his different visual skills that allow him to cross over into all mediums that he is interested in, whether it be cover art or design sketches for fashion, he stands on this:

“I’m definitely not a rapper!”

(Ehhh, he has a few bars though.)

CW: “Have you always been creative?”

REB: “I think so. For sure, like I always was the one kid who tried to make all his presents for holidays and stuff.”

(We giggled a little picturing young Ryan doing arts and crafts.

It’s kind of adorable and so dopely lame.)

CW: “How do you feel about your worth as an artist and as a designer?”

REB: “My work is definitely equal to the person I’m doing that art for. I was just explaining this to one of my homies yesterday, Rahn Harper.”

He explained how the value process works like a circle.

Without one person the other is limited; together they produce a finished product and that collaboration breeds value. For example, if an emcee asked Ryan for cover art for their project, Ryan’s art is now the face of that project. Without the cover art the music would not have a face, but without the music, Ryan would not be able to produce a cover and display his art in that form...You get it?

REB: “I have learned that if someone really likes my work and they want me to do it they will pay my price... I’m super, I don’t know if passive is the right word, but if somebody asked me to do something I will do whatever I can to get it done. This is where the conversation comes in that I meet deadlines.

(He said it with so much confidence. Alright Ryan! We are convinced. Maybe...How does our cover look?)

“It always gets done, that’s where I feel my life becomes a little more elevated...or or or more *LIT.” *LIT: to increase in value.*

15

BLEU

CW: “So you’re international now! Your job has sent you out of the country…”

REB: “Yes! That’s been hella *LIT.” Then he busted out laughing. “Was that even a question?”

He expressed that being the only African American student in his studio classes, made him feel that he had to work twice as hard. But he knew that meant he would be twice as good at what he does so he took on the challenge and succeeded.

CW: “No! LOL I wasn’t finished you were just toooooo geeked! But as a creative and a person from Milwaukee of color, how do you feel about that?”

REB: “With the work ethic that I gained and me putting myself in uncomfortable situations...

I just really felt that I had something to prove...

So yeah my job has sent me a few places.”

REB: “It’s very *LIT Hahaha…like any young black dudes dream I wanted to play basketball but I just always did art on the other side. I really had the choice of this slim chance of getting out of Milwaukee (with a sport) but my dad was like ‘why can’t you do both?’ so I went to an arts middle school (Lincoln Center of the Arts) and an art high school (Milwaukee High School of the Arts), where I was always able to have a nice balance of both. I tried going to a regular college and the University (of Milwaukee) just wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t do it. My mind doesn’t work like that. So I just took it upon myself, I told my parents and everything like ‘I’m about to go to MIAD.’ They didn’t know anything about it. I just kind of enrolled myself. I found out right away that in this field, the art and design field, it’s hard to survive whether you’re of a color or a minority or even in that lower or middle class.

It was hard to get to where I wanted to be. So that’s when I felt I had to prove something.”

(A few is such an understatement.)

In just a year, he has been sent to New York, Vegas and California. While overseas he has jetted off, on the clock, to China and India. His full rotation around the world was a culture shock and an eye-opener to how small he is in comparison to such a big world.

REB: “Right now it really does feel good. Even though my job is located in Milwaukee it’s okay. Even though I was really set on leaving Milwaukee and trying to find a job, and MKE has been pretty like...pretty...pretty *LIT lately.” *LIT: Enjoyable. Opposite from expected sentiment.* REB: “Just like the art, music, and even day-to-day things, like shows, and events.

It’s always something to do. Now that I have time to do it, it’s been pretty *LIT, so I don’t

mind staying in Milwaukee. When I found out I was going to have all these opportunities here I took the offer. My parents are proud of me, that’s the best thing. My grandma, my sister... Everybody was proud of me because they know how hard I work for it.

Like being the only black dude on numerous occasions, and working hard from there...

So yeah that’s my startup from MIAD story.”

(And we are proud of him too.)

Ryan was way more relaxed by this part of our talk. He was reflective and exuded confidence. Shining how he should be.

CW: “So you’re like a cool kid. You know all these people. You have this cool job.

Your symbolic…”. As we begin to praise him, Ryan tucked his face into his shirt and started laughing, “Why are you hiding?”

REB: “Talkin’ Ass! Because that’s funny but nah what were you going to say?”

Ryan... We can’t stand you!

CW: “... You know you’re kind of like the symbolic nature of what we want to see Milwaukee as, how you can survive and be good. I’m not saying you are exactly where you want to be but at this point of elevation in your life; you are good. Just even the statement about how your job is still *LIT and that’s the part that people don’t really

touch on. So that’s really inspirational. How do you feel about that? Did you know that?”

REB: “I don’t believe it! I actually still don’t believe it but that’s definitely motivational to know that, for sure especially from yall.

That’s very...”

CW: “LIT?” REB: “Haha no. Very nice to hear! I don’t feel like I have to be clicked up... I don’t want to saturate but I also want people to be like ‘He’s cool people. He can do that.’... so for somebody to show me love for it, it’s a little embarrassing.”

CW: “Is it humbling?”

CW: “This is not professional at all, you could say anything. How about we rephrase the question then. What’s the end goal?”

The Prime and Milwaukee Home, gives him the right balance of business setting versus more casual and creative environments.

REB: “My end goal is to be set and for everybody around me to be set. I’m trying to go around the world with my guys. Just like I took that trip for work, I’m trying to work with my guys... To expand. I just want respect, that’s the biggest thing. I’m not saying people don’t respect me now but they need to know what’s good like for real.

I don’t even know how to explain it. You’re just making me Kanye rant right now.”

REB: “From working for Among The Prime, we learn from our mistakes because no one has held our hands through stuff and we just continue to be creative. I will forever have love for Milwaukee Home because when I didn’t have an internship Melissa allowed me to be creative and see there’s more to Milwaukee business. She inspired me to put myself out there and have some more organic love, where people fuck with me because they actually fuck with me...She put that mindset in my head.”

CW: “Go ahead Kanye! We’re listening!”

REB: “I just want some respect on that.”

REB: “It’s really humbling. It makes me feel like I’m doing something and somebody is noticing.”

Put some ‘Respeck on his name y’all. He not gon say it no mo’.

CW: Shameless plug coming… “That’s what CopyWrite is for.”

(Haha we love when we get to use Pop culture references #Winning)

REB: *mimicking voice* “That’s what CopyWrite is for.”

With his full-time job and freelance work, Ryan is getting a chance to learn and grow with access to all parts of the design spectrum.

He suggests that he never put much thought into building his own brand, even though that’s something he would enjoy doing. But he feels that this period of time working for Stacy Adams and freelancing for Among

CW: “So what do you want the world to know about you?”

REB: “I don’t know... No like really I don’t know.”

If you fuck with Ryan send him shoes, size 11 and a half, he will love you long time. You might even inspire one of his new designs.

Ryan is living and breathing proof that the creative can survive in MKE and doesn’t have to cry for themselves.

After a little poking and prodding, Ryan revealed what he is really asking people to pay up for a piece of his talent.

REB: “I’m charging the grown man price.”

Because this artist/designer/creative/ WhateverDaHellHeIs, just won’t be starving.

You know we respect that. /CW

17

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19

BEING CHASED BY TALENT

INTRODUCING KYNDAL J “ [My] talent is making a way for me, so I’m walking the path.”

CW: “Okay! Getting your Beyoncé on!”

Most of us have goals and aspirations that we chase, some of those things are set up by societal standards and a need to survive. Where others are formed by a quest for self-gratification and natural inclination, Kyndal J. however, describes her gift as a controlling force that she just can’t shake and in turn has learned to appreciate.

KJ: “Right! But really I wanted to be Kelly.”

“No, no instruments. I sing.”

CW: “Haha, see even then you already knew what was good.”

(No shade...but just a little bit...ummm, we still love you Bey.) KJ: “But back to the story. I’m shy, I was really shy then, so when she forced me to sing, I hid under a table the whole time. Even though I knew I was going home with this woman and she was going to make me sing anyways…”

CW: “Music?”

CW: “Why music?”

Kyndal admitted that she enjoyed singing but let her fear of public performance got the best of her. She now has advice that she could give to her younger self and others who have yet to accept their true nature:

KJ: “Why not?,” she said reassuringly.

“If you have this talent, don’t ignore it. Follow your heart.”

Kyndal J, born Kyndal Marica Johnson (Marica, being a combo of her father and mother’s name - Mario & Erica), was the first born child to a mother of musical talents, who played the piano for multiple groups and churches.

CW: “If you could do something else, what would you do?”

KJ: “My mom had me kind of young, well right after college.

She didn’t have a lot of money so she would play piano to make ends meet. So what else was she going to do with me but drag me off to rehearsal with her. I mean my dad was around but he was always working.”

This concept was intriguing and thoroughly thought-out.

KJ: “What about music?”

So the music had always been there. Kyndal was aloof about the subject, though now it has become such an intricate part of her life.

CW: “So who told you, you could sing?”

KJ: “I want to say my mom. I vividly remember my mom forced me to be in the choir…”

CW: “How old were you?”

KJ: “I was … I think seven.”

This moment was pivotal to chasing her talents because at that time she would constantly reject its existence. However, she would sing at home all the time, along with her mother’s encouragement. Destiny’s Child Survivor CD was her go to album to sing out.

KJ: “I would open a coffee shop. A coffee shop for kids [young people].”

KJ: “Forever the plan was to graduate from college and open a coffee shop for young people…”

Kyndal revealed that she recently dropped out of school at UW-Stevens Point, where she was ironically studying music.

The plan was to open the shop and have it serve as the hanging spot for inner city youth. She described it as having the same aspects of a corner store but also a communal destination where kids could go to think and create or better yet to just go and not think, but just “Be.” The coffee shop would take the same vibe as your local Collectivo or Coffee Makes You Black but catering to the young and their sense of self. This is not far fetched since she has been with kids at the Milwaukee Rec. Dept for the last five years. Also, growing up on Center Street, she knows the realities of the inner city struggle. Her idea is reminiscent of conversations CopyWrite has had with our counterparts in our earlier days...clearly there is a need we all notice.

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SHOOTER: ROB RANDOLPH

CW: “What is your vision for your music?”

KJ: “To inspire. To be relatable. I want people to listen to my music and be like, somebody else went through that...it’s alright.”

CW: “What do you call your musical style?”

KJ: “Hmm, Soul because it’s supposed to be relatable, and it’s coming from the soul...Soul, R&B, Neo-Soul. Somewhere in that category.”

Her project Bloom is a definite depiction of soulful imagery and her vocal ambition creates the type of riffs that make the mind ponder.

Kyndal J is starting to come into her own. Her position as a singer is swaying from background vocalist and feature to the headlining act.

CW: “So what is the position you want to be in as singer? We have seen you sing background for a few people and you’ve been featured on a number of songs. So what do you want your spot to be? What is that form?”

KJ: “Let me tell you about my life.” She laughed hard but was serious about her approach. “I did not plan out the music thing.

You see how I had the coffee shop dream really put together?

This was just one of those things I couldn’t get rid of; so the path is being created.”

Even with that being said she suggests that singing background is “sharpening” her to be the lead and she’s grateful for the learning experience.

KJ: “Water Lilies was a transition song about a relationship from beginning to end.”

Camb knowing that Kyndal had recently been through a breakup gave him insight on the song and her knowing how Camb thinks, privy her to what he could contribute to the piece.

KJ: “Same thing with A.R. (Wesley). He is funny and easy to vibe with. I have to feel someone’s soul, that’s how I decipher if I want to collaborate with you… it has to be more than that.”

(More than just a song.)

Where Kyndal reflects on soul, she also reflects on image.

Her shoot with Rob Ran for her Ghetto Adolescents cover, emphasized the Urban aspects of her surroundings. With the box braids, large earrings, cut offs and alike, she appeals to the aura of her upbringing and true self. It was about her showcasing the essence and merging where she comes from versus who she had become. Her style represents not a commercial beauty but the beauty of Kyndal J. Mentioning commercial, with musical dreams comes musical realities and commercial recognition is often defined as success. She doesn’t see herself striving for that status, but a more Indie career would suffice.

KJ: “I don’t want to go commercial but I want that commercial money.” She admits that because of her rebellious ways, the conforming nature of the biz might not suit her fancy. “I just feel that it’s so easy to sell out and change who you are.” (Which is something she doesn’t plan on doing. She is willing to bend a little but not break.)

CW: “How do you decide who you collaborate with?”

“I don’t think I can make it, if I stay here.”

KJ: “I like collaborating with my friends because I know their souls. It’s hard for me to just jump and be on your song.”

For example, her song Water Lilies featuring Camb turned out great because they are good friends.

Don’t get it misconstrued. Usually that statement is followed by the stigmatic ideology that Milwaukee is a black hole where nothing good prospers.

23

But Kyndal doesn’t see it that way at all.

KJ: “I have to move at least once even if I come back… I just want to experience a new experience... it’s not Milwaukee, it’s just that this is home… I don’t want to be stuck. I just know me.”

And we agree. New adventures are always fun and exciting as long as you don’t forget where you come from and what makes you, you.

KJ: “I hear so many people in Milwaukee say it’s the city and I think that’s what holds them back… you can be the same weak ass person there as you were here.” - PREAAAACHHH!

KJ: “They pull something out of me; I can’t describe. They make you have hope. They get excited about the smallest things. They remind you that you used to have that untainted mind. They have taught me to be fresh. Start new. Don’t make assumptions. To just be. Be happy in that moment. Be mad in that moment. Be sad in that moment. When I’m writing music, that’s the most in the ‘Be’ I am. They taught me that.”

We often do forget to just take the moment. But Kyndal’s constant reminder of youthful bliss brings her out from under the baggage that comes from growing up.

CW: “If there is anything you could tell the world, what would you say?”

CW: “What are your influences?”

KJ: “Be you! I know that’s really corny.”

Among soulful sisters like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, (whose poetic inclination turned songstress resonated with Kyndal being musically swayed then poetic of thought), who definitely captures her; people like her high school choir director, Mr. Roberts, joins the ranks.

KJ: “He inspired me. He is the type of person who would tell you about yourself... He is real. He can take the most untrained person and whip them into shape.”

CW: “No it’s not.”

KJ: “Be you, regardless.”

All emphasis on the ‘Be’. Check out Kyndal’s project Bloom and make sure you stay tuned, for her journey has just begun, and the chase is on. /CW

But Kyndal credits her biggest influence to the children she works with.

P R O U D PA R T N E R O F

follow the movement @radiomilwaukee

SHOOTER: SLICKY SPIELBERG

Proceed with caution…

not considered mainstream to the powers that be.

We might have used Petti Hendrix’s interview with CopyWrite to let out some “shade” on a few “social/cultural/personal” fugazi that we just have to get out of our system.

(By the way, the ‘powers that be’ really aren’t that versed in local music. But we all knew that!.......Catch that shade.)

CW: “What do you call your music?”

Plus, the play on words, “Petti” vs. “Petty”, it just seemed to fit.

So excuse us for our pettiness Petti, even though there will be a palm tree of shade throughout this piece, your interview is still...LIVE! Petti “Hendrix”, the name in It self is a lot to live up to, Jimi Hendrix being one of the most legendary and iconic musical performers of all time.

PH: “The name came from my Pops. He used to be in the basement when I was younger playing Jimi Hendrix and then I’m left handed so I hold the guitar upside-down; well when I used to play the guitar.”

CW: “You don’t play anymore?”

PH: “Naw, I’m going to have to get back on that”. (It would definitely add that extra quality to his music.) But yeah that’s where the name came from and Petty is my last name …” “...I dropped the ‘Y’ and added the ‘I’, like Jimi.”

Deon, which is his real name, is the type of artist that most MKE “Hobnobber’s” would avoid because of his exterior presence, his devious lyrical content (at times), and stylistic approach which is

PH: “New Age Trap Rock.” #PAUSE Let’s break that down…

New Age: Characterized by alternative approaches to traditional Western Culture.

Trap Music: Gritty lyrical content, promoting the sometimes harsh realities of Urban culture with sounds emphasized by 808 kick drums, hi-hats, sub-bass and synthesizers.

Rock Music: Traditionally centered off of electrical guitar, percussion and combinations of various other musical genres, initially characterized by musical experimentation with drug related or anti-establishment lyrics.

Now, peep game. Definitions hold weight. And not to get out of hand but Petti Hendrix’s “New Age Trap Rock” is a symbolic title that could cover the ambition of many Milwaukee artist. Petti is just bold enough to vocalize it and that’s exactly why we chose him for this issue of CopyWrite.

(We are throwing you a subliminal here. Don’t be caught up in ignorant bliss. CATCH IT!)

27

“Music is everything, that’s why I chose it.”

Petti started rapping around the age of 12.

PH: “I used to freestyle and stuff with my boys in the hood, but after high school, like 18, it became serious.”

PH: “I grew up on 21st and Keefe. North side *LIT!” CW: “*LIT! Haaaa.” (*inside joke) CW: “How did that mold you and shape you?”

PH: “Man, that’s who I am. The pop side of me comes out from watching Michael Jackson and that’s my escape. When I do pop, that’s my escape but you know the hood; that’s just what it is. You can hear it in my music, like the Trap Rock, I just try to mix both of them. I’m not saying I was like *Deebo…”

CW: “You know we interview a lot of people in Milwaukee on the music scene. And within that scene, we are seeing that there are different pockets of different types of music. Not to limit you, but you fit into one of those pockets. Do you see your ‘pocket’ receiving the same exposure that others get?”

*Friday references are just so “classic.” If you don’t know what Friday is, well……...ummm carry on.*

PH: “No. Not at all.”

The combo of influences are very visible in the essence that makes Petti Hendrix, Petti Hendrix. It appears not only in his music but also in the way he dresses.

CW: “Why do you think that is?”

PH: “I don’t know. I guess it’s just because it’s different. It’s just a different crowd. I think there should be a mix and we come together.

I’m building a fanbase, and I’m definitely not afraid to let others come in front of my people and perform. Because if they like you that doesn’t mean they are going to stop liking me. They will just like both of us. That’s how I would like to picture everything but I guess some people just feel some type of way. But I can only speak for me though. Anybody is welcome on my bills. Whoever! That could be hip-hop, pop, alternative, whoever.”

After asking him who he has reached out to, he gave an extensive list of name drops that included a nice variety of talents. But we will keep that off the record.

And we’ll ask, ‘Who wants a Petti Hendrix feature?’ With his high energy, massive street & rock appeal, and head-on approach, Petti Hendrix might just be a good look for the new age of music approaching.

CW: “Where do you see yourself going with your music career? Is this your main thang or is this your side chick?”

PH: “No, this is my main thang. This is how I eat. The music, the clothes and stuff. I really want to keep it independent, muthafuckas is going to have to cut me like a 7 million dollar check (if they expect him to sign). I got everything. I’m just having fun with it though.”

This statement we had to confirm. Petti assured us that he has no job besides the music. His survival is based off his talent, hard work and of course ability to sale his appeal. No sponsors either. (We know about “them kind” of artist.) See that was more shade and all the petty!:

PH: “...but the hood is rough, you know what I’m sayin’? You have to adapt to it.”

Fashion is another one of Petti’s ventures. He owns the brand, Rebel Paris also known as Rebel Religion. The clothing line has an extensive line of apparel that features punk-vibe symbolism with a mixture of Hip-Hop gaudy branding.

PH: “We started out going to the mall getting shirts pressed up. I started to pay attention to what they were doing and I was like ‘Shit, I can do that’. So I bought the machine and I was like ‘Hell I’ll press y’all logos too.” Then I started outsourcing. I caught a plug overseas, quick, I don’t know how that came to me, it’s like it dropped out of the hands of God...Boom! So now we get everything made. I sold the machine and all that.”

He laughed. Petti has kind of just been letting things flow naturally into place and his apparel is very popular throughout the city. But you know, that’s on one end of the spectrum.

CW: “What does it mean?”

PH: “Just like Kanye ‘n them, you know ‘Ni**as in Paris’.”

LMAO! That was not the answer we were expecting but that was the greatest answer of all time. Pop culture reference, you win again!

PH: “But Paris you know; that’s paradise.”

You can check out all Rebel apparel at pettihendrix.com and soon on Rebel Paris’ own website, which is in the works now.

PH: “I just designed some pants and shoes, but I’m holding out on dropping those. But shout-out to Oliver Prime [owner of Among The Prime.] If he reads this, just know I need to do a collab.”

CW: “So no drug-dealing? No nothing?” (Yeah we asked! Because that’s the first thing everybody thinks of when a person says they don’t work for the powers that be. We are just bold enough to ask.

You’re welcome.)

(Ehhh, Oliver turned down our offer to be featured in an earlier issue of CopyWrite but we left the shout-out in good faith that he comes from behind his hoodie and face mask to change his mind. ----> The revealing of the shade!)

PH: “Yea I sell drugs...My music is the drug.”

CW: “How do you sell your product?”

Well played! There are many who wish they could say the same.

But let’s be honest, most musical dreams never make it out of the basement or the trap house.

PH: “Most of the time when we do a show, we get the clothes in and then we try to promote it. But a lot of times, when we make it to the show we only have like 10 shirts left and shit...and whoever has a Rebel Religion anything gets into the show for free.”

29

Smart man! That’s product placement. He added how recently there pop-up show at the RiverWest Public House was successful. Where everyone had on some form of Rebel apparel even if it was simply a Rebel wristband. Making Petti the controlling factor of not only his appearance to the crowd but the crowd’s participation to his marketing and branding.

CW: “Could you see yourself in the future, if Rebel Paris gets on, just doing clothing, or will music always be a part of it?”

PH: “Yeah it’s always going to be music. Even if the clothes blowup and people don’t want to hear my music. You know I have an ear for music so I can always just go grab somebody… I’m trying to be, Diddy.”

CW: “How do you give back to your community?”

PH: “We actually just set up something. We are cleaning up four parks.

We call this [Milwaukee] the FOUR, so we are going to clean up four parks for the summer... I’m really trying to do something for the hood because it’s just so *LIT [out of control] right now.”

Petti also throws a show every year for his birthday called Rebel Fest.

The two-day event features two days of performances that emphasize artist from the hood and the other showcases headline artists from any part of the city. He suggests that he includes both because he has a love for all types of music and he wants to let that be expressed.

PH: “I think this year I’m going to mix it; so that everybody can be together. I want to bring everybody together to do what we do.”

CW: “OH OK!” (Y’all heard the man. He said Diddy.)

CW: “When is your birthday, so we can be ready for this event?”

PH: “I’m trying to get that money.”

PH: “August 18th. I’m a Leo. You know I’m King of the Jungle.”

So is money really the mission? There is always that underlying woe to an artist talent. Is it the need to make or the want to survive comfortably?

Haaaaa! With that mentality, he just might be. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. A lot of people, he admits, say that he is cocky until they meet him then they find out that he’s actually pretty cool.

CW: “What’s the goal? Where are we going with this Diddy?”

PH: “Make millions. And nothing less than that. I don’t want 100 G’s.

I need millions. That’s what I’m looking for. Gotta aim high right?

I don’t want to be no thousandaire.”

PH: “I’m actually cool and fun to hang around. This is just my persona with the music. Just fux with me. Come meet me... And I’m popping up at your shows! I’m not going to promote it or nothing. I’m just going to tell my people let’s go support them and see what they talking about.”

CW: “What’s the thing for the money though? Why the money?”

You never know, Petti might be your biggest fan.

PH: “Because I ain’t never had it. I want it because I have never had it!

It’s like going to the store and you can’t buy no Jordans but you want them... But I still have a passion for the music. I’m not doing this strictly for the money but it’s definitely about the money. I still love the art of the music that’s why I can listen to any type of music. I can find the good in something. I’m not just one track minded.”

Watch one of Petti’s videos. We recommend I Wanna Rock, to really catch the vibe. Some will love, some will hate, and others of course will try to emulate.

A little wrinkled around the edges but Petti has expressed some of the most vocalized openness towards others, self-expression and talent thus far, in a CopyWrite interview. His sense of communal appreciation across all spectrums is not as popular of an idea as people would hope to believe. But it’s Petti’s own need and aspiration to be true to himself that might be the spark of growing collaboration throughout the city.

With a big smile on his face and a gleam of rebellion in his eyes, Petti Hendrix ended our convo by simply saying this:

I love Milwaukee with a passion. We got the , Lit! That’s definitely music to our ears. /CW

2016 MKE United Festival | August 5th & 6th 2035 Art +Media Studio 31

letting christopher gilbert speak. “ Strike while the iron’s hot. A scorpion would not wait to strike, why the fuck would you?”

- Christopher D. Gilbert, the symbolism behind his scorpion shaped lapel pin.

It’s that go-for-it mentality that has Christopher Gilbert in the right position to make the right moves at the right time. The creative, suavely quirky force that is his existence, is why those around him thrive and in essence, shine.

CW: “Dude! What have you been doing that you have been so damn busy?”

It’s a question we already knew the answer to. His daily grind is no public mystery. His contribution to multiple facets of local creativity and of course dapper appearance cannot be missed. It’s like the man has superhuman abilities. He can be three places at once and still look his best.

CG: “You seen what I been on. You ain’t seen me?” (He looked around playfully as though checking for the paparazzi.) “Nah, I’m just playing...

We were getting ready for Summerfest, (where his band NAN - New Age Narcissism opened for The Roots), the tour, and I started teaching theater…

I’m basically teaching that all summer so from six in the morning till five, Monday through Friday. Then I’m either in practice or we have a show and then I teach dance after that. Summertime Grind Time, basically.”

Chris holds the titles of Teacher, Choreographer, Musician, Visual Artist (Bet you didn’t know! That’s OK though, that’s why CopyWrite is here to get those exclusives LOL), and Life Coach (which is the most important title in Chris’ opinion).

Just listening to his schedule made us tired.

33

SHOOTER: JEREMY BACCASH

SHOOTER: WESTON RICH

CW: “When do you sleep?”

CG: “When?”

CG: “I don’t. And that’s really fucked up...But Friday I did. I turned my phone off, which I never do, and was like you know what?

Nope! I’m not going to be an enabler because I’m enabling people to be able to come get me like ‘Can you do this? Can you do that?’ Because I’m a yes man.” (Hold up don’t jump to conclusions. Let him explain!) “I’m always like, ‘got you, don’t even worry’. But I was like ‘Nope! Not today!’ I went to sleep for like 7 hours and when I woke up my phone was blowing up!

(People were like) ’What the fuck? What’s wrong with you? Are you dead?’...I’m like ‘Damn, can I get some space?”

CW: “It was on somebody’s snapchat. Yup, we seen you with the jeans and a hoodie.”

Well clearly not.

Though he needed his (very limited) time alone, in the next breath, Chris assured us that he doesn’t mind being the one people call on because of his giving nature. He simply said: “It’s a way of life for me.”

Being a full-time creative, in many collaborative realms, Chris just doesn’t get much time to himself.

With air quotes he emphasized that these days he is a “team player” in comparison to his past solo career where he didn’t have to give so much of himself.

CW: “Do you prefer it that way? Or do you want it to be just you?”

He looked around facetiously and laughed, but said: “No I don’t mind being the team player. When I used to work retail I played every position. I was at the bottom. I was floor manager. I was a regular sales associate. I was a display captain.

I did all of that. So it kind of reminds me of that again, but it’s different because I’m doing what I want... It’s not retail where I was like, I’m doing this because I gotta get by and I like fashion, some what.”

People tend to assume that he likes fashion a lot more then what is true. Chris suggest it’s really not about that but actually about dressing in a way that makes you feel the best about yourself.

CG: “It’s not like I’m in here looking at labels or I’m like ‘Awww I know what they wearing in Paris and shit. Naw!”

“ If I like that & it looks good on me, B***h I’m wearing that shit! It’s that simple.”

Ayeee, we like that! Note: He said “...and it looks good on me…”.

Everybody is not meant to wear everything...Stay in your lane! LOL CG: “I know some days I be having some little risky ones…”

CW: “You be wearing jeans and shit!”

Yup! You heard it here first. CopyWrite has seen images of, Theeeeee Christopher Gilbert, wearing casual attire. We are selling the pictures to the buyer with the best offer or we will use them for blackmail. Either way works for us.

CG: “That’s probably why they snapped that...They was like ‘Look at this, he in here. He own a pair of jeans and he out here in those’...And I was like ‘Yeah but do you ever see me in jeans? No because that ain’t for everybody to see. I realized that everything that I have is not for everybody. It’s ok, you might think that shit, like ‘oh it’s great, I’m benefiting other people’, but somebody down the street is going to be like ‘Hell naw, I don’t want that.

I don’t want nothing to do with that because it’s too much for me’...I found that out recently at my job. This girl was like ‘They put me with you because they said you were a bit much.’ I was like ‘What I do?’ ‘You’re just…. *puts the hand to the face motion,*’ I was like ‘ooooweeee, what the fuck does that mean?’ Like B***h bring it back!”

LMAO! Here is where Chris got a bit turnt up. He is definitely a character.

CG: “But I’m comfortable with myself now. I used to be the type that would over think what I was wearing before I went out, but now it’s like I’m comfortable with everything that I am.”

He suggested that now that he is a teacher and a role model he has to be that way because their are people watching and noticing everything he does. You know what they say; teach by example.

CG: “That’s why I allow them to follow me on everything that I do; social media wise. I’m the same person that is talking to you in the classroom, that is instilling those beliefs in you that you have something that’s going to benefit the world. What good am I to you if I’m not going to be true to that? Not to be preaching or nothing to y’all.”

PREAAAACHHH! CG: “You’re walking that life but are you really living it? That’s too different things.”

You can follow Chris too @bmadboss on Instagram and Snapchat. He hasn’t converted to the Twitter religion yet, mind you 140 characters might not be enough for him and his soap box.

----> This is the random moment in all interviews we wait for…

CG: “I thought that was somebody waving. But it was a butterfly.

Haha, I’m borderline A.D.D. I get distracted very easily….it’s really bad. I’m like the little dog that be like, ‘...Squirrel!’ But ummm hmmm…”

Chris distracted us all with that bit.

CW: “Anyways, back to you leading by example…”

CG: “About being a stand up guy?”

CW: “Yes. Where did you get those morals?”

CW: “We seen you! You got caught!”

35

SHOOTER: FLOW JOHNSON

CG: “My household. I grew up in a family where I was fortunate enough to have both of my parents.”

He further explained how his reality at a young age contrasted with those of his peers in positive and negative ways. Attending a predominantly Black middle school he was treated like his persona was too “White” for the Black kids and his goal oriented, structured life was an oddity. There he would hide his talents, like dancing, in fear of judgement. Though he was hesitant about his attendance to a predominantly White High School, Wisconsin Lutheran, it showed to be a more supportive environment. Even coming from different walks of life, his peers commended his individuality and admired him for his craft. We note, true confidence comes from experiencing adversity.

Maybe high school was just Chris’ moment to break open?

CG: “So I model myself as being a stand-up guy but most importantly as a Day One, kind of dude. However you met me on day one that’s how it should always be, it should never alter. You should never have to question my character because the minute that you do, that means I wasn’t true.”

So let’s back up. If you haven’t caught on by now, Chris is always formally dressed in public. Button up, Blazer, dress shoes, complemented by a snazzy bow tie and some expressive bling.

But please believe, he is not trying to impress you. That’s doing too much, it’s bigger than him.

But people do take notice...

CG: “It was Locust Street Fest, I wrote a status about it. This dude in his fifties, an older Black male. I never seen him before, not a day in my life, he was like ‘Yo’ man I’ve been following you for the past two years. I see everything that you do.’ We are not friends on Facebook or any social media. That means he has to have seen me out. He said ‘I keep up with you. I see what you’re about. We need more people like you. Just keep doing what you’re doing.’ I was like damn where you been at? I haven’t seen you not once. But still I know nothing about him, but from what he sees from me is that I’m about something. So I will take that, for whatever that is.”

Motivational speeches from strangers can definitely be insightful.

We guess you never really know who’s watching.

The way he acts, dresses, and treats others can all be pointed back to his experiences and his biggest influencer, his mother. (Who is also a dancer.)

CW: “You have been a few places, you have even been on tour.

What’s one of the most memorable?”

CG: “My mom was like ‘The minute you leave my house, you’re not only a representation of me but a representation of my whole family.’

And I have a pretty big family so that means I have to go all out every single time. So not saying that jeans are not acceptable but for me, if this is what I feel my best in and if this is me going all out then this is the only acceptable image that I can put out there. For me, it’s the only option.”

CG: “Honestly, I can say it was the very first time I went to LA… I went to go visit and it was kind of this moment of like ‘this is what it feels like to be in the midst of greatness’. You know they call it the land of dreams. Everywhere you go there you can feel how people live.

You can tell everybody is working on something so it’s like everyone looks back at you like ‘what you doing?’, because if you’re here you’re not just here to visit, you’re here to work. It was like this is

what I have to work for. This is the level of competition I’m going to have to deal with... There are other places I liked but I think just the magnitude of what LA was for me, and what it did for my career, I can say makes it memorable. But Milwaukee is like that place too. There is nothing like it because it’s everything that I know.”

different. Cool, I’ll take that but next time it needs to be something else or it needs to be something more.”

There is always room for improvement, it seems like in Mr. Gilbert’s book. Generally, we find those traits in creative forces ideal. It’s the “Kanye always trying to outdo Kanye” syndrome.

CW: “There is no place like home.”

“Complacency has never been in my vocabulary. Besides right now because I just said it. (HA! CORNY.) But outside of that.”

He laughed. But we get it.

Chris is self-motivated and an overachiever. Where the outsider may see his talents and delivery admirable, he sees it as an opportunity to go beyond.

CG: “The more compliments I hear in life, that’s the more I need to work. Because who ever said it, in their mind, that’s as good as I am to them. But to me I know I’m always more.”

Refusing to be stagnant, Chris takes all compliments as fuel to his fire.

CG: “Prime Example, Summerfest show. Cool, on to the next show though. It was cool. The Roots were like ‘Yo’, you’re dope. Keep doing what yall doin.’ Cool, but I know there were so many different moments of that show I could have did better, or I could have did this

CG: “I want more for myself, but more so I want more for the people around me and my city.”

Chris grew up on the Northside of Milwaukee where like many artist from the city say, there is a lot of adversity to overcome. Some even live with the mentality that they never will.

CG: “I had this dude who grew up on the same block as me, tell me the hood is a jail with no bars. He said ‘You’ll get out but I won’t.’ I asked why that is and he said ‘You just got it. For some people it’s just meant for them to do something and get out of here. But for some of us, we’re just stuck’.”

That mindset is definitely not for Chris. He took the talk and categorized it as unacceptable to be trapped. He lives his life trying to speak up for what he truly believes in. He admits that in his youth, nobody really listened to him. Then, he would just sit back and observe but times have changed.

CG: “I told myself, when the opportunity ever comes for me to speak up and people to listen, I’m going to make sure it’s worth it. I have waited for the chance and now that it’s here, I will never let it go because I now understand that, that is power.”

With that power comes great responsibility. (No cliché …even if it’s cliché. Because it’s tooooooooo true.)

SHOOTER: FLOW JOHNSON

CG: “True, except for when people don’t know how to act. It’s crazy… but I will forever claim Milwaukee. I’m never above that. But just know that I made a choice. I didn’t settle.”

37

SHOOTER: JEREMY BACCASH

Chris is the real MVP. Throughout his interview with CopyWrite, his thoughts were free-flowing and his message was guided. His aura being a constant light of wandering around him... (OK, maybe it was the sun, but you get the idea). He believes in a greater good and how you accomplish that is up to you. His “team” mentality, makes his journey to greatness all the more hopeful. He understands something that the “Movement” has been prophesizing since the beginning.

We can’t do it alone.

“ I may be the middle man but I make sure that everyone else around me is getting their shine.”

CW: “You haven’t reached your full potential, we know this, and from what it sounds like you are saying you’re always going to be striving for more. So what’s next and where do you want to take it?”

CG: “For me I’m 27, so I got that. Everyday my kids (students) remind me like, ‘You’re almost 30.’ I’m like Shut Up! Obviously I’m still young, (But are you really though? LOL) But for me it would be to do what I am doing but going internationally with it. As I was saying before, I realize that if I speak most people will listen and they will actually hear what I’m about. So I need to do that but on a more global level. I did it in a sense with Yo Gabba Gabba, (Where he was Muno, the red one), but I was behind a suit. You couldn’t see my face.”

Eventually he plans on returning to LA, but he has work in MKE that he has to finish out first. Staying true to his roots and contributing to the guidance of its next generation, equally important.

CG: “I tell my kids, individuality is all I pride myself on. Who are you and why are you that way?... because when they get older, they can at least say he was a part of my journey at this point and that put into perspective exactly who I am right now. That’s bigger than me, I’m not just a temporary teacher I’m thinking long-term... Like how can we sustain those teachings.”

Christopher Gilbert is naturally inspiring no matter what role he is filling at the moment. His position of making a difference stays the same. Consistency is hard to come by and is often underappreciated.

So just know… #WeSeeYou Chris. You do make an everlasting impression.

CW: “If you could leave us with a final thought, what would it be?”

CG: “Boss Mode all day!” (Face! He plays too much but it is relevant).

“Too many people give others the liberty to tell them how to live their lives. If you let that happen you’re handing over the keys to your own car and last time I checked, it’s in your name. So why let somebody else drive it for you?” /CW

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FASHION HITLISTS THE LATEST MUST HAVE STYLES FOR THIS SUMMER SEASON

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LADIES

FASHION HITLIST Summer is finally here and with so much to do at all times; versatility is the name of the game. Use these trends to take your style to the next level while easily transitioning from day to night with just a switch-up of a shoe. You’ll thank us later.

Urban outfitters

WHITE OUT

ADD A LITTLE FUNK TO YOUR OUTFIT WITH CAT-EYE SUNGLASSES. FIND A SIMILAR PAIR AT LUCI BOUTIQUE.

e-mail us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com for any fashion inquiries.

[SHIRT] DRESS IT UP

STRAPPY HEELS & DENIM 43

MENS

FASHION HITLIST From 50’s inspired Shirts to overalls, this guide will help you navigate the latest men’s fashion trends for your new summer ‘16 wardrobe. With traditional colours, modern shapes and some throwbacks; we have you all covered.

SLIM SHORTS

FIFTIES SHIRTS FIND A CLASSIC SHIRT LIKE THIS AT MILWORKS

FIND A VINTAGE PAIR JUST LIKE THIS...

AVAILABLE AT RETHREADS MKE

OVER-ALLS

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