COSIGN Magazine: Issue 18 #TheBodyIssue

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JUN JUL

COSIGN STAFF KURTIS “K.G.” GRAHAM

FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CHRIS PANAYIOTOU

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MILANA ALCHEMISTA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ISAIAH PERKINS

ART DIRECTOR

RICKY WILLIS

VP OF OPERATIONS

STEPHANIA SCHIRRU

PROJECT MANAGER

LA VIDA COSIGN:

STAFF WRITERS

LIBRADA CRUZ ADE GUOBADIA, WILL ALEMAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CANDACE CARRINGTON

PARRIS DANIEL, BRY JONES,

COSIGN CORRESPONDENTS

JAQUELINE ROMERO, JASMINE SOLEIL

STEPHEN “ESTEBAN” FRASER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DRAVEN

ISSUE XVIII WORDS FROM THE EDITOR The human body is beautiful, yet often taboo, and we decided to dedicate an entire issue (The Body Issue) to it and everything involving it. From the obvious stuff (like showing skin), to beards, tattoos and health and wellness, we really covered the bases here. Also, summer time means summer fashion (that goes on your body) and #COSIGNTravels heads to Morocco (taking your body places).

And while this my not be related to the body, it will effect everybody: I touch on a potential *gulp* Trump presidency. The usual interesting artists and entrepreneurs that you always find in COSIGN Magazine are here as well. And then I didn’t even mention the beauty gracing the Body Issue’s covers. This is our first time doing two different cover pairings, so either you got model Brittany Hetzer and rapper Sam Lao or Trill Yoga founder Claire Fountain and Miss Bikini USA 2016 Kristie Mays.

This may just be our best issue to date and to jump this one off we’re having the “Body Party” pool party and issue release at SiSu in Uptown Dallas. I hope you didn’t miss it, because I’m going to say now, about 10 days before it happens (because I’m psychic nshit), that it was pure greatness.

Stay tuned though, the #COSIGNExperience, our fifth anniversary event, is coming next. #COSIGNLife Chris Panayiotou Chris P: Local Celebrity @CPLocalCeleb

COSIGN MAGAZINE | COSIGN MEDIA GROUP, LLC 179 S. Watson Rd. Suite 404 Arlington, TX 76010 P: 214.517.7000 Call: 214.517.7000 E: info@cosignmag.com W: www.cosignmag.com

Issue No.18 JUN | JUL | 6.16

31 | SUMMER HAIR WOES BE GONE! LIPSTICK N CURLS

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FEATURED/COVER STORIES

THE MAKING OF SAM LAO With the “SPCTRM” release behind her, Sam looks forward to the rest of what is sure to be a long and fruitful career. “I really just want to inspire other people.

I know how I listen to music and I’ll hear a certain song or discover a new artist and for that moment in time that I’m listening to that song I can literally do anything and I’m driven to do anything,”

Jade Kendle shares the summer hair care routine we’ll be following this summer.

10 | COSIGN TRAVEL: MOROCCO My girl gang and I recently came back from the most exhilarating trip ever; we didn’t speak the language and had no earthly idea what we’d be doing.

FLIP COVER STORY

INK LIFE WITH BRITTANY HETZER “I love tattoos because they’re beautiful and show expression. My favorite tattoo is my left sleeve with my deer and gnome. My husband also tattooed it.“. (flip over the magazine for “The Body Issue” stories)

24 | SUMMER 16’ FASHION TRENDS Moody quickly became a fixture in the Dallas fashion scene and one the youngest fashion influencers to hit the market. We sat down with the young stylist for his summer fashion trend download. .

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IN WITH THE INCROWD With some of the hottest parties and club nights in North Texas, Andre “Dre” Settles has built INCrowd to be just that, the “IN” crowd.

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Music

La Musica COSIGN

KG Tha Sickest INTERVIEW BY K.G. GRAHAM | @COSIGNKG

“I’m versatile, honest, and creative,” he says when asked what three words best describe him. Known in his city as being a part of up-and-coming collective, 700 Cartel, KG Tha Sickest already has one part of the industry conquered, an undeniable hustle!

“In five years, I hope to be one of the most successful artists, in and out of the booth,” says KG Tha Sickest. Hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, but frequently traveling to Dallas, KG explains how the OKC music scene is blossoming, and why he thinks he’s up next.

COSIGN: How did you come up with your stage name KG Tha Sickest?

KG THA SICKEST: Well the name KG Tha Sickest comes from two parts. KG, being my initials and “The Sickest” part obviously refers to my flow, but I’ve also been diagnosed with three chronic intestinal diseases. So there’s a double meaning.

COSIGN: You’re a part of a collective called the 700 Cartel, what do you guys stand for?

KG THA SICKEST: Well, 700 is my fam and we’re well known in Texas and OKC. The Cartel part implies the steady supply of music in the streets and money circulating in the 700 family. We all eat and get money, the mentality of a cartel.

COSIGN: For new fans reading this interview, tell us about your past work that you have put out?

KG THA SICKEST: As far as my past work, I have three mixtapes on Datpiff, “Symptoms,” “Take Off” and a collab EP 06

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with another member of 700 Cartel named Skitz and it’s called “Born to Lose.” I also have a couple videos on YouTube you can check out if you search “KG Tha Sickest.”

COSIGN: What are you currently working on and pushing?

KG THA SICKEST: My latest project is a sequel to my first tape “Symptoms” and will be entitled “Symptoms 2.” It will be hosted by DJ Kam Bennett and will include features from Lil Duke of YSL as well as local artists from OKC like Chris Savage and Dallas artist, Alexander McCoy. I currently don’t have the release date, but it will be out this year, as fast as I can finish everything.

COSIGN: What’s your favorite song?

KG THA SICKEST: My favorite song by another artist is “A Place With No Name”

by Michael Jackson. It’s the epitome of how the world should be. And it keeps me focused on that fact that we are all human and need to do better. It keeps my vision of changing the world alive.

My favorite original song, for obvious reasons, would be “Got It” which is one of the songs I did with Lil Duke. But, if I’m not focusing on what could get me out there and benefit my career and just basing it off which one I like the most, it would probably be “Don’t Say Nun” or “Teach You How to Trap.” Sorry for that long answer. (Laughs)

COSIGN: Who’s your favorite artist?

KG THA SICKEST: Lil Wayne is the best to me. He has inspired me more than any other musician and continues to do so. He is my idol; from work ethic to tracks. As far as pleasure at the moment, Lil Durk is my favorite. His sound is new and hot and helps me generate new ideas.

Keep up with KG Tha Sickest by following him on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat at @KGThaSickest

La Musica COSIGN

2Fly

WORDS BY CHRIS PANAYIOTOU @CPLOCALCELEB

At 21, rapper 2Fly is on his way.

He just dropped the second of his “Levels” trilogy, “Level Up,” on June 1, and as every project is released, his growth and maturing as an artist is evident.

He makes authentic, relatable music that’s “from the heart,” and his latest single “Much Needed” is no exception.

Originally inspired to start rapping after discovering 50 Cent, 2Fly has found inspiration from many others, ranging from Kanye West to Michael Jackson, and won’t box himself in, when it comes to genre. A grounded artist, he sees success as expanding his audience while staying consistent. It’s all about the art for him, and while fame and riches would be great, he is more concerned with honing his craft, connecting with his audience and releasing the highest quality product possible. He strives to make timeless music and avoid the trend of “microwave music.”

Within the next few months, 2Fly and Don Records are heading to Atlanta. While 2Fly will remain true to his sound, he wants to use the opportunity of new surroundings for inspiration and collaboration. Atlanta may not be the last stop for the team though, spreading the brand is important to them, so be prepared to see 2Fly in your city at some time in the future, leaving a lasting impression on your music scene.

Keep up with 2Fly on Twitter/Instagram: @Official2Fly

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Music

La Musica COSIGN

Dyllin Music

INTERVIEW BY K.G. GRAHAM | @COSIGNKG

“MY MIXTAPE ‘CHILD OF DIVORCE’ is a representation of a dysfunctional teenager searching for an outlet. The cover of the mixtape represents the dysfunctional outlets I chose to use.

After my parents divorced, music and drugs became my way of coping and releasing the pain.” With an authentic message, Dyllin is ready to take his career to the next level by creating music that resonates with the youth.

“My parents split up and divorced while I was in high school which caused a lot of drama and pain in my life,” says Dyllin. Funneling those emotions into his music, Dyllin is sharing his story with the world and hopes to garner the necessary attention he needs to take his craft to the next level.

COSIGN: What made you want to become a rapper and pursue music for your career?

Dyllin: I started writing raps and poetry in 5th grade, but it was all a secret.

Because in my eyes, and at the time, I did not believe a white boy from the suburbs could be a rapper. As I got older and more confident, hip-hop also became more diverse. When I was in college is when I actually started to believe it could actually happen. Also during this, [it] was a very dark time period for me. So writing raps was the only way to release what I was feeling.

I constantly wrote day and night. I’ve always loved hip-hop and the culture. I finally made the decision to go for it and never looked back.

COSIGN: How would you describe your sound?

Dyllin: First off, I am from Texas. So name any rapper from Texas and they have had an influence on my sound and rhymes. I want my sound to be a like a shamanic experience. Psychedelic rock and the blues are heavy musical influences on me. So my sound is a combination of Texas rap, psychedelic rock, screw and blues.

COSIGN: Tell us three things people don’t know about Dyllin?

Dyllin: I am a major Curtis Mayfield fan. During my time in college, I was charged with two felonies for possession of codeine cough syrup, which led me to changing my life and pursuing music. As a freshman in college, I played small-time basketball at Southwestern College.

COSIGN: Why do you think people should listen to your music?

Dyllin: Because it is authentic. It is me on every song. I’m not lying or trying to be someone else. I am just doing what I love, and I feel like people can connect with that.

COSIGN: What’s your favorite song on “Child of Divorce?”

Dyllin: My favorite song on ‘Child of Divorce’ is ‘Burning in Water’ because it is the most personal and reflective song on the project.

Search “Dyllin” on YouTube for his latest visuals and follow him on social media at @dyllin_music.

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La Musica COSIGN

Ziggy ILLfame a.k.a. Dank Sinatra INTERVIEW & PHOTO BY K.G. GRAHAM

WITH AN IMPRESSIVE RESUME under his belt to be an independent artist, Ziggy has already worked with OG Ron C, Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes, DJ Smallz and many others. With an East coast background, being raised in New York, the hustle was instilled in Ziggy at an early age. “I don’t care about being famous, I want to be rich. I want to be wealthy,” says Ziggy. Before music, Ziggy spent four years in the Air Force, which allowed him to travel the world and develop a global view of how different cultures accept and digest music. “The military also helped me adapt to different individuals. It put me in different circles, with different people, so I use this in my business because it helps me mingle and reach out to people from different walks of life.”

We caught up with Ziggy at Pluckers in The Highlands to discuss his upcoming project “Dank Sinatra” and to see why a well-polished hustler decided to take his talents to music.

Where is the name Ziggy ILLfame derived from?

Ziggy was my nickname back in the hood. I used to have really long hair and would roll weed out of anything, preferably Zig Zags, so that’s how Ziggy came about. Also, my favorite rappers are Big Pun and Biggie and there’s a million Ziggy’s out there, so we wanted to add something to it. I originally came up with Notorious Ziggy, then my homie was typing synonyms and found ILLfame, which also means notorious, explicit, and sexual. So it basically described me as being notorious for messing with bad bitches and we put it together, Ziggy ILLfame.

(Laughs) Why pursue rap when most would say music is an oversaturated field?

I don’t know, it just comes to me. My mother told me I knew how to spell “America” before I was in Pre-K. Like, I read something and the words stick with me. I’ve always been dope when it came to spelling, writing, poems, etc. When I got kicked out of high school, I wrote a poem right after 9/11 and it got published in a newspaper in New York and I won an award for it. I kind of realized then, that I was good

“In 2011, I began to take music serious. That’s when I connected with DJ Smallz and things took off from there,” says rapper Ziggy ILLfame. We’ve all flirted with the idea of fully pursuing our dreams, whether it’s music, painting, sports, writing or in the field of culinary arts, but what stops us from taking that next step? Better yet, why do we hinder ourselves from achieving our life-long dreams? Ziggy ILLfame has been one of the lucky ones that realized, at an early stage of his career, that it was time to turn his hobby into his hustle.

with words. But to be honest I always wanted to be like a Dame Dash kind of nigga. A Diddy nigga in the background, getting all the money. (Laughs) Tell us about your “Dank Sinatra” project.

Out of all my past projects, that includes “Funny Papers,” my DJ Smallz mixtape, and my first joint “The New, New Deal,” this has been the most fun to create. It’s all original beats, no leases, I own every beat, and I’m giving it out for free. It’s like a mixalbum. If I wanted to sell this project, I think it would go platinum, but I’m giving it out. I just want to get the music out. The name “Dank Sinatra” also came from my CEO. I have a record called “Dank Sinatra,” which is also my alter ego, and he was like, “This should be the title of the project.” We ran with it, because it’s basically the vibe of the tape, but it’s not just for smokers, it’s a full body of work that will be released July 11.

When July 11 comes around, make sure you support your local hustler and download “Dank Sinatra.” For now, follow Ziggy ILLfame on social media at @Who_Is_ILLfame. #COSIGNLife JUN JUL

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The Elite Of Dallas WORDS BY CHRIS PANAYIOTOU | @CPLOCALCELEB PHOTOS BY DRAVEN | @DRAVENSVIEW

RECENTLY, TEAIRA JONES (@ADDIKTED2IT) OF ADDIKTED EVENTS, held the 2nd Annual Elite of Dallas Concert and Fashion Show at Lofty Spaces in Dallas. Hosted by radio personality Lady Jade, it was urban fashion meeting a diverse audience of fashion enthusiasts. The event displayed a variety of designers, all based in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, and included awards in six categories (see the winners below). The winners were chosen by a combination of online voting and a thorough “background check” of the candidates’ reputations around town and beyond, by interviewing some of their former collaborators.

The event’s success has Jones looking to expand for 2017 to a larger venue and potentially more award categories. These are your winners of the 2016 #EliteOfDallas Awards.

STEPHANIE FREEMAN | @isostephy |

#EliteOfDallas Designer of the Year Stephanie started designing and sewing three years ago, when a dress she made for herself caught a friend’s eye. Her friend wanted Stephanie to make her a dress for an event, and ever since then, she’s been creating clothes. Beginning with no experience, she’s honed her craft and can now sew an outfit is as quickly as 15 minutes.

Not one to follow trends, her styles are unique; sexy but classy, and this style, along with her fast turnaround times, set her apart from the pack. She plans to relocate to Miami in October and hopes to have a pair of brick and mortar stores between the two cities. She says that she’s genuinely benefitted from the exposure that this award has brought her and her brand, “Qlichē

(L to R) Taye Hyder; Stephanie Freeman; Damien Smith; Danicca Love a.k.a. Trap; Raven Love; Tiff The Zeta

RAVEN LOVE | @modlife_raven_love |

TAYE HYDER | @unfilteredbytaye |

#EliteOfDallas

#EliteOfDallas

Female Model of the Year

Makeup Artist of the Year

Consistently modeling for a year and a half, after five years of dabbling, Raven began at the suggestion of a stranger who happened to be from a modeling agency. She developed a passion for it and began modeling regularly, as she enjoys the attention of being in front of the camera. Her determination, work ethic and her willingness to succeed, are what she feels has helped her get this far and helped her earn this recognition. She is in the process of taking her modeling to the next level, shopping around for an agency, while balancing that with her family life.

Makeup has been Taye’s professional gig for three years. She began watching YouTube makeup tutorials and would practice on herself, and eventually on others. After a year of doing makeup as a hobby, she started getting paid from doing faces, so she saw an opportunity and took it. She now is self-employed doing makeup. Her personality and unfiltered nature were the driving force behind her “Unfiltered By Taye” brand, inspired by the Instagram hashtag #NoFilter. Her business is growing at a rate that she feels like over the next few years, she’ll leave the DFW area and travel for her work. She’s also mentoring other makeup artists to assist in expanding her brand.

TIFF THE ZETA | @TiffTheZeta |

#EliteOfDallas Stylist of the Year Tiff’s been styling five years, but two years ago, she moved into personal styling for celebrities, professionals and others of note. It began when someone noticed her style and suggested she show others how to put together outfits. From there, she began taking on clients and styling for events. Her primary focus is styling men, having been raised by her father and growing up helping him with his daily attire. Her styling modus operandi is edgy, something with an L.A. or New York feel; she describes it as being chic but able to “still be ‘hood with it.” The goal is to be international, styling for big name celebrities and athletes.

DANICCA LOVE A.K.A. “TRAP” | @thahairtrap |

#EliteOfDallas Hairstylist of the Year TRAP says she’s been styling hair “since butterfly clips and twisties,” beginning in her mom’s kitchen, doing school kids’ hair. She describes her hairstyling as, “I just do what I like. I put my style on other people … and it really just works.” TRAP’s in the process of moving to Houston to open a salon, but will travel back to Dallas monthly for hairstyling work here as well. She’s accepting booking from all over, and is booked for extensions and wigs at an event in London in the near future.

DAMIEN SMITH | @inkedup_smitty | #EliteOfDallas Male Model of the Year In his first year modeling, Damien seems to have caught on quickly. Having been asked to model many times, he just recently decided to try it. His dedication to giving his all to the craft and to building his brand is what helped him succeed in such a short period of time. He has recently began acting, which he enjoys, but he says that if he does decide to continue in fashion, he’d like to steer more toward modeling business and formal attire. He is a bit torn on his path in fashion, as he says “everybody kinda likes the bad boy looks” as well.

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JUN JUL INTERVIEW BY K.G. GRAHAM | @COSIGNKG

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His Instagram bio reads: “FUCK OFF JOHN TUCKER, just a guy with a pink camera that just clicks buttons and makes girls look like Beyoncé and host parties.” What a bio, right? Well, if you’ve ever scrolled through @johntucker990’s Instagram page, you can tell that he’s NOT lying.

ucker has photographed some of the most beautiful women in the U.S., including Chanel West Coast from Rob Dyrdek’s “Fantasy Factory.” His Instagram clips also show what it’s like when John Tucker hosts a party, so we suggest you book him before his prices go up, like DJ Khaled.

I was blessed to interview the man that everyone would like to be and who girls beg to shoot with (and that sometimes offer more than cash as payment, but you didn’t hear that from us). So world, meet the infamous John Tucker, and find out why he decided to name his brand “FUCK OFF JOHN TUCKER!”

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F*** Off John Tucker INTERVIEW BY: K.G. GRAHAM | @COSIGNKG || PHOTOS BY: JOHN TUCKER | @JOHNTUCKER990

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You may be familiar with John Tucker, as it was the main character’s name in the 2006 film “John Tucker Must Die,” but the John Tucker we speak of is a Houstonbased photographer and host.

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How a man approaches me says more about him than it ever will about me. I have very little tolerance for it, and my curve game is very strong otherwise.

COSIGN: What would be your favorite playlist to work out to? Can you share a few of your favorite work out songs?

TRILL YOGA: I like to work out to whatever I’m enjoying at the minute, so it’s always changing. I don’t need upbeat or high tempo, just needs to be what I’m feeling. I really like the London Bars album for when I’m in the gym. Otherwise, most music is linked on my SoundCloud or Spotify.

COSIGN: Congratulations on joining the Beats By Dre family. Can you tell us a little bit about how this happened and how you fuse yoga with music and art?

TRILL YOGA: Thank you, it’s a really amazing brand I’ve been involved with, in some capacity, for a while now. Most recently, we’re working on the #ChargedUp campaign which fuses music, movement, and fitness – for me specifically, yoga. Health and wellness is a lifestyle and certainly one [that] music supports, so the goal of this initiative is to motivate people to push through a workout and push through a potential, via music through Beats products.

A big part of Trill Yoga is the music and arts component, as it’s a genuine and authentic extension of myself. I’m a creative in the wellness space, and I think anything that makes you “you,” is part of Trill Yoga. Plus, music and art make people feel something. Feeling is a huge part of what makes us human, so why not bring those elements into your yoga practice?

resonates with people. There will certainly be merchandise, but it will be stylized, more than just screen-printing. Hopefully the merch will appeal to people even if they don’t fuck with yoga.

The Trill Yoga tour is slated for late summer 2016, but I’m already teaching when I travel, so be on the look out, y’all.

COSIGN: Where would you like to see your brand and yourself in the next five years?

TRILL YOGA: I’d like to see Trill Yoga continue to grow with more followers, creatives, support, etc. Everyone needs wellness and as we learn better ways to care for ourselves, internally and externally. I want Trill Yoga to continue to be a source of knowledge, inspiration and a way for us all to practice in our own unique ways.

In five years, I’ll be 35, and who knows if social media will still exist, as we know it. I am confident I’ll still be living the trill life I do now, still trying to make decisions out of love, not fear, and still doing yoga and preaching wellness for all, even if I am balancing a little legend on my hip the whole time. I want to speak on more panels and use my platform to have a voice that speaks on things that matter.

I feel like I have a responsibility to keep living with purpose and helping people the best I can.

COSIGN: Who does Claire Fountain #COSIGN? Who do you support and give your stamp of approval to?

TRILL YOGA: Love, always. And of course, yoga. But I also COSIGN truth, acceptance, compassion and living a life of experiences over things. I COSIGN ditching the mask you wear and letting yourself be seen in all your natural glory.

Love more. Bless the world.

Thank you, COSIGN.

TRILL YOGA: I’m blessed to be able to share who I am and why I do what I do in a way that

I also COSIGN lots of greens, lots of water, and … monochromatic outfits.

COSIGN: The Trill Yoga brand is definitely taking off. Will there be merchandise in the future, if it doesn’t already exist? And will you be touring, doing classes all over the U.S.?

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COSIGN: What made you want to move to New York? And coming from the South, was it an easy transition?

TRILL YOGA: I always knew there was far more to life outside of Mississippi. I moved right after high school with a one-way ticket here. I went to Vassar [College] in upstate New York, but it’s just north of the [New York] City, a train-ride away. I wouldn’t say the first year was an easy transition but college rarely is, especially when you’re by yourself. I don’t fear change or being uncomfortable because I knew where I wanted to be … and I’m still here.

COSIGN: We read in an interview that you began practicing yoga to deal with anxiety and depression. For someone who is currently dealing with the same situation, how does one benefit from practicing yoga?

TRILL YOGA: Correct, depression and anxiety got me into yoga because I knew I had to do something. You get to a place where you’re desperate to feel better. I knew about yoga and from what I was reading, it appeared it might help. I threw myself into any local classes I could find, which for me were at the gym. Thank God I had a brilliant teacher who came from an Ashtanga background and really provided a solid, in-depth practice in such a seemingly “not-so-yoga” space. But yoga isn’t about the space. It’s ultimately about breathing, and that rhythmic breathing can help produce a feeling of detachment and you start to realize you can let go of the thoughts that plague you.

Yoga is a moving meditation and therapy at times. I won’t go into all the science of the brain, nor do I know terribly much about the intricate workings of it, but meditation has been found to change the brain. As you find a deeper sense of self and open up to all the things yoga might bring up, you find more peace, solace, acceptance, truth, and love.

Sometimes it gets harder before it gets easier, but I encourage everyone to stick with it. Our bodies are barometers of our truth. We have lifetimes of things that happen to us, that we feel, rational and irrational, but the body holds onto it, and it’s up to us to let it all out so we can feel better.

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COSIGN: This is our body issue and we wanted to highlight different shapes and sizes and show people that beauty can be found in all body types. You’re a beautiful curvy fit woman, how do you feel about stereotypes of a perfect body being slim and tall?

TRILL YOGA: It’s sad to me that people are made to feel less than because their body doesn’t fit an “ideal” or a certain shape. It just perpetuates the ideas that you’re not good enough if you don’t look a certain way, as well as saying your worth is in your body and your appearance. That’s a damaging message, and as children we begin to internalize those messages, we grow up comparing our insides to others’ outsides.

I think body acceptance begins on the inside, as cliché as that sounds, but I’m a huge believer in the power of the mind and how our thoughts can run, or ruin, our lives. I think society, and media at large, are making headway in terms of representing different bodies as beautiful and acceptable, but we still have a long way to go. I think when something doesn’t have to be talked about or highlighted and when it just is … that’s when we have overcome it.

COSIGN: We also noticed you stated that you don’t “sexualize” yourself. Even though most people will clearly classify you as sexy, do you think this is a benefit?

Or do you believe this hinders you from being taken serious in some aspects?

TRILL YOGA: The terms “sexy” and “sensual” often get confused, and society has given us these very overt sexual images and somehow that’s passed that off as our “sexy” definition – a poor one if you ask me, as it’s built on the most fundamental level of sexuality. Society conditions you as to what physical attributes are “sexy,” but sexy happens on the inside.

Is a lacy garter belt really sexy? No, but a woman owning her body in all of its real raw amazingness certainly is.

Sexy, to me, cannot be contrived. The minute it’s forced, you’ve lost it. Sure, it might still elicit a response, but it’s an immature one. The deeper you get into yourself and your truth, the more sense it will make. Sexy happens when you’re comfortable in your own body. For me, I own who I am. When I present my most raw,

genuine and real self, then I feel sexy. If that is seen or felt, so be it. I can’t control someone else’s response but hopefully it triggers them to question what they feel about me, my body, and why.

In terms of being taken seriously, well that’s just a bigger issue than me all together. It appears to me that as Americans, we can’t handle someone being sexy because we see women’s bodies as distracting. Sexuality makes us feel “some type of way” solely because we have long been repressed and/or shamed by it.

When we realize sexuality and sensuality are not solely based on the body and its features, we will move on to a more productive world where people are seen for what they can really do, and offer, instead of just bodies that trigger sexual feelings.

COSIGN: What is your favorite part of your body? And what would you consider the perfect body?

TRILL YOGA: Everything? No, really, I just appreciate my body for what it can do; I love my strong legs and healthy hair, and feeling like a woman, and taking up space. Everything on me is part of what makes me “me,” so I’m cool with it. A body that is well-loved is a perfect body. Bodies are incredible beings. They help us experience life, love, pleasure, pain … they’re just amazing sensory machines. And all that is worth loving.

I’ve long been fascinated with hands, and all they do for us, and how much they mean.

When you break your body down into what it can do, and what it does for you, it’s hard to not be amazed and grateful. Yoga has been said to help people see what their bodies can do, and I continually hear stories about how happy someone felt after doing something they didn’t know was possible but that’s the beauty of it; because the body can do so much. Inside and out; so much. That’s a perfect body.

COSIGN: With a huge following on social media comes unwanted attention. How do you deal with guys who may approach you the wrong way because they see the poses and flexibility on Instagram?

TRILL YOGA: You have to keep it moving.

Social media has become super titillating for a number of reasons. Men (and women) have started to think certain behavior is acceptable.

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I think body acceptance begins on the inside, as clichÊ as that sounds, but I’m a huge believer in the power of the mind and how our thoughts can run, or ruin, our lives.

JUN JUL

Lifestyle

COSIGN Fitness: Trill Yoga

claire Fountain OG YOGA VIXEN INTERVIEW BY: K.G. GRAHAM | @COSIGNKG

With fitness and health transforming into a trending lifestyle. the yoga culture has become a very popular outlet for those looking to better their lives mentally and physically.

COSIGN: According to your website you’re originally from Mississippi. Did your Southern upbringing have an influence on naming your brand Trill Yoga? And what essentially made you want to name it “Trill Yoga?”

“I think body acceptance begins on the inside, as cliché as that sounds, but I’m a huge believer in the power of the mind and how our thoughts can run, or ruin, our lives,” Claire Fountain, owner of Trill Yoga, tells us during our interview.

Fountain, 30, resides in New York City and has found her niche, which is a beautiful achievement for an entrepreneur. Combining her love for yoga and music, Trill Yoga was created to celebrate the human form and provide an avenue for anybody and any body to learn to utilize the power of yoga. COSIGN had the pleasure to dig deep inside the mind of Claire Fountain to discuss the future of her business, sexy versus sensual, the perfect body and how she built her brand.

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TRILL YOGA: I am indeed born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi … and obviously my Southern roots played a part in influencing my brand and ideals. I grew up on Southern hip-hop and blues music, so when we needed a term to define what I was doing (and something more guerrilla and different for the yoga world), we came up with Trill Yoga. It stuck because it feels authentic to me – both the movement and the message.

COSIGN: Can we expect you to collaborate with Bun B or any Southern artists in the future?

TRILL YOGA: Wouldn’t that be fun? I’ll ask Bun if he’s on board. He did sign off on Trill Yoga, calling me the “OG Yoga Vixen,” so you never know what might happen upon my return to Houston. Bun continues to be such an important person in music and culture, makes the word trill mean that much more.

And other Southern artists? Holler at me. Trill Yoga is for everyone.

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BEAUTY MODEL @BLENBEAUTY_ MUA CAKED BY CRYSTAL SWIMWEAR WET BY MOXIE PHOTOS BY DRAVEN @DRAVENSVIEW

Dennis Terry |

Quite Frank |

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Jacob Rios |

jacobriosbarber

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@ARTBYRUDY

PHOTOS BY DRAVEN | @DRAVENSVIEW

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Do you want more tattoos? If so, do you want to get your whole body tatted or what’s your end game?

I definitely want more tattoos. I’m already planning my back piece and other leg. And yes, end result will more than likely be my entire body.

Being that this is our “Body Issue,” how do you stay in such great shape?

Well, I don’t go to the gym. But you can catch me in my living room squatting and doing sit-ups with my daughter as my weight. Works like a charm!

What do you like most about your body?

The thing I love the most about my body is the fact that my daughter came from it and I’m still able to stay in shape. The human body is amazing. That, and my tattoos.

Name three celebrities you think have the “perfect body?”

Rihanna. Katy Perry. Scarlett Johansen.

Career wise, where do you want to take your modeling?

I want you to see me on covers like Vogue, someday;

magazines outside of the alternative world and I want to be known more internationally, eventually.

Name three things people don’t know about you?

I’m a huge tomboy. I like to go fishing and all that fun stuff. [And I] grew up in a rural Oklahoma town with a population of about 200 people. And I’m a badass at shooting hoops. I use to be an all-around good ball player. But now my ass would probably pass out halfway down the court. So we will just say shooting hoops.

What would be your dream photo shoot?

I really want to shoot with Mike “Ohrangu” Tang. He’s an amazing photographer. That’d be good enough for me.

Name one tattoo model you #COSIGN. Someone you really like or look up to.

I love Gypsy Rose. Not only for her modeling, but she has respect for her man and isn’t afraid to let the world know she’s married and all that. She and I say we are soul sisters. Nowadays, too many girls think they have an image to uphold and seem to forget about what’s important in life. Nice to see girls who don’t let the hype get to them. Humble yourself.

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The thing I love the most about my body is the fact that my daughter came from it and I’m still able to stay in shape.

JUN JUL

NK LIFE WITH BRITTANY HETZER

INTERVIEW BY K.G. GRAHAM @COSIGNKG PHOTOS BY DRAVEN @DRAVENSVIEW

How did you get your start in modeling?

I started modeling as I travelled with [my husband] Rudy to conventions.

Photographers just started shooting me and already treated me like a model, so I basically just fell into it.

What are your likes and dislikes of modeling?

Likes are the confidence and success it can bring you. Dislikes are people think its okay 04

to just criticize you or give their opinion on what a model should look like. It’s important that you stay true to yourself.

Do you categorize yourself as a tattoo model?

Yes and no. I do because that’s how I got my start, but I’m trying to branch myself out of it; do all types of modeling; not just the alternative thing.

What do you like about the art of tattoos and what’s your favorite tattoo?

I love tattoos because they’re beautiful and show expression. My favorite tattoo is my left sleeve with my deer and gnome. My husband also tattooed it.

How many tattoos do you have?

Too many to count. Both sleeves, torso, back, ribs, hands, fingers and left leg.

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PG 04

KRISTIE MAYS

MISS BIKINI USA 2016 PG 27

INK LIFE W/ BRITTANY HETZER PG 10

COSIGN BEARD GANG PG 14

TRILL YOGA: CLAIRE FOUNTAIN PG 20

DIVINE IN MY OWN SKIN

The Making of

SAM LAO claire Fountain OG YOGA VIXEN

KRISTIE MAYS

MISS BIKINI

USA 2016

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