ourmission
THE Industry is Toronto, Canada’s newest publication in the urban market Our Mission is to Market, Serve and Promote Toronto, New York, Miami and Jamaica’s entertainment industry. To respond to the needs of each community, to adhere to what they want to see in their city, to ensure their confidence and loyality to each hometown. We collaborate with a valuable network to create local and international opportunities for both exisiting and up and coming talent. The Industry caters to the nightlife consumers by keeping them informed with the hottest events in their city while striving to keep our audience up to date with hottest commercial and underground music of every month.
05CONTRIBUTORS
ISSUE
CEO & PUBLISHER LISA PERSAUD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR MICHELLE BRIJLAL, EDITOR IN CHIEF ryan morrison, SENIOR EDITOR allison ramdial, ADMINISTRATION JOAN RUPRAM, HUMAN RESOURCES JASON NARINE journalists d’analyst, james borbath, trish islandbesos, Randy persaud & joel persaud, Dj’s spex, ill kidz, marxman (kos), mvp soundcrew & renegade squad, photographers der wei chan, RICHARD YAGTILOV, rick obrien, barrington chatrie, NAKIA, UJIMA PRODUCTIONS, UNIVERSAL RECORDS, POE BOY RECORDS, SONY MUSIC, DEATHROW, STARLITOS WAY, MONEY TRAIN RECORDS,JACANA GROUP,KONCEPT ENTERTAINMENT, BMW PROMO, KAYA ENTERTAINEMENT, GREEN EYES, MICAH ENTERTAINMENT, XO MANAGEMENT, DARK MEDIA GROUP, RAPINDUSTRY. COM, MARWAN, ILUVLOLA.NET, HOT CITY BUZZ, BIG DIZ MANAGEMENT, STYLUS AWARDS GROUP, PETER JACKSON, JANICE R, NICK M, DETEFLON, URBANOLOGY, FEATURED TALENT: NAUGHTY BY NATURE, CAM’RON, RICK ROSS, CHARLES REED, CHERYL MARTINEZ & EYE CANDY TAmmY “MS.OFFICER”
tableofcontents ISSUE05 meet the industrY THE dream TEAM
4
topten
music Page 7
APRIL09
LISA PERSAUD JAMES BORBATH Dino-nation columnist
Page 5
State yo busines what is a relationship page 13 fashion & beauty with trish island besos page 15
MICHELLE BRIJLAL
jASON NARINE
CharlesReed
NaughtybyNature
RYAN MORRISON
Page 19
Page 17
dinonation kobe vs lebron coming to the nbs finals ‘09? page 21 special feature easter page 25
Page 23
Joel Persaud journalist ALLISON RAMDIAL
JOAN RUPRAM
EYECANDY MODEL tammy torres “Mrs. Officer” Page 28
trish island besos Fashion & beauty columnist
Page 11
Page 8
watch out now!
meettheindustry THETEAM
Hope kurtesi advertising director Andrea Jenniskens public relations
randy persaud journalist
Page 29 Page 26
kevin beharry
The Stylus DJ Awards are a unique facet to the DJ and Urban culture in Canada. As the only institution recognizing the breadth of DJ talent in Canada; Stylus are able to bring a forum that allows DJs and Canadian Artists to display and perform their talent to the Canadian Music industry and public on a heightened scale. The Stylus events throughout SpinFest and the Stylus DJ Awards harbour performances, a music conference, concerts and local events, all allowing Canadian Artists to flourish and be recognized.
THE 2009 NOMINEES
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COLLEGE RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR D.O.C & Mr. Presto • Island Explosion • CHRY 105.5 • Toronto DJ Tanner & DJ Wyze • One Dirty Needle • CJSW 90.9 • Calgary DJ Dred-E Maximum & DJ Majik Trix • Drill Squad • CIUT 89.5 • Toronto Jester & Chief • Worldwide Wake Up Show • CIUT 89.5 • Toronto Professor Groove & DJ Static • We Funk • CKUT 90.3 • Montreal Serious & DJ Fase • Stylistic Endeavours • CIUT 89.5 • Toronto Taktiks , DJ Linx & Big Jacks • Mixtape Massacre • CKLN 88.1 • Toronto
Montreal DJ OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY FILA Goontribe Keith Dean Kwite Sane Payce Quest Team Canada
RADIO MIXSHOW DJ OF THE YEAR - PRESENTED BY FUZE Boogeyme’n • OTA Live • Flow 93.5 • Toronto Christopher Michaels • Chris Mix • Flow 93.5 • Toronto Dr Jay • Soca Therapy • Flow 93.5 • Toronto J-Swing & Flipout • Straight Goods • The Beat 94.5 • Vancouver Jason Chambers • Midday Mix • Flow 93.5 • Toronto P Plus • Midday Mix • Flow 93.5 • Toronto Spex • Riddim Track • Flow 93.5 • Toronto
west coast DJ OF THE YEAR Kwake • Edmonton Pump • Calgary Roofeo • Calgary Sugar Daddy • Saskatoon T-Bone • Saskatoon Touch It • Edmonton
VANCOUVER DJ OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY FILA Arems Hedspin Jial 14 J-Swing P-Luv Relik
EAST COAST DJ OF THE YEAR 4PLAE • Halifax DJ Dollar • Halifax Nasty Naz • Fredericton RS Smooth • Halifax STV • Fredericton Y-Rush • Halifax
TORONTO DJ OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY FILA Baba Kahn Ill Kidz Jester P Plus Ritz Wristpect
CENTRAL DJ OF THE YEAR D-Lo • Winnipeg Fin-S • Winnipeg Illo • Ottawa iLon • Ottawa Miss M. • Winnipeg White Gold • Kitchener
CANADIAN HIP HOP SINGLE OF THE YEAR - PRESENTED BY HIP HOP CANADA Classified • Anybody Listening Drake ft. Lil Wayne • Ransom Famous • Ain’t No Use Kardinal Offishall ft. Akon • Dangerous Luu Breeze • Charge It To The Game Page ft. Drake • I’m Still Fly Saukrates ft. King Reign & Drake • Fades Away
CANADIAN R&B SINGLE OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY THE NEW FLOW 93.5• Andreena Mill ft. Saukrates • U, Me and Tomorrow• Danny Fernandes • Fantasy Deborah Cox • Beautiful U R Kim Davis • Valentine 4 Life Leila • Like Me Melanie Fiona • Give It 2 Me Right Shannon Alvares ft. Rochester • Crush Rmx
FEMALE DJ OF THE YEAR DJ Karyen • Ottawa Game Girl • Edmonton Lissa Monet • Toronto Miss M. • Winnipeg Queen of Spades • Toronto Si Vu Play • Toronto Tasha Rozez • Toronto
MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR - PRESENTED BY PIONEER PRO DJ Agile • Toronto Love Jay • Toronto Big Jacks and Royale • Grand Groove Ol’ School R&B Flavas • Toronto D@x • H-O Radio Vol. 21 • Montreal Divsa • Collision Course • Toronto Law Paid My Dues Vol. 3 • Toronto Pump Sevonte Swang Boogie Funk 2009 • Calgary Wristpect Bridging The Gap Vol. 3 • Toronto
CLUB MC OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY HEINEKEN Almighty Chops • Montreal Future da Prince • Toronto Kid Kut • Toronto RG • Toronto Tha Coach • Winnipeg T-Rexxx • Toronto Trixx • Toronto
UNDERGROUND HIP HOP DJ OF THE YEAR - PRESENTED BY ATHLETES WORLD Big Jacks • Toronto Ducats • Ottawa Grouch • Toronto Law • Toronto Mensa • Toronto Sage • Vancouver Wristpect • Toronto
RATED NEXT DJ OF THE YEAR Goldade • Vancouver James Redi • Toronto Jemz • Montreal Kold Fusion • Toronto Pick • Vancouver Yao • Montreal
REGGAE DJ OF THE YEAR Black Reaction • Toronto Fyah Kid Steenie • Toronto Lindo P. • Toronto Little Thunder • Montreal Spex • Toronto Suppa Natty • Toronto Vertex Sound • Toronto
SOCA DJ OF THE YEAR D’ Bandit • Toronto Jester • Toronto JUK (Jump Up Kings) • Toronto MarXman • Toronto Massive Vibes • Ottawa Soca Monarchs • Toronto Soca Sweetness • Toronto
CLUB DJ OF THE YEAR - PRESENTED BY MARC ECKO WATCHES 4 Korners • Toronto Baba Kahn • Toronto Faction SoundCrew • Vancouver Fin-S • Winnipeg Ill Kidz • Toronto Jester • Toronto Kwite Sane • Montreal P Plus • Toronto Payce • Montreal Wristpect • Toronto
INTERNATIONAL HIP HOP SINGLE OF THE YEAR Busta Rhymes • Arab Money Kanye West • Heartless Kardinal Offishall ft Akon • Dangerous Kid Cudi • Day N’ Night Lil’ Wayne • A Milli T.I. ft Justin Timberlake • Dead and Gone
INTERNATIONAL R&B SINGLE OF THE YEAR Beyonce • Single Ladies Jamie Foxx • Blame It Jazmine Sullivan • Lions, Tigers & Bears M.I.A. • Paper Planes Ne-Yo • Miss Independent The Dream • Rockin That Thang
HALL OF FAME 2009 RECIPIENTS DJ Earl da Pearl • Vancouver Maceo Sound • Toronto
www.stylusgroup.ca www.stylusdjawards.com www.marceckotime.ca
MYSPACE DJ PAGE OF THE YEAR - PRESENTED BY MYSPACE CANADA Ase • Toronto D@x • Montreal Glew • Toronto Jester • Toronto Charlie Brown • Toronto Spence Diamonds • Toronto Wristpect • Toronto
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topten
music APRIL09
club bangerstopten
10 Lions, Tigers and Bears – Jazmine Sullivan 9 Ain’t I – Yung L.A. Ft. Young Dro & T.I. 8 Diva – Beyonce 7 Magnificent – Rick Ross ft. John Legend 6 Just Like Me – Jamie Fox Ft. T.I. 5 Kiss Me Thru The Phone – Soulja Boy Ft. Sammie 4 Dead & Gone – T.I. ft. Justin Timberlake 3 Beep Beep – Bobby Valentino 2 Rockin That Thing – Dream 1 Blame It – Jamie Fox ft. T-Pain
hip hoptopten
10 Rick Ross ft. John Legend – Magnificent 9 Fat Joe FT. Ron browz, Lil wayne - Winding on me 8 Drake Ft. Lil wayne, Santo Gold – Unstopable 7 Jadakiss Ft. Swiss Beats - Who’s real 6. CNN ft. Ron Browz, Busta, Jadakiss - Rotate Rmx 5 Lil Wayne Ft. Drake, Jae Millz - Every Girl 4 Busta Rhymes Ft. T-Pain - Hustlers Anthem 3 Soulja Boy Ft. Lil Wayne, Jim Jones, Maino, Young Jeezey, Jadakiss - Swagg on Rmx 2 Dj Class Ft. Kanye - Im the Ish rmx 1 Yung L.A. ft. Rick Ross, Maino, & Lil’ Wayne - Ain’t I rmx
dancehalltopten
10 Laden - Time To Shine 9 Elephant Man - Sasa Step 8 Mavado - So Blessed 7 Vybz Kartel - Don’t Run 6 RDX - Wibble Wobble 5 Shaggy - Bad Man Don’t Cry 4 Busy Signal - Mek She Stamma 3 Elephant Man - Sweep (rmx) 2 Spragga Ben - Tiny Tot 1 Vybz Kartel & Spic - Ramping Shop
socatopten
10 Hold You Down - Zan 9 Jep Sting RMX - Hunter, Kes, & Ravi B 8 Drunk Again - Benjai 7 Tanty Say - Benjai 6 Sweetness - Traffik FT. Shyane Bailey 5 Bacchanal-DestraGarcia4 Won’t Stop-MachelMontano3Tusty-Blaxx 2HeavyT-FayeAnnLyons-Alverez1MeetSuperblue-FayeAnnLyons-Alverez
RnBtopten
10 VIDEO PHONE – BEYONCE 9 DIVA - BEYONCE 8 BUST YOUR WINDOWS RMX - JAZMINE SULLIVAN FT.CECILE 7 SOMETIMES - KIM DAVIS 6 IM NOT OK - DREAM 5 LIONS TIGERS, BEARS - JAZMINE SULLIVAN 4 MISS INDEPENDENT - NEYO 3 HALO - BEYONCE 2 NEVER EVER - CIARA 1 ROCKIN THAT THANG - DREAM
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Cheryl Martinez analyzingthesituation
- D’ANALYST
“Analyzing the Situation” column presents to you the readers, for the 1st time ever, a very famous and familiar face in our Entertainment Industry:
Miss Cheryl Martinez
After getting mind blasted, not only by
Miss Sex Appeal
the pictures from , the content of her past experience, and the large amount of work she has done to date, I was able to do the usual sit down and get a ONE on ONE moment with the superstar. How has life been growing up in Long Island/NYC? I loved growing up in the suburbs, but I have to admit I am a true New York city girl. I love the fast-paced environment and the versatility of people! What was your main influence that brought you into the Entertainment Industry? When I was just 3 years old I began training for the Entertainment Industry. My parents knew that I was born to be a star, so they put me in dance classes right away! As I got older I began taking private voice lessons, and then I started testing with different photographers. I love performing and pretty much anything that has to do with being on stage, so I guess you could say that my passion and my heart are what brought me into this industry! I noticed you have quite a bit of versatility all over your resume. What was the most outstanding accomplishment you have done to date? My most outstanding accomplishment to date would have to be the 2009 B.A.D. Girls Swimsuit Calendar on sale now at www.bigappledancers.com! I produced
and co-ordinated the entire calendar, and I am the CEO of the company! You can see me on the cover, and as Miss January, and you can enter to win a FREE Autographed Calendar from me at www.cherylmartinez.com/fanclub.php! Tools For Talent seems to be an amazing business, which supports opportunities for people interested in getting started in the industry of modelling, music, television, film, theatre etc. How well is that working for you and what plans do you have where do you like to see it go in the future? When I decided to pursue the entertainment industry I would have loved an all-in-one source like Tools For Talent to help boost my career. That is where my inspiration came from to create this community website where we can all help each other rise to the top! TFT is America’s #1 site for aspiring and professional Actors, Dancers, Models, Music Artists, and Industry Clients. We are the only site that provides all of the tools necessary to succeed in the Television, Film, Theatre, Music, & Modelling Industries. We offer exclusive Castings & Auditions, Tips For Success, Directories, Resources, and Photographers. TFT is a great way for Talent & Clients to professionally promote themselves and network within the Entertainment Industry. Also with TFT, Clients have a fast and reliable source to find diverse talent for their projects. Be sure to sign up for a FREE Membership at www.toolsfortalent.com, launching this summer! Do you have any role models you look up to? I respect and look up to Beyonce, Diddy, Mariah, and Usher, just to name a few. They have inspired me to work hard and to follow my dreams. They are More than just artists, they are intelligent, talented, and respected entrepreneurs that have expanded their careers beyond the music industry. That is my goal, and they have helped show me that anything is possible with hard work and dedication!
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Cheryl Martinez
What does Miss Sex Appeal do when she is not out and about working and away from the stardom, any favourite past times? Whenever I am not working, which is not often, I love taking classes at Broadway Dance Centre, writing music, and spending time with my family & friends.
With such a busy life always working etc. how is the personal life, is there a special someone in your life? Unfortunately, I do not have much free time, and that does affect my personal life. My boyfriend is also in the music industry (he is the CEO of L.E.S.G.O. Ent.), so at least we understand each other and what it takes to make it in this industry. Can you share an interesting story which happened in your teaching career? I love teaching and inspiring students, especially through dance. I’ve helped kids improve their technique and confidence while having fun. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to teach anymore, but I will never forget my students. So, I have invited them to come dance in my music video for my new single “Bad Girl!” What do you find to be the hardest part of your teaching experience as an instructor? I wanted to teach my students more then just dance, so I decided to get my Aerobics Certification by the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America. With that I was able to take my students’ dance careers to the next levelwith fitness and nutrition awareness, as well as intense cardio and body sculpting.
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Which Artist have you most enjoyed working with above all others throughout your career? I very much enjoyed working with Beyonce on the set of her music video “If I Were a Boy.” It was a great experience and pleasure being on the set and working with both Beyonce and Director Jake Nava. I played the role of the lead female cop and you can see me in the video at www.youtube.com/cherylmartinez! I noticed you’re currently focusing on your music career… what genre of music are you targeting and who are you looking forward to working with from the music industry in the future? My music falls into multiple categories because I love many genres of music. On my upcoming solo album you will hear crossover pop/hip-hop/R&B/dance. I am willing to collaborate with anyone who wants to create great music that can inspire the soul and take people to another level. Add me on myspace.com/cherylmartinez to hear my latest music! A bit political but I must ask…What do you think about our new President Elect Mister Barak Obama? I did a video tribute to Obama that speaks for itself, where you will see me singing “America The Beautiful” a capella. Check it out at www.youtube.com/cherylmartinez! -D’Analyst
Killa Cam is Back!
We welcome HARLEMS FINEST & DIPSET’S FOUNDER BACK TO THE GAME
Cam Hates his Job but we Don’t! — Ryan Morrison
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hen people bow out of the rap game for a while, to pursue other opportunities in business or entertainment, there is always a prevailing sense that they’ll be back. Cam’Ron was one of these artists who disappeared to pursue his film career after producing the film companion to his album ‘Killa Season’ in 2006. He was released from his then label Asylum after the release of his movie. We can only assume that this was done after an abysmal showing for his film which was a critical and commercial bomb. Now he’s back doing what he does best: The rap game. His new album ‘Crime Pays’ is scheduled to come out May fifth, but his new song ‘Cookies and Apple Juice’ is already out on the internet. He also has released the song ‘I Hate My Job’, complete with a video available on youtube. He has been doing the publicity rounds, showing up on the cover of XXL and doing various interviews. Though he is probably best known for his work at Roc-a-Fella records, releasing his first three albums with them and childhood friend Damon Dash, his move to Asylum was because he was upset that his projects were not receiving the promotion they deserved. His first success came with his album ‘Come Home With Me’ and his follow up quickly went platinum as well. The third album with Roc-a-Fella only received a gold status and thus he parted ways with the label. But he still had other projects on the go. Apart from film, Cam’Ron was also in two other rap groups, Children of the Corn and The Diplomats. Though Children of the Corn parted ways after member Bloodshed (who is also Cam’Ron’s cousin) died and only released a one album for their efforts, Cam’Ron still carried on in his own career. He maintained three record deals through The Diplomats and members of the group, namely Julez Santana, all had business deals with Def Jam, Asylum and Koch, all of which his Diplomats were signed to. He has always been a man of his
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business, and innovator and a promoter. He once wore nothing but pink in public to promote his album ‘Come Home With Me’ which ended up being his best selling album to date. He coined the Stop Snitchin’ movement after he was shot when someone tried to car jack his Lamboughini. He has his own cognac based drink SIZZURP, named for a ghetto favourite. And he is most definitely not shy to get out to trade shows and stores to promote his growing brand. Cam’Ron now stands at a moment in his career where he has his past success to his credit, and his low points behind him, this album could send him back to the top of the charts and to a new level in his game. Regardless of whether the music is successful in bringing in the audiences, you can be sure that Killa Cam will be working on something new and innovative. Because if there is one thing you can say about him: He’s a walking success machine!
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So you placed your heart on the line, and it was returned shattered- cry, be angry, go ahead and let it out but do not blame the other person your partners choose to cheat with. Blame it on your (hopefully former) partner instead. Time and time again, I have seen and heard the anger expressed to this third party, deflecting it away from your actual partner. Why? You did not enter into a relationship with this ‘other’ person, they do not ‘owe’ you anything so to speak. Do not let your affection for the person who hurt you, blind you. When you cut yourself you put a band aid over your wound and give it time to heal- you also need to remember to remove it. Hiding from the pain is in no way aiding you to find a new relationship or help you get over an old one.
STATEyobusiness n o i t i d al E what is a relationship? Speci
Due to the frequent nature of the questions I continually receive, I have decided to compile the “what is...” all you need to know:
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hat is a relationship? What is a man, what is a woman? What is heartbreak? These are questions, which may seem basic or and concrete but, they are in-fact not very concrete and plague virtually everyone at some time or another. When we join one another in a union, we enter into an unseen ‘contract’ in which both parties ‘agree’ upon certain rights and privileges. So, why is it then, that when one puts all their time and effort into someone, exchanging vows before God in some cases, that the contract is broken? Like all contracts, both par-
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ties enter into a relationship with an ‘unknown’ outcome. Simply put, you are risking whatever you invest in the relationship, and you agree to lose these things if the contract should fail.
So, ‘what is’ a man? ‘What is’ a woman? Society tells us that a man and a woman are the sum of their parts; more bluntly stated a man has a penis and a woman has a vagina. Or is man/woman just a construct of gender? This is often how society misconstrues it: a man is his penis and thus dominant and ‘powerful’. Women are their vaginas, thus subservient to their male counterpart. What happened to a woman’s sexuality? Why is it overshadowed by the man’s sexuality? Society has a tendency to objectify women a certain way; to dress a certain way, act a certain way and be sexually fulfilling and attractive for a man. The problem with this is pretty clear, but when did society hold a gun to your head ladies? Forcing you to except these ridiculous ideals? One of the main issues is that men are dominant in most relationships because, women tend to be enablers. For example, a cheating man or husband who has done it more than once has a better chance of being taken back than a woman who was caught in infidelity. This only enables the man to do it because he knows if she should ever find out again, she’ll be upset, but will take him back in the end: Ladies stop!
important to most people of course, and I am not arguing that. Sex appeal and dressing in ‘scandalous’ clothing often makes you feel confident- hey if you have it flaunt it- but remember you are more than your breasts, and ass. Why let yourself be seen as solely that? In most cases society already tell us how to dress, what to listen to, what’s hot and what’s not. In individual cases why not be who you want to be, especially in a relationship? Women, you are your own being. You can be a man just as well as you are being a women. Stand up, forget the man who dominated you or still is. Remember that a relationship is a partnership not a superior and subordinate Stop depending on a man, be your own woman; no one justifies you but YOU! Most importantly do not ever let a man hold you back. If he can be as selfish as to make you choose between him and something that will take you to your dream, he never really cared to see you shine in the first place, right? As the song goes,
“Man does come, man does go, let them go, let them go”!
Take a stance against men who see you as weak, or emotional, or as a sex object! Stop belittling yourself! I am not here to judge you, but open your eyes. Beauty is
Now with that said, for all you out there who have been hurt, I promise you that you are stronger than your pain. My goal is to make you aware of this risk, but I do not want to obscure your view of a relationship and risks involved. Risks are a big part of life, especially when you begin a journey with somebody. Do not let someone new pay for the past mistakes of somebody else from your past. So, ‘what is’ heartbreak? Heartbreak can stem from different things but specifically I will focus on the main aspect of heartbreak, which is the dissolution of a relationship, because of infidelity.
specialingin: branding and logo design brochure & flyer design editorial design advertising design corporate identity materials business card design reports & marketing materials corporate website design
michellebrijlal
graphicdesigner
mb-creative@live.ca
Fashion&Beauty withtrishislandbesos
Wakeup! Time for Makeup!
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inter’s coming to end so that means that it’s time for us to start stretching our beauty muscles, and getting ready to bring our swaggz full blast for the coming warm months of 2009! It’s time for the spring fairies to flutter into our lives and get us ready for the colourful buds of beauty and fashion. Springtime is always very inspiring for all of us; the fresh air surely does awaken our souls and inspire us to create and renew our ability to be progressive in all aspects of our lives. I want you to harness that new energy and put it into creating the best YOU that you can be for 2009. “Get ya’ Fashion on!” On the note of “waking up out of hibernation”, I wanted to give a couple tips on dealing with a few issues we may have in the morning.
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Puffy eyes - Depuff them Before you jump in the shower or even start your process of getting ready, run to your fridge and pop 2 spoons in the freezer. Once you’re out the shower, wash your face with cold water then place convex part of the spoons over your eyes for about 5 - 10 minutes. This helps depuff those puppies a lot! It would be best if those spoons can be placed in the fridge overnight. Another great trick is to take two slices of a cold cucumber from the fridge and place it on your eyes after washing your face with cold water. Tired eyes, sleep deprived? Makeup tricks The last thing you need is the office knowing that you partied like a Rockstar last night. Going a step further after the cold spoons and cucumbers, we step to our vanity mirror for makeup time! Using a concealer in a slightly warmer shade (a more yellowish tone) than your skin, Dab a tiny bit on the inside corner of your eye, and blend it into your skin by tapping lightly with your ring finger. Now just go ahead
and apply your foundation on your face. The next step is to use a pearly eyeliner in a shade anywhere from cream to white, and highlight the inner corner of the eye and line the inner part of your lower lid. Instantly you would see your eyes pop! Now to really open up those pretty eyes just apply your mascara and curl your lashes. Now your eyes have gone from 7:30am to lunchtime! Now that we’ve gotten over the waking up part, it is time to be experimental and creative. PLAY WITH COLOUR! Spring is all about colours! Look out for all the new colours and releases from names such as MAC and L’Oreal with their spring products. MAC cosmetics recently created a buzz with their Hello Kitty line, which launched in late February. For my reviews on these products and video tutorials on different looks for the season and more, feel free to add me on Facebook. You can find me as “Trish Island Besos”. Until next time, stay Fabulous!! Love,
Trish Island Besos 16
watch out now!
CharlesReed
– Lisa Persaud
YOU’RE ONE OF THE FAST RISING STARS IN THE BUSINESS, YET A LOT OF READERS DON’T KNOW THAT YOU’VE BEEN IN THE SCENE FOR JUST A HOT MINUTE! THROW IT OUT THERE: WHO IS CHARLES REED AND WHAT ARE YOU AND YOUR MUSIC ABOUT? Hello world my name is Charles Reed, Hailing from the Home Of The O’ Jays, Cleveland, Ohio. In My Music I’m being me, point blank period. I will not stay in one genre; I bring sex and variety to another height. AT THE AGE OF 14 YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO BE AN ENTERTAINER; YOU HAVE SKILLS SUCH AS SONG WRITING, DANCING, ACTING AND MODELLING. THAT’S PRETTY MATURE AND AMBITIOUS OF A YOUNG TEEN… HOW DID YOU MANAGE JUGGLING TEEN-HOOD ALONG WITH YOUR LONG TERM DREAMS? Creating has always been my #1 love, no matter what it is, I’m always trying to find a new way. So growing up in the business has always been easy, and when you can sing the girls are always important, my swag comes naturally. (Smiling) THESE SKILLS LANDED YOU ROLES IN NUMEROUS PLAYS AND INDEPENDENT FILMS. CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THE EXPERIENCE? WHAT DID YOU LEARN, DID IT HELP YOU GROW, ETC? I look at life as a gift everyday. When you open that gift everyday, it’s on you to make something of it. I’ve learned young that what I don’t do- somebody else will. And that continues my drive through every move I make in life. YOU QUOTED THAT “GROWING UP IN YOUR HOUSE, SAYING ‘YOU CAN’T’ WAS WORSE THAN MURDER…” I TAKE IT YOUR PARENTS PLAYED A SUPPORTIVE AND INFLUENTIAL ROLE IN YOUR CAREER. DID YOU FIND THEIR PRESSURE TO BE MOTIVATING OR DID IT ADD TO YOUR STRESS? My parents have been very supportive since day one with everything I’ve chose to do, either sing-
ing or working a 9 to 5. They have always said “I Can’t” should never be in my vocab, and if it came out ya moth all hell broke loose..lol.. It was hard and confusing at first but nothing is stopping me now ASIDE FROM THE CHURCH AND YOUR PARENTS, WHO OR WHAT ELSE PLAYED AN INFLUENTIAL FACTOR IN YOUR DECISION TO PURSUE THE MUSIC BUSINESS? My big homie Casino Joe of The Rude Boys & Jay Shawn Champion, they helped mould me into the vocalist & writer I am today. Avant, Dave Tolliver of ‘Men at Large’ and the late great Gerald Levert have also played a major part in me pursuing my dreams. Just seeing their work ethics and being involved with their projects has been very helpful to me today
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO GET INTO THE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT? Just stay determined, don’t let nothing or no one tell you, that you can’t do you. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM MR REED IN 2K9? We’ll I’m working on the album as we speak; I ‘m always booked for something so I will keep you posted on my websites so stay tuned. ANY SHOUTOUTS? Yes.. I would like to first thank GOD for my blessing every day. I would like to shout out my Parents and family, Da Union, My Bang Charts Team, My Star Studded Fam, Dade Town ENT, Iconz, Poe Boy, Oz-N-Deacon, gutter inc., Unk Ent., All The DJ’s Supporting me and coming on boards, The Industry Mag thanks For the interview. and last but never least MY FANS.. We have journey ahead of us let’s keep it movin’…I love Ya’ll Oh! If I left anybody out sorry but this isn’t the Grammies yet?..lol www.myspace.com/charlesreed • www.youtube. com/charlesreedtv • charlesreed.ning.com • twitter.com/charlesreed
YOU’VE BLESSED THE STAGES WITH MANY OTHER LEADING ARTISTS IN THE INDUSTRY SUCH AS LIL WAYNE, KEISHA COLE, T.I, JAHIEM, AVANT, AND MANY OTHERS… WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING THE SAME STAGE AS THESE TOP ACTS? It’s always fun and a blessing, but when I’m on that stage the only thing that matters, is giving the audience a show. Now, don’t get me wrong, I observe the other acts cause I’m still learning everyday, and one day it will be me headlining. Practice makes perfect, ya dig. OF ALL THE SHOWS YOU’VE PERFORMED AT… WHICH WOULD YOU SAY HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT AND WHY? Every show is a Learning process, but I would have to say earlier performances coming up. Because those are the ones where I saw what really worked for me, before stepping in that big arena with the big boys. THERE ARE SO MANY PROS AND CONS TO THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS…WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT AND WHAT DO YOU HATE? Um…I love being able to reach the people with my music, and knowing that there are those out there that feel the same way I do. I DO RECALL WHEN I WAS INTRODUCED TO YOU IN MIAMI, A FRIEND REFERRED TO YOU AS THE “NEXT NEYO”…HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THESE COMPARISONS? (laughing) That doesn’t bother me at all NE-YO has hits, I appreciate his artistry, but I’m creating my own lane.
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randy gets naughty with
Naughty by Nature Our own Randy Persaud was able to speak to ‘Naughty by Nature’ from their tour bus as they got ready to play Calgary, Alberta. Here is what we got out of them:
How’s it feel to be in Canada? I love it. We did a coast to coast run in Canada a few years back. Actually we started in Toronto and ended up on the West coast and then ran back to the East coast. You didn’t take the bus did you? Yeah definitely, we took a flight out of New Jersey and then took the tour bus right through Canada.
done with this tour, Kay Gee is back still mixing the album... when we get back on the sixteenth, we’ll square up on distribution and start putting out those solid singles for everybody. You can expect singles to be out June or July and the album to be out in September. I was a huge fan back in the day. I’m doing some math, 1989 til now: That’s twenty years! We’re celebrating some milestones here. You guys have stayed in the game for twenty years! How do you do that? We’re really hands on, no one put us together. We have a lot of passion and most importantly, we’re always really hands on with our fans, we’re all about people. I think that is the ultimate testament to staying power, is being hands on with your fans. You weren’t called Naughty by Nature when you started back in 89. No, we called ourselves ‘The New Style’. We were just doing our high school talent show, and we didn’t even have a name, we just had a routine. And we were scratching Beastie Boys’ “It’s the new style.” so after we were done and there was such a great response, we were like, we should call ourselves The New Style.
Do you feel like the fans in Canada are any different? Do you get a different vibe from them? Naughty fans are like universal, they’re the same all over the world. So when we come to Canada we get nothing but love. The whole tour has been crazy for us.
The way I remember it ‘rap’ was political back in the day and hip-hop is commercial. Is that fair to say? Well, some people flip-flop it and say that hip-hop is the culture with the MCs, turntables, graffiti artists etc. and rap is commercial. But it doesn’t matter, its all beautiful. Just look at how much this culture has grown. Its world wide.
Are you guys coming out with a new album? Yes. We just finished our new album called ‘Handsome Ink’, with our original DJ and producer Kay Gee. So Treach and I, when we are
What are your thoughts on the Chris Brown and Rihanna situation? I believe it’s an unfortunate situation. In my thirty-eight years I’ve never laid a hand on a woman, but their
situation is their situation, and Chris Brown has got to realize that they are coming at celebrities hard now-a-days. In your last album in 2002, your DJ Kay Gee was missing. Now he’s back, so what did you guys learn from that experience? It was a matter of growth. We had been working together since 1983 and we were all pretty close, but you know, like brothers, you just get tired of each other after a while. And Kay Gee just wanted to explore his producing and his R and B side. So he left, but then for this album he came back. You know we live in the same area and members of our families are married to each other. So while we were in our little fight a lot of factions in our family stayed together, so when he came back, we were all ready to get this thing back together. We knew it was bound to happen, it was just a matter of time. Do you agree that women are over sexualized in hip-hop? Yeah, in videos its like, if you want a hot video, get some hot half naked chicks in there. But what’s being forgotten is the talent pool of all the actual female hip-hop artists. It’s a shame. There is a lot of this happening in the media where women are being told that to be famous they have to be models, not talented at all. Kids are being bombarded with superficial images and its just a culture of consuming that’s saying ‘you are nothing but a consumer’. Why are we producing CDs still? Everyone is listening to mp3s, so what’s happening to album sales? Most music, I bet you’re going to see, is being given away for free. No Doubt is giving away their whole library to anyone who buys tickets to their up coming tour. Music is now like a loss leader. We make more money off our website that sells t-shirts and boxers and DVDs right now. So yeah, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to make money still in this business. (At this point Randy and Vinny get sidetracked and start talking about the subtle differences between Canadian and American beer. It was kind of funny for a while. Then Randy demanded to talk to Treach who had been sitting in the back of the bus for the last
half an hour as he talked to Vinny- Ed) How many more tour dates you guys got left? Like Eleven. When are you guys coming to Toronto? (Yelling to Vinny) When are we going to be in Toronto? (Pause) We’ll be there on the thirteenth. I’m definitely going to be there. I want to ask you about your acting career. How’d that come about? You debuted in ‘Juice’ (1992) with Tupac, right? I actually got my first reading to be ‘Bishop’ that Tupac got. But me and Tupac were on a tour together with Queen Latifah and when he was filming he said ‘Get over here and I’ll get you a part in the movie. How was working with Sam Jackson in ‘Who’s the Man’? It’s an honour, man. I’m like a fan that ends up working with their idols, so its all just a blessing. Keep doing your thing, you guys are so real! Canada loves you! We love Canada man! Thank you so much! The Industry would like to join Randy Persaud and thank Vinny and Treach for speaking to us.
Kobe Vs Lebron –
COMING TO THE NBA FINALS 2009? - James Borbath: daily writer in the Dino Nation Blog that is part of The Score Sports Federation. It is a safe bet that by the time you are reading this the Toronto Raptors will be mathematically eliminated from the Playoffs. That being said, the NBA Playoffs will be heading your way regardless, with or without the Raptors. In this season there has been a debate concerning who will be named MVP: Lebron James or Kobe Bryant?
will have a place in the conversation of NBA history when their careers are over. Everyone seems to have an opinion.
Now, who ultimately wins that title will not have anything to do with the playoffs. All NBA awards are voted on at the end of the Regular Season, which has been something that has been constantly questioned. An embarrassing quick exit for Dirk Nowitski in the playoffs made his MVP award presentation a tad awkward, to say the least.
Basketball, in its history, has had both individual and team rivalries. Last year at the Finals, we saw one of the greatest of those team rivalries when we saw the Celtics face off with the Lakers. It was a bitter defeat for Kobe, it must have been hard to swallow for one of the greatest competitors in the NBA.
I think it is a safe bet that regardless of if Kobe or Lebron were to win that they would still be playing basketball. If Dwayne Wade was to win the award it might not be a guarantee that he would be still be playing. However, Wade is making a strong but late push to get in the race. In a segment I taped at The Score with D.J Bennett and Randy Urban, I suggested that it is time for Wade to win. Time will tell if I was right or not. D-Wade aside, this season has been all about Kobe and/or Lebron. Who is the best? Which will be the greater of the two? Who will be the one that come closest to being considered in the company of Jordan and other legends in the game? It is clear both
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The first thing that a supporter of Kobe will point out is all his Championship Rings. Lebron has already appeared in the finals and that did not work out so well as his Cavs were swept aside by the Spurs. Kobe however, as Shaq will gladly point out, won all of his Championships with him and there is no question that Kobe Bryant wants to match the title ring count that Shaq has gained. Since the two had a parting and Shaq went on to win a title in Miami. There is an outside chance that Shaq and Kobe could face off in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Lebron James will have to make his way past the defending Champion Celtics, so at some point you would figure if he is going to make it to this years Finals.
The NBA has had its share of individual rivalries as well. You had way back, before most of the readers of this magazine were born, Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlin. You had it in the 80’s with Magic and Bird. Is the Rivalry for the 2K Kobe vs. Lebron? It is a bit different in the sense that Kobe is at the latter years of his career and Lebron is just starting to scratch the surface of what he is going to be. They both came straight out of high school. Lebron James is an astounding athletic talent that is almost super human in what he is capable of. Kobe is a deadly killer on a basketball court that has done things that are beyond amazing. 81 points is one that Raptors fans will remember. Lebron has also had career moments against the Raptors as well. Both have their career highs against Toronto.
The debate of who is the better of the two superstars will be one that rages on for a long time to come. If these two players can find their way to the finals this year, it will go a long way to adding to the debate. The Boston Celtics and the fans of the Celtics will not like to hear it, but honestly, people want to see Kobe and the Lakers vs. Lebron and the Cavs in the NBA Finals. The San Antonio Spurs and their fans also are not fans of this. The Spurs and Celtics are the two teams that likely stand as the roadblocks to what could be a very memorable NBA Finals for the history books. I know that as a fan of the game generally, that is what I am personally pulling for, with no Raptor bias to get in the way.
Would a win in the NBA finals end the debate of who is better? Not by a long shot. It will only add to it. However even though basketball fans love these kind of debates, no matter whom you support, be it Kobe or Lebron, know this, you will be telling you grand-kids some day how great both of these guys were. We live in a great era of basketball that has many stars and talents. At the top of that list is Kobe and Lebron. Regardless of who ranks number 1 on your list it is clear that we are all lucky to say we have watched both. The road to this year’s NBA Finals will have moments in both Cleveland and L.A. It has the potential of providing lots of great moments along the way, so enjoy them all!
the single “Mafia Music” featured on the album was leaked on the net, it raised eyebrows to be known as a call out to rapper 50 cent. After mentioning Curtis Jackson with a target to his baby’s mother Shaniqua Tompkins, Ross ends the track with the words “Thinkin bout Boss, not thinkin bout dem, this is a letter to my enemies, one I won’t send, Amen”. Is this another episode of hip hop beef? On an interview with BET’s 106 & Park, Ross makes it concrete that it is not beef because “where I am from, beef gets real ugly, so you know what I mean, I’m doing me, I’m letting music take its course”.
DEEPERthanRAP:
RICKROSS
The First Cut — Joel Persaud
“Everyday I’m hustling, everyday I’m, everyday I’m, everyday I’m hustling”, to get that dollar right? Well in this case
let’s break it down to the second quarter. Previously known for shaking up the music industry with over 700,000 copies sold of his first album, “The Port of Miami” with Slip-N-Slide records, Rick Ross’s determination has lead him to a tremendous amount of success in his musical career. The magnificent Rick Ross, signed to Def Jam records, became the founder of Maybach Music group on the verge of releasing his third album titled “Deeper Than Rap”. The release will contain production by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, T.I, Kanye West and many other producers. The album is known to also feature artists such as: Nas, John Legend, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, T pain, and Tripple C’s.
W
hy the name Deeper than Rap? Ross states that the album’s title selected was chosen because, “It is deeper than music, deeper than the
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videos, deeper than rap, when the album hits the streets it will explain everything”. In the duration between working on the album Ross dropped “Still the Trillest”, a street mix tape hosted by Dj Infamous. This mix tape was used to keep his “buzz” in the streets. Another buzz in the streets was, that William Leonard Roberts, also known as Rick Ross, was a certified correctional officer in his prime with a leak of a photo of him in his C.O uniform. This is crucial to his appeal and everything that he raps about in all of his music, from the drugs, gangs and his opposition to authority. Ross knew that his past was going to cathch up with him. This was critical for the market of Ross’s music and possibly the main reason why the album release date was pushed back. The set date for the album release was March 24 2009 but was further pushed to April 21. Although this had occurred previously with his second album “Trilla” due to a failure of responses of his lead single, “Cigar Music”. It is said to be the same reason for the single “Mafia Music” on “Deeper than Rap”. As deep as the album is, it only gets deeper. When
“It is deeper than music, deeper than the videos, deeper than rap, when the album hits the streets it will explain everything” – Rick Ross
The feud was known to be sparked at the 2008 Bet Awards with a case of mean mugging between the two artists. Although Fifty claims to not have seen Ross, this was the first cut in the feud and the first cut is the deepest. Ross claims that Fifty’s music has a negative impact on New York City, trying to shut his own people down in the city like Ja rule and Fat Joe. With several threats sent to Ross from Fifty, Ross feels that Fifty’s games are foolish. Now referring to Fifty as monkey, Ross is not frightened with the rumors of Fifty being a career demolisher. He keeps a thurough emphasis on his uniqueness and originality that he has to offer, “When people write something, if it’s something that’s not authentic, they don’t know what I’ve lived.” In addition to the drama, it consistently goes back and forth with various musical visual and cartoon disses like the officer Ricky cartoons and the pimping curly scenes by Fifty. Fans are hoping it just stays like that and does not lead to a physical confrontation. With all the negative fingers being pointed at Ross, he is not letting it stop him from bringing out the hottest music out at the moment. Ross concludes that “They don’t know what I did; they’ll never know. If you think [what I talk about] is fake, don’t get yourself hurt out here. However, do not get it twisted. All you rappers trying to come up … do not do that or you will learn the hard way. I don’t do no threatening; I keep it 100. When you see me, keep it 100. Say what you feel. That is what I do, that is what I always do. What I come from and what I represent, you can never disrespect it.” Will this cut go deeper than rap? Buy the album “Deeper than Rap” April 21st 2009.
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Easter Bunnies, pastel colours and chocolate have become important features of Easter and Spring. This issue, our dearest readers will find innovative ways to celebrate Easter. Whether you want to plan something fun and exciting to do with young ones or just for yourself, these crafts are sure to please. *All crafts are child friendly and are sure to be funfilled. Sponge Painted Easter Eggs What you’ll need: Hard boiled eggs • Acrylic craft paints • Household sponge • Paper towel • Small bowl of water • Empty egg carton How to make it: Soak the sponge in water, then ring it out completely. • Cut the sponge into several different pieces, enough so that you have one for each color. • Using a paper plate, squeeze out small amounts of several different colors of paint. • Place an empty egg carton upside down so that you can rest your eggs on it to dry once painted. • Hold an egg in your fingers, and with your other hand, dab a sponge into desired paint color. • Dab the sponge onto a piece of paper towel. The object of this is to remove the excess paint, but not completely dry it out. • Now dab the sponge directly onto your egg, using a random pattern you like. Paint as much of the egg as you can and place it down to dry. • Repeat steps four to six for each egg, using different colors. • When one side has dried, complete the other side and allow that to dry as well. Crayon Coloured Easter Eggs What you’ll need: Crayons • Hard boiled eggs How to make it: Be sure that hard boiled eggs are cool and dry. Place a folded kitchen towel on the table underneath the child’s hands so if the egg slips out it will have a soft
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SPECIAL FEATURE
DEATHROWRECORDS Death Row Records Is Now Canadian Owned?— Joel Persaud
cushion to land on. • Use crayons to draw designs on the egg. • Have kids hold the egg gently so they do not crack the shell.
Sitting in death row cell is presumably one of the worst feelings in the world. Death Row Records has busted out of being condemned and is branching out to the rising Canadian industry.
Bunny Bags! What you’ll need: Paper lunch bag or colored gift bag • Craft foam sheets purple and white or construction paper • 2 large google eyes • White craft glue • Scissors • Pencil
Previously owned by Marion ‘Suge’ Knight, the label was known for its notorious gangster rap music in the 1990’s, selling tens of millions of albums worldwide. Death Row was the foundation of rap moguls such as: Dr.Dre, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur.
How to make it: Begin with a piece of foam, slightly larger than your bag on the sides, but about the same height. • Fold the purple foam in half and draw two half circles, as if you were drawing the round parts of a letter “B”. Be careful not to go completely to the fold for the middle line. • Cut along the drawn lines. When you unfold the foam you will have two connecting ovals. • Cut a hole in the center of the smaller oval to serve as a door hanger. • Cut two long rounded pieces of white foam for the ears. • Cut out white pieces of foam for the nose, eyes, whiskers, mouth and teeth.• Arrange all the facial pieces and then glue them in place. • Glue the bunny head to the bag, leaving the ears above the opening of the bag.
The label faced economic downturns as a result of Dr.Dre leaving the label and the death of Tupac Shakur. In 2006, the label was unable to pay a $107 million settlement to Lydia Harris, who claimed to be a co-founder of death row records. The lawsuit resulted in the label filing for bankruptcy. The label left behind tons of ‘lost’ materials from former artists, which are yet to be mastered. On January 15 2009, Death Row Records was auctioned off to a Canadian entertainment company with an offer of $18 million. The Canadian company, WIDEawake Entertainment Group Inc, captured this opportunity to rescue Death Row from its ultimate fate. The Toronto based company stands to receive massive profits from this acquisition. They beat out companies like Warner Music Group, Koch Entertainment and Global Music in the competitive bidding for rights to the scraps of Death Row. WIDEawake worked alongside the infamous entertainment lawyer Chris Taylor to finalize the deal. The company was amazed at the final results. The innovative entertainment company is funded by New Solutions Capital, and is three years old. It also has connections with Toronto and Los Angels’ film and production divisions, headed by Lara Lavi.
Who is Lara Lavi? Lara Lavi, the CEO of WIDEawake entertainment was
the shot caller for this operation. She states “Whenever it’s due, that bill will get paid,” she explains. “This was not an emotional decision. This was a business decision. You can’t go into a deal like this without having a plan.” Ms. Lavi is a dynamic forty eight year old with numerous achievements under her belt in the entertainment industry and over 35 years of experience. She is acknowledged for being an inspiring entrepreneur, a business development specialist, entertainment law attorney, entertainment company executive, TV and film producer, creative writer, song writer, and a recording artist. Lavi is also a mother which is one of her most valuable identities. Not only is Ms.Lavi considered an individual characterized by determination, but she is open-minded to the 26
respond with the history of the “grimy” Death Row Records? “There may be some eyebrow raising as to how a nice Jewish soccer mom/entertainment lawyer/singer-songwriter chick ended up in this position, but I have a very long history working in the music industry with every type of musician there is,” she insists. “The people that are taking over have been involved in the rap movement since it began. Don’t be deceived by the soccer mom answering the questions.” Ms.Lavi’s goal is to build the record label with new incredible versatility and adaptability.
What’s Lara Lavi’s Plans for the Future of the label? The deal between Death Row records and WIDEawake entertainment included unreleased music, samples, intellectual property, assets and contracts from various working artists. The materials on the albums “The Chronic” by Dr Dre, “Doggystyle” by Snoop Dogg, and “All Eyez” on me by Tupac Shakur were also included. exploration of new talents and the versatility that the unique Canadian industry offers. Lavi encountered a love for music at the age of three and developed her piano skills growing up in Pittsburgh, Pa. When she was sixteen, it was indeed sweet for her; she contributed to the creation of popular music and signed a contract as a song writer with Warner Chappell (publisher for Warner Bros). Eventually she released two albums, “The Art of Living” and “Inside the Red Room”, selling approximately over 32 000 copies. Throughout her journey, she performed and recorded with Very Juicy Records as an independent artist. She rocked the house with artists like Cheryl Crow, Charles Neville, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Janet Jackson, Suzanne Vega, Chris Issak, Pam Tillis and the list goes on.
But how does Lara Lavi’s genre cor27
Ms.Lavi expects that, “There’s actually way more stuff that’s never gone to the public than [what’s out there].” This is also relevant to the albums released on behalf of Tupac Shakur after he was murdered. Lavi claims that there are over 40 tracks unreleased by Tupac yet it will be some time before anything is actually released. WIDEawake Entertainment considered working with Tupac’s Mother, Afeni Shakur, to honour these settlements. Another plan that WIDEawake wants to enact is the development of the new soul singer Sean Jones. This is one of Lavi’s main testaments to the new ‘adaptability’ of the Death Row label. Also, the original logo for Death Row contains a hooded figure seated on an electrical chair; this too is to be changed. Lara Lavi feels “The label is no longer destined for death,” she declares. “We have given it a full pardon.”
EYECANDY MODEL tammy torres “Mrs. Officer”
Tammy Torres — I’m a 22yr old Latina from a cuban descent who measures 34D26-40. I’m proud to say I have come long ways to get where I’m at today. Growing up in a small town of Belle Glade FL. I was no stranger to the stage. I have been in tap, ballet and dance class since I can remember performing in front of major audiences. My Parents have always supported me and kept me involved since I was a child. I’m a Phi Theta Kappa Business grad who works as a Real Estate Associate in Miami Beach where I reside. I have an undeniable determination to succeed and ambition to make history. From interning on radio to hosting major shows for Vote Tours as their leading lady in Las Vegas I have learned a lot through out my journey. I’ve worked on many projects such as work out machine commercial “Body Beam”, fashion shows, Fox 29 network as their glamour girl and music videos with some of the biggest recording artist today that includes T.I., Wyclef Jean and eight time Grammy nominated Lil Wayne. With chart topping ‘Mrs. Officer’ Ft. Bobby Valentino off Tha Carter III. I had the opportunity to own the leading role in this major video. “Mrs. Officer” debuted at=20 #86 on the Billboard Hot 100, The song has reached #16 so far, It has rapidly ascended the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. I have been featured in various major magazines that includes covers of Shock, The Wave, and Assets Magazines. Featured in XXL Magazine as 2009 first EyeCandy of the Year. HipHop Weekly Vol. 4 issue3 2009, Ozone Magazine and Blackmens Magazine. You can keep yourself updated with my next projects and upcoming events by logging onto http://www.TammyTorresOnline.com where I have my calendar with behind the scenes DVD available at your fingertips, And learn more about my non-profit organization. Also because I picked up a new hobby of video editing I have created www.YouTube. com/TammyTorresTv where u can check out all kinds of interesting videos Ive done. I encourage everyone to stay positive and realize dreams do come true if you persevere. God Bless! Written by Tammy Torres
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. hip hopnews HIP HOP NEWS Contributor: Rapindustry.com Source: http://www.rapindustry.com/rss.htm
50 CENT SIGNS UP FOR NEW FILM ROLE. 50 Cent has signed on for a new role on the big screen. Variety reports that the G-Unit leader will star in Twelve, a new film by director Joel Schumacher (Batman and Robin). The movie will also star Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin, Ellen Barkin and Kiefer Sutherland. Production begins April 20 in New York. Jordan Melamed wrote the script. Story follows a high school dropout-turned-drug dealer. His lucrative life sours when the dealer’s cousin is brutally murdered on an East Harlem playground and his best friend is arrested for the crime. METHOD MAN LINKS UP WITH NEYO AND CUBA GOODING JR. Method Man is set to star in famed director George Lucas’ long delayed World War II film, Red Tails. “I’ve been wanting to do ‘Red Tails’ for 20 years, and we’ve finally got the means to showcase the skill of the Tuskegee pilots,” Lucas said in the press release. “We’re working on techniques which will give us the first true look at the aerial dogfighting of the era. And our top-notch cast will really make this story special.” The movie’s cast also includes “Iron Man” actor Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad” and Grammy award winner Ne-Yo, as well as a cluster veteran actors from “The Wire,” listing Tristan Wilds, Rick Otto, Michael B. Jordan and Stacie Davis. According to the release, “Red Tails” is set in 1944 during the heat of WWII when the famed pilots stepped up to their fated entry into the war. Relegated to second-class citizens due to the U.S. government’s racist policies at the time, their success under the most dangerous of circumstances earned the group legendary recognition. Hundreds of black airmen would follow them from the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama overseas before the war ended. KILLER MIKE GOING UNDERGROUND. After participating in MTV’s signature series, My Block: Atlanta and taking the historical photo - “Great Day in Atlanta” with most of the cities’ hip hop talent present, Mike decided he needed to connect all these artists together again and feature them on one album. The idea of Underground Atlanta was born. Atlanta is known for it’s hyped underground music scene and it’s diverse sound that
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includes Crunk, Snap & Pop and Trap Music. Mike enlisted a notable group of artists, some who are originators of this music, to be featured on the new album. They include: Gucci Mane, OJ da Juice Man, Pastor Troy, Princess of Crime Mob, Yung Ralph, Big Kuntry King, Young Dro, T.I., Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater, Da Bill Collector, Dem Getaway Boyz with appearances from fellow Southern rappers SL Jones, Scar and Juvenile. The album also boasts an appearance from UGK, who obviously aren’t from the Atlanta Underground but appear on a star studded remix that fans will gladly give Mike a pass on. Most of the tracks on the album were produced by DMG Music Group (B-Don, Leno and Young Ced). Mike wants his fans to have as much fun listening to the album as he had making it, “This is an Atlanta record!!! There is not just one type of Atlanta artist featured. This record is the ATL experience, welcome to Atlanta baby 4 REAL!” Underground Atlanta precedes Killer Mike’s as-yet-untitled Grand Hustle debut, which he is currently recording. Mike sees this album as a way to give back to the Atlanta hip hop scene that gave birth to him and made him the artist he is today. Be on the lookout for Underground Atlanta in June on Grindtime Official/ SMC/ Fontana DJ FURIOUS PREPS FOR SHYNE RELEASE. Having served almost nine years behind bars rapper Jamal ‘Shyne’ Barrow is set to return to the real world this summer. To celebrate the release of the former Bad Boy, DJ Furious Styles has concocted one of his exclusive mixtapes to bring Shyne back to the forefront of our memories allowing us to reacquaint ourselves with the Brooklyn adoptee yet again. Laced with tracks from his previous projects released before and during his highly publicized incarceration, 25 to Life Plus 9 is a mixtape not to be slept on as we head into the second quarter. Like anything Furious Styles attaches his name to, the results are always favorable to both the artist and the DJ and this project is no different. Interwoven with interviews of him speaking on that notorious night back in December of 1999 and all that came along during and after the trial which saw him facing a possible life sentence, 25 to Life plus 9 proves that this entertainer needs to be back where he can be seen and heard. “Shyne is a MC that lives by a code that is seldom followed by any individual. It is monumental to hear Shyne’s
point view on his court case, the shooting and the time that he is serving.” - DJ Furious Styles. PRODIGY SUES VOX MUSIC. Mobb Deep’s Prodigy has sued Vox Music Group -- an independent label that delivered his last album, H.N.I.C. 2 in over 14,000 languages for a breach of contract, according to the New York Post. In the suit, filed last Monday (March 23), Prodigy claims the label failed to pay him upwards of $30,000--forcing his family to foreclose on their house. He alleges that VMG was supposed to give him $10,300 monthly payments but missed three months. The Queens-based MC also says that the label did not give him his royalty statement and is asking to end his agreement with the company. Billboard reports that Prodigy teamed up with the label last year to use VMG’s voice translation technology Voxonic. NAS AND DAMIAN MARLEY UNVEIL NEW MUSIC. Recorded at an undisclosed Los Angeles studio over the last several months, the duo will finally unveil strippeddown versions of the new songs Friday at 8 p.m. at L.A. Live’s Grammy Museum. The performance will be accompanied by a Q&A, where the pair will answer questions about their new album and discuss their humanitarian work. Earlier this year, Nas told MTV News, “We tryin’ to build some schools in Africa… and trying to build empowerment. The record’s all about the ‘hood and Africa.” While an official label announcement has yet to be made, the LA Times reports that most media speculation has pointed toward the release of “Distant Relative” coming from Island Def Jam, the label for which Nas currently records (Marley is signed to Universal). Nas and Marley have worked together before, on “Road to Zion,” the second single from Marley’s breakthrough third album, the Grammy Award-winning “Welcome to Jamrock.” PAUL WALL SETS HIS SIGHTS THROUGH 2009. Paul Wall is gearing up for the release of his 3rd album, Fast Life (due out 5/12 on SwishaHouse/Asylum). Fast Life features an all star cast of producers (Travis Barker, Beanz & Kornbread, Mouse, and Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson) along with a complementary selection of superstar features that include: Baby Bash, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, Too Short, Z-Ro, Lil’ Keke & Expensive Taste. In addition to getting “bizzy” with fun party records and tales of life in the fast lane, Paul brings a lot of depth with Fast Life. Album highlights include “Look At Me,” where Paul delves deep
into his rocky rise to the top, and “Daddy Wasn’t Home” where he details his absentee father’s drug addiction and his family’s hardships. Paul has taken 2009 by storm thus far. He rocked the Grammy red carpet on 2/8, then spent a week in Las Vegas promoting his (and Travis Barker’s) Expensive Taste clothing line at Magic, and squeezed a quick jaunt to Scotland in between the two! He blew Houston up with Rick Ross at Street Flava TV’s 15th Anniversary party, and has just put the finishing touches on the video for “Bizzy Body,” which he shot recently in Houston with Trill Entertainment’s Webbie. As always, Paul has a lot going on - his upcoming release Fast Life, his Expensive Taste clothing line with Travis Barker, the evolution of his jewelry line (now in the upscale Galleria in Houston), his work with the USO, training with his major league baseball friends, being a husband and father, squashing beef with Chamillionaire, and plans to tattoo Obama’s face on his neck… In addition to all of that, Paul and his wife Crystal will be featured on “Rapper Wives: The E! True Hollywood Story” (scheduled to premiere 4/29 @ 10PM on E!) and he is set take part in a Texas Department of Transportation Click It or Ticket Campaign which aims to reduce the number of teen driving fatalities and injuries by increasing knowledge with the importance of buckling up! KANYE WEST TO HEADLINE WIRELESS FEST. Kanye West has been confirmed as the headline act for the Wireless Festival, which takes place in London’s Hyde Park in July. Kanye will conclude the two-day event on Sunday July 5th, organizers have confirmed. A Wireless statement said the Brit winner’s appearance would “make this show undoubtedly one of the finest performances seen in Hyde Park”. “After 2008’s spectacular performance by Jay Z, Kanye West is set to establish Hip-Hop’s place in Hyde Park.” Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, Paul Oakenfold and Basement Jaxx will also be performing at the two-day event. Jay-Z headlined the festival last year. MARY J BLIGE ADDED TO PERRY FILM. Mary J. Blige has signed on to star alongside Taraji P. Henson in “I Can Do Bad All by Myself,” Tyler Perry’s upcoming film for Lionsgate according to a report from Variety. The movie, based on his play of the same name, is set for a nationwide release on Sept. 11. Blige will portray a nightclub manager and singer who is a good friend to Henson’s character. Perry’s signature character Madea will be featured in the film. Lensing is taking place at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
HIP HOP NEWS Contributor: Rapindustry.com Source: http://www.rapindustry.com/rss.htm
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