PERFECTLY SMOOTH
TM
In March 2010, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded its double gold medal to the original CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka.
THE KEY TO SMOOTH CELEBRATIONS EVERYWHERE.
Ciroc_FY11_PRINT_BOTTLES_MEDAL.indd 1
12/1/10 5:21 PM
our mission Excess Industry magazine will motivate our readers by empowering them with choices that encourage self reflection and growth from reading articles and presenting various perspectives from interviews and columns. We will fulfill the entertainment appetite of our readers with current and future forward trend forecasts, music updates and entertainment news while providing resources for career guidance within the entertainment industry. Welcome to Excess Industry!
contents
4 Editor’s Letter & Dream Team 5 Excess Industry’s 2010 Favourite Moments 6 TOP 10 MUSIC CHARTS 7 TOP 10 ARTISTS OF 2010 8 ALBUM REVIEWS: Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy 9 DRAKE: Top 10 Punchlines 10 PEACE DOT LOVE EVENT 12 UNSIGNED HYPE: Ra’ah 13 UNSIGNED HYPE: Young Roach 14 UNSIGNED HYPE: Sling Dadz 15 UNSIGNED HYPE: Richilous 16 UNSIGNED HYPE: D-MIC & J-ROD 20 EXCLUSIVE: Poprah 22 PARTY WITH PEEZY 23 SEEN ON SCENE 24 EXCLUSIVE: Boi1da 25 EXCLUSIVE: Director X 29 POSITIVE VIBES 30 NBA 32 EXCLUSIVE: DJ L 34 BEAUTY 36 PEEZY PICKS 37 FASHION COLUMN 40 EXCLUSIVE: Dirty Money 42 LIFESTYLE: What happened to the good guys? 43 LIFESTYLE: Long Distance Relationships 44 LIFESTYLE: Sex and Excess Industry 45 EYECANDY 46 WORDS OF WISDOM 47 DIPSET REUNION 48 EXCLUSIVE: Trey Songz 51 NICKI MINAJ: Best and Worst Looks of 2010 52 BEHIND THE LENS: SanjaXOXO Photography 54 GOOD-BYE 2010
PAGE 6
contributors publisher Excess Media
promotions Laura Winslow
editor in chief Lisa Persaud
columnists Trish Island Besos (Beauty), James Borbath (NBA) Ess (Poetry)
Managing editor Connie Amartey art direction & design Michelle Ann Brijlal Sales & Advertising Barbara Alleyne Editorial assistant Melissa Sundardas Lifestyle editor Jolie Adam music editor Georgia Kuye Media & video director Natalie Assadourian
PAGE 24
Promotions managers Latoya Reid (Toronto), Tatianna Montes (Miami)
Industry blogger Bailey Jeffries Journalists Bailey Jeffries, Joel Persaud, Jolie Adam, Nicole McGloster, Rayman Ali, Bailey Jeffries, Ess Photographer Chris Regin Talent Ra’ah, Deez, Sling Dadz, Richilous, Young Roach, Poprah, Boi1da, Director X, DJ L, Dirty Money, Trey Songz, Rosa Acosta
PAGE 37
PAGE 40
PAGE 51
PAGE 48
letter from the editor What up Industry Heads! Excess Industry’s highly anticipated Holiday issue is finally here! 2010 was a remarkable year, wasn’t it? We all forgave Chris Breezy after that tear was shed during his MJ tribute. Em came back to the game and naturally rocked the billboards! Shyne was better off not making that “comeback”. Rihanna got her groove back. Drake became the hip hop mogul of Canada, while his “brother” Preign sold out country wide tour! Kat Stacks reminded us why we need to wrap it up. Strizzy taught us how to go hard. 50 Cent and lil Duval became the comedians of Twitter. Dipset reunited but we all prefer speaking in tungs with Vado. We still think Dream’s an idiot. Belly enlightened us with his Marijuana thoughts. Amber Rose decided to speak. Lebron went to the Heat with Wade and Bosh - we’re still trying to figure out if that was a smart move. We lost the Great Gangstar and Huddy 6. We all learned how to Dougie! Reema Major and Tory Lanez got signed! A-Game remains the hottest duo in the game, yet still underrated. We welcomed Weezy home with open arms and just shook our heads when T.I went back in the pen. Trey Songz album went Gold and now every neighbour knows his name! Thanks to Usher we can now dance in nightclubs again. Wiz
made everyone’s favourite colour black and yellow. Diddy demanded we stop drinking that “pee pee” and introduced us to the wonderful premium world of great tasting vodka; Ciroc! Ricky Rozay showed us why he’s still the BAWSE and had one of the best albums this year. Kanye made mind captivating movies and changes mainstream hip hop, AGAIN! Not only did Nicki Minaj bring Barbie back in style for grown women but also became the 3rd highest selling female rapper of all time after Lauryn Hill and Missy. Sorry Kim! As for Industry Mag, we have officially begun the New World Order! Aligning with the prestigious Excess Media group, the publication is now flourishing to greater heights! New Swag! Exclusive Content! Web interaction! Your involvement, and so much more! 2010 was a movie now 2011 we’re going to make it an Oscar! I’d like to personally thank The Industry Staff and Excess Media Group for their hard work and excruciating efforts to create this sensation masterpiece! The final product made all those sleepless nights and 3am coffee runs worth it! On behalf of the team I would to thank our loyal readers for all their support and feedback.
You all contribute to our motivation and encourage us to deliver even more each and every issue. Thank you! Lisa Persaud - Editor in Chief Excess Industry
the dream team Nash Misir Publishing Director Lisa persaud Editor in chief Connie amartey Managing editor Michelle brijlal Art direction & design Barbara Alleyne Sales & Advertising rami mikhail webmaster Melissa sundardas Editorial assistant jolie adam Lifestyle editor Georgia kuye Music editor latoya reid PROMOTIONS manager (toronto) tatianna montes PROMOTIONS manager (miami) Page 4 | Excess industry issue 1
Laura winslow PROMOTIONS (toronto)
Natalie Assadourian Media & Video Director Chris reign photography Bailey Jeffries Journalist/blogger trish island besos Beauty columnist JAMES BORBATH NBA COLUMN ess Poetry columnist joeezy persaud JOURNALIST Nicole mcgloster JOURNALIST rayman ali journalist
favourite 2010 memories Melissa sundardas, editorial coordinator says:
“My most memorable moment of 2010 was being at Drake’s OVO Fest in Toronto in August. This concert truly made music history with amazing performances not only by Drake, but by so many of my favourite artists including Jay-Z and Eminem.” Michelle Ann Brijlal, Art direction & design says:
“My favourite memory of 2010 was the Usher concert in November!” Photo credit: Melissa Prowell Georgia kuye, music director says:
“A lot of great music came out this year but Kanye West had the game on lock. My favourite moment was when he dropped the G.O.O.D. Friday joints. Every Friday I looked forward to new music by ‘Ye.” Joel Persaud, special columnist says:
“My most memorable moment of 2010 was seeing Drake winning the Dj Stylus Award for the best hip hop single of the year declaring his love for his home city Toronto” rayman ali, journalist says:
“My favorite moment of 2010 was when Chris Brown prefromed his Michael Jackson tribute at the BET awards. He hands down had the best M.J. tribute to date!” jolie adams, journalist says: “The return of N.E.R.D with the
summer hit, Hot & Fun ft. Nelly Furtado. Eclectic sounds, funky beats and quick-wit lyrics are best done by Pharrell and his group. Also the rise of numerous Canadian talent is inspiring to all the underground artists who never thought their sounds could be publicly acclaimed, originating from Toronto and its surrounding areas.” Bailey jeffries, journalist says: “When Toronto-born Drake dropped his first album ‘Thank Me Later’ and created a worldwide awareness of Canadian hip-hop which so many talented artists have been striving to achieve for years. Now, Drake stands as undeniably the best rapper to come out of Toronto and arguably the best rapper of our time. June 15th/2010 will go down as a historical date that changed the Canadian music scene forever and is without question a major highlight for the year 2010.”
Page 5 | Excess industry issue 1
top 10 music december 2010
club bangers top10 10. Kanye West - Dark Fantasy 9. Wiz Khalifa - Black & Yellow 8. Blake McGrath - Relax 7. Kesha - We R Who We R 6. Willow ft. Nicki Minaj - Whip My Hair (Rmx) 5. Richard Vission & Static Revenger ft. Luciana - I Like That 4. Wil.I.am ft. Nicki Minaj - Check It Out 3. Far East Movement - Like A G6 2. Kanye West ft. Pusha T - Runaway 1. Duck Sauce - Barbra Steisand
hip hop top10 10.Willowft.NickiMinaj-WhipMyHair(Rmx)9.RIHANNAFT.DRAKE - what’s my name? 8. WAKA FLOCKA FLAME FT. ROSCOE DASH & WALE - no hands 7. rick Ross ft. drake & chrisette Michelle - aston martin music 6. lil Wayne ft. drake - right above it 5. kanye west ft. Pete rock, jay z, Charlie Wilson, Curtis mayfield & kid cudi - the joy 4. Nicki Minaj ft. eminem - roman’s revenge 3. miguel ft. j. cole - all I want is you 2. wiz khalifa - black & yellow 1. kanye west ft. pusha t - runaway
dancehall top10 10. Tony Matterhorn - Wifey vs Matey 9. Kiprich Spin Yuh Roll Gal 8. Tifa - Naah Stop Shine 7. Assassin aka Agent Sasco - Prettiest Thing 6. Popcaan - Dream 5. Vybz Kartel - Neva Get A Gyal Weh Mi Love So 4. Vybz Kartel - Cake Soap 3. Bounty Killer - The Message 2. Beenie Man - Wine & Guh Down 1. Cham ft. Bounty & Mykal Roze - Stronger
rnb top10 10. andreena mill - maniac 9. aion clarke - i’m coming 8. jazmine sullivan - holding you down 7. Lloyd - lay it down 6. miguel ft. j. cole - all I want is you 5. Chris brown ft. tyga - deuces 4. Nicki Minaj - right through me 3. willow smith - whip my hair 2. rihanna ft. drake - what’s my name? 1. trey songz - can’t be friends Page 6 | Excess industry issue 1
top 10 artists
of 2010
This past year has been crazy for hip-hop. First, Barbies and Five Star Chicks took over the twitter sphere, then Diddy was told he could rap again and finally, Keri Hilson reminded us why we need Beyonce in the game. It wasn’t all bad though. A few new artists such as Young Money’s Drake and Nicki Minaj had impressive first week numbers, underground rappers like Wiz Khalifa and J. Cole started to receive their well deserved shine, and heavy weights Eminem, Jay-Z, and Lil’ Wayne have stayed on top of the game. This year we saw a shift from the dirty south club bangers to more consciously driven hip-hop and artists rapping over techno beats. We’re aren’t sure, however, if we are anticipating the evolution of hip-hop in 2011. After hearing the news that Kim Kardashian is in the studio working wit The-Dream, I may not have a job this time next year. For now, I present the top ten artists of 2010.
10
8
6
4
2
Fabolous We’ll admit, There Is No Competition 2: The Funeral Service was a hot mixtape. His his lines were recycled non-stop for a good month and a half but by the time his label made the executive decision to make it into an album, every one forgot about him. It also didn’t help that his features on bangers like Dj Khaled’s ‘All I Do Is Win Remix’ and Chris Brown’s “Dueces Remix’ were terrible.
Wiz Khalifa Ahaa! You know what it is! The young man who made being skinny with tattoos and lightin’ up trees (more) cool. Wiz was so hot this year he even turned down touring with Drake. Who else can do that?
Jay-Z Even though he didn’t drop album this year, his features were hot. Not only that, but his publicity about being in the Illuminati kept him relevant. It’s Jay-Z; only he could go a year without dropping an album and still stay hot.
Waka Flocka Flame Gucci Mane was on our list last year, and now he’s been bumped off by the artist he introduced, none other than Waka Flocka Flame. His album, Flockaveli, is number 4 on Billboard’s Top Hip-Hop Albums list. We’re not sure who is actually buying his albums so it must be the DJs keeping the crowd happy in clubs.
7
Rick Ross We can’t even say Blowin’ Money Fast (B.M.F.) is the most played out track of 2010... We couldn’t even get annoyed of that track if we tried. It was surprising when Rick Ross announced Teflon Don just became certified gold in early November. His album was easily the soundtrack of the summer!
Nicki Minaj There’s been debate amongst Excess Industry Mag team and readers about which song made Nicki Minaj’s popularity sky rocket. Majority voted her verse on Yo Gotti’s ‘5 Star Chick’. After Ms. Minaj introduced us to her theatrics in the video, everyone (even faithful followers of Lil’ Kim) became addicted to her multiple personalities.
5
Drake Drizzy Drake took over the first half of 2010 with his highly anticipated debut album Thank Me Later. Great features, great production, not so great videos.
Lil’ Wayne If it wasn’t for the reports on Lil’ Wayne being put into solitary confinement for keeping an iPod in Riker’s Island, we probably would have forgotten he was locked up. Despite serving jail time for eight months, Weezy remained relevant by being in a dozen videos that were shot weeks before going away. T.I., take notes this time.
3
Eminem One of the best lyricists of our time is back at it like he didn’t miss a beat. He put out the hit single ‘Love the Way You Lie’ featuring Rihanna of the year. He always finds a way to put himself amongst the top echelon of artists. Recovery, alone, sold 700,000 copies in its first week.
Kanye West We didn’t give Kanye the top spot just because he has the best album of the year, but because he is the artist of the year, hands down. His first single, ‘Power’ was a problem. Right then, we could see that ‘Ye was steering hip-hop into a new direction. Then he blessed us with new music every Friday and a visually genius movie he directed. We can’t wait to see what ‘Ye has in store for 2011.
#1
9
album reviews My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy kanye west
ALBUM REVIEW: Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Forget about the Taylor Swift fiasco, forget about the fact that he was basically banned from Europe for a bit, forget about the bald lady he woke up to every morning. I’m discussing Kanye’s pure genius art, specifically this album. Kanye delivers his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and it stands as one of his best. It would be offensive for me to break down every track because this work should be enjoyed in its entirety. There is no need to do any skipping. Even ‘Power’ which was released several months ago still hasn’t gotten old. Kanye expands the borders of what is considered hip hop. To even duplicate his sound you’d have to be on another echelon. Some noteworthy tracks, ‘All of the Lights’ features Rihanna, Fergie, and Elton John (odd combo, right?) is one of those explosive Kanye hooks that serves the interest of the masses; ‘Devil In A New Dress’ was a G.O.O.D. Friday leak but for the album a guitar solo and Rick Ross feature were added, just when you thought this dark, twisted track couldn’t Page 8 | Excess industry issue 1
get any more Tony; and I won’t leave out ‘Lost In The World’ with its simple but passionate lyrics, leaving listeners with powerful feeling that ‘Ye is most talented at delivering through his music. I had a hard time picking my favourite but I finally decided (for now) on ‘Blame Game’ featuring John Legend. This is the most interesting track, serving as the ‘Ether’ of Amber Rose. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will open many doors for hip-hop artists in 2011. While every one else is trying to catch up, we’ll be taking our time digesting Mr. West’s latest album. The only bad thing I can say about this album is I wish he left the tracks on this album out of the G.O.O.D. Friday releases. The album would have literally blown my head off if I heard the majority of the songs all at once. On second thought, this album is far too overwhelmingly good for that.
Rating: 4.8/5 – Georgia Kuye
DRAKE:
TOP 10 Punchlines of 2010
Drake has been out for a while just straight killing the game. His mixtape “So far gone” made him famous almost overnight. The mixtape earned him the #3 spot on MTV’s Hottest Emcees in the Game. Since then he released his album “Thank me later” and has been featured on countless tracks. Drake is well known for his punchlines and these are my top 10 favourites;
10 - “Mature women with more than me were the first to tempt me/ And Jason had this girl Tammy with a purple Bentley/ How she got it I aint never get to ask/ I just knew that she was fine like a ticket on the dash” Song: Fancy
9 – “I heard you good with them soft lips, yeah you know word
6. “Don’t get impatient when it takes too long/ And drink it all even if it tastes too strong“ Song: Light Up
5. “I got a small circle, I’m not wit different crews/ We walk the same path but got on different shoes,/ live in the same building but we got different views“ Song: Bollywood Flow freestyle
4. “In your city faded off the brown, Nino/ She insists she got
more class, we know!/ Swimming in the money come and find me, Nemo,/ If i was at the club you know I ball’d, chemo “ Song: Forever
of mouth/ The square root of 69 is 8 somethin’/ ‘Cause I’ve been trying to work it out” Song: Rihanna – What’s My Name?
3. “Trust me I still deliver like a midwife/ and no I’m not sayin
8. “I shouldn’t have drove, tell me how I’m getting home/ You too fine to be laying down in bed alone/ I can teach you how to speak my language, Rosetta stone/ I swear this life is like the sweetest thing I’ve ever known” Song: Over
2. “World Series attitude, champagne bottle life/ Nothing ever
I’m the nicest/ I just live life like it “ Song: Rick Ross - Aston Martin Music
changes so tonight is like tomorrow night “ Song: Miss Me
1. “Labels want my name beside an X like Malcolm/ Everybody got a deal, I did it without one“
7. ”I’m really tryna make it more than it really is/ ‘cause every- Song: Forever body dies but not everybody lives” Song: Nicki Minaj - Moment 4 Life
Page 9 | Excess industry issue 1
Peace Dot Love Review – Melissa Sundardas
Like U2’s Bono says, music can change the world because it can change people. On Nov. 11, the Peace Dot Love music festival took over Guvernment nightclub in Toronto to help combat the violence that’s present in our society with music, something everyone can appreciate and connect with. The tragic loss of Dylan Ellis and Oliver
Page 10 | Excess industry issue 1
PEACEDOT
Martin, both 25, who were shot dead while sitting in an idling Range Rover in downtown Toronto, just after midnight June 13, 2008 motivated the Peace Dot Love’s group of young entrepreneurs to come together and help stop the vicious cycle of violence in our world. There goals it to inspire youth, challenge hate and promote peace through music and art.
Thursday’s show drew in a sea of people both young and old, as well as a roster of some of the finest climbing Canadian artists. Internationally known music talent
in the game right now also supported the movement to help Peace Dot Love’s worthy cause. One hundred percent of the proceeds from donations and ticket sales were giving to recognized charities trying to end violence, including Leave Out Violence, Peacebuilders and War Child Canada. Peace Dot Love’s mission is to help spread the message that the cycle of violence needs to be broken.
Hosted by MTV Canada’s Nicole Hollness and Flow 935’s Devo Brown, the show was opened up by Blues in D – a Toronto blues
DOTLOVE band – that got everyone’s feet tapping to their energetic, smooth flowing blues jams.
Following this act, the event consistently presented one electrifying, crowd-pleasing performance after the next to the packed venue. Performers included Toronto group Keys N Krates made up of an intense drummer, DJ and keyboardist; Grand Analog from Winnipeg (a group formed by a DJ, bassist, drummer, emcee and keyboardist.) DJ Skratch Bastid, who included a tribute to MJ in his performace – rhinestone glove and everything; 15-year-old female emcee,
Reema Major who’s well-known for her appearance on BET’s freestyle session and had a fierce presence this night. The headliner, Big Boi of Outkast was joined by his DJ, Cut Master Swift and Dungeon Family member, BlackOwned C-Bone and gave the crowd a hectic mix of classics like Miss Jackson and Bombs over Baghdad we well as some of his new solo hits like Shutterbug.
Crowds were witness to everything from crazy turntable mixing, insight into some of the artists’ personal struggles to achieve success and overall heartfelt, striking per-
formances that had everyone moving to the beat and singing along. Peace Dot Love’s motive for organizing this event to raise awareness for violence prevention really resonated within every person who attended. Peace Dot Love helps to generate the funding organizations need to support their grassroots programs that speak out against violence in our world. For more information about Peace Dot Love and to get involved in their cause, www.peacedotlove.com.
Page 11 | Excess industry issue 1
Ra’ah UNSIGNED HYPE tion (they also introduced artists such as Jay Sean, Raghav and RDB). He has also successfully linked a licensing deal with ESPN and NBC Sports this year, which will be airing “Magazine” in various sports montage clips this fall. “I’m proud of that deal”, says Ra’ah, “It’s a big business and it takes a lot to be well received by the executives in charge of these things at that level. It feel’s good knowing that the music is accepted that way, it’s a different kind of respect”, says the IndoCanadian musician. “As an Indo-Canadian artist, it’s a little tough at first to attract a following in North America, its been easier to reach out to folks in the UK for some reason”, says Ra’ah, who hopes to attract a greater following in his hometown of Toronto this winter with his new single, “Hands Up”.
“Music is a language we all can speak fluently” - Ra’ah
If you have a keen ear to the Toronto music scene like we do, then you may have heard of Ra’ah (pronounced Ra), a new musical talent from Toronto, Canada. Based Downtown, Ra’ah is definitely an artist to watch this year. Apart from being a Producer, Ra’ah is also an MC, Singer and Songwriter. Ra’ah composes, writes and records his own music. On top of that Ra’ah also runs his own company, UthN’Asia Records, specializing in a variety of entertainment functions including production, artist development, branding and licensing/publishing for his own line-up of artists and others in the business. He was introduced earlier this year in the UK by acclaimed DJ, Bobby Friction, on the BBC Radio 1’s Asian Network. He was featured for a full week and had the benefit of introducing his first single, “Magazine” to the worldwide audience following that staPage 12 | Excess industry issue 1
“They’re more receptive at first, they’re open like that”, he says of the UK audience, “but ultimately, I’m Canadian and North American. The music speaks for itself; I rather make great music that everyone enjoys instead of tailoring a sound for a specific group of folks, so naturally my sound has a little more edge then more traditional IndoArtists. I just choose not step away from who I am for the sake of culture”. His underground record, “Diamonds (The Indian Anthem)”, is to the contrary however. A blazing lyrical assault on the difficulties associated with Indo-Canadian immigrants, “Diamonds” is a full bred example of how lyrically inclined this otherwise melo and pop/radio friendly hip hop artist is. “My music is an expression of what I experience, see, and feel, I don’t need to hide that with the notion of ‘keeping it real’. ‘Diamonds’ is fierce; it’s in your face. I’m proud of my heritage, I’ll always defend it. Same way, ‘Magazine’ is more of a feel good, club track, as is ‘Hands Up’, and ‘Using You’ which contains a message that the youth and everyone else for that matter will relate to. At the end of the day, they’re all different; they all have their own place in my music and my life. They all dance and
dangle with different genres as well, raw hip hop, rock, pop and bhangra. If that’s me, and I’m not doing that, then I’m not keeping it real...but that is me, and I am doing that, so what more can I say?”, asks Ra’ah, who continues to attract a following attracted to his unique merging of different genres. “As hip hop continues to grow, we, as people in all communities, continue to grow with it. This is the new world’s music, I don’t think y’all fully understand how global it really is, how influential hip hop has really been in all genres”, he continues, “But I do. It’s me. I lived the life that included the streets, and the jaded, negative cycle that surrounds that society. That’s just a part of life though, and I don’t always include it in my music, because really, I don’t need to. There are a lot of people who experienced that much more of it, or are still experiencing it. I think it’s disrespectful to their struggle if I start spending all my time reflecting on it. My music reflects a different part of life, what I’m experiencing now. It’s positive, upbeat, a little humorous a little witty. It’s dusting yourself off and ‘jumping back up’ music. That makes me who I am today, that’s who I am.” One thing is for certain, Ra’ah is a full bodied artist with a ton of depth and poise. “I’m currently working on an album with some talented folks in the music industry”, he says. “These folks have helped produce Nelly Furtado and Our Lady Peace’s first albums. I’m bringing something totally new to Toronto, real fresh. I try to keep it clean, but with just enough grime to let y’all know that I’ve been there, I know what’s up. I’m taking things to a whole ‘nother level though, that’s just were I am. It’s a new world, a changing culture, and I’m glad to be a part of it from a business and musical sense.” You know where you heard it first. You can find more about Ra’ah on his twitter page @raahtoronto, or visit www.iraah.com. for additional links to music and material.
UNSIGNED HYPE
Young Roach
If you haven’t heard of Young Roach yet, as he would say “Google me.” Young Roach is a comedian/ hip-hop artist, signed with indie label Zuken Records in Pittsburgh. He is currently booking east coast venues for his “Raid tour.” His most recent mixtape “Ham and Applejuice” was a smash on datpiff. com, and was ranked in the top 8 its first day of release. For only pursuing this comedic musical path for a year, Roach still boasts impressive accomplishments-- 2 mixtapes, national radio play, and various sponsorships. The most noteworthy sponsorship being “The Young Roach Show” which will be airing this fall. Be on the lookout on Christmas for his upcoming EP “Stages of Heat.”
Page 13 | Excess industry issue 1
Sling Dadz UNSIGNED HYPE and being so dedicated to authentic Canadian hip hop from the streets gives Sling Dadz an awareness that not everyone has. “Certain wordplay and certain emotions let people know that you’re official. There are great storytellers, who are cool, but some people speak this street from the heart.” he says.
Many are called, but only a few are chosen The Journey of Sling Dadz
Neighborhoods’ represent everything for some of hip hop’s realest MCs. Biggie was from Fulton Ave. Jay-Z was from Marcy Projects. And if you know Toronto, you should know that Jane St. is one of the realest housing projects in all of Toronto, thus Canada. Since he was 6 years old, Sling Dadz has represented what fellow residents infamously know as Jane Strip. “Jane is rough. Problems happen in the ghetto mainly because of miscommunication. But there is love there, too...” he wisely informs those who don’t know. Growing up with musical talent surrounding him as much as crime and violence, he chose to follow his childhood friends and peers who got into the music business at a young age, local luminaries like TBTBT (Too Bad To Be True) and Page 14 | Excess industry issue 1
Graphidi Logik, as well as well-established hometown heroes like Michie Mee, Gee Wunder, etc…. And his story is similar to many young Black men. Raised by a single mother and rapping since he was in his teens, Sling Dadz has stayed sharp and survived in the streets of Toronto for decades. Converting his hustle into a bigger business, him and his business partner Capital’V’ started Street Code Entertainment, and was featured on the ‘Street Rebel’ mixtape, as well as his “I’m from Jane the mixtape vol 1, which is his first official release. His underground presence is strong, with appearances on DVDs like Ambush TV, King of the City, City on Lock, Green Prints, among others, as well as standing out on projects such as Street Rebel (Rebel or Die), Ambush Mixtape (Ambushin the Fu*kin Industry Vol. 1), JS Production (Beats 4 Food-Words 4 Freedom), Hip Hop Lives In The North, as well as many others. He’s putting in his grind in a major way. Coming from such a severe environment
“I’m From Jane” reflects that reality, and proves him to be part of Toronto’s new generation of street MCs representing in a way that has been around for a long time, but still has never quite been heard yet. The posse cut remix of his hood anthem has been aired on Much Music, in medium rotation on Much Vibe, and has been featured on a variety of websites, from allhiphop.com, jane-finch.com, torontorappers. com, hiphopcanada.com and others. On YouTube, I’m From Jane has received over 100,000 views, and the remix has recently surpassed 35,000 views. No small feat, considering it also features a wide range of rising Toronto MCs, such as Cause, Clymaxxxx, Frankie Payne, Capital ‘V’, NemS-iss, Page, Smugglaz and Blacus Ninjah. On top of these accomplishments, Sling Dadz has already made himself known in places from FLOW 93.5 FM on OTA Live!, the Megacity Countdown, Internet radio - Fusion Radio, and indie stations such as 105.5 CHRY, CKLN 88.1 and Trent Radio 92.7 FM, on top of an opening party at Club XS, a well-known establishment for those living a higher lifestyle. Sling Dadz has accomplished a lot on his own and with his close comrades right now with the “I’m From Jane Movement”, but still, it’s just the beginning... You heard of Queensbridge. You’ve heard of Compton. You’ve heard of Marcy. It’s time you heard of Jane Strip. Trethewey Dr. Housing Complex. Places like that, where the new voices of street-hop are coming from. MCs like Sling Dadz done told you where he’s from: “I’m From Jane”. Remember the name.
UNSIGNED HYPE
Richilicious By the time he reached High School ‘Mitchie’ was well-known as ‘Rich Kidd’. His peers - and the co-ops he shared with them - influenced Mitchie to temporarily repress his love of other types of music and become fascinated with rap music and culture (especially Tupac Shakur aka 2Pac). Most days you would find him freestyling in the ‘cypher’ at lunch and racing home after school to catch “RapCity” on MuchMusic. Mitchie’s indulgence in R&B, reggae and other types of music was mostly reserved for times of seclusion, and a few lucky ladyfriends.
Singer, Rapper, Reggae Recording Artist “Richilous” Growing-up in the Mountainview and Harbourview neighborhoods of Kingston, Jamaican music and culture were the origins of Mitchel Lewin’s (Richilous) musical development. Nicknamed ‘Mitchie’ (after one half of the reggae singing duo Michigan & Smiley) for his love of singing, his influence from the likes of Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Supacat and Tracy Chapman led to an obsession with music from a young age.
When Mitchie left Jamaica for Canada at the age of 10 the next stage of his musical development began. Transplanted from the ghettos of Kingston to the projects of Toronto’s infamous Jane St., Mitchie was exposed to a new world with new types of music that influenced him both personally and musically. Early-mid nineties ‘easylistening’ and ‘Top 40’ radio, combined with local college radio stations, revealed completely new styles of music for Mitchie to embrace. Without any effort someone could hear: Nirvana, Bryan Adams, Ace of Bass, C&C Music Factory, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Nas, Ice Cube, Sam Cooke, the Isley Bros. and Marvin Gaye all in the same day!
As Mitchie matured and developed, his musical persona had evolved in sync. Now operating under the moniker of Richilous a.k.a. ‘Mr. Triple Threat’, his versatility, delivery, songwriting and stage presence are on a WHOLE NEW LEVEL. The combination of his gifts as a singer, rapper and songwriter allows Richilous to effortlessly create authentic hip-hop, pop, R&B and reggae music that’s unforgettable and leaves listeners wanting more. His music received acclaim in the 17th annual Billboard World Song Contest and he has been featured on INDI 101FM, Industry Magazine, CKLN 88.1FM and twice on Rogers TV. Richilous has also performed in many venues throughout Toronto and across Ontario. Some of his most recent appearances have been at Nathan Phillips Square and Queen’s Park for the “TD Irie Music Fest” (Where he opened for “Gyptian”), Club XS (Where he collaborated with UK/India Urban Bollywood Sensation “Parichay”, Pero Lounge and on the ‘Daytime’ show on Rogers TV. Earlier this year Richilous independently released the “Gangsta & Gentleman - Part 1” mixtape. Having finished his promotions for that project, Richilous is now recording his first official EP - “Gentleman” (a working title). For more up to date information, music and videos on Richilous go to www. richilous.com and follow Richilous on Twitter.com @Richilous.
Page 15 | Excess industry issue 1
D-MIC UNSIGNED HYPE The Journey of:
d-mic & j-rod A year ago, D-Mic and J-Rod didn’t know the journey that was about to unfold before them. These two unique artists were each separately waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. Little did they know that D-Mic’s cousin was that opportunity. J-Rod and D-Mic were first introduced to each other through D-Mic’s cousin Natasha, who consequently was a long-time friend of JRod’s. The two young men hit it off instantly. Such was their rapport that they recorded their first song and the rest was history. From that moment on, they have been working together- collaborating musical ideas, trying to takeover the hip-hop scene. While J-Rod is busy hustling to support their art, D-Mic is at school nurturing his craft. Having already graduated from the Independent Music Production course at Seneca College with honors, D-Mic is currently enrolled at the prestigious Harris Institute for Recording Arts in Downtown Toronto. Earlier this year, D-Mic’s tuition helped pay for studio time in a professional recording studio provided in the Seneca at York building. During this time period D-Mic and J-Rod recorded a large catalogue of tracks, where they engineered and mixed everything themselves. While recording these songs, a brother-like bond was created. They saw eye to eye when it came to their music, song writing, production and ultimately life itself. D-Mic and J-Rod are two young and talented individuals. Both rappers are still perfecting their piano skills, and are working on honing their writing skills. J-Rod is a lyrical mastermind while D-Mic brings exceptional production and poetic lyricism to the table. Both artists have strong admiration for hip-hop legends like Nas,
Page 16 | Excess industry issue 1
AND
AND
UNSIGNED HYPE
J-ROD
Jay-Z, Eminem, Biggie, Tupac, Lil Wayne, Outkast, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. When it comes to production, D-Mic has been influenced by Dr. Dre, The Neptunes, Kanye West, Timbaland, and Just Blaze. D-Mic and J-Rod just released their debut single “Feels So Good” to the public in this Fall 2010. The track has a mesmerizing hook and catchy instrumentation, matched with clever, witty lyrics in this promiscuous joy ride. This single is the prequel to the up and coming mixtape “1st Impression” with an anticipated drop date December 2010. You can expect big beat productions with a wide variety of sounds. All beats on the mixtape are produced by D-Mic. This is the start of many more mixtapes to come. “1st Impression” will be released virally over the Internet. D-Mic and J-Rod will be releasing 3 mixtapes in the year 2011, while also shooting videos for their singles. While their friendship is still growing and their musical skills still in their primes, they plan on taking over the industry through radio play, local performances, and a heavy internet presence. These two up and coming artist are very talented and are determined to find the road to success. With their great music and futuristic image, this dope duo will be hard to stop. @DMICMUZIK @RealJroD
Page 17 | Excess industry issue 1
Page 18 | Excess industry issue 1
Page 19 | Excess industry issue 1
“People didn’t get that I was an entrepreneur since I was 18”
make no apologies: the image of
Page 20 | Excess industry issue 1
Poprah exclusive
n r
Every woman in the world gets to that pivotal point in her life where she must define herself. But with so many stereotypes thrown out by society of what a woman should be, Image Cosmetics is countering that mindset with messages of women empowerment and positivity. “You can define yourself no matter what you’re trying to be,” says Kimberly Kearney owner of Image Cosmetics. Better known as “Poprah,” Kim has remained the same person before and after VH1’s I Want To Work For Diddy, seasons one
and two. She was characterized as the no-holds-barred, focused and dedicated mini-mogul willing to do anything to work for Sean John. Coming across as the contestant grinding by any means necessary, she still remains quite the hustler. “People didn’t get that I was an entrepreneur since I was 18,” says the 40-something-yearold author and cosmetic line owner. “I studied successful people and there’s so much knowledge that I’ve gained—that I’ve learned. That show taught me that I wasn’t crazy. I knew since I was 18 that you have to be that focused and sacrifice sleep and work long hours. You have to live it.” Since the show, she has been circumventing low self-esteem and poor self-image of young girls through positive branding and marketing initiatives. The models for the cosmetic line are women and young girls who submit their photos to the line’s website, www. theworldofimage.com. Creating this entire network of women who seek the self-esteem, branding advice and marketing tools that Image Cosmetics offers, Poprah has created a platform that gives a voice to hundreds of thousands of girls. From her standpoint on battling these ills of the female society, celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, disturb her. The not so rookie, female rapper has a career based on Barbie-ism, slick rhymes and making more than her male counterparts through sexual innuendos and very noticeable body parts. What bothers the core fundamentals of what Poprah represents is Minaj’s lack of accountability. “There is a difference between hating and constructive criticism. I don’t have a problem with her brand, her style or her look. I respect the way she came up. I’m just saying that the power that she’s garnered with the brand does not, in my opinion, provide the substance that could be utilized the right way,” she says. “When
you have that kind of leverage and power in the game, that’s your opportunity to really empower some other people, and I’m concerned about the fact that I’m always seeing the power being limited to things that are very superficial. There has to be a certain level of balance.” If anyone knows superficial, Poprah definitely does. Being a member of the pop music group Sweetbox, she faced many challenges with men who bartered her desire for success to have sexual relations with them. In those days, she was a petite, model-type with thick thighs and a video vixen ass to match, but in the Poprah fashion of wanting to be heard and respected for her mind, she stopped focusing on her outer image, gained healthy weight and held her head high confident in her own beauty with support from her parents and peers. The former pop singer took power into her own hands, remained confident in what she could achieve and made things happen her way. “If you can stay true to the core of who you are then you’ll have longevity in the game. Your blessings and opportunities will come, but once you compromise your integrity, you have nothing.” Beyond her somewhat cloudy past, Poprah can see a definite bright future. From the exposure from being on the reality show, I Want To Work For Diddy, she has been able to gain leverage and have dialogue with people that she may not have had the chance to network with prior to her appearance on the show. Currently she, now, has been features in an 8-page spread in Gemini Magazine, secured a book deal entitled Celebrity Encounter: The Un-Superhead and is in the casting stage of a new TV show. “Seek validation from God and from yourself and the people you respect. Don’t look for validation from the civil population, because that’s the blind leading the blind. Don’t just follow the crowd and the popular mindset. If you really want to be successful, you have to make your own path and you create the lead.” – By: Nicole McGloster
“Seek validation from God and from yourself and the people you respect. Don’t look for validation from the civil population, because that’s the blind leading the blind. Don’t just follow the crowd and the popular mindset. If you really want to be successful, you have to make your own path and you create the lead.” Page 21 | Excess industry issue 1
Party withpeezy
We’re taking it to Miami Beeeeeeeeeach!!!!!!!
Hands down, Miami Florida is one of the livest party cities in the world! Specifically South Beach it is the tourist target for those looking for the sexiest women, oversized but well priced drinks, fine dining, an aqua blue ocean within arms reach, celebrity sightings and of course, the wildest upscale nightclub experience! Personally, I don’t think you get the full Miami experience unless you have partied at one of the top notch venues on the Ocean (or surrounding) strip. However, it can be quite intimidating to a new visitor. My recommendation is to get in contact with some local promoters before hitting the clubs so you are placed on guestlist and are made aware of what the night’s budget might entail. With that being said, I’m going to share my wealth with you!
Meet Miami Socialite: Phil the Mayor Phil Cardona, better known as Phil The Mayor, of Firm Ground Media is considered to be one of the most well respected urban club promoters in the United States. With parties from New York to Miami, Phil has built a brand around orchestrating the hottest parties with the most well known celebrities. Not only is he in charge of putting together parties with celebrity clientele but he also has a reputation of delivering the most successful weekly parties that have longevity in the most well respected Page 22 | Excess industry issue 1
venues. Phil The Mayor is considered a heavyweight champion when it comes to his New Years, Memorial Day Weekend, Zo’s Summer Groove, and Labor Day Weekend events, just to name a few. He creates amazing atmospheres in which tastemakers, models, promoters, entertainers, athletes, and club goers mingle amongst each other and enjoy. Some of the celebrities he’s had events with are: Sean “Diddy” Combs, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Jay-Z, DJ Clue, Jadakiss, Beyonce, Jamie Fox, Eve, Ne-Yo, Tyson Beckford, Fabolous, Maybach Music Group, Young Jeezy, T.I, Allen Iverson, Shaquille O’Neal, Affliction Clothing, Carmelo Anthony, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes. The list goes on from models, entertainers, athletes, designers and more. I’ve had the pleasure of having the Phil party experience Memorial weekend. Do not underestimate the nickname mayor because he truly is running the city! Back to Back parties at Cameo, Phil hosted Cameo Nightclub having Rick Ross, P Diddy, Shaq O’Neil, Dj Prostyle, Dirty Money Ciroc Nation and the weekend finale ending off with a bang with Jadakiss’s Birthday party - Cameo headlined and outshined
every venue in the city that weekend with thousands of clubbers lined up to get the Phil experience. Sold out booths and nothing but champagne showers all over the club! That was just one weekend. Phil’s ambition, credibility and ability to provide a celebrity experience to even the average clubber has earned him the mayor status of Miami and is known internationally for his sold out, bottle poppin, champagne flyin, sexy attendance of women, red carpet experience and promising attendance of the hottest names in the entertainment business - whether they headline the event or are just passing through. It’s a guarantee there will be a celebrity sighting! It is admirable that he caters his events to fulfill the sexy Miami experience for not only all the celebrities that hit him up for his event listings but also tourists visiting Florida for whatever purpose. From P Diddy, to Miami Heat, Album Release parties to Playoff parties to a birthday or regular clubbing night There is always something to celebrate with Phil! Next time you are in Miami, or plan on going to Miami hit me up to get at Phil the Mayor for that legit South Beach “We in Miami B*tch!” experience! Follow me on Twitter @TheRealLpeezy Email: Lisa.Persaud@Industry-Mag.com Web: www.Industry-Mag.com Follow Phil on Twitter: @Philthemayor1 Myspace: myspace.com/philthemayor Email: Philthemayor@tmo.blackberry.net Phil currently hosts the hottest parties at the following venues: Sunday at Liv (From my experience, the BEST Industry party, with $10,000 booths and hottest celebrities in the building) Monday at Louis Friday at Play Sat at B.E.D (Definately an amazing club attraction frequented by many of the hottest celebrities, and often the venue scene of the Jersey Shore cast) – Lisa Persaud
Seen
onscene
Location: The Marcel Hotel, Gramercy Manhattan When: American Thankgiving Weekend This hotel is located in Gramercy Manhattan, which is not directly in the heart of the tourist areas but then again no further than a $10 cab ride - which I was quite comfortable with because the nature of my trip was business not sightseeing. I would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting New York for business and has some knowledge of the midtown district. If you are a tourist, its not too bad but I would moreso recommend staying near Times Square for that full New York City effect! What I disliked about The Marcel was when I arrived and was ready to take a shower to get my day started. I put the shower on and nothing but cold water came out. I had to call downstairs for maintaince, when they came up they informed me that I do have hot water, I just have to keep the knob in the middle. I wasn’t too impressed.
There was a fee for Wifi. Which always leaves a bad taste in my mouth. For what we spend a night on hotels these days, they could at least throw in a little data. What I liked about the Marcel, the front staff was incredibly polite and helpful, the cleaners were super efficient and the bell boys were always helpful. My room was petite but comfortable. I am very particular with linen and the decor of a room - and to my liking my suite was made up quite nicely. The hotel recently had been renovated so it explains the new trendy look with the lime green back boards, zebra print pillows and splashes of blue artwork. On the 10th floor they have a nice relaxing lounge with complimentry tea and coffee, television and a balcony. Also a business center. I conducted a couple of interviews in the lounge and felt the setting was nothing less than perfect.
and Park doing an elite party there. It was a great spot to have a few drinks and hear some great music! The Hotel was not too far from the East Village and Lower East Side, Madison and Fifth Avenue shopping, Empire State and Union Square. Within walking distance is Midtown, Soho, Greenwich Village and Chelsea (which are a few of my favourite areas to dine out!) The location for me was definitely convenient, being familar with New York makes possible. However for a tourist, you may end up spending a bit on cabs but you will not go into debt for it! Overall I had a wonderful experience at The Marcel, I would recommend it to a friend and I would most definitely stay there again.
The main floor had a nice upscale venue called Polar Lounge. The Friday night I actually ran into my friend Dj L from 106 Page 23 | Excess industry issue 1
“Just a regular guy that loves to do music, you know what I’m saying? Like I just always had a strong love and strong passion for it and it’s what I do and people like it so I just continued to do it because I just like to make people happy. ”
Boi1da
One on one exclusive with Joeezy of Excess Industry Magazine had an opportunity to have a one on one with Toronto’s own Hip Hop producer Matthew Samuels, better known as Boi1da. He has produced for artists and groups such as Kardinal Offishall, Clipse, Drake, Eminem, Saukrates, K-OS, G-Unit, and The Diplomats and is considered the most valuable producer of our time. J: So boi1da what’s good big homie? B: Nothing man just chilling, chilling out here just got back from Los Angles doing some work out there, back home just relaxing working on music. J: Cool cool, I just want to commend you on your accomplishments as a Grammy nominated producer, producing beats for artists such as Drake, you worked with Clipse, Lil Wayne, Kardinal, Eminem, and Soulja Boy just to name a few. You deserve that praise with your amazing work ethic coming out of Toronto with a tremendous amount of ambition to do something so great. B: Thank you very much I appreciate it. J: No problem man... So for those who don’t know who is Boi1da? Page 24 | Excess industry issue 1
B: Just a regular guy man that loves to do music, you know what I’m saying like I just always had a strong love and strong passion for music and it’s what I do and people like my music. I just continued to do it because I just like to make people happy. [Both Laughs]
J: For sure for sure, so where did the name come from, it sounds like one of my old msn names. B: Laughs...funny thing is I actually stole this name from my boy who use to rap. He use to go by the name of Boy wonder I use to have a name cause my name is Matthew. I use to go by mathematics but that was corny as hell and on top of that someone was already having that name. So I just told my boy who actually goes by the name of Notice, he is a singer in Toronto right now so I’m like you, I’m going to take your name and he was just like cool, I will just change mine. So I was just like alright..Laughs just straight jack move like grand theft auto. J: GTA... and he was cool with it? B: Yeah yeah he didn’t like the name either so I was just like, I’m going to go with that name then, we were really young it was like grade 9. J: Cool cool, so as one of the hottest music producers out right now what really stroked
your interests to be a music producer? I know you started with FL studio, but what made you want to take it to the next level? B: I always had this love for music but it was kind of like I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it. So before I use to rap and after like, I was never really comfortable rapping cause I’m not thee kind of person that likes every one staring at me while being on stage and performing like all that attention you know like up front attention. I’m not really a fan of that, so I took it upon my self to get into music and another thing I was always interested in how beats were made. I never really actually understood it so I was talking about it with a friend and he told me about this program called fruity loops. He was like ‘oh yeah my brother has it he got it from some website or whatever, so I was like alright I’m just going to go to the store and buy it. So I went to the store spent $100, went home and it was just like whoa I love it! It was just so much fun like I’m actually making music! I’m making beats and they actually sounded like beats, you know what I’m saying? It was just kind of like that then eventually I got addicted to it, it was like an addiction. And like you know people were going to parties, people were doing other stuff like ‘yeah let’s go see girls bout to part’ I’m like naw man I’m in here making these beats man this is fun, this is my fun you know what I mean?
J: For real Most definitely. B: Definitely. J: Cool, ok so next I’m going to give you a scenario alright? Pretty much it’s you producing a beat and I want you to complete it from where I end of at ok? If I’m wrong just correct me. B: Ok cool. J: I don’t know what time you wake up let’s say 8am. B: More like 8pm! [Laughs] J: Alright its 8 pm, you wake up, your brushing your teeth the tooth brush has a sick sound to it, you think of a hot melody, do a little beat box then......... B: Do a little beat box, then put some pianos on that B%!*H lol I’m joking. I don’t know it’s always a different process for me it doesn’t always start off the same way how I do beats so I couldn’t even tell you what I put next. It’s what ever I hear you know what I’m saying? I go by all ear because if you ask me about anything about playing music I don’t really know much about it, its just always different. When it comes down to music knowledge and stuff like that I don’t know much because I go by all ears and everything. J: Okay, that’s cool so you just create your own kind of sound. B: Yeah, what ever I hear I just put it in there. If I can’t put it in there myself I get somebody else to put it in for me, know what I’m saying? Whatever I hear just stacks on top of what ever I hear and it always turns out into something crazy! J: Cool. Your beats are just ill, sometimes I can’t really tell if it’s a Boi1da beat or not because I don’t know what you’re going to hit me with next you know. B: I always try to be different I get bored of doing the same thing over and over again so its always something different, I am always trying to expand and I keep my mind open. J: That’s pretty cool man, alright so your beats completed so what’s the process of taking your beat and getting it to an artist? B: It comes by different means you know, if I’m actually in the studio with the artist or you know like we just connect somehow and I email it or they hear from somebody else you know. J: So do you only produce beats or do u also co write music? B: I’m just starting to co write songs right now, you know I haven’t actually started getting to the booth yet you know. I started dropping in my little ideas here and there but I don’t know about the booth thing just yet, I gotta get over my booth phobia.
I went into the booth once and it wasn’t a good time, auto tune wasn’t showing me love still. J: For real so is Boi1da going to be coming out with an album? B: Well not with me rapping on it but I might be doing compilation album, but you’ll never hear me on the mic rapping cause that’s outta my character or singing or whatever. J: So you produced many joints for the homeboy Drake, Thank me later; gone platinum; number one on billboards. So how does it feel to be part of this tremendous success man; like how do you do it, how does it feel? B: Feels great, it feels great! Very exciting but at the end of the day my mentality is always to strive for better and do better than what I did the last time know what I’m saying? I always got a mentality where you know anything is not good enough know what I’m saying? Like yeah I did that but it’s not good enough I got to strive for better and that keeps me motivated and helps guide me and not, you know sitting and basking over something I just accomplished. J: You’re not settling you keep upgrading, keep innovating it’s amazing! So how did you and Drake meet, what the connection was like? B: We actually met through a friend a long time ago I think it was like 05 or 06 or something. My friend would always tell me about him like ‘yeeah my boy Drake, he’s like a good rapper he’s from the TV show Degrassi. And I was always shutting down the idea because he kept saying he’s from the TV show Degrassi. I was like I don’t really want to hear no rapper that’s on a friggin’ teen bopper TV show Degrassi but he actually added me to messenger msn one day. We were just chatting it up and I was like you know; homeboys kind of cool. So you know, he sent me his song to listen to and I was blown away by the song; I was like this is you? I was like confused it was you rapping like this? And he’s like yeah yo that’s me. I was like damn bro we need to work like immediately! I saw the vision of what he can be you know what I’m saying? Like he wasn’t rapping about guns he was just being himself on the song and it just sounded great. ‘Cause that was around the time when 50cent was huge and all this gangster rap was huge and he wasn’t gangster rapping, but his music still sounded good.
what is the process of an artist hooking up with boy1da and getting a boy1da beat or production working with you? B: I mean if you make good music. If u don’t make good music then we can’t really work you know. I’m not at that levels where you know I’m just working with somebody for money you know. If I’m not feeling you then I’m not feeling you and probably won’t do anything. But you know if your music’s good and your music’s new and I can relate to it and I enjoy then it is what it is. J: True true okay fair enough. So I heard your working on a lot of new things right now you’re working with a new boy band named Mindless behaviour, your changing up the swag right now? So what’s new for boi1da, what’s coming up and what should the people expect from you? B: Just expect the unexpected know what I’m saying? I’m always trying something different you know what I’m saying? It’s never going to be the same cause I’m always on some new stuff. So it’s always going to be something different. J: To wrap this up do you have any final words to say that you want in the publications, any shout outs? B: I just want to shout out the whole city of Toronto for just showing me love and always showing me love, and I always show love back you know what I’m saying? And just shout out to anybody who supports me and shout out to God for being a God. J: Amen, Alright so to conclude this interview I want to say thank you for taking the time to do this with me on behalf of The Industry Thank you!
J: For real, so what was the first song that you guys made together? B: The first song we did together was ‘Do what you do’ J: Interviewing a lot of artists, a few want to work with Boi1da. I’ve seen that your MySpace page says “no free beats” and I know of the level of success that you’re at right now. So Page 25 | Excess industry issue 1
DirectorX
Take fiveexclusive with
“My signature style is very visual and graphic and again, my background as a graphic designer, my background as an illustrator and my background just in visual arts really had in impact on how I approached making music videos and the visuals I was working with.�
Page 26 | Excess industry issue 1
How many times have you fallen in love with a song after watching it come to life through a video?
M
erging the music we listen to with original and imaginative story lines and concepts, this Toronto native is the skilled artist behind bringing countless artists’ tracks from our speakers to our screens. Julien Christian Lutz, better known as Little X, has rightfully earned his title as one of the hottest music video directors in the hip hop realm. After moving to New York at the age of 19 and working under Hype Williams, Little X’s directing career took off and he’s since directed videos for many of the industry’s top music makers including Sean Paul, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Alicia Keys and R. Kelly to name just a few. Now recognized by the title of Director X, I got the chance to get a glimpse into how it all started for this established director and the process behind creating his masterpieces. --------------------------------------------------------So why did you decide to do the whole name change from Little X to Director X? Just some growth. Time to move on, time to grow up, you know? I’m on my Diddy right now and you can feel it right in the name, Little X, Director X, I mean Director X – it sounds like business right? So let’s do some business baby. What do you want people to think of when they hear your new name? Inspiring music videos, inspiring artistic film making. How did you first break out as a music video director? Well actually I started up at Much Music – I was an intern at Much – and that’s really what got me interested in music videos. Then I moved to New York and started doing intern work for Hype Williams and that turned into doing his story boards and that turned into me actually getting some of my own gigs and becoming a director myself. What was the first music video you ever directed? Choclair – What it Takes. What are some of the obstacles you’ve had to overcome to achieve the success that you have today? Just getting people to believe in you, especially the people who you came up with – it’s funny how that works. The people you came up with are very often the ones who believe last
because they’ve known you since you were young and they’re like, ‘ah, whatever.’ It’s harder for them; you know what I’m sayin’? As oppose to when you meet some people and they just meet you and they’re on it and they feel you and they’re there to support to, so all kinds of different things like that. Was music something that was always part of your life or something you were always interested in? Not so much music, but visuals. I’m a visual artist so I got into music videos from the visual standpoint – the photography, the making of shots, the way things came together and I love hip hop so it was a really beautiful combination. What would you say really drew you into this field. What made you wake up and say to yourself, I want to do this for the rest of my life? When I was at Much Music was when I really began to see that there was a lot of art being involved – there was an artistic sensibility being involved with the camera and that’s what got me interested. Being so involved in the craft and constantly trying to think of new ideas and methods of making your videos, directors often develop a signature style, can you tell me a little bit about your signature style and how you became famous for it? My signature style is very visual and graphic and again, my background as a graphic designer, my background as an illustrator and my background just in visual arts really had in impact on how I approached making music videos and the visuals I was working with. What are some of your favourite techniques or ones that you enjoy using? Whatever fits the song you know? If it needs to be rough and rugged, you might go handheld. If it needs to be slick and smooth you might put it on a dolly and a track, so you mould things to the song and the concept at hand. Where are some of the places you get your inspiration from? I look at a lot of photography. A lot of fashion photography, art – all different kinds. Painters, illustrators, comic book art, television. Even life in general, you know, walking around and seeing things – magazine, graphic design, and architecture – anything in the artistic field to really set you off. Could you walk me through the process you go through when coming up with the final idea for one of your videos? You get the record – the record comes to you first – and then from there, you really have to
work and think about that record, find a concept that clicks and that seems to match what the song is about and then begin to build it from there and find a theme for the video. I know you have a whole roster of artists you’ve done videos for, so could you briefly tell me about some of videos you’ve done that you’re most proud of or that you had the most original idea for? Well right now I’m really into the Nicki Minaj [Your Love] video. I’m into Nicki, I’m into the video that we did together – it was really creative. It’s just different from what’s out there. I really liked working with Nicki; I liked what we did together a lot. And how did you come up with the concept for that video? I was a combo – the fabric idea – when I heard the song, that soft and romantic kind of song, that’s when I said alright we’ll make something soft with the fabric and all that. Then when she and I started talking, she said how much she liked anime and martial arts and these kinds of things, so that brought out the whole idea of the martial arts school and it was her idea to die at the end actually, so it was a real joint effort that one – coming up with what we were going to do. How important would you say it is to have a relationship with the artist you’re creating a video for? It’s a good thing. When you get an artist that cares about the video and is very involved in everything it just makes a better product. It makes a better video for everybody because you have to remember you’re not competing with other videos, you’re competing with other entertainment so you’ve got to keep your head wrapped around that. So before the My Love video, what was the last thing you worked on? Sean Kingston and Nicki Minaj, the Let Go video. How did that project work out? They wanted a party video in Jamaica and that’s my background, I’m West Indian and still very much involved in all the stuff that’s going on out there, so I just made something really raw and fun and exciting out there. What do you do when an artist has a vision for their video and you don’t agree with it or you don’t think it would fit the song? How do you work around that? Well it depends and actually I feel the artist is the most connected to the song. If the artist comes and has a concept for something, I think they’re right. I think there’s a connection that they have to it and I don’t go, ‘No, that’s not the way to go.’ This is their song, they Page 27 | Excess industry issue 1
Something more energetic? Yeah instead of being at a chop shop with hot chicks. As much as I like hot chicks, it’s been done and it’s not really – that record is more than that. In the industry right now, what’s a technique you feel is being over used? That people should maybe move away from? I don’t know if there’s anything that’s being over done right now. It’s kind of hard to get a video in any sense getting anywhere nowadays, so you know what I’m saying’? I like the old days. What do you mean by that? For a while everything was a party video, we’re not quite there anymore. Things have changed up.
have a special connection. If they come to me to do the video and they say, ‘Oh I want to go to a beach,’ then I’ve got to turn that beach into a video and not just a template standing on the stand, there’s things that need to be done – there’s a whole technical aspect. If they point me in a direction, I’m going to follow it, I don’t argue with the artist. Managers and record executives, they can be wrong, but with the artist when it comes to their song and their video I respect what they’ve got to say. Is there a song that you would really like to do a video for that you haven’t done yet? Toot it and boot it. [sings] I like that song. It just came to my head. What about a song that already has a video that you would’ve loved to make the video for? Taio Cruz – Dynamite. What would you have done with it? He should’ve been climbing up a mountain or something you know what I’m saying? That video should’ve been inspiring because when you hear that record, you’re inspired. You want to get up and do something. He’s got to climb a mountain and just have lightning bolts striking him and – you know what I’m saying’? do something creative.
Page 28 | Excess industry issue 1
So how do you feel music videos have evolved over time from just being party videos? The money’s changed. You just can’t afford what you used to be able to afford – especially for the hip hop acts. They’re getting very, very, very low budget so they just can’t afford to do all they used to do and it’s not getting airplay that it used to get. Believe me, there’s still a bunch of stupid videos out there, but you’re not forced to watch them. You don’t have to sit through them to get to something you want to see on BET anymore. The television channels, they deal in hits – that’s what’s happening now. They want hits. You got a hit? ‘Cause they’re not going to play it if it’s not a hit, so there we go. Do you feel that the budgets are affecting your creativity in any way? To a degree, but this is what’s going on. It is what it is. You’ve been involved in a lot of Toronto youth arts events like We Day and Manifesto, why do you feel it’s important to be an advocate for youth and the arts? Does this cause have any special meaning to you at all? Yeah, the kids need to know that just some good old do what you love doing will get you where you’re meant to be. And it’s always important to give back, it’s always important to help the youth, this is just the way life goes, so go ahead and just give them encouragement. How do you feel that you contribute to that cause? Like I said I tell these kids do what you enjoy doing and it’s going to lead you where you’re supposed to be. Growing up in a city like Toronto, how do you feel like your surroundings have affect-
ed the person that you’ve become today? Or have they affected you at all? Moving to New York was a big deal and to see the big city like that changing things. What was the main change you found in doing the big move? Doing the big move? Just how New York moves, New York moves fast. It is not a cliché everyone says “oh it’s a fast moving city” it is a fast moving city, but very seriously. I like fast, moving cities – I like the city. I like Toronto, I’ve downtown Toronto for a very long time and then to get to New York City it sped up! It was faster than normal, it was faster than Toronto but hey, that’s the way I like it. Are you involved in any other projects besides music videos? Where would like to see yourself in the next five years? I’m involved in all the different parts of being a director so all that television, film, commercials, music videos – I’m a director so I do all these things and where I see myself in five years? I don’t really talk about – I see myself somewhere in five years, but I’m not just going to randomly put it all out there. I’m a Scorpio, so I like to keep work private until it’s ready to be released. My future plans are my future plans. You mentioned you’ve also done some commercials and some short films and stuff like that do you want to talk about any of the other stuff you’ve been working on? Well Director X is the name that I use for music videos, that’s how you know me. I do a lot of commercials and a lot of stuff that you’ve seen but it’s a different more corporate world, it’s not the music industry you know what I’m saying’? So for what types of companies? McDonalds, car companies, all kinds of things like that. That’s when it gets corporate you know, it’s a different world. McDonald’s and I have done a bunch of projects together. Do you have any upcoming projects or appearances that are going to be based in Toronto that people can come check you out at? Not right now, not that I can really speak on. There’s always something going on with me but nothing I can say ‘hey, this is locked in and this is happening.’ What’s next for you? Just exploring, exploring my art and artistically doing what I do.
Positive Vibes
poet’s corner: with ess
“I’ll be damned” (Verse) I’ll be DAMNED! I just danced with the devil in style / And as we tangoed past the mantle in the candlelit house / I picked a ROSE from the BOWL – I knelt to the ground / And SOLD my SOUL, as I put the petals INTO my mouth / I BIT DOWN on the stem, as I drank a cup of his blood / That’s when he STAINED the pentagram into my brain with a brush / I couldn’t thank him enough for his BLANKET of LOVE / ‘Cause when the world’s as cold as ice, it’s like the angels DON’T dust / But, my behavior is SUCH that of a person who sees things / As the WOLF in sheep skin… SINKING his teeth in / EVERY lamb that he can – sure, it’s perverse and DEVIANT / But, then again, for what it’s worth, his work is GENIUS / My WHOLE life I neglected having that second perspective / I was the kid who grew up in the FRUIT and VEGETABLE section / Now, I’m BACK with a vengeance and yeah, I’m taking my steak / But, this time I AIN’T EATING the PEAS on my PLATE /
Page 29 | Excess industry issue 1
NBA TOP TEN MOMENTS OF 2010
- James Borbath: daily writer in the Dino Nation Blog that is part of The Score Sports Federation.
It has been an NBA Year that will be remembered for perhaps years to come here are 10 reasons why: 10- Blake Griffin Finally Debuts: He missed his entire Rookie Season but some may say it was worth the wait as he has been the story in terms of Rookies in 2010/11. John Wall might be able to Dougie but Blake Griffin can do it all. True the Clippers still suck but Blake does not.
9- CB4 Is Dead: It may not be a big moment south or the boarder in the United States. But Chris Bosh’s Raptor career with a ended with busted face in Cleveland. The Raptors would fail to make the post season and Chris Bosh was done as a Raptor. He would take his talents to
a lot of the blame for Heat having a less than spectacular start the the season. While the Raptors started a uncertain future without him. It will all lead to no doubt what will be perhaps the top Raptors moment of 2011 when Bosh returns to Toronto on February 16th.
8- Boston’s Playoff Run To The Finals: The Celtics were not exactly rolling into the NBA Playoffs last year. Many thought they may not even make it out of the first round. They would prove all their doubters wrong as they rolled through Miami, Cleveland and Orlando. Rajon Rondo in this season made the once Big 3 a true and legit Fabulous Foursome. In the end the defending champion Lakers with a point to make of their own. They had not forgotten the Celtics defeated them to win a Championship 2 seasons ago.
7- USA Defeats the World In Turkey: It was not an A-list group
South Beach and the Miami Heat. He would also get the attention is was seeking both good and bad. The Good getting on every T.V show that would have him. The Bad he took Page 30 | Excess industry issue 1
for Team USA. But a group of young hungry lead by Kevin Durant would taken on the world and win. The Americans would go a perfect 9-0 in the tournament and defeat the host nation of Turkey in the Gold Medal Final. Kevin Durant would be named the tournament MVP and it was just one of a lot of good moments for Kevin Durant in the year of 2010.
6- 2K11 Becomes Kings Of Video Games In NBA: It was a big year in the world of NBA Video Games. The 2K series of NBA Basketball brought Michael Jordan back in virtual form and they blew the doors off with NBA 2K11. The hype in the lead up to the release of this game in October was huge. In a world where things do not always live up to the hype this game did. So much so that it delayed the release of EA Sports NBA Elite 11 which was to have Kevin Durant on the cover. The delay would turn into the outright cancellation of the release of Elite. It may not have happened on an NBA floor but this was perhaps the biggest facial of the season.
5- 2010 Free Agency: It was the most talked about and hyped free agency in perhaps any sport at any time. There was a lot of change in the NBA and it didn’t all take place in Miami. Amare Stoudemire is a Knick. Carlos Boozer is a Bull and there were many other bug moves that happened. Including some players actually staying put like Joe Johnson and Rudy Gay cashing in and remaining with the Hawks and Grizzlies. It would also spark rumours that both Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony may be looking for new homes. It was hyped for over 2 years and some will say it lived up
to the hype. Others will say it was far to much hype that made a lot of people look foolish. But it did make the NBA the talk of the summer.
4- Lebron James Has Come Back To Cleveland: It was hyped up for months and in the end the King would shut the mouths of all his former fans in Cleveland. He would return to Cleveland and but on a show. Cleveland fans would make videos and build up the hype but in the end just as they failed to keep Lebron and their boos failed to stop him. This was an event that failed to live up to the hype. Lebron did what was expected he crushed his former team as everyone should have expected.
3- Thunder Up: It was a big year for Kevin Durant. He took himself to the top of the list of the NBA Elite being talked about in the same breath as Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. He lead the U.S to gold as we mentioned. He also lead his young Thunder team to the playoffs for the first time. They would face the defending Champion Lakers. It would be a 6 game series to remember and the Lakers got a huge scare in the open-
ing round of the NBA Playoffs. Now Russell Westbrook has started this season looking like he has taken his game to another level and the OKC Thunder look to return to the Playoffs with some more experience under their belts. While Lebron James became the most hated guy in the NBA it was Kevin Durant quietly signing an extension in the off-season that became the NBA’s Super Hero. Kevin Durant has become perhaps the most popular player in the NBA.
2- Lakers Go Back to Back: In any other year a team winning back to back titles would be the story of the year. But this was a different year. That being said the off-court news should not take away from the on court action. The Lakers were given a tough test in the early by the Thunder and got taken to the limit by the Celtics. But in the end Kobe and company made it 2 titles in a row. After defeating the Orlando Magic they go a measure of revenge in defeating the Celtics who beat them 2 years ago or else they would be 3 time NBA Champions. They are the 3 time Western Conference Champs. They will look to make it 3 straight NBA Titles this year. That quest has been over shadowed by the number 1 moment of the year. But I am sure the Lakers don’t mind that a bit.
the MWO was born. It was a bumpy ride for James all summer long. The bumps would not would not stop when the season began. But as of right now Miami looks the dominate force that some people were saying would win 70+ games this season. That may not happen but the Heat after a rocky start that featured talk of Eric Spolstra being fired and Chris Bosh being traded have long been forgotten. Heat are rolling. But perhaps the biggest moment of 2010 has yet to happen as on Christmas Day the Heat will face the 2 time Champion Lakers in what promises to be one of the best games of the NBA season.
1- The Decision: Chris Bosh and D-Wade said they were going to play for the Miami Heat. The world would wait a day later to hear from Lebron James. In an event that was truly bizarre and highly rated James would announce his intentions on live T.V on ESPN. He would utter the now famous words “ I am taking my talents to South Beach” and with that Page 31| Excess industry issue 1
I
t’s an experience every time watching Lohrasp “DJ L” Kansara spin; the way he feels every fiber of the rythmic sensation pulsating to his fingers as he electrifies his audience sending an uncontrolable urge to move to the beat. DJ L’s undeniable charismatic energy translates on-screen. That’s right, on screen. Not only does the Switzerland-bred world tour DJ shake up every nightclub spanning from New York to Italy, he also vigorously pursues his dream of becoming a full-time actor. His resume boasts working with some of the hottest artists, such as Swizz Beats and Madonna, livening some of the best clubs around the world and even starring on the hit television series Law & Order: SVU. Industry Mag gladly chopped it up with the DJ veteran to talk about his successful track record
-- Niki McGloster
DJ L
One on one with exclusive
Who inspires the way you create and present your style of deejaying? Deejays don’t really inspire me. What inspires me more is their work ethic and their dedication to their craft ‘cause like I said again, I didn’t grow up wanting to be a deejay like most deejays. I’m completely different in this whole music thing than everybody else. It was a passion, but a fun passion to just have on the side, it was never something that I wanted to make a career out of. Most deejays, most friends of mine have been deejaying since they were 12, 13, 14; they got their first set of turntables and a mixer when they were young as a Christmas present, you know. [Laugh] I started deejaying when I was 22. I was already a grown ass man. There’s nobody that I’Il look up too and know his whole history. Now, do I listen to other deejays absolutely. I listen to everybody and study what they do. There are many that are fantastic, but they’re not my inspiration. Music is my inspiration, music is the reason I wanted to deejay and the influence that music has on people. That’s what inspired me to want to give that feeling to people. Because you sort of stumbled upon deejaying, do you feel as though that makes you a better deejaying? Striving harder to be great? Do I think I’m the best, absolutely because I’m the competitive. I come from a sports background and in sports you’re supposed to take every challenge in life as a competitive point of view. You say that your work ethic is like no one else’s. How would you describe it? My work ethic results are from a few
Page 32 | Excess industry issue 1
that when I was very young, sports had a bigger impact on my life. And I dedicated myself so much to that [basketball], I just viewed that as being what was going to be my career, but when that didn’t work out, I wanted to go into acting, but I didn’t really know how to go into acting. Was I supposed to enrol in a school? How can I get auditions? So, music was a little bit easier, and I had a bunch musicians around me, but when I got to a certain level of deejaying, that’s when I decided to really research acting more, and that’s when I met somebody that was doing an independent film, and he put me in touch with the school that I’m at today, Susan Batson’s studio.
things. One, it’s a result of my passion. I’m so passionate about it that I want to do it all the time, so I work and work and work and practice and deejay as much as I can. Second of all, I have ADHD. I have been very hyper since I was young, I was diagnosed with it, but it has its negative effects like I can’t sleep at night. But at the same time, I have a creation level of energy that far surpasses the average person. I’ve never met someone that can keep up with me for more than three days. And third, again, I’m extremely competitive. I want to be number one. I want to have a huge resume that someone can say, ‘this guy had a career.’ What is the ‘DJ L Experience’ and what does it encompass? Well, I like to play everything. I hate being limited to two, three music genres and a lot of parties these days especially the older I get, the more close-minded I feel this generation is and it’s sad, and I feel like great deejaying creates a world within a world. People go out to parties to forget their about their daily life, their stress, whatever their going through. They go out to party, to have a good time, to get a few drinks in their system, get loose, listen to good music, and just enjoy it. So I feel that a great deejay should be able to create that, and I feel like I create that when I’m deejaying. It’s how I play and at what speed I play the song. Where’s my energy? Because everything I’m feeling through my body goes through my hands and goes on the turntables and that comes out through the speakers and it makes somebody feel like, ‘Wow.’ It’s just the feeling you give to people. Deejaying is an art form like music, like painting, like anything else that falls in entertainment, and you know art is there for the people. It’s there for people to feel something to be inspired by to feel something to learn something from, so every time a person comes to me and says, ‘Wow. I never heard a deejay like you,’ or I see it in their bodies or their faces while they’re dancing, that’s just the best experience. It’s just the feeling of somebody feeling what I want people to get and come across. One of the biggest roles you’ve had to date was on the hit show Law & Order: SVU. How did you get into acting? I don’t act because it’s cool to act. I act because I was inspired by other actors when I watched their films and watched
“I’m completely different in this whole music thing than everybody else. It was a passion, but a fun passion to just have on the side, it was never something that I wanted to make a career out of. “ their plays; I was inspired by that art form. It influenced me, it changed my life, and I want to do that for the next person.
So, do you feel that acting and deejaying directly influence on another, as far as in your profession? No, they are very similar, and yet still so different because acting is the most propagated art form there is in this world, because we use every part of our human body from the emotional part to the physical part to the mental part, so it’s much, much more difficult. But they really complement each other. As an actor, in nightlife, you see so many different souls and characters to study. Who are you favourite music artists? My favourite artist, hands down, is Kanye just because he pushes the envelope. He’s so artistic, and he’s so open with himself. I love artists who put his life on the line because I feel that’s what I do in my own way. But I’m a big fan of Jay-Z and Eminem and a few other people, but Kanye is hands down my favourite artist. Finally, what can fans expect from you in the future, in all aspects of your career? I’m going to keep traveling the world and going nightclubs all over the world, and corporate events, and celebrity events. And I just hope that one day I can get a guest star role, after that maybe a recurring role, and after that maybe a lead role, and after that maybe a feature film. Obviously, that would be the biggest dream. So, I’m going to keep working hard, I would never stop deejaying, and I would like to be a full-time actor.
When did you first realize that you wanted to be an actor? I always wanted to be an actor. Always. Ever since I was extremely young, it’s just Page 33 | Excess industry issue 1
Beauty
withtrishislandbesos STAYING BEAUTIFUL IN 2011
There are a variety of looks to choose from this winter, the vast array of designs and make-up artistry can be seen from the runways to the sidewalks. Fresh bare faces, strong arched brows, winged out eyeliner, red and purple lips, long vintage colored nails, smoky eyes, straight cut bangs and even sleek up-do’s were all seen on the runways from many designers this year. Here are a couple of the looks and some 2010 must haves that add to your beauty collections.
OPEN UP YOUR EYES:
A neutral shimmering shadow on lids is a goof-proof brightener. Try Estee Lauder Pure Color Eye Shadows in Sugar Biscuit ($20). Line your inner lower lids with a skin-tone pencil and it will add to your bright eyes
HEALTHLY LOOKING NUDE
Keep your everyday lips looking sexy in the nude by choose shades with a touch of pink or peach. Add some clear gloss on top of that; the shine will brighten up your face. Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in (from top) Tashkent, Bangkok, and Tonkin ($25 each)
RED LIPSTICK:
Nothing can add a little bit of instant attitude to your beauty like Red Lipstick! Be a Diva and dear to wear fire engine red on your night out on the town. You won’t regret it! Try Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Top Tomato ($10.99, drugstores). MAC Dazzle Lipstick (in Snazzy), ($16.50, in stores now). Amongst the 13 hues available, this red plum charmed us. It gives off a luminous effect, completing your electrifying look. THE HAIR COLOR TRENDS Sun-Kissed highlights are always in, but it looks like platinum oneprocess hair color has made a comeback and will continue to do so. In 2011 we will also be seeing more cyber ’80s dos with touches of wild pinks, blues, greens, and black in unexpected places. Think richer reds, deeper browns, luxe all-over color and glistening blacks. Send us your picture of how you work your electrifying hair color and you could be featured in our next issue.
Page 34 | Excess industry issue 1
FALLING FOR NAIL POLISH The end of 2010, the China Glaze Vintage Vixen Collection captures the vivid and saturated hues of the 1940’s with this seductively complex and seductive palette. These classic shades of the season recreate the timeless tableau of movie land mystique, perfect red pouts and steamy nights. The Color lineup: • Goin’ My Way Brown frost with copper shimmer • Riveter Rouge Deep red shimmer • Classic Camel Khaki crème with gold micro glitter • Emerald Fitzgerald Turquoise green frost with shimmer • Midnight Mission Navy blue frost with silver micro glitter • First Class Tocket Deep purple frost with shimmer • Jitterbug Grey chrome with silver micro glitter • Bogie Plum frost with shimmer • Hey Doll Rose frost with shimmer • Foxy Burgundy frost with shimmer • Ingrid “Greige” crème with copper micro glitter • Swing Baby Taupe frost with silver micro glitter Be sure to try some of the trends on yourself or friends, who knows you may just end up with a fabulous new look! Until next time….Keep the beauty Flowing Love
IslandBesos Island.besos@industry-mag.com • www.youtube.com/trishislandbesos • www.twitter.com/islandbesos
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-kreative@live.ca
Page 35 | Excess industry issue 1
peezy’S PICKS
Hello all my Industry Heads! Welcome to Peezys Picks! I’ve implemented a new column that will showcase products that are hot and Peezy approved! These products are brands that I personally use and would recommend to all of our fellow readers! Every issue I will tell you all my fashions tips and secrets from my favourite clothing brands, makeup products to the insoles that help you rock those 6 inch heels so comfortably!
Whip your Hair!
(No Willow) I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to find a good hair product that can keep the hold and shine without smelling athrowsous! Then Garnier came into my life! I literally said, where have you been my whole life?! I’m not the type to go all out with hair products, probably due to the grease and non flattering aroma but I purchased Garnier Fructis Switch reworkable paste. This product is made for those who want to switch their hairstyle without having to rewash and blowdry - basically do the whole process over again. However I use it after I blowdry (with Dove Anti Frizz Serum - sometimes I spray my paddle brush with Olive oil and brush gently through the wet hair) and flatiron. It instantly gets rid of all the flyaways, adds instant shine and smells AMAZING!!! You don’t even need much, I just scoop a little up with my index finger, rub it between my hands and slick it through my hair. It works great when I want to change my part, pull my bangs out, or sleek back in a ponytail - without giving it that greasy look. It’s available at almost every drugstore and walmart hair product sections.
Got2be Curl Vacious For the most part, I prefer wearing my hair straight. My hair is naturally crazy wavy/curly - and I hate it. Well most girls hate their hair and prefer the opposite look; however I do have my busy days when I cant afford to sit infront of the mirror for 1 hour doing the drying and straightening process. That does not mean I have to go out looking like I got electrocuted. When I know I’m due for a lazy hair day, I towel dry my hair squeezing the ends of my hair to mold it into decent curl rather than a crimp. My product of choice is Got2Be Curl Vacious. Something about this little spray, seems to enhance the shape of the curl and takes the bushy frizz away!
Got2be Voluptuous Volume Then I let it airdry fpr a bit, then I add some of the Got2be Voluptuous Volume - obviously for the volume.
garniER Hair Spray Line And if you want some of that nice smelly stuff! Smooth in a bit of that Garnier paste when its dry or spray it down with their Hold and Flex ultimate holdspray. Garnier has a hairspray line for curly hair too, but I have yet to try it. Thus far, this one has met my needs!
Page 36 | Excess industry issue 1
I dont like super poofy hair but I do like the lift it gives and curls every strand. Make sure you do this to damp to almost dry hair, otherwise you are wasting your time and the product.
That’s it for now! xoxo Peezy
Natalie Assadourian presents Excess Industry Magazine’s FASHION COLUMN:
WINTER 2010/2011 — FASHION GUIDE! As we bid goodbye to autumns warmer temperatures and prepare for the sub zero chills promised by winter, many fashionistas might find themselves scrambling at this time of the year. The yearly wardrobe swap, from shirts to sweaters, blazers to cardigans, cottons to wools and furs has begun. It can sure be overwhelming!
What’s in? What’s out? What sustains? Worry not fashionistas, we’ve got you covered. With the chill of winter’s embrace looming just around the corner, Excess Industry Mags got the hook up with your Winter 2010 fashion guide! Industry sources still fresh from Milan fashion week tell us the coming season is all about 50’s glamour with rich fiery textures. Velvets and lace, retro prints, cloaks & coats, and lots of delicious little buttons covering everything from military style jackets and sweaters to these fantastic Christian Louboutin sky high boots.
sharp silhouettes, fur scarves, A-line skirts, flare and wide legged pants.
Expect lots of crimsons, military greens, greys and black this season, but don’t be afraid to have fun with metallic undertones. Shimmer and shine have made yet another seasonal comeback but with slightly more demure tones. Last years
platinum and gold have been toned down to this years bronze and darker shades of pewter. The era of the Femme Fetale is upon us, have fun with it! Think tailored- suits,
Leather is also making a strong return this season. The more the better. We’re talking over the knee boots, fitted pilot jackets, large handbags, and lots of accents and accessories! Fur in all colours, sheerlings, and leopard prints and when done right it can bring back the sex appeal to even the bleakest winter days!
Page 37 | Excess industry issue 1
FASHION Continued
Scarves, hats and gloves, and warm cozy boots. For men we will see much of the same trends in terms of military jackets and colors, fitted suits, rich velvets and textures and leathers. A key trend to watch out for is the Sack Suit. A relaxed cut with classic detailing. A very modern interpretation of the classic fit. Fashion is a fun way to express who we are through the art of what we wear. These trends are guidelines, however there’s nothing worse than looking like your in a fashion magazine uniform or time warp so stay original. Add your own personality and twist to any outfit to assure originality and flare that will be found no where else, other than when looking at you!
Scarlet red is a must have color for the season Scarlet red is a must have color for the season. As you can see, this Elie Saab dress is on fire. The rich detailing and flamboyant textures give off a whole lot of steam while showing very little. It’s a play on silhouettes and a well done concoction of love on fire. True art. Don’t forget to top off your look with Page 38 | Excess industry issue 1
28
LAST TRAIN exclusive TO PARIS Dirty Money Debut Album “Last Train to Paris” – Bailey J
D
irty Money is a multitalented trio consisting of one of the most successful entrepreneurs in hip-hop and two incredibly talented female artists and song writers. Diddy alongside Kalenna and Dawn Richard make up the group and are gearing to release their highly anticipated album ‘Last Train to Paris’ on December 14th/2010. Influenced by the journey to regain a lost love, Dirty Money’s ‘Last Train to Paris’ is sure to take the world by storm with their raw sound and pure lyrics. With the perfect mix of American hip-hop and UK techno swag, Dirty Money is guaranteed to be another successful addition to Diddy’s empire of unforgettable Page 40 | Excess industry issue 1
Dirty Money
artists and chart-topping hits. Exclusive with Dawn of Dirty Money – Lisa Persaud “L Peezy” I had an opportunity to sit down with one third of the dynamic Dirty Money Trio, the Lovely Dawn Richard and talk with her about her childhood, the evolution of Dirty Money and her future goals... Dawn, you are no stranger to this world, since you come from an entertainment industry family! (Those who do not know, her father was a lead singer of a funk/soul band and her mother owned a dancing school), now since you grew up in that environment, did you feel the pressure of having to pursue a career in entertainment? No not at all. My father and mother never pressured me to be in the music industry. They wanted me to do whatever I wanted. And I think because I was not pushed into It, it’s even sweeter that I am now successful in it.
What motivated you to embrace the music world? I was a huge fan of Tone. Of course, I loved the greats Prince and Michael Jackson, Etta James, and Queen. But I also loved The Cranberries, Alanis Morrisette and Green Day. Something about the lyrics in rock music moved me. I grew up on indie rock music living in New Orleans so I was all over the place musically and I loved it. That is a unique variety! Are there any other musicians or dancers you favoured growing up? I love Gregory Hines and Fred Astaire. They were amazing and timeless to me. The created stories with their dance ... It was moving art to me :) A lot of people think you got started in the business when you were selected to join the cast of P Diddy’s Making the Band (3) but in actuality you joined your first group in your early teen years in New Orleans called “Realiti”. Tell us about that experience:
My father was managing me at the time and he formed our group Realiti. It was my best friends Amanda and Bethany Winfield and myself. Kind of like Girl Tyme was for Destiny’s Child. It was my start :) Wow, so you were prepared to be a star from a young age! Fast forwarding a few years, you attended the University of New Orleans; during this time you were still pursuing a singing career, you were on tour as an opening act for Anthony Hamilton and became an NBA cheerleader for the New Orleans Hornets. How did you manage all of that along with your personal life?! You know, my whole life I’ve done a lot! Ever since I could walk I was always in everything. I was dancing, in the choir, and cheering. In high school, I was on the bowling team, basketball, softball team, in the art club… Just on and on. I think God prepared me young. So it just comes easy because I’ve always been busy. My parents made my brother and I like that. Then not too long after you landed a spot on P Diddy’s Making the Band 3. How did you feel when you got that news? It was a blessing because I had just lost everything to Katrina so my family and I were pretty down. It came at a perfect time. Life works in funny ways sometimes; that truly was a blessing! Tell us about the reality show experience? Do you feel it made you grow as an artist and an individual? Definitely, any experience that doesn’t go as you plan is a learning experience. I’ve grown so much. I’m stronger, tougher, and wiser. Although Dainty Kane was not successful, do you still keep in touch with the former group members? No, but I wish them success at whatever they do. You already know all us viewers fell in love with you and your boo Que [Former Day 26 vocalist] Was it hard maintaining a relationship with the pressure of the show, industry and media? I thought it would be hard, but he makes it easy. He is such an amazing man. I’m
a private person so it was hard living my love life out in the open. He made me comfortable with all of it. He is so easy to love. Do you have any other film or television projects in the works? Or any you would like to pursue? Yes. I have a film out now on DVD called Perfect Combination with Christian Keyes and Angell Conwell. And I’m definitely interested in doing more film projects. Acting is a passion of mine. Let’s talk Dirty Money. You have definitely grown intellectually and changed your entire look. What motivated the change? Being a woman motivated the change. We can never get stuck in one look too long. I’m growing and loving the skin I’m in. I want to take risks with my look. It’s liberating for me. Who came up with the name “Dirty Money” and can you elaborate more on the “definition” of this group. We wanted a name as dope as the rock and roll names. Like “My Chemical Romance” or “Flyleaf”, so Puff was at the strip club in Tampa for Superbowl weekend and he was giving stacks of one’s out to the strippers and the people in the club. It got crowded and for security purposes he had to leave. When he got in the car he had 3000 dollars worth of ones in his hands. And they were the dirty ones that had been circulated through the community. He said, “Damn this is some Dirty Money. And lit the light bulb. lol nice! It definitely stands out and has originality. So Kalenna was brought on board by Puff; when you first met was it an instant connection or did it take some time and work together to gain confidence that you would make a dynamic team? It was instant with Kalenna. She is my other half. She is so talented and I am honoured to have been able to sing with her on this project. Have you considered any solo projects?
Yes. That will be coming, but right now the Train is what’s taking off. Dirty Money is the beat right now. The anticipated “Last Train to Paris” releases this month (December) Any favourite tracks or special things to look out for?Lookout for the entire album, we have written on this album and poured our hearts into it. From beginning to end you have hear it to understand the spiritual experience it takes you on. I’m looking forward to it! Finally, do you have any advice for young women wanting to follow in your career path? Don’t just be good, be great. Success comes to those who work hard. Learn the business as well as your craft. And never let “No” be your final answer. Trust in God and yourself and you will win. The key is to believe. Thank you for taking your time to sit down with Excess Industry!
LIFESTYLE:
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GOOD GUYS? – Jolie Adam
In previous years, chivalry was composed of good manners, common courtesy and a keen ability to make your partner feel protected. Almost every man was a gentleman and those who wanted a date, had to court the opposite sex with romantic or creative gestures.
R
emember when flowers were in style and diamonds were a girl’s best friend? Well, fast-forward to our current era of modernism and fast-paced mentality and technologies, flowers shop are a decade away from filing bankruptcy and jewelry shops are hardly frequented besides the occasion of an engagement. Although the economy is largely to blame, even celebrities are tightening their gestures of courting, choosing to invest in business ventures than in a gift for their partner. The internet is also at fault, with social
Page 42 | Excess industry issue 1
networking sites where you can talk to virtually anyone, from your neighbour next door to your office crush to your favourite celebrity. The art of suspense, the thrill of the tease is non-existent these days. The problem with our society, including the scarcity of the so-called “good guys”, is that we want everything, now. When men like a female, they no longer go through the process and sometimes endurance it takes to successfully woo her. They don’t bother with flowers, they simply message her to request a date or something of that sort. The internet has made cowardly excuses of men who hide behind the comfort and anonymity of their monitors to obtain the attention of their interest. What happened to poetry verses and the hard work of romanticism Shakespeare committed to? What happened to love letters? What happened to the men who even understand what those things are? So where are the good guys? According to a recent DailyMail article, they’re all senile. A female journalist found herself stranded with a car engine problem, in plain sight of plenty men who did absolutely nothing but stare and pass by. She was visibly struggling, looking under the hood, yet no one took the time to help her. Until an older gentleman stopped and asked her if she needed help. That’s frightening to hear for all the single women looking for an eligible bachelor who understands the value of chivalry. Although like many other things of the past, the understanding of chivalry and nobility had changed. A conversion of manners however still applies.
A gentleman opens the car door however a modern man fills up your tank with fuel. A gentleman pulls out your chair, a modern man takes out the trash, willingly. A gentleman buys gifts and cards regularly while a modern man simply sends you romantic texts regularly. Those are just a few things a man can do to keep a woman under his spell. Something that should go unsaid yet shall be said because some men simply do not abide by this. Always pay for the first date, without expectations of her reciprocating the favour in some way by the end of the night. Some things can be taken for granted, yet the small things are the most frugal and gain you a lot of bonus points that you will continue to cash in a long time. All images obtained via Google Images. Copyrighted items have been referenced.
LIFESTYLE:
LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS – Jolie Adam
Long distance relationships are quite selfexplanatory. There are few who would consider them based on circumstances and many who fail to survive the evident trials and tribulations of one. Long distance relationship offers limitations that most couples don’t want to adhere to. If you were dating someone, in a healthy and promising relationship, and they were offered their dream career halfway across the world, would you pack your bags and follow suit or stay where you’ve already settled? Deciding to engage in a LDR is not the hardest part, maintaining one is. When you’ve had a trying day and need your partner’s consolation and support, instead of finding it at home where it belongs, you have to resort to other interpersonal methods such as calling, chatting or skyping. Granted, long distance relationships are not for everyone. If you value physical intimacy over an emotional connection with your partner, this will prove to be exceptionally hard. Even if that’s not the case, emotional distress or comfort is not easy to achieve when the person is never physically there. A few factors that make a big difference might help you determine whether a long distance relationship is suitable for you. Proximity: If you reside in North America and your partner in South America, the chances of an impromptu flight to see one another in a moment of need is more likely. However if it’s in another continent, you might want to re-evaluate the realistic possibilities and odds of a successful relationship. This factor is a little easier for celebrities who can afford to jet around the world at any time given if it doesn’t compromise with their schedules. When T.I was serving his time in prison last year, he couldn’t bear the absence of Tiny and
although he specifically requested no visitors, the rapper “missed Tiny terribly” so his partner caught a flight to go see him. Frequency: How often are the planned visits? If there are less than one per yearly quarter, consider yourself a bachelor(ette). This factor relates to proximity. The closer you are while you’re apart, the more frequent you’ll be able to actually see each other. No other Hip Hop couples’ work ethic is comparable to Jay-Z and Beyonce’s. Even when they’re both touring and promoting their albums, they still manage to find the time to show up at each other’s concerts and make award shows appearances together. Communications: Telecommunications is one the world’s booming business. While you’re away from your significant other, obtaining a good long distance deal with your phone company might be a good idea. With today’s technological evolution, you can even share a virtual dinner together. When Will Smith was in Asia working, his wife Jada talked to him on the phone “at least five times a day”. And when Rihanna spent the last few months touring the globe, she admits to resorting
to online communications to keep in touch with her boyfriend Matt Kemp. “We have to make do with Skype and phone, but I miss him,” Rihanna said. So is going the distance really worth it? In celebrities’ cases, long distance relationships are inevitable and also shortly lived. They are usually away from work and are back within the following months. Long distance relationships require a lot of work, effort, communications and trust. Distance does make the heart grow fonder but missing out on life’s little things that add up to be crucial moments can also farther the distance already present. All images obtained via Google Images. Copyrighted items have been referenced.
Page 43 | Excess industry issue 1
LIFESTYLE:
Kama SutraIndustry Style! – Natalie Assadourian
Welcome to another edition of Sex In The Industry. For this months year end wrap up and for our loyal readers, I’ve traveled far outside the regular boundaries to bring something very special and very sacred back for the holidays... The Kama Sutra. You may have heard and seen the term thrown around quite a bit these days, gracing magazine covers with the guarantee to spice up your sex life. The ever alluring seduction of Karma Sutra has been attributed to long, healthy and successful relationships. Even your local newspapers have begun publishing some of the erotic 64 sexual positions and techniques, so what is the mystery behind it? Kama Sutra is an intense physical, emotional and spiritual journey allowing you to unleash your inner inhibitions. Let’s unravel the ancient secrets and mysteries of Kama Sutra, Industry-style! The ancient Sanskrit text was originally written more than 18 centuries ago and surprisingly some of it’s teachings are still applicable today. It is basically a rule book about sex and relationships. Kama (desire), and Sutra (rules), is regarded in India today as “The Forbidden Book” because it boasts sexuality in ways the Hindu culture now wish to minimize. Let’s go back for a moment to a time that will help us understand why the book even exists. Between centuries 1-4 when the Kama Sutra was written, The Hindu Religion believed life had 3 purposes: Dharma (Religious Piety), Artha (material success) and Kama (sexual pleasure). As such, people constantly strove to perfect these 3 factors of their lives and the Kama Sutra was born. Very little thorough information has been published about the book so many people believe it’s all about sex, but it’s much more than that. It is a sex and relationship rule book written by a man named Vatsyayana
Page 44 | Excess industry issue 1
Mallannaga to optimize love and passion and leave you desiring your partner for years to come. The text holds within its pages a lot more than erotic lovemaking diagrams. It also guides a male through his life stages. Being a bachelor, then a married man, it even goes on to describe in detail how to seduce and have sexual relations with another man’s wife, although he advises against it. There are sections in it specifically for women as well. Even though only a shocking 20 percent of the book is actually dedicated to erotic lovemaking, moves and manoeuvres, this is the 20 percent were going to concentrate on. The clever and entertaining text touches on sexual and emotional behaviours, on how to be with and treat your partner, and how to control your partner with intense satisfaction so that they will not go elsewhere. It also teaches you about learning to control how much love you feel for someone, understanding it and owning it so that your love does not rule you. Taking a deeper look at the sexual aspects of the words written, book two is where it all goes down. It consists of the many styles of kissing and scratching while making intense passionate love. It advises to let yourself go. It’s in that act of letting go that the violent marks of love manifest all over the lovers’ bodies. The book teaches how
to scratch your partner during sex. It also goes into detail about the different types of marking, biting, and striking to be performed on your partner during your moments of passion. Vatsyayana maintains though that all acts should be reciprocated by one’s partner. Kind of like you scratch, I’ll scratch harder. After taking a look at the 64 sexual positions though, I have to issue a warning. They are certainly not for everyone and some may even physically harm you, rendering you useless for any hopes of having future sex, so be careful if you’re attempting the art. Make sure you get a recently translated version of the text and follow instructions to ensure your health and safety. I’ve chosen 3 of my favourite Kama Sutra moves to share with you our loyal readers: The first one is called Total Hug. Performed standing up, undressed and facing each other, this move is sure to maximize penetration and orgasms from both parties. Here’s another one called The Variant of Medusa. Performed while squatting, if done right this move ensures couples a little bit of their own private ecstasy.
DEc/jan 2010-2011
EYECANDY MODEL rosa acosta video vixen: rosa acosta This veteran video vixen keeps turning up the heat with her curves and her flexibility. 26 year old Rosa Acosta is one of the most requested video models and it’s easy to see why. She can be recognized from her most recent appearances in The DEY’s “I need you”, Juelz Santana’s “Back to the crib” and Harvey Stripes ft. Captain Hook’s “Must be the Money”.
Page 45 | Excess industry issue 1
LIFESTYLE:
words of wisdom By: Jolie Adam
Hey Jo, I’m stuck in an awkward situation and really hope you can help a girl out with this one. I have a great boyfriend, together for almost a year, he’s a real gentlemen and he would do anything for me except sometimes I have to baby him. And it’s impacting our sex life. Every time, we’re about to get down, in order for me to climax, I have to fantasize about my ex. Here’s the catch though, my ex was nothing special, just physical attraction and he couldn’t even put it down properly. My boyfriend is well endowed but I don’t feel attracted to his personality sexually. I love him, I know that for sure and he’s definitely great in bed but what gets me over the edge is when I think about my ex instead of him during sex. WTF?! Quite a predicament you’ve found yourself in. You are in love with one man but physically attracted to another. The reason why you’re finding trouble reaching sexual throws of pleasure with your beloved might be his attitude in question. There is nothing sexy about having to baby a man except in rare occasions such as illness or emotional distress. This behaviour could lead you to feel a sense of superiority towards him (like parents and their children), and cause you to start unconsciously belittling him. Since you did mention that your ex is not of importance to you but you’re still thinking about him, I assume it was an amicable split. It might be tempting to consider cheating just to fulfill your fantasy however that would further complicate your situation and based on your claim, the real thing might not live up to your expectations. If deep down, you think there might even be a glimpse of possibility that you still have feelings for your ex, then that’s another issue to deal with. We all have our demons but it’s unfair to drag other people into them. So ask yourself first whom you’re most attracted to overall. Once you’ve established that, either fixes what’s broken or prevent the breaking from happening.
Page 46 | Excess industry issue 1
WOA, I’m trying to get with this dime that has a boyfriend. He pays for her place, clothes and I’m thinking she might be using him. I’ve gone out with her a few times and she genuinely seems interested in me and we’ve hooked up once. I’m really feeling her and I know she’s feeling me too but I’m not at a place where I can take care of her yet. So how do I get her to leave her sugar daddy for me? Goldigging for love. Dear GDFL, It’s hard to comment when I don’t know the details. Based on what you have told me, if this guy is her secure net, even if she likes you, she most likely won’t give him up until she has her own thing figured out. You admit you’re not ready to take care of her and that she’s being taken care of. That alone should give you good insight on your own situation. If she loves you or finds you to be a better match, that seems like a good reason as any for her to sacrifice a thing or two. But before you jump in her life, trying to save the day, ask yourself if things were to go your way, would you make room in your life (or place for that matter) to accommodate her or would she have to find her own way in order to be with you? If you can’t afford to give her the things she wants (or needs), I won’t discourage you from pursuing her but I’d advise you to. Once she really knows what’s best for her, no sugar daddy will be able to stop her. Want to be featured in the magazine? Have a burning question you want a answered? Relationships problems? Life predicaments? Need a Word Of Advice? Please forward any questions, concerns, thoughts to jolie@industry-mag.com. (Anonymous questions/e-mails accepted)
DIPSET REUNION – Lisa Persaud
Excess Industry had the opportunity to attend the official Dipset reunion concert in New York City at the Manhattan Center with an All Access Pass! The reunion of CamRon, Juelz Santana and Jim Jones on one stage was electrifying! The Dipset crew performed all their classic hits, along with their own solo sets. The event was hosted by Hot97’ s own Funkmasterflex and had guest appearances by Black Rob, Ryan Leslie, Clipse, JA and more. From the Hud6 tribute to the stadium erupting when Vado touched the stage. The adrenaline rush was undeniable when Camron graced the stage and started rapping their hot single “Speaking in Tongues” which truly made the night eventful and it most certainly was a treat for all the Dipset fans.. Shoutout The Dipset crew, U.N, Omin, Joe Sherman, Tone, Tim and JNewz.
exclusive interview
trey songz “I’m so blessed, I’m just going to keep working hard and pray that God continues to guide me.”
Page 48 | Excess industry issue 1
I had an opportunity to sit down with “Mr Steal your Girl” Trey Songz in Toronto during his “O.M.G” Tour with Usher. We touched on the success of his fourth album “Passion, Pain and Pleasure”, Drake, Big Screens, future plans and more! – L Peezy
L: Congratulations on your Album Passion Pain and Pleasure going Gold! That’s a pretty intense album... Tell me, how does this one differ from past 3 albums? T: Of all the albums I’ve put out, this is my most personal one to date. “Ready” was a successful record and one that introduced a lot of people to my music but it was very strategic, with songs like “LOL :-)” done w/ the goal of radio play. The goal of this album was to express myself and give fans more of a glimpse into who I really am as an artist and as a person L: On this album, you have features from Nicki Minaj and Drake... Are there any other artists you’d like to do a track with? T: I’d love to have a classic, power R&B duet, like Usher and Alicia Keys had with “My Boo”. I’d love to have the opportunity to collaborate w/ Beyonce, she’s inspires me with her work ethic and her soulful voice and I think it’d be a great collaboration. L: I think that would be an amazing collaboration! L: What makes you get up every morning? Go to the Studio? What motivates you? T: What motivates me is knowing how much work went into me getting to this point in my career. I’ve put out 4 studio albums and the success has come very gradually so I’ve been able to transition into fame well. But seeing where I’ve come from and knowing that people are looking up to me motivates me to be better. L: Growing up, who/what were your musical influences? T: Musically, I listened to the greats. Marvin Gaye was a huge influence on me as well as R Kelly. The passion they had for the craft was something I aspired to. Jay-Z as well, I’ve always had respect and love for
his music. L: Last year you went on tour with Jay Z and currently you’re on the OMG tour with Usher - How does it feel to open for and basically be “co-signed” by these 2 icons in the game? T: It’s an amazing feeling, almost surreal. I’ve always been a fan of Jay-Z so going on the BP3 tour was a dream come true. The audience was def Jay’s audience but he believed in me enough to bring me on and have the confidence in my abilities to know that I had something special to contribute and give to this crowd. Now touring with Usher, he’s a legend. He’s sold 15 million R&B albums worldwide, he paved the way for artists like me so I’m extremely grateful and humbled to have been able to tour with the both of them. L: I know the tour ends next year so I won’t ask what any of the highlights are as yet, but in the spirit of the New Year - What would you say are your 2010 Highlights? T: Definitely doing 3 tours this year, headlining my own tour, performing for sold out crowds each night. The Grammy nomination was a blessing and highlight as well as winning the BET Award. L: You are good friends with Torontos own Drake. You two first hooked up on his single “Replacement Girl” early in his career. Also the first established artist to do a track with him. How do you feel about his rise to fame now? T: Drake is a very good friend of mine and I’m very happy for him. We’ve both had this gradual rise in the music business. Having someone who’s going through
the same things as you at the same time brought us closer. He’s the homie, whenever I would come to Toronto he’d show me around, if I needed anything he took care of it. He deserves it, he’s working hard and doing his thing. L: You have your music career down pat, endorsements with Kodak and Rocawear - are there any other upcoming projects? More endorsements? Getting onto the big screen? T: First off, Shoutout to Jay for the Rocawear deal, Shoutout to Kodak for making me So Kodak. Two billboards in time square right now, it’s surreal for a country boy from Petersburg. As far as upcoming projects, there are a few things in the works that I can’t speak on yet. In terms of movies, I do have a couple scripts that I’m looking at but when I do venture into acting, I want to make sure I do it right and really take the time to honour the craft so we’ll see. L: That’s good, sounds like you have the future all mapped out. L: Speaking of the future, what are your new year’s resolutions? T: I’m so blessed, I’m just going to keep working hard and pray that God continues to guide me. L: What advice would you give young aspiring artists? T: To keep your head up. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something or that you can’t follow your dreams. It’s not going to be an easy road but it’s well worth the ride.
Page 49 | Excess industry issue 1
Nicki Minaj best and worst looks of
2010
best looks of 2010
L–R Where: Appearance on BET’s 106th and Park She rocks the green hair well.
And the Versace boots are bangin’!
Where: BET Hip Hop Awards The Donatella Versace look works. Very sexy. Where: Hammerstein Ballroom Performance If you think there’s something wrong with this, you ain’t looking at it properly. Where: American Music Awards We love simple Nicki. Where: Black Men Magazine spread damn.
worst looks of 2010
L–R Where: BET Awards. We know she’s into the doll look.. but she looks like the bride of Chucky here. Where: Backstage at VMA Performance with Will.I.Am The pink beehive.. Is this a joke? Where: American Music Awards. This dress looks like a self-inflicted massive attack. Where: Behind the scenes of ‘Right Thru Me’ video. This lacefront wig is insulting to the eye. Where: Behind the scenes of ‘My Chick Bad’ video Nicki tries a lot of weird looks, but black lips do not work for her. Page 50 | Excess industry issue 1
Page 51 | Excess industry issue 1
behind Interview The lens SanjaXOXO Photography is not a business to be taken lightly, and neither is the lady behind it all. A female in the industry is usually underestimated, but with a resume that praises 150 featured works and photos that have won numerous competitions, a person should never second guess just what Sanja is capable of. This Serbia native taught herself photography, makeup artistry, design graphics, and more importantly, she taught herself how to dream. Taking all of her loves and interests, she created a company that is successfully being recognized by many familiar and rising icons of the entertainment industry. Since a child, she’s has a passion for capturing the world through a lens since early childhood, and recently celebrating the one year anniversary of SanjaXOXO Photography, she has accomplished more than the average 29-year-old. Don’t hesitate to believe that she has so much more to do. -- Nicole ‘Miss Journalism” McGloster
How did you get started in photography Page 52 | Excess industry issue 1
sanjaxoxo
and make-up artistry? Was it something you’ve had an interest in since childhood? Art has been a part of my life since I could remember. Both my parents are creative, so I guess it was just a matter of time before my genes kicked in. Very early on in life I started to draw, then write. By the time I was 16 I had my first poem published. Photography was something that has always been around. I got my first “camera” when I was 6. I started to get serious about it in high school and started to see the world in a whole new way through the lens. Photography is one of the only ways to capture a single moment in time which you can never get back again, and that alone was enough intrigue for me. My love for make-up evolved through my teens as well. Now that I think of it, I was always the one doing everyone’s make-up for every dance, event, and formal!!! It was inevitable! How did you teach yourself photography? Just by reading books or watching others hone their craft? I really just had a great enough passion for photography, make-up and digital
graphics that I took it upon myself to learn tips, techniques and tricks. I read, asked questions, made mistakes, experimented and absorbed any and all information that came my way. I made myself a part of anything I could that was related to these fields. As time went on, my skills developed and I got more and more confident with what I did. To this day, I am still learning, watching, experimenting and practicing. I refuse to think that I have (or ever will) “perfect” my craft, because if I ever did believe that, it might just kill my motivation to go to that next level and grow as an artist. With all the numerous photography competitions that you’ve won and the 150 plus features that you’ve worked, what are the top that stand out or were the most important to you? Wow, that’s a great question, but a hard one to answer. I would have to say that I am most proud of the recognition I got for some of my earlier work; before I got good at editing or even owned a good software, well before I even got a good camera. Winning competitions with photos that I took with my little digital camera
was a great accomplishment as it had everything to do with my ability to capture that perfect moment and nothing to do with what I could do after the fact to make the picture “prettier”. That being said, any time my work gets featured or recognized in any way is a huge honour for me and will always continue to be. What project or shoot would you say is your best work, or you worked the hardest on? The F.A.C.E.S. (Females Are a Celebration of Everything Sublime) calendar. WOW that was a ton of work but it was worth every moment! This was my first large project which incorporated my make-up, photography and editing skills, featuring 12 models of different races, with 12 very different looks. This took several months to complete from start to finish. The intention of this project was to use the proceeds from the calendar sales to organize and run a make-over event at a local women’s shelter; unfortunately, as with many “first projects”, things don’t always go as planned. I sadly couldn’t find a shelter that was interested in participating, so the proceeds from the calendar were donated to several women’s and kids shelters though The United Way. What type of photography do you prefer to do? I noticed the photos are very feminine and sexy, do you love to stick to that type of photography? I actually started doing fine art, travel and portraiture photography; however, when I started SanjaXOXO Photography & Make-up, my photography seemed to shift to the entertainment industry and model portfolios. Don’t get me wrong, I love it all, how can you not? I mean my affiliation with Industry Magazine probably would have never came about if I hadn’t switched gears, but my passion really does reside in capturing moments, expressions on people’s faces and the beauty that is the world around us. The great thing about this craft is that I can do one genre for business and another for pleasure and enjoy them both equally. “Life is what you make it, so you better make it good!” How did you begin using that as your life motto? When did you realize that motto was your motivation for life? I love that motto!!! I’ve gone through a lot of things in my life; things that have shaped who I am, some good, but many bad. Through it all, I realized that almost
everything that did in life was my choice in one way or another. Even in situations that I couldn’t control, I could still chose how I reacted to that situation and what I did to make it better. About two and a half years ago I went through a number of personal trials, and I spent a lot of time feeling sorry for myself and falling into the “why me?” trap. One day though, I just decided that I had enough and that I held the power to change myself and my life. So I did. Life is what you make it, and I made it good! You’re approaching your one year anniversary of SanjaXOXO Photography, how do you feel about your achievements over the last year? One year! I can hardly believe it! I am actually still in shock when I think about how far I got, all the amazing people I worked with and all the great experiences I’ve gained over that last year. I’ve done more than I thought I would and kept pushing myself to do project that I didn’t even think I was capable of doing. I am thrilled with the year gone by and I am so excited about the next 365 days to come!
allowed me to work with and encounter some amazing individuals and collaborate on great creative projects such as the Fire and Ice project I did with the super talented body painter, Natasha Kudashkina. I can’t wait for that next challenge or to meet the next inspirational person as everything and everyone I encounter in my life has helped shape who I am as an artist today. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? Well, on a personal note, I plan to spend a whole lot of time with my husband building a family and travelling. As for SanjaXOXO, in the next 5 years or so I hope to continue to grow my business, work on a few more larger projects (hopefully some abroad), and really getting people familiar with my work. This should lead me right into the next segment of my career which is to own and operate a studio and go back to focusing on fine art photography. Better yet, in the next 5-10 years (and beyond) I hope to have the privilege of capturing your moments! XOXO
How do you feel being a woman in your industry? Do you feel that you have to do twice as much as your male counterparts? Oh I love this question! I also love being a woman in this industry. Photography, especially in the fashion and entertainment fields, is very much male dominated and I think that being a woman who is on the other side of the lens has actually been an advantage to my business. Majority of my clients are female, often young up-and-coming models who I guess feel a sense of comfort with me. I don’t feel at all that I have to work twice as hard as my male counterparts; I just work hard in general and let my work speak for itself. Regardless of my gender, I put 100% of myself and my creativity in every single shoot I do and I provide clients an intimate start-to-finish experience; from make-up, to styling, planning a theme or a concept, down to the great coaching provided by Kira Sin, then of course the photography and editing. I love being a woman, in and out of my industry and to my male counterparts...I say BRING IT! What things are you looking forward to the most with your company and craft? I love meeting new and interesting people and pushing my creativity and skills one step higher than the next. This industry has Page 53 | Excess industry issue 1
Good-bye 2010!
T
he beginning of a new century has come and expired. It’s been a tumultuous and productive year for many of our readers and Excess Industry Magazine’s Staff. As a proactive magazine, we would like to reach new heights of correspondence and communication with our loyal readers.
On behalf of the Industry Magazine, I would like to thank and recognize all of our readers. We would like to thank all of our sponsors for the numerous opportunities the magazine was given in 2010. 2011, the year of the rabbit, is a promising year just like any other. With the recent merge of Excess Entertainment and The Industry magazine we will deliver above and beyond your expectations for years to come. It is to each individual, their own responsibility to make the best of their circumstances. If you’re willing and able, you can and will achieve your goals. Let’s be thankful for the things we often take for granted such as health, family and friends. The Excess Industry Mag wishes everyone a wonderful, prosperous new year. May you ring it in cheers, to an abundant 2011. — Jolie Adam
Here are some of the most memorable 2010 Moments worldwide: FIFA World Cup in South Africa; Spain takes the cup and Latin streets in Toronto stir up in a frenzy while celebrating the victory.
Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress at MTV Music Awards. Regardless of being the night’s biggest winner, she definitely wouldn’t have gone home empty-handed.
Page 54 | Excess industry issue 1
Kanye West returns from over a year of creative hibernation after the Taylor Swift incident, with a new album, promising a track release every Friday and dropping a 30 minute video with a smorgasbord of meaningful references.
Alice in Wonderland & Inception 21st bi-annual Winter Olympics held
in Vancouver, B.C, Canada.
Drake was unstoppable in 2010, featured in numerous collaborations and releasing his album so his fans could finally thank him now. Biggest Blockbusters (by fan choice):
FSLWL104 QT Raptor Ad.indd 1
12/2/10 1:23:39 PM