FEB-APRIL 2016

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PG. 25

Best Selling Author and Urban Grapevine Sr. Columnist Clever Black has touched a very controversial topic. A question young minority men should ask themselves and the community in which they live. IS MY FRE-

YOU KNOW I CAN”T LIVE WITHOUT MY RADIO Radio today is nothing like it was in the 70’s.

Walk with this columnists remembrance of radio to pushing the volume way past ten with internet radio.

This issue’s cover feature writer Clever Black author the best-selling series The Holland Family Saga and UG Mag columnist of People -Publishing & Politicking touches a very controversial topic involving physical and mental slavery. He asks the opposing question, IS MY FREEDOM FREE?

Graphic design by ColorMeBlue Designs.

FEED YOUR FACE– Hydrate your body with healthy eating and drinking. Read and learn about the best veggies and fruits to beautify the skin.

There's nothing worse than a dark woman with beauty doubts.

You know the women who have fed in to the stereotypes people have placed on our shapes, skin tones and even hair. Over the years, I have heard so many women say “I am too dark to wear red lipstick!”

Welcome to Grapevine Music, where we bring you the hottest in urban genres. In this issue we go to Philadelphia to check in with rap veteran Reef the Lost Cauze, the island of Jamaica to talk to Warrior King about his brand new album and soulstress Conya Doss.

Pg. 25

To our faithful readers that continue to turn the pages with us month after month, my heart and thoughts are still weighing heavy on the family and loved ones we lost over this past year alone.

In my heart and spirit I am pressed with the belief that we, as a people, must become stronger in our commitment to live, love and laugh with each other as we once did, and devise a plan to get beyond the nightmare that has haunted us for centuries.

Many have said and written that “children are our future”; the statement couldn’t be more accurate. As parents it’s our responsibility to keep them safe from harm and danger; we have fallen short on our duties. Unlike children, we adults are quick to judge and tend to turn our backs on the very people who need us most; family. Because we have become so accustomed to this routine, our children have been forced to turn to the streets to get the attention and love they so desire from us. I guess we haven’t learned that life is too short to have it swept away by a gun, strangulation or being mysteriously hung in a cell at the hands of “law enforcement agents” and their government who are set in place to serve and protect; not kill and destroy.

As you read through the pages of our magazine, enjoy the evolution of Hip Hop music; the sound that propelled us in a totally different direction. Hip Hop is alive and well!

There will also be a few words about new authors, new music and writers moving into our orbit. Urban Grapevine is big on choosing new leaders who will help mold the magazine into the best it can be.

Love is in the air, so make sure your heart is in a good space whether through heart felt friendships, years in marriage or just the close bond you may have with your immediate family. Continue to express love and remember that it must be demonstrated by action; not just spoken in words.

Take this winter and discover us as your reading guide, enjoy every page until my pen catches fire again be at peace for it’s in me to continue to bring you new and fresh material to enjoy, enlighten and inspire through our magazine.

Literary Yours, Teresa Mason Browning Editor in Chief

Although our mistake is major, there is one positive story that was birthed and has grown into something wonderful. It’s the world of Hip Hop! Where has Hip Hop been, where is it going? Can we see ourselves reverting back to the good old music, the music that made you jump or soothe your sole from the inside out?

In 2013, New York had the most AfricanAmerican residents, with 3.7 million.

SHARE WITH ME! LET’S TALK… EditorInChief@urbangrapevinemag.com, or find me on facebook.com/ugmag3

beauty snacks Feed Your Face!

It’s that time of year again!

Winter is nearing its end and spring is making its debut.

In the winter I try to be as comfortable as possible. My new friends become thick comfy socks, holiday sweets, oversized sweaters, and comfort foods. Eating healthy is tucked between one of the layers of holiday weight gain and lounging on the coach watching classic movies. As a result of...eh’ (let’s just call it laziness) my skin becomes the most neglected part of my body.

We are all guilty of it however, now it’s time to do some spring cleaning. Not just your closet and wardrobe but your skin.

Purge out the holiday comfort foods with nutrient rich foods that will sustain your skin from the inside out.

Firstly, what's the big deal about skin? It covers every part of your body, it is the first thing you see when you look in the mirror, and it protects vital organs. ‘Biologically, our skin is our first line of defense. Culturally, skin defines much of our standard for beauty; bright, youthful skin signals healthy and vitality. And, like every part of our bodies, skin responds to care and attention’.

Skin also reacts to weather changes; as we transition into warmer climates it’s time to accommodate these changes by making a winter to spring skincare routine.

Instead of mainly focusing on what we put on our skin it is important to also focus on what we put in our body; ‘both affect the well-being of our entire body (skin included!)’

Fruit Facts

Cherries: 

Battles belly fat



Keeps you trim



Helps you get sleep



Fights cancer



Reduces risks of stroke



Helps Arthritis pain



Lowers probability of gout

Here are some easy snacks tips you can include in your routine as you transition to the upcoming season.

1. Water: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! I cannot say this enough. Water is an essential snack that prevents dry skin. One sure way to determine your hydration level is to look at your lips, are they dry or silky smooth? If it’s not the latter, drink more water. Drink more water, period.

2. Fruits and Raw Vegetables: It’s strongly recommended to consume a variety of fruit and vegetables. “Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is good for your whole body, including your skin”. Your plate should consist of an array of rainbow of colors such as: strawberries, oranges, bananas, kale, spinach, blueberries, purple carrots, plums, and etc. There are so many delicious fruits and vegetables that will make a beautiful rainbow of nutritional snacks.

3. Green Smoothies: A perfect way to nourish your skin and body is with a glowing green smoothie. I try to drink one every day because of the great nutritious benefits.

Here are a few staple items in green smoothies that make them great for your skin.  Spinach: Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, K, magnesium, manganese, folate and iron; which aids in wrinkle prevention due to age-related dry skin. Spinach is essential for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin.  Avocado: Avocados can make your green smoothies and skin delectably smooth. They’re “rich in healthy fats, vitamins A, C, and fiber, making them an almost perfect healthy food that enhances your complexion and fights aging skin.”  Mango: This sweet addition to any smoothie can help to clear pores for healthy skin.

Green smoothies are great for boosting your immune system and keeping your skin and body healthy during the changing seasons.

By incorporating these simple snack tips into your daily routine you can improve not only your skin but your overall health.

Let’s spring into nourishing our skin from the inside out.

Written by: Brittany Betts Founder of Simply Rooted

T

here's nothing worse than a dark woman with beauty doubts. I am too dark to wear red lipstick! Then right here put the Nicki Minaj photos what a myth. There are well over 50 shades of women of color. So why not over 50 shades of reds. Maybe it's not read you can't wear most likely it's a shade of red you're wearing.

TRY THIS TO FIND YOUR RED! Flip over your arm and look at the color of your veins: IMan Red Mac Ruby Moo ( retro matte) Revlon super lustrous lip color in Cherry Blossom.

NYX jumbo lip pencil in Hot Red Clean your lips with an exfoliating scrub before your red lipstick.

Use lip balm the night before to the red lipstick application for absorption and moisturizing the lips.

Apply a lip liner in similar shade to your lip color .

Let it dry before applying red lip color.

Use brush applicator to make it stay on.

For fuller lips or intensify the red use a brush to apply it around the lips.

For an even red dab lightly using a soft cotton cloth or a tissue.

To finalize the process, apply either a clear or red lip gloss for a shiny pearance.

ap-

Your teeth ought to be brightened since, red color with orangey base will intensify the discoloration of your teeth. Blue based red lipstick provides white teeth effect.

Turn your arm over and look at the inside of your wrist. If your veins appear to be a bluish or purple color, then your skin has a cool undertone.

Usually, people with cool undertones have fairer skin.

If your veins appear greener, then you have warm undertones, which is more characteristic of people with darker skin. People who look at their wrist and can’t tell how their veins look either way probably have a neutral undertone.

Recognizing your undertone is important because it helps you color match with proper shades of professional make-up.

Reds that compliments the darker women of color...

Scarlet red, violet red orange red brick red a pink red are said to be some of the warmest deeper shades of red for the darker woman of color.

INK VENOM! You have three books under your belt... your second is always the book that shows growth. When developing Kanita what was the focal point of her strength?

Kanita's character's issues are real. Some things she dealt with are not, but most of the readers can relate to what she's been through & that's the goal to touch the readers. Her strengths are her voice, her personality. When I was forming Kanita's Character, it wasn't easy. I wanted her to be a strong woman, but at the same time I didn't want her to be too strong of a person and always have her guard up. I wanted her to be loved. With her strong demeanor, she was the type to love with limits. But once she let her guard down completely her character started getting hurt. It was easy but hard in a sense to come up with her character. She started out strong, but then became sensitive from the first to second book. In the finale, her character is more demanding & deadly.

(Exactly what I wanted to know) The finale is coming soon, it's in the works. I think her character will show more of who she really is in the finale.

Your latest book ( Remy&Cam No Love Lost ) dropped this month.

Where did this dynamic duo come from and what makes your story writing different in Remy&Cam? Remy& Cam, this book is completely different from the others to me. Remy has also been through a lot in her young life, she's what most people can relate to on so many levels. Abuse by parents, ran away from home and ended up living on the streets. When she couldn't take it anymore, she turned to stripping to get money. She meets Cam at the strip club, he's the bouncer.

Remy is your normal type female, not aggressive, doesn't know much about defending herself or picking up a gun until she gets with Cam. Remy later learns Cam was sent by her biological father that is living in another state; to protect her from her step-father, the man in which is trying to kill her. Remy is still wet behind the ears, she ends up learning that she has the strength and ability to protect herself and don't always have to worry about Cam protecting her. Cam wants to protect Remy, because he loves her and wants to have a life with her. With this story, there are so many different layers to the characters that you would have to read to get to know them. Developing this story & these characters, I've learned more about myself & my own writing skills. This story took me out of my comfort zone, but I definitely enjoyed writing this one.

M

z. Venom is so deadly, because she writes straight from her heart as well as from experience. Writing for her is more than a job, it's her passion, an obsession that she can't shake.

What can reader expect from Ms. Venom in 2016? Will you be present at any book fairs this year?

Shoot your events out to our readers and social networks....

2016, I plan to release at least 5 more novels that are in the works as of right now. I am also getting a group together where readers can reach out to Mz. Venom & we can have book discussions as well. I am working on the Finale to Unappreciated: Enough of No Love as well as the part 2 to Remy & Cam: No Love Lost.

I will also be talking to the administration at Roosevelt Elementary School to start up a book club after school for all ages to keep the young ones off the streets. There is more to come with Mz. Venom for 2016, as I always say: “Expect the unexpected.�

IF YOU KNEW THEN WHAT YOU KNOW NOW: (LIFE) If I knew then what I know now, I would've made better choices coming up. I would've never made the wrong choices to struggle in order to find my place in life. It would've been found a long time ago.

IF YOU KNEW THEN WHAT YOU KNEW NOW: (PUBLISHING WARS) If I knew the what I knew now, I would have made better decisions with my career as a person, a mother, poet, & author.

But I would still me.

URBANGRAPEVINEMAG.COM

Julia Press Simmons: When you strive to improve yourself, you fall in love. That’s what happened to me. Somewhere in between five mile walks and protein shakes, I fell in love with me. I was no longer afraid of all of who I am. I am a geek. A Star Wars, Star Trek, space junkie with a healthy love for all things Paranormal. I am a multifaceted person, and I am no longer ashamed of it. I am letting my Freak Flag Fly from “BraveGirlology” and “BraveGirl Publishing” to “Amerime Media” our Comic Book Company, to the various podcast I produce, and different genre’s I write in, I am yelling from the mountaintops that this is me in all my nerd glory. No one has to accept me, because I accept myself.

UG MAG: Bravegirlology...hmmm I think all women should take this course. We all fall short in the health department may it be emotional or physical. What does Bravegirlology consist of and what’s the motivation behind it?

Julia Press Simmons: As I said earlier, Bravegirlology is simply the study of becoming the best woman you can be. It is owning up to your flaws, and courageously changing the ones that you have the power to change.

What traits and characteristics UG MAG: make up a BraveGirl?

You have transitioned a lot in the last two years; you The short answer is any woman went from a queen to adding courageous enough to better herbravery to your BIO/MO? self. The longer answer…

You are showing more sides I remember nine year old Julia. She to JP Simmons than ever wasn’t afraid of anything. She had before from your challenges big dreams, a sense of adventure, with your health, new love, and a real zest of life. Nine-year-old moving, and letting people Julia was a very brave girl, and over inside the office of JP Simthe years life got in her way. She exmons but most of all you unperienced pain on several different locked the JP writing vault. I levels. She lost her zest. She became know everyone who knows a very fearful person. I didn’t like you as a writer knows your her too much, so I decided to love for dragons and your change. I decided to keep the promharry potter fetish but you ises of a younger me. I decided that are also showcasing I could still be brave. your various ink wells (pun intended) Comic book series, children's books, urban fiction, paranormal and romance anthologies. What brought this about…?

UG MAG: Where can all things Brave be accessed?

Julia Press Simmons: Instagram @bravegirlology Twitter @weightlossdivas or @jpsimmons1 Facebook.com: bravegirlology Bravegirlology Newsletter

NEW RELEASES

The ins and outs of publishing from a vantage point! We will interview the author, the reader, the publisher and other people involved in any aspect of reading, writing and publishing. NO SUGAR COATING!

ZITRO PUBLICATIONS Presents | Secret Circle of Dominance Women are considered to be the reason for men exists. What if women could also have the same sexual desires as men but just kept them quiet so they wouldn't hinder the man's ego. The men from Elite Circle of Dominance did their fair share of dirt and hurting the women in their lives but they never saw this coming. Brittany, Ciara, Jo, Kim, Lola, Roxy and Trisha put up with more than most women would dealing with their men. Now find out what they have been keeping under wraps themselves. Most women would cry and throw things not these women though.

They are just as dominant and secretive as their men.

Don't get in your feelings with these women because they have a hidden agenda of their own. Not really knowing one another, they will soon end up crossing over each other’s paths and realizing they have more in common than they cared too. Secret Circle of Dominance is not just about secrets, it’s about respect, looking out for you and being able to be yourself and not having to hide it. These women will show you exactly what it means to be a true alpha female.

Teadora is back with another compelling story to tell. Follow Teddi as she tries to piece her family back together after her beloved grandfather's death. From finding out about a secret aunt to finding out that her grandfather wasn't the only one keeping secrets, things for this family seem to be out of control. However, the one thing the entire family agrees on is the family motto: WE ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER! When a threat is made and carried out against one of theirs then they fight back with all that they got. Family is forever and will always be there. They must always protect their family.

The first black birth on record in what would become the U.S. happened in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1606. And the first African-American birth occurred in 1624, according to the African American Registry.

In 2005, actor Morgan Freeman said Black History Month was “ridiculous” because “black history is American history.” More than 10 years later, actress Stacey Dash expressed a similar opinion.

Kimberla Lawson Roby is the New Y o r k Times and USA Today bestselling author of the popular Reverend Curtis Black Series, which include: The Ultimate Betrayal, The Prodigal Son, A House Divided, The Reverend's Wife, Love, Honor, & Betray, Be Careful What You Pray For, The Best of Everything, Sin No More, The Best-Kept Secret, Too Much of a Good Thing, and Casting the First Stone, along with many standalone titles. She is the 2013 recipient of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work Fiction, and a #1 Essence magazine bestselling author. She lives with her husband in Rockford, Illinois.

We sat down to speak with New York Times Best-Selling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby to discuss her book The Ultimate Betrayal; the 12th book to her Curtis Black series and to pick her brain about the industry and her take on the literary world. Check out our conversation below to see what the phenomenal author had to say.

UG

UG MAG: There is much to say about how Christian fiction is portrayed and where it is done right. Do you follow a certain protocol when you are building your storyline for this genre?

KLR: Not really, however, even though I had never used more than a word or two of profanity here and there, beginning with the 5th novel in my Reverend Curtis Black Series, I prayed for direction and made the decision to no longer use any profanity at all. I also had never written distasteful sex scenes, but at that point, I decided to no longer give any graphic details.

I was completely relieved after that and much happier with what I was writing overall.

UG MAG: How do u create character that people gravitate to?

KLR: I always write about real-life issues in a fictional format, those that people can relate to their own lives.

UG MAG: Out of all of your characters you have created, who is your favorite character to date?

KLR: Reverend Curtis Black is definitely one of my favorite characters, mostly because he is the favorite for so many of my readers and I truly enjoy writing about him and his family. However, Matthew Black (Curtis's son) is my all-time favorite because, regardless of all the scandal and shame his parents have caused him, Matthew always tries to do the right thing. He has a huge heart, and he loves his family. He tries to do what God would want him to do.

UG MAG: 15 years ago you released Casting the First Stone and introduced the world to Rev. Curtis Black. A man who was a preacher with so much drama surrounding him, you couldn't help but get lost in the book. What provoked you to create this character?

KLR: Since I had already written about real-life social issues in my first two books, not only did I want to continue writing in that respect, I also wanted to write about issues that weren't being talked about as much as they should be---those that might be a bit uncomfortable to discuss or they are considered taboo or controversial. So my husband suggested that I write about all of the problems that tend to go on in churches. I'd not considered that topic, so I'm very glad he encouraged me to do so.

UG MAG: Since Casting the First Stone, you have busted the doors open with this series and the secrets that are held within churches. Is it safe to say you personally encountered this firsthand?

KLR: I have been in church my entire life, so I've seen and heard a lot. This is the reason my Reverend Curtis Black character isn't based on any one man. He is a compilation of many men I've known and learned about over the years.

UG MAG: Most people feel a series usually falls off after four books. How did you manage to carry this storyline and characters for 12 books?

KLR: I think the reason I'm able to continue writing this particular series is because not only has it turned into a family saga, but problems in the church continue to be a major issue for many people. What I discovered a long time ago is that, sadly, men like Reverend Curtis Black are alive and well in every single city in the country. This, of course, means that readers can completely relate to the storyline.

UG MAG: As a writer, most people would automatically assume your favorite past time is writing. When the pen is not moving and the laptop is closed, what does Kimberla like to do?

KLR: I absolutely love watching TV shows (some comedies but mostly one-hour dramas) and movies. I especially love Law & Order and Law & Order SVU rerun marathon days. I also love seeing motion pictures at the movie theater with my husband.

UG MAG: What advice would you give a young writer starting out?

KLR: Learn the craft of writing and the business of writing, but more than anything, find your own voice and write straight from your heart.

Also, never listen to naysayers. If you know God has gifted you with a talent to write, don't let anyone stop you from pursuing your dream.

UG MAG: In The Ultimate Betrayal, we are back on Alicia Black; daughter of Curtis Black. She's all grown up and seems to following in her father's footsteps regarding spouses. What made you push her character into this direction?

KLR: In many cases, daughters will sometimes marry men who are very much like their fathers, and in some cases, such as Alicia's, she has her father's personality and character. She is definitely a daddy's girl, and she's learned a lot from him---some of which isn't good.

UG MAG: Are we ever going to see this family get it together and not have a million issues going on?

KLR: Curtis has learned a lot and has completely turned his life around for the better, but the other family members, including his wife, Charlotte still have a lot to learn.

UG MAG: You tackle so many issues in your storylines. From addiction, abuse, love and many other topics most people sweep under the rug.

How do you come up with the topics to center your storyline around?

KLR: I have a very old notebook that I continually add topics to. So when it's time for me to sit down and begin thinking about the next book I'm going to write, I open it and scan my list. Sometimes I add certain topics to my notebook because of something I've experienced or a friend or family member has experienced it in one way or another. Then, there are times when I'll read something interesting in the headlines, and I'll start thinking, "What if this had happened another way? What if the story had played out differently?

Urbangrapevinemag.com

UG MAG: How do you keep the characters and storylines separate in your head before putting them on paper?

KLR: Before I begin writing the actual book, I create a synopsis, and then I outline my first 15 - 20 chapters.

UG MAG: At this point, it is probably assumed you could write a novel in the blink of an eye. How long does it take you to completely develop and write a novel?

The first black birth on record in what would become the U.S. happened in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1606. And the first African-American birth occurred in 1624, according to the African American Registry.

KLR: From outline to first draft to final rewrites, it takes me about 3 months to complete a novel. I do miss days here and there but not many.

When I'm writing the first draft, I actually try not to travel or do anything else for 5 - 6 weeks besides writing.

UG MAG: As an author, does it affect your writing flow to read other storylines when you are in the process of writing a novel?

KLR: I rarely read other books while I'm writing my novels. I enjoy other books much better when I'm not in writing mode. I also don't read other books while I'm writing because I want my focus to remain only with my own characters and storyline.

UG MAG: What's next for Kimberla?

KLR: I just submitted BEST FRIENDS FOREVER to my publisher at the end of April, and it will be released in January 2016.

UG MAG: I love ending my interviews with asking the person one simple request. Describe yourself in two words.

KLR: God-fearing and Loyal.

Website: http://kimroby.com/

KimberlaLawsonRoby

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CULTURE

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.�

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.”

F

ormer Vice President

of the United States, Dick Cheney, quoted

those words. Whatever he was referencing, I’m sure so many of us in this day and age can relate to that remark. The frustration, despair and mental anguish so many in the black community have and are experiencing is compounded by the fact that those in positions of power either don’t fully understand, nor do they care about the ongoing massacre of people of color by those who are supposed to uphold the law. And not only do we face persecution from those who are supposed to protect and serve the very communities they so often terrorize, there’s the constant threat of some prejudiced individual who’s already made up his or her mind that all blacks are thugs, especially our young black males.

I don’t know if you heard, but here in Charlotte, North Carolina, in two weeks, three people have been killed by the Charlotte police department. The last victim was a thirty-three year-old man. In that incident, I was actually getting ready for work and heard the gunshots. I saw the roadblock and the news crews on the scene and I remember thinking that this thing is getting closer and closer to home. Whether near or far, however, this issue is impacting blacks from all walks of life. When we as parents have to give instructions to our kids on how to interact with the police, it shows how far from the days of old we have truly come. But wait a minute. Is that statement really true? Have the times changed all that much? Let’s examine briefly.

You see, the first person that impacted me as a youth, the first instance in which I learned just how cruel adults, white adults, could be towards even children because of their color, was Emmet Till. Fourteen at the time when he visited relatives down in Mississippi and was killed for purportedly speaking to a white woman. He was dragged from the home where he was staying, mutilated, lynched and shot before being dumped into a river. The picture of him lying in that casket impressed upon me in my preteen years that in the eyes of racists, no one is safe no matter the age.

Emmet’s killers were acquitted of the murder; and in an interview with Look Magazine, they admitted to killing the child, but they couldn’t be prosecuted again based on double jeopardy. Long before the two accused had gone to trial, there was evidence pointing towards their guilt. The system during that time failed Emmet Till, and the correlation between what’s going on now and what happened sixty years ago is too similar to ignore. The circumstances are the same. The only thing that has changed is the names of the murderers, and the murdered.

Technology has been a blessing and a curse for the human race, and black America in particular. A blessing because what we’ve known to be true for so long, that some inside the police force have a malicious mindset towards blacks, is finally being brought to light. And it’s been a curse because now, we not only allow the world to see how we are being mistreated, but the world also gets to see how we treat one another in our own communities. We do wise to clean up our own act, do better by ourselves and our children and educate ourselves to advance further in life—just a side note before I go forward, because in order to point the finger, we must first do a selfassessment

It’s hard sometimes to put into w or ds the fr ustr ation blacks feel about the long stem of injustice we’ve suffered ever since we arrived to this country. It’s like blaming the victim; we get accused of overacting or playing the race card. Here’s an analogy: say a man was given a set of keys and asked by the car’s owner to take it downhill and park it, but the owner knows from inception that the car has no brakes. Said driver climbs into the car and takes it downhill and is surprised to learn the car isn’t working properly and he wrecks it. Now, the owner of the car runs downhill and blames the driver for ruining everything. He basically got what he deserved and everything is his fault that the car is wrecked. Here in America, they’ve given us a set of keys, but the car we drive isn’t equipped for the road we travel.

This is a systematic plan that has unfolded over decades. A perfect plan purposely designed to impoverish a race of people, and it goes back to the 1930’s when the Federal Housing Administration was formed. A method called ‘redlining’ was used to separate white and black neighborhoods. Areas deemed unsafe were disqualified from obtaining loans to purchase homes. And of course, the neighborhoods where the blacks resided were deemed unsafe. The road towards wealth was paved during this time for many white families, but black families were left behind.

Fast forward to the end of World War Two. Soldiers were coming home on the G.I. Bill; which qualified them for home loans. Places like Levittown, New York began springing up around the country. White families were able to purchase homes on this bill and set up stable households. Meanwhile, the same black soldiers who fought in the war were denied home ownership. They returned to the same ghettos that had been built during the mid-thirties and while they were away fighting for the country during World War II. Twenty years later, the white families, by the thousands, who were able to purchase homes on the G.I. Bill in the forties, had accumulated wealth based on the appreciation of their first home. Many families were able to sell their homes for upwards of six figures and move into bigger homes. Start businesses, expand businesses, so and so forth. Their kids’ college tuition to some of the best universities in the world was paid for; but for black America, the story wasn’t nearly as prosperous. Black people had to deal with lynching, discrimination, humiliation and hopelessness in overcrowded ghettos. It’s not to say that all blacks had it rough, but for a higher number, it was their truth.

Lyndon B. Johnson passed the Fair Housing Act in 1968, but by then, the die had been cast for many black families. The last boat ride to prosperity and freedom had left the harbor a generation earlier when they were denied the privilege of partaking in the G.I. Bill expansion. Twenty-plus years later, white families who benefitted from the government issued checks were on the road to success—having sold their first home and sent their kids off to college to become lawyers, judges, and politicians, careers that gave them power, and with that power came the racism many of their parents harbored and taught them throughout their youth.

The media during the sixties began portraying blacks as angry savages. The Black Panthers were viewed as a terrorist organization although the Ku Klux Klan was far worse. Images of blacks burning down their own neighborhoods and shouting into the camera with rage was how we were portrayed.

Lovers of peace such as Doctor Martin Luther King Junior and Medgar Evers were often brutalized and eventually murdered by racists.

For what? Wanting to be treated as an equal! And when people like Malcom X and Stokely Carmichael advocated violence against violence, those same racists who’d been murdering people of color for years were outraged and called for more bloodshed against people of color, saying ‘See what they do? They’re the violent ones!’

This cycle, sadly, is renewing itself. Media, in the light of several high-profile killings of blacks at the hands of citizens and police, are once again portraying blacks as angry and filled with rage. Images of buildings burning in Baltimore and Ferguson help to fuel what many in white America have been believing for years; what they have been taught by their parents, that blacks are ruining this country and their plight is their own fault because they refuse to help themselves. Even when staring at clear evidence of wrongdoing by officers and citizens, black victims are still blamed for their own downfall. And then we’re played for fools. When George Zimmerman said in court that it was he who was calling for help the night Trayvon Martin was killed, are we to believe this guy when he was the one with the gun?

Whether stealing a pack of Black and Mild or selling loose cigarettes in fr on t of the corner store, a person doesn’t deserve to die. Playing your music too loud is not a death sentence. Running from the police does not warrant a person getting shot five times in the back, unless you’re black in America. Over and over again there are instances in which blacks have been murdered; some caught on camera and the cops receive the benefit of the doubt. And the racists are right there saying, ‘Well, if the thug wasn’t stealing’ or ‘Just comply’. We’ve been complying for decades and we’re just gaining ground on this system, now we’re being asked to lay down and willingly let them kill us. No! Not this time. Not again. We are here, and we are here to stay and we will not comply. We will not lay down!

America is our country just as well as yours (racists), and when you say you want to take it back, we as black people feel as if you want to take it from us. It wasn’t ours to begin with, but guess what? We have nowhere else to go. So all you racists, which is becoming so passé, I must state, you all are in the minority and you all are the major problem within this country. People just want to live comfortable, take care of their families, enjoy good health and maintain good citizenship with quality of life. And those of you who feel as if black America is ruining the country, you do well to take a look in the mirror and do an assessment of your life before you point the finger at another race and say, ‘they’re the problem’.

It’s a form of mental manipulation; it’s the blaming the victim for the faults created by the perpetrators. I mean, who really chooses to be poor, uneducated and unskilled? But this is what America had set up for us in the beginning. This is the car we were given to drive. The one without the brakes, and they knew the system was broken for us going in. Yet and still we get blamed. When they gave damaged text books and refused to teach the children, blacks back then complained. When they were denied jobs, blacks back then complained. The right to vote to make a difference? Blacks demanded that back then and made it a reality. Because of those actions back then, we have so many succeeding now, but we are still behind America, and one generation’s actions can’t sustain us for long.

Technology has brought to light the ugly truths that have been going on for decades, facts are written, all we have to do is pick up a book, or do research and learn. Never before have we as a people have had access to knowledge like we do today. This is how we, this generation, us, hold on to that freedom: by educating ourselves and getting involved in our lives. When I say our lives, I mean our own individual lives. It’s time we start believing in our abilities and trusting one another more. We can do way better as a group of people if we can escape the crab in the bucket mentality. Sure, America owes us, but I think it’s fair to say that that debt will not be paid. They’ve fixed the brakes on the car, though a little.

We can control it now, but how about we put our own brakes on to ensure our own safety, or better yet, get our own car and do for ourselves what they refuse to do for us in most instances, which is to recognize our values, our worth and the pain so many before us had to endure just to get token love. A bone thrown? No one understands our plight better than us, and the sooner we start understanding our worth, the sooner we can affect change for the ones we love and care about.

When asked are we free, I say we are—to a degree. We’ve come a long ways, but there’s much more that can be done, and a lot of it starts within the black community itself, inside the home. Mothers should be mothers, and fathers should be fathers. The bickering must stop. Being your children’s friends must stop. Daughters should be raised to expect and demand respect from sons, and sons should be reared to honor a daughter. It’s a testament to our own when hundreds would line up for Jordan’s, but refuse to walk into a library or book store. We do good to support black businesses.

We could communicate better— debate not argue. Differences matter, it makes us who we are. If everybody thought the same the world would be one boring place. I’m an optimistic, and I’ve been hearing this for so long, ‘blacks unite’. I’m a realist also. And the truth, the real, is that it may very well be harder to accomplish the aforementioned things in this paragraph, than anything we’ve ever had to overcome in dealing with racism. (I hope to be proven wrong) America has freed us—now—all we have to do is free ourselves.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored The first black birth on record in what would People was founded in 1909. It’s now considered “the nabecome the U.S. happened in St. Augustine, Florida, Black in 1606.

History And the first Month Africanstarted in 1926.grassrootsThe obtion’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized American birth occurred in 1624, according to the African American Registry. based civil-rights organization,” to its website. servance was proposed by according Carter Godwin Wood-

son, an author and historian, as Negro History Week. It expanded in the 1970s.

www.colormebludesigns.com

My radio, believe me, I like it loud I'm the man with a box that can rock the crowd Walkin' down the street, to the hardcore beat While my JVC vibrates the concrete I'm sorry if you can't understand But I need a radio inside my hand Don't mean to offend other citizens But I kick my volume way past 10 My story is rough, my neighborhood is tough But I still sport gold, and I'm out to crush My name is Cool J, I devastate the show But I couldn't survive without my radio (I couldn't survive without my radio)

Songwriters: SMITH, JAMES TODD / RUBIN, RŠ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

F

rom Saturday morning chores, house parties to making love with that special someone whose love is still stored in a song. Music has always been nostalgic. Turned up to the highest level or to just a whisper coming from your nightstand. Music has always set the mood.

I spent most of my life growing up in Connecticut and I am now grown in California. At the sweetened age of 40-ish, my fondest musical memory is trapped in a boom box held by no other than… LL. COOL Jay. Even though I was not old enough to be called a lady, my hormones raged just the same. No mistakes yes, the Ladies Loved Cool James. And every time DJ RED ALERT cut his vinyl on the 1’s & 2’s I wanted to hug him and definitely praise his skills for being that DJ giving my crush his time to shine.

The radio was the avenue to making or breaking an artist. Hip-Hop was on the prowl and DJ’s were all battling for that number one spot. But in the 80’s there was no one like DJ RED ALERT. When you heard his name come through the waves you knew his theme lyrics “…goes berserk!” was not far behind. His countdown on 98.7 KISS FM was like NY’s holy grail. MC’s did whatever it took to get in his graces. It was about dope beats just as much as it was lyrics when it came to the DJ’s on the air wave. He had to be able to blend that beat into the next like spreading butter on the most delicate bread. The record had to be scratch worthy.

FM Radio was the beginning and the end no matter where you were. You would risk getting a beatin’, punished and scolded from moms and pops for pushing your sibling off the curb skinning their knees or a possible tear in their going to church or going out with mom clothes, just to get that front seat so you could control the radio dial. There was no shame not to have a cassette player. You wanted to blast the radio.

90 Years of airwaves AM/FM radio to what is now the most popular platform of listening whether it be a talk forum or music. Stations have found a way to cater to the listener as well. It’s still broken into genres and the most popular songs are played. Talk shows now have made their way back into radio giving listeners a voice and one on one with celebrities, politicians, even everyday people who are activists in their communities. Some shows are live and some are prerecorded so if you miss a show you have the opportunity to listen to the archives.

YOU KNOW I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY

UG Mag dedicates this issue as a tribute to HIP-HOP’s loss of BIG BANK HANK, one of the pioneer’s from the ground breaking rap group Sugar Hill Gang.

THE Rap’s Focus- Djing- It was truly about the DJ and how he complimented the MC. “I’m Big Bank Hank and

I’m everywhere!”

And this lyrical verse holds more validity, than I believe Big Bank Hank even intended. Bronx born, Henry Jackson aka Big Bank Hank formed the Sugar Hill Gang and rap music/Hip Hop took flight. Their hit record “Rapper’s Delight”, blaring through the speakers of boom boxes became the icon song for HIP-HOP.

The Beginning …70’s era

“…well it's on n on n on on n on the beat dont stop until the break of dawn!” |SUGAR HILL GANG! Big Bank Hank aka Imp the Pimp and group members Wonder Mike and Master Gee had no clue that their dream became an entire genre in music. Rap Music; it was said to be a trend that would not last.

Were they ever wrong. The Sugar Hill Gang went on to making classic rap hits “Apache” and “The 8th Wonder”. Afterwards they handed the mic down to:

Early- Mid 70’s Rap Icons AFRIKA BAMBATTA– He brought the influence of the drums to HIP-HOP. FAB 5 FREDDIE-His influence was bringing Rap music to mainstream music television. YO!MTV Raps LOVE BUG STARSKI– He is said termed the genre HIP-HOP!

“…because they say that miracles never cease, I’ve created a devastating masterpiece…” |Big Bank Hank Hank and the fellas rocked the mic which opened the doors for rappers to come. By the ending of the 70’s the direction Rap was taking changed. It is now coming into rap music’s first decade and the shift went from the understanding of the significance of the DJ to the MC. The first 8-10 years it was the Dj’s name and his crew, but it’s different now.

Yes, it was all about lyrical flow. It’s all about the CREW!

Coming to the end of the 70’s.

10 years Later: the 80’s The Rock Steady Crew Crush Crew The 3-MC’s Cold Crush The Funky 4+1 More The Treacherous -3 Dougie Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew Run DMC UTFO Public Enemy

“… I said a hip hop the hippie the hippie to the hip hip hop, a you don’t stop the rock it to the bang bang boogie say up jumped the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat..” |BIG Bank Hank During this era fashion and hip-hop mesh together and footwear took precedence over clothing. We can thank RUN-DMC for that.

ADIDAS became a very popular shoe. They were famous for wearing the hardshelled black and white ADIDAS, the leather blazer and black brim.

Rocking fat shoe strings, strung halfway and tied and n Adidas jogging suit topped with a phat rope chain with Gazelle glasses put you in a B-Boy stance!

Made you “fly like a

Speaking out and having a voice didn’t just stop with the lyrics, Thanks to Russell Simmons and his vision of Hip-Hop movies were made about this growing industry.

Krush Groove, is the story of the building dreams, the building of Def Jam. It is what I’d like to believe was the first real stone placed that made Hip-Hop REAL PERMANENT!

“…now what you hear is not a test --I’m rappin to the beat and me, the groove, and my friends are gonna try to move your feet!” | Sugar Hill Gang

Moving your feet was just what people did when they heard the sounds of the Cold Crush Crew, Afrikka Bambaata and the Zulu Nation laid the mix for the Rocksteady Crew, just to name a few; Mr. Freeze, Ken Swift, Crazy Legs to break their way into the culture of HIP-HOP. HIP-HOP began forming its own culture. It brought on board a form of urban dance. Hip-Hop was now the heart of the hood.

BREAK DANCING… took it to the streets. Anywhere you could pop in a cassette and lay a cardboard box.

The Rock Steady Flow! Watch it!

Footsteps into the Future- History (CLICK THE LINK)

The middle to the ending of the 80’s Hip-Hop culture was in full affect. Mix Masters were established; the art of DJ’ing. The B-Boy Stance Wind-milled its way into the streets leaving no crew untouched. You rocked the body rock with the freshest gear and footwear.

Hip-Hop was the trendsetter for street Fashion!

“…let's rock, you don’t stop rock the riddle that will make your body rock ... well so far you’ve heard my voice but I brought two friends along and next on the mike is my man Hank come on, Hank, sing that song…”

MC’ is not just for entertainment! It’s about the competition to be recognized as the best at what you did! From DJ’ing, dancing, and now rocking the mic…MC’. The competitiveness turned into battling. Now it turned over to rocking the mic. Being a lyrical nemesis.

The strongest battles started in “86” with who raps the best to who the lady’s love climaxing to territory.

A prime example of this era of HIP-HOP is the battle between Queens Bridge, Mc. Shan, & Dj Marley Marl v/s KRS-1 and BDP the boogie down Bronx.

I rhyme the best.

The era of strictly bragging rights. Who brags the best and shames the rest?

“…check it out, I’m the c-a-s-an-the-o-v-a and the rest is f-l-y ya see I go by the code of the doctor of the mix and these reasons I’ll tell ya why ya see I’m six foot one and I’m tons of fun and I dress to a “T” ya see I got more clothes than Muhammad Ali and I dress so viciously I got bodyguards, I got two big cars that definitely aint the wack I got a Lincoln continental and a sunroof Cadillac!” |BIG BANK HANK

Mid-Late 80’s: T-La Rock  Big Daddy Kane Krs-1 (Boogie Down Productions)  Mc Shan & DJ Marley Marl. 



THE EPIC BATTLE!

MC SHAN: You love to hear the story, again and again, Of how it all got started way back when, The monument is right in your face, Sit and listen for a while to the name of the place, The Bridge, Queensbridge KRS-1: Party people in the place to be, KRS-One attacks, Ya got dropped off MCA cause the rhymes you wrote was wack, So you think that hip-hop had its start out in Queensbridge, If you popped that junk up in the Bronx you might not live

The first black birth on record in what would become the U.S. happened in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1606. And the first African-American birth occurred in 1624, according to the African American Registry.

The Art of word play & storytelling proceeded into the 2nd decade of HIP-HOP, Rick the Ruler aka Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, EPMD, FAT Boys, Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince to Naz, Tupac and Biggie Smalls.

“Once Upon a Time not long ago…”, starts the rhyme of Slick Rick titled, A Children’s Story.

Slick was famous for way with words and painting a story through the radio. What intrigued most was the roll of the film portrayed in the music video told in w or ds.

A different kind of word was spoken through the mic when Rakim grabbed the mic. He played with words through compound wording that rhymes.

Time continues and the rhyming gets floetric but full of fun for pure entertainment with the Fat Boys and a message to moms and dads from kids; Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince.

[Prince Markie D:] $3.99 for all you can eat?

Well, I'm a stuff my face to a funki beat!

[Kool Rock Ski:] We're gonna walk inside, and guess what's up: Put some food in my plate, and some Coke in my cup You know parents are the same, no matter time nor place They don't understand that us kids are going to make some mistakes So to you, all the kids all across the land, there's no need to argue Parents just don't understand I saved these story tellers for last because they are the foundation for many to come. In my opinion these men were born before their time. The survivor of the three is Nas, his storytelling style to write wrongs so that our future can become a stronger generation; is what makes him a contender in “Who is the best rapper?” alongside Biggie Smalls and Tupac. He is still spoken of to this day and still pumps out grade A music is his ability to grow with Hip-Hop

It’s to my real ill niggas, heavyweight hitters

I know I can (I know I can)

Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)

Dough getters, fifty ways to make figures

If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)

My niggas, that come on the spot to feel sisters Like they

I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

hear real spitters and kids on the zigga-ziggas

1915: Biologist, academic and Science writer Ernest Just received the first Spingarn Medal for pioneering research on fertilization and cell division.

Tupac Shakur “…like comin alive to the master gee …the brother who rocks so viciously.”|Rapper’s Delight The next two legends of the game rest in peace. It was said that they were before their time because, they both predicted their deaths through taut narratives, and their way with words and a vivid style of storytelling. Biggie Smalls and Tupac set the bar high for the next generation of rappers. They were hard acts to follow. Who has even come close? In my opinion Tupac and Biggie were almost on the same level they were the two best rappers of all times that pave the way for the next generation to come.

BIGGIE SMALLS Biggie was known to “speak his peace…”. His rap songs painted pictures of the glamourous life; the life of the rich and famous to the struggles of his childhood. Most of all he was known for his rap style, one liners. When he partied you partied, when he popped bottles so did you. His stories of sex and flexin was most admired by players of all sorts and men who wanted to embellish in such a lifestyle but dare not to. You could vicariously live through his storytelling. His rap style, honesty and fucx it attitude mixed with his swag and charm made him the most influential rapper alive and in his passing the best they say will ever be… legendary!

UnBelievable |Biggie Smalls B-I-G, G-I-E, AKA, B.I.G. Get it? Biggie Also known as the bonappetite Rappers can't sleep need sleepin Big keep creepin Bullets heat-seekin, casualties need treatin Dumb rappers need teachin Lesson A - don't f*ck with B-I, that's that, oh I, thought he was wack Oh come come now, why y'all so dumb now Hunt me or be hunted, three hundred and fifty-seven ways To summer sauté, I'm the winner all day Lights get dimmer down Biggie's hallway My forte causes Caucasians to say He sounds demented, carweed scented If I said it, I meant it Bite my tongue for no-one Call me evil, or unbelievable

The first black birth on record in what would become the U.S. The U.S. the only country happened in isn’t St. Augustine, FlorBlack ida,toin celebrate 1606. And the first History AfriMonth. Canada observes can-American birth also occurred in it inaccording February, the U.K. 1624, to while the African recognizes it in October.

American Registry.

Gifted… Poetic… Tupac Shakur’s love for poetry sets him above all.

His flow came from a gift. His rap style allowed him to master a way to bring the core of what is wrong with society and the potholes in our urban and minority communities. The social Issues he spoke of in his rap career have relevancy in today’s society. His educational background in a school for the gifted set the precedence for his rap career and master the art of flow. His way with words didn’t begin in his lyrics… it started in his titles:

T.H.U.G.L.I.F.E: "The Hate U Give Little Infants Fuc*s Everybody" N.I.G.G.A.Z.: "Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished."

His words were fearless. It gave strength to the young rappers to come:

Rebel of the Underground They say they hate me, they wanna hold me down I guess they scared of the rebel -- the rebel of the underground But I never let it get me I just make another record bout the punks tryin to sweat me In fact, they tryin to keep me out Try to censor what I say cause they don't like what I'm talkin bout So what's wrong with the media today?

“…to the black, to the white, the red, and the brown, the purple and yellow!” | Sugar Hill Gang (Wonder Mike) Race no longer plays a role in HIP-Hop or Rapping it was about expression and talent of all sorts. Combining the culture of Dance, Art, Fashion, Beats, and Lyrics, Battling and the art of Rap Story Telling opened the door for all to participate.

Making Hip-Hop a melting pot of creativity! And Big Bank Hank who knew my brother? Who knew you, Master Gee and Wonder Mike would be the foundation that formed HIPHOP!!!! The Music Fashion Art… the culture! We Celebrate You in life and passing. Thanks for Passing the MIC!

The Late 80’s- late 90’s Beastie Boys, Pharell & The Neptunes (Chad Hugo of Asian persuasion), Pit Bull giant fans of Hips hop takes flight in Japan and China, It becomes universal and now worldwide. England’s Slick Rick. The collaboration with Run DMC and Aerosmith opens the world of Rock “n” Roll to Rap Music and vice-versa.

“Cause ya rock and ya roll with so much soul. You could rock till you're a hundred and one years

old. “|Rapper’s Delight

In the 2000’s a flip flop era for Artists of Hip-Hop emerged creating a wave of rap music that allowed the creative thought process to take over the mic. If you felt it, speak it because you lived it and believed it!

“Rock You Don’t stop rock the rhythm that Makes Your Body Rock!”

Hip-Hop has taken a new turn. It’s all about the whole concept of making music that appeals to the masses because now not just young people are listening to Hip-Hop. Everyone is, including corporate American. They are implementing this style of music into their commercials, theme music for TV sitcoms and branding products.

Now that Hip-Hop has made its mark creating sub genres was well under way. Jah Rule made the attempt to show loving your woman was cool and didn’t take away from you being a manly man and new trend started. To kick it off Jah-Rule and Ashanti came out with an epic collaboration titled, “Always On Time” which didn’t take long to top the Billboard Hot 100 from February 23, 2002. It was followed by another Ja Rule duet, "Ain't It Funny" by Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule.

In 2009, it was named the 33rd most successful song of the 2000s, on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Songs of the Decade. Rappers were singing in their songs combining R&B with Rap and before you knew it a soulful subgenre off of Hip-Hop was born creating a larger audience and growing platform for Hip-Hop. The mid 2000’s two more subgenres come about, aggressive rap with controversial artists under Dr. Dr’s label, 50 Cent & Eminen, Jay-z and Nas still stay in the mix, Scarface spit gritty tales of hood horror to hood- ology. This form of Hip-Hop crowned the airways and gave Hip-Hop a new era platform for what the urban community was feeling and what the youth were going to stand form by and what they would not allow society to dictate to them.

Country-Southern Rap with everyone’s favorite Country grammar artists Nellie. The South finally has their say bringing forth some of America’s still loved artists; Ludicris, T.I, Slim Thug, Young Geezy, Gucci Man, T-Pain and the ever so loved Lil Wayne, and female rap phenomenon Missy Elliot, just to name a few. In this decade the South refused not to be acknowledged. Their country slang and accent was about to be mistaken for being country boy soft.

I

t is 2016, there is a broad selection of Rap/Hip-Hop opening the doors to a mellowed out form of rap music and a mixture of Neo Soul. Hip-Hop has transcended to another level.

Artists like Whyclef, Lauren Hill, clean fresh style paved ways for rappers like Maclamore. His taboo thematic lyrics speak of the evolution of today’s society and the hate plague that should be taken off of the LGBT society, the myth that you must rock 200.00 sneakers to be fly. It even has taken a political stand with Hip-Hop activist Russell Simmons.

Hip-Hop is beginning to accept a new creative force of lyrical expression styles such as Wale, Lupe Fiasco, Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Drake, The Weekend and Talib Kweli. Lyrical geniuses like Nikki Minaj, Waka Flaka Flame, Kanye West hold the mic firm in 2015 bringing 2016 a fresh new form aqnd respect style that shows the growth of Hip-Hop Artists taking flight in owning businesses like radio stations clothing lines and damn near dominating what and who is trending social media. HipHop Leading artists today are blending all sounds and rap has evolved into a melting pot of beats, lyrics and vocals that: Rock You Don’t stop rock the rhythm that Makes Your Body Rock!

So this month we Drop the beat to a HIP HOP legend in his own WRITE! BIG BANK Hank!

Henry Lee Jackson (January 11, 1956 – November 11, 2014), known by his stage name, Big Bank Hank, was an American old school rapper and manager. Also known as Imp the Dimp, he was a member of the trio The Sugarhill Gang..

Send your opinion about the article from your listening perspective and have it in the next issue. Send to: CEO@urbangrapevinemag.com

REEF, W elcom e to Grapevine M u sic, w h ere w e bring y ou th e hottest in urban genres. In this issue we go to Philadelphia to check in with rap veteran Reef the Lost Cauze, the island of Jamaica to talk to Warrior King about his brand new album , and Cleveland with neo-soul artist Conya Doss. Written By Yusuf Blanton

B

orn in 1981 as Sharif Lacey, Reef the Lost Cauze is no stranger to the microphone. Since beginning in the 90’s Philadelphia underground circuit; he’s released five solo albums, four mixtapes, six collaborative projects, and five group albums with Army of the Pharaohs. I sat down with Reef this past week for an Urban Grapevine exclusive; to see what’s kept his momentum up through the years, what we can expect next, and how he sees the current state of hip-hop music.

Throughout your career - your lyrics have reflected a mix of consciousness, humor, and a traditional 'battle rap' aesthetic. Do you think it's important for artists to avoid being pigeonholed in any one sub-genre?

Absolutely man. That's one of the reasons I stopped battling, I didn't want that tag. I've never been one to shut off any part of myself in my music; I have always strived to be me, to give all parts of my personality to the people.

HE MADE ME REALLY WANT TO PERFECT BEING A WRITER, NOT JUST A RAPPER. Who have been your biggest through the years?

influences

Musically I would have to say Nas. He made me really want to perfect being a writer, not just a rapper. If there is anyone I would say I molded myself after it would be him no question. Black Thought and Big Daddy Kane are a part of that mold as well. But I draw from all aspects of art and life, like at the moment my biggest influence would be my kids.

Sometimes I get a little resistance due to people thinking I'm just one thing or I should only rap about being a lyrical miracle or whatever but I've never paid those people any mind. I'll quit before I do that. As the recording industry has shifted to a more digital direction, what steps have you taken to remain relevant over time? Live shows and social media. Guest spots. Supporting and connecting with younger artists and people outside of my "circle".

I always say if porn stars can still make a living with what they do being basically free now, so can we haha. I feel like that shift effected the bigger guys more, us indie artists have always had to hustle and keep our hands in different pots so if you notice a lot of the "major" guys follow our blueprint now.

In the last decade, we've seen the sound of hip-hop change drastically. Have you felt pressure at any point to change your sound along with it?

Not at all. I definitely have wanted to change and grow with it while still remaining true to myself. I love the music not the image. So I'll hop on a trap beat or something out of my comfort zone as long as I'm genuinely feeling it. If you've been following my career I've always tried to grow and change with the times. That's what my album The Fast Way was about, Reef the Lost Cauze is dead was about. I'm not just gonna rhyme on beats that sound like 1994 because people expect that. I'm growing and changing too, just like the sound.

You've worked with a variety of producers on your albums, yet have managed to maintain a somewhat signature style. How involved are you when it comes to beat selection, and guiding the recording process?

I am 100 percent hands on with pretty much everything from the beats to the subject matter to the guest spot to the sequencing and artwork. It's the one area in my life where I'm a total control freak.

(I'm sure some of my friends would disagree with that haha). The only thing I stay ay from is the mixing process. can't stand that part at all; I'm too antsy to sit there that long. I trust the people I work with to get that part right on their own. The phrase "hip-hop is dead" has been used by a mix of spectators and one-time enthusiasts of hip-hop culture. How valid do you feel that sentiment is, and what direction do you see hip-hop moving towards in the future .

More Info: www.last.fm/music/

Throughout your career, you’ve been acclaimed for your conscious lyrics. What inspired you, lyrically, on this project?

Fans of reggae music will be more than familiar with the artist known as Warrior King. Bursting onto the scene in the early 2000’s with hits such as ‘Empress So Divine’ and ‘Can’t Get Me Down’ he’s released 4 charttopping albums, and is about to go for #5 with the Irie Sounds release The Roots Warrior.

Tell us about your new album, The Rootz rior.

War-

The album The Rootz Warrior is a beautiful work of art, a well-produced album, and in my opinion my best work thus far. This album is a roots album as the name suggest and was mainly put together by James Lord of Irie Sounds International and Rootz Warrior Productions; which is the name of my company. We also collaborated with some great producers on this project namely: Sheldon "Calibud" Stewart, Khabir "Grillas" Bonner, ‘Computer Paul' Henton, [and more.] The Rootz Warrior album also consists of guest appearances by the great Beres Hammond, Richie Spice, the and last but not least Bescenta. The album will be officially released in the first quarter of 2016 and will be distributed by Zojak Worldwide. The Rootz Warrior is a 14-track album with a bonus track, making it 15, and I strongly believe that this album will be a collector’s item.

My faith in the almighty, the teachings of his majesty, has kept me grounded and knowing my purpose here on earth from that time until now. Also the different experiences I have had in different parts of the world has inspired the compositions of this project, all praises to Jah Rastafari!

Who have been your biggest musical influences through the years?

My biggest musical influences are Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Garnet Silk, Alton Ellis, Bounty Killa, and Sam Cooke; just to name a few.

What was it like working with Irie Sounds Productions on this album?

Working with James Lord (of Irie Sounds International) is always a great vibe; we are like family and it’s a blessing.

We have been working on this project for quite some time and we encountered lots of challenges, but it has only made us stronger.

As you get ready for your upcoming World tour what can fans expect from your live show?

The fans can expect lots of positive vibes and energy, as usual, and they will be getting a taste of some of the tracks from The Rootz Warrior album as well.

Thank you for the opportunity and may the Most High continue to bless you all, Selah!

Neo-soul has never been the same since the emergence of Cleveland -based soulstress Conya Doss. She’s released seven albums, had a string of hits on urban music channels across America and Europe, and is constantly touring in cities here and abroad. I sat down with her recently to discuss her new album, VII.

Tell us about your new album, VII. It is my seventh studio album, which is a blessing to be able to create. This project reflects growth with regards to my artistry as well as me as an individual; and I believe anybody that knows my music would be able to identify this.

What's kept you inspired as a musical artist for the past 16 years?

Music is a part of who I am so I'm always inspired, however when individuals reach out to me to tell me how much my music has motivated them, in addition to just receiving all the blessings that have come along with me being able to create music is a continuous inspiration.

How would you say it differs from your previous albums?

On this particular album I basically went the extra mile to put out music that taps into every genre of music that I've grown up listening to: from soft pop, to soul, R&B, you name it. I was actually more open to utilizing additional people to work on the project such as the very talented Frank McComb, Ashley Doss, and Marcus Machado. Of course my original camp: Myron Davis, Rodney Jones, and Jay Shawn champion.

What advice do you have for upcoming artists?

I say this time and time again: “stay true to your craft.” Not saying that you can't be flexible, however, you have to stick to what you believe in and make sure that you surround yourself with people that have the same vision as you do if you don't do this, it will not work!

What challenges, or benefits, have you faced as the recording industry has shifted in a progressively digital direction?

I personally say that there have been more benefits than challenges with regards to digital directions, because the outlet for independent artist has broadened - enabling my music to reach people all around the world. It is quite amazing. The only downside is the pirating of music, however, the way that I look at it is if one more person has heard my job well done. music, then *laughs* What can fans look forward to in 2016?

For 2016 , my fans can look for continuous growth, new music , and me continuously expanding my creativity and exploring new ventures.

“Unlike artists in other regions, the Ohio area is very limited when it comes to enabling me to practice my craft–especially the kind of music that I do. Cleveland has a tremendous amount of talent, and I chose to stay local and utilize our tremendously gifted producers and songwriters. Originally I had the opportunity to work with others on the East and West coasts but while searching for the sound that I wanted but ironically, it was at home all the time.”