URBAN GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE by Felisha Bradshaw

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Dear Readers, Tis’ the season to be thankful. This is the month of giving so I I am thanking the father for his many blessings and lessons. No matter how the blessing came he has never ever forsaken me. I have been blessed with a co-editor in chief. She is a go getter; Julia Press Simmons as well as a new publishing home for my book; Queen Midas Books CEO/Head Queen Julia Press Simmons. I have thee top writers in the game wearing the UG Mag name. So I thank you father for turning my darkness to light, my anger to ambition and my creative signature design into my survival from depression. I can not stop praising his name. My father God is this author’s author and finisher. I want to take this time out to thank everyone responsible for UG Mag being nominated as best literary magazine for 2012. I was so excited and although another magazine won I am grateful that in just 4 issues we have been recognized! I am also sending a great big shout of love to all the writers for our magazine: Treasure Blue, Envy Red, Raheim Brooks, Author Laredeaux, Cynthia Miller, Vaneeka Robinson, Michael Sherman, David “L”, Charles Burgess, Ronnie Dawson, Mika Barnes, Mack Mama, Tracie Holmes, Dyphia Blount, and Lena Banks. Our reader support has also expanded and I thank you for seeing and believing in my dream.

Thank You, Editor in Chief Felisha Bradshaw

PHOTOS BY: ALIOUNE KOTEY On Location Images

The Black Doll House, was established in order to give African American girls dolls in the image of themselves. Each holiday season, 150+ African American Barbies will be given at our local Doll Strut. These will include High end to low end dolls. It's time for our girls to choose our dolls as the pretty one!

Up and coming Fashion Accessories Stylist Rashida Joyner shares her fashion tips, tricks and shows off her talents .

jNESS Lives in a BIG world and his skills as a Graphic Artist Shows it. In a BIG way.

Nahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sun Introduces S. Tha Mogul in this tribute to the Boogie Down Bronx!

She is a beauty with a voice that needs to be heard. Get to know Laydee Wilder.

An introduction to Paulleo an R&B artist that has something to sing about.

Positivity in the hood and these three men are at the root of it all. Mentors, Examples, Faith Keepers. Fathers in the Hood. Understand their plight. Support their movement!

Julia Press Simmons is pressing forward in the literary industry from author to publishing co. G-Street Chronicles has made their mark. They are taking the industry by storm with 4/5 star authors.

She’s got that BOOM BAM POW could only mean that she’s rocking the latest fashion. What’s a jacket without a fierce handbag? Incomplete. I guess it would be equal to a beautiful form fitting low cut black dress without the perfect pair of stilettos. Fashion; either you’re in or your out. It’s hot or it’s not. Fashionably late should only mean you can only be late to a party or arrive after everyone who is anyone has arrived to make a stunning appearance. Your outfit must be eye catching, neck breaking and the envy of every woman’s eyes yet the sparkle in every man’s eyes. If that isn’t enough pressure you must know your seasons, your colors and how to mesh in the right materials. Fashion 101 will not cut it. You must be ready to make a fashion statement on any given moment and only then will you be respected as a fashion diva. The latest buzz in fashion right now is not what you wear, it’s how you wear it and what you accessorize it with. You must be Xcessories Unlimited (no typo here) to turn drab into fab! As I follow Rashida Joyner around her warm colored home. I see where she has an eyes for the warm colors of autumn. “I’m just starting out, so excuse the mess.” I look back at my photographer Alioune Kotey (ON LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY) and he shrugs. We both have no idea what mess she is speaking of. She lead us to a spare bedroom she has converted into a workspace. I was in fashion heaven. The walls were pinned with every type of accessory one could imagine; earrings, rings, cuff bracelets, plate pieced necklaces that you can put your arms through the hanging chains like a vest…(never have I seen this before). The floor was adorned with boots and shoes from spiked, suede, leather with heels to platforms to 3 inch stilettos. XU didn’t limit their stock to just the ladies. On another table were men’s sports watches, scarfs, aviator and gazelle style glasses and necklaces.

UG MAG: Thanks for taking the time out to allow us into your home, which by the way is beautiful.. Can you recall a time in your life where fashion and/or decorating was not something you were good at? Rashida: Not really. As a young girl I always had an eye for fashion. I would go through my mom’s closet and play dressup. I even rearranged her furniture, wall décor and all. UG MAG: How do you keep up with the styles and trends? Rashida: I follow fashion magazine articles, blogs and the fashion networks. There are so many websites that focus on the fashion industry. I also follow the styles of the celebrities. I love watching The Runway and Fashion Police. UG MAG: If you could be a stylist for anyone in the music industry who would it be? Rashida: Taylor Swift.

UG MAG: I can recall a conversation with my mother as a young woman and she said every woman should have a black pair of pants, a white shirt, a black belt and a pair of black shoes. What do you think should be in every woman’s closet and name 5 things that every man should own? Rashida: Women

MEN



BLACK COCKTAIL DRESS

TIE



BLACK SKIRT

BLACK SUIT



BLACK DRESS PANTS

DARK DENIM JEANS



BLACK PUMPS

BLACK DRESS SHOES



WHITE BLOUSE

WHT. COTTON SHIRT

UG MAG: What colors do you see coming in for winter 2012/13? Rashida: Shades of browns, Army green, crimson

UG MAG: What should every woman have in her emergency fashion kit? Rashida: 1.

Crazy Glue

Hair Spray

Rashida:

Lip Gloss

Are you shy?

Safety Pins

Are you open to change?

Gum

Are you allergic to any materials, metals or make-up?

Thread and Needle

How flexible are you with changing your hair color, cutting or adding to the length?

Bobby Pins

Vaseline

Asprin

UG MAG: When you are styling for someone what are the first 4 questions you ask them?

UG MAG: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best outfit to wear on a freezing cold rainy night but still will make a fashion statement? Rashida: Its always good to have a jazzy pair of rain boots. They now make them with wedge heels. An over sized sweater with a warming shirt underneath; long johns, fitted long sleeved shirts., leggings and it always great to preserve the hair style with a nice scarf gently placed over the head and criss-cross draped over the shoulders and/or rain cap.

I love me some me? Who loves you more than God? The answer should flow so easily out of your mouth without a second thought. Me. If you had to pause for a second or more, then repeat this affirmation in the mirror to yourself now! I love me some me. I love everything about me. I love my life. I love my hair. I love my body. I love my eyes. I love my mind. I love my lips. I love me some me. I love my sense of humor. I love to be inspired. I love to inspire. I love me some me. I love smile. I love to laugh. I love my fingers and toes. I love me some me. I love everything about me. Often times we seek the love of a mate to make us feel complete. To feel the love that we see portrayed in movies, music and books. But in essence the first place we should look for love is in our own mirror. You have to have an abundance of love for yourself before you seek that love with anyone else. Loving yourself does not mean you are conceited or full of yourself. It is the most natural emotion ever created. If you see yourself as unqualified, unattractive, inadequate or inferior it is projected in your daily activities. You probably feel as if you are always coming up just short of finding what you truly want. But if you take a moment and practice changing those thoughts, you will find that your whole entire life can change. Practicing self-love may seem conceited and vain, however the reality is you have got to love you! When loving yourself more you set higher standards for yourself. You will be less willing to take a secondary place in life. Self-love shines through your smile, your eyes and your entire being. Love yourself. And the desires of your heart will follow. Practice this affirmation in your mirror daily for one week and see how it changes your perception of yourself. Grasp the power of self-love! I love me some me. I love everything about me. I love my life. I love my hair. I love my body. I love my eyes. I love my mind. I love my lips. I love me some me. I love my sense of humor. I love to be inspired. I love to inspire. I love me some me. I love smile. I love to laugh. I love my fingers and toes. I love me some me. I love everything about me.

ust mixing it up and doing something together can be a great way to connect and also spend quality time together. Even a cook off would be fun and its not your everyday date night fun. Invite a few friends over and serve your dish without letting company know who cooked what...

n house picnics always set the mood and are one of my favorite ways to

woo that potential partner. Its inexpensive and what I call romance without finance. It sets the mood for any type atmosphere. It sets the mood for love making, just snuggling and spooning or a great way to show the sweetness in you. He or she will be impressed. I guarantee it.

ampering your mate shows how affectionate and sensual you are. There is nothing like being the center of attention. Get a light favorite snack, maybe a bottle of Evian or wine and then end the night with a massage and light scented body oil. Its relaxing and calming. Make sure you set the mood right with that making love CD.

ather together with friends and have a laugh and get competitive. Group games are great icebreakers. It is easier being yourself amongst friends. Make it an even Steven thing and have your friends meet your friends.

an we honestly say that chivalry is dead and that all men are dog? If so then I guess as women we are breeders. We are the ones that raised these men. Tradition no longer dwells in our homes and there are some things that need to be kept. The traditional family barely exists. Our children’s father’s are scarce in minority homes. Mother’s have adopted many roles and in the realm of all their duties We may have taught our sons to protect their hearts because mothers unlike us are teaching their daughter to trap our son with off springs that may or may not be their own. The cycle is so vicious. Because then we Teach our girls to protect themselves from doggish men sometimes without telling either the beauty in woman and how they should be treated like queen and the lovingness of man and how they should be treated like kings. How do we get back to where young men held doors for young women, or when a young man was interested in someone’s daughter they sought out permission to even call her on the phone? What about our young men earning the right to even kiss a young lady on the cheek. Many young men want the job before earning the position. Have we spoiled or just have not taught our son’s that some things earn have greater value? Then maybe we need to go back to the old school. Take in account the following factors of how drastic things have changed in the world that have our sons and daughters headed for self destruction. I guess I am asking who changed the definition of the word BITCH? This word was only used to talk down to a woman to degrade them of their royalty. Now it is used as a salutation amongst women. We are now degrading ourselves, devaluing our rightful heirs Men are using it to describe their partner, their children's mother’s. My ride to die BITCH! That’s my BITCH. How can they truly be reminded of who we are if BITCH is what they call us. In reality after a while BITCH is what they see. We were given names to be remembered of who we are to separate us from the rest but if we are all called BITCHES how will they know who is who’s BITCH. They say it is used in a good way when they say it but when they are mad they use it as well. She’s a BITCH! Or that BITCH makes me sick! We have even been brainwashed to say well I am a good BITCH...accepting the title and claiming it. The same can be used for the word Nigger, Nucca, Niggah, and nigga. Near one of these names are acceptable, unless you are an ignorant man. So you see the shift in the world for our minority families have lessened our value because we simply have not taught our kids old school with the new school. Some things are just better kept. This one is for our 35 & up crowd. Remember when we watched television as a kids and no one displayed sexual desires on screen. When did sex become so up and personal, spread across the screen for our youth to see, to be tempted by, to see as normal behavior when you just like someone. This devalued intimacy between married people, devalued the love in intimacy to nothing. It no longer takes love to make love. I love Lucy and Ricky slept in separate beds on Television. Sex is not just in your city it’s in your living-room, kids room and your family room and this time size doesn’t matter!

What about gossip? You were shunned when you were labeled as a gossiper. This was not something you wanted tagged to your character. The definition for this has changed. Gossipers make six figures overnight and they are valued because inquiring minds want to know.

Now let’s discuss the term beauty. Signs are reading Beauty Products HERE. Can someone explain how you put beauty in a product; a bottle, can, compact or box? Beauty is natural. When did it go from inner to outer. False eyelashes, press on nails come in all colors and different patterns, fake hair comes in slap on, tape on, pin on to glue on. How genuine can a person be if everything you wear and put on is fake?

NOTE TO THE READER: This article was in no way to bash anyone in how they live nor judge anyone for their lifestyles. A conversation sparked up these thoughts and I wanted to share them with the readers. I know I have said a thousand times from early teenage years until I had children that I wasn’t gonna raise my kids like my parents did and I know many of my friends also said the same. Most of us probably have kept their word on this and I believe it is part of the problem with how our kids think and what they think we OWE them because what we allow them to do. When we did this (those who kept the promise) We said the people our parents raised came out defective. Personally I may have started out late but I am satisfied with who I am under old school rules; in the home and societal. I think we took out some valuable lessons. I won’t say all, because having to be in the bed at 7:30 in the 8th/9th grade was a bit much but some things we needed to keep. Is it too late?

Why are we so addicted to trashy television? It’s the only thing that keeps us going; I get frustrated, excited, giddy with excitement and downright angry as my eyes are glued to some of my favorite shows. I literally live vicariously through the Kardashians and any of the House Wives shows. I love the fashion the fab vacations and I actually learn a few things about business, while attending meetings via my television screen. The fights and backstabbing is par for the course, but not all Reality T.V is bad. T.I and Tiny Family Values is an awesome show that highlights all that’s good about the rapper/actor T.I and his adorable family. Tiny is spunky and is definitely loved and adored by her husband and children. The show is a perfect example of a good family show that can be enjoyed by the entire clan. Unlike Love and Hip Hop Atlanta; which is my guilty pleasure and a show that I wouldn’t dare let my daughter watch. It is riddled with drama and esteem issues. The cast members are a motley crew of colorful characters. The women are dealing with womanizing men that are so full of shit that you literally smell the manure right thru your T.V screen. I question myself after every episode. Do I have no life? Why am I so into these peoples personal business? Why do I care so much about how Stevie J treats MiMi? She is going to get back with him anyway! Is Joceline a tranny? Is Rasheeda secretly jealous of K Michelle’s thriving career? Is Kiley’s ass lopsided? Does Stevie J realize that when he makes the rat face he looks crazy? Are Benzino’s arms too short for his body or does he look weird on my HD 3D television screen. I am enjoying reality programming a little too much, I don’t watch sitcoms or my beloved lifetime miniseries anymore. BET barely gets a shot on my screen because the sister station VH1 has me hypnotized with the foolishness. So I have realized that I am addicted to the madness. Cable network has accomplished mind screwing me and a great many other viewers. Bravo!

Mary Mary are doing it, why not Marvin Sapp? We need to see more positive male figures representing a population of men who take care of their children alone for whatever reason. When minority men are doing something positive can it survive todays ratings amongst reality shows? Send your thoughts to: urbangrapevine3@gmail.com

"Play your position" if that's what you do best. If the "man" in the equation is making things entirely convenient, and if convenience is what you appreciate; if that's what initially brought you together, then ride that wave. But if you want for more/if he's not offering you more, then that's something YOUR lacking, not his? Don't be mad at me because my lifestyle created a certain magnetism that attracts good pussy/random interactions. Life is about VARIETY, not being LOCKED or STUCK inside of one thing. Sure, there's a lot to enjoy from consistence and being "as one." But you're mad at me because your life and energy DOESN'T get the resources mine does? I happen to be free to do as I please, based on my life's choices. So, yes... play your position if you appreciate loving me and being loved by me/to whatever degree. Because, for the moment, I'm loving those who are loving me. And I'm enjoying the "rockstar" feel of that place, in this time of my life. Sure, things could change in the future/ and I'll let you be as selfish as you want with me; I'll feed into the whole state of "you & me against the world." But for now, I enjoy what I'm giving and getting with you. But as much as I love that, I love my FREEDOM. Please appreciate the connection we have and lets build on that. Ultimately, if we were meant to be together monogamously, then that's what it is/ that's what it will be. Until then, we'll let time decide. And I still love you….

hat’s your position? Are you willing to be that woman on the side or have you twisted the game and made him the side line man? Dating in the year 2012 has definitely taken a twist. Women are now playing the games and running their own lives. I can’t say if it’s the time era or an error in time but longevity isn’t enough to keep the wife in the relationship. And just when you think that she is settling back down after a harsh break-up to make-up she’s creeping in the sheets with a partner who willing will take her as a side line or be a side line. Who damn knew? We read all the time in fiction books that the sideline chic always gets the shaft. She is second during all the holidays; Valentine’s Day. Christmas, even gets stuck waiting on a birthday. Well pens are rewriting this scenario and the woman is now the HBIC (Head Bitch in Charge). Women are now saying to men; “Play your position.” Can they handle being put aside for safe keeping, for that good release when needed? I did a Facebook poll asking men in regards to being played as a side line man when in fact after a few romps in the hay you felt an attachment, wanted more and was told:

~RELENTLESS AARON

“Play Your Position!” I've had that happen once and felt some kinda way about it , at first. I went along for a minute but ultimately I think Waaaaaaaaay too much of myself to play second fiddle . ~Sa’id IGotNext Salaam

I don't know if I could give up my personal pursuit, but can definitely follow the rules to stay connected. ~Aaron Verbalkent Bebo

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Don't worry about keeping it poppin' and do what's true to your self. But at the same time listen to what's current because you never want to sound dated..â&#x20AC;? ~S. Tha Mogul

Bronx, New York The northernmost borough in New York City is the birthplace of Hip-Hop. Artists like KRS One, Slick Rick, Big Pun, Fat Joe, and Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz with their Uptown anthem “Déjà vu” had put the borough affectionately known as the BX on the map in a genre that places importance on representing where you came from. While emcees from NY proudly beat their chests to rep their city, they’ve lately adopted the Southern sound since the turn of the century after years of shunning their Dirty South counterparts. The popularity wave of the South snatched away NYC’s identity and originality for the chase of platinum dreams and champagne wishes. The leaders turned into followers, and even though you’ll hear the boom bap sound of classic New York from underground artists at times, television and radio still showcase some of the most well known artists from NY not only rhyming over Southern flavored 808 drums, but also mimicking their country twang. It’s like trying to fit a circle in a square, or a key in the wrong lock. EPMD rhymed over West Coast sounding beats earlier in their careers, but they kept it New York. Only a few still keep it thorough like Bronx native S Tha Mogul. With 9 music videos and over 30 mix tapes and albums combined, S goes hard as one of the last of the Mohicans that keeps it thorough for the 5 boroughs and beyond. Nah’Sun - What do you think about New York artists today adopting the Southern sound? S Tha Mogul - I think it’s just to follow the trend of what's out (now). I remember when everyone wanted to sound like Nas or Wu-Tang, now everyone wanna sound like Rick Ross or 2 Chainz, or at least have that kinda structure in their music. It will eventually switch back around, but only when there's a new quality sound that others would want to gravitate to.

Nah’Sun - I heard your recent album "Roll of the Dice" which is dope. What made you stick with the boom bap instead of sounding like you're from New York “South”? S Tha Mogul – ‘Cause I felt like I needed keep it in NYC especially since I do a lot of shows, and all these local artist copying the South sound like I stated in the previous question. I wanted to do raw New York music and still have the catchy hooks with substance ‘cause that's what’s missing (right now) Nah’Sun – I don’t think New York has ever left the rap game. Are you annoyed when heads want new artists from NY to so-called bring "New York back" with the Southern stronghold in the game? S Tha Mogul - The industry is about money, so what's selling is what artists are going to do. I get annoyed more so that everyone wants the next Nas to come out, but don't give these new dudes their run to see what they bring to the table. For instance, A$AP Rocky is from Harlem and has a Southern sound, but that's because he grew up on that. I did, too. I was the biggest Cash Money fan in the "Bling Bling" era so I experimented that way for years. I think people are waiting for this next Messiah type artist to come from the sky. It’s never going to happen. There won't be a Kevin Durant type rapper to come out any time soon. And if there is one, he's underground and undiscovered Nah’Sun - How did New York lose its Kung Fu grip on the rap game commercially? S Tha Mogul - When it (artists) tried to not be New York anymore. I think ever since BIG did that song with Bone Thugs it opened up the door to NY artists to be more like these other regions. I'm not saying it’s always a bad thing, but now there's no defined New York style anymore. Shit, Nas “Life Is Good” album may have been the closest to a true NYC album since a DMX or Jadakiss album Nah’Sun - Okay...so how do you adjust and keep it poppin' while going against the grain?

S Tha Mogul - Don't worry about keeping it poppin' and do what's true to your self. But at the same time listen to what's current because you never want to sound dated Nah’Sun - Tell me about your rhyme style and sound S Tha Mogul - My style is a "do what the beat says" style. Sometimes I have certain topics I like to write about, but for the most part it’s unscripted when I create. My sound most of the time is New York-based, but I'm just a fan of great beats. My voice is a gift and a curse though, because it’s not the deepest or strongest, so I have to find beats that will complement it and not sound overpowered Nah’Sun - When did you start rhyming? And who or what put the battery in your back to flow? S Tha Mogul - I started rhyming back when I was around 11. My brother from another, Butch, was the person who got me into it (rhyming). I don't think he ever recorded 1 song in his life, but he was the best rapper on the block. I would recite his rhymes before I even had my own. After that it was my brother, Nathan aka Nasty Nate, we rapped and made beats together. Unfortunately in 2004 he passed away, and it made my drive a bit stronger, and I do this for him ultimately. Nah’Sun - How do you go about building your buzz besides performing and standing out from other MCs from the boroughs and the game period? S Tha Mogul - Using the internet and the music blogs for promotion more than anything. It has been good (for me) to build a modest but loyal fan-base, but at the same time I try and hit the streets with physical copies because not everyone is online. Nah’Sun - Tell me about your crew and how did ya'll come together S Tha Mogul - My current crew, Deadly Alliance (D.A. for short), was formed after Heathen Alumni Stadium Status 1 (concert series) which was January of last year. (My other crew) Team 718 is Big Ridd and Mista Tee. I was already familiar with them through us having a lot of mutual friends, and they introduced me to A.O.2 aka Army Of 2, and we did a show together in Brooklyn that April then decided to link together as one because we all had the same love for the music. Also we felt we could build each others fan bases at the same time. We're all different in many ways but our chemistry on tracks is great. It’s a positive for me as someone who always been a solo artist to be a part of the D.A. movement Nah’Sun - What's the difference between rhyming with a group and doing your thing as a solo act? S Tha Mogul – (It’s) less work as a group except for having to balance out egos and etc. Instead of writing 3 verses and a hook it’s just a hook and a verse, or just a verse. Sounds simple but that's the only real difference. Nah’Sun - How do you keep the egos in check? S Tha Mogul – It’s easier said than done because I've had some success and been told I'm dope so I feel a certain way about my work; this one (artist in the group) feels he's a great rapper and can't be touched, this one got people in his ear saying he's the shit, etc. The goal is just making the best possible music at the end of the day and that, if anything, keeps the crew together Nah’Sun - What do you have in store for the future, and how can people get in contact with you? S Tha Mogul - In the immediate future I'm aiming to drop my next project “Tha Mogul Show” in the next month. Afterwards more shows and more work with the Deadly Alliance. People can get in contact with me at likemogul@gmail.com or on my Facebook music page @ www.facebook.com/likemogul. Also, the majority of my releases can be found at youtube.com/ slarge169

Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, and Composer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of three, Paulleo Davis began singing in church, dancing and pop locking in the streets of Flatbush Ave. At the ripe age of seven, he won his first talent show. It was the glitter glove one and moonwalk on television that summer, inspiring Paulleo to know who and what he wanted to become, an Entertainer. Emmanuel Lewis, also known in entertainment as “Webster” and childhood friend of Paulleo, afforded him the opportunity to speak to Michael Jackson. As a child, Paulleo often spoke to Michael Jackson about his future in the music business. The wise and prolific, King of pop, Michael Jackson asked Paulleo “What will set you apart from everyone else”. Paulleo thought about all his idols including Michael Jackson, Prince, the elusive Stevie Wonder, John P. Kee, and Eddie Murphy answering the King of Pop with one word “uniqueness”. Paulleo developed a keen ear listening to a variety of artists and music. He taught himself how to play the piano and guitar. As a young man, Paulleo joined a local group, N.B.C (Nothing But Class) that toured and opened for several Hip Hop and R& B groups. N. B.C performed at various historical arenas including the legendary, Apollo Theater. In his first televised performance, Paulleo sang as lead for the New York Boy’s Choir (NYBC) in the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Paulleo also had the opportunity to perform alongside the legendary, Diana Ross during the celebration of Muhammad Alis’ Birthday at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. Paulleo was especially honored to perform alongside Whitney Houston, as lead for NYBC in one of many charitable events in New York City. Paulleo always dreamed of recording his own music, writing his own lyrics and owning his own studio. That dream became prevalent and real in 1996. Paulleo started his own production company, G.N.M Entertainment, which is an acronym for “The Game Needs Me”! Paulleo desires to be one of the world’s hottest producers, singers, songwriters and performers. He took an internship at Grand Hustle, in Atlanta, a major production company and independent label under the famous, Atlantic Records. He produced tracks for hiphop artists, T.I., Young Dro and Yung LA while collaborating with The Beat Billionaires. One of Paulleo’s most notable accomplishments to date came when he won the ASCAP Award for Theme Song of the Year for the hit sitcom Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne”.

Presently, Paulleo produces, writes and arranges numerous local upcoming hip hop/pop/r&b artist from the West to the East Coast. Additionally, his G.N.M Outreach program has allowed him to speak to aspiring children in various schools wanting to learn about the music industry. Paulleo alongside popular, V103′s Greg Street was one of many events involving G.N.M’s Outreach programs. Paulleo recently, produced, arranged and performed the theme song, “WOW” for The Women of Wealth, a gala organized for White House Representative, Eddie Frazier. Paulleo also composed and performed the theme song “Never Give Up” for Alma Davis’ Dinner for Diva where in attendance, were various NFL stars as well as Rodney Perry, side attendant for the Oscar Award winner, Monique on The Monique Show. Paulleo’s latest and greatest projects include composed and performed theme score for the introduction of Atlanta’s popular V103′s DJ, Terry Bello. G.N.M Entertainment is now proud to introduce the first single and music video, “Missing You” from upcoming, freshman album T.A.N. Lastly Paulleo is scheduled to perform hits from the Album on the East Coast; Then embarking on a Pacific and European tour.

Paulleo will be featured in depth in December’s Article….stay tuned!

DAVID L. PRESENTS… DAVID L. 4 PRESIDENT Column Synopsis: A random and and unbiased perspective of what is relevant in the world today – as seen through the eyes of yours truly, David L. A column not to be duplicated… but to be emulated. Because after all, groundbreaking material does not come around every day. A comprehensive “no holds barred” opinion on the literary world, sports & music industry, and current social events of utmost importance. NO structured thought scheme – just some occasional and unbiased HATE towards those that deserve it! One-on-one interviews to include abstract, unconventional questions with individuals of relevance. A Q&A with random readers with answers posted to include hints, tips and breakthrough marketing ideas into either getting into the industry of their choice – and/or surviving it! In conclusion – a breakthrough column to for the ages… none before me. None after my departure. ‘Nuff said.

CAN I HIT IT IN THE MORNING?! BY: DAVID L.

Before we proceed any further, I’m sure you like the millions of others reading this article (yeah I said it – MILLIONS!) are wondering: why did David L. name this particular article “Can I Hit It In The Morning?!” And more importantly – what exactly is “IT?!” Unlike my cover story with Zab Judah from Urban Grapevine’s classic last issue, I decided to venture off in a different direction and give everyone my perspective on what it takes to earn another “shot” at “IT!” For anyone still living in the 19th century, “IT” refers to whether a man is deemed worthy of a second date and/or “booty call” and for all you females, it refers to whether or not you are deemed acceptable in your potential mate’s eyes on getting that much-desired return phone call. For added measure and to convey validity into my inconsequential rhetoric, I am including 2 case scenarios (1 male & 1 female) to illustrate whether or not the below individuals can indeed hit “IT” again in the future. My below case scenarios have been randomly selected by two Facebook individuals (one male, one female to convey unbiased fairness) who left me inbox messages on why they were unable to “HIT IT” again from a potential mate. It’s about to get interesting to say the least. Read on…

Case Scenario # 1: What up David L. Thanks for making me one of your choices for the article you are writing. I had this “dime piece” sweat me for about a year and a half at this customer service job we both had out in the city (NYC). I mean, she would bring me leftovers from home so I didn’t have to spend my hard earned money on lunch; she stayed lacing me with little gifts from time to time, and on occasion, hooked me up with a free ride home with her metro card whenever her husband picked her up from work. To make a long story short, we eventually “hooked up” one weekend about four months ago. Her and her spouse has a time share or something out in Long Island so I “creeped through” to the spot with her one weekend while her husband was out of town on some business trip or whatever. We had it planned out to perfection. The day before, I called out from work so I could prepare accordingly for the weekend. I purchased a couple bottles of white Zinfandel Moscato (her favorite), and a bottle of Hennessey for myself. I got myself a fresh shape-up (haircut), mani-pedi, and purchased a few of them “pills” (stuff to keep you erect) so I could “smash” (hit it) all weekend long. Now unless I’m missing something, the weekend went as expected and we had a great time. I “smashed” at least a good dozen times that weekend. While we were there, I took her on a horse & carriage ride, took her to some club to go dancing, and spent about $90 at some swanky restaurant near where we stayed at. We went our separate ways Sunday evening and when I saw her again the next morning at work; it was as if I was the elephant man! No more special treatment, no phone calls to see what I was doing for lunch. Nada! Matter of fact, I haven’t gotten the occasional metro card that I’ve grown to love before our little “rendezvous”! I wanna think I handled my business in the bedroom. Explain that for me homey.

Mark G. ~ Queens, NY First of all my dude: what the hell is a “mani-pedi”??!! Is that short for manicure/pedicure?! I don’t know any man that would willingly admit to that in the first place! It’s not that you went out and got one, it’s just you could’ve left that out. I didn’t need to read about that bro! You are really making me think you bite pillows right about now so let’s just gloss over this minor indiscretion and move on to the next subject at hand… this is a classic case of “Boomerang” (from the Eddie Murphy movie. For those of you who never saw it – go out and rent it now!) Yo dog – she is married! Why are you “wifeing” this broad up with horse & carriage rides when that is clearly her husband’s job (who for the record was probably “smashing” his own “shortie” somewhere instead of being on some alleged business trip!) Another thing that stands out in your letter is the fact that you think she owes you something the day after! My dude – men have been treating women like this for centuries! So now your feelings are hurt because you got the “okey doke” (got played)? You said you hit it about a dozen times that weekend – right! So it’s another notch in your belt. And for an added bonus, she is already wifed up, so you don’t have to worry about her catching any feelings (although something tells me you might have!) Something also tells me she did the “okey doke” on her husband ‘cause she knows he is a cheatin’ bastard and she figured she would get herself some busta (clown) and unfortunately, that busta ended up being you! All in all… a win is a win (Guy code!)

Case Scenario # 2: Hey David L., thanks for hearing me out on this. I hooked up with this sorry a** dog that I met in a club back in June of this year. He pursued me for most of the night, asking me if I wanted to dance on at least 3 separate occasions before I gave in to his requests. I was with my road dawg (homegirl) and he was with one of his boys. He wasn’t someone I would normally talk to because I felt he was too short for my tastes. And to top it off – he had on one of the loudest (colorful) suits I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m more of a simple chick. Blue jeans and wife beater type of guy. This he definitely was not. The club thing was cool and after the dance I promised him, we parted ways, but not before he asked me for my phone number. Miraculously, I gave it to him. I think it was the alcohol talking! Either way, he called me the next morning to make sure I got in safely and we arranged to see each other the following weekend. He showed up to my brownstone early and we ended up going to the movies, followed by dinner and a club out in Harlem. He was definitely a charmer and before I know it, we were back at my place kissing and feeling one another up. Within moments, we ended up having sex in my living room. I was hesitant at first, but I didn’t have any good sex in a long time so against my better judgment, we got down to business). I never heard from him again! And this was over two months ago!! I never saved his number so I can’t even call him to see what happened or if it was something that I did or said that offended him. Do you think I did something wrong? Or am I just an unfortunate victim of the ol’ “hit and run” that you guys live for? Talk to me.

Lashonda S., Brooklyn, NY I will begin from your last question and work my way backwards… YES – you were a victim of the “ol hit and run”! But you are incorrect in your assessment of “us guy’s” living for it. In your statement, you’ve already generalized every man on the planet and that is straight up unfair (although saying most men would be a better response that I couldn’t argue with!) The only “wrong” thing you did was mis-judge his relentlessness. You began by stating that “he pursued me for the majority of the night”. That alone tells me that he is a predator who will not stop until he gets what he wants (an admirable trait I must say). The “loudness” in his suit tells me he likes attention and secondly, may be overcompensating for something. Either that or he comes from the south! You reference him in being short so I’m inclined to believe my first statement about him overcompensating for something is more applicable here. I’m also going out on a limb by stating you probably gave up the a** waaay too soon. I mean milk lasts longer in the fridge than the time it took for you to drop your drawers! Not that there is anything wrong with waiting, but sometimes it can work against you (like in this case). Yes – it is a double standard, but it’s one that is still alive and well. You stating you never saved his phone number leads me to believe you weren’t all that serious anyway. And I wish y’all women would stop using liquor as a mask towards your promiscuity. You wanted some a** and you got yourself some… so live with your decision and move on ya little tramp (just kidding!) P.S.: and stop referencing men as sorry a** dogs. Cause guess what: you slept with one – so what does that make you? Ever hear the ol’ saying of you are what you eat… well you are also unfortunately a reflection of who you lay down with (Real talk. Don’t judge me!)

Conclusion: The previous two case scenarios eloquently illustrates my initial premise in the art of “hitting it”, “getting the drawers”, “smashing it”, or whatever the hell you want to call it. In case scenario #1 (Mark), he underestimated a woman’s cunning and need for love and affection. Although he was able to give that to her for their impromptu weekend together (allegedly), he neglected to accurately measure the importance that her husband plays in her life. Yes – her husband! He ignored industry rule # 27 (Section 3, paragraph 4) which reads: “NEVER CATCH FEELINGS. ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ONE YOU ARE WITH ALREADY HAS A PARTNER! Hopefully this poor sucka won’t take this rule for granted ever again. Something tells me he will ‘cause he goes out in public and gets “mani-pedis”! In case scenario #2 (Lashonda), she neglected to take her partner’s assertiveness and borderline pathological pursuit of punanny (I call it the “3 P’s!) serious. This guy was (and is) a prime example of what it means to go out and get what you want. And after all – isn’t that the American dream?! HEY MY READERS OUT THERE -DON’T HATE THE PLAYER PEOPLE…. HATE THE GAME! This “game” as we know it is a game of war. Don’t minimize it for anything less. If the game is played correctly, you will reap unimaginable rewards for your hard work and diligence. But if you underestimate it’s potential for payback, you’re a** will be a re-occuring case example like the ones above. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! David L.’s final comments: This article is in loving memory of my brother from another mother, “Dre 5000” who passed away prematurely a couple of years ago. Shortly before his passing, my boy aptly titled a future book of mine (that will eventually be my first leap into non-fiction books) with the title for this article. So for that – this article is dedicated to you homey. Never 4gotten. Always remembered.

David L. is the award-winning author & publisher of 4 novels: Over Your Dead Body, My Life Is A Movie, Chalk Outline Confessions: The Remix & Represent. All are available for purchase on his official author website at: www.totalpackagepublications.com, via E-book (Kindle & Nook) and select bookstores everywhere. Email David L. at: contact: tpp@totalpackagepublications.com. Follow David L. on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/almightydavidl; and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/theauthordavidl.

 YEAST INFECTIONS AND BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS CAN BE TRANSFERREDTHROUGH SEX.

There is a great misconception about the thin line between a yeast infection and a bacterial infection. The first thing most women who have experienced a diagnosed yeast infection when itchiness occurs on the vagina. That irritable itch that seems to only get worse and never goes away no matter what you do; bath, rub or even scratch is always assumed to be a yeast infection. Ladies...ladies...ladies, it could be far worse than a yeast infection. I introduce to you: BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS . This is one annoying infection that almost always goes misdiagnosed by women. The sign that there is an infection period is the presence of a discolored discharge. It may range from yellow/greenish to a grey white discharge. Both (YEAST INFECTIONS AND BACTERIAL INFECTIONS) cause itching and burning. Both are a form of Vaginitis; a vaginal infection stemming from an off balance of yeast to an overgrowth of vaginal discharge. If that discharge has a foal fishy stench then most likely you have just been hit with the BV (BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS) bandit. See the comparisons below. Visit the McKinley Health Center Web site at: http:// www.mckinley.illinois.edu to verify the information given and to explore more information.

 YEAST INFECTIONS CAN BE SPREAD ON THE BODY’S SURFACE, NORMALLY IN THE SECRETIONS AND FOLDS OF YOUR BODY; UNDER BREATS. IF YOU ARE HEAVY IT CAN BE SPREAD TO THE FOLDS OF YOUR THIGHS AND UNDER YOUR BELLY AS WELL.  YEAST INFECTION MEDICATIONS WILL NOT CURE BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS.  BV IS INCREASED BY MULTIPLE SEX PARTNERS AND RECEIVING ORAL SEX  YEAST INFECTION INCREASED BY; STRESS,ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, DIABETES, PREGNANCY, ANTIBIOTICS. DON’T ASSUME THAT YOU KNOW...GET DIAGNOSED.

Pay close attention to any vaginal symptom, and check with your doctor if you have any doubt between these two conditions. Here are the differences in a nutshell: - Bacterial vaginosis has a mean fishy odor, yeast infection has no odor. - Bacterial vaginosis has a white or gray thin milky discharge, yeast infection has a white and think discharge. - Up to half of women suffering from bacterial vaginosis are affected with itching or irritation while almost all woman with yeast infection has itching or irritation. - The cause of bacterial vaginosis is bacteria. The cause of yeast infection is yeast.

Grown Folx Buzniz By: Dyphia aka Gemini Phoenix “Touch Yourself”

Don’t be afraid to love yourself mentally, physically, and most of all literally. Yes, I said it...feel yourself up! There’s nothing wrong with learning yourself and what gets you hot!

Once you are familiar

with your own body, it’s easier to reach that orgasm that you’ve been missing.

How

can you expect him/her to please you if you don’t know how to please yourself? Masturbating has become more open these days and not only do you get yours, but your partner will appreciate the entertainment as well. You will feel sexy, emotionally intertwined with your own body, and most of all...complete!

KEY COMPONENT IS DISTINGUISHING A YEAST INFECTION FROM BV

Muah ~ Gemini Phoenix

hen The train stopped “she” stood up and winked back at him. He stood and she grabbed his tie and guided him through the isle. He watched the sway of her hips as he walked behind her. They exited the first car and made way to the cart that opened on 125th street. Once they reached the platform the games began. She kissed him one last time until they would meet again.

Feeldoe Slim with Mini Vibrator

He never thought he would fall in love with someone as freaky as her. She was nothing like his last relationship. But I guess that’s what had him so intrigued. He walked down a flight of steps and went into character. With the camera swinging around his neck he exited the station. Immediately he handed out his business cards attached to each flyer.

TEXT FREAKY TO 6969 SEND PHOTO TO 555-FREAK-EM IN STOCK OUR PRICE:$118.80

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He searched and searched for the ideal look requested by her. When she walked up smiled and reached for the flyer he knew she was the one.

Expiration Date:

00/00/00

He held on to her hand as she took the flyer. “You are stunning!” The young woman blushed. “Why thank you! What is this about? “ She glanced over the flyer as he released her hand. “$100.00? I want in.” She took a photo of herself wit her phone and pressed send. Then she texted FREAKY. She immediately was given the location of the shoot. When she looked up the man with the camera and flyers was gone. Kind of skeptical she asked the transit police about the location. Satisfied with the answer she hailed a cab and headed to a brownstone in Greenwich Village. She was surprised to see a stunning beautifully dressed woman in a long sheer nightie revealing her erect nipples and thin streak of her on her V. She’d never been turned on by a woman’s form before but this woman was a first. She started to ask a question but the woman shook her head placing her pointer finger over her lips. She gently pulled her in the foyer and slid her coat off, allowing it to drop to the floor. Her eyes were locked on the woman in the nightie almost in a sort of trance. The woman slowly undressed her visitor. Each piece of clothing laying where they dropped. Upon her first protest the wanna be model was presented with long passionate kisses that she gladly received. It seemed natural to want to feel her warm tongue dance in her mouth. Once she was completely nude she realized lights flickered every once in a while but she said nothing. They entered a all white room with white sheer curtains and a white fabric chaise, The woman dropped her negligée to the floor and she too was bare. She then lead her to a door and handed her a silky white bag with a drawstring from the door knob. At first she was confused until she opened the door. They looked at each other and smiled. One after the other they entered the room. She reached into the bag and pulled out a sweet nectar smelling body wash with a soft sponge. The stunning woman guided her into the shower then turned on the hot steamy water. Lights flickered again. So that it was not a distraction she locked eyes with the woman who came to model and smiled. She lathered her from head to toe not missing a spot on her body and the stunning woman did the same for her. Once they were cleaned up they left the shower dripping wet and went back to the white room. Once the stunning woman laid out her model she spread her legs. A slight chill ran up her spine raising the hairs on the back of her neck. She’s never had that happen to her...not even with her husband. The model tensed up when the stunning woman reached under the chaise and pulled out a 9 inch dildo contraption. First she inserted inside herself . It stood out erect, thick and blue. Once inside she tapped on the vibrator and leaned in to insert it inside She couldn’t believe how good it felt to have the thickness of a man inside her but up against her skin was the softness of a woman. She breathed in her scent and it was pleasant. She wrapped her legs around her waist and pulled her in. ………… (to be continued….) Keeping it Clean! We treasure our sex toys, so we should treasure bodies as well. Cleaning your toys should be thought of in the same way as if they were part of the body. This will prevent the spread of infections and disease. Always clean your toys before using. Use warm water and hand soap, antibacterial is preferred. Silicone dildos can be set in boiling water for two minutes or run through your dishwasher. Rubber dildos absorb more dirt than silicone, so you should use condoms with rubber dildos. Wash with hot water and soap between uses. Do not submerge battery-operated or electric toys in water. Clean under running water, being careful not to let water get inside the vibrator. You can also purchase toy cleaners on any sex toy site. Remember, keeping it real is keeping it clean.

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I spoke to a friend about the abundance of “STOP THE VIOLENCE”, “R.I.P/MEMORIAL” rallies and the feedback she gave me was mind blowing. It was honest but mind blowing, so we took the discussion to a few other friends and had our own pow-wow on the topics of rallying. One of the women who has a teenage son said that she doesn’t and won’t attend any of these rallies because of the parents in attendance. She stated that parents go to cry out for sympathy and they are the same women who promote their sons drug selling and then when they die from the backlash of their lifestyle the parents scream why? They blame the police, schools, politicians and the absent father but never the present influence in their lives. Never themselves. They never admit that the root of the problem starts in the home and can only be fixed at home first.

UG MAG: What is your take on her views? If your organization had to address this with a parent what would you say to convince her to attend? Would you allow her to speak her mind?

F.A.I.T.H: Taylonn Murphy: Yes, I do agree with the fact that the home plays a major role in the development of our youth. Yet like a tree the problems in our communities have many roots, number one the mindset of the people. There is defiantly a lack of knowledge and respect for ones self. We have to take a look in the mirror and ask oneself do I stand here as part of the problem or do I stand as part of the solution! Do I give off that positive aura a.k.a energy or do I promote mind poison, destruction and buffoonery! Number two accountability, do we only hold the home accountable when there are so many outside entities that are destroying our qualities of life! The shutting down of programs, learning institutions and the in ability to work and make a living. If the parents are spending most of their time striving to make an honest livI would get lynched at ing to provide the essential needs in most of the cases a single parent home who is a rally because the first raising the Child? The answer is the Tel lie vision, the street or their peers who are woman that says her most of the time just as mixed up and confused as them (peer pressure)! The last and son was a good kid and final point I would like to make is You must have a real and I repeat the words REAL then start blaming other relationship with a higher positive power!!!!!! With no spiritual foundation and the lack of service and praise to the Most High you are weakening your stance in A cruel folks for their child’s death harden society. These are just some of the roots of the problem, as well as some of even though he stood on the the things that I would tell a parent why she or he should attend our walks, group block selling drugs and is meetings or events. We have to get into the mindset that this is all of our issue’s and known for toting a gun and in Unity there is Strength!!! Also I would let her speak her mind as long as it’s giving a creating beef, I’d be the first positive solution to these negative issues! These are our communities and We are the to tell her about herself…” extended version of the Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“

~T.D

Fathers in the Hood Kenny: In situations where there is a young man/lady it's not always an involvement in a life of criminal ways that may have caused their demise. The purpose for peace walks and rallys is to increase the value and awareness of every individual in the community from young people to old ones. We must start valuing the lives of our community members regardless of the mental health issues they may or may not display. When we begin to stand in solidarity as a unit we set a good example for our future leaders and they are our children. Being silent after a murder has occurred is actually condoning the violent act that has taken place. So its good to be proactive instead of reactive. Why wait until something occurs to one of your loved ones....

UG MAG: What are your views about the violence in our youth? Where do you think it stems from and what solutions do you have as father’s alive in the hood? F.A.I.T.H.: Taylonn Murphy: Our children have seen death at their feet, in their homes and in their neighborhoods where it has become part of the norm, part of their everyday life to the point where it’s a social network phenomenon to post pictures of dead friends still lying on the street in their own pool of blood. They have lost friends, fathers and family. They have also attended funerals back to back hearing the moans and groans of and from loved ones. The screaming and calling out for husbands and fathers, mothers and siblings resonates in their memories. Young mothers have lost their children’s fathers to the streets and vice versa. Lil children cry out for their father’s and mother’s never to have the God given right to be raised by their parents. I personally feel that the social , economical and educational oppression that is in the atmosphere has created this epidemic of non peaceful acts. As a member and Vice President of F.A.I.T.H. I also believe our many group sessions, events and programs will provide essential outlets and options that are well needed in our communities!!!!!!!!!!! Kenny: Anger and violence is seems to be systematically engineered . Our children are suffering by trying to live out a reality that is perpetrated by imposters who tell stories through music. I refer to this as the "pied piper syndrome". All types of negative influences infiltrate our youth in this day and age. The utilization of negative rap music keeps our youth in competition with one another. A lot of the times this is when the E.G.O kicks up emotions that causes social separation amongst peers. (E.G.O means Easing God Out). I feel when our children stop recognizing the GOD within each other, it makes it easier for them to kill one another during their wrath. We must teach our children the definition of true love. They have witnessed dysfunctional relationships throughout their lives. Fathers Alive In The Hood Movement wants to lead by example. Our children has been misguided long enough.

MISSION: To unite and educate men on the morals, values & principles of fatherhood.

DESCRIPTION:

Our organization has vowed to be active in every community that there are Fathers Alive In The Hood. We believe that as men it is our obligation to secure our household than our community. We intend to raise the value and worth of each individual in our communities by awareness

of US not condoning with the fact of US killing US. We have people who are quick to protest and rally when a negative officer of the law murder an unarmed youth or elder, but when we kill or shoot one another within our own communities no one has anything to say. Well the men & women affiliated with this organization has begun to challenge communities by initiating walks of F.A.I.T.H within their community. Only we can save us is a concept that we share as we engage the residence within the community. Every walk we organize needs the people within

these communities that are suffering from since-less violence to participate by coming out and taking interest in our movement. The requirement is to SHOW UP! Keep in mind that there is strength in numbers. If we organize a walk in a community and 1% out of 100% show up, our future is in jeopardy. Why wait until death knocks at your door to be compelled to get involved? Why not come out to support an organization that has your best interest in heart?

UG MAG: What do you think it will take to get our youth to value life? F.A.I.T.H.: Taylonn Murphy: First and foremost we must get active in our young people’s lives and lead by example. We must de program them and be honest. Let them know that we were once them and life is about trial and error but share our short comings. We must share our mistakes so in the process of admitting that we are not perfect, they can take our short comings and not make them there’s! Also we must change the criteria of what is socially acceptable, meaning we have to raise the bar on what’s cool and what’s not! It is cool to go to school get an education and be a productive member in society. It is not cool to sell drugs carry guns and destroy lives as well as your communities!!!!!!!!!!!! UG MAG: Do you have events coming up that you need people to attend? What does F.A.I.T.H. have planned for the winter months and where can readers get more information on your organization for donations, membership and volunteering? F.A.I.T.H. All these question can be answered by going to our Fathers Alive In The hood page on Facebook!!!!!!!!!!

“What color doll do you want?” This should never been an option for minority children. I remember growing up praying for a black doll that really looked like someone I knew. It didn’t necessarily have to be me but someone that I could relate to. I think back then I was looking to see the beauty in dark skin be manipulated into my play things. My mom tried her best to find more ethnic dolls to buy for me. So I had to fall for the over exaggerated depiction of what a black baby was to look like; really dark skin damn near blue-black nappy yarn stitched hair in buckwheat braids with ribbons at the end wearing maid-like smocks. While Barbie’s came out and she was the ideal everyday young woman, model, business woman, a Jackie of all trades and million-dollar extraordinaire. In the early 70’S when the supposing Black Barbie looked nothing remotely close to anyone I knew. She was a replica of white Barbie. There was no difference in her features. When I looked at my friends and family members I saw all shaded of browns, variations of lip sizes; none or very few thin lips, broad wide noses and a sundry of hairstyles. What truly bothered me was the way they dressed her. When she was black she was very black and wore African Kente pattern clothing with head wraps and the whole coming to American theme look. As a child I knew no one who dressed like that. So here it is the year 2012 and it took a fed-up mom and dad in dire need of finding a black doll for their child and could not find one to start a company that specialized in Black dolls that depicted all our multifaceted black-brown women; women of color. When I found the Facebook group; The Black Doll House I grinned harder than a Cheshire cat, even laughed out loud and said, “VICTORY!”. Finally there were dolls that had me matching them up to people I know.

UG MAG: Back in August The Black Doll House had a contest sort of a Extreme MakeOver/Rip the Runway contest for their ordinary Barbies. The object was to Diva-Out their Dolls. What made you decide on the winning participant. What wowed the judges?. THE BLACK DOLL HOUSE: There was so much curiosity as to where they could find these beautiful ethnic dolls from. I did some research and saw that you could actual make them. That is how I came up with the idea, of the contest. UG MAG: THE BLACK DOLL HOUSE "DOLL STRUT" THIS DECEMBER is this the first strut display for The Black Doll House? How else are your dolls given exposure? Because when I saw them on Facebook I thought it was a gimmick. I think every lil’ girl of color should own a Doll House Barbie. THE BLACK DOLL HOUSE: I am really starting to speak to parents in the community about the whole doll situation because things like self esteem and image plays a big part in why our girls still choose the white/lighter doll as the pretty one. Facebook was just a start! I also have display tables at certain events, in which the parents are amazed by these black beauty. this strikes the conversation of how we have to get behind our little girls letting them know who the really are and that their dolls are just as beautiful. UG MAG: Tell us about the Beginning of TDH and how this Culture of Barbie's came to life? THE BLACK DOLL HOUSE: Last year I attended a toy drive in a city that made up 75% of African American People, needless to say there wasn't a black doll in the box. I remember this one kid crying her eyes out. Since I am a Black Barbie collector, it broke my heart and I had to do something about this. Later while my mother was looking for my holiday Barbie.. Yes, she still gets them for me, She was told that they didn't produce as many African American dolls, due to low demand. I know this is a true statement because if you look in the store, you see our doll in few numbers. I have also heard comments like oh, I hate black dolls or that doll to black, and black dolls are ugly. My heart just wouldn't let me let it go. So I started with the Facebook page to one gain exposure to parents and the world, that there are beautiful dolls made in the image of our girls. We need to start buying our dolls for our beautiful daughters. UG MAG :It’s Christmas Shopping season. Where can TDH Barbies be purchased? . THE BLACK DOLL HOUSE: Some of the dolls that I show are from my collection. Those are not the TDH's Barbies, they were purchased from places like Mattel, Byron Lars, and Bob Mackey. I will put out a link where people can go and purchase the Barbies for themselves or their girls. I will also put a link of where to buy ethnic accessories from, I'm pretty sure the participants of the Doll Challenge are finding it fun to make accessories for their Barbies. UG MAG: We truly hope to see you guys on all shelves...we need our children to see that we can be represented well….and that we do all that Barbie Mattel does...we are CEO’s, Models, Tennis players, have beautiful families...we are multifaceted and beautiful too.!

JNESS: Digital vector based portrait art – direct replica of photographs.

JNESS: Digital themed portraits - combining portrait art with traditional sketched compositions.

JNESS: Digital self expression pieces that combine original faces and sketched compositions, these are usually part of a collection.

“C

JNESS: Event logos that combine sketched elements and typography completed in a vector platform.

JNESS: Company logos featuring drawings, and typography

JNESS: Traditional pen & ink crosshatch art. These take longer but the process is relaxing and therapeutic.

JNESS: Digital portraits, photo replica tional comic elements.

Superhero combining and tradibook art

UG MAG: Why BIG art? What made you decide to emulate a form of society that is taboo? How did you know there was a BIG Art industry that could be tapped into? JNESS: I didn’t know initially that this market existed. I quickly noticed that there was a good public response to the work. When I was in high school I collected pin-up sketch art by Ruben Esq. His work was the first exposure I had to this type of art. I knew he was on to something exclusive and I wanted in.

elebrating almost 2 decades as a Graphic Designer/Published Illustrator, Jean Nerestant Jr, [JNESS] got his start as a graphic artist in 1994. Still working as a graphic designer by day,

JNESS devotes time to his true passion by night illustration. The

UG MAG: What degree did you have to get to learn the superb skills you have? JNESS: I majored in fashion illustration at the high school of Fashion Industries. I took art related courses at the School of Visual Arts, and Parsons School of Design. I always accredit my artistic foundation to Universal Zulu Nation – a founding organization in hip-hop culture. UG MAG: Do you photograph your own models? If so do you have a degree in Photography? JNESS: I don’t photograph models for my work. My wife will model in some cases. I do photograph reference materials, cars, trains, buildings etc. as needed. No I don’t have a degree in photography, but I did do product photography for twelve years for a hardware manufacturer.

UG MAG: Have you ever thought of having a comic strip in a magazine, because UG MAG would love to get you to do a 6 month a year comic strip? I’m just saying...lol? Just kidding unless you want to….. JNESS: I have done some panels in the past (many moons ago) Maybe with a writer who has a good sense of humor and a sensitivity to issues faced by the plus size community, I would consider it.

UG MAG: Where is JNess Graphics headed? What are your future plans for your BIG art? JNESS:I have been giving it a lot of thought. I often wish I had a partner that could take the helm on projects like greeting card production and sales, leaving me time to create. I want to expand the manufacture and production of prints of my art. I have a coffee table book in the planning, with a great writer on board for the narration. I also want to take my work to canvas and ultimately into galleries.

UG MAG: On a serious note would you be interested in started a television sitcom UG MAG: How receptive were your using your BIG art? friends when you told them you were JNESS: I certainly would as long as it going to go into the Plus-Sized Art busiwasn’t making fun of large size people. ness? Where you always attracted to Maybe the cartoon version of THEA full figured woman? (Thea Vidale – sitcom)

JNESS: Yes I have always been attracted to full figured women, it took a long

time (in my youth) before I admitted it to anyone. Feeling that way was not acceptable to my peers. When it came to my art, many of my friends felt the market was too small and that it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay off. UG MAG: I am so surprised that you have yet to tap onto the book cover business. What would it cost for a single portrait? Do you give the rights to the client if they purchase the portrait? JNESS: I actually have recently started doing some book covers illustrations. In regard to portraits I reserve the rights to show the art or them for promotional purposes. UG MAG: Do you only draw plus sized art? JNESS: My art is not limited to plus size art, the genre just happens to be my passion. UG MAG: Where our readers go to get more information on your services? JNESS: My website is www.bbwartbyjness.com

To find out more about JNESS and his BIG PLUS-SIZED ART go to: I also have current work published on http://bbwart.tumblr.com and http://bbw-artjness.blogspot.com

Center Stage

“N

ope...Model. I guarantee she is a model. “ I argued with my assistant editor when a tall framed beauty walked by. She was slim and has a charisma about her but I could not put my finger on it. Her hair was wild and carefree; natural beauty too. Definitely a model. “I’m telling you she is a singer or something. That hair is telling me rocker!” My assistant was persistent about this lengthy Laydee’s occupation.

studied her and a pretty little girl trailed behind her glittering with tiny gold coins dangling from her dress.; a lil’ diva no doubt; she had the qualities of her mom. Hmmmmm Di-va...maybe she is a singer but the lil’ one looked up and smiled and I saw the lil’ model in her as well. Hmmm. Now I am really confused. “Oh What the hell! She strutted pass our table again. “You are not going to keep passing by us back and forth in that dress.” I didn’t know what else to say struck by her natural beauty, plus she was wearing that dress. Now at this point she could have smacked my face since I was sitting in the isle seat. But not this lovely Laydee. She was refined with poise. She giggled innocently and told us why she’d been walking back and forth as if the isle was a runway. We complemented her and she blushed. She must was unaware of her beauty. She was almost shy-like. But then the performer cam out in her and the shyness went out the window yet she kept her innocence with her. She sat down across me and we sat and chatted as my assistant went off to take care of her business. Come to find out she has dabbled in modeling but her all time high is singing. So I guess we were both right. I introduced myself as Editor in Chief of Urban Grapevine Magazine

Center Stage

nd Beauty is her Name….She Wilder, Sexier and …Meet Ms. Laydee Wilder, she is young and is singing her way into STARDOM! Laydee has been singing since she was in high school. Her soulful melodic voice has set the stage for a bright future in the music industry. Still reaching for the stars Laydee continues to be herself, live for her daughter and love what she does. She is pursuing a career in the music industry and also dabbles in modeling. She is a force to be reckoned with and beauty should be her name…

UG MAG: So, Laydee Wilder what was the first song that you really saaanng? Cause I know when I thought I could sing Stephanie Mills song; I Feel Good All Over was my song. I am a lot older now and even though I swear I can sing there’s nothing like a Stephanie Mills song. LADY WILDER: The first song I really sang was, “How come you don’t call me” by Alicia Keys. I sang for a talent show in my junior high. I remember putting together my outfit like it was yesterday. My mom didn’t like for me to wear black but I saved up all of my money and bought a black dress, hat and some cheap black boots. I got my hair braided up and put big wooden beads on the ends. I was nervous because I never sang in Junior high, I was known for acting. My music teacher (Mr. Silverbush) insisted that I be the closing act to the show. That night, when the curtains opened and the crowd went nuts was the moment I realized, I was an entertainer! UG MAG: That’s right girl, claim your fame. After that performance did you have anyone compare your singing to any greats? Who do you think you sound like or at least sound similar to? Have others compared your vocal range with this person? LADY WILDER: This question is complicated for me because I really don’t know who I sound like. I believe that I have a lot of power in my voice that is compared to the likes of Beyonce. I sing with a lot of passion, which could be compared, to many soul singers from back in the day. My friends and family would agree with me. My mom would most likely want to hear me sing an Etta James classic and my aunt always requested a Whitney Houston favorite. UG MAG: Those are some powerful voices. Does singing run in the family? If so, is that person encouraging? LADY WILDER: Definitely, James George (grandfather) and Janice Godfrey (aunt) are the singers in my family. My grandfather who passed away June 10, 2008 was the “Black Sinatra”. I never met anyone as smooth as my pop. He knew how to work the stage and make everyone smile. My aunt Janice use to record with Atlantic Records and had the same manager as Stephanie Mills. Janice has a voice that gave you the chills! Both have played a major role in encouraging me to sing and pursue a career in music. I am very grateful for them.

Center Stage UG MAG: Where do you want to see yourself a year from today? Paint a picture for the readers. LADY WILDER: A year from today, I would like to see myself on stage singing to thousands. I feel like the skies the limit for me and I want to take a chance at every opportunity given to me. I am so excited about life and I just know things are only going to get better. This vision and passion that I have for music cannot go to waste! The moment I stepped back into music, I felt a certain freedom that I could not find anywhere else in my life. So, I really believe that a year from now I will be closer to success. UGMAG: Ok...the stage is set and your center stage...lights...camera...action! The spotlight is on you and you are singing for your all time favorite singer. Who is it and what are you singing? LADY WILDER: Wow, it would have to be Otis Redding! Or Anita Baker…aahhh! This is a crazy thought. If it were Otis Redding, I would probably sing a response to “I Got Dreams to Remember.” If it were Anita Baker, I would probably be to excite to sing anything but I looove “No One in the World.” They both have indescribable voices and unbelievable passion. That would be more than an honor. UG MAG: Now that’s a surprise. You have an old soul. Anita Baker is one of my favorite singers as well. Leave it up to my mom she’d say she discovered her. My favorite is Angel. We’ve covered a lot of ground but what do you want our readers to know about you Ms. Wilder? What can we look forward to hearing from you in the future? Lady Wilder: I would like for the readers to know that I am not perfect. I have always been stuck in a fairy-tale world and when my dream started to burst, I had to start taking control of my life. Nothing ever comes free and if you want something badly, you have to fight to keep that passion and dream alive. I was always worried about impressing others and trying to please everyone else, I forgot about myself. After having my beautiful baby girl I realized I deserved more for us. Live your dreams and fight for what you love, no matter what that dream is, it’s achievable! UG Mag: Well folx you have it...Laydee Wilderis a force that is passion driven. You can believe that she will be a shinning star!

What does a successful entrepreneur look like?

An Interview by: Author Cynthia Miller The large steel gate to the underground parking garage rolls open at exactly 8am. By 8:15 the building is buzzing with employees or potential employees. The building itself is very deceiving from the outside. A two story brown building and the first story being the parking garage. There are two armed guards strategically placed in the garage before you reach the elevators. The piece of the puzzle that most people are missing is the security also serves as personal body guards for the owner after hours. You see the owner of this company lives his life like a rock star

But it wasn’t always that way. Luke Rose was born of very humble means thirty years ago in Jamaica. He told this interviewer that he had always been the ‘black sheep’ of the family. Let’s just say he wasn’t voted the ‘most likely to succeed’. Today he provides employment for his sister, brothers, and several other family members he has moved from Jamaica. As the elevator opens you get the feeling you have entered a maze. The offices are all glass and the buzz starts the minute you open the first set of glass doors. There is a store on the premises for the convenience of the employees. There is also a basketball court on the patio and a pool room for recreation. Yes, the owner has spared no expense in providing not only a profitable business but a very comfortable work environment.

THE INTERVIEW UG: How old are you Luke? L.R.: I recently turned 30. UG: How long have you been a business owner? L.R: Three Years! U.G: Did you have a conventional job before you became an owner? If so, what were you doing? L.R: Yes. I worked as a telemarketer. U.G: Can you give us a little background on your climb to the top. L.R: Four years ago I had lost my job. I was in a liquor store counting up some change when a man gave me flier for a job at a telemarketing company. I was so broke at the time I decided to try it. The first check I received was only 200.00. Over the next few months my check increased to about a thousand a week. Soon I was making over five a week and the rest is history. I bought the company! U.G: Wow!! That is amazing. Tell me Luke, what are some of the challenges you have faced being such a young business man of color? L.R: Cynthia I have never let the beauty of my color stand in the way of progress. Often I am walking around my company and people have no ideal I am the owner. A thirty year old black man is not the vision most people have when you ask who owns this multi-million dollar company. As far as society I don’t get upset anymore when I am pulled over in my affluent neighborhood multiple times a month for driving my sports car. I enjoy pulling my driver’s license out and letting them read the address. I honestly don’t feel that the affluent part of town belongs to ‘them’. It belongs to anyone who has a desire and the drive to get there. I enjoy killing the stereotype that a thirty year old man can only get out the ‘hood’ by selling dope or being a athlete. U.G: What makes Luke feel good when he walks into this building? L.R: Cynthia when I see an employee drive into the parking garage that I remember was on the bus line a month ago I feel really good inside. I feel good that I am able to provide employment for my own siblings but also for single mothers, fathers and those who need a second chance. U.G: That is commendable Luke. Is there anything you would like to say to our young men out there reading this that are struggling to shine and be heard? L.R: The sun never makes any noise when it comes out in the morning. It doesn’t make a loud announcement. It simply shines everyday and the whole world sees and expects it. I am always expecting and praying for my people of color to shine. Young men, I am looking for you. If you want to shine get up and grind…….. U.G: Thank You Luke for the interview.

DAVID L. 4 PRESIDENT PRESENTS: An Interview with Erick Gray PRELUDE: Felisha (Editor-in-Chief): “I want you to interview Erick Gray. He’s known in the industry and the ladies love him. They go crazy over him in the chat rooms!” Me: What?! I don’t like doing interviews. It’s all about me. How I look interviewing him? You want me to “jock” him like all y’all little “teeny-bopper” groupies sweating this man like he’s straight outta New Edition (the R&B group from back in the day)! OH HELL NO!” Felisha: “You’re the only person that can do this. Put your own personal touch to it. Talk about anything you want. He’s good people.” I thought to myself: hmmm… I’ve met him twice, maybe three times in the past. And I’m a man that usually follows his better judgment and instincts. And actually – I did get a good vibe from Erick Gray during my brief encounters with him at various literary events in the past. Me: “Okay. I got you Felicia. But you owe me big for this!” Felisha: “I got you David L. Whatever you need. Just do what you do.” Side note: y’all heard it here first. Ms. Felisha Bradshaw owes me big! And I’m not a man who forgets easily!

Let me begin by emphatically stating I did NOT want to do this interview. Not because I’m a hater (although I take great pride in that from time to time) or even because I’m a disbeliever in this man’s catalog (because I’ve never read any of his books). But because I was asked to craft a story under the auspices of Erick Gray – a bonafied sex symbol (Urban Grapevine’s editorial staff’s words… not mine!) So am I interviewing the “LL Cool J” of the literary world? The man who has women swooning over his next release… or winning smile that compels them to travel to their neighborhood bookstore to purchase his product? Maybe. Maybe not. But either way – Urban Grapevine requested that I travel out to Corona, Queens for an interview THAT I DID NOT WANT TO DO! (Did I say that already?!?) And how can anyone conceivably blame me for my antics? Me. An established author in his own right. Delegated to writing a cover story on a man that has been deemed as “charismatic”, “charming”, even “seductive” (Urban Grapevine’s words – not mine!) Is that not a proverbial “slap in the face” towards the man who refers to himself as “your favorite author’s favorite author”?! Well professionalism aside, against my better judgment I reluctantly decided to make the trip to the “other borough” in order to match wits with the man behind this supposed sex symbol mantra. I had ulterior motives for my trip to Queens on this unseasonably warm day in October (motives that I will not incriminate myself with at this time…!) I arrived to our pre-determined destination several minutes early and caught up on some writing of my own. Erick sent me a couple of text messages to let me know he was nearby as I proceeded to continue writing and check Face Book messages. One message, a request from our very own editor-in-chief, Felicia Bradshaw asking me if I already completed my interview. A message I have yet to respond to! I can say this: the man who goes by the moniker Erick Gray arrived as agreed upon. I did not know the area but already had it in my mind to find a local place to grab some drinks. After all, a true testament to a man’s willingness to bond with another man is usually done over liquor – correct? Before his arrival, I had already spotted a bar near our meeting locale, so finding somewhere was no longer a hurdle to worry about. Erick and I proceeded to travel up the street to our destination for the interview. Next stop: a random bar located in Corona, Queens hand-picked by yours truly (I can’t quite remember the name, and even if I could, why provide them with free publicity in which I cannot reap any of the benefits?!) in which we could get my drink on and get this damn interview over with. Before our formal re-introductions with one another, I had to make one thing perfectly clear with my author comrade: this was not gonna be some “fluff job” where I ask questions like: “who was your favorite author growing up?” “What is your horoscope?” and more erroneous banter. We were going to tackle real issues like the self-inflicted downfall of the Black-owned “mom & pop” bookstore, groupie love, and best places to do a book signing due to New York’s penchant on showing no love to your favorite neighborhood pen slinger. Certain individuals and/or institutions will get their feelings

hurt… and I will take subliminal jabs at the industry. But that’s what I do. No – this was gonna be an interview like no otha! So on that note… David L. (DL): You represent the borough of Queens, NY – am I right? Tell me something about Queens that makes it stand out from all the other boroughs. Erick Gray (EG): Just the people themselves. The reputation that Queens brings historically. All the gangsters came up pretty much in Queens (and Harlem) so that is something that I can relate to growing up in my hood. Also Queens represents that unique flair for fashion. No one does it better than Queens when it comes to fashion and being trendsetters. (I agreed with him on that reppin’ Brooklyn myself). DL: Your first novel, Booty Call came out in 2003. Reportedly, it sold close to 50,000 copies. For a first time novelist, you came out the gate strong! Give the readers some insight into how you made that work for you. Your “grind” game must be immense. EG: It felt good. I was blessed that the readers supported me and held me down like they did. I did a lot of grinding for that book. And the effort paid off. I’m definitely proud of that one right there. It put me on the map. DL: I will let the next person who interviews you ask you rhetoric like why you named it that. Let’s get into something more literal. Give me the blueprint to a successful “Booty Call.” The do’s and don’ts of a Booty Call. EG: Don’t overdue it. Patience is key. If you were over her house last night, why are you texting her the following day for another round? DL: Jay-Z said it best: “ON TO THE NEXT ONE!” What other “jewels” do you wanna drop regarding this matter? I know you got a million of them. You titled that first novel Booty Call so you kinda became the unsuspecting “poster child” for the action. EG: You should not be sleeping over a chick’s house… ‘cause she will catch feelings! (Side note: Erick was adamant about this statement as we both took a hit from the second drink that was ordered.) Again – I had to agree with him. The second time so far during this interview. I didn’t like the direction in which it was going. My initial feelings were to hate on the man the industry dubbed a “literary sex symbol.” After all – what the f**k does supposedly looking good have to do with pen skills – right! Unfortunately, during my extensive research on Mr. Gray before our interview, I actually found out two things about him: #1 dude had some serious pen skills and a vivid imagination as it relates to crafting a story, and #2: he handled his business at the bar like a true champ! DL: Let’s switch gears for a moment because at the very beginning of its buildup, I was a “hater” on e-books. Now I see it as a necessary evil. What are your thoughts on this whole e-book revolution that is sweeping the nation. EG: E-books is necessary because word of mouth is key. I’ve been able to reach thousands of new readers from all across the globe because of Kindle and Nook. Matter of fact, all fifteen of my novels are presently on either Kindle or Nook. DL: Name some of those books for those that may be learning about you today for the first time… EG: Nasty Girls, It’s Like Candy, Booty Call, Booty Call *69, Money, Power & Respect, Ghetto Heaven, Crave All, Lose All, and a host of others. I write constantly so reaching new readers is very important for me and my longevity. DL: A lot of bookstores are finding themselves in “the red” every month and unable to stay afloat – ultimately closing their doors to the avid readers that kept their names alive for so long. Well known bookstores like: Hueman Books, Urban Knowledge, The Literary Joint, Horizon Books and a host of others due to impractical sales practices or just downright prejudice towards the up and coming writers in our beloved industry. Practices which include, but are not limited to: consignment deals that are never paid up in its entirety (and to that former sheisty chain of bookstores in the MD/DC area, I’m talking to you!); book signings in which the author although present still gets “no love” from the store manager whenever customers walk into their establishment, and so-called literary landmarks that show no love to the “newbie” artist trying to carve their own niche in the game. What are your thoughts on that? EG: It’s a shame. I get love from most of the book stores you go into detail about but I have heard the stories. And it’s not just the book stores doing it. Many literary events are practicing shady actions throughout the industry. They are signing up too many authors for their events with no promotion and it’s ruining the game. I was just in Atlanta not too long ago and a Face book promoter had an event that was a disaster. She couldn’t produce permits to hold the event so a lot of authors got burned and spent endless amounts of dollars to fly out from all over just to attend her event. I know of one author that flew out from Cali just to do the event.

I on the other hand had other things going on so it wasn’t a loss for me. But some of these other authors out here with limited knowledge are getting played by these “predators.” Erick and I were about 30-35 minutes into our interview so I ordered two more drinks at the bar as I sensed our face to face was about to get more interesting. We also shared his love for anthologies, although we didn’t touch on that topic too deeply. He did make this comparison that duly noted should be included for this interview: “Anthologies are like mix tapes… it keeps your name in the streets!” I thought that was a clever analogy to what our genre has become. A necessary evil in fact. Both Erick and I agreed that with the plethora of so-called authors hitting the streets, established writers have to tackle other art forms in order to remain relevant to our core readers. More customers were walking in and the area in which we sat was becoming slightly congested. I noticed a couple looking over at us from the corner, probably wondering why we were huddled over the table and what could we be talking about that was so interesting. One male who sat immediately behind me bumped me with his chair twice – most like by accident. After a “look”, he promptly apologized and it never happened again. The music was typical for the Irish pub that we inhabited and I didn’t detect another Black individual in the establishment. Not that I cared. As long as they kept the drinks coming and our bartender’s service and demeanor was respectful, I was content. Here I was sitting here with a renowned author slash pen slinger and he was a straight up humble dude. You would think that almost a decade in the industry would’ve soured his psyche, but that was furthest from the truth. No instead – I was conversing with a stand up dude with a message for the up and comers and a past that exemplifies the words persistence and consistency.

DL: What are some of your favorite places to do book signings? And why? And lets talk about the “groupies”. I know you got stories! EG: Well there’s always the south (in which once again we were both in agreement). Specifically, Baltimore, Philly, the Carolinas. Everywhere in the south. They show a brother a lot of love and I appreciate that. On a few occasions, I made so much money down there that I ended up staying for a few weeks. That’s how much love I get. It’s a whole ‘nother experience than in New York (again – I agreed wholeheartedly). DL: And the groupies? You left that out! And don’t give me any names – save that for your True Hollywood Stories segment! EG: Awww man! The ladies are beautiful wherever I go. I just speak my mind and tell it like it is so the groupies are gonna be out in numbers. I don’t hold nothing back. If you see me on Face Book with my poetry and my responses, I get so many responses back that I can’t even keep up. All I’m going to say is this: WOMEN LOVE SEX AND THEY LOVE TO TALK ABOUT SEX! Don’t let them fool you. And it’s the quiet and reserved ones that like to discuss it more than anyone else! DL: Tell me your thoughts on a couple of comparisons between independent authors versus authors signed to a major publishing house. EG: Major publishing houses got clout and can get your books in all the mainstream outlets. With independent authors, the successful ones are going to naturally get “their hustle on” to a higher level so it’s going to make you stay focused and keep your ear to the streets. When I was on St. Martins, I still hustled my own book tours! Black Print Publishing and Q-Boro (two additional publishers Erick was formerly signed to) showed me more love when it came to hotel reservations and tour schedules than the majors! DL: Where does your love of writing come from? EG: Well I love telling stories, and coming up in Southside Queens, I began writing at about 15-16 years old. I’m also an avid reader so telling stories is something that I can bring to my audience. I also craft short stories, poems, I do it all. DL: Any upcoming events? Latest news? Books getting ready to “drop”? EG: America’s Soul is my latest book and will be available November 1 st. Readers that follow me, you can catch me at my next signing which will be on November 9th at Black & Noble Book Store located in Philly. (Note – by the time you read this, Erick will have already dropped his latest book and attended his book signing). DL: Give the readers some closing remarks and your contact information. EG: Love what you do… and rep what you are doing. And believe in it! Expect nothing, but appreciate everything that comes your way. My readers can follow me on Face book, Instagram, and Twitter. All of my books are available at amazon.com and can be downloaded on Kindle and Nook.

“

America’s Soul is my latest book and will be available November 1st. Readers that follow me, you can catch me at my next signing which will be on November 9th at Black & Noble Book Store located in Philly. “

CONCLUSION: Erick and I finished our interview (and our drinks) with some well-timed laughter at the expense of some of those “thirsty” characters in the literary industry d**k riding other well known authors by running up on them at all of their book signings, using their book covers as profile pictures, and talking about how they are the next “big thing” to be signed to their counterpart’s publishing companies (y’all know who you are!) We also reflected on simpler times when book covers counted for something. In this modern era, most book covers are proverbial mirror images of rap album covers going so far as to bite album titles, use the same cover models, and imitate the same book cover poses (well built male wearing cornrows and a wife beater standing next to a Mercedes Benz or other high-priced automobile with shiny rims and/or voluptuous light-skinned female with long, flowing hair draped across the hood of a highly-priced automobile – again with shiny rims!) We reminisced about the “glory days” when writing counted for something and writers took their craft seriously. These days it seems that anyone with a pen and a dream is doing it… and doing it poorly. And guess what? It was refreshing to hear that the man I dubbed the “LL Cool J of the literary industry” agreed with some of my sentiments. So does that make Erick Gray a “self-absorbed hater” like myself? Or do we both actually have some valid points? I suppose that is for you the reader to decide. Just know this: it may have taken a couple of Hennessey shots and about a dozen Heinekens to accurately match wits with this Southside, Queens “pen slinger”, but let me go on record by saying this: ERICK GRAY IS ONE COOL MUTHA******! There – I said it. Straight from the hater’s mouth. It was written. And so it shall be. Quoth David L.

Nevermore.

“Erick Gray fighting the odds of Diversity…”

With the deadline already passed, I contemplated what I would write this edition of Urban Grapevine. For a moment I wondered if I was experiencing 'writer's block'. Still feeling the financial and emotional burdens of a new move, I figured 'that' was the culprit. Deep down inside I knew that it wasn't. You see, I am 42 years old with 2 children, one of which will be graduating high school soon and I have yet to be successful at any relationship besides my offspring's. I'm in my new and better place, great surroundings and ready to take things to another level. I sit in my bedroom window gazing out of it and wondering if I will see Mr. 'Just Right for me', walking his dog. You see, I gave up on a Mr.Right long time ago. Sounds like something out of a lifetime movie though doesn't it? I am a great mother, a good friend, wonderful advisor to others. When it comes to myself however, I can't play the game as effective from inside the field. I often times need to talk to others for the very advice I've given time and time again. With the holidays vastly approaching I realize its that time once more. The harvest is in for the year, and all the seeds that have been sown are gathered. With a crop of financial difficulty, emotional instability, a dysfunctional extended family and unfulfilled intimate relationships, there's no wonder its hard to concentrate on anything else. I don't have writer's block. I've got the holiday's blues! So once again, along with the Turkey dressing I'll most likely prepare for Thanksgiving or the gifts I will be exchanging for Christmas, I will bring along with me this bad crop of negative things I've been planting and tending to all year. The harvest of neglect and defeat. I will try my darnedest to keep it hidden, so I won't spoil things for everyone else. Cause doesn't it get draining? Discussing over and over again the problems with relationship and never getting to a sure cure? Men complain that women are needy, desperate, in fear of living alone. That they can't trust and want a man to take off where their father's left them, providing for their financial needs as well as calling them princesses every five minutes. Women complain that men only want sex, bond better with their homeboys and Sunday foot ball line up. Want them to serve the chip and dips, keep the beer cold and shut the hell up unless they're ready for a quickie. The dating scene is a joke as a woman and man sit across the table from one another. The woman ready to order one of the most expensive things on the menu and the man wondering if it will pay off in the end, sits reluctantly. "This will determine if she's a gold digger" He thinks. "This will determine if he's a dog and just wants sex" She thinks. Blah,...blah...blah...humbug!!! The truth is I don't have the answers, If I did I wouldn't be a part of the issue. All I can go by is what I see around me and what I see is a slew of relationship disasters. Either a woman is lonely or unfulfilled. On Facebook you will see a post saying, "Today is our 12 year anniversary. I love you honey!" And they get so many likes and comments wondering how do they do it. But I was a witness to that relationship and it was the Titanic 20 times over. Hell I don't know how they did it either! Years of black eyes, domestic violence claims, infidelity and a baby that don't look nothing like his siblings. A freaking joke is what it is, but they manage to hold it together, at least in the public's eye. I get secret messages from my friends list often of guys that want to date me. I don't date off Facebook so I decline. Then I'm shocked to see pictures of them with their wives on their 8th or 10th year anniversary. For the first time, they talk about how good she has been to them and their children. Serious? It starts to make sense to me then. Marriage has not been about love anymore than its been about tolerance, stability and resilience. Who's willing to weather the storms?

Who can put up with years of back to back bullshit to stay in a situation for the sake of not going through life alone? Not me. And that my friend is why my butt is by myself. I recall Musiq Soulchild's song "Don't Change". Seeing the video of him and his wife at their anniversary, she in a wheelchair and he's damn near blind, as if it was that simple. There's no telling what the chapter's of their story hold within the middle of that storybook. Did she run her car off a road, chasing behind his mistress? Did he become blind when she hit him in the eye with golf club? Those dramaless-love flicks, lack authenticity. They show you a minor struggle for the two hearts to meet but then its like magic. And then the movie rolls into the credits with no one knowing what comes after. Was it just perfect when those two souls merged as one? What about financial problems, domestic situations, who was the sloppy one and who was the clean freak? Did they both get alone just perfectly with the in-laws? Cause in my world, that's what happens after the movie ends. So we don't learn how to tackle those minor situations that could become tragic if not handled correctly. All because we lived a whimsical fairytale of a best selling author's imagination. Starting with Snow White and Cinderella, boy we were led astray early on! And some of us are still waiting on that Prince to come and wake us the hell up! So my question is "Where do the lonely go at Christmas?" Because I can't settle for what is coming my way. I won't be the side, slide or ride chick. I want be the quickie or lickie chick. And if a guy is getting my goodies I won't hesitate in one single moment to call him up if I need anything. Be it to mow the lawn or pay or bill. Because that, "I want a woman that wants a man, but don't need one" Is a bunch of crap! Everybody in this world needs somebody to lean on from time to time, count on in their darkest hours and for that partnership and support in a world that makes it difficult doing things alone. People have lost their doggone minds. No one value the importance of taking their times and getting to know one another. Dating is the best way to do that. Not having a 'blockbuster night' at the house where the popcorn gets stale from sitting there too long, the credits of a movie is playing but no one even notices cause they're on the floor humping or in the bedroom making the bed rock. Nothing is done in steps anymore. Its all about seeing what the sex is like, or seeing if he'll pay a bill to know whether its even worth the time of day to begin with. No. I can't play that game. So this holiday will be spent much like the other's maybe. If anything changes for certain, Urban Grapevine will be the first to get the good news. Meantime, I will sit around the table and watch all the phonies get their glory. Watch them pose for the family portrait they like to portray when they know at home they're rival teams on a battlefield with no recollection of true love and devotion. Love. A woman tells her girls she's in love and they shriek with excitement before wanting to know the details of this new guy. A man tells his homeboy he's thinking of settling down and the game stops as they all look at him as if he's farted, "What? Man you in love?" What he said appears offensive as he tries to squirm his way out of that one. "Naw. No. Hell naw!" If we're going to continue to be on opposite sides of the track, we will always miss that train. If we continue to raise children in unstable, fake and dysfunctional families, we will see this pattern repeat itself with each generation. So I guess the conclusion I must come up with at this time is, "Am I going to put on such a front. Yet be miserable each time I walk into my sanctuary of a home. Wondering why my no good husband didn't just run off the side of the road so I can collect his life insurance? Or am I going to continue to put that love and energy I'm willing to give, into God, my children and myself and just trust and believe that He (God) didn't put us here to be alone and lonely. Cause I'm not settling, not even after 40! Happy Holidays.

-finished Vaneeka (Lyric) Parker

One thing is to have a skill at doing something; another thing is being able to market your skill to others. Writers often fall short on marketing techniques when it comes to getting their work into the public eye. Back in the old days before everyone wrote books it was much easier to do this. There were more major publishing houses that accepted manuscripts and used their dollars to fund marketing for a book they believed would capture an audience. Now that the number of major houses has dwindled to less than half of what it used to be, it has become harder to get your work in the public eye by mass marketing. Another factor that has come into play was the creation of P.O.D which means print on demand. With the national economy the way it is, print on demand seems like a good thing to have available. In some cases it is. This is where an imprint or publishing house retains your file and print copies only upon your payment and order of the work. The downfall to this is that a lot of times we pay much more for a copy of our own work than we should be paying. I have spoken with several fellow authors who told me they have been paying anywhere from six to eight dollars and even as high as nine to ten dollars for their own book. What happens in that situation is that an author becomes forced to sell their work for higher retail prices to earn a profit. That is terribly hard to succeed at doing when New York Times and other best seller seasoned author's books go for 9.99$ and 13.95$ Authors should research printing companies before turning their work into the first printing company that offers printing as a service. One great marketing technique is being able to have that extra copy in your possession when discussing your book to a potential buyer. Another thing every author should do is find others who have printed their work through the same company they plan on choosing to do the same thing and ask questions. Good marketing is imperative to your success.

Storytellah/Charles Burgess C.E.O of Underground Publications

Author Laredeaux

I love to write! Its lodged in my heart, I tried to leave it alone but it keeps calling my name. Southern Girl... “I love short stories because there is pain and joy, there's passion and rage, there's yearning and intense feelings Some entertain and others enlighten. Flash Fiction and Amazon.com go hand in hand. It gives writers an outlet to readers as well as making an income from mini short stories. Flash Fiction is using about a 1,000 words or less to tell a gripping story. It may seem easy being so short but this is said to be the hardest genre to write in and even hard to master according to the many fiction authors that have tried and failed. Author LaRedeaux is on the path to mastering her craft. Imagine having to grab a person’s attention in the first hundred words, build a great storyline character’s personalities, plot out a scheme and work on carrying out the story without wordiness and overload and then bringing it to closing where the reader is left with either a tear in their eye, a high five in the air or a “Oh shhh…” at the tip of their tongue. Author LaRedeaux has done all of thee above. She has penned four Flash Fictions to date and working on plenty more. Her ingenious ways to keep you in suspense will have you awestruck after the first read. Privileged to have read her first few Flashes, Author LaRedeaux has gained a faithful reader. Not sure if my opinion is on point then take a few minutes to get to know Ms. LaRedeaux then follow the link to her flash fiction selections for 99cent each. They are well worth the buck.. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Five words to describe me, Loyal, Blessed, Smiling, Loving and Southern What are your most overused words or phrases?

I think I say, "what the wat" too much. I use a lot of acronyms while online in the social networks like "lol, lmao". If you could be any person in any book you have read who would it be? Which book?

If I could be any person in a book I have read I would want to be Janie Crawford in Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I felt connected to this character; she was vibrant and voiceless as she went from teenage girl into her womanhood. This is one of the first books I ever read growing up. What can we expect from Author LaRedeaux’s writing?

I hope to entertain and enlighten the reader, some of the stories are real life situations with a twist. There are some stories I have in mind and I am constantly working to perfect the craft. I love stories and although they sometimes intimidate me, I always put my best foot forward. What do you readers say about your stories and style?

I haven't gotten very many reviews but I have two that stick out in my mind and when I want to give up and throw in the towel, the review pops into mind. I don't dwell long on them but I do reflect so that I can put out the best product I can. One review said, "a fresh voice with a seasoned pen" This one sticks with me often because I do believe that I write in my own way and tell the tale in a way that the average person can understand.

Julia Press Simmons is the CEO of QMB Publishing and the author of four novels: Strawberry Mansion, Begonia Brown, Violet, and Fornication Volume One. She is an award winning Spoken Word Artist, and Playwright. Her premier play “Down There” was selected by the Shades of Black Festival Emerging Playwright’s Series in Nashville, Tenn. “Down There” also received a staged reading by the African American Playwright Exchange in New York City. She lives in Pennsylvania with her family. Julia is currently working on her Mini E-Series Dawn of Destruction.

Pressing Forward in the Literary Industry!

ulia Press Simmons “Writes Drama!” That is her motto/ slogan and it fits her style well. JP as she is known to her fan base has established herself in the literary world as a veteran. Her content is fresh and poppin’ and there is never a dull moment in the lives of her characters. Before we get into JP the author I would really like to delve into Julia the mom, Julia the woman and Julia the entrepreneur.

UG Mag: I hear authors say that their characters came to them almost ghosts looking to come to life. First they start out as whispers (the idea) then in Ghost form (hollowed) and after the lifeline (the filling of the character). Tell me about Begonia? How did she come about? I am very curious about how her name came about… Julia Press Simmons: Begonia’s character came to life in 2007. She epitomized the strength of the children I grew up with in North Philadelphia. Crack had devastated our community and many children were left to mother themselves. A family moved into the abandoned building next door to my home on Clifford Street. The mother was cracked out and the children, especially the oldest girl, took care of everything. They only stayed there for a few months, but their faces are burned into my memory. That memory became Begonia’s back story. Her name came from a nursing home I worked for in Mechanicsburg Pa in 2007. A resident would call me her Begonia, and in some ways she is me, an alter ego that has the strength to fight her way through any situation.

JULIA PRESS SIMMONS FACT... I've sold over 100,000 digital and print books by my damn self, and I know traditionally published authors who can't claim that. #highschooldropout #teenagemom #welfarerecipient #SELFMADEWOMAN! ;)

UG Mag: Wow! That was not what I expected to hear about the coming to life of Begonia. It is bittersweet yet amazing how we etch into our memories future stories whether told verbally or written. I can imagine the impact that family had on how you preserved the world. So, as you move on from Begonia, Violet emerges, right? How do you separate your books? Do you move on and close the door and open another? How do you cleanse your mind to start fresh again? Julia Press Simmons: Usually when I write a minor character’s back story and/or voice is too strong to end. I feel they deserve more than a minor role and without really realizing it, I begin to craft an outline for their book. The Strawberry Mansion books work this way. Begonia’s character was too strong and too rich to play the background her story needed to be told. And, Violet’s choices need explaining in her own tale. That led to Fornication... I write spinoffs and think in trilogies. I am a scifi fantasy fan and those books, the good ones, are rarely stand alone. I think that’s where I get it from. UG Mag: That’s a different view of creating the next story or character. Some authors say writing was their calling. Some say I love to write but do it for the income and some just have a story to tell. JP, why do you write? JP Simmons: I write because I am a writer. Singers have to sing, dancers need to dance, and I must write, because that’s who I am. UG Mag: Well said…well said. I see you have tapped into all forms of writing; fictional, poems, short stories and plays; why haven’t you taken the dragon by the tail and tap into mythical? I hope when you said you have a thing for dragons it meant mythical stories/movies. JP Simmons: I LOVE DRAGGONS!!! I have been writing and rewriting Adjua’s fire for YEARS. It is a mythical tale of the fabled beast with an urban swag and deep connection to the mother land. This story is my heart and I will not release it until I feel that it’s ready and my skill with a pen will do the complex plot justice. Adjua’s Fire is my Mona Lisa it is my 9th symphony. I will never rush it, but I do believe I am closer to publishing it. I think it may just be ready.

UG Mag: An Indie writer, a great mom and now we will touch base with the hustle woman! Tell us about Queen Midas Books and the divisions that stem off of your company. JP Simmons: QMB is my heart. I wanted a company that specialized in not only finding talented new authors, but offer those authors a place to grow with a supportive family like atmosphere. Royalty Press is the branch of my company that provides services a la carte to authors who want to self publish, but have trouble navigating through the industry. UG Mag: That sounds like a great asset to authors. Everyone knows you are also a great supporter of authors. How did you come about being a vender of Urban Fiction books? How can authors get in touch with you in regards to getting their books on your vending table? JP Simmons: I became a vendor, because I always wanted to be on the retail end of the industry. Opening a book store is my ultimate goal, but I will wait to see if paperback demand rebounds enough to warrant it. All an author has to do to make it on my table is gain distribution through Black and Nobel and/or Afrikan World Books. UG Mag: What type of author will Queen Midas not tolerate? What do you expect from your writers? Some publishers refuse to invest in paperback books and are sticking to e-books the first year of publishing their clients work. What is your view on this? JP Simmons: I expect them to work as hard as I am. An author can not climb on my back towards success; they have to work on it constantly. I will go above and beyond for an author who gives me their best, and I will drop an author that does not. UG Mag: So its about grinding hard all the time. Huh? JP Simmons: Exactly! UG Mag: Well no one can argue with that. You said you won’t open a book store until you see if paperback book sales will bounce back. Will the paperback book be a thing of the past because technology is taking over with e-books? Being a book vender have you seen a serious enough decline in sales that you are worried? JP Simmons: I really can’t say but I don't get worried I just. Videos killed the radio star. Technology will continue to march forward and so will I. I think that is a positive side effect from growing up in poverty; you learn to roll with the punches. UG Mag: That’s a great way to look at it. Personally I feel that some things will always exist and there will always be a market for the paperback book. I love my Kindle too but there are times you just want to feel the flipping of the page. Do you think Indie book stores can find a way to get in tune with the times more so than major book stores if indie printers, publishers and authors stick together? If so what are your solutions; if any? JP Simmons: I honestly don't give a rats ass... whatever will be, will be. I try not to worry about things that are out of my control. UG Mag: Hmmm…well I asked. (Laughing) Moving right along…Now for the last controversial topic: 99cent books. Yea yea yea, I know…touched a thousand times. But I want to know this. 99cents? What’s the recoup time for putting it out there for publishers focused on being e-book publishers for a 4star read? Is it worth it? JP Simmons: All I can say is .99 cent books put my family in a nice house, pushing nice whips, and the kid is going to college. When in Rome, do the fuck out of what the Romans do! UG Mag: Well folx you heard it straight and forward with JP Simmons. She’s kept it real and we can all appreciate it! Gotta love her! Thanks JP for giving us your time…

If murder was the case...Barbara Grovner created it. My first murder mystery/thriller read since Nancy Drew was We Belong Together. I met Ms. Grovner a few years back on te infamous FACEBOOK. I was collecting reads for a recycling books book club for our youth in crisis . The generous Ms. Grovner mailed me quite a few books to start my book drive. She told me she was a mystery writer and I was surprised to see she was a woman of color. It may sound ignorant but I knew that this should be interesting...a woman of color writing mystery and not street books? Ludicrous! Well shame on me...readers meet Barbara Grovner Americas next Nancy Drew.

UG MAG: I was sitting here trying to remember when I stopped reading Nancy Drew or even mainstream fiction. When did you know mystery/ thriller would be your chosen genre? What did you start off reading? Barbara Grovner: It seems like I've always loved mysteries, but I guess my real interest was peaked when (as a little girl) a woman at my mother's job gave her the Nancy Drew collection that her kids had outgrown. I ate that series up like crazy. I love an awesome 'who done it' for not only the murder, but I love the chase and apprehension. I watch a lot of IDHD on cable for the crime stories as well as Law and Order and other shows like that. UG MAG: How do you come up with your plot and do you know who did it before you get halfway? Or do you free write? The excitement has got to be overwhelming.

WE BELONG TOGETHER, has been published in ebook form and is available at Amazon.com. WE BELONG TOGETHER is a story about two sisters who are very close to one another. Kara (the older sister) is married to Makai, a handsome, ambitious man. The problem is Makai likes sharing himself too much. When his wife Kara is found shot to death in a parking lot, the police

Barbara Grovner has always found a way to write; even as a young girl she remembers writing love letters for her cousin. She's written reports for friends and family and she regrets to say has even written a book report or two for her children. She is a graduate of Northeast Broadcasting School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ms. Grovner's first book, EVEN NUMBERS, is a story of a young girl who was molested by her stepfather and then ultimately raised by him and Ms. Grovner would like to keep the subject of child molestation and child rape in the forefront of our minds. EVEN NUMBERS will be available on Amazon.com Drama and Suspense ! soon. Her second book, WE BELONG TOGETHER, has been published in e-book form and is available at Amazon.com. WE BELONG TOGETHER is a story about two sisters who are very close to one another. Kara (the older sister) is married to Makai, a handsome, ambitious man. The problem is Makai likes sharing himself too much. When his wife Kara is found shot to death in a parking lot, the police are looking at Makai as a suspect, but he's not the only one. Ms. Grovner is currently has a series our; The Cold Series: COLD SERIAL is also a murder mystery; this one is about a serial killer on the loose on the streets of Boston. After investigating for months, without a single lead, Detective Barnes finally gets a break...but you will be surprised what he uncovers. Kara is found dead from two bullets to the head, in the parking garage at the Boston Hospital where she worked as an oncology nurse, and things immediately begin to heat up. When police begin digging around, searching for a cold-blooded murderer, truths unfold and secrets come tumbling out. Lives begin to unravel, revealing jealousy and raw rage. Pure insanity at its most dangerously evil depth rears its ugly head and somehow, someway, justice must be served. Kara and Makai were truly happily married, or so it seemed to Kara. But Makai has always believed he couldn't possibly get all he needs from just one woman, and there were others that knew that too. And although Kara had heard about his indiscretions from her younger sister Raayna, it wasn’t until she found evidence of his cheating (on her own) that she realized Raayna had been right all along. Kara finally confronts him and kicks him out of their home, and then the unexpected occurs. COLD CRAZY is a story of love and loyalty and about the times in life when the bond of friendship can overstep its bounds. It’s about a group of friends that push their long-lasting relationships to the limit. Unexpected and startling affairs ignite, and friends and lovers become suspects in a senseless, premeditated murder. Boston’s trendy South End is the backdrop for this sexy tale, where the drama rises to a suspenseful climax, and souls are bared for the world to see. Ms. Grovner was raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts in a proud Cape Verdean community, and now lives in Florida where she writes full-time while enjoying the slow pace and the gorgeous beaches. She's raised three children, two crazy fun daughters and an awesome son, who are grown with families of their own. Barbara Grovner: With both COLD CRAZY & COLD SERIAL I knew who the murderer would be before I began writing. I also knew who the victims would be. I enjoy writing the chase scenes as they build and build. It gets my blood racing. You're right, the excitement really does get overwhelming at times, but that's the fun part. Sort of like riding a roller coaster. UG MAG: When you write do you first introduce the culprit or the victim?

is book had my attention from beginning to end. It's a page turner, believe me! I didn't give it 5 stars because of the explicit sexual content. We are all adults reading this book, so there is no need for some of the descriptive details in this short story. It's very distracting as a matter of fact. Other than that, it was an excellent story. You can visualize each character. Some you will be cheering for, others will make you want to get through this book and give them a beat down yourself! Happy reading! ~N. E. Haymon

Barbara Grovner: In COLD CRAZY I mentioned the victim first and then backtracked to tell the story. It seemed to work for that particular story. With COLD SERIAL I began with the end and then backtracked, which allowed me to give the reader some background info right away. UG MAG: When devising the murder do you set boundaries for how your murderer kills? Is anything too taboo to write about? Barbara Grovner: Some things are too taboo, even for me. I don't particularly like to add too many gory details because every reader's threshold for gore is different. I always try to allow a reader to use his or her imagination. This way they can imagine the scene as gory as they want...or not. UG MAG: What has been the best murder mystery you have read? What made it your top choice? Barbara Grovner: I don't have a particular favorite murder mystery because they all fascinate me, even though the story sequence is pretty much the same with all of them; the hunt, the murder, the chase and apprehension. It's the style and message that sets one from the other. UG MAG: If you could stage a murder for a murder mystery weekend getaway where would it be and what would be the ideal place to do it? Barbara Grovner: If I could stage a murder mystery weekend getaway, I guess it would be in a city where there is so much going on at once, lending great material for sub-stories to form in the process. UG MAG: How many editions will there be to the COLD SERIES? What can we look forward to from BG? Barbara Grovner: I'm not sure how many books will be in the COLD series, and I guess I'm waiting to hear from readers on that. If the response is a great one, then I'll continue. I do have a couple in mind, COLD REVENGE, and COLD STALKER, but I haven't begin with those as of yet. Right now I'm working on another book. I have always wanted to write a historical fiction and decided to write one dating back to Bloody Sunday which took place in 1965 during the civil rights movement. There is plenty of history from that time as well as a tremendous story of a woman trying to start a fresh, new life with a younger man. It's very exciting and I love the research involved. Oh...of course there will be a little MURDER!

Law and Order or CSI? Law and Order

Murder with a knife or a gun? Why? I guess any weapon is all right with me, but if the scene calls for something very personal, then a knife or strangulation is better because it brings victim and killer together in the same space, looking eye to eye and that always brings much more suspense and thrill.

Murder scene? Central Park or An amusement Park? Why? For certain stories (those that include sex) it would have to be a secluded spot or in the home. Other stories are made more exciting because of the possibility that they may be caught at any given time, so places like cities or the amusement park are awesome.

Evidence blocker? Black leather gloves or a scrub down with disinfectant? Why? I love a smart killer...or at least on that thinks he/she is smart. Someone who is willing to take a risk to cover up tracks. Someone that is familiar with forensics as well.

Massacre in a church or massacre in a school? Why? Massacre in a church or massacre in a school? Why? This would be a difficult one for me because I prefer something between as few people as possible. When there is a massacre, to me that is more of a terrorist type of crime, which is a crime where innocent people are sacrificed in order to reach the intended target. Not my kind of thing. lol!

Kandace aka Kontagious NIKKI URBAN

Elle Mitchel is the HBIC

“Nigga fuck you and what you stand for!”

CAROLINE MCGILL

“Nigga you think you can kill me? Huh, nigga do you? Fuck you! You think your shit don’t stink?”

“We tried to be nice but you turned it up on some gangsta shit. Nigga do you know who the fuck I am? I aint no Bitch! I’m that Bitch! H-B-I-C muthafucka! Head BITCH in charge! Now drop that fuckin’ knife before I blow your head off!”

Zatoya Waters aka Toy BRENDA STOKES LEE “I'm sure some of you would agree with me that men simply play t oo many damn games for women to not take advantage of setting the rules. If a man wants to play then he has to play by my rules. That’s how I live and some of you are right- that's probably why I'm still single. Nonetheless I don't lose an hour of sleep worrying about where my man is and who he is with.”

Sharing A Little of Rahiem Brooks

By Felisha Bradshaw

He spoke of his upcoming book and was humble about its popularity. I assumed to be a prodigy and was not shocked to find out it was the name of his publishing company. Rahiem has four books out and available and has just gotten started. Sitting comfortably on my bed Indian style I logged into Facebook in search of Mr. Brooks to have an online chat.

emember it s the season to be giving and thankfulness. Mystery Thriller “Authortainer” Rahiem Brooks has much to give and be thankful for; he has been blessed with a gift that keeps on giving. That may very well sound cliché but it is definitely the honest truth. Rahiem Brookes is a multifaceted writer and even that is an understatement when defining his capabilities. Although complex in every sense of the word his books are so easily read. The choice of wording and the flow of the content are refreshing and his style is unique. I had the opportunity to read his first novel Laugh Now. To be honest I was expecting a “B” rated book because of his cocky behavior online. Rahiem and I had a dispute on Facebook. I figured hey I’ll read this book and it will be mediocre at best then I’ll be able to give and honest review and tear him to shreds with my critique. You got it readers; from the first chapter I was hooked. I walked around with my kindle in my pocket and every chance I got I read. His writing was full of strength coming off of the first page. I was taken by the introduction of his first main character. From there on Rahiem gained a fan for life.

~ UG Mag: Hey, Rah I am glad you took the time out to chat with me. You’re a hard person to hold down in one spot. I want to thank you for your valuable time. I don’t want to sound like a kiss ass but you know that I love your writing style. Without giving away too much about Laugh Now explain where you came up with the ideas for these night and day brothers? Rahiem Brooks: Well, the entire world knows that I am the best storyteller. Ha-ha…just kidding. I had an idea to write Kareem Bezel, the fraud brother, but I completed the street lit and crime fiction element by adding Andre Bezel, the drug dealer. What’s funny is that I haven’t sold drugs, but at the time that I wrote Laugh Now, I was in federal prison. I happened to be in one designated for foreigners and lo and behold they provided colorful details to create, Kareem. UG Mag: When I read what the youngest brother, Kareem, was into I was floored by the abundance of knowledge you had on the identity theft and fraud ring. We spoke briefly about your past and you shared that you gave some of your time to the Department of Corrections for the exact same crime. Did you think then that you would be writing novels that dipped into your personal life? Did you think you would be in the writing statue you are in now; nominated for literary awards, and also having wins under the belt?

Not long from then did I get the chance to finally met this young man in person. His strong personality was immediately felt when he made his made into Déjà Vu’s Book Lounge. Shaking the hands of his peers and hugs from admirers Rahiem made his way to the back of the lounge where I was standing. He was stylishly dressed and his smile brilliant and skin flawless; nothing like his online personality. We shared a few words, him unknowing of who I was. I then explained our connection and all that was revealed was “Well, the entire World a smile. Whatever beef we had was knows that I am the best done. A simple smile replaced the animosity that dwelled between us allowing storyteller. Ha-ha…just kidding.” me to talk with him further to dig into the real Rahiem Brooks.

Rahiem Brooks: Geesh, little ol’ me did that. (Smiling) I did not think that at all. But I had read so many street lit books that centered on drug dealers and all of the stories seemed to merged into one no matter the author. I knew that fraud would be fresh and innovative. I was not the only hood boy in there for those sorts of crimes, and I knew first had that the crime had reached the ghettos so I decided to write about it.

UG Mag: You do realize you are a very gifted writer and that you are truly blessed because you have been spitting out 4-5 star novels in junction with appearances at book signings, book clubs, book fairs, radio shows, speaking engagements, publishing under your company; PRODIGY PUBLISHING as well as publishing other’s works. What is the method to your madness? How do you stay on top of your literary game and keep the content fresh? Who would you say your audience is? Rahiem Brooks: The method is pure madness. The day is broken down into several components. Many authors start writing early in the a.m., I begin the day with social networking and marketing. Then I have breakfast and a round of writing. I typically write in the public at a cafe or book store. Something about being out with my earphones turned all the up and writing does it for me. I study people’s movement and ways, which help me write peoples mannerism. I get into coldcalling independent book stores and scouring the Internet for new book events and stores to market my books mid-afternoon. My audience is for all readers that love plot-driven novels. Yes, I make you fall in love with the characters, but it’s that plot that has the pages turning. I open every book with something major happening to hook readers right in. UG Mag: I always hear veteran writers speak about researching for the content of your book. For example: watching porn to write better sex scenes, people watching, and even watching thrillers and mystery movies to see how momentum is built. How do you go about the writing process? What is the perfect atmosphere that gets Rahiem’s writing juices flowing? Rahiem Brooks: First, I thoroughly plot a novel using an extensive outline. I usually have big things that I want to happen and I write them on a post it and post it on my wall. Then using a different color, I write the things that must happen to lead up those major events. Then I select the main character’s profession and build their lifestyle based on that profession. I typically have a 60+ page outline before writing a page, which is why I can get through a book in a month writing about 2,000 words per day. UG Mag: Can you share with our readers the techniques you’ve found over the years to be valuable; websites, exercises, books or anything else that you swear by? Rahiem Brooks: I swear by conferences hosted or supported by the Mystery Writers of America, which I am a member of the NYC Chapter. UG Mag: What are your views on Urban Fiction’s progress? Do you believe it has flourished over the years in terms of content? Or do you believe that selfpublishing has caused a decline in the respect people have for Urban Fiction? Rahiem Brooks: I agree that there is a lack of respect, but I know a few authors that are wholly dedicated to the craft the demand respect. UG Mag: Many Urban Fiction critics say that UF writers glorify welfare dependency, drug dealing, promiscuity, and the fast life; do you think writing about hood life, street life and hip-hop gives a negative view of the AA race as a whole?

“I swear by conferences hosted or supported by the Mystery Writers of America, which I am a member of the NYC Chapter.”

Rahiem Brooks: No, I do not think that any more than I think that the God Father series makes the race and class depicted in them look bad. Tyler Perry promotes woman with poor self-esteem, yet, his movies sell out, because they often have great character arcs and the woman grow by the story end. There is an art to great story telling and first authors need to know what that is before creating a genre and writing in this unique style that they think is brilliant, but in reality only hold AA lit back from being accepted as mainstream fiction. Street lit and Urban lit are not recognized by mainstream publishing. UG Mag: Do you think we should do away with the genre UF because nonUF writers get clumped in it just because of their race? Because you don’t necessarily write hood tales but books with AA characters in them doing a different type of living; white collar crimes, murder ad mayhem. Are you offended when you are clumped in the Urban Fiction section?

Rahiem Brooks: No, I am not offended. I know that I write mystery fiction and it’s classified as such in any media. It’s just FB has given certain groups this new voice to do what they wish, but I follow the rules and guidelines set forth in mainstream publishing and not black-market publishing. UG Mag: Interviews usually end with tell the reader something to help them in their writing journey but that would be cliché and you are not a cliché type-a-guy so I am going to leave the audience wanting to get to know you a little more…until the next time…stay blessed and keep encouraging. God is love and love is reading.

An interview with Adrionna Williams…

Simply Fascinating…A real live SUPERWOMAN Some people take a lifetime to know their purpose. Some go to the grave still wondering. Andrionna Williams seems to have a grasp on what the Lord intended for her and has been tapping into her signature design since the tender age of 10 years old. Her first writing piece’s title says it for itself; “I Am Somebody.” Her great talents go one to a published novel, In-Laws from Hell that transcended into a brand, making way for her radio sitcom, You Don’t Know My Hell to Webisodes and on to a stage play. Andrionna didn’t just stop there she hopped on the train to success and penned in three different anthologies, gets down right and freaky in her erotica anthologies and also has moved on to her sophomore novel Your Woman Is My Wife which again also made it to the stage and also…no I’m not quite finished…she even has a guide for the overwhelmed parent titled; Loving Me, So I can Love You. After all of that you would assume she would rest and bask in her glory but this award winning writer is just beginning. She is now penning her sequel to her novel, In-Laws From Hell. Talk about a busy woman. Andrionna’s voice is being expressed in several writing talents but she has the ultimate love for radio hosting. Yes, Ms. Williams is extremely gifted and is being recognized outside of stage play and reading audiences and has tapped on the shoulder of television audiences and executives introducing her screenplay Until Death Do Us Part to LIFETIME. You heard it write…LIFETIME. Ms. Williams is the Executive Producer of this show as well. Her resume goes on to introducing a new stage play You Don’t Know my Hell… When your personal battle with God leaves you feeling defeated! With all of these accomplishments under the belt and much much more Andrionna was able to take the time out to sit with me discuss Who Andrionna the everyday woman is.

UG MAG: Hello Andrionna, I have learned so much about the business woman you have become but who is everyday Andrionna Williams? I’m talking the Andrionna that comes home, kicks off the heels, plops down in her favorite relaxation spot and exhales. Who is she and what makes her tick? Andrionna: I am a laid back, comical, and fun-loving type of woman... My everyday routine begins with and ends with being a mother everything in between is just leisure... I love to cuddle up on my chaise in my family room and just listen to my children laugh and interact.. I am at my best in the kitchen cooking for my family and I take a HOT bubble bath and watch my favorite shows until I fall asleep only to wake up and do it all again.. What makes me tick is people around me happy and knowing that my family and staff are healthy. Being productive makes me tick LOUDLY.... lol UG MAG: What’s a walk in your shoes like on a day where it’s all fun and about you and the boys (her three sons)? Andrionna: Cooking with my boys and just relaxing taking the time to hear what's going on in their world and listening to them laugh and play... They like to shop and attend events... so I do all that they like to do providing they have done what they are supposed to do during the week, which includes Church... You miss Church you do nothing during the week unless you accompany mommy to the nail shop... They absolutely hate that.... But I think it is comical as hell… UG MAG: Name three words that best describes the private Andrionna, the Andrionna behind closed doors; bedroom doors? Andrionna: Oh lawd... I can't disclose that.... LMBO 1. Intimate 2. Romantic 3. Catering UG MAG: I know you have a love for writing and a greater love for radio but what does happiness mean to you? Give the readers a description. Andrionna: Happiness is knowing that your camp (family, staff, and friends) are tight, healthy, and functioning... Happiness is the blessing of waking up EVERY morning to see another day. Happiness is knowing that no matter what happens today my tomorrow will begin better. Happiness is hearing my babies voices and knowing that they are doing well... Happiness is living boo instead of just existing… UG MAG: Do you have any regrets or fears? Andrionna: I have NO regrets at all... Everything that has happened in my life strengthened me and made me a better me... NO FEARS BUT GOD... I embrace challenges boo... I welcome anything my way cause nothing is more rewarding than seeing my success. UG MAG: Can you tell our sistahs that are reading this article with their mouths open at the awesome accomplishments you have under the belt where you are mentally in life and what makes Andrionna the go getter? Adrionna: Mentally I am in a great space... I have my life mapped out and I am working to get closer to my goals daily... I am such a go getter because I am on a mission boo and I have three handsome babies that I have to leave a legacy... I need them to know that hard work will always pay off and how important character and integrity actually is. I AM A GO GETTER BECAUSE THERES A DOOR OPEN WAITING FOR ME TO WALK IN... SO I CAN PAVE THE WAY FOR OTHER YOUNG WOMEN AND MEN.... UG MAG: I only have one more question Andrionna? How does a sistah get on your talk shows? I’m just saying…I had to stick that one in there… Adrionna: LOL... It's truly simple.... JUST ASK!!!! and we will make it possible....EASY ENOUGH HUH????

Nika Michelle

The Game has changed! Woman are now in positions of power. Yes we are becoming Bosses! We are no longer taking back seats to men, not in the boardroom or in our homes. They are breaking grounds; starting publishing companies, literary services, and are best selling authors; writing some of the most loved erotic, Hip-Hop, Street, Mystery thrilling books available on the market. These industries were once dominated by men. But fellas it’s a different world. Male authors are beginning to step to the side to welcome female authors to the roundtable. They can’t even deny the shift in bosses, using females in their own novels that hold positions with power; to head companies (CEO), Queen pens, heads of Drug Cartels/Mafias dow to hit women. What is exciting is the young women who are clicking their heels against the pavement leaving indents in the industry like OG’s. They are young, their materials refreshing and from a young vantage point. Stepping up to the plate is Nika Michelle. She is leaving her freshman status and is now into her Junior status with her third novel coming this month on the NOVEMBER 23,2012...a BLACK FRIDAY treat. FORBIDDEN FRUIT2 A New Seed….

Normally I focus on the book itself but Nika sparks me to be a very articulate individual and I’d like to share with the readers a bit about the writing process and also delve into her personally. First lets welcome Nika Michelle our Author to get to know for November . UG MAG: Nika, thanks for giving UG MAG your time. When did you start writing Forbidden Fruit? How long did it take?

ika Michelle is originally from NC and currently resides in Atlanta, GA. Her love for books started at a very young age and inspired her passion for writing. Blessed with a vivid imagination she would share her short stories with her classmates in middle and high school. In 2002 she graduated from Fayetteville State University with a BA in Communications and English/ Literature. During her time in college she completed her first released urban erotica novel "Forbidden Fruit", a raw urban tale that spins a web of love, lust and greed. She is currently working on the sequel to "Forbidden Fruit" entitled "Forbidden Fruit II: A New Seed", which will be released soon. Her second novel Black Butterfly is available on Nook and Kindle. You can follow her on Twitter @urbanlitress or find her on Facebook. Visit www.anexanderbooks.com for paperback copies.

UG MAG: Nika Michelle: I started writing Forbidden Fruit in 2001. I didn't finish until 2004, because I was conflicted about the ending. Basically it took three years just for me to end the story. I was really into the characters, so it was hard to let go.

Where did you get the ideas from to write FF? Is there any part of this book that is a reflection of your life...real life? Nika Michelle: The characters Ayanna and Diabo from Forbidden Fruit came to me in a dream. A personal situation I had gone through sort of deterred me from writing. Of course I couldn't run away from my destiny. The concept for the story came later when I chose to let Diablo and Ayanna tell me their story. Of course there is a touch of reality in FF. Like the main female character Ayanna, I had a thing for bad boys. I chose to stay true to reality and instead of glorifying the street life, I showed real consequences.

UG MAG: There are so many different avenues Black authors take to market their books, like social networks, personal pages and ad space. Do you market outside of Urban Fiction readers and sites? If so, how do you market your work and what have you found to be lucrative and worthy? Nika Michelle: I love just having face to face interaction with readers. The Internet and social networking is great, but very impersonal. I will throw on my Author t-shirt, grab my cards and do the footwork in a minute. There is nothing like sharing who I am and my books in the flesh. The readers appreciate it and I love the one on one interaction. Talking to the readers first hand is the best marketing tool there is. It is not about just selling books, but selling myself as an author as well. If it was not for the loyal readers out there this industry would not be thriving like it is. Thank you to all of the Nika Michelle supporters out there.

I WRITE FOR THE GIRL "I write for the girl, the one of lonely faces, who was seeker of love, in all the wrong places.

UG MAG:

I write for the girl, that suppressed her In this industry there is never a wrong and a right way until you use it. Some anger, past indiscretions, committed by things work for some and not others. But we definitely live and learn. Now that strangers. you know what you do about the literary industry if you had to go back and do it all over again is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change? Who did you ignore (advice) that you wished you would have listened to? Nika Michelle: I think I would do things the same now that I know what I do about the literary industry. I have learned so much, so I have no regrets. My struggle to get where I am makes me appreciate every moment of my journey in this business. I have always considered the advice of others and used everything that was useful. I take the bitter with the sweet because I love what I do. I couldn't imagine my life without writing and sharing my stories with others.

I write for the girl, who lived in the bottled, could've been liquid, or in a tiny crack bottle. I write for the girl, who in the end died alone and afraid, doomed to a disease, that was come to known as AIDS." RIP MRS. BLUE Treasure Blue

UG MAG: Nika leave some last words with the readers to let them know now that they’ve met you, you’ll be sticking around...what can we expect from Nika Michelle in the future…

When you're alone and it's dark

Nika Michelle:

and quiet listen to your heartbeat

I just want to send my sincerest gratitude to everyone who gave a newbie a chance. The response that I've gotten for Forbidden Fruit and Black Butterfly has been tremendous. I would like to shout out my publishing company Anexander Books. There are some really great authors that you can all check out at www.anexanderbooks.com. You can also order paperback copies of my novels from my publisher's page. Forbidden Fruit and Black Butterfly are both available on Nook and Kindle. Forbidden Fruit 2: A New Seed will be dropping on Black Friday 11/23/2012, so get ready. The sequel for Black Butterfly release date is TBA. Oh, and I have so much more to come. This is only the beginning. Friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @urbanlitress. Happy reading!!!!

it carries whispers from your soul. God is trying to tell you something. #sleeplessnight ~DR.K SAMUELS

I’M JUST SAYING!

“

G” STREET CHRONICLES has made their mark in the literary industry. I became a fan when I picked up Chasing Bliss by Sabrina Eubanks. This book was complete fire…a certified 5 star read. As an author it is really hard to enjoy reading a book. Normally, we are turned off by bad scene building, redundant word usage and poor editing. We are critical because we are all trying to master our craft. When I got through the first few pages I was relaxed and completely enjoying the read. I said to myself, “Thanks Sabrina!” As an avid reader I have never chased behind a brand. Following an author looking forward to reading their growth is common but never have I followed a publishing label since Triple Crown Publications. So I moved on to Fire & Ice a female author duo. Their collaboration; No Way Out 1&2 was not to be messed with another 5 star read. I said okay, “G” Street Chronicles I am going to randomly pick out one more read so I went to amazon typed in “G” Street Chronicles and I fell in love with the cover of Two Faced by Khaream Gibson and that was it! I finished this book screaming out the lyrics to an old rap song fit for this publishing company; “G” Street all stars...oh my goodness!” From that moment on I was a “G” Street Fan!

I had not read a book so interesting in a minute, without telling the story............... it was interesting right from the start to the end...cant wait for the second book to come, it was almost like I was there. you could feel, imagine, see, and almost hear ( if you have a good enough imagination. Pick it up you wont be disappointed. ~KAEN GRANGER

It was hard getting time set aside from their busy day to be cohesive with my hectic schedule but like true comrades we made it happen! Having only meet Shawna one time and George Hudson; the brain and brawn behind UG MAG, I decided to get to know them both on equal ground. Before we go any further I want to introduce the beauty behind “G” Street…her name is Shawna. Not only is she the beauty to this duo, she is also the Vice President of “G” Street Chronicles. Shawna, tell us a little about the evolution of “G” Street Chronicles. "G Street Chronicles was started in 2009 by CEO, George Sherman Hudson after he penned his first novel Drama. It was definitely an uphill battle as he learned the ins and outs of the industry. After succumbing to a big financial loss, he was able to stay relevant and never gave up. We met a year later when George was looking for a typesetter and after a couple of conversations about the business and where he was trying to take it, I gave him my input and from that point on, we became the dynamic team behind “G” Street. Joining him as VP, I put my years of knowledge of the industry and my hustle with his hustle and strong sense of business. That combination landed us where we are today…46 titles with 17 new releases scheduled over the next 5 months, 17 authors and over 20,000 books sold per month." Did you just say 20,000 a month sold? Now that’s what’s up! I’ve been curious about the “G” in “G” Street...would that stand for George; as in George Sherman Hudson? "The “G” does stand for George. When I first started the company I couldn't think of a name so I used G (George) Street (street books), but this has since evolved into a company that provides more than just street. Now the G Street is no longer just a company name but a movement.” George did you think that you would have a line up like you have under “G” Street? "Not being cocky but…yes. When I set out in this game I told myself I would only put out 5star books. With my VP on the same page and with her standards being even higher than mine when it comes to a great book, I knew we would have success in that area." I have had the pleasure of speaking with and meeting Shawna but never the pleasure of meeting you. Who is George Sherman Hudson, the other half of this Urban Dynasty? How, do you see yourself; an author first and publisher second?” "I see myself as a publisher first. I'm more of a business man than an author but don't get me wrong, I love my craft but my love for business outweighs the author in me." It is amazing how many 5 Star reads you have on your label. It would be like have Jay-Z, Naz, Biggie, Tu-pac, Dr. Dre and KRS-One all on one record label. How many submissions does your team go through before they hit fire? "It really depends. Sometimes we can open the submission box and there's a 5star read waiting to happen. Then sometimes we have to sort through 15-20 submissions before we get one that can hold our interest." Anyone can find a one hit wonder, but is it unique to have one author come out with multiple books that have that 4-5 Star sting? How can you detect a seasoned writer? "We talk to the authors and ask the right questions but more importantly we listen to what they have to say. We can pick up on what the author may have to offer beyond that one submission."

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George you’re an author as well, how do you wear so many hats and still stay on top of your “G”ame? I hear authors complain about having a publisher that is also in the industry, how do you separate being an author and a publisher?

"Basically, I put the company (authors) first because I focus more on the business and not just me being a best-selling author. You find some publishers that put their personal careers first and fall behind on marketing and promoting their authors. With the help of my VP it comes kind of easy because she works just as hard as I do when it comes to making G Street the #1 urban publisher." What can an author expect from the managing team at “G” Street Chronicles? What do you do for your authors that keeps writers coming to “G” Street? "They can expect marketing, promotions, guidance and a royalty check on time. :)" Everyone loves the fact that most of your author’s books come out on e-book first. Is there a reason why you go for the e-book sales first...and most are .99cents? "That is a misconception. Our e-books and paperbacks are released together. The .99cent books are mainly our Short Story line and we offer them to give the readers a good story at an affordable cost. Any full length novel that's .99cents is on sale and is only reduced for promotional reasons. The exception would be an older title."

“G” Street has opened a book store in the ATL am I correct? Why now when rumors are that book sales are not what they use to be and people in the industry are saying book stores won’t make it and in 5 years the paperback will be obsolete?

"We did open a book store. However, operating a book store was a huge distraction from what our main focus is…G Street Chronicles. We refused to let our company, authors, quality of books along with marketing and promotions suffer because of the store. We converted the store into a headquarters for G Street and all we have coming in the near future."

What can readers expect to see in the ending of 2012? Do you have any new authors coming on board? "We'll be launching our new entertainment company G Street Entertainment, LLC which will open the door for us to tap into different aspects of the entertainment industry. Shawna and I will be introducing the world to G Street Chronicles, G Street Cinema and G Street Music in 2012. Our first movie will be in production in the beginning of 2013." WWW.GSTREETCHRONICLES.COM Facebook G Street Chronicles “A New Urban Dynasty” Readers’ Group

September Author Spotlight: Barbara Jean Wilson

Barbara Jean Wilson, author of “Mute But Now I Speak”, gives some insight into her life, her journey, and her motivation for sharing her story, as she sits down with Ronnie C. Dawson. Bio: Barbara Jean Wilson was born and raised in Flushing, NY and remains a die -hard New York sport fan. In addition to writing her first book, Barbara also loves to cook, entertain family, and read books by various authors. What is your inspiration for writing? “I wrote Mute But Now I Speak, to break free from the guilt and shame I felt from being sexually abused from age 8 to age 13 by the very people I trusted the most. My book became a tool to help me not only gain my freedom, but also to share my story with others like myself, to help them begin to heal, going from being a victim to victorious.” Is there a message in your writing that others can learn from? “My prayer is that as Mute But Now I Speak is being read, the readers not only focus on the story, but also the questions at the end of each chapter, and are really honest with themselves in their responses. In my book I not only talk about the abuse and other things that led me down a dark road, I also speak about forgiveness, and how it helps us to become at peace with our pasts.” Aside from writing, what do you like to do? “Besides praising and worshiping God, I love cooking and inviting family and friends over to my home to feast on what has been prepared. Traveling has always been a passion for me. What I love the most about traveling is meeting new people and making new friends. My dream vacation to Paris is still on my agenda. One day I will mark that off of my bucket list. “ What would you like the readers to know about you that they don't know? “If it had not been for God I wouldn't be who I am or where I am in my life at this very moment. A life filled with love, peace, and tranquility unlike anything I have ever felt before. I pray each and every day that God continues to order my steps and use me for His glory in witnessing and sharing my testimony about the AWESOMENESS of God. I no longer live in darkness, but in the marvelous light I was meant to live in.” “Mute But Now I Speak” is a great book, written by an incredible woman, mother and author. To learn more about Barbara J. Wilson and “Mute But Now I Speak”, Visit her at: Website: www.mutebutnowispeak.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/MuteButNowISpeak “Mute But Now I Speak” is available on Amazon.com Barnesandnoble.com Xulonpress.com This is a great book, written by an incredible woman mother and author.

There is an overwhelming number of people that look to earn awards to help bolster their popularity and spark sales teams and book clubs to snatch up their book. Awards are an excellent way to promote and indicate a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success and literary endeavors achieved making them worthy of honor. Having been in this business two years, I have created an award show that I have ran for two years, and it has had success and is designed to do what awards do: heighten an author's spirits and chutzpah, create a buzz for the author, and prompt people to pay attention to them. Below, I will outline what motivated me start the awards, and the nomination and voting process. Prior to learning about the African American Literary Awards Show (AALAS), to my knowledge there was only one other literary awards for African American authors hosted by African American's On The Move Book Club (AAMBC) and Club President, Tamika Newhouse. The AAMBC awards show was hosted at a yearly conference and winning authors were given a plaque. I liked the concept, and found that there were a few categories that weren't represented that I wanted to see author's rewarded for like: Best Book Cover, Best Dressed Author, Best Web Site and Best Book Trailer. With that I set out to start my own event, Prodigy Publishing Group Urban Literary Awards.

In a recent article written by book club maverick, Tanisha Webb titled, Literary Awards: Have We Lowered Our Standards Just to Get Ahead?, I decided to write this blog to discuss some of her points that I totally understood. Tanisha complained that her blog talk radio show KC Girlfriend's Book Club was nominated for Radio Show of the Year at this years AALAS, despite the fact that their show had been off the air for two years. In her article the host criticized the nominating and voting process. This is not the first incident that an awards have been talked about negatively. I have been blasted for having a Best Dressed Author category, because people think that that is a non-literary factor. I have heard that Author of the Year awards are often based on popularity and not an author's body of work or sales, which would indicate whether or not they truly were the best author of that year. And lastly, I have heard complaints regarding how can a person be on an awards committee and be nominated repeatedly for awards. With these things in mind I created what I thought was a transparent and ethical approach to not have my creation criticized for just giving away awards and falsely stroking an author's ego.

Utilizing a Face Book Group I have brought together a band of 40+ people that make up the award's nominating committee. In that committee are authors (K'wan), editors (Carla Dean), book club members, (English Ruler, ARC Book Club), Blog Talk Radio Host (The 1Essence), Book Reviewers (Adrienna Turner), and Book Interviewers (Joey Pinkney). I listed in parenthesis one representative from the sort of executives on the panel for my awards. Each of them are required to submit a full ballot, which I E-mail and they forward it back to me with their name, and I print them all out. Hence, I have a record of each nomination sheet, so that I can shut down anyone that questions how a person was placed on the ballot. Once I print out all of the sheets, I write down the nominees and the people with the most nominations in any given category make the actual public voting ballot, and all others receive an honorable mention. Each nominee has to have at least two nominations to make the public ballot. Once I have completed the entire list of final nominees, I personally verify the release date of each nomineeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book. Any book that falls out of the previous yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s window is removed, and any book that has not been released over 90 days is removed. My position on the latter is that a book needs time to pick up steam and to truly mature into a worthy book. Certainly, a notable like Wahida Clark can shoot right to the top of the Amazon ranking on her release date, but that is a testament to her followers not the greatness of a book. Anyone on the committee cannot vote for themselves and they have been warned that calling on others on the committee to nominate them is frowned upon and prohibited. Each winner is mailed an Oscar-like statute for their win.

Once the nominations have been compiled, I first have a two week voting block to determine the winner of Blog Talk Radio Host of the Year. I ask a radio host to announce the winner of that category only and award that winner the privilege to host the actual awards on their radio show on a date determined by the host and I. That award has been given to Kisha Green (2011) and Mack Mama (2012).

Once that date and time is set, I begin to ask people to be award's announcers. Each announcer must call into the show and announce the winners live. The announcer does not learn the category and winner until the day of the show (just a few hours prior to), and they are sworn to secrecy. To date, I have not heard about any violations of that rule. During the past shows each announcer has been prompt and respectful to the timeline and schedule which they are also forwarded so that they know where they fall in the line-up to be ready. Each announcer is special as they have the opportunity to be on a show that has a large reach and can mention and promote their web site and brand to an audience without cost. Each show is archived and can be listened to at anyone's leisure: 2011 Show & 2012 Show.

I have had two problems with the awards: 1) People have questioned the purpose of having a sexiest male/female and best dressed male/female categories; and, 2) People have wondered if I have given Envy Red the awards that she has won because we are friends. I find that readers do buy books at times based on an author's sex appeal and look. As an author, I find that my sales at signings vary and I have found some connection to what I am wearing playing a pivotal role in that. If I am dressed in a typical jean and T-shirt, I am not approached as much as when I add a blazer. My female author friends have revealed that men do seem to pay them a bit more attention and buy a book just because of an attraction to them, and have no desire to read the book. They just buy with the hopes of getting their phone number. So, I find that commending authors that take the time out like T. Styles and Monique D. Mensah to look great and not head to an event looking like they're dropping their kid off at school at 7 a.m. is important. On the second issue, I was uneasy about Envy Red winning any awards, but she earned the two that she received. Her name was consistent on 90% of the ballots for one category or another, so it was no surprise that she won two of the three awards that she made the final cut. She went on to win awards by a book club and another literary event, as well as some other nominations, which added validity to her win at my awards. My purpose for these awards is to truly highlight those authors that actually deserve it. I am so open with the process and what I do, because I want a Prodigy Urban Literary Award to matter on a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resume. I intend to maintain the integrity of the event, and there will be no compromise on remaining ethical. I have won awards and I have been nominated for awards, and I believe that I have truly earned anything that I have received. I am determined to be the face of African American Lit and take on the torch of pushing this industry to the next level, and this awards highlights great book trailers, excellent book covers, respected book reviewers, and the stylish authors. In essence, looking at the nominees aspiring authors can look at the best covers, trailers, and dressed authors to see what it takes to effectively compete in this business. Thanks for your time and attention, and I look forward to next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awards, where I plan to host the show live, while broadcasting on blog talk radio and youstream. If you have comments/questions regarding this article please send them to: urbangrapevine3@gmail.com

Are We Out of Our Literary Minds?

Reminiscing on days past is something most of us are guilty of doing as we grow and mature into the routine of adulthood. We sit back and share laughs as we recall our favorite childhood pastimes. We label them as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;good old daysâ&#x20AC;? when life was carefree. Hide-ngo seek, freeze tag, hopscotch, and red light green light are just a few that we stamp in our memory as the pleasurable moments of adolescence. However, have you ever stopped to think about the tools of learning that were instilled in us at an early age? Do you remember the days when reading was somewhat of a powerful movement that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop when we left the four walls of our local elementary or middle school? I do and it never fails to make me smile. More powerful than the memories of childhood games, these lessons had a lasting effect on the individuals that many of us have become.

Sweet Pickles, Highlights, Scholastic, Reading Rainbow, and the Pizza Hut Reading Program are a few of the programs that shaped my love for literature from an early age. I recall the days when these programs made reading not only good for our minds but the cool thing to do. Not only were the youth encouraged to read at school, but we were rewarded for doing so at home as well. Book fairs were a constant affair and when school let out for the summer, reading never stopped. Libraries paired up with local businesses such as Pizza Hut to promote summer reading programs. I recall reading as many books as I could to receive personal pan pizzas, pencils, journals, and various other prizes in return. The idea was not to bribe but to reward us for adopting a life long skill.

I recall the days when I anticipated the release of the next best reading list from my local library. I also remember the times when I participated in themed book discussions that encouraged a family affair. When it came to reading, there was something for every age group that I entered all the way through high school. That is when we were assigned a mandatory summer reading list in addition to our English requirements during the school year. The reward at that stage was a good grade and a great start to the school year. Even the president actively promoted literacy. So what has happened to the golden days of literature? With the fascination fixed on electronics and gaming systems, I often think we are going out of our literary minds. After doing research I have discovered a bare minimal amount of programs with Barnes and Noble heading one of the more popular summer reading programs. It is called Imagination’s Destination. In this program they offer a free book upon completing a reading journal that consists of an eight book requirement. Upon fulfilling that obligation, the children receive a book of their choice from a selection of books for their grade level. I was pleased to see that the Pizza Hut Book It program was still around and in wake of technology has gone online making it easy for teachers to set their classroom goals. In addition, book fairs are still in elementary schools but most only host 1-2 events per year. In addition, Scholastic News is sent home allowing children to purchase books at a reasonable price. Although it seems that literacy is not as heavily promoted as in days past, it is up to us as parents and responsible adults to foster a love of literature and instill that in the youth today. We must not ever settle for the loss of our literary minds. ~Happy reading! Envy Red

After suffering a tragic loss, Mia Davis looks toward her future, to move on from a heartbreaking past. Will new life, love and laughter help her to find her way? Or will death, deceit, and disloyalty destroy her? Can she trust those closest to her? Can they trust her? It's often said that, “Whatever doesn't kill us only makes us stronger.” This may be true individually, but is this true in relationships? Does “No matter what.” really mean just that?

In an era, where it seems Spoken Word is a dying breed. The Urban Voice had the honor and privilege to interview a very talented and refreshing poet. Meet Ms. Danielle Delaney Wallace, her poetry has been published in Troy University 2010 National Writing Gallery. She currently has a self-published book of poetry out now called “Her Poetic Cinema of Life.” We got in depth with Danielle and she shared her outlook on the state of Spoken Word, and other issues in the self-publishing world.

MICHAEL SHERMAN: Being a new self- published author, what are some of the ups and downs of the business that you have encountered?

DANIELLE: Being a new self- published author, what are some of the up's and downs of the self-publishing industry that you have encounter? I haven’t been part of the industry long but the only part of self-publishing that an author should have major discipline about is marketing. Since the release of my book and months after, I’ve been making a brand for my words in every way possible without a team which traditional authors usually have. Self-publishing authors deserve so much recognition because of their dedication to get out there and sell their literary products on their own. MICHAEL SHERMAN: When did you start writing poetry? DANIELLE: I started writing poetry when I was thirteen. My creativity started in my journals and throughout the years it has become my art of joy. MICHAEL SHERMAN Where do you draw inspiration to write your poetry?

DANIELLE: My inspiration comes from my story-my life and the stories surrounding me about other people. Music, nature, and our society draw my inspiration to write my poetry. MICHAEL SHERMAN: When you are not writing poetry what other hobbies do you have? DANIELLE: If I’m not writing poetry, I can usually be found reading the pages of some my favorite authors or I can be found freelancing for blackworthy.com. However, in my downtime, away from working is being comforted with my bible and of course relaxation away from everything. MICHAEL SHERMAN: When was your first piece of poetry published? Danielle: My first piece was published in Troy University’s 2010 National Writing Gallery. MICHAEL SHERMAN: Tell us about yourself? DANIELLE: I’m a recent 2012 graduate of Troy University with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism. I’m hoping to land a job in broadcast news, which has been an interest of mine since I was a little girl. I’ve always been ambitious and determined to grab my goals so I’m sure this goal isn’t far from reaching. MICHAEL: While growing up did you have a favorite poet that you enjoyed and aspired to be like? DANIELLE: Of course, my favorite poets were Langston Hughes and music artist Jill Scott. Their poetry is the portrait of real. I like the fact that their words are taken to level in which the reader didn’t expect. That says a lot about the true definition of a poet which writing without caring what anyone thinks or never limiting your true feelings within your verses. MICHAEL: What has been your proudest moment since you been a published author? DANIELLE: My proudest moment was definitely when I conducted an English forum for my university. Because it was all mine-I was the host of my words, standing before my fellow peers and professors presenting my book and its background. I was excited because professors only conducted English forums but that time it was a student which happened to be me. MICHAEL: Do you have any projects that you are working on now? DANIELLE: At the moment, I’ve recently started where I left off on a story surrounding the topic of domestic violence. I originally wanted it to be a novel but I’ve recently been thinking about writing in short stories instead. MICHAEL: How did you feel when your work was published in the Troy University 2010 National Writing Gallery?

Lyrical Intoxication” by Danielle Delaney Wallace

DANIELLE: I was excited that my work was recognized as good material. While reading the work of others that were published along with mine, I concluded that it was an honor because everyone’s pieces were brilliant. MICHAEL SHERMAN: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with us. Where can someone contact you? DANIELLE: Contact Info and Photo-Twitter:thedwallace Website:http://danielledelaneywallace.weebly.com/ Email:danielle.delaney.wallace@gmail.com

My lyrical drug of my choice, Oh, how I get hysterically heightened, from intense vapors that satisfy my lyrical Cravings of choice My introspection intertwined, With its inspiration, gives light, To an intoxication of no other, while Leading me through a tunnel of S..T..I..M..U..L..A..T..I..O..N This is my anticipated relaxation of choice, Which meets me tenderly and peacefully, At the end of the fading of long days….

“A Poet’s Cabaret” by Danielle Delaney Wallace

An addiction, that allows for no cureInstead every ounce is pure inspiration, Dwelling in a mind of beautiful and bright creations.

“Can you hear it?” excitedly exclaimed the poetess. “I can do more than hear it-I can feel the beat of the ink within!” said her accompanying poet.

I’m taken far beyond this world of logic and reason, With an escape to a place of Joy,Happiness,Freedom are c-o-n-n-e-c-t-e-d into one..

Anticipating the sounds of ink coming to life we run faster faster, faster, and faster with desires of crashing into a place in which the ordinary may fear we peer inside as curious children of the night Opening the doors to a poet’s playground we enter a place that’s bound to fuel the tools of our artistic voices The scene is lit with an array of lyrical flashes the stage is amidst an audience of spoken knowledge alike while the microphone dances alone awaiting a lyrical tone to amplify the night We’ve taken flight into a zone that captures a hint of soul while embellishing PEACE as our theme freedom is our style as our words file onto the stage entering stage left to right We’re sharing an art that’s part of the classiest and snazziest musical of our night while costuming us as characters of center stage welcoming us to a poets cabaret

Once again, an addiction of no other, that leaves my mind Soaring freely through the skies overhead-my mind and my Pen exhibit an elevation of poetic intoxication. An overdose in the distance, is my choice Before I allow each dose to disappear... I continue, as my pulse quickensInhale… Exhale… Breathe…and Inhale once more, my lyrical intoxication, revealing poetry as my drug of choice…

Alone Mouth wide open speechless Visions of you breathless Remnants of you dancing Clouded head space confused Chasing heart beats devoted As time passes yearning Grasping a memory desperate Web of seduction tangled Fact or fallacy wasting Subject or muse torn Lust void of love fantasy Trails of passion searching Dusk till Dawn consumed Tug of war pulling Mind's relentless grip drained Head to toe desire Mental soul tie desire Heart fully empty desire ÂŠ 2012 by Envy Red

It seems as I've been here before on the edge of sanity back and forth I rock teetering on the illusions displayed before me clear as the day peering into the dead of night keeping a steady pace yet still trailing behind the race of life my loaded Knapp sack is heavy bearing the facets of beggar life? all signs lead me astray hinting to end life or stay you can't see me just a shell of what I used to be behind shimmering eyes hidden darkness of innocence long gone shattered dreams pierced the night of screams now here I stand carrying the load unbefitting of any man whispers drawing near again outraging at unresolved hurt cries and pleas for relief unforgotten traumatic scenes prance into view unrelenting interrupting the minstrel show replaying schemes fast forward pause rewind go slow erase my mind weeps the innocence inside searching the corners under small rocks to hide back and forth again I teeter still invisible to your naked eye your gaze lingers past me how can you not see the real me you carried inside your womb yet only now you see my tomb just a shell of what I used to be emotions bleeding havoc inside my brain mentally grinding me insane please save this shell of me reignite my light its fading drifting surely if you look deeper and see the long lost imminence and save me

ÂŠ2012 Lashawone Powell

by Kanaiah Schultz I feel I should be stronger than I am… Soul searching won’t help without honesty…DAMN!!! My physical gets weak when it’s reached its peak. Spiritual is where my heart runs freely, I know what I want. Hypocritical is the way I’ve lived most of my life. And it’s trifling to see the woman who I truly need to become is put on hold. Until life gives me lessons which give me wisdom to carry on. Then the struggle of life has just begun. Unfolding and unwinding as confusing reality bears its face to me. …I … turn my face in shame Cause I still refuse to take the blame so I may rebuild on my pain. Reversing the self destruction already in motion. People need family blood relation or not. Someone to care when your soul is bared for all of society to grovel over. Each piece of one’s sanity is molested by humanity. This is madness… lift your souls… turn your backs to the devils control. Color against color… man against woman and for what!!! No one knows We must reprogram ourselves as well as our children. We are the only generation to lead the way. 500 years of dominant wisdom will soon prevail… Unmasking the fraudulences no longer subliminal.

Me: Caution when I speak, not want to be rude...intrude the mean in me...the anger...planted like a great oak amongst weeds the fight between the good and the bad...hunger and greed is in me passion and control resides here...resides HERE! brick walls, that guard my soul...my soldier in demand...reprimands those who stand in my way so stand clear... the beast in me has surfaced! but... then there is a side of me that loves...and loves hard a place where my heart feels safe...enough to let down my guard a loving side...mistaken for weakness...meekness a pathway for their soles to walk over my soul they are not aware...nor do they seem to fear, my other the beast that resides inside of me

I ask her why tempt this beast? Awaken its thirst release a beast that will mangle your feelings... knows nothing but hurt I ask her why dangle the remains of your love like raw meat at my feet? knowing that the bark is never worse than the bite...no peace why push the buttons that opens the cages of rage? I have made it abundantly clear...that the beast in me resides here...resides HERE! So I work at... caution when I speak...not wanting to be rude...intrude the mean in me...the anger...planted like a great oak amongst weeds the fight between the good and the bad...hunger and greed I plead to thee...to at least remember...the beast that resides inside of me right now beauty is sleeping meekness...the loving side of me is sleeping HER: Why you ask? Why wake the beast at all? Can't the beast resist the meat that dangles at the feet of lust and pain and settle for the sweet taste of an apple meat is so rough but fruit is tender...like the love that wants to be shared Don't you want to tame the hunger that awaits within and let it sleep forever? ME: Just when I believe that I have found solid ground and a love that can tame the beast into beauty... and that love can be shared in unity... a rage of self hate inflates Questions my worthiness...the guilt of feeling less conquers and defeats...the urge to taste what is sweet... maybe it is that of my past that prohibits... love at its fittest recalling trusting love that was suppose to be unconditional and true is what defies me from loving you...like I'm supposed to do... Like I want to do... this beast...my guard…from loving and trusting too hard... always protects...never neglects my feelings and never disregards not ever...not once...has it let in a trespasser... if not twice...not twice...has love gotten past her If once...when I was weak...meek...has love stayed long because love alone can not tame nor mame this beast

nor free it from the taste of raw meat just when I found solid ground... to cage the rage and hunger...it appears after sound like pain and thunder.. the beauty in me cries the beauty in me dies the beauty in me waits and waits for love again but how long will love wait for the beast to kill the thrill of raw meat...and desire and need what is sweet? so the beauty denies...what she longs inside and sleeps sleeps behind the beast...that resides inside of me to cure the beast...is a task for none... it can not be undone it can not be tamed...nor does it want to be the beast in me is the beast that keeps me free free from pain...that only love can bring whether or not it gives beauty a chance to sing it does not care...screams...BEWARE! of the beauty that sleeps and the beasts that creeps and resides inside of me! Felisha Bradshaw

EDITOR IN CHIEF

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