Letter from the editor, Owned & Operated by Ford Johnson Publishing
Publisher
Ford Johnson Publishing
Creative Director Rachelle Ford
Writers Ladychelle
Empress Spade Nancy “Fancy” Placide DJ Samore
Cover Picture Credit: Michael Frequiere
Contact Us Inquiry@FordEntmag.com 302-313-6734 www.FordEntMag.com © 2017 by Ford Entertainment Magazine All Rights Reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Ford Entertainment Magazine is a registered trademark of Ford Johnson Publishing, LLC. Printed and published in the United States of America.
New year, New me!!! idc idc idc!! I’m saying it, claiming it and don’t care who don’t like it. A new year is a great opportunity to reinvent yourself, renew your focus, get rid of unecessary baggage, and fine tune your vision. Yes, you can absolutely start your journey at any moment, and it’s never too late to do so. But a new year is a great reset button and I for one plan on taking full advantage of it. My goals for this year, grow my businesses, mother my children effectively, adult at 100 as much as I can, be less petty, and maybe even fall in love with a man with a low fade and some golds in his mouth. Lol. Thank you guys for rocking with us for a whole new year!!! We got so much in store for this year. Shout out to Longboy Entertainment who has embarqed on the Ford Johnson Publishing train as our new business manager. Bringing in his experience and expertise, we’re sure to fully Conquer 2018! Shout out to Nancy, my partner in crime for my Chelle and Nance adventures, and my kids for reminding me everyday that I have something to prove. Cheers to a great new year guys!!- Ladychelle
This Month in Ford Ent Mag
MUSIC
04
DJ Samore Top 5
05 New Releases FORD EXCLUSIVE 12
Beauty of the Month
20
LHHMIA Premiere Party
21
Fancy Says
COVER STORIES
06
Michael Frequiere
08
Jewelry Game Amazing
11
Tara J on the Beat
14
Zoey Dollaz
18
Slim Diesel
We look at what’s hot on the radio according to Mediabase/ BDS Soundscan, the streets, and Dj Samore, and what she feels is that next hot record. Most of the time when she says it’s a hit, it’s a hit!
INDIE PICKS 1. Chivonne Saywhat Pull Up 2. Great Dane That’s The Word 3. CEO Roc Pain 4. Claude Banks SpaceTime 5. Al Base Got that work 6. ATL Bizness Hobb Anthem
For more on the Urban Experience and DJ Samore, Check out Sourbanentertainment.com, Da One Radio on Dadecountyradio.com (over 40k loyal listeners on the radio station, monitored Byradiowavemonitor.com)
1 2
Gucci Mane | Migos Get The Bag
Spotlight Tracks
G Easy, ASAP & Cardi B
No Limit
3 Derez Deshon Hardaway
Cardi B Bartier Cardi
4 Kendrick Lamar Love
5
N.E.R.D. | Rihanna Lemon SZA The Weekend
Justin Timberlake Filthy
Nuely High Risk 2
Gucci Mane El Gato
Zoey Dollaz M’ap Boule
Bruno Mars | Cardi B Finesse
Jamie Ray | Lil Baby How It Go
Eliot Ness| Hogg Booma Fast Lane
Trouble | Drake Mike Will Made it Bring it On
G-Child Not Just Any
Let’s Talk About
Kojo
MICHAEL FEQUIERE
Filmmaker | Photographer
Kojo is a short documentary on gifted 12-year-old jazz drummer Kojo Odu Roney. In this candid interview, Kojo reflects on his tireless work ethic, the current state of jazz music, learning from his mentor and father, jazz saxophonist Antoine Roney, and much more. This film has gone on to win several awards, and can be streamed online on PBS.org The inspiring documentary was captured by fimmaker Michael Fequiere who met Kojo about 9 years ago.
How did you come to film this documentary, was it something that was planned out? I began filming the documentary in 2016. I’ve known Kojo for about nine years so when I first met him he was four. It was very interesting because he was already playing the drums and had been for the last three years, so his skills were developing rapidly. Fast forward eight years later, I was fortunate enough to have access to some high end video equipment so I “borrowed” the equipment over the weekend and filmed Kojo at his house. It wasn’t a film that was planned out but I spent enough time with Kojo over the years that I knew how I wanted the film to look and feel. What was your favorite part to capture in this documentary? Tell me the frame that made you yell out “This is it!” My favorite part definitely had to be the performance. The way he attacked the drums was truly mesmerizing. I don’t know if there was a particular frame that made me say “This is it!” I think
once we finished editing the mentaries about various subjects film, we knew we had some- from around the world. thing. What places do you wish to What is it like, seeing the see in 2018? success of this documenta- Haiti would be my first choice. I ry? am of Haitian decent but sadI’m humbled and honored that ly I’ve never been to the counthe film has been received by so try. It would be great if I could many festivals and outlets. This is film something out there as well my first film to garner this much whether it be a narrative, docuattention so I am truly grateful mentary or even something for for the opportunities that it has Great Big Story. I’ll make it happrovided me. With that said, pen, one way or another. seeing the success of the film is great. Every filmmakers dream is to create something that the whole world can see and also to make a living from that work. Success plays a big part in that but also perseverance, some talent and a little bit luck. Apart from filmmaking, you’re also a photographer correct? Yes, I used to work at a media agency that owned the hip-hop magazine XXL. Rappers and musicians were constantly showing up and they needed photos of them so I volunteered. Months later and with much needed guidance from my mentor and colleague Berman Fenelus, I was shooting photos for their magazine, website and social media platforms. Tell us a little bit about your work at CNN? So I’m a Producer at Great Big Story which is a media company focused on cinematic storytelling which happens to be owned by CNN. I produce micro-docu-
Blackstar Film Festival 2017-Won Fox Inclusion Emerging Voices Award Chicago International Children’s Film Festival 2017- Nominated Second Prize The Lower East Side Film Festival 2017- Won - Jury Prize New York Jazz Film Festival 2016- Won The New York Jazz Film Festival Tulsa American Film Festival 2017- Won - Jury Prize
Jewelry Game Am LIl YATCHTY
21 SAVAGE
Lil Yatchy has a taste for brocoli, we all know this, none of us could get that tune out of our heads all summer 17. Well, he apparently takes his brocoli with cheese then turns around and uses that cheese to ice his neck out. These are some of our favorite pieces from the Yatchy Collection. The Jesus Piece with the red hair and beads is definately our favorite.
CARDI B
Cardi won 2017 with her charm, wit and lyrics. A true Cinderella Story with the rap game being the prince. Beside that massive rock on her finger, she also received the illest pendant as a gift from her future husband. It even got a personal shout out from Hamburger Helper!
You have to be your biggest fan! I’ve seen other artists rock their likeness as jewelry, but this 21 Savage piece takes the take. “Officer my jewelry’s missing” What did it look like? “Me” Case close really.
mazing LIL UZI VERT
BOOSIE BADAZZ
You can’t possibly have a conversation about rappers and jewelry and not mention Boosie! The man carries a golden Bible around his neck for crying out loud! If that’s not impressive enough for you, he has a whole pendant of his likeness filled with diamonds and gold. Now that’s how you do it!
Who got the dopest Jewelry Piece?
Tell us online!!!! @FordEntMag
In 2018, I’m kicking off a petition to change Lil Uzi Vert’s name to Lil Uzi with the Shoulder Shimmy. But until that takes off, we’ll just have to catch the magic that are his shoulders and appreciate them san title. While mesmerized by those swaying extremeties, one can’t help but be placed in a trance by his neck piece. A crazy pendant fitting the likeness of a crazier icon. Marilyn Manson himself.
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1
Aveeno® Positively Radiant® Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15
We all know that anything labeled as “dry” doesn’t sound appealing and the winter season is the most unforgiving, especially for black or ethnic skin. The only way to battle ashy lips and patchy makeup is to moisturize! One of my holy grail moisturizers is Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizer w/ sunscreen. This product works great for all skin tones and includes spf, which is essential for your everyday skin regimen.
AJ CRIMSON Match Me Perfect Sample Kit
I know most of you don’t like the idea of buying samples or a “sample kit”, but this is actually a steal in disguise. This kit comes with a peach color corrector, banana highlighter and 12 shades of their signature foundation which can be used as foundation, conJo Michelle cealer and your contour. It’s especially Artistry perfect for those of you who don’t wear makeup STACKED and are just beginning or don’t know your colors yet. You could even split this with a friend if you "RAE" both need to find out which color is your perfect My new favorite lash goes to Stacked “Rae” match. by Jo Michelle. These are perfect to add a flirty yet subtle flair to your holiday makeup looks. They’re also beginner friendly and easy to apply. Don’t be afraid of the dramatic look in the package. They don’t look dramatic when they’re on but they’re still noticeably stunning.
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HIGH FIVE
Top 5 Beauty Picks for Winter By Tara J, MUA
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MAC VIVA GLAM I A smokey eye paired with a red lip is most definitely my “go to” look for this season. Who doesn’t love sultry red lip in the winter? This lippie by mac is one that suits all skin tones. Be sure to use your favorite liner for a clean look.
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LAURA GELLER Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey
*Takes deep breath* I think us makeup lovers can all agree that highlighting is life now that were in 2018. So, this one speaks for itself. If you fear that the winter season won’t allow you to glow properly, Pro-tip please fear no longer. This magical Use a translucent powder to mattify your non-matte lipsticks. highlighter creates a visual replicaThis will allow your lipstick to tion of the sun’s rays shining directly last longer throughout the night. onto your cheekbones with a glisten So, there’s no need to avoid that reminiscent to that of the brightest mistletoe this year! diamond. Yes, it’s that good!
TRINITEA
BEAUTY OF THE MONTH
DOLLAZ
ZOEY
Did a little research, and I found out you dropped your first mixtape in 2012, Love Money & Bullets, then 3 years later you dropped Who Don’t Like Dollaz, with your single Blew a Check, which has been heard everywhere, what did your grind consist of in those 3 years that helped you amass such a success with that project?
they know they’re the ones that made it happend.
music and just kept recording and kept putting out music and releasing singles.
Looking at it now, she definitely may have opened up one of the biggest doors for me and exposed to me that, if she didn’t do it, I wouldn’t have had it to pay myself. She did that. Looking at it now, it’s like damn, I know some Haitian parents who would never do that.
And speaking of family, one thing that resonated with me, is your Haitian mom being the one to pay for your first studio session. Being of Haitian background myself, I know the weight of that action. Can you tell me how that came about and Honestly I just stayed consistent with how that made you feel?
Soon after the success of that project you signed with Freebandz, Future’s label, was that your first offer? If not, what made you choose that label? We had several offers. I had several people reach out and we just had to go with whichever made the most sense.
You spent most of 2017 touring with Future. Can you tell us what tour life is like?
Touring is great, it’s a dope experience, its better than any other experience. It gives you a clear view of what it really is. The business of music, interacting with the fans, meeting people, and knowing where your strongest market is. It’s an experience most artists should definately go though and get a feel of.
I got a shitload of work to do for sure. I ain't even at half way to where I wanna be at.
You said in an interview that you discovered Hip Hop from taking your sisters cds. How do your sisters feel now, when they see that you’re playing such a big part in Hip Hop yourself?
Honestly, it’s a blessing. It’s kinda hard to explain. But it’s something I watched as a third person over the years and it’s a different transition.
And how would you say this journey has been? Steady and consistent or have you had your hang ups?
Definately steady and consistent for sure.
In 2017 you dropped your single with Chris Brown. Can you tell me how that came about?
We had Post and Delete for a good 8/9 months before we even dropped it. Chris was always talking about “me and you gotta do something together” and but our schedules were always in conflict ‘cause he be doing his thing as one of the biggest pop stars, and I be doing my stuff as an up and coming. My DJ ended staying in L.A. and linking up with him. They went to the studio and he said “Chris said send him this and that and he’s gonna do it”, and he did. He kept his word.
I wanna talk about the mixtape you just dropped, M’ap Boule, there were talks of it being called something else, which was Black Elvis. But you changed the name due to personal reasons. Being that the name is so personal to you, do you anticipate using it for a future project?
Is that something you had continu- I’m definately gonna put it out 2018. Still gonna put it out. It’s probably gonously asked her for?
It was a one time thing. I was like “hey na sound even harder now. ma, I need to pay for studio, I have to record this song” and she asked how much it was, I told her, and she said “I Tell me about your selection process got you.”
with songs.
They’re proud. They’re super proud. That’s amazing to have that family They’re happy. They tell me all the time how proud they are. Because support. Do you find it hard to bal-
ance family life and music life?
I just figure out which project I’m doing, how I’m doing it, and what’s the direction of it. And we just go from there.
You came from humble beginnings but now creating your own wave and successful at it. Do you feel like you’ve made it? or do you feel like you still have work to do? I got a shitload of work to do for sure. I ain’t even at half way to where I wanna be at.
Besides music you also have a game coming out? We got the Ride the Wave Jetski mobile game coming out soon. And it’s gonna be some of your favorite celebrity characters appearing on that too.
How hands on were you with that project?
Very hands on. I’m hands on with everything. Of course I got a team with me. Some of my homies that give me ideas, give me a few lines, and management. But I make sure I’m all the way hands on with everything.
One last question for you, what hasn’t happened in your career just yet that you look forward to seeing happen? Being nominated for awards. For sure.
“When you finally turn up, and they got nothing to say, that’s the ultimate Sylent Treatment.”
E I e l D op
M I L e S h T r o F
L E S
e P
Tell me about the new single Point me to the Act. You’ve been working it for a little bit...
We’ve been working it for a little bit, you can find it damn near everywhere you want to. Just look up Slim Diesel. Point me to the act. It’s me featuring Bruno Mali. It’s a smash. It’s one of those records where everybody’s gon feel it. From the streets to the desk. I’ve been getting alot of great feedback from it. I’m Slim Diesel for the people.
Before we get to the new stuff, let’s go way back to Sylent Treatment, Guetto Hope is actually my favorite track, tell me about that track. Basically, DJ Fatboy brought the beat to me. DJ Fatboy is kinda like my business partner, he got a real good ear for music, the hottest DJ in Dade County. He brought it to me and was like, look. And I turned up on it. The guy on the hook is the same guy from the Ross Album, Port of Miami, his name is JRoc. Its me and Bali, I got two verses and Bali got the middle verse. But basically we’re just going in and out and how a nigga was living at the moment.
Its definately a street anthem and something you can vibe to.
Right, the whole mixtape is something you can sit back and vibe and ride to. It gets you in your emotions. It trickles down through alot of situations and at the end of day, if you’re a real nigga and tuned in to real life-a real nigga ain’t gotta mean you’re from the streets-just a real individual, you start to really see life for what it is, this mixtape is for you, whether female or male.
Take us from Sylent Treatment. Where do we go from there?
Well, 2018. There’s 4 quarters. I’m not gonna give everybody the game, but just know you’re gonna
hear from me every quarter.
I want no more Haitian food from the States.
Before we get into 2018, tell me Back to the music, where can peohow your 2017 went. 2017 was great. Did alot of traveling. ple tap in to the music? What was your favorite spot to visit? My favorite spot was from recently, I just left Haiti.
Where you born and raised there?
You just gotta put Sylent Treatment in. Its on a bunch of websites.
Speaking of which, Sylent Treatment. Sylent is spelled a bit different. Is there a meaning to that?
I’m just a hood nigga who just wanna spell shit the way he wanna spell it. Just short texting. I just spelled it like that because Sylent Treatment is unique. It How was it being in the mother- signifies ...it’s actually a glorious moment. You know how the opposor, tries land? It was actually cool. It was something to oppose you. Not everybody wanna about someone tapping in with where see you do it. When you finally turn up, they’re from. When I went to Haiti, ev- and they got nothing to say, that’s the erything taste different because every- ultimate Sylent Treatment. thing is from the land. Everything fresh. No, I was born in Miami. My mom and my dad are Haitian.
Ford Entertainment Magazine along with WhaddupTV were in the place to be on January 1st for the premiere launch party of Love & Hop Hop Miami. There, we were able to interview the cast as well as check out the very first episode of what promises to be an amazing season. The episode viewing was followed by a Q&A session where we got to know the cast a little more intimately. Like the rest of the world, we’ve picked out our favorite characters, decided on who’s storyline we’re least excited about, and most importantly we’re ready to follow this season at the edge of our seats with our wine and popcorn ready. Endless refills on these teas please! Pictures courtesy of WhaddupTV. Visit Whatdduptv.com for video interviews from the red carpet.
Fancy Says
Ashlyne Martin Your Melanin is poppin! Love yourself sis! An exclusive interview with the one & only Fitness Coach/Model Ashlyne Martin. Born & raised in Cap-Haitian, Haiti. She came to the United States in 2001 and now calls Miami, FL. home. I tapped into who she is & why she’s a force to be reckoned with. Check it out... Fancy: So Ash you have made quite a name for yourself. Girl you are everywhere! What sparked your fitness journey? Ashlyne: I needed a way to cope & ease my depression & anxiety naturally. I started going to the gym here & there. I would rather feel pain
from working out, then from what I was going through. I began seeing a change, as the results came, my confidence boosted. Fancy: What current hobbies/projects are you working on? Ashlyne: I’m getting into the hosting & modeling world. I would of never tapped into anything like this. I’m much more confident now then I was before. I’ll be launching my website soon. I’m excited about that. It’s going to have nutritional plans, people will be able to schedule 101 trainings with me, video workouts & more.
Fancy: You mentioned depression & anxiety. The world is so close minded when it comes to mental health. How has that journey been? Ashlyne: Well I’m actually in the process of starting a journey of bringing awareness to Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse. I’m a victim of sexual abuse, not a victim of domestic violence but I’ve been through verbal abuse. That’s where my low self esteem came from. I want to help others through their pain, so they can have a sense of purpose and love for life.
Fancy: What made you finally realize that your black was beautiful? Ashlyne: Through the journey of accepting who I’am, I had to literally talk to myself. I made a decision to accept it and love myself. I had to let go of all the hurt. I went through some changes, I cut my hair off and even moved to North Carolina. Fancy: Ash what would you tell a little girl, young lady or woman going thru the hard journey of accepting their dark chocolate skin color? Ashlyne: I want them to know how rare & valuable it is to be this skin
color. Know that you are the richest of the richest to have that melanated skin color. Fully embrace it. This is how God wanted you to be. God makes no mistakes. Appreciate what he has done. Be happy, be great. I myself had to think that way. Family would offer me skin lightening soaps & creams to even out my skin tone and I would say to them “But my tone is even”. Your upbringing also plays a major role. I used to get bullied in middle school for being dark, those kids were so brutal. My dad was my positive reinforcement. He would tell me not to lis-
Fun facts with Ashlyne
Zodiac: Leo
Favorite food: Fritay (fried Hai-
tian foods)..Fritay is my weakness. It’s so bad, omg..lol..I have 1 cheat meal a week. I gotta have it!
What do people always assume about you but are totally wrong: That I’m married. That’s the first thing I get asked. I’m not married..lol..I’m a secretive person, so it’s funny when people try to figure me out.
What is something you enjoy doing besides working out:
Dancing. Idk for some reason I’m so into it now. I love all kinds of music and I love to dance. I enjoy my lil konpa.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in a relationship?: Hmmm well I know somebody that kind of works closely in the government. I made a call, sent the info and minutes later I was sent everything I needed to know. I showed him all the facts and haven’t spoken to him ever since..lol..you can’t lie to me, all I have to do is make that call.
ten to them and to not worry about what they would say. He was a big help. I love my dad for that. It starts in the home. Fancy: What’s your 2018 New Year motto Ashlyne: “Booked and busy”..lol..I have a couple things booked for the next 3 months. One thing about me is that I act on it and do it. 2017 had its downs. 2018 is my reincarnation year.
www.FojoPublishing. com Ford.chelle@gmail.com