DEC 2010
UGM URBAN GIRL MAGAZINE
Priscilla Renea Ryan Leslie Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls Fall Fashion Urban Girl Advice Young Poets Corner
Making the Transition: From High School to College Dating
US $3.99
CAN $4.99
Table of
Contents Features:
4: Fall 2010s Hottest Fashion 6: UGM Gives Advice 8: BET Puts Sitcom back in ‘The Game’ 10:Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls 13: Musical Quickies: Priscilla Renea 14:Making the Transition: From High Sc School to College Dating 16:The Do’s and Don’ts of College Dating
PANTENE PRO-V HEALTHY MAKES IT HAPPEN
UG Fashion
Fall 2010s Hottest
Fashion Trend: Military Chic For the military fashion trend pick from the two key looks: army and aviator. While the army interpretation is all about army greens it can still be broadly interpreted and we’ve seen it styled successfully with everything from cropped shearling collared coats to lose fitting cargo pants. A word of warning though: we have the odd occurrence of camouflage print, we’d recommend you avoid it for the time being it’s simply too soon a comeback.
UG Advice
UGM Gives Advice This is the section of our magazine where we would like you all to write in to get help with your problems. It doesn’t matter if they’re big or small. Here at UGM, we want to help all of our readers and supply them with that much needed advice. Don’t be afraid to write: Urban Girl Magazine 104721 UrbanGirl Drive Charlotte, NC 28213
Dear UGM, I have a problem. There’s this guy at school that i like. His name is Justin and he’s really cute and nice, but I’m too shy to talk to him. I tried messaging him online, but he doesn’t talk to people he doesn’t know. I get really nervous whenever he’s around, and the worse thing is... he’s friends with one of my old friends. It’s just a complicated situation. How do i get the courage to talk to him? Signed, Lovestruck Teen (17)
Dear Lovestruck Teen, Sometimes it can be difficult to talk to guys. I can relate to that. It’s always harder to talk to the ones you really like because you’re worried you’ll say something stupid and that they won’t like you. The truth is that it’s best to just be yourself around boys. The only ones who are really worth liking are the ones that appreciate the real you and don’t care if you say something strange because they like you for who you are. It’s very true that it’s hard to find guys like this, but it’s really worth it in the end. Trust us! Try your best at talking to him. Just say hi. Tell him who you are. If you work up the confidence to talk to him and get to know him a little, then maybe you could try talking to him online again, and then from there you two can begin to hang out outside of school. I hope that helps. Let us know how it goes!
Dear UGM, I am a sophomore in high school. This year, everyone in my group of best friends has started drinking. They have, on more than one occasion, tried to persuade me to drink, sometimes to a point where I feel uncomfortable about it. I’m worried that I won’t be able to hang out with this group of friends as much if I don’t drink. Plus, some times they get annoyed with me when they have to work their plans around me because my mom is super controlling as it is. I’m worried that this would just be too much to try to accommodate, because they already do that a lot for me. I really want to keep them as my best friends, but I don’t want to do something I’ll regret. Is teen drinking really that big of a deal? Sincerely, Sober Sister (15) Dear Sober Sister, You’re facing something a lot of girls your age deal with: what happens when your friends start using substances and you don’t want to? First of all, I’m really proud of you for taking time to think about whether or not you really want to drink at all. I can’t tell you how many girls don’t even bother reflecting on this question; they drink because everyone else does and because they’re afraid of being left out. So go you. Drinking can be something friends do together - you know, like mini-golf or going to the movies. But booze shouldn’t define your friendship. It shouldn’t be the membership card that gets you in. If it is, I can guarantee the friendship will have a short shelf life and that it’s not worth having anyway. If your group has more to it than how many shots it can do, all of you can rise above the divisions caused by drinking, but you all have to step up. Let’s talk about you first: I totally get and sympathize that you are freaking about being left out. But just because you don’t hit every party with them does not disqualify you from being in the group. Yeah, you don’t get to be in on every joke or Facebook album. And that sucks. But it’s not a deal breaker. You can let them do their thing, and you can do yours. In other words, you want them to respect your choices, but you’ll have to respect theirs, too. Now, let’s talk about them: if they can’t respect your choice and your courage, it says a lot (and not much good) about them. If they are going to roll their eyes and sigh and whine, they are disrespecting you. Is it always convenient when they want to drink and you don’t? No. But guess what? Part of friendship is dealing with the differences that may inconvenience you. It happens all the time in healthy friendships, and it certainly doesn’t spell the end of the relationship itself. To make this work, you have to work together: you need to tell them how you feel and express your anxiety and fear about losing them, along with your need for respect for your decision. You also need to let them do their thing without you sometimes. They need to support your choice by choosing to do things as a group that don’t involve drinking, and not giving you crap if you choose not to come along. I hope that helps. Let us know how it goes!
UG Entertainment
BET puts sitcom back in ‘The Game’
Canceled CW skein gets new life on new net By CYNTHIA LITTLETON
A new chapter in the 30-year history of BET began in Atlanta this week as lensing rolled on “The Game,” the former CW sitcom that was resurrected by popular demand of BET’s African-American aud. BET is banking on “The Game” to anchor a scripted programming block that the cabler will launch on Jan. 11. Bowing in tandem with “Game” in the 10-11 p.m. timeslot is “Let’s Stay Together,” a laffer revolving around a newly engaged couple’s efforts to balance their relationship with demanding careers (she’s a pediatrician, he’s a contractor). Both laffers represent a concerted effort by the cabler to broaden its programming mix and draw the premium coin from advertisers that high-end scripted series command. “Game’s” return to original production, 18 months after CW canceled it, is akin to the resurrection of “Family Guy” after its rerun segs did boffo biz for TBS and Adult Swim. The outcry from “Game” fans after the show was axed persuaded BET execs that there was a market opportunity for the cabler
BET’s senior veep of original programming. “We plan to put quality first and tell stories that have rich characters that are relevant to our audience.” BET has a number of drama projects in the development pipeline, but it opted to start with comedies in part because half-hours can get up and running faster -- and the African-American comedy aud is underserved by most of the major broadcast and cable nets. Most of all, the availability of “Game,” which revolves around the wives and girlfriends of players for a fictional NFL team in San Diego, gave BET a built-in advantage with a well-known property. CW dropped “Game” along with other comedies in spring 2009 as it made the strategic shift to an all-drama, Monday-Friday lineup. Even before the cancelation became official, BET execs approached “Game” producer CBS TV Studios about the possibility of picking up the show for firstrun segs. BET has carried reruns of “Game’s” three seasons on CW since February 2009, and those reruns have, in some instances, drawn higher numbers on BET than the originals did on CW. “Game” now ranks as the most-watched off-net series in BET’s history, hitting a high-water mark last October
when the rerun of its third season finale seg drew 2 million viewers. In its final season on CW, “Game” averaged about 1.8 million viewers. At first, there were doubts about whether the show’s production budget could be downscaled to fit the cable model. But with the will of “Game” cast members and married exec producer-showrunners Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, they found the way. For starters, there were cost savings and production tax incentives to be gained by relocating the show from L.A. to Atlanta, where production began Monday at the EUE/Screen Gems studio facility. “Everyone on our team wants to just shock everybody and make it even better than it was on the CW,” said Brock Akil. “How do you do that with less money? You have to be more creative. There’s definitely a bigger rock to push up the hill, but we want it to be a huge success not only for us but for the network. We would love be part of the history of putting BET on the map with original programming in a serious way.” The luxury of targeting a niche market on cable rather than a broader aud for a broadcast net makes “Game” well positioned to score for BET in a way that it could not on CW. “What we never had before was the marketing component to support the show. We just didn’t get that attention on CW,” Brock Akil, the shows producer said. “Now that we’re on BET, they know what they have and they want us to help grow their audience. That’s exciting for us.” The series is slated to premire on January 11, 2011.
Tyler Perry’s Striking Gold With ‘For Colored Girls’ By: Krystal Clark
Tyler Perry is stepping outside of his comfort zone with his latest film, For Colored Girls. It’s the first film that he’s written and directed that’s not based on his own material. The story is adapted from the award winning stage play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, which was penned by Ntozake Shange in 1977. Was Perry able to successfully adapt the material for the big screen? The Plot: For Colored Girls centers on 9 women who each encounter some form of abuse, neglect, or harassment whether it’s physical, sexual, or emotional. The characters begin the film as acquaintances but as the story progresses they become unexpected allies during some of the most terrifying moments of their lives. The Players: Director: Tyler Perry: Screenwriters: Tyler Perry, Ntozake Shange (Play: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf) Cast: Janet Jackson, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine, Tessa Thompson, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Michael Ealy, Hill Harper, Richard Lawson Cinematography: Alexander Gruszynski Original Music By: Aaron Zigman Overall: For Colored Girls has some strong acting. That’s it’s greatest accomplishment. The story is a bit lopsided and unfair to men, but despite that even the male actors brought their A-game. Some serious issues are addressed and discussed so beware, and make sure you bring your tissues.
The Good: Thandie Newton: Perry brought together a variety of talented actresses to star in this ensemble but one of them stole the show — Thandie Newton. The British star steps completely out of her comfort zone as Tangie, an over-sexed bar tender who uses men, ignores her mother, and hates her sister, all because she hates herself. The actress has played drug addicts, seductresses, and overall bad women in the past but none like this. Tangie is a different kind of monster. The Relationships: The theme that binds all these characters together is pain. They’re all damaged in some way and are forced to reach out and help each other when they’ve reached rock bottom. Those moments are the most beautiful to watch because there’s no judgment, just community. The Down Low Life Style: This is one of the first major films that I’ve seen tackle the “down low.” Over the past few years, television specials and documentaries have covered this phenomenon of African American men who’re in heterosexual marriages but are engaging in sexual relationships with other men. I won’t reveal what character encounters this dilemma but just know it has some serious consequences. The Bad: The Men: All the men in this movie are dogs. Liars, rapists, philanderers, are just some of the words that can be used to describe them. Only one of them seems to be a decent guy and that’s Hill Harper’s character, who plays a cop and the husband to Kerry Washington in the film. It’s understood that this is a movie directed towards women who’ve experienced trauma, but do they all have to be at the hands of a psychotic male? There are some good men out there. They do exist. Monologues/Choreopoems: The story was adapted from a play that consists of monologues and chorepoems, which combines music, dance, and dialogue. Perry had to weave together legitimate conversations mixed in with these sections of the play. Unfortunately, some of them don’t fit and are hard to follow. To say it’s difficult to keep up would be an understatement. Rating: 8.5/10
M By Mariah Carey
UG Music
: s e i k c i u Q l a c i s u M a e n e R a l l Prisci Interview By: La’Juanda “LJ” Knight
This up and coming diva, who first made a name for herself on You Tube, is poised to take the world by storm in 2011 and we were lucky enough to get a few moments with the singer to ask her a few brief questions.
LJ: You are pretty young- at what age did you know for sure that you wanted to make singing a career? Priscilla Renea: I was in the 8th grade. I knew I wanted to do something in entertainment. For a while, I wanted to be a star on Broadway and had done a few plays in school. But I began to be noticed more for my vocal ability. Since both of my parents were artists, my mom a lead singer in a band and my father, a trumpeter, it was easy for me to work more on the music side of entertainment.
LJ: Can you tell the UGB family why they should pick up your album “Jukebox?” Priscilla Renea: I cover topics that are important to everyone, from loving someone else to loving yourself. My songs tell stories and offer fans something they can relate too. Aside from the messages, my album is fun and takes listeners to a place of comfort and relaxation. Some songs paint a clear picture of a story, while others serenade you and let you relax, then still there are songs that make you dance while feeling good about yourself.
LJ: I follow you on Twitter and you seem to be a fashion and beauty buff. What fashion and or LJ: What do you think you and beauty advice can you share with your music bring to the industry our readers? that isn’t already here? Priscilla Renea: Be comfortable Priscilla Renea: I wouldn’t with who you are, you were cresay that the music industry as ated to be exactly who you are. a whole is missing anything. I Rock whatever makes you feel think that my sound is a good good and comfortable not what blend of a number of styles makes others feel comfortable because your comand genres. I grew up as a Navy brat, so through my travels and living in different parts of the country, I’ve fort level impacts your confidence. Confidence come to appreciate all kinds of music. and self-esteem are always beautiful. Don’t always dress how you feel, like if you feel down, don’t LJ: Can you share with us what artists (if any) influ- dress like it. Sometimes it’s good to dress how you enced your sound? want to feel. If you want to feel edgy and spontaPriscilla Renea: Second to the early influences of my neous, then put on something that says that. It can Mom and Dad, Lauryn Hill, Lily Allen and Michael change your entire outlook for the day. Jackson heavily influenced my sound.
UG Dating
Making the Transition: From High School to College Dating By: Shaquana Richardson
I
really easier to maintain a relationship in college than it was in high school? t’s that time of year again, the blaze of The average age of our participants when the sun is ending earlier and that cool night breeze then began dating was 15. These relationships lastis beginning to turn into a strong night freeze. ed anywhere from one day to nearly two years. As In our parent’s generation, it was referred to as, young daters, it was easy courting season, but to maintain a relationship nowadays, we call because neither the boy it “cuffin” season. nor the girl were lookThat’s right, it’s ing to get too serious. It that time of year was agreed that during when everyone is those high school days beginning to pair dates were very limited. off left and right, For the most part, the so it was only right mall, movies and parties for us to conduct seemed to be the best a survey to gather atmosphere for dates. information on the One of the toughest transition from the things about making high school dating the transition from high scene to the college school to college dating dating scene. is knowing what behav The tranAlicia Richardson and Darren Johnson have been iors are acceptable and sition from high dating since early 2007, and have dated through which acceptable and school to college which behaviors are their college years. is likely one of the unacceptable when it most difficult chalcomes to interacting with the opposite sex. In high lenges young adults face. Their expectations are school, there was an unspoken rule, which stated raised, both for themselves, from their parents, their families and their communities. Not only are that the girl must wait to be approached by the new college students expected to be more serious boy. In college, this rule no longer exists. At this stage of the game, if you find someone who sparks about themselves, their futures, and their studies, but this is also the time when they find themselves your interest you must make your move before everyone else takes a liking to your “good” catch. leaving behind old best friends, team members, and even boyfriends and girlfriends, as they move When asked to give a brief explanation on the transition from high school dating to college onto the next important stage in their lives and dating most of our participants agreed that high maturity. How simple is it to make the transition school dating was simply for fun, whereas college from high school dating to college dating? Is it dating is a little more serious, as now everyone is
on the hunt for a more serious relationship, in hopes to find a lifelong partner. “In high school, you date people because they are cute, cool or popular. In college, you date people because of who they are and how they make you feel and if they can contribute something good in your life,” 22 year old, Central Piedmont Community College student, Alicia Richardson replied. So what does it take to become a good candidate for dating in college? “I generally spend the first few weeks getting to know the person
My research has shown that dating in college is a numbers game. You’ll find that most college students (especially college men) are comfortable just casually dating. Casual dating is a newer form of dating that allows daters to weed out the person with whom they are most interested in having a serious relationship. “I wouldn’t allow myself to get too caught up too soon. In high school, that was acceptable, but I’m learning that in college, that is never a good idea. Most college boys will string you along for as long as they
“In high school, I attempted to start a relationship with every girl I believed to be attractive. As I moved on to college, I realized that isn’t always the way to do things, so I switched my approach.” -Marvin Jules before I decide to get serious. I seek for the person’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as likes and dislikes. It’s good to absorb as much information about the person before considering to date them,” Derek Graham, a 19 year old sophomore from Elizabeth City State University, responded. “I never dated in high school, but I changed the way that I approach females from high school to college. In high school, I attempted to start a relationship with every girl I believed to be attractive. As I moved on to college, I realized that isn’t always the way to do things, so I switched my approach.” 18 year old Rutgers University sophomore Marvin Jules stated. “It’s easiest to just be friendly and very open about what it is that you are trying to get out of the situation,” replied Ashleigh Phillips, an 18 year old Hampton University student. “It’s so easy to get wrapped up in a situation, and the other person may not be as interested in it as you are,” she continued.
can before they let you know that they’re talking to someone else,” stated a Hampton University freshman. “I learned that lesson early on, and the outcome was quite embarrassing,” she continued. 9 out of 10 girls and 8 out of 10 boys had very similar experiences. “I feel it’s only right that I get to explore my options before I settle for one woman,” Hampton University sopohomore Ronald Cole said about the topic. “Having an open relationship or dating casually is a fair way to experience different prospects,” He continued. A view that our parents would view as taboo, is all to common amongst college students. The transition from high school to college dating can be very nerve racking, but with time you’ll find it to be an easy task. Don’t become too attached too so and be open to different opportunities. Best of luck college daters!
UG Dating
The Do’s and Don’ts of College Dating •DO look for people to date in your classes. They’re likely to have similar interests. In addition, you have a built-in way to meet them. “Hey, you’re in my English class, right? Did you understand yesterday’s lecture?” •DON’T date people in your dorm-- or if you do, proceed with caution. If you break up, you’re going to be stuck with each other for the rest of the year. If you do stay together, you’re going to be the subject of gossip. •DON’T date your friend’s ex unless you are completely sure it’s okay with your friend. Losing a friendship is almost never worth it. •DO be cautious about meeting people in bars and parties, especially if alcohol is involved. Yes, you can meet people this way, but they aren’t always the people you really want to get to know. •DON’T date your professors or TAs. It might be okay to date them after the course is over, but be aware of the problems that come along with dating your professor. •DO avoid drama. One of the hardest parts of about college relationships is that you’re surrounded by constant drama in your friendship groups. Keep your relationship as drama free as possible. •DO be patient with one another. College is a very difficult and stressful time for many young people, so it’s natural that you and your partner will be dealing with a bit of baggage. •DON’T spread secrets about your partner. This is always a bad idea, but it’s worse on a campus where gossip spreads quickly. •DO go on dates outside of college. A little “real life” will do you good! Something as simple as a trip to the TGIFriday’s outside of town will be a nice break. •DO watch movies together, either at a theater or on a DVD player. Movies make a great college date because they’re relaxing and cheap. Here are some ideas for college date movies. •DO be cautious about dating multiple people on campus. If everyone agrees, there’s nothing wrong with this. However, you’re all bound to run into each other on campus. Messy situations are likely. •DON’T cheat on your partner. Not that cheating is ever a good idea, but on campus, getting caught is very easy! •DO be cautious about getting involved sexually. College is an emotionally charged environment, so sexual relationships get emotionally charged as well. Never, ever do anything you’re not completely comfortable with. Insist on using a condom every time. And there’s nothing wrong with being a virgin in college. •DON’T ever drink excessively on a date unless you are completely sure you can trust the person you are with. Know your limit with alcohol. •DON’T ever allow yourself to be alone on a date until you know you can trust the person you are with. Date rape as a serious epidemic of college campuses, and yes, it can happen to you. Always err on the side of caution. •DO think carefully about getting engaged or getting married during or shortly after college. Many young marriages last forever, but many more do not. Never consider marriage because you feel it’s the “thing to do” after college.
Baby Phat by: Kimora Lee Simmons
COVERGIRL