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KEKE PALMER • JAY ELLIS • TRISTAN“MACK”WILDS • GLENN LEWIS • R&B DIVA MONIFAH

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Resident Journalists Jade Perry Thaiia Reynolds Lisa George Nike Ma Cara Noel Saoul Vanderpool Founder / Publisher Frederick “Chef Mookie” Hicks Co-Founder

Heeders

Rayner Wharton Jr. Co-Founder Jordan Hall Photographer / Writer Hakim Pitts Writer Mike Sanford Publicist / Digital Journalist Joe Gilpin Jr. Digital Interactive Designer Benjamin J. Brown Tech/Gaming Editor Lorraine LaPrade Field Journalist

Contributing Photographers Brian Luman Keith Munyan Dennis Robinson II Nino Munoz Ray Fiasco Marcus Smith Devon Walker Frank Wang Joe Marino (Retoucher) Contributing GLAM Toye Adedipe - Stylist Latasha Henderson-Robinson - Stylist Dennis Robinson II - Stylist Tiffany Daugherty - Hair Agostina Lombardo - Makeup Contributing Writers Ky Renee Hampton Genevieve Nixon Interns Darwyn Allen II Brian Luman

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CONTENTS

ARTS CAITLIN KELLY JAY ELLIS

31 37

CULTURE GENEVIEVE: TALKS DIARY: MISS PRISSY

10 16

COVER STORY

REALMUSIC GLENN LEWIS J ROME AARON CAMPER TRISTAN MONIFAH

FEATURES COLUMBUS SHORT

8 12 18 20

SPECIAL FEATURE

KEKE PALMER PHOTO BY © JORDAN HALL

COLUMBUS SHORT, ACTOR / DANCER / MUSICIAN

COVER

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY- JORDAN HALL STYLIST - TOYE ADEDIPE

“If you believe you can, you probably can. If you believe you won’t, you most assuredly won’t. Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad.” (Denis Waitley) “If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” (Mahatma Ghandi) “The outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to reflect their inner beliefs.” (James Allen) Now, God be praised, that to believing souls gives light in darkness, comfort in despair. (William Shakespeare) The culmination of this year’s success boils down to my ability and persistence to believe. Belief is knowledge that goes beyond the physical mind or the lack of light a retina can perceive. It is belief that I speak, belief that I live-out with intent. It is faith. It is powerful and its effects are real. Don’t allow doubt to cause your dreams further delay. Share It • Live It • Heed It

Saoul Vanderpool Founder/Publisher

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ON-AIR Get ready Gladiators, because Scandal’s season 3 premiere has been announced for THURSDAY OCT 3 10|9c on ABC! In case you’ve forgotten, when we last saw Olivia Pope, her secret had come out. The press knows that she was Fitz’s mistress and she’s escorted into a limo where the head of secret/scary spy ring B613—who’s also her DAD!—was waiting for her. Watch the clip below to relive the whole thing.The Von Boozier Scented Lux Candles employ a paraffin wax base; one that’s completely safe for the environment and has been used for years. The National Candle Association states that this wax is even edible (which is why it’s often used on grocery store fruits to give them extra shine).

anticipated

out now

TLC BIOPIC In case you haven’t already heard, VH1’s much-anticipated TLC biopic, “Crazy Sexy Cool: The TLC Story” will air this month. The film, which follows the career of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozanda “Chili” Thomas,” follows the girl’s rise to fame, financial troubles, and Lopes’s tragic death. The name of the film comes from the group’s most popular album which spawned hits like “Waterfalls” and “Creep.”

Katy Perry

TLC

Janelle Monae

Justin Timberlake

Robert Glasper

James Blunt

Jason Derulo

Miley Cyrus

Eminem

Lady Gaga

Donald Lawrence

Amel Larrieux

India Arie

Bilal

under-rated Daley

Isaac Carree

HEED WORTHY A FEW THINGS WELL-WORTH MENTIONING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEVON WALKER

GLENN LEWIS CLOSE UP STORY BY LISA GEORGE

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Glenn | Musician @beingglennlewis

Grammy Nominated R&B Crooner Glenn Lewis returns, as if he never left.

he globe is experiencing a collective revolution of sorts. ‘Critical mass’ seems to have been reached and reset buttons are gearing to go off. Uniquely characterized, eras in time, can often be examined through the poetic creations of musicians. Organically birthed with heartfelt seedlings, soulful artists like Grammy award nominee and Juno Award winner, Glenn Lewis, lyrically capture these indelible time pieces. In his forthcoming album, Moment of Truth (RuffHouse Records/EMI), he artistically weaves tapestry pieces, of a time, that will someday be called history. Armed with a healthy dose of bravado and sensitivity, Lewis has catapulted back onto the music scene with Moment of Truth, set for an October 15, 2013 release. This project is Lewis’ musical documentary of life experiences since the 2002 release of World Outside My Window (Epic Records), his conscientious understanding of a boy who became a man. Like a gentle, cool summer evening breeze, Glenn Lewis’ familiar vocals caress the mind and soothingly remind us that R&B simply needs resuscitation. As he did with his contribution of “Fall Again” to the soundtrack of the 2002 film, Maid in Manhattan, Lewis invites listeners to fall further in love with him and back in love, with R&B music. Stand-out tracks include the island vibe tinged, “All My Love,” where Lewis teamed with fellow Toronto native and Roc Nation songstress Melanie Fiona for a duet that recalls the chemistry of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. His musical conversations through “Up and Down” and “Ugly Face” draw listeners closer to his intimate place – soulfully exposed. The first single, “Can’t Say Love”, a chart favorite, finds the singer inextricably caught up in a love triangle. “Better with Time”, his most meaningful piece, which he feels addresses all that is missing in black love, closes out the album. The applause, from the entertainment

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industry and loyal fans, has been steady, with his artistic re-emergence over a decade later. Born into a musical household to a father, who was a member of Crack of Dawn (Columbia Records) and a singer-songwriter mother, he was gifted with a natural outlet to express himself. However, the embodiment of his vocals and lyrical expression were shaped, as he sojourned, during his teen years, in search of a father figure. With the understanding of a spiritually grown man, Lewis discusses his dad’s reliance on drugs as a means of escape and eventual removal of himself from a son’s life when he most needed him. “My dad is only human and he made some mistakes. He started messing with drugs, and he got hemmed up one time. He was looking at some pretty serious time and so he fled Toronto.” He expands by saying “It was crazy because for a young man, your dad is a summation of who you’re going to be. So to see him like that, at fourteen, really messed with me”. To deal with the eventual exit of his dad, from his life, he found outlets in skateboarding, hoops, and music. The young Lewis also looked to Michael Jordan, in his quest to “shoot for that level of greatness”. Around this time, musical fixtures in his life, Jodeci, Aaron Hall, and Boyz II Men, led the crooner back to music played in his childhood home. With his father’s tone sounding much like the legend, his other father figure was found. “I got heavily immersed into listening to Stevie because I didn’t have my dad.” Reflectively, he believes that on a subconscious level, he connected with the legend because his messages helped a 14 year old boy navigate through some poignant life-shaping moments, as a black man. These two legends guided him at a time when it was truly needed. It is Lewis’ hope that his testimony, regarding his sojourn and father’s 18 year absence, will help someone else. His conversations through this intimate arrangement of songs is the result of an artist who artistically stretched himself, musically soared to a stripped down space, and set free his organically crafted

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testimony. “It’s an accumulation of a lot of experiences. As cliché as it sounds, it’s very much me.” Lewis’ artistic growth is evident on this project and was ensured by producers who innately knew how to bring out his best. Grammy Award winning production duo Dre & Vidal, DJ Camper, Carvin Haggins & Ivan Barias, Certifyd, and Matrax helped move the crooner, with the voice of yesteryears, to unpredictable spaces, where he soared. The Rock music thread, in the musical tapestry, has “always been an underlying influence” for this Toronto native. He expounds by saying that he tends to gravitate towards any artist influenced by The Beatles and offers up Prince, Chris Cornell, Stevie Wonder, Cold Play, and Radiohead as examples. Clearly one to stretch himself, he would love to work with Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter/producer Pharrell Williams, James Fauntleroy, and looks forward to the possibility of doing a duet with Sade. “I just want to do stuff that people don’t expect.” His hobbies include video games, hoops, reading, fashion, movies, and food. To his younger self, he would say “If you really respect what you do, learn all aspects of what you’re involved in. Understand that even in business, there is room for creativity. There is room for innovation… and going out and executing them. The same passion that you take to create a song… take that same passion to execute a business plan.” Centuries from now, individuals will look back, at this time, through this intimate conversational project, and see the state of love, fatherhood, and R&B – they will also see the hope and belief of a people – and the vulnerability and strength of a man. Those of this era can experience the album on October 15th. The Grammy Nominee is looking forward to performing on stage and “ripping the show, from top to the bottom.” So Heeders, check out www.glennlewisofficial. com, @beingglennlewis, and GlennLewis4Real on Facebook to find out where he will be next and other current happenings. 9

Tori | Musician @ToriKelly

HEEDWATCH

Geneviève Talks COLUMN BY GENEVIÈVE A. NIXON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN LUMAN • SURF LODGE, MONTAUK, NY AUGUST 4, 2013

TKeolrlyi When she was 14, Tori Kelly started writing songs in the bedroom of her Southern California home. Within years she began sharing those songs online, and quickly won over Internet audiences with her sweetly soaring vocals, graceful guitar-playing, and knack for blending breezy melodies with boldly heart-on-sleeve lyrics. With her YouTube channel boasting more than 45 million views and 500,000 subscribers, the 20-year-old singer/songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist is now at work on her debut album—a passionate pairing of rock and pop that reflects both her lifelong devotion to music and uncommon authenticity as an artist. A musical purist who began singing at age three and learned to play drums and guitar by the time she was 16, Kelly wrote, produced, mixed, and self-released an EP titled Handmade Songs By Tori Kelly in May 2012—then saw the EP debut at #6 on Soundscan’s New Artist chart and at #9 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. Earlier that same year, Kelly’s online popularity skyrocketed when a YouTube video of her stripped-down, goosebump-inducing rendition of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” went viral, and to date has garnered over 15 million views. Over the past year, Kelly has sold out shows at The Roxy in Los Angeles, Gramercy Theatre in New York City, and Bush Hall in London, as well as headlined a sold-out nine-city U.S. tour. For her debut album, Kelly is back in the studio working to elevate her artistry while delivering honest, emotionally charged music that resonates with those who’ve supported her musical journey over the years. “I’m always very real in my songwriting—I’m not trying to put on a mask or hide behind any kind of gimmick,” says Kelly, who lists artists as eclectic as Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, Jeff Buckley, and Justin Timberlake as key inspirations. “No matter what I’m going to do my own thing. So when people tell me that they relate to my songs, or that something I’ve written really connects with them, that’s just the best feeling in the world.”

hen Trayvon’s name is heard it conjures up strong emotion, opinion, and thankfully a call for action and change in America. February 26, 2012, the night George Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin, under the guise of the “Stand Your Ground” law, was a night that reignited and amplified a public outcry to protect our youth. Whether one believes it was just or unjust, the majority will agree that his death was an unnecessary act of violence.

TRAYVON MARTIN

a positive image of strength and justice. From NBA teams, to notable celebrities, to your common everyday type, people began posting viral images of themselves in hoodies. But here is where the tide turns, and a tragic story began to foster unity amongst people from all walks of life. In particular, a 25-year-old black male, Daniel Maree, is a Florida native with first-hand experience with being racially profiled. Maree, decided to take action in his own way by starting a social media campaign, Million Hoodies Movement for Justice (#MillionHoodies), a campaign that instantly trended on twitter, collected over 2 million signatures for a petition demanding the arrest of George Zimmerman, then spread to twelve chapters eople across America and around the across the nation and created a platform world, from different races, cultures, for over 50,000 people to rally across the religions, and socio-political beliefs country in protest; gaining the interest of began to converse about a common cause President Barack Obama. and undeniable problem that has been perpetuated throughout American history. On July 31, 2013, Daniel Maree, was one The rampant stereotype of black youth as of five social activists honored by the Do “suspicious” is far too common. Racial Something Awards. An annual awards profiling has plagued this country and ceremony, which airs on national television has been the cause for the death of many and utilizes public text-to-vote polling to notable victims such as Ramarley Graham, choose the winner of a $100,000 grand Rekia Boyd, Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell, prize, to support the nominee’s particular DJ Henry, Archie Elliot, Darius Simmons, cause or organization. As hundreds of Oscar Grant and countless others. thousands of votes came in, Daniel and his #MillionHoodies Movement earned the So what about Trayvon Martin’s incident grand prize to grow the organization, with was unique to spark a public outcry across the goal of becoming one of the leading the world, via social media? How did non-profit organizations in America. the chant “I Am Trayvon Martin” grow to encompass girls, boys, men and women of This is exemplary of the power of one all races? Well, there are several reasons, young man who wore a hoodie, Trayvon but one symbol became iconic to this case Martin, whose death triggered a national and to public protests that grew across the outcry that sparked a young man, Daniel country, the hoodie. The hoodie sweater, Maree, to do something that in turn unified a common article of clothing now became a nation of diverse individuals for a a prolific symbol for personal protests. common cause. With immediate action Which was in direct relation to Trayvon such as this, one must believe that the love Martin, since that was the article of clothing and respect of an individual’s life is a he was wearing when killed and perceived unifying thread that will continue to suspicious. The topic of the hoodie took embody the undying chant, “I Am on a life of it’s own, conjuring debates and TRAYVON MARTIN”. May he rest in peace. stories of how someone wearing a hoodie can be observed as dangerous, or in Zimmerman’s words “up to no good”. Send your feedback and suggested topics. In true rebellious American tradition, Email: genevievetalks@heedmag.com many took that supposed negative image Also, support the nominee’s particular of someone in a hoodie and flipped it into cause or other organizations for justice.

J Rome | Singer @OfficialJRome

INTRODUCING BY LORRAINE LAPRADE

J ROME

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN LUMAN • STYLING BY VONRAY

If you take a big risk, you run the risk of a big reward. And if you fail, you fail, but at least you tried.

He is keeping his promise. J Rome competed and won NBC’s singing competition Duets in 2012. And since then has opened sporting events, performed and collaborated with superstars like Miguel and former Duets judge John Legend. There is even an album in the works. Heed: I see that some of your influences are Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston… J Rome: Michael Jackson. Stevie Wonder [he says enthusiastically]. Yes, Whitney is my all-time biggest icon. Then comes Stevie Wonder, then Michael Jackson, mainly because they were such great entertainers. They are such great entertainers. Heed: How have they influenced how you entertain?

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J Rome: Well honestly, Whitney…she taught me how to sing. At a very young age I was able to mimic people when it comes to their vocals and that’s how come my range is so high. I always listened to female artists and mainly it was Whitney and she taught me how to belt. So, if it didn’t sound like her I was doing it wrong … Then with Stevie Wonder, [it was] just being able to have that showmanship. As far as vocally, being able to do things acrobatically, just kind of play around with it, have fun. And with Mike, that stage presence, just being able to deliver at a level that nobody else could do. Don’t be afraid to take risks. ‘Cause you know, Mike wasn’t scared of nothing [sic]. Nothing.

he gift of song cannot be taken for granted. No one knows this more than R&B artist J Rome who, some nine years ago, lost his voice after complications from a routine tonsillectomy. When he regained the ability to speak two months after the incident, he vowed that he would “never open [his] mouth to sing another note unless [he] meant it from his heart.”

Heed: Is it true that you actually got to sing with Whitney when you were seven-years-old? J Rome: No, no, no. When I was younger my first performance was when I was five. It was my preschool graduation. I had the chance to sing “The Greatest Love of All” and that was my first live performance…I still somewhat remember

not completely different, because I have always had this grind mentality. And working with Black Law Entertainment is the same. We’ve always had that grind mentality. But now since the show, having the notoriety, having certain people behind us now, having certain people that want to work with us now it’s a better platform to be on. So, it’s definitely changed in that way. Personally, it’s changed because people that [I] thought I would never see again have resurfaced and tried to say things like, “Oh, we were in English class together…” [he breaks into laughter]. So, personally it’s become a little hectic just trying to weed-out or trying to find those friends that you had before. But professionally it’s definitely grown for the better. Absolutely. Heed: One of the perks [of notoriety] is being able to sing with other artists. You’ve opened for Miguel. When was this?

how I felt, which is still how I feel today when I sing in front of people… Heed: In 2012, you did Duets. Why did you audition? J Rome: I auditioned because X-Factor, The Voice, and Duets all called me the same week… My manger, Troy Womack, [and I]…we were talking about it…and we were saying we didn’t want to do that…That’s not the type of artist that he wanted me to be and that’s not the kind of artist I wanted to be, where I came off a t.v. show or something like that. But at the end of the day, if it’s your break, it’s your break. If that’s the path that God has for you, then that’s what you gotta [sic] take… I decided to do Duets, because it was the one where I got to sing with Jennifer Nettles every week. No one knew how powerful her voice really was, because with Sugarland she doesn’t always use that part of her voice. But it was such an amazing opportunity. I’ll never forget it. It was something that actually helped me grow mentally in the industry. She taught me so much just in the couple of weeks that I was with her: [like] never be afraid to take risks. If you take a big

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risk, you run the risk of a big reward. And if you fail, you fail, but at least you tried. Then the other part was: keep your inner circle small. You can have that outer circle, but your inner circle has to be very small, because you have to be able to trust the people that are going to be around you every day. Heed: And she is a country artist. Was that an issue for you? J Rome: Oh, I was scared. I was scared [he laughs]. I was like, wait a minute I am an R&B sounding, gospel-ish [artist]…But after we sang, I think we had our first rehearsal, I was like this is going to be good. This is going to be fun, no matter if I make it to week two or three, or all the way to the end. I knew that it was going to be a great experience because she knew how to bring her timbre down and I knew how to bring mine up or down, or however it was to help the blend fit. It was just a great experience to be around her and just have that creative mindset. Heed: So as the winner, how have things changed for you? J Rome: I want to say 180 for the most part. It’s

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J Rome: I did open for Miguel. [He takes a moment to think]…I think it was after the show. It was fun. Miguel is a really nice guy. He’s very supportive and I would love to work with [him]. You could tell that his creative juices were flowing as he was on stage. It was amazing. It was a good thing to see, ‘cause you get a new respect for people when you see them in their element. I thought that was really cool. And then… I got a chance recently to sing the National Anthem in front of 28,000 people at the Red Bull stadium. So, that was my first [time] ever singing in front of that many people as J Rome…I sang with Monifah at the Apollo which was my very first time being on the Apollo stage, so that was amazing. I just had the chance to do a lot of amazing things. Heed: What is next for you? J Rome: I am working on an album. We’re gonna [sic] do an EP first. It is a prelude to the album to let them know that something is coming. I want to give them something initially just to see how everybody feels, to see how they gravitate toward it. I am shooting a video, actually this week, for my single that’s coming out. and I’m just really excited about everything. I have a lot of collaborations coming up. I just wrote a song with John Legend. Some good things are coming. 15

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merica had one common experience in 2005, we all viewed or at least heard of the movie RIZE.This documentary stirred quite a frenzy, as we all were blown away with the story behind the “krump” style of dancing and the struggle that some of the main cast members were faced with in their urban neighborhood. It was amazing to witness how these young dancers transformed struggle into success. We were grateful that David LaChapelle introduced us to these creative individuals. Amongts the many energetic and masculine male cast members, stood out a female who balanced the testosterone heavy film with feminine poise, hardcore dancing and movement. She went by the name “Miss Prissy”. We received an opportunity to interview her and document a day in her life for our column entitled, “A Diary of… A Dancer”. 16

Miss Prissy | Dancer @missprissyqok

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VonRay: Everybody knows you as “Miss Prissy” from the documentary RIZE and for dancing with Tommy The Clown…What have you been up to since then? Miss Prissy: Well, before RIZE, I was on tour with the rapper The Game for a year and a half, with the “How the West Was Won” tour in Europe and in the U.S. I actually had to cut the U.S. tour short to be on RIZE and do the scheduled promo. After RIZE, I was scouted by Madonna and toured with her. In the midst of that I was doing music, I also sing, and I was signed to Columbia Records overseas. I actually put out an album, but I guess it wasn’t time, you know. So, I stepped out of that situation and got new management and I was booked for “Stomp the Yard”, “Alvin and the Chipmunks”, and I also did the movie “How She Moves”, I was the stunt double for the main female character. Wow [pause], I have done so much! I am currently dancing with Omarion and have been doing that for a while as well. I have traveled to so many countries teaching dancing to less fortunate young people. I feel truly blessed

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to be able to give back. VonRay: Krump never died. Explain to me what is “Krumping”? Miss Prissy: Krumping is a culture. A culture that young kids in an urban environment, that’s full of trial and era, use to escape the negativity. Krump, the dance, is an outlet to be artistically expressive. Throughout the years people have somehow tried to make it align with God. I choose not to ever mix politics and religion in something that’s a hobby for people. Even though I do feel a spiritual connection when I’m dancing, Krumping is a way to channel your emotions. Growing up in South Central (California), I was exposed to a lot of negativity. I sort of feel like the government put different things in communities, so that you can fail. In South Central there are liquor stores on every corner, so why don’t they remove some of those liquor stores and build activity centers for children… since we didn’t have that positive outlet, we created our own activity centers in our backyards and in those parents’ living rooms that allowed us.

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VonRay: What motivates you to keep dancing? Miss Prissy: What motivates me to keep dancing is my daughter, but besides the obvious, change is constant. The human body needs to continually move. When the body is not moving, then there is a problem. I call myself the Jill of all trades. I’m motivated by my dancing and other talents that I have…When I’m not dancing, I’m playing the piano or I’m singing or I’m writing scripts or I’m doing hair or just working hard to succeed, because I am working to set an example for my daughter. I’m raising a queen, and she is a major influence of my motivation. VonRay: Where do you see yourself in 2 years? Miss Prissy: In 2 years, I see myself getting an Emmy for “The Best Director” of a stage show on Broadway. And I got things in the works for a play as we speak. A lot of black women should give themselves goals. We are already beaten down verbally by society, saying, “you aren’t going to be

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anything” and etc. The universe is ours’ and we have to set those goals and accomplish them. VonRay: What advice would you give to an aspiring dancer? Miss Prissy: Keep God first. Research, research, research and make sure you know what you are pursuing. Don’t get caught up in “just being a dancer for an artist”, work pass that and create your own path. Dance has to be your passion and work hard on your craft to perfect your craft. And again, do much research! VonRay: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule Miss Prissy. We know that you were in between teaching classes at The Ladies of Hip Hop event, here in New York City. I admire dancers so much and you are one of my favorite. We wish you much success on building your empire. Miss Prissy: Thank you everyone for reading my diary, “The Diary of ...a Dancer”

Aaron | Musician @AaronCamper

INTRODUCING BY JADE PERRY

AARON CAMPER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY FIASCO

I don’t count accomplishments… because there’s so much more I want to do!

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rtist and songwriter, Aaron Camper, is breathing new life into the pop music scene. He has worked with the likes of Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Fantasia, PJ Morton, and David Guetta and has written for and toured with Justin Timberlake. It would be an understatement to say that Aaron Camper has gained respect from renowned music-makers. Yet there are even larger things on the horizon for this artist: Aaron Camper is ready now for the world to hear his own unique sound. Aaron Camper hails from Salisbury, MD where there was, as he describes, “not a lot of time to dream. No one I knew could sing. I sang at church…at home in my room… You didn’t want to be the dude with the light eyes that could

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sing (where I’m from)”. However, his passion for music took him further than he imagined, as he began working with a variety of pop and R&B artists. Aaron Camper could boast a solid EP project called “Welcome to My World”, a 2008 Grammy nomination, a spot as a BET Music Matters artist, and eye-catching videos such as Mirrors x Megahurtz, not to mention his industry success. However, when asked about his biggest accomplishments, he simply states: “I don’t count accomplishments…because there’s so much more I want to do! I’m always moving, always creating... I don’t think my sound has been heard yet. It’s going to be a little longer. My sound now is honest. It’s the truth. It’s my life…my day to day. People will love my music because I’m being honest about what I go through in relationships, what I’m trying to be in life. I don’t hold that back”.

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Aaron Camper’s work ethic is undeniable and his focus is laser-sharp. When he spoke to HEED magazine, he was just leaving a rehearsal, and was slated to attend many more in the upcoming weeks. He explained that although he has worked with various artists, he is sure to stay true in developing his own body of work, as well. “The more you push, the closer those goals are becoming. A lot of cats now…they’re dreamers. You see people. You can do it, but you’ve got to put the work in. You don’t have to outwork the other man, you just have to love what you do, and you’ll automatically outwork them. If you love what you do, it’ll love you back”. His work is before him, his music is fresh, and his goals are set. He’s shooting for his own seat at the Grammy’s…and I do believe, he’ll get that. To learn more about this artist, HEED and Aaron Camper invite you to check out his website at www.aaroncampermusic.com. 19

K C AWilds INTERVIEW BY CARA NOEL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN LUMAN • STYLING BY VONRAY

L ESMAL DS ORLIV THREA- DREAMBIG TAN’S OWN SHIRT SORIES - TRIS ACCES

Tristan | Musician @MACKWILDS

t just 24, Tristan Wilds has a pretty vast resume. He’s played a cold-blooded killer on “The Wire,” a prom king on “90120,” and a member of the illustrious Tuskegee Airmen in “Red Tails.” Now, the Staten Island native is expanding his resume to include a new title: musician. I recently sat down with Tristan “Mack” Wilds, to discuss his new project, “New York: A Love Story.” C: You’ve had a very diverse career, and now you’re coming out with an album. Firstly, congratulations! What inspired you to want to make an album? T: I’ve always wanted to make an album. Music was my first love. This album in particular is the result of the constant conversations Salaam [Remi] and I were having.

Tristan | Musician @MACKWILDS

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I met Salaam about five years ago, while I was shooting “90210” we would always have conversations about how, being in LA, we missed New York. Being in LA, they don’t understand what it’s like to have a summertime in New York City; the whole nine yards. It was in having those conversations and those thoughts that the idea of the album was born. C: Who are some of your musical inspirations? T: The list goes on and on for days. Literally, I listen to damn near everything from Lady Antebellum, to Queen, to Jay-Z, to Kanye, to Daft Punk. I listen to David Bowie, to Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Roy Ayres, Marvin Gaye, Otis Reading -- the list goes on and on. C: Very cool. Ok, so on this album, you’re working with musical veterans like Method Man, Neyo and Raekwon. What was it like working with them? T: It was amazing just to get their blessing to do certain things. Like, Neyo wrote the majority of the record, and then I went in and wrote the verse and the bridge on “Own It.” And then Method Man blessed me with a verse on a song. It just felt amazing to have everybody’s support. C: What’s your favorite track on the album? T: I don’t even have one. We play a constant game just to see which one is the weakest song on the album. And whenever we pick out the weakest one, we start messing with it until we like it again, and then we go back in the fold again and say “Ok. Now which one is the weakest one?” So we have been tweaking this album for the last 2-3 months, and yeah – I don’t even have a favorite track.

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C: So you are a rapper and a singer. Which do you prefer? T: Neither. I love them both. I feel like if I had to stop doing one, I’d probably jump off a bridge C: Let’s NOT have that! C: Name for me three artists that you would love to work with in the future? T: Lauryn Hill, Kanye West and Jay[Z]. They are definitely creative minds, and just to be able to be in the studio and pick their brains while we’re working would definitely be amazing. C: Great choices! I’m a fan of all of them. C: Musically, where do you see yourself in five years? T: Five years from now I’ll be 29. I feel like I’ll definitely be a heavyhitter in the game, and definitely be making culturally impacting music. Honestly, I’ll just be having fun with it, and not even worrying about the stress of any awards shows. As long as my fans love it, and as long as they feel everything that I say, that’s all I’m worried about. C: So in other words, you do it for the love of music? T: Yes C: Ok, I respect that. C: Who is your music for?

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T: Honestly, my music is for anyone who is willing to just listen to real life stories. It’s for anyone who is going through, or has been through love and loss, especially at such a pivotal point in their lives. I feel like your 20’s is the time when you experiment the most with the different things that life gives you. With where I am in life right now, and experimenting in love and life, it definitely makes for great music. C: So you’re talking about experiencing life and love. Is there someone special in your life? T: No. Not right now, but one day there will be.

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C: In 15 words or less, tell me why I should buy your album. But I’m not really counting words, so just tell me why I should buy it.

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T: It is fucking dopeness. It’s as simple as that. It’s literally just a great piece of work, and it’s a full body of work; the songs just make sense together. It’s just a great musically, sonic body of work. C: You’re from Staten Island. T: Born and raised C: So will you be doing local appearances this summer? T: Absolutely! I’ll be all over New York. This is our city, and our main plan right now is to make New York City a party this summer, and have the whole world want to be here. C: Fantastic. What else should I know about you? T: Just look out for the music video that’s coming soon. Look out for the webisodes that we’re going to start shooting. Everything! It’s about to be real crazy!

Click»Swipe Mouse • Pad • Phone Ashmont Hill

Lined with a collection of high powered tunes of praise and worship, the album invites listeners to get lost on a musical journey brimming with sonic twists and turns – a praise promenade.

Ja Rule

The rapper turned actor stars in I’M IN LOVE WITH A CHURCH GIRL. It is a powerful, inspiring story of a love between a man and a woman, a gift of second-chances, and a family at home and in church that never stops praying and believing.

Michelle Williams

Think you’ve got Michelle Williams all figured out? For fans of her subtle and smooth work as one-third of the world-renowned Destiny’s Child, as well as her soul-stirring spiritual solo work, this is a brand-new Michelle Williams. Or is it?

Tye Tribbett

Tye Tribbett’s fifth album Greater Than is already #1 on the iTunes Gospel Charts, and in the top ten overall and it’s no wonder. The album is pretty incredible to say the very least.

Deitrick Haddon

Gospel trailblazer Deitrick Haddon co-stars in the faith-based docu-series “Pastors of LA,” which chronicles the lives of six Los Angeles based ministries and airing on the Oxygen network this Fall 2013.

Egypt Sherrod

EGYPT simultaneously holds down duties as a Top Rated Midday Personality on Atlanta’s #1 rated radio station V103, host of HGTV’s “Property Virgins” and co-host of the syndicated daytime TV hit “Home Delivery”.

wifi WORTHY WWW.HEEDMAG.COM

Luxury swimwear transcends seasons

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN LUMAN

Caitlin K. | Designer @CaitlinKellySW

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INTERVIEW BY

ADE LORRAINE LAPR

n as a designer. revived her passio ened my ofmy life, after I op “I hit a moment in in front of my threw a brick wall fice, that kind of y line, with m e forward with motivation to mov of my good ne “O e explained. my creativity,” sh e crying. And call and heard m friends gave me a h these tears. ve to sketch throug she said, ‘You ha too far.’” e m ck. You’ve co You cannot turn ba five swimged her to create en all ch d en fri e Th e advice urs. Kelly took th suits in just two ho s suit, one dless possibilitie different and created the en st worn at lea 300 suit that could be im sw e tiv va no up with the in ways. In July, we caught gs together imwear trying to pull thin s wa i e on women’s sw iam M designer who Kelly’s unique tak her showing at r fo dustry and ) in er e th th ge in to s it wave (and keep aps started to make ha ar, the brand has Swim Week. . Within the last ye nd hted yo ot tra be an us Ill ‘I’m ts y, or sa edition of Sp st come in and to urnal. ared in the 2013 ve Jo pe ha “I didn’t want to ju u im Yo Sw it. e y Th bu of st issue you have to en to and the July/ Augu er swimwear line; rm. I wanted wom rfo pe to it our suits until the ed nt love it.’ I wa ow who’s wearing icated. It’s kn ist ph n’t so do y e ’s “It “W . lly id Ke Upton was actuall be drawn to it, sa e comes out. Kate not a in it’s d az t un ag bu fo m , I xy t se en It’s om I think the m very New York. l the back from enue tured in my suit. tel Av fea n’t h ca nt u ve yo Se e d er an e on 37th Brazilian wh out, from my offic d and was d Central I walke the front. an Gr to y wa e th d. Oh, ar all we im , y God. Oh my Go to creating sw h, my God. Oh, m ‘O l Kelly is committed st, fee ju es typ dy of all bo e my God,’” said Kelly. that makes women . Her garments ar ul tif au e most be d an nt confide , o taken notice. Th lebrities have als xe, impeccable fit lu Ce signer of De ix m lly ct Ke rfe in pe itl the rity to wear Ca leb ce y. nt lit ce re ati rs ve quality, and é. Swimwear: Beyonc it for 2014 is the The latest swimsu ow it started with ry humbling to kn ties suit, ili ve ib ’s it’s ss “It w po no s d es an dl ily the en ends and fam woman from pool id. support of my fri sa lly Ke , ow kn which will take a no le I don’t even in op g pe in d en uld he ev ac I or re y an to party, da It’s more th co onse is amazing. as a bikini, sp rn re wo he be “T n ca It time. piece. And, ever ask for. monokini, or onegner o be als n ca it p, Caitlin Kelly Desi r-u ve with the co e official face of writer Th ng so g / in er en ng ev an odel and si transformed into ro Swimwear is m s fuse ck, errill’s sound in gown. Heidi Merrill. M found on r music can be ibilities pop and soul. He errill.com im The endless poss id ic at www.he Kelly’s Heidi Merrill Mus swimsuit is one of cause it favorite pieces be

er Caitlin spent wimwear design working in her earlier years partment of the swimwear de es. But after mpani large fashion co fell apart as she it su im lved a $600 sw t it on, Kelly reso attempted to pu n swimwear line. to develop her owched Caitlin Kelly In 2012, she launear under the Designer Swimw en should not have premise that wom ity for luxury. to sacrifice qual

Jay Ellis INTERVIEW BY MIKE SANFORD

Jay Ellis | Actor @JayREllis

To hear a mother say, “I want my daughter to marry someone like ‘Blue’” is a very rewarding thing...

here’s a new game in town. Jay Ellis is the new series regular for the 6th season of the BET hit series, The Game, which premiered in March 2013. Ellis stars as the wide-eyed Bryce “Blueprint” Westbrook, a brilliant Stanford grad and recipient of the Heisman Trophy. The highly educated “Blueprint”, also known as “Blue”, is often the smartest guy in the room, which rubs his new teammates the wrong way. Jay also starred alongside Terrence Howard & Halle Berry in the Farrelly Brothers’ film Movie 43, released earlier this year. The film boasts an ensemble cast with some of the most remarkable actors working today. His other credits include guest-starring roles on Hart of Dixie, How I Met Your Mother, NCIS, and Grey’s Anatomy. Born in Fort Sumter, South Carolina, Ellis is the only child born into a military family. His father is a career Sergeant in the US Air Force, and his mother, is currently the COO of the Bank of Oklahoma. Just before high school, Jay and his family settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Metro Christian Academy where he excelled academically, in athletics, and as the class clown. His athletic abilities earned him a basketball scholarship to Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. There he was elected student body President, spent 2 years working with 38

AmeriCorps in Oregon, and completed a successful internship with the Portland Trailblazers before deciding to ultimately follow his childhood dream of becoming an actor. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Ellis worked in the fashion industry as a model and as a retail executive opening stores for True Religion, Reiss, and Kitson. Ellis used all of his free time to study acting and pursue his career. His relentless preparation has paid off and Heed spoke with Ellis about his journey to superstardom. HEED Magazine: How has it been working on the Game? Jay Ellis: It’s been amazing man. It’s been great. I don’t know that I had much expectation in the beginning. I think in the beginning I just wanted to come in and do a good job and have fun. I respected Hosea, Wendy, and Brandy so much, and obviously Mara you know is a genius! I just wanted to come in and have fun in my opportunity to work with these guys and I think we have something really good on our hands. I think we’ve found something that’s really interesting, new and fresh and people are really excited about it. This whole experience has been a dream. HM: Do you think you have something in common with your character? JE: Yes, the military thing for sure. I played college sports as well. Those are things I can easily tap into when it comes to creating Blue. HM: You spent a lot of time traveling & moving as a child. How have those experiences shaped your outlook on the entertainment industry and how you relate to the industry? JE: A couple of different ways. Work ethic. There’s a work ethic there that I carried over in my life. Also, I was really blessed to move around because I played the new kid so much that walking into a room with strangers is not intimidating. I really believe it’s that skill set of being the new kid. HM: So, when you first moved to LA, you did

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some work in fashion. Was that something you always wanted to do? JE: Modeling was a complete accident. It was one of those right time, right place kind of things. When I was in college there was a kid whose mom was a booker for an agency and she would always have him do random jobs and he asked me one day if I wanted to do one and I said yes. I’m doing extra work on this commercial and this girl starts talking and she says she’s a model, she just got back from overseas, she just made like 30 grand in 3 months! So, quite naturally the business man in me said why not! HM: You literally fell into it. JE: I literally fell into that man. HM: Did you use that as the catalyst to start the acting? JE: I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know the steps to take to go from being a model to an actor. The two worlds are very, very different and I think when I was doing that I thought the two were interchangeable. What I didn’t realize was that the worlds were completely different. I found myself not knowing what to do and ended up wasting time and working in a day job. I was miserable and didn’t want to do that anymore and I made a decision to be an actor full time. HM: What has been the biggest challenge as an actor? JE: The biggest challenge…I mean everyday is a challenge. Waking up in an industry where you’re told “no” 900 times before you’re told yes is a challenge. Dealing with that is not easy. You’ve got to find a way to keep yourself inspired and keep your reasons for acting as pure as possible. When it turns into money and fame I think that’s when a whole new added set of circumstances and pressure comes in and luckily I haven’t had to deal with that.

JE: You know it’s like the Biggie song, “mo’ money, mo’ problems”. I mean everybody wants to spend a little more. You may have a lifestyle you want to keep. I think when people focus on the fame and the money, the purity of acting and telling stories changes their work because now they’re not doing parts anymore, they’re doing commerce. That’s not a bad thing but if your focus in acting is commerce especially when you’re starting out, I think it’s a long road, it’s a difficult road, it’s an upsetting road...again because you hear “no” so much. HM: On the contrary what has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being in entertainment? JE: The most rewarding aspect is just affecting people’s lives. That’s an amazing thing. To hear a mother say, “I want my daughter to marry someone like ‘Blue’” is a very rewarding thing to hear. People are drawn to the character your playing and to have people say things like that is insanely rewarding. To change people’s lives and affect people’s thought processes is a powerful thing. HM: I know you’re also a fitness and health guru! JE: Yeah, so I have a couple of juice bars with a health food store and it’s attached to our pilates, spin and yoga studio. I’m all about health and fitness and I really believe a healthy body helps to build a healthy mind. HM: Do you have plans on expanding that business? JE: I would hope to. We’ll see what happens. The goal is that we would expand for sure. It’s been successful and people really dig the brand. If I were lucky enough to expand, I’d definitely love to. HM: What else do you have coming up; any movies or guest roles?

2 films with a production company that I’m a partner in. HM: Oh, so you’ll be behind the camera as well? JE: Yea, but only as a producer. [Laughs] HM: This is a really random question, but if you had to pick an animal that best describes you what would it be? JE: A silverback gorilla! I don’t know why I said that but it’s the first animal that popped in my head. They’re smart, king of the jungle, but they still have a sensitive side; majestic…yeah that definitely would be mine. HM: How do you manage to stay positive in an industry like yours? JE: There’s a thing of knowing who you are. If you’re searching for who you are in this industry it’s going to be really, really hard because you’re constantly looking for validation in the wrong places. Outside of that, friends and family. The ones who really know you; the ones who know that you like blue M&M’s and that you’re terrified of birds. Those are the people that keep you grounded. They don’t see the celebrity, they don’t see the star. Plus my mom and pops don’t play! [Laughs] HM: What are some things you take HEED to? JE: Culture man. It’s so much around us. From music to art to people’s stories. There are just so many amazing stories out there that are inspiring and heartwarming, and depressing and bad, you know? But there’s always so much that can come out of life. Life is such a beautiful thing. And as generic as that answer may be that’s the best I could give. I’m just inspired by the people I talk to everyday…just culture! We can’t be ignorant in this global society because there’s just too much to learn from. HM: Anything else you want to share?

HM: What do you mean by that, money adding pressure?

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JE: Yes, I’m doing a little cameo in an independent Christmas movie with Tatyana Ali and Jordin Sparks. And than I’m producing

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JE: Yes, I would love it if you all check out my website at www.jayellis.com! 39

Columbus

Short

STORY BY JADE PERRY • INTERVIEW BY TODD ANTHONY

S PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN HALL • STYLING BY TOYE ADEDIPE

ome recognize him by those dynamic moves from the film, “Stomp the Yard”. Others are familiar with his intense acting ability displayed in “Cadillac Records”. We’ve been enthralled by his performance in movies like “The Losers”. Still, many know him as the smooth, “gladiator in a suit”, Harrison Wright in the hit ABC tv series “Scandal”. Actor, Columbus Short has been forging a path within arts and entertainment that is all his own. He sat down with HEED magazine to give us his unique take on life, balance, work, and the craft of acting.

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Columbus | Artist @ColumbusShort1

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“WE ARE GLADIATORS

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On Acting & The Entertainment Industry “Within myself, I feel like I am a versatile actor. Scandal has started to broaden the awareness of my range of acting. So, I consider myself a character actor. And I’m starting to see that (evidenced) in the responses… that respect… Now it’s not all about, ‘Oh, he’s hot! He’s sexy! They’re talking about the work. And that’s always what I wanted it to be about. There are more opportunities for African American males opening up. For me, this is just the beginning. Scandal is the beginning of a new chapter…” “It’s all about who you are before you get in this business. If you’re an arrogant prick, you’re going to become even more arrogant. If you’re a hard worker, you’re going to work harder. The entertainment industry highlights whoever you are, even in your shortcomings. If those shortcomings go unchecked, they can cause you to stumble.”

On Art: While most recognize his current work within film, Columbus Short has had a long history and love for the performing arts. We have seen his high-powered moves in films like Stomp the Yard. But he has also choreographed tours for artists such as Britney Spears. Here, he talks about working his passion for various artistic mediums. “I was working on a (music) album and it became daunting… I didn’t know if I wanted to fight that battle, and maybe it was the wrong timing. But at some point, I’ll be back in the studio. It’s important to stay in your lane, but when you have the ability to go outside of your lane, then do it! Music is one of the biggest parts of my life and so to deny that or not feed it…sometimes I feel the effects internally. So, I try to balance my life. Sometimes people just do stuff just to do it. Not because they have a passion for it. But then, there are those guys who do it well. It’s not like ‘I’m a basketball player…but I’m going to do an album’. There are some who do it well.”

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On Advocacy The rest is yet to be seen. I’m looking forward to all the opportunities. This is not just with acting but with philanthropy and service, being a role model… not just to Black males but to the entire generation after us. Indeed, Columbus Short has recently displayed his heart for activism and justice through a moving open letter regarding the pressing Trayvon Martin case. In the interview with HEED and his open letter, Short has responded in with strong depth of thought and clarity, encouraging people to respond in a civically responsible way.

On Family & Future At the age of 30, Columbus Short is a husband and dedicated father. Short explains how to strike a work/life balance and his goals for the future: “In life, there is balance. If you have the trifecta of life, family, and work, you want to check in and make sure all of those things are operating well. You want to check to see if there is a balance. If you’ve got too much work, your family life is unbalanced. If you have too much family life, your work life is unbalanced. It’s not easy to balance all of those things. But if your emotional IQ is tuned, it becomes easier and becomes more manageable. These things will just come with maturation, and seasoning, and year-by year you get better at managing your life… So, take a daily or weekly check-in on your life inventory: what’s working well? What’s not working well? If you do that, you will find a vital and meaningful life. And that’s what I’m trying to do: find vitality & meaning… I have to keep on working in some capacity, whether that’s film, Scandal, etc. I see myself directing. I love directing, creating, being a contributor to this business. I want to contribute great films, and great tv, and great art to the entertainment business. That’s something that’s really important to me. In five years, I want to see my wife operating all cylinders go! I want to see my son being successful. I want to see my daughter being successful. I want to make sure that I’m a better person… not stagnant.

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“IN LIFE THERE IS

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On Success: “Be prepared to fail…but not to give up. Without failure, there is no success. If you’re able to deal with failure and deal with coming up short, but you don’t give up, you can be successful in this business.

PHOTO BY NINO MUNOZ

Keke | Actor/Singer @KekePalmer

Keke

Palmer STORY BY HAKIM PITTS

hildhood stars will always hold a special place in our heart. Whether if it’s their breakout performance on the big screen or their memorable journey into adolescence on our favorite primetime series, they have a special way of sticking with us and aren’t easily forgotten. Far too often however, we find our favorite childhood stars’ names plastered on every tabloid and struggling to make it into adulthood; proving that the shining lights of Hollywood, fortune and fame are far too much to bear. Thankfully, that’s everyone else’s narrative and not the story of former childhood star and critically acclaimed singer/actress, Keke Palmer. A couple of weeks ago, I chatted with Keke and talked about her transition from the talented, bite-sized actress to a burgeoning young woman, who is ambitious and fierce, yet unmistakably humble.

PHOTO BY KEITH MUNYAN

I like who I am and I have to remain true to that.

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PHOTO BY MARCUS SMITH

You need to have love in your life cuz at the end of the day when the movies, the music and the money goes away what else do you have? heed

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PHOTO BY KEITH MUNYAN

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Lauren Keyana Palmer was born August 29, 1993. She grew up in the southern surburbs of Chicago and started performing in church and school early in life. “I grew up admiring Raven Symone and Brandy. They really inspired me when I was young”, she says. Much like her inspirations, her talents were noted and she eventually made her big screen debut in Barber Shop 2: Back in Business, with a star studded cast that included Queen Latifah, and Cedric the Entertainer. After her debut, Keke convinced her family to move to Hollywood to further pursue her career. Once there, she starred in the blockbuster film, Akeelah and the Bee, alongside Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne. Palmer beautifully portrayed an eleven year old girl from a lower income African American community who participated in a national spelling bee. When asked about her performance, she says, “I really fell in love with the story in the script, it was very empowering and I wanted every young girl to feel the same way I felt when I read it.” Not only was I impressed by her professional yet inviting demeanor, I was moved by her desire to empower audiences at such a young age. Her love for the character seeped through her performance and garnered several award nominations including an NAACP Image Award. Keke went on to features in several films both on the big and small screen. Her appearances eventually blossomed into a music career. In 2008 she landed the starring role in Nickelodeon’s sitcom, True Jackson, VP, as the Vice President of a hugely successful fashion line. “After meeting with the producers and creator of the True Jackson, VP, I was excited to take on the role”, she recalls. “I had been known for doing very serious and dramatic roles but this role was an opportunity to show my comedic side and be goofy and silly, which is what I’m like in real life”. True Jackson, VP had a three season run, set records for the television network, made Keke the fourth highest paid child star and now is in syndication around the globe.

It’s been two years since the series finale of True Jackson, VP and Keke Palmer, now 20, has left the confines of tween-dom to evolve into a young woman, which can be noted in the content of her self-titled mixtape, which was released late last year. Many projects are underway and on the horizon for Keke including her, role in the TLC Vh1 biopic, CrazySexyCool, where she plays, Rozanda “Chili” Thomas, slated for an October release. She’s also in a joint venture with Grammy Award winning record producer, Bangladesh, who will produce her forthcoming album. “I’m excited about the upcoming films and working on my music with Bangladesh. He has done a lot of work in Hip Hip and R&B and has an explosive sound, which I think is good for me. We are almost done and I want people to truly hear me and for the music to express who I am”, says Keke with excitement. With all of the adoring young fans (including her 10 year old niece), the demands of Hollywood and the grueling schedule, how does Keke keep it all together? How does she balance embracing the freedoms of adulthood, while still being a role model and not losing herself? She takes a breath and plainly says, “I like who I am and I have to remain true to that. I am focused and ambitious but I take it slow, day by day and I don’t rush into anything. I examine every role and I don’t take on anything too quickly.” As she shares her heart, it becomes clear that she’s aware of the pitfalls that come along with stardom and how fleeting it is. She goes on to say, “You need to have love in your life cuz at the end of the day when the movies, the music and the money goes away what else do you have? You have God, you have family and you have friends. I don’t hang around a lot of ‘industry’ people, I like being home. I try to stay grounded. You also have to know what matters: love matters, forgiveness matters, not holding on to bitterness matters. When you have these, you realize you have so many things to be thankful for and all the other stuff in the world like houses, money and cars seem so small.”

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MONIFAH CLOSE UP STORY BY KY RENEE HAMPTON

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Monifah | Singer @TheMonifah

“I wanted to show the not so glamorous side of things, for people to know that we go through stuff too.”

eality television has been a blessing and a curse for our culture. Despite its many drawbacks, its ability to connect fans to some of their favorite artists, past and present, is undeniable. R&B Divas, TV One’s hit show, which follows the comeback careers of some our favorite voices from the 90’s, has presented and reintroduced the soul and the story of Monifah to a whole new generation. If you missed her starring in the Michael Baisden stage play ‘Men Cry in the Dark’, the last time many of us heard from Monifah she was the cutie standing next to the late great Heavy D belting out hits such as “I Miss You (Come Back Home) and the ultra sexual “Touch it”. After a thirteenyear hiatus, she’s back as a grown woman, allowing the world a glimpse into her past, her relationship and soon enough she’ll be giving us the soundtrack to her new life. When asked to join the cast by Nicci Gilbert, from the 90’s group Brownstone, the Spanish Harlem native not only felt like the timing was perfect but divinely ordered. “I signed up for sisterhood and as a collective making moves that women haven’t made together in this business in a very long time”. Viewers see the diva’s balance their love lives, their roles as mothers, as well as their career’s proving that everything about celebrity isn’t always picture perfect. “I wanted to show the not so glamorous side of things, for people to know that we go through stuff too.” Throughout both seasons of the show Monifah has been very vocal about her journey and her

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triumph over her addictive past. “I felt it was important for people to know they’re not alone” she says, “I have an incredible testimony and things I felt I needed to share, as well as my art.” The success of the show has thrust Monifah back into the spotlight and initially she was prepared to receive some backlash, specifically after she revealed that she’s in a committed relationship with another woman. “I really was braced to be hit with all kinds of ignorance and intolerance but I’ve had the most incredible amount of support and love.” Her union with Terez is the one she knows was put together by God, another connection that was seemingly ordered by divine grace. “My soul would not allow me to not get to know her,” she says, and three years later the two are engaged and are planning to exchange vows in a private ceremony. “The relationship I have with Terez is the relationship I knew I could have. This is it!” she gushes. She emphasizes the importance of having one’s self together before hoping to build a relationship with another. “It’s really about starting the journey to better yourself. Be the person you want to be with and the world will open up.” With her demons behind her and her love by her side, Monifah is gearing up to release some highly anticipated new music, including her forthcoming single “Invincible”. Grinding as an independent artist, the songstress is excited but diligently, and admittedly a little cautiously, working on her next project. “It definitely has to speak to and mirror who I am and where I’m at right now,” she says of the new music she’s creating. Not clinging to the “bring real R&B back” movement, Monifah is simply out to create good music and working with singer/songwriter Rahsaan Patterson is definitely going to ensure

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that soul is a key ingredient to what she has brewing. But she isn’t limiting her art to one sound, sharing that this new music will pull from all different genres, including Pop and House music. She says, “I’m not saying no to any types of music. I’m doing whatever I want to do.” Mentioning some of her peers such as India.Arie, Jill Scott and Musiq as her inspiration, Monifah laughs as she admits “I’ve been going hard-body for Jill!” hoping to do a future collaboration with the Philly native. “I think that would be amazing.” When asked to talk about her spirituality, Monifah explains that while she wasn’t raised under any particular doctrine she was definitely brought up to believe in God. Always fascinated by faith, she sought what felt good and made sense to her and ultimately to her spirit. “It’s a very individual thing” she says, pointing out that her relationship with God is a very integral part of her life, “I talk to God every second about whatever’s going on. He is a constant.” Aside from a hit show, recording her next album, and being in love, Monifah is in the midst of some other projects including writing a book that will chronicle her journey to becoming a “real adult”. She delves into her pitfalls and shares the gems that have helped her to grow and learn in the last five years. “It’s going to be funny and raw, meeting people where they are” she reveals. With her life back in full swing and no signs of letting up, Monifah is poised to prove to the world that life does not slow down after 35, it only gets sweeter. Follow Monifah on Twitter at @THEMONIFAH and on Instagram @THEMONIFAH! 57

Christina | Musician @XtinaLovelee

ARTIST 2 HEED

Christina combines soulful vocals and alluring artistry, Christina Love Lee is undeniably a diamond in the rough. Her musical journey began at the age of 5 with piano lessons which set a foundation for her musical talent. By her early teenage years, Christina was playing a number of instruments in addition to her rigorous classical piano training.

photography by frank wang

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Christina discovered her love for singing later on in life. With influences ranging from John Legend to Jill Scott and Tracy Chapman to India Arie, Christina’s music combines all of the elements necessary to create a sound that will fully satisfy any individual’s soul. More recently, Christina was a Top 4 finalist on Superstar K, the Korean version of American Idol. The famous reality TV show attracted close to 2,000,000 contestants worldwide and Christina was chosen to be a part of the show in Fall ‘11. Since placing as a finalist on the show, she has made countless TV appearances, recorded with acclaimed artists and has even recorded a duet with the Godfather of Korean music, Lee Seung Chul. The song they recorded together entitled, “I Believe,” became the OST for the famous Korean film “My Way” (2012).