Heed Magazine Summer 2012 Issue by Heed Magazine

COVER SUBJECT - RAVEN SYMONE PHOTOGRAPHY- KEITH MUNYAN STYLIST - MADISON GUEST MAKE-UP - ANGIE ALVARADO HAIR - JAZMINE BRAUD RETOUCHER - JOSEPH MARINO

THREADS

COVER SHOT - DRESS: BACKSTAGE • JEWELRY: LOW LUV BY ERIN WASSON TOC SHOT - DRESS: DIANE VON FURSTENBERG • SHOES: FENDI • JEWELRY: NICOLE ROMANO

Saoul Vanderpool Founder / Publisher Frederick “Chef Mookie” Hicks Co-Founder / Food Editor Rayner Wharton Jr. Co-Founder / Fitness Editor Crystal Wimberly Managing Editor

Heeders

Jordan Hall Photographer / Writer Jennifer Pearre Art Director Hakim Pitts Writer Mike Sanford Print/Digital Journalist Ken Fujimatsu Webmaster

Contributing Photographers Keith Munyan Jeffrey Gamble Jong E. Clemente Brian Luman (Intern) Joseph Marino (Retoucher)

Contributing GLAM Spry Lee Scott - Stylist Keith Neal - Hair / Make-up Artist Kimberly Charles - Stylist Asst Madison Guest - Stylist Angie Alvarado - Make-up Jazmine Braud - Hair

Contributing Writers Jade Perry Thaiia Reynolds Lisa George Nike Ma Cara Noel Nikki Warsop Danny Hill Imade Nibokun DeOren Robinson Janna Hall

Benjamin J. Brown Tech/Gaming Editor Lorraine LaPrade Field Journalist

Interns Darwyn Allen II Robert K. Jones

HEED MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY & PRINTED IN THE USA. DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION: 1 YEAR (4 ISSUES) US $9.99 VIA ZINIO.COM PRINT SUBSCRIPTION: AVAILABLE FOR SINGLE COPIY PURCHASE ON BARNES & NOBLE NEWSSTAND $5.99 / OR VIA MAGCLOUD.COM / PRICE VARIES. YEAR BUNDLE PRINT & DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION: $24.95 HEED: VOICE OF AN EMERGING SUBCULTURE (ONLINE). HEED (PRINT)

ISSN# 2158-3781 ISSN# 2158-3773

© 2012 HEED MAGAZINE INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THE WRITTEN AND VISUAL CONTENTS OF HEED MAGAZINE ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT. EXCEPTING TRANSLATIONS, YOU MAY NOT REPRODUCE OUR ARTICLES ONLINE OR IN PRINT WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING WRITTEN PERMISSION. PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR TO OBTAIN HIS OR HER WRITTEN CONSENT. ONCE YOU RECEIVE PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR, CONTACT US AT INFO@HEEDMAG.COM TO LET US KNOW WHERE AND WHEN THE ARTICLE WILL BE REPRINTED. HEED ARTICLES CANNOT BE REPRINTED WITHOUT OBTAINING AUTHOR PERMISSION AND NOTIFYING THE MAGAZINE.

CONTENTS ARTS JUSTIIN DAVIS TICHINA ARNOLD FASHION: SIZZLE

8 28 50

CULTURE FEATURES AFTER CURTAIN CALL:

RAVEN SYMONE 40

DOING SOMETHING BIG:

MARY MARY 33

IN THE SPIRIT: STUDY READ & REVIEWED GAME ON: ONLIVE GOOD EATS: GALAWAY FASHION SPOTLIGHT FASHION INSIDER FASHION TRENDS

15 31 39 47 60 61 62

REALMUSIC CONYA DOSS YELLOW TIE GUY ZIGGY MARLEY LABTEKWON BRIAN CULBERTSON WARRYN CAMPBELL ANAIS AIDA

12 14 16 20

22 34 48 PHOTO BY © JONG E. CLEMENTE

RAVEN SYMONE, ACTOR/SINGER

COVER

I don’t have any catching sayings this time around. We simply pay homage to those that are putting the time into life’s practical works. Feeding the homeless, treating all women and men with dignity, loving the least of us when none of us are looking – these are the gears that keep our green earth turning and making manifest those everyday miracles often overlooked. It personally amazes me how often we go from metaphorical tree to tree, picking fruit as if it was owned and or earned, yet disdain the thought of digging our hands into a bit of dirt to help plant and grow those vehicles of harvest. Put your deeds where your mouth is. Share It • Live It • Heed It

Saoul Vanderpool Founder/Publisher

Friends with benefits If you Like us you can Follow the revolution of the emerging subculture and be eligible to win FREE stuff like concert tickets, giveaways + MORE.

Subscribe Today! www.heedmag.com

Dawn Richard steps up and stands solo, Laz shares his universal wisdom with the world, Fred Hammond makes love music, Tanya Blount makes a comeback with her hubby Mike Ivory by her side, UK based songstress Abimaro sings poetry, Ruben Studdard is inspired by Alabama, Drumma Boy rises as the go-to producer in the music industry, Ms. Tiffany Evans has a voice that can’t be silenced + Much More. ORDER YOUR BACKCOPY OF HEED’S WINTER ISSUE @ WWW.MAGCLOUD.COM

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Cliff notes

WHAT YOU MISSED AS SEEN IN THE SPRING 2012 ISSUE OF HEED MAGAZINE

FOR THE SLACKERS

Justiin D. | Actor @IAMJustiinDavis

INTRODUCING

JUSTIIN DAVIS

PHOTOGRAPHY © FRANK ISHMAN

BY MIKE SANFORD

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Justiin D. | Actor @IAMJustiinDavis

Heed Magazine is notorious for introducing some of the most talented up-andcoming entertainers to its readers, and Justiin A. Davis is no exception. I had the privilege of meeting this model/actor/philanthropist at a Heed event back in April and was immediately impressed with his poise and star presence. I must admit, I was unfamiliar with him, but it didn’t take long for me to realize the scope of his work. His resume includes big screen roles alongside Denzel Washington and appearances in some of our favorite television series, namely Law and Order and The Sopranos. His most famous role came in 2011, when he was cast on HBO’s Emmy Award winning drama, Boardwalk Empire. Davis took on the role of Lester White, the young son of gangster and bootlegger, Chalky White (Michael K. Williams). As a sought after model, he has appeared in broadcast and print ads for several monster companies like Nike, Apple and CocaCola. If all this isn’t enough, Justiin is a philanthropist and is working on building an arts program for New York’s Mission Society, an organization that works with inner city schools. Heed had the chance to officially catch up with Justiin Davis after his audition for a Gatorade commercial and got a little more acquainted with the star on the rise. MS: So, can you tell me a little bit about your upbringing? JD: Sure. I was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and raised by my maternal grandmother who adopted me. She, along with her 3 daughters, helped to raise me. I grew up in the New York City housing projects and people would automatically see the bad things, but growing up with the family I had, I never knew I was missing anything. I never saw myself as being set back in anyway even though the circumstances said that where I was, was a setback.

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MS: So, when did you start acting? JD: Catholic school was where I developed my passion for acting. Originally, my aunt took me around when I was 3, but I got stage fright. We started checking out Backstage magazine for any resources that had something to do with acting. I came across the Ujamaa theaters where I spent 2 years. After my second to last show, I started

Just knowing that what I have today may not be there tomorrow is something that keeps me grounded in life. going to the Professional Performing Arts School here in New York, where Alicia Keys graduated. During that time I met Hillary Beckford, who is Tyson Beckford’s mom. After meeting her, I was introduced to the agency that I’m with today. I gained that relationship ten years ago and in the past ten years it’s been about continuing to focus on the dream and making the dream a reality. MS: How has it been playing “Lester White” on Boardwalk Empire? JD: It’s been great! It’s a recurring role, but I definitely look forward to being written in as a regular. I just finished my Bachelors in February of this year, so being able to graduate and work, before finishing my degree, on one of the top-rated shows in the nation has been out of this world magical. When I first found out, I was shaking

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and couldn’t really catch my breath! I woke up to a bunch of missed calls and emails and I knew, at that moment, that this is something that ‘s going to be a platform for the rest of my career. It’s a dream job for an actor, especially right now. Working on period pieces allows you to show your versatility and range. I’ve always wanted to play a character with some status, because it shows that all African-Americans weren’t bus boys and maids. It shows that we did have education and training like my character, Lester White, has. It shows that above all else, family is something that is very strong and vested, not only in African-American culture, but in other cultures as well. MS: In an industry that seems to move a mile a minute, and something is always happening around you, what helps to keep you grounded? JD: I would say my family. My grandmom is from South Carolina and she raised me from day one, so that southern hospitality is engrained in me. It’s definitely something that keeps me grounded. She’s 86 years old now and, as I work day-to-day, I still come home with her every night. I would also say vulnerability and this new uncharted territory as far as career and family relationships… it definitely keeps me grounded. I realize we own nothing that we have, except the life we live. I mean, I have a recurring role on a huge show, but, some people’s heads after one print job, would be the size of Alaska. I mean, people say it’s relative, but you just have to learn to appreciate the things you’ve been given. The tangible things that can literally be gone are not things to get caught up on. The next job is never promised, so I never try to jump my guns before I get there, because there might not be a gun to have. Just knowing that what I have today may not be there tomorrow is something that keeps me grounded in life. MS: Not only are you an actor and model, you’re also getting your feet wet in philanthropic work? Can you tell me about your passion for the Arts and your involvement with the Mission Society?

bigger project for me, which is my foundation. I really just want to have a space where kids are able to express themselves creatively. MS: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? JD: In 5 years, I see myself as a series regular on a show, maybe on Boardwalk Empire, and continuing my philanthropy work with New York Missions Society; I’d like to have that in a well set-up place. I really just see myself continuing to do the work that I love. In 5 years, I see myself on Broadway! I want to do stage really bad! MS: Heed Magazine offers a positive perspective on pop culture; in other words we prefer to take Heed to those things that counter the usual entertainment and culture diet if you will. What are some things you take “Heed” to? JD: I take HEED to elders because there are so many things we can learn from them! I take HEED to people who have risked their lives and their wherewithal to create somewhat of an easier life for me and for my family. I take HEED to music because it’s innovation. I take HEED to the President. I take HEED to poverty and people in poverty because it’s not easy. I’ve had that upbringing and didn’t realize that I was missing anything.

JD: The New York Missions Society has been around for about 200 years. The aim is to give kids something to do after school. What I’m trying to do is start an arts program within the program. I’m really trying to base it off of an acting program and eventually branch out into music, art, and instrumental music. I really want to expand it to all of the arts. We’re doing a small PSA commercial that’s going to run more viral than anything, but I’m also working on their anniversary documentary that’s hopefully going be on a much

larger scale. My thing is, bring the arts programs back into the schools because so many of them have been taken away. I remember I was told that I wasn’t going to be much of an actor, and that I wouldn’t go very far. So, I really want to bring the arts in because it allows kids to know that they can really do anything and it allows them to imagine! When our imagination leaves, we stop realizing what some of our dreams are and we fall accustomed to doing what society says we need to do to get by. The arts program is a small step in the

I take HEED to science and the doctors who worked with my aunt and who are working with my grandmother as she battles lung cancer. I take HEED to them because it’s not easy. It’s an endless job and some people die trying to do it and the people who die trying to do it I have so much appreciation for them! And finally, I take HEED to finding new things. For more on Justiin A. Davis, visit his website at www.justiindavis.com and follow him on twitter @IAMJustiinDavis!

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anticipated

out now

Brandy

Busta Rhymes

Chris Brown

Maroon 5

D’Angelo

Missy Elliott

R. Kelly

Usher

Janet Jackson

Janelle Monae

Linkin Park

James Hall & WAP

coming soon

under-rated

Nas “Life Is Good” 7/17 Damita Haddon “Anticipation” 7/24 J. Moss “V4...The Other Side” 7/31 Alanis Morissette “Havoc And Bright Lights” 8/28 Matchbox Twenty “North” 9/4 T.I. “Trouble Man” 9/4 Ludacris “Ludaversal” 9/11

Robert Glasper Experiment Jason Nelson

HEED WORTHY A FEW PROJECTS WELL-WORTH MENTIONING

Conya Doss | Singer @conyad

INTRODUCING

CONYA DOSS

PHOTOGRAPHY © STEPHEN MIDGETTE

BY LISA GEORGE

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Conya Doss | Singer @conyad

Multi-award winning artist Conya Doss has done it again. Her 6th album, Pocketful of Purpose, takes listeners on a sojourn to lands where love reigns and individualism is celebrated. As an artist who strives to be transparent and real, she lays down tracks that everyone can relate to and her fans are eating it all up. “I’ll Say Yes”, a song definitely made for the movies, displays the strength of Conya’s vocal range accompanied simply by a piano. This song does what Barbara Streisand’s “Somewhere”, Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love”, and Sade’s “Nothing Can Come Between Us” does to the soul. The musical journey continues as Ms. Doss teases one’s eardrums and strums heartstrings with “What about You and Me?” featuring Chris McNeal. The duo sets the stage for a dance between two friends, wondering if they should “take this all the way” and become more. As an individual who, like many, has diligently sought to find her destined self in this forever-changing world, Conya Doss encourages everyone to digest the words in “Don’t Change” and “Just Me”. In talking to Conya Doss about her latest album, life in 2012, and her journey in the game for the past decade, it was easy to feel as if I was talking to one of my life-long friends. To say that her long-time fans remain such for a reason is an understatement. Cherishing her fans’ appreciation of the messages in her music, Conya readily accepts the responsibility to deliver respectable music from a “situational perspective”, saying, “It feels good knowing that my music is resonating with people out there and that I can help someone in a particular situation. Basically, I am story-telling through my music.” She firmly believes that the reason that her fans seem to know her so well is because she is so transparent. “Who you see on stage and who you hear in my songs is me.” It is hard to miss her growth as an Artist – in the entertainment industry and in life – as her evolu-

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tion is very evident in her music. “I am definitely more vocal now. I used to not be comfortable saying ‘no’. But now, if it is ‘no’, I am really vocal about that.” “Don’t Change” may reflect Ms. Doss’ side goal of not losing herself as she continues on her life-path particularly in the entertainment industry. “Wow,” she softly exclaims when told of her fans’ outpouring of positive sentiments on social media sites and in album reviews. It’s no surprise that the inspiration for all of her songs come from life itself. Her last album, entitled Blu Transition, was named after her son. “Letter”, from her latest release is her heartfelt outpouring of guidance, wishes, and joy for his existence. Musical Legends such as “Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, Prince, and Sade influence her artistic creations. Her smile can be felt as she recalls dancing around her childhood home, as a five year old who knew that one day, she would hold a real mike and sing. This Cleveland, OH native would love to collaborate with India Arie, Avery Sunshine, Lauren Hill, and Raheem DeVaughn. Hectic schedules prevented some of these collaborations on her current album but she holds on to the hope that one day, she can check them off her wish-list. Conya is very aware and thankful for the motivation she receives from her fans and some of her industry peers as she did almost step away from the game once. The joy can be heard in her voice as she recalls her album release concert

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in April, wherein four-time Grammy winner India Arie along with songstresses N’dambi, Algebra, and Avery Sunshine attended her show. Concert goers got an extra treat as a few of these musical delights also joined her on stage for some impromptu performances. Fans will be happy to know that there are some more songs, tucked safely in the vault, that did not make it on to this album. This leaves the door open to some sort of sequel to Pocketful of Purpose. With so many good songs to choose from, the next video single “Here For You” promises to thrill long-time Doss fans. For those having a songful affair with this artist, there is more to love. A philanthropist at heart, Conya Doss is lending her name and talent to causes such as the global water crisis which affects millions world-wide and rescued trafficked children, in Haiti. This songbird also regularly mentors teenage girls and takes this responsibility very seriously. Lady Doss loves making music so much that she has a tattoo of a note, with a heart, on her arm and she, of course, invites lovers of great music to pick up Pocketful of Purpose. Conya Doss, also known as “The Queen of Indie Soul” can be found on www.conyadoss.com and @conyad on Twitter. Her music is sold on her website, Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, MySpace, Rhapsody, BandCamp, and at local stores near you.

Danny H. | Yellow Tie Guy @yellowtieguy

Yellow Tie Guy By Crystal Wimberly

PHOTOGRAPHY © RICHIEDOWNS.COM

Based out of the DMV, Yellow Tie Guy, self-defined as “innovative folk rock”, performs up and down the east coast and beyond. While Hill himself is technically the eponymous Guy, holding down guitar and vocal duties, it also serves as the name of his band, comprised of Mary Celeste on upright and electric bass, Jason McKinney on guitar, and current drummer Ralf Madrigal on drums (replacing studio drummer/producer Darren Guzzone). Their debut album, Joy in the Mourning, was released May 21st on iTunes and on his own website, yellowtieguy.us. Reminiscent of nineties alternative rock (comparisons have been drawn by other reviewers to REM, Soundgarden, and Stone Temple Pilots), the ninesong strong album is by turns contemplative, emotive, and progressive. Each and every one of the tracks is an earworm designed to ring in your ears for days after hearing them. If you’re into reading the bylines here in heed Mag (and good on you for doing that, dear reader, we like that kind of thing), the name Daniel Hill may already be familiar to you. But, just like many of the rest of us behind-the-scenes, Heed isn’t the only gig this musician has lined up. Let us introduce you to Yellow Tie Guy.

Though the current roster has only been a full band since January 2011, both their album and their live shows reveal the community and independent spirit behind the Yellow Tie. “We recorded in our studio, we mixed and mastered in our studio. And it sounds like what I heard in my head. I didn’t have to tell everybody what I wanted in order to get it.” And that sound, tied together by Hill’s honest and yearning vocals, skips across rock ‘n’ roll genres -- from the

first single “(War) Should I Be So Surprised”, a guitarheavy battlecry to love, to the movie soundtrack-friendly “No Sense of Direction”, down to the layered “Play It Like It Is”, a song that holds a haunting, hummable sadness. Surprisingly, this is the oldest tune on the record, written “probably ten to thirteen years” ago. “It literally is two chords – I didn’t really know how to play guitar, but I knew what sounded good. So I’d move my fingers until they sounded good! Then, from that little riff, vocally I was a lot more expressive. So ‘Play It Like It Is’ is two chords for the entire song. My vocals are what really changes over the course of those 3 to 4 minutes.” So, what’s with all this Yellow Tie business? Hill laughs. “I’ve been the ‘yellow tie guy’ since I was 11. I was at a youth rally for a church in North Carolina; all dressed up and suited up. I was a young preacher and the pastor of the church had given an opportunity for young preachers to come up and preach. I had introduced myself to the pastor in-between services, and when he went to call me up later on, he couldn’t remember my name. But he knew I was wearing a yellow tie. So, he called me up as the guy with a yellow tie. That in of itself wasn’t entirely epic. But four years later, when I visited another church, they all remembered me as being the guy with the yellow tie. They were probably the ones who said, ‘Oh, you’re the yellow tie guy!’. And I realized then there was something unique about it.”

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The Spirit of Study Whatever your spiritual beliefs are, chances are good that you have a guidebook that lays out the fundamentals of your faith and provides you with the means to grow. The Bible, the Koran, the Bhagavad Gita, Buddhavacana, and other works are designed for you to grow within your faith, as well as to communicate with other members of your faith or to share your beliefs with others. Our communities are obviously very passionate when it comes to their beliefs. Often, there’s a strong cultural connection, so much so, that the faith of our childhood is often the same faith we will follow as adults. Many of the traditions practiced by our families are based on traditions started by the followers of our faith before us. With these very passionate, emotional, and cultural connections come a lot of misconceptions. It’s

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not uncommon to for someone to speak an idea that sounds a lot like scripture, and for others to begin to associate that idea with scripture. Or, we might hear one particular perspective of a portion of scripture and begin to accept that one aspect as being the only sensible conclusion that someone could reach. The beauty of the scriptures is that they are both simple and complex. You can read most texts with a younger mind and be filled with ideas, stories, and interesting characters. As an adult, you might look for specific ways to improve your person, and to have a closer understanding what your relationship is with your creator. The mindset with which you read the sacred texts will greatly affect the level of growth that you are able to achieve. I’ve always benefited from reading with three mindsets: Literal, Spiritual, and Historical.

REFLECTIONS BY DANIEL HILL

When you look at something literally, you’re assuming that it did occur or that it will occur exactly as it appears in scripture. Most of the time, this is really not a bad approach to reading scripture; this form of reading is not only a large part of the growing of your faith, but it can also be one of the simplest ways to not only read but also to comprehend. You can use your imagination to make and/or recreate an actual event in your mind which will definitely help your retention rate and help make associations with other passages.

checkpoints to help you make decisions about the person you are and the person you are becoming.

A spiritual mindset will allow you to reflect on what is trying to be communicated to you personally through what you are reading. You’re always going to be coming to different places in your life and leaving other places -- crossroads in your decisions, circumstance -and using this mindset as a method of reading will provide you with

In truth, It’s good to approach your reading from all three of these views, perhaps independently at first, but then also in the context of all the ideas as a whole.

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Historically reading sacred text can be a little more in depth and require more research. When you choose to take the time to explore the peoples, cultures, and time frame of events within a portion of scripture, you’re going to see that even though everything you’re reading is intended for your knowledge and growth, not everything you read is intended for you in the way that you might otherwise imagine.

Babies drink a lot of milk, but many have a tendency to eat the meat once their bodies can properly digest it. Dig in, and enjoy!

PHOTOGRAPHY © KII ARENS

BY LISA GEORGE

Ziggy M. | Musician @ziggymarley

eggae icon Ziggy Marley is so many things - a five-time Grammy-winning musician, actor, artist, activist, humanitarian, good friend to many, husband, and father. Those closest to David “Ziggy” Marley, the eldest son of legendary Bob Marley, can probably attest to another attribute of this mega-star – humble. Although Ziggy has enjoyed a prominent presence on the public stage and has accomplished so much in his 44 years, he simply sees his feats as a role that he must play for the time that he is here. His zest for conscious living and social justice is very evident in his life choices, and that essence drifted across the distance during this interview. But first, we got the important stuff out of the way – who was going to make it to the finals,The Thunder or The Lakers? Ziggy felt very confident about Oklahoma.

At the time of this interview, the movie Marley had been out for almost one month. This documentary about Ziggy’s legendary dad, made with the support of the family, intimately unveils rare footage, incredible performances, and revelatory interviews with those who knew him best. Ziggy (who served as executive producer) and director Kevin MacDonald sought to showcase Bob Marley’s definitive life story – as a musician, a revolutionary, and a legend – from his early days to his rise to international super-stardom. Ziggy reflectively takes us to the moment when he saw the final cut. “Kevin thought that this was it, after all the discussion we’d had before. I was happy with it. I think it covered everything and did everything we could do in that time frame. It could have been much longer but, ya know, in the movie industry we have to keep it at a certain length. I felt happy about it.” Everyone who has seen the movie has learned more about Bob, and that even includes his own son. While going through the movie-making process, Ziggy realized how young his father was when he passed away. “I never really thought about [that] much before going through this process, you know. When I was younger, it seemed like he was old, you know, but at that age, he’s really not old. That was something I think I understood.” As with most superstars, their internal make-up often goes unnoticed by fans. Musicians can poetically convey socio-cultural perspectives, norms, ideologies, and, sometimes, glimpses at who they are to listeners, and Bob Marley did that. Ziggy goes on to say “The psychological things I think he went through, because him being of mixed race and at the time that being an issue in Jamaica, I think, you know, it must have affected him in some ways. I learned, maybe, a little bit of what was happening inside him and what was not shown by him, but what was going on inside.” Stories told by those who knew his dad during the making of the movie truly gave Ziggy a more in-depth look. The last words from father to son were, “On your way up, take me up. On your way down, don’t let me down.” Ziggy elaborates on this by saying “I think doing this -- telling his story and being a part of it in such a big way – kinda made me realize what that message was or, in some way, what it kinda means in terms of my role in his legacy now as he left me that message. I think that kind of came out more from doing this film.” Bob Marley always spoke to the masses through his music and continues to do so in his death. Through this film, Bob may have some messages for his grandchildren who never got the chance to know him. Ziggy suggests that this movie may be slightly emotional for them. “Knowing that we were a part of it as a family, they can have the sense that this is true. They can believe what they see.” This movie may serve the same purpose to the young Marleys as Sidney Poitier’s book “Life Beyond Measure – Letters to my GreatGranddaughter” intended, as both provide some insight into men whose lives are woven with mass-change historical occurrences, adversity, triumph, and spiritual enlightenment. One thing is sure - Marley fans are definitely loving it. The movie opened in theaters and simultaneously on Facebook, iTunes and VOD this past April, and has had tremendous success across all distribution platforms.

The Wild & Free Tour is set for a two year run and this five-time Grammy Winner is ready. Ziggy states that he and the band have the same intention wherever they play, but recognizes that each tour stop’s vibes plays a part on the show’s outcome. “It’s not consciously done. Every environment brings something else out in the shows and the vibes in the city… it comes out naturally.” He adds “I don’t analyze my music, ya know. I just do it.” On his fourth solo album, Ziggy’s long-time friend, actor Woody Harrelson, makes a guest appearance. The friends open up with “A Fire Burns for Freedom”, producing a melodic duet detailing the significant uses of marijuana for humankind and their vision of eventual legalization for nonmedicinal practices. The Late Heavy D always brought it, in life and with his music, and he did again with “IT”, a song intent on motivating

listeners to be introspective in their individual search of “IT”. Got it? Heavy D holds a special place in Ziggy’s heart and he chuckles slightly as he fondly recalls the man who he says “…was always a positive spirit. Just a great person. Just always a nice person. It’s always been that way and it will always be that way.” Ziggy’s response to the “Wild & Free” album being called the most political to date is simple. “I guess what is personal to me may be political. I just try to make good music and speak from my heart.” Ziggy, the messenger, is simply here to deliver. On why people should buy his album, he pauses before saying, “I’m not here to sell it. I’m just here to make it. I’m not the salesman. If people feel dem interested and it do something for dem, that’s okay. But, my message is on the

road and so, even if you don’t buy it, meet me out on the road if you want hear it or feel it. You know what I’m saying. That’s how we live it, you know.” On the Marley Africa Road Trip,with his brothers Rohan and Robbie, Ziggy feels as if they stepped out of their comfort zone to go on an adventure. “To share it as brothers was really nice. We loved it. We loved the football…. the excitement. It’s not something that we normally do”. The brothers “jumped on motorbikes” and rode through South Africa. The Marley brothers’ trip has been captured for a new documentary series by Elixir Films. On their trip, the brothers experience life in Johannesburg and travel to remote areas. Africa held Bob Marley spellbound and so his sons chose to share an exploration, keeping close to the heart of the country, meeting its people and

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Follow the direction of where life is taking you instead of trying to fight it.

encountering its wildlife. In the series, the brothers discuss returning to the land their father loved and seeking not only what had become Bob’s dream of a unified Africa, but to find out what they themselves have done with their father’s legacy. Ziggy feels as if his father would have liked that the brothers did that, as it showed their fearless and rebellious side. “We’re like him in that way. Social and go out there and travel and don’t be afraid”. Ziggy sings “Blowin’ in the Wind” on the tribute album, “Chimes of Freedom” where he joins over eighty artists, singing songs of Bob Dylan. “To have an organization like Amnesty International doing what they do, is a positive thing. Not all organizations arealways honorable to what their original intentions were. To have an organization like Amnesty International, whose sole

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purpose is to look out for human rights, no matter where or what is being denied or oppressed, is a great thing for the planet to have. It is good for me to show my support and be a part of that”. The album was created for Amnesty International’s 50th anniversary celebration and is dedicated to people worldwide who are unjustly imprisoned or threatened for the peaceful expression of their beliefs. It is Ziggy’shope that people can be made aware of the injustices that occur worldwide. Other artists, on the tribute album, include Adele, Diana Krall, Raphael Saadiq, Lenny Kravitz, and Sting, just to name a few. Ziggy Marley is also one of the spokespersons for Amnesty International. His radio show,Ziggy Marley’s Legends of Reggae, is something that he is proud of as this is a new role for him and, like the trip, he is stretching himself.

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“I don’t know how my voice sounds as a talker and I don’t know what it sounds like. I’m trying to figure out what my voice is and I’m conscious of it…When I’m doing that, I’m thinking how do I sound? I’m very uncomfortable with it but I’m working on it”. This Reggae Icon believes that this is good for him and he laughs about that. He has also ventured into comics and has created a hero in “Marijuanaman”. The interview ended just as it started, with a humble man believing that he, simply, needs to serve his sole purpose on earth. More about Ziggy Marley and his various projects can be found on his website a www.ziggymarley.comand on his Facebook page where he is very active with his fans.

Labtekwon | Rapper @Labtekwon

[short INTRO] BY THAIIA REYNOLDS

LABTEKWON

It would be difficult to capture the depth of Labtekwon’s history as an emcee within one interview. It takes time to listen to his albums, going back to 1993 – to receive the word aka as his lyrics – and know just what to do with it. Even if drawn in by catchy beats or his slick flow, you are destined to learn at least one thing and perhaps think about even more. That’s what he does. He is a verb that, no matter the tense, was dope, is dope and will be dope. Still, he remains at the top of the list for Most Slept-On Emcee. I first learned of the emcee when I heard a song from a 1998 album widely held as an underground classic in 2011. So, what is this avant-garde blend of Jean Michel Basquiat, Richard Pryor, Amiri Baraka, Rakim, Seth Rogen, H.R. of Bad Brains, and Marcus Garvey blessing us with next? HEED: You have developed a body of work that spans over 20 years. What is Labtekwon adding to the fabric in 2012? Labtekwon: 2012 marks the release of my latest album: “Hardcore: Labtekwon and the Righteous Indignation/Rootzilla vs Masta Akbar”. This project is my personal response to the lies of Satan aka: imperialism, racism, Zionism, the Anti-Christ and wack emcees. I sought to make an album that will set a standard for a true hip-hop emcee in 2017 – yes, 2017. It will take 5 years for anybody to begin to catch up to this project. I also wanted to pioneer what I call “Research Rap”, which is an upgrade to 80’s and 90’s “Knowledge Rap” innovated by KRS One. Research Rap is basically an academic/scholarly research project in rhyme form: facts, facts, facts. I am going to include a bibliography and works cited in the liner notes of the album. It’s a style that stands up in a classroom as well as on your speakers. The other aspect of the album is intense battle rhymes…If I am not providing information, offering insight on the world we live in, I am going off on ALL EMCEES. Whoever you think got skills – platinum artists, pseudo-underground wannabe platinum artists, pop artists, entertainers, gangsters, whoever – raps can get splattered. I sought to smash rap icons, point blank. I have done a lot of “abstract” and “emo” work on previous albums, but this is not one of those projects. My intent was to provide fuel for the mind and spirit, while defending the

Labtekwon (Lifeform Advanced Beyond Terrestrial Esoterics King Warrior Of Nubia) born Omar Akbar

honor of my culture and my art form as an emcee. Too much mediocrity and not enough evolution. Seems like dudes are reality stars and not emcees that represent Hip Hop as it should be in 2012. That is why I decided it was time to go hardcore. I have been slept on for a while and I think a lot of times it motivates me to execute at a higher level every time I release an album. This is why I consider every album a movie with a plot, a climax and an ending. I did a tribute to Jean Michel Basquiat in 2010 and I did a lot of stuff with Punk on the project. Folks slept on it and I keep going. I keep score even when nobody else is. HEED: You are a self-proclaimed “poor righteous teacher”. Chuck D of Public Enemy considers you the “Thelonius Monk of Hip Hop”. I’m ignited by the subject vulnerability and rawness —not to mention the style twists and sometimes unexpected beats. What keeps you creating music that holds to a certain standard that some mainstream artists seem to ignore? How do you stay spiritually energized and motivated? Labtekwon: My foundation in my musical education comes from my father Doc Soul Stirrer, aka Harry Young Jr. (who was a legendary musician here in Baltimore for many years), my mom, my siblings and my own love of music. I am a dancer and a musician, so my perspective of music is not based on following a template made by those who seek to appease the popular culture. I dance with my rhymes and the music has to make me want to dance, whether with the rhymes or my body. Most of the music I hear nowadays is redundant in terms of composition and soundscape. Folks have gotten comfortable with the same 808’s, synths, and drum patterns. Hip-hop culture is about originality and timing. It’s a matter of digging in the crates, bringing things back, innovating new things and mastering the moment…I channel my pain, joy and passion in the melodies and rhythms that I create. Ain’t nobody like me, but at the same time there is a part of me in every human being, so I tune into the elements of myself that connect us all to the cosmos. It’s a spiritual thing for me. I cry, laugh, smile, dream and scream with my music. I had the best teachers from every stratum of music and I apply the essence of Hip Hop culture to that education. I chop breaks, program machines and

make a joyful noise with different instruments. It’s a soul thang for me and it can’t be faked. HEED: What music artists past or present do you relate to the most and have an impact on you as an artist? Labtekwon: My father is my primary human musical inspiration and he also set the tone for my nature as a man. He mentored Chester Thompson, former drummer for Weather Report and Phil Collins. My father mentored many musicians in Baltimore and his specialty was drummers and rhythm sections. My father gave me the basic inspiration to execute hip-hop music. I carry the same tradition of nurturing future generations of musicians that my father did. I was dancing and performing since the age of 2 and I was taught by the best. As far as inspirations beyond God and family, George Clinton, Sun Ra, Bad Brains, Umar Ben Hassan, Gylan Kain, Rakim, KRS One, Kool G. Rap, TLA Rock, Just-Ice, Big Daddy Kane, Kool Keith, Slick Rick, Grand Puba, Black Flag, The Cure, Dead Milkmen, Baltimore Club, Chicago House, New York House, DJ Premier, DJ Marley Marl and James Brown are my influences as a musician. HEED: What is next for Labtekwon? Music? Community? Academia? Labtekwon: Well, Hardcore: Labtekwon and the Righteous Indignation -Rootzilla vs Masta Akbar is next for Labtekwon. The album is available on iTunes. Omar Akbar works in his community daily and is pursuing graduate studies in the coming year. It’s a lifestyle for me and I’m a poor righteous teacher even when nobody is looking. I chose the path for my life and whether I fail or succeed I am committed to manifest the gifts I have been given by the Most High. I also want people to go beyond the interview and really listen to the current work. My legacy is my action and as much as I can say in an interview: I say much more in my actual music. Finally, for all the underdogs out there: never give up and never let yourself down. Work hard to be a master, fuck the shortcuts: be the best you can possibly be. Don’t let anybody convince you a lie or mediocrity is a standard of quality. At the end of the day: its night time.

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INTRODUCING BY LISA GEORGE

BRIAN CULBERTSON

PHOTOGRAPHY © DANIEL RAY PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s not hard to see why R&B & Jazz musician Brian Culbertson’s concerts have been selling out world-wide over the last few months. This larger-than-life composer, arranger, keyboardist, and trombonist clearly loves what he does, as evidenced with his last 12 albums and on his highly anticipated Dreams album. Brian Culbertson teases music lovers with the release of his 4-track EP, showcasing “No Limit” featuring Stokley Williams, lead singer of Mint Condition, and “Still Here” featuring Vivian Green. Fans have remained musically satiated since his first album, Long Night Out, was released almost twenty years ago and are still basking in the melodic rays from his twelfth album, appropriately titled XII. XII was a musical feast that included R&B sensations such as Kenny Lattimore, Brian McKnight, Avant, Faith Evans, Ray Parker Jr., and the Go-Go music pioneer Chuck Brown. Although, at the time, he had not intended to make an album, a series of vivid dreams flirted with this mega-instrumentalist – the result, a highly anticipated full length album set for release this summer.

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Brian C. | Musician @brianculbertson

Busy touring in London shortly after the release of his EP, Mr. Culbertson took time to talk with Heed less than an hour before his sold-out show at Jazz Club Soho. Unhurried, clearly happy, and excited about his “nice run” of sold-out shows that week, Brian enthusiastically discussed his boundless love of instruments, creating music, and all that jazz – no pun intended. He remembers always having an instrument in his hand. At the tender age of two, barely able to reach the third position on the trumpet, he was frequently found with his jazz band director and trumpeter dad practicing. He fully began his quest in musical success at the age of 8 on piano, adding drums at 9, trombone at 10, and then bass at 12. To the question, “Which instrument do you enjoy playing the most?” he responds, “I always say that my favorite, all the time, is just when I get to sit down at an acoustic Grand Piano. There’s nothing like the sound of a great piano when you’re sitting there playing it. It’s amazing.” He does own a few guitars and messes with them a bit but admits that they are slightly challenging so he just calls on the great guitar players that he knows when he needs to. His infectious laugh makes the interview a pure delight as we continue our discussion of his latest project. “Still Here”, the leading single, hypnotizes – notes from Brian’s piano have a sexy affair with the sultry vocals of Philly songbird, Vivian Green. “I always believed/Said you’d give me the world and you gave it all to me” – the lyrics on this artful fusion of Jazz & R&B convey the song’s passionate tale of risk-taking love that yields a happy ending. Fans should be thankful for Brian’s Dream that gave birth to “No Limits” featuring Stokley Williams. Having never met before this collaboration, the stars were definitely aligned as Williams’ showers Culbertson’s masterful creation with lyrics of requited love. “Your Smile” and “Later Tonight” nicely wrap up Brian’s rhythmic EP teaser for the LP’s summer release. If Mr. Culbertson’s run of sold-out shows is any indication, fans will be more than thrilled with the full length album. Some of the musical delights include “Madelena”,

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“Lights Off”, and “You’re My Music” featuring Boston-based R&B artist, Noel Gourdin. On his Dream tour, he is looking forward to going back to his hometown Chicago, but admits that his fans make him enjoy each tour stop. Jokingly, he talks about his confusion early in his career over the politeness displayed by his fans when performing Europe. “Lots of times while doing gigs in Europe, the crowd can be really polite during the

I have always made music that I believe in and that I am passionate about... song and when it ends, they clap like crazy and then get quiet again”. His humorous storytelling paints the dramatic difference as in the U.S, “fans are up, clapping, dancing… reacting to the music as it’s going on.” During his tour, Brian will take out a moment for his June 2012 Napa Valley Jazz Getaway which, according to him, is not “just a typical Jazz Festival”. He is probably the person most excited about this inclusive, multi-day event which includes wine tasting, comedy, musicians, Q&A with the artists, and much more. Oleta Adams, Eric Darius, David Benoit, Kenny Lattimore, Eric Marienthal, and Sinbad will join him and his band to entertain those lucky enough to have secured a ticket. Brian has worked with top R&B Crooners such as Faith Evans, Ledisi, Brian McKnight, Kenny Lattimore, Musiq Soulchild, and Avant on his past albums. One gets dizzy going down the long list of records that he has played, written, arranged, engineered and/or produced on. Industry salutes in the form of six Oasis Jazz Awards, topping the Billboard Charts, regularly opening for Barry Manilow, and high praise from Prince serve as a hint

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to non-fans Fan loyalty is definitely every artist’s dream and Brian is living that dream. It is no surprise that his masterful creations include music from several genres as he grew up on and was introduced to a wide spectrum. On heavy rotation on his childhood “boombox” were Earth, Wind & Fire, David Sanborn, Chicago, Chick Korea, The Brecker Brothers, Tower of Power, and Sting. Other influences include Madonna, Billy Joel, John Coltrane, Bootsy Collins, Ella Fitzgerald, P-Funk, Gap Band, Prince, Elton John, Miles Davis, Coldplay, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Imogen Heap, Tori Amos, and that’s just the beginning. Although he has worked with many of the greatest, a dream collaboration of his is with Mr. Eric Benet. “I knew I always wanted to do something in music. I honestly did not set out to be an artist myself. What I always wanted to do is be a songwriter and producer.” Dreams do come true as he is doing it all with his work. Brian feels lucky with his label, as they trust him and allow him to have the creative freedom to deliver what his fans cannot get enough of. He is a huge supporter of the Grammy Foundation and actively raises money for it as he is “all about music education” and is saddened by “all the music programs being cut around” the U.S. As with all else that he is engaged in, he is quite passionate about this. On why fans should buy his album, Brian hopes that “it will tap into your soul and will, at least, take you somewhere.” He hopes that it can take listeners out of reality, if even for just a moment. “Forget about everything and be in euphoria for however many minutes while you’re listening to that and that’s what I want to try to do. And hopefully, people will get that from listening to this record”. His Legacy - remember Brian Culbertson for having musical integrity. “I’ve never tried to do something ‘cause I thought it would sell records. I have always made music that I believe in and that I am passionate about and hopefully that shows. That is important to me”. With thirteen albums tucked away and a loyal world-wide fan-base, he is definitely leaving his desired musical legacy.

Warryn C. | Producer @warryncampbell

I don’t have a Warryn Campbell sound...My thing is wrapped around the sound of the artist. The star of the song should always be the voice on the song.

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BY JADE PERRY

t’s not hard to see why Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell is so successful. From his musical endeavors, to his businesses, and even to reality TV show appearances, this man definitely keeps himself busy. However, in talking with him, I’ve found that his success is not just apparent in the music that he makes. Honoring God and family, staying true to himself, and maintaining a humble and grateful demeanor are also apparent in his life. While talking with him, I learned more about the man behind such great music, and I’m genuinely excited to share what I learned with you.

Starting off, I knew that Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell was a prolific producer. I also knew he’d worked with top artists in the music industry. However, I didn’t know how far his reach actually was until I was sitting in my car, listening to one of my favorite songs. As the song started, I heard a subtle voice say, “My Block!” – the name of Warryn Campbell’s record label. The next day, I received his discography and was completely blown away. I mean, I don’t think I’ve ever said, “That’s my jam!” so much in one setting. He’s worked with Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, MusiqSoulchild, Men of Standard, and more. However, what’s more impressive than this A-list roster is the quality of his work and the subtle slickness in every song he produces, no matter the genre.

PHOTOGRAPHY © ARNOLD TUNER

“I don’t have a Warryn Campbell sound,” he states, “My thing is wrapped around the sound of the artist. The star of the song should always be the voice on the song. I’m a vocal producer. I’mma make sure the beat is right and bright, but it’s all about how the people are going to hear the artist.” His ability to produce artists from multiple genres is, of course, due to his sheer talent. However, his background might also have something to do with it. “I have 56 first cousins on my mother’s side… and everybody plays an instrument or sings. That extended to church; my family was the church musicians! But my father was very liberal in what he let me listen to. As a kid in the 80’s, I loved hip-hop, NWA, Winans, and Commissioned. So when I started to make beats around 12 years old, it was a lot of melodic stuff over some tight drum patterns. I still do a little of that today.” Campbell met DJ Quik and started working with him on Death Row Records. He was able to learn the ins and outs of the business and began his own journey as a producer and businessman. His production savvy has maintained as time has progressed. His response? “Being relevant… is relative. People ask me ‘Where do you see music going in the future,’ and I say, ‘Wherever I’m taking it.’ If it’s on the radio, it’s already old. I gotta go to the next thing.” So, what’s “the next thing” for Warryn Campbell? He’s in the process of filming the second season of WEtv’s reality show, Mary Mary, where audiences can see how he balances family and business. Another primary focus is My Block’s new

Being relevant… is relative. People ask me ‘Where do you see music going in the future,’ and I say, ‘Wherever I’m taking it.’ artist, JoiSTARR, whose single will be coming out this month. Campbell is also in the stages of producing a project of his own called I Like My Music, in which he can showcase his own talents and musical interest. Other than that, he places a high importance on family values. Campbell is married to Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell, and feels truly blessed to have a wife who is in the music industry as well. “She supports me… she understands what I understand. I [also] have some of the most amazing children! I’ve got a seven year old daughter, a three year old son, and a baby girl. If you ask my seven year old daughter what she wants to do, she says, ‘Duh, Dad, I’m gonna be a singer!’ My son, even though he’s three, gets up and plays the drums in the morning for, like, an hour! My wife and I make sure we show them as much love and attention as possible. They never want for that.” In the midst of it all, he maintains a positive attitude, stating “Negative statements don’t make you, just like compliments don’t. I’m appreciative for both… the hate is like dirt, and we all need dirt to grow”. He also makes sure to express genuine thanks to everyone who has shown their support, attention, retweeted or followed on Facebook. His advice to our readers? “When it pertains to music, it’s a heart issue, even as a listener. Follow what pricks your heart. Like it ‘cause you love it! If it moves you to tears or makes you happy, that’s what you oughtta love. Follow your heart.”

Click»Swipe Mouse • Pad • Phone JoiStaRR

Although many may be unfamiliar with JoiStaRR, she has earned a prominent foothold in the music scene having performed and recorded with everyone from Raphael Saadiq and PJ Morton to Musiq Soulchild and T.I.

Curran J. Swint

Curran J is inspired and that’s an undeniable truth. He’s managed to turn his love for fashion into something more, something bigger—and that’s a trend that will never go out of style.

Emily King

PJ Morton

Emily King is arguably one of the most genuine, prolific, and witty songwriters of her time. Her debut release East Side Story, which garnered her a Grammy nod, was an R&B album on some type of steroid.

Soul Lounge USA and IM3 Media welcomed Grammy Award winner & member of Maroon 5, PJ Morton to Philadelphia during his Following My First Mind tour! The tour, promoted his newly released Following My First Mind project.

Key & Peele

McKenzie Liautaud

“Is this the white half of these guys making fun of Liautaud is known for his craftsmanship and inthe black half? Or is it the black half making fun of novation. His stunning bow ties are a hit among white people? Is one of those more okay than the such celebrities as musician Wyclef Jean and other? It all starts to become fascinating.” model Beverly Johnson.

wifi WORTHY WWW.HEEDMAG.COM

Tichina Arnold BY MIKE SANFORD

ack in the early 90’s, Tichina Arnold grabbed all of our attention as the sassy and hilarious Pamela James on the popular comedy series, Martin. Following the mega-show’s 5-season run, she went on to star alongside Flex Alexander in the UPN sitcom, One on One and in Everybody Hates Chris as the main character’s humorously sassy mother, Rochelle. These days she can be caught playing Fran Drescher’s best friend, Judi, on TVLand’s new hit comedy, Happily Divorced, and working on her long awaited debut album. Tichina Arnold is hilarious and brings the funny out of every character she plays. Her influence on comedy and natural ability to make people laugh is quite evident and seems to follow her on and off the camera. I got a small taste of her candid wit during our interview. With the success of the first season of Happily Divorced, we should expect to see a new season in the fall. Tichina says, “It’s been fun because Judi is fun and because she is a real person. It’s kind of fun because when someone is walking this earth, you kind of want to do them justice. Playing Judi is easy because it’s not some deep role. To do comedy is easier for me because I’m able to find things that I like laughing at and incorporate those characteristics into the character I’m playing.”

Not only an amazing actress, Tichina Arnold is a powerhouse vocalist. I’m sure we all remember those episodes of Martin when she would effortlessly belt out popular songs alongside Tisha Campbell. It seemed only fitting that she would have an album, but she didn’t. I always wondered why. These days, I don’t have to because Tichina is now working on new music. It’s been a long time coming but, as with everything else, it’s all about timing. Backed by her band Know Pressure, Tichina is ready to take this music exactly where it needs to go. Immediately after bringing up the topic of music, I could sense her smiling from the other end of the phone. “It’s so much fun and exhilarating…being in the band is a vehicle for me to express myself through something that I love, and that’s music. I long for music, I love music, and I was raised around music...music makes the world go around.” We all know celebrities to get involved with well-known charitable organizations and Tichina is no different. She supports several organizations, all of which involve the welfare of children. “I had to start focusing on children because that’s where I get a lot of my inspiration. To me, I hold a huge responsibility with everything I do for children; not just for my kid, but everybody’s kid. Children are the epitome of being a real human being. They’re born innocent and I’ve seen so much innocence taken away and stolen from children. I’ve always said that I want to be a vehicle and someone who is able to stand in for young people and be a voice.” As a member of the National PTA Advisory Board, Tichina says, “I represent the single mothers. I’m here to represent those people who are not represented. The PTA is no longer

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TVLAND

Tichina A. | Actor @tichinaarnold

exclusive to two parent households. My mom was never apart of the PTA because she had to work! I’m very proud of it because it’s something I thought I’d never see myself doing and I really try to be there as much as possible.” Although her life can be quite demanding, it doesn’t supersede her ultimate role as a mother. For Tichina, being a mother and committing to career demands is something that you can never really balance. “It’s a constant balancing act and, when you look at it that way, it makes things a lot easier in juggling the two,” she says. “When [her daughter] needs a full time mommy, that’s what I

am. It’s funny the way motherhood changed my life. I’m used to jet-setting all around the world, but one fever could halt everything. It’s a matter of putting what’s important first. Children understand and they love you no matter what you do. With my daughter, she understands and when she doesn’t understand, I explain it to her.” Sure, Tichina Arnold has 3 successful decades in the business under her belt, but there’s a lot more that this multi-talented entertainer plans to do. “I feel like I’ve been successful, but there’s a lot of stuff that I still want to do that I haven’t done yet…I’m a celebrity in my own right and I

have fans, but there’s so much to be done!” As my conversation with Ms. Arnold wrapped up, I asked her to share something she takes heed to; something that she is mindful of at all times. Her simple yet pointed response was, “I take HEED to the way I treat other people. My motto is it’s nice to be important but it’s important to be nice. I use that as my mantra because it’s simple. It’s a basic principle—if you want something out of life it’s important to be nice.” Be sure to follow Tichina Arnold on twitter @tichinaarnold!

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Read&Reviewed

A NIKE MA BOOK REVIEW any slave blood, his family being from Ghana. Baratunde asked the singular white panelist, Christian Lander, how white he was. Christian recalled his days in grade school using food to describe the contrast between the external and internal racial identities. For example, an Oreo is a person who is black on the outside and white on the inside. Christian says he was called an egg – white on the outside Asian on the inside. Christian Landers’ book, Stuff White People Like, takes a jab at white racial stereotypes. This book is written like a manual to educate the reader on 150 things that white people like. Here are a few of the examples: coffee and coffee addiction, therapy, writers workshops, microbreweries,

How to Be Black is not an instructional manual on “proper blackness”, as the title might suggest. It is a humorous examination of racial stereotypes based on the personal experiences of the author, Baratunde Thurston. Bartunde enlists the help of several friends to help him discuss the various stereotypes of blackness. Each member of the panel adds their own humorous experiences to the discussion. The panel includes the co-founder of Jack & Jill politics, Cheryl Contee; artist, author, and comedienne Damali Ayo; comedienne and actress Jaquetta Szathmari; comedian and creator of the web series, This Week in Blackness, Elon James White; comedian W. Kamau Bell; musician and

TV host Derrick Ashong; and Christian Lander, the author of Stuff White People Like. Baratunde paints a balanced picture of his life. He doesn’t shy away from some of the harsher realities of his upbringing, like his father being killed in the DC drug wars, being raised by a single mother in the inner-city where drugs and crime were not uncommon. When asked their perspective on the topic “How black are you?”, Elon James White recalled a time when his father accused him of trying to “be white” because he referred to his mother as “mother” instead of “mom.” One of his classmates in grade school criticized him for being articulate like their teacher or other white students. Derek Ashong was told by a fellow classmate that he was not really black because he didn’t have

Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, the Colbert Report, brunch, cheese, hardwood floors, being outside, and blogging. The explanations and additional details as to why these things are important had me in stitches. There’s even a test at the end of the book you can take that will tell you exactly how white you are. Both books find humorous ways of examining stereotypes and each make the point that there are no definitive rules to being white or black. I enjoyed both of these books in unabridged audiobook formats. How to Be Black was narrated by the author, while Stuff White People Like was narrated by Victor Bevine. I highly recommend both of these books, alone or together.

INTERVIEW BY LORRAINE LAPRADE EDITED BY CRYSTAL WIMBERLY

PHOTOGRAPHY © BRIAN LUMAN FOR HEED MAGAZINE

Erica & Tina | Singers @therealmarymary

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“You know something big done happen to me…”

n May 19, gospel duo Mary Mary treated congregates of the True Holy Church - City of Refuge to a special concert and catered breakfast to celebrate the church’s commitment to serving its local community. Mary Mary had teamed up with Pillsbury back in October 2011 for the “Do Something Big” contest. The contest invited churches around the country to provide video submissions that described how they were uplifting their local communities. A winner was announced in December – True Holy Church of Refuge, a 100 member church in Brooklyn, New York that operates a food pantry and clothing bank. The church has run the pantry/food drive for over 20 years. The food and clothing is donated by local organizations like City Harvest and Dress for Success, as well as members of the church, outputting about 275 bags per week. Last year, the church prepared around 10,000 bags – feeding a little more than 30,000 people. The pantry serves two needs at the church: both as a means to feed and clothe needy families and to deepen the bond between the church and community members that make up the pantry crew. The church’s pastor, Reverend Vivian Santimore Grubb, says that when he heard the church had won the contest, he felt honored. “When you do what you are supposed to do and someone actually tells you ‘good job’, that’s a great feeling.”

“…and I gotta tell the world about it.” The Do Something Big campaign was inspired by Mary Mary’s Something Big album and developed from a previous challenge to their fans and family to “live big,” “love big,” and “do something big” in their communities. “The campaign is about coming outside of your door, your house, your four corners of the world to share and to give. We want to celebrate that,” says Erica Atkins-Campbell. Their partnership with Pillsbury was just a

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natural extension of the group’s passion for serving communities within the church and beyond. “[It] was perfect, because we are mothers and feeding your kids is very important,” says Tina Atkins-Campbell. “The egg scrambles and the biscuits allow us to feed our children while we’re on the go. We really appreciate that [Pillsbury] wanted to join forces with us.” Church member and clothing drive volunteer, Melissa McHugh, submitted the winning video on a whim, having little experience in video editing experience. She says that, in the beginning, only she and Pastor Grubb knew about the video. When the church won, it was “overwhelming.” Ultimately, it was the church’s immense impact on the lives of its congregants and neighbors in spite of its size that caught Mary Mary’s attention and put the church in the running as a finalist. “The congregation is so small, but they do so much. They just went outside of themselves,” commended Mary Mary. “It wasn’t like, ‘We only have 100 people and we’re only going to feed maybe 50.’ It’s 100 people and they feed 275 every week and have been for years. It wasn’t something they just did for the competition. We got a peek into something they have been doing for a long time.” The sisters said True Holy Church reminded them a lot of the church where they spent their childhood, where they were taught the essence of an African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” They reflect that, when they grew up, the members of their church all lived on the same block and were involved in collectively raising them so they “couldn’t sneak and do anything” or get into much trouble. And in this environment, they learned the importance of doing for others, as their parents were active in giving to the homeless and even doing work in the prisons. Those values are evident in their current project. As Erica puts it, “The only way we will survive is if we help one another.” And Mary Mary practices what they preach. Despite busy schedules – including a remixed and remastered No.1 album, Go Get It, the Essence Music Festival in July where they will be honored

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and perform on the main stage, Tina’s new baby on the way in August, the green lighting of a second season of their hit reality show on WE, and not to mention a planned Mary Mary tour to begin in October and run through November – the duo still take time to make time for others. Aside from their partnership with Pillsbury in celebration of those who outreach, they also serve other community initiatives. Both sisters are on the Board of Directors for The Choice Group, an L.A.-based non-profit that provides access to music and art programs for at-risk youth. Mary Mary assists through providing coats, computers, gift certificates, and other funding for the children. They say the initiative has particular significance to them because without choir rehearsals and music, their lives could have turned out differently. Where do we go from here? The sisters of Mary Mary have a special challenge for churches throughout the country: Stop the practice of isola-

tion. Go into unorthodox places and change the world. They desire to see more churches like True Holy Church breaking down barriers between the church and secular communities to make a greater impact in their surroundings, to take community building beyond the street and into the world. They say it is the church’s responsibility to make its teachings accessible to the masses. “If you are in a room where everyone’s light is on, nobody’s special. But if you take a light into a dark room, everybody notices,” says Erica. Her sister, Tina, echoes her response, “[True Holy Church] is a good example of how a little becomes a lot when you place it in the hands of people who are motivated, and they are really motivated. It does not matter how big you are, what matters is how big your heart is. When you are following the heart of God, you give. When you love, you give.”

PASTOR VIVIAN GRUBBS TRUE HOLY CHURCH CITY OF REFUGE Brooklyn’s True Holy Church - City of Refuge is a small church whose influence extends well beyond its four walls. Every week, the church opens its doors to the residents of its East New York community, offering food and clothing through its food pantry and clothing bank. “We want to be so important in our community that folks cannot walk by our church without stopping in for something,” says the church’s pastor, Reverend Vivian Santimore Grubb. Pastor Grubb is one of the many pantry volunteers who prepare more than 250 bags of food for families in need feeding a whopping 14k last year. He reflects that the church’s involvement in its community, and its partnership with service-oriented non-profit organizations is necessary work, a testament to the City of Refuge’s namesake. “My goal as pastor is to impress upon members to not just come in on Sunday…you gotta pull [all] people in,” he says. Pastor Grubb stresses that the church’s philosophy of reaching all people was never about getting new members. Yet, wonderful things tend to happen once members of the community volunteer or receive services at the pantry: they often decide to stay and join the church! Pastor Grubb is humbled by all the attention the City of Refuge has received because of its activism, “When you do what you are supposed to do and someone actually tells you ‘good job’, that’s a great feeling.”

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Heeder Rating

90!

(Rated ‘M’ for Mature due to Blood, Gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language by the ESRB)

Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead is one of those amazing stories that explore how we all react when pushed to the limit. Survival during any apocalyptic scenario would theoretically strain how we all would respond to friends, family, and even complete strangers. The nature of The Walking Dead storyline tiptoes along the edge of horror and tends to lean more on the Stephen King side of things as it reveals the plot. This truth is how both the graphic novel and the amazing TV series reach such an amazing level of addictiveness and appeal amongst so many. How would you react if you saw a stranger save an adult over your child? How would you react if you were that stranger and noticed that it would be harder to save the child over the adult? What if the father of that child hated you for some unexplained reason or misguided prejudice? With no government, law enforcement, or hospitals, who would you trust when food and safety are hard to come by and why? All of these questions tie into something very personal and, no matter how the story plays out, you are always left with your heart racing wondering, “What would I have done?” Laid out in fast paced shock-treatment fashion, the storyline in the graphic novel follows a good man by the name of Rick Grimes and his family on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia during the onset of a zombie apocalypse. TellTale Games was recently commissioned to take their episodic gaming blueprint and apply it to this highly respected and beloved franchise. Just as in the graphic novel, this game forces you to answer these same questions and more upon taking on the role of convicted

criminal named Lee Everett. The nature of Lee’s crime comes via passion as he caught his wife and lover in the midst of infidelity. Through monthly released episodes, TellTale hopes to capture the emotion and mystique of the graphic novel rather than the zombie killing focus that most games of its ilk take on. Here, The Walking Dead Video Game wants you to choose who to save, who to befriend, who to lie to, and who to betray all while you find ways to stay alive yourself. The story unfolds as Everett is being transported to prison when the zombie apocalypse first grips Atlanta. Crashing on the outskirts of the city, the player is taken on a journey that essentially has the same soul and addictiveness as the graphic novel. At its core, The Walking Dead is a choose-yourown-adventure interactive comic, if you will. With multiple paths that can be taken based upon your actions and discussion choices you can craft a somewhat unique story of your own, allowing you to portray Lee in whatever light you see fit. Cold hearted, sentimental, or even eerily silent, you are allowed to lie, avoid, or bend the truth in various ways according to how much you like or dislike most of the characters that Lee encounters. As decisions are made, specific plot points are noted at the top left of the screen as your responses are selected. Characters will remember what allegiances you make, how often you check in on them, whether they caught you in a lie, as well as how you treat other characters. Even Glenn and Hershel from the original series make an appearance as a part of Lee’s chronicles. To drive home the “graphic novel tie-in intent”, the graphical style of the game is done in a cell shaded styling that does a remarkable job of expressing the characters’ feelings on their faces.

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tech stop

Then there are the ‘action’ sequences. You can’t have a game or story about zombies and not have some sort of manner to do a bit of zombie slaying, right? Well, TellTale has scripted a majority of these sequences into a point and click style of control. As the zombies lumber towards you in a first person POV, you lead the cursor to highlight areas of attack to do the deed. This makes the moment a bit suspenseful, yet you can imagine these scripted sequences leave little room for replayability. Dying has no penalty, so if you happen to miss a click here and there, you are returned to a relatively close starting point for the sequence. While this breaks up the talking, listening, and item hunting nicely, it certainly isn’t the main draw of the game. Still, your more morbid side may enjoy the gruesome ways that each of the zombies (or characters even) are offed. Again, how the choices you make affect the relationships of the characters is what makes this game replayable and enjoyable. Currently set up for five episodes, TellTale plans to release new content each month. After experiencing this first episode, it is clear that TellTale Games have stayed true to the Eisner Award-winning material, and may need to make plans for more episodes. This complex yet oh-so-satisfying way of telling the story is akin to the other games they’ve made (Back To The Future, Law And Order, Jurassic Park), yet begs to be used with so many more! The Walking Dead Video Game is available for Xbox360 via Xbox Live Arcade, PS3 via the Playstation Network, PC (through various outlets including Steam), and Mac. Other formats may follow considering some of TellTale Games’ other products were released for the iPad.

If you really get into this game and wish to pass the time between episodes, visit www.skybound.com for info on The Walking Dead comic books.

GAME ON LIFE’S SHORT. PLAY MORE.

A BENJAMIN BROWN REVIEW

Madame

Symone

After Curtain Call

BY MIKE SANFORD

Raven | Singer / Actor @SisterActBroadway

I’m not curing cancer – those people are way more important than I. I’m just here to make you smile.

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here’s something about rainy days, isn’t there? They can be relaxing or they can ruin weddings. They can be romantic or they can flood your basement. Fortunately for me, the rainy day I had on a Thursday back in April was none of the above. I took a ten-dollar bus ride up to New York City and made my way to meet one of this generation’s brightest entertainers. In my mind, I didn’t know how I would react to meeting Raven Symone and I must admit that I was quite nervous. Let’s be honest – she’s been a star for as long as I’ve been alive, and if that’s not enough to get your nerves on edge, I don’t know what is. Not to mention the girl is gorgeous! Lucky for me, our interview at the chic Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel was anything but nerve-wracking. I was sure of this when Raven entered the room wearing a huge smile…but no shoes. She had been up and interviewing since 5am that day for her involvement with Merck’s Plan It Forward campaign and decided to kick off her shoes exclusively for Heed Magazine. Ms. Symone has been acting since she was three years old, launching her career as Olivia on The Cosby Show. Since her television debut back in 1989, she has starred in countless films and television shows and has released several albums. Now, at age 26, Raven is conquering new territory as a Broadway actress. The movie Sister Act was a smash hit back in the early 90’s and we all loved Whoopi Goldberg as the sassy, spunky and very witty Delores Van Cartier. I didn’t imagine that they’d bring the hilarious, music-filled film to Broadway, but they did and Raven has been getting rave reviews for her Broadway debut as the Vegas showgirl turned nun. “It’s been absolutely amazing playing Delores Van Cartier! She’s a bundle of fire, of music, of acting, of emotion… and being able to portray her has been amazing,” Raven said.

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You can always change up what you want to do; you’re not stuck in something...

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While working tirelessly night after night, Raven also has her hands in the Plan It Forward campaign serving as Plan Ambassador. Through this initiative, Raven is using her star power to assist young girls everywhere with setting goals and sticking with them. She was eager to share more about her involvement, saying, “You can find out ways to start a career, and ways to start your education. Pretty much, Plan It Forward is helping you to create a roadmap, some kind of guide to get you to your goals because, ultimately, that’s the best way to reach them – if you have a set goal.” Talking with Raven was easy and it was especially impressive to learn that she is interested in quantum physics. Who knew that? Quantum physics and Broadway is like salt on ice cream—weird but really, really interesting. When I brought up the topic, her face lit up and she passionately said, “I love quantum physics because it helps my mind stay sane. It helps me realize that the things going on around me happen for a reason. I love science and there’s a lot more to it but it helps me stay sane. There’s more out there than just comedy…I think that’s what it is for me.” That could be what it is for Raven, as she seems to be a very grounded young woman. Maybe it’s because Dr. Bill Cosby told her to always “be professional”, or maybe it’s her longevity in an industry that sometimes uses and abuses even the best of the best. “So Raven,” I said as we continued through our interview, “what keeps you grounded?” I had to ask her how she managed to stay levelheaded in this business and she humbly responded by saying, “The people around me.” She went on to remind me of the fact that her career isn’t the end of her life if it were to stop at any given moment. “I have plans for my personal life and I have plans for my career and I try to keep them separate, which is very hard. I just know that there’s more to life. I’m not curing cancer – those people are way more important than I. I’m just here to make you smile.” And I must admit that I smiled throughout the entire interview. Her quirkiness was inevitable, and apparently I made Raven Symone blush! All I did was ask about her knack for art, and she seemed quite impressed. “You know me!” she said, and I even got a high five out of the deal. Nobody

wants to answer the same boring questions and combat silly rumors during every single conversation, and celebrities are no different. I sensed that bringing up her passion for art did for her what her barefootedness did for me—made her comfortable. Art is Raven’s escape, and it’s what she uses to get away from the hustle and bustle of being a star. “I’ve always drawn, but I’ve always kept it as a side. Never in the public because I never wanted it to be exploited, like everything that I do in my career,” she says. “I wanted it to be something of my own so that, when this life gets too difficult, I know that I can go home and do something else.” The interview was almost over, but I couldn’t let Raven go without picking her brain for a bit of advice. With a career spanning nearly 25 years, she definitely has a thing or two to say young girls interested in a similar career path. “There are a lot of things that I can tell a lot of girls that have aspirations to do amazing things, but the one thing I will say is make sure you know what you want. Make sure you have a plan and that you have a roadmap to get you there. You can always change up what you want to do; you’re not stuck in something,” Raven says. And she sticks true to her word as she has done television, music, movies, and now Broadway. Not to mention her philanthropic work and years of being a role model to young girls everywhere. I’m sure she would agree in saying that she hasn’t always made the best choices for her life, but she’s made some pretty smart ones and our chat concluded with her emphasizing “the choices that you make today, shape your future so make sure that you have good plan for where you want to go…” ***Be sure to check out Raven Symone on Broadway in Sister Act and visit www.hercampus.com for more information on her involvement with the campaign and how you can be apart***

A CARA NOEL RESTUARANT REVIEW

Downtown Galway Hooker Pub - New York, ny

I stopped in not too long ago for a late dinner with some friends, looking for delicious comfort food and a drink or two. We walked in and were seated promptly. Our server was attentive, and she gave us ample time to decide what we wanted. I ordered the Firecracker and my friends ordered the Galway Gimlet. The drinks were strong, and pretty tasty, though I remember wishing mine was a little sweeter. All three of us opted for the “Big Mike’s Juicy Lucy” and we were all blown away. Let me tell you about this burger. It’s a half pound of beef stuffed with mozzarella, jalapenos,

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and topped with cheddar cheese and an onion ring. That thing is amazing! I opted to have mine cooked medium rare, so I could take in the full flavor. The burger came with a side of fries, and this glorious mustard/mayo combo that was perfect for dipping. The presentation wasn’t fancy, but it got the job done. The fries came in a newspaper cone, which I thought was a nice touch; they were seasoned very well, and fried perfectly. The burger was juicy, flavorful, and greasy – all of which made for a fantastic dining experience. We ate and sat and sat some more. The venue is dark, which isn’t surprising as most bars are. It’s decorated with a maritime theme, but with more of a trendy vibe so it’s not cheesy. There are TVs everywhere, so patrons are able to watch whatever super-important sporting event is showing at the moment. The music is also really good. We heard everything from “Big Poppa,”

to “Bug-A-Boo,” which made for an even more enjoyable time because we were able to sing! Sadly, I didn’t order dessert because I was super full from my delicious burger. I went home full, satisfied, and ready to sleep. Well done, Downtown Galway Hooker! Now on to what some might consider the most important part of the review: to return, or not to return. Well, I’ll take “Return for $500”, Alex! I’m not a frequent burger eater, but I know what I like, and apparently, so does DGH. The burger is flavorful enough, and filling enough to leave no room for dessert if you so choose, but it’s not so filling that you go into a food coma. That said, I would highly recommend DGH for a late dinner, weekend brunch, or even lunch (if they open that early). I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, and I WILL go back.

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What can I say about Downtown Galway Hooker Pub? In a sea of cafes and restaurants, it’s pretty inconspicuous and, at first glance, could be considered a dive bar. Albeit a nice dive bar, but a dive bar all the same. It is also home to what could be the best burger you’ve ever tasted.

Anais | Singer / Songwriter @anaisaida

INTRODUCING

ANAIS AIDA

BY IMADE NIKOBUN

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Home is a place that Anais Aida finds within. The unifying thread woven through her childhood in France, Ireland, Senegal, and the Bay area led to an understanding of humanity that defies geographic boundaries. Anais channeled her journey into songs that uncover the emotions of us all. With the help of one of her producers, Alejandro Ghersi, Anais crafted a sound that is edgy, minimalist, and soulful. Her courses at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recording Music created the platform that brought her music to the masses. What started as a class project turned into an eye opening e-mail. It was Janelle Monae applauding Anais for staying true to the essence of “Say You’ll Go”. Anais’ stripped down acoustic cover marked the beginning of a career soaring to its zenith. Anais’ 2011 Suite 4 covers EP brought her first fans, but it was the pain afterwards that excavated her potential. “One of my best friends passed away; he was one of the people I made a lot of music with. It was heartbreaking and I was so confused and emotional.” In losing her dear friend, Anais’ insecurities lost their importance. “It allowed me to get out of the box. I was still limiting myself in some ways.” Anais persevered through her grief and began to explore her untapped gifts. She honors the passing of his life by living her own. “I’m taking the time for myself to really develop and create something I’m proud of.” Anais has enlisted the help of India.Arie’s voice teacher in addition to taking up classical training. She is a woman on a mission who doesn’t let her past accomplishments blind her vision for the future. Even her suspenseful music video, “Love Can Burn”, is spoken as an ancient artifact. “’Love Can Burn’ is the old me. I recorded that three years ago.” Anais moves beyond the past and pursues the woman she will become. “I want to be the kind of artist where [the music] matches my intellect. I want to be that artist that can go from the extreme of Beyonce – getting on stage, full production, dancing, all that – to be-

ing the girl with a guitar who stands next to a piano and blows people away.” This focus was captured in Anais’ song, “Fire In My Bones”. The musical passion that lies within Anais was refined by the adversity of her world travels. She recounts her first upheaval at the tender age of ten. “My mom took me from Toulouse, which is in the southwest of France, to Ireland. I always felt like I had to catch up to other kids because I didn’t understand English.” But Anais not only learned English, she wrote papers while picking up Gaelic and enjoying Irish folk music. After stops in Senegal and the United States, the acclimation process had to start all over again. “I always felt alone. I felt like I had to adapt and morph to fit into the environment. But in that, even though it hurts, it pushed me to work a lot harder than other people.” It also pushed Anais to find home. “Where is my heart? The place where I feel I’m at my best and I’m myself is when I’m writing a song that truly reflects how I’m feeling.” Writing is not only her tool for expression, but a means to gain a sense of belonging. “When I started working with Alejandro, all of a sudden our sounds clicked. He understands how to place my voice and what instruments complement it.” Anais can never be homesick as long as she has her art. “When I’m truly creating and when I’m really in my music, that’s when the feeling disappears. That’s when I feel joy.” Anais is an artist who embraces the essence of who she is. Her music is not defined by release dates or marketing campaigns. Instead, she allows her music to slow cook. “I want to create a universal message that touches on what we all feel. I know my destiny is supposed to happen. I’m not in a rush. I just want to make music

SUM A Spry Lee Scott & Jeffrey Gamble Fashion Feature

-BLACK HALTER SWIMSUIT BY CHRIS MIDDLETON -SHEER COVER UP W/ GOLD & TURQUOISE EMBELLISHMENTS BY BELOVED STAR -WOOD PYRAMID CHANDELIER EARRINGS, DOTTED TWIST EBONY NECKLACE, GOLD CIRCLE CHOKER & GOLD SPIKE CUFFS ALL BY MEGAN ODABASH -BLACK CROC & GOLD CUFF BY NADA SAWAYA -GOLD SIX TUBE, DOUBLE FINGER RING BY LARUICCI -BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES BY ALDO

This summer you may want to think twice about taking a dip. With sexy swimsuits, colorful coverups and killer accessories, you’ll make a splash before even hitting the water! Featured model, Camille McDonald brings the heat and shows us how to lounge stylishly while commanding all the attention!

MMER siZZle! feat.

Camille McDonald

-WHITE STRAPLESS SWIMSUIT BY CHRIS MIDDLETON -TURQOUISE AND VIOLET LEATHER WRAP BELT BY RAINA BELTS -EARRINGS AND ORANGE/GOLD MULTI-CHAIN BRACELET BY LARUICCI -RINGS BY MEGAN ODABASH -CUSTOM CRYSTALLIZED SHOES BY JIMMY CRYSTAL

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-FUSCHIA SWIMSUIT BY JOHNNY VINCENT -SILVER CUFF W/ GREEN STONE, SILVER DESIGN RING & SILVER WATERFALL EARRINGS ALL BY MEGAN ODABASH -LEATHER CUFFS (WORN BY MALE MODELS) BY CYNTHIA DESSER

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-TURQUOISE 2 PIECE BIKINI BY CYN & LUCA -MULTICOLOR FULL LENGTH COVER UP BY BELOVED STAR -EARRINGS BY LARUICCI -CUSTOM CRYSTALLIZED SHOES BY JIMMY CRYSTAL

-BLACK & WHITE BIKINI TOP BY CYN & LUCA -WHITE TURQUOISE NECKLACE BY “MELODY” BY MELODY BURNS FOR KIINI IBURA JEWELRY -ORANGE LAYERED PETAL EARRINGS BY CRUX

Where to buy: ALL MEN’S SWIMWEAR PROVIDED BY PARKE AND RONEN “MELODY” BY MELODY BURNS FOR KIINI IBURA JEWELRY (718)858-5195 BELOVEDSTAR.COM CHRISMIDDLETON.COM CRUXNY.COM CYNANDLUCA.COM CYNTHIADESSER.COM JIMMYCRYSTAL.COM JOHNNYVINCENT.COM LARUICCI.COM MEGANODABASH.COM NADASAWAYA.COM PARKEANDRONEN.COM RAINABELTS.COM

Talent: PHOTOGRAPHER: JEFFREY GAMBLE FASHION STYLIST: SPRY LEE SCOTT HAIR AND MAKEUP: KEITH NEAL FEATURED MODEL: CAMILLE MCDONALD MALE MODELS: TERRY BEST AND SEKOUKOJO ASSISTANT FASHION STYLIST: KIMBERLY CHARLES

When you want answers, you go to the boss. When AKOO Clothing was looking for a fresh face to carry its 2012 Spring-Summer Effortless Cool collection, they cast Rotimi Akinosho, the emerging star of STARZ’s breakout series, Boss. The appointment was only natural. Jeff Belizaire, Director of Marketing & Public Relations of AKOO Clothing states, “Rotimi is the perfect choice for this season’s campaign. He is a rare talent who embodies AKOO’s mantra of self-mastery, as he continuously strives for excellence in his artistry.” Rumor has it that T.I. himself, who will be sharing the screen with Rotimi on the next season of Boss, cherrypicked the cherub faced ingénue to represent the rap-

per’s prized clothing line.

Emerging Talent With Rotimi’s critically-acclaimed entrée to acting, the media has been abuzz over television’s newest star. He’s been called a “Triple Threat” and “Jack-of-allTrades” and has been pegged as the “Next Big Thing”. But the 22-year-old New Jersey native is not new to showbiz. In fact, he’s been around for a while – singing since the age of 6, gracing the legendary Apollo stage in his mid-teens, performing for Jay-Z by his

17th birthday, and already notching two mix tapes under his belt. With his stardom steadily on the rise, his growing successes and admirable work ethic expressly embody the principal philosophy behind AKOO Clothing, which stands for A King of Oneself.

The Big Reveal In the early afternoon of a warm spring day, Heed was invited to AKOO’s midtown Manhattan showroom for an intimate preview of its current collection and an exclusive meet-and-greet with the brand’s latest spokesperson.

Images of the boyishly handsome Rotimi, decked out in numerous looks from AKOO’s next season collection, greeted us at every turn. We were happily surprised to find urban wear that was actually all-purpose wear – items that can easily transition from one occasion to the next. As Rotimi, our gracious host for the afternoon, explained, “This [new] line is the epitome of range and versatility.” Versatility, indeed. A brand that once outfitted a certain kind of baggy-jeaned consumer now has growing demand from European, Asian, and African markets, upping the ante to appeal to a broader fashion sensibility.

AKOO Clothing | T.I. @AKOOClothing

AKOO Clothing looks to boss things up with its 2012 Spring-Summer collection. Grammy award winning rapper TI’s celebrity clothing line taps break-out star, Rotimi Akinosho, of STARZ series “Boss”, as the face of its newest campaign, “Effortless Cool”.

The line has made a conscious departure from classic urban wear – goodbye to the atypical over-worn, oversized garments, no more supersized t-shirts, enlarged logos, and baggy–butt jeans. The look has been tamed by body-conscious henleys, form fitting polos, profile enhancing T’s featuring custom, handdrawn artwork, and leather-luxed premium denim. AKOO has also incorporated washed cargo into this season’s staple. We learned that this transition from baggy to fitted is in response to the emergence of skate culture and the natural hybrid that resulted when it merged with hip-

hop and other cultures. But, no worries, the brand still retains it characteristically street edge, just with a wee bit more tailoring.

An Easy Fit In our one-on-one with Rotimi, he described his new post as, “…humbling and a great blessing. [It’s] the ultimate compliment.” The young star revealed that his partnership with AKOO has conveniently enhanced his personal wardrobe. “I’m so simple with how I dress. But the detailing in AKOO?”, he points to the embellishments on his own pair of AKOO brand denim

jeans and continues, “It’s second to none.” Like AKOO, which was founded on the tenant of selfmastery, Rotimi too believes that, “You are your own king.” He goes on to explain, “Even as the new guy, I have to feel like I can run this thing. It’s a mindset – nothing is impossible.” And, no, nothing is stopping him. He’s going for the gold, the bronze, and the silver – balancing his acting, modeling, singing, and songwriting careers with the dexterity of a professional athlete. Though he readily admits he’d prefer a Grammy over an Oscar – music

being his front running passion – he quickly chimes in that he’d happily take both if the opportunity presented itself. You can find Rotimi, no doubt clad in AKOO, onscreen this upcoming fall when Boss returns for its second season. Or, listen out for his next EP, which he’s currently recording and expects to release this the summer. Hopefully a collab with AKOO’s founder T.I. is somewhere in the works.

Spry S. | Celebrity Stylist @SpryLeeScott

FASHION SPOTLIGHT: SPRY LEE SCOTT When we meet at Union Square’s W Hotel on one of New York City’s first beautiful spring mornings, Spry remains low-key and ready to work as he shows up in sweatpants with Starbucks in hand. A not-so-subtle nod to his inherent stylishness, his fingers and wrists are adorned with tastefully gaudy custom made jewelry, one of Spry’s fashion staples. It’s been over a year since our last interview, and in spite of his recent accomplishments, the mogul appears to be the same old Spry. BY JANNA HALL

ears ago, fashion lovers might have heard Spry Lee Scott’s name and said, “Who?” In a time when celebrity stylists were gracing the covers of magazines and bringing the behind-the-scenes industry drama to the forefront through reality TV, Spry remained lowkey, perfecting his craft and building his brand, Milado, Inc. For him, there’s a special appreciation to be held for the unglamorous daily grind that rears the fabulous finished product the masses see daily. Breaking into the fashion industry via modeling, but stepping out of the limelight to take on styling, Spry has dedicated his entire career to learning the ins and outs of this industry. Now, after surpassing the “10-years-tobecome-an-expert” mark, Scott can confidently step out from behind the veil and make an even larger impact on the world. From his popular YouTube styling videos to international TV specials, and prestigious awards to magazine partnerships, Spry Lee Scott is becoming a force to be reckoned with. 60

Janna Hall: You’ve come such a long way career-wise since our last interview, but I must say, as a person, you haven’t changed a bit. How easy is it to stay humble and remain the same, regardless of the levels of success you reach? Spry Lee Scott: A lot of the stars who are bigger now, I worked with when they were first coming out: Ciara, Ne-Yo, and T.I., just to name a few. I’ve always noticed that a lot of the celebrities that came into the game all fabulous and with huge entourages are the ones that we don’t hear much from today. But a lot of the more humbler celebrities are the ones who are still thriving. The same goes with styling. I see so many stylists and makeup artists come in [to shoots] and they’re loud, and just doing the most. They’re giving a lot of fabulousness, and it’s like, ‘Chill; you’re not the celebrity’. I’ve always been the opposite. You see me now; I’m wearing sweats, and that’s because I’m working. But I understand that I have to step it up a notch when it’s time to. JH: And you certainly do step it up! I saw your picture on the invite for the official award presentation during

From the Fashion Stylist to the Star!

Full Figured Fashion Week; you look good! Congrats on being awarded Full Figured Fashion Week’s Plus Fashion Stylist of the Year! What is your connection to Full Figured Fashion Week and plus-size models in general?

models and just applying it to the plus-size women and making them look and feel just as beautiful. They’re real sizes, they’re real women, and not to mention, when I go into the shoots, they feed me! Can’t beat that with a bat! [Laughs.]

SLS: I got my start in the plus-size industry indirectly through Full Figured Fashion Week. I would bring family and friends to help me behind the scenes of shows, and they would always say, ‘You have these skinny girls; when you gonna dress some big girls? We need some real women!’ In the industry, the models are all a size 2, and a 4 is on the heavy side, so when my cousin heard about Full Figured Fashion week, she called me and was so excited about attending. There I met Madeline Figueroa, who is well known in the plus-size fashion industry, and she put me onto a couple of shoots, and I just started to get more and more involved. The following year Ashley Stewart hired me to style their runway show. I realized that these were real women, and women that I could relate to. I also took on Frenchie Davis as a client while she was on NBC’s The Voice, and I styled her for the remainder of the show. We now have some more projects in the works.

JH: In our interview over a year ago, you said that in 5 years, you see yourself doing more in front of the camera. Here we are a year later, and that’s happening! What helped you make that decision after 10+ years of us seeing your name, but not your face?

JH: So what was the moment that you really became a breakout star in the plus-size industry? SLS: I think last year’s Ashley Stewart show was when they really paid attention to Spry Lee Scott. Everyone talked about how much they loved it. Also, with the social media—Facebook, Twitter, and my YouTube styling videos—I’ve been able to generate a buzz for myself. I’m taking what I’ve learned working with “standard size”

SLS: Celebrity photographer Jeffrey Gamble wanted to feature me in a book he was doing, and I agreed. The minute I got back in front of the camera, it was like riding a bike; you never forget. I was comfortable, excited, and I loved it! That helped me realize that I wanted to start doing more of it. As you remember, I had the opportunity to work with Angela and Vanessa Simmons, which led to an appearance on MTV’s Run’s House. The more exposure I have, the more people I can touch, and that’s what it’s all about. JH: So will you be making any more TV appearances? SLS: That’s the plan! My client, BET’s April Woodard, approached me about a show that BET International was doing called Mad Swagg. It’s an urban spin on E!’s Fashion Police. There are actual professionals critiquing celebrities, as opposed to celebrities critiquing other celebrities. April approached me with the opportunity to be on the panel with Michelle Obama’s hairstylist, Johnny Wright, and Kym Lee, celebrity makeup artist for the movie Sparkle. I had to pull clothes for April, pull clothes for myself, and

w w w. h e e d m a g . c o m • v o i c e o f a n e m e r g i n g s u b c u l t u r e

heed

Nicole Christie | Buyer @nikkichris1

FASHION INSIDER: H&M BUYER get to D.C. to film it in less than 24 hours, but it happened. We had such an amazing time doing it, and the cast meshed really well together, so we’re excited about more projects coming up. It’s bittersweet, though, because we can’t see it here in the US, but it’s airs in 54 countries in Africa, the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East. It’s funny because we’ll get random Twitter followers and Facebook requests from people in those countries, so that’s how we know that it’s actually airing! [Laughs.] JH: [Laughs.] How important is it to work behind-the-scenes before you can get in front of the camera and do things like Mad Swagg? SLS: Behind-the-scenes gives you the know-how. Someone once told me that once you’ve been doing something for 10 years, you become an expert. Working behind the scenes helps me in front of the camera because I know what to look for, even when others aren’t looking for it. With BET International, it was a last minute thing, but I already knew what to give them before they gave me direction. I knew little things to do in front of the camera and little things to say, mostly because I had been watching my clients do it for so long, that I kind of picked up on their skills. Wearing both hats, I now have a greater appreciation for those that work behindthe-scenes. Just because you’re in front of the camera doesn’t mean what you’re doing is more important than those who don’t get seen. The production team, hair and makeup, stylists—the whole crew, really—is what really makes a project successful. JH: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in your shoes, and thinks it is for them, but

finds themselves getting discouraged? It’s easy to see someone with your level of success and get discouraged, especially if they’re just starting out. SLS: Stay focused. When you stay focused, you always understand that there’s a purpose for what you’re doing. The discouragements, the no’s, and the disappointments can’t matter. Even if you have to get a part-time job, or you have to do other things for an income, you have to stay focused on that prize. Once you envision it and you picture yourself in it, then that’s when it starts to come true. I called myself a celebrity stylist way before I styled a celebrity, and it happened. I put on my business cards that I was a TV personality way before I was called for a job to do anything on TV, but it happened. SPEAK IT INTO EXISTENCE! And when people ask you about who you’re working with, say, ‘I’m in the process of working with a few names.’ If people ask you what show you’re on, say, ‘It’s coming.’ And it’s not about lying, because I don’t suggest lying about what you do, but say it everyday, because sometimes you gotta convince yourself. Say it until you really see yourself there, and you’ll end up speaking your way into that position. LOOK 1: THE STYLIST CUSTOM DENIM VEST BY SEARCH & RESCUE FOR HARLEM HABERDASHERY; ROSE TANK BY PARKE & RONEN; CARGO SHORTS BY PRIVATE STOCK FOR HARLEM HABERDASHERY BY 5001 FLAVORS; GOLD BRASS CUFF: MELODY BURNS FOR KIINI IBURA JEWELRY; GOLD & TURQUOISE CUFF BY KIINI IBURA JEWELRY; SNEAKERS BY NIKE LOOK 2: THE STAR DENIM MARCHING BAND JACKET BY HARLEM HABERDASHERY BY 5001 FLAVORS; TUXEDO SHIRT BY BCBG MAX AZRIA; ANNEX CARGO PANTS BY PRIVATE STOCK FOR HARLEM HABERDASHERY; LONG GOLD CHAINS BY LARUICCI; DISTRESSED COMBAT BOOT & VINTAGE NECKWEAR - ARTIST OWN **SHOT EXCLUSIVELY FOR HEED MAGAZINE AT THE HARLEM HABERDASHERY BOUTIQUE. PHOTOS BY SHAWN JOYNER/UNFADEABLE MEDIA (WWW.UNFADEABLEDOT.COM); STYLING BY LOUIS JOHNSON AND SPRY LEE SCOTT

NICOLE CHRISTIE On the set of Fashion Star, NBC’s newest reality competition show, the director yells “Cut!” for a commercial break and prepares the cast for the next segment. Nicole Christie – the featured buyer for H&M – takes notes with one hand and uses the thumb on her other to navigate her iPhone. Ms. Christie, who also serves as H&M’s Communications Manager, is preparing for their upcoming store opening. The new Dallas store will be the first to open in the state of Texas. Meanwhile, on the show, the next designer presenting is someone that she’s had her eye on from the beginning. Although her attention is divided amongst her tasks, it’s imperative that she is focused on both. Her competitors from Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue seem just as interested in this up-andcomer, and it’s her job to make sure these designs end up on H&M’s selling floors, not theirs. How did she get to this dual-handed, multi-tasking point? During the casting stages of Fashion Star, Nicole sat down with the producers to discuss which designers would be chosen for the show. Once she began to share her ideas of what H&M would be looking for, finding a buyer to represent the company on-air was made easier. Nicole herself was the obvious choice. “The executives informed me that they wanted me to do the show shortly after, and my higher-ups and colleagues at H&M agreed!”, she laughs. Ms. Christie’s knowledge of – and passion for – the Swedish company began in 1999, when she was hired as a manager for the first U.S. store that opened on Fifth Avenue. Although she understood that they were simply looking to fill a manager’s position, she made her intentions very clear during the interview process. “I told them that I have no desire to be a retail manager. I want to be a buyer,” she tells us emphatically. There was no such position in the company thus far, yet Nicole was determined to prepare herself for when the time came, saying, “I decided that I would be the best manager ever.” She was self-motivated and educated. She learned the brand, and made it her own. She knew which items sold out first, and rearranged floor plans to move product

faster. She saw her innovation, initiative, and tenacity pay off when, two years later, she was promoted to buyer for the Young Fashion Division. She worked directly with H&M’s in-house design team in Sweden, choosing colors and fabrics, setting prices, and anything else that would shape the collection for the U.S. and Canada. Nicole’s ability to communicate the needs of the brand to the designers is a skill that she took with her to the show, although it is not shown too often on air. When asked what she would like to see on the show in the future (which was recently renewed for a second season), she stated, “I would push for more interaction with the buyers and designers. John Varvatos [one of the celebrity designer judges, along with Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie] gives great advice, but sees the designs through ‘John-colored glasses’. The buyers have a broader perspective, and can tell the designers specific details that the stores are looking for.” As far as her own criticism, she says that she would be more aggressive with her buying. Nicole realizes that this is a competition show, but they are also making real business decisions. The show is not a gimmick, and the designs are really available in the stores the following day. The speed in which they sell serves as a report card to Nicole, and helps her tweak her strategy for future deals. On the other end of the panel sits Nicole’s competition; Caprice Willard, the featured buyer for Macy’s, who happens to be another African-American woman. Ms. Christie admits that in the beginning that she was skeptical about the choice to cast two black women, but was reassured by the producers that it was NOT a deliberate decision. They just wanted capable, professional business people. And professional they are! On-air they are competitors, negotiating deals that will increase the profitability of their companies. When the cameras stop rolling, they are two successful, familyoriented ladies with lots in common, nurturing a newly found friendship. In a time where black women are seen on television battling and bullying each other with words and fists, it’s refreshing to see these ladies getting along. Nicole says, “We are friends off the set, and would have been had we met outside of the show. It is important to present a positive image to not just black women, but to everyone. Years later, I can look back with no regrets and be proud.”

Dennis R. | Designer @DgArt85

FASHION TRENDS

Latasha H. | Designer @Msdiversecity

BY DEOREN ROBINSON Accessories have forever been the accent of clothing since civilization evolved to incorporate style. First it was the rich and wealthy that modeled the gold and silver, then it became available for everyone to integrate fashion into their life. Now in the new age where consumerism is rising and clothing is personifying one’s individuality, VonRay is the Futuristic Urban Chic line that can make a plain Jane remarkably exemplary. Custom is intrinsic and creativity is a commodity, which is the foundation of VonRay. Stimulated by imagination and giving the clients what they crave, these stylish extensions help make VonRay’s clients unique and one of a kind. Based on many themes, colors, and motifs these eccentric devices enhance and display the owner’s style like a coat of arms. The image VonRay surges is complete freshness and an inventive spin on clothing and accessories. The masterminds behind the mechanizations of VonRay are LaTasha Henderson-Robinson of Fashion Design and Dennis Robinson of Graphic Design. Earrings, bracelets, ties, and rings are some of the few research specimens that are altered by VonRay to be created, as constructs of fashion like no other. Take a buzz word like innovation, a tablespoon of perspective, a dash of experience, and mix it in a bowl of hard work and you have the basic fundamental recipe of a taste of what goes into and comes from VonRay. Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, but currently based in New Jersey, VonRay has been growing 4 years strong and has been featured in many fashion shows including: Not Your Average Runway, Fashion Meets Film, Madhouse Fashion Show, The Style Social, and many style exhibits. They have accessories in over four stores, have had accessories shown off by Randy Jackson (American Idol), Mindless Behavior, Ahsan (Interscope Recording Artist), Carley Rae Jepsen (Justin Bieber’s new artist), Ludacris, Res, and Black Eyed Peas, and have also been featured in a number of magazines and blogs..

heed was there

uma partnered with reggae royalty & fashion designer Cedella Marley to create 2012 Olympic wear for Jamaica’s track & field team. Heed was present at this exclusive event to give you guys a peek into this year’s festivities. Sportlifestyle company PUMA partnered with Cedella Marley, fashion designer and daughter of Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley to design the Jamaican Track and Field team’s Olympic, podium and ceremony wear for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The designs will be worn by the entire team (men and women), including three-time Jamaican Olympic gold medallist, fastest man in the world and PUMA athlete Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt. PUMA’s partnership with Marley, the eldest daughter in the Jamaican family dynasty, underscores the brand’s long-team commitment to the Caribbean nation, with its rich cultural heritage, global music contributions and its unparalleled dedication to Athletics. PHOTOGRAPHY © JONG E. CLEMENTE FOR HEED MAGAZINE