iCandi E-Newsletter 3 by iCandi Productions

ROMANCE, PASSION, & LOVE H A P P Y VA L E N T I N E ’ S D A Y

Black History Month

Although I feel that we as African Americans or Black Americans shouldn’t limit ourself to just February to honor our history, you know we had to go ALL out for OUR month!!

BLACK HEROES

Honoring Love

Love is a beautiful thing. If you are blessed to have someone to love that loves you back, don’t take it for granted. This holiday isn’t about presents and spending money, it’s about love. So do me a favor. Run and grab your love and tell them how much they mean to you.

MsiCandi

February Birthdays

Happy Birthday To Our iCandi

Supporters! May Your Birthdays Be Full of Love, Laughter, and Lots of Candi...

For me, there are a lot of black heroes (past, present & future), but the heroes that stand out to me the most are the ones that suffered through slavery. Sometimes, I think we forget what all our ancestors endured. They went through so much and managed to stick together. We have so many wonderful opportunities these days but we have blacks fighting, killing,

TRACY HARPER (FEB 3) LATEEFAH RAGLAND (FEB 4) TIFFANY JOHNSON (FEB 10) DESHAWNA PRUETT (FEB 15) CASSANDRA COLLINS (FEB 16) RUTH GRACIDA (FEB 19) MALIK MONROE (FEB 22)

degrading, cheating on, disrespecting, and hating each other. Our history is all about uniting as a race and standing together. Let’s not forget where we’ve come from. Let’s get back to honoring all that our ancestors went through by loving & supporting one another. *I Love You All* MsiCandi

LACRETIA ANCONA (FEB 27)

Dear MsiCandi, I loaned a friend some money (HUNDREDS) a while back and I have yet to receive it? I watch them spend money on clothes, shoes, hair, nails, etc, but they don’t ever mention giving me my money back. Would I be wrong if I just cut her off? No more money, no more friendship, Nothing. Karen (Houston, Texas)

Hey Ms Karen!! I have this motto that I live by and it’s worked for the past 7 years. "Never "loan" what you can't afford to give away." It’s truly sad how many relationships get ruined because of money. When I loan money I don't look at it as "I'm getting this back". If I get it back, GREAT if not, oh well life goes on.... I definitely don’t think you’d be wrong to do whatever you decide to do; it’s just sad how much money can ruin relationships. ~MsiCandi Dear MsiCandi, Basically, I met a guy who I recently found out had been in prison for many, many years (over 10). How would I know for sure he wasn't being with men (sexually) while he was locked up? I hear a lot of stories about men getting out and go back to messing with women. Anonymous (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Dear Anonymous, Wow!!! Girl that’s a really good question. I’m gonna have to get some iCandi Supporters feed back on this one. Being that I haven’t ever personally been to jail (And I don’t ever want to go) I can’t say what goes down in there. I have, however heard stories and some were bad and some not so much. You definitely need to communicate and talk to your “friend”. Ask him the questions you want answered. If he wants to be involved with you, you have a right to know. I can’t guarantee he’ll lie or tell the truth but you need to ask regardless. Now regardless if he’s done anything or not the most important thing to do would be to have him tested. You have to look out for yourself in this situation. If he gets tested then what you decide to do next is up to you, but if he refuses then that’s a MAJOR RED FLAG!! And you need to consider the reasons why he would want to refuse testing. #imjustsayin Be safe girly and protect yourself. ~MsiCandi

Dear MsiCandi I know you aren’t a therapist or anything but I just want to know what you would do in my situation. I have three kids all by the same man. He cheated on me and we’ve been broken up for the past two years. He’s dated and I’ve dated but I still find myself to be in love with him. Recently he’s told me how much he misses me and wants his family back. Although I still love him very much, I’m not sure if can trust him. After everything he put me and the kids through, if I take him back I will look dumb as h*ll. What would you do in this situation? Keshia G (Cincinnati, Ohio) Keshia Keshia Keshia!! Oh, how I know what you are going through. I honestly think the answer is to do whatever you feel is best for you and your kids. Your kids deserve to see mommy so if he makes you happy and you want to give it another try, then by all means THE HELL WITH WHAT PEOPLE THINK! If he doesn’t truly make you happy and you are only doing it for the kids, as I stated earlier, the kids deserve to see their mommy happy. Now if you really aren’t sure if that’s the route you want to go, take your time and figure it out. If he truly wants you back he will wait until you are sure. Once you are sure tell him your decision and go from there. Don’t be rushed into a decision. Take your time and YOU decide. Don’t let others decide for you. Not him, your friends, your family.... YOU DECIDE!! All in all, love yourself and your kids. Pray and put the situation in God’s hands; He’ll lead you to the right decision. ~MsiCandi~

February 2011

HOT DEALS Want to do something special for your “boo” this Valentine’s day? Check out “Vegas Vajazzles!” This is a cute little way to spice things up and add some “BLING” to your sex life. lol ~MsiCandi

M AYO & K IA R A They say a person only needs three things to be truly happy: Someone to love, something to do and something to hope for. Being with Kiara gives me someone to love, and making sure she has what she wants when she wants it gives me plenty to do. And I hope with all my heart that I can spend the rest of my life with her. That’s why I love her so much! ~Mayo Woody~

R EG G IE & R AY QUE L I love my man because he respects me, appreciates me, he's a great provider, he makes me laugh, and the sex is Great!!!!!! Lol..... ~Rayquel~

Does “Love” still exist? Yes it does! And we have some wonderful iCandi Couples to prove it. So we wanted to give a special “shout out” to some of our favorite “iCandi Couples”!

. . . o D d You

l u o W t a h W Facebook DeShawna Pruett

What Would You Do If your man or woman sat you down to tell you that you had to break up because they were gay?

I would kick his a$$ and then send him on his merry little way!! Tawanda Brice keep moving. be happy that he told me instead of being like Terry Mcmillan and star jones. marrying him and then find out. also get tested.

Get tested.....ask mad questions.... and move the F*CK on.......lol Laila B

Sylvan Edward Move on.You can't make somebody be straight. Now if she was bi, we might be able to work that out lol (j/k)

Twitter @Kissezzz513 I wouldn't be mad about it, I know that much. I rather them tell me versus them cheating on me. @MsiCandi I would be shocked!! I think my “gaydar” is pretty darn good and if I didn’t catch it, I would think my gay male friends would. So if my man were to break up with me, I’d probably stand there speechless.

I would feel less of a man that she 100% leaves me for something she has. That would make me feel like i did not satisfy her needs (physically mentally or emotionally). To top it off I would be embarrassed that i was the person that made a beautiful woman jump ship and give up on men for good.....smh Avery Davis

HOT MESS OF THE MONTH Have you guys seen the recent pics of Gucci Mane’s new tattoo?? Really, an ice cream cone on the side of his face. He is definitely iCandi’s “Hot Mess of The month”!!

FEB 2011

Who is Marcus Garvey? Black History that they don’t teach in schools Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr. was born on August 17, 1887 in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. He was one of eleven children. His father, Marcus M. Garvey Sr., was known for his very large library. This was where a young Marcus fell in love with reading. At the age of fourteen, a young Garvey left St. Ann’s Bay for Kingston, Jamaica. There he found employment at P.A. Benjamin’s printing house as a compositor. After working for several newspapers, Garvey ended up leaving Jamaica in 1912 for London, where he attended Birkbeck College. There, he studied law and met a man named Duse Mohamed Ali, who helped influence him and shape his speeches. Around the end of 1914 the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) was born, and its motto was “One God, One Aim, One Destiny.” Garvey’s goal was to unite all people of Afrikan ancestry into one great body, to establish a country and government of their own. After reading a book called “Up From Slavery” by a young Negro from America named Booker T. Washington, Garvey made his first trip to America to lecture and raise money to start his own school in Jamaica, modeled after Washington’s Tuskegee Institute. But by the time Garvey made it to America in late 1915, Booker T. Washington had passed away. So, Garvey traveled around the U.S. and studied the treatment of Blacks. After his travels and the end of WWl, Garvey came to the conclusion that Blacks would not be treated fairly, even after fighting for this country. This was during a time when a lot of Blacks started moving up north. Between 1917 and 1919 there were a lot of race riots taking place in cities like East St.Louis, Chicago, Tulsa and others. This also showed Garvey that people of Afrikan ancestry would not be treated fairly or accepted in this country as equals. Garvey came to the conclusion that economic, political, and cultural success on the part of Blacks would bring about equality and respect. Because of this, Garvey decided to make New York the headquarters for the UNIA. in 1917. He began to spread a message of Black Nationalism. He had 3 components that he lived by and taught: unity, pride in the Afrikan cultural and heritage, and complete autonomy. In 1918 he started his own newspaper called “Negro World” which, by 1920, had a circulation of about 50,000 domestically and 200,000 worldwide. In 1919 Garvey purchased an auditorium in Harlem and named it Liberty Hall. There he held his meetings nightly to get his message across. Most nights it

was standing room only, with between 5000 and 6000 brothas and sistas on a regular basis. Garvey coined the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” long before it became popular in the 1960’s, because he knew it was important for Blacks to love themselves. During the 1920’s Garvey brought us the “Black Cross Nurses”. He also established the Negro Factories Corporation. He offered stocks for Blacks to purchase as well. At one time the corporation had three grocery stores, two restaurants, and a printing plant, and owned several buildings in New York. “Black Star Line” was his shipping company. It is documented that Garvey had over six million members worldwide. This was without present-day technology. He is truly my hero and in my opinion the greatest leader we have had. We must teach our children about this great man and encourage them to do more research. Peace&Blessings. Brotha Insight.

Marcus Garvey August 17, 1887 – June 10, CONVERSATIONS IN THE NIGHT

Don’t forget to check out Brotha Insight as he blesses Chicago with some of his knowledge. Every Tuesday night at 10:30-11:30 (est) Hosted by Rev. Will Hall www.wyca1023.com

“Man Candi” of The Month

JayJay Dailey “The Singing Photographer”

JAY JAY DAILEY As you all know I have a sweet tooth and love me some chocolate and this brotha right here is definitely some “iCandi”. Not only is he “Candi” on they eyes but he has the business savvy to go with it. MsiCandi: Hey JayJay! I See not only do you sing but you're a photographer as well. How long have you been taking pictures and what about photography gained your interest? JayJay: I actually started my business J.Dailey in Feb 2010, So I havenʼt been doing it long, but I use to love taking photos of myself (laughs). No really, it was how you could look at a photo and no one would know what that moment means. But every picture has a story. MsiCandi: What type of picture do you like to take the most (portrait, scenery, artsy, events, children's, etc) and why? JayJay: I love doing events overall because thatʼs when I am in charge! I can choose however I want to take the picture! Iʼm 100”% in control. I do enjoy taking portraits as well.

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MsiCandi: On your Facebook page I see that you cover A LOT of events as far as photography, but it seems like you might throw a few of them as well. Do you throw events as well? JayJay: Yes I have ENT named Finesse Ent. We are about 30 to 35 people strong. We are all around the same ages, from 18-22 and we stay in different parts of Cincinnati. When we throw

www.facebook.com/JayJayDailey1

events we are not just getting a black/white crowd. We get a diverse crowd. MsiCandi: Ok, now about this singing. What genre of music do you fit into? Ant how far do you want to go with singing? JayJay: R&B of course, but I have tapped into gospel here and there! I love singing, itʼs my passion. If I have the opportunity to do it professionally I will!! As of right now, I just sing when someone asks or for my church.

JayJay: My first goal is the better my relationship with God! I have a good one but I know it can be better. Second is to graduate from the college I attend (Ohio State University) for Human Resources and Business administration. I just want to keep achieving and striving in everything. I want to live a legacy! MsiCandi: Alright before I wrap this up Itʼs time to put you on the HOT SEAT.... Are You Ready...... #1 Whatʼs the top thing “to do” on your bucket list?

MsiCandi: Ok, itʼs time for the personal info ..married? Single? Father? Dating? We want details. JayJay: I am in a relationship! Iʼve been in one now for about five months. Itʼs going great; we have our typical arguments and debates but overall I love her! I donʼt plan on having anymore kids until I finish school. MsiCandi: If you could give our youth today some form advice of how to start up their business what would it be?

STUDY!! School is EVERYTHING to me! #2 The Best song to have sex to? “Sweet Love” by 112 #3 Boxers or Briefs BRIEFS! I like to have support! I donʼt want my thang hanging all out (laughs) #4 Finish the sentence “I wish I never........... answered question #3 (laughs)

JayJay: Self-motivation! You must believe in yourself! NO matter how much people criticize your idea, go through with it! Also have knowledge! Knowledge is power! Donʼt just jump into something without knowing what you are getting yourself into. Have a plan, set goals, and expectations for yourself so you can look back on your progress. MsiCandi: What are your future goals in life and where do you see yourself in the next three years?

#5 Whatʼs the biggest turn off for you A LIAR! #6 Have you ever “hooked up” with an ugly girl? Honestly NO! I feel that every girl is beautiful, some more than others but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So if I “hooked up” with them, trust me they were BAD!! (laughs)

MUSIC REVIEWS W I T H J. A N TO I N N E Marsha Ambrosius (Late Nights & Early Mornings)

Corinne Bailey Rae (The Love EP)

Notifi Records - 2011

After being a breakout star with her debut album, this British singer has captivated many fans here in the United States, and for good reason. Her songs deliver emotions of feeling good, while kicking back and enjoying her voice. Here with this five-song EP, she covers some classic songs by artists that have influenced her career. This collection stands out from other cover albums because it encompasses more than one genre of music. She gives an ode to Prince with "I Wanna Be Your Lover", an ode to Bob Marley with "Is This Love", and even throws in a refreshed "Que Sera Sera", originally by Doris Day. Good stuff; my only complaint is that it’s over too soon.

Ginuwine has always been one of those singers that had faded into the cut and released a single that generated buzz, but then faded into relative obscurity. Not since 1999's 100% Ginuwine has he REALLY been a force in the R&B world. Here, Ginuwine attempts to bring back some REAL R&B singing to the forefront, and, for the most part, succeeds. This much-anticipated album has a few missteps, but definitely worth checking out are the true ballads. "Break" is by far a contender for a Grammy by itself, and "What Could Have Been" is definitely worth a few spins. This CD won't gain him popularity like before, but it might come close.

J Records - 2011

As the "songstress" half of popular group Floetry, Marsha made a name for herself by delivering sinewy hooks and a clear, distinct voice that captivated your attention. Here, on her debut album, she doesn't disappoint. "Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player)" and current single "Far Away" displays her versatile voice, as does "Tears" and "I Want You to Stay". While Marsha's voice is on point throughout the album, some of the production sounds a little lackadaisical, as if it was rushed. However, Floetry fans won't be disappointed, and this CD might even bring about some new fans.

(B+) (4.25 stars)

Adele (21) Columbia Records - 2011

Ginuwine (Elgin)

Capitol Records - 2011

(B) (4 stars)

**Throwback CDs you probably don't have (but SHOULD)** Syleena Johnson (Chapter 2: The Voice) This is Syleena's BEST work, which will have you picking up all the other chapters (Chapter 5 is due out later this year). "Guitars of the Heart (Happy)" and "Guess What" will have you in love with her voice.

Fans of Adele's debut disc 19 will DEFINITELY want to pick this album up. There's something for everyone here, and Adele's natural singing ability is again highlighted, as she sings effervescently and effortlessly over slick production and awesome lyrics. This is probably one of the best albums you will get in 2011, which weaves the genres of soul, gospel, rock, and even country. Even then most critical listener should be able to enjoy this album. If you don't get it, you're definitely missing out on some REAL music.

(A+) (5 stars)

Ledisi (Soulsinger) People are finally taking notice of this big-voiced singer, but real fans have this rare debut independently released album. "Papa Loved to Love Me" and "Midnight" are a couple standouts.

Where there’s life, there’s music... J. Antoinne

ICANDI LADY OF THE MONTH

To be featured as the iCandi Lady of The Month go to our website at www.iCandiPro.com

Lynncoyia Bradley I first noticed Lynncoyia on Facebook a couple years back. Her pictures wee popping up all over my notifications. Sheʼs one of the most sought out models in Cincinnati. From reading her bio, sheʼs not just a “Cincinnati Model” girlfriend has stepped out and become a “National Model”. From the runway to music videos and hr 1st acting role, Lynncoyia is on a mission to become a Top Supermodel and actress. MsiCandi: He Ms Lady! First I want to thank you for agreeing to be February's iCandi Lady of the Month. We really appreciate you for being a part of the iCandi Movement! Lynncoyia: No, thank you for this opportunity. I'm very honored to be a part of this Movement! MsiCandi: Ok, now I noticed you have really been doing it all as far as modeling and acting. I read that you first started modeling at the age of fifteen. What about modeling gained your interest at such a young age? Lynncoyia: I was always intrigued by "The Model Walk", and by the modelsʼ clothing and their make-up. I believe becoming a Supermodel is my calling from the good Lord up above. Just performing and seeing smiles on the audienceʼs faces gives me a rush like no other. MsiCandi: You were featured in a Markell-Baniʼs wine commercial that plays NATIONALLY (BET, ESPN, TBS to name a few). What was that experience like? And how did you react when you first saw yourself on TV? Lynncoyia: Well, while I was in a fashion show, I received a call from Steven Easiley about a commercial shoot at 7 o'clock the next morning. I was so excited about the news, but I knew I had to look flawless! I noticed that my hair and make-up looked so good from the night before, I slept in it! (laughs) I was reassured that I'd be ready for the next morning. I was so happy when I saw the look on my little girls face when she saw her mommy on tv. When they aired it during the BET Awards, my mom and friends were calling back to back. I was in shock to see that my dream was really coming true. MsiCandi: What projects do you have coming up? What type of things can we look forward to?

Lynncoyia: Wow.... We can look forward to May and June being my HOT months! I have four fashion shows in May. Purple Haze, a horror film I'm featured in, is due to come out in June. The trailer for the movie will be shown Super Bowl Sunday during halftime on YouTube and Facebook. MsiCandi: I know the fellas will be dying to know this one? Is Ms. Lynncoyia “spoken for”? Do you have yourself a “boo” stashed somewhere? Lynncoyia: Unfortunately.....No. I'm currently single, BUT....I do have my eye on this one particular guy, but I won't mention any names (wink). MsiCandi: Is there any type of modeling that you will NOT do? Do you have certain standards when it comes to modeling? Lynncoyia: Of course, I would NEVER pose with a snake! (laughs) I am terrified of them! But seriously, I wouldn't pose nude. Being a fashion model, you have to have some point where you have to draw the line. My morals and values wouldn't allow me to venture in those fields, but to each his own. MsiCandi: If you could give upcoming, aspiring models one tip about how to get into the industry what would it be? Lynncoyia: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! Sometimes itʼs not what you know, itʼs who you know. And top it off with a flawless photo shoot and youʼre good to go!

You can find Lynncoyia on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lynncoyiab or go to www.itoldusoproductions.com www.Nocstarlife.com

February 2001

FASHION NO NOs “Just because something is sold in your size doesn’t mean you need to buy it.”

Lady Red Has the Scoop on Fashion DON’TS for 2011 By Lady R.E.D.

This is Lady RED and I have the dos and don’ts for 2011. Let’s start with the hair; just because the celebrities wear lacefront wigs does not mean an everyday woman should. I say that because the celebrities can afford to buy the expensive ones that don’t look ratchet. If you are going to wear a lacefront here are some tips. First, don’t glue the wig to your forehead (LADIES DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE). Second, if you try it on and it looks fake or a hot mess, leave it in the store! Third, LADIES please don’t pull it back. Now let’s go in on this invisible part situation. I love me some weave but if the part doesn’t look natural let’s try again. Don’t do it to yourself! I promise there are more hairstyles you can try. Don’t get

Lady R.E.D.

or Halloween. Just because something is sold in your size doesn’t mean you need to buy it. I’m just saying, if it’s too tight and shows all your rolls, leave it at the store boo; it’s not for you. A major don’t for thick chicks is wearing a short shirt with leggings; that’s too much at one time. I’m not “hating” cause I’m a thick chick and the me wrong; I’m not “hating” on weave or wigs because I’m the same rules apply to me. This first one to throw on a wig! I’m is just my two cents... just saying wear it correctly ttyl boo. Lady RED. Now let’s discuss clothes. Ladies, we all need to step our wardrobes for 2011 because men are trying to step it up and we can not be outdone. I understand you see the alternative look on TV...let’s leave it there. The only time you should look like Nicki Minaj or Lady Gaga is a photo shoot

Word of the Month With Ya Go2Gurl Shi

LUGUBRIOUS: gloomy, mournful, pensive, sad, sorrowful. Shi's usage of the word: The state of the African American youth today is very lugubrious and reckless. Get it together y’all!

Shi (The Go 2 Gurl) is the "laffy taffy" of the iCandi crew. This 32 year old mother of one always has a way of making us say “HUH?, really Shi!???”...lol stay tuned I'm sure she has MORE to come.

ICandi Newslettter Crew MsiCandi — Chair J. Antoinne — Editor/ Music Reviews Shi — Word of the Month Brotha Insight — Conscious Corner Lady Red — Red Talks Fashion Go to our website for more information on iCandi Productions www.iCandiPro.com

Advertising Information Contact MsiCandi via email @ iCandiPro@gmail.com

FEBRUARY SHOW LINE UPS

FEB 4

FEB 11 TATTED UP BLING BLING

“Bling Bling”

“Tatted Up” Are you addicted to tattoos? Do you feel people are taking tattoos too far? Are they even healthy?? We are going in! Tune in!

The new life mentality is “MONEY OVER EVERYTHING” . All we see are the glitz and glam about money, but what is the other side? Can it be more trouble than it’s worth?

FEB 18 Unhappily Ever After

“Unhappily Ever After”

“The Jones”

The Jones”

“The Jones” is a term that is Is it ever necessary to stay in used to describe a higher class family with a high class an unhappy marriage? We taste. Often we find will explore both sides of these types of situations and ourselves, or people we we want to hear your stories know, trying to compete or “keep up with” The Jones and opinions. when we can’t afford it. We are going to go in and explore the whole idea of “Keeping Up With The Jones.”