Publisher: Konnectwork Editor: Krystal Foster Photographers: Black Diamond Productions SD Photography Special Thanks: Infinity Models Royal Keil Joshua Knuckles Contact Us: www.grindflumagazine.com 864.346.8028
Yolanda Johnson, a native of Greenville, South Carolina is a mother, wife, sister, friend, business owner, and Christian. Yolanda has always had a vision of owning her own hair salon, helping women of all colors feel beautiful about themselves through their hairstyles. Yolanda Johnson is the owner of All Beauty Style Studio located at 8 Sycamore Drive, Greenville; SC. Yolanda is not only a hair stylist but a visionary who founded Sazay Hair Extensions, “Hair that Really Matters”. After years of styling hair and using various weaves and extensions Yolanda along with her staff developed an hair extension line that not only created styles that consumers wanted, but gave a new definition of what extension could do for clients; great quality human hair with affordable prices. Since the lunching of Sazay Hair Extensions several salons in the Upstate have joined forces in introducing this amazing line of hair in various colors and styles. Yolanda Johnson is currently working to network with other stylist, salon owners, and/or barbers who want to join the Sazay team. Sazay Hair Extension line will be debuting in its first headliner hair show, Sazay’s Head to Toe Fashion + Hair Explosion on Saturday June 30, 2012 at the TD Bank Center located in Greenville, SC. To find out further information about Sazay Hair Extensions and/ or All Beauty Style Salon email markenk45@yahoo.com.
Sheri Pierre-Louis
Sheri Pierre is a model, dancer, and makeup artist. With a seven year background of dance, she was accepted into the Alvin Ailey summer intensive program, it was through dance she also discovered her love for makeup artistry. Her fellow dancers would ask her backstage to assist them with their makeup after she did her own.That is when she realized her new found talent in makeup .Since then she has worked for MAC and has done several fashion shows and events. As a model Sheri plans on using these skills toward having a successful career in commercial, print, and music projects. Her motto is "You never fail until you stop trying". Look out for this talented young lady as she continues to make moves in the entertainment industry. Check out Sheri on www.worldstarhiphop.com
HUNGREEBOY ENT Graylon of HungreeBoy Ent sits down and talk to Grind Flu Magazine to discuss the entertainment industry, life, and success.
Grind Flu: What made you start Hungreeboy Ent? Graylon: I started Hungreeboy Entertainment in 2007 after hosting nights at Club Soho on Friday nights. After realizing that I have a impact on people and their choice of nightlife entertainment I wanted to take it to the next level. I can remember when I came up with the name Hungreeboy I was broke in my apartment eating peanut butter and Jelly without bread. I was down to my last, no money in my pockets, bank account in the negative, and no idea what I wanted to do in school. While sitting at the dinner table my roommate said "I know you did your lil thing with the club, but we really need to make this happened, people love what you do! You need to come up with something that means something to you, how do you feel? I said " I'm Hungree Boy!" And he replied "well there you go" and at that point Hungreeboy was created. Grind Flu: What are some of the challenges you have had to face? Graylon: Challenges? I'm faced with them everyday! In this industry, its time consuming, stressful, and of course it requires hard work, but I love everything about it! I have been lied to, talked about, and lost friends while building this company. It comes with the territory, its a lot of people out here for themselves and will tell you anything to bring what you have to them to make more profits. I have good relationships with some club owners in the upstate area and have built a trust with them. My family supports my every move, my son always asks me " You gotta promote tonight Daddy? I reply " Yes" and he is fine with that. Those are some of the Challenges I face Grind Flu: What are some qualities you think a promoter should have: Graylon: You have to be self motivated, determine to succeed and have an idea that on you believe in and run with it. I can remember when I first told my Son's mother about "The Party that Stole Christmas Party" and she said "That sucks" who would come to a Party named that, but I stuck with it. Did it, and until this day it has been on of the most successful parties to hit the upstate. Even though last year was the finale, who knows? The Grinch may come back, lol.... Its going to be times when everyone doubt you and tell you that it won't work, or they never heard anyone do it so it can't work, forget about it, do something else. Forget that, do what you believe in. The great thing about being a Promoter is that your not limited or tied into one thing. If it doesn't work, find out why it didn't work, change it and move on to the next project. You will lose, every event won't be successful. One of our weakest events is our Halloween Party, but wait until you see it this year. Grind Flu: What advice would you give someone that is interested in being a promoter? Graylon: Stay humble, hungree, and never get a big head and stop learning. Always ask questions to people who have been successful in the industry for a long time. I ask Josh and Tay and other promoters in the upstate and across the southeast who I have relationships with any questions I may have. You can always learn something. If you remember that, then the rest will fall in place.
Grind Flu: In this industry there are a lot of haters, how do you stay focused? Graylon: Haters? Who are they? Lol, I don't see em. I know people smile in my face and talk behind my back all the time. Its a very small world and boy is it small. I hear almost everything people say about me, but I still show love and support their moves because they can't stop what I'm doing and the only reason their hatin is because they have too much time on their hands, and missing out on work. I shake hands with a lot of my haters, but they can never say Hungreeboy don't do good business or Hungreeboy do this or do that. Keep on Hatin cause you're letting me know I'm doing something right Grind Flu: If you could throw a party anywhere, where would it be and why? Graylon: If I could throw a party Anywhere? It would have to be Alabama! Everytime I hear somebody talk about Parties, they say Alabama is the place to Party. I have never been there but I'm pretty sure Hungreeboy would fit right in! DJ Tay talks about Alabama everytime I see him, he's always saying " Aye, you need to come down to Alabama with me one weekend, they know how to Party down there man" so if I could throw a Party anywhere it would be there! Hungreeboy Entertainment will Party in any state, Country, or Subway! We're here to create innovative ideas and execute them to bring you the most exclusive, original nightlife entertainment. Grind Flu: If you could have anyone host one of your parties, who would it be and why? Graylon: If I could choose anyone to host an Hungreeboy Party it would be Diddy. This dude is amazing! Along with Eric Thomas, he represents my hard work. I would be in this guy's heel in the club if he were to host on of my Parties, but not to party but for him to answer all these questions I have for em. Look what type of impact he has on the world? This guy has been around over 20 years and still on top! That's where I see Hungreeboy in the next few years. Think on a national level, not locally. Grind Flu: What motivates you, besides money? Graylon: Money doesn't motivate me, my son does. Seeing people come out to one of our events motivates me! Seeing other promoters plan parties and succeed at what they love to do motivates me. Grind Flu: What are 3 words that best describes you? Graylon: A Father, Humble, and Grinder! what can I say I got the Grind Flu lol Grind Flu: What is your favorite place to go and clear your mind? Graylon: My friend always takes me to the lake on Sundays. This is my favorite place to go. I get my dog, sometimes my little brother and I relax. No twitter, no business
calls, no nothing just me, my company, and the peaceful lake. I love it, just to get on the canoe and sit on the lake with my feet in the water. Its very relaxing before I have to get back to business, because in this industry breaks are very limited. Its nothing like a 9-5 where you have days off, its no days off because competition is working when you're not. So stay focused!!! Grind Flu: What are some ways Hungreeboy is giving back to the community? Graylon: Were always donating to local charities across the state of SC. We know that without our supporters my vision would be just a thought. Grind Flu: Are you or have you considered throwing any parties for kids or teenagers? I have actually, Hungreeboy is in the process of implementing a few new projects after the June Birthday Bash 6.22 at Miami. These project will mean a lot to the community because were so tied up in our everyday we forget to be role models for our next generation. These kids need to hear that these days, people need that. Grind Flu: Are you currently looking for new people to join the Hungreeboy Team? If so what are the qualifications? Graylon: Right now, I'm Not currently looking for anyone to join Hungreeboy because it takes so long for people to be open and tell me what they expect from the company. Hungreeboy is a family, we meet with each other every monday for meetings, although some meetings turn into a movie or game night, we still meet and enjoy each others company. Keeping the moral high with your team is Vital because everyone isn't going to stay motivated because some times, the excitement gets tiring and you realize this is work and not fun time. We use to Party and just enjoy the time that we have inside the club with all of our friends to making sure we stay creative and ahead of the competition. I just added one person out of Spartanburg who has been supporting us for years now and has showed me that they are in it for the long run and not a just for a quick dollar. D. Miller is ambitious, curious and a hard worker. His grind is there and he has been with Hungreeboy since late March. The rest of my team are vets. Sean who has been with me the longest, then Dominque which is the mother of Hungreeboy. Corey started 2 years ago, and Shad 1 year. I have to take the time out to Thank them, they work Extremely hard and are assets to the company.
You can catch HUNGREEBOY at your nightclubs across the state of sc. Our website which is in the process of being created www. Hungreeboy. Com, follow us on twitter @hbepromotion, like us on face book hbe promoters, and you can can check us out www.junebirthdaybash.com to RSVP for my 25th birthday celebration. Graylon Murraye CEO Hungreeboy Entertainment,LLC
ROYAL KEIL Born Nakia Sherman in Greenville South Carolina on December 5 1975, Royal Keil was the youngest of four children. Royal is better known to his friends and family as Keil. Even though his gift of music was not yet discovered Royal was always the center of attention and a crowd pleaser. The death of his brother Demetrius in April 1991 was a negative trigger for Royal. As an out let for his pain, he turned to the streets. By 1999 Royal Keil had been sentenced to seven years. It was there he found his gift of writing music. “I was lying in my bunk and the words came to me in a dream... I jumped out my bunk grab a pen and pad and started writing and been writing ever since.. The words just come to be.” – Royal Keil interview 2010 From that dream came the song “Letter”. Like many of Royal Keil's songs, the words are true and from the heart. Royal Keil has written and recorded over thirty songs. He’s debut mix tape “Curse before Birth-Polar” is set to drop soon. The first song from that album, “Streetz” can be viewed on youtube.com/7royalkeil. “The streets aint the same so I lay my life over these beats”- Royal Keil “Streetz”
DIZZEL Emerging from a small city in North Carolina called Whiteville, Dizzel became interested in rapping. Dizzel begin rapping in the 8th grade. He started with the name Big A, and eventually some family members gave him the name Ant Dog. When he was in high school, rapping became his hobby. He would rap at every party, and perform in many talent shows. Dizzel was a music lover and rapping gave him a way of releasing stress from high school, work, and life. After pushing his rapping career Dizzel and some other member of Whiteville established the group KCI. KCI stood for Killer Crew Instantly. Eventually he branch off to do his own thing. After being inspired by his bigger brother he wanted to become self made and he changed his name to Dizzel Dolla. He begins to represent his own label called Dub Y Ent, in reference to Wood Yard Ent. He on the path to success with many hit singles perform in NC and SC. Throughout time, Dizzel has continued networking on Facebook, Twitter, and other areas, and is also collaborating with other local artists and singers as well for different projects. He continues to generate listeners to his music, along with other areas such as Soundcloud, where he first showcased his work, which shows that his music has been played numerous times. He continues to get compliments on his singles. His latest event was his performance at the South Carolina Underground Music Awards. He is currently working on his new mixtape Nightmare on Burkhead Street, which should be dropping by mid summer. Dizzel can be found on www.facebook.com/dizzeldolla and his music can be found on www.soundcloud.com/dizzeldolla.
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Born and raised in Newberry SC. I grew up listening to the greats of hip hop era like, eric b and rakim, krs one, black moon, tribe called quest, slick rick, das efx..the list goes on. I continued to keep a open mind with music because I understood if I wanted to embrace music, I had to journey outside my box. I started listening to rock, blues, jazz.. some of my favorite tracks are 70’s rock. Music in the 70’s had a lot meaning and culture to it. I’m a big fan of Jimi Hendrix, The doors, Eric Clapton, Joplin. The list goes on. I realized I wanted to be a lyricist at a young age. My first rhyme I ever wrote was when I was in 6th grade. I remember battling in the hallway with some kid with That moment wasn’t my epiphany but it was a gateway. Growing up in the 80’s was definitely a privilege because I got to be a part of the structure of hip hop and I’m able to still take that with me and bring more than a piece of it in my music. At the moment I’m currently working with a upcoming hot producer Nick Barbosa with More than Hip Hop Productions. This guy is definitely on his game and bringing that old school upgrade sound with his more than added feel to it. I’m also a part of a Drum and Bass crew called Shadow Council. This crew consist of dj’s and producers. They are always grinding the electronic scene full of drum and bass while I bring forth the lyricist hip hop flow to blaze it up proper.
www.soundclound.com/threat1-1 www.reverbnation.com/threat1 I do feel my lyrical flow has a old school breeze to it but very lyrical and versatile. I know that I have the ability to step forward on any track at any given time and bring it hard with no question. I’m definitely looking to collaborate with other artist and get involved in more mix tape ventures. I’m currently in the studio steady so keep watch on me, seriously. I’ve experienced so much musically in my years and it really helped me grasp a vision on where I want to take my audience to. I currently have a couple tracks out now called Freedom Song and O.M.G. I chose these tracks to drop because they bring that uplift hype to them. It’s the character build that really reaches someone and those tracks will definitely take you there. Also, My track Freedom Song will be appearing on BK Made ENT. Worldwide Takeover Mix tape. The independence Day Takeover July 4th with known artist such as Young Buck, Smif n Wesson and Wu Tang Clans Dungeon Masta. My future involves music and nothing will or can change that.
Whether providing scorching production for Hip-Hop’s hottest Alisters like Gucci Mane and Rick Ross or helping to cultivate the city of Atlanta’s most electrifying talent such as Future and Alley Boy, George Jackson, better known to the streets as Luney Tunez-NYo Area, artfully uses his musical masterpieces to create an unforgettable impression. Since his family relocated to Atlanta, GA from Shreveport, LA at the age of 5, Luney soaked up the sounds of Kilo Ali, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Lil Jon & The Neptunes while honing his musical skill through high school marching band and a Yamaha keyboard. Upon reaching the age of 18, Luney ventured into the Atlanta music scene with the help of HighLife Entertainment, armed with his unique brand of beats each including his distinct production tag “Luney Tunez N Yo Area”. Showcases and open mics eventually led Luney to cross paths with Block Ent/Bad Boy South/Atlantic Records artist Gorilla Zoe, resulting in a meeting with Decatur’s own music mogul Big Block the following day. This significant encounter resulted in a three-year production deal with Block Entertainment for Luney in which he would go on to produce countless records for Block’s stable of artists including Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, Boyz N Da Hood, Jody Breeze, JC and many more. This period of time also found Luney Tunez developing his own signature sound as an artist and creating the runaway radio and club favorite “Powerful DrawZ” featuring Yung Joc and Gorilla Zoe. After earning national recognition (XXL Magazine, Hip Hop Weekly) and regional respect (Hot Block Magazine, Street Report Magazine), Luney has now branched out with his LT1 Entertainment overseeing the release of his most recent street smash “Lauren London”. Blazing the ATL club scene and iTunes sales, 25-year-old Luney is poised to make his next move best move in a still-young but already impressive career. For Booking: Call 770-866-3685 or Email bookluney@gmail.com