LA RAW Winter 2014

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CREW

editors Kaymar Haye Efehi Ogbebor Chaz Dennis Cheik Kone art director Efehi Ogbebor Chaz Dennis photography Kaymar Haye writers Chaz Dennis Kaymar Haye Cheik Kone Sophie Dave Sharif K. Rasheed fashion director Chaz Dennis illustrations Efehi Ogbebor models Skyler Duf David Lewis Fernando Mar Kaley Tukes Jarae Holieway Nelson Vincent Torian Ellison hair & makeup artist Reiynne Dekora

WINTER 2014

CONTENTS 1 Fashion Trends 5 Meet Jarae 7 I AM MAN 12 Survival Tips 17 How to wear 19 Relationship Tips 21 Rock The Bells 23 Walkin in LA 37 Who We Are 39 Who Will Save The Day 41 New Direction 53 Suit up Ladies 55 Black Success Explained 57 Gallery: John DeWitt Morris 61 AFWLA 2013 65 RU: Then & Now 73 Behind the Tees 83 Vintage 85 Coming to America?

87 LA African Artwalk 93 Music 95 Women’s Cut&Sew 102 Addicted to Hustlin’ 107 Neijah Lanae 111 Kaymar’s Rant

WHY WE LOVE JARAE HOLIEWAY: SHE LOVES PEOPLE! SHE HAS A MAD WICKED STYLE. SHE HAS TATTOOS OF E.T., THE GOONIES, AND BILL COSBY. SHE CONSTANTLY CHANGES HER HAIR COLOR. AND SHE STARTED THIS AMAZING PROJECT CALLED, THE PEOPLE PROJECT. WORDS BY CHAZZ DENNIS

The People Project is an ongoing photo series created by Jarae where she meets random strangers, takes pictures of them, and writes some highlights about their conversation. As human beings continue to close themselves off from each other with smart phones and cliques; it’s incredibly refreshing to see someone who reaches out to others. In every post, Jarae captures each person’s unique spirit. It’s admiring to see someone put themselves out there to get to know others the good ol’ fashion way. Lets take a page from her book and start some some conversation with our fellow man.

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LA RAW: What inspired you to start the people project?

Jarae: My love for people! I enjoy capturing people behind a lens, and listening to their stories, so I thought why not make it into a project! A collective collage of the people I meet in various places, with a sweet and simple story about them.

LA RAW:Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met and their story?

Jarae:I met a man in a laundromat once named Valentino, we talked for about half an hour. He was waiting for some clothes to dry, he seemed a little hesitant to let me take a photo but eventually did. Come to find that he grew up in the same town in Texas as my grandfather, and lived in Long Beach (my hometown) at one point in his life. He spoke the whole time, and I just listened, I felt that he had so much to say. Our conversation started out with his childhood, segregation in the south, then he talked about his wife. He continued and said “God, I have confessed to all my sins in the past, what have I done to have the two women in my life die?” (In regards to his mother and wife). I told him, I do believe that things will get better, he said “I sure hope so, maybe in this lifetime.” Then, I asked if he was happy, his reply “ Hell no, I’ve been diagnosed with all this sickness, I have cancer... But I do write poetry”. He then recited a poem titled “The Thing I Love About LA, is Nothing”.

LARAW:How do you chose the people you post?

Jarae:Everyone that I have met has been at random, a lot of conversation started out with a smile, and a simple “hello” while walking down the street.

LA RAW: What have you learned since starting this project?

Jarae: Since I began this project I’ve learned that many people just want to be heard, no one really stops to talk to anyone anymore. We are much more connected than we think, its quite beautiful, take a few minutes or 30, and you realize that someone has gone through the same struggle as you, or was born in the same city, or is at the exact place in life as you are!

LA RAW:Whats your goal?

Jarae: One day I hope to make a book, of the everyone that I met through this project, or making a documentary! This project has brought me nothing but happiness, so overall I would hope to inspire others to slow down, an enjoy one another’s company.

LA RAW: Do you find that most people are receptive to what you’re doing; i.e. willing to take a photo and give you a little story?

Jarae: “Do you mind if I take a picture of you?” Can either two ways, I have gotten shot down from a few people before, but I respect that completely. I make sure to introduce myself, and explain a little bit about the project, a lot of people have been supportive and don’t mind sharing.

LA RAW: Any other interesting facts about your project?

Jarae: The People Project started out as a personal project, but I have been extremely grateful for everyone’s feedback, and support. Being able to hear that what I’m doing is inspiring, genuinely makes me happy!

Mens fashion continues to redefine itself each season by adding unconventional elements to men’s clothing. The latest designs continue to be clean and simple, but now the use of prints are adding something unique for men. Prints are everywhere now; sleeves, shirts, pants, you name it. Prints have a way of creating a laid-back, retro inspired look that makes men look confident. LA RAW is on point with their newest designs for men. The new line of cut and sew pieces for men offer bold prints in classic cuts. Every printed shirt is made from authentic African woven cotton. These shirts look best worn with solid, dark denim or under a suit. The denim jacket (featured on the bottom right of the previous page) has a unique twist on a classic design. The jacket is made from a splattered lightwash denim. The details of the jacket is what truly sets it apart; it’s fully lined in baroque printed fabric, pockets with gold zippers, and refurbished buttons from ‘97. This jacket has a throwback look with a one-of-a-kind design. The pants (featured in the same picture) made from a light-weight printed corduroy fabric that can easily transition into any season. All of these pieces and many more are available on www.laraw.net.

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L A V I V R U S E R IC A M E N IN A M K C A L B G N FOR YOU

S P I T

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Avoid walking alone at night.

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Do not go anywhere without a crew of at least three people and a recording device.

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Do not associate yourself with other men who like to look for trouble.

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Do not engage in unnecessary conflicts. If the two of you cannot come to an understanding, just end the conversation and walk away.

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Avoid all physical confrontations unless you are attacked directly and be lieve that your life is threatened.

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Try your absolute best to avoid all interactions with people who dislike or hate Black men. These are the individuals who are most likely to put you in a dangerous or unsafe situation.

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Take your drivers license/ID picture with a button up shirt and tie so that when law enforcement asks for your identification you’re represented as a black professional.

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Avoid riding a bicycle in the middle of the day in known drug hot spots.

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Have a basic understanding of local law.

10. Get to know at least one officer by name in your local police department, a city council member, or your mayor.

11. Avoid interactions with police officers and authority figures if they do not directly approach you. If an authority figure does approach you, speak to them clearly and respectfully.

12. Always carry proper ID on your person and proper documents in your vehicle.

13. Put the names of your parents, attorney, principal, teacher, close friend, mentor, bail bondsman and other needed contacts on speed dial in your cell phone.

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Switch to night by just adding a tight leather skirt and dainty heels.

Wear with lots of gold jewelry to off-set the beanie.

If you feel self conscious about rocking a bra top then wear a blazer over and high-waisted bottoms so you don’t show too much skin.

These looks are all about mixing masculine and feminine pieces together to create a sexy yet classy look.

The African mix print bra top can transition easily between day and night.

During the day, pair it with some highwaist boyfriend jeans, flatforms, and a beanie to toughen up the sex appeal of the bra.

The mens pieces can be easily mixed and matched to create numerous looks. Many of the prints work well together without being too much.

The Negro En America graphic tee pairs well with the new corduroy pants.

This outfit get polished off with the LA RAW denim jacket, fresh kicks, and the Africa beanie.

The African print shirt can be worn with shorts to transition into hotter weather.

This print with the classic levi’s is effortlessly 90s.

The RAW buckle back hat also comes in black font with a red brim which ties in the shirt.

Some suede oxfords or even converse would make for a good casual shoe choice for this look.

RELATIONSHIP TIPS FROM A BLACK MAN

FOR THE SINGLE WOMAN

Learn to respect yourself and a man will respect you Give that list you’re carry ing around some room for change.

Don’t be so shallow (remember your list is mostly superficial) Find some one to grow with, not someone just to be with A man doesn’t complete or defined you, so work on completing and defining your self independently

FOR THE WOMAN WITH A MAN

A man needs his space sometimes, remember this has nothing to do with you Feed his body, mind, soul and spirit Learn to forget, if you forgive Smile more often Have fun with each other Sex is not a weapon but an expression of love and lust Make sure to have passionate sex with your man Be his lady, his queen, but never forget to be his freak too Take care of yourself, getting old doesn’t mean letting yourself go

FOR THE MAN IN A RELATIONSHIP Sex is not a right, it is earned

Treat her like you are still dating Run her a bath every now and then You must protect your queen Never forget, you must fuck the shit out of her from time to time Most of the time it is not what you say but how you say it Cook her a meal from time to time Don’t look over the small stuff Be her rock, don’t just hear what she is saying but listen Keep it fun! Get real dressed up and go on dates even if its just dinne and a movie Have home parties just the two of you

FOR THE SINGLE MAN

Look beyond your list and her physical qualities Look for someone that can be a mother to your children not just someone to fuck, unless that’s what you want Look for someone that is account able to herself A woman wants a man, not just a male, if you don’t understand this then you shouldn’t be looking for a woman but looking for yourself Have more to offer than just the material and your physical Pick quality over quantity If you think of yourself as a king then search for a queen You can only be a king if you are in the process of making a kingdom

LARAW.NET

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LA R.A.W. was first created by Kaymar Haye and Efehi Ogbebor while they were attending Cal Poly Pomona. They felt their views and opinions were missing in the world of fashion. They created graphic tees, a magazine, a website, and hosted events. LA R.A.W. was well received from the beginning and the interest among consumers continues to grow. In 2011, Kaymar and Efehi teamed up with Cheik Kone and Chaz Dennis to improve LA R.A.W. in technology advances and fashion direction. In 2013, LA R.A.W. revamped their concept by developing a cut and sew line, new graphic tee-shirts, two websites, and a vintage line.

Now, in 2014, they have succeeded in bringing their concepts to life with the re-release of their website, clothing line, and magazine.

LA R.A.W. stands for the revolutionary African wear based in Los Angeles, California. The clothing line reflects a unique blend of streetwear graphics with well made tailored pieces, designed from a pan-African viewpoint.

The publication aims to give people of color a voice in music, art, fashion, and news. Similar to the magazine “Fire!” during the Harlem Renaissance which showcased black writers. We celebrate life while paying homage to those who fought and died for our freedom. The struggle isn’t over; we’re here to give it a voice.

“Our problem is to conceive, develop, establish an art era. Not white art painting black. Let’s bare our arms and plunge them deep through laughter, through pain, through sorrow, through hope, through disappointment, into the very depths of the souls of our people and drag forth material crude, rough, neglected. Then let’s sing it, dance it, write it, paint it. Let’s do the impossible. Let’s create something transcendentally material, mystically objective. Earthy. Spiritually earthy. Dynamic.”

–Aaron Douglas

WHO WILL SAVE THE DAY? by sophie dave

The situation creates the hero and time, the great man. Living the 2000’s as a black person means that you’ve been told that you are in the post racial era, the best of the possible worlds, yet you can’t see it. It is not that we’ve been so used to centuries of abuse and exploitation that we experience discomfort with the sudden quietness; it is in fact that the abrupt awakening from the deception of the post racial era fantasy is so violent that we are left feeling unprepared for the challenges brought upon us by the reality of our continuing condition. The panic that ensues each unveiling of the oppression in new insidious forms seems to make up for a compulsive collective effort to find a messiah.

It is always a matter to reflect on when millions of people just won’t let a 95 year old man die. Why are we so bent on keeping Mandela alive? What is he going to do for us at this point of his life when he can barely breathe on his own that we can’t do for ourselves?

Undeniably, he is one of the few black heroes, if not the only one who has not only outlived the making and undoing of his struggle, but also did not fall to betray his cause in his lifetime.

He was there when apartheid was instituted, fought to undo it and lived thereafter to tell the story, hence, almost rising to the status of saint.

Too good to be true? Certainly, as there are dissenting voices resuming his actions to sitting peacefully in jail while waiting for time to do away with the segregation. As cynical as it mays sound, it is the test that every black hero must face; the Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr. dichotomy that really spells the divide in our quest for the true black hero.

Many of us believe that we must get to a place of conflict before we get to a place of peace as to earn respect, freedom, and equality since none of these have ever in human history freely been given nor granted. This idea is so widely spread that any black leader that is not sharp tongued or radical enough in his positions is bound to be questioned in his loyalty and integrity. However, no man’s story is that simple: There will be no maverick storming in to save the world, Django will not come to life and sometimes we have to stop listening to the story told and be faithful to our memory.

One of the great things about the Mandela story is that the polishing of the monument happened before most of our very eyes as we watched his then wife, Winnie take the blame in order to create the immaculate, universally acceptable hero we know today. Maybe it is the story as the power wants it; however, whether you idealize him or distrust the holier than thou narrative of his life, you have to acknowledge that at some point of his fight he was featured amongst the world as the most notorious terrorists, therefore, could not have ever been the lamb that is acclaimed in the 2000’s consensus. If we are faithful to that truth, then we must question this duality of the black hero and recognize through the Mandela story that sometimes the situation calls for one stand or the other as it evolves, and that one man can lead through both without necessarily selling out.

Another way of finding our way out of this maze could be not to reduce the situation of conflict to the point of riot but really to the initial pain itself, from the moment when we feel the urge to react regardless of what type of action we seek to set things right; the first hero is the one amongst many that stands forward to say “this is wrong” before the one that brings remedy because in every oppressive situation, speaking up is a challenge.

Besides depriving the first hour whistleblower of recognition, one of the greatest dangers of hanging onto the trailblazing hero is that we are most likely to be disappointed by self-proclaimed messiahs and noise making social climbers.

In the past decade we have made heroes and set ourselves up for disappointment times and times again in the quest for that greatness. Who can forget the 2008 election and the rise of Barack Obama as the new leader or the free world?

People were crying of joy as we were being told over and over again that black folks no longer had an excuse to not be everything they can be. We were being told these tales by well-intentioned whites and successful colored folk alike: People who feed off from the hype of symptomatic situations but will not compromise their politically friendly positions to take a stand. Minorities that voted him in, out of conviction in 2008, found themselves compelled to maintain him in 2012 to preserve the token of the new era. He now embodied without any particular exploit to sustain that status besides existing.

Lets roll this back and look at the premise closely; have we, by accepting one single mans personal achievement as the beginning of the post racial era, forsaken our right to social justice? Did we trade our right to complain for the right to have a cool looking, smooth talking poster child that could talk about anything but race!? Was that the price to pay?

Bargaining our chance at equality for a symbol?

For six years and counting we have been served the type of rhetoric that we could only imagine when looking at the dark hours of the last century. What should really hit it home is that each politician in the country has dug into its ranks to pull one sassy black man to be their own puppet and in some cases, a populist Latino is thrown in to be the reasonable minority. Did we fall that cheaply that we made the recipe look so simple?

When we hear the many arguments made in defense of Paula Deen, the loosely celebrated acquittal of George Zimmerman, in the midst of the normalized Rauch Limbaugh/ Glenn Beck/Ann Coulter daily rants, it may be time to recognize that we have endured a huge setback that is setting us straight on a very slippery slope. For this reason, maybe it is time, we be content with less sophisticated heroes. Time to look not for the “Made in Hollywood” type of hero, but for whatever works for the day, now, that is real, simple and pragmatic; short in promises but effective in action or local reality because the Mandela story has proven already and verified that the hero can always be polished later.

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BLACK SUCCESS EXPLAINED words by Kaymar Haye painting by Nicola Verlato

Why do we always have to explain black success? Why can’t the black man’s success be celebrated for the hard work he put in. A successful black man most often comes with an explanation or justification.

A black man is hardly ever celebrated for his cerebral accomplishments. Words like tokenism, affirmative action, race guilt, and oh yes, the illuminati are used to explain the black success away. A black man working at a high level in his industry is not celebrated because he works hard to make it there; instead he has to deal with issues from all sides. Before he opens his mouth he is sold out by his own kind, also he is seen as a token to the others; one that constantly has to prove himself to justify that he deserves his position.

It would be an action in futility for a black man to explain to others that he made it in the world of business in spite of, not because of. For a black man to explain race to some white people would be comparable to describing colors to a blind man.

The blind man can only imagine what you are saying, but he can never truly see the colors you are describing.

So don’t waste your time explaining your success to white people, just live the life you love and love the life you live. White America wants black America to bow down to him, they want to always see the top of your head; where they call you boy no matter how old you are and you call

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them sir. A black man with success should be grateful and not show the success he worked his ass off for because it makes white folk uncomfortable. A rich black man with an opinion is deemed a jerk and an asshole (Kanye) while a white rich guy with an opinion is given a TV show (Bill Maher).

Illuminati.

Now this is the worst of the worst excuse and the stupidest explanation. Black music, which changed the way we see and listen to music, is now being explained as devil worship music. Similar to Robert Johnson, who was seen as a music prodigy but they still explained his talents by saying he sold his soul to the devil. Rock and roll and jazz were both called the devil’s music when they were black owned.

When it became white and mainstream after four British guys (The Beatles) came and copied it; it was then seen as the greatest music of all time.

The worst part of it all is that you have weak minded black people feeding this stupidity; so again you have a black man getting chastised from both sides: his own kind and others.

So ask yourself your reasons for the black man’s success. Is it out of hate, racism, or a inferiority complex?

Or is it because you don’t see yourself as successful, so to see someone else like you “make it” causes you to explain it away in order to make yourself feel better?

Think about it.

ga ll er y

Pops

11 in. x 14in Pastel on paper Commissioned portrait

Brethren

Burn

52 in x 77.5 in Oil on canvas

48 in x 72 in Oil on panel

$1.200

$1,500

Reflective

Ensemble

48 in x 48 in Oil on panel

48 in x 72 in Panel one of diptych, Oil on panel

$1,200

$1,500

Jon DeWitt Morris jdmorris-finearts.com twitter: @JDMFinearts instagram: @jdmorrisfinearts tumblr: jdmfinearts.tumblr.com 60

RU NOW

&

THEN

Ruwanga Samath is a successful producer, composer, and songwriter in Los Angeles. He has been a long time supporter and friend of LA RAW. In fact, he was in the very first issue back in 2010. Luckily, he graced us with his presence again to keep us updated on his career and give us some insight into the music industry.

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Ruwanga “Ru” Samath (Producer/ Composer/ Songwriter) founded The Bird Call Productions in 2003.

Now at 27, Ru has been making music professionally for a decade.

Born and raised in Sri Lanka to a very musical family, his mother was a pop star in his native country and occasionally plays eastern instruments on some of his songs. Ru has become a “go-to guy” in creating custom songs and music in Film, Video Games, and TV. Some of his custom placements include: Fast Five (Universal Pictures), TED (Universal Pictures), The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (Sony Pictures), TV shows: The King of Clubs (Playboy Channel), Battleground Earth: Ludacris vs Tommy Lee (Discovery Channel), & Jersey Shore (MTV).

Ru has recently ventured into scoring with his collaboration alongside Jonathan Zalben on National Lampoon’s Another Dirty Movie, and Executive Music Producing the music on the upcoming comedy Not Another Celebrity Movie. An avid gamer, Ru has created music for the video games The Agency (Sony), and the upcoming Sims: Next Generation (Electronic Arts).

Ru has recorded with stars like Flo-Rida, Kesha, & Kelly Rowland, and has done re-mixes for Britney Spears, Beyonce, & Norah Jones.

Ru also produces and performs in the LA-based band, Mind the Gap, who have already had placements in many films and networks, including MTV, Playboy, Lionsgate & Discovery. The Bird Call Productions is an independent record label and music production company, started by Ruwanga and the Samath family in 2003, later joined by Ozzy Doniz, specialists in composing/ scoring for songs, feature films, video games and other media. Our extensive music catalogue includes hip hop, pop, reggae/dance-hall and rock. Clients include Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Jive Records, Columbia, Adrenaline and Sony Online. The Bird Call Productions also worked with Busta Rhymes & Don Omar, “How We Roll” (Fast Five title song), Beyonce “Ring the Alarm” (European remix), Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland “Work It,” Flo Rida ”Work for Me,” Ke$ha “A La Discotheque,” etc..

Where is The Bird Call productions

now, 4 years later?

BCP has become one of the leading music production companies for movies and television in the past couple of years. In 4 years I’d like the BCP to work on top 1% of all media projects (feature movies, commercials, TV etc) I’d also would like to see BCP breaking and establishing new artists as well.

How did it feel to have your latest mix featured on Jay-z’s blog life + times?

It was definitely an honor to be in that blog. Response to the mixtape was overwhelming as well. Shout out to Efehi and Kaymar for the amazing art-work, I think the artwork was an important aspect of this project, as much as the music.

They really captured the essence of the music.

What was your inspiration while producing #backin20 vol. 1?

Being being from Sri Lanka, reggae music was my favorite genre. When I decided to work on a mixtape, I wanted tap into all of my childhood inspirations and mix it with the cur-

rent genres. I also wan’t a huge fan of the whole EDM scene so I wanted to create a something new in the EDM world.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It varies from day to day, depending on the artist or the project I’m working on. But in general, my days usually consist of making music, producing, meetings and research.

What future projects are you looking forward to in 2014?

I’m looking forward to working on all of the top movies in 2014, also I’d like to work with great artists as well.

I’m very excited for 2014 as I feel like I’ve done enough in the past 8 years to get to the next level.

You’ve been in this industry for over a decade now, looking back on your career do you have any advice for aspiring music producers/ composers?

I think patients is the key to longevity. Stay grounded and humble, don’t get caught up in the industry, there’s more to life than the Entertainment Industry. Learn how to stay inspired. Most importantly, build a rock-solid team around you.

Have you noticed significant changes in the music industry since you’ve started?

Yes, I think everything has changed since I started in the music business (Haha). I think the value of music, the way music is being created, how deals are made and just about everything else you can think of has changed. I think technology has had the biggest impact on the music industry.

Who do you want to work with but haven’t yet?

Damian Marley, Beyonce, Jay Z, Nas just to name a few.

Where do you see yourself in the next 4 years?

I see myself being more of a producer than a beat-maker or a composer. I think I’m getting good at putting the right combination of people together and leading them, which is what producing is about.

Producing to me is a learning process. So in 4 years, I like to go more into a Dr. Dre or Kanye West lane, oppose to sitting in the studio for hours and making tons of beats.

Ru’s achievements in the music industry inspire us as fellow business owners and artists. He continues to grow professionally and reach new heights in his career. At the young age of 27, he already has a lifetime of success stories. He’s worked with amazing artists, films, and networks and continues to be one of the most humble guys we know. We can’t wait to see where life takes him in the next four years...

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LARAW.NET

BLACK PREZ These are the stories, ideas, and inspirations behind our graphics; accompanied by words from some of the world’s greatest lyricists.

A clever spin on the infamous Black Flag logo and an image of Obama smoking pot. Artistically admiring the unique liberal nature of our first black president.

Since Obama gained office we’ve experienced the most liberal ideals and efforts than any other president; such as, gay marriage, weed legalization, and health care for everyone. Whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Obama’s politics, he’s making history and that should be celebrated.

I’m black, I grew up off ‘The Good Times Show’ Drink liquor and some weed let the good times roll I’m black, I live for my wife and my seeds And my mind with a find only God could exceed I’m black, I got to show my homeboys love First thing we learned in the hood was homeboy love I’m black and I’m that if I ain’t nothin’ else I’m black, I’m beautiful I love myself Love myself, yeah So proud to be just who I am, so proud to say that I’m me So proud to be just who I am, so proud to be so free I’m black, so proud to say that I made it I’m black through all of the struggle and the hatred I’m black and I’m not afraid to say it I’m black, I’m black, I’m black, yeah Words by Styles P

NEGRO EN AMERICA Translation: Black in America. The American Negro, imported from Africa, to build a country that in turn killed you, beat you, and dehumanized you. We still rose against the powers that be and fought for justice.

This graphic is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go; say it loud, I’m black and proud.

You can laugh and criticize Michael Jackson if you wanna Woody Allen, molested and married his step-daughter Same press kickin dirt on Michael’s name Show Woody and Soon-Yi at the playoff game, holdin hands Sit back and just bug, think about that Would he get that type of dap if his name was Woody Black?

O.J. found innocent by a jury of his peers And they been fuckin with that nigga for last five years Is it fair, is it equal, is it just, is it right?

Do you do the same shit when the defendant face is white?

If white boys doin it, well, it’s success When I start doin, well, it’s suspect Don’t hate me, my folks is poor, I just got money America’s five centuries deep in cotton money You see a lot of brothers caked up, yo straight up It’s new, y’all livin off of slave traders paper But I’m alive though, yo I’m alive though I’m puttin up the big swing for my kids yo Got my mom the fat water-front crib yo I’m a get her them pretty bay windows I’m a cop a nice home to provide in A safe environment for seeds to reside in A fresh whip for my whole family to ride in And if I’m still Mr Nigga, I won’t find it suprisin Words by Mos Def

QUEEN

We want to take back the positive black images that others claim. Cleopatra is usually shown as a white woman even though she was of Egyptian, African descent. This graphic pays homage to her origin by picturing her with full lips and a wider nose.

The artwork was created with the mentality that every woman is a queen and with the intention of paying respect to Cleopatra’s African ancestry.

And when they ask what a good woman’s made of She’s not afraid and ashamed of Who she is, She’s royal, yeah so royal And, I want her in my life.

I never knew anyone so one of a kind, no, no The way she move to her own beat She has the qualities of a queen, My Nubian queen Ooo Ooo what a natural beauty Words by Tarrus Riley

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AFRO PICK This graphic was designed to promote natural hair. The symbol of the pick often means beauty in African tradition. America continues to dominate the standard of beauty from a eurocentric perspective. We want to encourage black women to embrace their natural hair in a world where it hasn’t been accepted. Black people have been conditioned to be ashamed of their hair by deeming it “unprofessional” in the workplace and a “distraction” in schools. We continue to hear that our hair is unacceptable and unattractive. We’re here to tell you this isn’t true; black hair is beautiful and so are you.

We live from the head down and not the feet up And I’m adorned with the crown that’s making this up And I’m fine under cloud 9 Yes I wear the lamb’s wool, the feet of burned brass And the wool defies gravity like the nature of a gas And I’m fine under cloud 9 Twist my cloud and it rain And when it rains it pours And the energy will absorb Power for the metaphysical one Happy to be nappy, I’m black and I’m proud That I have been chosen to wear the conscious cloud And I’m fine under cloud 9 I be a chameleon and wear it bone straight But it’s so much stronger when it’s in its natural state And I’m fine under cloud 9 Words by Donnie

R.A.W. R.A.W. stands for revolutionary African wear. This logo has the famous N.W.A. font to show our love for LA, hip hop, and niggas with attitude.

This straight outta Compton top represents the raw essence of rap (Rhythm Artist Poetry) with words given life by some the greatest ghetto poets telling their truths over dope beats. These unrefined poets, with no formal training, used their raw talents to bring attention to a other wise ignored section of the US society. The first rap group to be placed under the watchful eye of the FBI, because of tunes like Fuck Da Police and Express Yourself; which were number one hits in local mom and pop shops of the ghettos, not because of its melodic tunes but because of its simple truths and details of how black men were and still are being treated.

Attitude legit cause I’m tearin up shit MC Ren controls the automatic For any dumb muthafucker that starts static Not the right hand cause I’m the hand itself every time I pull a AK off the shelf The security is maximum and that’s a law R-E-N spells Ren but I’m raw See, cuz I’m the motherfuckin villain The definition is clear, you’re the witness of a killin that’s takin place without a clue And once you’re on the scope, your ass is through Look, you might take it as a trip but a nigga like Ren is on a gangsta tip Straight outta Compton...

Words by N.W.A.

OG NASTY GAL Betty Davis is rumored to be the inspiration behind Miles Davis’s Bitches Brew album and responsible for introducing Miles to legends such as, Jimi Hendrix. They say Miles Davis’s funky fresh style was also her doing. This photo embodies her raw, sexy nature and unique style that we admire.

I was born with it I will die with it Because it’s in my blood And I can’t I can’t get enough so I so I Danced to the music And a sang a simple song I was thankful n thoughtful Sly Stone came along Cause he took me higher And he made me see I had inner visions of a young man named Stevie Words by Betty Davis

LA RAW Los Angeles Revolutionary African Wear logo tee.

For those of us who want to embody, support, and create positive change in the black community.

We gotta make a change It’s time for us as a people to start makin’ some changes.

Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live and let’s change the way we treat each other.

You see the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do what we gotta do, to survive.

Words by Tupac Shakur

NELSON This original drawing pictures one of the most inspirational men in history, Nelson Mandela. We admire Nelson Mandela’s lifelong success in empowering and leading others. This graphic was created long before his death but can still serve its purpose of paying respect to the first black president of South Africa. He believed to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity. We encourage you to go find out more about this great, selfless individual who gave up his youth in the fight for justice and equality; equality which is the birthright of all mankind. This t-shirt celebrates Mandela’s life, struggles, and leadership that made a positive impact on, not only the African diaspora, but the world.

Until the philosophy which hold one race superior And another Inferior Is finally And permanently Discredited And abandoned Everywhere is war Me say war.

That until there no longer First class and second class citizens of any nation Until the colour of a man’s skin Is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes Me say war.

That until the basic human rights Are equally guaranteed to all, Without regard to race Dis a war.

Words By Haile Selassie (Re-made by Bob Marley

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Vintage

by LA RAW

The vintage line by LA RAW consists of lightly worn pieces from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Most garments are altered and embellished with patches or studs to offer a truly unique piece.

We have a variety of printed 90s shirts for men and leather goods. Every item is one of a kind so it’s only available once and in one size; so once it sells your out of luck. Make sure you check out these refurbished styles on www. laraw.net and get it quick while supplies last!

COMING The bill sets out a series of requirements that must be achieved over 10 years before anyone here illegally can obtain a permanent resident green card. These include: (1) Roughly doubling the number of Border Patrol agents stationed along the U.S.-Mexico border, to at least 38,405.

(2) Completing 700 miles of pedestrian fencing along the border, which would require approximately 350 new miles of fencing.

(3) Installing a host of new security measures and technologies in specified locations along the border, including specific numbers of surveillance towers, camera systems, ground sensors, radiation detectors, mobile surveillance systems, drones, helicopters, airborne radar systems, planes and ships.

(4) Implementing a system for all employers to verify electronically their workers’ legal status.

(5) Setting up a new electronic system to track people leaving the nation’s airports and seaports.

The border security improvements are designed to achieve 100 percent surveillance of the border with Mexico and ensure that 90 percent of would-be crossers are caught or turned back.

If the goals of a 90 percent effectiveness rate and continuous surveillance on the border are not met within five years, a Southern Border Security Commission made up of border-state governors and others would determine how to achieve them.

Border security spending in the bill totals around $46 billion.

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TO AMERICA? HOW WOULD I BECOME A CITIZEN? The estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally could obtain “registered provisional immigrant status” six months after enactment of the bill as long as: (1) The Homeland Security Department has developed border security and fencing plans, per the specifications set out in the bill.

(2) They arrived in the U.S. prior to Dec. 31, 2011, and maintained continuous physical presence since then.

(3) They do not have a felony conviction or three or more misdemeanors.

(4) They pay a $500 fine.

People in provisional legal status could work and travel in the U.S. but would not be eligible for most federal benefits, including health care and welfare.

The provisional legal status lasts six years and is renewable for another six years for $500.

People deported for non criminal reasons can apply to re-enter in provisional status if they have a spouse or child who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or if they had been brought to the U.S. as a child.

After 10 years in provisional status, immigrants can seek a green card and lawful permanent resident status if they are current on their taxes and pay a $1,000 fine, have maintained continuous physical presence in the U.S., meet work requirements and learn English.

Also the border triggers must have been met, and all people waiting to immigrate through the legal system as of the date of enactment of the legislation must have been dealt with.

People brought to the country as youths would be able to get green cards in five years, and citizenship immediately thereafter.

BUT WAIT I HAVE AN HIGHER EDUCATION? The cap on the H-1B visa program for high-skilled workers would be immediately raised from 65,000 a year to 110,000 a year, with 25,000 more set aside for people with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering or math from a U.S. school. The cap could go as high as 180,000 a year depending on demand.

New protections would crack down on companies that use H-1B visas to train workers in the U.S. only to ship them back overseas.

Immigrants with certain extraordinary abilities, such as professors, researchers, multinational executives

and athletes, would be exempted from existing greencard limits. So would graduates of U.S. universities with job offers and degrees in science, technology, engineering or math.

A startup visa would be made available to foreign entrepreneurs seeking to come to the U.S. to start a company.

A new merit visa, for a maximum of 250,000 people a year, would award points to prospective immigrants based on their education, employment, length of residence in the U.S. and other considerations. Those with the most points would earn the visas.

The bill would eliminate the government’s Diversity Visa Lottery Program, which randomly awards 55,000 visas to immigrants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States, so that more visas can be awarded for employment and merit ties.

LOW-SKILLED WORKERS A new W visa would allow up to 200,000 low-skilled workers a year into the country for jobs in construction, long-term care, hospitality and other industries.

A new agriculture worker visa program would be established to replace the existing program. Agriculture workers already here illegally, who’ve worked in the industry at least two years, could qualify in another five years for green cards if they stay in the industry.

WHAT ABOUT MY FAMILY? Under current law, U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children and siblings to come to the U.S., with limits on some categories. The bill would bar citizens from sponsoring their siblings and would allow them to sponsor married sons and daughters only if those children are under age 31.

Legal permanent residents can currently sponsor spouses and children, but the numbers are limited. The bill eliminates that limit.

CAN I WORK UNDER THE TABLE THOUGH? Within four years, all employers must implement E-Verify, a program to verify electronically their workers’ legal status. As part of that, noncitizens would be required to show photo ID that must match with a photo in the E-Verify system.

AFRICAN WALK

la art

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LA RAW MUSICAL SELECTIONS

ADD THESE TO YOUR COLLECTION, THANK US LATER

FEMI KUTI NO PLACE FOR MY DREAM AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

Phony Ppl Phonyland.

AVAILABLE ON PHONYLAND.BANDCAMP.COM

Cesaria Evora Anthologie (Anthology) AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

Fally Ipupa Arsenal de belle melodies AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

M.I.A. Matangi

AVAILABLE ON iTUNES.COM

Fabolous The Soul Tape 3

AVAILABLE ON DATPIFF.COM

Lucky Dube Prisoner

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

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African Mix Print Bustier Top $65 African Mix Print Harem $75 Denim Tux Jacket $105

Denim Tux Jacket $105 African Mix Print Bustier Top $65 Denim Tux Shorts $65

Africa Beanie $25 African Mix Print Bustier Top $65 Denim Tux Shorts $65

Denim Tux Jacket $105 Denim Tux Shorts $65

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ADDICTED TO HUSTLIN’ Mr. Sharif K. Rasheed

As generations of the past, present, and future begin to move closer to the streets, we see shifts in society. Schools continue to fail and streets flourish on the high of the outcome hustling has created. I come from a world that represents both hustling and studying. My father is a brilliant mind that chose to embrace the hustler mentality before I was born and he will continue to hustle until his departure from this earth. My mother is a bright woman who stuck to the books and created success through hard work, despite hardship. The life of some Black Americans tend to follow similar or identical blueprints. Black Americans have been socialized to embrace the hustle over hard work and studying and we continue to see that on an everyday basis. As blacks continue to lead incarceration and gun death statistics, we find ourselves or know someone who is trapped in active addiction in 2013. Not addiction in the sense of narcotics or alcohol, but rather addiction to the “street life”

or “hustling.” This dogma that continues to surface in today’s society has created an unwritten law; in particular with a younger generation, which outlines how you have to ‘run the streets’ in order to survive. Finding the blue pill that can help free our minds to achieve justice and equality has to become a reality.

Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X preached about separation or departure fearing which is what we see today; while Martin preached on peace and love, which influenced a moment in history as well. Nobody is standing and talking about the intoxication by fascination that is winning this fight. The days of feeling safe in your neighborhood no longer exist in many areas of this country.

We know this. Walking down the streets we see evidence of a lack of positive leadership. Now luxury cars call the projects home. Mothers endorse dropout rates of their teenage sons in order to live the life. Fathers dedicate their time to the streets instead of changing diapers.

It is not a fight built upon justice or equality because that went out the window long before Trayvon Martin was killed. It is a fight about knowledge that needs to be had. Black America cannot think or fight for humanity if we are so infatuated with how many ‘bricks I can flip’ or ‘how a lack of sleep takes away from my money.’ Being black in America is hard enough and it took a president getting on television for many to finally understand it.

“There is a lack of resources,” or so we commonly hear. But that is just masked by a lack of knowledge. Historically, services were never in abundance, equal or even offered in some cases for Black Americans and much more was accomplished by willing leaders. At present times, we focus on street law and ignore reality. But the truth is, laws continue to be dismantled and issues like women’s rights are being suppressed.

I have said it once before, that we must look through the project window and not just out. If we want to break our addiction to the hustle

and change these circumstances we have to study; starting with breaking our dependence on American equality. We have fought long and hard and the only point being proved is that we are not equal. Fighting for a slice of the American pie can no longer satisfy Black Americans. We have to stop using the same formula and expecting different results.

Knowledge is the blue pill that will sober up the minds of millions and spark a revolution. Heading down the same path will keep us on the same block; selling the same drugs, embracing the same circumstances, yelling the same mantra, “Free Pookie,” and fighting the same fight. If Black America wants to sober up then we need to hit the streets with a dose of reality. Embracing ‘That life,’ is a modern day setback to equality. It’s time to detox with tools we do have in order to break our addiction to the hustle. Just pay attention to the person who is considered a neighborhood legend and ask him what he accomplished for his people!

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LARAW.NET

NEIJAH LANAE

by Chaz Dennis

Beautiful, talented, and confident...

Neijah Lanae proves to be the whole package. Neijah Lanae is a R&B artist who was born and raised in Oakland, CA. She comes from a big family who she loves to go visit. Her mom encouraged her to attend Oakland School for the Arts where she studied music and learned how to play piano. Neijah Lanae moved to Los Angeles as soon as she graduated high school to attend Loyola Marymount. Now she’s singing along side Raven Sorvino and working with The Formula which you can hear on her album Trouble in Paradise. Her songs are filled with heartbreak and soul with an unexpected dark edge.

What truly impressed me about miss Neijah Lanae was her professionalism and drive. Just with the couple encounters I had with her, at the photoshoot and in completing this interview, those qualities were apparent. The way she conducts herself is extremely professional; punctual, polite, and respectful. Her drive is admirable, she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. Find out more about Neijah Lanae in our interview and check out her music on soundcloud. soundcloud.com/neijahlanae www.neijahlanae.com

LA RAW: If you weren’t doing music what do you think you would be doing instead?

NL: That could be a number of things, but I was super into styling right before I got serious with my music. So I’ll go with that.

LA RAW: What was your major in college?

NL: I studied Elementary Education in college with a minor in History. I love children and I am sometimes too vocal about people following their passions and living up to their full potential. I think history is super cool, I could sit up and talk for hours about history and other social topics.

LA RAW: What age did you start playing piano/singing/songwriting?

NL: I’ve been singing since I can remember. My mom was a singer and dancer, so I always tried to emulate her. I began training and studying music theory at 13 when I got into Oakland School for the Arts. My theory teacher was a pianist and that made me want to teach myself piano. I think I wrote my first song in middle school with two of my homegirls haha. But the songwriting really picked up once I learned piano.

LA RAW: I heard you say that your mom and aunt are musicians; Are you influenced by any of their music while creating your own?

NL: Here and there, some of there songs I still want to remake. But most of all, I take from their experience. They always have the best advice for me.

They are my biggest supporters.

LA RAW: Who else influences/inspires you right now in music and in fashion?

NL: PRINCE has always been one of my inspirations, No Doubt, Ben Folds, Elton John, Queen among others as far as the music. As far as fashion, I try to dress how I feel. I always check out runway looks and random lookbooks but overall I just try to keep it comfy and fabulous. But if I had to choose someone, I’d say Kanye West. I’ve always looked up to his level of taste.... can’t go without acknowledging his overall iciness.

LA RAW: How did you get connected with The Formula?

NL: I met both J Hyphen and Chi-kotiq at LMU (Loyola Marymount University).

It wasn’t until after we all graduated that we started working on music together. I love working with them, their sound is limitless and they don’t discriminate against my girly ideas and Clueless references.

LA RAW: I love the “mind heart soul” video. It was creepy but sultry at the same time. Raven Sorvino also added a throwback 90s vibe that I dig. What was your inspiration behind this video concept and aesthetic?

NL: I’m really into horror movies, I drew inspiration from my favorite 90’s horror films for that video. The track has an eerie vibe to it and I wanted that to come alive in the video. I’m singing about this “love” obsession which can get kind of dark. It just all fell and in place and felt right. And Raven is always fun to work with, I love how she fit into that track and the video.

LA RAW: I also love that you said that putting yourself out there can get people used to different types of beauty, which is so important, especially in the black community. Do you have any other words to the wise on embracing the skin you’re in?

NL: It can be so hard, but at the end of the day if you don’t love what you have and rock it to the fullest no one else will love it or even notice. You have to have enough confidence to put yourself out there for happiness, for positivity, for recognition. That goes for loving the skin you’re in and moving forward with any goal you have. Believe it, own it. The world will make room.

LA RAW: What’s your favorite track on “Trouble in Paradise”?

NL: I’d have to say “The Aahs”. Its a short one but I love the energy that we captured on that track. It was such a collaborative effort from having my vocal harmony as the foundation, the subtle yet piercing bass line that Hyphen laid, and that amazing guitar solo that Chikotiq did. I love that track.

LA RAW: Where do you get inspiration for your lyrics?

NL: All of the my lyrics are about past or current experiences and things that I have gone through.

LA RAW: Have you been working on any new projects?

NL: I’ve been performing a lot lately, but I’m starting to buckle down and record a lot more. I’ll be releasing new material very very soon.

LA RAW: What are you looking forward to in 2014? Any resolutions?

NL: No new years resolutions but I am excited to see what the new year will bring for myself and my loved ones. Everyone has been going pretty hard in their prospective areas. I’m excited to see those seeds grow.

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TO THE SO CALLED REAL HIP HOP FANS Before we judge today’s hip hop lets take a look at his-

tory.

Let’s start with the complaints of the drug problems seen in hip hop. Well, Billie Holiday overdosed on heroin; Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Miles Davis were all addicted to heroin; Whitney Houston overdosed; Rick James and James Brown overdosed on cocaine and countless funk legends who are now broke because they literally blow their money away. I ask you this, how many of todays artists overdosed from hard drugs?

Still waiting...

Oh the sex argument! 90% of jazz sales are to the porn industry. The point is rappers may call females bitches and hoes but I see a lot more physical and mental abuse from music legends that we idolize: Rick James, Bobbie Brown, James Brown, Ike Turner, Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Bob Marley (and that’s just to name a few). Not all the music of the past was great (the tootsie roll, electric slide, two live crew, big butts) so before you judge the artists of today, compare them to the past, then stop and think.

Have you ever went to bed without food?

Have your ever wore shoes with holes?

Have your ever walked home seeing pimps, hoes, and gangsters?

Have your ever been to a school with no food, lunch money, or dinner to look forward to?

Have your ever been to schools without accreditations?

Have your ever went inside because you were scared of drive by bullets?

If you lived in any of the above conditions you would use whatever talents you can to get out. To tell a ghetto youth that he/she shouldn’t sign a million dollar deal that someone offers them to entertain is totally ludicrous.

To call him/her a sell out is beyond ignorant. What are they selling out? Their souls? That’s funny. The last time I checked, most of the people I hear calling other people sell outs hate their jobs and do it just for the money. Does this job impact your community? Are you curing cancer? Did you invent something? If no, then you are sell out as well according to your logic. They say what constitutes a prostitute is the pursuit of profit, so you are the one who is calling these ghetto kids a sell out while you are a prostitute. I guess your answer would be “no”, because you know you have to do what you got to do to get that money. It’s called survival in a capitalistic world, so it is ok for you to use whatever skills you got to pay rent (in a legal way) but you hold someone else by different standards. They call this hypocritical in the world I live in, I don’t what they call it in your world.

Hip hop is a part of popular culture. However, it’s held to a standard which is reserved for theoretical teachings; the morality these entertainers are held to should be saved for philosophers with PHDs. I mean, what do you want from a ghetto kid with a remedial high school education? You expect him to sound like Plato and Aristotle? Let that man be, let entertainers live in which ever way they see fit. If you don’t agree with what he/she is saying, don’t chastise them; just don’t listen. All the ghetto youth wants to do is buy a house for their mother and themselves in order to move out of such harsh conditions. These conditions are so dreadful people that people are going to try to escape in one way or another; whether it be drugs, church, hip hop, or sports. If this is your reality all you want to do is get away from it all. The ghetto doesn’t have therapists, they have the weed man and the liquor store. Is it the ghetto kid’s fault that the world loves to glorify the stereotype of the so called American Negro. The definition of the American Negro was not made by the American Negro but ,like most of our last names, given to us by a group of so-called masters who hated our very being. Today, this group sees the Negro as nothing more then something to be used for entertainment value. The problem in most ghettos is that they do not see the value in themselves, so in turn they don’t see the value in people who look like them as well.

Is it real because you use super complex methods?

Is it real because you talk about the galaxy and stars?

Is it real because you don’t wear mainstream clothing?

Is it real if most of your songs are just about weed smoking?

Is it real because it’s not on the radio?

Is it real because you sit Indian style?

Is it real because you are vegan?

One the realest Mc’s I have ever listened to has some of the simplest methods of all time. This MC is Tupac Amaru Shakur. A single mother with three kids and two jobs does not want to listen to songs about the moon and what not. She wants to dance the night away and forget about her problems, even if it is for a night. “Now question is every nigga with dreads for the cause? Is every nigga with golds for the fall” I have seen entertainers called real because they are all about smoking weed ( Cypress Hill) I would ask someone to tell me the positive impact they made to my community, yet they get a pass. I have no problem with this myself, get your money; however, I do have a problem with the people who celebrate them while they put down others who entertain in the same realm. If your favorite real rapper is not on the radio, maybe they are just not that good… you ever think about that? Just because you don’t eat meat, practice yoga, and sit Indian style doesn’t make you real; it makes you a hippie. I would say it’s ok to be a hippie, however in my experience most hippies are more

concerned with dogs and yoga than the homeless youth of the world so, fuck ‘em. I have no respect for some one who wants to save a tiger in Asian yet tells a 15 year old homeless child, “oh well, sorry”. What is real in a American is hyper sexuality and fake morality. How can you call yourself moral when you have the largest porn industry in the free world? If there is a problem with a calling woman a ho then the problem is not rap entertainers, it’s America. America who stereotypes black women as big mama or the jezebel and makes higher education unattainable for lower income areas. It is up to the parents to teach their children right from wrong, not hip hop entertainers. Not all entertainers are up stand citizens, some are fucked up assholes that have been fucked from birth to be a problem to society, so who can really say these rappers are not entertaining from a place of truth. We don’t know their encounters in life. If it wasn’t for hip hop, would never see as many beautiful black women on TV. Rappers are the only group who made the black female seem desirable because of her big lips, hips, booty, and skin tone. They show black women as a symbol of beauty which isn’t the norm in entertainment. Some of the most beautiful women in entertainment are hip hop divas, Rihanna, Nicki, and Beyonce. I know I hear all the time that Rihanna is ho and Nicki is just a booty shaker… then what is Madonna? Ask yourself, if you past the same judgment on the women of hip hop and the pop stars, if you have different standards for the two then you are the problem.

When was the last time you did anything for charity?

When was the last time you volunteered?

When was the last time you any work that impacted anyone but your self?

When was the last made someone’s day by something good for them?

I will just talk about a few of the rap entertainers I hear get hated on the most. Lil Wayne donates over $2 million to help build homes for single mothers and employees over 150 black men and women. Two Chains puts on a concert every Christmas where all proceeds go to hungry families. Jay z clothed two homeless youth shelters in the New York area, started a global cause to get water to villages in Africa so he raise over 2 million for that cause, gives a annual $600,000 to black scholarships. Jay-z alone supports 7 charities and 11 causes. So let me ask you, what have you done for the community?

Ask yourself, do you see all Italians as gangsters because they played a roll on TV? Do you believe all the stereotypes on the media feed? If you do, then problem is not the entertainers; the problem is you and that’s a different rant for another issue.

Peace, love, and all that.

-Kaymar